the shepheards pipe browne, william, -ca. . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the shepheards pipe browne, william, -ca. . davies, john, ?- . brooke, christopher, d. . wither, george, - . [ ] p. printed by n[icholas] o[kes] for george norton, and are to be sold at his shop without temple-barre, london : . dedication signed: w. brovvne. in verse. printer's name from stc. signatures: a⁴ b-h i⁴. "other eglogues: by mr. brooke, mr. wither, and mr. davies" and "an other eclogue by mr. george wither" each have separate dated title page; register is continuous. the last leaf is blank. reproduction of the original in the folger shakespeare library. cropped at head; a , transposed; a replaces blank g . created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the shepheards pipe . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 london printed by n. o. for george norton , and are to be sold at his shop without temple-barre . . of his friend maister william browne . a poets borne , not made : no wonder then though spencer , sidney : ( miracles of men , sole english makers ; whose cu●…n names so bie expresse by implication poesy ) were long vnparaleld : for nature bold in their creation , spent that precious mould , that nobly better earth , that purer spirit which poets , as their birth ●…ights , claime ●…inherite : and in their great production , prodigall ; carelesse of futures well-nye spent her-all veiwing her work : conscious sh 'had suffred wracke hath caus'd our countrymen ere since to lacke that better earth , and forme : long thrifty growne who truely might heare poets , brought forth none : till now of late , seeing her stockes new-full ( by time , and thrift ) of matter beautifull , and quint-essence of formes ; what seuerall our elder poets graces had , those all shee now determin'd to vnite in one ; so to surpasse her selfe ; and call'd him browne . ' that beggard by his birth , shee 's now so poore that of true makers shee can make no more . heereof accus'd ; answer'd , shee meant that ●…ee a species should , no indiuiduum bee . that ( phoenix-like ) hee in himselfe should find of poesy contain'd each seuerall kind . and from this phoenix's vrne , thought shee could take whereof all following-poetswell to make . for of some forme , shee had , now made knowne they were her errours whilst ●…'intented browne . in libellum , inscriptionemque . not aeglogues your , but eclogues : to compare : virgil's selected , yours elected are . hee imitates , you make : and this your creature expresseth well your name , and theirs , their nature . e. iohnson int. temp. to the truely vertuous , and worthy of all honour , the right honourable edvvard , lord zovch , saint mavre and cantelvpe , and one of his mties . most honourable priuy councell . be pleas'd ( great lord ) whē vnderneath the shades of your delightfull brams-hill , ( where the spring her flowers for gentle blasts with zephire trades ) once more to heare a filly shepheard sing . yours be the pleasure , mine the sonneting ; eu'n that hath his delight ; nor shall i need to seeke applause amongst the common store ●…t is enough if this mine-oaten reed please but the eare it should ; i aske no more . nor shall those rurall notes which heretofore your true attention grac'd and wing'd for fame ●…mperfect lye ; obliuion shall not gaine ought on your worth , but sung shall be your name ●…o long as england yeelds or song or swaine . free are my lines , though drest in lowly state , and scorne to flatter but the men i hate . your honours . w. brovvne . the shepheards pipe . the first eglogue . the argvment . roget and willy both ymet , vpon a greeny ley , with rondelayes and tales are set . to spend the length of day . willie . roget . willie . roget , droope not , see the spring is the earth enamelling , and the birds on euery tree greete this morne with melody : hearke , how yonder thrustle chants it , and her mate as proudly vants it ; see how euery streame is drest by her margine , with the best of flora's gifts , she seemes glad for such brookes such flowres she had . all the trees are quaintly tyred with greene buds , of all desired ; and the hauthorne euery day , spreads some little shew of may : see the prim-rose sweetely set by the much-lou'd violet all the bankes do sweetly couer , as they would inuite a louer with his lasse , to see their dressing and to grace them by their pressing ? yet in all this merry tyde when all cares are laid aside , roget sits as if his bloud had not felt the quickning good of the sun , nor cares to play , or with songs to passe the day as he wont : fye , roget flye , raise thy head , and merrily tune vs somewhat to thy reed : see our flockes do freely feed , heere we may together sit , and for musicke very fit is this place ; from yonder wood comes an eccho shrill and good , twice full perfectly it will answere to thine oaten quill . ●…oget , droope not then , but sing some kind welcome to the spring . roget . ah willie , willy , why should i , sound my notes of iollity ? since no sooner can i play any pleasing roundelay , but some one or other still 'gins to descant on my quill ; and will say , by this , he me meaneth in his minstralsie . if i chance to name an asse in my song , it comes to passe , one or other sure will take it as his proper name , and make it fit to tell his nature too . thus what e're i chance to do happens to my losse , and brings to my name the venom'd stings of ill report : how should i sound then notes of iollity ? willie . t is true indeed , we say all rub a gal'd horse on the gall , kicke he wil , storme and bite , but the horse of sounder plight gently feeles his maisters hand . in the water thrust a brand kindled in the fire , 't will hisse , when a sticke that taken is from the hedge , in water thrust , neuer rokes as would the first , but endures the waters touch : roget , so it fares with such whos 's owne guilt hath them enflam'd , rage when e're their vice is blam'd . but who in himselfe is free from all spots , as lillies be , neuer stirres , do what thou can . if thou slander such a man yet he 's quiet , for he knowes with him no such vices close . onely he that is indeed spotted with the leprous seed of corrupted thoughts , and hath an vlcerous soule in the path of reproofe , he straight will brall if you rub him on the gall . but in vaine then shall i keepe these my harmlesse flocke of sheepe . and though all the day i tend them , and from wolues & foxes shend them . wicked swaines that beare mee spight , in the gloomy vaile of night , of my fold will draw the pegges , or else breake my lambkins legges : or vnhang my weathers bell , or bring bryers from the dell , and them in my fold by peeces cast , to tangle all their fleeces . welladay ! such churlish swaynes now and then lurke on our plaines : that i feare , a time , ere long shall not heare a sheepheards song . nor a swayne shall take in taske any wrong , nor once vnmaske such as do with vices rife soyle the sheepheards happy life : except he meanes his sheepe shall bee a prey to all their iniury . this causeth mee i do no more chant so as i wont of yore : since in vaine then should i keepe these my harmlesse flocke of sheope . willie . yet if such thou wilt not sing , make the woods and vallies ring with some other kind of lore , roget hath enough in store , sing of loue , or tell some tale , praise the flowers , the hils , the vale : let vs not heere idle be ; next day i will sing to thee . hearke on knap of yonder hill some sweet sheepheards tune his quill ; and the maidens in a round sit ( to heare him ) on the ground . and if thou begin , shall wee grac'd be with like company . and to gird thy temples bring garlands for such fingering . then raise thee roget . roget . gentle swaine whom i honour for thy straine , though it would beseeme me more to attend thee and thy lore : yet least thou might'st find in me 〈◊〉 neglect of courtesie , 〈◊〉 will sing what i did leere long agon in ianiueere of a skilfull aged site , as we tosted by the fire . willy . sing it out , it needs must be very good what comes from thee . roget . whllome an emperour prudent and wise , raigned in rome , and had sonnes three which he had in great chiertee & great prise , and when it shop so , that th'infirmitee of death , which no wight may eschew or flee him threw downe in his bed , hee let do call his sonnes , and before him they came all . and to the first he said in this maneere , all th'eritage which at the dying of my fadir , he me left , all in feere leaue i thee : and all that of my buying was with my peny , all my purchasing , my second sonne bequeath i to thee , and to the third sonne thus said hee : vnmoueable good , right none withouten oath thee giue i may ; but i to thee deuise iewels three , a ring , brooch and a cloth : with which , and thou bee guied as the wise , thou maist get all that ought thee suffi●… ; who so that the ring vseth still to weare of all folkes the loue hee shall conquere . and who so the broch beareth on his breast , it is eke of such vertue and such kind , that thinke vpon what thing him liketh best , and he as bliue shall it haue and finde . my words sonne imprint well in mind : the cloth eke hath a meruailous nature , which that shall be committed to thy cure . who so sit on it , if he wish where in all the world to beene , he suddenly without more labour shall be there . sonne those three iewels bequeath i to thee , vnto this effect certainely that to study of the vniuersiree thou go , and that i bid and charge thee . when he had thus said the vexation of death so hasted him , that his spirit anon forsooke his habitation in his body , death would no respyte him yeue at all , he was of his life quitte . and buried was with such solemnity , as fell to his imperiall dignity . of the yongest sonne i tell shall , and speake no more of his brethren two , for with them haue i not to do at all . thus spake the mother ionathas vnto : sin god hath his will of thy father do : to thy fathers will , would i me conforme , and truly all his testament performe . he three iewels , as thou knowest well a ring , a brooch , and a cloth thee bequeath , whose vertues , he thee told euery deal , or that he past hence and yalde vp the breath : o good god , his departing , his death full grieuously sticketh vnto mine heart , but suffered mot been all how sore it smart . in that case women haue such heauinesse , that it not lyeth in my cunning aright you tell , of so great sorrow the excesse , but wise women can take it light , and in short while put vnto the flight all sorrow & woe , and catch againe comfort , now to my tale make i my resort . thy fathers will , my sonne , as i said ere , will i performe , haue heere the ring and go to study anon , and when that thou art there , as thy father thee bade , do euen so , and as thou wilt my blessing haue also : shee vnto him as swy the tooke the ring and bad him keepe it well , for any thing . hee went vnto the study generall where he gat loue enough , and acquaintance right good and friendly , the ring causing all , and on a day to him befell this chance , with a woman , a morsell of pleasance by the streetes of the vniuersity , as he was in his walking , met he . and right as bliue he had with her a tale , ●…nd therewithall sore in her loue he brent , ●…ay , fresh and piked was she to the sale , ●…or to that end , and to that intent ●…he thither came , and both forth they went : and he a pistle rowned in her eare , nat wot i what , for i ne came nat there . ●…he was his paramour shortly to sey , this man to folkes all was so leefe , that they him gaue aboundance of money , he feasted folke , and stood at high boucheefe , of the lacke of good , hee felt no griefe , all whiles the ring he with him had , but fayling it , his friendship gan sad . his paramour which that'y called was ●…ellicula , maruailed right greatly of the dispences of this ionathas , ●…in she no peny at all with him sy , and on a night as there she lay him by in the bed , thus she to him spake , and said , and this petition assoile him praid . o reuerent sir , vnto whom quoth she , obey i would ay with hearts humblenesse , ●…ince that ye han had my virginitie , ●…u i beseech of your high gentlenesse , tellith me whence comth the good and richesse that yee with feasten folke , and han no store , by ought i see can , ne gold , ne tresore . if i tell it , quoth he , par auenture thou wilt discouer it , and out it publish , such is womans inconstant nature , they cannot keep councell worth a rish : better is my tongue keepe , than to wish that i had kept close that is gone at large , and repentance is thing that i more charge . nay good sir , quoth she , holdeth me not suspect doubteth nothing , i can be right secree , well worthy were it me to been abiect from all good company , if i quoth she vnto you should so mistake me . be not adread your councell me to shew . well , said he , thus it is at words few . my father the ring which that thou maist see on my finger , me at his dying day bequeath'd , which this vertue and propertee hath , that the loue of men he shall haue aye that weareth it , and there shall be no nay of what thing that him liketh aske & craue but with good will , he shall as bliue it haue . through the rings vertuous excellence thus am i rich , and haue euer ynow . now sir , yet a word by your licence suffreth me to say , and to speake now : is it wisedome , as that it seemeth you , weare it on your finger continually ? what woldst thou meane , quoth he , therby ? what perill thereof might there befall ? right great , quoth she , as yee in company walke often , fro your finger might it fall , or plucked off been in a ragery and so be lost , and that were folly : take it me , let me been of it wardeine , for as my life keepe it would i certeine . this ionathas , this innocent yong man , giuing vnto her words full credence , as youth not auised best be can : the ring her tooke of his insipience . when this was done , the heat & the feruence of loue which he beforne had purchased , was quench'd , and loues knot was vnlaced . men of their gifts to stint began . ah thought he , for the ring i not ne beare , faileth my loue ; fetch me woman ( said he ) my ring , anon i will it weare . she rose , and into chamber dresseth her , and when she therein had been a while , alasse ( quoth she ) out on falshood and gyle . the chest is broken , and the ring take out , and when he heard her complaint and cry , he was astonied sore , and made a shout , and said , cursed be the day that i thee met first , or with mine eyne sy . she wept and shewed outward cheere of wo , but in her heart was it nothing so . the ring was safe enough , and in her chest it was , all that she said was leasing , as some woman other while at best can lye and weepe when is her liking . this man saw her wee , and sayd dearling weep no more , gods helpe is nye , to him vnwiste how false she was and slye . he twyned thence , and home to his countree vnto his mother the streight way he went , and when she saw thither comen was he , my sonne , quoth she , what was thine intent thee , fro the schoole , now to absent ? what caused thee fro schoole hither to hye ? mother , right this , said he , nat would i lye . forsooth mother , my ring is a goe , my paramour to keepe i betooke it , and it is lost , for which i am full woe , sorrowfully vnto mine heart it sit . sonne , often haue i warned thee , and yet for thy profit i warne thee my sonne , vnhonest women thou hereafter shunne . thy brooch anon right woll i to thee fet , she brought it him , and charged him full deep when he it tooke , and on his breast it set , bet than his ring he should it keepe , lest he the losse bewaile should and weepe . to the vniuersity shortly to seyne in what he could , he hasted him ageine . and when he comen was , his paramour him met anon , and vnto her him tooke as that he did erst , this yong reuelour , her company he nat a deale forsooke , though he cause had , but as with the hooke of her sleight , he beforne was caught and hent , right so he was deceiued oft and blent . and as through vertue of the ring before of good he had abundance and plentee while it was with him , or he had it lo●…e : right so through vertue of the brooch had hee what good him list ; she thought , how may this be , some priuy thing now causeth this richesse : as did the ring herebefore i gesse . wondring hereon she praid him , and besought besily night and day , that tell he would the cause of this ; but he another thought , he meant it close for him it kept be should , and a long time it was or he it told . she wept aye too and too , and said alasse , the time and houre that euer i borne was ! trust ye not on me sir ? she seid , leuer me were be slaine in this place , by that good lord that for vs all deid , then purpose againe you any fallace ; vnto you would i be my liues space as true , as any woman in earth is vnto a man doubteth nothing of this . small may she doe , that cannot well by heet , though not performed be such a promesse . this ionathas thought her words so sweet , that he was drunke of the pleasant sweetnesse of them , and of his foolish tendernesse . thus vnto her he spake , and said tho , be of good comfort , why weepest thou so ? and she thereto answered thus , sobbing , sir quoth she , my heauinesse and dreed is this ; i am adread of the leesing of your brooch , as almighty god forbeed it happen so : now what so god thee speed , said he , wouldest thou in this case counsaile , quoth she , that i keep it might sans faile . he said , i haue a feare and dread algate , if i so did thou wouldst it leese as thou lostest my ring , now gon but late , first god pray i quoth she , that i not cheese , but that my heart as the cold frost may freeze : or else be it brent with wild fire : nay , surely it to keepe is my desire . to her words credence he gaue pleneere , and the brooch tooke her , and after anone , whereas he was beforne full leefe and cheere to folke , and had good , all was gone , good & frendship him lacked , there was none . woman , me fetch the brooch quoth he , swythee into thy chamber for it goe ; hye thee . she into chamber went , as then he bad , ●…ut she not brought that he sent her fore , ●…he meant it nat , but as she had be mad her clothes hath she all to rent and tore , and cryd alasse , the brooch away is bore . for which i wole anon right with my knife my selfe slay , i am weary of my life . this noice he heard , and bliue he to her ran , ●…eening she would han done as she spake , and the knife in all haste that he can from her tooke , and threw it behind his back , and said , ne for the losse , ne for the lacke of the brooch , sorrow not , i forgiue all , i trust in god , that yet vs helpe he shall . to th'emperesse his mother this yongman againe him dresseth , he went her vnto , and when she saw him , she to wonder gan , the thought now somewhat there is misdoe , and said , i dread thy iewels two been lost now , percase the brooch with the ring . mother he said , yea , by heauen king. ●…onne , thou wotst well no iewell is left ●…nto thee now , but the cloath pretious which i thee take shall , thee charging eft the company of women riotous ●…hou flee , least it be to thee so gricuous that thou it nat sustaine shalt ne beare such company on my blessing forbeare . the cloth she felt , and it hath him take , and of his lady his mother , his leaue he tooke , but first this forward gan he make ▪ mother said he , trusteth this wee l and leeue , that i shall seyn , for sooth ye shall it preeue , if i leese this cloth , neuer i your face , henceforth see wole , ne you pray of grace ; with gods helpe i shall do well ynow , her blessing he tooke , and to study is go , and as beforne told haue i vnto you , his paramour his priuy mortall foe was wont to meet him , right euen so she did than , & made him pleasant cheere : they clip and kisse and walke homeward in feere . when they were entred in the house , he sprad this cloth vpon the ground , and thereon sit , and bad his paramour , this woman bad , to sit also by him adowne on it . she doth as he commandeth , and bit , had she this thought and vertue of the cloth wist , to han set on it , had she been loth . she for a while was full sore affesed . this ionathas wish in his heart gan : would god that i might thus been eased , that as on this cloth i and this woman sit heare , as farre were , as that neuer man or this came , & vnneth had he so thought , but they with the cloth thither weren brought . right to the worlds end , as that it were . when apparceiued had she this , she cry'd as thogh she through girt had be with a spere . harrow ! alasse that euer shope this tide ! how came we hither ? nay , he said , abide , worse is coming here sole wole i thee leaue wild beasts shallen thee deuoure or caue . for thou my ring & brooch hast fro me holden . o reuerent sir ! haue vpon me pittee , quoth she , if yee this grace do me wolden , as bring me home againe to the cittee where as i this day was , but if that yee them haue againe , of foule death do me dye your bountee on me kythe , i mercy cry , this ionathas could nothing beware , ne take ensample of the deceites tweine that she did him beforne , but feith him bare , and her he commanded on deaths peine fro such offences thenceforth her restreine : she swore , and made thereto foreward , but herkneth how she bore her afterward . whan she saw and knew that the wrath and ire that he to her had borne , was gone and past , and all was well : she thought him eft to fire , in her malice aye stood she stedfast , and to enquire of him was not agast in so short time how that it might be that they came thither out of her contree . such vertue hath this cloth on which we sit , said he , that where in this world vs be list sodeinly with the thought shallen thither flit , and how thither come vnto vs vnwist : as thing fro farre , vnknowne in the mist. and therwith , to this woman fraudulent to sleep he said , haue i good talent . let see , quoth he , stretch out anon thy lap , in which wole i my head downe lay and rest , so was it done , and he anon gan nap , nap ? nay , he slept right well , at best , what doth this woman , one the sicklest of women all , but that cloth that lay vnder him , she drew lyte and lyte away whan she it had all : would god , quoth she , i were as i was this day morning ! and therewith this root of iniquitee had her wish , and sole left him there sleeping . o ionathas ! like to thy perishing art thou , thy paramour made hath thy berd , whan thou wakest , cause hast thou to be ferd but thou shalt do full well , thou shalt obteene victory on her , thou hast done some deed pleasant to thy mother , well can i weene , for which our lord quite shall thy meed , and thee deliuer out of thy wofull dreed . the child whom that the mother vseth blesse full often sythe is eased in distresse . whan he awoke , and neither he ne fond woman ne cloth , he wept bitterly , and said , alasse ! now is there in no lond man worse i know begon then am i on euery side his looke he cast , and sy nothing but birds in the aire flying , and wild beasts about him renning . of whose sight he full sore was agrysed , he thought all this well deserued i haue , what ayled me to be so euill auised , that my counsell could i nat keepe and saue ? who can foole play ? who can mad and raue ? but he that to a woman his secree discouereth , the smart cleaueth now on me ; he thus departeth as god would harmlesse ; and forth of auenture his way is went , but whitherward he draw , he conceitlesse was , he nat knew to what place he was bent . he past a water which was so feruent that flesh vpon his feet left it him none ; all cleane was departed from the bone . it shope so that hee had a little glasse , which with that water anon filled he and whan he further in his way gone was , before him he beheld and saw a tree that faire fruit bore , and in great plentee : he eate thereof , the taste him liked well , but he there-through became a foule mesel . for which vnto the ground for sorrow and wo he fell , and said , cursed be that day that'i was borne , and time and houre also that my mother conceiued me , for ay now am i lost ; alasse and well away ! and when some deel slaked his heauinesse , he rose , and on his way he gan him dresse , another water before him he sye , which ( sore ) to comen in he was adrad : but nathelesse , since thereby , other way ne about it there could none be had , he thought so streitly am i bestad , that though it sore me affese or gast , assoile it wole i , and through it he past . and right as the first water his flesh departed from his feet , so the secownd restored it , and made all whole and fresh : and glad was he , and ioyfull that stownd whan he felt his feet whole were and sound : a violl of the water of that brooke he fild , and fruit of the tree with him tooke . forth his iourney this ionathas held , and as he his looke about him cast , another tree from a farre he beheld , to which he hasted , and him hied fast , hungry he was , and of the fruit he thrast into his mouth , and eate of it sadly , and of the lepry he purged was thereby . of that fruit more he raught , & thence is gone and a faire castle from a farre , saw he in compasse of which , heads many one of men there hung , as he might well see , but not for that he shun would , or flee , he thither him dresseth the streight way in that euer that he can or may . walking so , two men came him ageine , and saiden thus : deere friend we you pray what man be ye ? sirs , quoth he , certeine a leech i am , and though my selfe it say , can for the health of sicke folkes well pu●…uay . they said him , of yonder castle the king a leper is , and can whole be for nothing . with him there hath bin many a sundry leech that vndertooke him well to cure and heale on paine of their heads , but all to seech their art was , ' ware that thou not with him deale , but if thou canst the charter of health enseale ; least that thou leese thy head , as didden they , but thou be wise thou finde it shall no pley . sirs , said he , you thanke i of your reed , for gently ye han you to me quit : but i nat dread to loose mine heed , by gods helpe full safe keepe i will it , god of his grace such cunning and wit hath lent me , that i hope i shall him cure , full well dare i me put in auenture . they to the kings presence han him lad , and him of the fruit of the second tree he gaue to eate , and bad him to be glad , and said , anon your health han shall yee ; eke of the second water him gaue he to drinke , & whan he those two had receiued his lepry from him voided was and weiued . the king ( as vnto his high dignity conuenient was ) gaue him largely , and to him said , if that it like thee abiden here , i more habundantly thee giue wole . my lord sickerly , quoth he , faine would i your pleasure fulfill . and in your high presence abide still . but i no while may with you abide so mochill haue i to done elsewhere . ionathas euery day to the sea side which was nye , went , to looke and enquere if any ship drawing thither were which him home to his country lead might , and on a day of ships had he sight . well a thirty , toward the castle draw , and at time of euensong , they all arriueden , of which he was full faw , and to the shipmen cry he gan and call , and said , if it so hap might and fall , that some of you me home to my countree me bring would , well quit should he bee . and told them whither that they shoulden go . one of the shipmen forth start at last , and to him said , my ship and no moe of them that here been , doth shope and cast thither to wend ; let see , tell on fast , quoth the shipman , that thou for my trauaile me giue wi lt , if that i thither saile . they were accorded , ionathas forth goeth vnto the king to aske him licence to twine thence , to which the king was loth , and nathlesse with his beneuolence , this ionathas from his magnificence departed is , and forth to the shipman his way he taketh , as swyth as he can . into the ship he entreth , and as bliue as winde and wether good shope to be , thither as he purposed him arriue they sailed forth , and came to the cittee in which this serpentine woman was , shee that had him terned with false deceitis , but where no remedy followeth , streit is . turnes been quit , all be they good or bad sometime ; though they put been in delay . but to my purpose , she deemed he had been deuoured with beasts many a day gone , she thought he deliuered was for ay . folke of the citty knew not ionathas , so many a yeare was past , that he there was . misliking and thought changed eke his face , abouten he go'th , and for his dwelling in the cittie , he hired him a place , and therein exercised his cunning of physicke , to whom weren repairing many a sicke wight , and all were healed , well was the sick man that with him dealed . now shape it thus that this fellicula , ( the well of deceiuable doublenesse , follower of the steps of dallida ) was than exalted vnto high richesse , but she was fallen into great sicknesse and heard seine , for not might it been hid how masterfull a leech he had him kid . messages solemne to him she sent , praying him to do so mochill labour as come and see her ; and he thither went : whan he her saw , that she his paramour had been , he well knew , and for that dettour to her he was , her he thought to quite or he went , and no longer it respite . but what that he was , she ne wist nat he saw her vrine , and eke felt her pous , and said , the sooth is this plaine and flat , a sicknesse han yee strange and meruailous , which to auoid is wonder dangerous : to heale you there is no way but one , leech in this world other can finde none . auiseth you whether you list it take or not , for i told haue you my wit. ah sir , said she , for gods sake , that way me shew , and i shall follow it what euer it be : for this sicknesse sit so nigh mine heart , that i wot not how , me to demene , tell on i pray yow . lady yee must openly you confesse , and if against good conscience and right , any good han ye take more or lesse , beforne this houre , of any manner wight , yeeld it anon ; else not in the might of man is it , to giue a medicine that you may heale of your sicknes & pine . if any such thing be , tell out it reed , and yee shall been all whole i you beheet ; else mine art is naught withouten dreed . o lord she thought health is a thing ful sweet therewith desire i souerainly to meet : since i it by confession may recouer , a foole am i but i my guilt discouer . how falsely to the sonne of th'emperour ionathas , had she done , before them all as yee han heard aboue , all that errour by knew she , ô fellicula thee call well may i so , for of the bitter gall thou takest the beginning of thy name , thou root of malice and mirrour of shame . than said ionathas , where are those three iewels , that thee fro the clerke with-drew ? sit in a coffer at my beds feet , yee shall finde them ; open it , and so pray i you . he thought not to make it queint and tow and say nay , and streine courtesie , but with right good will thither he gan hye . the coffer he opened , and them there fond , who was a glad man but ionathas ? who the ring vpon a finger of his hond he put , and the brooch on his breast also , the cloth eke vnder his arme held he tho ; and to her him dresseth to done his cure . cure mortall , way to her sepulture . he thought rue she should , and fore-thinke that she her had vnto him mis bore . and of that water her he gaue to drinke , which that his flesh from his bones before had twined , where through he was almost lore nad he relieued been , as ye aboue han heard , and this he did eke for her loue . of the fruit of the tree he gaue her ete , which that him made into the leper stert , and as bliue in her wombe gan they fret and gnaw so , that change gan her hert , now harkneth how it her made smert . her wombe opened , & out fell each intraile that in her was , thus it is said sans faile . thus wretchedly , ( lo ) this guile-man dyde , and ionathas with iewels three no lenget there thought to abide , but home to the empresse his mother hasteth he , whereas in ioy , and in prosperitee his life led he to his dying day , and so god vs grant that we doe may . willy . by my hooke this is a tale would befit our whitson-ale : better cannot be i wist , descant on it he that list . and full gladly giue i wold the best cosset in my fold , and a mazor for a fee , if this song thou 'lt teachen me . t is so quaint and fine a lay , that vpon our reuell day if i sung it , i might chance ( for my paines ) be tooke to dance with our lady of the may. roget . roget will not say thee nay , if thou deem'st it worth thy paines . t is a song , not many swaines singen can , and though it be not so deckt with nycetee of sweet words full neatly chused as are now by shepheards vsed : yet if well you sound the sence , and the morals excellence , you shall finde it quit the while , and excuse the homely stile . well i wot , the man that first sung this lay , did quench his thirst , deeply as did euer one in the muses helicon . many times he hath been seen with the farries on the greene , and to them his pipe did sound , whilst they danced in a round . mickle solace would they make him , and at mid-night often wake him , and convey him from his roome to a field of yellow broo ne ; or into the medowes , where mints perfume the gentle aire , and where flora spends her treasure : there they would begin their measure . if it chanc'd nights sable shrowds muffled cinthia vp in clowds ; safely home , they then would see him , and from brakes and quagmires free him . there are few such swaines as he now adayes for harmony . willie . what was he thou praisest thus ? roget . scholler vnto tityrus . tityrus the brauest swaine euer liued on the plaine , taught him how to feed his lambes , how to cure them , and their dams : how to pitch the fold , and then , how he should remoue agen : taught him when the corne was ripe , how to make an oaten pipe , how to ioyne them , how to cut them , when to open , when to shut them , and with all the skill he had did instruct this willing lad . willie . happy surely was that swaine ! and he was not taught in vaine : many a one that prouder is , han not such a song as this ; and haue garlands for their meed , that but iarre as skeltons reed . roget . t is too true : but see the sunne hath his iourney fully run ; and his horses all in sweate , in the ocean coole their heate ; seuer we our sheepe and fold them , t' will be night ere we haue told them . thomas occleeve , one of the priuy seale , composed first this tale , and was neuer till now imprinted . as this shall please , i may be drawne to publish the rest of his workes , being all perfect in my hands . hee wrote in chavcer stime . the shepheards pipe . the second eglogue . the argvment . two shepheards here complaine the wrong done by a swinish lout , that brings his hogges their sheepe among , and spoyles the plaine throughout . willie . iockie . willie . iockie , say : what might he be that sits on yonder hill ? and tooteth out his notes of glee so vncouth and so shril ? iockie . notes of glee ? bad ones i trow , i haue not heard beforne one so mistooke as willie now , t is some sow-gelders horne . and well thou asken mightst if i do know him , or from whence he comes , that to his minstralsie requires such patience . he is a swinward , but i thinke no swinward of the best . for much he reketh of his swinke , and carketh for his rest . willie . harme take the swine ! what makes he heere ? what lucklesse planets frownes haue drawne him and his hogges in feere to root our daisied downes . ●…ll more hee thriue ! and may his hogges and all that ere they breed be euer worried by our dogges , for so presumptuous deed . why kept hee not among the fennes ? or in the copses by , or in the woods , and braky glennes , where hawes and acornes lye ? about the ditches of the towne , or hedge-rowes hee might bring them . iockie . but then some pence 't would cost the clowne to yoke and eke to ring them . and well i weene he loues no cost but what is for his backe : to goe full gay him pleaseth most , and lets his belly lacke ▪ two sutes he hath , the one of blew , the other home-spun gray : and yet he meanes to make a new against next reuell day ; and though our may-lord at the feast seem'd very trimly clad , in cloth by his owne mother drest , yet comes not neere this lad . his bonnet neatly on his head , with button on the top , his shooes with strings of leather red , and stocking to his slop . and yet for all it comes to passe , he not our gybing scapes : some like him to a trimmed asse , and some to lacke-an-apes . willie . it seemeth then by what is said , that iockie knowes the boore ; i would my scrip and hooke haue laid thou knewst him not before . iockie . sike lothed chance by fortune fell , ( if fortune ought can doe ) not kend him ? yes . i ken him well and sometime paid for 't too . willie . would iockie euer stoope so low , as conissance to take of sike a churle ? full well i know no nymph of spring or lake , no heardesse , nor no shepheards gerle but faine would sit by thee , and sea-nymphs offer shells of perle for thy sweet melodie . the satyrs bring thee from the woods the straw-berrie for hire , and all the first fruites of the budds to wooe thee to their quire . ●…iluanus songsters learne thy straine , for by a neighbour spring the nightingale records againe what thou dost primely sing . nor canst thou tune a madrigall , or any drery mone , but nymphs , or swaines , or birds , or all permit thee not alone . and yet ( as though deuoid of these ) canst thou so low decline , as leaue the louely naides for one that keepeth swine ? but how befell it ? iockie . tother day as to the field i set me , neere to the may-pole on the way this sluggish swinward met me . and seeing weptol with him there , our fellow-swaine and friend , bad , good day , so on did fare to my preposed end . but as backe from my wintring ground i came the way before , this rude groome all alone i found stand by the ale-house dore . there was no nay but i must in and taste a cuppe of ale ; where on his pot he did begin to stammer out a tale . he told me how he much desir'd th' acquaintance of vs swaines , and from the forrest was retir'd to graze vpon our plaines : but for what cause i cannot tell , he can nor pipe nor sing , nor knowes he how to digge a well , nor neatly dresse a spring : nor knowes a trappe nor snare to till , he sits as in a dreame ; nor scarce hath so much whistling skill will hearten-on a teame . well , we so long together were , i gan to haste a way , he licenc'd me to leaue him there , and gaue me leaue to pay . willie . done like a swinward ; may you all that close with such as he , be vsed so ! that gladly fall into like company . but if i faile not in mine art , i le send him to his yerd , and make him from our plaines depart with all his durty herd . i wonder he hath suffred been vpon our common heere , his hogges doe root our yonger treen and spoyle the smelling breere . our purest welles they wallow in , all ouer-spred with durt , nor will they from our arbours lin , but all our pleasures hurt . our curious benches that we build beneath a shady tree , shall be orethrowne , or so defilde as we would loath to see . then ioyne we iockie ; for the rest of all our fellow swaines , i am assur'd will doe their best to rid him fro our plaines . iockie . what is in me shall neuer faile to forward such a deed . and sure i thinke wee might preuaile by some satyricke reed . willie , ●…f that will doe , i know a lad can hit the maister-vaine . but let vs home , the skyes are sad , and clouds distill in raine . the shepheards pipe . the third eglogve . the argvment . old neddy's pouertie they mone . who whilome was a swaine that had more sheepe himselfe alone , then ten vpon the plaine . piers. thomalin . thomalin . vvhere is euery piping lad that the fields are not yclad with their milk-white shee tell me : is it holy-day , or if in the month of may vse they long to sleepe ? piers. thomalin 't is not too late , for the turtle and her mate sitten yet in nest : and the thrustle hath not been gath'ring worms yet on the green but attends her rest . not a bird hath taught her yong , nor her mornings lesson sung in the shady groue : but the nightingale in darke singing , woke the mounting larke she records her loue . not the sun hath with his beames guilded yet our christall streames rising from the sea , mists do crowne the mountaines tops , and each pretty mirtle drops , t is but newly day . yet see yonder ( though vnwist ) ●…ome man commeth in the mist ; hast thou him be held ? ●…ee he crosseth or'e the land with a dogg and staffe in hand , limping for his eld . thomalin . ●…es , i see him , and doe ? know him , ●…nd we all do reu'rence owe him , t is the aged sire ●…eddy , that was wont to make ●…ch great feasting at the wake , and the * blessing-fire . good old man ! see how he walkes painfull and among the balkes picking lockes of wull : i haue knowne the day when he had as much as any three , when their lofts were full . vnderneath yond hanging rockes all the valley with his flockes was whilome ouer-spread : hee had milch-goates without peeres , well-hung kine , and fatned steeres many hundred head . wilkins core his dairy was , for a dwelling it may passe with the best in towne . curds and creame with other cheare , haue i had there in the yeare for a greeny gowne . lasses kept it , as againe were not fitted on the plaine for a lusty dance : and at parting , home would take vs , flawnes or sillibubs to make vs for our iouisance . and though some in spight would tell , yet old neddy tooke it well ; bidding vs againe neuer at his cote be strange : vnto him that wrought this change , mickle be the paine ! piers. what disaster thomalin this mischance hath cloth'd him in , quickly tellen me ; rue i doe his state the more , that hee clipped heretofore some felicity . han by night accursed theeues slaine his lambs , or stoine his beeues ? or consuming fire brent his shearing-house , or stall ; or a deluge drowned all ? tell me it intire . haue the winters been so set to raine and snow , they haue wet all his driest laire : by which meanes his sheepe haue got such a deadly curelesse rot , that none liuing are ? thomal●…n . neither waues , nor theeues , nor fire , nor haue rots impoor'd this sire , suretiship , nor yet was the vsurer helping on with his damn'd extortion , nor the chaines of debt . but deceit that euer lies strongest arm'd for treacheries in a bosom'd friend : that ( and onely that ) hath brought it . cursed be the head that wrought it ! and the basest end . groomes he had , and he did send them with his heards a field , to tend them , had they further been ; sluggish , lazy , thriftlesse elues , sheep had better kept themselues from the foxes teen . some would kill their sheepe , and then bring their maister home agen nothing but the skin ; telling him , how in the morne in the fold they found them torne , and nere lying lin . if they went vnto the faire with a score of farned ware , and did chance to sell , if old neddy had againe halfe his owne ; i dare well saine , that but seldome fell . they at their returne would say , such a man , or such would pay , well knowne of your hyne . alas poore man ! that subtill knaue vndid him , and vaun●… i●… braue though his maister pine . of his maister he would begg such a lambe that broke his legg , and if there were none : to the fold by night hee 'd hye , and them hurt full rufully or with staffe or stone . hee would haue petitions new , and for desp'rate debts would sue neddy had forgot : he would grant : the other then tares from poore and aged men : or in iayles they rot . neddy lately rich in store , giuing much , deceiued more , on a sudden fell : then the steward lent him gold , yet no more then might bee told worth his maisters cell . that is gone , and all beside , ( well-a-day , alacke the tide ) in a hollow den , vnderneath yond gloo my wood wons he now , and wails the brood of ingrateful men . piers. but alas ! now hee is old , bit with hunger , nipt with cold , what is left him ? or to succour , or releeue him , or from wants oft to repreeue him thomalin . al 's bereft him , saue he hath a little crowd , ( hee in youth was of it prowd ) and a dogge to dance : with them , he on holy-dayes in the farmers houses playes for his sustenance . piers. see ; he 's neere , let 's rise and meet him , and with dues to old age , greet him , it is fitting so . thomalin . t is a motion good and sage , honour still is due to age : vp , and let vs go . the shepheards pipe . the fovrth eglogve . the argvment . in this the author bewailes the death of one whom he shadoweth vnder the name of philarete , compounded of the greeke words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a louer of vertue , a name well be fitting him to whose memory these lines are consecrated , being sometime his truly loued 〈◊〉 now as much lamented ) friend mr thomas manvvood . sonne to the worthy sir peter manvvood knight . vnder an aged oke was willy laid , willy , the lad who whilome made the rockes to ring with ioy , whilst on his pipe he plaid , and from their maisters wood the neighbring flockes . but now o're-come with dolors deepe that nye his heart-strings rent , ne car'd he for his silly sheepe , ne car'd for merriment . but chang'd his wonted walkes for vncouth paths vnknowne , where none but trees might heare his plaints , and eccho rue his mone . autumne it was , when droop't the sweetest floures , and riuers ( swolne with pride ) orelook'd the bankes , poore grew the day of summers golden houres , and void of sapp stood ida's cedar-rankes , the pleasant meadows sadly lay in chill and cooling swears by rising fountaines , or as they fear'd winters wastfull threats . against the broad-spred oke , each winde in fury beares ; yet fell their leaues not halfe so fast as did the shepheards teares . as was his seate , so was his gentle heart , meeke and deiected , but his thoughts as hye as those aye-wandring lights , who both impart their beames on vs , and heauen still beautifie . sad was his looke , ( ò heauy fate ! that swaine should be so sad whose merry notes the forlorne mate with greatest pleasure clad . ) broke was his tunefull pipe that charm'd the christall floods , and thus his griefe tooke airie wings and flew about the woods . day , thou art too officious in thy place , and night too sparing of a wished stay , yee wandring lampes : ô be ye fixt a space ! some other hemisphere grace with your ray . great phoebus ! daphne is not heree , nor hyacinthus faire ; phoebe ! endimion and thy deere hath long since clef●… the aire . but yee haue surely seene ( whom we in sorrow misse ) a swaine whom phoebe thought her loue , and titan deemed his . but he is gone ; then inwards turne your light , behold him there ; here neuer shall you more ; o're-hang this sad plaine with eternall night ! or change the gaudy green she whilome wore to fenny blacke . hyperion great to ashy palenesse turne her ! greene well befits a louers heate but blacke beseernes a mourner . yet neither this thou canst , nor see his second birth , his brightnesse blindes thine eye more now , then thine did his on earth . let not a shepheard on our haplesse plaines , tune notes of glee , as vsed were of yore ! for philaret is dead , let mirthfull straines with philarete cease for euermore ! and if a fellow swaine doe liue a niggard of his teares ; the shepheardesses all will giue to store him , part of theirs . or i would lend him some , but that the store i haue will all be spent before i pay the debt i owe his graue . o what is left can make me leaue to mone ? or what remains but doth increase it more ! looke on his sheepe : alas ! their master 's gone . looke on the place where we two heretofore with locked arms haue vowd our loue , ( our loue which time shall see in shepheards songs for euer moue , and grace their harmony ) it solitary seemes . behold our flowrie beds ; their beauties fade , and violets for sorrow hang their heads . t is not a cypresse bough , a count'nance sad , a mourning garment , wailing elegie , a standing herse in sable vesture clad , a toombe built to his names eternitie , although the shepheards all should striue by yearly obsequies , and vow to keepe thy fame aliue in spight of destinies that can suppresse my griefe : all these and more may be , yet all in vaine to recompence my greatest losse of thee cypresse may fade , the countenance bee changed , a garment rot , an elegie forgotten , a herse'mongst irreligious rites bee ranged , a toombe pluckt down , or else through age be rotten : all things th'vnpartiall hand of fate can raze out with a thought , these haue a seu'rall fixed date , which ended , turne to nought , yet shall my truest cause of sorrow firmly stay , when these effects the wings of time shall fanne and sweepe away . looke as a sweet rose fairely budding forth bewrayes her beauties to th'enamour'd morne , vntill some keeneblast from the enuious north , killes the sweet budd that was but newly borne , or else her rarest smels delighting make her , her selfe betray some white and eurious hand inuiting to plucke her thence away . so stands my mournfull case , for had he beene lesse good , he yet ( vncropt ) had kept the stocke whereon he fairely stood . yet though so long hee liu'd not as hee might , hee had the time appointed to him giuen . who liueth but the space of one poore night , his birth , his youth , his age is in that eeuen . who euer doth the period see of dayes by heau'n forth plotted , dyes full of age , as well as hee that had more yeares alotted . in sad tones then my verse shall with incessant teares bemoane my haplesse losse of him and not his want of yeares . in deepest passions of my griefe-swolne breast ( sweete soule ! ) t●…is onely comfort seizeth me , that so few yeares should make thee so much blest , and gaue such wings to reach eternity . is this to dye ? no : as a shippe well built , with easie winde a lazy hulke doth farre out-strippe , and soonest harbour finde : so philarete fled , quicke was his passage giuen , when others must haue longer time to make them fit for heauen . then not for thee these briny teares are spent , but as the nightingale against the breere t is for my selfe i moane , and doe lament not that thou left'st the world , but left'st mee heere . heere , where without thee all delights faile of their pleasing powre , all glorious dayes seeme vgly nights , me thinkes no aprill showre embroder should the earth , but briny reares distill , since flora's beauties shall no more be honour'd by thy quill . and yee his sheepe ( in token of his lacke ) whilome the fairest flocke on all the plaine : yeane neuer lambe , but bee it cloath'd in blacke . yee shady sicamours ! when any swaine , to carue his name vpon your rinde doth come , where his doth stand , shedde droppes , if he be so vnkinde to raze it with his hand . and thou my loued muse no more should'st numbers moue , but that his name should euer liue , and after death my loue . this said , he sigh'd , and with o're-drowned eyes gaz'd on the heauens for what he mist on earth ; then from the earth , full sadly gan arise as farre from future hope as present mirth , vnto his cote with heauy pace as euer sorrow trode he went , with minde no more to trace where mirthfull swaines abode , and as he spent the day , the night he past alone , was neuer shepheard lou'd more deere , nor made a truer mone . to the vertvovs and much lamenting sisters of my euer admired friend , mr thomas manvvood . to me more known then you , is your sad chance , oh! had i still enioy'd such ignorance ; then , i by these spent teare not bin known , nor left anothers griefe to sing mine owne . yet since his fate hath wrought these throes permit a partner in your woes the cause doth yeeld , and still may do ynough for yov , and others to●… but if such plaints for yov are kep . yet may i grieue since you haue wept . for hee more perfect growes to be●… that feeles anothers miserie and thogh these drops which mourning run from seuerall fountaines first begun and some farre off , some neerer sleete they will ( at last ) in one streame meete mine shal with yours , yours mix w th mine and make one offring at his shrine : for whose eternitie on earth , my muse to build this altar , did her best skill vse ; and that you , i , and all that held him deere , our teares and sighes might freely offer heere . the shepheards pipe . the fifth eglogve . to his ingenious friend mr. christopher brooke . the argvment . willy incites his friend to write things of a higher fame then silly shephards vse endite valid in a shepheards name . willy and cvtty . morne had got the start of night , lab'ring men were ready dight with their shouels and their spades for the field , and ( as their trades ) or at hedging wrought , or ditching for their food more then enritching . when the shepheards from the fold all their bleating charges told , and ( full carefull ) search'd if one of all their flocke were hurt or gone , or ( if in the night-time cul'd ) any had their fleeces pul'd : 'mongst the rest ( not least in care ) cvtty to his fold gan fare , and yong willy ( that had giuen to his flocke the latest euen neighbourhood with cvtty's sheep ) shaking off refreshing sleepe , hy'd him to his charge that blet ; where he ( busied ) cvtty met . both their sheepe told , and none mist of their number ; then they blist pan , and all the gods of plaines for respecting of their traines of silly sheepe ; and in a song praise gaue to that holy throng . thus they draue their flockes to graze , whose white fleeces did amaze all the lillies , as they passe where their vsuall feeding was . lillies angry that a creature of no more eye-pleasing feature then a sheepe , by natures duty should be crownd with far more beauty then a lilly ; and the powre of white in sheepe , ourgoe a flowre : from the middle of their sprout ( like a furies sting ) thrust out dart-like forks in death to steep them , but great pan did safely keepe them ; and affoorded kinde repaire to their dry and wonted laire , where their maisters ( that did eye them ) vnderneath a haw-thorne by them , on their pipes thus gan to play , and with rimes weare out the day . willie . cease cvtty : cease , to feed these simple flockes , and for a trumpet change thine oaten-reeds ; o're-looke the vallies as aspiring rockes , and rather march in steele , then shepheards weeds . beleeue me cvtty ! for heroicke deeds thy verse is fit ; not for the liues of swaines , ( though both thou canst do well ) and none proceeds to leaue high pitches for the lowly plaines : take thou a harpe in hand , striue with apollo ; thy muse was made to lead , then scorne to follow . cuttie . willy : to follow sheepe i ne're shall scorne ; much lesse to follow any deity ; who'gainst the sun ( though weakned by the morne ) would vie with lookes , needeth an eagles eye , 〈◊〉 dare not search the hidden mistery of tragicke scenes ; nor in a buskin'd stile through death and horror march , nor their height fly whose pens were fed with blood of this faire i le . it shall content me , on these happy downes to sing the strife for garlands , not for crownes . willie . o who would not aspire , and by his wing keep stroke with fame , and of an earthly iarre another lesson teach the spheres to sing ? who would a shepheard that might be a star ? see learned cutty , on yond mountaines are cleere springs arising , and the climbing goat that can get vp , hath water cleerer farre then when the streames do in the vallies float . what mad-man would a race by torch-light run that might his steps haue vsher'd by the sunne ? we shepheards tune out layes of shepheards loues , or in the praise of shady groues , or springs ; we seldome heare of citherea's doues , except when some more learned shepheard sings ; and equall meed haue to our sonetings : a belt , a sheep-hooke , or a wreath of flowres , is all we seeke ; and all our versing brings , and more deserts then these are seldome ours . but thou whose muse a falcons pitch can sore maist share the bayes euen with a conqueror . cuttie . why doth not willy then produce such lines of men and armes as might accord with these ? willie . cause cutties spirit not in willy shines , pan cannot weild the club of hercules , nor dare a merlin on a heron seise . scarce know i how to fit a shepheards eare ; farre more vnable shall i be to please in ought , which none but semi-gods must heare ; when by thy verse ( more able ) time shall see thou canst giue more to kings then kings to thee . cuttie . but ( wel-a-day ) who loues the muses now ? or helpes the climber of the sacred hill ? none leane to them : but striue to disalow all heauenly dewes the goddesses distill . willie . let earthly mindes base mucke for euer fill , whose musicke onely is the chime of gold , deafe be their eares to each harmonious quil ! as they of learning thinke , so of them hold . and if ther 's none deserues what thon canst doe , be then the poet and the patron too . i tell thee cuttie , had i all the sheepe with thrice as many moe , as on these plaines or shepheard or faire maiden sits to keepe , i would them all forgoe , so i thy straines could equalize : o how our nearest swaines do trim themselues , when on a holy-day they hast to heare thee sing , knowing the traines of fairest nymphs wil come to learne thy lay . well may they run and wish a parting neuer , ( uer , so thy sweet tongue might charme their eares for e●… cuttie . these attributes ( my lad ) are not for me , bestow them where true merit hath assign'd ; willie . and do i not ? bestowing them on thee : beleeue me cuttie , i doe beare this minde , that whereso'ere we true deseruing finde , to giue a silent praise is to detract ; obscure thy verses ( more then most refin'd ) from any one , of dulnesse so compact . and rather sing to trees then to such men , who know not how to crowne a poets pen. cuttie . willy , by thy incitement i 'le assay to raise my subiect higher then tofore , and sing it to our swaines next holy-day , which ( as approu'd ) shall fill them with the store of such rare accents ; if dislik'd , no more will i a higher straine then shepheards vse , but sing of woods and riuers as before . willie . thou wilt be euer happy in thy muse. but see , the radiant sun is gotten hye , let 's seeke for shadow in the groue hereby . the shepheards pipe . the sixth eglogve . the argvment . philos of his dogge doth bragge for hauing many feates ; the while the curre vndoes his bagge , and all his dinner eates . willy . iockie . philos . willy . stay iockie , let vs rest here by this spring , and philos too , since we so well are met ; this spreading oke will yeeld vs shadowing till phaebus steeds be in the ocean wet . iockie . gladly ( kind swaine ) i yeeld , so thou wilt play and make vs merry with a roundelay . philos. no iockie , rather wend we to the wood , the time is fit , and filberds waxen ripe , let 's go and fray the squirrell from his food ; we will another time heare willie pipe . willie . but who shall keepe our flockes when we are gone ? i dare not go and let them feed alone . iockie . nor i : since but the other day it fell , leauing my sheep to graze on yonder plaine , i went to fill my bottle at the well , and ere i could return two lambs were slaine . philos. then was thy dogg iil taught , or else a sleepe ; such curres as those shall neuer watch my sheepe . willie . yet philos hath a dogg not of the best ; he seemes too lazy , and will take no paines , more fit to lye at home and take his rest then catch a wandring sheep vpon the plains . iockie . t is true indeed : and philos wot ye what ? i thinke he playes the fox he growes so fat . philos. yet hath not iockie nor yet willie seene a dogge more nimble then is this of mine , nor any of the fox more heedfull beene when in the shade i slept , or list to dine . and though i say 't , hath better tricks in store then both of yours , or twenty couple more . how often haue the maidens stroue to take him , when he hath crost the plaine to barke at crowes ? how many lasses haue i knowne to make him garlands to gird his necke , with which he goes vaunting along the lands so wondrous trim , that not a dog of yours durst barke at him . and when i list ( as often-times i vse ) to tune a horne-pipe , or a morris-dance , the dogge ( as hee by nature could not chuse ) seeming asleepe before , will leap and dance . willie . belike your dog came of a pedlers brood , or philos musicke is exceeding good . philos. i boast not of his kin , nor of my reed , ( though of my reed and him i wel may boast ) yet if you will aduenture that some meed shall be to him that is in action most , as for a coller of shrill sounding bels my dog shall striue with yours , or any 's els . iockie . philos in truth i must confesse your wagge ( for so you call him ) hath of trickes good store , to steale the vittailes from his maisters bagge , more cunningly , i nere saw dogge before . see willy , see ! i prithee philos note how fast thy bread & cheese goes down his throte . willie . now philos see how mannerly your curre , your well-taught dog , that hath so many trickes , deuoures your dinner . philos. i wish 't were a burre to choke the mungtell ! iockie . see how cleane he lickes your butter-boxe ; by pan , i doe not meanly loue philos dog that loues to be so cleanly . philos. well flouted iockie . willie . philos ! run amaine , for in your scrip hee now hath thrust his head so farre , he cannot get it forth againe ; see how he blind-fold strags along the mead ; and at your scrip your bottle hangs , i thinke . he loues your meat , but cares not for your drinke . iockie . i , so it seemes : and philos now may goe vnto the wood , or home for other cheere . philos. t were better he had neuer seru'd me so , sweet meat , sowre sauce , he shal abye it deere . what must he be aforehand with his maister ? willie . onely in kindnesse hee would be your taster . philos. well willy you may laugh , and vrge my spleen ; but by my hooke i sweare he shall it rue , and had far'd better had hee fasting been . but i must home for my allowance new . so farewell lads . looke to my fleeced ●…raine till my returne . iockie . we will. willie . make haste againe . the shepheards pipe . the seventh eglogve . the argvment . palinode intreates his friend to leaue a wanton lasse ; yet hee pursue her to his end and 〈◊〉 all councell passe . palinode . and hobbinol . whither wends hobbinoll so early day ? what be thy lamkins broken from the fold , and on the plaines all night haue run ast ray ? or are thy sheepe and sheep-walkes both ysold ? what mister-chance hath brought thee to the field without thy sheepe ? thou wert not wont to yeeld to idle sport , but didst resort as early to thy charge from drowzy bed as any shepheard that his flocke hath fed vpon these downes . hobbinoll . such heauy frownes fortune for others keepes ; but bends on me smiles would be fit the seat of maiestie . hath palinode made his abode vpon our plaines , or in some vncouth cell ? that heares not what to hobbinoll befell ; phillis the faire , and fairer is there none , to morrow must be linkt in marriage bands , t is i that must vndo her virgin zone . behold the man , behold the happy hands . palinode . behold the man ? nay then the woman too , though both of them are very smal beholding to any powre that set them on to wooe ; ah hobbinoll ! it is not worth vnfolding what shepheards say of her ; thou canst not chuse but heare what language all of phillis vse ; yet , then such tongues , to her belongs more men to sate her lust ; vnhappy elfe ! that wilt be bound to her to loose thy selfe . forsake her first . hobinoll . thou most accurst ! durst thou to slander thus the innocent , the graces patterne , vertues president ? she , in whose eye shines modesty , vpon whose brow lust neuer lookes with hope , venus rul'd not in phillis horoscope ; t is not the vapour of a hemblocke stem can spoile the perfume of sweet cynnamon ; nor vile aspersions , or by thee or them cast on her name , can stay my going on . palinode . on maist thou goe , but not with such a one , whom ( i dare sweare ) thou knowst is not a maid : remember when i met her last alone as wee to yonder groue for filberds straid , like to a new-strook doe from out the bushes , lacing herselfe , and red with gamesome blushes made towards the greene , loth to be seene : and after in the groue the goatheard met : what saidst thou then ? if this preuaile not , yet i 'le tell thee moe . not long agoe too long i lou'd her , and as thou dost now would sweare diana was lesse chaste then she , that iupiter would court her , knew he how to finde a shape might tempt such chastity : and that her thoughts were pure , as new-falne snow or siluer swans that trace the bankes of poe , and free within from spot of sin : yet like the flinte her lust-swolne breast conceal'd a hidden fire ; and thus it was reueal'd : cladon , the lad who whilome had the garland giuen for throwing best the barre , i know not by what chance or lucky star was chosen late to bee the mate vnto our lady of the gleesome may and was the first that danc'd each holyday , none would hee take but phillis forth to dance , nor any could with phillis dance but hee , on palinode shee then ceforth not a glance bestowes , but hates him and his pouerty , cladon had sheepe and lims for stronger lode then ere shee saw in simple palinode , hee was the man must clip her than , for him shee wreathes of flowers , and chaplets made to strawberries inuites him in the shade , in sheering time and in the prime would helpe to clip his sheepe , and gard his lambs , and at a need lend him her choicest rams , and on each stocke worke such a clocke with twisted couloured thred ; as not a swaine on all these downes could shew the like againe . but as it seemes , the well grew dry at last , her fire vnquench'd ; and shee hath cladon left , nor was i sorry ; nor do wish to taste the flesh whereto so many flyes haue cleft . oh hobbinoll ! canst thou imagine shee that hath so oft beene tryde so oft misdone , can from all other men bee true to thee ? thou knowst with mee , with cladon , shee hath gone beyond the limites that a maiden may , and can the name of wife those rouings stay ? shee hath not ought that 's hid , vnsought , these eyes , these hands , so much know of that woman as more thou canst not ; can that please that 's cōmon ? no : should i wed , my marriage bed and all that it containes , should as my heart be knowne but to my selfe ; if wee impart what golden rings the fairie brings , wee loose the iem nor will they giue vs more , wiues loose their value if once knowne before behold this violet that cropped lyes , i know not by what hand first from the stem , with what i plucke my selfe shall i it prise ? i scorne the offals of a diadem . a virgins bed hath millions of delights if then good parents please shee know no more : nor hath her seruants nor her fauorites that waite her husbands issuing at dore : shee that is free both from the act and eye onely deserues the due of chastitie . but phillis is as farre from this , as are the poles in distance from each other shee well beseemes the daughter of her mother . is there a brake by hill or lake in all our plaines that hath not guilty beene in keeping close her stealths ; the paphian queene ne're vs'd her skill to win her will of yong adonis , with more heart then shee hath her allurements spent to work on moe . leaue , leaue her hobinol ; shee is so ill that any one is good that 's nought of her , though she be faire , the ground which oft we till growes with his burden old and barrenner . hobbinoll . with much ado , and with no little paine haue i out-heard thy railing 'gainst my loue : but it is common , what wee cannot gaine wee oft disualew ; sooner shalt thou moue yond lofty mountain from the place it stands , or count the medowes flowers , or isis sands then stirre one thought in mee , that ought can be in phillis which diana faire and all the goddesses would not wish their . fond man then cease to crosse that peace which phillis vertue and this heart of mine haue well begun ; and for those words of thine i do forgiue if thou wilt liue heereafter free from such reproaches moe , ●…ince goodnesse neuer was without her foe . palinode . ●…eleeue mee hobinoll what i haue said ●…as more in loue to thee then hate to her : thinke on thy liberty ; let that bee weigh'd ; great good may oft betide if wee deferre and vse some short delayes ere marriage rites wedlocke hath daies of toile as ioysome nights . canst thou bee free from iealousy ? oh no : that plague will so infect thy braine that onely death must worke thy peace againe . thou canst not dwell one minute well from whence thou leau'st her ; locke on her thy gate yet will her minde bee still adulterate . not argos eyes nor ten such spies can make her onely thine ; for shee will do with those , that , shall make thee mistrust them to●… . hobbinoll . wilt thou not leaue to taint a virgines name●… palinode . a virgine ' yes : as sure as is her mother . dost thou not heare her good report by fame ? hobbinoll . fame is a lyer and was neuer other . palinode . nay , if shee euer spoke true ; now shee did : and thou wilt once confesse what i foretold the fire will bee discos'd that now lies hid , nor will thy thought of her thus long time hold . yet may shee ( if that possible can fall ) bee true to thee that hath beene false to all . hobbinoll . so pierce the rockes a red-breasts knockes as the beleefe of ought thou tell'st mee now . yet bee my guest to morrow . pallinode . speed your plough . i feare ere long you 'le sing a song like that was sung heereby not long ago . where there is carrion neuer wants a crow . hobinoll . ill tuto●…'d swaine , if one the plaine thy sheep hence-forward come where mine do feed , they shall bee sure to smart for thy misdeed . palinode . such are the thankes a friends fore-warning brings . now by the loue i euer bore thee , stay ! meete not mishaps ! themselues haue speedy wings . hobbinoll . it is in vaine . farewell . i must away . finis . w. b. other eglogves : by mr. brooke , mr. wither , and mr. davi●…s . london printed by n. o. for g. norton . . to his much loued friend mr w. browne of the inner temple . d. d. cuttie . willy well met , now whiles thy flockes do feed so dangerlesse , and free from any feare ; lay by thy hooke , and take thy pleasant reed , and with thy melody reblesse mine eare , which ( vpon lammas last ) and on this plaine , thou plaidst so sweetly to thy skipping traine . willy . i cutty , then i plaid vnto my sheepe notes apt for them , but farre vnfit for thee ; how should my layes ( alas ) true measure keepe with thy choyce eares , or make thee melodie : for in thy straine thou do'st so farre exceede , thou canst not rellish such my homely reede . cuttie . thy nicenesse shewes thy cunning , nothing more , yet since thou seem'st so lowly in thy thought ; ( who in thy pastorall veine , and learned lore art so much prais'd ; so farre and neere art sought . ) lend me thine eares , and thou shalt heare me sing in praise of shepheards , and of thee their king. my loued willy , if there be a man that neuer heard of a browne colour'd swan ; whose tender pinions scarcely fledg'd in show could make his way with whitest swans in poe ; or if there be among the spawne of earth , that thinkes so vilely of a shepheards birth , that though he tune his reed in meanest key , yet in his braine holds not heauen , earth , and sea : then let him know , thou art that yong browne swan , that through the winding streames of albion taking thy course dost seeme to make thy pace with flockes full plum'd equall in loue and grace ; and thou art he ( that though thy humble straines do moue delight to those that loue the plaines : ) yet to thy selfe ( as to thy sort ) is giuen a iacobs staffe , to take the height of heauen ; and with a naturall cosmography , to comprehend the earths rotunditie : besides the working plummet of thy braine , can sound the deepes , and secrets of the maine : for if the shepheard a true figure be of contemplation ( as the learn'd agree ) which in his seeming rest , doth ( restlesse ) moue about the center , and to heau'n aboue ; and in his thought is onely bounded there , see's natures chaine fastned to ioves high chaire , then thou ( that art of pan the sweetest swaine and farre transcending all his lowly traine ) in thy discoursiue thought , do'st range as farre nor canst thou erre ; led by thine owne faire starre . thought hath no prison and the minde is free vnder the greatest king and tyrannie . though low thou seem'st thy genius mounts the hill where heauenly nectar doth from ioue distill ; where bayes still grows ( by thunder not struck down ) the victors-garland ; and the poets-crowne , and vnderneath the horse-foote-foun●… doth flow , which giues wit verdure , and makes learning grow . to this faire hill ( from stormes and tempests free . ) thou oft repair'st for truthes discouery , a prospect vpon all times wandring mazes displaying vanity ; disclosing graces , nay in some cliffe it leades the eye beyond the times horizon stripping sea and land . and farther ( not obscurely ) doth deuine all future times : heere do the muses shine , heere dignity with safety do combine , pleasure with merite make a louely twine . vitam vitalem they shall euer leade that mount this hill and learning's path do treade : heere admiration without enui 's wonne , all in the light , but in the heate sit none . and to this mount thou dost translate thine essence although the plaines containe thy corporal presence , where though poore peoples misery thou shewe that vnder g●…iping lords they vndergoe , and what content they ( that do lowest lye ) receiue from good-men ; that do sit on hye . and in each witty ditty ( that surpasses ) dost ( for thy loue ) make strife'mongst country lasses yet in thy humble straine ; fame makes thee rise and strikes thy mounting forehead'●…ainst the skies renowned friend ; what trophe may i raise to memorize thy name ; would i could praise ( in any meane ) thy worth ; strike enuy dumbe , but i dye heere ; thou liu'st in time to come ; states haue their period statues lost with rust : soules to elizium , nature yeelds to dust , all monuments of armes and power decay , but that which liues to an eternall day , letters preserue ; nay gods , with mortall men do simpathize by vertue of the penne . and so shalt thou : sweete willy then proceede and in eternall merite fame thy reede . pan to thy fleeced numbers giue increase and pales to thy loue-thoughts giue true peace let faire feronia ( goddesse of the woods ) preserue thy yong plants multiply thy buds . and whiles thy rams do tup , thy ewes do twyn do thou in peacefull shade ( from mens rude dyn ) adde pinyons to thy fame : whose actiue wit with hermes winged cap doth suite most fit . christopher brooke . thirsis and alexis . thirsis . alexis if thy worth do not disdaine the humble friendship of a meaner swaine ; or some more needfull businesse of the day vrge thee to bee too hasty on thy way ; come ( gentle shepheard ) rest thee here by me vnder the shadow of this broad-leau'd tree : for though i seeme a stranger , yet mine eye obserues in thee the markes of curtesie : and if my iudgement erre not , noted too more then in those that more would seeme to doe : such vertues thy rude modestie doth hide which by thy proper luster i espy'd ; and though long mask't in silence they haue beene , i haue a wisedome through that silence seene : yea i haue learned knowledge from thy tongue , and heard when thou hast in concealement sung : which me the bolder and more willing made thus to inuite thee to this homely shade . and though ( it may be ) thou couldst neuer spye such worth in me to make me knowne thereby , in thee i doe ; for here my neigbouring sheepe vpon the border of these downes i keepe : where often thou at pastorals and playes hast grac'd our wakes on sommer holy-dayes : and many a time with thee at this cold spring met i , to heare your learned shepherrds sing , saw them disporting in the shady groues , and in chast sonnets wooe their chaster loues : when i endued with the meanest skill , mongst others haue been vrg'd to tune my quill , where ( cause but little cunning i had got ) perhaps thou saw'st me , though thou knew'st me 〈◊〉 alexis . yes thirsis i doe know thee and thy name , nor is my knowledge grounded all on fame , art not thou hee , that but this other yeare , scard'st all the wolues and foxes in the sheere ? and in a match at foot-ball lately try'd ( hauing scarce twenty satyres on thy side ) held'st play : and though assailed , kept'st thy stand gainst all the best-try'd ruffians in the land : did'st thou not then in dolefull sonnets ●…one , when the beloued of great pan was gone ; and at the wedding of faire thame and rhyne , sing of their glories to thy valentine ? i know it , and i must confesse that long in one thing i did doe thy nature wrong : for till i markt the aime thy satyrs had , i thought them ouerbold and thirsis mad , but since i did more neerely on thee looke 〈◊〉 soone perceiu'd that i had all mistooke ; 〈◊〉 saw that of a cynicke thou madst show ●…here since i find that thou were nothing so , and thatof many thou much blame hadst go●… when as thy innocence deseru'd it not . but this too good opinion thou hast seem'd to haue of mee ( not so to bee esteem'd ) preuailes not ought to stay him who doth feare hee rather should reproofes then praises heare t is true i found thee plaine and honest too which made mee like then loue , as now i do and thirsis though a stranger this i say where i do loue i am not coy to stay . thirsis . thankes gentle swayne that dost so soone vnfold what i to thee as gladly would haue told and thus thy wonted curtesie exprest ●…n kindly entertaining this request : sure i should iniury my owne content or wrong thy loue to stand on complement , who hast acquaintance in one word begunne as well as i could in an age haue done : or by an ouer weaning slownesse marre what thy more wisedome hath brought on so farre ; then sit thou downe and i 'le my minde declare as frely , as if wee familiars were : and if thou wilt but daigne to giue mee eare something thou maist for thy more profite heare . alexis . willingly thirsis i thy wish obey . thirsis . then know alexis from that very day when as i saw thee at that shepheards coare where each i thinke of other tooke first noate , i meane that pastor who by tauies springs chaste shepheards loues in sweetest numbers sings , and with his musicke ( to his greater fame ) hath are made proud the fairest nimphes of tham e'ne then mee thought i did espy in thee some vnperceiu'd and hidden worth to bee which in thy more apparant vertnes shin'd and among many i in thought deuin'd , by something my conceit had vnderstood that thou wert markt one of the muses brood that made mee loue thee : and that loue i beare begat a pitty , and that pitty care : pitty i had to see good parts conceal'd , care i had how to haue that good reueal'd , since 't is a fault admitteth no excuse to possesse much and yet put nought in vse : heereon i vow'd ( if wee two euer met ) the first request that i would striue to get should bee but this that thou wouldst shew thy skill , how thou couldst tune thy verses to thy quill : and teach thy muse in some well framed song , to shew the art thou hast supprest so long : which if my new acquaintance m●…y obtaine thirsis will euer honour this daies gaine . alexis . alas ! my small experience scarce can tell so much as where those nymphes the muses dw●…ly nor ( though my slow conceit still trauels on ) shall i ere reach to drinke of hellicon ; or if i might so fauour'd be to taste what those sweet streames but ouer-flow in waste , and touch parnassus where it low'st doth lye , i feare my skill would hardly flagge so hye . thirsis . despaire not man the gods haue prized nought so deere that may not be with labour bought , nor need thy paine be great since fate and heauen they ( as a blessing ) at thy birth haue giuen . alexis . why say they had . th. then vse their gifts thou must , or be vngratefull , and so be vniust : for if it cannot truly be deny'd , ingratitude mens benefites do hide , then more vngratefull must he be by oddes who doth conceale the bounty of the gods. alexis . that 's true indeed , but enuy hateth those who seeeking fame their hidden skill disclose : where else they might ( obscur'd ) from her espying escape the blasts and danger of enuying : critickes will censure our best straines of wit , and purblinde ignorance misconster it . all which is bad : yet worse then this doth follow , most hate the muses , and contemne apollo . thirsis . so let them ; why should we their hate esteeme ▪ is 't not enough we of our selues can deeme ? t is more to their disgrace that we scorne them then vnto vs that they our art contemne ; can we haue better pastime then to see our grosse heads may so much deceiued bee , as to allow those doings best , where wholly we scoffe them to their face , and flout their folly ; or to behold blacke enuy in her prime die selfe-consum'd whilst we vie liues with time : and in despight of her , more fame attaine then all her malice can wipe out againe , alexis . yea but if i apply'd me to those straines , who should driue forth my flockes vnto the plaines , which whilst the muses rest , and leasure craue , must watering , folding and attendance haue . for if i leaue with wonted care to cherish those tender heards : both i and they should perish . thirsis . alexis now i see thou dost mistake , there is no meaning thou thy charge forsake , nor would i wish thee so thy selfe abuse as to neglect thy calling for thy muse : but let these two so of each other borrow , that they may season mirth , and lessen sorrow , thy flocke will helpe thy charges to defray , thy muse to passe the long and tedious day . or whilst thou tun'st sweet measures to thy reed thy sheep to listen will more neere thee feed , the wolues will shun them , birds aboue thee sing , and lambkins dance about thee in a ring ; nay which is more : in this thy low estate thou in contentment shalt with monarkes mate : for mighty pan , and ceres to vs grants our fields and ●…lockes shall helpe our outward wants ▪ the muses teach vs songs to put off cares , grac'd with as rare and sweet conceits as theirs : and we can thinke our lasses on the greenes as faire , or fairer then the fairest queenes ; ●…r what is more then most of them shall do , wee 'le make their iuster fames last longer too , ●…auing our lines by greatest princes grac'd when both their name and memory 's desac'd . therefore alexis though that some disdaine the heauenly musicke of the rurall plaine , what is 't to vs , if they ( or eseent ) contemne ●…he dainties which were nere ordain'd for them ? and though that there be other some enuy the praises due to sacred poesie , let them disdaine and frer till they are wearie , ●…e in our selues haue that shall make vs merrie : which he that wants , and had the power to know it , would giue his life that he might dye a poet. alexis . thou hast so well ( yong thirsis ) plaid thy part i am almost in loue with that sweet art : and if some power will but inspire my song , alexis will not be obscured long . thirsis . enough kinde pastor : but oh ! yonder see two shepheards , walking on the lay-banke be , cuttie and willie , that so dearly loue , who are repairing vnto yonder groue : let 's follow them : for neuer brauer swaines made musicke to their flockes vpon these plaines . they are more worthy , and can better tell what rare contents do with a poet dwell . then whiles our sheep the short sweet grasse do shere and till the long shade of the hilles appeare , wee le heare them sing : for though the one be young , neuer was any that more sweetly sung . geo. wither . an eclogue between yong willy the singer of his natiue pastorals , and old wernocke his friend . wernocke . willy , why lig'st thou ( man ) so w●…-be-gon ? what ? been thy rather lamkins ill-apaid ? or , hath some drerie chance thy pipe misdone ? or , hast thou any sheep-cure mis-assaid ? or , is some conteck 'twixt thy loue and thee ? or , else some loue-warke arsie-varsie tane ? or , fates lesse frolicke than they wont to be ? what gars my willy that he so doth wane ? if it be for thou hast mis-said , or done , take keepe of thine owne councell ; and , thou art as shoene and cleare fro both-twaine as the sunne : for , all swaines laud thine hauiour , and thine art. ma hap thine heart ( that vnneath brooke neglect , and iealous of thy fresh fame ) liggs vpon thy rurall songs , which rarest clarkes affect , dreading the descant that mote fall thereon . droope not for that ( man ) but vnpleate thy browes , and blithly , so , fold enuies vp in pleats : for , fro thy makings milke , and mellie flowes to feed the songster-swaines with arts soot-meats . willie . now , sil●…er ( wernocke ) thou hast split the marke albe that i ne wot i han mis song : but , for i am so yong , i dread my warke woll be misualued b●…th of old and yong . wern●…cke . is thilke the cause that thou been ligge so laid , who whilom no encheson could fore-haile ; and caitiue-courage nere made misapaid , but with chiefe yongsters songsters bar'st thy saile ? as swoot as swans thy straines make thames to ring fro coiswould where her sourse her course doth take , to her wide mouth which vents thy carolling beyond the hether and the further lake . than vp ( sad swaine ) pull fro thy vailed cheeke hur prop , thy palme : and let thy virilaies , kill enuious cunning swaines ( whom all do seeke ) with enuy , at thine earned gaudy praise . vp lither lad , thou reck'st much of thy swinke , when swinke ne swat thou shouldst ne reck for fame ; at aganip than , lay thee downe to drinke vntill thy stomacke swell , to raise thy name . what though time yet han not bedowld thy chin ? thy dams deere wombe was helicon to thee ; where ( like a loach ) thou drew'st thilke liquor in , which on thy heart-strings ran with musickes glee . than vp betimes , and make the sullen swaines with thy shrill reed such iolly-iovisance that they ( entranc'd ) ma wonder at thy straines ; so , leaue of thee ne're ending souenance . willie . ah wernocke , wernocke , so my sp'rits been steept in dulnesse , through these duller times missawes of sik-like musicke ( riming rudely cleept . ) that yer i pipe well , must be better cause . ah , who ( with lauish draughts of aganip ) can swill their soule to frolick ; so , their muse , whan courts and camps , that erst the muse did clip , do now forlore her ; nay , her most abuse ? now , with their witlesse , causelesse surquedry they been transpos'd fro what of yore they were , that swaines , who but to looser luxurie can shew the way , are now most cherisht there . these times been crimefull ( ah ) and being so , bold swaines ( deft songsters ) sing them criminall ; so , make themselues oft gleefull in their woe : for thy tho songsters are misween'd of all . mecaen●… woont in blonket liueries yelad sike chanters ; but these miser times vncase hem quite , that all may hem despise , as they don all their best embellisht rimes . and haruest-queenes , of yore , would chaplets make to crowne their scalpes that couth most swootly sing , and giue hem many a gaude at ale or wake , but now ne recke they of soot carrolling . enaunter they should be as seeme they would , or songen lowdly for so deere desart ; or else be peregall to nymphes of old , from which their beastl●…hed now freely start . than must they latch the blowes of fates too fell with their too feeble clowches as they con : for , none regards or guards hem for their spell , tho they , on point-deuice , empt helicon ! there nis thilke chiuisance they whilome had for piping swoote ; sith , with an heydeguies , pipt by tom-piper , or a lorrel-lad , ( so be he clawes hem ) they idolatrize . ( sale , and those that should presse proper songs for bene , in their doomes , so dull ; in skill , so crude ; that they had leauer printen iacke a vale , or cl●…m ô clough ( alacke ) they beene so rude ! and sith so few feate songsters in an age bene founden ; fo●… do weigh hem as they been , for , swaines , that con no skill of holy-rage , bene foe-men to faire skils enlawrel'd queen . enough is mee , for thy , that i ma vent my wits spels to my selfe , or vnto thee ( deer wernock ) which dost feel like miscontent sith thou , and all vnheeded , singt with mee . wernock . vartue it 's sed ( and is an old said-saw ) is for hur selfe , to be for sought alone : ( draw , then eftsoones fro their case thy shrill pipes and make the welkin ringen with their tone . of world , ne worly men take thou no keepe , what the one doth , or what the other say ; for should i so , i so , should eyne out-weepe : than , with mee ; willy , ay sing care-away . it 's wood to be fore-pinde with wastefull carke in many a noyfull stoute of willing bale for vading toyes : but trim wits poorest wark the vpper heau'n han hent fro nether dale . thilks all our share of all the quelling heape of this worlds good : enough is vs to tell how rude the rest bene , caduke , & how cheape ; but , laude for well-done warks , don all excell ! for thy we shoulden take keepe of our race that here wee reunen , and what here we doon that whan wee wenden till an other place , our souenance may here , ay-gayly wonne . for , time will vnderfong vs ; and our voice woll woxen weake ; and , our deuising lame ; for , life is briefe ; and skils beene long , and choise : than , spend we time , that time may spare our fame , look how breme winter chamfers earths blecke face ; so , corbed eld accoyes youths surquedry ; and , in the front , deepe furrowes doon enchase , inueloped with falling snow a hy . then nought can be atchieu'd with witty shewes , sith griefe of ●…lde accloyen wimble wit ; than , vs behonen , yer elde sick accrewes , time to forelay , with spels retarding it . i not what blisse is whelm'd with heau'ns coape so b●…e the pleasance of the muse be none : for , when thilk gleesome ioyes han hallowed scope they beene as those that heau'ns-folke warble on . i con my good ; for , n●…w my scalpe is frost yeelding to snow ; the crow-feete neere mine eyne beene markes of mickle preefe i haue , that most of all glees else alow , han suddaine fine . o how it garres old wernock swynck with glee in that emprise that chiuen fearest fame , it heats my heart aboue ability to leaue parduring souenance of my name . and whan mine engine han heau'd hy my thought , an that on point-deuice eftsooones y fell , o! how my heart 's ioy-rapt , as i had cought , a princedome to my share , of thilk newell . they beene of pleasances the alderbest : than , god to forne ; i wol no mo but tho : tho beene the summe of all i louen best : and for hem loue i life ; else nold i so . driue on thy flocke than , to the motley plaines where by some prill , that 'mong the pibbles plods , thou , with thyne oaten reede , and queintest straines , maist rapt the senior swaines , and minor gods : that as on ida that mych-famed mount , a shepheard swaine ; that sung lesse soote than tho●… , by light loues goddesse , had the grace to mount to owe the sheenest queene that earth did owe : so , thou maist , with thy past'rall minstralsy beating the aire , atweene resounding hils , draw to thee bonibels as smirke , as hy , and wrap hem in thy loue begrey their wils : for ( ah ) had phoebus clarkes the meanes of some worse clarkes ( paravnter ) so to sing at ease ; they soone would make high long-wing'd haggards and vaile vnto their lures : so , on hem seise . ( come ; for , bright nymphes bu xume breastes do eas'ly ope to let in thirling notes of noted laies : for , deftly song they han a charming scope ; so , nymphs themselues adore brows girt with bayes . than , willy ( ah for pitty of thine heart that drouping yearnes , at misses of these times ) take thou thy pipe , and of glee take thy part ; or cheere thy selfe with cordials of thy rimes . before the worlds sterne face , the world backe-bite so flyly that her parts ne'it perceiue : morall thy matter so , that , tho thou smite , thou maist with tickling her dull sence ; deceiue . than hy thee , willy , to the neighbour wasts where thou ( as in another world alone ) maist ( while thy flocke do feede ) blow bitter blast●… on thy loudst pipe , to make il's pertly knowne . for , sith the rude-crude world doon vs misplease that well deseruen , tell wee hur hur owne ; and let her ken our cunning can , with ease , aye shend , or lend hur sempiterne renowne . willy . ah wernocke , so thy sawes mine heart downe thril with loue of muses skill in speciall , that i ne wot , on mould what feater skill can bee yhugg'd in lordings pectorall . ne would i it let-bee for all the store in th'vncoth scope of both-twain hemispheres ; ynough is mee , perdy , nor striue for more but to be rich in hery for my leeres . ne would i sharen that soule-gladding glee in th'euer gaudy gardens of the blest not there to han the muses companee , which , god to-fore , is of the best , the best . now , wernock , shalt thou see ( so more i thee ) that i nill vsen any skill so mytch ( faire fall my swinck ) as this so nice , and free , in case i may my name to heauen stitch . for why ; i am by kind so inly pulde to these delices ; that when i betake my selfe to other lore i more am dul'd ; and therefro , keenely set , i fall to make . but , well-away , thy nis the way to thriuen ; and , my neer kith , for that wol sore me shend : who little reck how i by kind am giuen ; but hur wold force to swinck for thriftier end . hence forward then i must assay , and con my leere in leefull lore , to pleasen them that , sib to mee , would my promotion , and carke for that to prancke our common stemme : for , now ( as wends the world ) no skill to that ( or rather but that ) thriues ; sith swaines are now so full of contecke , that they wot ne what they would ; so , if they could ; they all would owe. so fares it in calme seasons with curst men ; if frennes forbeare , at home , hem to inuade , they wry their peace to noy each other then by plees , till they decease , or fall , or fade . so times beene keener now with common swaynes than whan as forraigne foe-men with hem fought : for , now they swyncke , but for flye law-mens gaines or seld they should possessen what they ought . but , what for this ? to mee it little longs to gab of sikliche notes of misery ; ynough is mee to chaunten swoote my songs , and blend hem with my rurall mynstrelsy . but , ô ( my wernock ) how am i to thee obligen , for thy keene reencouragements to skill so mickle lou'd and sought of mee as this of making with arts elements ? i not how i shall thriue therein ; ne how i shall be dempt of in these nicer times : but how soere so thou my workes alow , i nill bee ill-apaidon with my rimes . wernock . thou nedst not , willy ; wretch were i to laude thee in thy misses : for , i so should bee to th'adultries of thy wits-scapes , but a baude ne , as a friend , in sentence , should bee free . than , wend thou fairely on , with thyne emprise ; sing cleerely , will , on mine encouragement , and other swaines , more able to deuise ; and , fixe thee for it , in the firmament . ynough is mee so i may beare a part aye in the muses quire with those and thee ; i l'e sing ( at ease ) aloud , with cheerefull hart , no base ne meane but tenor of best glee . willy . and i , with thee , woll chaunt each counter-verse so shrilly that wee 'l make thilk quire to ring as euer do the angels ; who rehearse the loudest lauds of heau'ns-lord whan they sing . so , farewell , wernock , mickle thankes to thee for thy freedome , that canst so well deuise : phoebus now goes to glade ; than now goe wee , vnto our sheddes to rest vs till he rise . wernock . agree'd deere , willy , gent and debonaire , wee 'l hence : for , rhumaticke now fares the aire . io. dauies . finis . to his better beloued , then knowne friend , mr. brovvne . svch is the fate of some ( write ) now a daies thinking to win and weare , they breake the bayes , as a slow foote-man striuing neere to come a swifter that before him farre doth runne , puft with the hope of honours gole to winne runnes out of breath yet furthest of from him . so do our most of poets whose muse flies about for honour : catch poore butterflies . but thou faire freind not rankt shall be 'mongst those that makes a mountaine where a mole-bill growes ; thou whose sweete singing pen such layes hath writ that in an old way : teacheth vs new wit : thou that wert borne and bred to bee the man to turne apollo's glory into pan , and when thou lists of shepheards leaue to write , to great apollo adde againe his light for neuer yet , like shepheards forth haue come whose pipes so sweetely play as thine haue done . faire muse of browne , whose beauty is as pure as women browne that faire and long'st endure still mayst thou as thou dost a louer moue , and as thou dost each mouer may thee loue , whilst i my selfe , in loue with thee must fall , brownes muse the faire browne woman still will call . iohn onlet . int. temp. an other eclogve : by mr. george wither . dedicated to his truely louing and worthy friend , mr w. brovvne . london , printed for george norton . . to his trvly beloved louing friend mr william brovvne of the inner temple . roget . and willie . prethee willy tell me this , what new thing late hapned is , thou ( that wert the blythest lad ) art become so wondrous sad ? and so carelesse of thy quill , as if thou had'st had no skill . thou wert wont to charme thy flockes , and among these rudest rockes hast so cheer'd me with thy song , that i haue forgot my wrong . something hath thee surely crost , that thy old wont thou hast lost , but what is 't ? haue i ought said that hath made thee misapaid ? hath some churle done thee a spight ? dost thou misse a lambe to night ? frownes thy fairest shepheards lasse ? or how comes this ill to passe ? is there any discontent worse then this my banishment ? willie . why , doth that so euill seeme , that thou nothing worse dost deeme ? shepheard , there full many be , that would change contents with thee . those that choose their walkes at will , on the valley or the hill. or those pleasures boast of can groues or fields may yeeld to man : neuer come to know the rest wherewithall thy minde is blest . many a one that oft resorts to make vp the troope at sports , and in company some while happens to straine forth a smile : feeles more want , more outward smart and more inward griefe of hart , then this place can bring to thee , while thy minde remaineth free . thou condemn'st my want of mirth , but what find'st thou in this earth , wherein ought may bee beleeued , worth to make me ioy'd , or grieued ? and yet feele i ( naithelesse ) part of both i must confesse . sel'd , yet for such causes small : but i grieue not not now at all . roget . why hath willy then so long , now forborne his wonted song ? wherefore do●… he now let fall , his well-tuned pastorall ? and my eares that musicke barre , which i more long after farre then the liberty i want . willie . that were very much to grant , but doth this hold alway lad , those that sing not must be sad ? did'st thou euer that bird heare sing well , that sings all the yeare ? tom the piper doth not play till he weares his pipe away : there 's a time to slacke the string , and a time to leaue to sing . roget . yea , but no man now is still , that can sing , or tune a quill . now to chant it , were but reason , song and musicke are in season . now in this sweet iolly tide , is the earth in all her pride . the faire lady of the may trim'd vp in her best array hath inuited all the swaines , with the lasses of the plaines , to attend vpon her sport at the places of resort . corridon ( with his bold rout ) hath already been about for the elder shepheards dole : and fetcht in the summer-pole ; whilst the rest haue built a bower , to defend them from a shower , seil'd so close with boughes all greene , tytan cannot pry betweene . now the dayrie wenches dreame of their strawberries and creame : and each doth her selfe aduance to be taken in , to dance . euery one that knowes to sing , fits him now for carrolling : so doe those that hope for meede , either by the pipe or reed , and though i am kept away , i doe heare ( this very day ) many learned groomes doe wend , for the garlands to contend which a nymph that hight desart , ( long a stranger in this part ) with her owne faire hands hath wrought a rare worke ( they say ) past thought , as appeareth by the name , for she calles them wreathes of fame . she hath set in their due place euery flower that may grace , and among a thousand moe , ( whereof some butse ne for show ) she hath woue in daphnes tree , that they may not blasted bee . which with time she edg'd about , that it might not shatter out . and that they might wither neuer , intermixt it with liue-euer . these are to bee shar'd among those that do excell for song : or their passions can rehearse in the smooth'st and sweetest verse . then for those amid the rest , that can play and pipe the best , there 's a kidling with the damme , a fat weather , and a lambe . and for those that leapen farre , wrastle , runne , and throw the barre , ther 's appointed guerdons too : he that best the first can doe shall for his reward be paid , with a sheepe-hooke , fai●…e in-laid with fine bone , of a strange beast , that men bring from out the west . for the next , a scrip of red , tassel'd with fine coloured thred . then for him that 's quick'st of foote , a cup of a maple-roote : whereupon the skilfull man hath ingrau'd the loues of pan. and the last hath for his due , a fine napkin wrought with blew . then my willy what moues thee , thus forgetfull now to be ? what mak'st thou here with a wight that is shut vp from delight : in a solitary den as not fit to liue with men . go my willy , get thee gone , leaue me in exile alone . hye thee to that merry throng , and amaze them with thy song . thou art yong , yet such a lay neuer grac'd the month of may , as ( if they prouoke thy skill ) thou canst fit vnto thy quill . i with wonder heard thee sing , at our last yeares reuelling . then i with the rest was free , when vnknowne i noted thee : and perceiu'd the ruder swaines , enuie thy farre sweeter straines . yea i saw the lasses cling round about thee in a ring : as if each one iealous were , any but herselfe should heare . and i know they yet do long for the res'due of thy song . haste thee then to sing it forth , take the benefit of worth . and desert will sure bequeath fames faire garland for thy wreath . hye thee willy , hye away . willie . roget rather let me stay , and be desolare with thee , then at those their reuels be . nought such is my skill i wis , as indeed thou deem'st it is . but what ere it be , i must be content , and shall i trust . for a song i doe not passe , mong'st my friends , but what ( alas ) should i haue to doe with them that my musicke doe contemne ? some there are , as well i wot , that the same yet fauour not : yet i cannot well avow , they my carrols disallow . but such malice i haue spid , t is as bad as if they did . roget . willy , what may those men be , are so ill to malice thee , willie . some are worthy-well esteem'd some without worth are so deem'd . others of so base a spirit , they haue nor esteeme , nor merit . roget . what 's the wrong ? willie . a slight offence , wherewithall i can dispence ; but hereafter for their sake , to my selfe i 'le musicke make . roget . what , because some clowne offends , wilt thou punish all thy friends ? willy . honest roget vnderstand me , those that loue me may command me , but thou know'st i am but young , and the pastorall i sung , is by some suppos'd to bee ( by a straine ) too high for me : so they kindly let me gaine , not my labour , for my paine . trust me , i do wonder why they should me my owne deny . though i 'me yong , i scorne to flit on the wings of borrowed wit. i 'le make my owne feathers reare me , whither others cannot beare me . yet i 'le keepe my skill in store , till i 'ue seene some winters more . roget . but in earnest mean'st thou so ? then thou art not wise , i trow . better shall aduise thee pan , for thou dost not rightly than : that 's the ready way to blot all the credit thou hast got . rather in thy ages prime , get another start of time : and make those that so fond be , ( spight of their owne dulnesse ) see that the sacred muses can make a child in yeares , a man. it is knowne what thou canst do , for it is not long agoe , when that cvddy , thou , and i each the others skill to try , at saint dunstanes charmed well , ( as some present there can tell ) sang vpon a sudden th●…ame , sitting by the crimson streame . where , if thou didst well or no , yet remaines the song to show . much experience more i 'ue had , of thy skill ( thou happy lad ) and would make the world to know it , but that time will further show it . enuy makes their tongues now runne , more then doubte of what is donne . for that needs must be thy owne , or to be some others knowne : but how then wilt suit vnto what thou shalt hereafter do ? or i wonder where is hee , would with that song part to thee : nay , were there so mad a swaine , could such glory sell for gaine ; phoebus would not haue combin'd that gift with so base a mind . neuer did the nine impart the sweet secrets of their art vn to any that did scorne to haue their faire badge seen worne . therefore vnto those that say , were they pleas'd to sing a lay , they could doo 't , and will not tho ; this i speake , for this i know : none ere drunke the thespian spring , and knew how , but he did sing . for that one infus'd in man , makes him shew 't , doe what he can , nay those that doe onely sip or but eu'n their fingers dip in that sacred fount ( poore elues ) of that brood will shew themselues ; yea , in hope to get them fame , they will speake though to their shame let those then at thee repine , that by their wits measure thine . needs those songs must be thy owne , and that one day will be knowne , the same imputation to , i my selfe doe vndergo : but it will bee knowne ere long , i 'me abus'd , and thou hast wrong , who at twice ten hast song more then some will doe at fourescore . cheere thee ( honest willy ) then , and begin thy song agen . willy . faine i would , but i doe feare when againe my lines they heare , if they yeeld they are my rimes , they will finde some other crimes . and 't is no safe ventring by , where we see detraction lye . for doe what i can , i doubt , she will pick some quarrell out , and i oft haue heard defended , little said , and soone amended . roget . see'st thou not in cleerest dayes oft thick fogges cloud heauens rayes ? and the vapours that doe breath from the earths grosse womb beneath , seeme they not with their blacke steatne●… , to polute the sunnes bright beames , and yet vanish into aire , leauing them ( vnblemisht ) faire ? so ( my willy ) shall it bee with detractions breath and thee . it shall neuer rise so hye , as to staine thy poesie . like the sunne shee oft exhales vapours from the rot'nest vales ; but so much her power can doo , that she may dissolue them too . if thy verse do brauely tower , as she makes wing , she gets power . but the higher she doth sore , shee 's affronted still the more : till she to the high'st hath past , then she rests with fame at last . let nought therefore thee affright , but make forward in thy flight : for if i could match thy rime , to the very starres i 'de clime . there begin againe and flye till i reach'd aeternity . but ( alas ) my muse is slow : for thy pace she flagges too low . yea , the more'●… her haplesse fate , her long wings were clipt of late . and poore i , her fortune ruing , am my selfe put vp a muing . but if i my cage can rid , i 'le flye where i neuer did . and though for her sake l'me crost , though my best hopes i haue lost , and knew she would make my trouble , ten times more then ten times double , i would loue and keepe her toe , spight of all the world could doe . for though banisht from my flockes , aud confin'd within these rockes , here i waste away the light , and consume the sullen night , she doth for my comfort stay , and keepes many cares away . though i misse the flowry fields , with those sweetes the spring-tide yeelds , though i may not see those groues , where the shepheards chaunt their loues , and the lasses more excell , then the sweet-voyc'd philomel . though of all those pleasures past , nothing now remaines at last , but remembrance ( poore reliefe ) that more makes , then mends my griefe . she 's my smind●… companion still , maugre enuies euill will. whence she should be driuen to , wert't in mortals power to do . she doth tell me where to borrow comfort in the mid'st of sorrow ; makes the desolatest place to her presence be a grace ; and the blackest discontents be her fairest ornaments . in my former dayes of blisse , her diuine thoughts taught me this , that from euery thing i saw , i could some inuention draw : and raise pleasure to her hight , through the meanest obiects sight , by the murmur of a spring , or the least leaues rustling . by a dazie whose leaues spred shut when tytan goes to bed , or a shady bush or tree , she could more infuse in me , then all natures beauties can , in some other wiser man. by her helpe i also now , make this churlish place allow somthings , that may sweeten gladnesse in the very gall of sadnesse . the dull loanesse , the blacke shade , that these hanging vaults haue made , the strange musicke of the waues , beating on these hollow caues . this grim den which rockes embosse , ouer-growne with eldest mosse . the rude portals that giue light , more to terror then delight . this my chamber of neglect , wal'd about with disrespect , from all these , and this dull aire , a fit obiect for despaire , shee hath taught mee by her might to draw comfort and delight . therefore thou best earthly blisse i will cherish thee for this . poesy ; thou sweet'st content that ere heau'n to mortals lent . though they as a trifle leaue thee whose dull thoughts can not conceiue thee though thou bee to them a scorne that to nought but earth are borne : let my life no longer bee , then i am in loue with thee . though our wise ones call it madnesse let me neuer taste of gladnesse if i loue not thy mad'st fits aboue all their greatest wits . and though some too seeming holy do account thy raptures folly : thou dost teach mee to contemne what makes knaues and fooles of them . o high power that oft doth carry men aboue willy . good roget tarry 〈◊〉 do feare thou wilt begon quite aboue my reachanon , the kind flames of poesy haue now borne thy thoughts so high , that they vp in heauenbee and haue quite forgotten mee , call thy selfe to minde againe are these raptures for a swaine , that attends on lowly sheepe and with simple heards doth keepe ? roget . thankes my willy , i had runne till that time had lodg'd the sunne , if thou had'st not made mee stay ; but thy pardon heare i pray . lou'd apollo's sacred fire had rais'd vp my spirits higher through the loue of poesy then indeed they vse to flye . but as i said , i say still , if that i had willi's skill enuy nor detractions ●…ongue , should ere make me leaue my song ; but i'd●… sing it euery day till they pin'd themselues away . be●… thou then aduis'd in this which both iust and ●…itting is , finish what thou hast begunne or at least still forward runne , haile and thunder ill he 'le beare that a blast of wind do●…h feare : and if words will thus afray thee ? prethee how will deeds dismay thee do not thinke so rathe a song can passe through the vulgar throng and escape without a touch , or that they can hurt it much : frosts wee see do nip that thing which is forwardst in the spring : yet at last for all such lets some what of the rest it gets : and i 'me sure that so maist thou ; therefore my kind willy now , since thy folding time drawes on and i see thou must bee gon , i no more of this will say till we meete next holiday . geor. wither . imitatus est moschi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 idyll . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & meleagri epigram . antholog . lib. . i. s. olim inter otia rustica . to his melisa . lovd did cytherea cry , if you stragling cupid spy , and but bring the news to me , your reward a kisse shall be : you shall ( if you him restore ) with a kisse , haue something more . markes enough the boy 's known by , ti'ry colour , flamy eie ; subtill heart ; and sweetned mouth , faining still , but failing truth ; daring visage , armes but small ; yet can strike vs gods and all . body naked , crafty mind ; winged as a bird and blind ; litle bow , but wounding hearts ; golden both , and leaden darts . burning taper ; if you find him , without pity , look you bind him . pity not his teares or smiles : both are false , both forged guile●… . fly it , if a kisse he profer ; lips inchanting hee will offer , and his quiuer , bow , and candle , but none of them see you handle . poysoned they are , and such , as my selfe i dare not touch : hurt no sight , yet peirce the eie , thence vnto the heart they flie . warned thus , pray , take some paine , thelp mee to my boy againe . thus while cytherea cry'd him , sweet , within thine eys i spy'd him . thence he s●…ly shot at mine , 〈◊〉 my heart and crept to thine . pay you , sweet , the promi'st fee , him , i le swear , i did not see . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e * * the midsummer fires are tearmed so in the west parts of england . paralellogrammation an epistle to the three nations of england, scotland, and ireland, whereby their sins being parallel'd with those of judah and israel, they are forewarned, and exhorted to a timely repentance, lest they incur the like condempation : to render it the more effectual, some considerable notions are therein expressed touching ceremonies, and things indifferent, the lords supper, the civil government, the taking of oaths, the mark of the beast, the library of conscience, the great sabbath, and the two witnesses, with other particulars of concernment interwoven / written by geo. wither. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) paralellogrammation an epistle to the three nations of england, scotland, and ireland, whereby their sins being parallel'd with those of judah and israel, they are forewarned, and exhorted to a timely repentance, lest they incur the like condempation : to render it the more effectual, some considerable notions are therein expressed touching ceremonies, and things indifferent, the lords supper, the civil government, the taking of oaths, the mark of the beast, the library of conscience, the great sabbath, and the two witnesses, with other particulars of concernment interwoven / written by geo. wither. wither, george, - . p. s.n.], [london : . reproduction of original in huntington library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng repentance -- early works to . great britain -- history -- restoration, - . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - john latta sampled and proofread - john latta text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion paralellogrammaton . an epistle to the three nations of england , scotland , and ireland ; whereby their sins being parallel'd with those of judah and israel , they are forewarned , and exhorted to a timely repentance , lest they incur the like condemnation . to render it the more effectual , some considerable notions are therein expressed touching ceremonies , and things indifferent : the lord's supper : the civil government : the taking of oaths : the mark of the beast : the liberty of conscience : the great sabbath ; and the two witnesses , with other particulars of concernment interwoven . written by geo. wither . if this be not of god , 't is evil , and was inspired by the devil ; but whence it was , it will be known : for , that which is of god , hee 'l own . ezek. . . son of man , i have made thee a watchman to these nations ; therefore according to my word , give them warning from me . if thou warn them , and they turn not from their wickedness , they shall surely die in their iniquity , but thou hast delivered thy soul. be not afraid of them , nor of their words , nor of their looks , though they be a rebellious people , and as bryars and thorns unto thee , ezek. . . imprinted mdclxii years after the birth of christ , to prepare for the year mdclxvi after his passion . the printer to the reader . the author hereof intending whilst he was prisoner in newgate , that this epistle should be committed to any one , who would honestly and conscientiously undertake the publication thereof ; it came a while after the date , to my hands . but , finding it not authorized to be imprinted , i was for a time , fearful to make an impression thereof : yet , having seriously perused it , i thought the same so pertinent to god's glory and the present condition of these nations , not to permit such necessary precautions , forewarnings and exhortations to be smothered , that i have adventured upon what such a seeming transgression may make me liable unto ; hoping ( there being no prohibition to the contrary ) the publick benefit will more than recompence the offence , if it shall be offensive to any , in regard i have done it conscientiously , and not in contempt of orders , which are otherwhile ( by ingogitancy or casualty ) obstructive to their own good intentions by whom they are made . let therefore the approvableness of the matter , and my well-meaning , excuse me ; and let us make such good use thereof , that we may be all the more excusable to god and men . this is all i have to say , but , that it was not my fault it could not be finished at the press until this third day of may , , being long time after the date of the epistle . so farewel . this for a postscript hereunto i 'le add , which from the author , by report , i 've had . he that this book , by parcels do●h peruse , may both the author and himself abuse . in the way of this address to his own country-men , the author humbly tenders this following epigram , to the pastors , elders , and other members , of the french and dutch congregations , inhabiting within the islands of great britain . i have but seen your countries , ( not yet known their constitution , as i do mine own ) and , therefore justly cannot to your nations , as i might unto these , make applications . but , they and we have been professed one in faith and christian love , some years now gone ; and , i shall do the best of my endeavour , that so again it may be , and for ever . the jewish prophets very often hinted , what , being heeded well , might have prevented the judgments , afterward , inflicted on egypt , damascus , tyre , and babylon , with other neighbouring nations : so might i , had i the self-same gift of prophecy , presage to you , what darkly i foresee their lot , in probability , will be , when we have drawn forth our , unless with heed they seek how to avert what may succeed , and prosecute , what prudence doth require , when men behold their neighbours house on fire . your countries may perhaps , discern by this , some things that are among themselves amiss ; and by the constellations in our sphear , what exhalations are engendring there . if you so think , and shall it not contemn , let it communicated be to them ; for , whatsoere i either seem , or am , from whom , to you , these premonitions came , they may be of concernment , and are sent in hearty love , and with a good intent . if you with love vouchsafe them good regard , i have my whole aim , and a full reward . the sev'ral churches and the sev'ral states of protestants , will have the self-same fates throughout all europe , with small difference , unless , they in another mode commence , than yet they do ; and sensible become of that , which they are lately fallen from : for , self-love , and neglecting of each other , will singly ruine all , or , altogether . i somewhat have to utter , ( if god shall enable me ) to those without our pale : but , they so wholly seem to have forgot piedmonts late case , and germany's sad lot , that they must see a storm again appear , before ought can be spoke , that they will hear . our corosives ( if ev'r we shall be so ) have made us sit , that plaisters may unto our ulcers be apply'd . they smart and prick ; i therefore am become an emperick , and , this catholicon ( as it befalls ) was pressed from between the prison walls , which is not only at this time a den of thieves , but also , cram'd with honest men . newgate , march , . your servant in the love of christ jesus , george wither . paralellogrammaton . an epistle exhortatory and premonitory to all the nations in the three kingdoms of england , scotland , and ireland , with the dominions and territories to them belonging . the muses language suits with few of those who most need this ; i therefore now in prose express my mind . my pen , lord , so direct , that what i write may have some good effect . george wither , an unworthy servant of jesus christ and of all his servants , ( called through that annointing of the holy spirit , whereby every true professor of christianity is qualified for the work of his generation ) wisheth grace and peace in the same christ jesus , to all the inhabitants of england , scotland and ireland , with the colonies and territories to them belonging . providence , dearly beloved brethren , hath so disposed of me , that i have neither civil nor martial employment , as heretofore ; nor parochial , congregational , or oeconomical charge incumbent upon me , or so much as any certain place of residence upon earth , ( except a prison ) confining me to a local or particular duty relating to others ; nor estate or affairs in the world to intangle me : therefore , being a freeman in the spirit , though in corporeal bands for discharging my conscience , and obeying god rather than men ; ( and left at large in respect of other obligations ) i conceive my self bound to bestow the little remainder of my life in some national services , whereby god may be glorified , my brethren edified , and my country preserved from destruction . i am not altogether unknown unto you : for , i undertook long since , to be a remembrancer to these islands of great britain , with a resolution to execute that office , whilst i lived , as just occasions and opportunities should from time to time be offered , so far forth as god shall give me grace ; and i do now by this premonitory and exhortatory epistle , exhibite to your serious considerations , that which providence hath lately offered unto mine ; preaching in my laymode , the doctrine of repentance , which is to us as necessary to prepare the way of our lord christ at this near approach of his second coming , as it was in that generation whereto it was preached by john the baptist at his first coming in the flesh . that premonitor was single in his work , being thereto extraordinarily designed and qualified : i am but one among many , thereto fitted in some degree by god's ordinary dispensations : nevertheless , by a medium , having an allusion to his imitation , though much differing from it : for , as he was prepared for his work in that generation , by returning from conversing among men , into a desolate place or wilderness ; so , i have been prepared for that which i have to do , by conversing among men in the world ; and , as he finished his life and testimony against the corruption of his generation in a prison , so peradventure must i ; yea , without peradventure , if god himself prevents it not , with whose good pleasure i shall be well pleased . suffer me therefore with your patience to prosecute my work , and let it not be supposed that i have herein acted without commission ; nor let this allusion to john baptist , be misconstrued , as if i thereby arrogated or sought to insinuate an opinion that i am somewhat more than i am ; for , i conceive my self to be one of the least in the kingdom of heaven , and to be by the grace of god onely that which i am , having neither mission nor commission , but that of god's word and spirit , whereby every true servant of his is qualified , called , and authorized , to prosecute the particular services , whereto he is appointed in his time and place . during five or six eminent publick changes for about sixty years together , i have had place , means and opportunity ( otherwhile as a private , and sometimes as a publick person ) to be an occular or an ear-witness of many of the most signal transactions in these three nations , relating to their general well or ill being ; and was also a diligent observer ( somewhat sooner than most other men of my years ) of the peoples manners in private , aswell concerning god as men , even in persons of all degrees and professions from the highest to the lowest inclusively ; as may partly appear , by those observations , oriations , and reproofs , which i have heretofore published from time to time ; and for which i began to suffer , as i now do , nigh fifty years past . but , my endeavours having had little good effect hitherto , notwithstanding the various and manifold inter-changes of judgments and mercies , wherewithal god hath provoked us , ( nor by the frequent applications which his ministers have made of them , as occasions were offered ) i not thinking my self discharged from what i undertook , am willing to adventure the loss of more labour to prevent ( if it be possible ) that which i fear may ensue : and to that end am induced to add this expedient , hoping and believing , that some of this generation will be hereby awakened out of their security , when they have herewithal considered in how many evident particulars , god hath verified my presages to these nations , lately and long ago published , when there was little fear of such events . the generality , in my apprehension , is more infatuated and much more wicked than when i first took notice of the world , and so insnarled with all manner of confusions in things both divine and civil , that , unless we speedily and more strenuously return to god by repentance , faith and prayer , that we may be disentangled , all the great hopes of the temporal prosperity , which is by some lately conceived , will quite fail them , and all the severe judgments heretofore inflicted upon our true types , judah and israel , will be shortly executed upon us . i heartily pray we may escape them , and to that intent , forewarn you by these presents , before it is too late ; not being thereto moved by such phanatick impulses , as those are by some judged to be , whereby god hath enclined many of his servants ( on whom you impose contemptible names ) in various modes , to awaken you out of your dreams and security : but , i have attempted it , upon those motives , whereby they and i have been warrantably provoked to be remembrancers for your weal and safety , though maligned and persecuted for our good will : and that which inclined me to write unto you in this manner , was thus occasioned . i lately making use of my ordinary contemplative object , the written word of god , the better to preserve my faith and dependance in and upon him in these my bands ; and having in particular refreshed my memory with what the prophets left recorded touching the prevarications of the children of israel , and the inhabitants of judah and jerusalem , on whom the judgments fore-declared were afterward inflicted for their obstinate impenitence ; i perceived them to be so like us , and we so like them , both in our transgressions and wilfulness , that the contemplation thereof moved me to make this premonitory address ; and to preface it with such preoccupations as i thought needful ; and a brief recapitulation of those omitions and commitions , wherewith i found the jews to have been charged by their own prophets : hoping , the exemplification of such premonitions , so authorized , and having such notorious events , shall so prevail , that when you have observed , what they did , what you have done , ( and find it testified by your own consciences , how you parallel them in the same and the like sins ) you will not be so stupid , as to think , if you continue in them , that you can possibly escape the like judgements ; in regard , as the crimes are the same , or equivolent , so , you have the same accusers , and the same judge , with not a few witnesses and aggravations of your guiltiness . reade , hear and heed then what impeachments the prophets of god have in several times drawn up against his own chosen people , with what was threatned and befel them afterward , for their perversness and impenitency . the prophet isaiah personates the lord , accusing them to be , rebellious children , an ignorant inconsiderate people , laden with iniquity ; a seed of evil doers corrupting each other , perverse in their wayes to the provoking of his anger and still more and more apostatizing , notwithstanding their frequent corrections and fatherly admonitions . that , they were head-sick heart-sick , and unsound in every part from head to foot . that , nothing would work upon them to amendment ; insomuch , that but for a remnant , which he had preserved among them , they had been like sodom and gomorrah . the said prophet testifies , that they had made their worship of god , their sacrifices , and all their outward services of him ( even those which he himself had commanded ) to be as abominable , or as little regarded , as those which he required not at their hands . that , their princes and judges were rebellious , the companions of robbers ; lovers of bribes , and oppressors of the poor , the fatherless and widows . that , they polluted themselves with bloody defilements ; were guilty of a whorish unfaithfulness to god ; were covetous and cruel to men ; trusters to vanities and lyes ; wicked in their imaginations and practices ; and that by their manifold transgressions they had made a separation between god and them . isa . ch. . he upbraids them , with following the vain customs and fashions of other nations ; with multiplying ( their militia ) their garisons , and with their gross idolatries . chap. . he reproves them for their hauty looks , for the iniquity of their words & actions ; for their impudence in sinning ; for the insolency of their children , and for the imperiousness of their women , upon whose petulancies he much insisting , reckons up at least twenty of their feminine gewgaws and baubles , such as with us are multiplied into almost twenty times as many ; not omitting , their discover'd necks , their wandring eyes , their affected gestures or paces , nor the tingling of their shooes or slippers ; as if such vanities in their women were to be a sign to other nations in after ages , that some destructive change , was approaching unto them , whose women were become extraordinarily immodest , and addicted to new fangles . chap. . he brands them , with bringing forth oppression , when righteousness was expected ; with the sin of depopulation , by laying house to house , and land to land , until there was no place left for the poor ; with their early rising to be drunk , and continuing at the wine till night ; with excess in feastings and musick in times of general calamity , without considering the necessities and afflictions of god's people , or what he had done for them ; he reproves them , for their scoffings , for their slighting the works and counsels of the holy one of israel ; for calling good , evil , and evil , good ; for putting darkness for light , and light for darkness ; for being wise in their own conceits only , and for justifying the wicked , and condemning the innocent . chap. . he blames them , for not returning to god when he chastised them , and impeaches their princes and prophets , for leading the people to destruction , chap. . he impeaches their pastors and watchmen of blood-guiltiness and ignorance , terming them greedy , sleepy , and dumb dogs , hunting after game , and filling themselves with strong drink . chap. . he reproves their neglect of justice and mercy , their hypocritical fasts , and meer formal humiliations . chap. . he charges them also , with musing vanities , with plotting mischiefs , with speaking lies , with swiftness to shed innocent blood , with neglecting god's wayes , and prosecuting their own crooked paths , chap. . this is part of isaiah's charge ; and wherefore was it recorded but for our warning and instruction ? the prophet jeremy adding his testimony , witnesseth their ingratitude , apostacies and oppressions . chap. . mentions their sottish unaptness to every good act , and their proneness to that which is evil . chap. . accuses them particularly , of perjury , of swearing by false gods , of fornications , adulteries , and assembling by troops in brothel-houses ; and expresses the bruitishness of their lusts , by neighing after their neighbours wives , like full-fed horses . he brands them , as isa did , for being a rebellious people , fearless of god , betrayers and insnarers of men ; for having uncircumcised ears ; for being covetous , disaffected to the wayes of god , and for out-acting even the wicked in their wickedness . chapters , and . he charges them with confiding in lyes , with depending upon a meer formal profession of holiness , and with a vain conceit , that their having the temple of the lord among them , should sanctifie them and make them acceptable , notwistanding all their hypocrisie , idolatry and prophaness . chap. . he upbraids them with perpetuated back-slidings , obstinate impenitence , with surpassing brute creatures in their brutishness , with self-conceit and self-will , to the rejecting the wisdom of god ; and with being , from the highest to the lowest , even priests and prophets , false and deceitful in their hearts , tongues and practices ; in regard whereof , he adviseth every man to beware of his neighbour . chapters and . and in his th chap. complains , that both people and pastors were brutish . he complains also , that they encouraged each other to smite him with the tongue , that is , to slander him , ( probably like those in our dayes , who consederate in defaming the servants and messengers of god , that their premonitious reproofs and wholsom cautions might be the less regarded . chap. . he records the cancelling and burning his roll of prophecies , by the hand of their king ( which was as well done , as by the hand of the hangman ) with an intent to suppress his testimony against their wickedness , published by him upon a day of humiliation , wherein they hypocritically pretended to seek god by prayer and fasting . chap. . he testifies against their hypocritical asking counsel of him concerning their departing out of their own country into egypt , and then doing the contrary to what he advised them in the name of god ; and declares the malepartness of their women , in justifying their superstition ( and idolatrous huswifery ) in making spice cakes for the queen of heaven ( blasphemously so called ) and their wicked ascribing to that idol , the blessing of plenty , which they enjoyed ( by god's mercifull long-suffering and bounty ) in the times of their predominant i dolatry and prosperity , chap. . the prophet ezekiel brought in a large impeachment also , against them , and by a commission from god , arraigned them for rebellion and stubbornness , chap. . accused their prophets of folly , deceit , lying divinations , and of pretending to speak as from god , when he had not spoken by them : charges them with neglecting to make up the breaches of israel ; daubing with untempored mortar , and deluding the people with promises of peace , when destruction was imminent . chap. . he indicted them of ingratefully giving those good things , which god had graciously bestowed on them , to his enemies , and to ingratiate themselves with their adultrous lovers ; laying also to their charge the horrible sin of sacrificing their children to molech , chap. . and , with imputing injustice to god , as if he punished men for sins not committed by them ; and children , for those transgressions of their fathers whereof they were not guilty . chap. . he accuses the princes of bloodshed , the people of disobedience to parents , of oppressing strangers , the fatherless and the widow ; of dispising and prophaning holy things ; of making debate by tale bearing ; of incests , fornications and adulteries ; of unsatiable lustings ; of extortions , usury , and of wholly forgetting god. chap . he complains , that they pretended to godliness , and to a desire of being directed and taught by god's prophets , whereas they intended it not , neither gave much more regard unto them , than to balladsingers and fidlers , ( or in words to that effect ) chap. . he testifies , that their shepherds fed themselves with the fat of their flocks , and clothed themselves with their wool ; but neither fed those that were hungry , nor strengthened those that were weak , nor cured those that were sick , nor bound up that which was broken , nor sought out that which was lost , nor brought home that which went astray ; but , ruling over them by force and cruelty , caused the flocks to be scattered , and wander throughout the earth , chapt. . consider to whom this may be applied ; and who , as they did , have set their thresholds by god's thresholds , and their posts by his posts , as it is said the jews did , ezek. . the prophet daniel confesseth in his prayer , that their kings , their princes , their fathers , and the whole house of israel , had been transgressors against god's laws , and despisers of his prophets and servants . the prophet hosea calls them , the children of whoredom , and covenant-breakers . hos . chap. . he charges them , with being inconsiderate of their own wayes , corrupters of their kings , by making them sport , and rejoycing their hearts with wickedness , and delighting their princes with lyes . that , upon their festivals they made their kings ( or themselves , or both ) sick with bottles of wine ; meaning as i conceive , that they were drunk : for , it is usually said that great men are sick , when they are distempered with drink ; and poor men drunk ; and peradventure they then drank healths , as in these times , until they had by drinking healths to others , drunk away their own health . the same prophet sayes also , that they caused their kings to stretch out their hands to scorners : which may peradventure signifie the giving of their hands to be kissed by unworthy persons , as a testimony that they are in their favour . he further charges them , to be adulterers , heated with lust like ovens ; and that their kings and judges were apostatized through neglect of god. chap. . that they had likewise set up kings which he intended not to set over them , and such princes as he approved not of , ( which sin samuel laid also to their charge , when they desired a king like other nations . ) moreover , he impeaches them for covenant-breaking ; for transgressing against the laws of their maker , and being forgetful of him , and become strangers unto him ; for building such temples , and making such fortifications as he approved not of , chap. . and addeth , that they were a vine bearing fruit to themselves onely ; that , they had sworn falsly in their covenants , plowed for wickedness , reaped iniquity , fed upon the fruit of lyes , and confided in their own strength and policy , chap. . joel particularizeth such judgments as were approaching for their sins ; and exhorts them to speedy repentance . amos complains , that neither judgements nor mercies prevailed to reform them ; that , their sins had made their fasts , oblations , and other pious duties , abominable to the lord ; that , they deferred the evil day , and caused the thrones of oppression to be exalted : that , they stretched themselves upon their couches and beds of ivory , chearing their hearts with variety of musick , whilst the people of god were oppressed , and their sufferings by them unregarded . micaiah , chargeth those who were in authority with meditating mischiefs upon their beds , at night , and executing it in the morning ; as also with coveting and violently taking away other mens houses and inheritances , chap. . he charges their princes and rulers with ignorance in judgment , with hating that which is good , with loving that which is evil , with plucking the skins of the people from their flesh , tearing the flesh from the bones , and quite devouring them . he accuses their prophets of leading the people into errors , of being contentious and quarrelsome with such as fed them not according to their unsatiable longings ; of building up sion with blood , and jerusalem with iniquity . he affirmed , that the heads of the people judged for reward ; that the priests taught for hire ; and that their prophets prophesied for money , chap. . he impeached the nation of fraud and lying , of deceitfulness in their trading , and of using falshood in their weights and measures , chap. . he complained , that good and righteous men were perished out of the land ; that , they lay in wait for blood , hunting their brethren as with nets , and plaid upon both hands in their prosecutions of evil : that , their princes were greedy of gifts and bribes , plotters of mischief , and the best of them but a bryar or a thorn. that , children dishonoured their parents ; that , kinsmen were treacherous to each other ; that , the most dangerous enemies were men of the same houshold ; and , that neither friends , guides , guardians , or they who lay in each others bosoms , were to be trusted , chap. . the prophet zephaniah attested , that their princes were like roaring lyons and ravenous wolves gnawing the very bones of the people : that , their prophets were light treacherous persons , their priests violaters of the laws , and polluters of the sanctuary , chap. . haggai upbraids them , with neglect of god's house , and suffering that to be waste , whilst they were curiously trimming up their own habitations . zechary declares , the hypocrisie of their fasts , affirming that they were deaf to all good counsel , and that , because they would not listen unto god , he would not hearken unto them , chap. . malachi charges their priests both with offering polluted bread , and with making the table of the lord contemptible ; which last mentioned crime is now almost epidemical . these presentments were made and recorded by twelve good and lawful men , and are a breviate but of some of those transgressions which are enumerated in the books of the prophets , and charged upon the jews by their mouths and pens , before and after the babylonish captivity , even whilest interchanges of judgments and mercies were frequently dispensed to reclaim them , to the manifesting of god's wonderful patience and long-suffering during their prevarications . of his patience we have had the like experience , as also how unjustly some of his messengers whom he hath sent to reconcile us unto him by repentance , are traduced and persecuted as seditious persons , troublers of the common peace , and disaffected to civil governments . to the sins aforementioned , i might add the manifold provocations of the kings , princes , priests and people of that nation , in those dayes wherein they seemed to serve god with most uprightness . the patriarchs when they were but one family , during the life of jacob , failed grosly ; and moses gave a true character of their posterity in his time , as also what they would afterward prove : so did the prophet david in his generation , who , though he was a wise king ( and probably endeavoured their reformation as much as in him lay ) complained , that there was no good man left ; that , there was no trust to be reposed in princes ; and charged them , who were in authority , with establishing wickedness by law ; particularly enveighing ( in psal . . ) against the corruptions of those congregations of the mighty , which i conceive were equivolent with our parliaments , councils , and supream judicatories , as being extreamly depraved ; yea , he personates god himself , standing where he beholds their proceedings , and sharply reproving them , for their unjust accepting of the persons of the wicked ; for negligence in executing justice on the behalf of the needy , the fatherless , and the widow : for being wilfully ignorant of their duties ; for obstinatly walking on in darkness ; and for destroying even the foundations of righteous government . many other great sins was that nation guilty of , from the day of their deliverance out of egypt , until their settlement in the promised land ; and likewise from that time , still growing worse ( except otherwhile when they were under the rod ) till they committed the great sin of crucifying the messias , for which they were scattered throughout the world , to be preserved for a universal memorial both of god's justice and mercy to his people in all places and generations ( until their restoration and the fulness of the gentiles ) according to david's prophetical imprecation , scatter them , but destroy them not , lest my people forget it . signal were their murmurings , frequent idolatries and rebellions in the dayes of moses joshua and the judges . likewise , notwithstanding god's daily miraculous presence among them in a cloud and a fiery pillar , feeding , protecting and providing for them forty years together , in an extraordinary manner amidst their enemies and in desolate places , they were sottishly distrustful of him , and desired to return back again to that bondage from which he had delivered them by a strong arm. and , ( as if they had a natural propensity to slavery , and were necessitated to be slaves one way or another ) when god had performed his promise , by setling them a free people in a good land ; they ( being weary of the government by him established , which was to have been a preparatory unto his government , to whom alone all the kingdoms of the world belong ) craved to be ruled after the mode of such heathen kings as he had destroyed for their sakes . great were their failings and transgressions also , when they had kings according to their own desire ; and such kings as they were desirous of , occasioned their extirpation out of that good country which god had bestowed on them . in the dayes of david , solomon , asa , hezekiah , josiah , jehosaphat , ( the best of their princes ) they were guilty of great provocations , and of much greater during the reigns of their worst kings ; especially , of wilful and foolish jeroboam , who made israel to sin by his state-policy and obstinateness therein ; when , notwithstanding god's extraordinary advancement of him from the rank of common men , to a kingdom ( yea , to be a king over his own people , of whom he had rent ten parts in twelve from the posterity of his beloved david ) with a conditional promise to establish his seed for ever on the same throne , did neglect the performance of that condition : and we are thereby taught seriously to consider how difficultly they will be reclaimed , who seek to accomplish their ends by state-policy , rather than by conforming to divine counsels and commands . for , god proved him ( as he hath tryed others in the like manner in these dayes ) by no less than three miracles in one day ; manifesting two of them upon his own person , yet they took no effect . if with the fore-expressed prevarications , i should consider all the sins of these nations comparatively , illustrating the parallel as i could , to set forth what resemblance our sins , in this generation only wherein i live , have unto their transgressions , and how liable we are made unto the same judgments which were inflicted on them ( even to be cast out of our country , and be made vagabonds throughout the world , as they long since were , & some of us have lately already been ) it would either provoke us to a speedy amendment , or stupifie us with amazement . for , since i first knew the world , men of all degrees , professions and relations , princes and subjects ; peers and commons ; husbands and wives ; priests and lay-men ; parents and children ; tutors and scholars ; masters and servants ; high and low ; rich and poor , are in my judgment much more depraved than formerly they were ; and many among us , have so little regarded what ggd hath done for us , or against us ; so often resisted the holy ghost , and so hardned our hearts , that all premonitions being rendred fruitless , it may be feared that some of us will be found , as guilty of the blood of jesus christ and of his prophets , as the jews were : and as by long continuing in their sins , and by proceeding from one sin to another , they at length , by the just judgment of god ( who deservedly makes them quite blind who will not see when they may ) hardned into such an impenitency and blindness , that when their promised king and messias came to make them a glorious and a happy nation , they despightfully rejected , slandered , persecuted and crucified him : so , i fear some of us may so parallel them , that at christ's second coming ( which now draws near ) they will be liable to severer judgments , than have befallen to the jews ; which i heartily beseech god to prevent . but , it is your application , not mine alone , which must make this proposed parallel effectual ; and therefore i entreat you , to take it into serious consideration whilst ye may , before the day of your probation hath an end ; because you have had them for an example , as also the same fore-warnings which they had , with an addition of many other timely precautions . do it speedily , lest that evil spirit which god sent between the shechemites and their king abimelech ( and which hath already possessed many ) do by those animosities , which are still fomented between the late differing parties , render these nations uncapable of being reconciled to god , and to each other for ever . particularly , i beseech you who are in authority , to consider , what an illegal depriving peaceable men of their liberties , may at last occasion . to consider also , whether it be according to the priviledges due to the humane nature ( and by the antient claims and charters of these nations , so often confirmed ) that upon every slight suggestion , perhaps of an enemy or an envious neighbour , ( for the case will be altered , if there be a probable jealousie , that the common peace is hazarded ; whereof god will judge and avenge , if it be feigned , or satisfaction not made to innocent sufferers ) whether , i say , sober men should be debarred of their freedom , by close imprisonment many months and years , without lawful tryals , or knowing their crimes or accusers ; yea , shut up without means of subsistance , save what they have by charity ; not only their access denied , who of meer compassion are conscientiously inclined to relieve , but their wives , children , servants , and all others to them relating , restrained from speaking with them , concerning those affairs on whose prosecution and management , their , and other mens estates , credits , necessary livelihoods , and all their outward comforts may depend : not so much favoured as with permission to write a petition for their relief , or left necessaries to sustain the healths and lives of their own persons or families : much less to pay those large fees which are then exacted , and the charges which the prosecution of petitions to a hearing will require , where the success also is uncertain . consider , if such grievances be among us , whether it would not be more agreeable to justice , and a less provoking sin , to inflict death immediately upon every suspition of a crime , than to expose men to sufferings which are worse than death , contrary to law , and without permitting them to know either the pretended causes , or their accusers . consider , whether god or men can be well pleased , that their concealed foes ( and perhaps foes to the state as much as to innocent mens persons ) should be impowered to impose injuries as laws , and be lawless in their own persons , to the ruining or impoverishing of many thousands depending upon those who suffer in their own persons and estates . this is to turn honey into gall , and physick into poyson , laws into snares , and priviledges into the worst bondage . these oppressions i never heard of among the jews or gentiles , or among christians , until of late : and , if they be found here , and long practised , it will be impossible these nations should be reformed , or their peace be renewed with god , or established between each other : for the relations which men of all sorts and degrees ( howsoever differing or agreeing in their designs , judgments , interests or affections ) have to and with each other , such relations in their estates , alliances , credits or engagements ; and they are so linked together by one or more of these respects , throughout these three kingdoms , that the discontents and mischiefs occasioned by such oppressions , will extend to all at the last , from the highest to the lowest . the disturbing of stingless bees and their breed , will destroy the whole hive ; yea , and all the stalls of bees in these islands , and those likewise who are gathering wax and honey in the remote woods and wildernesses of the earth , for our inriching and their own subsistance , will be so affrighted and discouraged by finding themselves and others liable to such oppressions , and their quiet uncertain , that they will fly to another climate , lest hornets , wasps and drones be encouraged to dispoyl them of their hives , lives , and honey . to help prevent it , take this breviate which i have composed , and thereby compare that which your own consciences will bring to remembrance , wherein our sins have parallel'd or exceeded the wickedness of the jews ; and that this preparative may make it the more practical , recommend it at your meetings ( whilst you enjoy them , if you think it useful ) to be considered both joyntly and apart , by every single person and congregation , how much it concerns us universally and particularly , from the least to the greatest among us : and let not the seeming novelty of such expressions as i may casually insert ( or the despicableness of my present condition ) make you contemn them ; seeing this is a time of probation , wherein god is pleased to exercise your humility by his most despised servants , and by such dispensations and means as are denied by the wisdom of the world . the theam which i have undertaken is so copious , and will probably draw me into so many pertinent collateral musings , seeming to some impertinent , that i must apollogize now and then for it , lest you think me too immethodical ; in regard when the pen is in my hand , to such or such purposes as i first intend , i usually take in by the way all meditations which then occur , seeming necessary either to prevent prejudicacy , or to illustrate my prime intention : sometimes also , that which cometh so in , may be as useful as the main proposition . the apprehensions i now have of the sad condition and hazards which these nations are in ( at this present ) so distract my muse also , in some cases , that otherwhile , hardly knowing what may be fittest to be inserted or omitted , i may fall into seeming extravagancies . and , it is not to be wondred at , if i do : for the most excellent of god's prophets have often ( to our understanding ) been transported into such raptures ; and in such cases as this , so confusedly expressed themselves , by reiterating the same words and matter ; by flying , as it were , on and off , to and fro , and on and on again , in what they intended to declare ; that they intimate more by their dark confused and dis-joynted expressions ( to them who look as well after a spiritual as a literal sense ) than they could have done , by those methodical connexions and prosecutions , which would appear most elegant , and more plausible to carnal wisdom , in the rhetorical modes of our times . for , the prophets taking into consideration at one and the same time , the peoples extream perversness , and god's abominating of their sins , together with his unspeakable fatherly affection to the persons of his elect among them ( for davids and for his promise sake ) they in one verse or chapter of their prophecies , personate him exceedingly inclined to wrath or jealousie , and in the same chapter , or in the next , personate him as prone to compassion : in one verse threating their perpetual rejection ; immediatly after , comforting and promising to receive them again to his everlasting favour ; yea , and bitterly menacing those by whom he had chastised them , for adding their malice to his corrections ; which may seem , being understood according to the nature and common language of men , to imply contradictory passions or irresolution in god , with whom there is no shadow of changing ; but it the better insinuates into our hearts an apprehension of that fatherly tender-heartedness which god hath toward his people ; and signifies to my understanding ( with reverence to his unchangeableness be it understood by others ) that his people did as it were force god by their sinfull frowardness to imploy the utmost of his wisdom and omnipotency , to reconcile his justice and mercy on their behalf ; and that it is not in the nature of humane words or language to extend unto a full and plain demonstration of those particular notions which his prophets divinely apprehended in relation to god and his people : and if it fared so with them , much less will it be in my power , to put spiritual and supernatural contemplations into a meer natural or literal expression . discourses of this kind may challenge allowance of more than ordinary liberty , by circumlocutions or digressions ; for , like a physician who is to cure a patient who hath many complicated diseases , i am to apply this to a body which hath many contrary distempers , and must therefore make it such a catholicon , as may not more increase the rest , by curing one malady : and therefore i will endeavour that which my conscience inclines me to , with as much discretion as i can ; and the more distractions you find in this epistle , the more it will oblige you to a serious consideration of what is in my mode expressed . consider , whether ever you saw a picture made by the most cunning painter , so like the man for whom it was limb'd , or that any one thing can more truly resemble another , than the inhabitants of these isles , do resemble the people of judah and jerusalem in their prevarications ; and consider it so that your sins may lead you to lay the faster hold on god's infinit mercy , by abominating the one , and a right esteem of the other : for , god hath made as many gracious offers and promises to us , as to them . they , who had so many gross failings , were nevertheless , his chosen people and saints by calling , separated from other nations ; and i do believe , by the fatherly compassion extended unto them from time to time , and by the manifold conditional promises and deliverances vouchsafed unto them whilst they prevaricated ( in their miraculous preservation now they are scattered ) that , he hath still mercy for them according to his election , giving them an interest in the sure mercies of david ; and that in their open temporal chastisements , they shall be secretly purged through the hidden seed of grace remaining in them ; and received to his favour in the evening of the world . in like manner i believe that many among us at this day , who have in the outward man , failed very much , to the dishonour of god , and of their christian profession , having externally suffered , to the glorifying of god's justice , are and shall be by the same free-grace in this life , or at their translation out of this life , be received into favour to the like glorifying of his mercy in christ jesus ; yea , much more than it could have been done by their own righteousness , god having alwayes respect through christ's merits to what they did conscientiously , though it were over-ballanced by much humane corruption and frailty , yet remember still , that notwithstanding the infinit mercy of god , he is to be feared , and the more to be feared and sought unto with a filial fear , for the sake of that infinit mercy : and , let heed be taken , lest presuming upon his patience beyond our limits , we outgo the presumption of the jews , or draw very near to such a dangerous extravagancy . to that end , consider how god hath from time to time , sought to reclaim us by the like interchanges of judgments and mercies ; and how he hath tryed and provoked us , as he said he would provoke the jews , by foolish people in our esteem ; and by making his premonitions signal unto us , by acting to that purpose , many things appearing to be ridiculous in our judgments ; as for example , by making use of such a dispensation as this , and of such persons as i am , to be your remembrancers , by an impulse of conscience , which we think cannot safely be resisted , though we are otherwhile tempted , as jeremy was , to complain to god of that hardship whereto he hath exposed us : for , as the prophets of the jewish nation , being the watchmen appointed in their generations , to forewarn them what the success would be , if they neglected their duties , or the people to repent , being by them fore-warned : even so ( as i believe ) god hath now in some degree qualified me and others ( as he did heretofore a plowman , a herdsman , and a fruit-gatherer ) to be premonitors in these our times , of what we have observed to be misdone or neglected , by men ; and of what god hath done , threatned , and promised in his word concerning such delinquencies as we are guilty of , and such a repentance as is expected . in consideration whereof , i dared not for my part , but signifie what i have declared ; lest , though others perish in their sins , their blood may be required at my hands , for neglecting that , which i think my self bound in conscience to forewarn them of in my mode ; which is one kind of preaching , though not in ordinary . and though i have not the reputation of a prophet ; yet god hath made me instrumental in fore-declaring many things pertinent to the wel-fare of these nations , long before they came to pass : and i am one of those despised ones , of whom he is pleased to make use at such times as these , after the counsels and forewarnings of royal premonitors , honourable prophets , ministers and remembrancers have been long neglected ; and that which i have written will evidence me at last , to be neither seditious libeller , madman , phanatick , or one discontented with all governments and governours , as i am by some reputed , who will be of another judgment when they come to their wits : for , though i have not been wholly free from errors , those things which i write , are not such as i have learned , like parots taught by men ; or which were attained by reading or hearing onely ; but , such as were infused by god's word and spirit ; and such , as he hath witnessed to my heart more certainly , than that which is made known by sense only . if it were not so , it had been impossible for me to have sustained so many years without discouragement , those raylings , revilings , slanders , persecutions and oppressions , wherewithal i have been exercised by them , who ( as it befel to the prophets , apostles , and their true successors ) deemed my cautions & remembrances to be seditious and scandalous to authority , and falsly imputed unto me ( as is aforesaid ) discontentment under all governments ; whereas i have been actively or passively obedient to every government whereunto god hath subjected me , and reproved in general terms only ( in a sober peaceable way ) that oppression and unrighteousness , which hath been and will be distructive to all governments and governours who continue them . i neither was , nor am , nor shall be disobedient to the just commands of any governours or government which these nations desire , and god permits , ( though in his wrath ) but conscientiously , as i now do , submitted at all times to the power in being , and visibly enabled to protect me , as i ever thought it my duty , whether they favoured or dis-favoured me ; neither endeavouring to set up or pull down any , howsoever they acquired or exercised their authority : but remembred them sometimes of their duties , as aforesaid , whom i evidently saw to be forgetful thereof ; doing it also , without factiousness , and with such cautions as befitted me in my station . i am neither melancholy , nor sullen , nor delighted with contradictions : for , though i have been a man of strife ( as jeremy said god had made him to be ) i am not naturally constituted for such a work . my conversation hath been delightful to many ; my body is as sensible of sufferings as any mans ; my natural affections are strong in me ; my infirmities being great and many , render me as unable by my own strength , to sustain the desertions , close imprisonments and deprivations whereto i am and have been exposed , almost from the cradle ; and whereby the world seeks to fright me from prosecuting that , whereto my conscience enclines me . i likewise confess my self to be naturally as willing as any of you , to take my case and pleasure in those desirable things of this life , which other men affect ; and might probably have enjoyed them , if i had neglected what i have done , and that way imployed the little wit i have , or would desist from such prosecutions for the future . but , it must not be so : i have lost those advantages , that i might not lose my self , or you want a remembrancer ; and am better contented in their loss , than ever i was in their fruition . i would not fight against the philistims in saul's armour ; nor would my corruption have permitted me to do my work , if i had not been so long disciplin'd by sufferings , and at last been stript out of all that i had ( or might hope for in this world ) as now i am ; neither could i have had so much experience of god's mercy as now i have , in being extraordinarily ( i might say miraculously ) provided for , supported , and supplied , with necessaries for soul and body : nor could i have apprehended experimentally such comforts in this life , as are discovered unto me in and by my restraint and poverty : nor should i have believed , that god had so great a number of people in this crooked generation , as i do now know he hath : which discovery alone , is more joyous unto me , than all my losses and sufferings are grievous . therefore , if you believe me not herein , let not that which i seem to suffer in your opinion , be altogether useless unto you , for whose advantage , and for whose sakes i have partly suffered them : nor let these preoccupations , or those which i shall further add , be thought impertinent , considering what trivial blocks many men stumble at , if they be not removed ; especially when men , besotted with sin , and blinded with self-conceit , are drawn into a causless prejudice ; such as these digressions from my text may somewhat perhaps prevent , and hint somewhat also , by the way , usefull to other ends . but , when i have done , and said and written all that i can , it will not wholly prevent misconstructions ; for god 's word hath not escaped them . howsoever i cram in so many preoccupations , because they may be ( as i inferred before ) advantagious to some others in the like cases , and hint somewhat , collaterally pertinent to my chief design , though in other respects , they may be of no avail to me . there be weeds , which will permit no good seed to thrive in that ground where they grow , untill they be destroyed by often plowing ; or , until the earth be prepared by a crop of somewhat destructive to them . malice and envy are of the nature of such weeds ; and such herbs of grace , as rhue or repentance , which implies rue thy sin , will never take root , until they be extirpated and the heart prepared by love. therefore , let us lay aside that malice and vengeance , which lies yet at the heart-root of many of the late dissenting parties in these nations , notwithstanding the late act of oblivion ; and consider in what times we are , and to what period we draw near , by being guilty of the same sins ( or of such as are equivolent to those ) which in all ages have been symptoms and harbengers of destructive changes : and which do , as it were , compel god to withdraw temporary mercies from his own chosen people , and to inflict severe chastisements in their stead . heed well whether we justifie not them by our evil deeds , whose actions we have condemned in words , by our perpetrating the very same wickedness , which we exclaimed against in them , whom god dispoiled of their abused power ; and whether the same paths lead not to the same destructions ? observe , whether our neglect of common justice , of god's judgments and mercies , our ingratitude , our murmurings , our rebellions against him , our hypocrisies , apostacies , idolatries , superstitions , prophaness , oppressions , spiritual and corporeal fornications and whoredoms , have not been as great , as many , and as impudent as among the jews ? whether our thanksgivings , praisings , fastings , feastings , humiliations , and our other formalities in religious and moral duties , have not been as worthy to be rejected ? whether our boastings of our civil justice , of our just laws , of the glory and purity of our national church , be not much like their vain brags of their laws , of the temple of the lord , and somewhat like the vauntings of luke-warm laodicea ? whether it be not an abomination resembling ( if not equivolent ) to the jews impious and cruel sacrificing their children to molech , when we dedicate our children , under colour of a pretended zeal of offering them to god in professing chastity ( after the manner of heathen vestal nuns ) when we cause them to pass compulsively through the fires of their natural affections , to the hazard of their souls and bodies , in a suffering which god requires not at their hands : for , though chastity is a moral vertue , inforced virginity is none , but a sinful inforcement in parents , especially , when , under a pretended piety , it is intended only to save a child's portion ( or the best part thereof ) to be consumed upon their own lusts , or else to advance another child in their dedication thereof to the world ? consider also , whether we have not parallel'd the jews as well in civil as in religious misactings , and in some things outgone them ? whether our alliances and confederacies with professed enemies of god and his truth , have not been contracted more for other sinister respects , than to preserve peace and humane society ? and whether our trust unto , and in them , and in our own strength and policy , be not as evident in us , as it was in them , and as repugnant to what god approveth ? whether we establish not wickedness and oppression by laws , as they did , or more barbarously than they ; as by making some pay for that , whereof not they , but others have the benefit ; or , by making the formality of legal proceedings and tryals , so chargeable , that the remedies of grievances do often prove worse than the diseases ; especially to poor men who have most need of relief ; the prosecutions of whose petitions and suits for justice or equity , being so tedious , difficult and expensive , that the little remainder of their estates which the oppressors had left , is quite consumed by those courts and officers , which were constituted for a remedy ; as if they had been purposly ordained to enrich and maintain oppressors in idleness , who do little or nothing for their large fees. thus , to the loss of mens estates , the loss of labour and precious time is added ( with vexation of spirit ) to the undoing of many families : thus the caterpillers and locusts devour that which the storms had left : the oppressed man perisheth without compassion , and would grow desperate , if access to god in such straits were not cheap and easie . for what can they possibly do , who deprived of all outward means of livelihood , are also shut up in prisons , contrary to law and equity , both from the comfort of relations , and from endeavouring either for their liberty or subsistance ? consider , whether even they also upon whom such afflictions are come , and have no refuge but in god , do not still neglect him , and seek rather to be delivered by the world which oppressed them , than by being reconciled unto god , from whom cometh salvation ; and whether there be not many among us , ( even of those in every differing judgment , relating to piety , policy and humanity ) who wickedly devise false rumours , visions , apparitions , signs , wonders and revelations , to delude and amase the people , or to discredit those reports which are true ? and whether there be not some seduced rather by a feminine , than guided by a true masculine spirit , who , like the women prophetesses among the jews , put pillows under mens arms , to uphold them in their errours by their gipsie-like predictions ? some also , who , not only as the jews did , hunt after vain astrological predictions , which they call prophecies , & such sorcerous presages as mother shiptons , but who have dependance also upon them , and seek for ease in their troubles , and for cure of their fears and distempers , as saul did from the witch of endor ; and who , as others did heretofore , send to enquire of false gods , neglecting and contemning such remedies and presages of good or evil , as are grounded upon the infallible word of god ; as if they conceived that would be to them , what micah was to ahab ; and that they could expect no good presages to them from god's true prophets , or by ought grounded upon his word . i perceive too evidently that it is so ; and that this wicked vanity is fomented by the frequent publication of lying pamphlets , purposly invented to disparage truths . therefore , beware of them , and try all spirits before you trust them ( even mine as well as the rest ) that ye may know what to adhere unto safely ; and , neither be deluded by impostors , nor deprived of the benefits which you may receive by wholsome cautions : for , as we are in that time in which the elect will be in hazard of being deceived ; and though it is true , that , they who are not against us , are with us ; so , it is also true , that , many who seem to be with us , are against us , and by that means get opportunities , to draw us into wicked , or at least into uncomely and unsafe practices . consider these things , you who forget both piety and humanity , and whether our kings , our princes , our nobles , our commons , our gentry , our judges , our priests , our magistrates , our councils , our courts or trustees , our fathers , our children , our women , our servants , yea , all of us in general and in particular , have not prevaricated as the israelites did heretofore when they were most corrupt ? whether we have not set our thresholds by god's thresholds , and our posts by his posts ? whether our blood-guiltiness , our thieving , our drunkenness , our cursings , our swearings and forswearings , suborning of witnesses , and the perjury of jurors , have not made our land to mourn because of oaths , as much as their land did ? whether we have not been as guilty by immoderate coveting to lay house to house , and land to land , to the occasioning of depopulation ? by lying and falshood in our trading with each other ; by unequal weights and measures ; and some by vainly scatring and squandring away the estates and inheritances left them by their predecessors ? whether we are not as culpable by covenant-breaking , briberies , extortions , grinding the faces of the poor ; by selling them for trifles ; by prosecuting our cruel intentions , until blood toucheth blood ; by seeking to cover one sin with another ; by justifying the wicked , and condemning the innocent , untill our injustice cries as loud against us for vengeance as it did against them ? whether some of our nobles ( as we call them ) have not been companions of murderers and thieves , with indempnity ? whether we are not as guilty of persecuting , oppressing , and murdering the prophets and servants of god , by shutting them up in dungeons and prisons , till famished through want of relief , under false pretences of sedition , scandals , or of being troublers of the common peace ; as jeremy had been , if one consciencious blackamoore had not been more pitiful than all the rest of the people in jerusalem ? whether we have not set up such governours and princes , as god never intended to set over us , until we our selves would so have it , in imitation of our patern the jews ? whether our women be not grown as malepert in justifying their superstitions , as the jewish women were in the dayes of jeremy ? and whether their feminine extravagancies in new-fangled baubles , fantastick habits , dressings , gestures and postures , may not be a symptom of our approaching desolation , as it was a preludium to their captivity and rejection ? whether also , our superstitions devotion hath not fed and countenanced as many false prophets as jezabel did , suppressing , oppressing and silencing the true prophets and ministers of god and his truth ; making them also to be objects of scorn and ridiculous laughter in the publick theaters ? and , whether we have not often pretended both a reformation of our manners , for our personal advantages only , and a voluntary desire to be counselled and directed as the jews did , when they intended to depart from their country into egypt , yet , prosecuted our secret purposes , as if done in despight of god ? yea , and whether , as the judges of the jews , judged for reward , their priests taught for money , and their prophets prophesied for hire , we have not those judges , lawyers , and divines , who will make both law and divinity to speak any thing for their advantage , who may either prefer them or deprive them of their preferments ? consider all these particulars , and such other as your own consciences will bring to mind as considerable ; especially what covenants we have broken , and in what manner ; and therewith take notice and remember , that i do but offer it to your consideration , whether you are guilty of these sins in particular or not , leaving the verity thereof to your own search ; and the conclusion and application to your own consciences ; in regard if they be silent , it would be to no purpose for me to charge them upon you , though i could evidently prove them . i confess , i am very jealous we may be found guilty of all the aforementioned crimes ; of some of them , i know we are culpable , and of many also , unknown to the jews , which these latter times have produced . even in constraining men to act and profess in relation to religion , against their consciences , ( if it be according to the cryes i hear ) more cruel in that respect than the worst of their idolatrous kings . for , though they allured men to their idolatries and superstitions , i do not remember that any one of them compelled the worshipping of idols ; no not jeroboam ( who notwithstanding god's giving him a kingdom , with many gracious promises to establish it , was more wickedly politick than any other , to continue the same to his posterity in his own mode ) for , i do not hear that he forcibly restrained any from going up to worship god at jerusalem , or persecuted any for not worshipping his golden calves ; but permitted every man that would , to build high places , to plant groves , and to worship either the lord god , or idols , at home , as he pleased : neither do i reade that any of their best kings or governours made or executed any penal laws touching the conscience , except only after the return from babylon , in an extraordinary case , and in relation to the observing of those antient laws of their nation , by the breach whereof their civil peace could not well be without hazard ; at which time there was a penalty threatned by proclamation , and afterwards a covenant voluntarily and conscientiously made , or was at least pretended by prince , priests and people , for the breach whereof , confiscation of goods and exclusion from the congregation was menaced ; but how far forth it was put in execution it appears not ; no had any wrong been done thereby , because that is no wrong which is done to a man by his own consent ; no , nor that which is done against his will , if it be purposed for his wel-being , and cannot have any effect to his hurt , nor fail of that good which is pretended ; which inforcing the conscience can never produce , but the contrary rather : for god is never wel-pleased with any service unwillingly done , though the performance be good in it self ; and is alwayes highly displeased with every one , who for fear , favour , or for any other end whatsoever , acteth or speaketh against his conscience ; and no doubt as highly offended with all those who offer violence to the consciences of other men , in regard it is not only injurious to men , but a presumptuous offence also against a prerogative due and proper to him alone . if these prevarications be found among us , be it known that they are surer tokens of god's indignation , than those which we call plague-tokens are of their near approaching deaths who are visited with the pestilence : yet we have lately had other signs and tokens , which are both presignificators of the general judgment , and of the national calamities which will come upon particular nations and persons , when their sins grow ripe ; according to what our saviour christ foretold , luke . . where it is said , there shall be signs in the sun , the moon and the stars , and upon the earth distress of nations , with perplexity , the sea and the waves voaring ; mens hearts failing in looking after those things which are coming upon the earth : for the powers of heaven shall be shaken , &c. we have seen these or such like signs , whether taken in a metaphorical or a literal sense , and the sign also of the prophet jonas mystically revived ; in some of the saints of god , whose judgments are begun upon those of his own houshold : and his justice and mercy have been manifested upon many of them in our sight . moreover , though we who believe his word have therein sufficient manifestations , and look for no other signs of what is approaching ; yet , god hath vouchasafed to unbelievers in these dayes , what he denied to the like unbelieving and adulterous generation heretofore , if what hath been credibly reported may be credited : for , we have heard of more strange prodigies , dreadful apparitions , and unusual visions in the air , upon the waters , and on the earth , within a few years , than i have read recorded in all humane stories since the coming of christ in the flesh ; and , they are the more to be considered , in regard god hath been pleased to give us signs of what he intends , though ( as i said before ) he denied signs to those who desired them : and forasmuch as they made us no whit the better , it implies an experimental verifying of this saying ; they who will not believe moses and the prophets , will not believe one sent from the dead . if the signs and wonders lately averred be true , or but in part true ( as i am perswaded they are , though i never saw any such ) then they are very considerable : and no less considerable or significant are they , if feigned or delusions ; seeing they declare this generation to be presumptuously wicked beyond all before them , as daring to make , aver , and publish lies of that nature . if they are true , they are the finger of god , pointing to somewhat whereof they are signs , and which ought to be heeded : yea , though they are but delusions of the fancy , they are terrible signs of affrighted and self-condemning consciences . those apparitions which we see , or fear to see upon the earth , shew us from whence all our troubles come , even from our earthly-mindedness : and the signs which men see , or think they see in the heavens , invite us to look up unto those hills , from whence cometh our salvation . we have yet other signs of what is approaching , and of what will certainly ensue , if not prevented by repentance ; and they are very significant and observable , though very few heed them , or think themselves therein concerned . god foretold the obstinate jews , that he would provoke them by such as they reputed a foolish people ; and so have we been provoked by some among us , whose persons , words and actions appear unto the greatest number of us , not only foolish and contemptible , but impudent and wicked also . such were they and their actings , who came naked into our publick assemblies ; and by what spirit soever they were thereto moved , were signs , which i believe god permitted , to signifie , that he will openly discover our shame , and strip us naked from all those fig-leaves which we have patched together to hide it ; and take from us all those things which we have made our chief delight , pride , and ornament . and i am perswaded those signal actings of that nature , which were personated by some of the prophets , were in their times reputed as ridiculous and scandalous , as the extravagancies which have been seen in our dayes . they likewise , whom ye term quakers , and who with much resolution and patience , do sustain the persecutions whereby they are prosecuted in all places ; even they , as i believe , are instrumental by a divine dispensation , signally to foreshew that contempt which god will bring upon our false worship , false honour , vain complements , hypocrisies , superstitions , formalities in piety , counterfeit morality , and dissimulations with god and men. many take great offence at them ; and i do believe ( because it hath been averred unto me by conscientious men ) that some , so called , have professed and taught erroneous and scandalous doctrines ; for , there is no dispensation whereinto the devil hath not screwed many of his instruments , to disparage and hinder what was thereby intended ; but i do profess , that none among all them , of whose principles and conversation i have had opportunity to take notice , hath appeared otherwise to me than a truly honest and pious man ; and though their language and manners are offensive to many , they are not so to me ; because , if they be not taken up with an affectation to singularity , whereof i cannot judge , unless i could see their hearts , they seem to me such as are essential to their dispensation ; and had god fitted me for the same work , i should have done as some of them do , though i will not justifie all that some of them do . habakkuk in his mode , and at such a time as this , was a quaker : so likewise was ezekiel the prophet , and a sign to the jews , by god's dispensation in his time ; as appears , ezek. . . the word of the lord came unto me , saying , son of man , eat thy bread with quaking , and drink thy water with trembling and carefulness , and say unto the people of the land , thus saith the lord god , of the inhabitants of jerusalem , and of the land of israel , they shall eat their bread with carefulness , and drink their water with astonishment , that their land may be desolate of all that is therein , because of the violence of them who dwell in it . let this be well considered , and whether our quakers may not be a sign of the like judgement upon our chief city , and all these three nations ; yea , and to all those nations whither they have been dispersed , if they speedily repent not ; for , their actings and sufferings are not in vain . i have observed one occasion of hardning the hearts of many in this generation , which was not ripened until these latter ages of the world ; and though little notice be taken thereof , it makes many defer their repentance , and hardens the greatest number into a resolute perseverance in their wicked courses , by a mis-apprehending of god's wayes , a mis-belief of his word , ignorant of his justice , and a false conclusion drawn from an antient and true prophecy ; by reason of the long continuance and prevalency of sin , oppression and tyranny in those courses and postures wherein they have been acted . men have walked so far after the counsels of the ungodly , and stood so long in the way of sinners , that they are now seated in the chair of the scornful , and make a mock at reproofs and instructions , according to this prophecy of the apostle peter : in the latter dayes there shall be ( said he ) scoffers , walking after their own lusts , and saying , where is the promise of his coming ? for , since the fathers fell asleep , all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation ; pet. . . into these latter dayes we are fallen , and by not heeding , not believing , or by not rightly understanding the ground of this prophecy touching the revealed things of god , the scorners of good counsel have now fulfilled that prophecy , to their own disadvantage : for , to put the fear of god's judgments out of their own and other mens hearts , they scoffingly and prophanely conclude , from the long continuance and prevalency , as aforesaid , that sin and oppression have had in the world , from the creation until this day , that so it will be until the end of time ; and deride those who expect the coming of christ the king of righteousness . tush ( say they ) thus it ever was , and thus it will be for ever . god either heeds it not , or regards it not ; and the caveats , counsels , threatnings , promises , and premonitions of those who pretend to be ministers and messengers from god , are but politick devices of their own brain , forged out of envy and malice , to disturb us in our pleasures , diminish our profit , and weaken our power ; for after above sixteen hundred years preaching of their imaginary kingdom to come , we see as little , or less likelihood thereof , than was at the birth of that king whom they expect . to this effect are their scoffs , and thereby they encourage each other in their wickedness and oppressions . but they , and all whom they shall delude , will find themselves to have been much deceived . therefore , in hope it may awaken some out of their dreams before it be too late , i will declare unto you a mystery , by few yet heeded , which god hath revealed unto me in this my confinement , to strengthen my faith , when it was exercised and tried by that and such like atheistical arguments and objections of carnal men , who presume on the perpetuity of their kingdom : and i will illustrate as plainly as i can , that which i have apprehended , by looking back as far as the creation . all things that god created , were exceeding good , even mankind , which is now depraved , was made good and innocent , though of a constitution possibly mutable : that possible mutability god proved by an easie law given in paradise , without compulsatively necessitating , or byassing our first parents , to the right-hand or to the left , but evenly ballancing them with a free-will ; yea , and without debarring them , until their delinquency , from the tree of life in the midst of the garden , or from any other means whereby they might have been preserved and confirmed in their integrity ( so far forth as was pertinent to a creature left free and under no restraint . ) in this happy estate they continued , until the devil ( who had corrupted himself without a tempter ) being moved thereto through envy , seduced our said first parents through subtilty : for , he perceiving them to rest satisfied with the knowledge of good only , without desiring cognizance of evil ; first , by lying , prepossessed them with an injurious misbelief of god , and then , with a false and vain opinion , that they should become like god , by knowing both good and evil , if they did eat of the tree by him forbidden . that suggestion being entertained , begat in them a desire of an unprofitable knowledge ; and that desire being conceived , corrupted into an actual disobedience of god's command ; whereupon they quickly found themselves to be guilty , naked and miserable . their former free liberty of access to the tree of life was obstructed , as also the influence of many graces formerly vouchsafed , and they were turned out of eden into the world , to get their living by the sweat of their brows , in painful tilling the accursed earth , liable both to a corporeal and spiritual death : and , since it was their own choice and desire to know both good and evil , god determined they should experimentally know them , and that priviledge be derived to all the posterity of adam , to satisfie their curiosity , and make them really and throughly sensible thereby of their neglecting his goodness , of the devil's malice , whom they believed , and of their own unfaithfulness , ingratitude and folly , untill the time were accomplished , wherein the seed of the woman should break the serpent's head . divine justice did so decree also , that after their exclusion out of eden for disobedience , there should be enmity between the seed of the woman and of the serpent for ever ; and a certain space of time allowed , wherein both righteous and wicked men , should have an actual as well as a contemplative experience of good and evil , by permitting men , good and evil angels , to make tryal what their own power , wisdom , folly , righteousness or wickedness could produce , whilst god stood as it were indifferently looking on as a superintendent , to prevent ( as occasions would be offered ) what might else by their misactings , be destructive to the whole humane nature , to the residue of his creatures , or to his eternal decrees . ignorance of this mystery , and not being acquainted with the concurrant justice and mercy of god , revealed in his word , inclines depraved men to think and say , all things continue as they were since the creation ; and that , so they shall continue for ever : which evidently appears to my understanding to be otherwise determined ; and how that long toleration of wickedness from which they extract their false conclusion , shall ripen it unto the destruction of it self . but , because this mystery hath been long vailed , and is yet beclouded , i will express the same as it hath appeared to me in this my loneliness , that it may help strengthen the faith and hope of those who can receive it , as it hath fortified mine , to the making a large amends for all my sufferings . the better to explain it , i must walk a little about by the way of circumlocution , that i may fetch in some collateral notions , which will be pertinent to my main design . slight them not , my dear brethren , though in some circumstances i may differ from you in judgement : for , if we continue in the love of christ jesus , and of each other , that love will at last bring us into all truth , make all , who are of one house , to be of one mind , and cover a multitude of other sins , as well as our ignorances , which are not wilfully contracted . i proceed with my promised illustration . god almighty ( all whose actions are eternal ) when he was pleased to give a being unto time , and make a visible world , seemed in some respects , to work according to the manner of men , the better to suit his workings , to the natures and capacities of his creatures ; as by making his actings to be temporary , and that which he could have perfected in one moment , to be the work of six ordinary dayes . in which time , he having compleated all created things , and put them into an orderly way of procreating and continuing themselves by his assisting providence , and superintendency , it is said he rested the seventh day , and sanctified it . not , that he needed rest , or the setting apart of any portion of time for himself , who is lord of eternity , but in respect only to mankind , and to what should come to pass about the later end of time. the consideration of that rest , and sanctification , dictated unto me that which i have discovered of the foresaid mystery ; in the illustration whereof , i shall hint upon some particular notions , repugnant to what hath been commonly believed by many good men concerning the sabbath ; wherein i hope to be as charitably censured , as i consure those , who sincerely declare their judgements , though they are not the same with mine . i am not of their opinion , who suppose the fore mentioned sanctification of a part of time , did imply that seventh day , which was afterward commanded to be observed by the jews when they were brought out of egypt : for , it is said by moses , deut. . . that the sabbath at that time injoyned to be observed , was instituted for a remembrance of that deliverance , as likewise to preserve them alwaies mindful to be merciful to servants , cattel and strangers , as god was to them , in vouchsafing rest and deliverance from their hard labour , and cruel taxmasters , in the land wherein they had been strangers and servants : and ( the sabbath being made for man , and not man for the sabbath ) it was chiefly for that end commanded . nor do i think the sanctifying of the seventh day at the creation ( or that which was injoyned to the jews ) implyed the sanctification of that which is called the lord's day , which is observed by most christians , according to an antient custome for a day of assembling together in regard upon that day of the week , our saviour jesus christ ( with whom the jewish sabbath was buried ) arose from death to life upon that day of the week . yet i my self do observe that day , and acknowledge the observation thereof ( if not judaically or superstitiously kept and imposed ) to be a pious custom and institution , as well tending to our edification in faith and good life , by our meeting to hear god's word , and communicate in other pious duties , as toward a fulfilling that part of the moral law , which is contained in the ten commandements , and injoyneth an allowance of competent rest , and corporeal refreshment to servants , cattel and strangers , who would else be oppressed by unmerciful masters and owners , who either know not how to use their christian liberty , or are ignorant what is due to the creatures by the law of nature ; and for that reason , provision hath been prudently made by the practise of the church , and by christian princes upon penalties , for allowing of certain portion of time , and they are not wilfully to be neglected , nor superstitiously to be observed ; but , for conveniency , comliness , and order sake , that we may associate in the service of god , and communicate in holy duties , at such times , to the edifying of each other : yet over and above those times , god provided a supplement for moral rest , and spiritual contemplations , by allowing to every day , a night wherein to rest the body by sleep , and to refresh the mind by prayer and meditations . but , i do not find that the lord's day was injoyned by any evangelical precept to be observed instead of the jewish sabbath , and in such manner as that was : or that the said jewish sabbath was given at the creation , or at any time since by divine institution , to be an universal law to all mankind , or to any of another nation , save only to those who became jewish proselytes whilest the ceremonial law was in force . for , had it been otherwise , then that seventh day should questionless , have been universally made known , and kept without scruple by other nations , without changing it into another day , until it had been divinely done by the same law-giver , and that change declared at the promulgation of his new covenant in the gospel , it being not in the power of any other to change his ordinances , or to warrant a variation from them in the least punctilio , whether they concern faith or manners . the observation of dayes and meats , with such-like ceremonies , had their end in christ ; and every man is left at liberty , as concerning a religious observation of such things , to do as the present necessity requires , and as he thinks himself in his own conscience obliged : and therefore the apostle implicitly reproving them who presumed to judge between another mans conscience and god ( to whom only he stands or falls as his servant ) expecteth every one to do as he is perswaded in his conscience ; and saith , rom , . he that observeth a day , observeth it unto the lord , and he who observeth it not , forbears the observation thereof in conscientious obedience to the lord also : which liberty he would not have given , had a set day been essential to the morality of the fourth commandment . therefore i am not offended with any one , what day soever he observeth or observeth not , who doth it conscientiously , not contentiously ; neither condemning himself in that which he alloweth or disalloweth , nor judging uncharitably of others who claim the like liberty of conscience . and i hope the conscientious sanctification of dayes piously set apart for religious duties , will be rather better , then less observed , by what i have hitherto , or shall hereafter express ; for there be many , to my knowledge , who are more zealous in professing the observation of this or that day , then in truly observing any day as they ought to do ; as also of many other christian duties ; and such persons will take most offence at what i have expressed . it is also to be considered , that the ceremonial observation of a seventh part of time for the competent rest of mens bodies , and providing due nourishments and refreshments for the soul ( as also for performance of holy duties ) neither is , nor was , or can be essential to the morality of rest , or of religious duties , but circumstantial and ceremonial only ; in regard a due portion of time , or any set time for these purposes , cannot be just the same portion , or a like expedient for all , but must be more or less , oftener or seldomer , according to the differing strengths , weaknesses , ignorances , or other defects , necessities , or occasions of individual persons , who shall need the same ; and who must take and be allowed such times , and so much time , as shall be necessary , and is required by that morality , which was written in the hearts of all men , among the residue of universal morals at the beginning of time . and the rest of that mystical sabbath , which god is said to have sanctified as aforesaid , is neither pertinent nor communicable to beasts , or meer natural men ; or to any , save to those saints who are made one with god in christ jesus ; and , who have wrought , and are to work with god and him , in the six dayes of a thousand years a piece , upon the work of regeneration ; and in maintaining good against evil , until it shall obtain the conquest . these things considered , the sanctifying of a more excellent sabbath , than that which was observed by the jews , or , than that which is called the lord's day , seemeth to have been intended by that which god is said to have sanctified at the creation ; and the mystery which i would shew forth , relating to a confutation of the error occasioned by the long continuance of wickedness and tyranny in the world ( and which was in part discovered unto me , by meditating the fore-going circumstances ) is this ; god , having finished his work of creation the sixth day , ( wherein man was also made , for whose sake the world was made ) his wisdom fore-seeing what the devil's malice , and humane curiosity would produce , by desiring the knowledge of good and evil ; it was his good pleasure ( all his operations as to things temporary , being in number , weight , and measure , and a thousand years with him but as one day , and one day as a thousand years ) that , as he had wrought six common dayes upon the work of creation , so his intellectual and reasonable creatures , having made themselves work by their prevarications , should have six mystical dayes of a thousand years a piece , according to the vulgar accompt , wherein to do those works which they ought to do , or had a desire to do , that so they might have a sufficient time wherein to compleat their knowledge of good and evil , according to their longing , as aforesaid : and the seventh day which god sanctified after the work of creation , is , as i believe , that mystical day of a thousand years ; or that seventh part of time , ( be it sooner or later ) wherein christ , according to their expectation in the main , whom you call fift-monarchy-men , shall visibly reign upon the earth with his saints , as john hath prophesied , revel . . . at which time will begin that great and everlasting sabbath , wherein they shall rest from their labours , and wherein they , who have seen christ upon the earth in his humiliation , shall there also behold him in his glorification , to the rejoycing of his chosen people , and to the confusion of his adversaries ; not in such a gross , carnal manner , as is fancied by some , but as becomes glorified bodies ; and as was partly typified , by our saviours transfiguration upon the mount , when his disciples then present , well knew not what they either saw or said ; or , as it was at the hour of his ascention , which is neither expressible or intelligible , in the state wherein we now are . during the first six thousand years of time , good and evil are permitted to execute their distinct and mixt powers and faculties , in working out their ends , and in struggling for the mastery , and manifestation of their natures , as they best can , in and by all those who are to them respectively inclinable : and , when that six thousand years are compleated ( abating so much thereof only , as the violent fury of the devil , antichrist , and their confederates , shall diminish of their own time , within the last six thousand years ) then the wickedness of the wicked , the righteous endeavours of good men ( so far forth as it is meerly their own ) and all that seems good or evil in their own strength , weakness , wisdom , folly , ungodliness , or piety , shall come to an end , and be of no force or esteem : whereof , the devil began to be afraid , when he said to christ , art thou come to torment us before the time ? that , seems to me , the seventh day which god is said to have sanctified , and to rest on after his six dayes work aforesaid ; and , in my apprehension , the preceding thousand years before that great sabbath , are the six mystical dayes wherein men should have permission , as i said before , to do those works which they had a desire to be doing , for perfecting their knowledge in good and evil in this life , after they had , by disobeying god in our first parents , entered into a confederacy with the devil . this sense of that mystery i received not from men , but , by meditating an interpretation of the first chapters of the old testament , by comparing them with the last chapters of the new testament , and by what i collected out of that prayer which christ himself left unto us to be a pattern of what we might absolutely pray for ; in regard whatsoever i am taught by him to pray for , i am warranted undoubtingly to believe . now , according to the contents of that prayer , i do believe , that the name of our heavenly father shall be hallowed upon earth , and his kingdom come down visibly among us , and his will be here done as it is in heaven ; which can never be until that great sabbath . i believe also , that all who seek after his kingdom which is to come , with sincerity in the first place , shall be daily fed with the bread of eternal life , and supplied with all things necessary for prosecuting their work in the mean time ; that our sins shall be forgiven us , as we , by his example , forgive those who have trespassed against us : that in all our tryals and temptations , whereby god exerciseth our faith , we shall be delivered from whatsoever is evil in them , and be at last partakers of his kingdom , power and glory , even here upon earth where we have suffered with him , when that great sabbath , afore-mentioned , begins ; and in heaven for ever . but , you may think , perhaps to your discouragement the mean while , that time is very far off , because by our ordinary computation of times and years , there will seem to be about years unexpired of the last thousand of those years in which antichrist with his mystery of iniquity was permitted to reign , years , after he had attained to his full power . nevertheless , let not that infringe the patience of any ; for , though god is absolute in fulfilling the times promised for the benefit of his elect , he doth not so oblige himself to those times which concern the lengthning out the kingdoms of his enemies , but that they may be shortned by their own actions , according to this saying ; the wicked live not out half their time . it is probable , that our chronology is defective , some chronologers differing in their accompt hundreds of years , and they about or years who differ least . or , if it were not so , the time of our suffering may be shortned for the sake of god's elect ; yea , christ hath promised that it shall be shortned for their sake , matth. . . and probably , the shortning the last dayes of tribulation , will be occasioned by god's permitting his and their adversaries , to be so violent and infatuated in their furious prosecutions of malicious designs to uphold their tyranny , when they feel it tottering , that they themselves will thereby shorten their own time ; and that the kingdoms of the devil , antichrist , and the world will be so divided and confounded in their designment and prosecutions , that they shall help destroy themselves and their kingdoms , by their own actings , and by provoking god , ( according to his conditional decrees ) to come in , when evil is at the highest pitch of malignity ; to make it evident , that by his power and goodness alone , good becomes prevalent against evil. and , probably some dispensations of mercy in that kind , will be vouchsafed as to the weakning of antichrist's kingdom , betwixt this time , and the year , according to our computation after the birth of christ ; but , that number of the name , or power of the beasts , whose time of tyrannizing is thereby limitted from the last of the times of the distinct highest exaltations of the two beasts , until the full end of their powers , will not be until so many years after the passion of our saviour , if i have not mis-grounded my judgment , as i believe i have not . for , at the time of christ's passion , the last of those earthly monarchies which have oppressed the saints , was at the highest ; and ever since it hath declined : their longest time of continuance ( as i conceive ) being mystically numbred out unto them , in their own numerals , which put altogether in order , according to their distinct valuations singly , can make no more , as these their characters demonstrate , than m. d. c. l. x. v. i , which is a m. years for the continuance of heathen romes tyranny , after it was at highest , until it was swallowed up by that beast which arose out of it , ( for , old romes tyranny continued in the civil government of that empire after christian emperours had the title ) the remainder of the aforesaid sum , being dclxvi , is the time of the reign of antichrist ( or the man of sin ) after he attained to an absolute supremacy , which will have an end in or about the seventeenth hundred year after christ's nativity , by our accompt , if chronologers have not misreckoned the times . this is my judgment of the number of beast . when that day comes , i believe the souls under the altar will no more cry , how long lord ! we shall not then think the dayes or years of our suffering , for righteousness sake , were over many ; nor will the scoffers then ask any more in derision , where is the promise of his coming ? then , how long or short a time soever it be , during which , the present , or the last tryal of the saints must continue ; let us consider how little a few years , more or less , are in respect of eternity , and of how small consequence all that is which we can suffer , in comparison of that reward which is prepared for those who overcome by patience . what can we lose ? or , what have they lost , who have been translated out of this life , by the cruelty of their persecutors , but that which would have been a greater disadvantage had it not been lost ? perhaps that experience which i have had , in my particular , of god's extraordinary strengthning me in my sufferings , by the encrease of hope and consolations vouchsafed , may be believed by some , to the augmentation of their constancy and comfort ; i do therefore unfeignedly profess ( though i profess it in much frailty of the flesh ) that if god continue his mercy begun ( which i doubt not of ) and shall give me a full draught of those cordials , whereof he hath vouchsafed me a taste , i think i should not repine to undergo for his glory , the heat of those terrible dayes , which are begun , or near approaching : for , i conceive it will not be much hotter than the fiery furnace , which was heated sevenfold more than usually , for shadrach , mesech , and abednego ; and i beleive , that to strengthen and preserve me , i should have the same companion they had in that fiery tryal , if it might be so much to god's glory . let not then the length or sharpness of any persecution discourage from a constant waiting upon god , whose grace will be a sufficient assistance in all probations . nor let your imperfect apprehensions of those mysterious expressions , whereby the estate of that sabbath or kingdom , afore-mentioned , is described , mislead you either into a distrust of the reality thereof , or into any carnal mis-belief , misteachings , or mis-actings , by a vain curiosity of seeking to know further than is plainly revealed , before the time . for , fancy is apt to make many erroneous representations ; and that which shall be , is darkly expressed , for the exercise of our faith ; and we can no more apprehend it , as it is ( being in the state wherein we yet are ) than children of a month old , can declare what manner of life they shall here live , when they come to ripe years . it may suffice , that so much is declared and unfolded , by what is fulfilled , and so demonstrated by allusions to things of which we highly esteem , that it may assure us , there is an unspeakable glory and happiness , prepared for all those who believe , and suffer for righteousness sake . our sight , is yet too weak to behold it ; our hearts are too narrow to apprehend it ; and that hour of the day , is not yet come , which will manifest to any , so much as will hereafter be made evident to all . but , that we may not make our afflictions and troubles greater than else they would be , and our consolations less than they might be by our own defaults ; and so imbitter our spirits against the truth , and each other , that repentance and reformation be obstructed thereby ; and lest also , through defect of true piety towards god , or of true charity to men , we be found rather sufferers altogether for our sins , than for righteousness sake , to the making of our sorrows endless in this life ( as it happeneth to many ) or to the rendring of us more wicked and cruel , when our sufferings be removed , than we were before ; to the perpetuating of an unhappy condition hereafter : be pleased , for prevention thereof , to take notice of a triple memorandum , which coming suddenly into my thoughts , i shall here inssert as necessary for us all to take heed of at this time , though i know it will disadvantage me in the opinion of many . the first branch of it , is pertinent to god's glory : the second , to the civil government and governors whereto he hath subjected us : and the third , pertains to all those whom he hath put under their subjection . observe it well , o ye brittish nations , and repent of your sins in general and particular , both against god and men ; especially of your intrenchments against god's prerogative , and your temporal and spiritual oppressing the members of his son jesus christ , by the dishonoring of him in his chief attributes ; and by the breach of your publick faith , plighted to him and his people , against whom very many of us have , in my judgment , much exceeded the parallel afore-mentioned , and all that i find recorded against any other nation . if we expect a reconciliation to god , by a pardon for that , and our other manifold transgressions , let us acknowlédge our sinfulness against the infinit extent of god's mercy intended to all mankind in general ( which is the first branch of my memorandums ) and not limiting it , as many do , suppose they glorifie him in so doing , whereas , it is apparantly to his dishonour , and will be to the inflaming of his wrath , when there will be most need of his fatherly compassion . for i will be bold to aver ( though some probably will be offended at it , by whose charity i have been here in part relieved ) that the brotherly love and true repentance whereto i would perswade , will never be effectually attained unto by them , who knowingly , premeditately , and wilfully persevere in denying the universal redemption of mankind by jesus christ ; seeing thereon depends god's most glorious attribute ; and in regard it is that , for which we are much more obliged unto him , than all the rest of his creatures , he cannot but be highly displeased with all those who confine the extent of that mercy . i know many in these times ( some of them in other respects very good and learned men ) who think universal redemption to be a new doctrine , terming it arminianism and popery ; but , it is neither new , nor repugnant ( as is pretended ) to the orthodox doctrine of election , predestination and the free-grace of god ; nor ascribes ought more to nature by the consequences thereof , than tends to our justifying of god , and to our self-condemnation , if that which he hath given us be not husbanded , according as he hath and doth enable . the holy scriptures evidence it to all who rightly understand them . so far is it also from being a novelty ( as ignorant hearers are made believe ) that it was received and professed for a necessary truth by the churches of god in all ages since christ's birth , and contradicted by very few in the first times of christianity . yea , it was believed many hundreds of years before arminius was born , or popery had a being in the world ; and will be professed when the opposers and traducers of that verity shall be quite rooted out of the evangelical kingdom . it is , i confess , a doctrine imbraced by many in the church of rome ; but that makes it not erroneous . if we renounce all things approved of by hereticks , and which antichrist and his confederates imbrace and profess , we shall more disadvantage the kingdom of christ thereby , than they have done by all their heresies , idolatries and superstitions ; for they acknowledge the holy scriptures , and all the articles of our creed ; and hold ( though in unrighteousness ) a great part both of moral and evangelical truths , by a verbal profession , and with a mixture of humane traditions ; because , if they did not so juggle , they could never have been hopefull to effect what is intended by their mystery of iniquity . it is the well counterfeiting of truth and holiness , which must compleat the designs of antichrist ; and there is not any one single heresie or wickedness which doth so secretly and so mischievously supplant christ ; it undermines the foundation of that structure which open blasphemies above ground cannot endanger , and hath already sprung such a mine , to the dividing of lutherans and calvinists , ( as they are now termed ) that they will hardly be reconciled until all controversies are at an end . let us therefore consider well what depends upon it ; how much it concerns the glory of god ; how much he is dishonoured by a contrary belief , and how much it detracts from our own priviledges and consolations . god's mercy is above all his works . it is the crown and dignity of the king of kings , and the highest of all high-treasons to clip it . a professed denial of the universality of humane redemption , seems to me a cursed counter-callol , made and sung by devils , in opposition to that blessed nativity-song , which was sung by angels at the birth of christ ; glory be to god on high , on earth peace , and good will to men. for , how was god likely to be glorified , peace to be upon the earth , or his good-will manifested to men by the incarnation of his son , if man's redemption had not been universal , but so narrowed , that it extended to a very few , and those few also left without assurance they were of that small number , whatsoever they should endeavour , if there should be an exception from that act of grace , as many fancy ? doubtless , if it had been so , it would have given occasion rather of howling than of singing ; and been rather sad than glad tydings , in regard of that great terrour which might have seized upon all mankind , and caused an universal lamentation , when they considered how many millions of millions , were certainly exposed to everlasting damnation ; how small a number in possibility to be saved , and how few of their dearly beloved parents , children and friends might be of those few , for whom christ took upon him the humane nature . oh! horrible and unparallel'd blasphemy ! but blessed be god's name , it is not so . when the children of israel were redeemed from their egyptian bondage , which was a type of our universal redemption , there was not one soul , no not a hoof left behind them : nor was one soul absolutely excluded from the benefit of christs incarnation and passion ; but they only , who by their own default and unrepented sin , should fall away as they did who perished in the wilderness . for , god hath many times , upon several occasions , passed his word , to ascertain the universality of his love to man without personal respects , where personal sins , without repentance , have not first made the person unacceptable , nay , our incredulity hath put him to his oath , to assure every sinner ; and if nevertheless we still distrust him , continue in our misbelief of his word and oath , and labour to draw others into the same crime ; it cannot be an ordinary judgement which god will at last inflict for so extraordinary and so high an affront , it being a sin more heinous than murder , adultery , and all other meer carnal sins put together ; yea , more heinous than those the jews committed by their idolatries , killing the prophets , and crucifying christ in the flesh ; for the last was but a sin against his humanity , and their idolatries but the ascribing some part of that honour to creatures which was due to god onely ; whereas the limiting of god's universal grace in christ , with the concommitant doctrines , and the consequences thence raised , and the imputing to god , an eternal reprobation of the greatest part of mankind , before they had done good or evil , and for those sins also , which they blasphemously say , he necessitated them to commit , to shew his justice , and manifest his hatred to sin , is a dispoiling god of his divine nature , of his goodness , and an ascribing unto him that which belongs only to the devil . oh the patience of god ! what can be so abominable ? they do not only make reprobation older than the father of it the devil , but make god also the author of his wickedness , in necessitating him to be a devil , and consequently author of all the wickedness committed by all the devils in hell , and all the wicked men upon earth ; which appears to me so horrible an impiety , that i wonder not to see the world so full of plagues and sins ; and sins & sinners become such plagues to each other as they are ; nor can i believe there will ever be less plagues where that blasphemy is professed and indulged as orthodox doctrine , until it be repented of ; nor shall i marvel if my words be misunderstood , and my good meanings mis-interpreted , if god's word be so mistaken , and his love so ill rewarded . i know the bitterness and uncharitableness of their spirit , who shall be obstinate in this judgment , yet am neither afraid nor ashamed for any respects to declare my conscience herein ; or in whatsoever else i think may concern god's glory and the peace of my country . if i think any to be in an errour , i will peaceably do the best i can to reclaim them , but attempt nothing to destroy them ; for that is an antichristian principle , and i abhor it . oh let us be more heedful to avoid it , and more conscientious in acknowledging our destruction to be only and originally of the devil and of our selves ; i confess that god ( who would have all men to be saved ) hath provided means of salvation for all , without excluding any , who first excludes not himself by his personal sins and impenitency : and ( that our manifold sins may be forgotten ) i desire we may henceforward believe both his preventing and assisting grace , shall be vouchsafed to all those who shall ask for it in faith , or have not wilfully rejected it being offered . in like manner ( for , i now come to the second branch of my memorandum ) if we desire an external peace may be setled and continued so among us , that we may serve the lord in holiness and righteousness , let us be conscientiously careful that we intrench not injuriously upon the civil government whereto god hath subjected us , how oppressive soever it shall be , or seemeth to be unto any of us in particular , during the time wherein god gives it a soveraignty over us . for , all power , was and is of him by his grace , or permission ; not only that which was patriarchal in adam and noah ; with that which was established for a time in moses , joshua , and the judges of israel ; and that which is called ecclesiastical in the visible church of christ ; but all those tyrannizing powers , governments and governors also , which have been in the world ever since the creation until now , were gracious , or permissive effects of that longing after the knowledge of good and evil , which corrupted our first parents , whose posterity , were permitted to elect such governments and governors as they best liked , till some of them lost that priviledge by their own folly , as the jews , and others have done . thus it was in all times and nations , after the natural and paternal government ceased by the death of adam and noah , except that which was supernaturally constituted over the jews in the dayes of moses ; that , and the paternal government being conferred , the one by grace , and the other by nature , were branches of the fifth monarchy ( as many now call the kingdom of christ ) which indeed is the alpha and omega , the first and the last , ever one and the same ; in regard , that providential government , which is and was in god the father by right of creation ; and exercised imperfectly by adam , noah , moses and his successors , was translated to god the son , who is the only and true catholick king ( though antichrist hath given that title to one of his vassals ) yea , though this government hath seemed a long time suspended , and been intruded upon by the usurpation of tyrants , in most parts of the world , ever since the dayes of nimrod , he will at last assume his kingdom , and the government thereof , in his own person , when the time appointed is come . in the mean space , his father and he himself , have permitted others to make kings , and to be kings and governors , according as they could effect it by their own policy and power . this was one product of eating the forbidden tree ; and of man's desired knowledge of good and evil ( especially his experience in what is evil ) hath been much advanced in all nations and generations , by the exorbitances of such governors , and by the popular idolizing , and base flattering their kings and governors into a foolish conceit they were more than men , and by deifying them , as the romans and others did , until they became worse than beasts , and little better than devils to the rest of mankind : in which sordid flattery , the priests in all times were most instrumental . therefore , god permitted for a punishment of their wickedness and folly ( and to perfect their desired knowledge of good and evil , as aforesaid , the kingdoms of the earth ( as it is said , dan. . . ) to be governed by the basest of men ; which will never be otherwise , until the people shall reform themselves by a true self-denial , and until that is fulfilled , which hath been prefaged in these verses : " a king shall willingly un-self un-king , " and , thereby grow far greater than before ; " the clergy , to contempt themselves will bring , " and , thereby , piety shall thrive the more . when a king ( or the civil governor or governors , by whatsoever title they reign ) shall quite lay aside all those tyrannous prerogatives , which were usurped by the emperours and kings of the nations , who knew not god ; and when they shall govern according to the divine law , which he hath declared in his evangelical word , and had once written in the hearts of men , then shall a righteous government be established ; and when the clergies prevarications shall bring upon them a general contempt , such an endeavour will be in season . when this comes to pass , ( which is contingent , and may be or not be ) righteousness will begin to flourish , or else never , until christ assumes his universal kingdom . but , that king or supream power , who shall conform to the fore-going prediction , shall be tho protarrhon , and have the honour of the first true vice-regency under jesus christ , within his own dominions . there shall the throne of evangelical righteousness first begin to be established ; or , at least , there shall be the first evident preparation for that monarchy . it must then be acknowledged ( kings and their subjects being relatives ) that all the mischieves which have befallen to mankind in all nations , have proceeded equally from themselves ; yet , as i said before , by god's permissive providence , for a just punishment of their sins , by each other ; and the people must submit patiently to the yoke , until he vouchsafeth to take it off : for , as it hath given wickedness , wicked-men , and devils opportunities to manifest their natures toward the perfecting of an experimental knowledge in evil , to their shame ; so , it hath occasioned also the manifestation of the justice , mercy , and goodness of god , to his glory , in making good what he had promised to his elect , by his providential changing of governments and governors , setting up , pulling down , inlarging or restraining , as may best conduce to the punishment of sin , to the encouragement of vertue , to the exercising of the patience , faith , humility , constancy , love , and other graces of the saints ; as also to the improving in them an experimental knowledge of that which is good , together with a detestation of all that is evil ; that , they might at last overcome evil with goodness : which gives an answer to all those queries , which have often been proposed by the children of god , when they have observed the prosperity of the wicked , whilst they are afflicted . these things considered , it will be a transgression against the providence of god , if any private persons or parties , howsoever oppressed thereby , shall endeavour by preaching , writing , or speaking seditiously ( much more by attempting it in an hostile manner ) the innovating , changing , or disturbing the government or governors whereunto they are subjected ; and they are rebels against god's ordinance , there being no other ordinary means left to the people , who are by them oppressed , but humbly petitioning , declaring their grievances , and pleading for their due priviledges by legal proceedings , and by appealing to god for redress of their sufferings ; who doth heed all oppressions , and will provide deliverers , as he did for the israelites in egypt , when there was no likelihood of a deliverance . for , when princes infatuated by their own pride and corruption , or by the giddiness of their young counsellors , over-voting wiser men , as appears in rehoboam , shall so add to the provocations of their forefathers , by their personal impieties against god , or by so oppressing the people , as rehoboam did , he will either rend from them the hearts of the greatest part of them , as he did from that foolish king , or by some other way ; and a remedy will soon after follow , without any irregular endeavors , by the private heads or hands of any one of his saints ; which would but exasperate their oppressors , give them those advantages which they watch for , to colour the utter destroying of those whom they oppress , with an appearance of executing justice upon them ; and it would defer also that deliverance which is providentially designed . therefore , not presuming as their counsellor , but , as their humble remembrancer , i do hereby desire , that the king and his counsellors , as also the people , might be hereby put seasonably in mind , to consult with the laws of god , of nature , of their own nation , and with their own consciences , what they will dictate unto them , concerning their duties to god , and to each other in such cases : and , that they may use their rational faculties to that purpose , i offer to their serious disquisition , these following queries : . whether , that which was not ordained for its own sake , but for the sake of that which was precedent , and more worthy , ought to be preferred before that , for whose sake only it was ordained ? . whether , there can be treason committed by one of any two parties against the other between whom there is not a mutual trust , and reciprocal obligation ? . whether , if that allegiance and mutual trust , which is between two parties , be by one of them evidently infringed , the other be not thereby , absolutely freed from that allegiance ? . whether , it be in the just power , of any humane authority to make that treason , which is not treason by the law of nature and trust ; or any thing , to be that which really it is not ? . whether a whole nation , or the greatest part thereof , can be guilty of treason against their supream magistrate , failing of his trust , in that for which he was ordained , in the judgment of the greatest number of those who intrusted him ; and whether they who are confederates with him , in the breach of that trust , and in oppressing the people , ought to be reckoned as a part of that people ? . whether a considerable part of those people , who are peaceable in their lives and conversations , and seek nothing but an enjoyment of those freedoms and rights which belong unto them by the laws of god , nature , and the nation , may not without just blame , petition to be freed from those oppressions , which are imposed by humane laws ; and when they who are violently invaded in their possessions , or in the exercise of their consciences toward god , according to his fundamental laws , may not warrantably stand upon their guard ( though they may not take up offensive arms ) as well as a private person , may se defendendo , endeavour to preserve his life , and his hereditory possessions , from an injurious assailant , in which case ( as i conceive ) he is indempnified by the law of our nation ? . whether , all oaths , engagements , and covenants whatsoever , taken , entred into and made , by compulsion , contrary to the laws of god and nature , be not void ipso facto , and to be repented of rather than kept , when the conscience is rightly informed ? these queries , being rightly resolved , both kings and their subjects may be truly informed how they ought to regulate their judgements and actings in relation to each other , for the preservation of their honour , peace , and safety ; but , private persons who shall undertake to resolve them , will perhaps be thought more bold than wise ; and they will rarely be resolved impartially , either by any supream magistrate , who is not a true lover of justice ; or by any of the commonalty , who prefers licentiousness before a true christian , or manly freedom ; muchless by any of them , whose irregular courses are destructive to their kings , their country , and to their own well-being . therefore , instead of giving my private sense upon the said queriès , i leave that to those whom it more concerns , and advise all those who think themselves oppressed ( by those who act under , and for the supream power ) and are doubtful how to behave themselves in such wise , that they may neither transgress the ordinances of god , nor give occasion of offence to their governors ) to put on the pure white ephod or surplice of a sincere unbyassed conscience , and repair to that urim and thummin , whereby the secrets of the lord are in all straits and difficulties made known to such as fear him : and , in the mean time , i being neither for or against the power of kings , or the priviledges of the people , further than they are agreeable to the laws of god and nature , will declare what my own practice hath been in these late staggering times , hoping it may be of good use to some , and no way hurtful to any . though i have been oft imprisoned , and my honest and peaceable intentions questioned upon misapprehensions and mis-informations , i never endeavoured ought by factious confederacy with others , or in my single capacity , by word or writing against the supream person , or power in being . it is otherwise affirmed by some , who ( i think ) neither know what i have done , written , or said , but by hear-say ; and a person of some quality ( who seldom read ought save scurrilous and obscene pamphlets ) charged me before many , in my absence , to have been a troubler and scandalizer of all governments now fifty years . ahab in such-like words charged elias to be the troubler of israel , because he had reproved his wickedness , who was the greatest troubler thereof in his time : and the same troublesomness is imputed to every one in his time , who conscientiously reproveth vice , when wickedness and folly are predominant , how modestly soever he doth it . but , if all my actings , writings , and speakings were known and considered , it would manifestly appear , that neither my principles or endeavours ever tended to ought , destructive or dishonorable to the supream magistrate possessing the throne , but to that which was for the preservation of his honour and safety , if rightly understood ; and that , i have unfeignedly exhorted others to the like obedience . to our present governor , i have no way failed in obedience since his restauration ; and think these nations more than ordinary obliged to that duty , in regard god hath given them those governments , and that king , which the greatest number of them desired , when they called him home unto them from a long exile : as also , because , i am confident that miraculous restoration was vouchsafed to be a test both of his and our obedience to god's commands ; and of our conformity to that which he justly expects should be performed by king and people to him , and by them reciprocally to each other . according to proof thereof upon the test , such will be the sequels respectively to all parties ; for i am not deceived in the say-master ; nor is this unwarantably declared by me , though i my self am but one in the furnace of purgation and probation among the rest . god brought in the king without blood-shed , and without being ingaged to any ( except only in a few promises upon the word of a king ) that he might depend on god only , and dispense justice and mercy impartially to all : which my hope is he will do , when he is dis-intangled from such inconveniencies thereto obstructive , as his late troubles occasioned ; and when he is better acquainted with the temper and constitution of these nations , to which he was long a stranger , even from his infancy . i pray god , that neither our sins , nor his own , nor their actings who are to him what the sons of zerviah were to david , prove hinderances thereunto , by being too hard for him ; of which i am somewhat fearful . this brings to mind the third branch of my memorandum afore-mentioned , which i had almost forgotten , and which concerns those , as aforesaid , whom god hath now put visibly under subjection to him , and whose distempers were much allayed by many fair promises ( or pretendings at least ) that they should enjoy their consciences , and those estates which were granted ( and as they thought secured ) unto them by the publick faith of the nations . the neglect of performance to those purposes according to expectation ( though outward clamors were upon vain hopes awhile calmed ) may have evil effects when least feared : for , unfaithfulness and unmercifulness god will avenge , though men wink at it ; especially a national unfaithfulness ( if not repented and satisfied for , seasonably in some measure ) whatsoever colourable excuses may be alleaged , will be avenged , as is manifest in the case of the gibeonites . all the three nations are engaged by their common faith , given in pledge directly or indirectly , both for the liberty of conscience in relation to god , and for making good in some proportion those debts and contracts , whereunto many were drawn , under pious and civil pretences , authorized by that visible power which was then in being , and countenanced and submitted unto , by the most eminent persons of all degrees , judgements , and professions , as well as by the greatest number of the people , without any open contradiction ; thereupon , they contributed their estates for support of that , which they thought a lawful power , even to the ruining of many of their families ( as it hath since happened ) who submitted thereunto conscientiously in the simplicity of their hearts ( as many others did by compulsion , and some for sinister respects ) in obedience only to them , who acted in the name of a lawful supream authority , which in reason excuses them , who are not to judge the actings of their visible superiors , submitted unto by the whole nation , or the greatest part thereof as aforesaid . the power now in being also , together with many eminent members of the former power ( seemingly at least to be concurrent ) did , if i and many other mistake not , voluntarily pretend , both before and after the restoration of this power , to indulge tender consciences , and to make some competent satisfaction to them who had conscientiously hazarded their persons , and trusted out their estates , as aforesaid ; and who justly expect that their loyal submission without blood-shed should be rewarded according to explicite or implicite promises and declarations , wherein they confided ; and for which ( hoping it will be at last performed ) they do patiently suffer in the mean time , beseeching god to remove the confusions and burthens , wherewithal they , and many other in these nations , are at this present oppressed and involved . now then , that their and our prayers may be effectual to incline god to have mercy upon us all in general , let the neglect of that expected indulgence be taken into consideration , and somewhat be performed according to what is hoped for , to testifie our thankful acknowledging the large extent of god's mercy both to king and people , for bringing us so peaceably into a way of reconciliation , which may possibly be perfected and continued , if we prudently and gratefully persue it , and not make our selves liable again to those great debts and trespasses which were forgotten , by taking our brethren by the throats , for failings less considerable , and by unmerciful destroying them and their families ; especially , by being severe unto them for seeming deficiences relating to god and the conscience , with which none have ought to do , but god only , who is the proper judge between himself and mens consciences . but , for ought i perceive , every dissenting party , is , and will be judge in his own cause , whomsoever else it concerns . and we are all i confess , even the best of us , somewhat over-byassed as to self-interest . princes and their councils will be sole judges of that which they think concerns the peace of their kingdoms and self-interest ; prelates and their appurtenat officers , will be judges of that which they conceive pertains to the discipline of their own church , and their temporary dignities ; and conscientious men , suppose themselves as competent judges , next under god , of what belongs to the peace of their consciences , as either of the former , and resolve to act according to their own judgements , or to suffer what shall be imposed upon them : for , as their persecutors may peradventure say as the jews did when they crucified christ , that , they have a law , by which these ought to suffer ; so they may say , that god and nature have laws , by which it ought to be otherwise ; and to those laws they may , and i do for my part , appeal . let therefore , if it be so , these three nations seek unto god , as one man , and humbly petition the king , in his own person , that , to establish his throne in righteousness , all publick and private grievances may be impartially and effectually considered hereafter , and not slighted as heretofore . that , in things relating to god and the conscience , men may be governed according to his divine law only ; and in all civil matters , by such humane laws as the people have chosen , and shall chuse , agreeable to the word of god and the law of nature . which exhortation i propose not to ingratiate my self either with the people , or the present government to any self end : for , the restraints and sufferings which have been imposed on me , have been more advantagious than all the liberties or preferments they can confer ; and were i put to chuse , whether i would enjoy the greatest earthly glory , or be exposed to the greatest earthly torments for a good conscience ; i would as soon chuse the later as the first , if god might be more glorified thereby : indeed , i would chuse neither of them , because i know not in which of those estates i should most honour god ; but leave it absolutely unto him , to dispose of me as he pleaseth ; and will not desire ( muchless attempt ) any thing for my personal security , or for enjoyment of my conscience , by any unjustifiable act . it hath been said , that the kingdom of heaven must be taken by violence ; yet , let us now be cautious that we seek not to make passage into it , by a carnal violence , and by the temporal sword ( which sword belongs principally to the kingdoms of this world ) lest we perish by that sword as many have done . our saviour said to peter , when he smote off the ear of malchus in his defence , put up the sword : for in truth it was not then in season , nor is so now . had either a natural or a supernatural resistance been then seasonable , our blessed saviour ( as he at that time said ) could have prayed to his father , and have had more than twelve legions of angels immediately sent unto him for his rescue . those angels , when the time appointed comes , will appear under the conduct of michael their arch-angel , to do that execution upon the usurpers of christ's kingdom , which hath been long since foretold , and which we daily pray for . the weapons of our warfare are not carnal ; nor shall the conquest which we expect , be obtained by any other sword in the hands of the saints , but that two-edged sword , proceeding out of his mouth , whom john saw standing between the seven golden candlesticks , sharpned by the faith , hope , love , patience , prayers , and constancy of the lamb's followers ; which conquest at or about the end of the last of those six dayes , aforesaid , of a years a piece ; or at the shortning of that day , and at the beginning of the great sabbath , which god sanctified at the creation , will be accomplished . till that time , the saints are patiently to wait upon god , and permit his enemies to enjoy their time , without grudging or fretting at their prosperity , as david counsels in his psalm . in order to their final destruction , some proceedings will every year be made , whilst the sixth vial is pouring out ( and which is already in a great measure diffused ) and probably a signal progression , in some evident particular , will be vouchsafed betwixt this and the end of years after the birth of christ ; and be compleated at or about the end ( as i have before declared ) of the thousand six hundred sixty and sixth year after his passion , if the foundation of my calculations fail not . the planets in their courses are moving toward those constellations and influences , which will shortly demonstrate they are fighting for the people of god against their enemies , as they fought against sisera and his army ; and when god destroyed the host of five kings , with hailstones , who warred against the gibeonites , whilst they went under the protection of joshua . but , we have a surer word to trust unto than the book of the creatures ( whose characters our folly hath now made obscure ) even god's written word and spirit ; and the prophesies in that word contained , will shortly be fulfilled ; and then the knowledge of good and evil , as to all sublunary things , being experimentally known in full , such an end will be put to all their strugglings for the victory , that our scoffers will from thenceforth no more say , or think , that all things are to continue as they are ; but they who now insolently persecute the saints , will , miserably affrighted , sneak into dens and caverns of the earth , wishing the falling mountains might cover them from his presence whom they have persecuted and despised . god's white banner hath been displayed among us a long time heretofore , to invite us by fair means to come in , and make our peace : his red colours are now hung forth , and though it hath already cost us much blood and treasure , we return not unto him ; and if we delay it until his black flagg be set up , it will be then too late to retreat without a mischief : for , they who are to come upon the black and pale horses , will immediately follow to do execution . it is high time to look about us , and take heed what this spirit saith unto the churches , typified by the seven churches in asia , wherein the state of the most eminent congregations , which are members of the catholick church in all ages , are concerned ; as is also that universal church in all the contents of st. john's apocalyps , throughout her several ages , until the end of the mystery of iniquity . the sixth trumpet ( as i believe ) hath sounded , and is yet sounding . the third great wo will come forth . a mystical earthquake hath already shaken down a tenth part of the malignant city : the nations , being both affrighted and angry , are labouring to repair the breaches , and have partly skinned over some of their putrifying wounds , with patches and plaisters ; and like the old egyptians , ( their true types ) encrease the works of bondage and slavery , to the suppressing of god's people , within their jurisdictions , because they perceive them endeavouring to separate from them : but , the time is near , wherein the true israelites , and their oppressors , will receive the rewards respectively prepared , and due unto them by god's judgments promenced against the one , and his gracious promises to the other ; though his enemies struggle yet against him like pharoah and his armies in the red sea , when their chariot-wheels were taken off , and while the waves on either side stood heaped up ready to swallow them . the grand city , being divided into three parts , will ere long fall , with every subordinate power , kingdom , city and society thereto belonging ; and wo to all them who have not separated from her by repentance . her abominations are come into remembrance before god ; her sins are almost full ripe , and she is become an habitation of devils , and a receptacle for every unclean bird : all nations have drunk the cup of her fornications , and are besotted and bewitched with her sorceries and inchantments : the merchants of the earth are enriched by the abundance of her carnal delicacies , and by her traffick in spiritual and temporal merchandizes , for they have traded together , not only , for gold , silver , pretious stones , pearls , fine linnen , silks , purple , scarlet , vessels of brass , iron , wood , and marble , spices , odours , oyntments , oyl , wine , wheat , beasts and chariots , but also for the bodies and souls of men ; according to what was prophesied ; pretending to settle upon their chapmen , possessions in heaven , that they might cheat them and their heirs of their inheritances upon earth . their formal devotions being of the same nature and value , with such as were in use among the old heathen idolaters ( and for the most part borrowed from their idol temples ) will not avail them in the day of their visitation ; but be cast out as unholy things , fit for nothing but to be trampled under foot and destroyed , with all those trumperies which the founders of the mystery of iniquity have raked together out of judaism and gentilism , to trim up a will-worship . they , who dote on them , shall perish with them , and god's people whom they now oppress and reproach , shall be delivered from their scorns and oppressions . if they , with whom god hath intrusted the civil power , shall joyn with her in oppressing his people , he himself will deliver them from all their oppressive actings and constitutions , who by a corrupt exercise of their authority , are more or less at enmity with his kingdom ; and persecutors of his saints , as turbulent and seditious persons , for professing their consciences , and not complying with them in their abominations , and vain inventions , repugnant to the dictates of his word and spirit , who is their soveraign paramount : yea , so many of the civil governors and magistrates , as in their publick or personal actings , adhere finally to antichristianism in the essentials thereof , shall be therewith destroyed : but , they who conform to the kingdom and government of christ , shall be thereunto admitted , and therewith honoured . be wise therefore , o ye kings , and learn what ye are to do , you that are judges of the people ; let not the kings and rulers of the earth , bind themselves together in their counsels against the lord and his anointed , nor the murmuring people imagine vain things ; for , god who sits in heaven derides their attempts , and maugre all their opposition , will set his king upon the holy hill of sion , psal . . amen . these things considered , our future repentance and reformation will not alone consist in forsaking our transgressions against the moral law , and the impudent prophaness whereof we are guilty , by meer carnal sins , but in timely disserting also every spiritual wickedness , by coming out of babylon , and desisting from complying with her , and especially by razing out the mark of the beast , if we have in any mode received it ; which is not to be performed by a local departure or separation ; but , by a relinquishment of their superstitions and idolatries , and by avoiding the mark of the beast , both in the hand and forehead , which i conceive not to be any thing forcibly imposed upon men against their wills , as oaths , stigmatizings , or conformity with them in things indifferent . but , i judge that mark to be a voluntary approving the power of the beast , and an adhering to him or his image , by justifying their tyrannies , professing their idolatries , and by openly or secretly persecuting the followers of the lamb ; for , these qualifications knit together with an &c , will make such a perfect character , whereby to distinguish them from the disciples of christ , that they shall be priviledged to buy and sell , or to enjoy any place of power , honour , or profit within his usurped jurisdiction , which he exerciseth , at several times , and under various notions : for , i conceive , that the first and second beast , mentioned in the revelation , as also , the image of the beast ; the skarlet whore , with her cup of fornications ; the red dragon , the false prophet , the seven heads , the ten horns , the smoke which ascended out of the bottomless pit , and the locusts proceeding out of that smoak , do all together make up but one mystical body of iniquity , as it was by degrees produced , active and manifested in several times , according to the true nature thereof in every particular part . the first beast , being the fourth and last humane tyranny , described by daniel in the last of the four beasts , whereof he had a vision in the raign of belshazer , is that monster out of which all the appurtenances of the said mystery successively branched . the second beast is that mixture of temporal and spiritual oppressions and wickednesses which sprouted up from the first , by sa●anical delusions and fleshly impostures : it is called the image of the beast , because of the manifold resemblances which it retains of heathenish - romes cruelties , pride , and superstitions ; and their forming of it into that image , was partly ( as i judge ) to colour and countenance their novelties and wicked impostures with an appearance of venerable antiquity , and with a successive authority , which is one of their chief boasts ; and it was partly to share also among themselves the dignities and profits , which were formerly enjoyed by the flamines , arch-flamines , and other priests among the gentiles , who had large priviledges and possessions : it is expressed by a red dragon , in respect of the bloody persecutions thereby raised in the primitive church ; it is called a whore arrayed in scarlet , with a golden cup of fornications in her hand , to signifie the carnal pompe and pleasures whereby it should infatuate and bewitch the great men of the world. it is likened to a false prophet , to intimate the counterfeit sanctity and gravity , whereby it should delude foolish kings and nations : the smoke ascending out of the bottomless pit , implies the jugglings and sophistications , whereby they should becloud the truth , and darken mens understandings with fictitious glosses and false interpretations . the locusts , presignified that innumerable company of locust-like unprofitable cardinals , abbots , prelates , monks , fryars , jesuites , and such-like devouring animals , as were afterward bred and brought forth in that smoke , and now swarm into every part of the world , to the devouring , not only of the fruits of the earth , but to the destroying of the fruits of grace likewise , in the bud and blossome . the seven heads , signified their usurping old romes claim of supremacy , over all kings and nations in the earth , when her seven hills wore the imperial crown . the ten horns may betoken , that addition of temporal power , which it would acquire by subjecting and enslaving kings , kingdoms , and republicks , to the throne of antichrist ; and by joyning the temporal sword , to the imaginary keyes of st. peter , until the gross impostures of that man of sin , or mystical whore , should be by them discovered , as they will be ere long , provoking the kings of the earth rather out of self respects , then in any regard of christs kingdom , to begin to hate the strumpet , and prey upon her flesh . i am suspitious , that i may be suddenly deprived of the means and liberty which i yet have to express my mind in publick ; therefore , being unwilling , to leave unmentioned any notion coming at this time to my remembrance , whereby repentance may be hastened , concord increased , and things prevented which may be destructive to common peace ; and , in regard , teeming transgressions , are or may be at this time occasioned , by the imposing and refusing of oaths , to the multiplying of troubles and imprisonments , not only upon persons , who are thought unpeaceably affected , but , to the oppressing and total ruining also of many innocent families , whose masters are conscientiously afraid of all oaths ; i am resolved ( notwithstanding it may be to my personal disadvantage ) to declare my judgment concerning that , and some other particlars , which i conceive may conduce to the dis-insnaring of many , whose misunderstandings have exposed themselves and others to great hazards . my personal refusing or taking of such oaths , as i hear are tendred , cannot bring either outward detriment or profit unto me , because , i have neither estate or liberty , which will be thereby lost or saved , nor so much as hope of any future preferment in the world ; therefore ( without self-ends ) i do voluntarily declare , for the sake of others only ( not judging the consciences of any who are of another opinion ) that i think , if the supream power , or person , be doubtful upon probable grounds , of any subjects loyalty , they , or he , may for their own , or the publick security and safety , require it by an oath , so far forth as the laws of god , nature , and the nation , do oblige or permit . for , allegiance and fealty are due from all subjects , to the power , and persons whom god hath set over them , so long as he continues a visible possessionary power , able to protect them out of an usurpers hands ; yea , so long as he is present with them to encourage them in their loyalty by his righteous actings or sufferings : therefore , i know no reason , why an engagement by oath should be denied to him or them who have bound themselves by the like obligation to be their leige lords , and to govern them according to the laws of god and their country . upon this consideration , i never refused the oath of allegiance , to any possessionary power or person , claiming or exercising a soveraign authority without opposition ; and i conceive i deserved as little blame in so doing , as is usually imputed to the inhabitants of a besieged city , submitting to their conquerors , when they are over-powred by an enemy , and disserted by their officer in chief ; for who is bound to resist , when the lord of hosts appears against them ? of the oath of supremacy , i made as little scruple : for , as i understand it , ( and as king james expounded the same ) it intends no more than the other , except only an exclusion of all forreign powers ; if ( as i think it is ) it be the same oath which was heretofore tendred to me when i was a commissioner of the peace . that oath , as i remember , enjoyned an acknowledgement of the king's power over all persons within his own dominions , as head governor , subordinate to christ only , in all causes whatsoever , whether ecclesiastical or civil ; and not , as many fancy , that he hath a power over the causes , or a co-headship with christ ; for , these were ridiculous claims and acknowledgements , in regard no natural or politick-head can suit with the spiritual and mystical body of christ jesus , nor the power of any earthly king make a righteous cause to be unjust , or an unjust cause to be righteous ; though it be too often , made so to appear by an abused authority ; of which abuse , there is at this present great likelihood and jealousie touching a cause now depending and relating to persons in this jayl , wherein i am a prisoner ; and i am suspitious that somewhat is endeavouring , which may redound to the dishonour of god and the king. all oaths given or taken contrary to law , being void ipso facto , as soon as they are taken , ought to be repented of , by those who took them either ignorantly or through fear , and make them to be the greater offenders who impose them , though that doth not totally excuse the takers of such oaths , upon compulsion . indeed , so little regard is made of oaths in these dayes in many cases , especially by witnesses and jurors in courts of judicature , that it was never more truly averred of any land , than now of this , that it mourneth because of oaths : for every man's estate , life and credit , is in hazard , by suborners and false witnesses ; insomuch , that it were well with us if the severity of tennes , and tenedia bipermis , were here revived , to terrifie forswearers and false-witnesses ; lest impudent perjur'd persons swear honest men out of all they have . an oath , though it be abused , is the usual and lawful medium , both by divine and humane authority , to evidence truths in controversie between man and man , and relating to the common peace ; and in my judgment , not unlawful in private differences , when in charity and reason it is needful to ascertain matters of consequence , the doubting whereof may be hurtful to him , who is incredulous of what is affirmed , or else of what may be injurious to another person : for , though our saviour said , that whatsoever in our communication ( to which his words are to be restrained ) is more than yea , and nay , cometh of evil ; yet a further asseveration may not be absolutely evil , being necessitated either by an evil custom in him who swears when there is no need of an oath ; or else by an evil causless distrust in the hearers ; and therefore in serious matters ( as it appears by christ's own practice in such cases ) more is sometimes requisite than a bare asseveration . the word verily , double ( which is equivalent with infaith , and introth in our language ) was often added by him in his affirmations to confirm them ; and the former may , without just blame , be otherwhile added by us , though many ( who do therein , as it were tithe mint and annis ) are offended at such additions , ignorantly supposing them to be oaths . nevertheless , i am so tender of offending their consciences , who scruple at such niceties , that i deny my self liberty , even in many such indifferent things , except i causually slip into them through inadvertency ; and i judge not uncharitably of those who dare not swear at all , because , they have a written word inducing them to be of that judgment , james . . where it is said , above all things , swear not , neither by heaven , nor by earth , nor by any other oath ; but , let your yea be yea , and your nay , nay ; which seems to be a caution against all oaths whatsoever , in the understanding of some , but not in mine : nor do i think this scripture is to be limitted ( as some have thought ) to promissary oaths , in regard there is no word in the text , or context , to warrant such an interpretation . perhaps , that which is offensive in oaths , consists more in the circumstances or formalities , than in what is by them essentially intended : i think therefore it would be a provision worthy a christian government , and would be more satisfactory to those whom it concerns , than the testimony of a peer upon his honour , ( conscientious men deserving at least as much credit and priviledge , upon their bare word , as the other by an empty title ) if for an expedient in this case , a law were enacted , whereby the testimony of those persons , who are conscientiously afraid of swearing , may be taken for a legal witnessing of the truth , by an attestation upon their word only , evidenced by some such action as the lifting up of the hand , without the usual formalities of an oath ; upon the same penalties which our laws inflict on persur'd persons ; who deserve at least , the same pains or mulcts , which may befall to other men by their falshood . this , i suppose , will displease no reasonable or conscientious man , in regard none ought to think that they are not in conscience oblig'd to assert the truth in controversies between man and man , or in matters relating to publick justice , or common safety , when it tends not to an accusing of themselves : and , i have this charitable belief of the greatest number of them , who make conscience of swearing , as aforesaid , out of meer conscientiousness , that they will be more trusty in their assertions , and more loyal to the supream power ( though it favour'd them not ) upon their bare verbal engagements , than the greatest part of them will be , who voluntarily take , or impose oaths by compulsion on other men . i am assured also , that god will not hold them guiltless , who by threatnings , or by oaths , or by imprisonments , or tortures enforce men to act against their consciences , or to accuse themselves or other innocents , in their distempers and torments . st. agustine in his city of god , inveighs against it , as an abominable oppressive cruelty , practised till then by none but heathenish tyrants ( and afterward by the beast who sprung from them ) to enforce innocents , against the laws of god and nature , unjustly to accuse themselves , and those whom they intended to destroy ; whereas both divine and humane justice directs to other means of discovering truths , and vindicating of suspected persons . the holy ghost wills , that every man before he suffers , should be tryed and convicted by the mouth of two or three witnesses ; upon which precept , the law of our nation , called the great charter , is founded : and ( as it is exemplified in the case of achan , wherein the safety of a whole nation was concerned and indangered by his private sin ) no man is to be interrogated as touching things which may tend to the accusing of himself , until there be either an accuser produced , or a previous probability , in some degree , evidencing that he is guilty , as achan appeared to be upon a providential discovery first made out , by five lots , before it came to a personal examination ; and even then , joshua proceeded not rigorously , or by menacings , but meekly , and by a fatherly compellatur , said unto him , my son , give , i pray thee , glory to the god of israel , and tell me , what hast thou done ? whereupon , he conscientiously confessed his crime . in this temper of spirit , it becometh all christians to search out doubtful matters , and not by a tyrannous violence , in what hazard soever the publick may appear , by the concealment thereof . this is my judgment , whereto i will add what shall deserve to be well heeded at this time ( to wit ) that not only those confessions or accusations which are extorted by threatnings or tortures , are no proofs at all of what is confessed against themselves or others ; but that all these informations and accusations likewise , which condemned or guilty men are allured , tempted , or bribed unto , by hopes or fears , promises of pardon , favour , or reward , and not conscientiously declared , ought not to be regarded as a valid evidence further than they concur with other circumstances , and unquestionable proofs . for , they who are corrupted or distempered , by covetousness , hopes , fears , enforced necessities , or long and hard durance , will for the most part , say any thing to escape a present misery , as by sad experiments it hath been often seen . even at this day ( as i am credibly informed ) there is a man living , who being thought murdered , a poor innocent man was hanged lately in chains as principal in the fact , and his mother and brother executed as accessaries , upon the said man's confession , when he was distempered to a degree of distraction , by hard durance , by the threatnings of the prosecutors , and by his own fears and frailties ; which were perhaps thought to be effects and evidences of his guiltiness . but , who can help this ? or how or when will it be better , whilst oaths are forcibly imposed ? and whilst they who have no conscience are more indulged than the most conscientious men . i would to god that our publick and private peace and safety were no more endangered by false witnesses , suborners of perjury , trapanners , ignorant or corrupt jurors , ( and by some of them , who impose oaths against men's consciences ) than by them who make conscience of swearing . i may seem perhaps to make tedious digressions , impertinent to my first design ; but they are not such , if well considered : for , i being like a beggar who is never out of his way , might add much more ( collatrally at least ) tending to my first purpose , which i omit , partly , because it cannot now be born , & partly , for that i am not in such a capacity to express it , as assures me it is part of my work at this present ; therefore i will proceed with what i am certain so to be , lest i be prevented ( as aforesaid ) by what i expect may shortly happen to the depriving me of those tools and opportunities , which i have at this time and place in my fruition . and , i conceive , that what i purpose next to treat of , will be so necessary toward the performance of those duties , for promoting whereof i have tendred the preceding parallel to your consideration , that , neither all your experimental knowledge of good and evil , nor your historical faith , nor your formal devotions , nor the rest of your supposed virtues or merits will effect so much as may make them acceptable if that be wanting ; in regard it is that , without which they will be unsavoury and fruitless . my brethren , it is love and unity in and with him , who is the fountain of that love which must reconcile us to god and to each other ; that , which must preserve us in safety , and destroy our adversaries , who will else destroy us by our divisions , whose unity will so divide the malignant city and kingdom of antichrist , that they shall be instrumental for your deliverance by their own destruction ; whereas they have hitherto prolonged our miseries and hazarded our destruction , by sowing and cherishing the seeds of division among us underhand ; and under colour of reconciling you to your true mother , sought to bring you by degrees back again to an acknowledging the whore of babylon to be the spouse of christ , and your spiritual mother : many also , who have not that wicked design , are ignorantly contriving and prosecuting that , which may be a furtherance thereto , unless prevented . if any national or provincial churches , may warrantably arrogate that infallibility , which hath been denied to popes or general councils , and which evidently appears they never had ; then possibly , that whereto some drive , might seem feazible : but , it is not our or their politick endeavourings to establish that which is called conformity and uniformity in externals , that will settle a general agreement in all religious concernments in the mode intended ; much lesse accomplish god's work. unity in essentials is necessary , and ought to be prosecuted to the utmost of our ability . uniformity and conformity also in circumstantials , might be expedients helpful toward an enjoyment of much outward peace , if they could be attained unto : but , if it be an unity in errors , or such a conformity in things accidental or indifferent , as is not every way homogent to and with the whole mystical body of christ , or not adequate to the true original paterns , but intrenching upon the christian liberty in things indifferent , temporary and mutable , as occasion may require ; it would make that which is harmless in it self , to be hurtful by consequences ; that which is bad , to be worse ; and , as it may be established , prove a confederacy and conspiracy both against christ and his members , and destructive to the priviledges of grace and nature , rather than a wholsom and lawful constitution ; especially , if they who take upon them the contriving an uniformity in religious doctrines and disciplines , may be questionable , as to their dependency to their interest , or to their calling to such a work , by having crept in at a back-door , or at a window , for ambitious or covetous ends . if such edicts should be made and ratified , as men so qualified are likely to contrive , i know not what we had then to do , save only to act and suffer as god and our consciences will direct ; patiently and peaceably waiting on him until he provides a remedy . unity is a virtue beautifying and securing ; comely , and yet as terrible to the adversaries thereof as an army with banners : but uniformity , is neither absolutely a virtue , nor so beautiful , nor so securing at all times , as variety and differing forms , if they be orderly united upon a foundation capable of them ; and not unseasonably or contentiously affected . he is an unskilful general who marches or fights always with his army in one figure ; but he who puts it into several shapes , according as place and occasion requires , acteth like an able commander ; a phalonx will best endure the shock when opposed by numerous and furious enemies , but batalias formed into bodies much differing from each other , will be most serviceable at sometimes . variety of forms in structures render them more beautiful , more conveniently useful , and more honourable to the founders , than those which are all of one shape , as we see in those palaces which consist of unequal piles and turrets of differing forms , less and greater , higher and lower , round and square , and of the several models of architecture , distinct and joyned , mixt and interwoven . the sweetest musick is not an unisone , but a harmony made up of differing instruments , strings and voices . the world had not been properly called kosmos , but akosmos ; not beautiful , but deformed ; nor man's body , been termed a little world , or beauty , if the various creatures of the one , or the members of the other had not consisted of dissimilitudes , divers shapes and differing faculties , knit together into one frame , by a decent simetry ; and made so to sympathize , that they might be the more serviceable to their maker and to each other ; which could not have been , without variety of forms and qualifications . if ( as st. paul saith ) cor. . , . all the members were one member ( or all alike in form ) where were then the body ? but , god hath made them all , as it pleased him , and many differing members make one body : even so also in the catholick church of christ , which is his mystical body , there are many particular churches true members thereof , which in some external and circumstantial things differ from each other ; there are diversities of gifts , judgments , administrations and dispensations ; but all of them are of the same lord , by the same spirit , and god is the more glorified by that variety : to the consideration whereof , i beseech that god , so to direct and encline those with whom he hath intrusted the administration of civil powers , and the dispensation of his holy mysteries , that they so intrench not upon the priviledges of christ's evangelical kingdom , to establish an outward peace in their temporal governments and jurisdictions by humane contrivements , that , at last there be neither external nor internal peace among them . if all our judgments and affections were the same , and all men so alike temper'd , that they were universally enclined to the same temporal objects , in this estate wherein we now are , it would occasion more quarrels and mischiefs , than their disparity hath produced ; good and evil could not have been so well known as they are ; nor had we been reasonable creatures , but had then lived and acted by instinct only , as birds , beasts , and other irrational animals do , and there had been little or no use of love , or of the other vertues or passions of the mind , to the glory of god ; at least , not so much as hath been occasioned by the diversity of judgments and affections managed according to his word and natural reason thereby sanctified ; nor indeed had we been more sinful or more righteous than brute creatures , as it will be manifested when love , the foundation of our being and well-being , hath repair'd those defects and flaws , which our lusts ill governed , and satan's delusions have made in our will and understanding , by separating us from god , and from each other . schism is that which hath so multiplied our sins and sorrows . i mean not that schism , which the prophane and superstitious enemies of truth ( confederating with antichrist in his mystery of iniquity ) chargeth us withall , because we separate from them ; for , that schism or separation , denominates us to be saints ; the word saint , in the first acceptation , is one separated from the world , from the enemies of god's truth , from communicating with them in their errors , impieties , and superstitions , and sanctified for his service . that therefore , which i reprove , is that schism which many of us have made in the seamless robe of christ , by a malicious separating from each other ; by such contentions and wickednesses as proceed out of self-conceit , self-will , pride and lusts , with a seeming respect to indifferent things , as essential to god's worship , or to our own eternal happiness ; whereas they being but temporary advantages or disadvantages , do incline the heart to an uncharitable censuring , hating and persecuting those who dissent , though it proceeds from weakness or ignorance only , or else from their belief , that until they be unquestionably convinced in their understandings to the contrary , they are obliged to profess and act according to their own faith and knowledge , rather than to the faith and knowledge of other men , of whose wisdom and integrity they are not certain , whatsoever good opinion the world hath of them , or they of themselves ; especially when they perceive it warranted in the word of god , by such clauses as this ; rom. . . he that doubteth ( and acteth otherwise than he believeth he ought to do ) is condemned : for , whatsoever is not of faith is sin . happy is he who condemneth not himself in that which he alloweth , or disalloweth . on rhe contrary ; unhappy are they , who are seduced by their authority and power , who denying evident truths in some cases ( and being unrighteous also in their conversations ) have made it justly dubious , that the things which they would inforce on them , are not according to god's will. what conscientious person can suppose himself obliged to renounce his own judgment of things which he believerh have their foundation in the divine word , to be guided by them , who practise not in their deeds what they profess in words ? who can confide in them , who neither entered into their function , or the sheep-fold , by the door ; nor are of such a conversation , being entred , as becomes the place they execute ; but are apparantly vicious , ambitious , proud , covetous and cruel imposers of heavy burdens upon their brethren ? not only in things indifferent , as being absolutely necessary ( though god hath left them at liberty to be used , or not to be used , as occasion should require ) but inforcing some such also , as are evidently contrary to god's commands , and other things which are so far from having been practised , or approved of by the churches of christ ( as is pretended ) that they are manifest appurtenances to the mystery of iniquity , or to the kingdoms of this world rather than to his kingdom , as they are also for the most part who impose them by constraint . if the heart be so deceitful , that it deserves not to be trusted with what it is conscientiously perswaded belongs to the furtherance of its own happiness ; how can it justly ? or , why should it be compelled to trust upon what other mens consciences perswade it to believe ? seeing he himself , and not another , must suffer what may thereby succeed . if we must depend upon the faith and knowledge of other men , and be obliged to such a canonical obedience , as is imposed upon many ; what need we trouble our selves to search further than to our parish priest , be he never so ignorant or prophane , since he is thought sufficiently qualified for the information of all those who are committed to his charge . if there be not a degree of reason , and a proportion of sanctifying light set up in every man , whereby he may see what he ought to do , and in what condition he is . what is then meant by the hidden manna which christ promised ? or , to what use is the white stone with a new name thereon written , which no man knows but he to whom it is given ? verily , mens hearts are more deceitful to other men than to themselves ; and therefore god hath not left us to depend wholly upon other men , nor would we should so hear them , as to adhere to their judgments and neglect our own ; but expects that we , as the noble bereans did , should examine all doctrines and disciplines by the holy scriptures , and trust other men no further than they teach agreeably thereto : and god having according to what was in them prophesied , ingraven so his laws in the heart , that we may reade them there , we are not to despise the dictates of our own hearts , which solomon tells us are better than many counsellors , as doubtless they are , when grounded upon divine precepts and promises . a time is near at hand , wherein orthodox teachers will not so abound as impostors ; and therefore i skrew into this epistle as much as conveniently i can , to prepare for such a day , by encouraging men to preserve their consciences from being vitiated by those mountebanks which will arise . be wary of such , and take heed also , lest that which you think to be a conscientious perswasion , be but an impression of opinions begotten by delusions , or setled by meer custom and breeding only , or by an over-high esteem of their knowledg and sanctity , by whom you have been taught , which hath prepossessed many with a superstitious credulity to their great disadvantage ; as it hath fared with some , who having in their childehood , heard foolish tales of cats being witches , or of witches assuming the shape of cats , thereupon admitted and cherished by degrees such an antipathy in themselves against those necessary creatures , that they are distemper'd to swooning , when a cat cometh accidentally into their presence , and could never be freed from that infirmity whilst they lived . that which may truly be called conscience , hath no such causual or phanatick beginnings , nor terminates in ought which is dishonourable to god , injurious to our neighbours , or harmful to the soul of him who cherishes it , though it may bring troubles upon the flesh : which if it do , those troubles being patiently and meekly sustained , will evidence it to be a good conscience rightly grounded , and improve the sufferings , which it occasioneth , into consolations ; whereas it is impossible , that an ignorant or pretended conscience should endure much hardship or long-sufferings . let us therefore , well examine and try our consciences , and then not be afraid for any outward respect whatsoever , to profess unto others ( when just occasions are offered ) that , whereof we truly make conscience ; seeing , by that means , if we be rightly informed , we may help rectifie the consciences of our erring brethren , or be an occasion of our own better information , if we have erred ; in the mean time it will be a tryal and exercise likewise of each others meekness , love , and humility ; and , he whose conscience thus inclines him , can never be thereby damnified , or want consolation , whatsoever he suffers , though it may have some errour in it through humane frailty . for , he that is unfeignedly consciencious of what he professeth , because he believes it is agreeable to the will of god , ( and will not therefore infringe it , through fear of any outward disadvantages , or for the enjoying of any temporary benefit ) hath so much of god and of his love in him ( as also of brotherly affection ) that if his judgment be faulty , love will rectifie it at last ; whereas , whatsoever his judgement be , who wants love and sincerity , or conformeth to the judgments of other men , meerly for external ends , it will be corrupted to his detriment , yea , though it were an approveable judgement . the truth which is professed , whereunto the heart is not inclined for its own sake , but , for some carnal respects , will rarely be sanctified unto any man , without much trouble in the flesh , and affliction in the spirit . therefore , to force or allure the conscience by temporary baits from what it sincerely professeth in a peaceable deportment to the civil power , is a great cruelty and oppression ; and whosoever is guilty of that violence or insinuation , is like one of them , who was said , to compass sea and land to make proselytes , ( or obedient subjects ) and did but thereby make hypocrites , and secret traytors ; beget children for the devil instead of true believers ; or vassals for antichrist , rather than loyal leige-men to their governours . whatsoever they pretend unto , they thereby seek somewhat for their own advantage , much more than for god's glory , the publick peace of the nation , or the salvation of private persons . this is my judgment , and will be until i shall be convinced to the contrary , and then i shall heartily recant it , ( as i will all my other private opinions upon those terms , in whatsoever i have dogmatically declared , and offered to consideration . ) but , i yet doubt not of what i have averred , and am confirmed in my belief by what the lord hath said by his prophet isaiah , to all those who tremble at his word , and serve him according to their conscience : your brethren ( saith he ) hated you , and cast you out ( pretending it to be for god's glory ) for his names sake ; but he shall appear to your joy , and they shall be ashamed , isa . . . be not offended , if in some particulars i seem not to be at present , wholly of that judgment which you best approve of ; for i shall be so at last , if it be truly approveable . in the mean time , by such necessary offences , the persons and things which are best to be approved , will be the better known ; and though i dissent from some good-men in things indifferent ( or in such as they think not indifferent ) or though i may with-draw out of a conscientious respect , to others , from partaking with some professors of christianity , in that which i or other men conceive to be erroneous or scandalous ; yet , an heretick or schismatick , properly so called , i hope never to be , because god's grace preserveth me from wilful averrations , and from infringing of brotherly love. whether it be in spiritual or temporal things , i judge in the abstract , as i think the word of god judgeth of them , leaving mens persons to him , and to those , unto whom a personal judgment of them belongs ; declaring my conscience and belief , as i think i am obliged to do without personal respects or disrespects , that i might preserve concord , and incline other men to be like-minded toward me , and to each other ; and i conceive i therein give no just occasion of scandal to my superiours , or to the catholick church . when a city is first incorporated , every man who had a possession therein , or is afterward admitted to be a free citizen , may therein exercise the trade and faculties which he had , as a freeman , before there were distinct societies , in the same , and cannot justly be dis-infranchized , or reputed a transgressor , though he be none of those new companions . i was admitted into the city of god before there were ( to my knowledge ) any gathered churches therein , and i conform according to my power and understanding to all the positive laws of that city , living peaceably in concord with every fraternity ; and if all the distinct corporations therein will receive me into their societies , i will be obliged to be conformable to every one of them , so far forth as their by-laws and orders be in my conscience agreeable to the universal laws of the city of god , and not repugnant to each other . for , i am not only a professor of universal humanity and philanthrophy , but also a jesuite and a catholick christian . a jesuite of the society and order instituted by our patron jesus christ ; not of that upstart sect , lately and falsly so called and invented by ignatius loyola , for the service of antichrist , under colour of that name . a catholick also i am , but not a roman catholick ( which is an absurd term , contradictory to it self ) nor am i of any other particular profession , which may imply a repugnancy to universal truths or duties ; therefore cannot separate in love from any ; especially , not from those of any church , who are in a possibility of being in christ jesus , though they are for the present entangled in some errors ; and i have as well a charity for mine enemies , as an affectionate love for my friends ; not only desiring the salvation of all those who profess christ , by whatsoever sect or name distinguished ( and of the prophane among them , reputed as publicans and sinners ) but that infidels also , mahumetans , jews , yea and antichristian christians ( who are the worst of all men ) might ( if god pleased ) come out of the malignant city by repentance into his new jerusalem . and forasmuch as it is said , he would that all men should be saved ; i would have them compelied to come in , by all manner of loving compellations , and by preaching unto them the universal love and mercy of god in christ jesus , by our exemplary good lives , as well in deeds as in words . to this end , i have much upon my spirit to be expressed ; but , i reserve it to be inserted , in what i have begun to meditate upon the more excellent way , mentioned by st. paul , and for illustration of that universal gospel , which st. john in his revelation informs us , an angel flying through the midst of heaven , was commissioned to preach : for , i have hitherto so long observed , and insisted upon expressing the ingratitude of mankind , and the prevarications of the world , that i am as weary thereof as it is of me ; and leaving her henceforth to her own wayes , without reproof , will spend the rest of my time ( if my pen be not taken from me ) to magnifie that eternal love , by which all things were created , and which shall be in god's time manifested in the perfecting of what his wisdom intended before there was a visible world. mean-while i will proceed with what i have now in hand . the general love by me professed , as is aforementioned , so prevails with me , that i can communicate with the members of any christian congregation ( if they will admit it ) to break bread in remembrance of christ's passion , and in any other pious duties , provided the communicants be not scandalously prophane in their lives , or obstinate professors of antichristian principles destructive to the essence of faith or humane society ; yea , though there be a surplusage or defect in some circumstances ; provided also , my conscience checks me not therein , for being a stumbling-block to other of my weak brethren : and i do ingenuously confess , that in some particulars wherein i practically comply not with others , i could do it without offending mine own conscience , in respect of the things themselves ; if i be not enjoyned to acknowledge that is necessary which i think not so to be ; to profess i believe that which i cannot believe ; or , if i were not conscientiously fearful , i should thereby give encouragement to superstition , and be a more dangerous offence to the weak ones of a contrary judgment , than would consist with christian charity , the glory of god , and mine own internal quiet . and , whether i shall at any time hereafter conform , or not conform to other mens judgments in things controverted , in publick or private , i shall do it , or not do it , conscientiously in the fear of god , as my heart then inclines me ( though it shall be to my external disadvantage ) without contempt to authority , or disrespect to any profession . nor will it much offend me , as in relation to my self , to be compelled to submit to things indifferent ; because , if that be a transgression , the fault is not mine , but their crime who compel that to be done as necessary , which is left indifferently to be done , or not to be done , as just occasion makes it expedient or inexpedient ; and when the doing or not doing of it , may advance the common peace , i prefer that , before my own private conveniences or inconveniences ; yea , before all things , except the honour of god only . but , take notice , that notwithstanding this latitude of my conscience , i am sometimes in as great straits in respect of the particulars afore-mentioned , as they who have the narrowest latitude , and shall in some cases more willingly suffer , than do that which i have a liberty to do : but i will do as god directs me in every emergency ; and desire all my readers to take heed , that they make neither mine , nor any other man's conscience , an absolute patern or president whereby to regulate their actings , till they be convinced by better arguments than presidents or examples . follow other men ( as st. paul said ) as they follow christ , and no further : for that latitude which is vouchsafed to some , is not given to all , nor at all times to the same persons in the same cases , but variously dispensed , and at no time justifiable in any , but when it is grounded upon the law of god by faith , and warranted by his holy spirit , working in our hearts according to those principles . i again beseech you all in the love of jesus christ ( of whatsoever judgment you are ) to reade without prejudicacy , what i have further to declare , tending ( as i think ) to universal concord , to the preventing what may disturb the peace of your private consciences , and conduce to that repentance and reformation , whereunto i would perswade . it proceeds from no phanatick resolution taken up for mine own advantage ; nor from a partial respect or disrespect to any dissenting parties , but is that which ever since i was of understanding i have judged reasonable , and been so conformable unto in my practice , that i neither gave just cause of offence to any , nor perswaded any to be of my judgment further than their own consciences inclined them . i much reverencing the national church of england , without despising , or factiously adhering to any congregational assemblies ; and heretofore conceived that set-forms of prayer , as wel in publick as in private , were for many respects expedient at sometimes , for some persons , though not alwayes necessary for all men . i believed ( as i still do ) that such prayers as were at any time dictated by the spirit of god , were at all times accompanied and sanctified by the same spirit , when any congregation , or person , having the same occasions , did with a sincere intention of the heart , speak them unto god in the same words ; and that they who assented unto those words with sincerity , offered up a sacrifice pleasing unto god , though they were but formally only read by him who officiated as the mouth of the congregation . i thought also , that such forms as are enjoyned , might be helpfull to some , either to bring things needfull at present to remembrance , which might else have been forgotten , or to assist those who had not the gift of vocal prayer in publick ; or to help instruct the ignorant in giving decent attributes to god in their devotions ; or to stir up their own or other mens hearrs in that duty , by preventing such tautologies , impertinent and undecent interjections , or such deficiencies in words as may be offensive to their hearers , and otherwhile obstructive to themselves in the performance of that duty . i judged likewise , that the forms of prayer publickly used in the church of england were pious , and in few particulars justly to be excepted against as offensive , if not magisterially imposed as necessary for all , or formally only repeated , without a hearty intention ; yea , i confess , that i conceived the let any ( whereat much offence is taken ) to be the best patern of prayer , as in respect of the form , for a congregation or family , next to that which was prescribed by our saviour ; because , consisting of many short petitions , confessions , and deprecations , ( to be used as occasions are offered ) the hearers give assent to every one of them vocally at the end thereof ; and are then , thereby kept the more attentive , and their minds more from wandering , than usually they are in a long continued prayer ; and for that it joyns together both the minister and the people in their devotions . upon these and the like considerations , i had a reverend esteem of that form , and of some other prayers , notwithstanding their objection , who say , the common-prayer-book was taken out of the roman missal : for , though the papists had part of it in their lyturgie , to set a flourish upon their superstitious novelties ( which trash had buried under it that little whereof good use might have been made ) so much as the saints and martyrs retained at the time of reformation , and which in effect was a collection , for the most part , of what was in the greek and roman churches before the papal tyranny began , was not originally papal , but by degrees mixt with such humane inventions , as would not else perhaps , have been so soon and easily admitted ; and i knew not wherefore ( the rubbish being again separated ) but that the wholsome words might be as well hallowed to a pious use , as the censers , wherein incense had been offered up with strange fire , by nadab and abihu , and be re-sanctified by a sincere devotion , when it is needfull . therefore , i was , at first exploding thereof , sorry it was not rather purged of what seemed offensive , than quite taken away ; and that it was not left to be used , or not to be used , as occasion might require , or as mens consciences thereunto inclined them , without compulsion : for , i thought the sudden innovasion , then intended , would be unseasonable , and probably , as it was carried on , produce those or such like ill effects , as followed soon after ; which presupposal of mine , i publickly declared also , at that time , with as little thanks for my labour , as peradventure i may have for what i now express . yet , when i perceived many had made it an idol , as others did of things no less necessary in their season than the brazen serpent , ( which was at first set up by god's command ) i submitted to what his providence produced at that time , who disposeth of all things , and permitted that formality among other , to be taken away : yet i knew by my own experience , and by what hath been confessed by some , endowed with more excellent gifts than i am , that god , who distributes his graces as it pleaseth him ( partly , perhaps , to prevent spiritual pride , and partly , to encrease love , by making each member of christ to need each other ; or , for some other cause known to himself only , ( as when he withheld that fluent vocal expression from moses , which he conferred on aaron ) doth not give to every servant of his that confidence in their own abilities which many have , nor such satisfaction in their own verbosity , that they can speak to him extempory in the presence of an auditory , though they are full of devout thoughts , and want not that gift of internal prayer , which makes their silent mental devotions , or broken expressions , acceptable unto him , and as effectual as hannahs whisperings were , of which eli misjudged . and indeed , where there is the nearest communion in the closets of their hearts between god and the souls of his dearly beloved ones , they are more priviledged than the greatest favourites of earthly princes ( who make not their petitions after the manner of other courtiers ) and being so ingratiated , that they are many times prevented in their desires by his free grace , cannot set themselves at such a distance as they must do who petition in the ordinary mode ; neither can they when there is need , so effectually pour out their hearts unto him in the formality of words , as by a spiritual communication , though they use words otherwhile , for the sake and example of others , who have not that way of address , and who may else peradventure think they pray not at all . in my own particular , it often so fares with me , that when my heart is fullest both of matter and of strong desires , to pour out all in words ; i am so fearful to forget what is most necessary to be spoken for , that i can say little or nothing in words ; yet have such prayers of mine been heard and graciously answered . if it were not so , many poor afflicted souls would be in a sad condition ; and it may be that the declaring of my experience in this case , will be a means of consolation to some . my private prayers are for the most part , such ; and when i am necessitated to be the mouth of others , then ( as many do who think it not observed ) i heartily , not formally only , make use otherwhile of some formal words , both to help light my candle , and to draw out of my heart by degrees , that which is in season for present occasions ; and as the sweet savour of ambergreece ( which it naturally puts not forth of it self ) is drawn out by things added thereto which have no sweetness of that kind ; so otherwhile by those forms , which are in themselves but dead letters , that which lies unactive within us is quickened ; yea , sometimes the operations of the spirit may be stirred up by a contemptible means , even in the most excellent prophets of god , as it appears by elias , who to rouse up his prophetical spirit , called for a fidler , and it is said , king. . . that when the minstrel ( or fidler ) played , the hand of the lord came upon him . nevertheless , i desire not that any forms of prayer should be compulsarily imposed on those who need them not ; especially , not on them who are called to be teachers and speakers on the behalf of other men : for , though i my self have not that excellent gift of extemporary praying and speaking , which becomes him who undertakes to speak to , or for a publick assembly ; i would not have such places conferred on those who are not able , on all immergent occasions , to speak unto the people from god , and unto god for them on whom they take charge , either in fit words of their own , or in such of god's words as are stored up in memory : nor do i think it reasonable , that men so qualified , should have their spirits confined to other mens words ; and perhaps otherwhile to such words as they cannot make use of with a safe conscience , though they seem pious and plausible unto many ; as for instance , when in our thanksgivings or prayers to god , we mention persons or actions with such attributes , epethites , or affirmations , as we either doubt of , or believe to be untrue , or are not assured that they are approved of by god. there may be no defect in the form or in the matter , to common appearance ; yet there may be some complements in it , which every man's conscience cannot brook ; and to inforce the use of set-forms , not prescribed by god in his divine worship , as necessary , whether it be on minister or people , look ( in my understanding ) when it is pretended to be for their good , like bidding guests to a feast , and when they come , to constrain them to eat of all that is set before them , even more than they need , and that also which their stomach loaths ( one mans meat , as our proverb sayes , being another mans poyson ) and if it be refused , cram it down their throats , whether they will or not ; or else keep them prisoners , and strip them of that which they have about them . i also allow to every man his due freedom in things of that nature , that when i come to joyn with any in publick or private prayers , i bring not with me to their discouragement , a censorious mind to judg uncharitably of defects in words or circumstances , but endeavouring diligently to observe what is spoken ( be it extempory or a set-form ) and whether it be spoken heartily , or cursorily onely ( which concerns not me , but the speaker ) i do consent to the wholsom words of him that speaketh , in so much as i believe tends to the glory of god and to our publick or private necessities , passing by that which i think impertinent , as if it had not been spoken ; adding also secretly in my heart , an amendment or supply , where i conceive a defect striving against my own corruptions , if any uncharitable censure begins to rise up , by exercising my faith and humility , by which means that which had else been equivalent to a set-form of prayer as to me , is made my own extemporary devotion , though partly personated by another man : and by thus exercising the principle of love , i neither give just cause of offence for the present , nor disable my self to take opportunities to rectifie at another time , that which i thought not then approvable in him that prayed . when they in whose pious duties i was partaker , kneeled , i kneeled ; when they stood up or sate , i did the same ; the like in all other indifferent things , that i might not disturb their devotions . moreover , when heretofore in the publick assemblies , they rose up at the repetition of the creed , i was not offended at it , but pitied their ignorance who did it superstitiously ; for , in the primitive times , that posture was often used in true zeal , to signifie to those infidels , and others among whom they lived , their voluntary assenting to that belief : and ( as i remember ) it is recorded , that the christian souldery in those dayes , drew out their swords , thereby implying that they would defend that profession to the death , with hazard of their lives , if need were . also , when the congregation communicated in receiving bread and wine , i sate or kneeled as the rest did , without irreverence in sitting , or superstition in kneeling : for i kneeled not to adore the outward elements , or the table ( which is now termed an altar ) but , to put my self into an humble posture of addressing my heart to jesus christ in thanksgiving and prayer : by which conformity , in such indifferent things , ( which many superstitiously observe , and many as superstitiously omit ) i preserved peaceablness in those who would have been disquieted , and otherwhile gained thereby an opportunity to rectifie the judgments of some , who make the observation or not observation of such indifferent things , to be essential to their religion ; and i am afraid that too many are only religious in the observing or not observing such punctilio's ; separating for trifles , and being ignorantly affected , or uncharitably disaffected , to the vexation of themselves and others . upon these and the like considerations i heretofore conformed to the discipline of the church of england ( knowing in my own conscience , as paul said of an idol , that to me who made not conscience of worshipping thereof , it was not only no idol , but as a meer nothing ) so for such as my conscience would permit without offence to my weak brethren ; supposing such forms of prayer or discipline , as were continued or instituted by the first reformers , when they separated from babylon , were not contrivements of humane policy only , the better to withdraw the peoples hearts from romish superstitions , but sincerely established for the time being , in that mode , because they thought them edifying , or because it was not in their power to perfect their intention , or else ( which is my judgment ) it was permitted so to be , because the providence of god would ripen that work by degrees , as it might best advantage his kingdom in the time to come , according to his permissions at the wearing out of jewish ceremonies . and , i thinking it my duty , to make the best use i could in my place , of that faculty which he gave me , to render such humane constitutions , as i had not power to take away , more edifying & less superstitious , composed about forty years past , a hymn for every observable day in the year , to prevent that superstitious observation , whereby god was dishonoured in those dayes ; and to the like intent , conformed , as aforesaid , in some other indifferent things then practised , until that discipline was interdicted ; and perhaps had so done now it is restored , but that i evidently perceived the adversaries of sincere reformation , ( some of whom seemed to be friends thereto ) have laboured to enslave us to their judgment ; and others , by the old way , to bring us back again to rome , by drawing us a little nearer thereunto , by pressing that upon us , wherein we seemed at first to be separated from her ; pulling down , setting up , and adding what may advance their designs under colour of repairing the old model of reformation : and ever since that discovery , i have desisted from that conformity , which i formerly thought a thing indifferent ; and as i lately submitted to the providence which abolished that for a time , whereof i thought good use might have been made , so i shall gladly now do , if it be abolished for ever , with all the remainder of humane inventions , which have been added to divine worship : for , though i have heretofore endeavoured to improve them , and ( as you may perceive by what is declared ) am not ignorant of the best use that can be made of them ; i now see men have made such idols of their disciplines and formalities , that they are as meer dead things for the most part among all professors . in words they are very zealous for observing the sabbath , or lord's day , holy-dayes and other such ordinances , but keep them not as they pretend they are bound in conscience . in hearing they hear not ; in praying they pray not as they ought to do ; for their businesses on those dayes , are principally to see and be seen in their best clothes , to confer of their temporal affairs ; to hear news out of the pulpit , or from other places , with such-like ; and their formal devotions are but fruits of a trust reposed in the work done , heedlesly hudled up , as the papists do their pater nosters and ave maries , as if so , or so many prayers repeated , or so many sermons or masses heard , were meritorious . therefore , notwithstanding i yet see not in this my fleshly being , how the soul of religion can be preserved without some form wherein it may be visible and active , i am nevertheless confidently perswaded ( and perhaps may therein be a prophet to this generation ) that god who is a spirit , and to be worshipped in spirit and truth , will ere long destroy all external formalities , but such as he himself hath ordained ; in regard his jealousie is as much provoked by our phanatick idea's , as by graven images . in the primitive church , i do not find either those forms of prayer , nor those disciplines , nor that artificial mode of preaching which is now in use , they came into fashion by degrees ; and i do believe , that though god hath permitted other dispensations to be and continue a long time , and was also pleased to make them somewhat effectual for preservation of his truth ; yet that simplicity of worship , preaching , and praying , whereby the gospel was first planted , will be again received hereafter . howsoever it pleaseth god to proceed , every man is obliged while such dispensations continue , to be so far forth conformable unto them , as he conscientiously believes them to be necessary or expedient for edification ; and i for my part will husband them as well as i can with preservation of my obedience to god , and charity to men . i resolve neither to separate from , or comply with any , but as their doctrines and disciplines are contradictory or agreeable to the word of god in my understanding , in obedience to him , without wilful or factious disobedience to the civil power , or giving just occasion of offence to the elders or members of the church of england , or of any particular congregation within these islands ; but what i cannot believe warranted , i cannot practise or profess , whatsoever penalty i incur . i conceive not the church of england , or any other church , to be so properly called the mother , as the nurse of those who are in them begotten and regenerated : nor was i by covenant at my baptism , or at any time since to my knowledge , made a son or member of any prelatical , national , or congregational society , but of the catholick church only . if i thought otherwise ( and were not conscientiously perswaded , that it would be uncomely ( or somewhat worse ) to go back again to the door for an initiation after i have been openly admitted to communicate at the lord's table ) i would be rebaptized ; therefore , i will conform to no personal , national , or congregation judgement or practise , further than i know it to be catholick , and warranted to quadrate with necessary decency and good order , by god's word and the light which is in me , sanctifying through his grace the talents of nature . how other men ought to demean themselves , the same light in them , assisted as aforesaid , will also direct ; and of their actings in things controverted , there can be no other competent judge but god. for , there is a latitude by him vouchsafed to the consciences of some persons , in some cases , to vary otherwhile from general rules ; as to the children of israel , in forbearing circumcision , whilst they were in the wilderness ; to paul , in circumcising timothy ; as also touching some outward conformities , in respect of the civil power , even in things injurious to their own personal right , according to christ's example , who paid tribute to caesar the usurper of his kingdom . in great straits and necessities , that which is not lawful may be expedient , and therefore tolerated . it was unlawful for any to eat of the shewbread but the priests ; yet , mercy being better than sacrifice , david and his followers did eat thereof rather than perish by hunger ; and reason of state excuses not saul from being a murderer in slaying those who gave it unto them , in that necessity , though by the arbitrary laws of earthly monarchs , it was adjudged treason . moreover , that toleration which was desired by naaman , appears to me approvable ( though i was once of another judgment ) that assyrian lord , being cured of his leprosie , humbly desired , in respect of his nigh relation to the king of assyria his master , who had sent him to be cured , that god would pardon him , when only to do his service to the king , he went with him to the house of rimmon , if whilst his master there leaned upon him , he bowed down , without intending any adoration to the idol ( which i conceive was implyed . ) in answer to this request , the prophet said , go in peace ; which if it had not amounted unto a toleration according to his petition , the prophet in my judgment , had neither dealt faithfully nor charitably , to send away one so likely to be a true proselyte , without plenary satisfaction and instruction concerning his duty . i can neither excuse those who magisterially burthen the people of god , with indifferent things as being necessary to his divine service , whilst they on whom they are imposed conceive them to be superstitious , & an infringment of their christian liberty ; nor blame those who shall humbly , peaceably , and orderly plead to be delivered from their bondage , and obey in suffering : for though they may authoritativly say , as the jews did when they crucified christ , we have a law by which he ought to suffer , they may answer and be bold to say , god and nature have laws by which it ought to be otherwise . the benefit of those laws i do modestly ( not factiously ) endeavour to vindicate , and will be as wary as i can , not to hazard substances for circumstances or accidents , nor be afraid to glorifie god and confess christ , in the same good words , which are formally used by wicked or prophane men , though i will not joyn with them in their intentions ; but knowing that truths and pious words are sometimes used to deceive , will so far only conform to other mens words and actions as they are good in themselves , and as they may be turned to the truths advantage in my understanding : much less then will i make scruple to joyn with christian men , in pious expressions , and in indifferent actings , though there may be a sinister intention in them , unknown to me , who am in charity to judge the best , where evil is not apparent . and , because i may possibly thereby take occasion sometimes to make that which was impertinently or superstitiously intended , both a means to frustrate that ill intention , and to improve a righteous purpose , as god doth , to glorifie his justice and mercy by our prevarications . therefore , as to advance the glory of god , and preserve their own internal quiet , i exhort all men to be watchful that they neither act or omit the doing of any thing , but as they are conscientiously perswaded , until they shall be convinced to the contrary ; so , i desire them for preservation of their outward peace , to be as wary , neither wilfully or factiously , or for sinister ends to refuse conformity to the ordinances of men , in such particulars as come within the extent of things decent , orderly , and well-spoken of by good men , and may conduce to edification in piety , or of civil concernments which clash not with divine constitutions . be not afraid or ashamed to conform , if you have no better ground of dissent than your temporary advantage or disadvantage , or because you have heretofore acted and professed to the contrary , especially in such cases as may make it more obstructive to the gospel of christ , and to the improvement of christian amity , than by giving offence to some brethren ; when as many of another judgment will be offended also , of whom you ought to be as conscientiously tender , in which case there will be need of much sanctified discretion . i likewise humbly beseech all those , to whom god hath committed the managing of civil powers , to be careful ( if they would have men conscientiously obedient to their civil constitutions and commands ) that they intrench not upon god's prerogatives and positive ordinances , to the provoking of his wrath , by imposing on his people unjust or unnecessary burthens in concernments divine or civil : or by giving those power to domineer over the lord's heritage , who pretend to be pastors of christ's flocks under them , and may multiply , by their assistance , impertinent and superstitious traditions and ceremonies , till at last they , leaving nothing indifferent , bring the most part of civil causes into their ecclesiastical jurisdictions , and be destructive as well to the supream civil magistrates , as to the estates , persons , and consciences of their faithful subjects , by depriving them of their natural and spiritual rights and freedoms , one by one . that unnecessary cost which many thousands are , or may be enforced unto , by their visitations , inquisitions , articles , vexatious prosecutions in several courts , their numerous exacting officers , and by bribes to supercede or take off the process , censures , and mulcts , cannot be sum'd up ; besides the charge of all these , and those other burdensome impositions laid upon the people since antichrist got power ; among the rest , that one of imposing the observation of holy dayes ( as they call them ) above the seventh part of time set apart by ancient christians in place of the jewish sabbath , amounts yearly to an incredible sum , and by my calculation , to a greater burden than the excise , and all other taxes : for , it deprives the people of above the th part of those dayes , wherein god by the old law allowed them to do what they had to do in their temporal affairs : and if we could cast up into one sum , what the labour of every man , woman , beast , teem of horses and oxen probably ariseth unto in those many dayes , which are superstitiously dedicated to saints and angels , together with the sinful or vain expences which they occasion by drunkenness , gaming , and other vanities and mischiefs , during those dayes , it would appear such an annual charge ( beside hindrances in trading , and losses at harvest and seed-times ) that being added to all the other impositions , services and payments , lawfully and unlawfully laid upon the nation , it would , in my judgement , seem greater than ever was charged upon any people , who were not absolute slaves ; nevertheless , that superstitious observation was not to be murmured at , if it tended ought to the glory of god , or but to the benefit of any part of mankind , except those who are enemies to the kingdom of christ . that , such oppressions might be prevented , and redressed when begun , god left not them , who should be kings and governors over his people at large , as the kings of the nations were , but gave them , beside many other exemplary paterns of righteousness , the law of a just monarchy , in deut. . . before the coming of christ , and many evangelical precepts since , whereby they , and their substitutes under them , ought to be regulated . and in all times , divine providence hath raised up some , as well in the campe , like eldad , and medad , as in the tabernacle , to be remembrancers of what ought to be done . they have also those ministers of the gospel , who , instead of those priests , whose lips were heretofore to preserve knowledge , by whom they may , and ought to be assistant with their counsel , which would not be in vain , if consulted . but , hereupon ariseth a question , lately put to my conscience , which may , perhaps , be of concernment at this time , if i could give a satisfactory answer thereunto ; for which cause i will endeavour it so far forth as my judgment extends . the question is , whether they who being called to a spiritual function , to minister in things relating to the kingdom of christ , and the divine service of god , may intermedle in the administrations touching the kingdoms of men , or in civil and common matters ; seeing it seems to be an undertaking to serve two masters , which may occasion the neglect of the one or of the other ? i answer ; it may , or it may not be so , according to the mind and sincerity of the undertaker . the state of venice , rarely admit any of the clergie to be of counsel in their civil affairs , because they are jealous of the popes interest among them ; yet , i remember they had one , by whose wisdom and faithfulness , they were more advantaged , than by any one counsellour that ever they had . but , this was a rare bird ; rara avis terris , nigroque similima cigno . many such are not bred at a time in one nest . the woods yield few white ravens , and as few white dawes are bred in churches ; yet i have seen both . if he that is called to the ministry of the gospel , shall ambitiously desire wordly honours or profits , which he formerly enjoyed not ; or shall not willingly for-go what he formerly possessed , when he is called to follow christ , and finds it is , or may be his hindrance therein , he cannot , as i believe , with a good conscience , either keep that which he had , or accept of other temporary dignities or profits . but , if he be born to any temporal honour or estate , or shall have them bestowed on him by his prince , who may have need of his service , in the administration of justice , or of other civil affairs , without his own desire or seeking ; and conscientiously believes he may thereby the better serve his master , christ jesus , he ought ( in my understanding ) to keep what he had , and accept of what is tendred , rather than reject it ; provided he be watchful that honors corrupt not his manners , nor his riches choke the seeds of grace ; and that when he serves his prince or country in a temporal capacity , he leans not to them and forsakes his best master , making use of his additional power , to the disadvantage of christs kingdom ; provided also , that when he serves his prince or country in a temporal capacity , he so remembers his spiritual engagement , that he humble himself into a parity with his fellow commissioners , ordained by christ , as meekly as if he had no temporary additions or priviledges more than they ; so totally laying them aside in the execution of his spiritual function , that he may not over-awe them in their votes , or so much as seem to think them any appurtenances thereto . where this moderation is with sincerity preserved , both god and the king , may be the better served ; then peoples christian and civil liberties be the more secured ; and both parties be as mutually helpful , as one hand in washing the other . this , i conceive , is as lawful , and as agreeable to the will of god and a good conscience ( with the provisoes afore-mentioned ) for preservance of the civil politick body , and of peace in the church , as it was for jehojeda , the high priest , to intermedle , together with his priestly office , in the administration of the civil government , for preservation of the king and kingdom of judah ; or , as it was for paul , and other disciples , who officiated in preaching the gospel , to exercise their mechanick trades for the subsistance of their bodies , which was less considerable than the well-being of the saints in their bodily concernments . as there be no worse counsellours than priests , if they be corrupt and wicked ; so , there be none better , if they be prudent and sincere ; and therefore i grudge them not a double honour , who are approved such . but , when the most ambitious , and the most covetous self-seekers of a formal ministry , shall be only , or chiefly consulted withal , who endeavour the establishing of their own ecclesiastical constitutions , or popish canons , shall be joyned to a civil government by their own procurement , or by other indirect means , with persons who for the most part , wholly intend also the settlement of their politick ends ; there can be nothing expected but an utter overthrow of all the foundations of righteous government both in church and commonwealth . this is my judgment ; which , if it may tend to produce as good effects as are by me intended in declaring it , would rejoyce my heart , though i were sure to die for it when it is published . this paragraph slipt in by way of parenthesis , whilst i was prosecuting what i had to declare touching what is intended to be forcibly imposed upon conscientious men ; upon which theame i could alledge many things , both for and against what is affected and disliked , more than either of the dissenting parties have ( that i yet know of ) said for themselves ; yet had not said so much , but that it thereby appearing i am neither partial nor ignorant what may be on both sides objected , i may be heard with the less prejudice on both sides , in that which i rationally and conscientiously declare ; who conceive the controversies between them both at this time , to be more mysterious and ridiculous , than heretofore the contest was between the greek and roman churches concerning the festival of easter . these are onely my caveats and hints ; wherein the manifold confusions , both in matters divine and civil by me observed , and the multiplicity of my musings thereupon , make my expressions also to be confused ; yet peradventure they may startle some into a more serious consideration of them hereafter , if they do no more . in the mean time , god's word , christian prudence , and your own consciences , must be your guides ; to which i refer every man , hoping it will be better weighed than it hath been ; and that they will take heed on all sides , that their consciences be not deluded , feigned , infringed , palliated or byassed to the right hand or to the left , but as they shall be reasonably convinced : for , we are likely to be in a great strait ere long , which will try who hath faith and constancy , who are truly conscientious or hypocrites ; where injustice and oppressions abound , there can be no true love ; where love is not , there can be no repentance or peace ; and where these are not found , confusion , despair and destruction will take place . nor the dissembling of our condition , nor our pretending things which are not ; nor our discountenancing of truth , and countenancing of lies and false rumours , and fictitious prophecies , whether it be on the behalf of our private interests , or of the civil government , or of god , will avail us for good , but be of evil consequence ? to such wicked vanities , i find very many over-prone at this time , and well-pleased with publication of that , which they believe to be false and erroneous , so it may advantage that whereunto they are enclined . and for prevention of what these and such like prevarications may effect , my conscience compels me to insist so much on the foregoing particulars , and on those interjections which are occasionally and suddenly cast into my heart , that probably i shall be blamed for transgressing in tautologies , pleomasmes and defect of method , and may also bring upon my self an increase of troubles in the flesh , by so plainly expressing what i am , and what comes into my mind , rather than omit what i think necessary , or not clearly expressed that which i suppose fit to be offered to consideration at this critical time : yea , and some tell me , to whom i have communicated these papers , that it will make many of those to fall from me , by whose charity i have been hitherto relieved in my present necessities . but , non nobis nati sumus , we are not born for our selves only ; and if i suffer hereby , i shall be well contented with god's pleasure therein ; who , though his promises do often seem to clash , and run cross to his providences a long time , ( for the probation of our faith and constancy ) will make them to meet at last in the compleating of that which will be most for his glory , and the true happiness of all who depend upon his word . such a wicked spirit of division , vengeance and persecution is active , to their intolerable oppression who serve god according to their consciences ; and such a defect both of christian love and humanity , even among those who profess the same jesus , and of some who are pastors of his flocks , that they make it a principle of their association , and as it were essential to their function , to endeavour by any means whatsoever ( whereby they incur not the penalty of humane laws ) to suppress all those by violence , who are not conformable to them in doctrine and discipline , even to the maintaining in practice ( though they openly profess it not in words ) of this maxime of the papists , that faith is not to be kept with hereticks ; and do their utmost to provoke the civil magistrate to draw the temporal sword against them , and thrust them into the fire ; whereas the apostle paul adviseth , that such as are obstinatly incorrigible in things justly reprovable , should only be cut off from the congregation of saints by the spiritual sword , and as it were pull'd out of the fire by the holy violence of a loving zeal , that if possible they may repent and be saved both in soul and body : yet many , against whom their hot-spirited brethren are so violent , as being setters up of new lights , do set up no other lights than such as were set up in the seven golden candlesticks in the seven churches of asia , when they were at purest ; and not such candles without light , or lighted at noon-day , as are set up in many places . some have much wondred what inclined them to that useless practice ; and to inform them , i will declare , what i conceive to be the reason thereof ; they have some jugling part to play , which they would not have the common people discover : for , you seldom see puppet-playes , and such mymical contrivements presented but by candle-light , the better to obscure their secret conveyances . their common plea of antiquity for their old lights , is fallacious : error may plead it in many cases as well as truth , though truth derives a pedigree far more antient than our modern or most antique superstitions , which are not so antient as heathenish idolatries from whence they sprung . nay , many of them are meer novelties ; and therefore all right-principled men , who are persecuted for their non-conformity , adhere in their belief and practice to the written word only , according to their understanding thereof ( when they have discharged their consciences ) in professing their faith to god and their consciences , in which he hath his tribunal : for , hoping , that they who dissent from them in judgment , profess that which they seem to believe , to no self-end , but only , because in their understanding it accords with the revealed will of god , they dare not intermeddle to judge between god and them , nor be the less affectionate unto their persons , though they are in some points deluded for the present . this temper of spirit i have endeavoured to cherish in my self toward all those who dissent from me in judgment ; and that we may be one in love , preserve a christian fellowship with the members of every congregation professing faith in christ , who are not scandalous in their lives , or malitiously wilful in those dividing principles which are destructive to piety or humanity . in requital whereof i have had large testimonies of the like affection to me from some of every christian society , by their late seasonable charity : yea , such a considerable number of persons at this time in this nation , differing from me and from each other in judgment , have seemed so to center in the principle of love , by their affectionate , as well as charitable respect to my person , ever since i was deprived of my estate and liberty ; that , considering my unworthiness ( that the tenth part of them were not formerly of my acquaintance ; and the multitude of other necessitated persons , who are more nearly to them related ) i do much mind it , with much thankfulness to god and them , and more rejoyce in it for their sakes than for mine own ; because , i hope it is a symptom that this virtue will more encrease , to the glory of god and their consolation , by our afflictions and persecutions , than it did by our temporal prosperity and carnal peace . not long since ( as i publickly declared in a poem tending to the prosecution of this work ) i thought i should have been as lonely as elias thought himself , but god hath made it appear , that he hath many servants in this nation : and my desire to render this precious oyntment of love more diffusive among men , hath made me so copious in words , and seeming digressions upon this subject ; wherein , as paul said of himself , cor. . . whether i am beside my self , it is of god ; or whether i am therein sober , it is for your cause . and as the same apostle saith , cor. . . though i be free from all men , i have made my self a servant unto all , that i might gain some of all judgments ; denying or allowing to my self those things that are lawful , so far forth as they are expedient for the edification of others , and no further . let us all endeavour the same thing ; and , if we desire peace with god and among our selves , make love a medium to that repentance and reformation , which is expected , by considering that the wisest among men , know but in part , ( by labouring to imitate christ , in his life , meekness , love , patience , forbearance , long-suffering and humility , as well as by making a verbal profession of his doctrines ) and by seeking with mildness to reclaim those who erre in judgment or manners ; not persecuting , tearing and destroying them , for failings which they see not in themselves , which they would hate if they saw them , and for which we ought rather to commiserate , than afflict and oppress them . they were disciples , who were so zealous , that they would have fire called down from heaven ; but , their master christ , reproving them , said , that they knew not of what spirit they were . judge your selves , not others ; but , as paul adviseth , forbear to judge them in respect of meats or drinks , or of an holy-day , or of the new-moon , or of the sabbath ; which were a shadow of things to come , whose body is christ . nor let any ( as he counselleth in another place ) beguile you of your reward , by a voluntary humility , and worshipping of angels , &c. philip. . nor by any of those ordinances of men , which , as i said before , come within the extent and meaning , of touch not , taste not , bandle not , or the like ; but put on , as the holy elected of god , bowels of compassion , meekness , humbleness of mind , long-suffering ; and above all other , charity , which is the bond of perfection : and let your conversation be such as becomes the gospel of christ . and , as that apostle advised , phil. . . whatsoever things are true , whatsoever is honest , just , pure , lovely ; whatsoever is well spoken of ( that is by good men ) and whatsoever is necessary to preserve the common peace , and brotherly concord , in the fear of god , and in obedience to his truth , think on these things , to do them : for , you are thereto obliged ; and whilst you do so , ye shall neither fear , nor need to be afraid of your adversaries , or of what is feared these later times will produce ; because , that fearlesness will be an evident token of perdition to them , and of salvation to you in god , on whom you have confidence , that , he who hath begun a good work in you will perfect it , until the day of jesus christ . mercy and love to others will incline god to be merciful to our sins , whereas by defect of love and mercy in us toward others , we shall be liable to judgment without mercy , by a self-condemnation . they , who think to do god acceptable service , or to have a happy accomplishment of their own ends , by persecuting those who serve god according to their conscience and understanding , do but kick against the pricks , as paul did when he was saul , a persecuter ; and stumble upon a stone of offence , upon which they will be broken into pieces , if their hearts be not changed , as paul's was . also , when they expect god should forgive them their trespasses against him , they will fail of their hope : for , how can they perform the condition of their pardon , by forgiving those who trespass against them , when they prosecute a brother for those offences which he commits not against them , but , in their opinion , against another , who , for ought they know , is rather well pleased , than offended at what they judge an offence . this kind of trespassing against our brethren , will bring us within the compass of those horrible maledictions , which are prophetically pronounced against such persecutors in the psalm ; and therefore let us take heed of it . tyrannizing over the conscience is a sin , which i do not find the jews to have been charged withal until the coming of christ , and when their general desolation approached ; nor that the gentiles were often guilty thereof , until the worlds grand monarchs usurped an arbitrary soveraignty over the rest of mankind , and would be reputed gods ; nor then , until nebuchadnazzer's time ; nor among christians , until prelacy ( which sprung from heathenism ) brought it into practice , to settle their novelties , with their usurpations of those pompeous pontifical dignities which they found in old rome , and have continued by oppression and persecution , ever since the power of the first beast , mentioned in the revelation , was transferred to the second : and they are such sweet morsels to flesh and blood , that the best reformed churches ( as they call themselves ) are loth to let go the rags and reliques which some of them at first had , and do yet retain of those carnal dignities and perquisites ; but preserve as much of them as they can in specie , or , in disguized forms , persecuting , more or less , to uphold their diana ; which is a sin so destructive to that peace , repentance , and reformation whereto i would perswade , that ( judging uncharitably of no particular person , congregation , or national church , though i conceive of their defects and sins , as i believe the word of god judges of them ) i will proceed one step further , to signifie what i apprehend thereof , and of what classts i think them to be , which is plainly this . whatsoever person , persons , congregation , or society of men , or national church , or civil government , shall be so espoused to his , or their own judgment , will , formalities in discipline , or profession of doctrines relating to the worship of god , as to arrogate infallibility to themselves , and shall thereupon endeavour by humane policy , by the temporal sword , or by any other way than by the word preached , and by such disciplines as are thereby warranted , to inforce other men to conform to those doctrines or disciplines which they please to establish and profess , though it be the truth , until they are convinced in conscience , that it is so : or , whosoever shall constitute a ministry of the gospel , otherwise than is ordained in holy scripture , either by setting up such officers as are not thereby divinely authorized , or by casting out , or silencing such as officiate according to the primitive practice of christians : or , whosoever shall act or combine with others , to set up , or destroy , or uphold any civil authority , to the disturbance of the common peace , under pious and religious pretences , otherwise than the laws of nature , and of the nation , do allow : or , having gotten power of compulsion , shall inforce any , contrary to their consciences , to comply with them therein , or to submit to their commands farther than by a passive obedience : or , whosoever shall make their congregational or national sanctions , which relate to god's worship only , to be unduly instrumental for advance of their personal power , estates , or preferments , temporal or spiritual , by over-awing their brethren , or otherwise than is agreeable to divine and humane justice ; or , to a purposed excluding of those from the like advantages , meerly because they are of differing opinions from them in religious controversies , though in fundamentals of divinity and humanity , in their prudence , manners , and in all other respects they are as capable of that trust , as other men . all such , whatsoever shew they make of christian piety , or true morality , are ( in my judgment , though they carry not the mark of the beast in their foreheads ) in a degree , more or less , for the time being , confederates with antichrist , and members of that divided kingdom , and malignant city , which must be destroyed , and help destroy it self , so far forth as the temporal sword , meer humane powers and policies , will be useful to that purpose . the work of the saints consisting only in their constancy , patience , love , and in the exercise of such-like spiritual weapons ; especially in the sincere love of god , and of each other , grounded on his eternal love to mankind in his son , king jesus ; which love — when thus much was printed , a part of the copy was lost at the printing-house , which could not be supplied without sending privately that which was left to the author , in whose hands both this supplement , and the rest of the copy , was seized in his chamber . the providence of god must be submitted unto , and we doubt not but the remainder will shortly come to our hands , either from a copy which is said to be sent into holland , or by another which is in a friends hand that will keep it safe . and perhaps , when they in authority have perused what is seized , and see how innocent a piece it is , and how much it tendeth to the glory of god , the honour of the king , and the settlement of the common peace , it will be returned back to the author , that it may be made publick ; this is the hope of good men who have seen it , unless for our many sins god shall justly deprive us of that means , which he graciously intended to bring to the knowledge of the king and people , those things which are pertinent to their joynt consideration at this time , for prevention of his further wrath , and the judgments deserved . that which is wanting , amounts to about seven or eight pages ; and containeth particulars of much concernment , not mentioned in the title ; among which , that considerable mystery of the raign and kingdom of christ upon earth ; and what is to be believed thereof , is stated , so far forth as man is capable of it in this fleshly being ; so that none who are principled aright therein , will or can , with a good conscience , think that the weapons or militia of that kingdom are carnal , or that the kingdoms of the earth and antichrist , are to be destroyed by any such instruments in the hands of the saints ; which being well considered , would have been advantagious to preserve the common peace . so farewel . finis . predictions of the overthrow of popery, and the landing of the prince of orange in the west written by george wither esquire, in the year ; and some proposals for perpetual parliament written by the same author in . wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) predictions of the overthrow of popery, and the landing of the prince of orange in the west written by george wither esquire, in the year ; and some proposals for perpetual parliament written by the same author in . wither, george, - . p. s.n., [london : ?] reproduction of original in huntington library. caption title. in verse. imprint taken from nuc pre- . created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng anti-catholicism -- great britain -- poetry. religion and politics -- england -- early works to . great britain -- history -- restoration, - -- poetry. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion predictions of the overthrow of popery , and the landing of the prince of orange in the west : written by george wither esquire , in the year . and some proposals fo●… ▪ perpetual parliamen● written by the same author in . to act the last scene which proceeds their doom , they now new vampt upon the stage are come ; and , though that with the king , as if his friends they seem to side , they come for other ends , which he not yet discerning , in his grace vouchsafes them a considerable place , and of prevailing they already boast , as if they saw the lamb and all his host quite overthrown , which me as confident hath made that god their proud hopes will prevent , and overthrow that tyranny out-right , by what they dream shall raise it to its height . but many tryals must the saints abide , and very much their patience will be try'd here and elsewhere before that act is done , which with an anti-mask is now begun . our friends inhabiting beyond the waters , and who were of our tragedy spectators , now twenty years ( though they perceive it not , or seem not to perceive it ) in that lot which these have cast for us , designed are ( or in what follows next ) to have a share , for hamans purs on foot ; not only here , but likewise almost every other where . and these think that to take them by his gin , with most speed , is , with us first to begin . but there 's a counter-mine , which will be sprung , to blowup them , and all their mines e're long , &c. — wherein they see the beasts late deadly wound nigh cur'd to be , they on a sudden , are become as jolly , as if they thought it to be cured wholly ; and , to impose their mark , will now begin to be more strict than ever they have been ; so that e're long , few men shall live in peace , bear office , or a free estate possess where they have power , unless they marked are in hand , or forehead , with their character . but , if that , whereof some imperfect views far off appear , accordingly ensues , there will to thwart their hopes , a new star blaze within the west , that shall the world amaze ; and influences through the vniverse so quickly , and prodigiously disperse , that , aided by concurring constellations , it shall have some effects upon most nations , and cause such changes , as will make a stand in those attempts which they have now in hand . yet know , it will but a diversion be , not that which must from bondage set us free . we , on this side the water are not yet , confus'd enough , that order to beget which must establish us , and shall therefore pursue self-interest a little more . with new wine our old bottles must be fill'd , ( endangering wine and bottles to be spill'd ) till such as are in power be pleased to hear the counsel of a slighted engineer . with new cloth our old garments patcht must be , ( whereby the rents made wider ye shall see ) till every old rag be worn out , and then the robe so rent shall be renew'd again . and they that own it , be secured more , and much more dignified , than heretofore . if they who must compleat it , make their choice by lot divine , as well as humane voice . whereto self-seekers never will agree , until enforced by some streights they be . before the sons of jacob entrance found into their promis'd land , they had a round , or progress to fulfil , and many years they in the desarts were probationers , by several hardships , thereby to improve the seeds of faith , new sown at their remove from egypt , and by signs and wonders shown to make unto themselves their frailties known . but they at each restraining of their lust , brake forth into repinings and distrust ; yea , into flat rebellion , into rearing of idols ( when his law god was preparing ) into a wicked causless murmuring against the means of their delivering from egypt's . tryal , and into wishes vain , that they might thither back return again ▪ for which of many hundred thousands none enjoy'd the promis'd rest , but two alone . and we are just like them , yea , we have done , since god , to bring us from our thrall begun , the very same things in the wilderness of our probation ; and our carcases shall there be left , unless we do betimes make an attonement for our passed crimes ; and with unfeignedness that course pursue which leads unto the rest , that is in view , &c. there is a course whereby , without disgrace , or danger , you may bring that work to pass , and free your selves from that great cost and pain , which without thanks or profit you sustain ; afflicting others too , by those confusions which are increast by your irresolutions . until a better therefore shall appear , be pleased that expedient to hear , and by those preventions , or that good it promiseth , you find a likelihood , take heed , that no self-interest , divert that approbation , whereunto your heart inclineth you ; for god will find you out , and cross the counter-work you go about . in england and in wales , there is a shire , for ev'ry week that 's numbred in the year . by twelve , according to the months divide the counties , with their persons qualified for knights and burgesses , proportioning as near as may be , to an equalling the number of the whole , so , or so many unto each month , without omitting any . ascertain then , the month and day , wherein each twelfth part an election shall begin ; ( the middle of the week , appearing best , as being furthest from the day of rest . ) on each first wednesday , of each month , let those by whom our deputies are to be chose , respectively convene in ev'ry shire , upon that month , and wednesday ev'ry year , which is to them assign'd ; and having chosen , ( at months end ) let each twelfth part , of the dozen , send up their chosen men , to represent their shires and boroughs in the parliament ; and on that very day , in which they come , let all their predecessors give them room . thus one month some , and month by month for ever let each twelfth part , still orderly persever to take a turn , till ev'ry shire hath had a month in ev'ry year ; and having made their choice , let them still enter and withdraw successively by a perpetual law , no man a place of trust , supplying there , at one election , longer than one year . the book intituled , the perpetual parliament , is designed to be reprinted , and presented to all the members . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e printed anno . a collection of emblemes, ancient and moderne quickened vvith metricall illustrations, both morall and divine: and disposed into lotteries, that instruction, and good counsell, may bee furthered by an honest and pleasant recreation. by george vvither. the first booke. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc a estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a collection of emblemes, ancient and moderne quickened vvith metricall illustrations, both morall and divine: and disposed into lotteries, that instruction, and good counsell, may bee furthered by an honest and pleasant recreation. by george vvither. the first booke. wither, george, - . passe, crispijn van de, ca. - , engraver. marshall, william, fl. - , engraver. [ ], , [ ], - , [ ], - , [ ], - , [ ] p. : ill. (metal cuts, woodcut) printed by a[ugustine] m[athewes] for iohn grismond, and are to be sold at the signe of the gunne in ivie-lane, london : mdcxxxv. [ ] in verse. printer's name from stc. the emblems are printed from plates originally engraved by crispijn van de passe the elder for "nucleus emblematorum" by gabriel rollenhagen (stc). with an additional title page, engraved, "emblemes. illustrated by geo. wither.", signed: vvill: marshall· sculp:. the first leaf bears "a preposition to this frontispiece". the second, third, and fourth books each have a separate title page dated ; pagination and register are continuous. the last leaf bears two woodcut dials each with a movable pointer fixed in the center. includes index. one of five imprint variants of this edition. reproduction of the original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng emblem books, english -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a preposition to this frontispiece . this booke contayning emblems , 't was thought fit , a title-page should stand to usher it , that 's emblematicall : and , for that end , our avthor , to the graver did commend a plaine invention ; that it might be wrought , according as his fancie had forethought . insteed thereof , the workeman brought to light , what , here , you see ; therein , mistaking quite the true designe : and , so ( with paines , and cost ) the first intended frontispiece , is lost . the avthor , was as much displeas'd , as hee in such adventures , is inclin'd to bee ; and , halfe resolv'd , to cast this piece aside , as nothing worth : but , having better ey'd those errors , and confusions , which may , there , blame-worthy ( at the first aspect ) appeare ; hee saw , they fitted many fantasies much better , then what reason can devise ; and , that , the graver ( by meere chance ) had hit on what , so much transcends the reach of wit , as made it seeme , an object of delight , to looke on what , misfortvne brought to light : and , here it stands , to try his wit , who lists to pumpe the secrets , out of cabalists . if any thinke this page will , now , declare the meaning of those figures , which are there , they are deceiv'd . for , destinie denyes the utt'ring of such hidden mysteries , in these respects : first , this contayneth nought which ( in a proper sense ) concerneth , ought , the present-age : moreover , t is ordain'd , that , none must know the secrecies contain'd within this piece ; but , they who are so wise to finde them out , by their owne prudencies ; and , hee that can unriddle them , to us , shall stiled be , the second oedipvs . t is , likewise , thought expedient , now and then , to make some worke , for those all-knowing men , ( to exercise upon ) who thinke they see the secret-meanings , of all things that bee . and , lastly , since we finde , that , some there are , who best affect inuentions , which appeare beyond their understandings ; this , we knew a representment , worthy of their view ; and , here , wee placed it , to be , to these , a frontispiece , in any sense they please . a collection of emblemes , ancient and moderne : quickened vvith metricall illvstrations , both morall and divine : and disposed into lotteries , that jnstruction , and good counsell , may bee furthered by an honest and pleasant recreation . by george wither . the first booke . london , printed by a.m. for iohn grismond , and are to be sold at the signe of the gunne in ivie-lane . mdcxxxv . recensui hoc poëma , cui titulus est ( a collection and illustration of emblems ancient and moderne ) in quo nihil reperio , quò minus cum utilitate imprimatur , ita tamen , ut si non intra septem menses proximé sequentes typis mandetur , haec licentia sit omninò irrita . gvil . bray. ex aedibus lambithanis iul. . . a writ of prevention concerning the avthors dedication of the foure following bookes , to those royall , princely , and illustrious personages , whose names are mentioned in this leafe . i have not often us'd , with epigrames , or , with inscriptions unto many names , to charge my bookes : nor , had i done it , now , if i , to pay the duties which i owe , had other meanes ; or , any better wayes to honour them , whose vertue merits praise . in architect , it giveth good content , ( and passeth for a praisefull ornament ) if , to adorne the fore-fronts , builders reare the statues of their soveraigne-princes , there ; and , trimme the outsides , of the other sqvares with portraitures of some heroicke peeres . if , therefore , i ( the more to beautifie this portion of my mvses gallerie ) doe , here , presume to place , the names of those to whose deserts , my love remembrance owes , i hope 't will none offend . for , most , who see their worthy mention , in this booke , to bee , will thinke them honor'd : and , perhaps , it may ( to their high praise ) be found , another day , that , in these leaves their names wil stand unrac'd , when many fairer strvctvrfs , are defac'd . jn this hope , i have placed on the forefront ( or before the first booke of these emblems ) a ioint-inscription to the king and qveenes most excellent maiestie . vpon the right-side-front of this building ( or before the second booke ) one inscription to the most hopefull prince , charles , prince of wales ; and , another to his deere brother , iames , duke of yorke , &c. on the other side-front , ( or before the third booke ) one inscription to the gratious princesse , frances dutchesse-dowager of richmond and lenox ; and , another to her most noble nephew , iames duke of lenox , &c. on the fourth front of our square , ( or before the fourth booke ) one inscription to the right honourable philip earle of pembrooke and montgomery , &c. and another to the right honourable , henry earle of holland , &c. to the reader . if there had not beene some bookes conceitedly composed , and sutable to meane capacities , i am doubtfull , whether i had ever beene so delighted in reading , as thereby to attaine to the little knowledge i have : for , i doe yet remember , that , things honestly pleasant , brought mee by degrees , to love that which is truely profitable . and as david said , his heart shewed him the wickednesse of the vngodly ; ( meaning perhaps , that hee felt in himselfe , some experiments , of the same naturall corruption , by which they are overcome , who resist not evill suggestions at their first motions : ) even-so , i may truly acknowledge , that mine owne experience hath showne mee so much of the common ignorance and infirmitie in mine owne person , that it hath taught mee , how those things may be wrought upon in others , to their best advantage . therefore , though i can say no more to disswade from vice , or to incourage men to ver●ue , than hath already beene said in many learned authors ; yet i may be an occasion by these endeavours , to bring that , the oftner into remembrance , which they have , more learnedly , expressed· and perhaps , by such circumstances , as they would not descend unto , may insinuate further also with some capacities , than more applauded meanes . viniger , salt , or common water , ( which are very meane ingredients ) make sawces more pleasing to some tastes , than sugar , and spices . in like manner , plaine and vulgar notions , seasoned with a little pleasantnesse , and relished with a moderate sharpnesse , worke that , otherwhile , which the most admired compositions could never effect in many readers ; yea , wee have had frequent proofes , that a blunt iest hath moved to more consideration , than a judicious discourse . i take little pleasures in rymes , fictions , or conceited compositions , for their owne sakes ; neither could i ever take so much paines , as to spend time to put my meanings into other words than such as flowed sorth , without studie ; partly because i delight more in matter , than in wordy flourishes , but , chiefely , because those verball conceites , which by some , are accounted most elegant , are not onely ( for the greater part ) emptie sounds , and impertinent clinches , in themselves ; but , such inventions , as do sometime , also , obscure the sense , to common re●ders ; and , serve to little other purpose , but for wittie men to shew tricks one to another : for , the ignorant understand them not ; and the wise need them not . so much of them , as ( without darkning the matter , to them who most need instruction ) may be made use of , to stirre up the affections , winne attention , or help the memory , i approve and make use of , to those good purposes , according as my leisure , and the measure of my facultie will permit ; that , vanitie might not , to worse ends , get them wholly into her possession . for , i know that the meanest of such conceites are as pertinent to some , as rattles , and hobby-horses to children ; or as the a.b.c. and spelling , were at first to those readers , who are now past them . and , indeed , to desp●se meane inventions , pleasant compositions , and verball elegancies , ( being qualified as is aforesaid ) or to banish them out of the world , because there be other things of more excellencie , were as absurd , as to neglect and root out all herbes ▪ which will not make pottage ; or , to destroy all flowers wh●ch are lesse beautifull than the tulip , or lesse sweet than the rose . i ( that was never so sullenly wise ) have alwaies intermingled sports with seriousnesse in my inventions ; and , taken in verball-conceites , as they came to hand , without affectation ; but , having , ever aymed , rather to profit my readers , than to gaine their praise , i never pumpe for those things ; and am , otherwhile , contented to seeme foolish , ( yea , and perhaps , more fool●sh than i am ) to the overweening-wise ; that , i may make others wiser than they were : and , ( as i now doe ) am not ashamed to set forth a game at lots , or ( as it were ) a puppet-play in pictures , to allure men to the more serious observation of the profitable morals , couched in these emblems . neverthelesse , ( if some have sayd , and thought truly ) my poems have instructed , and rectified many people in the course of honest-living , ( which is the best wisedome ) much more than the austerer volumes of some criticall authors ; who , are by the common-sort , therefore onely , judged wise , because they composed books , which few understand , save they who need them not . in these lots and emblems , i have the same ayme which i had in my other writings : and though i have not dressed them sutably to curious fancies , yet , they yield wholsome nourishment to strengthen the constitution of a good-life ; and , have solidity enough for a play-game , which was but accidentally composed ; and , by this occasion . these emblems , graven in copper by crispinus passaeus ( with a motto in greeke , latine , or italian , round about every figure ; and with two lines ( or verses ) in one of the same languages , periphrasing those motto's ) came to my hands , almost twentie yeares past . the verses were so meane , that , they were afterward cut off from the plates ; and , the collector of the said emblems , ( whether hee were the versifier or the graver , was neither so well advised in the choice of them , nor so exact in observing the true proprieties belonging to every figure , as hee might have beene . yet , the workman-ship being judged very good , for the most part ; and the rest excusable ; some of my friends were so much delighted in the gravers art , and , in those illustrations which for mine owne pleasure , i had made upon some few of them , that , they requested mee to moralize the rest . which i condiscended unto : and , they had beene brought to view many yeares agoe , but that the copper prints ( which are now gotten ) could not be procured out of holland , upon any reasonable conditions . if they were worthy of the gravers and printers cost , being onely dumbe figures , little usefull to any but to young gravers or painters ; and as little delightfull , except , to children , and childish-gazers : they may now be much more worthy ; seeing the life of speach being added unto them , may make them teachers , and remembrancers of profitable things . i doe not arrogate so much unto my illustrations , as to thinke , they will be able to teach any thing to the learned ; yet if they cast their eyes upon them , perhaps , these emblems , and their morals , may remember them , either of some dutie , which they might else forget , or minde them to beware of some danger , which they might otherwise be unheedfull to prevent . but , sure i am , the vulgar capacities , may from them , be many waies both instructed , and remembred ; yea , they that have most need to be instructed , and remembred , ( and they who are most backward to listen to instructions , and remembrances , by the common course of teaching , and admonishing ) shall be , hereby , informed of their dangers , or duties , by the way of an honest recreation before they be aware . for , when levitie , or a childish delight in trifl●ng objects , hath allured them to looke on the pictures ; curiositie may urge them to peepe further , that they might seeke out also their meanings , in our annexed illustrations ; in which , may lurke some sentence , or expression , so evidently pertinent to t●eir estates , persons , or affections , as w●ll ( at that instant or afterward ) make way for those considerations , which will , at last , wholly change them , or much better them , in their conversation . to seeke out the author of every particular emblem , were a labour without profit ; and , i have beene so far from endeavouring it , that , i have not so much as cared to find out their meanings in any of these figures ; but , applied them , rather , to such purposes , as i could thinke of , at first sight ; which , upon a second view , i found might have beene much betterd , if i could have spared time from other imployments . something , also , i was confined , by obliging my selfe to observe the same number of lines in every illustration ; and , otherwhile , i was thereby constrained to conclude , when my best meditations were but new begunne : which ( though it hath pleased some , by the more comely vn●formitie , in the pages ) yet , it hath much injured the libertie of my muse . there be , no doubt , some faults committed by the printer , both literall and materiall , and some errors of the gravers in the figures , ( as in the tetragrammaton ; in the figure of arion ; and in the proprieties due to some other hieroglyphicks ; but , for the most part , they are such , as common-readers will never perceive ; and i thinke , that they who are judicious , will so plainly finde them to be no faults of mine ; that , leaving them to be amended by those , to whom they appertaine ; and , you , to accept of these play-games as you please : i bid you farewell . the occasion , intention , and use of the foure lotteries adjoyned to these foure books of emblems . stultorum plena sunt omnia . the world is growne so in love with follie , that the imprinting of over-solid and ser●ous ●●atises would undoe the book-sellers ; especially , being so chargeable as the many costly sculptures have made this booke : therefore , ( to advance their profits , rather than to satisfie my owne iudgement ) i was moved to invent somewhat , which might be likely to please the vulgar capacitie , without hindrance to my chiefe end. and , though that which i resolved on , be not so plausible to criticall understandings , yet i am contented to hazzard among them , so much of my reputation , as that comes to . i have often observed , that where the summer-bowers of recreation are placed neare the church , it drawes thither more people from the remote hamlets , than would else be there . now , though i praise not their devotion , yet i am glad if any thing ( which is not evill in it selfe ) may be made an occasion of good ▪ ( because , those things may , perhaps , be continued , at last , for conscience sake , which were at first begunne upon vaine occasions ) and , have therefore added lotteries to these emblems , to occasion the more frequent notice of the morals , and good counsels tendred in their illustrations ; hoping that , at one time or other , some shall draw those lots , which will make them the better , and the happier , whilest they live . i confesse that this devise may probably be censured , as unsutable to the gravitie expected in my ripe yeares : and be reputed as great an indecorum , as erecting an ale-house at the church-stile ; yet , the same having had beginning in my younger dayes , i do now resolve not to be ashamed of it , for the reasons aforementioned . to such as i was , it will be someway avayleable : and perhaps , if the wisest did otherwhile , when they walke abroad , to vncertaine purposes , take up this booke , and ( without superstitious conceites ) make tryall what their lots would remember , or give them cause to thinke on ; it might , now and then , either occasion better proceedings , or prevent mischieves . some games were ever in use ; ever , i thinke , will be , and for ought i know , ever may be without exception . and , i believe , this recreation , will be as harmlesse as any , if it be used according to my intentions . for , my meaning is not , that any should use it as an oracle , which could signifie , infallibly , what is divinely alloted ; but , to serve onely for a morall pastime . and , that i may no way encourage the secret entertaining of such a fantasie , i doe before hand affirme unto them , that none but children , or ideots may be tollerated to be so foolish , without laughing at . yet , if any one shall draw that lot wherein his secret vices are reproved ; or some good counsels proposed , which in his owne understanding are pertinent to his welfare , let not such as those , passe them over as meere casualties to them ; for , whatsoever these lots are to others , or in themselves , they are to all these , made pertinent in such cases , both by their particular knowledges and occasions . some will thinke perhaps , that i have purposely invented this game , that i might finde meanes to reprove mens vices , without being suspected , ( as i have hitherto unjustly beene ) to 〈◊〉 at particular persons : for , if any who are notoriously guiltie , shall by drawing their chances , among other companions , be 〈◊〉 with lots , ( which may now and then happen ) that those vices be therby intimated to the by stan●●●● 〈…〉 them guilty they do 〈◊〉 with 〈…〉 bee 〈◊〉 at without my 〈…〉 such 〈◊〉 are worthily suspected 〈…〉 ●●andalous conversations , either forbeare 〈…〉 excus●●●● of they be justly sham●d by their 〈◊〉 . having thus 〈◊〉 th●●eason of this inventio● , and made these 〈…〉 every man hath his 〈◊〉 , whether hee will make 〈…〉 or no ; hee th●t will , is left to his 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉 how hee shall make tryall direction is given in the 〈◊〉 pages of this booke . this game occasions not the frequent crime , of swearing , or mispending of our time ; nor losse of money : for , the play is short , and , ev'ry gamester winneth by the sport . wee , therefore , know it may aswell become the hall , the parlor , or the di●ing roome , as chesse , or tables ; and , we thinke the pr●●e will be as low ; because , it needs no dice . what i was , is passed by , what i am , away doth flie ; what i shal bee , none do see ; yet , in that , my beauties bee . the avthors meditation upon sight of his pictvre . vvhen i behold my picture , and perceive , how vaine it is , our portraitures to leave in lines , and shadowes , ( which make shewes , to day , of that which will , to morrow , fade away ) and , thinke , what meane resemblances at best , are by mechanike instruments exprest ; i thought it better , much , to leave behind me , some draught , in which , my living friends might find me the same i am ; in that , which will remaine , till all is ruin'd , and repair'd againe : and , which , in absence , will more truely show me , than , outward formes , to those , who think they know me . for , though my gratious maker made me such , that , where i love , belov'd i am , as much as j desire ; yet , forme , nor features are , those ornaments , in which j would appeare to future times ; though they were found in me , farre better , than i can beleeve they be . much lesse , affect i that , which each man knowes , to be no more , but counterfeits of those , wherein , the painters , or the gravers toole , befriends alike , the wiseman , and the foole : and , ( when they please ) can give him , by their art , the fairest-face , that had the falsest-heart . a pictvre , though with most exactnesse made , is nothing , but the shadow of a shade . for , ev'n our living bodies , ( though they seeme to others more , or more in our esteeme ) are but the shadowes of that reall-being , which doth extend beyond the fleshly-seeing ; and , cannot be discerned , till we rise immortall-objects , for immortall-eyes . our everlasting-substance lies unseene , behinde the fouldings , of a carnall-screene , which is , but , vapours thickned into blood , ( by due concoction of our daily food ) and , still supplied , out of other creatures , to keepe us living , by their wasted natures : renewing , and decaying , ev'ry day , vntill that vaile must be remov'd away . for , this lov'd flesh , wherewith , yet cloth'd we go , is not the same , wee had sev'n yeares ago ; but , rather , something which is taken-in , to serve insteed of what hath wasted bin , in wounds , in sicknesses , in colds , and heates , in all excrescions , and in fumes , and sweates . nor shall , this present flesh , long stay with us : and , wee may well be pleas'd , it should be thus. for , as i view , those townes , and fields , that be in landskip drawne ; even so , me thinks , i see a glimpes , farre off , ( through faith's prospective glasse of that , which after death , will come to passe ; and , likewise , gained have , such meanes of seeing , some things , which were , before my life had being , that , in my soule , i should be discontent , if , this my body were , more permanent ; since , wee , and all god's other creatures , here , are but the pictures , of what shall appeare . yet , whilst they are , i thankfully would make that use of them , for their creator's sake , to which hee made them ; and , preserve the table , still , faire and full , asmuch as i were able , by finishing , ( in my alotted place ) those workes , for which , hee fits me by his grace . and , if a wrenne , a wrenn's just height shall soare , no aegle , for an aegle , can doe more . if therefore , of my labours , or of mee , ought shall remaine , when i remov'd , must be , let it be that , wherein it may be view'd , my makers image , was in me renew'd : and , so declare , a dutifull intent , to doe the worke i came for , e're i went ; that , i to others , may some patterne be , of doing-well , as other men to mee , have beene , whilst i had life : and , let my daies be summed up , to my redeemer's praise . so this be gained , i regard it not , though , all that i am else , be quite forgot . to the majestie of great britaine , france , and jreland , the most illustrious king , charles ; and his excellently beloved , the most gratious queene mary . sev'n yeares are full expired , royall sir , since last i kneel'd , an offring to preferre before your feete● where , now , my selfe i throw to pay once more , the tributes which i owe. as many yeares are past , most beauteous qveene , since witnesses , mine eares and eyes , have beene of those perfections ; which the generall fame hath sounded forth , in honour of your name . and , both your beaming-splendors ( oh yee faire , thrice blessed , and most fitly-matched paire ) vpon each other , make such bright reflections ; and have so sweetly mingled your affections , your praise , your pow're , your vertues , and your beautie : that , ( if preserving of my soveraigne dutie , this may be said ) you doe appeare , to me , two persons , in one maiesty , to be ; to whom , there , appertaines ( in veneration of your large worth ) the right of some oblation : and , best , i thought , my homage would be done , if , thus , the tender were to both-in-one . which , in this humble gvift , my love presents ; and , wisheth it may adde to your contents . perhaps it shall : for , though i dare not shew these figures , as well meriting your view ; nor boast , as if their moralls couched ought , by which your sacred wisdomes may be taught : yet , i have humble hopings , that , they might prove , some way , an occasion of delight ; since meane and common objects , now and then , beget contentments in the greatest-men . but , that before this booke , i should propose your praisefull names , there is ( as i suppose ) a faire inducement : for , considering these are emblems , whose intention is to please and profit vulgar iudgements ( by the view , of what they ought to follow , or eschew . ) and , i well knowing , that your maiesties set foorth before my booke , in emblem-wise , throughout your lands , more vertues might convay , than many volumes , of these emblems , may ; it seemed petty-treason , to omit this good occasion of endeavouring it . for , ( if your maiesties , well heeded , were ) yov , double-treble-foure-fold emblems are ; which , fully to illustrate , would require the wit i want ; or , meanes to raise , that , higher which i have gain'd ; ( and , which , as yet , hath flowne by no incouragements , but by her owne . ) of all the vertues oeconomical , of duties moral and politicall , your lives are patternes , and faire emblems ; whether considered apart , or both together . your childhoods were bright mirrours , which did show what duties children , to their parents owe : and , by the sequele , we now understand , that , they who best obay'd , can best command . the glorious vertues of your nvptiall - state , your courtiers , find so hard to imitate , that , they admire them , rather ; and , would sweare , ( had others told , what , now they see and heare ) that , all the former times , were not acquainted , with such a paire , when kings and queenes were sainted . the chastest cupids , and the gamesom'st graces , are alwaies mingled in your deare-embraces . the mutuall enterchanges of your loves , may teach affection to the turtle doves : and , such as are with goodly sights , delighted , may see in you , all excellence uni●ed . you , sir , who beare ioves thunders in your fist , and , ( shake this ilands empire when you list ) did never in your orbe , a tempest move but , by the beautious mistresse of your love it might be calm'd . and , in your lofty spheare , most lovely qveene , your motions ever mere so smoath , and , so direct ; that none can say , they have withdrawne his royall-heart awa● from iust designes ; which , lo●dly speakes your praise , and , intimates much 〈◊〉 than , yet ●t sa●es . yea , both your splendors 〈…〉 glorious growe , and , you , each other have out-vyed so , in these , and other vertues , that , on you , should i conferre what praise i thinke is due , my lines , ( which from that stune have , yet , beene cleare ) would flatt'ry seeme , unto an envious eare . but , what needs flatt'ry , where the truth may teach to praise , beyond immodest flatt'ries reach ? or , what needs he to feare a slandrous-mouth , who seekes no meed , nor utters more than truth ? your princely vertues , what can better show , than peace , and plenty , which have thrived so , whilst you have raign'd that , yet , no people see , a richer , or more peacefull time , than wee ? your civill actions ( to the publike eye ) are faire examples of moralitie , so manifest ; that , if he truth did sing , who said . the world doth imitate the king ; my muses dare , with boldnesse to presage , a chast , a pious , and a prosperous age : and , that , the stormes which , late , these realmes deterr'd , shall all be quite removed , or deferr'd till you ascend ; and , future times have seene , that , your examples have not followed beene . thus , you are living emblems , to this nation : which being mark'd with heedefull speculation , may serve , as well , to helpe us how to see our happinesse , as , what our duties be . and , if i might unlocke all mysteries , which doe declare , how in a foure-fold-wise , your lives are usefull emblems ; i , perchance , should vexe blind zeale , or anger ignorance ; and , teach well-temper'd spirits , how to see , that , we , for blessings , oft , vnthankefull be . for , as you , both , prime children are of those two sister-churches , betwixt whom , yet , growes vnseemely strife ; so , you ; perhaps , may be an emblem , how those mothers may agree . and , not by your example , onely , show , how wrought it may be ; but , effect it so . yea , peradventure , god , united you , that , such a blessed vnion might ensue : and , that , your living-lovingly , together ; your christian hopefullnesse , of one another ; your milde forbearance , harsh attempts to proove ; your mutuall waiting , untill god shall move by some calme-voice , or peacefull inspiration , that heart which needeth better information ; and , that , your charities , might give a signe , how , ●ll the daughters , of the spovse divine might reconciled be ; and shew , that , swords , flames , threats , and furie , make no true accords . god grant a better vnion may appeare : yet , wi●h i not the tollerating here , of politicke-agreements ; ( further than our wholsome lawes ▪ and , civill-vowes to man , with piety , approve ) but , such , as may make up a blessed concord , every way : might it be so ; your vertues , would become a glorious blessing , to all christendome : your emblem should , by future generations ; be plac'd among the famous constellations , and , after-times ( though , mee , this age despise ) would thinke , these verses , had beene prophecies . what ever may succeed , my pray'rs and powr's are this way bent ; with hope , that you or yours shall helps ( at least ) become , that breach to close , which , in the seamles-robe , yet , wider growes . so be it : and , let bright your glories bee , for ever , though you never shine on mee . your maiesties most loyall subject , geo : wither . by knowledge onely , life wee gaine , all other things to death pertaine . vivitvr ingenio caetera mortis erv̄t illvstratio i. book . . how fond are they , who spend their pretious time in still pursuing their deceiving pleasures ? and they , that unto ayery titles clime or tyre themselves in hoording up of treasures ? for , these are death's , who , when with wearinesse they have acquired most , sweepes all away ; and leaves them , for their labors , to possesse nought but a raw-bon'd carcasse lapt in clay . of twenty hundred thousands , who , this houre vaunt much , of those possessions they have got ; of their new purchac'd honours , or , the power , by which , they seeme to have advanc't their lott : of this great multitude , there shall not three remaine , for any future age to know ; but perish quite , and quite forgotten bee , as beasts , devoured twice ten yeares agoe . thou , therefore , who desir'st for aye to live , and to possesse thy labors maugre death , to needfull arts and honest actions , give thy spanne of time , and thy short blast of breath . in holy studies , exercise thy mind ; in workes of charity , thy hands imploy ; that knowledge , and that treasure , seeke to find , which may enrich thy heart with perfect ioy. so , though obscured thou appeare , awhile , despised , poore , or borne to fortunes low , thy vertue shall acquire a nobler st●le , then greatest kings are able to bestow : and , gaine thee those possessions , which , nor they , nor time , nor death , have power to take away . the man that hath true wisdome got , continues firme , and wavers not . sapientia constans illvstr. ii. book . . still fixt , and with triumphant laurell crown'd , is truest wisdome ; whom , expressed thus , among the old impresa's , we have found ; and , much , this emblem hath instructed us . for , hence we learne ; that , wisdome doth not flow from those unconstant men , whom ev'ry blast , or small occasion , turneth to and fro ; but , from a settled-head that standeth fast . who'ever shoulders , him , he gives no place ; what storme soe're , his times or fortunes , breath , he neither hides his brow , nor turnes his face ; but , keepes his lookes undaunted , ev'n in death . the laureat-head , upon the pillar set , thus signifies ; and that bay-wreath doth show that constant wisdome will the conquest get , when giddy policie prevailes not so . if , therefore , thou desirest to be taught , propose good ends with honest meanes thereto , and therein constant be , till thou hast brought to perfect end , that worke , thou hast to doe . let neither flatt'ring pleasures , nor disgrace , nor scoffing censures , nor the cunning sleigh●s of glozing sycophants , divert that race to which , a harmelesse prudence , thee invites . though others plot , conspire , and undermine , keepe thou a plaine right path ; and let their course , for no advantage , make thee change from thine , although it ( for the present ) seemes the worse . he , thus that workes , puts policie to schoole , and makes the machavilian prove a foole . the law is given to direct ; the sword , to punish and protect . lex regit et arma tventvr . illvstr. iii. book . . when god-almighty first engrav'd in stone his holy law ; he did not give the same as if some common act had then beene done ; for , arm'd with fires and thunders , forth it came . by which , that great law-maker , might inferre what d●eadfull vengeance would on those attend , who did against those holy precepts erre ; and , that , his power , well-doers could defend . thereto , this emblem , also doth agree ; for , loe , before the tables of the lawe , a naked sword is borne , whose use may bee as well to keepe in safety , as in awe . whence , princes ( if they please ) this note may take , ( and it shall make them happily to raigne ) that , many good and wholsome lawes to make without an executioner , is vaine . it likewise intimates , that such as are in soveraigne place , as well obliged be their zeale for true religion to declare , as , what concerneth manners , to foresee . it lastly , showes that princes should affect not onely , over others to command , but swords to weare , their subjects to protect ; and , for their guard , extend a willing hand . for , lawes , or peace to boast of ; and , the whiles , the publique-weale , to weaken or disarme , is nor the way to hinder civill-broyles , nor to secure it from a forraigne-harme . for , as by lawes a land is kept in f●ame ; so , armes is that , which must protect the same . occasions-past are sought in vaine ; but , oft , they wheele-about againe . ne tenear illvstr. iv. book . . unwise are they that spend their youthfull prime in vanities ; as if they did suppose that men , at pleasure , might redeeme the time ; for , they a faire advantage fondly lose . as ill-advis'd be those , who having lost the first occasions , to despa●ring runne : for , time hath revolutions ; and , the most , for their affaires , have seasons more , then one . nor is their folly small , who much depend on transitorie things , as if their powre could bring to passe what should not have an end ; or compasse that , which time will not devoure . the first occasions , therefore , see thou take ( which offred are ) to bring thy hopes about ; and , minde thou , still , what haste away they make , before thy swift-pac't houres are quite runne out . yet , if an opportunity be past , despaire not thou , as they that hopelesse be ; since , time may so revolve againe , at last , that new-occasions may be offred thee . and see , thou trust not on those fading things , which by thine owne endeavours thou acquir'st : for , time ( which her owne births to ruine brings ) will spare , nor thee , nor ought which thou desir'st . his properties , and vses , what they are , in vaine observ'd will be , when he is fled : that , they in season , therefore , may appeare , our emblem , thus , hath him deciphered ; balde save before , and standing on a wheele ; a razor in his hand , a winged-heele . by labour , vertue may be gain'd ; by vertue , glorie is attain'd . labore virtvs , virtvte gloria paratvr illvstr. v. book . i , svppose you sirs , those mimicke apes you meet in strange fantasticke habits ? or the rabble , that in gay clothes embroyder out the street , are truely of worshipfull or honorable ? or can you thinke , that , to be borne the sonne of some rich alderman , or ancient peere , or that the fame our predecessors wonne may claime those wreathes which true deserving weare ? is honour due to those , who spend their dayes in courting one another ? or consuming their fortunes and themselves , on drabbs and playes ? in sl●eping , drinking , and tobacco-fuming ? not so . for , ( though such fooles , like children , place gay titles on each other ) wise-men know what slaves they be ; how miserably-base ; and , where such attributes would better show . an idle body clothes a vitious minde ; and , what ( at best ) is purchac'd by the same , is nothing else , but stinking smoke and winde ; or froth●e bubbles of an empty fame . true glory , none did ever purchase , yet , t●ll , to be vertuous they could first attaine , nor shall those men fai●e vertues favour get , who labour not , such dignities to gaine . and , this impresa doth inferre no lesse : for , by the spade , is labour here implide ; the snake , a vertuous prudence , doth expresse ; and , glorie , by the wreath is typiside . for , where a vertuous industry is found , she , shall with wreaths of g●ory , thus be crown'd . though fortune prove true vertues foe , it cannot worke her overthrowe . non obest virtvti sors . illvstr. vi. book . . unhappy men are they , whose ignorance so slaves them to the fortunes of the time , that they ( attending on the lot of chance ) neglect by vertue , and deserts , to clime . poore heights they be which fortune reares unto ; and , fickle is the favour she bestowes : to-day , she makes ; to-morrow , doth undoe ; builds up , and in an instant overthrowes . on easie wheeles , to wealth , and honours high , she windes men oft , before they be aware ; and , when they dreame of most prosperitie , downe , headlong , throwes them lower then they were . you , then , that seeké a more assur'd estate , on good , and honest objects , fixe your minde , and follow vertue , that you may a fate exempt from feare of change , or dangers , finde . for , he that 's vertuous , whether high or low his fortune seemes ( or whether foule or faire his path he findes ) or whether friend , or foe , the world doth prove ; regards it not a haire . his losse is gaine ; his poverty is wealth ; the worlds contempt , he makes his diadem ; in sicknesse , he rejoyceth , as in health : yea , death it selfe , becommeth life , to him . he feares no disrespect , no bitter scorne , nor subtile plottings , nor oppressions force ; nay , though the world should topsie-turvie turne , it cannot fright him , nor divert his course . above all earthly powres his vertue reares him ; and , up with eglets wings , to heav'n it beares him . a fickle woman wanton growne , preferres a crowd , before a crowne . non sceptro sed plectro dvcitvr illvstr. vii . book . . foole ! dost thou hope , thine honours , or thy gold , shall gaine thee love ? or , that thou hast her heart whose hand upon thy tempting bay● layes hold ? alas ! fond lover , thou deceived art . she that with wealth , and titles , can be wonne , or woo'd with vanities , will way ring bee ; and , when her love , thou most dependest on , a fiddle-sticke shall winne her heart from thee . to youth and musicke , venus leaneth most ; and ( though her hand she on the scepter lay ) let greatnesse , of her favours never boast : for , heart and eye , are bent another way . and lo , no glorious purchace that man gets , who hath with such poore trifles , woo'd , and wonne : her footing , on a ball , his mistresse sets , which in a moment slips , and she is gone . a woman , meerely with an out side caught , or tempted with a galliard , or a song , will him forsake ( whom she most lovely thought ) for players and for tumblers , ere 't be long . you , then , that wish your love should ever last , ( and would enjoy affection without changing ) love where your loves may worthily be plac●t ; and , keepe your owne affection , still from ranging . vse noble meanes , your longings to attaine ; seeke equall mindes , and well beseeming yeares : they are ( at best ) vaine fooles , whom follie gaine ; but , there is blisse , where , vertue most endeares : and , wheresoe're , affection shee procures , in spight of all temptations , it endures . this ragge of death , which thou shalt see , consider it ; and pious bee . in hvnc intvens pivs esto illvstr. viii . book . i. why , silly man ! so much admirest thou thy present fortune ? overvaluing so thy person , or the beauty of thy brow ? and cloth'd , so proudly , wherefore dost thou goe ? why dost thou live in riotous excesse ? and boast , as if thy flesh immortall were ? why dost thou gather so ? why so oppresse ? and , o're thy fellow-creatures , domineere ? behold this emblem , such a thing was hee whom this doth represent as now thou art ; and , such a fleshlesse raw-bone shalt thou bee , though , yet , thou seeme to act a comelier part . observe it well ; and marke what vglinesse stares through the sightlesse eye holes , from within : note those leane craggs , and with what gastlinesse , that horrid countenance doth seeme to grin . yea , view it well ; and having seene the same plucke downe that pride which puffs thy heart so high ; of thy proportion boast not and ( for shame ) repent thee of thy sinfull vanity . and , having learn'd , that , all men must become such bare anatomies ; and , how this fate no mortall powre , nor wit , can keepe thee from ; live so , that death may better thy estate . consider who created thee ; and why : renew thy spirit , ere thy flesh decayes : more pious grow ; affect more honestie ; and seeke hereafter thy creatours praise . so though of breath and beauty time deprive thee , new life , with endlesse glorie , god will give thee . before thou bring thy workes to light , consider on them , in the night . in nocte consiliv̄ illvstr. ix . book . . an owle ( the hieroglyphicke us'd for night ) twixt mercury and pallas , here takes place , vpon a crown'd caduceus fixt upright ; and , each a cornucopia doth imbrace . through which darke emblem , i this light perceive ; that , such as would the wit and wealth acquire , which may the crowne of approbation have , must wake by night , to compasse their desire . for , this mercurian-wand , doth wit expresse ; the cornu-copia , wealthinesse implies ; both gained by a studious watchfulnesse ; which , here , the bird of athens signifies . nor , by this emblem , are we taught alone , that , ( when great vndertakings are intended ) we sloth , and lumpish drowsinesse must shunne ; but , rashnesse , also , here is reprehended . take counsell of thy pillow , ( saith our sawe ) and , ere in waighty matters thou proceede , consider well upon them ; lest they draw some afterclaps , which may thy mischiefe breede . i , for my seriou'st muses , chuse the night ; ( more friend to meditation , then the day ) that neither noyse , nor objects of the sight , nor bus'nesses , withdraw my thoughts away , by night , we best may ruminate upon our purposes ; then , best , we may enquire what actions wee amisse , or well , have done ; and , then , may best into our selves retire : for , of the world-without , when most we see , then , blindest to the world-within , are wee . an innocent no danger feares , how great soever it appeares . spernit pericula virtus illvstr. x. book . i. when some did seeke arion to have drown'd , he , with a dreadlesse heart his temples crown'd ; and , when to drench him in the seas they meant , he playd on his melodious - instrument ; to shew , that innocence disdayned feare , though to be swallow'd in the deeps it were . nor did it perish : for , upon her backe a dolphin tooke him , for his musick 's sake : to intimate , that vertue shall prevaile with bruitish creatures , if with men it faile . most vaine is then their hope , who dreame they can make wretched , or undoe , an honest-man : for , he whom vertuous innocence adornes , insults o're cruelties ; and , perill scornes . yea , that , by which , men purpose to undoe him , ( in their despight ) shall bring great honours to him . arion-like , the malice of the world , hath into seas of troubles often hurl'd deserving men , although no cause they had , but that their words and workes sweet musicke made . of all their outward helps it hath bereft them ; nor means , nor hopes of comfort have beene left them ; but such , as in the house of mourning are , and , what good-conscience can afford them there . yet , dolphin-like , their innocence hath rear'd their heads above those dangers that appear'd . god hath vouchsaf'd their harmelesse cause to heed , and ev'n in thraldome , so their hearts hath freed , that , whil'st they seem'd oppressed and forlorne ; they ioyd , and sung , and laugh'd the world to scorne . when thou a dangerous-way dost goe , walke surely , though thy pace be slowe . ad scopvm licet aegre et frvstra illvstr. x● . book . . experience proves , that men who trust upon their nat'rall parts , too much , oft lose the day , and , faile in that which els they might have done , by vainely trifling pretious time away . it also shewes , that many men have fought with so much rashnesse , those things they desir'd , that they have brought most likely hopes to nought ; and , in the middle of their courses , tir'd . and , not a few , are found who so much wrong gods gratiousnesse , as if their thinkings were , that ( seeing he deferres his iudgements long ) his vengeance , he , for ever , would forbeare : but , such as these may see wherein they faile , and , what would fitter be for them to doe , if they would contemplate the slow-pac'd snaile ; or , this our hieroglyphicke looke into : for , thence we learne , that perseverance brings large workes to end , though slowly they creepe on ; and , that continuance perfects many things , which seeme , at first , unlikely to be done . it warnes , likewise , that some affaires require more heed then haste : and that the course we take , should suite as well our strength , as our desire ; else ( as our proverbe saith ) haste , waste may make . and , in a mysticke-sense , it seemes to preach repentance and amendment , unto those who live , as if they liv'd beyond gods reach ; because , he long deferres deserved blowes : for , though iust-vengeance moveth like a snaile , and slowly comes ; her comming will not faile . as , to the world i naked came , so , naked-stript i leave the same . ΠΑΝΤΑ ΛΕΛΟΙΠΑ . illvstr. xii . book . . thrice happy is that , man whose thoughts doe reare his minde above that pitch the worldling flies , and by his contemplations , hovers where he viewes things mortall , with unbleared eyes . what trifles then doe villages and townes large fields or flockes of fruitfull cattell seeme ? nay , what poore things are miters , scepters , crownes , and all those glories which men most esteeme ? though he that hath among them , his delight , brave things imagines them ( because they blinde with some false lustre his beguiled fight ) he that 's above them , their meane-worth may finde . lord , to that blessed-station me convey where i may view the world , and view her so , that i her true condition may survey ; and all her imperfections rightly know . remember me , that once there was a day when thou didst weane me from them with content , ev'n when shut up within those gates i lay through which the plague-inflicting angel went. and , let me still remember , that an houre is hourely comming on , wherein i shall ( though i had all the world within my powre ) be naked stript , and turned out of all . but minde me , chiefely , that i never cleave too closely to my selfe ; and cause thou me , not other earthly things alone to leave , but to forsake my selfe for love of thee : that i may say , now i have all things left , before that i of all things , am berest . to him a happy lot befalls that hath a ship , and pros'prous gales . remigio ventisque secvndis illvstr. xiii . book . . no wonder he a prosp'rous voyage findes that hath both sailes and oares to serve his turne , and , still , through meanes of some propitious winds is to his wished harbour , swiftly borne . nor is it much admir'd , if they that lacke those aydes ( on which the common faith depends ) are from their hoped aymes repelled backe , or made to labour for unfruitfull ends . yet neither in the ship , wind , oares , or sailes , nor in the want of outward meanes , alone , consists it , that our hope succeedes or failes ; but , most in that , which men least thinke upon . for , some endeavour , and their paines are blest with gales which are so fortunate , that they fly safe , and swiftly on , among the best , whil'st others labour , and are cast away . some others , on this worlds wide ocean floate , and neither wind , nor tide assistant have , nor saile , nor oare , nor anchor , nor sound boate , nor take so much as heede themselves to save ; and yet are safe : a third sort , then , there are who neither want fit meanes , nor yet neglect the painefull - industrie , or honest care , which need requires ; yet find small good effect . therefore , let that which you propose , be iust ; then , use the fairest meanes , to compasse it : and , though meanes faile , yet foster no mistrust ; but fearelesly , to god , your course commit : for , hee , to faithfull hearts , and honest-mindes turnes losse to gaine ; and stormes to prosp'rous windes . when vice and vertue youth shall wooe , t is hard to say , which way 't will goe . qvid si sic illvstr. xxii . book . . my hopefull friends at thrice five yeares and three , without a guide ( into the world alone ) to seeke my fortune , did adventure mee ; and , many hazards , i alighted on . first , englands greatest rendevouz i sought , where vice and vertve at the highest sit ; and , thither , both a minde and bodie brought , for neither of their services unfit . both , woo'd my youth : and , both perswaded so , that ( like the young man in our emblem here ) i stood , and cry'd , ah! which way shall i goe ? to me so pleasing both their offers were . vice , pleasures best contentments promist mee , and what the wanton flesh desires to have : quoth vertve , i will wisdome give to thee , and those brave things , which noblest mindes doe crave . serve me said vice , and thou shalt soone acquire all those atchievements which my service brings : serve me said vertve , and i le raise thee higher , then vices can , and teach thee better things . whil'st thus they strove to gaine me , i espyde grim death attending vice ; and , that her face was but a painted vizard , which did hide the foul'st deformity that ever was . lord , grant me grace for evermore to view her vglinesse : and , that i viewing it , her falsehoods and allurements may eschew ; and on faire vertve my affection set ; her beauties contemplate , her love embrace , and by her safe direction , runne my race . i pine , that others may not perish , and waste my selfe , their life to cherish . dvm nvtrio consvmor illvstr. xv. book . . observe i pray you , how the greedy flame the fewell , on an altar doth consume . how it destroyeth that which feedes the same , and how the nourisher away doth fume . for , so it fares with parents that uphold their thriftlesse children in unlawfull pleasures : with cares , it weares them out , ere they are old ; and ere their lives consume , consumes their treasures . so fares it with such wantons as doe feede vnchast desires ; for , ev'ry day they grow vntill their longing's , their supplies exceede , and , quite devoure those men that fed them so . so fares it with all those that spend their youth in lab'ring to enrich ungratefull men , who , growing great , and wealthy , by their truth , returne them smoke and ashes backe agen . so fa●es it with good states-men , who to keepe a thankelesse common-wealth in happy peace , deprive their mindes of rest , their eyes of sleepe , and , waste themselves , that others may encrease . and , so it fares with men that passe away their time in studies , ( and their healths impaire ) that helps to other men become they may , and , their defective knowledges , repaire . but , let my flesh , my time , and my estate , be so consum'd ; so spent ; so wasted bee , that they may nourish grace , and pe●fit that for which all these were first bestowd'd on me : so when i quite am vanish'd out of seeing , i shall enjoy my now-concealed-being . when to suppresse us , men intend , they make us higher to ascend . concvssvs svrgo illvstr. xvi . book . . when we observe the ball , how to and fro the gamesters force it ; we may ponder thus : that whil'st we live we shall be playd with so , and that the world will make her game of us . adversities , one while our hearts constraine to stoope , and knock the pavements of despaire ; hope , like a whirle-wind mounts us up againe , till oft it lose us in the empty ayre . sometimes , above the battlements we looke ; sometimes , we quite below the line are tost : another-while , against the hazard strooke , we , but a little want , of being lost . detraction , envie , mischief , and despight , one partie make , and watchfully attend to catch us when we rise to any height ; lest we above their hatred should ascend . good-fortune , praises , hopes , and industries , doe side-together , and make play to please us ; but , when by them we thinke more high to rise , more great they make our fall , and more disease us . yea , they that seeke our losse , advance our gaine ; and to our wishes , bring us oft the nigher : for , we that else upon the ground had laine , are , by their striking of us lifted higher . when balls against the stones are hardest throwne , then highest up into the aire they fly ; so , when men hurle us ( with most fury ) downe , wee hopefull are to be advanc'd thereby : and , when they smite us quite unto the ground , then , up to heav'n , we trust , we shall rebound . till god hath wrought us to his will , the hammer we shall suffer still . dvm extendar illvstr. xvii . book . . why should the foolish world discourage men , in just endurances ? or bid them shunne good actions , ' cause they suffer now and then , for doing well , as if some ill were done ? ere plates extended are , they must abide a thousand hamm'rings ; and , then that which fill'd so little roome , it scarce your hand could hide , will serve a goodly monument to gild . so , he that hopes to winne an honest name , must many blowes of fortune undergoe , and hazard , oft , the blast of evill-fame , before a good-report her trumpe will blow . a thousand worthies had unworthily been raked up in ashes and in clay , vnknowne and bury'd in obscurity , if malice had not fil'd their rust away . but , lo● ; their lasting prayses now are spread , and rais'd , by adverse-chance , to such a height , that they most glorious are , now they are dead ; and live in injuries , and deaths , despight . for , by afflictions , man refined growes , and , ( as the gold prepared in the fire ) receiveth such a forme by wrongs and blowes , that hee becomes the iewell we desire . to thee therefore , god! mv prayers are not to be freed from griefes and troubles quite : but , that they may be such as i can beare ; and , serve to make me precious in thy sight . this please me shall , though all my life time , i betweene thine anvill and the hammer , lie . from thence , where nets and snares are layd , make-hast ; lest els you be betray'd . matvra illvstr. xviii . book . . the nimble spider from his entrailes drawes a suttle thread , and curious art doth show in weaving nets , not much unlike those lawes which catch small-thieves , and let the great-ones goe . for , as the cob-web takes the lesser flyes , when those of larger size breake through their snares ; so , poore men smart for little injuries , when rich-men scape , whose guilt is more then theirs . the spider , also representeth such who very curious are in trifling things , and neither cost , nor time , nor labour grutch , in that which neither gaine nor pleasure brings . but those whom here that creature doth implye are chiefely such , who under cunning shewes of simple-meanings ( or of curtesie ) doe silly men unwarily abuse . or else , it meanes those greedy - cormorants who without touch , of conscience or compassion , seeke how to be enricht by others wants , and bring the poore to utter desolation . avoyd them therefore , though compell'd by need , or if a storme inforce , ( yee lab'ring bees ) that yee must fall among them ; flie with speed from their commerce , when calmes your passage frees . much more , let wastfull gallants haste from these ; else , when those idling-painted - butterflies , have flutter'd-out their summer-time , in ease , ( and spent their wealth in foolish vanities ) the blasts of want may force them to be brought for shelter thither , where they shall be caught . when thou a dangerous-way dost goe , walke surely , though thy pace be slowe . lente sed attente illvstr. xxi . book . . experience proves , that men who trust upon their nat'rall parts , too much , oft lose the day , and , faile in that which els they might have done , by vainely trifling pretious time away . it also shewes , that many men have sought with so much rashnesse , those things they desir'd , that they have brought most likely hopes to nought ; and , in the middle of their courses , tir'd . and , not a few , are found who so much wrong gods gratiousnesse , as if their thinkings were , that ( seeing he deferres his iudgements long ) his vengeance , he , for ever , would forbeare : but , such as these may see wherein they faile , and , what would fitter be for them to doe , if they would contemplate the slow-pac'd snaile ; or , this our hieroglyphicke looke into : for , thence we learne , that perseverance brings large workes to end , though slowly they creepe on ; and , that continuance perfects many things , which seeme , at first , unlikely to be done . it warnes , likewise , that some affaires require more heed then haste : and that the course we take , should suite as well our strength , as our desire ; else ( as our proverbe saith ) haste , waste may make . and , in a mysticke-sense , it seemes to preach repentance and amendment , unto those who live , as if they liv'd beyond gods reach ; because , he long deferres deserved blowes : for , though iust-vengeance moveth like a snaile , and slowly comes ; her comming will not faile . a sive , of shelter maketh show ; but ev'ry storme will through it goe . transeat illvstr. xx. book . . some men , when for their actions they procure a likely colour , ( be it nere so vaine ) proceede as if their projects were as sure , as when sound reason did their course maintayne : and these not much unlike those children are , who through a storme advent'ring desp'rately , had rather on their heads , a sive to beare , then cov'rings , that may serve to keepe them drye . for , at a distance that perchance is thought a helpfull shelter ; and , yet , proves to those who neede the same , a toy , which profits nought ; because , each drop of ra●ne quite through it , goes . so , they , whose foolish projects , for a while , doe promise their projectors hopefull ends , shall finde them , in the tryall , to beguile ; and , that both shame and want , on them attends . such like is their estate , who , ( to appeare rich-men to others ) doe , with inward-payne , a gladsome out-ward port desire to beare ; though they at last nor wealth nor credit gaine . and , such are all those hypocrites , who strive false hearts beneath faire spoken words to hyde : for , they o'●evaile themselves but with a sive , through which , their purposes at length are spyde . and , then , they either woefully-lament their bruitish-folly , or so hardned grow in sinning , that they never can repent , nay , jest and scoffe at their owne overthrow . but no false vaile can serve ( when god will smite ) to save a scorner , or an hypocrite . death is no losse , but rather , gaine ; for wee by dying , life attaine . mors vitae initivm . illvstr. xxi . book . . i will not blame those grieved hearts that shed becoming-teares , for their departed friends ; nor those who sigh out passions for the dead ; since , on good-natures , this disease attends . when sorrow is conceiv'd , it must have vent ( in sighes or moysture ) or the heart will breake ; and , much they aggravate our discontent , who , out of season , reason seeme to speake . yet , since our frailty may require we should remembrances admit to keepe us from excesse in griefe : this emblem here behold , and take such hope as may our teares become . the wheat , although a while it lyes in earth , ( and seemeth lost ) consumes not quite away ; but , from that wombe receives another birth , and , with additions , riseth from the clay . much more shall man revive , whose worth is more : for , death , who from our drosse will us refine , vnto that other life , becomes the doore , where , we in immortalitie shall shine . when once our glasse is runne , we presently give up our soules to death ; so death must give our bodies backe againe , that we , thereby , the light of life eternall , may receive . the venom'd sting of death is tooke away ; and , now , the grave , that was a place of feare , is made a bed of rest , wherein we may lye downe in hope , and bide in safety , there . when we are borne , to death-ward straight we runne ; and by our death , our life is new-begunne . when vice and vertue youth shall wooe , t is hard to say , which way 't will goe . qvo me vertā nescio illvstr. xxii . book . . my hopefull friends at thrice five yeares and three , without a guide ( into the world alone ) to seeke my fortune , did adventure mee ; and , many hazards , i alighted on . first , englands greatest rendevouz i sought , where vice and vertve at the highest sit ; and , thither , both a minde and bodie brought , for neither of their services unfit . both , woo'd my youth : and , both perswaded so , that ( like the young man in our emblem here ) i stood , and cry'd , ah! which way shall i goe ? to me so pleasing both their offers were . vice , pleasures best contentments promist mee , and what the wanton flesh desires to have : quoth vertve , i will wisdome give to thee , and those brave things , which noblest mindes doe crave . serve me said vice , and thou shalt soone acquire all those a●chievements which my service brings : serve me said vertve , and i le raise thee higher , then vices can , and teach thee better things . whil'st thus they strove to gaine me , i espyde grim death attending vice ; and , that her face was but a painted vizard , which did hide the foul'st deformity that ever was . lord , grant me grace for evermore to view her vglinesse ; and , that i viewing it , her falsehoods and allurements may eschew ; and on faire vertve my affection set ; her beauties contemplate , her love embrace , and by her safe direction , runne my race . by paine , on pleasures we doe seize ; and , we by suff'rance , purchase ease . patior vt potiar illvstr. xxiii . book . . the lick'rish beare to rob the honey-bees among their stinging-swarms thrusts in his pawes ; adventureth to climbe up hollow trees , and from their cells , the well fill'd combes he drawes : right so , the sensuall man that he may gaine his bruitish lust , a thousand perills dares ; and , that his lawlesse-will he may attaine , nor conscience , credit , cost , nor labour spares . 't were shamefull basenesse , therefore , if that he who knoweth vertue , and is thought her lover , should so by any perills frighted bee , to make him such affections to give-over . for , why should that vaine-crew whose valour springs from beastly fury , or inflamed - passion , enabled be to compasse bolder things , then sober-wit , and grave-consideration ? or , why should lisping wantons , for their lust so much adventure as one finger , there , where we our lives in hazard would not thrust for vertues glory , if it needfull were ? for , though her sweetnesse fast is closed in with many thornes , and such a prickling-guard , that we must smart , before that prize we winne , the paine is follow'd , with a rich reward . by suff'ring , i have more contentment had , then ever i acquir'd by slothfull ease ; and , i by griefe , so joyfull have beene made , that i will beare my crosse , while god shall please . for , so at last my soule may ioy procure , i care not , in my flesh what i endure . who by good meanes , good things would gaine , shall never seeke , nor aske in vaine . conseqvitur qvodcvnque petit illvstr. xxiiii . book . . in vaine faire cynthia never taketh paines , nor faints in foll'wing her desired game ; and , when at any marke her bowe she straines , the winged arrow surely hits the same . her picture , therefore , in this place doth shew the nature of their mindes who cynthia like , with constancie their purposes pursue , and faint not till they compasse what they seeke . for , nought more god-like in this world is found , then so resolv'd a man , that nothing may his resolution alter or confound , when any taske of worth , he doth assay . nor , is there greater basenesse , then those mindes that from an honest-purpose can be wrought by threatnings , bribes , smooth-gales or boyst'rous-windes , what ever colour or excuse be brought . you then , that would , with pleasure , glory gaine , diana like , those modest things require , which truely may beseeme you to attaine ; and stou●ly follow that which you desire : for , changing though the mo●ne to us appeare , she holds a firme dependence on the sunne ; and , by a constant-motion , in her sphaere with him ▪ doth in conjunction often runne : so , constant-men , still move their hopes to winne ; but , never by a motion-indirect ; nor , will they stop the course that they are in , vntill they bring their purpose to effect . for , whosoever honest things requires , a promise hath of all that he desires . oft shooting , doth not archers make ; but , hitting right the marke they take . non qvam crebro sed qvā bēe illvstr. xxv . book . . when to the fields we walke to looke upon some skilfull mark-man ; so much heede we not how many arrowes from his bowe are gone , as we observe how nigh the marke he shot : and , justly we deride that man who spends his time and shafts , but never ayme doth take to hit the white ; or foolishly pretends , the number of the shots , doth archers make . so , god , who marketh our endeavours , here , doth not by tale , account of them receive ; but , heedeth rather how well meant they were , and , at his will how rightly aym'd we have . it is not mumbling over thrice a day a set of ave maries , or of creeds , or many houres formally to pray ; when from a dull devotion it proceedes : nor is it , up and downe the land to seeke to finde those well breath'd lecturers , that can preach thrice a sabbath , and sixe times a weeke , yet be as fresh , as when they first beganne : nor , is it , such like things perform'd by number which god respects : nor doth his wisdome crave those many vanities , wherewith some cumber their bodies , as if those their soules could save . for , not much-doing , but well-doing , that which god commands , the doer ▪ justifies ▪ to pray without devotion , is to prate ; and , hearing is but halfe our exercise . we ought not , therefore , to regard , alone , how often , but how well , the worke be done . with patience , i the storme sustaine ; for , sun-shine still doth follow raine . dvrabo illvstr. xxvi . book . . the little squirrell , hath no other food then that which natures thrifty hand provides ; and , in purveying up and downe the wood , she many cold wet stormes , for that , abides . she lyes not heartlesse in her mossie dray , nor feareth to adventure through the ●aine ; but skippeth out , and beares it as she may , vntill the season waxeth calme againe . right thus , have i and others , often far'd ; for , when we first into the world were brought , we found but little , for our vse prepar'd , save that , which by hard-labour , must be sought . in many stormes , unheeded , we are faine to seeke out needfull things ; and , smilingly to jest , at what some others would complaine : that , none might laugh at our necessity . yea , some have liv'd on huskes , whil'st others fed on that which was their labours due reward ; and , were pursu'd ( till they almost were dead ) without the worlds compassion or regard . yet , by enduring , they out-liv'd the blast of adverse-fortune ; and , with good successe , ( expecting calmer seasons ) at the last , arrived at the port of happinesse . their suffring-much , hath made their suffrings none ; and brought forth hopes , by which , perceive they may , that nights have but their turnes ; and ( they once gone ) their darkenesse , makes much welcomer , the day . all griefe shall have an ending , i am sure ; and , therefore , i with patience , will endure . where hellen is , there , will be warre ; for , death and lust , companions are . vbi helena ibi troia illvstr. xxvii . book . . their foolish guise , i never could affect , who dare , for any cause , the stewes frequent : and , thither , where i justly might suspect a strumpet liv'd , as yet , i never went. for , when ( as fooles pretend ) they goe to seeke experience , where more ill then good , they see ; they venture for their knowledge , adam like ; and , such as his , will their atchievements bee . let , therefore , those that would loose trulls detest , converse with none , but those that modest are ; for , they that can of whoredome make a iest , will entertaine it , ere they be aware . chast-company , and chast-discourse , doth make the minde more pleased with it , ev'ry day ; and , frequent viewes of wantonnesse , will take the sense and hatred , of the vice away . some , i have knowne , by harlots wiles undone , who , but to see their fashions , first pretended ; and , they that went for company , alone , by suddaine quarrells , there , their dayes have ended . for , in the lodgings of a lustfull woman , immodest impudence hath still her being ; there , furie , fraud , and cruelties are common : and , there , is want , and shame , and disagreeing . ev'n beauty , of it selfe , stirres loose desires , occasioning both iealousies , and feares ; it kindleth in the brest , concealed fires , which burne the heart , before the flame appeares : and , ev'ry day , experienced are wee ; that , there , where hellen is , troyes fate will bee . no inward griefe , nor outward smart , can overcome a patient-heart . victrix patientia dvri . illvstr. xxviii . book . . some trees , when men oppresse their aged heads , ( with waighty stones ) they fructifie the more ; and , when upon some herbs , the gard'ner treads , they thrive and prosper , better then before : so , when the kings of aegypt did oppresse the sonnes of iacob , through their tyrannies ; their numbers , every day , did more encrease , till they grew greater then their enemies . so , when the iewes and gentiles , joyn'd their powre the lord , and his annoynted , to withstand ; ( with raging furie , lab'ring to devoure and roote the gospel , out of ev'ry land ) the more they rag'd , conspired , and envy'd , the more they slander'd , scorn'd , and murthered ; the more , the faithfull , still , were multiply'd : and , still , the further , their profession spred . yea , so it spred , that quite it overthrew ev'n tyranny it selfe ; that , at the last , the patience of the saints , most pow'rfull grew , and persecutions force , to ground was cast . the selfe-same pow'r , true patience , yet retaines , and ( though a thousand suff●rings wound the same ) she still hath hope enough to ease her paynes ; that hope , which keepeth off , all feare and shame : for , 't is not hunger , cold , nor fire , nor steele , nor all the scornes or slanders , we can heare , nor any torment , which our flesh can feele , that conquers us ; but , our owne trayt'rous feare . where , honest mindes , and patient hearts , are mares ; they grow victorious , in their hardest-fates . by many strokes , that worke is done , which cannot be perform'd at one. non vno sternitvr ictv illvstr. xxix . book . . despaire not man , in what thou oughtst to doe , although thou faile when one attempt is made ; but , adde a new-endeavour thereunto , and , then another , and another , adde : yea , till thy pow'r and life shall quite be spent , persist in seeking what thou shouldst desire ; for , he that falleth from a good intent , deserves not that , to which he did aspire . rich treasures , are by nature , placed deepe ; and , ere we gaine them , we must pierce the rockes : such perills , also , them , as guardians keepe , that , none can winne them without wounds and knockes . moreover , glories , thrones are so sublime , that , whosoever thinkes their top to gaine , till many thousand weary steps he clime , doth foole himselfe , by musings which are vaine . and , yet , there is a path way , which doth leade above the highest things that man can see ; and ( though it be not knowne to all who tread the common-tract ) it may ascended be . as , therefore , none should greater things presume then well becomes their strength ; so , none should feare ( through folly , sloth , or basenesse ) to assume those things upon them , which beseeming are . in time , and by degrees may things be wrought , that seem'd impossible to have beene done , when they were first conceived in the thought ; and , such as these , we may adventure on . mine arme , i know , in time will fell an oke ; but , i will nev'r attempt it , at a stroke . afflictions fire consumeth sinne ; but , vertue taketh life therein . nvdrisco il bvono et spengo il reo illvstr. xxx . book . whether the salamander be a beast , or precious-stone , which overcomes the flame , it skills not ; since , by either is exprest the meaning which we purpose by the same : both brooke the fire unhurt ; and ( more then so ) the fiercer and the longer heats there are , the livelyer in the same the beast will grow ; and , much the brighter , will the stone appeare . this crowned-salamander in the fire , may , therefore , not unfitly , signifie th●se , who in fiery charriots , doe aspire elijah-like , to immortality : or , those heroicke spirits , who unharm'd have through the fires of troubles , and affliction , ( with vertue , and with innocencie arm'd ) walkt onward , in the path-way , of perfection . the fiery-tryall , which like wood and hay , consumes the workes of ev'ry wicked-one ; ( and maketh all their hopes to fume away ) doth purifie what faithfull-men have done . they triumph in the flames , and shall obtaine the glorious crowne of endlesse-happinesse , when all that show of blisse appeareth vaine , which worldly men have seemed to possesse . for , though some sinnes and follies , gilded are , and shine like purest gold , and pretious-stones ; this test , will finde of what allay they were , and , make them knowne but counterfeited ones : for , in this fornace , all such wormes expire ; and , none but vertue liveth in this fire . hee , over all the starres doth raigne , that unto wisdome can attaine . sapiens dominabitvr astris . illvstr. xxxi . book . . i am not of their minde , who thinke the sun , the moone , the planets , and those glorious lights which trim the sphares , doe in their motions run to no more purpose , then to please our sights . nor for distinguishment of nights , and dayes , or of the seasons , and the times , alone , can i suppose the hand of god displayes those many starres , we nightly gaze upon : for , both by reason , and by common-sense we know ( and often feele ) that from above the planets have , on us , an influence ; and , that our bodies varie , as they move . moreover , holy writ inferres , that these have some such pow'r ; ev'n in those places , where it names orion , and the pleiades ; which , starres of much inferiour nature are . yet , hence conclude not , therefore , that the minde is by the starres constrained to obey their influence ; or , so by them inclin'd , that , by no meanes resist the same we may . for , though they forme the bodies temp'rature , ( and though the minde inclineth after that ) by grace , another temper we procure , which guides the motions of supposed fate . the soule of man is nobler then the sphaeres ; and , if it gaine the place which may be had , not here alone on earth , the rule it beares , but , is the lord , of all that god hath made . be wise in him ; and , if just cause there bee , the sunne and moone , shall stand and wayt on thee . a princes most ennobling parts , are skill in armes , and love to arts. ex vtroqve caesar illvstr. xxxii . book . . right blest are they on whom god hath bestowne a king , whose vertues have approved him to be an ornament unto his throne , and as a lustre to his diadem . hee seekes not onely how to keepe in awe his people , by those meanes that rightfull are ; but , doth unto himselfe , become a law , and , by example , pious wayes declare . he , loveth peace , and after it pursues ; yet , if of warre a just occasion come , doth nor bellona's challenges refuse , nor feare , to beat defyance on his drum ; he is as ready , also , to advance the lib'rall arts , and from his lands to drive all false religion , schisme , and ignorance , as other publike profits to contrive . and , such a prince is not a casuall-thing , the glories of a throne , by chance , possessing ; nor meerely from his parents , doth he spring , but , he is rather gods immediate blessing . if thou desirest such a prince to be , or , to acquire that worth which may allure such princes to vouchsafe some grace to thee ; their kingly vertues , labour to procure . in military practices delight , not for a wicked , or vaine-glorious end ; but , to maintaine the cause that is upright , or thy distressed countrey to defend . and , strive that thou , as excellent mayst bee in knowledge , as , thou art in thy degree . true-lovers lives , in one heart lye , both live , or both together dye . perseqvar exstinctv̄ illvstr. xxxiii . book . . hee that shall say he loves , and was againe so well-belov'd , that neither hee nor shee suspects each other , neither needs to gaine new proofes , that they in all desires agree ; and , yet , shall coole againe in their affection , ( and leave to love ) or live till they are lovers the second-time ; it some grosse imperfection in one ( if not in both ) of them discovers . it was not love which did between them grow ; but , rather , somewhat like unto the same ; which ( having made a faire deceiving show ) obtain'd , a while , that honorable name . for , false-affections will together play so lovingly ; and , oft , so act those parts which reall seeme ; that , for a time , they may appeare the children of vnfeigned-hearts : yea , many-times , true turtles are deceiv'd by counterfeited passions , till their love of her true object findes her selfe bereav'd ; and , after it , is forced to remove : but , where true love begetteth , and enjoyes the proper object , which shee doth desire , nor time , nor injury the same destroyes ; but , it continues a perpetuall fire . like am'●ous thisbe to her pyramus , on all occasions , it continues true : nor night , nor danger , makes it timorous ; but , through all pe●ills , it will him pursue . thus , both in life , in death , in all estates , true - lovers will be true associates . when two agree in their desire , one sparke will set them both on fire . flammescit vterqve illvstr. xxxiv . book . . the westerne-indians , when they want a fire to warme their naked limbs , or dresse their food , at ev'ry need , accomplish their desire , by often rubbing of two stickes of wood. from whence , these observations we may take ; first , that in them whose natures gentlest are , a long contention such a change may make , as did , before , scarce possible appeare . next , that when two in opposition bee , whose power and strength and malice is the same , their strugling hearts but seldome doe agree , till they beget , a selfe-devouring-flame . and , thirdly , it informes , that those chast fires which on loves altars keepe a lasting-heat ; are those , which in two hearts , two like-desires vpon each other , mutually beget . hence , therefore , learne thou , first , not to contemne their mildnesse , who to anger are not prone ; lest , many wrongs doe stirre up fires in them , and worke thee mischiefe , when thou look'st for none . be wary , next , though thou thy selfe be strong , how with a pow'rfull foe thou dost contend ; for , they that wrastle in contention , long , will , sure , beshrew their madnesse , in the end . and , if to warme thee by loves fires thou seeke , thy pe●re in yeares , and manners , pray to finde ; let both your aymes , and longings , be alike ; be one in faith , and will ; and , one in minde : so , you shall reape the fruits of your desire , and warme each other with a kindly fire . he that delights to plant and set , makes after-ages in his debt . post eritati illvstr. xxxv . book . . when i behold the havocke and the spoyle , which ( ev'n within the compasse of my dayes ) is made through every quarter of this i le , in woods and groves ( which were this kingdomes praise ) and , when i minde with how much greedinesse , we seeke the present gaine , in every thing ; not caring ( so our lust we may possesse ) what dammage to posterity we bring : they doe , me-thinkes , as if they did foresee , that , some of those , whom they have cause to hate , should come in future-times , their heires to be : or else , why should they such things perpetrate ? for , if they thinke their children shall succeed ; or , can believe , that they begot their heires ; they could not , surely , doe so foule a deed , as to deface the land , that should be theirs . what our forefathers planted , we destroy : nay , all mens labours , living heretofore , and all our owne , we lavishly imploy to serve our present lusts ; and , for no more . but , let these carelesse wasters learne to know , that , as vaine-spoyle is open injury ; so , planting is a debt , they truely owe , and ought to pay to their posterity . selfe love , for none , but for it selfe , doth care ; and , onely , for the present , taketh paine : but , charity for others doth prepare ; and , joyes in that , which future-time shall gaine . if , after-ages may my labours blesse ; i care not , much , how litle i possesse . to have , and not to vse the same ; is not our glory , but our shame . nil penna , sed vsvs illvstr. xxxvi . book . . the estridge ( though with many feathers trimm'd , and deckt with goodly plumes of no meane size ) is so unwieldy , and so largely limb'd , that , up into the aire he cannot rise . and , though in wings and feathers , he appeares a goodly fowle , and beares his head so high , as if he could oretop the lower sphaeres ; and , farre above the towring eagles flie ; so uselesse are those feathers , and those wings , to gaine him name among their aiery race ; that , he must walke with such inferiour things , as in this common-region , have their place . such fowles as these , are that gay-plumed-crew , which ( to high place and fortunes being borne ) are men of goodly worth , in outward view ; and , in themselves , deserve nought els but scorne . for , though their trappings , their high-lifted eyes , their lofty words , and their much-feared pow'rs , doe make them seeme heroicke , stout , and wise , their hearts are oft as fond , and faint as ours . such animals as these , are also those that wise , and grave , and learned men doe seeme in title , habit , and all formall showes ; yet , have nor wit , nor knowledge , worth esteeme . and , lastly , such are they ; that , having got wealth , knowledge , and those other gifts , which may advance the publike-good , yet , use them not ; but feede , and sleepe , and laze their time away . he , may be but a goose , which weares the quill ; but , him we praise , that useth it with skill . he , that his course directly steeres , nor stormes , nor windy-censures feares . dvm clavvm rectvm teneam illvstr. xxxvii . book . . wee to the sea , this world may well compare , for , ev'ry man which liveth in the same , is as a pilot , to some vessell there , of little size , or else of larger frame . some , have the boats of their owne life to guide , some , of whole families doe row the barge , some , governe petty towneships too , beside , ( to those compar'd , which of small barkes have charge ) some others , rule great provinces ; and , they resemble captaines of huge argoses : but , when of kingdomes , any gayne the sway , to generalls of fleets , we liken these . each hath his proper course to him assign'd , his card , his compasse , his due tacklings , too ; and , if their businesse , as they ought , they mind , they may accomplish all they have to doe . but , most men leave the care of their owne course , to judge or follow others , in their wayes ; and , when their follies make their fortunes worse , they curse the destiny , which they should prayse . for , waves , and windes , and that oft-changing weather which many blame , as cause of all their losses , ( though they observe it not ) helpes bring together those hopes , which their owne wisedome , often crosses . regard not , therefore much , what those things be , which come , without thy fault , to thwart thy way ; nor , how , rash-lookers-on will censure thee ; but , faithfully , to doe thy part , assay : for , if thou shalt not from this counsell vary , let my hopes faile me , if thy hopes miscarry . a sudden death , with shame , is due to him , that , sweares what is untrue . si sciens fallo . illvstr. xxxviii . book . . when th' ancients made a solemne league or vow , their custome was to ratifie it , thus ; before their idoll god , they slew a sow , and sayd aloud ; so be it unto us . implying , that , if otherwise they did then had been vow'd ; or , if within their brest a fraudulent-intention had beene hid , they merited such vsage , as that beast . for , by the swine that they had slaughtred so , ( which , during life , was helpefull unto none ) of life deprived by a sudden blow , and , then , cast out , that none might feed thereon ; they , mystically did inferre ; that , he who falsify'd that oath which he had sworne , deserv'd , by sudden-death , cut off to be ; and , as a beast uncleane , to lye forlorne . that heathenish hieroglyphicke , doth implye this christian doctrine ; that , we should in vowes , in leagues , and oathes , assume no liberty , but , what sincerest honesty allowes . by swine , the babbling sophisters are meant , in hieroglyphicall signification ; which wee doe sacrifice , when our intent is free from falsehood , and aequivocation . and , this , let ev'ry man end●avour for , who loves the blessings , for just men prepar'd ; or , if the sinne he doe not much abhorre , at least , the danger let him well regard : for , to pursue him , vengeance never leaves , that falsely sweares , or willingly deceives . where strong desires are entertain'd , the heart 'twixt hope , and feare , is pain'd . speqve metvqve pavet illvstr. xxxix . book . . a troubled minde , ore-charged with desires , betweene great hopes , and no lesse feares opprest , and payned inwardly with secret fires , was thus , by some , in former times exprest . a smoking heart , they placed just betwixt a fastned anchor , and a bended bow ; to which a barbed-arrow seemed fixt , and , ready from the strayned-string to goe . the smoke doth sighes , the anchor doth declare that hope , which keepes us from despairing quite ; the bowe and arrow , signifie that feare , which doth , perpetually , the soule affright . and , by this emblem , it appeares to me that they which are with strong desires opprest , ( though good or bad the object of them be ) in seeking pleasures , finde no small unrest : for , they are not by feares , alone , disturbed , but , as the wiseman saith , ev'n hope-delayd torments the heart ; and , when desire is curbed , the soule becommeth sad , and ill-apayd . a groundlesse-hope , makes entrance for despaire , and with deceiving showes the heart betrayes : a causelesse-feare , doth reasons force impaire , and , terrifies the soule , in doubtfull wayes . yet , quite neglect them not ; for , hope repells that griefe sometimes , which would our hearts oppresse . and , feare is otherwhile the sentinell which rouzeth us from dang'rous carelesnesse . thus , both are good : but , both are plagues to such , who either fondly feare , or hope too much . those fooles whom beauties flame doth blinde , feele , death , where life they thought to finde . cosi vivo piacer condvcea morte illvstr. xl. book . . when you doe next behold the wanton flyes about the shining candle , come to play , vntill the light thereof hath dimm'd their eyes , or , till the flame hath sing'd their wings away : remember , then , this emblem ; and , beware you be not playing at such harmefull games : consider , if there sit no female , there , that overwarmes you , with her beauties flames . take heed , you doe not over dally so as to inflame the tinder of desire ; but , shun the mischiefe , e're too late it grow , lest you be scorched in that foolish-fire . for , as those wandring-fires which in the night , doe leade unwary trauellers astray , alluring them , by their deceiving sight , till they have altogether lost their way : right so , fantasticke beauty doth amaze the lust-full eye , allures the heart aside , captives the senses ( by a sudden blaze ) and , leaves the iudgement wholly stupify'd . nay , if men play too long about those torches , such is the nature of their wanton flame , that , from their bodies ( unawares ) it scorches those wings and feet , on which they thither came . it wasteth ( ev'n to nothing ) all their wealth , consumes their precious time , destroyes their strength , bespots their honest-fame , impaires their hea●th , and ( when their fatall thread is at the length ) that thing , on which their hope of life is plac't , shall bring them to destruction , at the last . let him , that at gods altar stands , in innocencie , wash his hands . pvris manibvs . illvstr. xli . book . . when ( reader ) thou hast first of all survayd that reverend priest , which here ingraven stands , in all his holy vestiments array'd , endeavouring for purifyed-hands ; collect from hence , that , when thou dost appeare to offer sacrifice of prayse or prayer , thou oughtst the robes of righteousnesse , to weare , and , by repentance , thy defects repaire . for , thou , that , with polluted hands presum'st before gods altar to present thy face ; or , in the rags of thine owne merits com'st , shalt reape displeasure , where thou look'st for grace . then , if thou be of those that would aspire a priest , or prelate , in gods church to be ; be sure , thou fi●st those ornaments acquire , which , may be suting to that high-degree . intrude not , as perhaps too many doe , with gifts unfit , or by an evill meane : desire it with a right intention too ; and , seeke to keepe thy conversation cleane . for , they that have assum'd this holy-calling , with hands impure , and hearts unsanctify'd , defame the truth ; give others cause of falling , and , scandalize their brethren , too , beside : yea , to themselves , their very sacrifice becomes unhallow'd ; and , their thankes and prayers , the god of purity , doth so despise , that , all their hopes , he turneth to despaires : and , all their best endeavours , countermands , till they appeare with unpolluted hands . no heart can thinke , to what strange ends , the tongues unruely motion tends . lingva ovo tendis illvstr. xlii . book . . well-worthy of our better heeding were , that holy pen-mans lesson , who hath sayd , we should be slow to speake , and swift to heare ; if , well , the nature of the tongue we waigh'd . for , if we let it loose , it getteth wings , and , flies with wanton carelesnesse , about ; it prateth in all places , of all things ; tells truth and lyes , and babbleth secrets out . to speake , of things unknowne , it taketh leave , as if it had all knowledge in possession ; and , mysteries ( which no man can conceive ) are thought fit objects for the tongues expression . with truth it mixeth errors ; sayes , unsayes ; and , is the preacher of all heresies . that heart , which gives it motion , it betrayes ; and , utters curses , oathes , and blasphemies . it spreads all slanders , which base envie raiseth ; it moveth anger , and begetteth hates : it blameth vertue ; filthy deeds it praiseth ; and , causeth vproares , murthers , and debates . yea , t is the chiefest factor for the devill ; and , yet , with speeches feignedly-sincere , it otherwhile reproveth what is evill , and , will in lowly-words , a saint appeare . now this is knowne ; we , next of all , should learne , how we may shunne the mischiefe being knowne ; how , we bad tongues , in others , may discerne ; and , how to guide and moderate our owne . and , reason good ; for , none can apprehend , what mischiefe doth an evill tongue attend . the minde should have a fixed eye on objects , that are plac'd on high. ΟΥ ΜΕ ΒΛlΨΟΝ ΑΝΩ illvstr. xliii . book . . a ●eart , which bore the figure of an eye wide open to the sunne ; by some , was us'd , when in an emblem , they would signifie a minde , which on celestiall matters mus'd : implying , by the same , that there is nought which in this lower orbe , our eyes can see , so fit an object for a manly thought , as those things , which in heav'n above us be . god , gave mankinde ( above all other creatures ) a lovely forme , and upward-looking eye , ( among the rest of his peculiar features ) that he might lift his countenance on high : and ( having view'd the beauty , which appeares within the outward sights circumference ) that he might elevate above the sphaeres , the piercing eye , of his intelligence . then , higher , and still higher strive to raise his contemplations eyes , till they ascend to gaine a glimpse of those eternall rayes , to which all undepraved spirits tend . for , 't is the proper nature of the minde ( till fleshly thoughts corrupt it ) to despise those lusts whereto the body stands inclin'd ; and labour alwayes , upward to arise . some , therefore , thought those goblins which appeare to haunt old graves and tombes , are soules of such , who to these loathsome places doomed were , because , they doted on the flesh too much . but , sure we are , well-minded men shall goe to live above , when others bide below . those fields , which yet appeare not so , when harvest comes , will yellow grow . flavescent illvstr. xliv . book . . when , in the sweet and pleasant month of may. we see both leaves and blossomes on the tree , and view the meadowes in their best array , we hop full are a ioyfull spring to see ; yet , oft , before the following night be past , it chanceth , that a vapor , or a frost , doth all those forward bloomings wholly waste ; and , then , their sweetnesse and their beautie 's lost . such , is the state of ev'ry mortall wight : in youth , our glories , and our lusts we shew ; we fill our selves with ev'ry vaine delight , and , will most thinke on that which may insue . but , let us learne to heed , as well as know , that , spring doth passe ; that , summer steales away ; and , that the flow'r which makes the fairest show , e're many weekes , must wither and decay . and , from this emblem , let each lab'ring-swaine ( in whatsoever course of life it be ) take heart , and hope , amidst his daily paine , that , of his travailes , he good fruits shall see . the plow'd and harrow'd field , which , to thine eye , seemes l●ke to be the grave , in which the seeds shall ( without hope of rising ) buryed lye , becomes the fruitfull wombe , where plenty breeds . there , will be corne , where nought but mare appeares ; the du●ty seed , will forme a greenish blade ; the blade , will rise to stemmes with fruitfull eares : those eares , will ripen , and be yellow made : so , if in honest hopes , thou persevere , a ioyfull harvest will at last appea●e . as soone , as wee to bee , begunne ; we did beginne , to be vndone . finis aborigine pēdet illvstr. xlv . book . . when some , in former ages , had a meaning an emblem , of mortality , to make , they form'd an infant , on a deaths-head leaning , and , round about , encircled with a snake . the childe so pictur'd , was to signifie , that , from our very birth , our dying springs : the snake , her tatle devouring , doth implie the revolution , of all earthly things . for , whatsoever hath beginning , here , beginnes , immediately , to vary from the same it was ; and , doth at last appeare what very few did thinke it should become . the solid stone , doth molder into earth , that earth , e're long , to water , rarifies ; that water , gives an airy vapour birth , and , thence , a fiery-comet doth arise : that , moves , untill it selfe it so impaire , that from a burning-meteor , backe againe , it sinketh downe , and thickens into aire ; that aire , becomes a cloud ; then , drops of raine : those drops , descending on a rocky ground , there , settle into earth , which more and more , do●h harden , still ; so , running out the round , it growes to be the stone it was before . thus , all things wheele about ; and , each beginning , made entrance to it owne destruction , hath . the life of nature , entreth in with sinning ; and , is for ever , wayted on by death : the life of grace , is form'd by death to sinne ; and , there , doth life-eternall , straight beginne . though very small , at first , it be , a sprout , at length , becomes a tree . tandem fit arbor illvstr. xlvi . book . . wee finde it common ( but not comely thou ) that , when a good endeavour is begot , vnlesse , at very first , it equall grow with our expectance , we regard it not . nor wit , nor patience , have we to conceive , that ev'ry thing , which may by man be wrought , proportionable time , and meanes , must have ; before it can be to perfection , brought . yet , ev'ry day , in things of ev'ry kinde , experience hath informed us , herein ; and , that , in many things , a change we finde , which , at the first , would scarce believ'd have bin . for , though a gosling will not prove a swan , vnruely-colts become well-trayned steeds ; a silly childe growes up a mighty-man , and , lofty-trees doe spring from little seeds . learne , therefore hence , that , nothing you despise , because it may , at first , imperf●ct seeme : and , know , how all things ( in some sort ) to prise , although , you give them not the best esteeme . from hence , moreover , learne ; not to despaire , when you have just occasion , to pursue a toylesome worke , or any great affaire : since ▪ all-things , at the first , from nothing , grew . and , i my selfe will , also , learne , from hence , ( of all my paines , though little fruits i see ) nor to repine , nor to receive offence ; but , rather joy in what befalleth mee . for , though my hopes appeare but meanely growne , they will be great , when some shall thinke them none . when we above the crosse can rise , a crowne , for us , prepared lies . svperata crvce coronor illvstr. xlvii . book . . a serpent rais'd above the letter tau , aspiring to a crowne , is figur'd here : from whence , a christian-morall we may draw , which worth our good-regarding will appeare . for , by those characters , in briefe , i see which way , we must to happinesse ascend ; then , by what meanes , that path must clymed bee ; and , what reward , shall thereupon attend . the crosse , doth shew , that suffring is the way ; the serpent , seemes to teach me , that , if i will overcome , i must not then , assay to force it ; but , my selfe thereto applye . for , by embracing what we shall not shunne , we winde about the crosse , till wee arise above the same ; and , then , what prize is wonne , the crowne , which overtops it , signifies . let me , o god , obtaine from thee the grace , to be partaker of thy blessed passion ; let me , with willingnesse , thy crosse imbrace , and , share the comforts of thy exaltation . to beare that part , whereto i doomed am , my heart , with strength , and courage , lord , inspire : then , crucifie my flesh upon the same , as much as my corruption shall require . and , when by thy assistance , i am rear'd above that burthen , which lyes yet upon me ; and , over all , which ( justly may be fear'd ) shall , during life-time , be inflicted on me ; among those blessed-soules , let me be found , which , with eternall glory , shall be crown'd . in death , no difference is made , betweene the scepter , and the spade . mors sceptra ligonibus aeqvat illvstr. xlviii . book . . let no man be so sottish as to dreame , though all men in their déath made equall are , that , therfore , they may gather by this theame , that , parity , in life-time , fitting were . for , as the bodies members ( which in death have all the like esteeme ) had their degrees , and honours , differing in time of breath ; the same ( in states ) discretion comely sees . nor , should we hence inferre , that it were just to disesteeme the breathlesse carcasses of kings and princes , when they sleepe in dust ; for , civill-reverence is due to these . nor , ought we , in their life-time , to apply the truth , which by this emblem is declar'd , the dignities of men to vilifie ; or , bring upon their persons lesse regard . that , which from hence , i rather wish to preach , is this ; that ev'ry man of each degree , would marke it so , that he , himselfe might teach what thoughts and deeds , to him most proper be . if he be great ; let him remember , then , that ( since , nor wealth , nor title , can procure him exemption from the doomes of other men ) he ought to seeke , how vertue may secure him . if he be poore ; let him this comfort take , that , though , awhile , he be afflicted here , yet , death●ay ●ay him as fully happy make , as h● , that doth a crowne imperiall weare . for , when his fatall-blow death comes to strike , he , makes the beggar , and the king , alike . what cannot be by force attain'd , by leisure , and degrees , is gain'd . pavlatim non impetv . illvstr. xlix . book . . some foolish - boyes ( and such a boy was i ) when they at schoole have certaine houres to passe , ( to which they are compell'd unwillingly ) much time they spend in shaking of the glasse : thus , what they practise , to make-short their stay , prolongs it more ; for while they seeke to force the sands , to runne more speedily away , they interrupt them ; and , they passe the worse . right so , in other things , with us it fares ; ( and , seeming wise , we act a foolish part ) for , otherwhile , what time alone prepares , we seeke to make the subject of an art. sometimes , by rashnesse , we endeavour what we ought with leisure , and advice , to doe : but , if a good successe doth follow , that , our wit was nothing helpefull thereunto . sometime , againe , we prosecute a thing by violence ; when our desir'd effect , no other meanes so well to passe can bring , as love and gentlenesse , which we neglect . but , let this emblem teach us to regard what way of working , to each worke pertaines : so , though some portion of our hopes be barr'd , we shall not , altogether , lose our paines . some things are strong , and , othersome are weake ; with labour , some ; and , some with ease be wrought : although the reed will bend , the kexe will breake ; and , what mends one thing , makes another naught . marke this ; and , when much haste will marre thy speed , that , then , thou take good leisure ; take thou heed . of little-gaines , let care be had ; for , of small eares , great mowes are made . de parvis grandis a cervvs erit . illvstr. l. book . . among the many faylings of the time , this emblem giveth cause to mention one , which , unto me , doth seeme the greater crime , because , to many , it appeareth none . i finde , that petty things are so neglected ( well nigh of all ) in losings and in winnings , as if , what ere they thought to have effected , subsisted without members , or beginnings . the man , that loseth every month a penny , may salve-up twelve-months losses , with a shilling . but , if of other losses he hath many , to save a pin , at length , he shall be willing . for , he that sees his wine-fill'd vessell drop , ( although a drop , in value , be but small ) should , thence , occasion take , the leake to stop , lest many droppings draine him drye of all . moreover , they , that will to greatnesse rise , a course , not much unlike to this , must keepe : they ought not small-beginnings to despise ; nor , strive to runne , before they learne to creepe . by many single eares , together brought , the hand is fill'd ; by handfulls , we may gaine a sheafe ; with many sheaves a barne is fraught : thus , oft , by little , we doe much obtaine . consider this ; and , though i wish not thee to take , of trifling-things , too great a care ; yet , know thus much ( for truth ) it best will bee , if all things may be weighed as they are : by slender losses , great-ones are begunne ; by many trifling gaines , much wealth is wonne . finis libri primi . the first lotterie . thou , dost overmuch respect that , which will thy harme effect ; but , some other things there bee , which will more advantage thee : search thy heart ; and , thou shalt , there , soone discover , what they are : yea , thine emblem showes thee , too , what to shunne ; and , what to doe . it is a little fear'd , that you are to your owne designes , untrue ; and , that , if you more constant were , you would be richer , then you are , ( it may be , also , wiser , too ) looke , therefore , what you are to doe : then , follow it , and , you will say , that , well advis'd , you were , to day . how rich or poore soe're thou be , thou , art a prince , in some degree ; and , o're thy selfe , thou shouldst command , as doth a monarch , in his land. within thy heart , therefore , ingrave the lawes , that grace and nature gave : for , thus ( to counsell thee ) inclines that emblem , which , thy lot assignes . much liberty , thou hast assum'd ; and , heretofore , so much presum'd on time , which , alway rideth poast , that , for awhile , some hopes are crost . but , loe , to keepe thee from despaire , and , thy misfortune , to repaire , marke , what to thee , by lot , befell , and , practise , what is counsell'd , well . thou seekest honour , to obtaine , by meanes , which frustrate all thy paine . thy predecessors rich were made , by using of the plough and spade : thou , honourable wouldst be thought , by taking courses , that are naught ; but , if , right noble , thou wilt be , looke , what thine emblem counsells thee . m this man , what ever he may seeme , is worthy of a high esteeme : though fortune may , his person , grinde ; she , cannot harme him , in his minde . right blest , this company would be , if all of them , were such , as he. reade that impresa , which he drew ; for , that , in part , the same will shew . m if some , now present , this had got , they , would have blushed , at their lot ; since , very fit , the same doth prove for one , that 's either light of love , or , troubled with a fickle mate : if you enjoy a better fate , yet , hearken , what your lot doth say ; lest , you , hereafter , need it may , for ought , that , plainely , doth appeare , you may out-live the longest , here ; yet , seeing , now , of all this crew , the lot of death , you , onely , drew , see what , your emblem hath injoyn'd ; and , still , that morall , beare in minde : so , deaths deform'd and ghastly shade shall , meanes of life , to thee , be made . though you have wit , and , know it well ; that , rash you are , your friends can tell ; yea , sleepe , and ease , possesse you so , that , some doe feare , you 'l sottish grow : but , lo , your hind'rance , to prevent , this lot , was , peradventure , sent ; for , in the moralls , that , insue , are counsells , fit , for such as you . you , have beene wronged , many wayes , yet , patient are ; and , that 's your praise : your actions , also , seem'd upright ; yet , some there are , that , beare you spite : lest , therefore , you discourag'd grow , an emblem , you have drawne , to show what other innocents have borne , and , how , the worlds despites , to scorne . m doubtlesse , you are either wooing , or , some other bus'nesse , doing ; which , you shall attempt , in vaine , or , much hazzard all your paine : yet , if good , your meanings are , doe not honest meanes forbeare ; for , where things are , well , begunne , god , oft , workes , when man hath done . be not angry , if i tell that , you love the world , too well ; for , this lot , perhaps , you drew , that , such faults , you might eschew . marke , to what their soules aspire , who , true blessednesse , desire : for , if you can doe , like those , heav'n you gaine , when earth you lose . you love the rich ; and , honour them ; the needy person , you contemne : yet , wealth , nor want of wealth , is that , which , wretched makes , or fortunate : from other causes , those things flow ; which , since , you either doe not know , or , heede not much , this emblem came , that , you might learne to minde the same . m thy chance is doubtfull ; and , as yet , i know not , what to say of it ; but , this i know , a foe thou art to what thine emblem hath , in part , expressed by a mimicke shape ; or , thou , thy selfe , art such an ape . now , which of these , pertaines to thee , let them , that know thee , iudges bee . thy vertues he may wrong , that sayes thou spend'st thy selfe , in wanton wayes ; but , some have thought , and sayd of late , that , those thou lov'st , consume thy state : yet , spare nor time , nor substance , tho , where , them , thou oughtest to bestow ; but , to thine emblem turne , and , see when life , and wealth , well ventur'd bee . though troubles , you may have ( or had ) enough , to make some others mad ; yet , be content : for , they , that are as weake , have had as much to beare ; and , that , which malice did contrive , to make them poore , hath made them thrive . that emblem , which , by lot , you drew , prognosticates , as much , for you . though , you suffer blame and paine , you , at last , may comfort gaine , ( sharing honours , truely gotten , when , your foes are dead , and rotten ) for , of this , you have a pawne , in the lot , that you have drawne ; and , by that , it may appeare , what your paines , and wages , are . take you serious heed , i pray , whither , you doe goe to day ; whom you credite ; and , for whom you , ingaged , shall become ; and , unlesse you wish for sorrow , be as provident , to morrow : for , there are some traps and snares , which , may take you unawares . your wit , so much , you trust upon , that , weaker meanes , hath yours out-gone ; sometime , you runne , when there is need of much more warinesse , then speed. but , you , to god ward , worse have err'd ; and , yet , amendment is deferr'd . see , therefore , what your chance doth say , and , take good counsell , while you may . take heed , you doe not quite forget , that you are dauncing in a net : more , then a few , your course doe see , though , you , suppose , unseene to be . your fault , we will no nearer touch ; me-thinkes your emblem blabs too much : but , if , you minde , what is amisse , you , shall be nere the worse , for this . let such , as draw this lot , have care , for death , and sorrow , to prepare all times , to come , lest one of these , their persons , unexpected , seize : for , them , or some of theirs , to slay , pale death , drawes neerer , ev'ry day . yet , let them not , disheartned , bee : for , in their emblem , they shall see , death , may ( though , in appearance , grim ) become , a blessing , unto them . with mary , thou art one of those , by whom , the better part , is chose ; and , though , thou tempted art , astray , continu'st in a lawfull way . give god the praise , with heart unfaign'd , that , he , such grace to thee , hath dain'd ; and , view thy lot , where thou shalt see , what hag , hath layd a trap , for thee . although , that , thou demure appeare , for pleasure , there is no man here will venture more : and , some there are , who thinke you venture over farre : hereof , consider well , therefore , e're , so , you venture , any more ; and , in your lotted emblem , see , for what , your suffrings ought to bee . if ought , thou purpose , to assay , pursue the same , without delay ; and , if thou meane to gather fruit , be constant in thy hopes pursuit : for , by thine emblem , thou mayst finde , thy starres , to thee , are well-inclin'd ; provided , thy attempts be good : for , that , is ever understood . take heed , thou love not their deceip● , who number give , in steed of weight ; nor , let their fansies , thee abuse , who , such-like foolish customes , use . perhaps , it may concerne thee , much , to know the vanities of such ; and , who they are : marke , therfore , what thine emblem , will , to thee relate . thou , to impatience , art inclin'd ; and , hast a discontented minde ; that , therfore , thou mayst patience learne , and , thine owne over-sights discerne , thy lot ( as to a schoole to day ) hath sent thee to the squirrells dray ; for , she instructs thee , to indure , till , thou , a better state , procure . your lot , is very much to blame , or else , your person , or , your name hath injur'd beene , or , may have wrong by some loose wanton , ere 't be long : therfore , e're , hence , you passe away , marke , what your emblem , now , doth say . perhaps , by drawing of this lot , some harmes prevention may be got . vpon your head , those weights were laid , which , your endeavours , downeward waigh'd ; for , those , who doe your weale envie , much feare , your top will spring too high ; nay , yet , some burthen , you sustaine : but , what their malice will obtaine , your emblem prophesies ; if you , with patience , honest - wayes , pursue . this lot , befell thee , for the nonce ; for , if things come not , all at once , thou , to despairing , soone , dost runne , or , leav'st the worke , that 's well begun : which , to prevent , regardfull be of what thine emblem counsells thee . afflictions , are thy chiefest lot ; yea , great ones , too : yet , murmure not . for , all , must fiery tryalls bide , and , from their drosse be purify'd . therefore , though this , in sport , be done , thy morall'd emblem , looke upon ; and , learne , those vertues to acquire , which , will not perish in the fire . you seeke a lot , which , proving bad , would , peradventure , make you sad ; but , this may please : for , you are taught to mend a fortune , that is naught ; and , armed , with such counsell , here , that , you , no destiny , need feare . now , if you come to harme , or shame , vpon the starres , lay not the blame . m in court , thou mayst have hope , to clime , this present , or some other time ; but , something thou dost want , as yet , which , for that place , must make thee fit . presume not , therefore , on thy lot , till , those accomplishments are got , which , in thine emblem , are exprest ; and , then , march on , among the best . some thinke , you love ; 't is true , you doe ; and , are as well beloved too : but , you ( if we the truth shall say ) love not so truely , as you may . to make a perfect love , there goes much more , then ev'ry lover knowes . your emblem , therefore heede ; and , then , beginne , anew , to love agen . now , some good counsell , thou dost need ; of what we say , take , therefore , heed . beware , left thou , too much , offend a meeke , and , gentle-natur'd , friend : though pow'r thou hast , be carefull , too , thou vexe not , long , thine able foe ; and , e're thou love , be sure to finde thy match , in manners , and in minde . if thou demand a reason , why , to thee , thine emblem will replie . beware , thou share not in their crime , who care , but for the present time : for , by thy lot , wee may suspect , or that , or things , to that effect . if so it be , or if thy minde , to such an errour , be inclin'd , thy chance unto an emblem , brings , which , will advise to better things . you , love to seeme ; this , all men see : but , would you lov'd , as well , to bee . if , also , better use were made of those good blessings , you have had ; your praise were more . marke , therefore , well , what moralls , now , your emblem , tell ; and , gather , from it , what you may , to set you in a better way . to scape a storme , great thought you take ; but , little heed , what meanes you make . you , love your ease , and , troubles , feare ; but , carelesse are , what course you steere . which indiscretions , to prevent , you , to an emblem , now , are sent : whereof , if you regardfull are , you , lesse will feare , and better fare . what you have , done , consider , now ; for , this your chance , doth seeme to show that you have sworne , or vow'd , of late , or promised ( you best know what ) which , you have , since , unwilling bin , to keepe ; or , else , did faile , therein . if it be so ; repent , or els , what will befall , your emblem tells . thy hopings , and thy feares , are such , that , they afflict , and paine thee , much ; because , thou giv'st too great a scope vnto thy feare , or to thy hope : for , they will paine , or pleasure thee , as they enlarg'd , or curbed be . but , lo ; thine emblem , if thou please , instructs thee , how , to mannage these . let them , who get this chance , beware , lest cupid snarle them in a snare : for , by their lot , they should be apt to be , in such-like ginnes , intrapt . some helpe , is by their emblem , got , if they , too late , observe it not ; but , then , no profit will be done them : for , counsell will be lost upon them . whether , meerely , chance , or no , brought this lot , we doe not know : but , received , let it be , as , divinely , sent to thee : for , that , merits thy regard , which , thine emblem hath declar'd ; and , the best , that are , have need , such advisements , well to heed . thou , hast already , or , e're long , shalt have some dammage by the tongue : but , fully , yet , it is not knowne , whether the tongue shall be thine owne , or else , anothers tongue , from whom this mischiefe , unto thee , shall come : but , much the better , thou shalt speed , if , now , thine emblem , well thou heed . vnworthy things , thou dost affect , with somewhat overmuch respect ; vnto the world , inclining so , as if thy hopes were all below : but , now , to rowse thee from this crime , good counsell comes in happy time . make use thereof ; and , thinke it not meere casuall , or a needlesse lot. thou , either , too much love , hast plac't on things , that will not alway last ; or else , thou art a little scar'd . because thy hopes are long deferr'd : nay , thou art touch'd , in both of these . thy profit , therefore , and thine ease , it will effect , if well thou minde what , in thine emblem , thou shalt finde . when thou hast changes , good , or bad , ore-joy'd , thou art , or over-sad ; as if it seemed very strange to see the winde or weather , change : lo , therefore , to remember thee , how changeable , things mortall , bee , thou , art assisted by this lot ; now , let it be , no more , forgot . of thy just aymes , though meanes be slight , thou mayst attaine their wished height ; vnlesse , thy folly shall destroy the weale , thou seekest to injoy , by thy despaire , or by neglect of that , which , may thy hopes effect : for , by thine emblem , thou mayst know , great things , from small beginnings , grow ▪ thou must have crosses ; but they , shall , to blessings , be converted , all ; and , suffrings , will become , thy praise , if , wisedome order , well thy wayes : yea , when thy crosses ended are , a crowne of glory , thou shalt weare . yet , note , how this to passe is brought : for , in thine emblem , it is taught . if they , who drew this lot , now be of great estate , or high degree , they shall ere long , become as poore , as those , that beg from doore to doore . if poore they be ; it plaine appeares , they shall become great princes peeres : and , in their emblem , they may know , what very day , it will be , so . you , have attempted many a thing , which , you , to passe , could never bring ; not , that , your worke was hard to doe , but , ' cause , you us'd wrong meanes , thereto . hereafter , therefore , learne , i pray , the times of working , and , the way ; and , of thine emblem , take thou heed , if , better , thou desire to speed . if you , to greater wealth , will rise , you must not , slender gaine , despise ; nay , if , you minde not , to be poore , you must regard slight losses , more : for , wealth , and poverty , doe come , not all at once , but , some and some . if this , concerne you , any wayes , see , what your emblem , further , sayes . your fortune , hath deserved thank , that she , on you , bestowes a blank : for , as you , nothing good , have had ; so , you , have nothing , that is bad . yea , she , in this , hath favour showne , ( if , now , your freedome well be knowne ) for , you , by lot , these emblems , mist , that you , may chuse out , which you list . you , by an emblem , seeke to get what counsel your affaires may fit ; but , in particular , there 's none , which , you , by lot , can light upon : and , why ? because , no morall , there , doth , worthy of your heed , appeare ? no ; but because you rather , need , of ev'ry emblem , to take heed . the starres , are , now , no friends of your , or this is not their lucky houre : for , at this time , unto your lot , they , by an emblem , answer not . if , therefore , you desire to know what good advice they will allow , some further meanes , you must assay , or , trye your chance , another day , you , in your secret thoughts , despise to thinke an emblem should advise , or give you cause to minde or heed those things , whereof you may have need ▪ and , therefore , when , the lot , you try'd , an answer , justly , was deny'd . yet ( by your leave ) there are but few , who , need good counsell , more then you . in some extreame , you often are , and , shoot too short , or else too farre ; yea , such an errour , you were in , when , for a lot , you mov'd the pin : for , one touch more , or lesse , had layd our index , where it should have stayd . but , if you can be warn'd , by this , to keepe the meane , which oft you misse , you have obtain'd as good a lot , as any one , this day , hath got . among these emblems , none there be , which , now by lot will fall to thee ; however , doe not thou repine : for , this doth seeme to be a signe , that , thou , thy portion , shalt advance by vertue , not by fickle chance . yet , nerethelesse , despise thou not what , by good fortune , may be got . finis . a collection of emblemes , ancient and moderne : quickened vvith metricall illvstrations ; and , disposed into lotteries , both morall and divine . that jnstruction , and good counsell , may bee furthered by an honest and pleasant recreation . by george wither . the second booke . london , printed by avgvstine mathevves . mdcxxxiv . to the high and mighty prince , charles , prince of wales , &c. fair'st blossome of our hopes ; and morning-starre to all these ilands , which inclosed are by neptunes armes , within our northern cli●nes ; and who ( wee trust ) shall rise , in future times , to be the brightest light , that , then will shine , betwixt the artick-circle , and the line . to yov ( as now you are ) that i present these emblems , 't is not so impertinent as those may thinke it , who have neither seene what , of your cradle-sports , hath heeded beene ; nor heard how many serious questionings , your child-hood frameth , out of trifling things : and , if mine aime i have not much mistooke , i come not oversoone with such a booke . so long as in this infant-age you are , ( wherein , the speechlesse portraitures appeare a pleasurefull delight ) your highnesse may among our emblems , finde a harmelesse-play : and , those mute objects will from time to time , still riper , seeme , till you to ripenesse clime . when their dumb figures , no more sport can make , their illustrations , will begin to speake , and , ev'ry day , new matter still disclose , vntill your iudgement to perfection growes . they likewise , who their services , to do frequent your presence , may have pleasure too , from this your play-game : yea , and some perchance , may cure a folly , or an ignorance by that , which they shall either heare or view in these our emblems , when they wait on you ; or , shall be called , by your excellence , to try what lot , they shall obtaine from thence . it may , moreover , much increase the sport , which is allowed in a vertuous covrt ; when they whose faults have long suspected bin , shall draw forth private censures of their sin , and , heare their emblems , openly , display , what , others dare not , but in private , say : nor will , to yov , the morals be in vaine , ev'n when to manly knowledge you attaine ; for , though to teach , it will not them become to be remembrancers , they may presume : and , that which in their ( hild-hood , men shall heed , will soonest come to minde , in time of need . incourag'd by these hopes , i thought it meet to lay this humble present at your feet . accept it , now ; and , please to favour me , when i growe old , and , you a man shall be . to your highnesse most humbly devoted , geo : wither . to the most high-borne and hopefull prince james , duke of yorke , &c. sweet prince , your hand i kisse ; and , thus my lines addresse vnto your wise , and vertuous * governesse . for , madame , ( as his proxy ) it is fit , that , yov both read , and answere for him , yet . to yov for him , i therefore tender , here , to welcome-in the new-beginning yeare , this harmelesse play-game ; that , it may have place , when somewhat riper daies , shall make his grace , affect such objects ; which , to looke upon may pleasure yeeld him , e're this yeare be gone . 't is not the least discretion , in great covrts , to know what recreations , and what sports become young princes ; or , to find out those , which may , with harmelesse pleasantnesse , dispose their mindes to vertve : neither in their cradles , should this be heeded lesse , than in their sadles : because , when first to know , we doe begin , a small occasion , le ts much evill in . among those things , which both instruct and please ; but few , ( for children ) are surpassing these : for , they , to looke on pictures , much desire : and , not to looke alone , but , to enquire what things those are , that represented be , in ev'ry map , or emblem , which they see . and , that which they shall view , or shall be told , ( by meanes of any figure they behold ) experience breedes ; assisteth memory : or , helps to forme a witty fantasie : and , if those formes to good instruction tend , oft steads them , also , till their lives have end . then , since ev'n all of us , much good receive by vertuous princes ; and should , therefore , strive to adde some helpes , whereby they might acquire that excellence , which wee in them desire . i ( being able , to present his grace , with nothing but a rattle , or a glasse , or some such cradle-play-game ) bring , to day , this booke , to be as usefull as it may : and , how , and when , it will most usefull grow , without my teaching , yov can fully show . for , what is of your ablenesse believ'd , through all these famous ilands , hath receiv'd , a large applause ; in that , from out of those which ablest were , both king and state have those your faith and wisedome , to be treasvresse of their chiefe iewels ; and the governesse of our prime hopes . and , now iibi have weigh'd , me thinks , there needs no more , by me , he said , but , ( having pray'd your honov● to receive this present for the dvke ) to take my leave ; and versifie to him , some other day , when hee can understand mee , what i say . till then , let it please your honour sometimes to remember him , that i am his graces daily and humble oratour , geo : wither . we best shall quiet clamorous thronges , when , we our selves , can rule our tongues . neqveo compes cere mvltos illvstr. i. book . when i observe the melanchollie owles , considering with what patience , they sustaine the many clamours , of the greater fowles ; and , how the little chirpers , they disdaine : when i remember , how , their injuries they sleight , ( who , causeles give them an offence ) vouchsafing , scarce to cast aside their eyes to looke upon that foolish insolence . me thinkes , by their example , i am taught to sleight the slaunders of injurious tongues ; to set the scoffes of censurers , at naught , and , with a brave neglect , to beare out wrongs . hee , doubtles , whom the psalmist , long agoe , vnto a lonely desert-owle compar'd , did practise thus ; and , when i can doe so , i , shall for all affronts , become prepar'd . and , ( though , this doctrine , flesh and blood gaine-say ) yet , sure , to stopp the malice of despight , there is no better , ( nay , no other ) way : since , rage by opposition gathers might . good god! vouchsafe , sufficient grace and strength , that ( though i have not yet , such patience gott ) i may attaine this happy gift , at length ; and , finde the cause , that , yet , i have it not . though me , my neighbours , and my foes revile ; make me of all their words , a patient-bearer : when er'e i suffer , let me be , the while , as is the silent lambe before the shearer . so ; though my speakings , cannot quiet any , my patience may restraine the tongues of many . when wee by hunger , vvisdome gaine , our guts , are wiser then our braine . ingenii largitor venter . illvstr. ii. book . the crowe , when deepe within a close-mouth'd - pot. she water finds , her thirstinesse to slake ; ( and , knoweth not where else it might be got ) her belly , teacheth her , this course to take : she flies , and fetcheth many pibbles thither , then , downe into the vessell , lets them drop ; vntill , so many stones are brought together , as may advance the water to the top . from whence , we might this observation heed ; that , hunger , thirst , and those necessities , ( which from the bellies craving , doe proceed ) may make a foole , grow provident and wise . and , though ( in sport ) we say , the braines of some , not in their heads , but in their gutts , doe lye ; yet , that , by wants , men wiser should become , dissenteth not from true philosophy : for , no man labours with much willingnesse , to compasse , what he nought at all desires ; nor seeketh so , his longing to possesse , as , when some urgent neede , the same requires . nay , though he might , a willingnesse , retaine , yet , as the belly , which is ever full , breeds fumes , that cause a sottish-witles-braine ; so , plenteous fortunes , make the spirits dull . all , borne to riches , have not all-times , witt to keepe , ( much lesse , to better ) their degree : but , men to nothing borne , oft , passage get , ( through many wants ) renown'd , and rich to bee : yea , povertie and hunger , did produce , the best inventions , and , of chiefest use . though musicke be of some abhor'd , she , is the handmaid of the lord. qvi me alit me extingvit . illvstr. iii. book . to musicke , and the muses , many beare much hatred ; and , to whatsoever ends their soule-delighting-raptures tuned are , such peevish dispositions , it offends . some others , in a morall way , affect their pleasing straines ( or , for a sensuall use ) but , in gods worship , they the same suspect ; ( or , taxe it rather ) as a great abuse . the first of these , are full of melancholy ; and , pitty need , or comfort , more then blame ; and , soone , may fall into some dangerous folly , vnlesse they labour , to prevent the same . the last , are giddie-things , that have befool'd their iudgements , with beguiling-fantasies , which ( if they be not , by discretion , fchool'd ) will plunge them into greater vanities . for , musicke , is the handmaid of the lord , and , for his worship , was at first ordayned : yea , therewithall she fitly doth accord ; and , where devotion thriveth , is reteyned . shee , by a nat'rall power , doth helpe to raise , the mind to god , when joyfull notes are founded : and , passions fierce distemperatures , alaies ; when , by grave tones , the mellody is bounded . it , also may in mysticke-sense , imply what musicke , in our-selves , ought still to be ; and , that our jarring-lives to certifie , wee should in voice , in hand , and heart , agree : and , sing out , faiths new-songs , with full concent , vnto the lawes , ten-stringed instrument . marke , what rewards , to sinne , are due , and , learne , upri●●tnesse to pursue . discite ivsticiam . illvstr. iiii. book . a sword unsheathed , and a strangling-snare , is figur'd here ; which , in dumbe-shewes , doe preach , of what the malefactor should beware ; and , they doe threaten too , aswell as teach . for , some there are , ( would god , that summe were lesse ) whom , neither good advise , nor , wholesome lawe , can turne from pathwaies of vnrighteousnesse , if death , or tortures , keepe them not in awe . these , are not they , whose conscience for the sake of goodnesse onely , godlinesse , pursues ; but , these are they , who never scruple make what guilt , but , what great punishment ensues . for such as these , this emblem was prepar'd : and , for their sakes , in places eminent , are all our gallow-trees , and gibbets , rear'd ; that , by the sight of them , they might repent . let , therefore , those who feele their hearts inclin'd to any kind of death-deserving-crime , ( when they behold this emblem ) change their mind , lest , they ( too late ) repent , another time . and , let not those our counsell , now , contemne , who , doome poore theeves to death ; yet , guilty be of more , then most of those whom they condemne : but , let them learne their perill to foresee , for , though a little while , they may have hope to seeme upright , ( when they are nothing lesse ) and , scape the sword , the gallowes , and the rope , there is a iudge , who sees their wickednesse ; and , when grim death , shall summon them , from hence , they will be fully plagu'd for their offence . that kingdome will establish'd bee , wherein the people well agree . consensv popvli regnv̄ svbsistit . illvstr. v. book . a crowned scepter , here is fixt upright , betwixt foure fowles , whose postures may declare , they came from coasts , or climats opposite , and , that , they diffring in their natures are . in which , ( as in some others , that we finde amongst these emblems ) little care i take precisely to unfold our authors minde ; or , on his meaning , comments here to make . it is the scope of my intention , rather from such perplext inventions ( which have nought , of ancient hieroglyphick ) sense , to gather , whereby , some usefull morall may be taught . and , from these figures , my collections be , that , kingdomes , and the royall-dignitie , are best upheld , where subjects doe agree , to keepe upright the state of soveraignty . when , from each coast and quarter of the land , the rich , the poore , the swaine , the gentleman , leads , in all wants , and at all times , his hand , to give the best assistance that he can : yea , when with willing-hearts , and winged-speed , the men of all degrees , doe duely carry their aides to publicke-workes , in time of need , and , to their kings , be freely tributary : then shall the kingdome gayne the gloriest height ; then shall the kingly-title be renown'd ; then shall the royall-scepter stand upright , and , with supremest honour , then , be crown'd . but , where this duty long neglect , they shall ; the king will suffer , and , the kingdome fall . from that , by which i somewhat am , the cause of my destruction came . mvsica serva dei illvstr. vi. book . the little sparkes which rak'd in embers lie , are kindly kindled by a gentle blast : and , brands in which the fire begins to die revive by blowing ; and , flame out at last . the selfe same wind , becomming over strong , quite bloweth out againe that very flame ; or , else , consumes away ( ere it be long ) that wasting substance , which maintain'd the same . thus fares it , in a thousand other things , as soone as they the golden meane exceed ; and , that , which keeping measure , profit brings , may , ( by excesse ) our losse , and ruine , breed . preferments ( well and moderately sought ) have helpt those men , new virtues to acquire , who , being to superiour places brought , left all their goodnesse , as they climed higher . a little wealth , may make us better able to labour in our callings : yet , i see that they , who being poore , were charitable , becomming rich , hard-hearted grow to be . love , when they entertaine it with discretion , more worthy , and more happy , maketh men ; but , when their love is overgrowne with passion , it overthrowes their happinesse , agen . yea , this our flesh , ( in which we doe appeare to have that being , which we now enjoy ) if we should overmuch the same endeare , would our well-being , totally destroy . for , that which gives our pleasures nourishment , is oft the poyson of our best content . by guiltines , death entred in , and , mischiefe still pursueth sinne. seqvitvr sva poena nocentem illvstr. vii . book . ixions wheele , and he himselfe thereon is figur'd , and ( by way of emblem ) here , set forth , for guilty men to looke upon ; that , they , their wicked courses might forbeare . to gaine a lawlesse favour he desired , and , in his wicked hopes beguiled was : for , when to claspe with iuno , he aspired , in stead of her , a clowd , he did embrace . he , likewise , did incurre a dreadfull doome , ( which well befitted his presumptuous crime ) a terror , and , a warning , to become , for wicked men , through 〈◊〉 succeeding time . as did his longings , and his after paine , so , theirs affecteth , nor effecteth ought , but , that , which proveth either false or vaine ; and , their false pleasures , are as dearely , bought : yea , that , whereon they build their f●●est hope , may , bring them ( in conclusion of the 〈…〉 ) to clime the gallowes , and to stretch a rope ; or , send them thither , where farre worse they speed : ev'n thither , where , the never-standing-wheele of everlasting-tortures , turneth round , and , racks the conscience , till the soule doth feele all paines , that are in sense , and reason found . for , neither doth black night , more swiftly follow , declining day-light : nor , with nimbler motion can waves , each other , downe their channell follow , from high-rais'd mountaines , to the bigg-womb'd ocean , then , iustice will , when she doth once begin , to prosecute , an vnrepented-sin . when wee have greatest griefes and feares , then , consolation sweet'st appeares . post tentationem consolatio . illvstr. viii . book . when , all the yeare , our fields are fresh and greene , and , while sweet flowers , and sunshine , every day , ( as oft , as need requireth ) come betweene the heav'ns and earth ; they heedles passe away . the fulnes , and continuance , of a blessing , doth make us to be senseles of the good : and , if it sometime flie not our possessing , the sweetnesse of it , is not understood . had wee no winter , sommer would be thought not halfe so pleasing : and , if tempests were not , such comforts could not by a calme , be brought : for , things , save by their oppos●●● appeare not . both health , and wealth , is tastles unto some ; and , so is ease , and every other pleasure , till poore , or sicke , or grieved , they become : and , then , they relish these , in ampler measure . god , therefore ( full as kinde , as he is wise ) so tempreth all the favours he will doe us , that , wee , his bounties , may the better prize ; and , make his chastisements lesse bitter to us . one while , a scorching indignation burnes the flowers and blosomes of our hopes , away ; which into scarsitie , our plentie turnes , and , changeth vnmowne-grasse to parched hay ; anon , his fruitfull showres , and pleasing dewes , commixt with cheerefull rayes , he sendeth downe ; and then the barren-earth her cropp renewes , which with rich harvests , hills , and vallies crowne : for , as to relish ioyes , he sorrow sends , so , comfort on temptation , still , attends . to brawle for gaine , the cocke doth sleight ; but , for his females , he will fight . pro gallinis illvstr. ix . book . some , are so quarrellous , that they will draw , and brawle , and fight , for every toy they see ; grow furious , for the wagging of a straw ; and , ( otherwile ) for lesse then that may be . some , are more staid , a little , and will beare , apparent wrongs ( which to their face you doe ; ) but , when they lye , they cannot brooke to heare that any should be bold to tell them so . another sort , i know , that blowes will take . put up the lye , and give men leave to say what words they please ; till spoile they seeke to make of their estates ; and , then , they 'le kill and slay . but , of all hacksters , farre the fiercest are our cockrills of the game , ( sir cupid's knights ) who , ( on their foolish coxcombes ) often weare the scarres they get in their venerean-fights . take heede of these ; for , you may pacifie the first , by time : the second , will be pleas'd if you submit , or else your words denie ; the third , by satisfaction , are appeal'd : but , he that for his female , takes offence , through iealousy , or madnesse , rageth so ; that , he accepteth of no recompence , till he hath wrought his rivals overthrow . such fury , shun ; and , shunne their vulgar minde , who for base trash despitefully contend ; but , ( when a just occasion , thou shalt finde ) thy vertuous mistresse , lawfully defend . for , he , that in such cases turnes his face , is held a capon , of a dunghill race . if safely , thou desire to goe , bee nor too swift , nor overslow . tvtivs vt possit figi . illvstr. x. book . ovr elders , when their meaning was to shew a native-speedinesse ( in emblem wise ) the picture of a dolphin-fish they drew ; which , through the waters , with great swiftnesse , flies . an anchor , they did figure , to declare hope , stayednesse , or a grave-deliberation : and therefore when those two , united are , it giveth us a two-fold intimation . for , as the dolphin putteth us in minde , that in the courses , which we have to make , wee should not be , to slothfulnesse enclin'd ; but , swift to follow what we undertake : so , by an anchor added thereunto , inform'd wee are , that , to maintaine our speed , hope , must bee joyn'd therewith ( in all we doe ) if wee will undiscouraged proceed . it sheweth ( also ) that , our speedinesse , must have some staydnesse ; lest , when wee suppose to prosecute our aymes with good successe , wee may , by rashnesse , good endeavors lose . they worke , with most securitie , that know the times , and best occasions of delay ; when , likewise , to be neither swift , nor slow ; and , when to practise all the speed , they may . for , whether calme , or stormie-passages , ( through this life's ocean ) shall their bark attend ; this double vertue , will procure their ease : and , them , in all necessities , befriend . by speedinesse , our works are timely wrought ; by staydnesse , they , to passe are , safely , brought . they that in hope , and silence , live , the best contentment , may atchive . in silentio et spe . illvstr. xi . book . if thou desire to cherish true content , and in a troublous time that course to take , which may be likely mischieves to prevent , some use , of this our hieroglyphick , make . the fryers habit , seemeth to import , that , thou ( as ancient monkes and fryers did ) shouldst live remote , from places of resort , and , in retyrednesse , lye closely hid . the clasped-booke , doth warne thee , to retaine thy thoughts within the compasse of thy breast ; and , in a quiet silence to remaine , vntill , thy minde may safely be exprest . that anchor , doth informe thee , that thou must walke on in hope ; and , in thy pilgrimage , beare up ( without despairing or distrust ) those wrongs , and sufferings , which attend thine age. for , whensoere oppression groweth rise , obscurenesse , is more safe than eminence ; hee , that then keepes his tongue , may keepe his life , till times will better favour innocence . truth spoken where untruth is more approved , will but enrage the malice of thy foes ; and , otherwhile , a wicked man is moved to cease from wrong , if no man him oppose . let this our emblem , therefore , counsell thee , thy life in safe retyrednesse , to spend : let , in thy breast , thy thoughts reserved bee , till thou art layd , where none can thee offend . and , whilst most others , give their fancie scope , enjoy thy selfe , in silence , and in hope . let none despaire of their estate , for , prudence , greater is , than fate . fato prvdentia maior . illvstr. xii . book . bee merry man , and let no causelesse feare of constellation , fatall destinie , or of those false decrees , that publish'd are by foolish braines , thy conscience terrifie . to thee , these figures better doctrines teach , than those blind stoikes , who necessitate contingent things ; and , arrogantly teach ( for doubtlesse truths ) their dreames of changelesse fate . though true it bee , that those things which pertaine , as ground-workes , to gods glorie , and our blisse , are fixt , for aye , unchanged to remaine ; all , is not such , that thereon builded is . god , gives men power , to build on his foundation ; and , if their workes bee thereunto agreeing , no power-created , brings that variation , which can disturbe , the workmans happy being . nor , of those workings , which required are , is any made unpossible , untill mans heart begins that counsell to preferre , which is derived from a crooked-will . the starres , and many other things , incline our nat'rall constitutions , divers wayes ; but , in the soule , god plac'd a power-divine , which , all those inclinations , overswayes . yea , god , that prudence , hath infus'd , by grace , which , till selfe-will , and lust , betrayes a man , will keepe him firmely , in that happy place , from whence , no constellation move him can . and , this is that , whereof i notice take , from this great starre , enclosed by a snake . their friendship firme will ever bide , whose hands unto the crosse are tide . conivnctis votis illvstr. xiii . book . when first i knew the world , ( and was untaught by tryde experience , what true friendship meant ) that i had many faithfull friends , i thought ; and , of their love , was wondrous confident . for , few so young in yeares , and meane in fortune , of their familiars , had such troopes , as i , who did their daily fellowship importune ; or , seeme so pleased in their company . in all their friendly meetings , i was one ; and , of the quorum , in their honest game : by day or night , i seldome sate alone ; and , welcome seemed , wheresoere i came . but , where are now those multitudes of friends ? alas ! they on a sudden flasht away . their love begun , but , for some sensuall ends , which fayling them , it would no longer stay . if i to vaine expences , would have mov'd them , they , nor their paines , nor purses , would have spared ; but , in a reall need , if i had prov'd them , small showes of kindnesse , had bin then declared . of thrice three thousands , two , perhaps , or three , are left me now , which ( yet ) as friends i prize ; but , none of them , of that great number be , with whom i had my youthfull iollities . if , therefore , thou desire a friend , on earth , let one pure-faith betwixt you bee begot , and , seeke him not , in vanities , or mirth , but , let afflictions tye your true-love-knot : for , they who to the crosse , are firmely tyde , will fast , and everlasting friends , abide . a candle that affords no light , what profits it , by day , or night ? cvi bono . illvstr. xiiii . book . there be of those in every common-weale , whom to this emblem we resemble may ; the name of none i purpose to reveale , but , their condition , heere , i will display . some , both by gifts of nature , and of grace , are so prepared , that , they might be fit to stand as lights , in profitable place ; yet , loose their talent , by neglecting it . some , to the common grace , and nat'rall parts , ( by helpe of nurture , and good discipline ) have added an accomplishment of arts , by which , their light may much the brighter shine . some others , have to this , acquired more : for , to maintaine their lampe , in giving light , of waxe , and oyle , and fatnesse , they have store , which over-flowes unto them , day and night . and , ev'n as lampes , or candles , on a table , ( or , fixt on golden candlesticks , on high ) to light assemblies , great and honourable , they , oft , have ( also ) place of dignitie . by meanes of which , their splendor might become his praise , who those high favours did bequeath : they might encrease the light of christendome , and , make them see , who sit in shades of death . but , many of them , like those candles bee , that stand unlighted in a branch of gold : for , by their helpe wee nothing more can see , than wee in grossest darknesse , may behold . if such there be , ( as there bee such , i feare ) the question is , for what good use they are . the sacrifice , god loveth best , are broken-hearts , for sin , opprest . sacrificivm deo cor contribvlatim . illvstr. xv. book . no age , hath had a people , to professe religion , with a shew of holinesse , beyond these times ; nor , did men sacrifice , according to their foolish fantasies , more oft than at this present . one , bestowes on pious-workes , the hundreth part , of those ill-gotten goods , which from the poore he seazed , and , thinkes his god , in that , is highly pleased . another , of her dues , the church bereaves : and , yet , himselfe a holy man conceives , ( yea , and right bountifull ) if hee can spare from those his thefts , the tenth , or twentieth share , to some new lecture ; or , a chaplaine keepe , to please himselfe , or , preach his wife asleepe . some others , thinke they bring sincere oblations , when , fir'd with zeale , they roare out imprecations against all those , whom wicked they repute : and , when to god , they tender any sute , they dreame to merit what they would obtaine , by praying-long , with repetitions vaine . with many other such like sacrifices men come to god : but , he such gifts despises for , neither gifts , nor workes , nor any thing ( which we can either doe , or say , or bring , ) accepted is of god ; untill he finde a spirit-humbled , and a troubled-minde . a contrite heart , is that , and , that alone , which god with love , and pitie , lookes upon . such he affects ; therefore ( oh lord ) to thee ; such , let my heart , and , such , my spirit bee . a king , that prudently commands , becomes the glory of his lands . regni corona rex illvstr. xvi . book . the royall-scepter , kingly power , implyes ; the crowne-imperiall , glorie , signifies : and , by these joyn'd in one , we understand , a king , that is an honour to his land. a kingdome , is not alwaies eminent , by having confines of a large extent ; for , povertie , and barbarousnesse , are found ev'n in some large dominions , to abound : nor , is it wealth , which gets a glorious-name ; for , then , those lands would spread the widest fame , from whence we fetch the gold and silver-ore ; and , where we gather pearles upon the shore : nor , have those countries highest exaltations , which breed the strongest , and the warlikst nations ; for , proud of their owne powre , they sometimes grow , and quarrell , till themselves they overthrow . nor , doe the chiefest glories , of a land , in many cities , or much people , stand : for , then , those kingdomes , most renowned were , in which vnchristian kings , and , tyrants are . it is the king by whom a realme's renowne , is either builded up , or overthrowne . by solomon , more fam'd was iudah made , then , by the multitude of men it had : great alexander , glorified greece , throughout the world , which , else had bene a piece perhaps obscure ; and , caesar added more to rome , then all her greatnesse did before . grant , lord , these iles , for ever may be blessed , with what , in this our emblem is expressed . by studie , and by watchfulnesse , the jemme of knowledge , we possesse . stvdio et vigilantia . illvstr. xvii . book . i thinke you would be wise ; for , most men seeme to make of knowledge very great esteeme . if such be your desires , this emblem view ; and , marke how well the figures , counsell you . wee by the bird of athens , doe expresse , that painefull , and that usefull watchfulnesse , which ought to bee enjoyned , unto them , who seeke a place , in wisdomes academ . for , as an owle mewes up her selfe by day , and watcheth in the night , to get her prey ; ev'n so , good students , neither must be such , as daily gad ; or nightly sleepe too much . that open-booke , on which the owle is perch'd , affords a morall , worthy to be search'd : for , it informes , and , darkly doth advise , your watchings be not after vanities ; ( or , like their wakings , who turne dayes to nights , in following their unlawfull appetites ) and , that , in keeping home , you doe not spend your houres in sloth , or , to some fruitlesse end . but , rather in good studies ; and , in that , by which , true knowledge , is arrived at . for , if your studies , and your wakings , bee to this intent ; you shall that path-way see to wisdome , and to honour , which was found , of them , whose knowledge hath been most renownd . but , if your watchings , and retyrednesse , be for your lust , or , out of sottishnesse ; you are not , what th' athenian-owle implies , but , what our english-owlet signifies . when mars , and pallas , doe agree , great workes , by them , effected bee . arte et marte illvstr. xviii . book . it prospers ever best , in all estates , when mars and pallas are continuall mates . and , those affaires but seldome luckie be , in which , these needfull powers , doe not agree . that common-wealth , in which , good arts are found without a guard , will soone receive a wound : and , souldiers , where good order beares no sway , will , very quickly , rout themselves away . moreover ▪ in our private actions too , there must bee both a knowledge , how to doe the worke propos'd ; and strength to finish it ; or , wee shall profit little by our wit. discretion takes effect , where vigour failes ; where cunning speeds not , outward-force prevailes ; and , otherwhile , the prize pertaines to neither , till they have joyn'd their vertues both together . consider this ; and , as occasions are , to both of these your due respects declare . delight not so in arts , to purchase harmes by negligence , or ignorance of armes : if martiall-discipline thou shalt affect ; yet , doe not honest-policie , neglect . improve thy minde , as much as e're thou may ; but foole thou not thy bodies gifts away . the vertues both of body , and of mind , are , still , to be regarded in their kind . and , wee should neither of the two disgrace ; nor , either of them , raise above his place : for , when these two wee value as wee ought , great works , by their joynt power , to passe are brought . they , after suffring , shall be crown'd , in whom , a constant-faith , is found . constante fidvcia illvstr. xix . book . marke well this emblem ; and , observe you thence the nature of true christian-confidence . her foot is fixed on a squared-stone , which , whether side soe're you turne it on , stands fast ; and , is that corner-stone , which props , and firmely knits the structure of our hopes . shee , alwayes , beares a crosse ; to signifie , that , there was never any constancie without her tryalls : and , that , her perfection , shall never be attain'd , without affliction . a cup shee hath , moreover , in her hand ; and , by that figure , thou mayst understand , that , shee hath draughts of comfort , alwayes neere her , ( at ev'ry brunt ) to strengthen , and to cheare her . and , loe , her head is crown'd ; that , we may see how great , her glories , and rewards , will be . here by , this vertue 's nature may be knowne : now , practise , how to make the same thine owne . discourag'd be not , though thou art pursu'd with many wrongs , which cannot be eschew'd ; nor yeeld thou to despairing , though thou hast a crosse ( which threatens death ) to be embrac't ; or , though thou be compell'd to swallow up , the very dregs , of sorrowes bitter cup : for , whensoever griefes , or torments , paine thee , thou hast the same foundation to sustaine thee : the selfe same cap of comfort , is prepared to give thee strength , when fainting fits are feared : and , when thy time of tryall , is expired , thou shalt obtaine the crowne , thou hast desired . love , a musician is profest , and , of all musicke , is the best . amor docet mvsicam illvstr. xx. book . if to his thoughts my comments have assented , by whom the following emblem was invented , i 'le hereby teach you ( ladies ) to discover a true-bred cupid , from a fained lover ; and , shew ( if you have wooers ) which be they , that worth'est are to beare your hearts away . as is the boy , which , here , you pictured see , let them be young , or let them , rather , be of suiting-yeares ( which is instead of youth ) and , wooe you in the nakednesse , of truth ; not in the common and disguised clothes , of mimick-gestures , complements , and oathes . let them be winged with a swift desire ; and , not with slow-affections , that will tyre . but , looke to this , as to the principall , that , love doe make them truly musicall : for , love 's a good musician ; and , will show how , every faithfull lover may be so . each word he speakes , will presently appeare to be melodious raptures in your eare : each gesture of his body , when he moves , will seeme to play , or sing , a song of loves : the very lookes , and motions of his eyes , will touch your heart-strings , with sweet harmonies ; and , if the name of him , be but exprest , t' will cause a thousand quaverings in your breast . nay , ev'n those discords , which occasion'd are , will make your musicke , much the sweeter , farre . and , such a mooving diapason strike , as none but love , can ever play the like . thy seeming-lover , false will bee , and , love thy money , more than thee . non te sed nvmmos illvstr. xxi . book . what may the reason be , so many wed , and misse the blessings of a joyfull-bed , but those ungodly , and improper ends , for which , this age most marriages intends ? some , love plumpe-flesh ; and , those as kinde will be to any gamesome wanton , as to thee . some , doate on honours ; and , all such will prize thy person , meerely , for thy dignities . some , fancy pleasures ; and , such flirts as they , with ev'ry hobby-horse , will runne away . some ( like this couple in our emblem , here ) wooe hard for wealth ; and , very kind appeare , till they have wonne their prize : but , then they show on what their best affections they bestow . this wealth , is that sweet beautie , which preferres so many to their executioners . this , is that rare perfection , for whose sake , the pol●tician , doth his marriage , make . yea , most of those whom you shall married find , were cousned , ( or did cousen ) in this kind ; and , for some by respects , they came together , much more , than for the sakes , of one another . if this concernes thee , now , in any sense ; for thy instruction , take this warning hence : if thou hast err'd already , then , lament thy passed crime , and , beare thy punishment . if thou , as yet , but tempted art to erre ; then , let this emblem be thy counseller : for , i have said my mind ; which , if thou slight , goe , and repent it , on thy wedding night . give credit ; but , first , well beware , before thou trust them , who they are . fide sed cvi vide illvstr. xxii . book . i rather would ( because it seemeth just ) deceived be , than causelesly distrust : yet , whom i credited ; and , then , how farre ; bee cautions , which i thought worth heeding were : and , had not this been taught me long agone , i had been poorer , if not quite undone . that , others to such warinesse , may come , this emblem , here , hath filled up a roome ; and , though a vulgar figure , it may seeme , the morall , of it , meriteth esteeme . that seeing-palme , ( endowed with an eye , and handling of a heart ) may signifie what warie watchfulnesse , observe we must , before we venter on a weightie trust : and , that , to keepe our kindnesse from abuse , there is of double-diligence , an use . mens hearts , are growne so false , that most are loath to trust each others words , or bands , or oath : for , though wee had in every part an eye , we could not search out all hypocrisie ; nor , by our utmost providence , perceive how many wayes , are open to deceive . now , then ( although perhaps thou art so wise , to know already , what i would advise ) yet may this emblem , or this motto , bee instead of some remembrancer , to thee . so , take it therefore ; and , be sure , if either this warning , or thy wit , ( or both together ) can , still , secure thee from deceitfull-hearts ; thy luck exceedeth all thy other parts . hee , that on earthly-things , doth trust , dependeth , upon smoake , and dust . hvmana fvmvs illvstr. xxiii . book . lord ! what a coyle is here ! and what a puther , to save and get ? to scratch and scrape together the rubbish of the world ? and , to acquire those vanities , which fancie doth desire ? what violence is used , and what cunning ? what nightly watchings , and what daily running ? what sorrowes felt ? what difficulties entred ? what losses hazarded ? what perills ventred ? and , still , how sottishly , doe wee persever ( by all the power , and meanes wee can endeaver ) to wheele our selves , in a perpetuall round , in quest of that , which never will be found ? in objects , here on earth , we seeke to finde that perfect sollidnesse , which is confinde , to things in heaven , though every day we see , what emptinesse , and faylings , in them be . to teach us better ; this , our emblem , here , assayes to make terrestriall things appeare the same they be , ( both to our eares and eyes ) that , wee may rightly their condition prize . the best , which of earths best things , wee can say , is this ; that they are grasse , and will be hay . the rest , may be resembled to the smoke , ( which doth but either blind the sight , or choke ) or else , to that uncleanly mushrum-ball , which , in some countries , wee a puff-soyst call ; whose out-side , is a nastie rotten skin , containing durt , or smoking-dust , within . this is my mind ; if wrong you thinke i 've done them , be fooles ; and , at your perils , dote upon them . i beare , about mee , all my store ; and , yet , a king enjoyes not more . omnia mea mecvm porto . illvstr. xxiiii . book . this emblem is a torteise , whose owne shell becomes that house , where he doth rent-free dwell ; and , in what place soever hee resides , his arched-lodging , on his backe abides . there is , moreover , found a kind of these , that live both on the shore , and in the seas ; for which respects , the torteise represents that man , who in himselfe , hath full contents ; and ( by the vertues lodging in his minde ) can all things needfull , in all places , finde . to such a man , what ever doth betide ; from him , his treasures , nothing can divide . if of his outward-meanes , theeves make a prise ; hee , more occasion hath to exercise his inward-riches : and , they prove a wealth , more usefull , and lesse lyable to stealth . if , any at his harmelesse person strike ; himselfe hee streight contracteth , torteis-like , to make the shell of suffrance , his defence ; and , counts it life , to die with innocence . if , hee , by hunger , heat , or cold , be payn'd ; if , hee , by slaundred , sleighted , or disdayn'd ; hee , alwayes keepes and carries , that , within him , which may , from those things , ease and comfort , win him . when , him uncloathed , or unhous'd , you see ; his resolutions , clothes and houses bee , that keepe him safer ; and , farre warmer too , than palaces , and princely robes , can doe . god give mee wealth , that hath so little cumber ; and , much good doo 't the world with all her lumber . to learning , j a love should have , although one foot were in the grave . tamen discam . illvstr. xxv . book . here , we an aged-man described have , that hath one foot , already , in the grave : and , if you marke it ( though the sunne decline , and horned cynthia doth begin to shine ) with open booke , and , with attentive eyes , himselfe , to compasse knowledge , he applyes : and , though that evening , end his last of dayes , yet , i will study , more to learne , he sayes . from this , we gather , that , while time doth last , the time of learning , never will be past ; and , that , each houre , till we our life lay downe , still , something , touching life , is to be knowne . when he was old , wise cato learned greeke : but , we have aged-folkes , that are to seeke of that , which they have much more cause to learne ; yet , no such minde in them , wee shall discerne . for , that , which they should studie in their prime , is , oft , deferred , till their latter time : and , then , old-age , unfit for learning , makes them , or , else , that common dulnesse overtakes them , which m●kes ashamed , that it should be thought , they need , like little children , to be taught . and , so , out of this world , they doe returne as wise , as in that weeke , when they were borne . god , grant me grace , to spend my life-time so , that i my duety still may seeke to know ; and , that , i never , may so farre proceed , to thinke , that i , more knowledge , doe not need : but , in experience , may continue growing , till i am fill'd with fruits of pious-knowing . good-fortune , will by those abide , in whom , true-vertue doth reside . virtvti fortvna comes . illvstr. xxvi . book . marke , how the cornucopias , here , apply their plenties , to the rod of mercury ; and ( if it seeme not needlesse ) learne , to know this hieroglyphick's meaning , ere you goe . the sages old , by this mercurian-wand ( caducaeus nam'd ) were wont to understand art , wisedome , vertue , and what else we finde , reputed for endowments of the minde . the cornucopias , well-knowne emblems , are , by which , great wealth , and plenties , figur'd were ; and ( if you joyne together , what they spell ) it will , to ev'ry vnderstanding , tell , that ▪ where internall-graces may be found , eternall-blessings , ever , will abound . for , this is truth , and ( though some thoughts in you suggest , that this is , often times , untrue ) this , ever is the truth ; and , they have got few right-form'd vertues , who believe it not . i will confesse , true vertue hath not ever all common-plenties , for which most indeavour ; nor have the perfect'st-vertues , those high places , which knowledge , arts ( and , such as have the faces of outward beauty ) many times , attaine ; for , these are things , which ( often ) those men gaine , that are more flesh , then spirit ; and , have need of carnall-helpes , till higher they proceede . but , they , of whom i speake , are flowne so high , as , not to want those toyes , for which wee crye : and , i had showne you somewhat of their store , but , that , this page , had roome to write no more . the gospel , thankefully imbrace ; for , god , vouchsafed us , this grace . devs nobis haec otia fecit . illvstr. xxvii . book . this moderne emblem , is a mute expressing of gods great mercies , in a moderne-blessing ; and , gives me , now , just cause to sing his praise , for granting me , my being , in these dayes . the much-desired messages of heav'n , for which , our fathers would their lives have giv'n , and ( in groves , caves , and mountaines , once a yeare ) were glad , with hazard of their goods , to heare ; or , in lesse bloudy times , at their owne homes , to heare , in private , and obscured roomes . lo ; those , those ioyfull-tydings , we doe live divulg'd , in every village , to perceive ; and , that , the sounds of gladnesse , eccho may , through all our goodly temples , ev'ry day . this was ( oh god ) thy doing ; unto thee , ascrib'd , for ever , let all prayses bee . prolong this mercie , and , vouchsafe the fruit , may to thy labour , on this vine-yard , suit : lest , for our fruitlesnesse , thy light of grace , thou , from our golden candlesticke , displace . we doe , me thinkes , already , lord , beginne to wantonize , and let that loathing in , which makes thy manna tastlesse ; and , i feare , that , of those christians , who , more often heare , then practise , what they know , we have too many : and , i suspect my selfe , as much as any . oh! mend me so , that , by amending mee , amends in others , may increased be : and , let all graces , which thou hast bestow'd , returne thee honour , from whom , first , they flow'd . the bees , will in an helmet breed ; and , peace , doth after warre , succeed . ex bello pax illvstr. xxviii . book . when you have heeded , by your eyes of sense , this helmet , hiving of a swarme of bees , consider , what may gather'd be from thence , and , what your eye of vnderstanding sees . that helmet , and , those other weapons , there , betoken warre ; the honey-making , flyes , an emblem of a happy kingdome , are , injoying peace , by painfull industries : and , when , all these together are exprest , as in this emblem , where the bees , doe seeme to make their dwelling , in a plumed-crest , a morall is implyed , worth esteeme . for , these inferre , mysteriously , to me , that , peace , and art , and thrift , most firme abides , in those re-publikes , where , armes cherisht bee ; and , where , true martiall-discipline , resides . when , of their stings , the bees , disarm'd , become , they , who , on others labours , use to prey , incourag'd are , with violence , to come , and , beare their honey , and , their waxe , away . so when a people , meerely , doe affect to gather wealth ; and ( foolishly secure ) defences necessary , quite neglect ; their foes , to spoyle their land , it will allure . long peace , brings warre ; and , warre , brings peace , againe : for , when the smart of warfare seizeth on them , they crye , alarme ; and , then , to fight , are faine , vntill , their warre , another peace , hath wonne them ; and , out of their old rusty helmets , then , new bees doe swarme , and , fall to worke agen . the heart of him , that is upright , in heavenly-knowledge , takes delight . cor rectv̄ inqvirit scientiā . illvstr. xxix . book . this emblem , with some other of the rest , are scarce , with seemly properties , exprest , yet , since a vulgar , and a meane invention may yield some fruit , and shew a good intention ; i le , hence , as well informe your intellects , as if these figures had not those defects . the booke , here shadow'd , may be said , to show the wisdome , and experience , which we know by common meanes , and , by these creatures , here , which to be plac'd below us , may appeare . the winged-heart , betokens those desires , by which , the reasonable-soule , aspires above the creature ; and , attempts to clime , to mysteries , and knowledge , more sublime : ev'n to the knowledge of the three-in-one , implyed by the tetragrammaton . the smokings of this heart , may well declare those perturbations , which within us are , vntill , that heavenly wisedome , we have gain'd , which is not , here , below , to be attain'd ; and , after which , those hearts , that are upright , enquire with daily studie , and delight . to me , oh lord , vouchsafe thou , to impart the gift of such a rectifyed-heart . grant me the knowledge of inferiour things , so farre , alone , as their experience , brings the knowledge , which , i ought to have of thee , and , of those dueties , thou requir'st of mee : for , thee , oh god , to know , and , thee to feare , of truest wisedome , the perfections are . where , labour , wisely , is imploy'd , deserved glory , is injoy'd . ΕΚ ΠΟΝΟΥ ΚΛΕΟΣ . illvstr. xxx . book . doe men suppose , when gods free-giving hand , doth by their friends , or , by inheritance , to wealth , or titles , raise them in the land , that , those , to lasting-glories , them advance ? or , can men thinke , such goods , or gifts of nature , as nimble-apprehensions , memory , an able-body , or , a comely feature ( without improvement ) them , shall dignifie ? may sloth , and idlenesse , be warrantable , in us , because our fathers have been rich ? or , are wee , therefore , truely honourable , because our predecessours , have beene such ? when , nor our fortunes , nor our naturall parts , in any measure , are improved by us , are others bound ( as if we had deserts ) with attributes of honour to belye us ? no , no ; the more our predecessours left , ( yea , and , the more , by nature , we enjoy ) we , of the more esteeme , shall be bereft ; because , our talents , we doe mis-imploy . true glory , doth on labour , still attend ; but , without labour , glory we have none . she , crownes good workmen , when their works have end ; and , shame , gives payment , where is nothing done . laborious , therefore , bee ; but , lest the spade ( which , here , doth labour meane ) thou use in vaine , the serpent , thereunto , be sure thou adde ; that is , let prudence guide thy taking paine . for , where , a wise-endeavour , shall be found , a wreath of glory , will inclose it round . behold , you may , the picture , here , of what , keepes man , and childe , in feare . pveros castigo virosque illvstr. xxxi . book . these , are the great'st afflictions , most men have , ev'n from their nursing-cradle , to their grave : yet , both so needfull are , i cannot see , how either of them , may well spared bee . the rod is that , which , most our child-hood feares ; and , seemes the great'st affliction that it beares : that , which to man-hood , is a plague , as common ( and , more unsufferable ) is a woman . yet , blush not ladies ; neither frowne , i pray , that , thus of women , i presume to say ; nor , number mee , as yet , among your foes ; for , i am more your friend , then you suppose : nor smile ye men , as if , from hence , ye had an argument , that woman kinde were bad . the birch , is blamelesse ( yea , by nature , sweet , and gentle ) till , with stubborne boyes , it meet : but , then , it smarts . so , women , will be kinde , vntill , with froward husbands , they are joyn'd : and , then indeed ( perhaps ) like birchen boughes , ( vvhich , else , had beene a trimming , to their house ) they , sometimes prove , sharpe whips , and rods , to them , that wisdome , and , instruction doe contemne . a woman , was not given for correction ; but , rather for a furtherance to perfection : a precious balme of love , to cure mans griefe ; and , of his pleasures , to become the chiefe . if , therefore , she occasion any smart , the blame , he merits , wholly , or in part : for , like sweet honey , she , good stomackes , pleases ; but , paines the body , subject to diseases . death's one long-sleepe ; and , life 's no more , but one short-watch , an houre before . vita mortalivm vigilia . illvstr. xxxii . book . when , on this child-like-figure , thou shalt looke , which , with his light , his houre-glasse , and his booke , sits , in a watching-posture , formed here ; and , when thou hast perus'd that motto , there , on which he layes his hand ; thy selfe apply to what it counselleth ; and , learne to die , while that light burnes , and , that short-houre doth last , which , for this lesson , thou obtained hast . and , in this bus'nesse , use thou no delayes ; for , if the bigger motto truely , sayes , there is not left unto thee , one whole watch , thy necessary labours , to dispatch . it was no more , when first thy life begunne ; and , many glasses of that watch be runne : which thou observing , shouldst be put in minde , to husband well , the space that is behind . endeavour honestly , whil'st thou hast light : deferre thou not , thy iourney , till the night ; nor , sleepe away , in vanities , the prime , and flowre , of thy most acceptable time . so watchfull , rather , and , so carefull be , that , whensoere the bridegroome summons thee ; and , when thy lord returnes , unlookt for , home ; thou mayst , a partner , in their joyes , become . and , oh my god! so warie , and so wise , let me be made ; that , this , which i advise to other men ( and really have thought ) may , still , in practice , by my selfe , be brought : and , helpe , and pardon me , when i transgresse , through humane frailtie , or , forgetfulnesse . what ever god did fore-decree , shall , without faile , fulfilled be . manet immvtabile fatvm . illvstr. xxxiii . book . me thinkes , that fate , which god weighs forth to all , i , by the figure of this even-skale , may partly show ; and , let my reader , see the state , of an immutable-decree ; and , how it differs , from those destinies , which carnall understandings , doe devise . for , this implies , that ev'ry thing , to-come , was , by a steady , and , by equall doome , weigh'd out , by providence ; and , that , by grace , each thing , each person , ev'ry time , and place , had thereunto , a powre , and portion given , so proper to their nature ( and , so even to that just measure , which , aright became the workings , and , the being , of the same ) as , best might helpe the furthering of that end , which , god's eternall wisedome , doth intend . and , though , i dare not be so bold , as they , who , of god's closer , seeme to keep the key ; ( and , things , for absolute decrees , declare , which , either false , or , but contingents are ) yet , in his will-reveal'd , my reason , sees thus much , of his immutable-decrees : that , him , a doome-eternall , reprobateth , who scorneth mercie ; or , instruction hateth , without repenting : and , that , whensoever , a sinner , true amendment , shall indeavour ; bewaile his wickednesse , and , call for grace ; there shall be , for compassion , time , and place . and , this , i hold , a branch of that decree , which , men may say , shall never changed be . my fortune , i had rather beare ; then come , where greater perills are . deterivs formido . illvstr. xxxiv . book . marke well this caged-fowle ; and , thereby , see , what , thy estate , may , peradventure , be . she , wants her freedome ; so , perhaps , dost thou , some freedomes lacke , which , are desired , now ; and , though , thy body be not so confin'd ; art straitned , from some liberty of minde . the bird in thrall , the more contented lyes , because , the hawke , so neere her , she espyes ; and , though , the cage were open , more would feare , to venture out , then to continue there : so , if thou couldst perceive , what birds of prey , are hov'ring round about thee , every day , to seize thy soule ( when she abroad shall goe , to take the freedome , she desireth so ) thou , farre more fearefull , wouldst of them , become , then thou art , now , of what thou flyest from . not precepts , but experience , thus hath taught me ; which , to such resolutions , now have brought me , that , whatsoever mischiefes others doe me , i make them yield some true contentments to me ; and , seldome struggle from them , till i see , that , smother-fortunes will securer be . what spight soere my foes , to me , can doe , i laugh thereat , within an houre or two : for , though the world , and i , at first , believe , my suffrings , give me cause enough to grieve ; yet , afterward , i finde ( the more to glad me ) that , better fortunes , might farre worse have made me . by some young devills , though , i scratched am , yet , i am hopefull , i shall scape their dam. the more contrary windes doe blow , the greater vertues praise will grow . adversis clarivs ardet . illvstr. xxxv . book . observe the nature of that fiery-flame , which on the mountaines top so brightly showes ; the windes from every quarter , blow the same , yea , and to blow it out , their fury blowes ; but , lo ; the more they storme , the more it shineth ; at every blast , the flame ascendeth higher ; and , till the fuells want , that rage confineth , it , will be , still , a great , and glorious fire . thus fares the man , whom vertue , beacon-like , hath fixt upon the hills of eminence , at him , the tempests of mad envie strike , and , rage against his piles of innocence ; but , still , the more they wrong him , and the more they seeke to keepe his worth from being knowne , they , daily , make it greater , then before ; and , cause his fame , the farther to be blowne . when , therefore , no selfe-doting arrogance , but , vertues cover'd with a modest vaile , breake through obscurity , and , thee advance to place , where envie shall thy worth assaile ; discourage not thy selfe : but , stand the shockes of wrath , and fury . let them snarle and bite ; pursue thee , with detraction , slanders , mockes , and , all the venom'd engines of despight , thou art above their malice ; and , the blaze of thy caelestiall-fire , shall shine so cleare , that , their besotted soules , thou shalt amaze ; and , make thy splendours , to their shame , appeare . if this be all , that envies rage can doe , lord , give me vertues , though i suffer too . even as the smoke doth passe away ; so , shall all worldly-pompe decay . sic transit gloria mundi . illvstr. xxxvi . book . some better arguments , then yet i see , i must perceive ; and , better causes , why , to those gay things , i should addicted bee , to which , the vulgar their affections tye . i have consider'd , scepters , miters , crownes , with each appurtenance to them belonging ; my heart , hath search'd their glories , and renownes ; and , all the pleasant things about them thronging : my soule , hath truely weigh'd , and , tooke the measure , of riches ( which the most have so desired ) i have distill'd the quintessence of pleasure , and , seene those objects , that are most admired . i , likewise feele all passions , and affections , that helpe to cheat the reason , and perswade that those poore vanities , have some perfections , whereby their owners , happy might be made . yet , when that i have rouz'd my vnderstanding , and cleans'd my heart from some of that corruption , which hinders in me reasons free commanding , and , shewes , things , without vailes , or interruption ; then , they , me thinkes , as fruitlesse doe appeare , as bubbles ( wherewithall young-children play ) or , as the smoke , which , in our emblem , here , now , makes a show , and , straight , consumes away . be pleas'd , oh god , my value may be such of every outward-blessing , here below , that , i may neither love them overmuch , nor underprise the gifts , thou shalt bestow : but , know the use , of all these fading smokes ; and , be refresht , by that , which others chokes . death , is unable to divide their hearts , whose hands true-love hath tyde . ivsqve a la mort illvstr. xxxvii . book . upon an altar , in this emblem , stands a burning-heart ; and , therewithall , you see beneath deaths-head , a paire of loving-hands , which , close , and fast-united , seeme to be . these moderne hieroglyphickes ( vulgarly thus bundled up together ) may afford good-meanings , with as much propriety , as best , with common iudgements , will accord . it may imply , that , when both hand and heart , by sympathizing dearenesse are invited , to meet each others nat'rall counterpart , and , are by sacred ordinance united : they then have entred that strict obligation , by which they , firmely , ev'ry way are ty'd ; and , without meanes ( or thought of separation ) should in that vnion , till their deaths , abide ; this , therefore , minde thou , whatsoere thou be ( whose marriage-ring , this covenant , hath sealed ) for , though , thy faith's infringement , none can see , thy secret fault , shall one day , be revealed . and , thou that art at liberty , take heed , lest thou ( as over great a number doe ) of thine owne person , make a privy-deed , and , afterwards , deny thy doing so . for , though there be , nor church , nor chappell , nigh thee ( nor outward witnesses of what is done ) a power-invisible doth alwayes eye thee ; and , thy pretended love , so lookes upon , that , if thou be not , till thy dying , true ; thy falsehood , till thy dying , thou shalt rue . false weights , with measures false eschew , and , give to ev'ry man , their due . svvm cviqve tribve illvstr. xxxviii . book . forth of a cloud ( with scale and rule ) extended an arme ( for this next emblem ) doth appeare ; which hath to us in silent-showes , commended , a vertue , that is often wanting , here . the world , is very studious of deceipts ; and , he is judged wisest , who deceives . false-measures , and , adulterated-weights , of many dues , the needy-man bereaves . ev'n weights to fell , and , other weights to buy ( two sorts of weights ) in practice are , with some ; and , both of these , they often falsifie , that , they to great , and suddaine-wealth , may come . but , conscience make of raysing your estates , by such a base , and such a wicked way : for , this injustice , god expressely hates ; and , brings , at last , such thrivers to decay . by weight and measure , he on all bestowes the portions due ; that , weight and measure , then , which man to god , or to his neighbour owes , should , justly , be returned backe agen . give ev'ry one , in ev'ry thing his owne : give honour , where an honour shall be due ; where you are loved , let your love be showne ; and , yield them succours , who have succour'd you . give to thy children , breeding and corrections ; thy charities , ev'n to thy foes extend : give to thy wife , the best of thy affections ; to god , thy selfe , and , all thou hast , commend : and , lest thou faile , remember who hath sayd , such measure , as thou giv'st , shall be repay'd . he needs not feare , what spight can doe , whom vertue friends , and fortune , too . in virtvte et fortvna . illvstr. xxxix . book . when , in this emblem here , observe you shall an eaglet , perched , on a winged-ball advanced on an altar ; and , have ey'd the snakes , assayling him , on ev'ry side : me thinkes , by that , you straight should apprehend their state , whom wealth , and vertue , doe befriend . my iudgement , by that altar-stone , conceives the sollidnesse , which , true religion gives ; and , that fast-grounded goodnesse , which , we see , in grave , and sound morality , to be . the flying-ball , doth , very well , expresse all outward-blessings , and , their ficklenesse . our eaglet , meaneth such contemplatives , as , in this world , doe passe away their lives , by so possessing that which they have got , as if they car'd not , though , they had it not . the snakes , may well resemble those , among them , who , meerely out of envie , seeke to wrong them ; and , all these figures ( thus together layd ) doe speake to me , as if these words , they sayd : that man , who builds upon the best foundation , ( and spreads the widest wings of contemplation ) whil'st , in the flesh , he bides , will need some props of earthly-fortunes , to support his hopes : and , other-while , those things , may meanes become , the stings of envie , to secure him from . and , hence , i learne ; that , such , as will abide , against all envie , strongly fortify'd , must joyne , great vertues , and great wealth , together . god helpe us , then , poore-soules , who scarce have either ! time , is a fading-flowre , that 's found within eternities wide round . ΑΙΩΝΙΟΝ ΚΑΙ ΠΡΟΣ ΚΑΙΡΟΝ . illvstr. xl. book . five termes , there be , which five , i doe apply to all , that was , and is , and , shall be done . the first , and last , is that eternitie , which , neither shall have end , nor , was begunne . beginning , is the next ; which , is a space ( or moment rather ) scarce imaginarie , made , when the first materiall , formed was ; and , then , forbidden , longer time to tarry . time entred , when , beginning had an ending , and , is a progresse , all the workes of nature , within the circuit of it , comprehending , ev'n till the period , of the outward-creature . end , is the fourth , of those five termes i meane ; ( as briefe , as was beginning ) and , ordayned , to set the last of moments , to that scaene , which , on this worlds wide stage , is entertayned . the fifth , we everlasting , fitly , call ; for , though , it once begunne , yet , shall it never admit , of any future-end , at all ; but , be extended onward , still , for ever . the knowledge of these termes , and of what actions , to each of them belongs , would set an end , to many controversies , and distractions , which doe so many trouble , and offend . time's nature , by the fading-flowre , appeares ; which , is a type , of transitory things : the circled-snake , eternitie declares ; within whose round , each fading creature , springs . some riddles more , to utter , i intended , but , lo ; a sudden stop , my words have ended . when great attempts are undergone , ioyne strength and wisedome , both in one . viribvs ivngenda sapientia . illvstr. xli . book . if ( reader ) thou desirous be to know what by the centaure , seemeth here intended ; what , also , by the snake , and , by the bowe , which in his hand , he beareth alway bended : learne , that this halfe-a man , and halfe-a horse , is ancient hieroglyphicke , teaching thee , that , wisedome should be joyn'd with outward force , if prosperous , we desire our workes to be . his vpper-part , the shape of man , doth beare , to teach , that , reason must become our guide . the hinder-parts , a horses members are ; to shew , that we must , also , strength provide : the serpent , and the bowe , doth signifie the same ( or matter to the same effect ) and , by two types , one morall to implie , is doubled a fore-warning of neglect . when knowledge wanteth power , despis'd we grow , and , know but how to aggravate our paine : great strength , will worke it owne sad overthrow , vnlesse , it guided be , with wisedomes reine . therefore , oh god , vouchsafe thou so to marry the gifts of soule and body , both , in me , that , i may still have all things necessary , to worke , as i commanded am , by thee . and , let me not possesse them , lord , alone , but , also , know their vse ; and , so well know it , that , i may doe each duety to be done ; and , with upright intentions , alwayes doe it . if this be more , then , yet , obtaine i may , my will accept thou , for the deed , i pray . the ground brings forth all needfull , things ; but , from the sunne , this vertue springs . solvm a sole illvstr. xlii . book . we doe acknowledge ( as this emblem showes ) that fruits and flowres , and many pleasant-things , from out the ground , in ev'ry season growes ; and , that unto their being , helpe it brings . yet , of it selfe , the ground , we know is dull , and , but a willing-patient , whereupon the sunne , with beames , and vertues wonderfull , prepareth , and effecteth , what is done . we , likewise , doe acknowledge , that our eyes indowed are with faculties of seeing , and , with some other nat'rall properties , which are as much our owne , as is our being . however , till the sunne imparts his light , we finde , that we in darkenesse doe remaine , obscured in an everlasting night ; and , boast our seeing-faculties , in vaine . so , we , by nature , have some nat'rall powers : but , grace , must those abilities of ours first move ; and , guide them , still , in moving , thus , to worke with god , when god shall worke on us : for , god so workes , that , no man he procures against his nature , ought to chuse , or shun : but , by his holy-spirit , him allures ; and , with sweet mildnesse , proveth ev'ry one . the sunne is faultlesse of it , when the birth of some bad field , is nothing else but weeds : for , by the selfe-same sun shine , fruitfull earth beares pleasant crops , and plentifully breeds . thus , from our selves , our vices have increase , our vertues , from the sunne of righteousnesse . no passage can divert the course , of pegasus , the muses horse . recto cvrsv illvstr. xliii . book . this is the poets-horse ; a palfray , sirs , ( that may be ridden , without rod or spurres ) abroad , more famous then bucephalus , though , not so knowne , as banks his horse , with us ; or some of those fleet-horses , which of late , have runne their masters , out of their estate . for , those , and hobby-horses , best befit the note , and practice of their moderne wit , who , what this horse might meane , no knowledge had , vntill , a taverne-signe , they saw it made . yet , this old emblem ( worthy veneration ) doth figure out , that winged-contemplation , on which the learned mount their best invention , and , climbe the hills of highest apprehension . this is the nimble gennet , which doth carry , their fancie , thorow worlds imaginary ; and , by ideas feigned , shewes them there , the nature of those truths , that reall are . by meanes of this , our soules doe come to know a thousand secrets , in the deeps below ; things , here on earth , and , things above the skyes , on which , we never fixed , yet , our eyes . no thorny , miery , steepe , nor craggy place , can interrupt this courser , in his race : for , that , which others , in their passage troubles , augments his courage , and his vigour doubles . thus , fares the minde , infus'd with brave desires ; it flies through darkenesse , dangers , flouds , and fires : and , in despight of what her ayme resisteth : pursues her hopes , and takes the way she listeth . the husbandman , doth sow the seeds ; and , then , on hope , till harvest , feeds . spes alit agricolas illvstr. xliv . book . the painfull husbandman , with sweaty browes , consumes in labour many a weary day : to breake the stubborne earth , he digs and ploughes , and , then , the corne , he scatters on the clay : when that is done , he harrowes in the seeds , and , by a well-cleans'd furrow , layes it drye : he , frees it from the wormes , the moles , the weeds ; he , on the fences , also hath an eye . and , though he see the chilling winter , bring snowes , flouds , and frosts , his labours to annoy ; though blasting-windes doe nip them in the spring , and , summers meldewes , threaten to destroy : yea , though not onely dayes , but weekes , they are ( nay , many weekes , and , many moneths beside ) in which he must with payne , prolong his care , yet , constant in his hopes he doth abide . for this respect , hope's emblem , here , you see attends the plough , that men beholding it , may be instructed , or else minded be , what hopes , continuing labours , will befit . though , long thou toyled hast , and , long attended about such workings as are necessary ; and , oftentimes , ere fully they are ended , shalt finde thy paines in danger to miscarry : yet , be not out of hope , nor quite dejected : for , buryed seeds will sprout when winter 's gone ; vnlikelier things are many times effected ; and , god brings helpe , when men their best have done . yea , they that in good-workes their life imploy ; although , they sowe in teares , shall reape in joy . things , to their best perfection come , not all at once ▪ but , some and some poco a poco . illvstr. xlv . book . when , thou shalt visit , in the moneth of may , a costly garden , in her best array ; and , view the well-grown trees , the wel-trimm'd bowers , the beds of herbs , the knots of pleasant flowers , with all the deckings , and the fine devices , perteyning to those earthly paradises , thou canst not well suppose , one day , or two , did finish all , which had beene , there , to doe . nor dost thou , when young plants , or new-sowne lands , doe thirst for needfull watrings , from thy hands , by flood-gates , let whole ponds amongst them come ; but , them besprinklest , rather , some and some ; lest else , thou marre the flowres , or chill the seed , or drowne the saplings , which did moysture need . let this experiment , which , to thy thought , may by this emblem , now perhaps , be brought , perswade thee to consider , that , no actions , can come , but by degrees , to their perfections ; and , teach thee , to allot , for every thing , that leisurely-proceeding , which may bring the ripenesse , and fulnesse , thou expectest : and , though thy hopes , but slowly thou effectest , discourage not thy selfe ; since , oft they prove most prosperous actions , which at leisure move . by many drops , is made a mighty showre ; and many minutes finish up an houre : by little , and by little , we possesse assurance of the greatest happinesse . and , oft , by too much haste , and too much cost , great wealth , g●eat honours , and , great hopes , are lost . affliction , doth to many adde more value , then , before , they had . tribvlatio ditat illvstr. xlvi . book . though i am somewhat soberer to day , i have been ( i confesse ) as mad as they , who think those men , that large possessions have , gay clothes , fine furnitures , and houses brave , are those ( nay more , that they alone are those ) on whom , the stile of rich , we should impose . but , having , by experience , understood his words , who sayd , his troubles did him good , i , now perceive , the wordly-rich are poore , vnlesse of sorrowes , also , they have store . till from the straw , the flaile , the corne doth beat ; vntill the chaffe , be purged from the wheat , yea , till the mill , the graines in pieces teare , the richnesse of the flowre , will scarce appeare . so , till mens persons great afflictions touch ( if worth be found ) their worth is not so much , because , like wheat , in straw , they have not , yet , that value , which in threshing , they may get . for , till the bruising flailes of god's corrections , have threshed out of us our vaine affections ; till those corruptions , which doe misbecome us , are by thy sacred-spirit , winnowed from us ; vntill , from us , the straw of wordly-treasures ; till all the dusty chaffe of empty pleasures ; yea , till his flaile , upon us , he doth lay , to thresh the huske of this our flesh away ; and , leave the soule uncover'd ; nay , yet more , till god shall make , our very spirit poore ; we shall not up to highest wealth aspire : but , then we shall ; and , that is my desire . though fortune , hath a powerfull name , yet , vertue overcomes the same . victrix fortvnae sapientia . illvstr. xlvii . book . a snake , ( which was by wise antiquitie much us'd , the type of prudencie to be ) hemmes in a winged-ball , which doth imply , that fickle-fortune , from which , none are free . above this ball , the snake advanceth too , the laurell , and the sword ; which , emblems are , whereby our authour maketh much adoe , a conquest over fortune , to declare . and , well enough this purpose it befits , if ( reader ) any one of those thou be , whose fortunes must be mended by their wits ; and , it affords instructions fit for thee : for , hence , thou mayst collect , that , no estate can , by misfortunes means , become so bad , but , prudence ( who is mistresse over fate ) may rule it so , that , good it might be made . though fortunes outlawes , on thy riches prey , by wisd●me , there is meanes , of getting more ; and , ev'ry rub that 's placed in thy way , shall make thee walke more safely , then before . nor poverty , nor paynes , nor spightfulnesse , nor other , mischiefes , that mischance can doe thee , shall bring thee any sorrow or distresse , which will not be , at last , advantage to thee . lord , give me such a prudence : for my fortune puts many foyles , and cruell thrusts upon me : thy helpe , long since , it made me to importune ; and , thou didst grant it , or she had undone me . still , daigne me thy assistance , lord , and , than , let all misfortunes , doe the worst they can . a life , with good-repute , i le have , or , winne an honourable grave . avt mors avt vita decora illvstr. xlviii . book . in this our emblem , you shall finde exprest a man , incountring with a salvage-beast ; and , he resolveth ( as his motto sayes ) to live with honour ; or , to dye with praise . i like the resolution , and the deed , in which , this figure teacheth to proceed . for , us , me thinkes , it counselleth , to doe , an act , which all men are oblig'd unto . that ugly bore ( wherewith the man in strife here seemes to be ) doth meane a swinish-life , and , all those beastly vices , that assay to root becomming vertues quite away ; those vices , which not onely marre our features , but , also , ruinate our manly natures . the harmefull fury , of this raging bore , oppose couragiously , lest more and more , it get within you ; and , at last , appeare more prevalent , then your defences are . it is a large-growne pig , of that wilde swine , which , ev'ry day , attempts to undermine our safeties fort : t was he , which long agoe , did seeke the holy-vineyards overthrow : and , if we charge him not with all our power , the sire , or hee , will enter and devoure . but , what 's our strength , o lord ! or , what are wee in such a combate , without ayde from thee ? oh , come to helpe us , therefore , in this fight ; and , let us be inabled in thy might : so , we shall both in life-time , conquests have ; and , be victorious , also , in the grave . shee shall increase in glory , still , vntill her light , the world , doth fill . donec totv̄ impleat orbē . illvstr. xlix . book . what in this emblem , that mans meanings were , who made it first , i neither know nor care ; for , whatsoere , he purposed , or thought , to serve my purpose , now it shall be taught ; who , many times , before this taske is ended , must picke out moralls , where was none intended . this knot of moones ( or crescents ) crowned thus , illustrate may a mystery to us , of pious use ( and , peradventure , such , as f●om old hieroglyphicks , er●es not much ) old-times , upon the moone , three names b●stow'd ; because , three diverse wayes , her selfe she show'd : and , in the sacred-bookes , it may be showne , that holy-church , was figur'd by the moone . then , these three moones in one , may intimate the holy-churches threefold blest estate . the moone , still , biding in our hemisphaere , may typisie the church , consisting , here , of m●n , yet living : when she shewes her light among●● here , in portions of the night ; the church it figures , as consist she may of them , whose bodies in the grave doe stay ; and , whose blest spirits , are ascended thither , where soule and body meet , at last , together . 〈◊〉 , when the moone is hidden from our eyes , the church-triumphant , then , she signifies ; which , is a cres●ent yet , that , some , and some , must grow , till all her puts together come : and , then , this moone shall beames , at full , display ; lord , hasten this great coronation-day . true vertue is a coat of maile , ' gainst which , no weapons can prevaile . virtvs lorica fidelis illvstr. l. book . lord , what a coyle men keepe , and , with what eare their pistolls , and , their swords doe they prepare , to be in readinesse ? and , how they load themselves with irons , when they ride abroad ? how wise and wary too , can they become , to fortifie their persons up at home , with lockes , and barres ? and such domestick-armes , as may secure their bodies , there , from harmes ? however , when all 's done , we see , their foes breake in , sometimes , and worke their overthrowes . for , though ( about themselves , with cable-quoiles , they could inclose a hundred thousand miles ) the gunshot of a slanderous tongue , may smite , their fame quite through it , to the very white . yea , more ( though , there , from others , they were free ) they wounded , by themselves , to death might be , except their innocence , more guards them , than the strength of twenty royall armies , can . if , therefore , thou thy spoylers , wilt beguile , thou must be armed , like this crocodile ; ev'n with such nat'rall armour ( ev'ry day ) as no man can bestowe , or take away : for , spitefull malice , at one time or other , will pierce all borrowed armours , put together . without , let patience durifie thy skin ; let innocencie , line thy heart within ; let constant fortitude , unite them so , that , they may breake the force of ev'ry blow : and , when thou thus art arm'd , if ill thou speed ; let me sustaine the mischiefe , in thy steed . finis libri secundi . the second lotterie . some friends , and foes , of thine , there be , that make a wondring-stocke of thee ; some other over-much , of late , to thy dishonour boldly prate , and , peradventure , to thy face , e're long , they 'l doe thee some disgrace : thine emblem , therefore , doth advise that thou should'st make them no replies ; and showes that silent-patience , than shall stead thee more then answers can . by such as know you , it is thought , that , you are better fed then taught : and , that , it might augment your wit , if you were sometimes hunger-bit . that emblem , which by lot you drew , to this effect doth somewhat shew : but 't will goe hard , when you are faine , to feed your bowells , by your braine . perhaps you may be one of those , whom , from the church , an organ blowes ; or , peradventure , one of them , who doth all melody contemne : or , one , whose life is yet untaught , how into tune it should be brought . if so , your lot , to you hath sent an emblem , not impertinent . god blesse thee , whosoere thou art , and , give thee still an honest heart : for , by the fortune of thy lot , that sword , and halter , thou hast got , which threatens death , with much disgrace ; or , promises the hang-mans's place . but , be not griev'd ; for , now and than , the gallowes makes an honest man ; and , some , who scape an outward curse , both in their lives and deaths are worse , m thou would'st be loth , we should suspect , thou didst not well thy king affect ; or , that , thou should'st be so ingrate , to sleight the welfare of the state : ye● , thou , perchance , art one of those , who discord through the kingdome sowes . w● know not , but if such thou be , marke , what thine emblem teaches thee . in you , a naturall desire beginnes to blow affection's fire ; but , by discretion , guide the blast , lest , it consume you , at the last ; or , by the fury of the same , blow out some necessary flame . yea , that , which doth your profit breed , may harme you , if you take not heed . be carefull , what you goe about ; for , by this lot , there may be doubt , that you , some wickednesse intend , which will undoe you , in the end . if you have done the deed , repent : if purpos'd ill , the same prevent . else , though in jest , this counsell came , in earnest , you may rue the same . thou art afflicted ; or , ere long shalt sing some lamentable song : and , of those troubles , take some share , which , thou art very loth to beare . but , be not overmuch dismayd , nor pine , what ere on thee be layd , for , comfort shall thy joy restore , and , make thee gladder , then before . if this thy chance hath done thee right , thou art , or hast beene apt to fight ; and , wilt upon occasion small , beginne , sometimes , a needlesse brawle . to shew thee , therefore , thy defect ; or , that thy folly may be check't , and , fit thy minde for better things , thine emblem , some good counsell brings . what thing soere thou undertak'st , thou seldome good conclusion mak'st ; for , still , when thou hast ought to doe , thou art too hasty , or too slow ; and , from that equall temper stray'st , by which , thy worke effect thou mayst . to mend this fault thou counsell'd art , be wiser , therefore , then thou wert . thou hast in publicke lived long , and , over freely us'd thy tongue ; but , if thy safety thou desire , be silent , and , thy selfe retire . and , if thou wilt not be undone , poss●sse thy joyes , and hopes , alone : for , they , that will from harmes be free , mu●● silent , and obscured , bee . thy fortune , thou dost long to heare , and , what thy constellations are : but , why should'st thou desire to know , what things , the planets doe foreshow ; seeke , rather . wisedome to procure , and , how , all fortunes to indure : so , thou shalt gaine a blest estate , and , be the master of thy fate . thou , seem'st to have great store of friends , but , they affect thee , for th●ir ends . there i● , in those , but little trust , who love , for profit , mirth , or lust . l●arne , therfore , when , thou mayst be sure , thy friend's affection will indure ; and , that this knowledge may be got , good notice take thou of thy lot. it is conceiv'd , that meanes thou hast , o● , might'st have had good meanes , at least , t● b●ing those matters to eff●ct , watch thou dost carelesly neglect ; and , good for many might'st have done , who yet , hast pleasur'd few , or none . if this b● true , thy lot peruse , and , god's good gifts , no more abuse . religious thou would'st faine be deem'd , and , such , to many thou hast seem'd : but , to this matter more there goes , then zealous lookes , and formall showes . looke , therefore , that thy heart be true , what e're thou s●eme in outward view . and , if god's favour thou would'st have , observe what off'rings , he doth crave . that emblem , which this lot will bring , concernes the honour of a king : how , therefore , thee it may conc●rne , by thy discretion seeke to learne . perhaps , the royall powre hath seem'd to thee , not so to be esteem'd , as well it merits , to be priz'd . if so , now better be advis'd . both learn'd , and wise , thou would'st become , ( else thou hast much dece●ved some ) but , if ●hy hopes thou wilt effect , thou mu●● not likely meanes neglect ; and , what the likelyest meanes may bee , thine emblem hath advised thee : for , by a fowle , that 's blockish thought , good counsell may to thee be taught . if , to preferment thou wilt rise , thou must not arts , nor armes , despise ; nor so in one of these delight , that , thou the other , wholly sleight . nor , to thy body be inclin'd , so much , as to neglect thy minde . this , by thine emblem , thou mayst learne ; and , much thy good it may concerne . thy fortunes have appeared bad ; for , many suff●rings thou hast had : and tryalls too , as yet made knowne to no mans knowledge , but thine owne . but , let nor losse , nor fame , nor smart , from constant hopes remove thy heart : and , as thine emblem doth foreshew , a good conclusion will insue . w your lot informeth how to know where , best your love you may bestow : and , by the same it may appeare what musicke most affects your eare . denye it not ; for ( by your leave ) wee by your lookes , your heart perceive . and , this perhaps you 'l thinke upon ( to purpose ) when you are alone . this lot may make us all suspect , that some wrong object you affect ; and , that , where dearenesse you pretend , it is not for the noblest end . what mischiefe from such falshood flowes , your emblem very truely showes ; and , may more happy make your fate , if counsell be not come too late . to trust on others , thou art apt ; and , hast already beene intrapt ; or , may'st er'e long be much deceiv'd by some , whom thou hast well believ'd . be heedfull , therfore , of thy lot ; and , let it never be forgot : so , though some hazzard thou mayst run , yet , thou shalt never be undone . it seemes thou tak'st too great a care for things , that vaine , and fading are ; or else , dost overp●ise them so , as if all blisse from them did flowe . that , therefore , thou mayst view their worth , in hieroglyphicke shaddow'd forth , thy lot befriends thee : marke the same , and , be in this , no more to blame . though some , should thee , for one , mistake , whose wealth is all upon his backe , if what thou hast , bee all thine owne , god , hath enough on thee bestowne . a princes ransome , wee may b●are , in iewells , which most p●ecieu are ; and , yet , to many men may seeme , to carry nothing worth esteeme . therefore , though small thy sub●●ance be , thine emblem , somewhat comforts , the● ●y this your emblem , wee discerne , that , you are yet of age to learne ; and , that , when el●er you shall grow , there , will be more for you to know : presume n●t , therefore of your wit , but , strive that you may better it . for , of your age , we many view , that , farre more wisedome have , then you . by thy complaints , it hath appear'd , thou think'st thy vertues want reward ; and , that , if they their merit had , thou rich and nobler should'st be made . to drive thee from that partiall t●●ught , thou , by an emblem , shalt be taught , that , where true vertue may be found , the truest wealth will still abound . by this thy lot , thou dost appeare to be of those , who love to heare the preacher's voyce ; or , else of them , that undervalue , or contemne those dayly showres of wholsome words , which god , in these our times , affords . now , which soere of these thou bee , thine emblem , something , teaches thee . thou deal'st , when thee thy foe offends , as if , you never should be friends . in peace , thou so secure dost grow , as if , thou could'st not have a foe . how , therefore , peace and warre pursues each other , this thine emblem shewes , that , thou mayst learne , in ev'ry tide , for future chances , to provide . what e're thou art in outward shew , thy heart is ever very true , and , to those knowledges aspires , which every prudent soule desires : yet , be not proud that thou hast got this testimonie , by thy lot. but , view thine emblem , and endeaver in search of knowledge to persever . if glory , thou desire to get , thy wits , thou must on working set ; and , labour unto prudence adde , before true honor will be had : for , what thy friends , or parents brought , to make thee famous , profits nought ; but , rather will procure thy shame , vnlesse , thou shalt improove the same . m the time hath beene , that of the rod , thou wert more fearefull , then of god ; but , now unlesse thou prudent grow , more cause thou hast to feare a shrowe ; for , from the rod , now thou art free , a woman , shall thy torment be . at her , yet doe not thou repine , for , all the fault is onely thine . it seemes , thy time thou dost mispend : to warne thee , therefore of thine end ; to shew , how short thy life will be ; and , with what speed it flyes from thee ; this lot was drawne : and , may advize , that , thou thy time shouldst better prize . which , if accordingly thou doe , this , will be sport , and profit too . it may be , thou art one of those , who , dost not all aright suppose , of gods decrees ; or , of the state of an inevitable fate . that , therefore , so thou maist beleeve , ( and , of these mysteries conceive ) as thou art bound ; this lot befell . peruse , and minde thine embleme well . thou , at thy fortune , hast repin'd , and , seem'st imprisond in thy minde , because thou art not straight releast from those things which have thee opprest . to thee , a lot is therefore sent , to qualifie thy discontent , by shewing , that thy present fate preserves thee , from a worse estate . thy vertues and thy worth are such , that , many doe envie thee much ; and , they that hate thee , take delight to doe thee mischiefe and despight . but , heart assume , and follow on the course that thou hast well begunne ; for , all their spight shall doe no more , but , make thee greater then before . in outward pompe , thy pleasures are ; thy hope of blisse is placed there ; and , thou this folly wilt not leave , till , all content , it shall bereave , vnlesse , thou timely come to see how vaine , all earthly glories bee . an emblem , therefore , thou hast gain'd , by which , this knowledge i● obtain'd . it may be feared , that thou hast in publicke , or in private , past some promise , or else made some vow , that 's broke , or else indanger'd , now . if so ; this lot is come , in time , to mend , or to prevent this crime ; and , shew what should by them be done , 'twixt whom affection is begunne . thou art reproved of deceipt , in faulty measures , and in weight ; and , overbackward hast been knowne , in giving ev'ry one his owne . thine emblem , therefore , counsells thee , that , thou more just , hereafter be . for , that , which is by falsehood got , makes likely showes , but prospers not . so highly , thou dost vertue prize , that , thou dost fortunes helpe despise , as if , where vertues present are , h●r favours alwayes needlesse were : but , sometimes there 's enough to doe , for fortune , and for vertue too , the pow'r of envious tongues to charme , and , keepe an innocent from harme . therfore , make both of these , thy friends ; for , thereunto thine emblem tends . thou mayst be one of those , perchance , who sch●sme , and heresies advance , because they times and termes mistake ; and , diff'rence know not how to make 'twixt that , which temp'rall doth appeare , and , those things which eternall are . thou , by thy lot , art therefore warn'd , to search what should of these be learn'd . great workes to doe , thou hast a minde ; but , pow'r thereto thou canst not finde . sometime , thy pow'r is not unfit ; but , then thou failest in thy wit. such vndertakings , therefore , chuse ( if thou wilt not thy time abuse ) a● to thy pow'●s , and wits agree ; and , let them both imployed bee . when any blessing thou hast gain'd , thou mind'st not whence it was obtain'd ; but , bear'st thy selfe , as if the same by thine owne pow'r , or merit , came : that , therefore , thou mayst better heed from whence , all graces doe proceed , thou , hast an emblem , by this lot , from which , good cautions may be got . by this thy lot , it should appeare , the muses thy acquaintance are ; or , that thou art ( at least ) of those , who , of their steed ambitious growes . if thou hast wit , his reynes to guide , vpon his backe , mount up and ride ; but , if thou finde thy selfe to weake , forbeare him , lest thy necke he breake . in many things , the worse thou art , by thy despayring , fainting heart ; and , oft , thy labour , and thy cost , for want of hopefulnesse , is lost . this indiscretion to prevent , thou , therefore , by thy lot , art sent , the plough-man's hopefulnesse to see : observe it ; and , reformed bee . as soone as e're thy seeds are sowne , thou fruits expectest , fully growne . and , if they ripe not in a day , thou , foolest all thy hopes away : that wiser , therefore , thou mayst grow , thy lot , an emblem doth bestow , to teach , that workes both faire and great , by small-degrees , are made compleat . thou hadst , or hast , or thou shalt have much trouble , ere thou fill thy grave ; and , may'st , when thou expectest rest , with paine , or sorrowes , be opprest . but , be content , and waile not much : for , poverty shall make thee rich . the paine will soone be overpast , and , thou shalt happy be at last . thy fortune , be it good or bad , may , by thy wit , be better made ; yea , whatsoere mischances fall , by prudence , thou may'st helpe them all . that , hopefull , therfore , thou mayst bide , what change soever , shall betide , thou , by thy lot , informed art , what succours , wisedome doth impart . m a man at armes , thou wouldst be thought , and , hast the crowne of honour sought ; but , thou hast much mistooke the wayes , which tend to well-deserved praise . how , honour , therefore , may be got , thou art informed by thy lot ; and , with what foes , and , for what end , thou shouldst be ready to contend . perhaps , thou mayst be one of those , who doth god's holy church oppose ; for , over many in these dayes , disturbe her peace , and sleight her praise : that her esteeme , therefore may bee increased , or preserv'd , by thee , thine emblem , now , to thee , will show , to what perfection she will grow . thou safety lov'st , and wouldst have armes , thy person to secure from harmes : but , most of those thou hast prepar'd , are but a weake uncertaine guard , and , if thou take not greater heed , may faile thy trust , in time of need . thine emblem , therfore , hath exprest , what armes , for thy defence are best . of planetary-calculations , of superstitious-observations , of lots , and dreames , and accidents , which have but casuall events , thou art so fond ; and , unto such , thou dost adhere , and trust so much , that , it succeedeth very well , no emblem , now , to thee befell : lest , these , which onely counsells bee , might seeme firme destinies to thee . he that by drawing , here , his lot , some caveat or advice hath got , did , peradventure , need alone that caution , which he lighted on : but , unto thee , so needfull are all warnings , and , all counsells here , that , fortune will not one bestow , lest , thou may'st thinke thou need'st no moe . you , may be glad , you drew not that , which , in your thought , you guessed at ; for , so it points out that condition , whereof you give a great suspicion , that , had it such an emblem nam'd , as fits you right , you had beene sham'd . since , then , your fault is unreveal'd , amend , and keep it still conceal'd . the muses oracle is dumbe , because to tempt them you are come ; for , in your heart you much despise , to follow that , which they advise : their admonitions , you doe jeere , and , scorne to helpe your wisedome , here . the muses , therefore , leave you , still , to be as foolish , as you will. it would , perhaps , have made thee proud , if , now , thy lot had beene allow'd to let an emblem shadow forth what is conceived of thy worth . or , if thy vertues were desery'd , perchance , thou wouldst be more envy'd then praysed , when they are exprest ; a blanke for thee , was therefore best . no emblem , to this lot , replyes ; minde , therefore , well ( i thee advise ) what from the preacher's voice thou hear'st , when in the church , thou next appear'st : yea , there indeavour thou , to seeke thy lot of counsell , ev'ry weeke . for , at all seasons , there will bee such prophecies , concerning thee , that , if of those , thou takest heed , these emblems , thou shalt never need . finis . a collection of emblemes , ancient and moderne : quickened vvith metricall illvstrations , both morall and divine : and disposed into lotteries . that jnstruction , and good counsell , may bee furthered by an honest and pleasant recreation . by george wither . the third booke . london , printed by avgvstine mathevves . mdcxxxiv . to the most illvstriovs princesse , francis , dutchesse dowager of richmond , and lennox , &c. fame sayes ( great princesse ) that the pow'rs-above , will soone forgive ; which , i desire to prove : for , i am guiltie of a venial-sinne against your grace ; and , have remain'd therein without an absolution , so long time , that , now , my conscience checks me for the crime ; and , to reprove me for it , will not cease till i have , someway , sought to make my peace . to palliate my fault , i could produce enough , perhaps , to stand for an excuse . but , when i mind what favours , and what fame i might have purchased unto my name , ( by taking courage , to have done my best ) i dare not make excuses ; but , request your pardon , rather , and , that some oblation may gaine my person , future acceptation . to that intent , this humble offring , here , within your gracious presence , doth appeare . and , that it may the more content your eye ; well-graven figures , help to beautifie my lowly gift : and , vailed are in these , a treasury of golden sentences ; by my well-meaning muse , interpreted , that , with your name , their morals may be spread , and scattred , largesse-like , ( at your commanding ) to helpe inrich the poore in vnderstanding . if yov accept the tender , i shall know , your grace is pleased with your servant , so , as , that there may be hope , my future actions , will give the more contenting satisfactions : and , your encouragements , my pow'rs may raise , to make the beavties of your later dayes , more glorious , far , than your fresh yovth's perfection , though , knowne to be , the load-stone of affection . for , like the loving tvrtle , you have stood so constant , in your vowed widdow-hood ; so strictly , kept a solitarie state ; so faithfull beene , to your deceased mate ; so firmly true , and truly kinde , to them , which are the branches of his princely-stemme ; and , personated in so high a straine , the parts of honovr ; that , my rusticke vaine , must raised be , before it can ascend to say , how much , your fame , doth you commend . yet , if these lines , ( or , that they vsher in ) for me , some passage may , anew , begin to your esteeme ; i , may so happily , illustrate forth , the golden-history of those affections , which within your brest , have to the world remained unexprest . that , future times , to your applause may reade , the matchlesse paterne of a widdowed-bed , which you have drawne , for those to imitate who can ; and , for the rest to wonder at . for , what ( thereto ) yet wanteth , in my muse , your grace , as my minerva , may infuse . nor , will it be in vaine , to shew the worth of those perfections , truly blazed forth , which you may personate : nor , shall it be to your content unusefull , when you see the best part of your selfe , ( as in a glasse ) disclosed , and set up , before your grace , to represent those beauties , wherein lurkes , more sweetnesse , than in picture-drawers workes ; and shew , how temp'rall glor●es , and affections , have hourely ripened you , for those perfections that , make immortall ; and , which are that end , whereto , all earthly graces , ought to tend . then , if your excellence , desire to heare , those mvses , honour you , whose prayses ; are attending vertue ; and , shall please to live that life of glory , which my verse can give ; your graces favour , ( when you please ) hath pow'rs to make both mee , and all my muses yours . and , wee are hopefull , that , so well wee know your merits , and those duties , which wee owe , that , wee shall raise , your honovr's trophies high , though , wee our selves , upon the pavement lie . thus , i have made mine offring ; and i stand attending , now , to kisse your graces hand . your graces in all humilitie , geo : wither . to the high and mighty prince , james , duke of lennox , &c. vvhen richmond , your , beloved , vnkle , liv'd , ( for whose departure , all this empire griev'd , and , yet laments ) his grace did not refuse to deigne respects , to my obscured mvse ; nor scorne , from highest-worth , to stoope so low , as , mee , in my despisednesse , to know : and , had not bashfulnesse restrain'd my wit , from pressing-on , ( when he incourag'd it , ) my pegasvs , had learn'd , e're now , to rise , which , yet , with lame , and sickly feathers flies . but , hee hath left us ; and , i thought not on the losse i had of him , till he was gone ; nor could i dreame , till he did hence ascend , what t' was to want an honourable-friend : nor , what they feele , whom fate constraines , to tarry on stormy plaines , without a sanctvarie . assoone , as from among us , he made wing , my hopes did waine , and , i began to sing a mournfull-song , not easie to forget ; because , i beare the burthen of it , yet . nor was i silent ( though my epicede appear'd not , for the publike eye to reade ) but , griev'd in private , as one wanting art , to give , the life of praise , to his desart : which , if i could have equall'd with his name , his death had gain'd my verse , a living-fame . and , why expresse i this ? except it give your grace , a fit occasion to perceive , that , my decayed hopes i would renew , and , faine derive them downe , from him to yov ? that , as you branched from his princely stemme ; ( are , honour'd with his ducall-diadem ) and , imitate his vertue ; so , you might be lord , in mee , of that , which was his right : and , for his noble sake , vouchsafe to own a servant , which , to you , is yet unknowne . as prologue , to the service i intend , this present comes ; and , without hope , or end , of gaining further grace , or more esteeme , than may , with humblest modestie , beseeme his love , and honest-meaning , to expect , whose , merits have , no visible effect , conducing to your profit ; and , from whom the best of his intents , are yet to come . i cannot thinke , these lots , or emblems , are so worthy in themselves , as they 'l appeare in your acceptance ; or , that they can give , such grace to yov , as they 'l from you receive . yet , if yov please , they may be , otherwhile , a profitable meanes , to help beguile a melancholy thought ; and , have the pow'r to shorten ( without losse ) a tedious howre . sometime ( no doubt ) content you are in walke in artlesse groves ; or , to admit the talke of rustick swaines ( though ev'ry day you might your self in well-trim'd garden-bowr's , delight , or , heare the learnedst muses , when you please ; ) ev'n so , for change you may , perhaps , in these a recreation finde ; and , in some measure , a profit , intermixed with your pleasure . i will not make my promises too large , lest , my performances , they overcharge with expectation : but , i leave them , sir , to bee , and to be thought , the same they are . and , if your excellence , ( when you behold the ground whereon i first became so bold , to make this entrance ) shall vouchsafe to daigne those favours , which , i dare not thinke to gaine by meer-deserving ; you may then , perchance , my willingnesse , to ablenesse advance : and reap in mee ( when ripened they are grown ) some timely fruits , of that , which you have sown . till then , let it suffice , that i professe a cheerefull , and a thankfull readinesse to honour yov ; and , openly to show the dutie , which , it may appeare , i owe to him that 's gone . and , let your grace descend to take this pledge , of what i more intend . who am in all humilitie your graces to be commanded , geo : wither . if well thou dost , and well intend , thou shalt be crowned , in the end . si recte facies . illvstr. i. book . when , many , for the chiefest garland runne , that height of glory , can befall but one ; yet , wreaths there are , for ev'ry man prepar'd , according as he meriteth reward : and , though the worke deserveth little meed , grace , prints a worth , on ev'ry willing-deed , which formes it currant ; and , doth gratious make man's weake endeavours , for god's promise sake . all seeke the selfe-same prize ; but , doe not seeke , with mendes , and , with endeavours , all alike . most , with the wreath ; but , few those things will doe , that may be helpfull to attaine thereto : and , some ( that will be doing ) more delight in doing their owne will , then doing right . one , thinkes by airie titles , to atchieve the palme he seekes ; another , doth believe t is gain'd , by giving to his appetite , the fulnesse of his bodies vaine delight : to reach their aime , some others nourish hopes , by scrambling up unto the dunghill-tops ; of temp'rall riches : and , of all the wayes , most thinke this course deserves the greatest praise . but , this our emblem 's motto , doth implie , that , nothing man possesseth outwardly can purchase him the crowne , that should be sought , like rightly-doing , what is rightly-taught . and , that , god never passed any doome . to barre their blesse , who righteous would become : for , ev'n to cain he said ( of sinne detected ) if well thou dost , thou shalt be well respected . a little wit , may stand in stead , when strength doth faile , in time of need . superat solertia vires . illvstr. ii. book . the squirrell , when shee must goe seeke her food , by making passage through some neighb'ring flood , ( and feares to be devoured by the streame ) thus , helpes her weaknesse , by a stratagem . on blocks , or chips , which on the waves doe flote , she nimbly leaps ; and , making them her boate ( by helpe of windes , of current , and of tide ) is wafred over to the further side . thus , that , which for the body proves unfit , must often be acquired by the wit. and , what our ou●ward fortu●es shall denye , our providence must labour to supply . those casualties , which may our need befriend , we should with heedfull diligence attend ; and , watch to seize those oppurtunities , which , men of abler fortunes may despise . some birds , when they an oyster would unlock , mount up , and let it fall upon a rock ; and , when the cockles on the shores lye gasping , ( at ev'●● tides approach their shells unclasping ) crowes cast in pebles , and so take that meat by craft , which by their force they could not get . wee , by indeav'ring thus , may gaine , at length , that , which at first appeares above our strength . by little scr●wes an entrance we may make , where barres of iron cannot passage breake . small engines lift huge weights ; and , we have heard , that one wise-man ( though poore without regard ) may save a city , when the men of warre , and , all their captaines , at a non plus are . to kings , both sword and mace pertaine ; and , these they doe not beare in vaine . non sine causa . illvstr. iii. book . when thou behold'st , upon a day of state , the king ( or , some inferiour magistrate ) walke forth in publicke , and the royall mac● , the sword , or scepter borne before his face : suppose thou not , that those are carried , so , in ostentation , or for idle show . these vulgar emblems , are significant ; and , that authority , which princes grant to bodies politicke , was , heretofore declared , by those ensignes , which they bore . the bruzing mace ( although , perhaps , with us , it be not in these times , restrained thus ) that branch of royall-power did signifie , which doth by fines , or losse of liberty , correct offenders . by the sword , they meant , that larger branch of pow'r , to represent , which takes the malefactors life away ; and , armes itselfe ; when rebells disobay . as often , therefore , as thou shalt espie such hieroglyphickes of authority ; be mindefull , and advis'd ( how meane soere the persons , or the places may appeare , who get this pow'r ) that still thou honour them : lest , thou in those , the pow'r of god contemne . if not for theirs , yet for thy sov'raignes cause , whom these doe personate ; or , for the lawes , ( which threaten punishment ) thy selfe submit ; and , suffer what authority thinkes fit : for , whatsoere they be that guide the reyne , he , gave the pow'r , who gave it , not , in vaine . he , that concealed things will finde , must looke before him , and behinde . pando recondita . illvstr. iv. book . that head , which in his temple , heretofore , the well-knowne figure of old ianus bore , retain'd the forme , which pictur'd here you finde ; a face before him , and a face behinde . and this old hieroglyphicke doth comprize a multitude of heathenish mysteries ; which , wee omitting , will insist on what this emblem 's motto , chiefely poynteth at . in true divinity , 't is god alone , to whom , all hidden things are truely knowne . hee , onely , is that ever-present-being , who , by the vertue of his pow'r all-seeing , beholds , at one aspect , all things that are , that ever shall be , and that ever were . but , in a morall-sense , we may apply this double-face , that man to signifie , who ( whatsoere he undertakes to doe ) lookes , both before him , and behinde him , too . for , he shall never fruitfully forecast affa●●● to come , who mindes not what is past : and , such as doe not , oft , before them looke , may lose the labour , that 's already tooke . by , sometimes , looking backward , we behold those things , which have been done in times of old ; by looking wisely forward , we foresee such matters , as in future-times will bee : and , thus , we doe not onely fruits receive , from that short space of time , in which we live ; but , by this meanes , we likewise have a share , in times to come , and , times that passed are . good fortune will with him abide , that hath true vertue , for his guide . virtute duce comite fortuna illvstr. v. book . the gryphon , is the figure of a creature , not found within the catalogues of nature : but , by those wits created , who , to shew internall things , externall figures drew : the shape , in which this fiction they exprest , was borrow'd from a fowle , and , from a beast ; importing ( when their parts were thus combin'd ) the vertues , both of body , and of minde : and , men are sayd on gryphons backes to ride , when those mixt vertues , them have dignify'd . the stone ( this brute supporting ) may expresse the firme abiding , and the solidnesse of all true vertues . that , long-winged ball , which doth appeare fast-linked therewithall , the gifts of changing fortune , doe implye : and , all those things together , signifie , that , when by such-like vertues men are guided , good fortune cannot be from them divided . if this be true ( as true i this believe ) why should wee murmure , why repine , or grieve , as if our studies , or our honest paines , deprived were of some deserved gaines ? why should we thinke the world hath done us wrong , because wee are not register'd among those thriving men , who purse up evr'y day , for twelve houres labour more then twelve months pay ? if wee our paines rewarded cannot see , wee count our merits greater then they be . but if we bide content , our worth is more ; and rich we are , though others think us poore . when prosperous our affaires doe growe ; god's grace it is , that makes them so . florebo prospiciente deo . illvstr. vi. book . svch pleasant flowres , as here are shadow'd out ( full-grown , well trim'd , and strongly fenc'd about ) at first , perchance , had planting ( where they stand ) and , husbanding , by some good gard'ners hand : but , when to perfect ripenesse , they are grown , ( and , spread forth leaves , and blossomes , fully blowne ) they draw it from the vertue of the sunne , which worketh , when the gard'ners worke is done : for , lost were all his travaile , and his praise , vnlesse that planet cheare them with his rayes . in this our pilgrimage , it fares with us ( in all our hopes , and all our labours ) thus . for , whatsoever bus'nesse wee intend , on god , our good successes doe depend . our hands may build ; but , structures vaine we make , till god , to be chiefe builder , undertake . to wall a city , wee may beare the cost ; but , he mu●t guard it , or , the towne is lost : the plow-man useth diligence to sowe ; but , god must blesse it , or , no corne will grow : yea , though paul plant , and , though apollo water , they spend their sweat , upon a fruitlesse matter , till god , from heaven , their labours please to blesse , and crowne their travailes , with a good increase . let , therefore , those that flourish , like this flowre , ( and , may be wither'd , e're another houre ) give god the praise , for making of their seeds bring forth sweet flowres , that , else , had proved weeds : and , me despise not , though i thrive not so ; for , when , god pleaseth , i shall flourish too . if thou thy duties truely doe , of thy reward , be hopefull too . fac et spera . illvstr. vii . book . some sects are found , who so believing be , they thinke themselves from legall-workings free ; and , so they live , as if they stood in feare that , with good-works , their god offended were . another sort we know , who credit not , that any hope of mercie can be got , till they themselves , by their externall-deed , have merited the favours they shall need : and , so they prize their workings ; that , for grace , they seeme to disallow all usefull place . both sorts , their errours may be purged from , when to the fiery-tryall they shall come . so , likewise , may another faction too , that erre more deadly then these former doe . these doe ( forsooth ) affirme , that god's decree before all worlds ( what words can fouler be ? ) d●barr'd the greatest part of humane-race , without respecting sinne , from hope of grace ; and , that , howere this number shall indeaver , they must continue reprobates , for ever . the first , are errours of impiety ; but , this , ascends the top of blasphemy ; dispoyles religion wholly of her fruits ; and , wrongeth god in all his attributes . these errours , therefore shunne ; and , so believe , that wee thy faith , may by thy workes perceive . so worke , that thy believing may approve thou wrought'st not for thy wages ; but , for love . for ( whatsoe're thou be ) if thus thou doe , thou mayst have hopes , and , god will grant them too . by wisedome , things which passe away , are best preserved from decay . rerum sapientia custos . illvstr. viii . book . the laurell , which is given for a crowne ( to men deserving glory , and renowne ) is figur'd here , those noble deeds to show , for which , the wreaths of honour , we bestow . two serpents ( wisdome's emblems ) twisted are about this branch of lawrell , to declare , that , wisdome is the su●est meanes to save our names and actions , from oblivion's grave . the snakes are two , perhaps , to signifie that morall-wit , and christian policie ( vnited both together ) doe contrive the safest guard , and best preservative . consider this , all yee , that trust your names to marble monuments ; or , mount your fames by those poore meanes , which fooles and knaves pursue ; and , may effect as easily as you : nay , with more ease ; and , overtop you too , when you have done the best , your wits can doe . i say , consider this ; and , let the pen of learned , wise , and understanding men , renowne your worths , and register the story of your deserved , and , well-gotten glory ; l●st , else , it suffer close-imprisonments , within the walls of such poore monuments , as oft are built , to leave it quite forgotten , whose bones they cover'd , e're those bones be rotten . but , you shall best preserve your honest-fame , your workes , your hopes , and honours of your name , if you your selves be wise ; and , so provide that prudence , all your workes , and speeches guide . good hopes , we best accomplish may , by lab'ring in a constant-way . labore et constantia . illvstr. ix . book . some folkes there are , ( and many men suppose , that i my selfe , may passe for one of those ) who many likely businesses intend , yet , bring but very few , unto an end . which folly to prevent , this emblem , here , did in a luckie houre , perhaps , appeare . for , as to draw a circle , with our hand , we cause the brazen compasses to stand with one foot firmely fixed one the ground ; and move the other in a constant-round : right so , when we shall purpose to proceed in any ju●t , and profitable deed , we first , should by a constant-resolution , stand firme , to what we put in execution : and , then , with perseverance , labour out those workings , which we are employ'd about . for , we with constant-liking , must elect those businesses , we purpose to effect : or els , our time , our labour , and our cost , will , oft , be much in vaine , or wholly lost . with constant-labour , we must follow , too , those things , which we resolved are to do ; or , els , our hopes will never be effected , how warily soe're we have projected . long iourneys i abhorre ; yet , otherwhile i meane a furlong , and performe a mile . i greatly feare long-labours to begin ; yet , some i finish , when i 'me entred in : and , if in labour , i more constant grow , how i improve , hereafter , you shall know . ere thou a fruitfull-cropp shalt see , thy ground must plough'd and harro'wd be . evertit et aequat . illvstr. x. book . before the plowman hopefull can be made , his untill'd earth good hay or corne will yeeld , he breakes the hillocks downe , with plough or spade ; and , harrowes over , all the cloddie field . then , from the leaveld-ground , at last , he mowes that cropp of grasse , which he had hope to gaine ; or , there , doth reape the fruit of what he sowes , with profit , which contents him for his paine . our craggle-nature must be tilled , thus , before it will , for herbes of grace , be fit . our high-conceit , must downe be broke in us ; our heart is proud , and god must humble it . before good seed , in us will rooting take , afflictions ploughes and harrowes , must prepare us : and , that the truer levell , he may make , when we are sunck too low , gods hand must reare us . then , neither stormings of adversitie , shall drowne the seedes of hope , which we have sowne ; nor shall the sunne-beames of prosperitie , drie up their moisture , ere they ripe are growne . oh lord , thou know'st the nature of my minde ; thou know'st my bodyes tempers what they are ; and , by what meanes , they shall be best inclin'de such fruits to yeeld , as they were made to beare . my barren soule , therefore , manure thou so ; so , harrow it ; so emptie , and so fill ; so raise it up , and bring it downe , so low as best may lay it levell to thy will. in this desire , the worke is well begunne ; say thou the word , and all is fully ●one . true knowledge is a constant friend , whose friendship , never shall have end . scientia immutabilis . illvstr. xi . book . by viewing this fixt-head , enwreath'd with bayes , ( and , what the motto round about it sayes ) your apprehension's , eye , may partly see what constant vertues , in true knowledge be . for , if right plac'd it be , it ever will continue in the same condition , still : and , though it make mens manners to be chang'd ; yet , never is it , from it selfe , estrang'd : nor doth , nor can it , cease to be a friend , what fate soever , shall on us attend . when wealth is lost , or faileth to besteed us ; shee findes out honest meanes to cloath and feede us . in farre , and forraigne lands , shee will become , as kinde , and as familiar , as at home ; and , travelleth , without the costly cumber , of carriages , or clokebagges full of lumber . no place can from our presence , her enclose ; nor is she frighted from us by our foes . no pickthankes , of her favours , can bereave us ; no promises , can woo her to deceive us . in youth , in age , in sickenesse , and in griefe , shee bringeth consolation and reliefe : and , is in all estates , a blessing to us , so constant ( and so apt , all helpes to doe us ) that , he for whom , such knowledge , god provideth , enjoyes a friend , that alwaies firme abideth . lord , i am friendlesse left ; therefore , to me , this knowledge , and this friend , vouchsafe to bee : for , thou that wisdome art , ( from heav'n descending ) which , neither hath beginning , change , nor ending , by studiousnesse , in vertue 's waies men gaine an universall-praise . virtute ac studio per orbem fama perpetua comparatur . illvstr. xii . book . when emblems , of too many parts consist , their author was no choice emblematist : but , is like those , that wast whole howres , to tell what , in three minutes , might be said as well . yet , when each member is interpreted , out of these vulgar figures , you may read a morall , ( altogether ) not unfit to be remembred , ev'n , by men of wit. and , if the kernell proove to be of worth , no matter from what shell we drew it forth . the square whereon the globe is placed , here , must vertue be ; that globe upon the square , must meane the world ; the figure , in the round , ( which in appearance doth her trumpet sound ) was made for fame ; the booke she beares , may show , what breath it is , which makes her trumpet blow : the wreath , inclosing all , was to intend a glorious praise , that never shall have end : and , these , in one summ'd up , doe seeme to say ; that , ( if men study in a vertuous-way ) the trumpet of a never-ceasing fame , shall through the world proclaime their praisefull name . now reader , if large fame , be thy ambition , this emblem doth informe , on what condition she may be gain'd . but , ( herein , me beleeve ) thy studie for meere-praise , will thee deceive : and , if thy vertues , be , but onely , those for which the vulgar fame , her trumpet blowes , thy fame 's a blast ; thy vertues , vices be ; thy studie's vaine ; and , shame will follow thee . above thy knowledge , doe not rise , but , with sobrietie , be wise , noli altum sapere . illvstr. xiii . book . exalt thou not thy selfe , though , plac'd thou be , vpon the topp of that old olive-tree , from whence the nat'rall branches prun'd have bin , that , thou , the better , mightst be grafted in . be not so over-wise , as to presume the gard'ner , for thy goodnesse , did assume thy small crab-olive , to insert it , there , where , once , the sweetest-berries , growing were : nor let thy pride those few old-boughes contemne , which , yet , remaine upon their ancient stemme ; because , thy new-incorporated sprayes , doe more enjoy the sunnes refreshing raies : but , humbled rather , and , more awfull bee ; lest , hee that cut off them , doe breake downe thee . be wise , in what may to thy good , belong ; but , seeke not knowledge , to thy neighbours wrong : be thankefull for the grace thou hast receiv'd , but , judge not those , who seeme thereof bereav'd ; nor into those forbidden secrets peepe , which god-almighty , to himselfe doth keepe . remember what our father adam found , when he for knowledge , sought beyond his bound . for , doubtlesse , ever since , both good and ill are left with knowledge , intermingled still ; and , ( if we be not humble , meeke , and warie ) we are in daily danger , to miscary . large , proves the fruit which on the earth doth lie ; windes , breake the twigge , that 's grafted over-high ; and , he that will , beyond his bounds , be wise , becomes a very foole , before he dies . when each man keepes unto his trade , then , all things better will be made . tractant fabrilia fabri . illvstr. xiv . book . we more should thrive , and erre the seldomer , if we were like this honest carpenter , whose emblem , in reproofe of those , is made , that love to meddle , farther then their trade . but , most are now exceeding cunning growne in ev'ry mans affaires , except their owne : yea , coblers thinke themselves not onely able , to censure ; but , to mend apelles table . great-men , sometime , will gravely undertake to teach , how broomes and morter , we should make . their indiscretions , peasants imitate , and boldly meddle with affaires of state. some houswives teach their teachers how to pray , some clarks , have shew'd themselves , as wife as they ; and in their callings , as discreet have bin , as if they taught their grandames how to spinne : and , if these customes , last a few more ages , all countries will be nothing els , but stages of evill-acted , and mistaken parts ; or , gallemaufries , of imperfect arts. but , i my selfe ( you 'l say ) have medlings made , in things , that are improper to my trade . no ; for , the mvses are in all things free ; fit subject of their verse , all creatures be ; and , there is nothing nam'd so meane , or great , whereof they have not liberty to treat . both earth and heav'n , are open unto these ; and ( when to take more libertie they please ) they worlds , and things , create , which never were ; and , when they list , they play , and meddle , there . a shepherd carefull of the sheepe , at all times , faithfull watch doth keepe . non dormit qui custodit . illvstr. xv. book . the figure of a storke in elder dayes , was us'd in hieroglyphick , many wayes : but , when one foote , thus grasp'd a peple-stone , the other being firmely fixed on the staffe episcopall ; in that position , it makes an emblem , of a late edition : by some , thought not improper , to expresse their painefull , and their serious , watchfulnesse , who take upon themselves , the pastorall care ; and , in that function , truely watchfull are . the shepherds-crooke , doth some expression make of that regard , which , of their flocks , they take . the peble in the foote , doth seeme to showe , that , these must farther diligence bestowe , ( and , use their utmost pow●r ) themselves to keepe from slothfull ease ; and from intemp'rate sleepe : for , he that hath such duties undertooke , ( and , must the lives of others overlooke ) shall finde himselfe , unto himselfe become a burthen , and a charge more troublesome th●n all his flocke , unles , he still provide his owne , aswell as others waies , to guide . now , though this emblems morall doth concerne the clergie most ; yet , hence we all may learne strict watch to keepe ; since , unto all that bee , a watchmans place belongs , in some degree . which , to discharge , if wee endeavour , still , our universall shepherd aide us will , and us from harmes and error he will keepe , for , hee that guardeth isr'ell doth not sleepe . our dayes , untill our life hath end , in labours , and in hopes , wee spend . in spe et labore transigo vitam . illvstr. xvi . book . as soone as our first parents disobey'd , forthwith a curse , for their offence , was layd , inforcing them , and their succeeding race , to get their food , with sweatings of the face . but , afterward , this doome to mitigate , ( and ease the miseries of their estate ) god gave them hope , that she might helpe them beare the burthens of their travaile , and their care . a woman with an anchor , and a spade , an emblem of that mystery is made : and , this estate , wee all continue in , by god's free mercie , and our proper sinne. by sinne , the labour is on us intail'd ; by grace , it is , that hoping hath not fail'd ; and , if in hope , our labours wee attend , that curse will prove a blessing , in the end . my lot is hope , and labour ; and , betweene these two , my life-time hath prolonged beene : yet , hitherto , the best of all my paine , with most of all my hopes have beene in vaine ; and to the vvorld-ward , i am like to wast my time in fruitlesse labours , till the last . however , i have still my hopes as faire as hee , that hath no temptings to despaire ; and , change i will not , my last howres for theirs , whose fortune , more desirable appeares ; nor cease to hope and labour , though , of most , my hope and labour be adjudged lost : for , though i lose the shaddow of my paines , the stubstance of it , still , in god , remaines . man's life , no temper , more doth blesse , then simple-prudent-harmelessenesse . prudente simplicitate . illvstr. xvii . book . when from the harmelesse turt●e , and the snake , their most commended properties wee take , ( and , mixe them well ) they make a composition , which yeelds a temper of the best condition . yet , wickednesse , or sorrow , doth abound , where , any one of these , alone , is found : for , whensoe're the serpents-braine we find , with which , there is no dove like-mockenesse joyn'd , ( without all peradventure ) thence proceedes , all harmefull fraud , and all injurious deedes . and , where such meekenesse as doth seeme to be in harmelesse doves , divided you shall see from that discretion , and that policie , which in the serpents head , is thought to lie ; they liable to ev'ry wrong become ; and , to it selfe , make vertue burthensome . but , where these two are ioyned , they procure a life so sweet , so rich , and so secure , that , all the pow'rs of malice cannot shake their out-workes , nor within them , terrors make . vouchsafe thou oh my god! vouchsafe , in me , that these two vertues may vnited be . such prudence give , as never will disdaine the dove-like innocencie , to retaine . that meekenesse , grant me , which delighteth not , it selfe , with indiscretion , to besot : but , let these two , each other so defend , and , so , in me continue , till my end , that , simple p●udence , i may still possesse , although the world shall count it foolishnesse . where er'e we dwell , the heav'ns are neere ; let us but fly , and wee are there . transitus celer est et avolamus . illvstr. xviii . book . why , with a trembling faintnesse , should we feare the face of death ? and , fondly linger here , as if we thought the voyage to be gone lay through the shades of styx or acheron ? or , that we either were to travell downe to uncouth deapthes , or up some heights unknowne ? or , to some place remote , whose nearest end is farther then earths limits doe extend ? it is not by one halfe that distance , thither where death , le ts in , as it is any whither : no not by halfe so farre , as to your bed ; or , to that place , where you should rest your head , if on the ground you layd your selfe ( ev'n there ) where at this moment you abiding are . this emblem shewes ( if well you looke thereon ) that , from your glasse of life , which is to run , there 's but one step to death ; and , that you tread at once , among the living , and , the dead . in whatsoever land , we live or die , god is the same ; and , heav'n is , there , as nigh as in that place , wherein , we most desire our soules , with our last breathing , to expire . which things , well heeding ; let us not delay our iourney , when we summon'd are away , ( as those inforced pilgrims use to doe , that know not whither , nor , how farre they goe ) nor let us dreame that we in time , or place , are farre from ending our uncertaine race . but , let us fixe on heav'n , a faithfull eye , and , still , be flying thither , till wee die . his pace , must wary be , and slow , that hath a slippery-way to goe . pede tentim . illvstr. xix . book . a travailer , when he must undertake to seek his passage , o're some frozen lake , with leisure , and with care , he will assay the glassy smoothnesse of that icie-way , lest he may slip , by walking over-fast ; or , breake the crackling pavement , by his hast : and , so ( for want of better taking heed ) incurre the mischiefes of vnwary-speed . we are all travellers ; and , all of us have many passages , as dangerous , as frozen lakes ; and , slippery-wayes , we tread , in which our lives may soone be forfeited , ( with all our hopes of life-eternall , too ) unlesse , we well consider what we doe . there is no private way , or publicke path , but rubs , or holes , or slipp'tinesse it hath , whereby , wee shall with mischiefes meet ; unlesse , wee walke it , with a stedfast-wartnesse . the steps to honour , are on pinacles compos'd of melting snow , and isicles ; and , they who tread not nicely on their tops , shall on a suddaine slip from all their hopes . yea , ev'n that way , which is both sure and holy , and , leades the minde from vanities and folly , is with so many other path-wayes crost , as , that , by rashnesse , it may soone be lost ; vnlesse , we well deliberate , upon those tracts , in which our ancestours have gone : and , they who with more haste , then heed , will runne , may lose the way , in which they well begunne . our pelican , by bleeding , thus , fulfill'd the law , and cured vs. pro lege et pro grege . illvstr. xx. book . looke here , and marke ( her sickly birds to feed ) how freely this kinde pelican doth bleed . see , how ( when other salves could not be found ) to cure their sorrowes , she , her selfe doth wound ; and , when this holy emblem , thou shalt see , lift up thy soule to him , who dy'd for thee . for , this our hieroglyphick would expresse that pelican , which in the wildernesse of this vast world , was left ( as all alone ) our miserable nature to bemone ; and , in whose eyes , the teares of pitty stood , when he beheld his owne unthankfull brood his favours , and his mercies , then , contemne , when with his wings he would have brooded them : and , sought their endlesse peace to have confirm'd , though , to procure his ruine , they were arm'd . to be their food , himselfe he freely gave ; his heart was pierc'd , that he their soules might save . because , they disobey'd the sacred-will , he , did the law of righteousnesse fulfill ; and , to that end ( though guiltlesse he had bin ) was offred , for our vniversall-sinne . let mee oh god! for ever , fixe mine eyes vpon the merit of that sacrifize : let me retaine a due commemoration of those deare mercies , and that bloudy passion , which here is meant ; and , by true faith , still , feed vpon the drops , this pelican did bleed ; yea , let me firme unto thy law abide , and , ever love that flocke , for which he dy'd . bee iust ; for , neither sea nor land , shall hide thee from the royall-hand . discite iustitiam . illvstr. xxi . book . that , which wee call the sea-horse , is a creature , whereby the priests of aegypt , wonted were , to typify an ill-disposed nature ; and , such , as to their parents , cruell are : because , this monster ( as their authors write ) when strong he growes , becommeth so ingrate , that he pursues , with violent despight , his old and weakly sire , which him begate . contrariwise , the storke , they figur'd , then , when they occasion had , to signifie the good condition , of those honest men , who pleasure take , in workes of piety : because , the storkes , not onely harmed none , but , holpe their aged parents in their need ; and , those offensive serpents , prey'd upon , which , in the fennes of aegypt , yearely , breed . the royall-crowne , therefore , supporting thus that pious fowle , and overtopping , here , the wicked , and the fierce hyppotamus , may serve to comfort , and to keep in feare . for , it informes , that , if we pious grow , and love our princes ( who those parents bee , to whom all subjects , filiall duties owe ) the blessings of their favours , we shall see . it shewes us , also , that , if we affect vnrighteous-wayes , no wit , or strength of our , nor any vncouth-place , shall us protect from being reached , by the sov'raigne-power . the way of iustice , therefore , learne thou still , for love of goodnesse , or for feare of ill. take wing , my soule , and mount up higher ; for , earth , fulfills not my desire . non est mortale quod opto . illvstr. xxii . book . when ganymed , himselfe was purifying , great iupiter , his naked beauty spying , sent forth his aegle ( from below to take him ) a blest inhabitant , in heav'n to make him : and , there ( as poets feigned ) he doth still , to iove , and other god heads , nectar fill . though this be but a fable , of their feigning , the morall is a reall truth , pertayning to ev'ry one ( which harbours a desire above the starry circles , to aspire . ) by ga●ymed , the soule is understood , that 's washed in the purifying flood of sacred baptisme ( which doth make her seeme both pure and beautifull , in god's esteeme . ) the aegle , meanes that heav'nly contemplation , which , after washings of regeneration , lifts up the minde , from things that earthly bee , to view those objects , which faith's eyes doe see . the nectar , which is filled out , and given to all the blest inhabitants of heaven , are those delights , which ( christ hath sayd ) they have , when some repentant soule beginnes to leave her foulnesse ; by renewing of her birth , and , slighting all the pleasures of the earth . i aske not , lord , those blessings to receive , which any man hath pow'r to take , or give ; nor , what this world affords ; for , i contemne her favours ; and have seene the best of them : nay , heav'n it selfe , will unsufficient bee , vnlesse , thou , also , give thy selfe , to mee . through many spaces , time doth run , and , endeth , where it first begun . in se sua per uestigia uoluitur . illvstr. xxiii . book . old sages by the figure of the snake ( encircled thus ) did oft expression make of annuall-revolutions ; and of things , which wheele about in everlasting-rings ; there ending , where they first of all begun , and , there beginning , where the round was done . thus , doe the planets ; thus , the seasons doe ; and , thus , doe many other creatures , too . by minutes , and by houres , the spring steales in , and , rolleth on , till summer doth begin : the summer brings on autumne , by degrees ; so ripening , that the eye of no man sees her entrances . that season , likewise , hath to winter ward , as leasurely a path : and , then , cold winter wheeleth on amaine , vntill it bring : the spring about againe , with all those resurrections , which appeare , to wait upon her comming , every yeare . these roundells , helpe to shew the mystery of that immense and blest eternitie , from whence the creatvre sprung , and , into whom it shall , againe , with full perfection come , when those additions , it hath fully had , which all the sev'rall orbes of time can add . it is a full , and fairely written scrowle , which up into it selfe , it selfe doth rowle ; and , by vnfolding , and , infolding , showes a round , which n●ither end , nor entrance knowes . and ( by this emblem ) you may partly see , t is that which is , but , cannot uttred be . each day a line , small tasks appeares : yet , much it makes in threescore yeares . nulla dies sine linea . illvstr. xxiv . book . here 's but one line ; and , but one line a day , is all that taske our motto , seemes to lay : and ; that is thought , perhaps , a thing so small , as if it were as good bee nought at all . but , be not so deceiv'd ; for , oft you see small things ( in time ) great matters , rise to be : yea , that , which when the same was first begun , a trifle seem'd , ( and easie to be done ) by long nelect of time , will burthensome , and , at the last , impossible , become . great clarkes , there are , who shall not leave behinde them , one good weekes worke , for future times to minde them , ( in callings , either humane , or divine ) who , by composing but each day a line , might authors , of some famous workes appeare , in sixtie , seventie , or in eightie yeare ; to which , ten hundred thousands have arrived of whom , we see no signe that ev'r they lived . and , with much pleasure , wee might all effect , those needfull works , which often we neglect , ( vntill too late ) if we but , now and then did spare one houre to exercise the penn . for , still , one-line , another diaweth on , and , line by line , great workes at last . are done . whereas , dis use , and many dayes mispent , without their lines , let in discouragement , or , bring despaire ; which doth 〈◊〉 sot●ish make us , that we , to no endeavour can berake us . marke this , and , labour in some honest way , as much as makes , at least , one line a day , our outward hopes will take effect , according to the king's aspect . ad regis nutus . illvstr. xxv . book . when phoebus with a cheerefull eye , beholds the flow'r-embroydred earth , and freely spreads his beames abroad ; behold , the marigolds beginne to reare their low-dejected heads : the tulips , daysies , and the heliotropes of ev'ry kinde , their closed leaves display ; and ( as it were ) with new-recover'd hopes , attend upon the ruler of the day . againe , when either in the west he shrowds his rayes below this horizon , or hides his face behinde the curtaines of the cloudes ; they lose their beauties , and abate their prides . thus fares it with a nation , and their king , 'twixt whom there is a native sympathy . his presence , and his favours , like the spring , doe make them sweetly thrive , and fructity : yea ( like fresh groves , or flow'rs of pleasing hew ) themselves in all their jollity they showe ; but , they , if with displeasure , them he view , soone lose their glory , and contemned growe . all , are not heliotropes that favour'd growe , in princes courts ; nor marigolds , that beare the golden blossomes ; but some spring below , like daysie , flow'rs , that in the pathwayes are : yet all shall feele it , when their sov'radgues eye doth frowne , or smile , regard , or else neglect : yea , it will finde them in obscurity , by some disheartning , or some sweet effect . vouchsafe to shine on mee , my gracious king , and then my wi●her'd leaves , will freshly , spring . the right-hand . way , is vertues path , though rugged passages it hath . hac virtutis iter . illvstr. xxvi . book . i fany covet knowledge of that path , which thither tends , where peace her dwelling hath , this emblem ( being well observ'd ) will show on whether side , it will be best to goe . the left ▪ hand way , seemes to be walk'd , at ease , through lawnes , and downes , and green-swath'd passages ; and , much allures the traveller , to trie the many pleasures , which doe that way lye . the right-hand-course , is through a pathlesse-mo●nd of newly ploughed , and deep-furrow'd ground ; which , as uneasie seemeth , to be gone , as , in appearance , rough to looke upon . yet , this is vertue 's path : this way uneven , is that , which unto ev'ry man is given , to travaile in ; and , hath a safer ending , then those , whereon more pleasures are attending : and ( though it leades us thither , where we see few promises of outward glories bee ) it brings ( us when we passe the common fight ) through easy tracts , to gaine our hearts delight . the other way ( though seeming streight , it lyes , to pleasure's pallaces , before our eyes ) hath many rubs , and perills , which betweene our hopes , and vs , will alwayes lurke unseene ; till we are drawne so farre , that 't will be vaine , to seeke , with safety , to returne againe . this , let us heed , and , still , be carefull , too , which course is most concerneth us to goe . and , though the left-hand-way , more smoothnesse hath , let us goe forward , in the right-hand-path . i was erected for a bound , and i resolve to stand my ground . concedo nulli . illvstr. xxvii . book . the bounder-stones , held sacred , heretofore , some did so superstitiously adore , as , that they did not onely rev'rence doe them , but , have ascrib'd a kinde of god-head , to them : for , terminus had many a sacrifize , as well as other senslesse deities . i am not so prophane , as to desire such ethnick zeale should set our hearts on fire : but , wish i could , men better did regard those bounders , which antiquity hath rear'd ; and , that , they would not , with so much delight , there , make incroachments , where they have no righ● ▪ that , ev'ry man might keep his owne possessions , our fathers , us'd in reverent processions ( with zealous prayers , and with praisefull cheere ) to walke their parish ▪ limits , once a yeare : and , well knowne markes ( which sacrilegious hands now cut or breake ) so bord'red out their lands , that , ev'ry one distinctly knew his owne ; and , many brawles , now rise , were then unknowne . but , since neglected , sacred bounders were , most men incroachers , and intruders are : they grieve each other , and their dues they steale , from ●rince , from parent , and from common-weale . nay , more ; these bold vsurpers are so rude ; that , they , on christ's inheritance intrude . but , that will be aveng'd ; and ( on his right ) though such incroach , he will not lose it quite : for , hee 's that bounder , and that corner-stone , who all confines , and is confin'd , of none . where lovers fitly matched be , in mutuall-duties , they agree manus manum lauat . illvstr. xxviii . book . would god , i could as feelingly infus● ▪ a good effect of what this emblem shewes , as i can tell in words , what moralls bee , the use of that , which here you pictur'd fee. most lovers , minde their penny , or their pleasure ; or , painted honors ; and , they all things measure , not as they are , but as they helpfull seeme , in compassing those toyes , they most esteeme . though many wish to gaine a faithfull friend , they seldome seeke one , for the noblest end : nor know they ( should they finde what they had sought ) how friendship should be manag'd , as it ought . such , as good husbands covet , or good wives ( the deare companions of most happy lives ) wrong courses take to gaine them ; yet , contemne their honest love , who rightly counsell them : and , lest , they unawares the marke may hit , they blinde their judgements , and befoole their wit. he , that will finde a friend , must seeke out one to exercise unfeigned love upon ; and , mutuall-duties , must both yield ▪ and take , not for himselfe , but , for his friendship sake . such , as doe rightly marry , neither be with dowries caught , nor wooe a pedigree ; nor. meerely come together , when they wed , to reape the youthfull pleasures of the bed : but , seeke that fitnesse , and , that sympathy , which maketh up the perfect'st amity . a paire , so match'd ; l●ke hands that wash each other , as mutuall helpes , will sweetly live together . when law , and armes , together meet , the world descends , to kisse tho●● feet . legibus et armis . illvstr. xxix . book . the picture of a crowned king , here , stands upon a globe ; and , with outstretched hands , holds forth , in view , a law booke , and a sword : which plaine and moderne figures , may afford this meaning ; that , a king , who hath regard to courts for pleading , and a court of guard , and , at all times , a due respect will carry , to pious lawes , and actions military ; shall not be monarch , onely in those lands , that are , by birth right , under his commands : but , also , might ( if just occasion were ) make this whole globe of earth , his power to feare ; advance his favorites ; and , bring downe all his opposites , below his pedestall . his conquering sword , in forraigne realmes , he drawes , as oft , as there is just , or needfull cause : at home , in ev'ry province of his lands , at all times , armed are his trayned bands . his royall fleets , are terrours to the seas ; at all houres , rigg'd , for usefull voyages : and , often , be his navy doth increase , that warres provisions , may prolong his peace . nor , by the tenure of the sword , alone , delighteth he to hold his awfull throne , but , likewise , labours , mischiefes to prevent , by wholsome lawes , and rightfull goverment . for , where the sword commands , without the law , a tyrant keepes the land in slavish awe : and , where good lawes doe want an armed pow'r , rebellious knaves , their princes , will devoure . faire-shewes , we should not so much heed , as the vprightnesse of the deed. non quam formosa sed quam recta . illvstr. xxx . book . when wee should use a ruler , or a square , or such like instruments , as usefull are , in forming other things ; we prize not so the carving , or the colourable show ( which makes them beautifull in outward sight ) as when , for vsefulnesse , we finde them right . a warped bowe , though strung with silken threads , and , crooked arrowes , tipt with golden heads , delight not archers ; tyet , such uselesse toyes be fit enough for bunglers , and for boyes . a skilfull artist ( in what art soe're , he seekes , to make his ablenesse appeare ) will give large prices , with much more content , to buy a plaine ( if perfect ) instrument ; then , take for nothing ( or , for thankes alone ) an uselesse toole , though , gay to looke upon . from whence , observe ; that , if there must be sought , when meere mechanick-workes are to be wrought , such instruments , as rather have esteeme for their true-being , then for what they seeme . much more , should all those rules be such , whereby wee goe about , our selves to rectify ; and , build up , what in body , or in minde , we may defective , or impaired finde . else peradventure , that we thinke to mend , more faulty may become , at later end . but , hence , i chiefly learne , to take a care , my life , and actions , rather be sincere , then seeming such : and , yet , i le thinke no shame , to seeme , to be as honest , as i am . my substance , and my light , are spent , in seeking other mens content . aliis in serviendo consumor . illvstr. xxxi . book . if this nigh-wasted candle , you shall view , and , heed it well , it may enlighten you to looke with more compassion , on their paines , who rob themselves , to multiply your gaines . the taper burnes , to give another light , ev'n till it selfe , it hath consumed quite ; and , all the profit , which it thence doth winne , is to be snufft , by ev'ry commer-in . this is the lot of some , whom i have knowne , who , freely , all their life-time , have bestowne in such industrious labour , as appeares , to further others profits , more then theirs ; and , all their patrimonies , well nigh spent , the ruining of others , to prevent . the wit , the strength , and all the pow'r they had , ( which might , by probability , have made good meanes to raise them , in this world , as high , as most , who climbe to wealthy dignity ) ev'n these , they have bestow'd , to better them , who their indeavors , for their paines , contemne . these are those lamps , whose flames , from time to time , have through each age , and through-our ev'ry clime , to one another , that true light convey'd , which ignorance , had , els , long since betray'd to utter darknesse . these , despightfull pride oft snuffs ; and , oft , to put them out , hath try'd . but , from the brightnesse of such lights , as they , we got our light of knowledge , at this day . to them , god make us kinder ; and to him , more thankfull , that we gain'd such light by them . the safest riches , hee shall gaine , who alwayes faithfull doth remaine . ditat servata fides . illvstr. xxxii . book . the horne-of-plenty , which wealth signifies , the hand-in-hand , which plighted faith implies , ( together being painted ) seeme to teach , that , such as will be honest , shall be rich . if this be so , why then for lucre-sake , doe many breake the promises they make ? why doe they cheat and couzen , lye , and sweare ? why practise they all villanies that are ? to compasse wealth ? and , how doe such as they inlarge their ill-got portions , ev'ry day ? or , whence proceedes it , that sometimes we see those men grow poore , who faithfull seeme to bee ? thus , oft it proves ; and , therefore , falshood can , in likelihood , much more inrich a man , then blamelesse faith ; and , then , the motto here improper to this emblem , doth appeare . but , well enough they sute ; and , all is true , which these things ( being thus united ) shew . should it be then concluded , that all those , who poore and honest seeme , have made but showes of reall faith ? and , therfore , plagu'd have bin with publicke lashes , for their private sin ? indeed , sometime it hath succeeded so : but , know you should , that , most who richest grow , in outward-wealth , are very poore in that , which brings true plentie , and a blest estate : and , that , good men , though poore they seeme to bee , have riches , which the worldling cannot see , now he , who findes himselfe endow'd with such , ( what e're wee thinke him ) is exceeding rich . poore-theeves , in halters , we behold , and , great-theeves , in their chaines of gold . fvres privati in nervo pvblici in avro illvstr. xxxiii . book . if you , this emblem , well have look'd upon , although you cannot helpe it , yet , bemone the worlds blacke impudence ; and , if you can , continue ( or become ) an honest man. the poore , and petty pilferers , you see on wheeles , on gibbets , and the gallow tree trust up ; when they , that farre more guilty are , pearle , silke , and costly cloth of tissue , weare . good god! how many hath each land of those , who , neither limbe , nor life , nor credit lose ( but , rather live befriended , and applauded ) yet , have of all their livelihoods defrauded the helplesse widowes , in their great distresse ? and , of their portions , robd the fatherlesse ? yet , censur'd others errours , as if none had cause to say , that they amisse have done ? how many , have assi●ted to condemne poore soules , for what was never stolne by them ? and , persecuted others , for that sin , which they themselves , had more transgressed in ? how many worthlesse men , are great become , by that , which they have stolne , or cheated from their lords ? or ( by some practices unjust ) from those , by whom they had beene put in trust ? how many lawyers , wealthy men are growne , by taking fees , for causes overthrowne by their defaults ? how many , without feare , doe rob the king , and god , yet blamelesse are ? god knowes how many ! would i did so , too , so i had pow'r to make them better doe . whil'st thou dost , here , injoy thy breath , continue mindfull of thy death . memento mori . illvstr. xxxiv . book . when thou beholdest on this burying-stone , the melancholly night-bird , sitting on the fleshlesse ruines of a rotten-skull , ( whose face , perhaps , hath been more beautifull , then thine is now ) take up a serious thought ; and , doe as thou art by the motto taught . remember death : and minde , i thee beseech , how soone , these fowles may at thy window screech ; or , call thee ( as the common people deeme ) to dwell in graves , and sepulchers , by them , where nothing else , but bats , and owles , appeare ; or , goblins , form'd by fancies , and , by feare . if thou shalt be advis'd , to meditate thy lat●er end , before it be too late , ( and , whil'st thy friends , thy strength , and wits may bee in likely case , to h●lp and comfort thee ) there may be courses taken , to divert thos● frights , which , else , would terrifie thy heart , when dea●h drawes neare ; and helpe thee plucke away that s●ng , of his , which would thy soule dis●ay . but , i● thou madly ramble onward , still , til t●ou art sinking downe that darkesome hill , which borders on the grave ( and dost b●ginne to see , ●he shades of terrour , and of sinne to fly ●crosse thy conscience ) 't will be hard to 〈◊〉 this lesson ; or , to be prepar'd for th●● sad parting , which , will forced bee , be●●● e●hi● much beloved world , and thee . consider this , therefo●e , while time thou hast , an● , put not off this bus'nesse , till the last . doe not the golden meane , exceed , in word , in passion , nor in deed. serva modvm . illvstr. xxxv . book . as is the head-strong horse , and blockish mule , ev'n such , without the bridle , and the rule , our nature growes ; and , is as mischievous , till grace , and reason , come to governe us . the square , and bridle , therefore let us heed , and , thereby learne to know , what helpes wee need ; lest , else , ( they fayling , timely , to bee had ) quite out of order , wee , at length , bee made . the square , ( which is an usefull instrument , to shape foorth senselesse formes ) may represent the law : because , mankind , ( which is by nature , almost as dull , as is the senselesse-creature , ) is thereby , from the native-rudenesse , wrought ; and in the way of honest-living taught . the bridle , ( which invention did contrive , to ●ule , and guide the creature-sensitive ) may type fo●●h discipline ; which , when the law , hath school'd the wit , must keepe the will in awe . and , hee that can by these , his passions bound , this emblems meaning , usefully , hath found . lord , let thy sacred law , at all times , bee a rule , a master , and a glasse to mee ; ( a bridle , and a light ) that i may , still , both know my dutie , and obey thy will. direct my feet ; my hands , instruct thou so , that i may neither wander , nor mis●doe . my lookes , my hearing , and my wordes confine , to keepe still firme , to ev'ry word of thine . on thee , let also my desires attend : and , let me hold this temper , till mine end . wee then have got the surest prop , when god , alone , becomes our hope . fvlcrvm tvtis simvm illvstr. xxxvi . book . i should not care how hard my fortunes were , might still my hopes be such , as now they are , of helpes divine ; nor feare , how poore i bee , if thoughts , yet , present , still may bide in mee . for , they have left assurance of such ayd , that , i am of no dangers , now afraid . yea , now i see , mee thinkes , what weake and vaine supporters i have sought , to helpe sustaine my fainting heart ; when some injurious hand , would undermine the station where i stand . me thinks , i see how scurvie , and how base , it is to scrape for favours , and for grace , to men of earthly minds ; and unto those , who may , perhaps , before to morrow lose their wealth , ( or their abus'd authoritie ) and , stand as much in want of helpe as i. me thinks , in this new-rapture , i doe see the hand of god from heaven supporting me , without those rotten-ayds , for which i whinde , when i was of my tother vulgar-minde : and , if in some one part of me it lay , i , now , could cut that limbe of mine away . still , might i keepe this mind , there were enough within my selfe , ( beside that cumbring stuffe wee seeke without ) which , husbanded aright , would make mee rich , in all the worlds despight . and , i have hopes , that , had shee quite bereft mee , of those few ragges and toyes , which , yet , are left me ; i should on god , alone , so much depend , that , i should need , nor wealth , nor other friend . true vertue , firme , will alwayes bide , by whatsoever suffrings tride . virtus inexpugnabilis . illvstr. xxxvii . book . this is a well-knowne figure , signifying , a man , whose vertues will abide the trying : for , by the nature of the diamond stone , ( which , violence , can no way worke upon ) that patience , and long-suffering is intended , which will not bee with injuries offended ; nor yeeld to any base dejectednesse , although some bruising pow'r , the same oppresse ; or , such hard streights , as theirs , that hamm'rings feele , betwixt an anvile , and a sledge of steele . none ever had a perfect vertue , yet , but , that most pretious-stone , which god hath set on his right hand , in beaming-majestie , vpon the ring of blest eternitie . and , this , is that impenitrable stone , the serpent could not leave impression on , ( nor signe of any path-way ) by temptations , or , by the pow'r of fly insinuations : which wond●ous mysterie was of those five , whose depth king solomon could never dive . good god! vouchsafe , ev'n for that diamond-sake , that , i may of his pretiousnesse , partake , in , all my trialls ▪ make mee alwayes able to bide them , with a minde impenitrable , how hard , or oft so'ere , those hamm'rings bee , wherewith afflictions must new fashion mee . and , as the common diamonds polish'd are , by their owne dust ; so , let my errours weare each other ou● ; and , when that i am pure , give mee the lustre , lord , that will endure . truth , oft oppressed , wee may see , but , quite supprest it cannot bee . veritas premitur non opprimitur . illvstr. xxxviii . book . this is that fruitfull plant , which when it growes , where wholesome water in abundance flowes , was , by the psalmist , thought a likely tree , the emblem , of a blessed-man , to bee : for , many wayes , it fitly typifies , the righteous-man , with his proprieties ; and , those true vertues , which doe helpe increase his growing , in the state of blessednesse . the palme , ( in this our emblem , figur'd , thus ) d●pressed with a stone , doth shew to us the pow'r of truth : for , as this tree doth spread , and thrive the more , when weights presse downe the head ; so , gods eternall truth ( which all the pow'r and spight of hell , did labour to devoure ) sprung high , and flourished the more , thereby , when tyrants crush'd it , with their crueltie . and , all inferiour truths , the same will doe , according as they make approaches to the best perfection ; or , as they conduce to god's due praise , or some such pious use . lord , still , preserve this truth's-integritie , although on ev'ry side , the wicked prie , to spie how they may disadvantage it . yea , lord , though sinners in high place doe sit , ( as david saith ) yet , let them not oppresse thy veritie , by their imperiousnesse . but , make both her , and her professors , bide the test , like silver seven times purifide . that , all truths lovers , may with comfort see , shee may depre●t , but , not , oppressed bee . they , who but slowly-paced are , by plodding on , way travaile farre . pas a pas . illvstr. xxxix . book . the big-bon'd oxe , in pace is very slow , and , in his travaile , step by step , doth goe , so leisurely , as if he tir'd had bin , before his painfull iourney did beginne ; yet , all the day , he stifly ploddeth on , vntill the labour of the day be done : and , seemes as fresh ( though he his taske hath wrought ) as when to worke , he first of all was brought . meane-while , the palfray , which more swiftnesse had , hath lost his breath , or proves a resty-jade . this emblem , therefore , maketh it appeare , how much it profiteth , to persevere ; and , what a little industry will doe , if wee continue constant thereunto . for , meanest faculties , discreetly us'd , may get the start , of nobler gifts , abus'd . this , may obserued be in many a one : for ( when their course of life was first begunne ) some , whose refined wits , aspi'rd as high , as if above the sphaeres , they were to flie : by sloth , or pride , or over-trusting to their owne sufficiencies , themselves undoe . yea and those forward-wits , have liv'd to see themselves inferiours , unto those , to be , whom , they did in their jollity , contemne , as blocks , or dunces , in respect of them . then , learne , great-wits , this folly to prevent : let meane-wits , take from hence , incouragement : and , let us all , in our affaires proceed , with timely leisure , and with comely speed . vncertaine , fortunes favours , bee , and , as the moone , so changeth shee . fortuna ut luna . illvstr. xl. book . ovr author , peradventure , giveth us dame fortune ( for these reasons ) pictur'd , thus : she hath a comely-body , to declare , how pleasing shee doth usually appeare to them , that love her favours . she is blinde , ( or , hath still closed eyes ) to put in minde , how blindly , and how heedlesly , she throwes her largesse , where her bounty , she bestowes . she stands upon a ball ; that , wee may learne , of outward things , the tottering , to discerne : her ball hath wings ; that it may signifie how apt her favours are , away to flie . a skarfe displayed by the wind , she beares , ( and , on her naked-body , nothing weares ) to shew , that what her favorite injoyes , is not so much for vsefulnesse , as toyes . her head is hairelesse , all , except before ; to teach thee , that thy care should be the more to hold her formost kindnesse , alwayes fast ; lest , she doe show thee slipp'ry tricks , at last . and , lastly , that her changing may be showne ; she beareth in her hand a wayned_moone . by this description , you may now descry her true conditions , full as well as i : and , if you , still , suppose her , worth such honour , you have my leave to wooe , and wayt upon her . moreover ( to her credit ) i confesse , this motto falsly saith , her ficklenesse is like the moones : for , she hath frown'd on mee twelve moones , at least ; and , yet , no cha●●e i see vntill the steele , the flint shall smite , it will afford nor heat , nor light. ante ferit quam flamma micet . illvstr. xli . book . whilst by the high-way-side , the flint-stone lies , drie , cold , and hardnesse , are the properties we then perceive : but , when we prove it nigher , we finde , that , coldnesse doth inclose a fire ; and , that , though raine , nor cloudie-skie appeares , it will be ( many times ) bedew'd with teares . from hence , i mind , that many wronged are by being judg'd , as they , at first , appeare ; and , that , some should bee prais'd , whom wee despise , if inward-grace , were seene with outward-eyes . but , this is not that morall ( wee confesse ) which this our emblem , seemeth to expresse : for ( if the motto speake the meaning right ) it shewes , that , hard-afflictions first must smi●e our hardned hearts , before it will bee seene , that any light of grace , in them , hath beene . before the flint will send forth shining rayes , it must bee strucken , by the steele , ( it sayes . ) another morall , adde we may to this , ( which , to the figure , sutes not much amisse . ) the steele , and flint , may fitly represent hard-hearted men , whose mindes will not relent : for , when in opposition , such become , the fire of malice , flames and sparkles from their threatning eyes ; which else , close hidden rests , within the closets of their flintie brests : and , flame out-right it will not , ( though it smokes ) till strife breake passage , for it , by her strokes . if any of these moralls may doe good , the purpose of my paines is understood . my wit got wings and , high had flowne . but , povertie did keepe mee downe . pavpertate premor subleuor ingenio . illvstr. xlii . book . you little thinke , what plague it is to bee , in plight like him , whom pictur'd here you see . his winged-arme , and his up lifted-eyes , declare , that hee hath wit , and will , to rise : the stone , which cl●gs his other hand , may show that , povertie and fortune , keepe him low : and , twixt these two , the bodie and the mind , such labours , and such great vexations finde , that , if you did not such mens wants contemne , you could not chuse but helpe , or pitie them . all ages had ( and , this i know hath some ) such men , as to this misery , doe come : and , many of them , at their lot , so grieve , as if they knew , ( or did at least beleeve ) that , had their wealth suffiz'd them to aspire ( to what their witts deserve , and they desire ) the pr●sent age. and future ages too , might gaine have had , from what they thought to doe . perhaps i dream'd so once : but , god be prais'd , the clog which kept me downe , from being rais'd , was chain'd so fast , that ( if such dreames i had ) my thoughts , and longings , are not now so mad . for , plaine i see , that , had my fortunes brought such wealth , at first , as my small wit hath sought ; i might my selfe , and others , have un●one , instead of courses , which i thought to runne . i finde my povertie , for mee was fit ; yea , and a blessing , greater than my wit : and , whether , now , i rich or poore become , t is nor much pleasing , nor much troublesome . a mischiefe , hardly can be done , where many-pow'rs are knit in one . virtus unita fortior . illvstr. xliii . book . observe the sheafe of arrowes , figur'd here ; and , how the pow'r , and fury , of the beare ( though hee attempt it ) no device can finde to breake one slender-shaft , while they are joyn'd : whereas , were they divided , strength but small , like rotten kexes , would soone breake them all . this emblem , therefore , fitly doth imply that safeguard , which is found in vnity ; and , shewes , that , when dis-union is begunne , it breedeth dangers , where before were none . the psalmist , numerous off-springs , doth compare to quivers , that with shafts replenish'd are . when vnity hath knit them in her hands , they prove like arrowes in a gyants hands . and , though , for these , their foes in wayt have layd , they shall not be supriz'd , nor made afrayd . consider this , yee children of one sire , 'twixt whom , is kind ad some contentious fire , and , reconciled be , left 〈◊〉 , at length , consume away the marrow of your strength ; or , by dividing , of your joyned-pow'r , make way for those , who studie to devoure . yea , let us all consider , as we ought , what lesson , by this emblem , we are taught . for , wee are brethren all ; and ( by a bloud more precious , then our nat'rall brother-hood ) not knit , alone , but mingled , as it were , into a league ; which is , by much , more deare , and , much more dangerous , to be undone , then all the bands , that can he thought upon . they , best injoy their hearts desires , in whom , love , kindles mutuall-fires . amore mutuo . illvstr. xliv . book . what may the reason be , that , when desire hath kindled in the brest , a loving-fire , the flame , which burn'd awhile , both cleere & strong , becomes to be extinguished , ere long ? this emblem gives the reason ; for , it showes , that , when affection , to perfection growes , the fire , which doth inlighten , first , the same , is made an equall , and a mutuall-flame . these burning torches , are alike in length ; to shew , love equall , both in time , and strength . they , to each otherward , their flames extend , to teach us , that , true-lovers have no end pertayning to selfe-love ; and , lo , betweene these two , one flaming heart , is to be seene ; to signifie , that , they , but one , remaine in minde ; though , in their persons , they are twaine . he , doubtlesse , then , who lov'd , and , giveth over , deserveth not the title of a lover at or , else , was unrequited in affection , and , was a lover , with some imperfection . for , love , that loves , and is not lov'd as much , may perfect grow ; but , yet , it is not such , nor can be , till it may that object have , which gives a heart , for what it would receive : and , lookes not so much outward , as to heed what seemes within , to want , or to exceed . whether our emblem 's author , thought of this , you need not care ; nor , will it be amisse , if they who perfect lovers , would be thought , doe mind , what by this morall , they are taught . where many-forces joyned are , vnconquerable-pow'r , is there concordia insuperabilis . illvstr. xlv . book . an emblem 's meaning , here , i thought to conster ; and , this doth rather fashion out a monster , then forme an hieroglyphicke : but , i had these figures ( as you see them ) ready made by others ; and , i meane to morallize their fancies ; not to mend what they devise . yet , peradventure , with some vulgar praise , this picture ( though i like it not ) displayes the morall , which the motto doth imply ; and , thus , it may be sayd to signifie . he , that hath many faculties , or friends , to keepe him safe ( or to acquire his ends ) and , fits them so ; and , keepes them so together , that , still , as readily , they ayd each other , as if so many hands , they had been made ; and , in one-body , usefull being had : that man , by their assistance , may , at length , attaine to an unconquerable strength ; and , crowne his honest hopes , with whatsoever he seekes for , by a warranted endeavour . or , else , it might be sayd ; that , when we may make our affections , and , our sense , obay the will of reason , ( and , so well agree , that , we may finde them , still , at peace to be ) they 'l guard us , like so many armed hands ; and , safely keepe us , whatsoere withstands . if others thinke this figure , here , inferres a better sense ; let those interpreters vnriddle it ; and , preach it where they please : their meanings may be good , and so are these . the hearts of kings are in god's hands ; and , as he lists , he them commands . in manu dei cor regis . illvstr. xlvi . book . why doe men grudge at those , who raysed be , by royall favour , from a low degree ? know this ▪ hee should be honour'd , whom the king , to place of dignity , shall please to bring . why should they blame their kings , for fav'ring such , whom , they have thought , scarce meriting so much ? god rules their hearts ; and , they , themselves deceive , who dreame , that kings exalt , without gods leave . why murmure they at god , for guiding so the hearts of kings , as oft they see him doe ? or , at his workes , why should they take offence , as if their wit , could teach his providence ? his just , and his all-seeing wisedome knowes , both whom , and why he crownes , or overthrowes ; and , for what cause , the hearts of princes , bee inlarg'd , or shut ; when we no cause can see ; we sometime know , what 's well , and what 's amisse ; but , of those truths , the root concealed is ; and , false-hoods , and uncertainties , there are , in most of those things , which we speake , or heare . then , were not kings directed by god's hand , they , who are best , and wisest in the land , might oft misguide them , either by receiving a false report , or , by some wrong-believing . god's grace it is , that good-men rays'd have bin : if sinners flourish , we may thanke our sin. both good and bad , so like in out-sides be , that , kings may be deceiv'd , in what they see ; and , if god had not rul'd their hearts aright , the world , by this time , had been ruin'd quite . a vertue hidden , or not us'd , is either sloth , or grace abus'd . celata virtus ignavia est. illvstr. xlvii . book . the world hath shamelesse boasters , who pretend , in sundry matters , to be skill'd so well , that , were they pleased , so their houres to spend , they say , they could in many things excell . but , though they make their hearers to beleeve , that , out of modestie their gifts they hide , in them wee very plainely may perceive , or sloth , or envy , ignorance , or pride . when other mens endeavours they peruse , they either carpe at what they cannot mend ; or else of arrogance doe those accuse , who , to the publike view , their workes commend . if these men say , that they can poetize , but , will not ; they are false in saying so : for , he whose wit a little that way lies , will doing bee , though hee himselfe undoe . if they , in other faculties are learned , and , still , forbeare their talents to imploy ; the truest knowledge , yet , is undiscerned , and , that , they merit not , which they injoy . yea , such as hide the gifts they have received , ( or use them not , as well as they are able ) are like fayre eyes , of usefull sight bereaved ; or , lighted-candles , underneath a table . their glorioust part , is but a painted cloath , whose figures , to the wall-ward , still are hung ▪ their hidden vertues , are apparant sloth ; and , all their life , is to the publike wrong : for , they doe re●pe the fruits , by many sowne , and , leave to others , nothing of their owne . the moone , which is decreasing now , when shee returnes , will fuller , grow . redibo plenior . illvstr. xlviii . book . i never , yet , did murmuringly complaine , although those moones have long been in the waine , which on their silver shields , my elders wore , in battels , and in triumphs , heretofore . nor any mention have i ever made , of such eclipses , as those crescents had ; thereby , to move some comet , to reflect his fading-light , or daigne his good aspect . for , when i tell the world , how ill i fare , i tell her too , how little i doe care , for her despights : yea , and i tell it not , that , helpe , or pitie , might from her be got ; but , rather , that her favourites may see , i know my waynings , yet , can pleased bee . my light , is from the planet of the sunne ; and , though the course , which i obliquely runne , oft brings my outward fortunes to the waine , my light shall , one day , bee renew'd againe . yea , though to some , i quite may seeme to lose my light ; because , my follies interpose their shadowes to eclipse it : yet , i know , my crescents , will increase , and fuller , grow . assoone as in the flesh , i beeing had , i mooved on in courses retrograde , and , thereby lost my splendor : but , i feele soft motions , from that great eternall wheele , which mooveth all things , sweetly mooving mee , to gaine the place , in which i ought to bee : and , when to him , i backe returne , from whom at first i came , i shall at full become . bee warie , wheresoo're , thou bee : for , from deceit , no place is free . nusquam tuta fides . illvstr. xlix . book . some write ( but , on what grounds , i cannot tell ) that they , who neere unto the deserts dwell , where elephants are found , doe notice take , what trees they haunt , their sleeping-stocks to make ; that , when they rest against an halfe-sawne stemme , it ( falling ) may betray those beasts to them . now , though the part historicall , may erre , the morall , which this emblem doth inferre , is overtrue ; and , seemeth to imply , the world to bee so full of treacherie , as , that , no corner of it , found can be , in which , from falshoods engines , wee are free . i have observ'd the citie ; and , i finde the citizens , are civill , grave and kinde ; yet , many are deluded by their showes , and , cheated , when they trust in them repose . i have been oft at court ; where i have spent , some idle time , to heare them complement : but , i have seene in courtiers , such deceit , that , for their favours , i could never wait . i doe frequent the church ; and , i have heard gods judgements , by the preachers , there , declar'd , against mens falshoods ; and , i gladly heare their zealous prayers , and good counsells there ; but , as i live , i finde some such as they , will watch to doe a mischiefe , if they may . nay , those poore sneaking clownes , who seeke their living , as if they knew no manner of deceiving ; ev'n those , their witts , can ( this way ) so apply , that , they 'l soone cousen , wiser men , than i. this day , my houre-glasse , forth is runne ; thy torch , to morrow , may bee done . hodie mihi cras tibi . illvstr. l. book there is no day , nor minute of the day , in which , there are not ma●y sent away from life to death ; or , many drawing on , which , must within a little while bee gone . you , often , view the grave ; you , often , meet the buriers , and the mourners , in the street , conveying of some neighbour , ●o that home , which must , e're long , your dwelling-place become . you see the race , of many a youthfull sonne is finish'd , e're his father's course is done ; and , that the hand of death , regardeth neither sexe , youth , nor age ; but , mingleth all together . you , many times , in your owne houses , heare the groa●es of death , and view your children , there , your lov●ng parents , or , beloved wives , to gaspe for breath , and , labour for their lives . nay , you your selves , do sometime find the paines of sicknesse , in your bowels , and your vaines , the harbingers of death , sometime , begin to take up your whole bodie , for their inne . you beare their heavie aches , on your back ; you feele their twinges , make your heart strings crack ; and , sometime , lye imprison'd , and halfe dead , with age , or with diseases , on your bed : yet you deferre your ends ; and , still contrive , for temp'rall things ; as if you thought to live sixe ages longer : or had quite forgot , that , you , and others , draw one common-lot . but , that , you might not , still , the same forget , this emblem , and this motto , here were set . finis libri tertij . the third lotterie . the wreathes of glory , you affect , but , meanes to gaine them , you neglect ; and , ( though in doing , you delight ) you doe not , alwayes , what is right : nor are you growne , as yet , so wise , to know , to whom the richest prize doth appertaine ; nor what it is . but , now , you are inform'd of this. though you are weake , you much may doe , if you will set your wits thereto . for , meaner powres , than you have had , and , meaner wits , good shift have made , both to contrive , and compasse that , which abler men have wondred at . your strength , and wit , unite , therefore , and , both shall grow improov'd the more . perhaps , thou mayst be one of them , who , civill magistrates contemne ; and sleighteth , or else , flouteth at the ceremonies of e●●ate . that , ●hou mai● , therefore , learne to get , both better manners , and more wit , the sword , and mace , ( by some despiz'd ) is , for thy sake , now moralliz'd . by this thy lot , wee may misdoubt , thou look'st not warily about ; but , hudlest onward , without heed , what went before , or may succeed ; procuring losse , or discontent , which , circumspection , might prevent . therefore , with gratefulnesse , receive those counsells , which our moralls vive . thou hast , unworthily , repin'd , or , been displeased in thy mind , because , thy fortunes doe not seeme to fit thy worth ( in thy esteeme : ) and loe , to check thy discontent , thy lot , a morall , doth present ; and shewes , that , if thou vertuous bee , good-fortune , will attend on thee . when thy desires have good successe , thine owne endeavors , thou dost blesse ; but , seldome unto god thou giv'st due thanks , for that , which thou receiv'st . thine emblem , therefore , tells from whom the fruits of good endeavours , come : and , shewes ( if thou to thrive intend ) on whom , thou , alwayes , must depend . it may bee , thou art one of those , whose faith , more bold , than fruitfull growes ; and ( building on some false decree ) disheartnest those , that workers be to gaine ( with awfull-joy ) that prize , which , unto no man , god denies , that workes in hope ; and , lives by faith. marke , therefore , what thine emblem saith . thou hast been willing , that thy name , should live the life of honest-fame ; and , that , thy labours ( to thy praise ) continue might , in future dayes . behold ; the lot , thou hapnest on , hath showne , how this may well bee done . pursue the course , which there is taught , and , thy desires to passe are brought . thou , many things , hast well begun ; but , little , to good purpose , done : because , thou hast a fickle braine , and , hands that love to take no paine . therefore , it chanceth not amisse , that , thou hast such a chance , as this : for , if thou want not grace , or wit , thou maist , in time , have good of it . whatev'r you seeme to others , now , it was the harrow , and the plough , by which , your predecessors got , the fairest portion of your lot : and , ( that , it may encrease your wit ) they haunt you , in an emblem , yet . peruse our morall ; and , perchance , your profit , it will much advance . much labour , and much time you spend , to get an able-constant friend : but , you have ever sought him , there , where , no such precious iewells are : for , you , without have searching bin , to finde , what must be found within . this friend , is mention'd by this lot , but , god knowes where he may be got . thou seek'st for fame ; and , now art showne , for what , her trumpet shall be blowne . thine emblem , also , doth declare , what fame they get , who vertuous are , for praise alone ; and , what reward , for such like studies , is prepar'd . peruse it ; and , this counsell take ; bee vertuous , for meere vertues sake . this lot , those persons , alwayes finds , that have high thoughts , and loftie minds ; or , such as have an itch to learne , that , which doth nothing them concerne ; or , love to peepe , with daring eyes , into forbidden mysteries . if any one of these thou bee , thine emblem , lessons hath for thee . if all be true , these lots doe tell us , thou shouldst be of those fidling-fellowes , who , better practised are growne , in others matters , that their owne : or , one , that covets to be thought , a man , that 's ignorant of nought . if it be so , thy morall showes thy folly , and what from it slowes . thou hast some charge , ( who e're thou be ) which , tendance may expect from thee : and , well , perhaps , it may be fear'd , t is often left , without regard : or , that , thou dost securely sleep , when , thou should'st watch , more strictly , keep . thou knowest best , if it be so : take therefore heed , what is to doe . in secret , thou dost oft complaine , that , thou hast hop'd , and wrought in vaine ; and , think'st thy lot , is farre more hard , than what for others is prepar'd . an emblem , therefore , thou hast got , to shew , it is our common-lot , to worke and hope ; and , that , thou hast a blessing by it , at the last . that thou hast honestie , we grant ; but , prudence , thou dost often want : and , therefore , some have injur'd thee , who farre more wise , than honest bee . that , now , discretion thou mayst add , to those good-meanings thou hast had ; the morall of thine emblem , view ; and , what it counsels , that , pursue . to your long-home , you nearer are , than you ( it may bee ) are aware : yea , and more easie is the way , than you , perchance , conceive it may . lest , therefore , death , should grim appeare , and , put you in a causelesse feare ; ( or out of minding wholly passe ) this chance , to you allotted was . in slippery paths , you are to goe ; yea , they are full of danger too : and , if you heedfull should not grow , they 'l hazzard much , your overthrow . but , you the mischiefe may eschew , if wholsome counsell , you pursue . looke , therefore , what you may be taught , by that , which this your chance hath brought . this present lot , concernes full neere , not you alone , but all men here ; for , all of us , too little heed his love , who for our sakes , did bleed . t is true , that meanes , hee left behind him , which better teacheth how to minde him : yet , if wee both by that , and th●● , remember him , 't is not amisse . t is hop'd , you just , and pious are , more out of conscience , than for feare ; and , that you 'l vertuous courses take , for goodnesse , and for vertue-sake . yet , since the best men , sometimes may have need of helpes , in vertues way , those usefull moralls , sleight you not , which are presented by this lot. this lot pertaineth unto those , ( and who they bee , god onely knowes ) who , to the world , have no desire ; but , up to heav'nly things aspire . no doubt , but you , in some degree , indow'd with such affections bee ; and , had this emblem , that you might encourag'd bee , in such a flight . the state of temp'rall things to shew , yee have them , still , within your view ; for , ev'ry object that wee see , an emblem , of them , serves to bee , but , wee from few things , helps doe finde , to keepe eternitie in minde . this lot , an emblem brings , therefore , to make you thinke upon it more . vnlesse you better looke thereto , dis-use , and sloth , will you undoe . that , which of you despayred was . with ease , might have bin brought to passe , had but so much bin done , as may bee equall'd with one line a day . consider this ; and , to that end , the morall of your lot attend . m if wee mistake not , thou art one , who loves to court the rising-sunne ; and , if this lot , thy nature finde , thou to preferment hast a minde : if so , learne hence , by whose respect ( next god ) thou mayst thy hopes effect : then , seeke to winn his grace to thee , of what estate soe're thou bee . thou to a double-path art come ; and , peradventure , troublesome , thou findest it , for thee to know , on whether hand thou oughtst to goe . to put thee out of all suspect , of courses that are indirect ; thy morall points thee to a path , which hardship , but , no perill hath . you warned are of taking heede , that , never , you your bounds exceed ; and , also , that you be not found , to come within your neighbours bound . there may be some concealed cause , that , none but you , this emblem drawes . examine it ; and , if you see a fault , let it amended be . your emblems morall doth declare , when , lovers fitly matched are ; and , what the chiefest cause may be , why , friends and lovers disagree . perhaps , you somewhat thence , may learne , which your affection doth concerne . but , if it counsell you too late , then , preach it at your neighbours gate . m some , vrge their princes on to warre , and weary of sweet peace , they are . some , seeke to make them , dote on peace . ( till publike danger more encrease ) as if the world were kept in awe , by nothing else but preaching law. thy morall ( if of those thou art ) doth act a moderators part . t is feared , thou dost lesse esteeme , vpright to bee , than so to seeme ; and , if thine actions , faire appeare , thou carest not how soule they are . though this bee not thy fault alone , yet have a care of mending one : and , study thou , vpright to grow , as well in essence , as in show . some , all their time , and wealth have spent , in giving other men content ; and , would not grudge to waste their blood , to helpe advance the common-good . to such as these , you have been thought , not halfe so friendly as you ought . this lot therefore befalls , to shew , how great respects , to such , are due . you have been tempted ( by your leave ) in hope of lucre , to deceive : but , much , as yet , you have not swerv'd from faith , which ought to be observ'd . if well , hereafter , you would speed , in dealing-honestly , proceed : for , by your emblem , you shall see , that , honest-men , the richest bee . we hope , no person , here , beleeves , that , you are of those wealthy theeves , who , chaines of gold , and pearle doe weare , and , of those theeves , that , none you are , which weares a rope , wee , plainly see ; for , you , as yet unchanged bee : but , unto god , for mercie crie , else , hang'd you may bee , e're you die . you , willing are , to put away , the thinking on your latter-day : you count the mention of it , folly ; a meanes of breeding melancholly ; and , newes unfit for men to heare , before they come to sixtie-yeare . but , minde what counsels now are sent , and , mend , left you too late repent . your wits , your wishes , and your tongue , have run the wild grose-chase , too long ; and ( left all reason , you exceed ) of rules , and beines , you now have need . a bridle , therefore , and a square , prime figures , in your emblem , are . observe their morall , and i pray , be wise , and sober , if you may . because her ayd makes goodly showes , you , on the world , your trust repose ; and , his dependance , you despise , who , meerly , on god's helpe , relies . that , therefore , you may come to see , how pleas'd , and safe , those men may bee , who have no ayd , but god , alone ; this emblem , you have lighted on . some , thinke your vertue very much ; and , there is cause to thinke it such : for , many wayes it hath been tride ; and , well the triall doth abide , yet , think not , but some brants there are , which , your owne strength shall never beare . and , by the morall of your lot , learne , where , assistance may bee got . thou hast been grieved , and complain'd , because , the truth hath wrong sustain'd . but , that , dismayd thou shouldst not be , thine emblem will declare to thee , that , though the truth may suffer spite , it shall not bee depressed quite ; but , by opposing , spread the more , and , grow more pow'rfull than before . by rashnesse , thou hast often err'd , or , else , thou hadst been more preferr'd . but , future errours , to prevent , thou to the slow pac'd oxe art sent , to learne more slaydnesse ; and , to doe thy workes , with perseverance , too . hee that this creatures vertue scornes , may want it all , except his flornes . dame fortunes favour seemes to bee much lov'd , and longed for , of thee ; as if , in what , her hand bestowes , thou mightst thy confidence repose . but , that , her manners may bee knowne , this chance , upon thee , was bestowne . consider well , what thou hast got , and , on her flattrings , dote thou not . the steele and flint , declare , in part , the temper of a stony-heart ; and , shewe , that thence , no vertue flowes , till it be forced out , with blowes . some other , moralls thou maist learne , thereby , which will thy good , concerne : marke , therefore , what they doe declare , and , minde it , as occasions are . thou thinkst thy witt , had made thee great , had povertie not beene some let : but , had thy wealth as ample beene , as , thou thy witt , didst overweene ; insteed of thy desired height , perhaps , thou hadst beene ruin'd quite . hereafter , therefore , be content , with whatsoever god hath sent . to discord , thou art somewhat prone , and , thinkst thou mayst subsist alone ; regarding not how safe they bide , 〈◊〉 last , in concords bands , are tide . 〈◊〉 that thou mayst the better heed , what good , from vnion doth proceed , an emblem is become thy lot , from which , good caveats may be got . thou wouldst be lov'd ; and , to that end , thou dost both time , and labour spend : but , thou expect'st ( as wee beleeve ) more love , than thou dost meane to give . if so , thou , then , art much to blame : for , love affects a muturall-flame ; which , if it faile on either side , will never , long time , true abide . if all your pow'rs , you should unite , prevaile in your desires , you might : and , sooner should effect your ends , if you should muster up your friends . but , since your genius doth suspect , that , you such policie neglect , your lot presenteth to your view an emblem , which instructeth you . because , thou mayst be one of them , who dare the deeds of kings condemne ; ( as if such eyes as theirs and yours could view the depth of sov'raigne pow'rs ; or , see , how in each time , and place , god rules their hearts , in ev'ry case . ) to check thy sawcinesse , in this , an emblem comes not much amisse . of many goodly parts thou vauntst ; and , much thou hast , though much thou wantst : but , well it were , that , lesse , thou hadst , vnlesse more use thereof thou mad'st . that , therefore , thou mightst come to see , how vaine unpractiz'd vertues bee , peruse thine emblem , and , from thence , take usefull heed of thy offence . by this thy lot , it may appeare , decayd thy hopes , or fortunes are . but , that , thou mayst no courage lose , thine emblem , by example , showes , that , as the moone doth from the waine returne , and fill her orbe againe : so , thou thy fortunes mayst renew , if , honest hopes , thou shalt pursue . some foes , for thee , doe lie in wait , where thou suspectest no deceit ; yea , many a one , thy harme intends , whom thou dost hope will be thy friends : be therefore , heedfull , whom to trust ; what walke thou tak'st , and what thou dost ; for , by thine emblem , thou shalt see , that , warinesse , will needfull bee . it seemes , by drawing of this lot , the day of death , is much forgot ; and , that , thou needst a faithfull friend , to minde thee of thy latter-end . vnheeded , therefore , passe not by , what now thine emblem doth imply ; so , thou shalt heare ( without affright ) death 's message , though it were to night . thou seek'st by fickle chance , to gaine , what thou by vertue might'st attaine . endeavour well , and , nothing shall to thee , unfortunately fall : for , ev'ry variable chance , thy firme contentment , shall advance . but , if thou , yet , remaine in doubt , turne fortunes-wheele , once more , about . thy lot , no answere will bestow , to that , which thou desir'st to know ; nor canst thou , here , an emblem find , which to thy purpose is inclinde . perhaps , it is too late to crave , what thou desirest , now to have : or , but in vaine , to mention that , which thy ambition aymeth at . then , take it not in evill part , that , with a blanck , thou answer'd art . although you now refused not , to trie the fortune of your lot ; yet , you , perhaps , unwilling are , this company the same should heare , lest , some ha●sh morall should unfold such tricks , as you could wish untold . but , loe , you need not stand in awe ; for , 't is a blanck , which now you draw . it proves a blanck ; for , to what end , should wee a serious morall spend , where , teachings , warnings , and advise , esteemed are of little price ? your onely purpose , is to looke upon the pictures of this booke ; when , more discretion you have got , an emblem shall attend your lot. you might have drawne an emblem , here , in which your manners pictur'd were : but , some will vexe , when they shall see themselves , so painted out to bee , and , blame this booke as if it had by some unlawfull art been made : ( or , was contriv'd , that , to their shame , men , on themselves , might l●bels frame ) and , lest you may bee so unwise , your lot , an emblem , now , denies . because , good chances , others drew , to trie these lots , it pleased you . but , had you such an emblem found , as fits you rightly , you had froun'd ; or , inwardly , you would have chase , although you outwardly had laugh'd . you , therefore , very glad may bee , this proves a blanck ; and , so may wee . finis . a collection of emblemes , ancient and moderne : quickened vvith metricall illvstrations , both morall and 〈◊〉 : and disposed into lotteries , that jnstruction , and good counsell , may bee furthered by an honest and pleasant recreation . by george wither . the fourth booke . london , printed by avgvstine mathevves . mdcxxxiv . to the right honovrable phillip , earle of pembrooke , and m●vntgomerie , &c. lord chamberlaine of the houshould , knight of the most honourable order of the garter , and one of his majesties most honourable privie-councell . my honourable lord , though , worthlesse in my owne repute i am ; and , ( though my fortune , so obscures my name beneath my hopes ; that , now , it makes me seeme as little worth , in other mens esteeme , as in mine owne ; ) yet , when my merits were no better , than , to most , they now appeare , it pleased some , ev'n some of those that had the noblest names , ( and , those of whom was made the best account ) so lowly to descend , as , my well-meaning studies , to befriend . among those worthies , i may both bemone ( my selfe in him ) and memorize , for one , your much renowned brother , as a chiefe in bri●ging to my waned hopes , reliefe ; and , in my faculties , were i as able to honour him , as he was honourable , i would have showne , how , all this emperie hath lost a friend , in him , asmuch as i. to mee , so freely , of his owne accord it pleased him , his favours , to afford ; that , when our learned , and late sov'raigne-prince , ( by others mis-informed ) tooke offence at my free lines ; hee , foun'd such meanes and place to bring , and reconcile mee to his grace ; that , therewithall , his majestie bestow'd a gift upon mee , which his bountie show'd : and , had inrich'd mee ; if , what was intended , had not , by othersome , beene ill befriended . but , as i long time , suffred have by those who labour'd much , my thrivings , to oppose : so , i my selfe , ( although not out of pride , as many thinke it ) have so much relide vpon the royall-gift , neglecting so to fortifie the same , as others do by making friends ; that my estate grew lesse ( by more than twice five hundred marks decrease ) through that , which for , my profit was bestowne . and , i , ere this , had wholly been undone ; but , that the wealth , which i relie on , most , consists in things , which never can be lost . yet , by this losse , i have occasions had to feele , why other men are often sad . and , i , ( who blushed , to be troublesome to any friend ) therby , almost am come to such a passe ; that , what i wish to have , i should grow impudent enough to crave , had not impartiall death , and wasting time , of all my friends quite worne away the prime ; and , left mee none , to whom i dare present the meanest suite withom encouragement : although , the greatest boone , i would implore , should cost them , but a word , or little more . yet , some there are , no doubt , for whose respect i might endeavour , with no vaine effect ; had i but cause , to have as high esteeme , of mine owne merits , as i have of them . and , if your honour should be so inclin'd , as i desire ; i , now am sure to finde another pembrooke , by whose ayde sustain'd , i may preserve , what by the last i gain'd . to make adventure , how it will succeed , i now am come . and lo , my lord , insteed of better advocates , i first begin , mine emblems , by these lines , to vsher in ; that , they , by their admittance may effect for mee , and for themselves , your kinde respect . that , which in them , best worthy you shall find , is this ; that , they are symptomes of a minde , affecting honestie : and of a heart , so truly honouring a true desert , that , i am hopefull made , they will acquire as much respect as i can well desire : and , sir , your candor , your knowne courtesies , with other praisefull vertues , make mee rise to this beliefe ; that , yov by fav'ring mee hereafter , may as highly honour'd be , as by some former bounties ; and encrease my future merit , by your worthinesse . however , what i am or shall be knowne to bee , by your deservings , or mine owne , you may command it ; and , be sure to finde ( though false my fortunes prove ) a faithfull mind . thus , unfainedly , professeth your honours truest honourer , geo : wither . to the right honorable , henrie , earle of holland , &c. captaine of the guard ; lord-chiefe-iustice in eyre of all his majesties forrests , parkes and chases on this side trent ; knight of the most noble order of the garter , and one of his majesties most honourable privie counsell . right noble sir , having , of late , some cause , to overlooke that thankfull register , wherein i booke my noblest friends ; i found so many names possessing nothing , but their honour'd fames , ( whose living persons , wee injoyed , here , a while agoe ; ) that , i began to feare , i might grow friendlesse ; ( having now so few ) vnlesse i sought , their number to renew . by some disasters , also , gaining proofe , how much this course would make for my behoofe ; i call'd my wits to counsell , where , and how i might , with hopefulnesse , begin to sow the seeds of such a blessing : and , me thought within mee , something said : where should be sought what thou so gladly wouldst renewed finde , but , from some branches of the selfe-same kinde ; whose faire aspects may seeme to promise fruit , according to the virtues of the roote ? assoone as fancie had inform'd me so , your lordship , came to my remembrance , too , with what our soveraigne's favour , vulgar fame , or , your owne merits , addeth to your name . which , having weigh'd , no doubts at all i had of worth in yov ; but , rather , doubtings made that , all my wits would insufficient be , to make that worth , become a friend to mee . for , i have oft observ'd , that , favour shunnes the best desert , if after her , it runnes . yet , who can tell what may befall ? thought i : it is no great adventure , if i try without successe : and , if , i gaine my end , i am assured of a noble-friend . his honourable father , deem'd mee worth so much respecting as to seeke me forth , when , i was more obscure : and , mee , for nought 〈…〉 to befriend mee , forth hee sought . 〈◊〉 wherefore , of his sonne , should i suspect 〈◊〉 seeking him ) hee can my love reject ? 〈◊〉 cou●tesie doth alwaies , there , abound , 〈◊〉 such a lovely personage is found ? my lord , these were my fancies : but i take them to be of no more worth , than , you shall make them by your acceptance : nor , is 't my intent to court you , with a fruitlesse complement : but , to attempt your favour with a mind , as readily , and really , inclinde to serve you , when my services may steed ; as to expect your favours , in my need . for , had my fates enabled me so much , i should more willingly have sought out such on whom i courtesies might have bestowne , than , seeke to cure misfortunes of mine owne . no doubt , but , every day , your lordship heares inventions , which may better please your eares than these i now present ; and , yet you might ( for ought i knew ) finde profit , or delight , by our plaine emblems , or some uses in them , which from your honour , some respects may win them ; ev'n for that good moralitie , which they to vulgar vnderstandings will convay . but , truth to speake , the chiefest cause which drew my minde , to make them presents , for your view , was , but to take occasion to professe , that , i am servant , to your worthinesse . in which , if yov are pleased ; all is got at which i aym'd : and , though you like it not , it shall but teach mee ( for the time to come ) to take more heed , where i am troublesome . and , i shall be , neverthelesse , your honours to be commanded , as becommeth your servant , geo : wither . whil'st i , the sunne 's bright face may view , i will no meaner light pursue . non inferiora secutus . illvstr. i. book . when , with a serious musing , i behold the gratefull , and obsequious marigold , how duely , ev'ry morning , she displayes her open brest , when titan spreads his rayes ; how she observes him in his daily walke , still bending towards him , her tender stalke ; how , when he downe declines , she droopes and mournes , bedow'd ( as 't were ) with teares , till he returnes ; and , how the vailes her flow'rs , when he is gone , as if she scorned to be looked on by an inf●riour eye ; or , did contemne to wayt upon a meaner light , then him. when this i meditate , me-thinkes , the flowers have spirits , farre more generous , then ours ; and , give us faire examples , to despise the servile fawnings , and idolatries , wherewith , we court these earthly things below , which merit not the service we bestow . but , oh my god! though groveling i appeare vpon the ground , ( and have a rooting here , which hales me downward ) yet in my desire , to that , which is above mee , i aspire : and , all my best affections i professe to him , that is the sunne of righteousnesse . oh! keepe the morning of his incarnation , the burning noone-tide of his bitter passion , the night of his descending , and the height of his ascension , ever in my sight : that imitating him , in what i may , i never follow an inferiour way . the earth is god's , and in his hands are all the corners of the lands . in manu domini omnes sunt fines terrae . illvstr. ii. book . long since , the sacred hebrew lyrick sayd , ( a truth , which never justly was denayd ) that , all the world is god's ; and that his hands enclose the limits of the farthest lands . the selfe same truth affirmes , that likewise , there , by him , their clodds , and furrowes watred are , and , that with dewes and showres , he doth so blesse the dwellings of the barren wildernesse , that , those inhabitants ( whom some conceiv'd , of usefull , and all pleasant things bereav'd ) their labors , with advantage , doe employ , and , fetch their yearely harvests home , with joy . why then should wee , that in god's vineyard live , distrust that all things needfull hee will give ? why should his garden doubt of what it needs , since hee oft waters barren rocks and weeds ? why should his children , live in slavish feare , since hee is kind to those that strangers are ? or , whither from his presence , can we flie , to whom the furthest hiding-place is nigh . and , if i may , from lower objects clime , ( to questioning , in matters more sublime ) why should i thinke , the soule shall not bee fed , where god affoords , to flesh , her daily bread ? or , dreame , that hee , for some , provided none , because , on us , much mercie is bestowne ? 't is true enough , that hell devoureth all , who shall be found without the churches pale ; but , how farre that extends , no eye can see , since , in gods hands , earth's farthest corners bee . by seeming other than thou art , thou dost performe a foolish part . quod non es ne videare cave . illvstr. iii. book . the world is much for shewes , and few there are so diligent to bee , as to appeare ; although a little travaile more , would make them those men , for which , the lookers on mistake them . some , have so toyled , and consum'd so much , to get a false repute of being rich , that , they have spent farre more , than would have bought , the substance of the shadow , they have sought ; and , caused those , who deem'd them rich before , to know them , to bee miserably poore . some others , would so faine be counted wise , that , they consume in curiosities , in sophistries , and superficiall showes , more pretious time , than would have made them those , they long to seeme , ( had halfe that meanes been spent , in seeking wisdome , with a pure intent ) whereas , the glorioust purchases of such , ( though by their peeres they seeme applauded much ) are still so vaine , that little they possesse , but fruitlesse leaves , of learned foolishnesse : yea , by affecting more than is their due , they lose ev'n both the substance , and the shew ; and , so , instead of honours crowne , have worne the coxcombes , of a well-deserved scorne . but , of all fooleries , the grossest folly is theirs , who weare those garbes of seeming-holy , which paine them sore , yet make them still appeare , to god and men , as wicked as they are . be , therefore , what , to be , thou hast profest ; but , bee not of this last , of all the rest . pursue thy workes , without delay , for , thy short houres runne fast away . festinat decurrere . illvstr. iiii. book . though this bee but the picture of that glasse , by which thou measur'st how thine houres doe passe . yet , sleight it not ; for , much 't will profit thee , to ponder what the morals of it bee . and , 't is an emblem , whence the wise may learne , that , which their persons , neerely doth concerne . the brittle glasse , serves fitly to expresse the bodie 's frailtie , and much crasinesse . foure pillars , which the glassie worke empale , instruct thee , that the vertues cardinall , to guard the manhood , should bee still employ'd , lest else the feeble fabrick bee destroy'd . the sand , still running forth , without delay , doth shew , that life-time , passeth fast away , and , makes no stop : yea , and the motto too , ( lest thou forgetfull prove ) informes thee so . by viewing this , occasion , therefore , take , of thy fast-flying houres , more use to make ; and , heedfull bee , to shunne their common crime , who take much care to trifle out the time ; as if it merited their utmost paine , to lose the gemme , which most they seeke to gaine . time-past is lost already : time-to-come , belongs , as yet , thou knowst not unto whom . the present-houres are thine , and , onely those , of which thou hast commission to dispose ; and , they from thee , doe flye away so fast , that , they are scarcely knowne , till they are past . lord , give mee grace , to minde , and use time so , that , i may doe thy worke , before i goe . repent , or god will breake the thread , by which ▪ thy doome hangs o're thy head . abrumpam . illvstr. v. book . marke well this emblem ; and , ( when in a thread , you see the globe , there , hang above their head , who in securitie , beneath it sit ) observe likewise , the knife , that threatens it ; the smallnesse of the twine ; and , what a death would follow , should it fall on those beneath : and ( having well observ'd it ) mind , i pray , that , which the word about it , there , doth say : for , it includes a caveat , which wee need to entertaine , with a continuall heed . though few consider it , wee finde it thus ( throughout our lives ) with ev'ry one of us . destruction hangeth in a single thread , directly over every sinner's head . that sentence is gone forth , by which wee stand condemn'd to suffer'd d●ath . the dreadfull hand , of god's imp●rtiall iustice , holds à knife , still ready , to cut off our thread of life ; and , 't is his mercie , that keepes up the ball from falling , to the ruine of us all . oh! let us minde , how often wee have bin , ev'n in the very act of deadly-sinne , whilst this hung over us ; and , let us praise , and love him , who hath yet prolong'd our dayes : yea , let our thankfulnesse , bring forth such fruit , as , to the benefit may somewhat suit : for , though a sudden death may not ensue , yet , ( since times axe , doth every minute hew the root of life ) the tree , e're long , must fall ; and , then perhaps , too late , repent wee shall . when woe is in our selves begun , then , whither from it , can wee run ? hinc dolor inde fuga . illvstr. vi. book . poore hart , why dost thou run so fast ? and why , behind thee dost thou looke , when thou dost fly ? as if thou seem'dst in thy swift flight , to heare those dangers following thee , which thou dost feare ? alas ! thou labour'st , and thou runn'st in vaine , to shunne , by flight , thy terrors , or thy paine ; for , loe , thy death , which thou hast dreaded so , clings fast unto thee , wheresoere thou goe : and while thou toyl'st , an outward-ease to win , thou draw'st thine owne destruction further in ; making that arrow , which but prickes thy hide , to pierce thy tender entrailes , through thy side . and , well i may this wounded hart bemoane ; for , here , me thinkes , i 'm taught to looke upon mine owne condition ; and , in him , to see those deadly wounds , my sinnes have made in mee . i greatly feare the world , may unawares intangle mee , by her alluring snares : i am afraid , the devill may inject some poys'nous fume , my spirit to infect , with ghostly pestilence ; and , i assay , to flie from these , with all the pow'rs i may . but , oh my flesh ! this very flesh i weare , is worse to mee , than worlds , and devils are : for , without this , no pow'r on mee , they had . this is that skirt , which made alcides mad . it is a griefe , which i shall never cure , nor flie from , whilst my life-time doth endure : from thence , oh lord , my greatest sorrowes bee ; and , therefore , from my selfe , i flie to thee . when magistrates confined are , they revell , who were kept in feare . captivum impune laces sunt . illvstr. vii . book . a tyrannous , or wicked magistrat , is fitly represented by a catt : for , though the mice a harmfull vermine bee , and , cats the remedie ; yet , oft wee see , that , by the mice , far lesse , some house-wives leese , then when they set the catt to keepe the cheese . a ravenous cat , will punish in the mouse , the very same offences , in the house , which hee himselfe commits ; yea , for that vice , which was his owne ( with praise ) he kils the mice ; and , spoyleth not anothers life alone , ev'n for that very fault which was his owne , but feeds , and fattens , in the spoyle of them , whom hee , without compassion did condemne . nay , worse than so ; hee cannot bee content , to slaughter them , who are as innocent , as hee himselfe ; but , hee must also play , and sport his wofull pris'ners lives away ; more torturing them , 'twixt fruitlesse hopes and feares , than when their bowels , with his teeth he teares : for , by much terrour , and much crueltie , hee kills them , ten times over , e're they die , when , such like magistrates have rule obtain'd , the best men wish their powre might be restrain'd : but , they who shun enormities , through feare , are glad when good-men out of office are . yea , whether governours bee good or bad , of their displacings wicked-men are glad ; and , when they see them brought into disgraces , they boldly play the knaves before their faces . loe , heere is all , that hee possest , which once was victor of the east . restat de victore orientis . illvstr. viii . book . when hee , who by his conquering arme , possest the rich , and spacious empires of the east , felt his approaching end ; he bade them beare a shirt throughout his armie , on a speare , proclaiming , that of all his large estate , no more was left him , then , but only that : perhaps intending , thereby , to expresse , a sorrow for his wilde ambitiousnesse ; or , hoping , by that spectacle , to give some good instructions unto those that live . however , let it serve us , to declare , how vaine their toylings , and ambitions are , who rob themselves , and other men of rest , for things that are so little while possest . and , if that powerfull king , could nothing have , that was of use , to carry to his grave , ( of all his conquered kingdomes ) but , one shirt , or , winding sheet , to hide his royall durt ; why should we pinch , and scrape , and vext become , to heap up riches , for we know not whom ? or , macerate the flesh , by raising strife , for more , than will bee usefull during life ? nay , ev'n for that , which sometimes shortens breath , and mak●s us , also , wretched after death . let mee , oh god! my labour so employ , that , i , a competencie may enjoy . i aske no more , than may lifes want supply , and , leave their aue to others , when i die . if this thou grant , ( which nothing doubt i can ) none ever liv'd , or dy'd a richer man. when hopes , quite frustrate were become , the wither'd-branch did freshly bloome . insperata floruit . illvstr. ix . book . t' is true , a wither'd-branch i am , and seeme to some , as voyd of hopes , as of esteeme ; for , in their judgements , i appeare to be a saplesse bough , quite broken from the tree , ( ev'n such as that , in this our emblem , here ) and , yet , i neither feele despaire , nor feare ; for , i have seene ( e're now ) a little spray , ( rent from her stemme ) lye trodden by the way , three moneths together ; which , when spring drew on , to take an unexpected root begun ; ( yea , grew to bee a tree ) and , growing , stood , when those great groves , were fell'd for firing-wood , which once had high esteeme ; and sprung unhurt , while that poore branch , lay sleighted in the durt . nay , i have seene such twiggs , afford them shade , by whom they were the meanest shrippings made , of all the wood ; and , you may live to see , ( for ought yet knowne ) some such event in mee . and , what if all who know mee , see me dead , before those hopes begin to spring and spread ? have therefore they that hate me , cause to boast , as if mine expectations i had lost ? no sure : for , i , who by faith's eyes have seene , old aarons wither'd rod , grow fresh and greene ; and also viewed ( by the selfe-same eyes ) him , whom that rod , most rightly typifies , fall by a shamefull death , and rise , in spight of death , and shame , unto the glorioust height . ev'n i , beleeve my hope shall bee possest , and , therefore , ( ev'n in death ) in hope i 'le rest . true vertue , whatsoere betides , in all extreames , unmoov'd abides . nescit labi virtus . illvstr. x. book . when , in this emblem , here , you have espide , the shape of a triangled pyramide , and , have observed well , those mightie rockes , whose firme foundation bides the dreadfull shockes of angry neptune ; you may thereby see , how firmly setled , vertues reall bee . for , as the raging seas , although they roare , can make no breach upon the rockie shore ; and , as a true triangled pyramide , stands fast , and shewes alike , on ev'ry side : so , howsoever fortune , turnes or winds , those men , which are indow'd with vertuous minds , it is impossible , to drive them from those formes , or stations , which those minds become . and , as the raging sea , with foming threats , against the rock●e-shore , but vainely beats ; so , envie shall in vaine , loud blustrings make , when vertuous resolutions they would shake . for , vertue , which receives an overthrow , was vertue , not indeed , but in the show . so farre am i , oh lord ! from laying claime to have this vertue , that , i doe but ayme at such perfection ; and , can come no nigher as yet , than to obtaine it in desire . but , fixe thou so , this weake desire of mine , vpon the vertues of thy rocke divine , that i , and that invaluable stone , may bee incorporated into one : and , then , it will bee neither shame , nor pride , to say , my vertues , will unmov'd abide . the motion of the world , this day , is mov'd the quite contrarie way . hodie sic vertitvr orbis . illvstr. xi . book . what was this figures meaning , but to show , that , as these kinde of shell-fish backward goe , so now the world , ( which here doth seeme to take an arseward iourney on the cancer's backe ) moves counterwise ; as if delight it had , to runne a race , in courses retrograde : and , that , is very likely to be true , which , this our emblem , purposeth to shew . for , i have now , of late , not onely seene , what backward motions , in my friends have beene ; and , that my outward fortunes and affaires , doe of themselves , come tumbling downe the staires : but , i have also found , that other things , have got a wheeling in contrary rings ; which regresse , holding on , 't is like that wee , to iewes , or ethnicks , backe shall turned bee . some punie cl●rkes , presume that they can teach the ancient holy doctors , how to preach . some lucks , learne their pastors how to pray . some parents , are compelled to obay their sonnes ; and , so their dignitie to lose , as to be fed and cloth'd , at their dispose . nay , wee have some , who have assay'd to draw , all backward , to the bondage of the law ; ev'n to those abrogated rites and dayes , by , which , the wandring iew markes out his wayes . and , to pursue this round , they are so heady , that , they have made themselves , and others giddy . doe thou , these froward motions , lord , restraine ; and , set the world in her due course againe . invincibilitie is there , where order , strength , and vnion are . vis nescia vinci . illvstr. xii , book . from these well-order'd arrowes , and the snake , this usefull observation you may make ; that , where an able prudence , doth combine vnited-forces , by good discipline , it maketh up a pow'r , exempted from the feare , or perill , to be overcome : and , if you covet safetie , you will seeke to know this ward , and to acquire the like . for , doubtlesse , neither is it in the force , of iron charets , or of armed horse , in which , the king , securitie may finde , unlesse the riders bee well disciplinde . nor , lyes it in the souldiers common skill in warlike postures ; nor in theirs , who drill the rankes and fyles , to order them aright , according as occasion makes the fight . but , men must use a further prudence too , or else , those vulgar-arts will all undoe . for , these , are onely sciences injoynd , to order well the body , not the mind : and , men best train'd in these ( oft times ) we see , the hare-brain'dst-fooles , in all our armies bee . to strength , and skill , unite we must , therefore , a manly prudence , comprehending more , than all these powr's : ev'n such , as when shee please , to all her ends , can use and mannage these ; and , shew us how to cure , or to prevent all hazards ; or , withall to bee content . hee that 's thus arm'd , and trusts in god alone , may bee oppos'd , but , conquered of none . when thou art shipwrackt in estate , submit with patience , unto fate . quo fata trahunt . illvstr. xiii . book . when i beheld this picture of a boat , ( which on the raging waves doth seeme to float ) forc'd onward , by the current of the tide , without the helpe of anchor , oare or guide , and , saw the motto there , which doth imply , that shee commits her selfe to destinie ; me thinkes , this emblem sets out their estate , who have ascribed ev'ry thing to fate ; and dreame , that howsoe're the businesse goe , their worke , nor hinders , neither helpes thereto . the leaking ship , they value as the sound : hee that 's to hanging borne , shall ne're bee drown'd ; and , men to happinesse ordain'd ( say these ) may set their ship to float , as fate shall please . this fancie , springing from a mis-beleeving of god's decrees ; and , many men deceiving , with shewes of truth , both causeth much offence against god's mercies , and his providence ; and brings to passe , that some to ruine runne , by their neglect of what they might have done . for , meanes is to bee us'd , ( if wee desire , the blessing of our safetie to acquire ) whose naturall effects , if god deny , vpon his providence wee must relye , still practising what naturall aydes may bee , vntill no likely ayd untride wee see . and , when this non plus wee are forc'd unto , stand still , wee may , and wayt what god will do . hee that shall thus to fate , his fortunes leave , let mee bee ruin'd , if shee him deceive . the best , and fairest house , to mee , is that , where best i love to bee . ΟΙΚΟΣ ΦΙΛΟΣ ΟΙΚΟΣ ΑΡΙΣΤΟΣ . illvstr. xiv . book . they are not houses builded large and high , seel'd all with gold , and pav'd with porphyrie , hung round with arras , glaz'd with christall-glasse , and cover'd o're with plates of shining brasse , which are the best ; but , rather , those where wee in safetie , health , and best content , may bee ; and , where wee finde , though in a meane estate , that portion , which maintaines a quiet fate . here , in a homely cottage , thatcht with reed , the peasant seemes as pleasedly to feed , as hee , that in his hall or parlour dines , which fret-worke roofes , or costly cedar lines : and , with the very same affections too , both to , and from it , hee doth come and goe . the tortois , doubtlesse , doth no house-roome lack , although his house will cover but his back ; and , of his tub , the cynicke seem'd as glad , as alexander was of all hee had . when i am setled in a place i love , a shrubby hedge-row , seemes a goodly grove . my liking maketh palaces of sheds , and , of plaine couches , carved ivory beds : yea , ev'ry path , and pathlesse walke , which lies contemn'd , as rude , or wilde , in others eyes , to mee is pleasant ; not alone in show , but , truly such : for , liking makes them so . as pleas'd in theirs , the snailes , and cocles dwell , as doth a scallop in his pearly shell : for , that commends the house , which makes it fit , to serve their turnes , who should have use of it . the king , his pow'r from god receives : for , hee alone the scepter gives . deus dat cui vult . illvstr. xv. book . the gift of kingdomes , children , and good-wives , are three of god's most choice prerogatives , in temp'rall blessings ; and , of all these three , the gifts of kingdomes , his rar'st favours bee : for , in five hundred millions , there 's not one , whom this high honour is conferr'd upon ; nor is there any knowne estate on earth , ( whereto wee come , by merit , or by birth ) which can , to any man assurance bring , that , hee shall either live , or die a king. the morning-starre , that 's heire unto a crowne , oft sets , before the shining-sunne is downe ; and , some , that once a glorious empire swayd , did lose their kingdomes , e're their heads were layd . the greatest earthly monarch hath no powre , to keepe his throne one minute of an houre , ( vse all the meanes , and policies hee can ) if god will give it to another man. hee , when belshazzar was in high'st estate , his kingdome to the persians did translate . king saul , and rehoboam , could not stay the royalties , which god would give away ; and , hee that was the proudest of the rest , god , changed from a king , into a beast . nor is there any man so meane , but hee , when god shall please , an emperour may bee . some , from the pot kil●e , from the sheep cote , some , hee raised hath , great princes to become : yea , hee o're heav'n and earth , hath rear'd his throne , that was on earth , the most despised one . her favours , fortune , oft imparts , to those that are of no deserts . indignum fortuna fovet . illvstr. xvi . book . would you not laugh , and thinke it beastly fine , to see a durtie , and ill-favour'd swine , weare on her snout , a diamond , or a pearle , that might become the ladie of an earle ? and hold it head , as if it meant to show it were the pigg of some well-nurtur'd sow ? perhaps , you thinke there be not any where such antickes , but in this our emblem here . but , if you take these charmes , and then goe forth among some troupes , which passe for folkes of worth , you shall discover , quickly , if you please , a thousand sights , as mimicall as these . here , you shall see a noble title worne , ( that had not mis-beseem'd one better borne ) by him , whose vertues are of little price , and , whose estate , was gotten by his vice. you shall behold another mushrome , there , walke with our lords , as if hee were their peere , that was well knowne , to be but tother day , no fit companion for such men as they ; and , had no other meanes to climbe this height , but gaming , or to play the parasite . yet ( though he neither hath his trade , nor lands , nor any honest in come , by his hands ) hee , oft consumes at once , in games or cheare , more than would keepe his better all the yeare . yea , many such as these , thou shouldst behold , which would bee vext , if i describe them should : for , thus , unworthily , blind fortune flings , to crowes , and geese , and swine , her precious things . the best good-turnes that fooles can doe us , proove disadvantages unto us . stultorum adiumenta nocumenta . illvstr. xvii . book . a foole , sent forth to fetch the goslings home , when they unto a rivers brinck were come , ( through which their passage lay ) conceiv'd a feare his dames best brood , might have been drowned there ; which , to avoyd , hee thus did shew his wit , and his good nature , in preventing it . hee , underneath his girdle , thrusts their heads , and , then the coxcombe through the water wades . here learne , that when a foole his helpe intends , it rather doth a mischiefe , then befriends ; and , thinke , if there be danger in his love , how harmefull his maliciousnesse may prove : for , from his kindenesse , though no profit rise to doe thee spight , his malice may suffise . i could not from a prince beseech a boone by suing to his iester or buffoone : nor , any fooles vaine humor , sooth or serve , to get my bread , though i were like to starve . for , to be poore , i should not blush so much , as if a foole should raise me to be rich . lord , though of such a kinde my faults may be , that sharpe affliction still must tutor mee , ( and give me due correction in her schooles ) yet , oh preserve me from the scorne of fooles . those wicked fooles , that in their hearts have sed ▪ there is no god ; and , rather give me bread by ravens , lord , or in a lions den , then by the favours of such foolish men : lest , if their dainties i should swallow downe , their smile might more undoe , me , then their frowne . though weaknesse unto mee belong , in my supporter , i am strong . te stante virebo . illvstr. xviii . book . although there bee no timber in the vine , nor strength to raise the climbing ivie-twine , yet , when they have a helper by their side , or , prop to stay them , like this pyramide , one roote sometime , so many sprayes will beare , that , you might thinke , some goodly grove it were : their tender stalkes , to climbe aloft , are seene ; their boughs are cover'd with a pleasant greene ; and , that , which else , had crept upon the ground , hath tops of loftie trees , and turrets crown'd . this emblem , fitly shadowes out the natures of us , that are the reasonable-creatures : for , wee are truely by our nat'rall-birth , like vines undrest , and creeping on the earth ; nor free from spoyling , nor in case to beare good fruits , or leaves , while we are groveling there . but , if new-borne by grace , streight borne are wee , from earthly creepings , by that living-tree , which , here , was planted , meerely to this end , that , by his pow'r , our weaknesse might ascend . and , hee our frailtie to himselfe so takes , so , of his might , the partners us hee makes ; that , hee , in us , doth seeme to hide his pow'rs , and , make the strength hee gives , appeare as ours . continue , lord , this grace , and grant wee may , firme hold , on our - supporter , alwayes lay : so climbing , that wee nor neglect , nor hide his love ; nor over-climbe it , by our pride . thus , our yet staggering weaknesse , shall at length , bee fully changed into perfect strength . be wary , whosoe're thou be , for , from loves arrowes , none are free . ferio . illvstr. xix . book . good folkes , take heede ; for , here 's a wanton wagge , who , having bowes and arrowes , makes his bragg that , he hath some unhappy trick to play ; and , vowes to shoot at all he meets to day . p●ay be not carelesse ; for , the boy is blinde , and , sometimes strikes , where most he seemeth kinde . this rambling archer spares nor one , nor other : yea , otherwhile , the monkey shoots his mother . though you be little children , come not neere ; for , i remember ( though 't be many a yeare now gone and past , ) that , when i was a lad , my heart , a pricke , by this young wanton had , that , pain'd me seven yeares after : nor had i the grace ( thus warn'd ) to scape his waggery ; but many times , ev'n since i was a man , he shot me , oftner then i tell you can : and , if i had not bene the stronger-hearted , i , for my over-daring , might have smarted . you laugh now , as if this were nothing so ; but , if you meet this blinkard with his bow , you may , unlesse you take the better care , receive a wound , before you be aware . i feare him not ; for , i have learned how to keepe my heart-strings from his arrowes now : and , so might you , and so might ev'ry one that vaine occasions , truely seekes to shunn . but , if you sleight my counsells , you may chance to blame at last , your willfull ignorance : for , some , who thought , at first , his wounds but small have dyed by them , in an hospitall . on whether side soe're i am , i , still , appeare to bee the same . quocunque ferar . illvstr. xx. book . this cube , which is an equall-sided-square , doth very well , in emblem-wise , declare the temper of that vertuous minded man , whose resolutions nothing alter can . for , as the cube , which way soever plac't , stands ever in one posture , firmely fast , and , still appeares the same in forme and size , vpon what side or part soe're it lyes : so , men well formed by the word divine , and , truly squar'd by vertuous discipline , will keepe ( though changes them shall turne & wind ) the forme and firmnesse of an honest-minde . if , digging deepe , his fortunes lay him , there , where he his owne , and others weights must beare , ( there ▪ many yeares compelling him to lie , opprest with dis-respect or povertie ) hee keepes the place to which hee stands enjoyn'd , and brooks his chances with a constant mind . if shee remoove him thence , and set him up on temporall prosperities high top , the squarenesse of plaine dealing hee retaines , and , in the same integritie remaines : nor coveting vaine wealth , or false esteemes ; nor , being any other than he seemes . although by nature , wee are wondrous hard , lord , let us into such like stones be squar'd : then , place us in thy spirituall temple , so , that , into one firme structure , we may grow ; and , when we , by thy grace , are fitted thus , dwell thou thy selfe , for evermore , in us . deformitie , within may bee , where outward beauties we doe see . bella in vista dentro trista . illvstr. xxi . book . looke well , i pray , upon this beldame , here , for , in her habit , though shee gay appeare , you , through her youthfull vizard , may espy shee 's of an old edition , by her eye : and , by her wainscot face , it may bee seene , shee might your grandams first dry-nurse have been . this is an emblem , fitly shaddowing those , who making faire , and honest outward showes , are inwardly deform'd ; and , nothing such , as they to bee suppos'd , have strived much . they chuse their words , and play well-acted parts , but , hide most loathsome projects in their hearts ; and , when you think sweet friendship to embrace , some ugly treason , meets you in the face . i ha●● a painted brow ; i much dislike a mayden-blush , dawb'd on a furrowed cheeke : and , i abhorre to see old wantons play , and , suite themselves , like ladies of the may. but , more ( yea , most of all ) my soule despiseth a heart , that in religious formes , disguiseth prophane intentions ; and arrayes in white , the coale-blacke conscience of an hypocrite . take heed of such as these ; and , ( if you may ) before you trust them , tract them in their way . observe their footsteps , in their private path : for , these ( as 't is beleev'd , the devill hath ) have cloven feet ; that is , two wayes they goe ; one for their ends , and tother for a show . now , you thus warned are , advise embrace ; and , trust nor gawdy clothes , nor painted face . my hand and heart , in one agree , what can you more desire of mee ? en dextra fidesque . illvstr. xxii . book . a heart with hand-in-hand , united thus , makes here an emblem not unknowne to us ; and , 't is not hard for any vulgar wit , without a comment , to interpret it . but , though of ev'ry man confest it be , that hand and heart together should agree ; and , that , what we in outward shew expresse , perform'd should be , with inward heartinesse . ( since , now the world , to such a passe is growne , that , all is not consider'd , which is knowne ) i cannot thinke it altogether vaine , to speake of that , which may appeare so plaine . when thou dost reach thy hand unto thy friend , take order , that thy heart the same intend : for , otherwise in hand , or heart , thou lyest , and , cuttest off a member , e're thou dyest . some , give their hearts ( as many lovers do ) yet , are afraid , to set their hands thereto . some give their hands ; and , then by many a deed , to ratifie the gift , they dare proceede ; yet , keep their tongues from saying what they meant , to helpe excuse their hearts , when they repent . yea , some can very cunningly expresse , in outward shew , a winning heartinesse , and , steale the deare affections they have sought , from those , to whom they meant , nor promis'd ought . then , will they , if advantage come thereby , make all their deeds , for want of words , a ly . among dissemblers , in things temporall , these raskalls are the ver'est knaves of all . no emblem , can at full declare , how fickle , minds-unconstant are . varium et mutabile semper . illvstr. xxiii . book . some , thinke this emblem serveth to expresse no more , but onely womens ficklenesse ; and , they will most desire to have it so , who , like those best , that most inconstant grow . although my fortunes were , in some things , bad , i never in my life , experience had of an inconstant woman : wherefore , then , should i condemne the females , more than men ? i heare some talke , that women fickle be : and so i thinke ; and so i know are wee . and ( being put together ) say i dare , that , they and wee , in equall manner , share a giddinesse , and ficklenesse of minde , more wavering , than a feather , or the winde . the woman , heere , is plac'd , to typisie a minde distracted with much levitie : not , that the womans wav'rings are the more ; but , for this cause : most vices , heretofore , and vertues too , our ancestors did render , by words declined in the female-gender . the winged-ball , ( whose tottering foundation , augments the causes of our variation ) meanes , here , those uselesse , and vaine temp'rall things , that come and goe , with never-staying wings ; and , which ( if thereupon our hearts we set ) make men and women , the vertigo get . hereafter , then , let neither sexe accuse each other ; but , their best endeavours use , to cure this maladie in one another , by living well , and lovingly together . hee that enjoyes a patient minde , can pleasures in afflictions finde . gaudet patientia duris . illvstr. xxiv . book . what meanes this countrey-peasant , skipping here through prickling thistles w th such gamesom cheere ? and , plucking off their tops , as though for posies , he gather'd violets , or toothlesse roses ? what meaneth it , but onely to expresse how great a joy , well-grounded patientnesse retaines in suff●rings ? and , what sport she makes , when she her iourney through affliction takes ? i , oft have sayd ( and , have as oft , beene thought ▪ to speake a paradox , that savours nought of likely truth ) that , some afflictions bring a honey bag , which cureth ev'ry sting ( that wounds the flesh ) by giving to the mind , a pleasing taste of sweetnesses refin'd . nor can it other be , except in those , whose better part , quite stupifyed growes , by being cauterized in the fires of childish feares , or temporall desires . for , as th● valiant ( when the coward swounds ) with gladnesse lets the surgion search his wounds ; and , though they smart , yet cheerefully indures the pla●sters , and , the probe , in hope of cures : so , men , assured that afflictions paine comes not for vengeance to them , nor in vaine ; but , to prepare , and fit them for the place , to which , they willingly direct their pace ; in troubles , are so farre from being sad , that , of their suffring , they are truely glad . what ever others thinke , i thus beleeve ; and , therefore , joy , when they suppose i grieve . all is not gold , which makes a show : but , what the touchstone findeth so . sic spectanda fides . illvstr. xxv . book . when silver medalls , or some coynes of gold , are by the gold-smith either bought or sold , hee doth not only search them with his eye , but , by the scale , their weight will also trie ; or , by the touchstone , or the test , assay the truenesse of them , and their just alay . now , by their warinesse , who thus proceed , wee fairely are admonished , to heed the faithfulnesse of him wee make our friend ; and , on whose love wee purpose to depend : or else , when wee a iewell thinke to get , wee may bee cheated by a counterfet . all is not gold that glisters : otherwhile , the tincture is so good , it may beguile the cunningst eye : but , bring it to the touch , and , then , you find the value not so much . some , keepe the tincture , brooking , likewise , well an ordinarie touch ; but , yeeld a smell , which will discover it , if you apply vnto your nose , that piece of chymistrie . sometime , when there 's enough to give content , in colour , in the touch , and in the scent ; the bulke , is more than answers gold in weight , and , proves it a sophisticall deceit . nay . some , is fully that which you desire , in all these properties ; and , till the fire hath made assayes , you 'l thinke you might be bold to pawne your life , it had been ophir-gold : but , to bee false , the metall 's then descride ; and , such are many friends , when they are tride . apollo shoots not ev'ry day , but , sometime on his harpe doth play . non semper arcum tendit . illvstr. xxvi . book . there are a sort of people so severe , that , foolish , and injurious too , they are ; and , if the world were to bee rul'd by these , nor soule , not bodie , ever should have ease . the sixe dayes , ( as their wisdomes understand ) are to bee spent in labour , by command , with such a strictnesse , that they quite condemne all recreations which are us'd in them . that , which is call'd the sabbath , they confine to prayers , and all offices-divine , so wholly , that a little recreation , that day , is made a marke of reprobation : and , ( by this meanes ) the reason is to seeke , when their poore servants labour all the weeke , ( of which , they 'l bate them nothing ) how it tyes them , to observe the sixe-fold sacrifice by some injoyn'd ; and gives them such due rest , as god allowed , both to man and beast . hee , gave the woods , the fields , and meddowes , here , a time to rest , as well as times to beare . the forrest boasts , and heards , have howres for play , as well as time to graze , and hunt their prey : and , ev'ry bird some leasure hath to sing , or , in the aire , to sport it on her wing . and , sure , to him , for whom all these were made , lesse kindnesse was not meant , then these have had . the flesh will faint , if pleasure none it knowes ; the man growes madd , that alway muzing goes . the wisest men , will sometimes merry bee : and , this is that , this emblem teacheth me . live , over mindfull of thy dying ; for , time is always from thee flying . vive memor lethi fugit hora. illvstr. xxvii . book . this vulgar figure of a winged glasse , doth signifie , how swiftly time doth passe . by that leane scull , which to this houre-glasse clings , we are informed what effect it brings ; and , by the words about it , wee are taught to keepe our lattter ending still in thought . the common houre-glasse , of the life of man , exceedeth not the largenesse of a span . the sand-like minutes , flye away so fast , that , yeares are out , e're wee thinke months are past : yea , many times , our nat'rall-day is gone , before wee look'd for twelve a clocke at noone ; and , where wee sought for bea●tie , at the full , wee finde the flesh quite rotted from the skull . let these expressions of times passage , bee remembrancers for ever , lord , to mee ; that , i may still bee guiltlesse of their crime , who fruitlesly consume their precious time : and , minde my death , not with a slavish feare , but , with a thankfull use , of life-time , here : not grieving , that my dayes away doe post ; but , caring rather , that they bee not lost , and , lab'ring with discretion , how i may redeeme the time , that 's vainely slipt away . so , when that moment comes , which others dread , i , undismay'd , shall climbe my dying bed ; with joyfull hopes , my flesh to dust commend ; in spirit , with a stedfast faith ascend ; and , whilst i living 〈◊〉 , to sinne so dye , that dying , i may live eternally . in ev'ry storme , hee standeth fast , whose dwelling , on the rocke is plac'd . mediis tranquillus in undis . illvstr. xxviii . book . what thing soever some will have exprest , as typified by this halcyons-nest , i shall not thinke this emblem ill-appli'd , if , by the same , the church bee signifi'd . for , as it is ( by some ) affirm'd of these , that , whilst they breed , the fury of the seas is through the world alayd ; and , that their brood remaines in safetie , then , amidst the flood : so , when the christian church was in her birth , there was a generall peace throughout the earth ; and , those tumultuous waves , which after that began to rise , and bee enrag'd thereat , were calmed so , that hee was borne in peace , from whom , the faithfull off-spring did encrease . they , likewise , on a rocke , their dwellings have , as here you see ; and , though the raging wave , of dreadfull seas , hath beaten , ever since , against the fortresse of their strong defence , yet , still stands ; and , safe , it shall abide , ev'n in the midst of all their foming pride . vpon this rocke so place me , oh my god! that , whatsoever tempests bee abroad , i may not feare the fury of my foe ; nor bee in danger of an overthrow . my life is full of stormes ; the waters roule , as if they meant to swallow up my soule . the tides oppose ; the furious winds doe roare ; my cable's weake , my tacklings , lord are poore , and , my fraile , vessell cannot long endure ; yet , reach to mee thy hand , and i 'm secure . that 's friendship , and true-love , indeed , which firme abides , in time of need . bona fide . illvstr. xxix . book . that 's love in earnest , which is constant found , when friends are in affliction , or in bands ; and , their affection merits to be crown'd , whose hearts are fastned where they joyne their hands . t is easie to be friendly , where wee see a complement or two will serve the turne ; or , where the kindnesse may requited bee ; or , when the charge is with a trifle borne . it is as easie too , for him to spend at once , the full revenues of a yeare , in cares , for entertainment of his friend , who thinkes his glorie , is expensive-cheere : for , 't is his pleasure ; and , if none should come like fashionable-friends , for him to court , hee would with rogues , and canters , fill the roome , or , such as should abuse , and flout him for 't . but , hard it is , to suffer , or to spend for him ( though worthy ) that 's of meane estate , unlikely our occasions to befriend , or , one unable to remunerate . few men are liberall , whom neither lust , vaine glorie , prodigalitie , nor pride , doth forward into foolish bountie thrust ; as may , by observation bee espide . for , when a slender bountie would relieve their vertuous friend , whose wants to them are knowne , to their buffoone , a knights estate they 'l give , and , thinke on t'other trifles ill-bestowne . yet , this i le say ; and , give the devill his due ; these friends , are to their lusts , and humours , true . the sword hath place , will war doth cease and , usefull 〈◊〉 , in time of peace . pacisque bonus bellique minister . illvstr. xxx . book . the sword , to bee an emblem , here , we draw , of the authoritie , which keeps in awe our countries enemies ; and , those that are the foes of peace , as well as those of warre ; that , peace may give the law of armes her due , and , warre , to civill-pow'rs , respect may shew . for , kingdomes , nor in warre not peace , can stand , except the sword have alway some command : yea , that , for which our forraine spoyl●rs come , domesticke foes , will else devoure at home ; and , stranger-drones the peacefull bees will harme , vnlesse with warlike stings , themselves they arme . considering this , let none bee so unwise , the swords well us'd protection to despise : or , thinke the practice of this double-guard , in any place , or age , may well bee spar'd . let not the sword-man sleight the pow'rfull gowne ; nor gowne-men cast the sword out of their towne , because it terrifies , or draweth blood ; for , otherwhile phlebotomy is good : and , thought to kill a lowse , the ban●ans feare ; ( though anabaptist● love no sword to weare ) yet , being drawne , to fright , or cut off sinne , it may bee brandish'd by a cherubin . however , from the sword divide not you ( in any case ) the peacefull olive bough : that is , let peace , at all times , be that end , for which , to draw the sword you doe intend ; and , for well-doing , bee as ready , still , to give rewards , as blowes , for doing-ill . a fortune is ordain'd for thee , according as thy labours hee . par sit fortuna labori . illvstr. xxxi . book . the spade , for labour stands . the ball with wings , intendeth flitting rowling-wordly-things . this altar-stone , may serve in setting foorth , things firmer , sollid , and of greater worth : in which , and by the words inclosing these you , the●e , may read , your fortune , if you please . if you , your labour , on those things bestow , which rowle , and flutter , alwaies , to and fro ; it cannot be , but , that which you obtaine , must prove a wavering , and unconstant gaine : for , he that soweth vanitie , shall finde , at reaping-time , no better fruit then winde , your houres , in serious matters , if you spend , or , such , as to a lasting purpose tend , the purchase of your paines will ever last ; and , being you pleasure , when the labour 's past . yea , though in teares , your seed-time you imploy , your harvest shall be fetched home , with ioy . if much be wrought , much profit will ensue ; if little , but a little meede is due . of nothing , nothing comes : on evill deedes an evill conscience , and , ill fame succeedes : an honest-life , still findes prepared for't sweet hopes in death ; and , after , good-report . of sexe , or of degree , there 's no regard : but , as the labour , such is the reward . to worke-aright , oh lord , instruct thou mee ; and , grouud my workes , and buildings all on thee : that by the fiery test , when they are tride , my worke may stand , and i may safe abide . let none in troublous times repine ; for , after stormes , the sun will shine . post nubila phoebus . illvstr. xxxii . book . discourage not your selves , although you see the weather blacke , and stormes prolonged be . what though it fiercely raines , and thunders loud ? behold , there is a raine-bow in the cloud , wherein , a trustfull promise may be found , that , quite , your little-worlds , shall not be drown'd . the sun-shine , through the foggy mists appeare , the lowring skie , begins againe to cleare ; and , though the tempest , yet your eyes affright , faire weather may befall you , long ere night . such comfort speakes our emblem , unto those , whom stormie persecution doth enclose ; and , comforts him , that 's for the present sad , with hopes , that better seasons may bee had . there is nor trouble , sorrow , nor distresse , but mitigation hath , or some release . long use , or time , the storme away will turne , else , patience makes it better to be borne . yea , sorrowes lowring dayes , will come and goe , as well as prosp'rous houres of sunshine doe ; and , when ' t is past , the paine that went before , will make the following pleasure seeme the more . for , hee , hath promis'd , whom we may beleeve , his blessing , unto those that mourne and grieve ; and , that , though sorrow much dejects their head , in ev'ry need , wee shall be comforted . this promise i beleeve ; in ev'ry griefe , performe it , lord , and helpe my unbeliefe : so , others viewing how thou cheerest mee , shall , in all sorrowes , put their trust in thee . for whatsoever , man doth strive , the conquest , god alone , doth give . omnis victoria a domino . illvstr. xxxiii . book . when on the sword , the olive-branch attends , ( that is , when bloody warres , have peacefull ends ) and , whensoever victories are gained ; this emblem shewes , by whom they are obtained : for , that all victorie , doth onely from the pow'rfull hand of god-almightie , come , the boughes of bayes and olives , doe declare , which round the tetragrammatan appeare . nor must we thinke , that god bestowes , alone , the victories of warre , on any one ; but , that , when we contend in other things , from him , th' event that 's wisht for , also springs . this being so , how dare wee , by the lawes , or , by the sword , pursue a wicked cause ? how dare wee bring a matter that 's unjust , where hee ( though few perceive him ) judge it must ? or , prosecute with fury , or despite , against the person of his favourite ? what fooles are they , who seeke the conquest , by oppression , fraud , or hellish perjurie ? how mad are those , who to the warres prepare , for nothing , but to spoyle and murther there ? who , nor ingag'd by faith to their alies , nor urg'd by any private injuries , ( nor sent , nor tolerated , by their prince , nor caring whether side hath giv'n offence ) run rambling through the world , to kill and slay , like needie butchers , for two groats a day ? these men may side , where conquests , god bestowes ; yet , when the field is wonne , these men doe lose . since overmuch , will over-fill , powre out enough ; but doe not spill . ne quid nimis . illvstr. xxxiv . book . it is this emblems meaning , to advance the love and practise , of true temperance . for , by this figure ( which doth seeme to fill , vntill the liquor overflow , and spill ) wee are , as by example , taught to see how fruitlesse our intemperancies bee : thus by the rule of contrarieties , some vertues , best are showne to vulgar eyes . to see nastie drunkard , reele and spew , more moves to sobernesse , than can the view of tweatie civill men ; and , to behold one prodigall , ( that goodly lands hath sold ) stand torne and louzie , begging at the dore , would make intemperance abhorred more , ( and , manly sobernesse , much better , each ) than all that sixe philosophers can preach : so , by the vessels overflowing , here , true moderation doth more prais'd appeare , than by the meane it selfe : and , without sinne , that 's pictur'd , which to doe , had wicked bin , for , though to vertuous ends ; wee doe deny the doing-ill , that good may come thereby . from hence , let us be taught , that carefull heed , whereby wee should both minde and bodie , feed . let us , of our owne selves , observe the size ; how much wee want , how little will suffize ; and , our owne longings , rather leave unfill'd , than suffer any portion to bee spill'd : for , what we marre , shall to account be layd , and , what wee wisely spend , shall be repayd . they passe through many stormes , and streights , who rise to any glorious heights . per angusta ad augusta . illvstr. xxxv . book . this tree , which here doth largely seeme to grow , ( and spreads above , though streightned in below ) through adverse winds , and many a winters blast , hath gain'd a faire proportion at the last ; and , from a lowly shrub , is growne to bee a well-esteemed , and a goodly tree . thus , hath it chanced unto many a man : and , he that first in misery began , ( so poore and meane , that very few or none have judg'd him to be worth the looking on ) ev'n he , through scornes , through wrongs , and povertie , hath crept , and screw'd , and rais'd himselfe so high , that , he hath placed been among the prime , of those , who seem'd the worthies of the time ; yea , overtopt and aw'd , the best of those , who sought to curbe him , when he first arose . this , i have seene ; and , as wee seldome find a tree grow faire , that cannot brooke the wind , or , must be hous'd at winter ; or , on whom the gardners pruning-knife , did never come : so , i have rarely knowne those men to rise to any good , or noble qualities , who feele not , first some hardship , or some storme , to prune , to discipline , and to reforme their wits and manners . for , prosperitie , ease , plentie , and too large a libertie , doth often blast them , and , somtime bereave them , of what their predecessors worth's , did leave them . let , therefore , no man , feare when this he knowes . although in tempests , and through streights he goes . god , ever will bee present , there , where , of one faith , and mind they are . fiducia concors . illvstr. xxxvi . book . a fixed palme , ( whose fingers doe appeare , as if displayed , and advanc'd they were ) intended by our author , here , wee see , to sha●dow out agreeing-minds , that bee establish'd in one trust . and , well it may , that vertue , of the holy church display . for , as our hands , the better meanes can make , to gaine , as well as to retaine , or take , the benefits we seeke ; when wee intend , our differing fingers , all , to worke one end : so , when the church of christ ( wherein wee finde a diffrence of degrees ) shall with one minde , persue a faithfull hope ; they 'l soone obtaine , that wished benefit , they seeke to gaine : for , when but two or three shall in gods name , req●est a blessing , he will grant the same . let all thy sev'rall churches , lord ( that stand like many fingers , members of one hand ) thy will essentiall with joynt love obay , though circumstantially , they differ may . some have the larger circuit , some are stronger , some are of short continuance , some of longer ; but , though their guifts may differ , yet provide , that , still , on one foundation , they may bide ; and , that , all those , who in one faith agree , may , in one band of love , united bee : till our confined wisdome comes to know , that , many things , for which wee wrangle so , would further that , whose hindrance wee doe feare , if more our faith , and l●sse our discord were . protect mee , if i worthy bee ; if i demerit , punish mee . pro me si mereor in me. illvstr. xxxvii . book . this emblem , forth unto your view hath set , a sword , together with a coronet ; to shew the prudent reader , what reward for ill , and for well doing is prepar'd ; that they , who heretofore , amisle have done , may learne , their threatned punishments to shun : that they , whose actions warrantable were , may , in their honest courses , persevere : and , that those men , who great and pow'rfull bee , should punish and reward , as cause they see . men are of diff'ring tempers : some , are wonne by promises , and gentle meanes alone : some , moved are by shame ; and , some through dread , to bee in purse , or bodie punished . and , some , their duties are allur'd to doe , no way , but by a mixture of these two . they , therefore , neither wise , nor honest bee , who dandle all offenders on their knee ; or , punish onely with a god-forbid ; or , doe not so , my sonnes , as ely did . nor wiser ought , are they , nor honester , who alwayes fright , and threaten those that erre ; no mercie joyning , to the chastisement of them , whose faults are worthy to bee shent . nor are they lesse to blame , who carry swords , to punish errors ; but , nor lookes , nor words , to cherish well deservings : and , in this , most men , that punish others , doe amisse . sure , if the sword misdoing , may pursue , for doing-well , the coronet is due . the tongue , which every secret speakes , is like a barrell full of leakes . hac atque illac perfluit . illvstr. xxxviii . book . the barrell , from whose bottome , sides , and b●ng , the liquor ( as in this our emblem ) flowes , may fitly typifie the babling tongue , of him that utters ev'ry thing hee knowes . for , such as are their taskes , who strive to fill an ever-leaking vessell , to the brim ; ev'n such are his , who laboureth to still a tatlers tougue ; for , paines are lost on him . this figure , also , serveth to expresse , the trustlesse nature of a whorish woman ; for , shee to all displayes her wantonnesse , and , cares to keepe her secresies , from no man. within her bosome , nothing long shee keeps , but , whatsoever shee conceives or knowes , streight , from the heart , up to her tongue , it creeps ; and , round about the citie , then , it goes . bee warned therefore , and commit thou not thy person , state , or fame , to such as these ; lest , they thy reputation doe bespot , consume thy substance , or thy minde disease . but , most of all , bee wary , lest the crime , which here wee doe reproove , thy mind infect : for , vice , like weeds , will grow in little time , and , out-grow vertues , if wee them neglect . the surest way to keepe such errors out , and , in our selves true vertues to maintaine ; is , to bee hoopt with temp'rance , round about , and , our out-flowing humors to restraine . if thus we practise , 't will prevent the wrongs of our owne errors , and of others tongues . how ever thou the viper take ▪ a dang'rous hazzard thou dost make . ut cunque . illvstr. xxxix . book . this figure warnes us , that wee meddle not with matters , whereby nothing may bee got , save harme or losse ; and , such as once begun , wee may , nor safely doe , nor leave undone . i should bee loath to meddle in the strife arising 'twixt a husband , and his wife ; for , truth conceal'd , or spoke , on either side , may one or th' other grieve , or both divide . i would not with my most familiar mate , be partner in the whole of my estate ; lest i , by others errors , might offend , or , wrong my family , or , lose my friend . i would not , willingly , in my distresse , from an unworthy hand , receive redresse ; nor , when i need a suretie , would i call an vnthrift , or a roaring prodigall : for , either these i thanklesly must shun , or , humour them , and be perhaps undone . i would not heare my friend unwisely prate those things , of which i must informe the state : and , seeme unfriendly ; or , else leave to doe , that , which a stronger band obligeth to . nor would i , for the world , my heart should bee enthrald by one , that might not marry mee ; or , such like passions , bee perplexed in , as hang betwixt a vertue , and a stone ; or , such , as whether way soe're i went , occasion'd guilt , or shame , or discontent : for , howsoe're wee mannage such like things , wee handle winding vipers , that have stings . the gaining of a rich estate , seemes , many times , restrain'd by fate . fata obstant . illvstr. xl. book . observe this wheele , and you shall see how fate doth limit out to each man , that estate which hee obtaines ; then , how hee doth aspire to such a height ; and , why hee mounts no higher : for , whatsoere their authors understood , these emblems , now , shall speake as i thinke good . the cornucopias fastned to a round , thus fixt , may shew , that riches have their bound ; and , can be raised , by mans pow'r or wits , no higher than gods providence permits . the placing of them on that wheele , doth show , that , some waxe poore , as others wealthy grow : for , looke how much the higher , one doth rise , so much the lower , still , the other lies ; and , when the height of one is at an end , hee sinkes againe , that others may ascend . the many stops , which on this wheele you spie , those many obstacles may typisie , which barre all those that unto wealth aspire , from compassing the round of their desire . the want of wit , from riches , barreth some ; some , cannot rich , because of sloth , become . some , that are wise , and painefull , are deny'd encrease of wealth , through pleasure , or through pride . some , lose much profit , which they else might make , because of conscience , or for credit sake . if none of these did hinder , wee have store , that might bee rich , who , yet , are very poore . and , these , indeed , doe come to be those fates , which keepe most men , from getting large estates . in all thine actions , have , a care , that no unseemlinesse appeare . vt ne quid dedeceat . illvstr. xli . book . the virgine , or the wife , that much desires , to please her lovers , or her , husband's eyes , in all her costl'est robes , her selfe attires ; and , seekes the coml'est dresse , shee can devise . then , to her trustie looking-glasse , shee goes , ( where , often , shee her person turnes and winds ) to view , how seemely her attiring showes ; or , whether ought amisse therein she finds . which praisefull diligence , is figur'd thus in this our emblem ; that , it may be made a documentall signe , remembring us , what care of all our actions , must bee had . for , hee that in god's presence would appeare an acceptable soule ; or , gracious grow with men , that of approv'd conditions are , must by some faithfull glasse , be trimmed so . the good examples of those pious men , who liv'd in elder times , may much availe : yea , and by others evills , now and then , men see how grossely , they themselves , doe faile . a wise companion , and , a loving friend , stands nearer , than those ancient glasses doe ; and , serveth well to such an usefull end : for ▪ hee may bee thy glasse , and fountaine too . his good example , shewes thee what is fit ; his admonition , checks what is awry ; hee , by his good-advise , reformeth it ; and , by his love , thou mend'st it pleasedly . but , if thou doe desire the perfect'st glasse , ioyne to the morall-law , the law of grace . wee , bring the hony to the hive ; but , others , by our labours thrive . non nobis . illvstr. xlii . book . the prettie bees , with daily paines contrive their curious combes , and from the flowry fields , doe bring that pleasant sweetnes●e to their hive , which nectar , and ambrosiack dainties , yeelds , yet , when themselves with labours they have tir'd , the following winters famine to prevent , for their good service , either they are fir'd , or , forth into an emptie hive are sent : and , there , with slender diet they are served , to leave another summers worke , to those who take no care , though all the swarme be starved , if weake and quite past labour once it growes . as with such bees , it fares with many a one , that , spends his youthfull time in honest thrift ; and , by the waspe , the hornet , or the drone , of all their labours , they are soone bereft . sometime , the bordring flies , much wrong this brood , through idle visitings ; or , them despoyle , by making friendly shewes of neighbourhood ; when , all their complements , are nought but guile . sometime , their powerfull foes doe rob them quite ; sometime , their lords , or landlords , with pretence , of claiming only what is just and right , oppresse them without mercie , or defence . thus , by one course or other , daily , some ( that are laborious in an honest way ) the prey of pride , or idlenesse become : and , such as these , may therefore truely say , that , whatsoever they to passe have brought , not for themselves , but others , they have wrought . god , by their names , the stars doth call ; and , hee is ruler of them all . astra deus regit . illvstr. xliii . book . some say , and many men doe these commend ) that , all our deeds , and fortunes doe depend vpon the motions of celestiall sphere● ; and , on the constellations of the starres . if this were true , the starres , alone , have bin prime cause of all that 's good , and of all sinne . and , 't were ( me thinkes ) injustice to condemne , or , give rewards to any , but to them . for , if they made mee sinne , why for that ill , should i be damn'd , and they shine brightly , still ? if they inforc'd my goodnesse , why should i bee glorified for their pietie ? and , if they neither good nor ill constraine , why then , should wee of destinie complaine ? for , if it bee ( as t is ) absurd to say , the starres enforce us ( since they still obay their just commander ) 't were absurder , farre , to say , or thinke , that god's decree it were , which did necessitate the very same , for which , we thinke the starres might merit blame . hee made the starres to bee an ayd unto us , not ( as is fondly dream'd ) to helpe undoe us : ( much lesse , without our fault , to ruinate , by doome of irrecoverable fate ) and , if our good endeavors , use wee will , those glorious creatures will be helpfull still in all our honest wayes : for , they doe stand to helpe , not hinder us , in god's command ; and , hee not onely rules them by his pow'rs , but , makes their glory , servant unto ours . who , patience tempts , beyond her strength , will make it fury , at the length . furor fit laesa saepius patientia . illvstr. xliiii . book . although wee know not a more patient creature , than is the lambe , ( or , of lesse harmfull nature ) yet , as this emblem shewes , when childish wrong , hath troubled , and provok'd him overlong , hee growes enrag'd ; and makes the wanton boyes , bee glad to leave their sports , and run their wayes . thus have i seene it with some children fare , who , when their parents too indulgent were , have urg'd them , till their doting grew to rage , and , sh●t them wholly from their heritage . thus , many times , a foolish man doth lose his faithfull friends , and justly makes them foes . thus , froward husbands ; and , thus , peevish wives , doe foole away the comfort of their lives ; and , by abusing of a patient-mate , turne dearest love , into the deadliest hate : for any wrong may better bee excused , than , kindnesse , long and wilfully abused . put , as an injur'd lambe , provoked , thus , well typisies how much it moveth us , to finde our patience wrong'd : so , let us make an emblem of our selves , thereby to take more heed , how god is moved towards them , that , his long suffring , and his love contemne . for , as wee somewhat have of every creature , so , wee in us , have somewhat of his nature : or , if it bee not sayd the same to bee , his pictures , and his images are wee . let , therefore , his long-suffring , well be weigh'd , and , keepe us , to provoke him , still afraid . hee that is blind , will nothing see , what light soe're about him bee . coecus nil luce iuvatur . illvstr. xlv . book . it is by some supposed , that our owles , by day-time , are no perfect sighted fowles ; and , that , the more you doe augment the light , the more you shall deprive them of their sight . nor candles , torches , nor the sunne at noone , nor spectacles , nor all of these in one can make an owlet in the day-time see , though none , by night , hath better eyes than shee . this emblem , therefore , sets their blindnesse forth , who cannot see , when an apparant worth illustrates vertuous men ; yet , seeme to spie those faults , where with ill-willers them belie . the blind●esse , also , well it may declare , of heretikes , who eagle sighted are , in sophistries , and in the cloudie night , of those darke errors , which delude the sight ; yet , cannot see the rayes of truth divine , though , brighter than the day light , shee doth shine . it , likewise , very fitly typifies , those , in our dayes , who spie out mysteries , beyond the moone ; yet , cannot gaine the view of that , which common reason proveth true : and , therefore , onely , crie it ( madly ) downe , because , by reasons light , it may be knowne . these , when 't was offred , first , the light refused ; and , they have now the darknesse which they chused . till , therefore , god shall offer grace againe , man strives to set up lights , to these , in vaine : for , what are lights to those who blinded bee ? or , who so blinde , as they that will not see ? none knowes , untill the fight be past , who shall bee victor , at the last . inter utrumque volat . illvstr. xlvi . book . while these two champions for the conquest fight , betwixt them both victoria takes her flight , on doubtfull wings ; and , till the fray bee past , none knowes ▪ to whether , shee the wreath will cast . which emblem serves , not onely , to expresse the danger , and the issues doubtfulnesse , in all contentions ; but , may warne us too , that , wee no strivings rashly undergoe ; since they , who long with painfull skill have striv'd of likely conquests , are at length depriv'd . force , much prevailes ; but sleight and wit hath pow'● . sometime , to hurle downe strength upon the floore . sometimes againe , our ingineeres doe faile ; and , blowes , doe more than stratagems , prevaile . though , i , upon mine honest-cause depend , another may o'rethrow it , by his friend : and , hee that boasteth of his patrons grace , may lose his hopes , if bribing come in place . to say the truth , in whatsoever cause , wee by the sword contend , or by the lawes , there 's no event or issue more assured , than this , that , losse to both shall bee procured : and , that , sometime , as well an innocent , as guilty-cause , may finde an ill event . let , therefore , our endeavours be , to strive , who , shall hereafter , least occasion give of those contentions , and of those debates , which hurt our honor , safetie , or estates : that , we , a conquest , may be sure to gaine , and , none repine , at that which we obtaine . why should i feare the want of bread ? if god so please , i shall be fed . si deus voluerit . the blessed psalmist , fitly did expresse , by grinning-dogs , which howling roame by night , to satisfie their grudging appetite . here , therefore , by an emblem , wee are showne , that , god , ( who as hee lists , bestowes his owne ) providing so , that none may bee unfed , doth offer to the dogges , the childrens bread . and , by this emblem , wee advised are , of their presumptuous boldnesse to beware , who bound god's mercie ; and , have shut out some from hope of grace , before the night is come : since , to the dogs , his meat is not denide , if they returne , ( though not till evening tide . ) moreover , wee , some notice hence may take , that , if provision , god , vouchsafes to make , for lyons , dogs , and ravens , in their need , hee will his lambes , and harmlesse turtles feed : and , so provide , that they shall alwayes have sufficient , to maintaine the life hee gave . i must confesse , i never merit shall , the crummes , which from thy childrens table fall : yet , thou hast oft , and freely fed mee , lord , among thy children , at thy holy-board : nor have i , there , been fill'd with bread alone ; but , on the blessed bodie of thy sonne , my soule hath feasted . and , if thou dost grant such favours , lord ! what can i feare to want ? for , doubtlesse , if thy sonne thou please to give , all other things with him , i shall receive . all flesh , is like the wither'd hay , and , so it strings , and fades away . omnis caro foenum . illvxtr . xlviii . book . this infant , and this little trusse of hay , when they are moral zed , seeme to say , that , flesh is but a tust of morning grasse , both greene , and wither'd , ere the day-light passe . and , such we truly finde it ; for , behold , as●oone as man is borne , hee waxeth old , in griefes , in sorrowes , or necessities ; and , withers ev'ry houre , unti●l hee dyes : now , flourishing , as grasse , when it is growne , straight perishing , as grasse , when it is mowne . if , wee with other things , mans age compare , his life is but a day ( for , equall'd are his yeares with houres : his months , with minutes bee fit parallels ; and , ev'ry breathing , wee may tearme a day ) yet , some , ev'n at the night of that short day , are dead , and witherd quite . before the morning of our lives bee done , the flesh oft fades : sometime , it growes till noone : but , there 's no mortall flesh , that will abide vnparched longer , than till evening-tide . for , in it selfe , it alwayes carries that , which helpeth so , it selfe to ●uinate ; that , though it feele , nor storme , not scorching flame , an inbred canker , will consume the same . considering well , and well remembring this , account the flesh no better than it is : wrong not thine everlasting soule , to cherish a gourd , which in a moments time will perish . give it the tendance , fit for fading crops ; but , for hay harvest , lose not better hopes . make use of time , that 's comming on ; for , that is perish'd , which is gone . perit quod elapsum est. illvstr. xlix . book . this glasse declares , how time doth , passe away ; and , if the words , about it , rightly say , thy time that 's , gone , is lost : and , proofe will shew , that , many find both words , and emblem , true . how f●st their time departs , they best perceive , from whom it steales , before they take their leave , of what they love ; and , whose last houre is gone , before their chiefest businesses are done . how fast it slides , ev'n they are also taught , ( too late , perhaps ) who never kept in thought their ending-day ; but , alwayes did presume , or , largely hope upon the time to come ; the present-howres , nor thankfully enjoying , nor , honestly , nor usefully employing . that yeares expir'd , are lost , they likewise find : for , when their understanding brings to mind , how fondly ( or , how ill perchance ) they spent their passed age ; they see , with discontent , the time , not onely lost , but , worse than so ; lost with a thousand other losses moe : and , that , when they shall need it , wealth nor pow'r , can purchase them , one minute of an howre . consider this , all ye that spend the prime , the nonne-tide , and the twilight of your time , in childish play-games , or meere worldly things ; as if you could , at pleasure , clip times wings , or turne his glasse ; or , had a life , or twaine to live , when you had fool'd out this in vaine . short is the present ; lost times-passed bee ; and , time to come , wee may not live to see . the garland , he alone shall weare , who , to the goale , doth persevere . perseveranti dabitur . illvstr. l. book . an arme is with a garland here extended ; and , as the motto saith . it is intended , to all that persevere . this being so ; let none be faint in heart , though they be slow : for , he that creepes , untill his race be done , shall gaine a wreath , aswell as they that runne . this being so ; let no man walke in doubt , as if gods arme of grace were stretched out to some small number : for , whoe're begins and perseueres , the profer'd garland winns : and , god respects no persons ; neither layes a stumbling blocke in any of our waies . this being so , let no man think 't enough to set his hand , a little , to the plough , and , then desist ; but , let him still pursue , to doe that worke , to which that wreath is due : for , nor on good beginners , nor on those that , walke halfe-way , ( much lesse on him , that goes no stepp at all ) will god this gift conferre ; but , onely , unto those that persevere . lord , by thy grace , an entrance i have made in honest pathes ; and , thy assistance had , to make in them , some slow proceedings too . oh grant me , full abilitie , to doe thy sacred will ; and , to beginn , and end such workes , as to thy glory , still , may tend . that ( walking , and continuing in the path , which evermore , thine approbation hath ) i may that garland , by thy grace , obtaine , which , by mine owne desert , i cannot gaine . glory be to god. the fovrth lotterie . thou , of a noble minde , art thought , which , heav'nly things , hath chiefly sought . and , scorn'st thy vertue to debase , by loving those of lower place . if so , thine emblem doth expresse thy wisdome , and thy worthynesse . but , if to earthward thou incline ; thence , learne affections more divine . some words or thoughts , perhaps , of your have wrong'd gods providence , or pow're : els , you ( it may be ) to some place , confine his unconfined grace ; or , thinke , he never taketh care , of any realme , but where you are . your lot , now , therefore , doth provide , to have your iudgement rectifide . thou maist be wise , but , there is , yet , some crack , or failing in thy wit : for , thou dost personate a part , that , showes thee other , then thou art . thine emblem , therefore , doth declare , what habit , such deserve to weare , and , that , he merits asses eares , who is not , that , which he appeares . you have , as yet , much worke to doe , but , yoo have little time thereto : that , little , flyes away with speed , and , you the losse , as little heed . lest , therefore , all your time be gone , before you duely thinke thereon , a memorandum you have got , by drawing , of this luckie lot. though you , perhaps , no perill dread , a mischiefe hangs above your head ; by which , you ( taking little care ) may perish ere you be aware . to minde you , therefore , to eschew such miseries as may ensue ; your lot , this warning emblem sent ; observe it , and your harmes prevent . thou fly'st , in hope , to shun thy griefe ; thou changest place , to seeke releefe ; and , many blamelesse things are shent as , causers of thy discontent . but trouble , now , no more thy minde , the root of thy disease to finde ; for , by thine emblem , thou shalt see , the fountaine , whence thy torments bee . m thou art , or els thou wert , of late , some great , or petty , magistrate ; or , fortune thereunto , perchance , in time to come , will thee advance . but , by thine emblem , thou shalt see , that , when restrein'd , thy pow'r shall be , offenders , thereof will be glad , and skoffe the pow're which thou hast had ; observe it ; and be so upright , that , thou maist laugh at their despight . promotion thou dost much desire , and , spacious fortunes to acquire ; as , if thou thoughtst , thou mightst attaine , true blessednesse , by such a gaine : to shew thee , therefore , what event , what happinesse , and what content , such things , will bring vs , at the last , an usefull object , now , thou hast . disheartned be not , though thou see , thy hopes , quite frustrate seeme to be ; for , many hopes , appearing past , have , beene renew'd againe , at last ; and , grew far greater , then before , when , they seem'd lost , for evermore . examples , therefore , now are brought , that , still , to hope , thou mayst be taught . m most men desire to gaine the fate , which keepes them safe , in ev'ry state ; and , you , no doubt , would faine provide ; a station , which might firme abide . if so you meane ; your l●t hath brought , some newes of that , which you have sought : for , by your emblem , you may see , what men shall most unmooved be . you seeme , to wonder , much of late , that , some goe backward in estate , who seeme to thrive ; and , why , we finde , those friends , who seemed very kinde , ( and , forward , good respects to show ) doe , now unkinde , and froward grow . but , when your emblem you shall see , no wonder , then , such things will be . thou seekst a conquest ; or , ( at least ) of such a pow're to be possest , as none can conquer ; and , bohold , thou , in an emblem , shalt be told the meanes to get thy hearts desire . yet , know , that if thou come no nigher , then but to know the meanes of blisse , the farther off , the blessing is . thou liv'st as one who thinks , that , fate all actions did ne●essitate ; and , that to doe , or leave undone , thy businesses , came all to one . if thus thou thinke , perhaps , this chance ; may helpe to cure thine ignorance ; and , show , when 't will be , wholly , fit to fate , our matters , to commit . thy neighbors house when thou dost view , welfurnisht , pleasant , large , or new , thou thinkst good lares , alwaies dwell , in lodgings that are trimm'd so well . but , by thine emblem , thou art showne , that ( if thou lov'dst what is thine owne ) thatcht roofes , as true contentments yeeld , as those , that are with cedar seeld . vaine fancies , therefore , from thee cast ; and , be content with what thou hast . thou seek'st preferment , as a thing , which east , or westerne-winds might bring ; and , thinkst to gaine a temp'rall crowne , by powres and vertues of thine owne : but , now thy lot informes from whom , the scepter , and preferments come ; seeke , thence , thy lawfull hopes fruition , and , cherish not a vaine ambition . this lot , though rich , or poore , thou bee , presents an emblem , fitt for thee . if rich , it warnes not to be proud ; since , fortunes favours are allow'd to swinish-men ▪ if thou be poore , deject thou not thy selfe , the more ; for , many worthymen , there are , who , doe not fortunes iewels weare . thou , dost not greatly care , by whom thy wealth , or thy preferments , come : so , thou maist get them , foole or knave , thy prayers , and thy praise may have ; because thou dost nor feare , nor dreame , what disadvantage comes by them : but , by thine emblem , thou shalt see , that , mischieves , in their favours bee . you boast , as if it were , unknowne the power you have were not your owne : but , had you not an able prop , you could not beare so high a top ; and , if that ayde forsake you shall , downe to the ground , you soone will fall . acknowledge this ; and , humble grow , you may be , still , supported so . this lot of yours doth plainely show , that , in some danger now you go . but , wounds by steele , yet , feare you not ; nor pistoling , nor cannon-shot ; but , rather , dread the shafts that fly , from some deepe-wounding wantons eye . your greatest perills are from thence ; get , therefore , armour of defence . thy vertues , often , have beene tride , to finde what proofes they will abide : yet , thinke not all thy trialls past , till thou on ev'ry side art cast ; nor , feare thou , what may chance to thee , if truely , square , thy dealings be : for , then , what ever doth befall , nor harme , nor shame , betide thee shall . fine clothes , faire words , entising face , with maskes of pietie and grace , oft , cheat you , with an outward show , of that , which prooveth nothing so . therefore , your emblems morall read ; and , ere too farre you doe proceed , thinke , whom you deale withall to day , who , by faire shewes , deceive you may . you , are accus'd of no man , here , as , if to any , false , you were in word , or deed ; and , wish , we doe , your conscience may acquit you too , but , if your selfe you guilty finde , ( as , unto such a fault inclin'd ) the crime , already past , repent ; and , what is yet undone , prevent . m you haue delighted much , of late , gainst womens ficklenesse , to prate ; as if this frailety you did find , entail'd , alone , on womankind : but , in your selfe , ther 's now and then , great proofes , of wav'ring minds , in men : then , jugde not faults which are unknown ; but , rather learne to mend your owne . at you afflictions , you repine , and , in all troubles , cry , and whine ; as if , to suffer , brought no ioy ; but , quite , did all contents destroy . that , you might , therefore , patient grow , and , learne , that vertues pow're , to know , this lot , unto your view , is brought : peruse , and practise what is taught . on out side friends , thou much relist , and , trustest , oft , before thou try'st ; by which , if cousnage thou escape , thy wit wee praise not , but thy hap : but lest by trust , ( e're triall due ) thou , overlate , thy trusting sue ; observe the morall of thy lot , and , looke that thou forget it not . by this your lot , it should appeare , that , you your selfe are too severe ; or , have , by some , perswaded bin , that , ev'ry pleasure is a sinne . that , wiser therefore , you may grow , you have an emblem , now , to show , that , hee , whose wisdome all men praise , sometime , layes downe his bow , and playes . thou little heedst how time is lost , or , how thine howres away doe post ; nor art thou mindfull of the day , in which thy life , will breath away . to thee this lot , now therefore , came , to make thee heedfull of the same . so , of thy dutie , let it mind thee , that , thou maist live , when death shall finde ( thee . a safe-abiding , wouldst thou know , when seas doe rage , and winds doe blow ? if so ; thine emblem shewes , thee , where such priviledges gained are . observe it well ; then , doe thy best , to bee a yongling , in that nest there moraliz'd : and , mocke thou not at what is taught thee , by this lot. beleeve not , alwayes , as thy creed , that , love-profest , is love-indeed ; but , their affections entertaine , who in thy need , firme friends remaine . perhaps , it much may thee concerne , this lesson , perfectly , to learne . thine emblems morall , therefore view , and , get true ertends , by being true . the consciences , of some , afford no lawfull use unto the sword : some dreame , that , in the time of peace , the practice of all armes may cease ; and , you , perhaps , among the rest , with such like fancies are possest . however , what your morall sayes observe ; and , walke in blamelesse wayes . a better fortune you might gaine , if you , could take a little paine : if you have wealth , you should have more , and , should be rich , ( though you are poore ) if to the longings you have had , a true endevour you would adde : for , by your emblem , you may see , such , as your paines , your gaines will be , when any troublous time appeares , your hope is ouercome , with feares , as , if with every floud of raine . the world would quite be drownd againe , but , by your emblem , you shall see , that , sunshine , after stormes may be : and , you this lot , ( it may be ) drew , in times of neede , to comfort you . when , you to ought , pretend a right , you thinke to winne it by your might . yea , by your strength , your purse or friends , you boast to gaine your wished endes . but , such presumptions to prevent you to an emblem now are sent that , showes , by whom he victor growes , that winnes , by giving overthrowes . if , truely temperate , thou be , why should this lot , be drawne by thee ? perhaps , thou either dost exceed , in costly robes ; or drinke , or feede , beyond the meane . if , this thou finde , or , know'st , in any other kinde , how thou offendest by excesse , now , leave off , that intemp'ratnesse . thou hop'st , to climbe , to honor'd heights , yet , wouldst not passe through stormes or streights ; but , shun'st them so , as if there were no way to blisse , where troubles are . lest , then , thou lose thy hop'd-for praise , by , seeking wide , and easie wayes ; see what thine emblem doth disclose . and , feare not ev'ry winde that blowes . sometimes , it may be , thou dost finde , that , god , thy p●ayers , doth not minde , nor , heede , of those petitions take , which , men and congregations make . now , why they take so ill effect , thou , by our morall , maist collect : and , by the same , shalt also see , when , all thy suits will granted be . thou , hast been very forward , still , to punish those , that merit ill ; but , thou didst never , yet , regard to give desert , her due reward . that , therefore , thou maist now have care , of such injustice , to beware , thine emblem , doth to thee present , as well reward , as punishment . thou , either hast a babling tongue , which , cannot keepe a secret , long ; or , shalt , perhaps , indanger'd growe , by such , as utter all they know . in one , or other , of the twaine , thou maist be harm'd ; and , to thy gaine , it may redound , when thou shalt see , what , now , thine emblem , counsels thee . by this , thy lot , we understand , that , somewhat , thou hast tooke in hand , which , ( whether , further , thou proceed or quite desist ) will danger breed . consider , then , what thou hast done , and , since the hazzard is begun , advised be to take the course , which may not make the danger worse . the destinies , thou blamest , much , because , thou canst not be so rich , as others are : but blame no more the destinies , as heretofore ; for , if it please thee to behold , what , by thine embleme , shall be told , thou , there , shalt find , which be those fates , that , keepe men low , in their estates . thou thinkst , that thou from faults art free ; and , here , unblamed thou shalt be . but , if to all men , thou wilt seeme as faire , as in thine owne esteeme , presume thou not abroad to passe , vntill , by ev'ry looking-glasse , which , in thy morall , is exprest , thou hast , both minde , and body drest . some , labour hardly , all their daies , in painefull-profitable wayes ; and , others taste the sweetest gaine , of that , for which these tooke the paine : yet , these , they not alone undo , but , having robd , they murther too . the wrongs of such , this emblem showes , that , thou mayst helpe , or pitty those . thou , often hast observ'd with feares , th' aspects , and motions of the starres , as if , they threatned fates to some , which , god could never save them from ▪ if this , thy dreaming error be , thine emblems morall shewes to thee , that , god retraines the starry-fates , and , no mans harme , necessitates . thou , hast provoked , over long , their patience , who neglect the wrong ; and , thou dost little seeme to heede , what harme it threats , if thou proceed . to thee , an emblem , therefore , showes , to what , abused-patience growes . observe it well ; and , make thy peace , before to fury , wrath increase . thou hast the helps of natures light ; experience too , doth ayde thy sight : nay more , the sun of grace-divine , doth round about thee daylie shine ; yet , reasons eye is blind in thee , and , clearest objects cannot see . now , from what cause , this blindnesse growes the morall of the thine emblem showes . thy cause , thy money , or thy friend , may make thee forward to contend ; and , give thee hopes , that thy intents , shall bring thee prosperous events . but view thy lot ; then , marke thou there . that victories uncertaine are ; and rashly venture not on that whose end may be , thou knowest not what . to them who grudgingly repine , assoone as their estates decline , this lot pertaines ; or , unto those , who , when their neighbour needy growes , contemne him ; as if he were left , of god ; and , of all hopes berest . if this , or that , be found in thee , thou , by thy morall , taught shalt be , that , there is none to ill b● sped ; but may have , hope , he shall be fed . thy flesh thou lov'st , as if it were , the chiefest object , of thy care ; and of such value , as may seeme , well meriting , thy best esteeme . but , now , to banish that conceit , thy lot an emblem brings to sight , which , without flattery , shewes to thee of what regard it ought to be . it may suspected be thou hast , mispent the time , that 's gone and past ; for , to an emblem thou art sent , that 's made , such folly to prevent : the morall heed ; repent thy crime ; and , labour , to redeeme the time. with good applause thou , hast begunne , and , well , as yet , proceedest on : but , e're the lawrell , thou canst weare , thou to the end must persevere . and , lest this dutie , be forgot , thou hast a caveat , by this lot. although , this time , you drew it not , good fortune , for you , may be got . perhaps , the planets ruling now , have cast no good aspects on you . for , many say , that , now and then , the starres looke angerly on men : then , try your chance againe , anon ; for , their displeasure soone is gone . if by your lot you had beene prais'd your minde , perchance , it would have rais'd , above the meane . should you receive some check , thereby , it would bereave your patience : for , but few can beare , reproofes , which unexpected are . but , now prepared you have beene , to draw your lot once more begin ; and , if another blancke you get , attempt your chance , no more , as yet . to crosse your hopes , misfortune sought ; and , by your lot , a blanck hath brought : but , he who knew her ill intent , hath made this blanke her spight prevent ; for , if that number you shall take , which these two figures , backward , make , and view the place to which they guide ; an emblem , for you , they provide . these lots are almost ten to one above the blankes ; yer , thou hast none . if thus thy fortune still proceed , t is t●● to one if well thou speed . yet , i● thou doe not much neglect , to doe , as wisdome shall direct , it is a thousand unto ten but all thy hopes will prosper , then . it seemes , dame fortune , doth not know , what lot , on thee , she should bestow ; nor , canst thou tell , ( if thou mightst have the choice ) what fortune , thou shouldst crave . for , one thing , now , thy minde requires ; anon , another it desires . when resolution thou hast got , then , come againe , and draw thy lot. the chance , which thou obtained hast , of all our chances , is the last ; and , casting up the totall summes , we finde thy game , to nothing comes . yet if it well be understood , this chance may chance to doe thee good ; for , it inferres what portion shall , to ev'ry one , ( at last ) befall ; and warnes , while something ▪ is enjoyd , that , well it ( alwaies ) be imployd . finis . a table for the better finding out of the principall things and matters , mentioned in these foure bookes . a. adversitie . pag. . . . . . aegle . . ● affection . . . . . affliction . . . . . . . . . agreement in desire . . age. . ambitions 〈◊〉 . ambition . . anchor . . . annuall revolutions . . anvils and hammer . . appearances dece●e . . apollo . . archer . . armour . . arts. . . action . . armes . . . . authoritie . . b. ball . . beginning . ● . best men not best favour'd . . bear. . bees . . . . beautie . . blabs . . blessings long enjoyed . . bounds . . a bore . . borrowed worth . . a bowe bended . . bridle . . a broken-heart ● . busy-bodies . . butterfly and spider . . c. candle and flie. . carnal affections . . caduceus . . . ceremonies of estate . . centaure . . a childe . . christian confidence . . church . . . christ the true pellican . . the circular motion of things . . circumspection . . clamor . . cleargie-men . . constancie . . . . cock. . comlinesse . . good companions . . constant resolution . consideration . . contempt of earthly things . ● . contention . . . contention hazzardous . . contemplation . . . . concord . . consolation . vid. comfort . comfort . . comfort sweetned by troubles . ibid. constellations . . . . contentment . . cornerstone . . coronet . . cornucopia . . . . corporeall vertues . . covetousnesse . . crocadile . . craft . . crowne . . . . crosse . . crosses . curiositie . cupid . cynthia . d. danger hangs over all death . . . . . . . . deaths head deliberation delay degrees . . . . deceit in all places . . despaire is not to be admitted . . . . destinie . vid. fate . decrees of god. . our destruction is of our selves . . desires best object . . devotion . . diamond . . diana . . divine assistance . . dissimulation , , , discord . . discretion . . doggs . . dolphin . . dove . . drowsinesse . . drones . . e. earthly things . ● . endurance . . endeavour continued . . envy . end. . equalitie . . . equivocation . . estridge . . eternitie . . . everlasting . . excesse . . externall blessings . . f. faith . faith infringed . . . fate . . . . fatall necessity falshood fame . faire shewes deceitfull . face fighters ficklenesse vid. inconstancy filial pierie . fire on an altar . fierie-triall flesh is hay flying-ball . flie and the candle flower of the sunne . fooles , who the greatest fooles favours mischievou● fortune . . . . . fraud in all 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 frequencie fullnesse furie begotten by abused patience . g. ganimed . light gaines . glory . . god . . , , gods prerogatives gods decrees ● . gospell preachect ●● good works . governours government ●●● goblins about graves grace , . , grave greefe groves ● . great things from small beginnings . ● gryphon guile vid. fraud and deceit guiltinesse , . h. hast , hammer and anvile , halter , halayon . vid. kings fisher harvest harlots , harmlesnes vid. innocency hazzardous enterprises harmony vid. musick hard-hearted men hardship heed . , heliotrope heaven hellen hyppocrisy , , , hyppoc●i●● honour●● , hope , , , , , . , houses which are best hony howreglasse , hunger . husbands humility hyppotamus i. ianus . idlenesse . innocence . . infant incroachments invincibility inconstancy intemperance industry impiety imprsonmēt better than a worse mischiefe ioyes sweetned by afflictions iteration iustice . , iust dealing , ixion k. kingsfisher ● kings , , , , ● , kingdomes a kingdomes glorie knowledge , , l. labour , , , , , labour in vaine . lambe . lawe . leasure and heed . learne to die learning a line a day . liking makes indifferent things excellent ● a little and little makes a mic●●se . life . love the best musitian , love , , , . losses . losses may he recovered looking-glasses . m. malefactors mat● . marriages , . magistrates out of office . a made . man his owne enemie mercy , offred to all merit measures medlers , vid. busie-bodies , meditation best in the night ● meanes , not to be neglected 〈◊〉 meanes , not the onely ground of hope mercurie the meane military exercise mis-fortune may be profitable , mortalitie . moone . monuments mutuall affection . . . musicke n. nature and grace . nature needes a supporter . necessitie night helpfull to meditation o. oathes obscuritie profitable occasion offenders old men may learne opportunitie oppression opposition order outward appearances oyle . . . oxe p. paine palmetree patience . . patriots pallas . parents a pastorall charge peace . ● perjurie pegasus perseverance . ● . . pelican pietie . . piguley spirits planets planting pleasure . . . plenty plaine-dealing poeticall libertie poets horse , vid. pegasus power . power divine . policie posterity poore theeves . povertie cause of povertie . praise practise . preaching preferment prelats priests . ibid. pride to be avoyed princes profit causeth contention . procession . prosperitie . protection divine promotion is of god prudence . . puritie punishment and reward pyramus . q. qvarrellers . r. rashnesse . redeeme the time . recreation a well resolved man restraints from being rich resolute constancy ▪ repine not at mi●fortunes reputation repentance to be hastned retirednesse . revolutions of things reward . . . . reward and punishment riches . rich theeves rod. . royall favour . . s. sacred callings the best sacrifice . salamander scepter scepter and spade sea-horse . selfe perdition . selfe love shepherds crooke ship . sisyphus sinne . . silence simplicity sincerity ●● , sive ● a skeleton ● sloath . . slownesse slow pace goes farre small beginnings . snake . . . . . . . snaile sophisters sober knowledge sorrow soveraigntie is of god , . spade spider squirrell . staiednesse . starrs . . states-men steresman stedfastnesse . vid. constancy . stewes storke . strength . . students studiousnesse suffering . . . . sufficiencie sunnshine after stormes swearing . . swine . . sword . . . . t. talents hidden . a tatler , . tennis-ball , terrene pompe temperance . terminus theeves thisbe time. . . . . titles , ill placed . tongue tortois touchstone transitorie things triall trie e're thou trust . . truth turtle . vid. dove . v. vanitie of earthly things vaine hopes . vaine shewes vengeance vertue . . ● . . . . . . . . . . . . vice . . . victorie uncertaine victorie is of god . viper vnanimitie vnchastitie vnitie . vnitie of faith vniversall grace . vnprofitable gifts vprightnesse of heart w. vvanton women warre , wast wearinesse . . watchfulnesse watchmen way of vertue weapons ● . wealth . . weights . welldoing weaknesse needes a suporter wisedome . , . . . . witt , . . wives whoredome . whore. vid. harlot woods decayed woman . world goes backeward . y. youth . . . a supersedeas to all them , whose custome it is , without any deserving , to importune authors to give unto them their bookes . it merits nor your anger , nor my blame , that , thus i have inscrib'd this epigram : for , they who know me , know , that , bookes thus large , and , fraught with emblems , do augment the charge too much above my fortunes , to afford a gift so costly , for an aierie-word : and , i have prov'd , your bigging qualitie , so forward , to oppresse my modestie ; that , for my future ease , it seemeth fit , to take some order , for preventing it . and , peradventure , other authors may , find cause to thanke me for 't , another day . these many years , it hath your custom bin , that , when in my possession , you have seene a volume , of mine owne , you did no more , but , aske and take , as if you thought my store encreast , without my cost : and , that , by giving , ( both paines and charges too ) i got my living ; or , that , i find the paper and the printing , a as easie to me , as the bookes inventing . if , of my studies , no esteeme you have , you , then abuse the courtesies you crave , and , are vnthankfull , if you prize them ought , why should my labour , not enough be thought , vnlesse , i adde expences to my paines ? the stationer , affoords for little gaines , the bookes you crave : and , he , aswell as i might give away , what you repine to buy : for , what hee gives , doth onely mony cost , ●et mine , both mony , time , and wit is lost . what i shall give , and what i have bestow'd o● friends , to whom , i love , or service ow'd , i prudge not ; and , i thinke it is from them , sufficient , that such gifts they do esteeme : yea , and , it is a favour too , when they will take these tristles , my large dues to pay ; ( or , aske them at my hands , when i forget , that , i am to their love , so much in debt . ) but , this inferres not , that , i should bestow 〈◊〉 like on all men , who , my name do know ; 〈◊〉 have the face to aske : for , then , i might , of wit and mony , soone be begger'd ▪ quite . so much , already , hath beene beg'd away , ( f●r which , i neither had , nor looke for pay ) as 〈◊〉 valu'd at the common rate , 〈…〉 hundred crownes , in my estate . which , ( if i may confesse it ) signifies , that , i was same more liberall , than wise . but , for the time to come , resolv'd i am , that , till without deny all ( or just blame ) i may of those , who cloth and clothes do make , ( as oft as i shall need them ) aske , and take ; you shall no more befoole me . therfore , 〈◊〉 be answer'd , and , henceforward , 〈…〉 a direction , shewing how they who are so ●isposed , shall 〈◊〉 out their chance , in the 〈…〉 . turne abo●t one of the 〈…〉 th● figures , which are in the following page , 〈…〉 your eyes thereupon , to observe where it slayeth 〈…〉 . if it be the upper figure , whose index you moved ; then , that number whereupon it resteth , is the number of your lot , or blancke . this being knowne , move the other index in like manner , and that quarter of the said figure whereon the same standeth ( when your hand is taken away ) shew 〈◊〉 which of the foure bookes , or lotteries , that chance is to be expected , whereunto your number doth send you , whether it be lot , or blancke . if it be any number above fifty , it is a blancke chance , and you are to looke no further . if it be any of the other numbers , it sends you to the emblem answering to the same number , in the booke next before the time lotterie . if the letter m. be plac●d before the alotted number ; then , that lot is proper onely to a 〈…〉 stand before it , it is proper onely to a woman : if there be 〈…〉 it 〈◊〉 to both sexes : and , therefore , when a 〈…〉 on a chance impertinet to their proper sex● ▪ 〈…〉 to take the next chance which pertaineth properly 〈…〉 it be blancke or lot ; the triall whereof , i have that 〈◊〉 , without the use of dice ; 〈◊〉 by bringing them into fight , they might , sometimes , occasion worse gaming . if king , queene , prince , or any one that springs from persons , knowne to be deriv'd from kings , shall seeke , for sport sake , hence to draw their lot ; 〈◊〉 author sayes , that , hee provided not 〈◊〉 such 〈◊〉 those ; because , it were too much 〈…〉 we find ou● fortunes , fit for such , 〈◊〉 ( as 〈◊〉 thinkes ) should rather , ayde supply 〈…〉 his evill fortunes by . to them , 〈◊〉 therefore p●●sed is to give 〈◊〉 and this large prerogative ; 〈◊〉 thy shall ch●s● from hence , what lots they please , 〈…〉 the●● 〈◊〉 , if they like not these , 〈…〉 personages , of high degree , ●pan● professe our authors friends 〈◊〉 be , 〈…〉 some , blemise , have ; that ●ill , they find 〈…〉 to their mind , 〈…〉 to try 〈…〉 and , ev'rytime apply 〈…〉 th●se , 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 west . booke . north . booke . sovth . booke . east . booke . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e see , emblem i. see , emb. ii. see , emb. iii. see , emb. iv. see , emb. v. see , emb. vi. see , emb. vii . see , emb. viii . see , emb. ix . see , emb. x. see , emb. xi . see , emb. xii . see , emb. xiii . see , emb. xiv . see , emb. xv. see , emb. xvi . see , emb. xvii . see emb. xviii . see , emb. xix . see , emb. xx. see , emb. xxi . see , emb. xxii . see , emb. xxiii . see , emb. xxiv . see , emb. xxv . see , emb. xxvi . see , emb. xxvii . see , emb. xxviii . see , emb. xxix . see , emb. xxx . see , emb. xxxi . see , emb. xxxii . see , emb. xxxiii . see , emb. xxxiv . see , emb. xxxv . see , emb. xxxvi . see , emb. xxxvii . see , emb. xxxviii . see , emb , xxxix . see , emb. xl. see , emb. xli . see , emb. xlii . see , emb. xliii . see , emb. xlv . see , emb. xlv . see , emb. xlvi . see , emb. xlvii . see , emb. xlviii . see , emb. xlix . see , emb. l. notes for div a -e * the countesse of dorset . notes for div a -e see , emblem . i. see , emb. ii. see , emb. iii. see , emb. iv. see , emb. v. see , emb. vi. see , emb. vii . see , emb. viii . see , emb. ix . see , emb. x. see , emb. xi . see , emb. xii . see , emb. xiii . see , emb. xiv . see , emb. xv. see , emb. xvi . see , emb. xvii . see , emb. xviii . see , emb. xix . see , emb. xx. see , emb. xxi . see , emb. xxii . see , emb. xxiii . see , emb. xxiv . see , emb. xxv . see , emb. xxvi . see , emb. xxvii . see ; emb. xxviii . see , emb. xxix . see , emb. xxx . see , emb. xxxi . see , emb. xxxii . see , emb. xxxiii . see , emb. xxxiv . see , emb. xxxv . see , emb. xxxvi . see , emb. xxxvii . see , emb. xxxvii . see , emb. xxxix . see , emb. xl. see , emb. xli . see , emb. xlii . see , emb. xliii . see , emb. xliv . see , emb. xlv . see , emb. xlvi . see , emb. xlvii . see , emb. xlviii . see , emb. xlix . see , emb. l. notes for div a -e see , emblem i. see , emb. ii. see , emb. iii. see , emb. iv. see , emb. v. see , emb. vi. see , emb. vii . see , emb. viii . see , emb. ix . see , emb. x. see , emb. xi . see , emb. xii see , emb. xiii . see , emb. xiv . see , emb. xv. see , emb. xvi . see , emb. xvii . see , emb. xviii . see , emb. xix . see , emb. xx. see , emb. xxi . see , emb. xxii see , emb. xxiii . see , emb. xxiv . see , emb. xxv . see , emb. xxvi . see , emb. xxvii . see , emb. xxviii . see , emb. xxix . see , emb. xxx . see , emb. xxxi . see , emb. xxxii . see , emb. xxxiii . see , emb. xxxiv . see , emb. xxxv . see , emb. xxxvi . see , emb. xxxvii . see , emb. xxxviii . see , emb. xxxix . see , emb. xl. see , emb. xli . see , emb. xlii . see , emb. xliii . see , emb. xliv . see , emb. xlv . see , emb. xlvi . see , emb. xlvii . see , emb. xlviii . see , emb. xlix . see , emb. l. notes for div a -e see emb. i. see , emb. ii. see , emb. iii. see , emb. iv. see , emb. v. see , emb. vi. see , emb. vii . see , emb. viii . see emb. ix . see , emb. x. see , emb. xi . see , emb. xii . see , emb. xiii . see , emb. xiv see , emb. xv. see , emb. xvi . see , emb. xvii . see emb. xviii , see emb. xix . see , emb. xx. see , emb. xxi . see , emb. xxii . see , emb. xxiii . see , emb. xxiv . see , emb. xxv . see , emb. xxvi . see , emb. xxvii . see , emb. xxviii . see , emb. xxix . see , emb. xxx . see , emb. xxxi . see , emb. xxxii . see , emb. xxxiii . see emb. xxxiv see , emb. xxxv . see , emb. xxxvi . see , emb. xxxvii . see , emb. xxxviii . see , emb. xxxix see , emb. xl. see emb. xli . see , emb. xlii . see , emb. xliii . see , emb. xliv . see , emb. xlv . see , emb. xlvi . see , emb. xlvii . see , emb. xlviii . see , emb. xlix . see , emb. l. sigh for the pitchers breathed out in a personal contribution to the national humiliation the last of may, , in the cities of london and westminster, upon the near approaching engagement then expected between the english and dutch navies : wherewith are complicated such musings as were occasioned by a report of their actual engagement, and by observing the publike rejoycing whilst this was preparing by the author / george wither. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing w wing w _cancelled estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) sigh for the pitchers breathed out in a personal contribution to the national humiliation the last of may, , in the cities of london and westminster, upon the near approaching engagement then expected between the english and dutch navies : wherewith are complicated such musings as were occasioned by a report of their actual engagement, and by observing the publike rejoycing whilst this was preparing by the author / george wither. wither, george, - . [ ], p. s.n., [london : ] in verse. this item is identified in wing as w (entry cancelled) and in wing ( nd ed.) as w . imprint consists of chronogram: imprinted in the sad year expressed in this seasonable chronogram lord have mercie vpon vs. mdclxvi. reproduction of original in huntington library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng anglo-dutch war, - -- poetry. great britain -- history -- charles ii, - -- poetry. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - andrew kuster sampled and proofread - andrew kuster text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion sigh for the pitchers : breathed out in a personal contribution to the national humiliation the last of may , . in the cities of london and westminster , upon the near approaching engagement then expected , between the english and dutch navies . wherewith are complicated such musings as were occasioned by a report of their actual engagement ; and by observing the publike rejoycing whilst this was preparing by the author george wither . hold , if ye knock , ye are broke . hold. unless god prevent . imprinted in the sad year expressed in this seasonable chronogram lord have mercie vpon vs. mdclxvi . to the english nation , and to every individual person within these brittish isles , geo. wither , wishes that grace , peace , and love in christ jesus , which by an unfeigned humiliation , may reconcile us all to god ; vnite us by an indissolvable band of charity , to each other ; and in a christian amity , withall nations through the world . my sighs concern you all , throughout this nation who are this day , in true humiliation to seek the face of god ; for , we make one of those two pitchers whom i do bemone : and , unto whom ( then fearing much their breaking , when first i saw war preparations making ) i sent a trumpet , both with an intent and hope , that which was feared , to prevent ; which , failing my good purpose to produce , i send this now , to mediate a truce ; for , who can tell , but that my words may have such ●ssue now , as heretofore god gave unto a private-womans when she spoke for abel , what effect in season took ? so may it prosper as i am sincere in that , which i have superscribed here ; and , let my foes on earth , be still as many as there are men , if i wish ill to any ; or , am not pleasd that all should live and die as happy , both in life and death as i who shall not , by a final wilfulness , deprive themselves of what they might possess ; and slander god , as cause original of that , which doth amiss to them befal . for , though , not few , my adversaries be or such , as , yet , bear no good will to me , i , ev'n for that cause , am in love , their debter ; for , him , who loves his foes , god , loves the better : yea , having partly been , in my distress relievd by some few who , do naytheless seem still my enemies ; it , makes me more , love god , and all mankinde , then heretofore . a time is come , in which , it is our turn both altogether , and apart to mourn : those general calamities befal which , for a general repentance call , and , for particular humiliation , in order to a publick reformation , from which , at present , are excepted none ; no , not the king , who sitteth on the throne : for , that which is in cottages begun will seize the pallace , ere the round is run , if god in mercy , answer not our hope , and , to our sins and fears , vouchsafe a stop. to that end , though this be not what i would or , should contribute , it is what i could and , may now , be as usefully exprest , as what more artificially is drest : yea , ( though it be , that onely ) in effect , which i have ost preferd without respect , this , seems a very seasonable time , to greet you , with a reasonable rime . accept it therefore , and be not offended with what is conscientiously intended . god , who from us doth trifles oft receive , requires of none , more then he hath to give ; and , if you shall accept what 's in my powr he , will of that accept , which is in your ; for , all that is contributed , by this , worth your acceptance , is not mine , but his . sighs for the pitchers . breathd out , in a personal contribution to the national humiliation , formally begun in the cities or london and westminster , the last of may , . ' such is gods gratiousness , that , wheresoever ' he finds a willingness joynd with endeavour to please or to appease him , though bat small , ( and in it self worth no respect at all ) he doth accept it : but , it is not so with men , what er'e we mean , or say , or do . for , most so pettish are ; that ev'n with that which to their own well-being doth relate , they quarrel ; and as much offended are with what , unto their own particular hath no relation , as to any thing which may to them a disadvantage bring . yea , so inclind are , to be discontent with actions , and with words indifferent , that how to fit all humors no man knows what ere he writes , be it in verse or prose . some , are best pleasd with this , and some with that , with nothing some ; or , with we know not what , except with that , ( and in their own mode drest ) whereby their single fancies are exprest . if , i may freely , truth declare in either , to me , it is indifferent in whether : verse cannot be so justly termd unholy as they , who think so , may be chargd with folly . the libertie , i therefore , at this time , resume , to vent my mind in verse and rime as heretofore without an affectation of what , is this day , with most men in fashion ; and , what i purpose to contribute now , shall be such private sighings as i owe to publick sorrowings ; not such , as may , without true sense thereof , be puft away . i offer not , now cures are to be done , that , which will prove no better then herb-john or chipps in broth ; nor , when provide i should apparel to preserve my friend from cold , bring them such thin sleight garments , as are neither good silk or cloth , but bawbles patcht together , lace , points and ribbands : nor , to feed them , set a platter full of sawces without meat , or , with so little , and so trimd about with kickshawes , that they cannot pick it out : nor give the sick , when they for health endeavor , such trash , as may beget a mortal feaver ; nor healing plasters , when i do perceive the patient rather needs a corrosive : nor , if there ought improper to that end , for which , humiliations we pretend in that , which i in words have added here : either peruse it therefore , or , give ear . before a storm is actually begun , or , symptoms of it , in the skies appear ; both birds and beasts , for shelter fly and run , to scape the dangers , then approaching near . to what these are by sense inclind , in season , men are assisted ( for their preservations ) by strong impulses , both of grace and reason , till they neglect , or sleight those inclinations . and to the publick safety , every one owes what may possibly by him be done : for , there 's a portion due from him that 's poor , though from the rich , there is expected more . . i had some education in the , schools , but my best teachings , came another way , and , neither to the wisest , or meer fools , is that intended which i have to say . my muse is to a midling-temper fitted , what suits with their capacities to write who , ( not much under or much over witted ) more in the matter , then the words delight . by that means , when with trifles i begin , things useful , are oft , thereby skrewed in , which peradventure , had not else been sought , where , they appeard more likely to be taught : what i but to one end , at first intended , occasions many cautions , ere 't is ended . so , sometimes , twenty businesses are done , by him , who went from home , to do but one . . sometimes too , by what in this mode is hinted , ( on sleight occasions in a vulgar strain ) such notions have been in the heart imprinted as were more plausibly exprest in vain : yea , otherwhile , a few plain words , in season , experimentally in private spoke , more operate with sanctified reason , ( and of what they import , more heed is took ) then is ( although more gloriously arayd ) of what 's but formally , in publick said . now therefore , i contribue thus , alone , to what was this day , publickly begun . but , stay ! what pannick fear hath seizd this nation that , they who triumphd but one day ago , assume the postures of humiliation , and fast and pray , at least , pretend thereto ? their jollitie is at a suddain pause , and to the temples , they begin to flock ; god make th' effect , as real as the cause , that , him with formal showes we do not mock , lest plagues increase , and when of what is better , we are in hope , our fears grow dayly greater : for , till our sins are heartily repented , by fasts and prayers , plagues are not prevented . . most , dedicated this moneths first aurora to their own fleshly lusts ; and spent the day in sacrificing to the strumpet flora , which was by some employd another way , perhaps though not prophane , more superstitious then holy : for , all is not sanctifide that is not vulgarly reputed vitious ; nor all unholy , which will not abide a sanctuary-test : but , somwhat hath doubtless , been acted which provokes gods wrath against our nation , since this month begun , that brings us on our knees , before 't is done . . our safety , peace and glory lie at stake ; and , we are forced such a game to play , as makes us tremble , and our hearts to ake twixt hope and fear of that which follow may : ev'n they , who lately foolishly did boast , and with proud vaunts and scorns contemn their foes , do find , that recknings made without their hoast , arise to more then they did presuppose . of foes without them , their regard was small ; of those within them , less , or none at all : but , now , to be assaulted , they begin with outward perils , and with fears within . . beyond reteating we ingaged are with forraign enemies ; and not quite free from factions , threatning an intestine war , if our presumings unsuccessfull be . as foes do multiply , so , friends grow fewer ; and , in those few , there is but little trust : for , none can in another be secure who , to himself is neither kind nor just . war is begun ; the pestilence doth spread ; and , though of dearth we feel but little dread , they , by whose labours , plenty was increast , are by a wasting poverty opprest . . the rich are discontent , the poor much grievd : the first have small hope to be better pleasd ; the last as little hope to be relievd , and most men are grown stupidly diseasd . men with ill tidings in all places meet , bewailing loss of goods , or want of trade : all day they hear complainings in the street ; all night , they and their families are sad . hereof , they upon others lay the blame who have been chief deservers of the same : most , apprehend a general distress , but , no man knows which way to make it less . . they , who should act , or mediate at least , some course to stop the fury of the current , finde , it will most advance their interest , to be at this time fishing in the torrent . they , who have now most cause , least frighted be : those few alone , who with a filial fear and christian hope , gods purposes foresee , submissive to his dispensations are : the rest are active still , in their own mode , as if in their own power their safety stood ; or , that it might be wrought , by their own hand , if ( as t was once said ) god would neuter stand . . for our defence , a naval preparation is made , as strong , as ever heretofore in any age , was modeld by this nation ; yea , stronger much , though not in number more . and , if they who thereof have management , shall not thereon ( as if it could not fail ) or , in themselves , be over-confident , it may against our ablest foes prevail : but , not unless , we timely lay aside our malice , our profaness , and our pride , which by the lord of hosts , are so abhord , that , they destroy more , then both fire and sword . . in mournings , we so little do delight , that , whatsoever sad event befals , which to humiliation doth invite , it seldom supersedes our festivals . a fast therefore , so near a feast begins , to moderate our mirth , and make us minde a true and speedy mourning for those sins whereto we have been , and are still inclinde . a change of feasts to fastings threatned was , which is within a little come to pass ; and , that , may peradventure be effected which we most fear , when it is least expected . . hereof the civil powers having sense , and , fearing what might probably befal , unless , we strengthned are by providence much more , then by their moving wooden-wall ; they lately summond us by proclamations to meet , and on the last of may begin in our head-cities , such humiliations as may declare a true remorse for sin . early that morning , likewise , lest we might their summons , either then forget , or slight , god , seconded their act , and from our beds with peals of thunders , raisd our drowzie heads . if i was not deceivd , five hours together that summons lasted , ( with few intervals ) made signal by rain , lightning , stormy weather , and thunderbolts , which pierced through stone-wals . it brake and melted bells ; consumd a steeple ; scard fowls and beasts , yea , and afraid did make even them , among those unrelenting people , who , heed of nought but smart and noise will take ; and in security again sleep on assoon as ere the pain or noise is gone . alas ! what horrours will such men confound , when they shall hear the seventh trumpet sound ? . i did obey this call ; and knowing too , that in the common peace , mine doth consist , in meekness , i prepard my heart , to do what might secure the common interest . the best have failings , and the worst have more ; though therefore they oft erre , who are in powre , with their defects , we must our own deplore : for oftentimes their faults take root from our . king davids crime sprung from the peoples sin ; for his offence , a plague on them broke in : thus , to each other , men of each degree , a mutual cause , of sins and suffrings be . . this makes me the more cautious , to take heed wherein , i personally give offence ; and , ere i censure that which others did , bewail mine own misdeeds with penitence . all of us have offended , ( if not more ) as much as our forefathers have transgrest : some , with more impudence , then heretofore ; and , my sins , have the common guilt increast : my self , to humble therefore , i went thither where good and bad men congregate together ; and , where , the worst are , or ( before they die ) may be , for ought i know , more just then i. . he seems to me , unlikely to appease the wrath of god , or mortifide to be , who , offers prayers like that pharisees , who judg'd the publican less just then he . there is no sign of true humiliations , but , of a proud self-overweening rather in those , who judge unclean whole congregations who with them , serve one spirit , son and father ; and ( although members of another colledge ) adore one god according to their knowledge . according unto mine , therefore , with them i joynd in love , and left their doom to him . . i dare not such a separation make twixt persons , things or places , as may bar a freedom in those duties to partake which necessary or expedient are . when sins and plagues grow epidemical , it such humiliations then requires , as may in that respect , be general : for , private tears quench not the publike fires . in all fraternities and constitutions , among men , are both errours and pollutions ; yet safe converse , for pious men hath bin with such , ( even then ) in all things , but their sin . . with others , i preferred those petitions vvhich with christs prayr assentially agree ; vvith them , i joyned in all those confessions that seemed proper both to them and me . their persons i did much commiserate , who were in hazard by the war now wag'd : with god , i meekly did expostulate concerning that wherein we are engag'd . for others sakes , those fears my fears i made , whereof , no sense , for self-respects i had ; and wished all their hopes might be enjoyd whereby , their true bliss might not be destroyd . . although particulars inclusive are in vniversals ; yet , they who neglect their single duties , justly loose their share in what the general devoirs effect . i have contributed my best endeavour , to what i think is publickly intended , and in that duty purpose to persever which is to my performance recommended . for all things , and all men ( so far as they are objects of our prayers ) i do pray ; and , when i doubt , what to insist upon , conclude my prayer thus : gods will be done . . their welfare seeking , who would me enslave , the person i distinguish from his crime ; and rather would a wicked people save , then let the righteous be destroyd with them . to their proceeds in wickedness , i say good speed to none ; and whensoere , therefore i pray against their sins , for them i pray : yea , when they seem worst , pray for them the more . when lot was prisner among sodomites , against their foes , to free him , abram fights . when universal plagues on us befal , not knowing good from bad , i pray for all . . i have a long time taken so much heed both of gods righteous , and our crooked ways , that , whatsoere doth outwardly succeed , i finde just cause to give him hearty praise . so oft , experience i have likewise had , my losses , wants , and those things which i feard , to have been unto me more gainful made , then such , as more desirable appeard ; that , whensoere god granteth or denies , my soul is pleasd , and on his love relies . for , when they seemed most severe to be , his judgements have been mercies unto me . . such they were , such they are , such will be still , not unto me , and to some few alone ; but , if they be submissive to his will , such likewise , at all times , to every one : and , though he grants not always that request , which is preferred , he doth condescend to what is better ; yea , to what may best conduce to what we chiefly should intend . if , what we pray for , he denies to grant , humility , or faith , or love we want ; or else , there are some other great defects , in those petitioners , whom god rejects . . sins national , so far forth as they were confest in publike , i with those confest to whom i joynd ; and in particular , if possible , they ought to be exprest . i know we are obliged at this time ( considering why together we did come ) to mention such , ( or part at least of them ) as brought what we would be deliverd from . i hope such were acknowledged by many ; but , since i heard it not performd by any , i will enumerate some few of those provoking sins , from whence most danger flows . for , god , at this time over all the land hath in displeasure stretched forth his hand ; and for our sins , doth strike us , here and there with every judgement , yea , and every where . . we are a nation to whom god hath given as many priviledges , as bestown on any people that is under heaven : but , therewithal more proud , then thankful grown . vve overween , as if we thought none were our equals ; and with so much impudence our selves before our neighbours do prefer , that , more disgrace then honor springs from thence . some vaunt as if none ought to be compar'd vvith them , in what is by their valour dar'd ; and , some , as if none went or knew the way vvhereby , men shall ascend to heavn , but they . . if what god hath conferd , or for us done vvere mentioned , to stir up thankfulness in us ; or to advance his praise alone , thence would spring many great advantages . but that which most men rather do pursue , is but before mens eyes a blinde to raise , and , hide their shameful nakedness from view ; or , blow the bubbles of an empty praise . and , ( as if we were not befoold enough , vvith such ridiculous and frothy stuff ) in ballads , which are for such objects meet , vve sing out our own shame , in every street . perhaps in suchlike things the neighbring nations opposing us , as guilty are as we : but , our own sins , in our humiliations is that , which to confess , oblig'd we be . our sins , our sins , are horrid , great and many , those plagues too , which they bring on us , are great ; vvhereof , there is not so much fense in any , as ought to be , nor such confessions , yet . so loth we are that other men should see ( or , we ourselves ) in what sad case we be , that , we our scabs and sores had rather hide vvith any clouts , then let them be espide . . so loth we are , in that course to proceed , vvhich god and reason offers to our heed ; so apt , to take the clean contrary way ; to heed , what every mountebanck doth say ; so ventrous , any hazard to endure , vvhich our enjoyments present may secure ; so prone with bugbears to be frighted from vvhat may secure a happiness to come ; and , are so wilful in pursuing things vvhich every day , more mischiefs on us brings , that , very seldom we approve of that vvhich may be for our good , till t is too late . . and then , surprised with a sudden , dread , to any god , to any idol run ; move every way , like dors without a head ; do every thing save that which should be done : catch hold on sticks , and reeds , and chips & straws , to save our selves ; descend , to sawn on those vvhom we contemn'd ; and to support our cause , against old friends , confederate with foes ; yea , with the greatest enemy of christ ; and , rather hazard all our interest in him , then here to be deprivd of that which we enjoyed , and have aimed at . . vve are so much inclined to rely upon the trustless and bewitching charms of state-designs and humane policie , on armies , fleets , and strength of our own arms , that we are deafer then th'inchanted adder , to those who shew to us the way of peace ; good counsel maketh us to be the madder , and , doth but raging violence increase . yet , they who know they shall not be excusd from doing their endeavour , though abusd , must speak what on their consciences doth lie , whatere thereby befals ; and so will i. . such times have be●n , and such are come agen , wherein , the sluggard to the ant was sent ; the wise instructed were by simple men how to reform their wayes when they miswent . god , by them , kings reprovd , ev'n for their sake whom they had then inslav'd ; and they were heard . yea , unto balaam , by his ass he spake , and , at that present he escapd the sword : but they who to their words gave no regard , receivd their obstinacies due reward . they , who were penitent escapd the blow which then was threatned ; so shall all such now . . ore them a very dreadful plague impends whom to the will of men , god , doth expose , though such they be whom they suppose their friends and , have thereof made fair external shows . a greater plague it is , when known foes are impowred upon them to excercise all cruelties , and outrages of war which rage will act , and malice can devise . but , when so terrible a doom as this , and mercie too , much and oft sleighted is , it will be then more horrible then all that can be thought , into gods hands to fall . . alas ! how shall this horrour be prevented , if none in such a time should silence break ? vvhen should what is misacted be repented , unless , to that intent the stones could speak ? and , what may they speak likely to prevail upon a generation grown so giddy ? the stars to do their duty did not fail ; the elements have often spoke already , and acted in their place , as well as spoken what might our duties , and gods minde betoken ; yea , so much , and so oft , that what they heard or saw , few men did credit or regard . . hereby are blessings turnd into a curse ; those hardned , whom it should have softned more ; they who were bad before , grow to be worse ; some wicked , who seemd good men , heretofore . our sins are as immoveable as rocks ; our guides and leaders , either lame or blinde ; the shepherds as great straglers as the flocks , and both alike , to wickedness inclinde . that , which we thought should make us , doth undo us , all things do seem to cry vvo wo unto us : and , that which should have movd men to repent doth but their rage and blasphemies augment . . most , against those by whom they were offended are so imbitterd , that although in them they see performances to be commended , such , naytheless , they totally condemn : yea , those who have ingenuously confest what seems to be in these worth approbation , they judge to be time-pleasers , not the best ; vvhich is a bar to reconciliation . our proverb bids us give the devil his due ; and , they the ways to peace , do not pursue vvho are unwilling , in their foes , to see good things , as well as those that evil be . . the knowledge men have gotten hath destroyd that love , which ought thereby to be increast . the publick peace , that might have been enjoyd , is vitiated by self-interest . the gospel is abusd , law made a snare , or , of unrighteousness a confirmation : the consciences of men inslaved are , to nothing left so free as prophanation . the rich do quarrel , and the poor must fight , to serve their lusts , who do them little right ; and they whose lives to pawn for them are laid , with deaths or vvounds , or with neglect are paid . . religion is to policy become a servile handmaid ; and few persons are conceivd to be so dangerous as some , vvho are in christian piety sincere . now , not to be like others superstitious , or to be strict in moral righteousness , gives cause of more suspect then to be vitious ; or else , at least , it them ingratiates less . foundations are so overthrown , that few are safe in whatsoever they pursue : for , liberty , life , credit , and estate , in hazzard are by all that aim thereat . . pickt juries , and suborned vvitnesses may , if assisted then with partial udges , bring quickly to destruction , whom they pleases ; frustrate all laws , and all our priviledges : and ( what was never heretofore in reason thought probable ) charge falsly upon some the plotting and pursuing plots of treason at open meetings whither all may come . in likelihood , they have nor wit , nor fear , nor need be feared , who so foolish are : and , i might of my fear be much ashamed if i should fear such plots , as then were framed . vvho erre in malice , or to get reward , shall forge an accusation , though it be improbable , with favour shall be heard , vvhen none seems guilty of the plot but he . they , who of all men do least conscience make of perjury , at pleasure may destroy an innocent . they who false oathes dare take may rob rich men of all they do enjoy . the lyar is not out of danger ever ; but , he that speaks truth boldly , is safe never until his death , unless by god protected from what may be by wicked men projected . . this also , doth increasing plagues pretoken , ( unless we to repair it speedy are ) the bond of christian charity is broken , and brotherly affection lost well-near . both persons and societies seek more their several new structures to uphold , then disciplines and doctrines to restore unto that purity which was of old . from hence doth spring impair of peace and health in minde and body , church and commonwealth , for , though few heed it , thence our private jars at first proceeded , and then , open vvars . . all constitutions both in church and state are , for the most part , made but properties to add a grandeur , and repute to that vvhich pride and avarice did first devise . not those alone , which may essential seem unto the civil powre ; but also , some which have among divine rites most esteem , are serviceable to the flesh become . prophand is every holy ordinance , self-profit or self-honour to advance : yea , ev'n the lords day and the sacraments are made expedients for the same intents . . judgements & mercies have not in their course wrought that on us , which they were sent to do : for , what should make us better , makes us worse , and others by our ill examples , too . good counsels timely given we have slighted , scoft and derided seasnable forewarnings , neglecting that , whereto we were invited both by our own and other mens discernings : and , if these failings be not heeded more now , and in time to come , then heretofore , the consequents , will not much better be whether the dutch are conquerours , or we . . those animosities we must repent which are pretended to be laid aside ; else pride and malice will so much augment those practices which more and more divide , that , as the ruine of jerusalem had been compleated when the time was come by those three , factions , which then wasted them , although it had not been destroyd by rome : so , though we should subdue french , dutch & dane , our own distempers would become our bane ; and , that which others are inclind unto , our follies and our wilfulness will do . . the breach of covenants , of faith and oathes we must lament , and from that falshood turn : for , god that capital transgression loathes ; oathes , ( now , if ever ) make the land to mourn , we must confess our sin of bloudshed too , the blood of innocents much more bewail , and our oppressing them , then yet we do ; else , of our expectations we shall fail . for , to no more a bare confession tends , then to increase our guilt , without amends . he that neglects performing what he knows to be his duty , merits nought out blows . . we have moreover , failings by omissions which it concerns us to be humbled for no less then for those actual transgressions which we are now engaged to abhor : not one day , no not one year will suffice to recollect them . and yet if we would our selves but so much humble as it lies in us , god , would accept of what we could . hereof apparent evidences are in nineveh and nebuchadnezzar : for by these paterns , king and people too instructed are , what in our case to do . . when that king , for his sins had been bereaven of understanding , and for sevn years space , to live with beasts , was from his kingdom driven , and re-inthroned , when unlikely t was ; himself he did abase , gods powre confess acknowledge him , to be in chief ador'd ; declare that powre extol his righteousness and that free grace , by which he was restor'd : yea , praised him for their de●iverance whom he himself opprest ; them did advance who suffred ; and reverst that law whereby he had compeld them to idolatry . . this signal patern of humiliation was royal ; but , by one both popular and regal , unto what beseems a nation in our condition , we directed are . at nineveh , there was not in a day , like this , some in the temples god adoring , some there , inclined more to sleep then pray , some , in an alehouse , or a tavern roaring ; some , who did of their duties conscience make , some who perform'd it , but for fashion sake : but i believe , that with more veneration they testified their humiliation . . both king and people joyned there as one in penitence , net being less fincere then formal in pursuing what was done . strict their commands and executions were . the king , his rich apparel from him cast ( by good examples , precepts are made strong ) he , and his nobles did proclaim a fast , vvith all the rites , that to a fast belong . the prophet was believd , in what he said ; the royal proclamation was obeyd . god , thereto had so gratious a regard that , king and people thereupon he spard . . alas ! how comes it that now christian men , are deaf to what gods messengers do say ? not so meek-hearted as those heathens then ? more dead in sins and trespasses then they . imperfect was their penitence , no doubt , yet god accepted what they did endever , and ( though perhaps , their zeal did soon burn out , ) he , in vouchsafing mercy did presever . so might it be with us , if we would heed his judgements , and perform what ethnicks did : for , god , upon a formal penitence , did with a part of ahabs doom dispence . . but , though we have as much cause to bewail our sad condition , we have much less fear . and little or no sence of what we all until with mischief overwhelmd well-near . then , likewise , we endeavour all we can to hide what cannot cured be till known , dissembling grosly , both with god and man , and will not see what 's evidently shown . yea , so presumptuous are , that , now god sends his judgements , and his arm in wrath extends , vve labour to obscure it , lest the heeding of his proceeds , may hinder our proceeding . . and as among the jews in former ages there were false prophets and corrupted priests , vvho prophecid and preachd for balaams wages , and to promote their carnal interests , then flatterd them into security : so we have some among us , who as much do magnifie this nations piety as if it never had till now been such . they boast of our prosperities encrease , and promise us both victories and peace , as if vain words believd should rather be then what we feel , as well , as hear and see . . though sensible enough of sin we are not to humble us ; or though plagues yet deferd ( how near at hand soever ) we much fear not , nor thereby for this duty are prepard : methinks the loss of so much blood and treasure as hath been spent ; at home , decay of trade and manufactures in so large a measure ; abroad in colonies , the havock made should humble us , or that at least , which hath more cause of dread then war , or sudden death , to wit , a press , whereby some grieved are , more then by all the worst events of war. . for , war is pleasing to those voluntaries , who , wealth or honor , hope thereby to gaine ; through every difficulty them it carries with very little sense of dread or pain . by suddain death likewi●e all plagues are ended which sin , or folly on our bodies bring ; yea , thereby finished ere apprehended , in which respect , no very dreadful thing . but , to be snatcht at unawares away , from all relations by a suddain press , and , from all our affairs , as at this day , is more injurious , then words can express . whole families , thereby destroyd become ; in soul and body , it tormenteth some ; and , thereby greater griefs occasiond are then do befal , by life or death , in war. . i know well that , the civil powrs intend the prosecution of those services which to their substitutes they recommend , should be pursu'd without just grievances : and , to inform us in this very case , ( of taking men to serve them in the wars ) a law among the jews establisht was to be our guide in some particulars : let it observed be , lest that oppression which is occasioned by indiscretion , those persons to our damage may inrage , whom we think , for our safety to ingage . . with others i did publickly be mone those things which we ought joyntly to deplore ; and , in my spirit , i lament alone that for mine own sins , i can sigh no more . i sigh for those two pitchers , which are knocking against each other , when they mind not me ; yea , when some are , perhaps , my sighings mocking , or , not well pleasd with my good meanings be . i sigh to see their charity decrease who are pretenders to religiousness ; not for my self , though i perceive t is grown less then it was , five shillings in a crown . . i have now , somwhat more then fifty years , been oft mine own and your remembrancer ; and whilst i live , as oft ( as cause appears ) resolved am such cautions to prefer . for since god hath so long preservd me from a total ruine in such services , i will continue during life to come whilst i see need , in services like these , not doubting but his mercy shall outlast the time to come as well as what is past ; and , still , as comfortably be enjoyd , though life in their pursute should be destroyd . . this , i have therefore , now contributed in private to what publickly was done . with hopefulness , that when it shall be read it will to good effect be thought upon : for in the common lot , i shall have part , to whatsoever the success may tend , and dare to arrogate no self-desart , more then they justly may , who most offend . from publick sins my self i count not free ; what is in others bad , is worse in me , since , he whom god so many years hath taught , if bad , is worse then others who are naught . . yet , as there is no righteousness in me , that , may with safety be confided in ; so , whatsoere the common plagues may be , in me there is no slavish fear of sin : for , in gods promise , and his mediation who hath redeemed me , i , so confide , that , i despair not of a soul-salvation , whatever to my body shall betide , and , know , that , whilst to live , more then to die , shall tend to what gods name may glorifie , my life shall comfortably be enjoyd when thousands round about me are destroyd ; and that all , who are firm in this belief , shall see a glad end of their present grief . lord in that patience keep me alway strong , which , to the saints probation doth belong . . there was a promise made long time ago , to some , who then in our condition were , ( and , in what they were to believe , and do , as much as they , we now concerned are . ) to them , it by gods prophet was declard that , from their wickedness if they returned , one with a writers inkhorn was prepard to set a mark on all who truely mourned , assuring all who had his mark upon them that when the common judgements seized on them it should not harm them , as to that , at least , in which a real safety , doth consist . . that mark is set on thousands at this day , and many writers hither have been sent to shew it , and inform us how we may the mischiefs threatned , seasonably prevent . prophets rise early , and do sit up late , to mind us of our duties , yea , there are some thousands ev'n this day , declaring that which they are bound to speak , and we to hear . to that end also , goo , hath now and then , employed me , and my despised pen , as at this time : and , at his feet i lay wha● i have writ , and what i have to say . i might — but , hark ! methinks , some whisperings i hear , as it both navies now ingaged were : and , lo , the suddain rumour of that storm startles my muse into another form before i am aware , and makes me stop , to heed , what it contributes to my hope . fame speaks it louder , and th' increasing sound on every side , my person doth surround . if what we fear succeeds , let them speed worst at last , who of this war gave just cause first ; and , by both parties , let all be amended wherein they joyntly , or apart offended . more blood ! more fury still ! are bruitish passions no whit abated by humiliations ? no marvel then , no good effects yet spring to peace conducting , by my trumpeting , when i first saw a likelihood of breaking our pitchers , by the preparations making ; for , that , wherein divine expedients faile humane endeavours little can prevaile . my heart is pinched betwixt hope and fear , by musing upon what i see and hear , with that whereto our actings may amount when we of all events have had account . fame tells us that the english and the dutch have fought five days together . this is much , and i think so implacable a rage , was rarely paralleld in any age , if ( as it is reported ) neither side gave quarter , whatsoever did betide . how that with christian charity may be consistent , it appeareth not to me ; or , how it quadrats with the tender nature that 's pro●er to a reasonable creature : nor do i know infallibly how far it is permissive in an actual war ; nor is it known to any , till ●e tries the justness of it in extremities . to censure that , i therefore , will forbear which lies without the compass of my sphear . king david in some cases , such things did as natural compassion doth forbid . this i dare say , no man can see that end whereto , a bruitish fury , will extend , when both provoked , and let loose , to do whatever it shall then be prone unto . i clearly gather from our contestations , what may be truely judged of both nations as to their daring , and couragiousness ; which , i in few words , fully will express , ev'n thus : ( for nothing parallels it fitter ) two english mastive dogs never fought better ; nor hath ought oft been acted heretofore , which evidenced humane courage more , if all be truely said which we have heard this day , of these antagonists averd : for , though some cowards upon either side , were so amazd they knew not what they did , and some ( when blinded by the fires and smoke slaughtred those friends , whom they for foes in that long combate , neither of the two ( mistook ; the other , did in any thing outdo . and ( which deserveth heed ) no wind yet wags that brings us tidings of such fears , or brags as usually are published abroad , when rivals are ingaged in this mode ; and , that , to me presageth a success which may to both contribute happiness , if meekly , they and we , submit unto what god vouchsafeth to permit , or do , who , did a mercy unto both begin when he withheld the french from coming in ; which mercy , though yet hidden , will be seen vvhen time removes that artificial skreen , vvhich , an abusive policy invents to interpose twixt actions and intents . heed , therefore , let both take when this fight ends , how it concerns both , quickly to be friends ; vvhat may be quite lost ; what may yet be saved : how both may by their discord , be inslaved : vvhat great plagues they now feel ; what may betide more grievous , if they further should divide ; vvhat great advantages it might bring thither where , they their strength & courage joyn together , not thereupon as heretofore presuming , neither that glory to themselves assuming , vvhich appertaineth unto god alone ; nor vaunting of what their own hands have done ; nor la'bring , breaches to repair with lies , nor putting upon truths a false disguise , ( a fault now so habitual become that , t is not easily refrained from ) nor sacrificing what god doth abhor , or that , which at the best , he cares not for ; but , giving what he still takes in good part , ( though meritless ) an humble contrite heart . then , that the mercies daignd may be prolongd , let not his saints in any wise be wrongd ; ( among whom many will be found at last , on whom the world reproachful terms hath cast ) for , when , or wheresoever , peace he makes , it is at their requests , and for their sakes ; whereas , no peace is true , or long possest , where innocents are causlesly opprest ; especially , where they oppressed are who serve god , with a conscientious fear according to their knowledge : of this crime , neither the dutch , nor they who now with them associate , so guilty are as we do at this present day appear to be . and , i believe 't was therefore that gods hand enabled them our forces to withstand ; and still preserves both , that both might more heed , what they have done , and how they should proceed . among those things by them and us misdone provoking gods displeasure , this alone next mentiond , is enough without one moe , us , in all our plantations to undo : for , to advance our carnal interest we parallel the practice of the beast in merchandizing souls ; yea , more then so , have set to sale , both souls and bodies too , in many colonies : our avarice ( which is one root of evry other vice ) gave partly an occasion of that jar , from whence first sprung , this present bloody war , and , which at last , will totally destroy , both that which we in forraign lands enjoy and here at home , unless we shall with speed , repent that course wherein we do proceed . we do not only there , both sell and wast mens bodies whilst their lives and strength do last , ( in bondage and in labour like a beast , from which they have no hope to be releast , ) but , miserably , keep them , too , inslavd without the means , whereby the soul is savd : whereas , a blessing both to them and us might be procured by endeav'ring thus : ev'n by providing conscientious preachers , to be one day in every week their teachers . this would in part at least , excuse the crime , whereby guilt lies on many at this time . i , seriously have heeded with compassion what them concerns , who have to god relation , and , in particular what i beheld or , heard concerning those of late exild for consciencesake . how much ado there was ; how much time spent , to send them to the place of their confinement ; what , within short time , befel thereby to others ; what to them worth observation ; and how they were cast into the powre of our dutch foes at last , to whom their ship and goods are made a prey , who undertook to carry them away . whence i collect , that , we shall nothing win , whilst we are guilty of so great a sin ; and , that by long continuance in this guilt , much blood that might besaved will be spilt . of this sin , therefore let an expiation be constantly endeavourd through the nation , and henceforth , twixt the english and the dutch , let nothing be contended for so much as , whether shall the other most excel in love , in piety , and doing well let both petition for , grace , truth and peace , and , for their mutual amities increase , let them not fast to be protected in their quarrellings , but , fast from strife and sin , and when humiliations they pretend begin them with beginning to amend ; withhold their hands from lawless violences , not cloke hypocrisie with fair pretences , nor think , when god vouchsafes deliverance , it is , their pride and selfness to advance , or , that , when they a victory have won , t was got , that they might do as they have done , this , ( though humiliation , we pretend ) i fear , by very many is designd . for , providence hath brought me to behold what i should not have credited if told . the dreadful hazzards which we now are in , so little moves to penitence for sin , that i have heard of one this day , who from the last ingagement came sore wounded home who , ere those wounds were cur'd , did by another endeavour , how he might corrupt the mother to be her daughters baud , and to contrive the means , how they might in uncleanness live . this i have heard , and ( whether yea or no ) see probability it may be so . alas ! what will insue thereon in fine if this should be the general designe ? oh! let each individual soul beware of such presumptions , lest they spread so far that , god , in his provoked indignation wholly destroy this wicked generation . in chief , let those grand parties whose escapes yet , give them time , beware of a relapse and hear him ; for , assured then i am , that , he , ( according to the chronogram upon my title page , ) us will so bear , that , this will prove to be a happy year . let us for bear to vaunt , as we have done , of conquests , whilst our arms are putting on : for , an example of that folly have i in their invincible ( so called ) navie which was in eighty eight , upon our coasts destroyed after many shameless boasts . god grant that sixty six , be not to us for such like vauntings as unprosperous . i hope the best , and i as much do fear the worst , according as our actings are . if possible it be , let an accord be made by christian prudence , not the sword. for that cure , usually doth leave a skar from whence at last , breaks forth another war. if to no end , our quarrels can be brought till we have to the utmost fought it out ; let them , whom god shall pleased be to crown with signal victory , themselves bow down , in true humility , as low as they who , then , have lost the glory of the day ; such mercy showing , as they would have shown u●●● themselves , if that case were their own ; and , mind what plagues , god threatens to inflict on them , who add grief , where he doth correct : else to avenge their cruelty and pride , a greater foe , shall rise up in his stead who was destroyed , and they shall then have that measure to them given , which they gave . when all this , and much more then this is done , we may , as far be , as when we begun from being truly humbled . for , with leaving gross sins , there enters often a deceiving whereby , the soul may be polluted more and , in more danger then it was before ; unless we shall together with a loathing of all sins , value our ownselves at nothing . for , we have nought good , but by imputation , which to confess , is true humiliation if done sincerely . it will then abide the test , when thus it shall be qualifide ; and , we soon after , shall behold , or hear what will compleat our hope and banish fear , for , god in mercy always doth return to all , who for offending him , so mourn . whilst this was writing , tidings we receivd ( which very willingly we then believd ) that we were victors . god vouchsafe thereto a blessed consequ●nce , if it prove so : make us , whatever otherwise befel , sincerely thankful that we speed so well , still mindful of the hazzards we were in , before that doubtful trial did begin ; and be henceforth , obedient to his calls lest else a worse thing suddainly befals : for , most to fear him , we have then most cause when an impending judgement he withdraws , since , in our duties , if we then grow slack ; vengeance , with double rigour it brings back ; but , much more , when instead of penitence those faults renewd are , which first gave offence . that news , came whilst the people were in prayr , some , hopeful , some afraid , some in despair , such medlies making of words , thoughts and passions as oft befal in suddain alterations ; and peradventure , causd some to forget to what end , they that day together met : for , many had expressed signs of gladness before , they gave one sign of sober sadness , days of thanks giving and humiliation being by them , observd still in one fashion ; and , by their various postures , those digressions occasiond were , which vary my expressions . we were nor like jews-harps on willows hung , but , like those , which are always tun'd and strung for jiggs ; and we , a triumph-song begun before our lamentation-song was done . from laying , by , our vain desires and boasts , from sanctifying of the lord of hosts with filial awe ! and praise to him returning ( for joyful tidings on our day of mourning ) we were so far , that , evn before we knew , or could hear certainly , the news was true , we skipt abruptly , from humiliation into our antick mode of exultation , joyning our selves to throngs of fools and boys , in triumphs , which consist of squibs and noise , of healths , and bells , and fires , and tunes , and smoak ( thanksgiving tools , in which delight we took ) objects of scorn , to wisemen rendring us ; to grave spectators , more ridiculous then pleasing : and , instead of some relief to sufferers an increasing of their grief , chiefly to those poor orphans and sad wives , whose husbands , and whose fathers limbs and lives were lost in that ingagement , whereof they had little sense , or drank the same away , ( whilst they who hardly scaping it , lay grieving , their safety , rather doubting then believing ) and , these too , when grown sober , found they had not so much cause of mirth , as to be sad . an outward joy , exprest with moderation , and triumphs , are not without approbation , when they shall be exhibited in season , and for ends justified by sound reason ; yet , for all victories , they are not so ; nor the same things , fit at all times to do . king david knew it did not him become to triumph when he conquerd absolom , and i have seen , for victories , of late , ( much less to be rejoyced in than that ) great joy exprest : yea , for a conquest won ( thanksgivings also rendred ) where was none . at all times , by all men , are praises due , and thanks to god , for all things that ensue on our endeavours : for , in all he doth inclusively , are comprehended both justice , and mercy : yet , our thanks to god is not on all occasions , in one mode to be exprest ; nor ought we to pretend his glory , when t is for another end ; lest , he in our destruction or our shame , provoked be to glorifie his name . in both our late ingagements god hath done that , which both nations ought to think upon with much more heed , and much more thankfulness , then either we or they do yet express . this month last year when we did glorifie our selves , for a supposed victory , i did contribute then , as i do now my single mite , ( as well as i knew how ) to praise god for his mercy , making none with him , a sharer in what he had done ; then offring also to consideration such things as tended to humiliation , much to the same effect , with that which here , i tender in another mode this year . but , god who times , and orders all we do , my purpose knowing , put a stop thereto ; perhaps lest if it had been publishd then , it had exasperated more , some men , both to their own , and to my detriment , then was consistent with my good intent . for , ( by my printers death ) what , i then did in some unknown hand , till this day lies hid ; and possibly may come again to light , by that time , this is brought to open sight . meanwhile , i will proceed , with what , this day a new occasion prompteth me to say . the said ingagements , now already past ( which if god please , i wish might be the last ) by providential means , have made their swords speak more , then else with so much power in words , could have been spoken , to perswade us to what , it , will most concern us both , to do . for , whatsoever , policy and pride have published abroad on either side , t is evident ; ( or , may be so to either ) our earthen pitchers , are so knockt together that one or two more such like knocks will break them so small , that useless po●sherds it will make them ; except to patch up the designs of those who seem their friends , to whom they will be foes . this would be better heeded , if it were propounded by a private counseller , a bishop or a judge : thus i suppose , till i remember , that the best of those have writ , and spoke in vain : yet , then , were they obligd to speak their conscience , so am i. but , many , who to be my friends would seem , ( and , not me , or my words to disesteem ) perswade me , in thes : matters to be mute : tell me , that my attempts produce no fruit save mischiefs to my self : and , other some affirm this medling doth no● me become . i thank their wisdoms ; but , am not so wise as to believe they prudently advise . a fool may to good purpose speak somtimes , and , they have found sound reason in my rimes , who were not so adverse to words in season , that , they lovd neither truth , nor rime , nor reason . th' effects to other men will be the same , whether , to them i speak , or silent am ; yet , since with profit , i have heretofore spoke somwhat , i will speak a little more , because , i know the damage will not be so great , then , in relation unto me , as unto those men , who shall be offended with what is conscientiously intended . successes , good and bad , are shard so even between them ( by his justice , who from heav'n beholds both what they did in every place with whatsoere by them intended was ) that , if on both sides , truth might be exprest it would by them and others , be confest , the sword hath spoke a loud , and plainly too , that , which both nations speedily should do : that , it speaks also , what they do intend on whose assistances they much depend : and hints , that both , in their proceeds , ( at length ) may be devourd by their own wealth and strength . for , whereunto amounts all we have heard three days together , to and fro , averd , but certainty of ruine , on both sides , to which soever best success betides ? what have we heard , by that which pro and con hath been reported of what 's lost and won , but contradictions , intermixt with sounds of lamentations , losses , deaths and wounds , and with relation of a victory , which with infeebled and lame wings doth fly : none certainly informed of what 's done , or of that which may follow thereupon . we hear sad news one day , as bad next morrow , or worse perhaps : and shall have dayly sorrow , till of their sorrows , we more sense have got , whose suff●ings , we do know and pitty not : and till our nation shall discharge that better , where●n to god and man it is a debter . i have with heedfulness , perused that , sea-gibbersh , which is publishd to relate what passed in the naval fight between both fleets ; with what , to some a ground hath been to think , the victory is on our side and , that we st●ll victorious do abide . if so it were ( because , it might prevent the foes proud brags , our friends discouragement ; or , superfede their fears ) i should be glad , and thankful , for the good success we had : but , nothing therein mention'd found i out , whence , i could pick forth , what to find , i sought . all i could thence collect , was but thus much , that , we were heaten , and did beat the dutch , till they were glad , at last , to sail away , and , we as glad , they did no longer stay . he , that was otherwise informd thereby doth understand much more , or less , then i , and , for ourselves , i know no reason why we should , if , we for god , ought not to lie ; for , though it is imprudence to reveal all truths at all times ( and not to conceal , what may occasion mischiefs ) never should the truth be falsesaid , or untruths be told : and , more advantage would to us , ensue if our intelligence were always true : indeed , i found , in that express , much wit in such terms , as that subject , did befit ; as also , very much , related there to magnifie those who then active were for our defence . and , i well pleased am with what may add to their deserved fame . to them i grudge no meed , or honour due , who prudently , and valiantly pursue their undertakings : but , gods praise alone , is my chief aim . to praise what men have done , is , to my proper work impertinent , and , also , at this time , to my intent . if , by omitting that , i shall offend in prosecutions to a better end ; or , if that any shall maligne me more , for this , who di● not love me heretofore , i shall not think it strange : for , i of late meerly , for speaking , and for writing that , which both to gods prdise , and mans welfare are tends , loose daily , very many seeming friends ; whereby , if they no whit indamagd are , i shall not , for what haps to me , much care ; especially , whilst that , which i designe tends to gods praise ( without selfends of mine . ) to which intention , that which now is read ( in these few pages , ) is contributed . and though , like jeremiahs lamentation , or davids humblings , this humiliation is not besprinkled with corporeal tears , or , worded with hyberbolies like theirs ; nor strowd with ashes , nor in haircloth drest ; or , with such formal-complements exprest , ( as may be , and ofttimes assumed are as well by hypocrites , as men sincere or , though it may want what affects the sense , i hope , that , which affects th' intelligence it shall not want , nor ought , which to that end is needfull , whereto , i , the same intend ; and , t is exhibited in such a mode , i hope too , as will pleasing be to god. what , he hath done , at this time , seems to me not so much heeded as it ought to be , to make us thankful ; nor do we express what we pretend , in way of thinkfulness as it becomes us ; neither do we show it as doth beseem him , unto whom we ow it : but , act it with such vain appurtenances ( and break out into such extravagances ) as , to our sins , are rather an addition then signes of thankfulness , or true contrition . for , though , at full , informd i have not bin what streights , and what great hazzards they were in ; or , of what might have hapned , unless then assisted more by providence , then men ; thus much is likely , we were so intrapt , that , by our own powre , we had not escapt a total rout , if providentially there came not in , a seasonable supply . for , had not god , sent rupert timely back , the fleet with albemarl , had gone to wrack ; or , both perhaps , then , been destroyd together , had not god sent the french , we know not whither : yea , somewhat , in that providence i see , which our foes ought to heed , as much as we. god , grace vouchsafe both unto us , and them , to heed , whereto it tends , whilst there is time ; and , unto me , and every person living , timely repentance , and sincere thanksgiving . ere these few cautionary exhortations , ( which i think proper to humiliations ) i do conclude ; i le add this corollary in hope , that some , the same in mind will carry . though very great our streighrs and hazzards are , ( and , those may be much greater which we fear ) seek remedies , by no dishonest course ; lest , thereby , we still make the mischief worse . that , were to do like them , who , when an evil befals , run to a witch , or to the devil , who , such cures , onely , for his pati●nts hath as their , who kill themselves , through fear of death . it hath been thought , ye● , ● have oft been told , that , i , in my attempts , have been too bold ; yet i think no man standeth in more dread of doing ought which is not warranten by common justice ; for , i dare not act to save my life , in any such like f●ct . nor would my conscience let me step in peace should i but wink at an unrigh eousness , which might by me be hundred , ( though to gain that , which i do most covet to obtain ) till i repented it : nay , i should dread a vengeance were impending ore my head , if i in secret , wishd advance unto my hopes , by what another might misdo without my knowledge ; or , by ought not right both in gods eye , and evry good mans sight . which , i profess , that others might beware of such ill consequents , as i now fear . if we believe there is a god , that heeds the patience of the sain●s , and our procreeds , let us not still persist , as we have done , within mans corscience , to usurp gods throne as many do , in most presumptaous wise , ev'n whilst his heavy hand upon us lies : for , he will shortly make it to appear , none ought , but he , to sit in judgment there ; as also , what th●y merir , who offend so highly , when an humbling they pretend . at ho●re , from persecuting of them cease who do not interrupt the civil peace ; let for bear in an inhumane mode , more to divide us , and our foes abrode ; let us leave off those railings at each other , vvhich hinder the uniting us together . t●ll god shall judge the cause that is depending between the nations which are now contending , let none of us who in ou private stations , are called to sincere humiliations , presume to judge them further then he knows their actings , and what judgements god allows in doubtful tria s ; but with humbleness , at end on 〈◊〉 ose of the success ; 〈…〉 as tears and prayers , vvhat ●l●e●h immergencies of our affairs 〈…〉 require ; lest , we betray 〈…〉 ves , and th●m we should obey . 〈…〉 private share , is part of that vvhich ●s the joint stock of the publick state , a●d , ought propo●ition● ably ●o b● shard , as 〈◊〉 shall b● , to make a publick gard. 〈◊〉 others , are thereby invited to is 〈◊〉 , which conscientions● i do : for , 〈◊〉 this end , ( though i am so bereft of 〈◊〉 i hd , that , ●o h●ing now is left but almes to live on ) i , have ever since ● and t●xes , out of that b nevol●nce ; and , will not grudg● to do ir , whilst god shall that way , 〈◊〉 any way , give wherewithal : 〈◊〉 ●hat he publick strength , may not decline vvill take h●ed that it be no fault of mine , by not contributing , what i think may be thereto needful , in an evil day . if well it be employed , god , will bless their prudent management , and faithfulness , vvho therewith are intrusted : ●f , unjust therein th●y prove , and shall deceive our trust , t will be dest● uctive onely to th' abusers , and , faithful men , will be at last no loosers : for , when the kingdome which we look for , comes , all men , shall have their just deserved dooms . hereof , to me , god hath oft earnest given by aids vouchs●fed , as it were , from heav'n , at every need . by him , i have been fed vvith manna , quail s , and with my dayly bread , ( i know not else , either by whom or how ) for some years lately pnst ; and so am now , vvithout suspect , of ought which may be fal vvhether , my gathering shall be much or small . yea , now , while i behold d●spairing fear in most mens faces , almost evry where ; although the day , now very gloomy be ; though falling off , our chariot-wheels i see ; their drivers with much difficulty driving ; against waves , rocks and sands , our leaders striving , and , god , in this day of our great distress , within a black cloud , hiding yet his face ; a glummering , i naytheless perceive of mercy , shining on all who believe ; with symp●oms , of the like aspect to them who , yet believe not , if they turn to him . turn therefore , oh return unto him , now ; hear him , and he will give an ear to you . but i fear most men so corrupt are grown , that , my words , are on them in vain bestown : lest , therefore what i write , they heed the less , i , at this present , will no more express ; and , since , in our case , there 's no help in man , his aid , i will implore , who help us can . let god arise ! arise lord , i implore thee ; and , let all those who hate thee , fly before thee ; rebuke them who thy adversaries are , the bulls and calves who take delight in war ; aswel the common people , as their kings , till all the world , to thee , due tribute brings . lee those destroying angels , which are sent to chastise us , make a distinguishment between them , who through hum●ne frailty sin , without persisting wilfully therein , and , such , as have been unto thee and thine , malitious foes , a long time , by designe ; or , who , not onely , against us , now be confederates , but likewise against thee . in mercy , look again , on us , and those , who are , at this day , our professed foes ; lest , the pursuit of what is yet intended consumes both nations , ere the war be ended . now , so unclose the eyes of evry nation , which hath pretended to a reformation , that , they may see how much , they have been blinded ; how they depraved are , and howself-minded : so prudent make all governours and kings , so qualify the peoples murmurings ; so , let thy holy spirit sanctifie each congregational societie ; so shew , to evry individual one , what ought to be believd , and to be done together and apart , which may improve that , principle of vniversal love , in which , the being of the world begun ; whereby , preserved while time wheeleth on , and , by which , that perfection shall be gaind which was by thy eternal love ordaind ; that we regenerated may become , and not continue , till the day of doome , so stupified in our sins , as they who were , at last , with water , washd away ; or , sodom-like , in sinning persevere until with fire consumed as they were : but , let what thou haft done , sufficient be to turn thee unto us , and us to thee . i do confess , shouldst thou be so severe , as , but to heed how bad , the best men are ; among us all , there could be found out none who might be called righteous ; no , not one of whatsoever calling , or degree , whether , priest , prophet , a king it be , or of the common rank ; lord , naytheless in mercy , and in thy sons rigteousness vouchlafe to look upon us ; and , to cure our single , and our joynt distemp'rature . at this time , to those lustings put an end , which makes us more then brutishly contend for trifles ; and to brawl , curse , lye and swear ; like dogs , for bones , to scramble , scratch and tear ; fight , wound and kill each other , without heed of what we do , or of what may succeed . yea , so inhumanely , as if , now , here the devils , clothd with humane bodies were ; hell , as it were , broke loose , and , they come hither with purpose , to bring hell and earth together . that , which this may portend , secure us from : hallow thy name , and let thy kingdom come . thy will be done on earth , as t is in heaven : give us the bread of life ; and , that forgiven our sins may be , let us forgive each other , and , henceforth , live in amity together , on us , let not temptations , then prevail , when then permittest any to . ●ssail our persons ; that , we may in our probations be constant , and enjoy our expectations . let neither presnt , past , or future evil , ( the temptings of the world , the first or devil ) hive powre to harm , or fright us any more , with plagues and wars , as now , and heretofore ; especially , let them not us , insnare with those sins , whereof these the wages are . wholly , to thee , our selves let us resigne ; consels the kingdom , powre and glory thine without a partner ; and henceforth , forbear to seek our kingdom , powre and glory here . whilst that time lasts , wherein in things yet remain undone , which to thy glory appertain and , wherein we must further be imployd , before the man of sin shall be destroyd , ( who very oft , usurps a lodging , where thy kingdom is , although he reigns not there ) him to resist , vouchsafe assisting grace to every one of us , in his own place : preserve us blameless , in that dispensation whereto , a conscentious inclination ( without self-ends ) hath joynd us ; so to use our liberty , that , we do not abuse the christian freerdom by including on thy right ; or , by imposing that upon anothers conscience , by usurped powr , which , we would not should be imposd on our . and , so incline those also , to do thus to whom thou givest power over us , that none , may to obey them forced be , by being disobedient unto thee ; but , let our duties be performd in peace to thee , and , to all men , in righteousness . and , that both we , and our superiours too , may be the more kept heedful what to do ; make them to know ; that if in what relates to thee , the humane laws , or magistrates must be obeyd in all they shall command , however they , or we shall understnd thy 〈◊〉 reveald ; then , if the kingdom be the turks or - popes , we mast believe , as he ; and , thy will and thy deity , thenceforth , stand for a cyther , or , for what 's less worth : for tha● , will be the consequence thereof , though politians , at his truth will skoff : me therefore , unto what thou callst me to , keep firm , in spight of all the world shall do . the single , and the joynt humiliation of king and people , bless with acceptation , although , what hath been done , prayd , or consest , will not abide thy sanctuery test ; for , hope of an acceptance , none there is , if thou shouldst mark all things that are am'ss : and , sav'd from what 's deserved , here , would neither be good or bad men , but , sink altogether . let , in one duty , none be so ●mployd , that , all the rest be sleighted , or made void . so let us hear , that , we as aswel may do as hea ken , what thy word perswades unto . so let us strive to do , that having done the best wee can , wee trust not thereupon ; and , so believe too , that wee may improve our faith still more , both by good works and love ; remembring , it is love , that doth fulfil the law , the gaspel , and thy total will. let thin own spirit help urs so to pray , that , wee may minde thee , more then what we say . since to speak words , less needful is to thee , then telling our own hearts , what our thoughts be ; and , chiefly used , that we might discern or , h●●d , the better those things which concern our selves , and brethren ; because , none can show that unto thee , which thou didst not foreknow words , oft are sooke to others , with intent to counterfeit that which was never ment . to such ends , as we ought to make addressings to thee , are all my prayers and confessings ; to such ends , i now offer here in words , those musings , which my narrow heart affords ; and , which drawn , and prest out of it , have been by those great streights , we still continue in . to such ends , implore thee in this mode ; accept of this oblation , my dear god : give us his righteousness , who took our guilt ; love us , and then , do with us , what thou wilt . these musings , mee , did waking keep when other men were fast asleep : and , may , when i a nap am taking , keep others , peradventure , waking . god , grant we may so help each other to watch , by turns , or , altogether , that , when the bridegroom , doth appear ( although at midnight ) we may hear . and , keep our lamps , in such a trim that , we may entrance have within . written june . this sad year , mdclx vi. that which is mentioned in the thirty fifth page aforegoing , being imprinted in or about june , and ever since concealed by reason of the printers death , is now come to light , and hereto added in the three next following sheets . there are many faults escaped in the printing by reason of the authors absences , which the reader must correct where he finds them . finis . mercurius rusticus, or, a countrey messenger informing divers things worthy to be taken notice of, for the furtherance of those proceedings which concerne the publique peace and safety. wither, george, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing w ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; :e , no ) mercurius rusticus, or, a countrey messenger informing divers things worthy to be taken notice of, for the furtherance of those proceedings which concerne the publique peace and safety. wither, george, - . p. s.n., [london : ] caption title. date of publication from thomason coll. attributed to george wither. cf. thomason coll. reproduction of original in thomason collection, british library. eng royalists -- england -- history -- th century. great britain -- history -- civil war, - . a r (wing w ). civilwar no mercurius rusticus: or, a countrey messenger. informing divers things worthy to be taken notice of, for the furtherance of those proceedings wither, george c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion mercurius rusticus : or , a countrey messenger . informing divers things worthy to be taken notice of , for the furtherance of those proceedings which concerne the publique peace and safety . by your leave gentlemen . when seriousnesse takes not effect , perhaps trifling may . every man hath some toyes in his head , and i ( god help me ) a great many ; one wil now discover it self , which hath itched in it ever since last night . mars had lately tyred me with long marches and skirmishes ; iupiter cast so ill aspects on me , that i could not be joviall ; the moone was in the waine ; venus retrogade ; and because apollo would not lend me his fiddle , that the influences of saturne might not oppresse me with melancholie , i complide with mercurie ; with whom having made a rustick progresse , and understanding that you love variety of newes , i am bold to present you with such gleanings as i have gathered in the countrey . and though i am not so wittie as my friend britannicus , nor bring relations so worthy the whetstone as monsieur aulicus , nor come so furnished as master civicus , nor so supplide with passages as the weekly intelligencer , nor so at leisure to summe up all occurrences as the accomptant , nor so large in promises as the scout , the informer , and therest of your diligent mercuries , nor so impudent as to aver that i present you with nothing but truth ; yet i have brought that which perhaps you may be , for once , as well contented to heare , though they be but such gatherings as i had from the mill , the ale-house , the smiths-shop , or the barbers : for , these are our countrey-exchanges , wherein we talk of as many things with little good successe as they doe at westminster ; and other-while also , to as ill , and to as good-purposes . i hope you will not be so severe to expect truth in every circumstance ; for all mercuries having the planet mercurie predominant at their nativities , cannot but retaine a twang of lying ; yet this i will assure you , that ( though it be not all exact literall truth which i present ) here are no such down-right lies as my other cousin-mercuries make no bones of ; but onely rhetoricall , metaphoricall , parabolicall , or poeticall lies , insinuating that which may prevent deceit , without purpose of deceiving any to their dammage : and these ( if well consider'd ) are no lies , but truths-essential cloth'd in some disguize . out upon 't , that rime slipt from me before i was aware , and may discredit all my relations to some readers , who know not , that rime , reason , and truth too are sometimes found together : but , lest like one or two of the fore-mentioned news-mongers i tire you with prefaces and preambles , trifling out more time then my intelligence will be worth , i proceed to the matter . as i was setting pen to paper to prosecute my purpose , 〈◊〉 was cast into me , giving me very good assurance that the 〈◊〉 , informations and relations which come weekly and daily abroad ( except some few published by authority ) are for the most part either lies , mistakes , vanities , or impertinencies multiplyed & patcht up out of each other , but to employ the printer lest he should else forget his trade in this long vacation from selling serious books . and thereupon it hath been ( or may be ) voted that they mis-lead more then they rightly informe ; and permission is , for that cause , granted to every reader ( ex officio ) strictly to examine them that they may be censured as they deserve ; and even this mercurie is by the same vote left liable to the like examination . my first intelligence shall be of that which hath most need to be taken into present consideration . it is assured me that seeing the cavees ( which is the gloucester title for cavalleers ) are newly fluttering into bedforeshire and toward cambridge , that they may divert the parliament forces from pursuing their late victories at hull and horne-castle ; it will be good discretion for them both to prevent that diversion , and the mischiefes which those locusts and caterpillers may doe in the associated counties ( if they should commence in that universitie as they have done in the other ) by sending speedily a strong partie thither , and withall to have an eye to the securing of the back-way to london , lest while they have drawn us to look northward , they wheel about southward , to attempt the obstruction of the easterne-water-passage to this citie ; which if my mercurie deceive me not , is the maine designe of our adversaries , what way soever they seeme to take . it is reported out of hamp-shire ( and it may be beleeved ) that basing-house hath been so long permitted to be a receptacle for the malignants of kent , surrey , and sussex , and a means for their secure passage to and from abingdon , wallingford , and oxford , that it is now become a garrison of papisticall cavees daily strengthned more and more with ammunition , men and victuals . thence we heare likewise that denington castle neere newburie , and not far from basing , is now fortifying to be a strengthning thereunto ; that andover is possessed by the kings forces to inlarge their contributions ; that a taxe of ninescore pounds the week is imposed upon every hundred neere those places , to the inriching of the parliament adversaries , to the disadvantage of our chiefe city , and to the impoverishing of those parts of hamp-shire , bark-shire , and wilt-shire , who now begin to cry out by reason of their oppressions , and to curse the malignancie and neutrality of those who allured them to take such serpents into their bosomes : yea some among them protest with teares ( where they dare complaine ) that if now the parliament would send to deliver them , they should find many hands to help forward the work ; which their neighbours also would be glad to further before they come under the same lash : and it is much wondred that a place so neere london upon a passage thither so convenient , and so easie to have been cleered , should have been left so long obstructed to the parliaments great disadvantage , unlesse it had been unheeded and neglected for the nonce . i have heard from his own servants that the marquesse of winchester , a very dangerous papist , ( because once a protestant , and perverted by a woman ) and who is owner of basing-house , and now resident therein ; hath a commission to be general of the forces raised and to be raised in those south-parts ; and when his ladies fathers country men are come thither from bristol and westchester to assist him , you shall see how needfull it would have been to have setled ere this time the association of kent , surrey , sussex , and hampshire , which i heare say is now againe revived , and as my mercurie perswades me may yet be undertaken with good successe , and for the prevention of the mischiefe design'd , if it be proceeded in with speed and courage , and be not by them made fruitlesse , who were no good friends to it heretofore . but it is probably suspected that some will directly hinder it if they can ; or , by pretending the promotion of it take occasion to diminish our strength some other way , under colour of saving charges , which ( considering the chances of war are uncertain ) may so fall out , that it may be the breaking of the associated forces , the losse of some part of the countrey for the time , or the indangering of all ; and therefore it is desired by the well-affected in those counties ; that deluding propositions tending to such purposes may be well observed by the associaters in their meetings and discreetly prevented . and now i think on it , the mention of this association brings to mind somewhat which a souldier in one of those counties made me acquainted withall of his opinion touching the same , which i will here insert , because perchance some may advise worse . if it be not worth heeding , it shall cost but the reading ; if it be considerable , the benefit of it may by this meanes be taken , though he should not be called to counsell in that association , his opinion was briefly thus , and these are his own words . first , that considering the present necessity , there should be no delay in establishing that association , lest they who diligently meet , and talk much that nothing may be concluded , lose that opportunity which is yet remaining , and must be suddenly caught . secondly , before the main work shall be compleatly resolved on , ( which will require more time ) he would that those forces which are in readinesse in those foure counties ( reserving a small power to watch over the malignants in kent and suffex ) should immediately march to farnham castle , making that their rendevouz and place of refuge to retreat unto when any unequall power should march against them , as also to be a refreshing place for the weak and tired , and a nurserie out of which the association should be still supplyed with disciplin'd men . at farnham he would not have them stay longer then for a dayes rest , or so long as the ordering of other pertinent affaires might require and that then they should remove to odiham or alton in hamsheire ( the furthest not being much above two houres march ) there to setle or move up and down to live upon those that must maintaine the enemies garison at basing ; and to gather from them their impositions so far into the country as they may adventure till the assotiated body is compleated , that ( as usually we have done ) we put not the state to as much charge during the time of preparations , as would with good husbandry beare the expences of the whole expedition . as they grew stronger he would have them dayly march farther even to the walls of the adversaries garrisons , labouring continually by their scouts , or by hiring the country people , or insinuating with them , to gaine intelligence of such things as might conduce to their own security and the disadvantage of the foe , every day so visiting some or other of the neighbouring villages that their adversaries might be furnished with no considerable aids or supplies . by which means , & by that time the body of the assotiated forces were compleated , the foxes of those burroughes would be much streightned , and the southerne parts of hamshire ( seeing their inmates awed shall be won by fear or love to hasten their assent and contributions to the said assotiation : & perhaps before the said assotiation is fully setled ( & during which interim many disadvantages may else befall us ) the enemies quarters being some and some gained , their garrison may be taken , or well prepared for taking without a winter seige , which may else lose us more men , money and time then we would willingly spare . when the associated brigade is made up , he would not have it ( as some have proiected ) kept in one or in several bodies in the several associated counties ; for that ( as experience hath taught us ) would prove rather an oppression then a defence unto them . but he rather adviseth that they should march into those parts of hamshire which either will not or dare not associate , leaving behinde them kont , surry , and sussex as secured sufficiently by farnham : garison , by the watch afore mentioned to be set over them , and by that readines which the associated counties will be alwayes in , to returne upon any emergent occasion . by this course they shall not grieve or burthen their friends by being continually billeted upon them , nor discourage or disable them in contributing to their pay . besides , they shall by makeing the seat of war without the association , give the plough peaceable passage at home , disturbe their adversaries reicevers and confederates abrode , and dayly inlarge their own quarters . yea by thus proceeding , the associators shall have means to augment their forces ( if there be cause ) with lesse charge : for god assisting these endeavours , the next bordering sheire wil shortly petition to unite it selfe to them to prevent being the seat of war , and so the next , and the next , till all come in . for that expedition he would have scouts , intelligencers , and spies chosen out by good advise from among the stoutest and most witty of the well-affected , who are of quality for such an employment , and would have them punished and disgraced for their falshood , and rewarded for dilligence , and considerable services according to their merrits , that incouragements from others as well as their own consciences and interests might make them indeavour the more . for these are the nimble and sure hinges upon which their forces must move forward and backward , shut and open , as there is cause : and it is through want of these that we have been so lame in our late executions . none of these should be a common trooper or dragoneer , but men set apart meerly for that service , because we can neither confidently rely on men casually set forth ; neither can they or their horses performe such services as they ought to do , who are tired with other duties , and brought off and on , at adventure upon a suddaine . and were he to select a brigade of such a number as the associators have resolved on , which ( as he hears ) shall be horse , and dragoneers , he should chuse rather horse , and dragoners , for that service , because horse are not onely a greater charge and more hardly raised but lesse serviceable , and in some places and cases not serviceable at all , yea perhaps horse , dragoneers , and musketiers may do better service then they , if in lieu of charge saved by that change , so much might be added in engines to secure a passage in galtrapes , swedes feathers , shovels , spades and pilteaxes , which three last mentioned ( though now slighted ) are the security of armies and such as the most famous . souldiers of the world made great use of . he mentioned somewhat also of having a certaine number of fire locks in steed of muskets for night services , ambuscadoes and other such like occasions pertinent to the same designe , and of many other things , of which some are not to be revealed untill there be opportunity to put them in execution , and the rest are over-many to be recited here . of this or of some other good course to be seriously prosecuted for the strengthning of our hands the country people desire to heare , for though an evil spirit hath long deluded them , now their eyes begin to be opened , and they do see that the king , by the contribution and personall ayde of papists from abroade , by arming papists , delinquents , oppressors of the people , and the most vitious of his subjects at home ( and by calling hither the barbarous irish bapists after their murthering of nigh an hundred and fifty thousand of his loyall protestant subjects in ireland ) and by some other such proceedings ) will be both his own destruction and theirs if they come not in speedily to help the lord against the mighty oppositions and machinations of those instruments of antichrist . we have had lately complaineings almost out of every county , that the greatest enemies and hinderers of setling the militia in a fit posture for the publike safety , were and are some deputy lieutenants , and such as are authorized to order the same ; and that none meet more frequently nor seeme to employ themselves more zealously in that businesse then some of them that are most mischievous thereunto yet , this is no disparagement to those who are sincerely active therein , because there is not one of these hypocrites in any county but he is discovered , and by some passage or other observed to be what he is , though to the generall damage he still 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 questioned , questioned , and continues i● imployments enabling him to do new mischieves every day for the punishment of our sins : and if any of them be now in presence while this is reading he may be soone discouered if you will but observe his lookes and words ; for they will evidently show that his worships coppihold ( as we say in the country ) is touched by this relation . i have received the like rurall complaints against some officers committees for the sequestrations and the twentieth part , &c. and many of them are true in my own knowledge , it is said that some of them countenance the malignants against the best affected , and most befriend the parliament enemies in all hearings , assessments , services , & contributions ; that no men are more gratious with them , then such as have most slighted and vilified the parliament ; that some of them are frequent and familiar visitants of those prisoners which were committed for taking armes against the state : that they have counselled , abetted , and assisted them ( to the abuse of the parliament ordinances and orders ) even against those faithfull servants to the king and parliament whose houses they unmercifully plundred ; and it is probably conjectured that many of them who have broken prison were by some of these committees or their instruments assisted in ▪ or toward their escapes . it is certified also , that they are more zealous of their own interests , and pleasing their friends and acquaintance , then of the publike honour , profit , or safety ; that some of them make use of those employments to satisfie their avarice some their ambition , some their pride , some their lust , some their revenge ; and that it some other there is neither pitty , justice or conscience it is therefore verily beleeved in the country that for our sinnes , and by the sinnes of th●se our miseries are prolonged , and that if these had been delig●●● and faithfull in the execution of their trust , mony had come better in and the souldiers pay had not been so long deferred to the hazzard of the kingdomes safety ▪ yea so many good designs had not miscarried or been so slowly proceeded in , to the dishonour of the parliament , the discouragement of her supporters , and to the strengthning of the enemies thereof . there is a petition exhibited some-where , by many free-holders to desire both houses seriously to confider the dangerousnes of such men and their practises , and to take order concerning them ; or if they cannot , sire that god would . i have heard lately from every part of the kingdome a generall applause of his excellence the earle of essex , as well for many other virtues , as for his valiant and discreet managing of the late expedition to gloucester , and the battails at alborne and neere newberie , and am apt to beleeve the truth of it , in regard i have been an eye-witnesse & an observer of his worth in those and many other evidences of the same , yet i have no assurance either from citie , court , or ) countrey , that an honourable opinion shall be long continued of his or any other mans heroick virtues among the vulgar , for they will be ready to sacrifice him to morrow , to whom they sacrificed yesterday ; and be ready to vilifie him upon one improbable suspition ; of whose worthinesse they have had a thousand undenyable proofes . we heare from every quarter of the countrey that the kingdome is crucified between the two armies , like christ between two theeves ; for though one of them be good in respect of the other , yet sure i am they are both theeves . some are discontented that the armie is quartered so neere to the city , and feare they will be more weakned by idlenesse , then they were by action ; and verily beleeve that it would be more both for their health and accommodation , if they were farther off , and where they might more straiten the enemies quarters , and inlarge the limits of contribution to their own maintenance , which ( no doubt ) our prudent generall will take care of when oportunity serves . we are certified from reading that it is re-possest by the cavees , and that they make haste to fortifie the same , whereupon the opinion of the countrey is this , that when places of such consequence are gotten with much expence of mony and blood , it were good discretion for preventing further losse and charge to secure them better when we have them ; and it is thought that many citizens and others will be shortly of the same opinion ; yet mercurie holds it a point of good discretion also not to censure harshly of what was left undone , or might have been better ordered in their judgements ; for they that are actors find more difficulties then the lookers on , and many times for our sins , the divine providence doth permit ( to humble us ) many failings and oversights in our actions , which else our understanding might have fore-seen and prevented . it is voiced from the north , that the scots have entred northumberland with a very great armie , and that the cavees doubting their ability to resist , have projected by slanderous detractions , and by seeking to raise jelousies , and beget divisions between the nations , to weaken their hands , and make void , if it be possible , the intended effect of their expedition : and therefore it was advised by a plain country-fellow , that to make such malicious plots and indeavours unsuccessefull , we should beleeve of them as we find , and hope of their sincere dealing with us according to their christian profession , and their noble and honest demeanour in their last expedition , at which time their armie was an exemplarie patterne both to us and other nations of that civility and justice which ought to be in soldiers and commanders professing christ . he is liable to a severe judgement that mis-judgeth his brother ; but doubtlesse he exposeth himselfe to a greater condemnation that judgeth scandalously of a whole nation , and the honesty and faithfulnesse of such a one is justly to be suspected . now to prevent the murmurings of those seeming to be on the parliament side , who grumble at the mony which they are to receive from us towards their expedition to new-eastle , the honest countrey people hold it good counsel to put these murmurers in mind , first , how cold this winter may prove , and perhaps the next also , if the collieries there be not set open to us , before a passage be made thither by forces from this place . secondly , how much it concerns us to have the scots ingaged with us in our cause , as now they are : and lastly , that the money wherewith by gods help they may finish that work is not probably so much as would be required to raise , carry thither , & bring back an armie sent from us to that purpose , though it should cost nothing during their abode there . there is cause of hope that by means of the new-great-soale which is now comming forth , justice will have her course more freely then of late , and many mischievous designs of the kings ill counsellors wil be prevented . if it had power also to conjure down the spirit of malignancie which is raised in these i lands , and take away faction , hypocrisie , self-love , and discord from among us , it were a qualification which i feare it hath not ; yet perhaps it may be a means to further those proceedings which will much hinder their evill effects for the present , and abate , at least , the predominancie of those vices ere long . we are incredibly informed from oxford , that the king had no considerable losle at the skirmish by alborne , or at the battell neere newberie , as we have been made beleeve . it is true indeed , that he lost many men and subjects ; but they are but trifles , and it is almost generally supposed ( though hoped otherwise by me ) things which he regards not . he lost also many good horses , as his own partie doth confesse ; but he had them onely for taking up , and hath takers enough to recrute them : he lost lords , and a great officer , &c. but that is a losse the least worth notice of all the rest , for they are toyes , which if he please he can make of the veryest rascals in his army ; they did wel therefore to give god thanks that their losses were no greater : but had they been so great on our side , we should rather have addressed our selves unto him by way of humiliation , then have mocked him with a counterfet thanksgiving , as they have often done , and may now doe againe for their late overthrows in lincoln-shire and at hull . it is further certified from oxford , or else mercurie deviz'd it , ( which is very probable ) that the arch-bishop of canterburie ( hohourable in nothing but in this , that he will be the occasion of rooting out the prelacie from this kingdom ) hath made a motion that prince rupert ( who was there incorporated and made master of arts , when that little good bishop ( then dreaming not of such a change ) entertained him and his majestie ) might proceed doctor , to make him the more capable of a bishoprick , which it is presumed the papists will procure the popes holinesse to confer upon him for his good services in their cause at his return , i know not-whither ; for habitation he hath none , and that makes him so mischievous to those that have . it is , there , thought also by some of his majesties servants ( as our mercurie verily beleeveth ) that the queen will not have so many masks at christmas and shrovetide this yeare as she was wont to have other yeeres heretofore ; because inigo iones cannot conveniently make such-heavens and paradises at oxford as he did at white-hall ; & because the poets are dead , beggered , or run away , who were wont in their masks to make gods and goddesses of them , and shamefully to flatter them with attributes neither fitting to be ascribed or accepted of ; and some are of opinion , that this is one of the innumerable vanities which hath made them and us become so miserable at this day . we heare not yet any particulars of the late ambassadours entertainment at oxford , but wagers may be laid that he shall heare there many lying vaunts of their valorous atchievements , and untrue allegations against the parl. for what will not they aver in private discourses , who are not ashamed to belie them in publique , and to their face ? we are informed of many strange sermons preached every lords day at court , some tending to p●perie , some to tyrannie , or to the encouragement of their auditors to a furious prosecution of this unnaturall war . and we hear of as many preached in other places to as ill purposes another way : insomuch that the well-affected countrey people are perswaded , that if god had not by the parliaments wisdom and their exemplarie loyaltie caused those false prophets to dissemble their secret desires , many of them ( if they have not done it already ) would have preached treason , and animated to that rebellion wherof we are falsly accused , by the promoters of tyrannie , because we wil not desert the reality of allegeance to professe and practice the bare complements thereof to the destruction both of our liege lord , his kingdoms , and our selves . other doctrines are also vented among us by some pretending to reformation , which all the reformed churches would be loth to owne ; and which will prolong our miseries , if the parliament and synode ( with whom they in some things comply for their present security ) do not ( as we hope they wil ) timely discover and prevent their increasing heresies and false maximes . there was lately a meeting at one of our countrey exchanges , where mercurie being in the chaire , many particulars pertinent to the present affaires of the time were put to the question , but what is fit to be resolved or voted thereupon , it is referred to your conscience who now shall read them . the questions put are these : first , whether the king being yet constant in the protestant religion , and reall according to all his protestations made before god and man touching this church and state , the prevalencie of his queen may not make him ( contrarie to his present purpose ) doe for a womans sake as much as solomon ; and the flatteries and importunies of his young and evill counsellors bring him to as great a losse as rhehoboams : whether also he may not be permitted to slip into some failings for our sins ( which drew down these judgements for our chastisement ) as it befell the israelites for davids sin : and whether he may not repent also as well as david , and be at last reconciled to god and us , to the publique advantage , and his encrease of honour , when we have repented our transgressions ? secondly , the queen having ●o many yeers after her first comming enjoy'd the love even of those of this nation who are of a contrary religion , might not then haue been won to become a daughter ( nay a nursing mother ) of this church , if she had not been left to their delusions , who ( if it were possible ) would deceive the very elect ; if those who had place and opportunities to have endeavoured it and ( as we heare ) had inducements to hope it might have been effected , had according to their duty attempted the same ; and whether it is not likely that the arch-bishop of canterbury and the whole prelacie are now come to this shame , because they complyed with her seducers , and rather confirmed her in an idolatrous worship , then assayed to inform her in the right way ? thirdly , whether it be possible that a king , many yeers honoured with evidences of piety and morality , could possibly proceed as he hath done , if the falshood and impiety of his evill counsellors were not vailed over with some disguises : and whether ( though he make use of them for the present necessities ) he can esteem them in his private judgement bettep then traitors or base parasites , who having been at first zelots for the parliament , afterward left it for the wages of ambition : or whether he can esteeme of those , more then of a dog deserving the halter , who being first raised by his royall favour , ( and long maintained by projects and monopolies obtained by abusing that royall power ) could desert their advancer , and comply with the parliament to avoid their censures ; and afterward againe , when they saw the parliament eclipsed , could basely creep and insinuate back into his bosome whom they had forsaken ? fourthly , protestants and papists being so exasperated against each other , and the papists having begun a bloody massacre in ireland , which the tenets of their religion bind them to prosecute upon all advantages ) whether can they ever be so reconciled as to live securely together again in these ilands so long as they continue of different religions ? and whether they will think the king out of their debt untill he hath given them leave to prop●gate their religion at their pleasure , and means to secure it in this kingdome , by power put into their hands : and if hee should so doe whether truth and peace were then likely to be setled in these kingdomes ? fiftly , whether his majesty be not , by reason , discharged from all obligations to the papists for personall services and contributions to this war , and bound in justice to punish rather then reward them for the same , seeing he cannot but know , both by their tenets , and by those motives whereby the queene incouraged them in her letters , that they aided him for n● respect to himself ( if he be not totally theirs ) but meerly for their own ends ; and to continue that barbarous and murtherous project which they long since begun here ; lately revived in ireland , and do now prosecute throughout his majesties dominions , for the accomplishment of our generall premeditated destruction , under the false colour of serving his majesty , and promoting his priviledges ? the last question of theirs which i will trouble you withall is , if we suffer the policies of antichrist , for the continuation of his mistery of iniquity thus to divide the body from the head , the king from the parliament , the court from the city , the city from the country , the nobles from the commons , the commons from themselves ; yea to divide the church , the state , every province , every county , every city , every village , every family , and many individuall persons in their own judgements , whether this be not or will not be shortly such a divided kingdome as cannot long stand without gods miraculous aid and our more serious working with him ? and whether will not the children of babel seek to repaire again her decayes by the ruines of our british churches ? and whether it be not required of us , ( and high time for us ) to be reconciled to god and to each other , that we may hasten the fullfilling of his decree concerning the whore , the malignant city , the false prophet , the beast ; and do that to them which they purpose to us ( and have already begun to doe in ireland with unexampled cruelty ) even to beat or banish them , who will not forsake their abominations , out of these islands ; that babylon may vanish , and the new jerusalem come down amongst us ? how these questions are to be voted upon , let every one consider and resolve by himself according to his discretion . perchance there be some who are desirous to here what opinion we have in the country touching the nationall covenant lately tendred , and perhaps also the knowledge thereof may be to some purpose . you shall hereby understand therefore , that not onely all men well affected to the parliament , but every other reasonable man also in these counties , where this mercurie hath been , thus conceives of the said covenant . first , that it tends to the strengthning of that nationall union which is now made betwixt us and the scots , and the want of which was an occasion of much blood-shed in this island many ages together . secondly , that it conduceth to that unity and conformity throughout all the reformed churches , which may by gods blessing , settle christian peace , prevent the future increase of heresies and schismes hitherto multiplied amongst us , help to preserve truth in purity against the incroachments of popery and superstition , and further the overthrowes of antichrist . fourthly , that it will help secure unto us our just rights and priviledges , with the preservation of his majesties person , honour and lawfull prerogatives , against traitors , flatterers , tirants and oppressors . fiftly , that it ingageth us to a speedy repentance of those sins which have brought on us the present plagues ; and to the amendment of our lives also for the time to come . . they hold it agreeable to the practise of the ancient churches of god , who when such occasions were , made covenants to the like effect by divine approbation , as their covenants recorded in holy writ may testifie . and the opinion of those among them whose judgement is not to be despised , is this ; that whosoever willfully refuses this covenant , deserveth to be reputed an enemy to all that is good , to be chastised by all the miseries attending division and discord ; and to be deprived of every good effect which it may produce hereafter ; for the present , to be denied the vse of those good things which they possesse among us , and to be judged unworthy to continue in this land , or to partake of this ayre , any longer . of the like opinion is this mercurie , who among many other observations in his rustick preambulations had these two , which i thought not impertinently divulged at this time : one is , that they who would seeme to have the tenderest consciences in this cause betwixt the king and parliament , and who usually colour their opposing the parliament by pretending a conscionable obedience to all the kings commands , are they ( if we may judge them by their former conversation and present course of life ) who make little conscience of that , or of any sin else . as if for making no conscience of breaking such lawes as were once written in their hearts , god had now justly infatuated their understanding , and left them onely such a conscience , as might bring deserved chastisement on us , and confusion on themselves . his other observation is , that the most violent pleaders against the parliament , and the most active malignants among us are onely such as th●se . beggerly and ambitious courtiers ; riotous and vitious gentlemen ; broken citizens ; drunken inkeepers and vintners , with their dependants , tapsters , hostlers , chamberlains and drawers : needy popish or debauched schollers , seeking or possessing preferment by complying with superstion or prophanenes ; luxurious gallants and gamesters ; fencers , fidlers and players ; silly people led according to the capacity , folly , or frenzie of their kindred , familiars , masters , land-lords , or of the neighbouring justices , or unsound parliament members malignantly affected ; good-fellowes and pot companions , who confirme each other in their malignancy on the ale-bench , and wonderfully strengthen their cause by drinking healths to prince rupert , and confusion to the parliament , while horrible oathes and imprecations are shot off , libertines that feare the change of church discipline will abridge their pleasures ; projecters , and monopolizers whose lively-hood is taken away , if injustice and oppression may not continue ; papists , atheists , prelates and their , &c. yea it is observed ( though i would be loth to be author of it ) that among those women which are zelots of the cavallerro way ( which many of them favour for divers carnall respects ) none are such pert and violent oratresses for it , as they who are either known , or justly suspected , to be little whorish . to these if you adde a wandring prince or two , some lords ( and such commanders as become these regiments ) you have that masse , out of which you may marshall up that army which opposeth our king and parliament . we are certified that some are much troubled to perceive so many men , who are learned , seemingly honest , wise , religious and conscionable of the right way , and of those things which tend to the glory of god , the peace of their country , and the prevention of antichristian designes , should now be questioned as apostatizers and fallers away from their first love and profession , in this time of triall , and of our great need of their assistance , & exemplary constancy . therefore to comfort them , & strengthen their faiths , we do here give notice of two observations that a country man ( who hath heretofore rightly conjectured things pertinent to these times ) hath lately made : one is an assurance that this falling away of men , starlike for their eminency , is no strange or unexpected novelty , but a fulfilling in part of that mystical prediction by which we were long since forewarned , that the dragons taile should draw down starres from heaven ; for there is nothing now left of that beast ( in comparison of what he was ) but the taile . and ( as serpents usually do when a mortall wound is received ) the taile wriggles about so furiously that it strikes down those from their sphears , who , being but meteors , eemed starres in this lower heaven , the military kingdom of christ on earth . the other note is this ; he hath observed that all the marks by which the prophet david marked out his enemies , and the malitious enemies of god and his church from other sinners , are undoubtedly now found upon the adversaries of this church and state , confederated together in these kingdomes ; whether you have respect to their practises , their qual●ties , their purposes , or their languages as would appeare if i should here insert the severall texts expressing their tyrannies , their impudent wickednes , their haughtines , their skoffes , their scornes , their insolencies , their blood-thirstines , their oppressions , their trechery , their blasphemy , their lyings , their cursings , their slanders , their prepartions for warre and hostile attempts when they are in treaties of peace , their drunken songs , their impious and derisorie intergatories concerning our god , his promises , our trust , our hopes in him , our fastings , our prayers , and other christian duties , and such like . and i was moved here to divulge this for glad tidings , that though for our chastisement these may persecute and exercise our patience for a while , yet they shall at last receive the portion , and come to the destruction prepared for such offenders . more of these things i could tell you out of the countrey , but i have other businesse . here is more then i first intended , and more , i feare , then some of you will either thank me for , or make a right use of . if ever you heare of me in this kind again , ( which i wil not promise ) it shall be but once more , as occasion is offered ; and , i will be mercurius sublimatus , at least above the clouds ; and then farewell . finis . iuuenilia. a collection of those poemes which were heretofore imprinted, and written by george wither wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : , : ) iuuenilia. a collection of those poemes which were heretofore imprinted, and written by george wither wither, george, - . elstracke, renold, fl. - , engraver. [ ], , - , [ ] p. printed [by thomas snodham] for iohn budge in paul's church yard at ye signe of the green dragon, london : . in verse. the title page is engraved and signed: re scul, i.e. renold elstracke. printer's name from stc. signatures: pi¹ [par.] , (= q , ) a- q (- q , ). the second leaf of [par.] , (which were printed as q , ) carries instructions for placement of these leaves after the title page. "abuses stript and whipt", "prince henries obsequies", "a satyre, vvritten to the kings most excellent maiestie", "epithalamia", "the shepheards hunting", and "fidelia" each have separate title page with imprint "london, printed by t.s. for iohn budge .. "; register is continuous. "a satyre" identified as stc a on umi microfilm . reproductions of the originals in the folger shakespeare library and the british library. appears at reel (folger shakespeare library copy) and at reel (british library copy). created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - simon charles sampled and proofread - simon charles text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a satyre , written to the kings most excellent maiestie , by george wither , when hee was prisoner in the marshallsey , for his first booke . london : printed by t.s. for iohn budge , dwelling in pauls-church-yard , at the signe of the greene dragon , . the satyre to the meere courtiers . sirs ; i doe know your mindes ; you looke for fees , for more respect then needes , for caps and knees . but be content , i haue not for you now ; nor will i haue at all to doe with you . for , though i seeme opprest , and you suppose i must be faine to crouch to vertues foes ; yet know , your fauours i doe sleight them more in this distresse , then ere i did before . here to my liege a message i must tell ; if you will let me passe , you shall doe well ; if you denie admittance , why then know , i meane to haue it where you will or no , your formall wisedome which hath neuer beene in ought but in some fond inuention seene , and you that thinke men borne to no intent , but to be train'd in apish complement ; doth now ( perhaps ) suppose mee indiscreet , and such vnused messages vnmeet . but what of that ? shall i goe sute my matter vnto your wits , that haue but wit to flatter ? shall i , of your opinions so much prize to lose my will that you may thinke me wise , who neuer yet to any liking had , vnlesse he were a knaue , a foole , or mad ? you mushroms know , so much i weigh your powers , i neither value you , nor what is yours . nay , though my crosses had me quite out-worne , spirit enough i 'de finde your spight to scorne : of which resolu'd , to further my aduenture , vnto my king , without your leaues i enter . to the honest courtiers . bvt you , whose onely worth doth colour giue . to them , that they doe worthy seeme to liue , kinde gentlemen , your ayde i craue , to bring a satyre to the presence of his king : a show of rudenesse doth my fore-head arme , yet you may trust him ; he intends no harme . he that hath sent him , loyall is , and true , and one , whose loue ( i know ) is much to you : but now , he lyes bound to a narrow scope ; almost beyond the cape of all good hope . long hath he sought to free himselfe , but failes : and therefore seeing nothing else preuailes , me , to acquaint his soueraigne , here he sends , as one despairing of all other friends . i doe presume that you will fauour shew him , now that a messenger from thence you know him . for many thousands that his face ne're knew , blame his accusers , and his fortune rue : and by the helpe which your good word may doe , he hopes for pitty from his soueraigne to . then in his presence with your fauours grace him , and there 's no vice so great , shall dare out-face him . to the kings most excellent maiestie . a satyre . quid tu , si pereo ? what once the poet said , i may auow , 't is a hard thing not to write satyrs , now , since , what we speake ( abuse raigns so in all ) spight of our hearts , will be satyricall . let it not therefore now be deemed strange , my vnsmooth'd lines their rudenesse do not change ; nor be distastefull to my gracious king , that in the cage , my old harsh notes i sing : and rudely , make a satyre here vnfold , what others would in neater tearmes haue told . and why ? my friends and meanes in court are scant , knowledge of curious phrase , and forme i want . i cannot bear 't to runne my selfe in debt , to hire the groome , to bid the page entreat , some fauourd follower to vouchsafe his word to get me a cold comfort from his lord. i cannot sooth , ( though it my life might saue , ) each fauourite , nor crouch to eu'ry knaue . i cannot brooke delayes as some men do , with scoffes , and scornes , and tak 't in kindnesse to . for ere i 'de binde my selfe for some slight grace , to one that hath no more worth then his place . or , by a base meane free my selfe from trouble , i rather would endure my penance double : cause to be forc'd to what my mind disdaines , is worse to me then tortures , rackes , and chaines . and therefore vnto thee i onely flye , to whom there needs no meane but honesty . to thee , that lou'st nor parasite or minion , should ere i speake possesse thee with opinion . to thee , that do'st what thou wilt vndertake , for loue of iustice , not the persons sake . to thee , that know'st how vaine all faire shewes be , that flow not from the hearts sinceritie ; and canst , though shadowed in the simplest vaile , discerne both loue and truth , and where they faile . to thee doe i appeale ; in whom heau'n knowes , i next to god my confidence repose . for , can it be thy grace should euer shine , and not enlighten such a cause as mine ? can my hopes ( fixt in thee great king ) be dead ; or thou those satyrs hate thy forrests bred ? where shall my second hopes be founded then , if euer i haue heart to hope agen ? can i suppose a fauour may be got in any place , when thy court yeelds it not ? or that i may obtaine it in the land , when i shall be deni'd it at thy hand ? and if i might , could i delighted be , to tak 't of others , when i mist of thee ? or if i were , could i haue comfort by it , when i should thinke my soueraigne did deny it ? no ; were i sure , i to thy hate were borne , to seeke for others fauours , i would scorne . for , if the beft-worth-loues i could not gaine , to labour for the rest i would disdaine . but why should i thy fauour here distrust , that haue a cause so knowne , and knowne so iust ? which not alone my inward comfort doubles , but all suppose me wrong'd that heare my troubles . nay , though my fault were reall , i beleeue thou art so royall , that thou wouldst forgiue . for , well i know , thy sacred maiesty hath euer beene admir'd for clemency , and at thy gentlenesse the world hath wondred , for making sun-shine , where thou mightst haue thundred . yea , thou in mercy , life to them didst giue that could not be content to see thee liue . and can i thinke that thou wilt make me , then , the most vnhappy of all other men ? or let thy loyall subiect , against reason , be punisht more for loue , then some for treason ? no , thou didst neuer yet thy glory staine with an iniustice to the meanest swaine . 't is not thy will i 'me wrong'd , nor dost thou know , if i haue suffred iniuries or no. for if i haue not heard falfe rumours flie , th' ast grac'st me with the stile of honesty , and if it were so ( as some thinke it was ) i cannot see how it should come to passe that thou , from whose free tongue proceedeth nought which is not correspondent with thy thought . those thoughts to , being fram'd in reasons mould , should speake that once , which should not euer hold . but passing it as an vncertainety , i humbly beggethee , by that maiesty , whose sacred glory strikes a louing-feare into the hearts of all , to whom 't is deare : to deigne me so much fauour , without merit , as read this plaint of a distempered spirit : and thinke , vnlesse i saw some hideous storme , too great to be endur'd by such a worme , i had not thus presum'd vnto a king , with aesops fly , to seeke an eagles wing : know i am he , that entred once the list , gainst all the world to play the satyrist : t was i , that made my measures rough and rude , dance arm'd with whips amidst the multitude , and vnappalled with my charmed scrowles , teaz'd angry monsters in their lurking holes . i 'ue plaid with waspes and hornets without feares , till mad they grew , and swarm'd about my eares . i 'ue done it , and me thinkes t is such braue sport , i may be stung , but nere be sorry for 't . for , all my griefe is , that i was so sparing , and had no more in 't , worth the name of daring . he that will taxe these times must be more bitter , tart lines of vinegar and gall are fitter . my fingers and my spirits were benum'd , my inck ran forth too smooth , t was two much gum'd ; i 'de haue my pen so paint it , where it traces , each accent , should draw blood into their faces . and make them , when their villanies are blazed , shudder and startle , as men halfe amazed , for feare my verse should make so loud a din , heauen hearing might raine vengeance on their sin . oh now , for such a straine ! would art could teach it . though halfe my spirits i consum'd to reach it . i de learne my muse so braue a course to flie , men should admire the power of poosie . and those that dar'd her greatnesse to resist , quake euen at naming of a satyrist . but when his scourging numbers flow'd with wonder , should cry , god blesse vs , as they did at thunder . alas ! my lines came from me too-too dully , they did not fill a satyrs mouth vp fully . hot blood , and youth , enrag'd with passions store , taught me to reach a straine nere touch'd before . but it was coldly done , i throughly 〈◊〉 not : and somewhat there is yet to doe , i did not . more soundly could my scourge haue yerked many , which i omitted not for feare of any . for want of action , discontentments rage , base dis-respect of vertue ( in this age ) with other things which were to goodnesse wrong , made me so fearelesse in my carelesse song : that , had not reason within compasse won me , i had told truth enough to haue vndone me . ( nay , haue already , if that her diuine and vnseene power , can doe no more then mine . ) for though fore-seeing warinesse was good , i fram'd my stile vnto a milder mood ; and clogging her high-towring wings with mire , made her halfe earth , that was before all fire . though ( as you saw ) in a disguised shew i brought my satyres to the open view : hoping ( their out-sides , being mis-esteem'd ) they might haue passed , but for what they seem'd : yet some whose comments iumpe not with my minde , in that low phrase , a higher reach would finde , and out of their deepe iudgements seeme to know , what 't is vncertaine if i meant or no : ayming thereby , out of some priuate hate , to worke my shame , or ouer-throw my state . for , amongst many wrongs my foe doth doe me , and diuers imputations laide vnto me , ( deceiued in his ayme ) he doth mis-conster that which i haue enstil'd a man-like monster , to meane some priuate person in the state , whose worth i sought to wrong out of my hate ; vpbraiding me , i from my word doe start , either for want of better ground , or heart . cause from his expectation i did vary in the denying of his commentary , whereas t is knowne i meant abuse the while , not thinking any one could be so vile to merit all those epithites of shame , how euer many doe deserue much blame . but say , ( i grant ) that i had an intent to haue it so ( as he interprets ) meant , and let my gracious liege suppose there were one whom the state may haue iust cause to feare ; or thinke there were a man ( and great in court ) that had more faults then i could well report ; suppose i knew him , and had gone about by some particular markes to paint him out , that he best knowing his owne faults , might see , he was the man i would should noted be : imagine now such doings in this age , and that this man so pointed at , should rage , call me in question , and by his much threatning , by long imprisonment , and ill-intreating vrge a confession , wert not a mad part for me to tell him , what lay in my heart ? doe not i know a great mans power and might ; in spight of innocence , can smother right , colour his villanies , to get esteeme , and make the honest man the villaine seeme ? and that the truth i told should in conclusion , for want of power and friends be my confusion ? i know it , and the world doth know t is true , yet , i protest , if such a man i knew , that might my country preiudice , or thee , were he the greatest or the proudest hee that breathes this day : ( if so it might be found , that any good to either might redound . ) so far i le be ( though fate against me run ) from starting off from that i haue begun , i vn-appalled dare in such a case rip vp his foulest crimes before his face , though for my labour i were sure to drop into the mouth of ruine without hope . but such strange farre-fetcht meanings they haue sought , as i was neuer priuie to in thought ; and that vnto particulars would tie which i intended vniuersally . whereat some with displeasure ouer-gone , ( those i scarce dream'd of , saw , or thought vpon ) maugre those caueats on my satyrs brow , their honest and iust passage disallow . and on their heads so many censures rake , that spight of me , themselues they 'le guilty make . nor is 't enough , to swage their discontent , to say i am ( or to be ) innocent . for as , when once the lyon made decree , no horned beast should nigh his presence be , that , on whose fore-head onely did appeare a bunch of flesh , or but some tuft of haire , was euen as farre in danger as the rest , if he but said , it was a horned beast : so , there be now , who thinke in that their power is of much force , or greater farre then our ; it is enough to proue a guilt in me , because ( mistaking ) they so think 't to be . yet 't is my comfort , they are not so high , but they must stoope to thee and equitie . and this i know , though prickt ; they storme agen , the world doth deeme them ne're the better men . to stirre in filth , makes not the stench the lesse , nor doth truth feare the frowne of mightinesse . because those numbers she doth daigne to grace , men may suppresse a while , but ne're deface . i wonder , and 't is wondred at by many , my harmelesse lines should breed distaste in any : and so , that ( whereas most good men approue my labour to be worthy thankes , and loue ) i as a villaine , and my countries foe , should be imprison'd , and so strictly to , that not alone my liberty is barr'd . but the resort of friends ( which is more hard . ) and whilst each wanton , or loose rimers pen , with oyly words , sleekes o're the sinnes of men , vayling his wits to euery puppets becke , which ere i 'le doe , i 'le ioy to breake my necke . ( i say ) while such as they in euery place can finde protection , patronage and grace ; if any looke on me , 't is but a skaunce or if i get a fauour , 't is by chance . i must protect my selfe : poore truth and i can haue scarce one speake for our honesty . then whereas they can gold and gifts attaine , malitious hate , and enuy is my gaine , and not alone haue here my freedome lost , whereby my best hope 's likely to be crost : but haue beene put to more charge in one day . then all my patrons bounties yet will pay . what i haue done , was not for thirst of gaine , or out of hope preferments to attaine . since to contemne them , would more profit me , then all the glories in the world that be : yet they are helpes to vertue , vs'd aright , and when they wanting be , she wants her might . for eagles mindes ne're fit a rauens feather , to dare , and to be able , sute together . but what is 't i haue done so worthy blame , that some so eagerly pursue my fame ? vouchsafe to view 't with thine owne eyes , and trie ( saue want of art ) what fault thou canst espie . i haue not sought to scandalize the state , nor sowne sedition , nor made publike bate : i haue not aym'd at any good mans fame , nor taxt ( directly ) any one by name . i am not he that am growne discontent with the religion ; or the gouernement . i meant no ceremonies to protect , nor doe i fauour any new-sprung sect ; but to my satyres gaue this onely warrant , to apprehend and punish vice apparant . who aiming in particular at none , in generall vpbraided euery one : that each ( vnshamed of himselfe ) might view that in himselfe , which no man dares to shew . and hath this age bred vp neat vice so tenderly , she cannot brooke it to be touch'd so slenderly ? will she not bide my gentle satyres bites ? harme take her then , what makes she in their sights ? if with impatience she my whip-cord feele , how had she raged at my lash of steele ? but am i call'd in question for her cause ? is 't vice that these afflictions on me drawes ? and need i now thus to apologize , onely because i scourged villanies ? must i be faine to giue a reason why , and how i dare allow of honesty ? whilst that each fleering parasite is bold thy royall brow vndaunted to hehold : and euery temporizer strikes a string , that 's musicke for the hearing of a king ? shall not he reach out to obtaine as much , who dares more for thee then a hundred such ? heauen grant her patience , my muse takes't so badly , i feare shee 'le lose her wits , for she raues madly . yet let not my dread soueraigne too much blame her , whose awfull presence , now hath made her tamer . for if there be no fly but hath her spleene , nor a poore pismire , but will wreake her teene ; how shall i then , that haue both spleene and gall , being vniustly dealt with , beare with all ? i yet with patience take what i haue borne , and all the worlds ensuing hate can scorne : but 't were in me as much stupiditie , not to haue feeling of an iniurie , as it were weakenesse not to brooke it well : what others therefore thinke i cannot tell ; but he that 's lesse then mad , is more then man , who sees when he hath done the best he can , to keepe within the bounds of innocence : sought to discharge his due to god and prince . that he , whilst villanies vnreproued goe , scoffing , to see him ouer-taken so , should haue his good endeauours misconceiu'd , be of his dearest liberty bereau'd ; and which is worse , without reason why , be frown'd on by authorities grim eye . by that great power my soule so much doth feare , she scornes the stearn'st frownes of a mortall peere , but that i vertue loue , for her owne sake , it were enough to make me vndertake to speake as much in praise of vice agen . and practise some to plague these shames of men . i meane those my accusers , who mistaking my aymes , doe frame conceits of their owne making . but if i list , i need not buy so deere the iust reuenge might be inflicted here . now could i measures frame in this iust fury , should sooner finde some guilty then a iury : the words , like swords ( temper'd with art ) should pierce and hang , and draw , and quarter them in verse . or i could racke them on the wings of fame , ( and he 's halfe hang'd ( they say ) hath an ill name ) yea , i 'de goe neere to make those guilty elues , lycambes-like , be glad to hang themselues : and though this age will not abide to heare the faults reprou'd , that custome hath made deare ; yet , if i pleased , i could write their crimes , and pile them vp in wals for after-times : for they 'le be glad ( perhaps ) that shall ensue , to see some story of their fathers true . or should i smother'd be in darknesse still , i might not vse the freedome of a quill : 't would raise vp brauer spirits then mine owne , to make my cause , and this their guilt more knowne . who by that subiect should get loue and fame , vnto my foes disgrace , and endlesse shame : those i doe meane , whose comments haue mis-us'd me : and to those peeres i honour , haue accus'd me : making against my innocence their batteries , and wronging them by their base flatteries : but of reuenge i am not yet so faine , to put my selfe vnto that needlesse paine : because i know a greater power there is , that noteth smaller iniuries then this ; and being still as iust as it is strong , apportions due reuenge for euery wrong . but why ( some say ) should his too fancy rimes thus taxe the wise and great ones of our times ? it suites not with his yeeres to be so bold , nor fits it vs by him to be controld . i must confesse ( 't is very true indeed ) such should not of my censure stand in need . but blame me not , i saw good vertue poore , desert , among the most , thrust out of doore , honestie hated , curtesie banished , rich men excessiue , poore men famished : coldnesse in zeale , in lawes partialitie , friendship but complement , and vaine formalitie , art i perceiue contem'd , while most aduance ( to offices of worth ) rich ignorance : and those that should our lights and teachers be liue ( if not worse ) as wantonly as we . yea , i saw nature from her course runne backe , disorders grow , good orders goe to wracke . so to encrease what all the rest beganne , i to this current of confusion ranne . and seeing age , left off the place of guiding , thus plaid the fancy wagge , and fell to chiding . wherein , how euer some ( perhaps ) may deeme , i am not so much faulty as i seeme : for when the elders wrong'd susanna's honer , and none withstood the shame they laid vpon her ; a childe rose vp to stand in her defence , and spight of wrong confirm'd her innocence : to shew , those must not , that good vndertake , straine curt'sie , who shall do'● , for manners sake . nor doe i know , whether to me god gaue a boldnesse more then many others haue , that i might shew the world what shamefull blot vertue by her lasciurous elders got . nor is 't a wonder , as some doe suppose , my youth so much corruption can disclose ; since euery day the sunne doth light mine eyes , i am informed of new villanies : but it is rather to be wondred how i either can , or dare be honest now . and though againe there be some others rage that i should dare ( so much aboue mine age ) thus censure each degree , both young and old , i see not wherein i am ouer-bold . for if i haue beene plaine with vice , i care not , there 's nought that i know good , and can , and dare not . onely this one thing doth my minde deterre , euen a feare ( through ignorance ) to erre . but oh knew i , what thou would'st well approue , or might the small'st respect within thee moue ; so in the sight of god it might be good , and with the quiet of my conscience stood : ( as well i know thy true integrity would command nothing against piety : ) there 's nought so dangerous , or full of feare , that for my soueraignes sake i would not dare . which good beliefe , would it did not possesse thee ; prouided some iust triall might reblesse me : yea , though a while i did endure the gall of thy displeasure in this loathsome thrall . for notwithstanding in this place i lye by the command of that authoritie , of which i haue so much respectiue care . that in mine owne ( and iust ) defence i feare to vse the free speech that i doe intend , lest ignorance , or rashnesse should offend . yet is my meaning and my thought as free from wilfull wronging of thy lawes or thee , as he ●o whom thy place and persons dearest , or to himselfe that finds his conscience cle aest . if there be wrong , 't is not my making it , all the offence is some's mistaking it . and is there any iustice borne of late , makes those faults mine , which others perpetrate ? what man could euer any age yet finde , that spent his spirits in this thankelesse kinde , shewing his meaning , to such words could tye it , that none could either wrong , or mis-apply it . nay , your owne lawes , which ( as you doe intend ) in plain'st and most effectuall words are penn'd , cannot be fram'd so well to your intent , but some there be will erre from what you meant . and yet ( alas ) i must be ty'de vnto what neuer any man before could doe ? must all i speake , or write , so well be done that none may pick more meanings thence then one ? then all the world ( i hope ) will leaue dis-vnion , and euery man become of one opinion . but since some may , what care soe're we take , diuers constructions of our writings make , the honest readers euer will conceaue the best intention's , and all others leaue : chiefly in that , where i fore-hand protest my meaning euer was the honestest , and if i say so , what is he may know so much as to affirme it was not so ? sit other men so neare my thoughts to show it , or is my heart so open that all know it ? sure if it were , they would no such things see , as those whereof some haue accused mee . but i care lesse how it be vnderstood , because the heauens know my intent was good . and if it be so , that my too-free rimes doe much displease the world , and these bad times ; 't is not my fault , for had i been imploy'd in something else , all this had now been voyd . or if the world would but haue granted me wealth , or affaires , whereon to busie me , i now vnheard of , peraduenture than , had been as mute as some rich clergie-man . but they are much deceiu'd that thinke my minde will ere be still , while it can doing find ; or that vnto the world so much it leanes , as to be curtold for default of meanes . no , though most be , all spirits are not earth , nor suting with the fortunes of their birth , my body 's subiect vnto many powers : but my soule 's as free , as is the emperours : and though to curbe her in , i oft assay , she 'le breake in t ' action spite of durt and clay . and is 't not better then to take this course , then fall to study mischiefes and doe worse ? i say she must haue action , and she shall : for if she will , how can i doe withall ? and let those that o're-busie thinke me , know , he made me , that knew , why he made me so . and though there 's some that say my thoughts doe flie a pitch beyond my states sufficiency ; my humble minde , i giue my sauiour thanke aspires nought yet , aboue my fortunes ranke . but say it did , wil 't not befit a man to raise his thoughts as neere heau'n as he can ? must the free spirit ty'd and curbed be according to the bodies pouerty ? or can it euer be so subiect to base change , to rise , and fall , as fortunes doe ? men borne to noble meanes , and vulgar mindes enioy their wealth ; and there 's no law that bindes such to abate their substance , though their pates want braines , and they worth , to possesse such states . so god to some , doth onely great mindes giue , and little other meanes , whereon to liue . what law or conscience then shall make them smother their spirit , which is their life , more then other to bate their substance ? since if 't were confest , that a braue minde could euer be supprest , were't reason any should himselfe depriue of what the whole world hath not power to giue ? for wealth is comon , and fooles get it to , when to giue spirit's more then kings can do . i speake not this , because i thinke there be more then the ordinarest gifts in me ; but against those , who thinke i doe presume on more then doth befit me to assume : or would haue all , whom fortune barres from store , make themselues wretched , as she makes them poore . and ' cause in other things she is vnkind , smother the matchlesse blessings of their minde : whereas ( although her fauours doe forsake them ) their minds are richer then the world can make them . why should a good attempt disgraced seeme , because the person is of meane esteeme ? vertue 's a chaste queene , and yet doth not scorne to be embrac'd by him that 's meanest borne , shee is the prop , that maiesties support , yet one whom slaues as well as kings may court . she loueth all that beare affection to her , and yeelds to any that hath heart to wooe her . so vice , how high so e're she be in place , is that which groomes may spit at in disgrace : she is a strumpet , and may be abhorr'd , yea , spurn'd at in the bosome of a lord. yet had i spoke her faire , i had beene free , as many others of her louers be . if her escapes i had not chanc'd to tell , i might haue beene a villaine , and done well : gotten some speciall fauour , and not sate as now i doe , shut vp within a grate . or if i could haue hap't on some loose straine , that might haue pleas'd the wanton readers vaine : or but claw'd pride , i now had been vnblam'd , ( or else at least there 's some would not haue sham'd to plead my cause : ) but see my fatall curse , sure i was either mad , or somewhat worse : for i saw vices followers brauely kept , in silkes they walkt , on beds of downe they slept , richly they fed on dainties euermore , they had their pleasure , they had all things store , ( whil'st vertue begg'd ) yea , fauours had so many , i knew they brook 't not to be touch'd of any : yet could not i , like other men , be wise , nor learne ( for all this ) how to temporize ; but must ( with too much honesty made blind ) vpbraid this loued darling of mankind : whereas i might haue better thriu'd by fayning : or if i could not chuse , but be complaining , more safe i might haue rail'd on vertue sure , because her louers and her friends are fewer . i might haue brought some other things to passe , made fidlers songs , or ballads , like an asse , or any thing almost indeed but this . yet since 't is thus , l'me glad 't is so amisse ; because if i am guilty of a crime , 't is that , wherein the best of euery time , hath beene found faulty ( if they faulty be ) that doe reproue abuse and villany . for what i 'me taxt , i can examples show , in such old authors as this state allow : and i would faine once learne a reason why they can haue kinder vsage here then i ? i muse men doe not now in question call seneca , horace , persius , inuenall , and such as they ? or why did not that age in which they liued , put them in a cage ? if i should say , that men were iuster then , i should neere hand be made vnsay't agen : and therefore sure i thinke i were as good leaue it to others to be vnderstood . yet i as well may speake , as deeme amisse , for such this ages curious cunning is , i scarcely dare to let mine heart thinke ought , for there be some will seeme to know my thought , who may out-face me that i thinke awry , when there 's no witnesse , but my conscience by : and then i likely am as ill to speed , as if i spake , or did amisse indeed . yet lest those who ( perhaps ) may malice this , interpret also these few lines amisse , let them that after thee , shall reade or heare , from a rash censure of my thoughts forbeare . let them not mold the sense that this containes according to the forming of their braines , or thinke i dare , or can , here taxe those peeres , whose worths , their honours , to my soule endeares , ( those by whose loued-fear'd authority ) i am restrained of my liberty : for lest there yet may be a man so ill , to haunt my lines with his blacke coment still , ( in hope my lucke againe may be so good , to haue my words once rightly vnderstood ) this i protest , that i doe not condemne ought as vniust , that hath been done by them ; for though my honest heart not guilty be of the least thought , that may disparage me ; yet when such men as i , shall haue such foes , accuse me of such crimes , to such as those , till i had meanes my innocence to show , their iustice could haue done no lesse then so . nor haue i such a proud conceited wit , or selfe-opinion of my knowledge yet , to thinke it may not be that i haue run vpon some errors in what i haue done , worthy this punishment which i endure ; ( i say i cannot so my selfe assure ) for 't is no wonder if their wisedomes can discouer imperfections in a man so weake as i , ( more then himselfe doth see ) since my sight dull with insufficiencie , in men more graue , and wiser farre then i , innumerable errors doth espye , which they with all their knowledge i 'le be bold , cannot ( or will not ) in themselues behold . but ere i will my selfe accuse my song , or keepe a tongue shall doe my heart that wrong , to say i willingly in what i penn'd , did ought that might a goodmans sight offend ; or with my knowledge did insert one word , that might disparage a true honour'd lord ; let it be in my mouth a helpelesse sore , and neuer speake to be beleeued more . yet man irresolute is , vnconstant , weake , and doth his purpose oft through frallty breake , lest therefore i by force hereafter may be brought from this minde , and these words vnsay , here to the world i doe proclaime before , if e're my resolution be so poore , t' is not the right , but might that makes me doe it ; yea , nought but fearefull baseuesse brings me to it ; which if i still hate , as i now detest , neuer can come to harbor in my brest . thus my fault then ( if they a fault imply ) is not alone an ill vnwillingly , but also , might i know it , i entend , not onely to acknowledge , but amend : hoping that thou wilt not be so seuere , to punish me aboue all other here . but for m'intents sake , and my loue to truth , impute my errors to the heate of youth , or rather ignorance ; then to my will , which sure i am was good , what e're be ill , and like to him now , in whose place thou art , what e're the residue be , accept the heart . but i grow tedious , and my loue abusd , disturbs my thoughts , and makes my lines confus'd , yet pardon me , and daigne a gracious eye on this my rude , vnfil'd apologie . let not the bluntnesse of my phrase offend , weight but the matter , and not how 't is penn'd , by these abrupt lines in my iust defence , iudge what i might say for my innocence . and thinke , i more could speake , that here i spare , because my power suites not to what i dare . my vnaffected stile retaines ( you see ) her old frize-cloake of young rusticitiê : if others will vse neater tearmes , they may , ruder i am , yet loue as well as they : and ( though if i would smooth't i cannot doo 't ) my humbel heart i bend beneath thy foot : while here my muse her discontent doth sing to thee her great apollo , and my king : emploring thee by that high sacred name , by iustice , by those powers that i could name : by whatsoe're may moue , entreate i thee , to be what thou art vnto all , to mee ; i feare it not , yet giue me leaue to pray , i may haue foes , whose power doth beare such sway ; if they but say i 'me guilty of offence , 't were vaine for me to pleade my innocence . but as the name of god thou bear'st , i trust thou imitat'st him to , in being iust : that when the right of truth thou comm'st to scan , thou l't not respect the person of the man : for if thou doe , then is my hope vndone ; the head-long-way to ruine i must runne . for whil'st that they haue all the helpes which may procure their pleasure with my soone decay : how is it like that i my peace can win me , when all the ayde i haue , comes from within me ? therefore ( good king ) that makst thy bounty shine sometime on those whose worths are small as mine ; oh saue me now from enuies dangerous shelfe , or make me able , and i 'le saue my selfe . let not the want of that make me a scorne , to which there are more fooles then wise-men borne . let me not for my meannesse be dispis'd , nor others greatnesse make their words more priz'd , for whatsoe're my outward fate appeares , my soule 's as good , my heart as great as theirs . my loue vnto my country and to thee , as much as his that more would seeme to be . and would this age allow but meanes to show it , those that misdoubt it , should ere long time know it . pitty my youth then , and let me not lie wasting my time in fruitlesse miserie . though i am meane , i may be borne vnto that seruice , which another cannot doe . in vaine the little mouse the lyon spar'd not , she did him pleasure , when a greater dar'd not . if ought that i haue done , doe thee displease , thy misconceiued wrath i will appease , or sacrifice my heart ; but why should i suffer for god knowes whom , i know not why ? if that my words through some mistake offends , let them conceiue them right and make amends . or were i guilty of offence indeed , one fault ( they say ) doth but one pardon need : yet one i had , and now i want one more ; for once i stood accus'd for this before . as i remember i so long agon , sung thame , and rhynes epithalamion : when she that from thy royall selfe deriues those gracious vertues that best title giues : she that makes rhine proud of her excellence , and me oft minde her reuerence ; daign'd in her great good-nature to encline her gentle care to such a cause as mine ; and which is more , vouchsaf'd her word , to cleare me from all dangers ( if there any were , ) so that i doe not now intreate , or sue for any great boone , or request that 's new : but onely this ( though absent from the land ) her former fauour still in force might stand : and that her word ( who present was so deere ) might be as powerfull , as when she was here . which if i finde , and with thy fauour may haue leaue to shake my loathed bands away , ( as i doe hope i shall ) and be set free from all the troubles , this hath brought on me , i le make her name giue life vnto a song , whose neuer-dying note shall last as long as there is either riuer , groue or spring , or downe for sheepe , or shepheards lad to sing . yea , i will teach my muse to touch a straine , that was ne're reach't to yet by any swaine . for though that many deeme my yeeres vnripe , yet i haue learn'd to tune an oaten pipe , whereon i 'le try what musicke i can make me , ( vntill bellona with her trumpe awake me . ) and since the world will not haue vice thus showne , by blazing vertue i will make it knowne . then if the court will not my lines approue i 'le goe vnto some mountaine , or thicke groue : there to my fellow shepheards will i sing , tuning my reede vnto some dancing spring , in such a note , that none should dare to trouble it , till the hils answere , and the woods redouble it . and peraduenture i may then goe neare to speake of something thou l't be pleas'd to heare : and that which those who now my tunes abhorre , shall reade , and like , and daigne to loue me for : but the meane while , oh passe not this suite by , let thy free hand signe me my liberty : and if my loue may moue thee more to do , good king consider this my trouble to . others haue found thy fauour in distresse , whose loue to thee and thine i thinke was lesse . and i might fitter for thy seruice liue on what would not be much for thee to giue . and yet i aske it not for that i feare the outward meanes of life should faile me here : for though i want to compasse those good ends iaime at for my countrie and my friends , in this poore state i can as well content me , as if that i had wealth and honours lent me , nor for my owne sake doe i seeke to shunne this thraldome , wherein now i seeme vndone : for though i prize my freedome more then gold , and vse the meanes to free my selfe from hold , yet with a minde ( i hope ) vnchang'd and free , here can i liue , and play with miserie : yea , in despight of want and slauerie , laugh at the world in all her brauerie . here haue i learn'd to make my greatest wrongs matter of mirth , and subiects but for songs : here can i smile to see my selfe neglected , and how the meane mans suite is dis-respected ; whil'st those that are more rich , and better friended , can haue twice greater faults thrice sooner ended . all this , yea more , i see and suffer to , yet liue content midst discontents i do . which whil'st i can , it is all one to me , whether in prison or abroad it be . for should i still lye here distrest and poore , it shall not make me breathe a sigh the more ; since to my selfe it is indifferent , where the small remnant of my daies be spent , but for thy sake , my countries , and my friends , for whom , more then my selfe , god this life lends , i would not , could i helpe it , be a scorne , but ( if i might ) liue free , as i was borne : or rather for my mistris vertues sake , faire vertue , of whom most account i make , if i can chuse , i will not be debas'd in this last action , lest she be disgrac'd : for 't was the loue of her that brought me to , what spleene nor enuie could not make me do . and if her seruants be no more regarded ; if enemies of vice be thus rewarded , and i should also vertues wrongs conceale , and if none liu'd to whom she dar'd appeale : will they that doe not yet her worth approue , be euer drawne to entertaine her loue , when they shall see him plagu'd as an offender , who for the loue he beares her , doth commend her ? this may to others more offensiue be , then preiudiciall any way to me : for who will his endeauours euer bend to follow her , whom there is none will friend ? some i doe hope there be that nothing may from loue of truth and honesty dismay . but who will ( that shall see my euill fortune ) the remedy of times abuse importune ? who will againe , when they haue smother'd me , dare to oppose the face of villany ? whereas he must be faine to vndertake a combat with a second lernean snake ; whose euer-growing heads when as he crops , not onely two springs , for each one he lops , but also he shall see in midst of dangers , those he thought friends turne foes , at least-wise stranger : more i could speake , but sure if this doe faile me , i neuer shall doe ought that will auaile me ; nor care to speake againe , vnlesse it be to him that knowes how heart and tongue agree ; no , nor to liue , when none dares vndertake to speake one word for honest vertues sake . but let his will be done , that best knowes what will be my future good , and what will not . hap well or ill , my spotlesse meaning 's faire , and for thee , this shall euer be my prayer , that thou maist here enioy a long-blest raigne , and dying , be in heauen re-crown'd againe . so now , if thou hast daign'd my lines to heare , there 's nothing can befall me that i feare : for if thou hast compassion on my trouble , the ioy i shall receiue will be made double ; and if i fall , it may some glory be , that none but iove himselfe did ruine me . your maiesties most loyall subiect , and yet prisoner in the marshalsey , george wither . epithalamia : or nvptiall poems vpon the most blessed and happy marriage betweene the high and mighty prince frederick the fifth , count palatine of the rhine , duke of bauier , &c. and the most vertvovs , gracious , and thrice excellent princesse , elizabeth , sole daughter to our dread soueraigne , iames , by the grace of god king of great britaine , france and ireland , defender of the faith , &c. celebrated at white-hall the fourteenth of february . . written by george wither . london , printed by t. s. for iohn budge , dwelling in pauls-church-yard , at the signe of the greene dragon , . to the all-vertvovs and thrice excellent princesse elizabeth , sole daughter to our dread soueraigne , iames by the grace of god , king of great britaine , france and ireland , &c. and wife to the high and mighty prince , frederick the fifth , count palatine of the rheine , duke of bauier , &c. elector , and arch-s●w er to the sacred roman empire , during the vacancy vicar of the same , and knight of the most honorable order of the garter . george wither wisheth all the health ; ioyes , honours , and felicities of this world , in this life , and the perfections of eternity in the world to come . to the christian readers . readers ; for that in my booke of satyricall essayes , i haue been deemed ouer cynicall ; to shew , that i am not wholly inclined to that vaine : but indeede especially , out of the loue which in duty i owe to those incomparable princes , i haue in honour of their royall solemnities , published these short epithalamiaes . by which you may perceiue ( how euer the world thinke of me ) i am not of such a churlish constitution , but i can afford vertue her deserued honour ; and haue as well an affable looke to encourage honesty ; as a sterne frowne to cast on villanie : if the times would suffer me , i could be as pleasing as others ; and perhaps ere long i will make you amends for my former rigor ; meane while i commit this vnto your censures ; and bid you farewell . g. w. epithalamion . bright northerne starre , and great mineruaes peere , sweete lady of this day : great britaines deere . loe thy poore vassall , that was erst so rude , with his most rusticke satyrs to intrude , once more like a poore siluan now drawes neare ; and in thy sacred presence dares appeare . oh let not that sweete bowe thy brow be bent , to scarre him with a shaft of discontent : one looke with anger , nay thy gentlest frowne , is twice enough to cast a greater downe . my will is euer , neuer to offend , these that are good ; and what i here intend , your worth compels me to . for lately greeu'd , more then can be exprest , or well beleeu'd ; minding for euer to abandon sport , and liue exilde from places of resort ; carelesse of all , i yeelding to securitie , thought to shut vp my muse in darke obscuritie : and in content , the better to repose , a lonely groue vpon a mountaine chose . east from caer winn , mid-way twixt arle and dis , true springs , where britains true arcadia is . but ere i entred my entended course , great aeolus began to offer force . * the boisterous king was growne so mad with rage , that all the earth , was but his furies stage . fire , ayre , earth , sea , were intermixt in one : yet fire , through water , earth and ayre shone . the sea , as if she ment to whelme them vnder , beat on the cliffes , and rag'd more loud then thunder : and whil'st the vales she with salt waues did fill , the aire showr'd flouds , that drencht our highest hill ; and the proud trees , that would no dutie know ; lay ouer-turned , twenties in a row. yea , euery man for feare , fell to deuotion ; lest the whole ile should haue bin drencht in th' ocean . which i perceiuing , coniur'd vp my muse , the spirit , whose good helpe i sometime vse : and though i ment to breake her rest no more , i was then faine her aide for to implore . and by her helpe indeed , i came to know , why , both the ayre and seas were troubled so . for hauing vrg'd her , that she would vnfold what cause she knew : thus much at last she told . of late ( quoth she ) there is by powers diuine ; a match concluded , twixt great thame and rhine . two famous riuers , equall both to nile : the one , the pride of europes greatest ile . th' other disdaining to be closely pent ; washes a great part of the continent . yet with abundance , doth the wants supply , of the still-thirsting sea , that 's neuer dry . and now , these , being not alone endear'd , to mightie neptune , and his watrie heard : but also to the great and dreadfull ioue , with all his sacred companies aboue , both haue assented by their loues inuiting : to grace ( with their owne presence ) this vniting . ioue call'd a summons to the worlds great wonder , 't was that we heard of late , which we thought thunder . a thousand legions he intends to send them , of cherubins and angels to attend them : and those strong windes , that did such blustring keepe , were but the tritons , sounding in the deepe ; to warne each riuer , petty streame and spring , their aide vnto their soueraigne to bring . the floods and showres that came so plenteous downe , and lay entrencht in euery field and towne , were but retainers to the nobler sort , that owe their homage at the watrie court : or else the streames not pleas'd with their owne store , to grace the thames , their mistris , borrowed more . exacting from their neighbouring dales and hills , but by consent all ( nought against their wills . ) yet now , since in this stirre are brought to ground many faire buildings , many hundreds drown'd , and daily found of broken ships great store , that lie dismembred vpon euery shore : with diuers other mischiefes knowne to all , this is the cause that those great harmes befall . whilst other , things in readinesse , did make , hells hatefull hags from out their prisons brake : and spighting at this hopefull match , began to wreake their wrath on ayre , earth , sea , and man. some hauing shapes of romish shauelings got , spew'd out their venome ; and began to plot which way to thwart it : others made their way with much diffraction thorough land and sea extreamely raging . but almightie ioue perceiues their hate and enuie from aboue : he 'le checke their furie , and in yrons chain'd , their libertie abus'd , shall be restrain'd : hee 'le shut them vp , from comming to molest the meriments of hymens holy feast . where shall be knit that sacred gordian knot , which in no age to come shall be forgot . which policie nor force shall nere vntie , but must continue to eternitie : which for the whole worlds good was fore-decree'd , with hope expected long ; now come indeed . and of whose future glory , worth , and merit much i could speake with a prophetike spirit . thus by my muses deare assistance , finding the cause of this disturbance , with more minding ●y countries welfare , then my owne content , ●nd longing to behold this tales euent : my lonely life i suddenly forsooke , ●nd to the court againe my lourney tooke . meane-while i saw the furious windes were laid ; the risings of the swelling waters staid . the winter gan to change in euery thing . and seem'd to borrow mildnesse of the spring . the violet and primrose fresh did grow ; and as in aprill , trim'd both cops and rowe . the citie , that i left in mourning clad , ●rouping , as if it would haue still beene sad . ● found deckt vp in roabes so neat and trimme , ●aire iris would haue look't but stale and dimme 〈◊〉 her best colours , had she there appear'd , the sorrowes of the court i found well cleer'd , their wofull habits quite cast off , and ty'rd 〈◊〉 such a glorious fashion : i admir'd . all her chiefe peeres and choisest beauties to , 〈◊〉 greater pompe , then mortals vse to doe , wait as attendants . iuno's come to see ; ●ecause she heares that this solemnitie ●xceeds faire hippodamia's ( where the strife twixt her , minerua , and lame vulcans wife ●id first arise , ) and with her leades along 〈◊〉 noble , stately , and a mighty throng . venus , ( attended with her rarest features , sweet louely-smiling , and heart-mouing creatures , the very fairest iewels of her treasure , able to moue the senceles stones to pleasure . ) of all her sweetest saints , hath robd their shrines ; and brings them for the courtiers valentines . nor doth dame pallas , from these triumphs lurke ; her noblest wits , she freely sets on worke . of late she summond them vnto this place , to doe your maskes and reuels better grace . here * mars himselfe to , clad in armour bright , hath showne his furie in a bloudlesse fight ; and both on land and water , sternely drest , acted his bloudy stratagems in iest : which ( to the people , frighted by their error , ) with seeming wounds and death did ad more terror , besides , to giue the greater cause of wonder , ioue did vouchsafe a ratling peale of thunder : comets and meteors by the starres exhald . were from the middle-region lately cald ; and to a place appointed made repaire , to show their fierie friscols in the aire , people innumerable doe resort , as if all europe here would keepe one court : yea , hymen in his safferon-coloured weed , to celebrate his rites is full agreed . all this i see : which seeing , makes me borrow some of their mirth a while , and lay downe sorrow . and yet not this : but rather the delight my heart doth taken in the much hoped sight of these thy glories , long already due ; and this sweet comfort , that my eyes doe view thy happy bridegroome , prince count palatine , now thy best friend and truest valentine . vpon whose brow , my minde doth reade the storie of mightie fame , and a true future glorie . me thinkes i doe foresee already , how princes and monarchs at his stirrop how : i see him shine in steele ; the bloudy fields already won , and how his proud foe yeelds . god hath ordaind him happinesse great store : and yet in nothing is he happy more , then in thy loue ( faire princesse : ) for ( vnlesse heauen , like to man , be prone to ficklenesse ) thy fortunes must be greater in effect , then time makes show of , or men can expect . yet , notwithstanding all those goods of fate , thy minde shall euer be aboue thy state : for ouer and beside thy proper merit , our last eliza grants her noble spirit to be re-doubled on thee ; and your names being both one , shall giue you both one fames . oh blessed thou ! and they to whom thou giu'st the leaue for to be attendants where thou liu'st : and haplesse we , that must of force let goe , the matchlesse treasure we esteeme of so . but yet we trust 't is for our good and thine ; or else thou shouldst not change thy thame for rhyne . we hope that this will the vniting proue of countries and of nations by your loue : and that from out your blessed loynes , shall come another terror to the whore of rome : and such a stout achilles , as shall make her tottering walls and weake foundation shake : for thetis-like , thy fortunes doe require , thy issue should be greater then his fire . but ( gracious princesse ) now since thus it fares , and god so well for you and vs prepares : since he hath daign'd such honours for to doe you , and showne himselfe so fauourable to you : since he hath chang'd your sorrowes , and your sadnes , into such great and vnexpected gladnesse : oh now remember you to be at leasure , sometime to thinke on him amidst your pleasure : let not these glories of the world deceaue you , nor her vaine fauours of yourselfe bereaue you . consider yet for all this iollitie , y' are mortall , and must feele mortalitie : and that god can in midst of all your ioyes , quite dash this pompe , and fill you with annoyes . triumphes are fit for princes ; yet we finde they ought not wholly to take vp the minde , nor yet to be let passe ; as things in vaine : for out of all things , wit will knowledge gaine . musique may teach of difference in degree , the best tun'd common-weales will framed bee : and that he moues , and liues with greatest grace , that vnto time and measure ties his pace . then let these things be a emblemes , to present your minde with a more lasting true content . when you behold the infinite resort , the glory and the splendor of the court ; what wondrous fauours god doth here bequeath you , how many hundred thousands are beneath you ; and view with admiration your great blisse , then with your selfe you may imagine this . 't is but a blast , or transitory shade , which in the turning of a hand may fade . honours , which you your selfe did neuer winne , and might ( had god been pleas'd ) anothers binne . and thinke , if shadowes haue such maiestie , what are the glories of eternitie ; then by this image of a fight on sea , wherein you heard the thundring canons plea ; and saw flames breaking from their murthering throts , which in true skirmish , fling resistlesse shots ; your wisedome may ( and will no doubt ) begin , to cast what perill a poore souldiers in : you will conceaue his miseries and cares , how many dangers , deaths , and wounds he shares : then though the most pass't ouer , and neglect them , that rethoricke will moue you to respect them . and if hereafter , you should hap to see such mimick apes ( that courts disgraces be : ) i meane such chamber-combatants ; who neuer weare other helmet , then a hat of beuer : or nere board pinnace but in silken saile ; and in the steed of boysterous shirts of maile , goe arm'd in cambrick : if that such a kite ( i say ) should scorne an eagle in your sight ; your wisedome iudge ( by this experience ) can , which hath most worth , hermaphrodite , or man. the nights strange * prospects , made to feed the eies , with artfull fiers , mounted in the skies : graced with horred claps of sulphury thunders ; may make you minde th' almighties greater wonders . nor is there any thing , but you may thence reape inward gaine ; as well as please the sense . but pardon me ( oh fairest ) that am bold , my heart thus freely , plainely , to vnfold . what though i know , you knew all this before : my loue this showes , and that is something more . doe not my honest seruice here disdaine , i am a faithfull , though an humble swaine . i 'me none of those that haue the meanes or place , with showes of cost to doe your nuptials grace : but onely master of mine owne desire , am hither come with others to admire . i am not of those heliconian wits ; whose pleasing straines the courts knowne humour fits . but a poore rurall shepheard , that for need , can make sheepe musique on an oaten reed : yet for my loue ( ile this be bold to boast ) it is as much to you , as his that 's most . which , since i no way else can now explaine , if you 'l in midst of all these glories daigne , to lend your eares vnto my muse so long , she shall declare it in a wedding song . epithalamion . valentine , good morrow to thee , loue and seruice both i owe thee : and would waite vpon thy pleasure ; but i cannot be at leasure : for , i owe this day as debter , to ( a thousand times ) thy better . hymen now will haue effected what hath been so long expected : thame thy mistris , now vnwedded ; soone , must with a prince be bedded . if thou 'lt see her virgin euer , come , and doe it now , or neuer . where art thou , oh faire aurora ? call in ver and lady flora : and you daughters of the morning , in your near'st , and fear'st adorning : cleare your fore-heads , and be sprightfull , that this day may seeme delightfull . all you nimphs that vse the mountaines , or delight in groues and fountaines ; shepheardesses , you that dally , either vpon hill or valley : and you daughters of the bower , that acknowledge vestaes power . oh you sleepe too long ; awake yee , see how time doth ouertake yee . harke , the larke is vp and singeth , and the house with ecchoes ringeth . pretious howers , why neglect yee , whil'st affaires thus expect yee ? come away vpon my blessing , the bride-chamber lies to dressing : strow the wayes with leaues of roses , some make garlands , some make poses : 't is a fauour , and 't may ioy you , that your mistris vvill employ you . where 's a sabrina , with her daughters , that doe sport about her waters : those that with their lockes of amber , haunt the fruitfull hills of b camber : we must haue to fill the number . all the nimphs of trent and humber . fie , your haste is scarce sufficing , for the bride 's awake and rising . enter beauties , and attend her ; all your helpes and seruice lend her : with your quaintst and new'st deuises , trim your lady , faire thamisis . see ; shee 's ready : with ioyes greet her , lads , goe bid the bride-groome meet her : but from rash approach aduise him , lest a too much ioy surprize him , none i ere knew yet , that dared , view an angell vnprepared . now vnto the church she hies her ; enuie bursts , if she espies her : in her gestures as she paces , are vnited all the graces : which who sees and hath his senses , loues in spight of all defences . o most true maiestick creature ! nobles did you note her feature ? felt you not an inward motion , tempting loue to yeeld deuotion ; and as you were euen desiring , something check you for aspiring ? that 's her vertue which still tameth loose desires , and bad thoughts blameth : for whil'st others were vnruly , she obseru'd diana truly : and hath by that meanes obtained gifts of her that none haue gained . yon 's the bride-groome , d' yee not spie him ? see how all the ladies eye him . venus his perfection findeth , and no more adonis mindeth . much of him my heart diuineth : on whose brow all vertue shineth . two such creatures nature would not let one place long keepe : she should not : one shee 'l haue ( she cares not whether , ) but our loues can spare her neither . therefore ere we 'le so be spighted , they in one shall be vnited . natures selfe is well contented , by that meanes to be preuented . and behold they are retired , so conioyn'd , as we desired : hand in hand , not onely fixed , but their hearts , are intermixed . happy they and we that see it , for the good of europe be it . and heare heauen my deuotion , make this rhyne and thame an ocean : that it may with might and wonder , whelme the pride of a tyber vnder . now yon b hall their persons shroudeth , whither all this people croudeth : there they feasted are with plenty , sweet ambrosia is no deinty . groomes quaffe nectar ; for there 's meeter , yea , more costly wines and sweeter . young men all , for ioy goe ring yee , and your merriest carols sing yee . here 's of damzels many choices , let them tune their sweetest voyces . fet the muses to , to cheare them ; they can rauish all that heare them . ladies , 't is their highnesse pleasures , to behold you foot the measures : louely gestures addeth graces , to your bright and angell faces . giue your actiue mindes the bridle : nothing worse then to be idle . worthies , your affaires forbeare yee , for the state a while may spare yee : time was , that you loued sporting , haue you quite forgot your courting ? ioy the heart of cares beguileth : once a yeere apollo smileth . follow shepheards , how i pray you , can your flocks at this time stay you ? let vs also hie vs thither , let 's lay all our wits together , and some pastorall inuent them , that may show the loue we ment them . i my selfe though meanest stated , and in court now almost hated , will knit vp my a scourge , and venter in the midst of them to enter ; for i know , there 's no disdaining , where i looke for entertaining . see , me thinkes the very season , as if capable of reason , hath laine by her natiue rigor , the faire sun-beames haue more vigor . they are aeols most endeared : for the ayre 's still'd and cleared . fawnes , and lambs and kidds doe play , in the honour of this day : the shrill black-bird , and the thrush hops about in euery bush : and among the tender twigs , chaunt their sweet harmonious ijgs. yea , and mou'd by this example , they doe make each groue a temple : where their time the best way vsing , they their summer loues are chusing . and vnlesse some churle do wrong them , there 's not an od bird among them . yet i heard as i was walking , groues and hills by ecchoes talking : reeds vnto the small brooks whistling , whil'st they danc't with pretty rushling . then for vs to sleepe 't were pitty ; since dumb creatures are so witty . but oh titan , thou dost dally , hie thee to thy westerne valley : let this night one hower borrow : she shall pay 't againe to morrow : and if thou 'st that fauor do them , send thy sister phabe to them . but shee 's come her selfe vnasked , and brings a gods and heroes masked . none yet saw , or heard in storie , such immortall , mortall glorie . view not , without preparation ; lest you faint in admiration . say my lords , and speake truth barely , mou'd they not exceeding rarely ? did they not such praises merit , as if flesh had all beene spirit ? true indeed , yet i must tell them , there was one did farre excell them . but ( alas ) this is ill dealing , night vnawares away is stealing : their delay the poore bed wrongeth , that for bride with bride-groome longeth : and aboue all other places , must be blest with their embraces . reuellers , then now forbeare yee , and vnto your rests prepare yee : let 's a while your absence borrow , sleep to night , and dance to morrow . we could well allow your courting : but 't will hinder better sporting . they are gone , and night all lonely , leaues the bride with bridegroome onely . muse now tell ; ( for thou hast power to flie thorough wall or tower : ) what contentments their hearts cheareth ; and how louely she appeareth . and yet doe not ; tell it no man , rare conceits may so grow common : doe not to the vulgar show them , ( 't is enough that thou dost know them . ) their ill hearts are but the center , where all misconceiuings enter . but thou luna that dost lightly , haunt our downes and forrests nightly : thou that fauourst generation , and art helpe to procreation : see their issue thou so cherish , i may liue to see it flourish . and you planets , in whose power doth consist these liues of our ; you that teach vs diuinations . helpe with all your constellations , how to frame in her , a creature , blest in fortune , wit , and feature . lastly , oh you angels ward them , set your sacred spels to gard them ; chase away such feares or terrors , as not being , seeme through errors : yea , let not a dreames molesting , make them start when they are resting . but thov chiefly , most adored , that shouldst onely be implored : thou to whom my meaning tendeth , whether er'e in show it bendeth : let them rest to night from sorrow , and awake with ioy to morrow . oh , to my request be heedfull , grant them that , and all things needfull . let not these my straines of folly , make true prayer be vnholy : but if i haue here offended : helpe , forgiue , and ice it mended . daigne me this . and if my muses hastie issue ; she peruses ; make it vnto her seeme gratefull , though to all the world else hatefull . but how er'e , yet soule perseuer thus to wish her good for euer . thus ends the day , together with my song ; oh may the ioyes there of continue long ! let heauens iust , all-seeing , sacred power , fauour this happy marriage day of your ; and blesse you in your chast embraces so , we britains may behold before you goe the hopefull issue we shall count so deare , and whom ( vnborne ) his foes already feare . yea , i desire , that all your sorrowes may neuer be more , then they haue been to day . which hoping ; for acceptance now i sue , and humbly bid your grace and court adue . i saw the sight i came for ; which i know was more then all , the world beside could show . but if amongst apolloes layes , you can be pleas'd to lend a gentle eare to pan ; or thinke your country shepheard loues as deare , as if he were a courtier , or a peere : then i , that else must to my cell of paine , will ioyfull turne vnto my flocke againe : and there vnto my fellow shepheards tell , why you are lou'd ; wherein you doe excell . and when we driue our flocks a field to graze them , so chaunt your praises , that it shall amaze them . and thinke that fate hath new recald from death their still-lamented , sweete elizabeth . for though they see the court but now and then , they know desert as well as greater men : and honord fame in them doth liue or die , as well as in the mouth of maiestie . but taking granted what i here intreat ; at heauen for you my deuotions beat : and though i feare , fate will not suffer me to doe you seruice , where your fortunes be : how ere my skill hath yet despised seem'd , ( and my vnripened wit been misesteem'd : ) when all this costly showe away shall flit , and not one liue that doth remember it ; if enuies trouble let not to perseuer ; i 'le find a meanes to make it knowne for euer . certaine epigrams concerning marriage . epigram . t is said ; in marriage aboue all the rest the children of a king finde comforts least , because without respect of loue or hate they must , and oft be , ruled by the state : but if contented loue , religions care , equalitie in state , and yeares declare a happie match ( as i suppose no lesse ) then rare and great 's elizaes happinesse . epigram . . god was the first that marriage did ordaine , by making one , two ; and two , one againe , epigram . . souldier ; of thee i aske , for thou canst best , hauing knowne sorrow , iudge of ioy and rest : what greater blisse , then after all thy harmes , to haue a wife that 's faire , and lawfull thine ; and lying prison'd 'twixt her iuory armes , there tell what thou hast scapt by powers diuine ? how many round thee thou hast murthered seene ; how oft thy soule hath beene neere hand expiring , how many times thy flesh hath wounded been : whil'st she thy fortune , and thy worth admiring , with ioy of health , and pitty of thy paine ; doth weepe and kisse , and kisse and weepe againe . epigram . . faire helen hauing stain'd her husbands bed , and mortall hatred 'twixt two kingdomes bred ; had still remaining in her so much good , that heroes for her lost their dearest blood : then if with all that ill , such worth may last , oh what is she worth , that 's as faire , and chast ! epigram . . old orpheus know a good wiues worth so well , that when his dy'd , he followed her to hell , and for her losse , at the elizean groue , he did not onely ghosts to pitty moue , but the sad poet breath'd his sighes so deepe ; 't is said , the diuels could not chuse but weepe . epigram . . long did i wonder , and i wonder much , romes church should from her clergie take that due : thought i , why should she that contentment grutch ? what , doth she all with continence indue ? no : but why then are they debar'd that state ? is she become a foe vnto her owne ? doth she the members of her body hate ? or is it for some other cause vnshowne ? oh yes : they find a womans lips so dainty : they tye themselues from one , cause they 'l haue twenty . epigram . . vvomen , as some men say ▪ vnconstant be ; 't is like enough , and so no doubt are men : nay , if their scapes we could so plainely see , i feare that scarce there will be one for ten . men haue but their owne lusts that tempt to ill : women haue lusts , and mens allurements to : alas , if their strengths cannot curbe their will ; what should poore women that are weaker do ? oh they had need be chast and looke about them , that striue ' gainst lust within , and knaues without them . finis . the shepheards hvnting : being certaine eglogues written during the time of the authors imprisonment in the marshalsey . by george wither , gentleman . london , printed by t. s. for iohn budge , dwelling in pauls-church-yard , at the signe of the greene dragon , . to those honoured , noble , and right vertuous friends , my visitants in the marshalsey : and to all other my vnknowne fauourers , who either priuately , or publikely wished me well in my imprisonment . noble friends ; you whose vertues made me first in loue with vertue ; and whose worths made mee be thought worthy of your loues : i haue now at last ( you see ) by gods assistance , and your encouragement , run through the purgatorie of imprisonment ; and by the worthy fauour of a iust prince , stand free againe , without the least touch of deiected basenesse . seeing therefore i was growne beyond my hope so fortunate ( after acknowledgement of my creators loue , together with the vnequall'd clemencie of so gracious a soueraigne ) i was troubled to thinke , by what meanes i might expresse my thankefulnes to so many well-deseruing friends : no way i found to my desire , neither yet ability to performe when i found it . but at length considering with my selfe what you were ( that is ) such , who fauour honesty for no second reason , but because you your selues are good ; and ayme at no other reward , but the witnesse of a sound conscience that you doe well , i found , that thankfulnesse would proue the acceptablest present to sute with your dispositions ; and that i imagined could be no way better expressed , then in manifesting your courtesies , and giuing consent to your reasonable demaunds . for the first , i confesse ( with thankes to the disposer of all things , and a true gratefull heart towards you ) so many were the vnexpected visitations , and vnhoped kindnesses receyued , both from some among you of my acquaintance , and many other vnknowne well-willers of my cause , that i was perswaded to entertaine a much better conceit of the times , then i lately conceyued , and assured my selfe , that vertue had far more followers then i supposed . somewhat it disturbed me to behold our ages fauourites , whilst they frowned on my honest enterprises , to take vnto their protections the egregiousts fopperies : yet much more was my contentment , in that i was respected by so many of you , amongst whō there are some , who can and may as much dis-esteeme these , as they neglect me : nor could i feare their malice or contempt , whilst i enioyed your fauours , who ( howsoeuer you are vnder-valued by fooles for a time ) shall leaue vnto your posterity so noble a memory , that your names shall be reuerenced by kings , when many of these who now flourish with a shew of vsurped greatnesse , shall eyther weare out of being , or dispoyled of all their patched reputation , grow contemptible in the eyes of their beloued mistris the world. your loue it is that ( enabling me with patience to endure what is already past ) hath made me also carefull better to prepare my selfe for all future misaduentures , by bringing to my consideration , what the passion of my iust discontentments had almost quite banished from my remembrance . further , to declare my thankefulnesse , in making apparant my willing minde to be commanded in any seruices of loue , which you shal thinke fit ( though i want abilitie to performe great matters ) yet i haue according to some of your requests , been contented to giue way to the printing of these eglogues ; which though it to many seeme a sleight matter , yet being well considered of , may proue a strong argument of my readinesse to giue you content in a greater matter : for they being ( as you well know ) begotten with little care , and preserued with lesse respect , gaue sufficient euidence , that i meant ( rather then any way to deceiue your trust ) to giue the world occasion of calling my discretion in question , as i now assure my selfe this will : and the sooner , because such expectations ( i perceiue ) there are ( of i know not what inuentions ) as would have been frustrated , though i had employed the vtmost and very best of my endeauours . notwithstanding for your sakes , i haue heere aduentured once againe to make tryall of the worlds censures : and what hath receyued beeing from your loues , i here re-dedicated to your worths , which if your noble dispositions will like well of ; or if you will but reasonably respect what your selues drew mee vnto , i shall be nothing displeased at others cauils , but resting my selfe contented with your good opinions , scorne all the rabble of vncharitable detractors : for none , i know , will maligne it , except those , who eyther particularly malice my person , or professe themselues enemies to my former bookes ; who ( sauing those that were incensed on others speeches ) as diuers of you ( according to your protestations ) haue obserued , are eyther open enemies of our church ; men notoriously guilty of some particular abuses therein taxt , such malicious critickes who haue the repute of being iudicious , by detracting from others ; or at best , such guls , as neuer approue any thing good , or learned , but eyther that which their shallow apprehensions can apply to the soothing of their owne opinions , or what ( indeed rather ) they vnderstand not . trust me , how ill soeuer it hath been rewarded , my loue to my country is inuiolate : my thankefulnesse to you vnfained , my endeauour to doe euery man good ; all my ayme , content with honestie : and this my paines ( if it may be so tearmed ) more to auoid idlenesse , then for affectation of praise : and if notwithstanding all this , i must yet not onely rest my selfe content that my innocencie hath escaped with strict imprisonment ( to the impayring of my state , and hinderance of my fortunes ) but also be constrayned to see my guiltlesse lines , suffer the despight of ill tongues : yet for my further encouragement , let mee intreate the continuance of your first respect , wherein i shall find that comfort as will be sufficient to make mee set light , and so much contemne all the malice of my aduersaries , that readie to burst with the venome of their owne hearts , they shall see my minde enamoured on faire vertues light , transcends the limits of their bleared sight , and plac'd aboue their enuy doth contemne , nay , sit and laugh at , their disdaine , and them . but noble friends , i make question neyther of yours , nor any honest mans respect , and therefore will no further vrge it , nor trouble your patience : onely this i le say , that you may not think me too well conceited of my selfe ; though the time were to blame , in ill requiting my honest endeauours , which in the eyes of the world deserued better ; yet some what i am assured there was in me worthy that punishment , which when god shall giue me grace to see and amend , i doubt not but to finde that regard as will be fitting for so much merit as my endeauors may iustly challenge . meane while , the better to hold my selfe in esteeme with you , and amend the worlds opinion of vertue , i will study to amend my selfe , that i may be yet more worthy to be called your friend , geo : wither . the shepheards hunting . the first eglogue . the argvment . willy leaues his flocke a while , to lament his friends exile ; where , though prison'd , he doth finde , hee 's still free that 's free in minde : and that there is no defence halfe so firme as innocence . philarete . willie . philarete . willy , thou now full iolly tun'st thy reedes , making the nymphs enamor'd on thy straine , and whilst thy harmles flock vnscarred feeds , hast the contentment , of hils , groues , & plains : trust me , i ioy thou and thy muse so speedes in such an age , where so much mischiefe raignes : and to my care it some redresse will be , fortune hath so much grace to smile on thee . willy . to smile on me ? i nere yet knew her smile , vnlesse 't were when she purpos'd to deceiue me ; many a traine , and many a painted wile she casts , in hope of freedome to bereaue me : yet now , because she sees i scorne her guile to fawne on sooles , she for my muse doth leaue me . and here of late , her wonted spite doth tend , to worke me care , by frowning on my friend . philarete . why then i see her copper-coyne's no starling , 't will not be currant still , for all the guilding ) a knaue , or foole , must euer be her darling , for they haue minds to all occasions yeelding : if we get any thing by all our parling . it seemes an apple , but it proues a weilding : but let that passe : sweet shepheard tell me this , for what beloued friend thy sorrow is . willy . art thou , philarete , in durance heere , and dost thou aske me for what friend i grieue ? can i suppose thy loue to me is deere , or this thy ioy for my content belieue ? when thou think'st thy cares touch not me as neere : or that i pinne thy sorrowes at my sleeue ? i haue in thee reposed so much trust , i neuer thought , to find thee so vniust . philarete . wil , why willy ? prethee doe not aske me why ? doth it diminish any of thy care , that i in freedome maken melody ; and think'st i cannot as well somewhat spare from my delight , to mone thy misery ? 't is time our loues should these suspects forbeare : thou art that friend , which thou vnnam'd shold'st know , and not haue drawne my loue in question so . philarete . forgiue me , and i 'le pardon thy mistake , and so let this thy gentle-anger cease , ( i neuer of thy loue will question make ) whilst that the number of our dayes encrease , yet to my selfe i much might seeme to take , and something neere vnto presumption prease : to thinke me worthy loue from such a spirit , but that i know thy kindnesse past my merit . besides ; me thought thou spak'st now of a friend , that seem'd more grieuous discontents to beare , some things i find that doe in shew offend , which to my patience little trouble are , and they ere long i hope will haue an end ; or though they haue not , much i doe not care : so this it was , made me that question moue , and not suspect of honest willies loue . willie . alas , thou art exiled from thy flocke , and quite beyond the desarts here confin'd , hast nothing to conuerse with but a rocke : or at least out lawes in their caues halfe pin'd : and do'st thou at thy owne mis-fortune mocke , making thy selfe to , to thy selfe vnkinde ? when heretofore we talk't we did imbrace : but now i scarce can come to see thy face . philarete . yet all that willy , is not worth thy sorrow , for i haue mirth here thou would'st not beleeue , from deepest cares the highest ioyes i borrow . if ought chance out this day , may make me grieue i 'le lcarne to mend , or scorne it by to morrow . this barren place yeelds somewhat to relieue : for , i haue found sufficient to content me , and more true blisse then euer freedome lent me . willie . are prisons then growne places of delight ? philarete . 't is as the conscience of the prisoner is , thevery grates are able to affright the guilty man , that knowes his deedes amisse ; all outward pleasures are exiled quite , and it is nothing ( of it selfe ) but this : abhorred loanenesse , darkenesse , sadnesse , paines , num'n-cold , sharpe-hunger , schorcning thirst and chaines . willie . and these are nothing ? — philarete . — nothing yet to mee . onely my friends restraint is all my paine . and since i truely find my conscience free from that my loanenesse to , i reape some gaine . willie . but grant in this no discontentment be ▪ it doth thy wished liberty restraine : and to thy soule i thinke there 's nothing nearer , for i could neuer heare thee prize ought dearer . philarete . true , i did euer set it at a rate too deare for any mortals worth to buy , 't is not our greatest shepheards whole estate , shall purchase from me , my least liberty : but i am subiect to the powers of fate , and to obey them is no slauery : they may doe much , but when they haue done all , onely my body they may bring in thrall . and 't is not that ( my willy ) 't is my mind , my mind 's more precious , freedome i so weigh a thousand wayes they may my body bind , in thousand thrals , but ne're my mind betray : and thence it is that i contentment find , and beare with patience this my loade away : i 'me still my selfe , and that i 'de rather bee , then to be lord of all these downes in fee. willie . nobly resolu'd , and i doe ioy to hear 't , for 't is the minde of man indeed that 's all . there 's nought so hard but a braue heart will bear 't , the guiltlesse men count great afflictions small , they 'le looke on death and torment , yet not fear 't , because they know 't is rising so to fall : tyrants may boast they to much power are borne , yet he hath more that tyranies can scorne . philarete . ●is right , but i no tyranies endure , ●or haue i suffered ought worth name of care willie . what e're thou'lt call 't , thou may'st , but i am sure , many more pine that much lesse pained are : thy looke me thinkes doth say thy meaning 's pure and by this past i find what thou do'st dare : but i could neuer yet the reason know , why thou art lodged in this house of wo. philarete . nor i by pan , nor neuer hope to doe , but thus it pleases some ; and i doe guesse partly a cause that moues them thereunto , which neither will auaile me to expresse , nor thee to heare , and therefore let it goe , we must not say , they doe so that oppresse : yet i shall ne're to sooth them or the times , iniure my selfe , by bearing others crimes . willie . then now thou maist speake freely , there 's none heares , but he , whom i doe hope thou do'st not doubt . philarete . true : but if doores and walles haue gotten eares , and closet-whisperings may be spread about : doe not blame him that in such causes feares what in his passion he may blunder out : in such a place , and such strict times as these , where what we speake is tooke as others please . but yet to morrow , if thou come this way , i 'le tell thee all my story to the end , 't is long , and now i feare thou canst not stay , because thy flocke must watred be and pend , and night begins to muffle vp the day , which to informe thee how alone i spend , i 'le onely sing a sorry prisoners lay , i fram'd this morne , which though it suits no fields , is such as fits me , and sad thraldome yeelds . willie . well , i will set my kit another string , and play vnto it whil'st that thou do'st sing . sonnet . philarete . now that my body dead aliue , bereau'd of comfort , lies in thrall . doe thou my soule begin to thriue , and vnto hony , turne this gall : so shall we both through outward we , the way to inward comfort know . as to the flesh we food do giue ; to keepe in vs this mortall breath : so seules on meditations liue , and shunne thereby immortall death : nor art thou euer neerer rest , then when thou find'st me most opprest . first thinke my soule ; if i haue foes that take a pleasure in my care , and to procure these outward woes , haue thus entrapt me vnaware : thou should'st by much more carefull bee , since greater foes lay waite for thee . then when mew'd vp in grates of steele , minding those ioyes mine eyes doe misse , thou find'st no torment thou do'st feele , so grieuous as priuation is : muse how the damn'd in flames that glow , pine in the losse of blisse they know . thou seest there 's giuen so great might to some that are but clay as i , their very anger can affright , which , if in any thou espie . thus thinke ; if mortals frownes strike feare , how dreadfull will gods wrath appeare ? by my late hopes that now are crost , consider those that firmer be : and make the freedome i haue lost , a meanes that may remember thee : had christ , not thy redeemer bin , what horrid thrall thou had'st been in . these yron chaines , these bolts of steele , which other poore offenders grind , the wants and cares which they doe feele , may bring some greater thing to mind : for by their griefe thou shalt doe well , to thinke vpon the paines of hell. or , when through me thou seest a man condemn'd vnto a mortall death , how sad he lookes , how pale , how wan , drawing with feare his panting breath : thinke , if in that such griefe thou see , how sad will , goe yee cursed be . againe , when he that fear'd to dye ( past hope ) doth see his pardon brought , reade but the ioy that 's in his eye , and then conuey it to thy thought : there thinke , betwixt thy heart and thee , how sweet will , come yee blessed , bee . thus if thou doe , though closed here , my bondage i shall deeme the lesse , i neither shall haue cause to feare , nor yet bewaile my sad distresse : for whether liue , or pine , or dye , we shall haue blisse eternally . willy . trust me i see the cage doth some birds good , and if they doe not suffer too much wrong , will teach them sweeter descants then the wood : beleeue 't , i like the subiect of thy song , it shewes thou art in no distempred mood : but cause to heare the residue i long , my sheepe to morrow i will neerer bring , and spend the day to heare thee talk and sing . yet e're we part , philarete , areed , of whom thou learnd'st to make such songs as these , i neuer yet heard any shepheards reede tune in mishap , a straine that more could please ; surely , thou do'st inuoke at this thy neede some power , that we neglect in other layes : for heer 's a name , and words , that but few swaines haue mention'd at their meeting on the plaines . philarete . indeed 't is true ; and they are sore to blame , they doe so much neglect it in their songs , for , thence proceedeth such a worthy fame , as is not subiect vnto enuies wrongs : that , is the most to be respected name of our true pan , whose worth sits on all tongues : and what the ancient shepheards vse to prayse in sacred anthemes , vpon holy-dayes . hee that first taught his musicke such a straine was that sweet shepheard , who ( vntill a king ) kept sheepe vpon the hony-milky plaine , that is inrich't by iordans watering ; he in his troubles eas'd the bodies paines , by measures rais'd to the soules rauishing : and his sweet numbers onely most diuine , gaue first the being to this song of mine . willy . let his good spirit euer with thee dwell , that i might heare such musicke euery day . philarete . thankes , swaine : but harke , thy weather rings his bell. and swaines to fold , or homeward driue away . willy . and you goes cuddy , therefore fare thou well : i 'le make his sheepe for mee a little stay ; and , if thou thinke it fit , i 'le bring him to , next morning hither . — philarete . — prethee , willy , do . finis . the shepheards hunting . the second eglogue . the argvment . cuddy here relates , how all pitty philarete's thrall . who requested , doth relate the true cause of his estate ; which broke off , because 't was long , they begin , a three man song . willy . cvddy . philarete . willy . lo , philaret , thy old friend heere , and i , are come to visit thee in these thy bands , whil'st both our flocks in an inclosure by , doe picke the thin grasse from the fallowed lands . he tels me thy restraint of liberty , each one throughout the country vnderstands : and there is not a gentle-natur'd lad on all these downes , but for thy sake is sad . cuddy . not thy acquaintance , and thy friends alone , pitty thy close restraint , as friends should doe : but some that haue but seene thee , for thee moane : yea , many that did neuer see thee to . some deeme thee in a fault , and most in none ; so diuers wayes doe diuers rumors goe and at all meetings where our shepheards bee , now the maine newes that 's extant , is of thee . philarete . why , this is somewhat yet : had i but kept sheepe on the mountaines , till the day of doome , my name should in obscuritie haue slept in brakes , in briars , shrubbed furze and broome . into the worlds wide eare it had not crept , nor in so many mens thoughts found a roome : but what cause of my sufferings doe they know ? good cuddy , tell me , how doth rumour goe ? cuddy . faith 't is vncertaine ; some speake this , some that : some dare say nought , yet seeme to thinke a cause , and many a one prating he knowes not what ; comes out with prouerbes and old ancient sawes , as if he thought thee guiltlesse , and yet not : then doth he speake halfe sentences , then pawse : that what the most would say , we may suppose ; but , what to say , the rumour is , none knowes . philarete . nor care i greatly ; for , it skils not much , what the vnsteady common-people deemes , his conscience doth not alwaies feele least touch , that blamelesse in the sight of others seemes : my cause is honest , and because 't is such , i hold it so , and not for mens esteemes : if they speake iustly well of mee , i 'me glad ; if falsely euill , it ne're makes me sad . willy . i like that mind : but , shepheard , you are quite beside the matter that i long to heare : remember what you promis'd yester-night , youl 'd put vs off with other talke , i feare ; thou know'st that honest cuddies heart's vpright ; and none but he , except my selfe , is neere : come therefore , and betwixt vs two relate , the true occasion of thy present state . philarete . my friends i will : you know i am a swaine , the kept a poore flocke on a barren plaine : who though it seemes , i could doe nothing lesse , can make a song , and woe a shepheardesse . and not alone the fairest where i liue , haue heard me sing , and fauours daign'd to giue : but , though i say 't , the noblest nymph of thame , hath grac'd my verse , vnto my greater fame . yet , being young , and not much seeking prayse , i was not noted out for shepheards layes : nor feeding flocks , as , you know , others be : for the delight that most possessed me was hunting foxes , wolues , and beasts of prey : that spoyle our foulds , and beare our lambs away . for this , as also for the loue i beare vnto my country , i laid by all care of gaine , or of preferment , with desire onely to keepe that state i had entire . and like a true growne huntsman sought to speed my selfe with hounds of rare and choysest breed , whose names and natures ere i further goe , because you are my friends i 'le let you know . my first esteemed dogge that i did finde , was by descent of olde acteons kinde ; a brache , which if i doe not aime amisse , for all the world is iust like one of his : she 's named loue , and scarce yet knowes her duty ; her damme's my ladies pretty beagle , beauty . i bred her vp my selfe with wondrous charge , vntill she grew to be exceeding large , and waxt so wanton , that i did abhorre it , and put her out amongst my neighbours for it . the next is lust , a hound that 's kept abroad mongst some of mine acquaintance , but a toad is not more loathsome : 't is a curre will range extreamely , and is euer full of mange : and cause it is infectious , she 's not wunt to come among the rest , but when they hunt . hate is the third , a hound both deepe and long : his sire is true , or else supposed wrong . he 'le haue a snap at all that passe him by , and yet pursues his game most eagerly . with him goes enuie coupled , a leane curre , and yet she 'le hold out , hunt we ne're so farre : she pineth much , and feedeth little to , yet stands and snarleth at the rest that doe . then there 's reuenge , a wondrous deep-mouth'd dog , so fleet , i 'me faine to hunt him with a clog , yet many times he 'le much out-strip his bounds , and hunts not closely with the other hounds : he 'le venter on a lyon in his ire ; curst choller was his damme , and wrong his sire . this choller , is a brache , that 's very old , and spends her mouth too-much to haue it hold : she 's very teasty ; an vnpleasing curre . that bites the very stones , if they but sturre : or when that ought but her displeasure moues , she 'le bite and snap at any one she loues . but my quicke scented'st dogge is iaelousie , the truest of this breede's in italie . the damme of mine would hardly fill a gloue , it was a ladies little dogge , cal'd loue : the sire a poore deformed curre , nam'd feare ; as shagged and as rough as is a beare : and yet the whelpe turn'd after neither kinde , for he is very large , and nere-hand blinde , farre off , hee seemeth of a pretty culler , but doth not proue so , when you view him fuller . a vile suspitious beast ; whose lookes are bad , and i doe feare in time he will grow mad . to him i couple auarice , still poore ; yet shee deuoures as much as twenty more : a thousand horse shee in her paunch can put , yet whine , as if she had an emptie gut ; and hauing gorg'd what might a land haue found , shee 'le catch for more , and , hide it in the ground . ambition is a hound as greedy full ; but hee for all the daintiest bits doth cull : hee scornes to licke vp crumbs beneath the table , hee 'le fetch 't from boards and shelues , if he be able : nay , hee can climbe , if neede be ; and for that with him i hunt the martine , and the cat : and yet sometimes in mounting , hee 's so quicke , i see fetches falls , are like to breake his necke . feare is wel-mouth'd , but subiect to distrust ; a stranger cannot make him take a crust : a little thing will soone his courage quaile , and 'twixt his legges hee euer claps his taile . with him , despaire , now , often coupled goes , which by his roring mouth each hunts man knowes . none hath a better minde vnto the game ; but hee giues off , and alwaies seemeth lame . my bloud-hound cruelty , as swift as wind , hunts to the death , and neuer comes behind ; who , but she 's strapt , and musled to , withall , would eate her fellowes and the prey and all . and yet , she cares not much for any food ; vnlesse it be the purest harmelesse blood . all these are kept abroad at charge of meny , they doe not cost me in a yeare a penny . but there 's two couple of a midling size , that seldome passe the sight of my owne eyes . hope , on whose head i 'ue laid my life to pawne ; compassion , that on euery one will fawne . this would , when 't was a whelpe , with rabets play or lambes , and let them goe vnhurt away : nay , now she is of growth , shee 'le now and then catch you a hare , and let her goe agen . the two last , ioy , and sorrow ; make me wonder , for they can ne're agree , nor bide asunder . ioy 's euer wanton and no order knowes , she 'le run at larkes , or stand and barke at crowes . sorrow goes by her , and ne're moues his eye : yet both doe serue to helpe make vp the cry : then comes behinde all these to beare the base , two couple more of a farre larger race , such wide-mouth'd trollops , that 't would doe you good , to heare their loud-loud ecchoes teare the wood : there 's vanity , who by her gaudy hide , may farre away from all the rest be spide , though huge , yet quicke , for she 's now here , now there ; nay , looke about you , and she 's euery where : yet euer with the rest , and still in chace , right so , inconstancie fils euery place ; and yet so strange a fickle natur'd hound , looke for her , and she 's no where to be found . weakenesse is no faire dogge vnto the eye , and yet she hath her proper qualitie . but there 's presumption , when he heat hath got , he drownes the thunder , and the cannon-shot : and when at start , he his full roaring makes , the earth doth tremble , and the heauen shakes : these were my dogs , ten couple iust in all , whom by the name of satyres i doe call : mad curs they be , and i can ne're come nigh them , but i 'me in danger to be bitten by them . much paines i tooke , and spent dayes not a few , to make them keept together , and hunt true : which yet i doe suppose had neuer bin , but that i had a scourge to keepe them in . now when that i this kennell first had got , out of mine owne demeanes i hunted not , saue on these downes , or among yonder rocks , after those beasts that spoyl'd our parish flockes : nor during that time , was i euer wont , with all my kennell in one day to hunt : nor had done yet , but that this other yeere , some beasts of prey that haunt the deserts heere , did not alone for many nights together deuoure , sometime a lambe , sometime a weather : and so disquiet many a poore mans heard , but thereof loosing all were much afeard . yea , i among the rest , did fare as bad , or rather worse ; for the best * ewes i had , ( whose breed should be my meanes of life and gaine , were in one euening by these monsters slaine : which mischiefe i resolued to repay , or else grow desperate and hunt all away . for in a furie such as you shall see hunts-men , in missing of their sport will be ) i vow'd a monster should not lurke about in all this prouince , but i 'de finde him out . and thereupon without respect or care , how lame , how full , or how vnfit they were , in hast vnkennell'd all my roaring crew , who were as mad , as if my mind they knew ; and e're they trail'd a flight-shot , the fierce curres , had rous'd a hart , and through brakes , bryars , and furres follow'd at gaze so close , that loue and feare got in together , and had surely , there quite ouerthrowne him , but that hope thrust in 'twixt both , and sau'd the pinching of his skin . whereby he scap't , till coursing ouerth wart , despaire came in , and grip't him to the hart . i hallowed in the resdue to the fall , and for an entrance , there i flesh't them all : which hauing done , i dip'd my staffe in blood and onward led my thunder to the wood ; where what they did , i 'le tell you out anon , my keeper calles me , and i must be gon . goe , if you please a while , attend your flocks , and when the sunne is ouer yonder rocks , come to this caue againe , where i will be , if that my gardian , so much fauour me . yet if you please , let vs three sing a straine , before you turne your sheepe into the plaine . willie . iam content . — cuddy . — as well content am i. philarete . then will begin , and wee 'le the rest supply . song . willie . shepheard , would these gates were ope , thou might'st take with vs thy fortunes . philarete . no , i 'le make this narrow scope , ( since my fate doth so importune ) meanes vnto a wider hope . cuddy . would thy shepheardesse were here , who belou'd , loues so dearely ? philarete . not for both your flocks , isweare , and the gaine they yeeld you yeerely , would i so much wrong my deare . yet , to me , nor to this place , would she now be long a stranger : she would hold it in disgrace , ( if she fear'd not more my danger ) where i am to shew her face . willie . shepheard , we would wish no harmes , but something that might content thee . philarete . wish me then within her armes ; and that wish will ne're repent me , if your mishes might proue charmes . willie . be thy prison her embrace , be thy ayre her sweetest breathing . cuddy . be thy prospect her sweet face , for each looke a kisse bequeathing , and appoint thy selfe the place . philarete . nay pray , hold there , for i should scantly then , come meete you here this afternoone agen : but fare you well since wishes haue no power , let vs depart and keepe the pointed houre . the shepheards hunting . the third eglogue . the argvment . philarete with his three friends , heare his hunting storie ends . kinde alexis with much ruth , wailes the banish't shepheards youth : but he slighteth fortunes stings , and in spight of thraldom● sings . philarete . cvddy . alexis . willy . philarete . so , now i see y' are shepheards of your word , thus were you wont to promise , and to doe . cuddy . more then our promise is , we can afford , we come our selues , and bring another to : alexis , whom thou know'st well is no foe : who loues thee much : and i doe know that he would faine a hearer of thy hunting be . philarete . alexis you are welcome , for you know you cannot be but welcome where i am ; you euer were a friend of mine in show , and i haue found you are indeed the same : vpon my first restraint you hither came , and proffered me more tokens of your loue , then it were fit my small deserts should proue . alexis . 't is still your vse to vnderprise your merit ; be not so coy to take my proffered loue , 't will neither vnbeseeme your worth nor spirit . to offer court'sie doth thy friend behoue : and which are so , this is a place to proue . then once againe i say , if cause there be . first makea tryall , if thou please , of me . philarete . thankes good alexis ; sit downe by me heere , i haue a taske , these shepheards know , to doe ; a tale already told this morne well neere , with which i very faine would forward goe , and am as willing thou should'st heare it to : but thou canst neuer vnderstand this last , till i haue also told thee what is past . willy . it shall not neede , for i so much presum'd , i on your mutuall friendships , might be bold , that i a freedome to my selfe assum'd , to make him know , what is already told . if i haue done amisse , then you may scold . but in my telling i preuised this , he knew not whose , nor to what end it is . philarete . well , now he may , for heere my tale goes on : my eager dogges and i to wood are gon . where , beating through the conuerts , euery hound a seuerall game had in a moment found : i rated them , but they pursu'd their pray , and as it fell ( by hap ) tooke all one way . then i began with quicker speed to follow , and teaz'd them on , with a more chearefull hallow : that soone we passed many weary miles , tracing the subtile game through all their wiles . these doubl'd , those re-doubled on the scent , still keeping in full chase where ere they went. vp hils , downe cliffes , through bogs , and ouer plaines , stretching their musicke to the highest straines . that when some thicket hid them from mine eye , my eare was rauish'd with their melodie . nor crost we onely ditches , hedges , furrowes , but hamlets , tithings , parishes , and burrowes : they followed where so eu'r the game did go , through kitchin , parlor , hall , and chamber to . and , as they pass'd the city , and the court , my prince look'd out , and daign'd to view my sport . which then ( although i suffer for it now ) ( if some say true ) he liking did allow ; and so much ( had i had but wit to stay ) i might my selfe ( perhaps ) haue heard him say . but i , that time , as much as any daring , more for my pleasure then my safetie caring ; seeing fresh game from euery couert rise , ( crossing by thousands still before their eyes ) rush'd in , and then following close my hounds , some beasts i found lie dead , some full of wounds , among the willows , scarce with strength to moue , one i found heere , another there , whom loue had grip'd to death : and , in the selfe-same state , lay one deuour'd by enuy , one by hate ; lust had bit some , but i soone past beside them , their festr'd wounds so stuncke , none could abide them . choller hurt diuers , but reuenge kild more : feare frighted all , behinde him and before . despaire draue on a huge and mighty heape , forcing some downe from rocks and hils to leape : some into water , some into the fire , so on themselues he made them wreake his ire . but i remember , as i pass'd that way , where the great king and prince of shepheards lay , about the wals were hid , some ( once more knowne ) that my fell curre ambition had o'rethrowne : many i heard , pursu'd by pitty , cry ; and oft i saw my bloud-hound , cruelty , eating her passage euen to the hart , whither once gotten , she is loath to part . all pli'd it well , and made so loud a cry , 't was heard beyond the shores of britany . some rated them , some storm'd , some lik'd the game , some thought me worthy praise , some worthy blame . but i , not fearing th' one , mis-steeming t'other , both , in shrill hallowes and loud yernings smother . yea , the strong mettled , and my long-breath'd crew , seeing the game increasing in their view , grew the more frolicke , and the courses length gaue better breath , and added to their strength . which ioue perceiuing , for ioue heard their cries rumbling amongst the spheares concauities : hee mark'd their course , and courages increase , saying , 't were pitty such a chase should cease . and therewith swore their mouthes should neuer wast , but hunt as long 's mortality did last . soone did they feele the power of his great gift , and i began to finde their pace more swift : i follow'd , and i rated , but in vaine striu'd to o'retake , or take them vp againe . they neuer stayed since , nor nights nor dayes , but to and fro still run a thousand wayest yea , often to this place where now i lie , they 'l wheele about to cheare me with their cry ; and one day in good time will vengeance take on some offenders , for their masters sake : for know , my friends , my freedome in this sort for them i lose , and making my selfe sport . willy . why ? was there any harme at all in this ? philarete . no , willy , and i hope yet none there is . willy . how comes it then ? — philarete . — note , and i 'le tell thee how ? thou know'st that truth and innocency now , if plac'd with meannesse , suffers more despight then villainies , accompan'ed with might . but thus it fell , while that my hounds pursu'd their noysome prey , and euery field lay strew'd with monsters , hurt and slaine ; vpon a beast , more subtile , and more noysome then the rest , my leane-flanckt bitch , cald enuy , hapt to light : and , as her wont is , did so surely bite , that , though shee left behinde small outward smart , the wounds were deepe , and rankled to the hart . this , joyning to some other , that of late , were very eagerly pursu'd by hate , ( to fit their purpose hauing taken leasure ) did thus conspire to worke me a displeasure . for imitation , farresurpassing apes , they laide aside their foxe and woluish shapes , and shrowded in the skinnes of harmlesse sheepe into by-wayes , and open paths did creepe ; where , they ( as hardly drawing breath ) didly , shewing their wounds to euery passer by ; to make them thinke that they were sheepe so foyl'd , and by my dogges , in their late hunting , spoyl'd . beside , some other that enuy'd my game , and , for their pastime , kept such monsters tame : as , you doe know , there 's many for their pleasure keepe foxes , beares , & wolues , as some great treasure : yea , many get their liuing by them to , and so did store of these , i speake of , do . who , seeing that my kennell had affrighted , or hurt some vermine wherein they delighted ; and finding their owne power by much to weake , their malice on my innocence to wreake , swolne with the deepest rancour of despight , some of our greatest shepheards folds by night they closely entred ; and there hauing stain'd their hands in villany , of mee they plain'd , affirming , ( without shame , or honesty , ) i , and my dogges , had done it purposely . whereat they storm'd , and cald mee to a tryall , where innocence preuailes not , nor denyall : but for that cause , heere in this place i lie , where none so merry as my dogges , and i. cuddy . beleeue it , heere 's a tale will suten well , for shepheards in another age to tell . willy . and thou shalt be remembred with delight , by this , hereafter , many a winters night . for , of this sport another age will ring ; yea , nymphes that are vnborne thereof shall sing , and not a beauty on our greenes shall play , that hath not heard of this thy hunting day . philarete . it may be so , for if that gentle swaine , who wonnes by tauy , on the westerne plaine , would make the song , such life his verse can giue , then i doe know my name might euer liue . alexis . but tell me ; are our plaines and nymphs forgot , and canst thou frolicke in thy trouble be ? philarete . can i , alexis , sayst thou ? can i not , that am resolu'd to scorne more misery ? alexis . oh , but that youth 's yet greene , and young bloud hot , and liberty must needs be sweet to thee . but , now most sweet whil'st euery bushy vale , and groue , and hill , rings of the nightingale . me thinkes , when thou remembrest those sweet layes which thou would'st leade thy shepheardesse to heare , each euening tyde among the leauy sprayes , the thought of that should make thy freedome deare : for now , whil'st euery nymph on holy-dayes sports with some iolly lad , and maketh cheere , thine , sighes for thee , and mew'd vp from resort , will neither play her selfe , nor see their sport . those shepheards that were many a morning wont , vnto their boyes to leaue the tender heard ; and beare thee company when thou didst hunt ; me thinkes the sport thou hast so gladly shar'd among those swaynes should make thee thinke vpon 't , for 't seemes all vaine , now , that was once indear'd . it cannot be : since i could make relation , how for lesse cause thou hast beene deepe in passion . philarete . 't is true : my tender heart was euer yet too capable of such conceits as these ; i neuer saw that obiect , but from it , the passions of my loue i could encrease . those things which moue not other men a whit , i can , and doe make vse of , if i please : when i am sad , to sadnesse i apply , each bird , and tree , and flowre that i passe by . so , when i will be merry , i aswell something for mirth from euery thing can draw , from miserie , from prisons , nay from hell : and as when to my minde , griefe giues a flaw , best comforts doe but make my woes more fell : so when i 'me bent to mirth , from mischiefes paw . ( though ceas'd vpon me ) i would something cull , that spight of care , should make my ioyes more full . i feele those wants , alexis , thou doest name , which spight of youths affections i sustaine ; or else , for what is 't i haue gotten fame , and am more knowne then many an elder swaine ? i● such desires i had not learn'd to tame , ( since many pipe much better on this plaine : ) but tune your reedes , and i will in a song , expresse my care , and how i take this wrong . sonnet . i that ere'st-while the worlds sweet ayre did draw , ( grac'd by the fairest euer mortall saw ; ) now closely pent , with walles of ruth-lesse stone . consume my dayes , and nights and all alone . when i was wont to sing of shepheards loues , my walkes were fields , and downes , and hils , and groues : but now ( alas ) so strict is my hard doome , fields , downes , hils , groues , and al 's but one pooreroome . each morne , as soone as day-light did appeare , with natures musicke birds would charme mine eare : which now ( instead ) of their melodious straines , heare , ratling shackles , gyues , and boults , and chaines . but , though that all the world's delight forsake me , i haue a muse , and she shall musicke make me : whose ayrie notes , in spight of closest cages , shall giue content to me , and after ages . nor doe i passe for all this outward ill . my hearts the same , and undeiected still ; and which is more then some in freedome winne , i haue truerest , and peace , and ioy within . and then my mind , that spight of prison's free , when ere she pleases any where can be ; shee 's in an houre , in france , rome , turky , spaine , in earth , in hell , in heauen , and here againe . yet there 's another comfort in my woe , my cause is spread , and all the world may know , my fault 's no more , but speaking truth , and reason ; no debt , nor theft , nor murther , rape , or treason . nor shall my foes with all their might and power , wipe out their shame , nor yet this fame of our : which when they finde , they shall my fate enuie , till they grow leane , and sicke , and mad , and die . then though my body here in prison rot , and my wrong'd satyres seeme a while forgot : yet , when both fame , and life hath left those men , my verse and i 'le reuiue , and liue agen . so thus enclos'd , i beare afflictions load , but with more true content then some abroad ; for whilst their thoughts , doe feele my scourges sting , in bands i 'le leape , and dance , and laugh , and sing . alexis . why now i see thou droup'st not with thy care , neither exclaim'st thou on thy hunting day ; but dost with vnchang'd resolution beare , the heauy burthen of exile away . all that did truely know thee , did conceaue , thy actions with thy spirit still agree'd ; their good conceit thou doest no whit bereaue , but shewest that thou art still thy selfe indeed . if that thy mind to basenesse now descends , thou 'lt iniure vertue , and deceiue thy friends . willie . alexis , he will iniure vertue much , but more his friends , and most of all himselfe , if on that common barre his minde but touch , it wrackes his fame vpon disgraces shelfe . whereas if thou steere on that happy course , which in thy iust aduenture is begun ; no thwarting tide , nor aduerse blast shall force thy barke without the channels bounds to run . thou art the same thou wert , for ought i see , when thou didst freely on the mountaines hunt , in nothing changed yet , vnlesse it be more merrily dispos'd then thou wert wont . still keepe thee thus , so other shall know , vertue can giue content in midst of woe . and she ( though mightines with frownes doth threat ) that , to be innocent , is to be great . thriue and farewell . — alexis . — in this thy trouble flourish . cuddy . while those that wish thee ill , fret , pine , and perish . the shepheards hunting . the fourth eglogue . the argvment . philaret on willy calls , to sing out his pastorals : warrants fame shall grace his rimes , spight of enuy and the times ; and shewes how in care he vses , to take comfort from his muses . philarete . willie . philarete . prethee , willy tell me this , what new accident there is , that thou ( once the blythest lad ) art become so wondrous sad ? and so carelesse of thy quill , as if thou had'st lost thy skill ? thou wert wont to charme thy flocks , and among the massy rocks hast so chear'd me with thy song , that i haue forgot my wrong . something hath thee surely crost , that thy old wont thou hast lost . tell me : haue i ought mis-said that hath made thee ill-apaid ? hath some churle done thee a spight ? dost thou misse a lambe to night ? frowns thy fairest shepheards lasse ? or how comes this ill to passe ? is there any discontent worse then this my banishment ? willie . why , doth that so euill seeme that thou nothing worst dost deeme ? shepheards , there full many be , that will change contents with thee . those that choose their walkes at will , on the valley or the hill. or those pleasures boast of can , groues or fields may yeeld to man : neuer come to know the rest , wherewithall thy minde is blest . many a one that oft resorts to make vp the troope at sports . and in company some while , happens to straine forth a smile : feeles more want , and outward smart , and more inward griefe of hart then this place can bring to thee , while thy mind remaineth free . thou bewail'st my want of mirth , but what find'st thou in this earth , wherein ought may be beleeu'd worth to make me ioy'd ; or grieu'd ? and yet feele i ( naithelesse ) part of both i must confesse . sometime , i of mirth doe borrow , otherwhile as much of sorrow ; but , my present state is such , as , nor ioy , nor grieue i much . philarete . why , hath willy then so long thus forborne his wonted song ? wherefore doth he now let fall , his well tuned pastorall ? and my eares that musike barre , which i more long after farre , then the liberty i want . willy . that , were very much to grant , but , doth this hold alway lad , those that sing not , must be sad ? did'st thou euer that bird heare sing well ; that sings all the yeare ? tom the piper doth not play till he weares his pipe away : there 's a time to slacke the string , and a time to leaue to sing . philarete . yea ; but no man now is still , that can sing , or tune a quill . now to chant it , were but reason ; song and musicke are in season . now in this sweet iolly tide , is the earth in all her pride : the faire lady of the may trim'd vp in her best array ; hath inuited all the swaines , with the lasses of the plaines , to attend vpon her sport at the places of resort . coridon ( with his bould rout ) hath alredy been about for the elder shepheards dole , and fetch'd in the summer-pole : whil'st the rest haue built a bower , to defend them from a shower ; seil'd so close , with boughes all greene , tytan cannot pry betweene . now the dayrie-wenches dreame of their strawberries and creame : and each doth her selfe aduance to be taken in , to dance : euery one that knowes to sing , fits him for his carrolling : so do those that hope for meede , either by the pipe or reede : and though i am kept away , i doe heare ( this very day ) many learned groomes doe wend , for the garlands to contend . which a nimph that hight desart , ( long a stranger in this part ) with her own faire hand hath wrought a rare worke ( they say ) past thought , as appeareth by the name , for she cals them wreathes of fame . she hath set in their due place eu'ry flowre that may grace ; and among a thousand moe , ( whereof some but serue for shew ) she hath woue in daphnes tree , that they may not blasted be . which with time she edg'd about , least the worke should rauell out . and that it might wither neuer , i intermixt it with liue-euer . these are to be shar'd among , those that doe excell for song : or their passions can rehearse in the smooth'st and sweetest verse . then , for those among the rest , that can play and pipe the best . there 's a kidling with the damme , a fat weather , and a lambe . and for those that leapen far , wrastle , runne , and throw the barre , there 's appointed guerdons to . he , that best , the first can doe , shall , for his reward , be paid , with a sheep-hooke , faire in-laid with fine bone , of a strange beast that men bring out of the west . for the next , a scrip of red , tassel'd with fine coloured thred , there 's prepared for their meed , that in running make most speede , ( or the cunning measures foote ) cups of turned maple-roote : whereupon the skilfull man hath ingrau'd the loues of pan : and the last hath for his due , a fine napkin wrought with blew . then , my willy , why art thou carelesse of thy merit now ? what dost thou heere , with a wight that is shut vp from delight , in a solitary den , as not fit to liue with men ? goe , my willy , get thee gone , leaue mee in exile alone . hye thee to that merry throng , and amaze them with thy song . thou art young , yet such a lay neuer grac'd the month of may , as ( if they prouoke thy skill ) thou canst fit vnto thy quill , i with wonder heard thee sing , at our last yeeres reuelling . then i with the rest was free , when vnknowne i noted thee : and perceiu'd the ruder swaines , enuy thy farre sweeter straines . yea , i saw the lasses cling round about thee in a ring : as if each one iealous were , any but her selfe should heare . and i know they yet do long for the res'due of thy song . hast thee then to sing it forth ; take the benefit of worth . and desert will sure bequeath fames faire garland for thy wreath , hye thee , willy , hye away . willy . phila , rather let mee stay , and be desolate with thee , then at those their reuels bee , nought such is my skill i wis , as indeed thou deem'st it is . but what ere it be , i must be content , and shall i trust . for a song i doe not passe , mong'st my friends , but what ( alas ) should i haue to doe with them that my musicke doe contemne ? some there are , as well i wot , that the same yet fauour not : yet i cannot well auow , they my carrols disalow : but such malice i haue spid , 't is as much as if they did . philarete . willy , what may those men be , are so ill , to malice thee ? willy . some are worthy-well esteem'd , some without worth are so deem'd . others of so base a spirit , they haue nor esteeme , nor merit . philarete . what 's the wrong ? — willy . — a slight offence , wherewithall i can dispence ; but hereafter for their sake . to my selfe i 'le musicke make . philarete . what , because some clowne offends , wilt thou punish all thy friends ? willy . do not , phill , mis-vnderstand mee , those that loue mee may command mee , but , thou know'st , i am but yong , and the pastorall i sung , is by some suppos'd to be , ( by a straine ) too high for me : so they kindly let me gaine , not my labour for my paine . trust me , i doe wonder why they should me my owne deny . though i 'me young , i scorne to flit on the wings of borrowed wit. i 'le make my owne feathers reare me , whither others cannot beare me . yet i 'le keepe my skill in store , till i 'ue seene some winters more pillarete . but , in earnest , mean'st thou so ? then thou art not wise , i trow : better shall aduise thee pan , for thou dost not rightly than : that 's the ready way to blot all the credit thou hast got . rather in thy ages prime , get another start of time : and make those that so fond be , ( spight of their owne dulnesse ) see , that the sacred muses can make a childe in yeeres , a man. it is knowne what thou canst doe , for it is not long agoe , when that cuddy , thou , and i , each the others skill to try , at saint dunstanes charmed well , ( as some present there can tell ) sang vpon a sudden theame , sitting by the crimson streame . where , if thou didst well or no , yet remaines the song to show , much experience more i 'ue had , of thy skill ( thou happy lad ) and would make the world to know it ; but that time will further show it . enuy makes their tongues now runne more then doubt of what is done . for that needs must be thy owne , or to be some others knowne : but how then wil't suit vnto what thou shalt hereafter do ? or i wonder where is hee , would with that song part to thee . nay , were there so mad a swaine , could such glory sell for gaine ; phoebus would not haue combin'd , that gift with so base a minde . neuer did the nine impart the sweet secrets of their art , vnto any that did scorne , we should see their fauours worne . therefore vnto those that say , where they pleas'd to sing a lay. they could doo 't , and will not tho ; this i speake , for this i know : none ere drunke the thespian spring , and knew how , but he did sing . for , that once infus'd in man. makes him shew 't doe what he can . nay , those that doe onely sip , or , but eu'n their fingers dip in that sacred fount ( poore elues ) of that brood will shew themselues . yea , in hope to get them fame , they will speake , though to their shame . let those then at thee repine , that by their wits measure thine ; needs those songs must be thine owne , and that one day will be knowne . that poore imputation to , i my selfe do vndergoe : but it will appeare ere long , that 't was enuy sought our wrong . who at twice-ten haue sung more , then some will doe , at fourescore , cheere thee ( honest willy ) then , and begin thy song agen . willy . faine i would , but i doe feare when againe my lines they heare , if they yeeld they are my rimes , they will faine some other crimes ; and 't is no safe ventring-by where we see detraction ly . for doe what i can , i doubt , she will picke some quarrell out ; and i oft haue heard defended , little said , is soone amended . philarete . see'st thou not in clearest dayes , oft thicke fogs cloud heau'ns rayes . and that vapours which doe breath from the earths grosse wombe beneath , seeme not to vs with black steames , to pollute the sunnes bright beames , and yet vanish into ayre , leauing it ( vnblemisht ) faire ? so ( my willy ) shall it bee with detractions breath on thee . it shall neuer rise so hie , as to staine thy poesie . as that sunne doth oft exhale vapours from each rotten vale ; poesie so sometime draines , grosse conceits from muddy braines ; mists of enuy , fogs of spight , twixt mens judgements and her light : but so much her power may do , that shee can dissolue them to . if thy verse doe brauely tower , as shee makes wing , she gets power : yet the higher she doth sore , shee 's affronted still the more : till shee to the high'st hath past , then she rests with fame at last , let nought therefore , thee affright : but make forward in thy flight : for if i could match thy rime , to the very starres i 'de clime . there begin again , and flye , till i reach'd aeternity . but ( alasse ) my muse is slow : for thy place shee flags too low : yea , the more 's her haplesse fate , her short wings were clipt of late . and poore i , her fortune ruing , am my selfe put vp a muing . but if i my cage can rid , i 'le flye where i neuer did . and though for her sake i 'me crost , though my best hopes i haue lost , and knew she would make my trouble ten times more then ten times double : i should loue and keepe her to , spight of all the world could doe . for though banish't from my flockes , and confin'd within these rockes , here i waste away the light , and consume the sullen night , she doth for my comfort stay , and keepes many cares away . though i misle the flowry fields , with those sweets the spring-tyde yeelds , though i may not see those groues , where the shepheards chant their loues , ( and the lasses more excell , then the sweet voyc'd philomel ) though of all those pleasures past , nothing now remaines at last , but remembrance ( poore reliefe ) that more makes , then mends my griefe : shee 's my mindes companion still , maugre enuies euill will. ( whence she should be driuen to , wer 't in mortals power to do . ) she doth tell me where to borrow comfort in the midst of sorrow ; makes the desolatest place to her presence be a grace ; and the blackest discontents to be pleasing ornaments . in my former dayes of blisse , her diuine skill taught me this , that from euery thing i saw , i could some inuention draw : and raise pleasure to her height , through the meanest obiects sight . by the murmure of a spring , or the least boughes rusteling . by a dazie whose leaues spred , shut when tytan goes to bed ; or a shady bush or tree , she could more infuse in mee , then all natures beauties can , in some other wiser man. by her helpe i also now , make this churlish place allow some things that may sweeten gladnes , in the very gall of sadnes . the dull loannesse , the blacke shade , that these hanging vaults haue made , the strange musicke of the waues , beating on these hollow caues , this blacke den which rocks embosse ouer-growne with eldest mosse . the rude portals that giue light , more to terror then delight . this my chamber of neglect , wall'd about with disrespect , from all these and this dull ayre , a fit obiect for despaire , she hath taught me by her might to draw comfort and delight . therefore thou best earthly blisse , i will cherish thee for this . poesie ; thou sweetest content that e're heau'n to mortals lent : though they as a trifle leaue thee whose dull thoughts cannot conceiue thee , though thou be to them a scorne , that to nought but earth are borne : let my life no longer be then i am in loue with thee . though our wise ones call thee madnesse let me neuer taste of gladnesse . if i loue not thy mad'st fits , more then all their greatest wits . and though some too seeming holy , doe account thy raptures folly : thou dost teach me to contemne , what make knaues and fooles of them . oh high power ! that oft doth carry men aboue — willie . — good philarete tarry , i doe feare thou wilt be gon , quite aboue my reach anon . the kinde flames of poesie haue now borne thy thoughts so high , that they vp in heauen be , and haue quite forgotten me . call thy selfe to minde againe , are these raptures for a swaine , that attends on lowly sheepe , and with simple heards doth keepe ? philarete . thankes my willie ; i had runne till that time had lodg'd the sunne , if thou had'st not made me stay ; but thy pardon here i pray . lou'd apolo's sacred sire had rais'd vp my spirits higher through the loue of poesie , then indeed they vse to flye . but as i said , i say still , if that i had willi's skill , enuie nor detractions tongue , should ere make me leaue my song : but i 'de sing it euery day till they pin'd themselues away . be thou then aduis'd in this , which both iust and sitting is : finish what thou hast begun , or at least still forward run . haile and thunder ill hee ' l beare that a blast of winde doth feare : and if words will thus afray thee , prethee how will deeds dismay thee ? doe not thinke so rathe a song can passe through the vulgar throng , and escape without a touch , or that they can hurt it much : frosts we see doe nip that thing which is forward'st in the spring : yet at last for all such lets somewhat of the rest it gets . and l'me sure that so maist thou , therefore my kind willie now . since thy folding time drawes on and i see thou must be gon , thee i earnestly beseech to remember this my speech and some little counsell take , for philarete his sake : and i more of this will say , if thou come next holy-day . finis . the shepheards hunting . the fifth eglogue . the argvment . philaret alexis moues , to embrace the muses loues ; bids him neuer carefull seeme , of anothers dis-esteeme : since to them it may suffice , they themselues can iustly prize . philarete . alexis . philarete . alexis , if thy worth doe not disdaine the humble friendship of a meaner swaine , or some more needfull businesse of the day , vrge thee to be too hasty on thy way ; come ( gentle shepheard ) rest thee here by mee , beneath the shadow of this broad leau'd tree : for though i seeme a stranger , yet mine eye obserues in thee the markes of courtesie : and if my iudgement erre not , noted to , more then in those that more would seeme to doe . such vertues thy rare modesty doth hide . which by their proper luster i espy'd ; and though long maskt in silence they haue beene , i haue a wisedome through that silence seene , yea , i haue learned knowledge from thy tongue , and heard when thou hast in concealement sung . which me the bolder and more willing made thus to inuite thee to this homely shade . and though ( it may be ) thou couldst neuer spie , such worth in me , i might be knowne thereby : in thee i doe ; for here my neighbouring sheepe vpon the border of these downes i keepe : where often thou at pastorals and playes , hast grac'd our wakes on summer holy-dayes : and many a time with thee at this cold spring met i , to heare your learned shepheards sing , saw them disporting in the shady groues , and in chaste sonnets wooe their chaster loues : when i , endued with the meanest skill , mongst others haue been vrg'd to tune my quill . but , ( cause but little cunning i had got ) perhaps thou saw'st me , though thou knew'st me not . alexis . yes philaret , i know thee , and thy name . nor is my knowledge grounded all on fame . art thou not he , that but this other yeere , seard'st all the wolues and foxes in the sheere ? and in a match at foot-ball lately tride ( hauing scarce twenty satyrs on thy side ) held'st play : and though assailed kept'st thy stand gainst all the best-tride ruffians in the land ? did'st thou not then in dolefull sonnets mone , when the beloued of great pan was gone ? and at the wedding of faire thame and rhine , sing of their glories to thy valentine ? i know it , and i must confesse that long in one thing i did doe thy nature wrong : for , till i mark'd the ayme thy satyrs had , i thought them ouer-bold , and thee halfe mad . but , since i did more neerely on thee looke , i soone perceiu'd that i all had mistooke ; i saw that of a cynicke thou mad'st show , where since , i finde , that thou wert nothing so ; and that of many thou much blame had'st got , when as thy innocency deseru'd it not . but that too good opinion thou hast seem'd to haue of me ( not so to be esteem'd , ) preuailes not ought to stay him who doth feare , he rather should reproofes then prayses heare . 't is true , i found thee plaine and honest to , which made mee like , then loue , as now i do ; and , phila , though a stranger , this to the i le say , where i doe loue , i am not coy to stay . philarete . thankes , gentle swaine , that dost so soone vnfold what i to thee as gladly would haue told ▪ and thus thy wonted curtesie exprest in kindly entertaining this request . sure , i should iniure much my owne content , or wrong thy loue to stand on complement : who hast acquaintance in one word begun , as well as i could in an age haue done . or by an ouer-weaning slownesse marre what thy more wisdome hath brought on so farre . then sit thou downe , and i le my minde declare , as freely , as if we familiars were : and if thou wilt but daigne to giue me eare , something thou mayst for thy more profit heare . alexis . philarete , i willingly obey . philarete . then know , alexis , from that very day , when as i saw thee at thy shepheards coate , where each ( i thinke ) of other tooke first note ; i meane that pastor who by tauies springs , chaste shepheards loues in sweetest numbers sings , and with his musicke ( to his greater fame ) hath late made proud the fairest nymphs of thame . e'ne then ( me thought ) i did espy in thee some vnperceiu'd and hidden worth to bee : which , in thy more apparant vertues , shin'd ; and , among many , i ( in thought ) deuin'd , by something my conceit had vnderstood , that thou wert markt one of the muses brood , that , made me loue thee : and that loue i beare begat a pitty , and that pitty , care : pitty i had to see good parts conceal'd , care i had how to haue that good reueal'd , since 't is a fault admitteth no excuse , to possesse much , and yet put nought in vse . hereon i vow'd ( if wee two euer met ) the first request that i would striue to get , should be but this , that thou would'st shew thy skill , how thou could'st tune thy verses to thy quill : and teach thy muse in some well-framed song , to shew the art thou hast supprest so long : which if my new-acquaintance may obtaine , i will for euer honour this daies gaine . alexis . alas ! my small experience scarce can tell , so much as where those nymphs , the muses , dwell ; nor ( though my ●low conceit still trauels on ) shall i ere reach to drinke of hellicon . or , if i might so fauour'd be to taste what those sweet streames but ouer-flow in waste , and touch parnassus , where 〈◊〉 ●ow'st doth lie , i feare my skill would hardly flag so hie . philarete . despaire not man , the gods haue prized nought so deere , that may not be with labour bought : nor need thy paine be great , since fate and heauen , that ( as a blessing ) at thy birth haue giuen . alexis . why , say they had ? — philarete . — then vse their gifts thou must . or be vngratefull , and so be vnjust : for if it cannot truely be deni'd , ingratitude mens benefits doe hide ; then more vngratefull must he be by ods , who doth conceale the bounty of the gods. alexis . that 's true indeed , but enuy haunteth those who seeking fame , their hidden skill disclose : where else they might ( obscur'd ) from her espying , escape the blasts and danger of enuying : cryticks will censure our best straines of wit , and pur-blind ignorance misconster it . and which is bad , ( yet worse then this doth follow ) most hate the muses , and contemne apollo . philarete . so let them : why should wee their hate esteeme ? is 't not enough we of our selues can deeme ? 't is more to their disgrace that we scorne them , then vnto vs that they our art contemne . can we haue better pastime then to see their grosse heads may so much deceiued bee , as to allow those doings best , where wholly we scoffe them to their face , and flout their folly ? or to behold blacke enuy in her prime , ●●e selfe-consum'd , whilst we vie liues with time : and , in despight of her , more same attaine , then all her malice can wipe out againe ? alexis . yea , but if i appli'd mee to those straines , who should driue forth my flocks vnto the plaines , which , whil'st the muses rest , and leasure craue , must watering , folding , and attendance haue ? for if i leaue with wonted care to cherish those tender heards , both i and they should perish . philarete . alexis , now i see thou dost mistake , there is no meaning thou thy charge forsake ; nor would i wish thee so thy selfe abuse , as to neglect thy calling for thy muse . but , let these two , so each of other borrow , that they may season mirth , and lessen sorrow . thy flocke will helpe thy charges to defray , thy muse to passe the long and teadious day : or whilst thou tun'st sweet measures to thy reed , thy sheepe , to listen , will more neere thee feed ; the wolues will shun them , birds aboue thee sing , and lamkins dance about thee in a ring . nay , which is more ; in this thy low estate , thou in contentment shalt with monarks mate : for mighty pan , and ceres , to vs grants , our fields and flocks shall helpe our outward wants : the muses teach vs songs to put off cares , grac'd with as rare and sweet conceits as theirs : and we can thinke our lasses on the greenes as faire , or fairer , then the fairest queenes : or , what is more then most of them shall doe , wee 'le make their iuster fames last longer to , and haue our lines by greatest princes grac'd when both their name and memori's defac'd . therefore , alexis , though that some disdaine the heauenly musicke of the rurall plaine , what is 't to vs , if they ( o'reseene ) contemne the dainties which were nere ordain'd for them ? and though that there be other-some enuy the prayses due to sacred poesie , let them disdaine , and fret till they are weary , wee in our selues haue that shall make vs merry : which , he that wants , and had the power to know it , would giue his life that he might die a poet. alexis : a braue perswasion . — philarete . — here thou see'st mee pent within the jawes of strict imprisonment ; a fore-lorne shepheard , voyd of all the meanes . whereon mans common hope in danger leanes , weake in my selfe , exposed to the hate of those whose enuies are insatiate : shut from my friends , banish'd from all delights ; nay worse , excluded from the sacred rites . here i doe liue mongst out-lawes markt for death . as one vnfit to draw the common breath , where those who to be good did neuer know , are barred from the meanes should make them so ▪ i suffer , cause i wish'd my country well , and what i more must beare i cannot tell . i 'me sure they giue my body little scope , and would allow my minde as little hope : i waste my meanes , which of it selfe is slender , consume my time ( perhaps my fortunes hinder ) and many crosses haue , which those that can conceiue no wrong that hurts another man , will not take note of ; though if halfe so much should light on them , or their owne person touch , some that themselues ( i feare ) most worthy thinke , with all their helpes would into basenesse shrinke . but , spight of hate , and all that spight can do , i can be patient yet , and merry to . that slender muse of mine , by which my name , though scarse deseru'd , hath gain'd a little fame , hath made mee vnto such a fortune borne , that all misfortunes i know how to scorne ; yea , midst these bands can sleight the great'st that bee , as much as their disdaine misteemes of mee . this caue , whose very presence some affrights , i haue oft made to eccho forth delights , and hope to turne , if any iustice be , both shame and care on those that wish'd it me . for while the world rancke villanies affords , i will not spare to paint them out in words ; although i still should into troubles runne , i knew what man could act , ere i begun ; and i 'le fulfill what my muse drawes mee to , maugre all iayles , and purgatories to . for whil'st shee sets mee honest task 's about , vertue , or shee , ( i know ) will beare mee out : and if , by fate , th' abused power of some must , in the worlds-eye , leaue mee ouercome , they shall find one fort yet . so fenc'd i trow , it cannot feare a mortals ouer-throw . this hope , and trust , that great power did infuse , that first inspir'd into my brest a muse , by whom i doe , and euer will contemne all those ill haps , my foes despight , and them . alexis . th' hast so well ( yong philaret ) plaid thy part , i am almost in loue with that sweet art : and if some power will but inspire my song , alexis will not be obscured long . philarete . enough kinde pastor : but oh ! yonder see two honest shepheards walking hither , bee cuddy and willy , that so dearely loue , who are repairing vnto yonder groue : let 's follow them : for neuer brauer swaines made musicke to their flocks vpon these plaines . they are more worthy , and can better tell what rare contents doe with a poet dwell . then whiles our sheepe the short sweet grasse do sheare and till the long shade of the hils appeare , wee 'le heare them sing : for though the one be young , neuer was any that more sweetly sung . a postscript . to the reader . if you haue read this , and receiued any content , i am glad , ( though it bee not so much as i could wish you ) if you thinke it idle , why then i see wee are not likely to fall out ; for i am iust of your minds ; yet weigh it well before you runne too farre in your censures , lest this proue lesse barren of wit , then you of courtesie . it is very true ( i know not by what chance ) that i haue of late been so highly beholding to opinion , that i wonder how i crept so much into her fauour , and if i did thinke it worthie the fearing ) i should be afraid that she hauing so vndeseruedly befriended mee beyond my hope or expectation , will , vpon as little cause , ere long , againe picke some quarrell against mee ; and it may bee , meanes to make vse of this , which i know must needes come farre short of their expectation , who by their earnest desire of it , seem'd to be fore-possest with a farre better conceite , then i can beleeue it prooues worthy of . so much at least i doubted , and therefore loth to deceiue the world ( though it often beguile me ) i kept it to my selfe , indeed , not dreaming euer to see it published : but now , by the ouermuch perswasion of some friends , i haue been constrained to expose it to the generall view . which seeing i haue done , somethings i desire thee to take notice of . first , that i am hee , who to pleasure my friend , haue fram'd my selfe a content out of that which would otherwise discontent mee . secondly , that i haue coueted more to effect what i thinke truely honest in it selfe , then by a seeming shew of art , to catch the vaine blastes of vncertaine opinion . this that i haue here written , was no part of my studie , but onely a recreation in imprisonment : and a trifle , neither in my conceit fitting , nor by me intended to bee made common ; yet some , who it should seeme esteemed it worthy more respect then i did , tooke paines to coppy it out , vnknowne to mee , and in my absence got it both authorized and prepared for the presse ; so that if i had not hindred it , last michaelmas-tearme had beene troubled with it . i was much blamed by some friends for withstanding it , to whose request i should more easily haue consented , but that i thought ( as indeed i yet doe ) i should thereby more disparage my selfe , then content them . for i doubt j shall bee supposed one of those , who out of their arrogant desire of a little preposterous fame , thrust into the world euery vnseasoned trifle that drops out of their vnsetled braines ; whose basenesse how much i hate , those that know mee can witnesse , for if i were so affected , i might perhaps present the world with as many seuerall poems , as i haue seene yeeres ; and iustly make my selfe appeare to bee the author of some things that others haue shamefully vsurped and made vse of as their owne . but i will be content other men should owne some of those issues of the braine , for j would be loath to confesse all that might in that kinde call me father . neither shall any more of them , by my consent , in hast againe trouble the world , vnlesse i know which way to benefit it with lesse preiudice to my owne estate . and therefore if any of those lesse serious poems which are already disperst into my friends hands , come amongst you , let not their publication be imputed to me , nor their lightnesse be any disparagement to what hath been since more serious written , seeing it is but such stuffe as riper iudgements haue in their farre elder yeeres been much more guilty of . i know an indifferent crittick may finde many faults , as well in the slightnesse of this present subiect , as in the erring from the true nature of an eglogue : moreouer , it altogether concernes my self , which diuers may dislike . but neither can bee done on iust cause : the first hath bin answered already : the last might consider that i was there where my owne estate was chiefly to bee looked vnto , and all the comfort i could minister vnto my selfe , little enough . if any man deeme it worthy his reading i shall bee glad : if hee thinke his paines ill bestow'd , let him blame himselfe for medling with that concerned him not : i neither commended it to him , neither cared whether he read it or no ; because i know those that were desirous of it , will esteeme the same as much as i expect they should . but it is not vnlikely , some wil thinke i haue in diuers places been more wanton ( as they take it ) then befitting a satirict ; yet their seuerity i feare not , because j am assured all that i euer yet did , was free from obscaenity : neyther am i so cynical , but that i thinke a modest expression of such amorous conceits as sute with reason , will yet very well become my yeeres ; in which not to haue feeling of the power of loue , were as great an argument of much stupidity , as an ouer-sottish affection were of extreame folly . lastly , if you thinke it hath not well answered the title of the shepheards hunting , goe quarrell with the stationer , who bid himselfe god-father , and imposed the name according to his owne liking ; and if you , or hee , finde any faults , pray mend them . valete . finis . fidelia : by george wither . gent : london , printed by t. s. for iohn budge , dwelling in pauls-church-yard , at the signe of the greene dragon , . an elegiacall epistle of fidelia , to her vnconstant friend . the argvment . this elegiacall epistle , being a fragment of some greater poeme , discouers the modest affections of a discreet and constant woman , shadowed vnder the name of fidelia ; wherein you may perceiue the height of their passions , so farre as they seeme to agree with reason , and keepe within such decent bounds as beseemeth their sex , but further it meddles not . the occasion seemes to proceed from some mutability in her friend , whose obiections shee heere presupposing , confuteth , and in the person of him iustly vpbraideth all that are subiect to the like change , or sicklenesse in minde . among the rest , some more weightie arguments then are ( perhaps ) expected in such a subiect , are briefly , and yet somewhat seriously handled . oft i haue heard tel , and now for truth i finde , once out of sight , and quickly out of minde . and that it hath been rightly said of old , loue that 's soon'st hot , is euer soonest cold . or else my teares at this time had not stain'd the spotlesse paper , nor my lines complain'd . i had not now , been forced to haue sent these lines for nuncio's of my discontent ; nor thus , exchanged , so vnhappily , my songs of mirth , to write an elegie . but , now i must ; and , since i must doe so , let mee but craue , thou wilt not flout my woe : nor entertaine my sorrowes with a scoffe , but , reade ( at least ) before thou cast them off . and , though thy heart 's too hard to haue compassion , oh blame not , if thou pitty not my passion , for well thou know'st ( alas , that er'e 't was knowne ) there was a time ( although that time be gone ) i , that for this , scarce dare a beggar bee , presum'd for more to haue commanded thee . yea , the day was , ( but see how things may change ) when thou , and i , haue not been halfe so strange ; but oft embrac'd each other , gently greeting , with such kinde words , as turtle , doue , or sweeting . yea , had thy meaning , and those vowes of thine , prou'd but as faithfull , and as true as mine , it still had been so : for ( i doe not faine ) i should rejoyce it might be so againe . but , sith thy loue growes cold , and thou vnkinde , be not displeas'd i somewhat breath my minde ; i am in hope , my words may proue a mirrour , whereon thou looking , may'st behold thine error . and yet , the heauen , and my sad heart doth know , how griu'd i am , and with what feeling woe my minde is tortured , to thinke that i should be the brand of thy disloyalty : or , liue to be the author of a line that shall be printed with a fault of thine ; ( since if that thou but slightly touched be , deepe wounds of griefe , and shame , it strikes in me : ) and yet i must ; ill hap compels me to what i nere thought to haue had cause to do . and therefore , seeing that some angry fate imposes on mee , what i so much hate : or , since it is so , that the powers diuine mee ( miserable ) to such cares assigne ; oh that loues patron , or some sacred muse , amongst my passions , would such art infuse , my well-fram'd words , and aiery sighs might proue the happy blasts to re-inflame thy loue . or , at least , touch thee with thy fault so neere , that thou might'st see thou wrong'st , who held thee deere : seeing , confesse the same , and so abhorre it , abhorring , pitty , and repent thee for it . but ( deare ) i hope that i may call thee so , ( for thou art deare to mee , although a foe ) tell mee , is 't true , that i doe heare of thee , and , by thy absence , true appeares to bee ? can such abuse be in the court of loue , false and inconstant now , thou hee should'st proue ? he , that so wofull , and so pensiue sate , vowing his seruice at my feete of late ? art thou that quondam louer , whose sad eye i seldome saw yet , in my presence dry ? and from whose gentle-seeming tongue i know so many pitty-mouing words could flow ? was 't thou , so soughtst my loue , so seeking that as if it had been all th'hadst aymed at ? making me think thy passion without staine , and gently quite thee with my loue againe ? with this perswasion i so fairely plac'd it , nor time , nor enuy , should haue ere defac'd it ? is 't so ? haue i done thus much ? and art thou so ouer-cloyed with my fauours now ? art wearsed since with louing , and estranged so far ? is thy affection so much changed , that i of all my hopes must be deceyued , and all good thoughts of thee be quite bereaued ? then true i finde , which long before this day i fear'd my selfe , and heard some wiser say ; that there is nought on earth so sweet , that can long relish with the curious taste of man. happy was i ; yea , well it was with mee , before i came to be bewitch'd by thee . i ioy'd the sweet'st content that euer maid possessed yet ; and truely well-a-paid , made to my selfe ( alone ) as pleasant mirth as euer any virgine did on earth . the melody i vs'd was free , and such as that bird makes , whom neuer hand did touch ; but , vn-allur'd , ( with fowlers whistling ) flies aboue the reach of humane treacheries . and ( well i doe remember ) often then could i reade o're the pollicies of men ; discouer what vncertainties they were ; how they would sigh , looke sad , protest , and sweare ; nay , faigne to die , when they did neuer proue the slendrest touch of a right-worthy loue : but had chil'd hearts , whose dulnesse vnderstood no more of passion , then they did of good . all which i noted well , and in my minde ( a generall humour amongst women-kinde ) this vow i made ; ( thinking to keepe it than ) that neuer the faire tongue of any man , nor his complaint , though neuer so much grieu'd , should moue my heart to liking whil'st i liu'd . but , who can say , what she shall liue to do ? i haue beleeu'd , and let in liking to , and that so farre , i cannot yet see how i may so much as hope , to helpe it now ; which makes mee thinke , what e're we women say , another minde will come another day . and that men may to things vnhop'd for clime , who watch but opportunity and time. for 't is well knowne , we were not made of clay , or such course , and ill-temper'd stuffe as they . for he that fram'd vs of their flesh , did daigne when 't was at best , to new refine't againe . which makes vs euer since the kinder creatures , of farre more flexible , and yeelding natures . and as wee oft excell in outward parts , so wee haue nobler and more gentle hearts . which , you well knowing , daily doe deuise how to imprint on them your cruelties . but doe i sinde my cause thus bad indeed ? or else on things imaginary feed ? am i the lasse that late so truly iolly , made my selfe merry oft , at others folly ? am i the nymph that cupids fancies blam'd , that was so cold , so hard to be inflam'd ? am i my selfe ? or is my selfe that shee who from this thraldome , or such falshoods free , late own'd mine owne heart , and full merry then , did fore-warne others to beware of men ? and could not , hauing taught them what to doe , now learne my selfe , to take heede of you to ? foole that i am , i feare my guerdon's iust , in that i knew this , and presum'd to trust . and yet ( alas ) for ought that i could tell , one sparke of goodnesse in the world might dwell : and then , i thought , if such a thing might be , why might not that one sparke remaine in thee ? for thy faire out-side , and thy fayrer tongue , did promise much , although thy yeares were young . and vertue ( wheresoeuer she be now ) seem'd then , to sit enthron'd vpon thy brow . yea , sure it was : but , whether 't were or no , certaine i am , and was perswaded so . which made me loth to thinke , that words of fashion , could be so fram'd , so ouer-laid with passion ; or sighes so feeling , fain'd from any brest . nay , say thou hadst been false in all the rest ; yet from thy eye , my heart such notice tooke , me thought , guile could not faine so sad a looke . but now i 'ue try'd , my bought experience knowes , they oft are worst that make the fairest showes . and howsoe're men faine an outward grieuing , 't is neither worth respecting , nor belieuing : for , she that doth one to her mercy take , warmes in her bosome but a frozen snake : which heated with her fauours , gather sence , and stings her to the heart in recompence . but tell me why , and for what secret spight you in poore womens miseries delight ? for so it seemes ; else why d' yee labour for that , which when 't is obtained , you abhor ? or to what end doe you endure such paine to win our loue , and cast it off againe ? oh that we either your hard hearts could borrow , or else your strengths , to helpe vs beare our sorrow : but we are cause of all this griefe and shame , and we haue none but our owne selues to blame : for still we see your falshood for our learning . yet neuer can haue power to tak 't for warning ; but ( as if borne to be deluded by you ) we know you trustlesse , and yet still we try you . ( alas ) what wrong was in my power to doe thee ? or what despight haue i er'e done vnto thee ? that thou shouldst chuse me , aboue all the rest , to bethy scorne , and thus be made a iest ? must mens il natures such true villaines proue them , to make thē wrong those most that most do loue them ; couldst thou finde none in countrey , towne or court , but onely me , to make thy foole , thy sport ? thou knowst i haue no wanton courses runne , nor seemed easie vnto lewdnesse wonne . and ( though i cannot boast me of much wit , ) thou saw'st no signe of fondnesse in me yet . nor did ill nature euer so ore-sway me , to flout at any that did woe or pray me , but grant i had been guilty of abusage , of thee i 'me sure i ne're deseru'd such vsage . but thou wert grieued to behold my smilings . when i was free from loue , and thy beguilings . or to what purpose else didst thou bestow thy time , and study to delude me so ? hast thou good parts ? and dost thou bend them all to bring those that ne're hated thee in thrall ? prethee take heed , although thou yet inioy'st them they 'l be tooke from thee , if thou so imploy'st them . for though i wish not the least harme to thee , i feare , the iust heauens will reuenged be . oh! what of mee by this time had become , if my desires with thine had hapt to rome , or i , vnwisely , had consented to what ( shamelesse ) once thou didst attempt to doe ? i might haue falne , by those immodest trickes , had not some power beene stronger then my sex. and if i should haue so been drawne to folly , i saw thee apt enough to be vnholy . or if my weakenesse had beene prone to sinne , i poorely by thy strength had succour'd bin . you men make vs belieue you doe but try , and that 's your part , ( you say ) ours to deny . yet i much feare , if we through frailty stray , there 's few of you within your bounds will stay ; but , maugre all your seeming vertue , be as ready to forget your selues , as we . i might haue fear'd thy part of loue not strong , when thou didst offer me so base a wrong : and that i after loath'd thee not , did proue in mee some extraordinary loue. for sure had any other but in thought , presum'd vnworthily what thou hast sought , might it appeare , i should doe thus much for him , with a scarce reconciled hate abhorre him . my young experience neuer yet did know whether desire might range so farre , or no , to make true louers carelesly request , what rash enioyning makes them most vnblest , or blindly thorow frailty giue consenting to that , which done brings nothing but repenting . but in my iudgement it doth rather proue that they are fir'd with lust , then warm'd with loue . and if it be for proofe men so proceed , it shewes a doubt , else what doe tryals neede ? and where is that man liuing euer knew that false distrust , could be with loue that 's true ? since the meere cause of that vnblam'd effect , such an opinion is , that hates suspect . and yet , thee and thy loue i will excuse , if thou wilt neither me , nor mine abuse . for , i le suppose thy passion made thee proffer that vnto me , thou to none else wouldst offer , and so , thinke thou , if i haue thee deni'd , whom i more lou'd then all men else beside ; what hope haue they such fauour to obtaine , that neuer halfe so much respect could gaine ? such was my loue , that i did value thee aboue all things below eternity . nothing on earth vnto my heart was nearer no ioy so prized , nor no iewell dearer . nay : i doe feare i did idolatrize ; for which heauens wrath inflicts these miseries , and makes the things which were for blessings lent , to be renewers of my discontent . where was there any of the naiades , the dryad's , or the hamadryades ? which of the brittish shires can yeeld againe , a mistresse of the springs , or wood , or plaine ? whose eye enioy'd more sweet contents then mine , till i receiu'd my ouerthrow by thine ? where 's she did more delight in springs and rils ? where 's she that walk'd more groues , or downs , or hils ? or could by such faire artlesse prospect , more adde by conceit , to her contentments store then i ; whilst thou wert true , and with thy graces didst giue a pleasing presence to those places ? but now what is ? what was hath ouerthrowne , my rose deckt allies , now with rue are strowne ; and from those flowers that honyed vse to be , i sucke nought now but iuyce to poyson mee . for eu'n as she , whose gentle spirit can raise , to apprehend loues noble mysteries , spying a precious iewell richly set , shine in some corner of her cabenet , taketh delight at first to gaze vpon the pretty lustre of the sparkling stone , ( and pleas'd in mind , by that doth seeme to see how vertue shines through base obscurity ; ) but prying neerer , seeing it doth proue some relique of her deere deceased loue , which to her sad remembrance doth lay ope , what she most sought , and sees most far from hope : fainting almost beneath her passions weight , and quite forgetfull of her first conceit : looking vpon 't againe , from thence she borrowes sad melancholy thoughts to feed her sorrowes . so i beholding natures curious bowers , seel'd , strow'd , and trim'd vp with leaues , hearbes , and flowers . walke pleased on a while , and doe deuize , how on each obiect i may moralize . but er'e i pace on many steps , i see there stands a hawthorne that was trim'd by thee : here thou didst once slip off the virgin sprayes , to crowne me with a wreath of liuing bayes . on such a banke i see how thou didst lye , when viewing of a shady muthery , the hard mishap thou didst to me discusse of louing thysbe , and young piramus : and oh ( thinke i ) how pleasing was it then , or would be yet , might he returne agen . but if some neighbouring row doe draw me to those arbors , where the shadowes seeme to wooe the weary loue-sicke passenger , to sit and view the beauties nature strowes on it ; how faire ( thinke i ) would this sweet place appeare , if he i loue , were present with me heere . nay , euery seuerall obiect that i see , doth seuerally ( me thinkes ) remember thee . but the delight i vs'd from thence to gather , i now exchange for eares , and seeke them rather . but those whose dull and grosse affections can extend but onely to desire a man , cannot the depth of these rare passions know : for their imaginations flagge too low . and cause their base conceits doe apprehend nothing but that whereto the flesh doth tend ; in loues embraces they neere reach vnto more of content than the brute creatures do . neither can any iudge of this , but such whose brauer mindes for brauer thoughts doe touch . and hauing spirits of a nobler frame , feele the true heate of loues vnquenched flame . they may conceiue aright what smarting sting to their remembrances the place will bring , where they did once enioy , and then doe misse , what to their soules most deere and precious is . with mee 't is so ; for those walkes that once seem'd pleasing , when i of thee was more esteem'd , to me appeare most desolate and lonely , and are the places now of torment onely . where i the highest of contents did borrow , there am i paid it home with deepest sorrow . vnto one place , i doe remember well , we walkt the eu'nings to heare phylomel : and that seemes now to want the light it had , the shadow of the groue's more dull and sad , as if it were a place but fit for fowles , that screech ill-lucke ; as melancholy owles , or fatall rauens , that seld ' boding good , ●●●ke their blacke auguries from some darke wood . then if from thence i halfe despairing goe , another place begins another wo : for thus vnto my thought it semes to say , hither thou saw'st him riding once that way : thither to meete him thou didst nimbly hast thee , you he alighted , and eu'n there embrac'd thee : which whilst i sighing wish to doe againe , another obiect brings another paine . for passing by that greene , which ( could it speake ) would tell it saw vs run at barly-breake ; there i beheld , what on a thin rin'd tree thou hadst engrauen for the loue of me ; when we two , all one in heate of day , with chaste imbraces draue swift houres away . then i remember to ( vnto my smart ) how loath we were , when time compel'd to part ; how cunningly thy passions thou couldst faine , in taking leaue , and comming backe againe : so oft , vntill ( as seeming to forget we were departing ) downe againe we set ? and freshly in that sweet discourse went on , which now i almost faint to thinke vpon . viewing againe those other walkes and groues that haue beene witnesses of our chaste loues ; when i beheld those trees whose tender skin hath that cut out , which still cuts me within . or come , by chance , vnto that pretty rill where thou wouldst fit , and teach the neighbouring hill to answere , in an eccho , vnto those rare problems which thou often didst propose . when i come there ( thinke i ) if these could take that vse of words and speech which we partake , they might vnfold a thousand pleasures then which i shall neuer liue to taste agen . and thereupon , remembrance doth so racke my thoughts , with representing what i lacke , that in my minde those clerkes doe argue well , which hold priuation the great'st plague of hell . for there 's no torment gripes mee halfe so bad , as the remembrance of those joyes i had . oh hast thou quite forgot , when sitting by the bankes of thame , beholding how the fry play'd on the siluer-waues ? there where i first granted to make my fortune thus accurst ; there where thy too-too earnest suit compeld my ouer-soone beleeuing heart to yeeld one fauour first , which then another drew to get another , till ( alas ) i rue that day and houre , thinking i nere should need ( as now ) to grieue for doing such a deed . so freely i my curtesies bestow'd , that whose i was vnwarily i show'd : and to my heart such passage made for thee , thou canst not to this day remoued be , and what breast could resist it , hauing seene how true thy loue had in appearance beene ? for ( i shall ne're forget ) when thou hadst there laid open euery discontent and care , wherewith thou deeply seem'dst to me opprest , when thou ( as much as any could protest ) had'st vow'd and sworne , and yet perceiu'dst no signe of pitty-mouing in this brest of mine : well loue ( sald'st thou ) since neither sigh nor vow , nor any seruice may auaile me now : since neither the recitall of my smart , nor those strong passions that assaile my heart ; nor any thing may moue thee to beliefe of these my sufferings , or to grant reliefe : since there 's no comfort , nor desert , that may get mee so much as hope of what i pray ; sweet loue farewell ; farewell faire beauties light , and euery pleasing obiect of the sight : my poore despayring heart heere biddeth you , and all content , for euermore , adue . then eu'n as thou seemd'st ready to depart ; reaching that hand , which after gaue my hart , ( and thinking this sad farewell did proceed from a sound breast , but truely mou'd indeed ) i stayed thy departing from mee so , whilst i stood mute with sorrow , thou for show . and the meane while as i beheld thy looke , my eye th' impression of such pitty tooke , that , with the strength of passion ouercome , a deep-fetcht sigh my heart came breathing from : whereat thou ( euer wisely vsing this to take aduantage when it offered is ) renewd'st thy sute to mee , who did afford consent , in silence first , and then in word . so that for yeelding thou maist thanke thy wit , and yet when euer i remember it , trust me , i muse , and often ( wondring ) thinke , thorough what craney , or what secret chinke that loue , vnwares so like a slye close else , did to my heart insinuate it selfe . gallants i had , before thou cam'st to woo , could as much loue , and as well court me to ; and , though they had not learned so the fashion , of acting such well counterfeited passion ; in wit , and person , they did equall thee , and worthier seem'd , vnlesse thou l't faithfull be . yet still vnmou'd , vnconquer'd i remain'd : no , not one thought of loue was entertain'd : nor could they brag of the least fauour to them , saue what meere curtesie enioyn'd to doe them . hard was my heart : but would 't had harder bin , and then , perhaps , i had not let thee in ; thou , tyrant , that art so imperious there , and onely tak'st delight to dominere . but held i out such strong , such oft assailing , and euer kept the honour of preuailing ? was this poore breast from loues allurings free , cruell to all , and gentle vnto thee ? did i vnlocke that strong affections dore , that neuer could be broken ope before , onely to thee ? and , at thy intercession , so freely giue vp all my hearts possession : that to my selfe i left not one poore veine , nor power , nor will , to put thee from 't againe ? did i doe this , ( and all on thy bare vow ) and wilt thou thus requite my kindnesse now ? oh that thou eyther hadst not learn'd to faine , or i had power to cast thee off againe ! how is it that thou art become so rude , and ouer-blinded by ingratitude ? swar'st thou so deeply that thou wouldst perseuer . that i might thus be cast away for euer ? well , then ' as true , that louers periuries , among some men , are thought no iniuries : and that she onely hath least cause of griefe , who of your words hath smal'st , or no beliefe . had i the wooer bin , or fondly won , this had bin more tho , then thou couldst haue don ; but , neither being so , what reason is on thy side , that should make thee offer this ? i know , had i beene false , or my faith fail'd , thou wouldst at womens ficklenesse haue rail'd ; and if in mee it had an error bin , in thee shall the same fault be thought no sin ? rather i hold that which is bad in mee , will be a greater blemish vnto thee : because , by nature , thou art made more strong , and therefore abler to endure a wrong . but 't is our fortune , you 'le haue all the power , onely the care and burden must be our . nor can you be content a wrong to do , vnlesse you say the blame vpon vs to . oh that there were some gentle minded poet that knew my heart , as well as now i know it ; and would endeare me to his loue so much , to giue the world ( though but ) a slender touch of that sad passion which now clogs my heart , and shew my truth , and thee how false thou art : that all might know , what is beleeu'd by no man , there 's ficklenesse in men , and faith in woman . thou saw'st i first let pitty in , then liking , and lastly , that which was thy onely seeking : and , when i might haue scorn'd that loue of thine , ( as now vngently thou despisest mine , ) among the inmost angles of my brest , to lodge it by my heart i thought it best : which thou hast stolne to , like a thankelesse mate , and left mee nothing but a blacke selfe hate . what canst thou say for this , to stand contending ? what colour hast thou left for thy offending ? thy wit , perhaps , can some excuse deuise , and faine a colour for those iniuries ; but well i know , if thou excuse this treason , it must be by some greater thing then reason . are any of those vertues yet defac'd , on which thy first affection seemed plac'd ? hath any secret foe my true faith wronged , to rob the blisse that to my heart belonged ? what then ? shall i condemned be vnheard , before thou knowest how i may be clear'd ? thou art acquainted with the times condition , know'st it is full of enuy , and suspition , so that the war'est in thought , word , and action , shall oft be iniur'd , by foule-mouth'd datraction : and therefore thou ( me-thinkes ) should'st wisely pause before thou credit rumors without cause . but i haue gotten such a confidence in thy opinion , of my innocence : it is not that , i know , with-holds thee now , sweet , tell mee then ; is it some sacred vow ? hast thou resolued , not to ioyne thy hand with any one in hymens holy band ? thou shouldst haue done it then , when thou wert free , before thou hadst bequeath'd thy selfe to mee . what vow dost deeme more pleasing vnto heauen , then what is by vnfained louers giuen ? if any be , yet sure it frowneth at those that are made for contradicting that . but , if thou wouldst liue chastely all thy life , that thou maist do , though we be man and wife : or , if thou long'st a virgin-death to die , why ( if it be thy pleasure ) so doe i. make mee but thine , and i 'le ( contented ) be a virgin still , yet liue and lie with thee . then let not thy inuenting braine assay to mocke , and still delude mee euery way ; but call to minde , how thou hast deepely sworne nor to neglect , nor leaue mee thus forlorne . and if thou wilt not be to mee as when wee first did loue , doe but come see mee then . vouchsafe that i may sometime with thee walke , or sit and looke on thee , or heare thee talke ; and i that most content once aymed at , will thinke there is a world of blisse in that . dost thou suppose that my desires denies with thy affections well to sympathize ? or such peruersnesse hast thou found in me , may make our natures disagreeing be ? thou knowst when thou didst wake i could not sleepe ; and if thou wert but sad , that i should weepe . yet ( euen when the teares my cheeke did staine ) if thou didst smile , why i could smile againe : i neuer did contrary thee in ought : nay , thou canst tell , i oft haue spake thy thought . waking ; the selfe-same course with thee i runne , and sleeping , oftentimes our dreames were one . the dyall-needle , though it sence doth want , still bends to the beloued adamant ; lift the one vp , the other vpward tends ; if this fall downe , that presently descends : turne but about the stone , the steele turnes to ; then straight returnes , if so the other do ; and , if it stay , with trembling keepes one place , as if it ( panting ) long'd for an imbrace . so was 't with mee : for , if thou merry wert , that mirth of thine , mou'd ioy within my heart : i sighed to , when thou didst sigh or frowne : when thou wert sicke , thou hast perceiu'd me swoone ; and being sad , haue oft , with forc'd delight , striu'd to giue thee content beyond my might . when thou wouldst talke , then haue i talk'd with thee , and silent been , when thou wouldst silent be . if thou abroad didst goe , with ioy i went ; if home thou lou'dst , at home was my content : yea , what did to my nature disagree , i could make pleasing , cause it pleased thee . but , if 't be either my weake sex , or youth , makes thee misdoubt my vndistained truth , know this ; as none ( till that vnhappy hower , when i was first madethine , ) had euer power to moue my heart , by vowes , or teares expence ; no more ( i sweare ) could any creature since . no lookes but thine , though aim'd with passions art , could pierce so deepe to penetrate my hart . no name but thine , was welcome to my care ; no word did i so soone , so gladly heare : nor euer could my eyes behold or see , what i was since delighted in , but thee . and sure thou wouldst beleeue it to be so , if i could tell , or words might make thee know , how many a weary night my tumbled bed hath knowne me sleepelesse : what salt-teares i 'ue shed ; what scalding-sighes , the markes of soules opprest , haue hourely breathed from my carefull brest . nor wouldst thou deeme those waking sorrowes 〈◊〉 if thou mightst see how sleeping i am paind . for if sometimes i chance to take a slumber , vnwelcome dreames my broken rest doth cumber . which dreaming makes me start , starting with feares wakes ; and so by waking i renew my cares : vntill my eyes ore-tir'd with watch and weeping , drownd in their owne flouds fall againe to sleeping . oh! that thou couldst but thinke , when last wee parted , how much i , grieuing for thy absence , smarted : my very soule fell sicke , my heart to aking , as if they had their last farewels beene taking ; or feared by some secret diuination , this thy reuolt , and causelesse alteration . didst thou not feele how loth that hand of mine , was to let goe the hold it had of thine ? and with what heauy , what vnwilling looke i leaue of thee , and then of comfort tooke ? i know thou didst ; and though now thus thou doe , i am deceiu'd , but then it grieu'd thee to . then , if i so with loues fell passion vext for thy departure onely was perplext , when i had left to strengthen me some trust ; and hope , that thou wouldst nere haue prou'd vniust : what was my torture then , and hard endurance , when of thy falshood i receiu'd assurance . alas , my tongue , a-while , with griefe was dumbe , and a cold shuddering did my ioynts benumme , amazement seiz'd my thought , and so preuailed , i found me ill , but knew not what i ailed . nor can i yet tell , since my suffering then was more then could be showne by poets pen ; or well conceiu'd by any other hart then that which in such care hath borne a part . oh me ; how loth was i to haue beleeu'd that to be true , for which so much i grieu'd ? how gladly would i haue perswaded bin , there had bin no such matter , no such sin . i would haue had my heart thinke that ( i knew to be the very truth ) not to be true . why may not this , thought i , some vision be , some sleeping dreame , or waking phantasie , begotten by my ouer-blinded folly , or else engendred through my melancholy ? but finding it so reall ( thought i ) then must i be cast from all my hopes agen ? what are become of all those fading blisses , which late my hope had , and now so much misses ? where is that future fickle happinesse which i so long expected to possesse ? and , thought i to ; where are his dying passions , his honied words , his bitter lamentations ? to what end were his sonnets , epigrams , his pretty posies , witty anagrams ? i could not thinke , all that might haue been fain'd , nor any faith , i thought so firme , bin stain'd . nay , i doe sure and confidently know , it is not possible it should be so : if that rare art and passion was thine owne , which in my presence thou hast often showne . but , since thy change , my much-presaging heart is halfe afraid , thou some impostor wert : or that thou didst but ( player-like addrest ) act that which flow'd from some more gentle brest . thy puft inuention , with worse matter swolne , those thy conceits from better wits hath stolne : or else ( i know ) it could not be , that thou shouldst be so ouer-cold as thou art now ; since those , who haue that , feelingly , their owne , euer possesse more worth conceal'd , then knowne . and if loue euer any mortals touch , to make a braue impression , 't is in such , who sworne loues chaplaines , will not violate that , whereunto themselues they consecrate . but oh you noble brood , on whom the world the slighted burthen of neglect hath hurl'd , ( because your thoughts for higher obiects borne , their groueling humors and affection scorne ) you , whom the gods , to heare your straines , will follow , whilst you doe court the sisters of apollo . you , whom there 's none that 's worthy , can neglect , or any that vnworthy is , affect . oh let not those that seeke to doe you shame , bewitch vs with those songs they cannot frame : the noblest of our sexe , and fairest to , doe euer loue and honour such as you . then wrong vs not so much to giue your passion to those that haue it but in imitation : and in their dull breasts neuer feele the power of such deepe thoughts as sweetly moue in your . as well as you , they vs thereby abuse , for ( many times ) when we our louers chuse , where we thinke nature , that rich iewell , sets which shines in you , we light on counterfets . but see , see whither discontentment beares me , and to what vncoth straines my passion reares me : yet pardon me , i here , againe repent , if i haue erred through that discontent . be what thou wilt , be counterfeit or right , be constant , serious , or be vaine , or light , my loue remaines inuiolate the same , thou canst be nothing that can quench this flame , but it will burne as long as thou hast breath to keepe it kindled ( if not after death ) nere was there one more true , then i to thee , and though my faith must now despised be , vnpriz'd , vnualued at the lowest rate , yet this i le tell thee , 't is not all thy state , nor all that better-seeming worth of thine , can buy thee such another loue as mine : liking it may , but oh there 's as much oddes , twixt loue and that , as betweene men and gods. it is a purchase not procur'd with treasure , as some fooles thinke , nor to be gaind at pleasure : for were it so , and any could assure it , what would not some men part with , to procure it ? but though thou weigh't not , as thou ought'st to do , thou knowst i loue ; and once didst loue mee to . then where 's the cause of this dislike in thee ? suruey thy selfe , i hope there 's none in mee . yet looke on her from whom thou art estranged ? see , is my person , or my beauty changed ? once thou didst praise it , prethee view 't agen , and marke i ft be not still the same t was then : no false vermilion-dye my cheeke distaines , 't is the poore bloud disperst through pores and vaines , which thou hast oft seen through my fore-head flushing , to shew no dawby-colour hid my blushing : nor neuer shall : vertue , i hope , will saue mee , contented with that beauty nature gaue mee . or , i ft seeme lesse , for that griefes-vaile had hid it , thou threwst it on mee , 't was not i that did it , and canst againe restore , what may repaire all that 's decay'd , and make me far more faire . which if thou doe , i 'le be more wary than to keep 't for thee vnblemisht , what i can : and cause at best 't will want much of perfection , the rest shall be supply'd with true affection . but i doe feare , it is some others riches , whose more abundance that thy minde bewitches , that baser obiect , that too generall aime , makes thee my lesser fortune to disclaime . fie , canst thou so degenerate in spirit , as to prefer the meanes before the merit ? ( a though i cannot say it is in mee ) such worth sometimes with pouerty may be to equalize the match she takes vpon her ; tho th' other vaunt of birth , wealth , beauty , honour : and many a one that did for greatnesse wed , would gladly change it for a meaner bed . yet are my fortunes knowne indifferent , not basely meane , but such as may content : and though i yeeld the better to be thine , i may be bold to say thus much , for mine ; that if thou couldst of them and me esteeme , neither thy state , nor birth , would mis-beseeme : or if it did ; how can i help't ( alas ) thou , not alone , before knew'st what it was . but i ( although not fearing so to speed ) did also disinable't more than need , and yet thou woo'dst , and wooing didst perseuer , as if thou hadst intended loue for euer : yea , thy account of wealth thou mad'st so small , thou had'st not any question of 't at all ; but hating much that peasant-like condition , did'st seeme displeas'd i held it in suspition . whereby i thinke , if nothing else doe thwart vs , it cannot be the want of that will part vs. yea , i doe rather doubt indeed , that this the needlesse feare of friends displeasure is . yes , that 's the barre which stops out my delight , and all my hope and ioy confoundeth quite , but beares there any in thy heart such sway to shut mee thence , and wipe thy loue away ? can there be any friend that hath the power , to disvnite hearts so conioyn'd as our ? e're i would haue so done by thee ; i 'de rather haue parted with one deerer then my father . for though the will of our creator bindes each childe to learne and know his parents mindes ; yet sure i am , so iust a deitie , commandeth nothing against pietie . nor doth that band of duty giue them leaue , to violate their faith , or to deceiue . and though that parents haue authority , to rule their children in minority : yet they are neuer granted such power on them , that will allow to tyrannize vpon them ; or vse them vnder their command so ill , to force them , without reason , to their will. for who hath read in all the sacred-writ , of any one compeld to marriage ( yet ? ) what father so vnkinde ( thereto requir'd ) denide his childe the match that he desir'd , so that he found the lawes did not forbid it ? i thinke those gentler ages no men did it . in those daies therefore for them to haue bin contracted without licence had been sin ? since there was more good nature among men , and euery one more truly louing then . but now ( although we stand obliged still to labour for their liking , and good-will ) there is no duty whereby they may tie vs from ought which without reason they deny vs : for i do thinke , it is not onely meant , children should aske , but parents should consent : and that they erre , their duty as much breaking , for not consenting , as we not for speaking . " it is no maruell many matches be " concluded now without their priuity ; " since they , through greedy auarice misled , " their interest in that haue forfeited . for , some respectlesse of all care , doe marry hot youthfull - may , to cold old - ianuary . some , for a greedy end , doe basely tie the sweetest-faire , to soule-deformitie . forcing a loue from where 't was placed late , to re-ingraffe it where it turnes to hate . it seemes no cause of hindrance in their eyes , though manners nor affections sympathize . and two religions by their rules of state , they may in one made body tolerate ; as if they did desire that double stemme , should fruitfull beare but neuters like to them . alas , how many numbers of both kindes by that haue euer discontented mindes : and liue ( though seeming vnto others well ) in the next torments vnto those of hell ? how many , desprate growne by this their sinne , haue both vndone themselues and all their kinne ? many a one , we see , it makes to fall with the too-late repenting prodigall . thousands ( though else by nature gentler giuen , ) to act the horridst murthers oft are driuen . and ( which is worse ) there 's many a carelesse else , ( vnlesse heauen pitty ) kils and damnes his selfe . oh what hard heart , or what vnpittying eyes , could hold from teares to see those tragedies , parents , by their neglect in this , haue hurld vpon the stage of this respectlesse world ? 't is not one man , one family , one kinne , no nor one countrey that hath ruin'd bin by such their folly , which the cause hath prou'd , that forraine oft , and ciuill warres were mou'd by such beginnings many a city lies now in the dust , whose turrets brau'd the skies : and diuers monarchs by such fortunes crost , haue seene their kingdomes fir'd , and spoil'd , and lost ▪ yet all this while , thou seest , i mention not , the ruine , shame , and chastity hath got ; for 't is a taske too infinite to tell how many thousands that would haue done well , doe , by the meanes of this , suffer desires to kindle in their hearts vnlawfull fires : nay some , in whose could breast nere flame had bin , haue onely for meere vengeance falne to sin . my selfe haue seene , and my heart bled to see 't , a wit-lesse clowne enioy a match vnmeet . she was a lasse that had a looke to moue the heart of cold diogenes to loue : her eye was such , whose euery glance did know to kindle flames vpon the hils of snow ; and by her powerfull piercings could imprint , or sparkle fire into a heart of flint : and yet ( vnlesse i much deceiued be ) in very thought did hate immodestie . and ( had sh'enioyd the man she could haue lou'd ) might , to this day , haue liued vn-reprou'd : but , being forc'd , perforce , by seeming ▪ friends , with her consent , she her contentment ends . in that , compel'd , her-selfe to him shee gaue , whose bed , shee rather could haue with● her graue ; and since , i heare , what i much feare is true , that shee hath hidden shame and fame adue . such are the causes now that parents quite are put beside much of their ancient right : their feare of this , makes children to with-hold from giuing them those dues which else they would : and these thou see'st are the too-fruitfull ils , which daily spring from their vnbridled wils . yet they , forsooth , will haue it vnderstood , that all their study , is their childrens good . a seeming - loue shall couer all they do : when , if the matter were well look't into , their carefull reach is chiefly to fulfill their owne foule , greedy , and insatiate will : who , quite forgetting they were euer young , would haue the children dote , with them , on dung . grant , betwixt two , there be true loue , content , birth not mis seeming , wealth sufficient , equality in yeares , an honest fame , in euery-side the person without blame , and they obedient too : what can you gather of loue , or of affection , in that father , that but a little to augment his treasure , ( perhaps , no more but onely for his pleasure , ) shall force his childe to one he doth abhor , from her he loues , and justly seeketh for ; compelling him ( for such mis-fortune grieu'd ) to die with care , that might with ioy haue liu'd ? this you may say is loue , and sweare as well , there 's paines in heauen , and delights in hell : or , that the diuels fury and austerity proceeds out of his care of our posterity . would parents ( in this age ) haue vs begin to take by their eyes , our affections in ? or doe they thinke we beare them in our fist , that we may still remoue them as wee list ? it is impossible it should be thus , for we are rul'd by loue , not loue by vs : and so our power so much ner'e reached to , to know where we shall loue , vntill we doe . and when it comes , hide it awhile wee may , but 't is not in our strengths to driu't away . either mine owne eye should my chuser be , or i would ner'e weare hymens liuery . for who is he so neare my heart doth rest , to know what 't is , that mine approued best ? i haue my selfe beheld those men , whose frame and outward personages had nought of blame : they had ( what might their good proportion grace ) the much more mouing part , a comely face , with many of those complements , which we in common men , of the best breeding see . they had discourse , and wit enough to carry themselues in fashion , at an ordinary ; gallants they were , lou'd company and sport , wore fauours , and had mistresses in court. and euery way were such as well might seeme worthy of note , respect , and much esteeme ; yet hath my eye more cause of liking seene , where nought perhaps by some hath noted beene : and i haue there found more content , by farre , where some of those perfections wanting are ; yea so much , that their beauties were a blot to them ( me thought ) because he had them not . there some peculiar thing innated , that beares an vncontrouled sway in this ; and nothing but itselfe knowes how to fit the minde with that which best shall suit with it . then why should parents thrust themselues into what they want warrant for , and power to doe ? how is it they are so forgetfull growne , of those conditions , that were once their owne ? doe they so dote amidst their wits perfection , to thinke that age and youth hath like affection ? ( when they doe see 'mong those of equall yeares , one hateth what another most endeares . ) or doe they thinke their wisedomes can inuent a thing to giue , that 's greater than content ? no , neither shall they wrap vs in such blindnesse , to make vs thinke the spight they doe , is kindnesse . for as i would aduise no childe to stray from the least duty that he ought to pay : so would i also haue him wisely know , how much that duty is which he doth owe : that knowing what doth vnto both belong , he may doe them their right , himselfe no wrong . for if my parents him i lothe should chuse , t is lawfull , yea my duty to refuse : else , how shall i leade so vpright a life , as is enioyned to the man and wife ? since that we see sometime there are repentings , eu'n where there are the most , and best contentings . what , though that by our parents first we liue ? is not life misery enough to giue ; which at their births the children doth vndo , vnlesse they adde some other mischiefe to ? cause they gaue being to this flesh of our , must we be therefore slaues vnto their power ? we nere desir'd it , for how could we tell , not being , but that not to be was well : nor know they whom they profit by it , seeing happy were some , if they had had no being . indeed , had they produc'd vs without sin , had all our duty to haue pleas'd them bin : of the next life , could they assure the state , and both beget vs and regenerate ; there were no reason then we should withstand to vndergoe their tyrannou'st command : in hope that either for our hard endurance , we should , at last , haue comfort in assurance : or , if in our endeauours we mis-sped , at least feele nothing when we should be dead . but what 's the reason for 't that we shall be inthral'd so much vnto mortality ? our soules on will of any men to tye vnto an euerlasting misery . so farre , perhaps to , from the good of either , we ruine them , our selues , and altogether . children owe much , i must confesse 't is true , and a great debt is to the parents due : yet if they haue not so much power to craue but in their owne defence the liues they gaue : how much lesse then , should they become so cruell as to take from them the high-prized iewell of liberty in choyce , whereon depends the maine contentment that the heauen here lends ? worth life , or wealth , nay far more worth then either or twenty thousand liues put all together . then howsoeuer some , seuerer bent , may deeme of my opinion , or intent , with that which followes thus conclude i doe : ( and i haue reason for 't , and conscience to ) no parent may his childes iust sute deny on his bare will , without a reason why : nor he so vs'd , be disobedient thought , if vnapprou'd , he take the match he sought . so then if that thy faith vncrazed be , thy friends dislike shall be no stop to me : for , if their will be not of force to doe it , they shall haue no cause else to driue them to it . what is it they against vs can alleage ? both young we are , and of the fittest age , if thou dissembledst not , both loue ; and both to admit hinderance in our loues are loth . 't is prejudiciall vnto none that liues ; and gods , and humane law our warrant giues . nor are we much vnequall in degree , perhaps our fortunes somewhat different be . but say that little meanes , which is , were not , the want of wealth may not dissolue this knot . for though some such preposterous courses wend , prescribing to themselues no other end , marr'age was not ordain'd t' enrich men by , vnlesse it were in their posterity . and he that doth for other causes wed , nere knowes the true sweetes of a marriage bed : nor shall he by my will , for 't is vnfit he should haue blisse that neuer aym'd at it . though that bewitching gold the rabble blindes , and is the obiect of all vulgar mindes : yet those , me-thinkes , that graced seeme to bee , with so much good as doth appeare in thee , should scorne their better-taught desires to tye to that , which fooles doe get their honour by . i can like of the wealth ( i must confesse ) yet more i prize the man , though mony-lesse . i am not of their humour yet , that can for title , or estate , affect a man ; or of my selfe , one body , deigne to make with him i lothe , for his possessions sake . nor wish i euer to haue that minde bred in me , that is in those ; who , when they wed , thinke it enough , they doe attaine the grace of some new honour , to fare well , take place , weare costly cloathes , in others sights agree , or happy in opinion seeme to bee . i weigh not this : for were i sure before of spencers wealth , or our rich suttons store ; had i therewith a man , whom nature lent , person enough to giue the eye content : if i no outward due , nor right did want , which the best husbands in appearance grant : nay , though alone we had no priuate iarres but merry liu'd from all domesticke cares ; vnlesse i thought his nature so incline , that it might also sympathize with mine , ( and yeeld such correspondence with my mind● our soules might mutually contentment find , by adding vnto these which went before , some certaine vnexpressed pleasures more , such as exceed the streight and curb'd dimensions of common mindes , and vulgar apprehensions ) i would not care for such a match , but tarry in this estate i am , and neuer marry . such were the sweets i hop'd to haue possest , when fortune should with thee haue made me bles●… my heart could hardly thinke of that content , to apprehend it without rauishment . each word of thine ( me-thought ) was to my eares more pleasing then that musicke , which the spheares ( they say ) doe make the gods , when in their chime , their motions diapason with the time , in my conceit , the opening of thine eye . seem'd to giue light to euery obiect by , and shed a kinde of life vnto my shew , on euery thing that was within it view . more ioy i 'ue felt to haue thee but in place , then many doe in the most close embrace of their beloued'st friend , which well doth proue , not to thy body onely tends my loue : but mounting a true height , growes so diuine , it makes my soule to fall in loue with thine . and sure now whatsoe're thy body doe , thy soule loues mine , and oft they visit too . for late i dream'd they went i know not whither , vnlesse to heauen , and there play'd together ; and to this day i nere could know or see , 'twixt them or vs the least antipathy , then what should make thee keepe thy person hence , or leaue to loue , or hold it in suspence ? if to offend thee i vnawares was driuen , is 't such a fault as may not be forgiuen ? or if by frownes of fate , i haue beene checkt , so that i seeme not worth thy first respect , shall i be therefore blamed and vpbraided , with what could not be holpen , or auoyded ? t is not my fault : yet cause my fortunes doe , wilt thou be so vnkinde to wrong me too ? not vnto thine , but thee i set my heart , so nought can wipe my loue out while thou art : though thou wert poorer both of house and meat , then he that knowes not where to sleepe or eat : though thou wert sunke into obscurity . become an abiect in the worlds proud eye , though by peruersenesse of thy fortune crost , thou wert deformed or some limbe had'st lost , that loue which admiration first begot , pitty would strengthen , that it failed not : yea , i should loue thee still , and without blame , as long as thou couldst keepe thy minde the same ; which is of vertues so compact ( i take it ) no mortall change shall haue the power to shake it . this may , and will ( i know ) seeme strange to those that cannot the abyss of loue disclose , nor must they thinke , whom but the out-side moues euer to apprehend such noble loues ; or more coniecture their vnsounded measure , then can we mortals of immortall pleasure . then let not those dull vnconceiuing braines , who shall hereafter come to reade these straines , suppose that no loues fire can be so great , because it giues not their cold clime such heate ; or thinke m'inuention could haue reached here vnto such thoughts , vnlesse such loue there were : for then they shall but shew their knowledge weake , and iniure me , that feele of what i speake . but now my lines grow tedious , like my wrong , and as i thought that , thou think'st this too long . or some may deeme , i thrust my selfe into more then beseemeth modesty to do . but of the difference i am not vnwitting , betwixt a peeuish coynesse , and things fitting : nothing respect i , who pries ore my doing : for here 's no vaine allurements , nor sond wooing , to traine some wanton stranger to my lure ; but with a thought that 's honest , chaste , and pure , i make my cause vnto thy conscience knowne , suing for that which is by right my owne . in which complaint , if thou doe hap to finde any such word , as seemes to be vnkind : mistake me not , it but from passion sprung , and not from an intent to doe thee wrong . or if among these doubts my sad thoughts breed , some ( peraduenture ) may be more then need they are to let thee know , might we dispute , there 's no obiections but i could refute ; and spight of enuy such defences make , thou shouldst embrace that loue thou dost forsake . then do not ( oh forgetfull man ) now deeme , that 't is ought lesse then i haue made it seeme . or that i am vnto this passion mou'd , because i cannot else-where be belou'd : or that it is thy state , whose greatnesse knowne , makes me become a suter for my owne : suppose not so ; for know this day there be some that wooe hard for what i offer thee : and i haue euer yet contented bin with that estate i first was placed in . banish those thoughts , and turne thee to my heart ; come once againe , and be what once thou wert . reuiue me by those wonted ioyes repairing , that am nigh dead with sorrowes and despairing : so shall the memory of this annoy , but adde more sweetnesse to my future ioy ; yea , make me thinke thou meantst not to deny me , but onely wert estranged thus , to try me . and lastly , for that loues sake thou once bar'st me , by that right hand thou gau'st , that oath thouswar'st me , by all the passions , and ( if any be ) for her deare sake that makes thee iniure me ; i here coniure thee ; no intreat and sue , that if these lines doe ouer-reach thy view , thou wouldst afford me so much fauour for them , as to accept , or at least not abhorre them . so though thou wholly cloake not thy disdaine , i shall haue somewhat the lesse cause to plaine : or if thou needs must scoffe at this , or me , do 't by thy selfe , that none may witnesse be . not that i feare 't will bring me any blame , onely i am loth the world should know my shame . for all that shall this plaint with reason view , will iudge me faithfull , and thee most vntrue . but if obliuion , that thy loue bereft , hath not so much good nature in thee left , but that thou must , as most of you men doe , when you haue conquer'd , tyrannize it too : know this before , that it is praise to no man to wrong so fraile a creature as a woman . and to insult or'e one , so much made thine , will more be thy disparagement then mine . but oh ( i pray that it portend no harmes ) a chearing heate my chilled senses warmes : iust now i flashing feele into my brest , a sudden comfort , not to be exprest ; which to my thinking , doth againe begin to warne my heart , to let some hope come in ; it tels me 't is impossible that thou shouldst liue not to be mine , it whispers how my former feares and doubts haue , beene in vaine , and that thou mean'st yet to returne againe . it saies thy absence from some cause did grow , which , or i should not , or i could not know . it tels me now , that all those proofes , whereby i seem'd assur'd of thy disloyalty , may be but treacherous plots of some base foes , that in thy absence sought our ouerthrowes . which if it proue ; as yet me thinkes it may , oh , what a burden shall i cast away ? what cares shall i say by ? and to what height towre in my new ascension to delight ? sure er'e the full of it i come to try , i shall eu'n surfet in my ioy and die . but such a losse might well be call'd a thriuing since more is got by dying so , then liuing . come kill me then , my deare , if thou thinke fit , with that which neuer killed woman yet : or write to me before , so shalt thou giue content more moderate that i may liue : and when i see my staffe of trust vnbroken , i will vnspeake againe what is mis-spoken . what i haue written in dispraise of men , i will recant , and praife as much agen ; in recompence i le adde vnto their stories , encomiasticke lines to ymp their glories . and for those wrongs my loue to thee hath done , both i and it vnto thy pitty runne : in whom , if the least guilt thou finde to be , for euer let thine armes imprison me . meane while i 'le try if misery will spare me so much respite , to take truce with care . and patiently await the doubtfull doome , which i expect from thee should shortly come much longing that i one way may be sped , and not still linger 'twixt aliue and dead . for i can neither liue yet as i should , because i least enioy of that i would ; nor quiet die , because ( indeed ) i first would see some better daies , or know the worst . then hasten deare , if to my end it be , it shall be welcome , cause it comes from thee . if to renew my comfort ought be sent , let me not loose a minute of content . the precious time is short , and will away , let vs enioy each other while we may . cares thriue , age creepeth on , men are but shades , ioyes lessen , youth decaies , and beauty fades ; new turnes come on , the old returneth neuer , if we let our goe past , 't is past for euer . finis . a metricall paraphrase vpon the creede . since it befits , that i account should giue what way vnto saluation i beleeue ; of my profession here the summe i gather . first , i confesse a faith in god the father : in god , who ( without helper or pertaker ) was of himselfe the worlds almighty maker , and first gaue time his being : who gaue birth to all the creatures , both of heauen and earth . our euerlasting wel-fare doth consist in his great mercies , and in iesus christ : ( the second person of that three in one ) the father's equall , and his onely sonne ; that euer-blessed , and incarnate word , which our redeemer is , our life , our lord. for when by sathans guile we were deceiued , christ was that meanes of helpe , which was conceiued ; yea , ( when we were in danger to be lost ) conceiued for vs , by the holy ghost . and that we might not euer be for-lorne , for our eternall safety he was borne ; borne as a man ( that man might not miseary ) euen of the substance of the virgin mary , and loe , a greater mercy , and a wonder ; he that can make all , suffer , suffered vnder the iewish spite ( which all the world reuile at ) and romish tyrannies of pontius pilate . in him doe i beleeue , who was enuied , who with extreamest hate was crucified : who being life it selfe ( to make assured our soules of safety ) was both dead , and buried ; and that no seruile feare in vs might dwell , to conquere , hee descended into hell : where no infernall power had power to lay command vpon him ; but on the third day the force of death and hell he did constraine , and so in triumph , he arose againe . yea , the almighty power aduanc'd his head , aswell aboue all things , as from the dead . then , that from thence gifts might to men be giuen , with glory , hee ascended into heauen : where , that supreame and euerlasting throne , which was prepar'd , he climb'd ; and sitteth on that blessed seate , where he shall make abode to plead for vs , at the right hand of god. and no where should he be enthroned rather , then there : for , he is god , as is the father . and therefore , with an equall loue delight i to praise and serue them both , as one almighty : ●et in their office there 's a difference . and i beleeue , that iesus christ , from thence , shall in the great and vniuersall doome , returne ; and that with angels he shall come , to question such as at his empire grudge ; euen those who haue presumed him to iudge . and that blacke day shall be so catholicke , as i beleeue not onely that the quicke to that assise shall all be summoned ; but , he will both adiudge them , and the dead . moreouer , in the godhead i conceiue another person , in whom i beleeue : for all my hope of blessednesse were lost , if i beleeu'd not in the holy ghost . and though vaine schismatickes through pride & folly contemne her power , i doe beleeue the holy chast spouse of christ ( for whom so many search by markes vncertaine ) the true cath'like church . i doe beleeue ( god keepe vs in this vnion , ) that there shall be for euer the communion of gods elect : and that he still acquaints his children in the fellowship of saints . though damned be mans naturall condition , by grace in christ i looke for the remission of all my foule misdeeds ; for , there begins deaths end , which is the punishment of sinnes . moreouer , i the sadduces infection abhorre , and doe beleeue the resurrection : yea , though i turne to dust ; yet through god , i expect a glorious rising of the body ; and that , exempted from the cares here rise , i shall enioy perfection and the life that is not subiect vnto change or wasting ; but euer blessed , and for euerlasting . this is my faith , which that it faile not when it most should steed me , let god say , amen . a metricall paraphase vpon the lords prayer to whom , that he so much vouchsafe me may , thus as a member of his church , i pray : lord , at thy mercy-seat , ourselues we gather , to doe our duties vnto thee , our father . to whom all praise , al honor , should be giuen : for , thou art that great god which art in heauē . thou by thy wisdome rul'st the worlds whole frame , for euer , therefore , hallowed be thy name . let neuer more delayes diuide vs from thy glories view , but let thy kingdome come . let thy commands opposed be by none , but thy good pleasure , and thy will be done . and let our promptnesse to obey , be euen the very same in earth , as 't is in heauen . then , for our selues , o lord , we also pray , thou wouldst be pleased to giue vs this day , that food of life wherewith our soules are fed , contented raiment , and our daily bread . with eu'ry needfull thing doe thou relieue vs : and , of thy mercy , pitty and forgiue vs all our misdeeds , in him whom thou didst please , to take in offering for our trespasses . and for as much , o lord , as we beleeue , thou so wilt pardon vs , as we forgiue ; let that loue teach vs , wherewith thou acquaints vs , to pardon all them , that trespasse against vs. and though sometime thou findst we haue forgot this loue , or thee ; yet helpe , and leade vs not through soule or bodies want , to desperation nor let abundance driue , into temptation . let not the soule of any true beleeuer , fall in the time of tryall : but deliuer yea , saue him from the malice of the diuell ; and both in life and death keepe vs from euill . thus pray we lord : and but of thee , from whom can this be had ? for thine is the kingdome . the world is of thy workes the grauen story , to thee belongs the power , and the glory . and this thy happinesse hath ending neuer : but shall remaine for euer , and for euer . this we confesse ; and will confesse agen , till we shall say eternally , amen . thou shalt write them vpon the postes of thy house , and vpon thy gates . deut. . . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e * ●ere re●ers and ●ibes the winter , 〈◊〉 was so ●…ing 〈…〉 the reason of the 〈◊〉 winter . 〈◊〉 cause of all 〈◊〉 dangers as 〈◊〉 during 〈◊〉 distempera●… of the ayre . he noteth the most 〈◊〉 alteration of 〈◊〉 weather a 〈◊〉 before these nuptials . the 〈…〉 preparation 〈◊〉 this 〈◊〉 the state wh●●… of ●is here ●●…gorically 〈◊〉 * meaning the 〈…〉 , and 〈…〉 of 〈…〉 on 〈◊〉 water , which 〈◊〉 most 〈…〉 . 〈…〉 workes 〈…〉 . a he declares what vs● is to be made of these showes and triumphes , and wha● meditations the minde may be occupied about , when 〈◊〉 behold them . * fire-workes . notes for div a -e the marriage being on s. valentines day , the author showes it by beginning with the salutation of a supposed valentine . a 〈◊〉 b wales , a tyber 〈◊〉 the ri●er which 〈…〉 rome . b white-●all . semel in anno ridet apol. a abuses stript and whipt . he noteth the mildnesse of the winter which , excepting that the beginning was very windy , was as temperate as the spring , moft men 〈◊〉 of opinion , ●hat this ●ay euery ●ird doth ●huse her ●ate for 〈◊〉 yeer . a by these he means the two masques , one of them being presented by the lords , the other by the gentry . notes for div a -e * hopes . notes for div a -e see pro. . . . the modern states-man. by g.w. esq wither, george, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing w ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing w estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the modern states-man. by g.w. esq wither, george, - . [ ], , [ ] p. printed, by henry hills, and are to be sold at his house at the sign of sir john old castle in py-corner, london : mdcliii. [ ] g.w. = george wither. includes a table of contents. reproduction of the original in the british library. eng political science -- early works to . great britain -- politics and government -- - -- early works to . a r (wing w ). civilwar no the modern states-man. by g.w. esq; wither, george f the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the f category of texts with or more defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the modern states-man . by g. w. esq {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} . plutarch . in hac ruina rerum stetit una integra atque immobilis virtus populi romani . haec omnia strata humi erexit , ac sustulit . livie . london , printed , by henry hills , and are to be sold at his house at the sign of sir john old castle in py-corner , mdcliii . to the reader . reader , i here present thee with a few conceptions and observations hudled together during my confinement to my chamber by an arrest from heaven ; my nobler part being then unwilling to ly idle , when the other was denyed the liberty of action : if i have not observed so exact a methode as thou mightst expect , let the distraction of my mind by bodily pains and weakness plead my excuse . thou mayest wonder perhaps to meet me walking abroad without a support , which was not from any overweening confidence in my own ability , but because i was ignorant where to find such an one as might lend me an hand ; and this , not that i could not have pick'd out one sufficient in my own apprehension , but in thine : for when i considered our divisions , what animosities , what parties , what factions are amongst us , i knew not where to elect the man might please all , and so rather would have none , than one that might creat a prejudice , or hinder any from looking into this little treatise of so publick concernment . we are all passengers in the publick vessel , therefore as wise mariners diligently observe the heavens , that they may not be taken unprovided by tempests : so ought we to enquire what may betide the publike , whereon our private quiet , and happiness depends . foresight is an half-prevention , and though it may not totally defend , yet will it take off the edge so far , that the evil shall not be able to pierce to the heart : let this then suffice to move thee to read on , whereby thou shalt be enabled to make a perfect judgement , whether happiness , or calamity attends the nation wherof thou art a member . sol et homo generant hominem , say the naturalists , and providence , and vertue concur in the begetting of a perfect and durable commonwealth , for divine influence , and humane activity are equally necessary to the generation of the politick , as well as natural body , and heaven and earth must join to make up an absolute compositum . observe then both god , and man , the actings of providence towards , and of vertue in a nation , and thou mayest foretell whether it will be well or ill with them , without going to a conjuror , or any star-gazing mountebank . farewell . the contents . chap . that there is by nature in all men an inquisitive desire after the knowledge of futurity ▪ the reason of this ; the means by which they have attempted it . chap. . that there is a way leads to this knowledge , and what it is . chap. . this may confirmed by reason and examples . chap. . an admonition to some amongst us . chap. . how england became a commonwealth , and what may be expected from such a beginning . chap. . the beginning of the commonwealth of rome , and the causes of its growth . chap. . a parallel . chap. . of providence , and vertue , and the concurrence of second causes . chap. . of the roman piety , the evil and danger of mock thansgivings . chap. . piety and valour not inconsistent ; piety rewarded in heathens , impiety punished . chap. . religion ingrafted in mans heart by nature . chap. . the outward means to be used ; ministers incouraged and maintained ; the christian magistrates duty . chap. . religion not to be made a stalking horse to ambition or avarice . chap. . the benefit of humane learning , and some objections answered . chap. . an answer to some objections in a book entituled , the saints guide . chap. . the abuse of learning no argument against the use of it . chap. . the mischief of ignorance . chap. . of moral vertue in general . chap. . of probity , and the practice of it among the romans . chap. . of prudence . chap. . of natural parts , experience , learning , and travel . chap. . of the prudence of the romans . chap. . of justice , and the roman practice of it . chap. . of laws , and the english laws . chap. . of fortitude . chap. . of temperance . the modern states-man . chap. i. that there is by nature in all men an inquisitive desire after the knowledge of futurity ; the reason of this ; the means by which they have attempted to attain this in all ages . there is , and hath alwayes been , in the generality of mankind , an itching desire , and ●ankering after the knowledge of future events , the sonnes of adam reaching out their hands to the forbidden tree , and catching at the fruit of it ; yea , this off-spring of eve longing for the greenest apples , the precocious knowledge of events , before they come to their just ripeness and maturity . and to say truth , the tree of knowledge is fair to the eye , and pleasant to the taste ; for as all notional dainties are delightful , so especially these prenotions and anticipations of things are the more sweet and delicious to the palates of men , because most of their being is treasured up in their future condition . they can find no satisfaction , no sabbath , no quiet in their present state , and therefore they would fain know what the next day , what the next year , what the next age will bring forth ; in the highest prosperity they fear a mutation , in the lowest adversity they are impatient for a change ; and hence it comes to passe , that futurity is the mark at which all levell the arrows of their counsels , their endeavours , their hopes , their desires , and their prayers . this hath caused them in all ages to have a sacred esteem of those who pretended skil in divination , as the honour conferred upon joseph by pharaoh , and the advancement of daniel by the chaldean and persian monarchs recorded in sacred writ undoubtedly makesout , to let passe the honours which the magi enjoyed among them , which are set down by those that wrote their histories . thus the jews who had the vrim and thummim , and prophets from god to enquire of , yet ranne a madding after wizzards , and such as had familiar spirits , had their false prophets by hundreds , yea , and sent to baalzebub the god of ekron , an oracle of the devils , to enquire , as in the life of ahaziah will appear . with how frequent , and costly sacrifices did the graecians adore their oracle-giving deities , purchasing an answer with a hecatomb , and with the bloud of a hundred dumb beasts conjuring their dumb devils , before the sullen fiends would vouchsafe to answer them ? and of what esteem were the sybills books among the romans , who with all other heathens were so inquisitive after the future , that they left no stone unrol'd to attain the knowledge of their fates ? there could not a bird chatter , but there was an augur to comment on , and expound its language . there could not a bird flye , but there was an auspex to watch it ; nor light , but he was ready to observe , and by its motions in the ayr interpret the revolutions of states and persons . there could not a sacrifice fall , but there was an aruspex to behold the posture of it , and by the quietnesse or strugling of the sensitive creature , to foretell the facilities or reluctancies in the affairs of rational beings ; and an exspex to consult the entrails , and by the colour of the inwards tell the complexion of outward affairs . there could not a line seem to be scribled on the hand , but there was a chiromancer to read them , and with his interlineary glosses expound them , giving a short synopsis of the future passages of this present life out of that enchiridion ( as they would have it ) of natures penning . the interpreter of dreames was set to judge in the horny and ivory gates of fancy , and as if the day were to receive light from the night , to regulate its walking motions , by th others slumbring intimations . to passe by those severall kinds of the same madnesse expressed in geomancy , by circles in the earth ; pyromancy , by fire ; hydromancy , by water ; necromancy , by the ghosts of the dead , &c. of which the nations were enamoured , the heaven it self could not escape them , but the astrologer with his key was to unlock the starry charracters , and out of them spell the fate of sublunary things . and here let me not be mistaken , for i am not of opinion that those glorious bodies were created only to twinckle in a clear night , i do believe them to have an influence on sublunary bodies , and see the moon empire it over the waters , & the humors increase , and decrease , as it fills , or is in the wane , yet are they not , i conceiv , so easie to be read as some pretend , if certainly to be known by any ; for i find the prince of the power of the air himself at loss in his conjectures , which made him so cautelous in his oraculous responsals , as plutarch in many places observes . and aquinas will have the crows , cranes , & swallows , those flying almanacks , more happy and successeful in their predictions , than our anni specula , which become often crack't & broken in their guessings at the weather and truly the giving such unequal representations of things most obvious , is a very bad into create a belief of their ability to foretell things far more imperceptible , and immaterial , that depend upon the will and decrees of god , and upon the motions of most free and indifferent agents ; yea , such as are confessed on all hands so able to oppose , that they cannot be compelled , for sapiens dominabitur astris , & it is related of socrates , that of a crabbed and dissolute disposition by nature , he became the most accomplished in his time by philosophy . but i shall not set bounds to other mens knowledge , nor circumscribe them within the circle of my own ignorance , they may have dawnings where i perceive no star-light ; yet take this along with you , that god often in text-hand declares his mind , in a comet , a blazing-star , and other fiery apparitions , as he did before the last destruction of jerusalem . and as the jews and heathens , so many christians have been tampering about futurities , how lawfully i cannot say , for i am persuaded we ought to acquiesc in gods revealed will ; god will have his children in some sense in diem vivere entertain fortune by the day , and he doth choose gradually and leasurely {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , to discover the thoughts he hath concerning them , that he might keep them in a waiting and obedient posture , in a posture of dependance , and expectation ; not that i would have them with anacreon cry out , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , give me to day , let who will take care for to morrow ; or with the stoicks lazily expect the blind-stroak of a conceited unavoidable fate ; but using all lawful and probable means , endeavour their countries , and in it their own future good . i confesse with that kingly prophet , that gods wayes are unsearchable , and his paths past finding out , that is in the hidden and secret bringing of things about , yet in his out-goings he will be observed , that his glory , his power , his justice , and his mercy may be made manifest unto the children of men ; thus we find his mighty works of creation , and redemption , of preservation , and castigation , all along recorded in the sacred registers of the old and new testaments ; and that for the comfort as well as instruction of his people ; in the writings of those glorious stars , the sacred pen-men , may the saints read their fortunes , and with comfort apply unto themselves the divine dispensations of god to his people . hath god brought england through a red sea of war out of egyptian bondage , and will he not perfect his work ? is the mighty hand of omnipotencie shortned that it cannot save ? or the loving kindnesse of the immutable deity changed that he will not save ? though the murmurers ( those repiners at gods hand , who would upon beds of down , with all ease and plenty be carried through the wildernesse ) may be cut off , and those low soules whom the height of the sons of anak hath caused to rebell against the most high be consumed ; and who knows whether for their sakes he hath not deferred to settle us in the promised land ? yet shal the caleb's and joshua's who have followed god fully be brought into it , and their seed shal possesse it ; though god may defer his mercies because of some mens infidelity , yet in his good time he will accomplish them , if his people walk worthy of them . let us not then despair , nor be impatient , but endeavour to fit our selves to receive them ; for the wise god , and our merciful father knows better what is good for us than our selves , his time is best , but let us from the bottom of our hearts eccho to that petition in the gospel , thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven . but i shal not insist further in applying scripture , and i could wish some ( i am persuaded godly persons ) had not been ( i fear ) to adventurous in misapplying it ; for surely if we warily look into those prophecies in daniel , we shall hardly find them calculated for the meridian of great britain , and ireland ; were not some peremptorily concerning the return of the jews out of the babylonish captivity , as in . chap. . verse ! the comming of christ , and the destruction of jerusalem , as in , , . &c. verses others concerning the four monarchies in . chap. the division of alexanders kingdome , in . chap. and the empire of rome , in the . chap. so if we behold the book of the apocalyps , it rather seems to hold forth the actions of a world than an island , and the great concernments of the rational species than of a few english individuums . i hope i shal be allowed liberty of conscience in so intricate a case , especialy being no fundamental point of salvation , and if god shal be pleased to use england as the primary instrument in my dayes for the destruction of that romish kingdome of antichrist , and the exaltation of the lord jesus blessed for ever on the throne , i shal endeavor to praise him both in word and deed , and humbly to prostrate my life and fortunes at his feet , as ready to wait upon him in what part of that work he shall be pleased to make me though never so meanly instrumental . chap. ii. that there is a way which leads to this knowledge , and what it is . and now setting aside the before rehearsed follies of the besotted world , i shall attempt by a new way of conjecture to guesse at the fortune of the common-wealth ; reason shal be the jacobs-staff by which i shall take its height , and in that true glasse shew you its futureface , that i may have few , and those inconsiderable opponents . i know that discourse which is most filled with reason must needs be most victorious and triumphant , the weapons of it are general , and there is none of the sonnes of men able to oppose its force , the unjust infidel must believe it , or deny his essence , and the atheist must subscribe upon perill of his being , for the creator , or as they , nature it self gave it an imprimatur & {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} the eternal being graved it on immortal soules , as philo very excellently declares , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} . it is essential , & so must be universal to the species of mankind ; and as aristotle saith , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , what soever is natural , is immovable , and perpetually in the same manner energetical ; it constantly and continually commands obedience , and none but a monster , an heteroclite in nature , as the philosopher speaks {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , will dare to resist it ; but to our purpose . there is not , i confesse , enough light in any c●eated reason to give a bright displaying of fate , nor is there vigour enough in any created eye to pierce into the marrow and pith , into the depth and secresie of the eternal decree ; yet can it discover such objects as are within its own sphere with a sufficient certainty . the actings of providence are so fairly printed , and the letters of it so visible , and capital , that we may read them , though some perverse beings , unworthy the name of men , slight all its workings , upon this account , that they are rolling , and fluctuating ; who with the old scepticks by a kind of strange hypocrisie , and in an unusual way of affectation , pretend to more ignorance than they have , nay than they are capable of , or with socrates cry , hoc tantum scire , se nihil scire ; he only knows this , that he knoweth nothing ; and with the academicks {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} . i cannot comprehend . but let me tel such dubious , if not lazy , gentlemen , that it is an error very derogatory to the plenitude and exuberancy of the divine actings , which stream out in a clear cognoscibility , and no lesse injurious to their own natural capacities , which were not made so streight and narrow-mouth'd , as not to receive those lessons that continually drop from providence upon the world . it is an unquestionable rule , omne quod est , quando est , necesse est esse , a contingency , when 't is extra suas causas , when it is actually produced , having a determinatum esse , it may then also have a determinate cognoscibility ; for entity is the root and bottome of intelligibility ; a common-wealth in its growth is uncertain , and the means whereby it shal acquire strength lie hid in the eternal decree , until by the working of providence they are presented to publick view , and then we know how it attained to maturity , chap , iii. this way confirmed by reason , and examples . now this ordinary working of providence hath so often shown it selfe in the adadvancement of states , that with a little industry we may track it , and by its leadings may conjecture how good a progress such or such a state shall have ; for matters in fact are as certain in being and reality , as demonstrations . and this may be enlightned by a simile fetch 't from vegetables , which we see thrive by the alternat help of heat and moisture , moderately and in their seasons shining , and showring down upon them ; yet either of these in excesse , much enfeebles , or totally destroys them : hence without a witch wil your countrey man foretel plenty or scarcity , and indeed all such effects as lurk in probable causes , that seem to promise very fairly , may be known also in an answerable , and proportionable manner , by strong , and shrewd conjectures : thus the physician knows the disease , the mariner forsees a storm , & the shepherd provides for the security of his flock . thus by an intermingled influence of peace and war , nations have grown renowned , whereas , either alone depresses or extinguishes them ; and for this we can give good reason . for warre files off that rust that is apt to canker and eat into the bowels of states ; it opens the veins , purifies the bloud , and makes it lively , and generous ; it raiseth and quickneth the spirits , and makes the members active and prompt for the highest and noblest atchievments . and peace it fills the barns , is the nurse of trade , from whence grow the golden sinnews that strengthen the arms , and makes them able to wield their weapons in the time of war ; is the patronesse of learning , the mistresse of art , the parent of good and wholesome laws ; needs then must that nation vigorously encrease , on which both these have a joynt and happy influence . but if any should ask how it is possible to enjoy both ? let them go and see how one spring is made happy by both show'rs and sun-shine ; nay they may be both at once , there may be a forein war , yet peace at home , it may rain and shine , and that together . yet let the drums bellow too long , and people will eccho to them , and become brutish , savage and barbarous ; let war break in on all sides , and like a deluge it sweeps all before it , and if any thing be left , it is but mud and dirt . or let a long calm come what sloath , what luxury , what effeminatness and cowardice doth it create ? how doth it enervate the members , clog the spirits , cause the blood to putrifie , and corrupt , and beget that lazy and scurvy disease which makes the whole body to draw a faint , sickly , inglorious , yea , a noisom breath ? thus we see the standing waters to corrupt , and naturall bodies craz'd , and resolv'd to their first earth , as much by plurisies as consumptions , by surfeits as famine ; and soules as oft forced by a disease to take their flight , as a sword , and by an inward malady not seldomer than an outward enemie compell'd to quit their beloved mansions . and as reason , so examples , and those in all ages , may be brought to back our assertions . the assyrian , caldaean , and persian monarchies by arms got footing , and became powerfull , by a mixt peace , they grew into a form of government , & whilst these walked hand in hand , they continued both formidable , and lovely , and to use the scripture expression , they were fair as the moon , bright as the sun , and terrible as an army with banners . this temperature of beauty and terror , order and strength , is the happy crasis of a state ; these in their true proportions make up the perfect symetry , and from these discords springs the sweetest harmony in state musick . and now , when all their sayls were fill'd with the prosperous gales of fortune , and there was none but vail'd and stoopt unto them , on a sudden being becalm'd , an effeminate sardanapalus , a drunken belshazzar , and a luxurious darius , put a period to their greatnesss ; so easie it is to tumble down hill . thus the roman monarchy fell to pieces , and became a prey to barbarous nations , yet out of its ashes arose a phenix , a maiden cōmon-wealth , which hath preserv'd her beauty as well as virginity for twelve hundred years without wrinckle or blemish , and hath so often foild the ottoman forces , to whom the grecian empire became a prey with little difficulty ; so potent is vertue even in the least bodies , and of such advantage is situation , and bad neighbours too sometimes which will not suffer her antient vertue to be cankered , or eaten with rust . thus a few fisher-towns among the batavers became a common-wealth in despight of spain , and flanders to boot , and from poor distressed states are grown hogen-mogens with the help of england , for which they have since well rewarded us . but let them take heed lest their high and mightinesses be not brought as low as their situation , being grown resty with their former little successes , peace , and plenty , and by their treacherous ingratitude made their best friend their enemy , to whom they are as much inferior in true valour , as they surpasse in pride , arrogancy , trechery , and cruelty . yea , to come home , how illustrious , and famous did this nation grow in the dayes of queen elizabeth ? what noble acts ? what generous spirits did it bring forth ? what supplies did it afford the netherlands ? what an help was it to france , and what a scourge and terror to the usurping spaniards ? whose armado stiled invincible it not onely sent home wel beaten , but with fire and sword took revenge in their havens and on their coasts ; and yet into how contemptible a condition it did relapse by a long sloath , and how it hath been undervalued , our own eyes can witnesse unto us , if we look a little back , even to the sadning of our friends , and rejoycing of our enemies . thus the best made clocks by long being unwound up gather rust , and become unfit for the least motion . and this that politick law-giver perceiving , gave it in command to the spartans , not to wage war often with one and the same enemy ; which when agesilaus one of their kings had neglected to their losse , and his own smart , he was flouted , returning wounded , by antalcidas , with , the thebans have well rewarded thee , o king , whom , unwilling and ignorant , thou hast compeld and taught to conquer . chap. iiii. an admonition to many amongst us . what then may we think of some lately appearing amongst us , who neither minding their own good , not their masters businesse , have been bold in the sight of the sun to upbraid those in power with these latter wars , as fomented and raised for their lusts , and our pressure , which by the good hand of providence hitherto have turned to our honour , and advantage , and it may be have been a means to prevent our ruin ; the common enemy keeping us from quarrelling among our selves , and as it were binding up our hands from intestine slaughter : for so many and so great divisions there were amongst us , such animosities and heart-burnings in one party against the other , as in that unsetled estate we were in at first , in sua victrices vertentes viscera dextras , might have turned our weapons into our own bowels , had not heaven in mercy cut out work for us elsewhere , until we were a little ▪ better come to our selves what means then the bleatings , and lowings of these cattel , which are driven like beasts to the slaughter ? for alas fond youths , though your noddles are not full enough to render you suspected of design , yet undoubtedly have you been set a going by some well practiz'd in the art of sedition , and whose concernments and inclinations prodigiously meet in that fatal point , to whom it may seem as natural to live in the fire of contention , as profitable to fish in troubled waters ; consider but the bottom , and you will abhor the broachers of this design , who under the pretence of crying down forein , would stir up a civill war ; and of advancing peace , and freedom , raise rebellion and confusion , which would inevitably ruin your selves , trades , and countrey . let not any of these flie sinons make you break down your own walls , to bring in so fatal an engine , a second trojan-horse , which will powrforth armed tyrants in the dead of night upon you , whose understandings they have charmd asleep with their false & counterfeit pretences . timete danaos et dona ferentes : you cannot be too mistrustfull of your old enemy , of whom this design smels rank ; take heed , i say , you lose not your liberty in the noise you make for freedom , and whil'st you crowd out authority , you bring not tyranny in on pick-back ; which your enemies of themselves despair ever to accomplish . thus have i seen full-grown fruit which hath withstood the assaults of outward storms , rot with superfluity of innate moysture , and the double-armed nut resolv'd to dust by a worm bred in its own kernel . or what shall we say to a second sort , those sons of sloath , those dregs of a lazy and luxurious peace , who as if their souls lay in their bellies , find no content but in ease and riot ? whose whole note is , where are those golden dayes we once had ? where are our court-revellings and masques ? where our lord-maiors feasts and shews , and all those joviall sports gone , in which england was wont to pride herself and triumph ? not a wake , not a morrice-dance now to be feen , are these the effects of a parliament ? and is this that we have got by fighting ? alas poor souls ! you dream't ( i 'le warrant ) a parliament would have made the thames flow custard , and turn'd the pebbles on the shore into garoway-comfits ; have caused bag-pudding to grow on every bush , and each pond abound with beef and brewis ; have commanded the conduits to run sack and clarret , and the rivers and brooks ale and strong beer ; and welladay , your houses are not wall'd with hasty pudding , neither do pigs ready roasted come and cry come eat me ; lubberland is as far off now as ever , and you deceived of all your goodly expectations ; but peace , put fingers out of neyes , and i will tell you what ; yea , what your countrey , your mammee ( if she be not ashamed to own you ) hath got ; she hath gained her freedom , and regain'd her reputation ; of a baffel'd , scorn'd , and despised kingdom , she is become a victorious , dreadfull , and renowned common-wealth ; she that was contemned by a spain , cudgel'd by b france , brav'd by c holland , affronted by d irelād , & baffe'ld by e scotla . hath made those with whom she hath grappell'd feel the force of her arms , and taught the rest to observe their due distance ; yea she hath done more in four years , than your monarchs could do in four hundred ; having quell'd ireland , subdued scotland , cudgel'd holland , and with a navy of near two hundred sayl scoured her narrow seas , and swept her enemies coasts , notwithstanding her strugglings at home with such undutifull sons as your selves , who have layd all the stumbling-blocks in her way they either could or durst . but your purses pay for this you cry , i warrant you , and so they did for the puppets and pageants , the hobby-horses and bells , and all the rest of the trumperies your souls so much delighted in ; as i conceive too you were wont to pay subsidies for your charters , and your petition of right , which you hung by and gaz'd on with as much benefit to your selves then , as now on your scotch covenant ; as also ship-mony , knighthood-mony , coat and conduct-mony , and now and then you received a privy-seal ; your carts now and then did attend the court , and your oxen , sheep , horses , hay , straw , oats , &c. were taken up at the kings price , and that payd too , when you could get it ; there were slavish tenures , and a court of wards , a star-chamber , and an high-commission court with its appurtenances in each diocesse ; justices in eire , and forrest laws , &c. which cost you something ; but you will be wiser upon second thoughts , put on your considering caps than , for you know not what you may come too ; what though you are out of hopes of being courtiers you may be patriots , and instead of being slaves to flattery , become patrones of liberty ; what though you cannot buy knight-hoods , and lordships , yet may you purchase never-dying honour to your names by faithfully serving your god , and countrey . act then vertuously , and let posterity find your names in the van of good common-wealths-men , among the first ranks of the assertors of liberty . which of you , were you to choose , would not rather be read in history a brutus , than a tarquin ; an aristogiton , than a pisistratus ; a pelopidas , than an archas ; a timoleon , than a dionysius ? whether doth the name of lancaster , or gaveston , hereford , or spencer , make the pleasinger found in english ears ? and which were accounted martyrs , which traitor , in the thoughts of your generous ancestors ? and if all this will not prevail with you , if duty and honour appear small in your eyes , yet profit sure will do much ; it is the way to thrive ; for it is more than probable that the common-wealth will survive its enemies , and there are certain symptomes of its welfare . that providence which hath hitherto brooded upon it , and hatcht it into this perfection , that hand of omnipotency which hath given assured tokens of assistance from heaven , hath in text-letters written its fortune on its forehead , so that the least read in physiognomy may spell it out . the schoolmen observe , divina voluntas , licet simpliciter libera sit ad extra , ex suppositione tamen unius actus liberi , potest necessitari ad alium . we shall not go so high , but this we shall say , that where god hath so visibly owned a nation , he will never draw back his hand unlesse upon some notorious provocation . lift up your eyes then , os homini sublime dedit , coelumque videre jussit , & erectos ad sidera tollere vultus , which were given you to this end , and contemplate the works of your gracious creator , it is your duty so to do , and he expects it at your hands ; be not rebels to nature , nor make frustrate the admirable frame of your creation , wch wil argue you not only ingrate , but worse than brutish , yea put you in the lower form , to the beasts that perish , for as the heathen satyrist , sensum è coelesti demissum traximus arce , cujus egent prona , & terram spectantia ; mundi principio indulsit communis conditor illis tantùm animas , nobis animum quoque . but lest there should be some so ignorant that they cannot , others so lazy that they will not take the pains to read this hand-writing from heaven , i will endeavour so plainly to set it before them , that fronaque si spectent animalia , if they look but downwards , will they , nill they , they shal perceive it , unles they blindfold themselves , and wink out of design ; and for such moles , let them enjoy their dark caverns , and there delve and dig untill they have laid themselves as low as they desire , or deserve ; let their affected shades envelope them , and not the smallest star disturb their cimmaerian enjoyments ; let the nights black quiristers , ravens and scrich-owls , sing anthems and requiems to their souls , and no sun arise to disturb the musick , and dissolve the lucky consort . chap. v. how england became a common-wealth , and what may be expected from such a beginning . the english nation by a long and bloody civill war being awak't out of that sleep which had almost brought a lethargy upon her , ( like an angry lion rows'd and enrag'd with the smart of his wounds ) resolutely , and with a courage not unworthy the nobility of her stock , sets upon the foe that had so gall'd her , and soon brought him under her feet ; then disdaining to wear the fetters of a conquered enemy , assumes the power god then , and nature at first had invested her with , and assumes her pristine freedom . thus bellona was the midwife which brought england to bed of the common-wealth , which was no sooner born , but she swadled her in ensigns torn from her proudest foes , and adorned her cradle with trophies of victory ! o sacred and happy birth ! what triumphs attend thy youth , and what lawrells shall encircle thy manly front ? thou that hast strangled serpents in thy cradle , givest us hopes , that the seaven-headed hydra shall fall by thee when thou hast attained thy full strength ; and who hast made it as it were thy sport to pull down petty tyrants , wilt make it thy businesse to destroy the grand impostor ; that as with thy fist thou hast given him a box on the ear , so with thy sword thou wilt divide his head from his shoulders ; for what lesse than a triple crown can attend thy chariot , whose go-cart is lackied on by crowns in couples ? for great , even for so great things sure hath providence reserv'd thee , whom she hath so carefully tended in thy infancy ; for though she hath suffered thine enemies to rise against thee , yet so tender a regard hath she had of thy youth , that she put hooks as it were in their nostrils , and restrained them from uniting , whom single she knew thee able to grapple with ; so that their malice hath augmented thy glory , and by their endeavouring to ruin thee , they have encreased thy power , making themselves but touchstones to convince the world of the purity of thy metal , and on their own shoulders advancing thee above an ordinary height , that the world might take notice of thy growth , and stature ; and as with thee , so hath she done with others , even with all all those whom she intended to advance ; examples of which , both divine , and humane histories abundantly offer to our veiw . thus was it with israel in their conquering the promised land , sihon king of the amorites first sets upon them , then og king of baashan came out against them , &c. thus we find it with divers others in other authors , which to avoid prolixity i shall passe by , instancing in one and that so well known , that few , if any therebe , but have heard thereof , and that the common-wealth of rome , which from a small beginning grew up into so vast a body , that her eagles-wings spread over the greatest part of the then known world . chap. vi . the beginning of the common-wealth of rome , and the causes of its growth . this city , or rather town of rome , being founded by romulus , and inhabitants gathered together from divers places , was no sooner built , but it was threatned with ruin in its very infancy , and the best it could expect was but an ages duration ; for the greatest part of the inhabitants being single , all hope of issue was cut off , which onely could afford it a longer life : wives thus wanting , and none to be obtained by consent , so contemptible were they in the eyes of their neighbours , they attempt what craft and force would do ; and their plot succeeded to their minds ; for having proclaimed publick plays , and invited their neighbours , they suddenly provided themselves wives of the sabine virgins , which came with their parents to be spectators . yet this remedy seemed as dangerous as the disease ; for the sabines were a great and war-like nation , and a colony of the spartans , after whose manner they lived in towns without walls , reputing themselves safe in their own valour , and the romans could not but expect they would resent the affront . but see how fortune ( which we christians truly tearm providence ) gave them assistance , by giving let to the conjunction of their enemies , though of one nation , and alike interessed in the quarrell . first , the caeninenses come against them , whose king being slain by romulus in fight hand to hand , and their army defeated , were compelled to leave their old habitations , and go and dwell at rome by the conqueror , who by this means encreased his strength as well as reputation , and became the better able to deal with the rest . this war done , the fidenates , crustimini and antenates begin another , and run the same fortune , and likewise being incorporated with the victors still encrease the roman stock . the rest grown wise by these examples unite , and put the romans to such a plunge , that it was easie to conjecture what have would have been the issue , had they taken this course at first ; but by the intercession of the women running in between the armies , a peace was made , and both nations joyned in one , the city keeping its old name of rome from romulus , the people being called quirites from the chief tribe of the sabines , the roman and sabine kings jointly reigning . now could the wisest among the sons of mē have judged that a rape should have begot an union ? but there is an hand above disposes of things above our suppositions , which continued its favour till rome grew of perfect strength . this was he that withdrew porsenna , and changed his enmity into love , and admiration ; that restrained any warlike marcian or lucan , any mulius , silo , or telesinus with the joint forces of italy from falling upon her , untill she was able to bear the storm ; that out supplies off from hannibal when he had almost born down all before him , and made the envy of his own citizens instrumental to their own ruin ; that made antiochus sit still until philip was brought under , and tigranes look on until mithridates was beaten out of his kingdom , yea that provided work by the sarmatians for mithridates till the marsian war was over ; that divided the cimbri and teutones so , that marius when he had overthrown one party , had time to joyn with the other consull to help destroy the other , and suffered not three hundred thousand fighting men in one body to attempt italy ; and in like manner the slaves , and fencers , giving crassus opportunity to defeat them , who had ranged italy , and oft put the roman armies to rout ; that by a few geese saved the capitol , and caused the unjust banishment of camillus to be a means to preserve rome . chap. vii . a parallel . and hath not providence in the same manner dealt with this common-wealth ? which was no sooner established in england , but it was threatned from ireland , where dublin , derry , and a few forces under generall monk were onely left us , two being besieged , and the third in an incapacity to afford them relief ; when things were thus desperate , god divided the rebels , and made o neal instrumental in the relief of derry , neither could they be pieced untill ormond was totally broke , and the other party under the popish bishop of clogher , fought and routed . the irish cloud almost dissolved , a scotch storm threatens us , which yet came not on so suddenly , but that we had time to provide shelter , ( providence causing them to trifle away much time in their treaties , and other mockeries ) insomuch that the greatest part of it fell in their own nation , the tayl only besprinkling some parts of this , where it totally vanished . and here we can never sufficiently admire gods goodnesse to this common-wealth , who when the enemy had given our army the slip , and left them so far behind them , suffered them not to march up to london , but to empound themselves at worcester , and so over-ruled the hearts of this nation , that notwithstanding the malice and hatred of many to the present government , yet not any considerable person , or number , joyned with the enemy , even marching through the most discontented and disaffected counties . the north being cleared , the dutch jealous of our encrease , who have found the sweetnesse of a state government , endeavour to clip our wings , and to usurp our long held soveraignty of the seas , having undermined our trading a long while before ; but they may put what they have got by it in their eyes without any danger , unlesse of making themselves weep , notwithstanding their treacherous and base attempt upon a small squadron with one of our generals in the time of ttreaty , and before denouncing a war , and that even upon our own coast ; whilst we besides the honour , and repute gained abroad , are grown more potent at sea in one year , than we had like to have been in many ages , had they let us been at quiet ; and even thus the carthaginians compell'd the romans to become masters at sea , by their injuries provoking that stout nation to adventure a sea fight , though so ignorant , that the consull taught them to row by sitting , and beating poles on the sand ; and truely little better sea-men were our redcoats at first . chap. viii . of providence , and vertue , and the concurrence of second causes . and sure now no christian but will acknowledge a divine hand over-ruling in these actings for englands preservation , which even the heathen observ'd by their dim light , in romes advancement . thus we find that ingenuous moralist plutarch affirming , that though there hath been a great and continual war , and feud between fortune and vertue , yet it is probable , they made a truce , and united their forces for romes assistance . again , as they report venus passing over the river eurotas laid aside her looking-glasse , attire , and girdle , and took a spear and a shield to accompany lyeurgus ; so fortune having deserted the assyrians , and persians , hovered over macedon , suddenly shook off alexander , view'd egypt and syria , seemingly advanc'd carthage , at last past tiber , laid aside her wings , and set up her residence in the capitol . and as he , so the romans themselves were sensible of this divine aid , as the multitude of temples dedicated to fortune may demonstrate ; there was the temple of fortunae virilis : fortunae muliebris : fortunae primogeniae & obsequentis : fortunae privatae & viscatricis : fortunae virginis : fortunae bonae spei : fortunae masculae : fortis fortunae , &c. yet did they not attribute all to fortune , and neglect vertue , of which they were as great admirers , and honourers , as they were adorers of the other ; and plutarch gives it a due place : rome was ( saith he ) conducted and encompassed with whole troops of citizens , brandishing bloody weapons , enobled with scars received before , bedewed with blood and sweat , and leaning on half-broken trophies , such as her fabricii , cimilli , cincinnati , fabii , aemillii , marcelli , scipiones , &c. and let us but consider , and we shall see that providence works by instruments , and god expects the use of means ; we cannot suppose a victory without a fight ; lying still , and wishing will do nothing , d●i munerasua laboribus vendunt , it was not hid from the heathen , that the active onely were to expect a blessing ; the hand of the diligent makes rich , and vertuous actions advance states and persons to honour and dignity . for though scientia dei , the knowledg of god be the cause of things , yet being but the remote cause it takes not away contingency : god himself perceives that some things will evenire contingenter , for he doth not onely cognoscere res , sed ordinem et modum rerum , know things , but the order and manner how they shall come to passe ; he knows there are causae intermediae , which are impedibiles et defectibiles ( as the schoolmen say ) and from the wavering of these second causes the whole rise of contingency flowes ; thus in a syllogism , let the major be necessary , if the minor be contingent , the conclusion will be so too ; though the first cause be certain , yet if there be obstructions in the second , no man can assure himself what will be the effect ; though the spring of motion cannot fail , yet if the wheels break , the progresse will be very uncertain to all but god , who knows whether they will break or no ; he knows whether such a nation will use the means or no ; whether it will improve his blessings , or abuse them ; whether it will imploy the peace , plenty , wealth , power , and strength it hath received for his glory , and the common good , or for pride , luxury , and riot : so that we only are in the dark ; yet not altogether are we blind , but where we see vertue on the throne in a nation , there we may foretel a blessing to that people , and where vice predominant , that its attendant ruin is not far off ; and for this the before-mentioned common-wealth of rome affords us an example in both kinds ; which as it grew up by vertue to an unparallel'd height , so by vice was its strength broken , and its renown turned into shame , that dalilah betraying this mighty sampson into the hands of his enemies , who have fettered him , and pulled out his eyes : it will not therefore i suppose be a work unworthy our labour to take a veiw of those vertues , by which , that , as other nations have become renowned , and set them for our example ; for though heathens , they attained to a great height of morality , yea such an one as may put most that wear the stile of christians to the blush . chap. ix . of the piety of the romans , the evill and danger of mock-thanksgivings . and first let us behold their piety , which is not onely the cheif , but the file-leader , and indeed the ground of all the rest ; this is that which bridles the most unruly , and strikes an aw where reason cannot persuade ; let this be taken away , and with it all fidelity , justice , purity vanish , yea humane society cannot subsist without it , as cicero observes in his first book de nat. deor. never did they begin any businesse without frequent supplications . civitas religiosa in principiis maximè novornm bellorum , supplicationibus habitis , & obsecratione circa omnia pulvinaria facta , ludos jovi , donumqui vovere consulem jussit . livie dec . . l. . supplicatio ▪ à consulibus in triduum ex senatus-consulto indicta est , obsecratique circa omnia pulvinaria dii , quod bellum populus jussisset , id bene , ac foeliciter eviniret . idem in eodem . never did they obtain a victory , or receive a deliverance , but publick thanksgivings were decreed , and those for one , three , or more dayes , according to the greatnesse of the benefit ; magna victoria loetitiaque romae fuit literis allatis , supplicatio in triduum decreta est , & . majores hostiae immiolari juss● . livy . thus when hannibal was forced to leave italy after sixteen years war , they no sooner heard of it , but they ordered solemn and publick thanks . decretum ut quinque dies circa omnia pulvinaria supplicaretur , victimaeque majores immolarentur centum & viginti . never shall we find them mocking heaven , giving thanks for a victory , when they had received a losse . a practice so superlatively impious , that any lesse than an atheist must tremble but to think on ; for what is this but to abuse god , that man may be deceived , making the divine power ( may it be spoken with reverence ) as it were a stalking-horse to drive the befool'd people into their nets ? what is this other than a profest declaration that their sole confidence is in the arm of flesh , not caring how they undervalew gods glory , so they may maintain their own reputation , how they provoke him , so they may but keep up the spirits of their own party ? flectere si nequeunt superos acheronta monebunt , sith god hath forsaken them , they will try what the devill will do ; sith heaven refuses , they will try what help hel will afford them ; poor wretches , not at all considering , that whilst they endeavour to rally , and patch together a poor , routed and broken party of frail men , they make omnipotency their foe , defying the almighty himself in so publick a manner , that he is engaged by that which is most dear to him , his own glory , to revenge the affront ; it is evident then how good a match they are like to have of it . neither doth their wickednesse stop here ; t is not against god only they sin , but men also ; they are not only traytours against the majesty of heaven , but their trust on earth , betraying their own poor people which repose their confidence in them , by rendring them obstinate and proud upon hopes of false successe , which knew they but the truth , and their own weakness , might make their peace to the preservation of many of their lives , and much of their fortunes ; and drawing the blood and miseries of their neighbour-nations upon their own heads , falsely seduced to embarque with them in their ill-thriving quarrel , wherein unawares they often are opprest when they foolishly supposed all cock-sure . yet hath this impious and treacherous piece of policy been acted again and again in our eyes , with horrour and amazement may we speak it , even by those who would be thought christians : yea may not this clothe many of the oxford-thanksgiving dayes in red , and put our dutch foes , if they have any ingenuity , to the blush , who not coutent by their emissaries abroad to abuse all europe with brags and lyes , have of late ordered a day of publick thanksgiving at home to gull their own people into conceit of victory , not without a piaculum , which may cost them dear before it be expiated . for he that is high and mighty indeed , neither can be deceived , nor will be out-faced by any impudency whatsoever , and they had best consider whether they are able to engage with him too , whom they dare affront in the sight of angels and men . courage then brave englishmen , you see what shifts your enemies are put to , you have beaten them out of their confidence in the rock of ages , and forced them to make lyes their refuge , a wretched defence , and such as cannot long protect thē ; behold what low-spirited foes you have to deal with , even such as dare not take notice of a losse ; alas how far short come these of the roman fortitude as well as piety , whom you shall see according to that of their own virgil , tu ne cede malis , sed contrà audentior ito , so far from being basely dejected by losses , though comming one on the back of another , that their courage rather encreased , being prick't on with shame and a desire to regain their lost honour , which stil buoied them up when in greatest danger of sinking ? this is that true sober valour grounded on a right sense of honour , and due love to the publick , which needed neither gunpowder nor brand-wine to make them fight lustick ; this is that which rendred them victorious and triumphant , and which will enable , you if you imbrace it . but we shall have occasion to speak of this more hereafter ; let us return therfore to our generous romans , whom we find ( i say ) so far from this impious mocking of heaven , that on the contrary , upon the least sense or apprehension of their gods displeasure , they sought by all humble and publick addresses to pacifie and appease their incensed dieties : for this we may see their frequent lustrations and deprecations , the first to purge and cleanse themselves , the second to avert and turn away their gods anger . horum prodigiorum causa decemviri libris adire jussi , et novēdiale sacrum factum , & supplicatio indicta est , atque urbs lustrata . liv. dec. . l. . lastly , besieging an enemies city , they would invoke the gods of that place , imploring their aid , and deprecating their anger , by inviting them to go with them to rome with the promise of more magnificent temples , and a more splendid adoration : so great a care had they not to provoke heaven , and so fearfull were they to engage against it . chap. x. piety and valour not inconsistent ' piety rewarded in heathens , and impiety punished . and here by the way may be observed , that piety and valour are not inconsistent , and that religion maketh not men cowards . what nation ever was more valiant , and what more religious than the roman ? who were so strict in their divine worship , that they would choose rather to lay themselves open to their enemies arms , than by omitting the least part of it , to their gods displeasure : an eminent example of which we have in that war of the gauls which succeeded the first punick , in which when flaminius and furius the consuls were gone against the enemy with great forces , the augurs having found that some things were omitted in their election , they were commanded by letters from the senate to return presently and abjure their offices , which letters flaminius not opening until he had fought and routed the enemy , and made a memorable invasion of their countrey , though he returned crowned with victory , and laden with spoil , not one went out to meet him , nay he had much ado to obtain a triumph , ( which was no sooner past , but both he and his collegue were constrained to lay aside their consulships ) because he seemed to have contemned & made slight of their holy rites ; they esteeming it more conducing to the common safety that their gods should be observed , than their enemies overcome , and rather choosing to leave their armies without commanders , though in a war reputed so dangerous as that of the gauls , in which their priests were not exempted from bearing arms , than omit the least punctilio in their worship , so zealous and tender were they in matters concerning their religion . thus when they were besieged by the gauls in the capitol , and the day approached wherein their solemn sacrifice was to be performed in colle quirinali , the hill so called , rather than to omit their duty to heaven , they ventured through the very midst of their enemies camp , and having performed their rites , returned with safety , their enemies either being amazed at the boldnesse of the attempt , or mooved with respect to religion , which present death could not deter them from performing . and though their religion were idolatrous , yet according to their light being zealous they reaped the reward of a temporal prosperity : which some among them despising , smarted for to the purpose , in their own ruin reaping the reward of their impiety and contempt of religion : thus we shall see crassus who slighting the curses and execrations of the tribune ateius , would make war upon the parthians , where he lost his own and his sons life , with most of his army , the poor remainder escaping by a dishonourable flight : and thus pompey the great , who would , notwithstanding the intreaties and diswafions of the high-priest , enter the holy of holies in the temple of jerusalem , in his comming out fell down , and never after prospered , but being overthrown by caesar , and flying into aegypt , lost his head , his body being left unburied on the sands : and though he were no jew , yet being a roman by religion he was bound to reverence all deities , as the {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} the temple of all the gods at rome may demonstrate . neither need we wonder to see even a superstitious and idolatrous worship in the heathens who knew no better , rewarded with outward blessings : sith whatsoever is lovely in nature is acceptable even to god himself , for 't is a print of himself , and he doth proportion some temporal rewards unto it ; the courage of romulus , the devotion of numa , the integrity of fabritius , the temperance , and justice , and publick spiritednesse of the rest , had all some rewards scatter'd amongst them , and can we think their piety had no share ? which is so agreeable to nature , and so deeply imprinted by it on mans heart , that man , even the stubbornest , and most unwilling otherwise to submit , yet will fall down and worship a stock or stone rather than be without a deity , will devise a religion rather than be without one ; but more of this in the next . chap. xi . religion ingrafted in mans haart by nature . vve hear the philosopher thus reasoning , do not the imperfect serve the more perfect , as the elements mixt bodies , mixt bodies plants , plants living creatures , living creatures and all the rest man , nay hath not the soul a master like rule over the body , and the understanding an empire over the appetite , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , and now when by nature it is thought convenient for the inferiour to serve the superiour , ought not man to judge it best for him to serve the most wise and good god ? cicero saith we cannot be just , unlesse we be religious , fietas justitia quaedam est adversus deos , lib. . de nat. deor. epictetus , if i were a nightingale , i would do as a nightingale , but being a man what shall i do ? i will praise god ; and that without ceasing . nay epicurus himself though he taught that god {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} ; neither did any thing himself , nor commanded others to do , yet affirmed that his nature was so excellent and glorious , that it alone was sufficient to allure a wiseman to adore him . could the heathen grope thus far , and shall we that have the name to be christians lagge behind them , could they perceive thus much by the glimmering light of nature , and shall we be blind in the glorious sun-shine of the gospel ? for shame let us open our eyes , lest they rise in judgement , and condemn us , and it be more tollerable for them than us in that great day , when the lord shall appear with thousands and ten thousands of saints and angels . behold o england to be religious is the way to thrive , godlinesse will be thy gain both here and hereafter . chap. xii . the outward means to be used ; ministers to be incouraged , and maintained ; the christian magistrates duty . now that we may be so , we are to use all means god hath appointed for the obtaining the true knowledge of him , and his will , which is the ground of religion ; for as our knowledge is true or false , so will our religion be too ; and the ordinary means are the reading and hearing of the sacred scriptures , for faith comes by hearing , and how shall we hear unlesse we are taught , and how shall we be taught without a teacher ? in the first place therefore as we ought to have a holy esteem of his word , so ought we to have a reverent esteem of the faithfull and able dispencers of it , giving them all due incouragement and maintenance , that they may be the better enabled cheerfully to follow that work whereunto they are called , of winning souls unto christ . and this is a duty incumbent on the christian magistrate , who is to use all lawful means to promote religion , and to restrain prophanesse , for he beareth not the sword in vain , but for terrour of evill doers , and encouragement of those that do well . and here let me not be mistaken , for though i believe it is their duty to punish those grand traytours against the majesty of heaven , blasphemers i mean , and all other publick disturbers of the civill peace and quiet of the nation ; yet on the otherside to force all men to submit to one form , or to be of such or such a general received opinion in every tittle , under penalty of censures civil and ecclesiastical , i conceive a tyranny as little to be suffered by the magistrate , as it had been for saul to have suffered nahash the ammonite to put out the right eyes of the gilcadites , for indeed this were to put out both our eyes . for it is god and none but god that can assure us of his own mind , though he do reveal his mind by a creature , there wil be some tremblings , and waverings in the soul , unlesse he doth withall satisfie the soul that such a creature doth communicate his mind truely and really as it is , so that ultimately the certainty is resolved into the voice of god , who is onely to rule his church {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , by a determining and legislative power ; men that are fitted by god are to guide and direct {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , in way of subserviency to him , and by an explication of his mind , yet so that every one may judge of this {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , by acts of their own understanding illuminated by the spirit of god , for there are no representatives in spirituals , men may represent the bodies of others in civil and temporal affairs , and thus a bodily obedience is due to a just authority , but there is none can alwayes represent the mind and judgement of another in the vitals and inwards of religion ; for as a late bishop of our own , ad nudam praescriptionem , aut determinationem alterius sine lumine privati judicii nemo est qui credere potest etiamsi cupiat maximè ; no man let him desire it never so much can believe the bare determination of another unlesse his own judgement concur ; a truth that condemns the antichristian practices of the rest that were of that order , and mirandula gives the reason of it , for says he , nemo credit aliquid verum praecisè quia vult credere illud esse verum , non est enim in potentia hominis facere aliquid apparere intellectui suo verum , quando ipse voluerit : no man believes a thing because he will believe it , for it is not in the power of man to make a thing appear what he wil to his understanding ; and indeed , before there can be faith there must not only be a knowledg of the thing to be believed ; but an inclination also of the understanding to assent to it when known ; should we not judge that man a tyrant that should command us to renounce our sense , to believe that to be white that we see to be black , to believe that to be sweeter than honey , that we taste to be bitterer than gaul ? what are those then that would force us to disclaim our understandings , and make us believe that to be true , wch we conceive or know to be false ? and yet what cruelty in this kind hath been practized by the papists ? what by the prelates ? what by some that succeeded them , and yet de-cryed it in them ? yea what by some of those who will cry out for liberty of conscience too ? chap. xiii . religion not to be made a stalking-horse to ambition , or avarice . if any shall but question in the least , these mens jus divinum , presently they are hereticks , schismaticks , sectaries , &c. if any man shall not have the same whirligiggs in their pates as the other , or will not assent in an instant to what ever chymaera their rambling fancies produce , let them be what they will , parliament or city , magistrates or private persons , teachers or hearers , presently pray them down , purge them , they are self-seekers , tyrants , enemies to the saints , antichristian , and baals priests , and what not , yea such as are to be destroyed . yet by yout leave furious saint , you must excuse our diffidence of your tenents , yea and of your saint-ship too , until we perceive more ground for thē , and find a better temper in you ; our lord and master i am sure hath given us ground to doubt you , and i hope the servant is not above the lord , it will be best for us then to observe him , when his disciples would have had fire commanded from heaven , he tels them , ye know not what manner of spirit you are of , for the son of man is not come to destroy souls but to save them ; we know who is abaddon , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , the destroyer , and it is his badg to be spitting of fire ; why is it not as lawfull for us to question an opinion though it have your stamp and superscription upon it , as it was for the bereans to bring even apostolical words to the touch-stone ? yet were they rewarded by saint paul with the title of {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , more noble , an epithite we canot find in your catalogue . but you will say , they believed , they did indeed , but not hand over head , and so may we when we find the same spirit bearing witnesse to your doctrine which did to the apostles . but through all your cantinglanguage we do discover your aimes , indeed out of the abundance of the heart your tongues tell us , you would be popular , great and powerfull , and injoy the fat things of the earth , these only belong to you and your tribe , you are to rule the nations , to bind their kings in chains , and their nobles with fetters of iron ; the old itch of temporal lordship is wretchedly broke out upon you , your hands are the hands of esau , though your voice be the voice of jacob , your practices are unchristian , though yout profession be sanctity ; christ he promises to make his disciples fishers of men , but you fish for honour , worldly power , and riches for your followers , a bewitching bait to catch poor mortals : we read of the devil tempting our head with the kingdoms of the world , and the glory of them , but from whom have you commission thus to tempt his members ? who gave you authority to dispose of worldly powers ? is your masters kingdom of this world ? if it be , we must rank you with those antichristian usurpers , who arrogate to themselves a power above all that is called god : what more doth that man of rome ? whom we find bestowing the kingdoms of the world on those that will bow down and worship him , but cursing , deposing , and turning out of office all that refuse to subscribe to his fopperies . thus we see mahomet not with this loadstone drawing men , but with his sword conquering them , he drawes his sword , bids them deliver up their souls , and upon this condition he will spare their lives : signailla quae tyrannis et latronibus non desunt , what more do tyrants and thieves ? but sure the christian religion stands not in need of such helps , whose principles in themselves are attractive and magnetical , enamouring souls , and leading them captive in the silken bonds of love with the cords of a man . chap. xiv . the benefit of humane learning , with an answer to some objections made against it . another sort there is wriggled in amongst us , who even in print and pulpits publickly bray against learning , endeavouring to seduce people into a belief that humane learning as they call it , is in no measure to be tolerated in a gospel-teacher , most wretchedly wresting scripture to apply those texts against preaching themselves to overthrow it ; a fallacie so base that they had need to cry up ignorance lest the cheat should be descried : as if learning and preaching themselves were termini convertibiles , the one necessarily implying the other ; whereas it is commonly quite contrary ; it is your sciolist , your fellow that hath scarce wet his lips in that sacred fountain , who will be dabling and patching that he may be thought a scholer , when as the most learned men , who are conscious of their own sufficiency , seldome or never , unless upon just , and necessary occasions make the least shew of it in their publick teaching . the truth of this is verified dayly in our eyes by the continual practice of many learned men amongst us . where shall we find more powerfull plainness , than in the works of the learned bolton , to omit the names of the rest , which are so well known to all ? thus shall we see your coward , the common braggadochio , and those the greatest boasters who have the least in them ; for such being conscious off their own baseness , endeavour to make others believe them to be brave fellows , which they know themselves not to be , and to make up in shew what they want in reality ; whereas your valiant man is still silent , and lets his acts speak for him , knowing according to the proverb , that good wine needs no bush , and that worth will be taken notice of without proclaiming it at the market cross . . but the apostles were poor fishrmen , and the like , altogether unlearned , and therefore the gospel ministers ought to be so too . o horrid , jesuitical , nay diabolical sophistry ! we acknowledge that the only wise god in the carrying on of his great and glorious works usually makes use of such instruments , as seem despicable , and contemptible in the eyes of men , yea such as are altogether unable and unfit to hatch and carry on defigns of their own , the more to manifest that it is his work , and to shew his strength in their weakness , which , unless supported by omnipotency , would sink under it , as also to leave the obstinate without excuse : but though these may seem weak , yet are they made mighty through the power of god that strengthens them , and are abundantly supplyed from above with what gifts and graces soever are necessary for them : thus the apostles being poor unlearned fishermen , and the like , once called , and invested with the apostleship , were endued from above , had the gift of tongues , immediately were taught by the holy ghost : and who dares affirm them unlearned then ? or deny skill in the tongues necessary for the office of a teacher , which god , who doth nothing in vain , by miracle bestowed upon them ? and what now though they wanted acquired learning , so they had it infused ? and god was pleased in that extraordinary time , in an extraordinary manner to endow them , must we therefore now neglect the ordinary means , and tempt god to work a miracle to be able to answer a gainsayer ? but let us but consider how faithful an handmaid learning hath been to religion ; how the armor-bearer hath helped jonathan to destroy the philistimes ; how necessary it hath been to maintain religion , and oppose idolatry ; by the help of learning have the ministery of england been enabled to defend the truth , and oppose errour , to ward off , and put by the blowes and thrusts of their antichristian adversaries , and to strike with the edge , and give them the true point , to the wounding & destroying of their superstitious tenents . thus we see the learned whitacre disarm their goliah , confute their bellarmine , foyl their chosen champion , unwind the subtil jesuite , trace him through all his maeanders , meet him at every turn , beat him from outwork to out-work , from sconce to sconce , till he hath driven him out of all his strengths , and left him not a lurking hole to hide his head in ; when the most that we could expect from a dean of dunstable could be bellarmine thou lyest , neither shewing sense or reason , but his say so . but it may be said , thank a good cause : yet may the best cause be spoiled by an evil mannaging , and the most bright and shining truths be obscured in a dark lanthorn , yea let them be whiter than snow , they may be sullied by dirty fingers , and more transparent than glass , yet may be cracked when clumsie fists shall come to handle them . this the jesuites know , which hath been the cause of this strange attempt , for it is most plain by the poyson now vomited , that some of those serpents are wriggled in amongst us ; they have tryed our weapons , and to their smart know the sharpness of them , no marvel then they endeavour to disarm us ; learning hath kept them out , no wonder then they attempt to introduce ignorance the mother , which could they effect , they are assured popish devotion the daughter would not be long kept out . neither can this seem strange unto us , if we but consider their practice in the lutheran church , where it hath been usual with the iesuites to seem to become proselites , to heighten and continue the division between them and the calvinists ; or what a late author of our own , who seems not to be unacquainted of their practices , writes of them , the jesuit reckons it in the number of his merits , if he may by any sinister wayes ruffle and disorder heretical kingdomes ( so he calls them ) encourage weak and unstable minds to slight magistracy , irritate divisions , tumults , rebellions , absolve from oaths , and all sacred tyes ; so that its hard to find any tragical scene , or bloody theatre , into which the jesuite hath not intruded , and been as busie as davus in the comedy , contributing in a very high measure to every fanatick insolence , justifying the old lemma of loyola's picture , cavete vobis principes : these are the firebrands of europe , the forge , and bellows of sedition , infernal emissaries , the pests of the age , men that live as if huge sins would merit heaven by an antiperistasis . concutiunt populos , vexant regna , solicitant bella , diruunt ecclesias . and it is for certain written from beyond the seas , that the english colleges are emptyed , and all those emissaries sent abroad , whither , unless amongst ●s ? chap. xv . an answer to some objections against learning , in a book entituled , the saints guide . and the same author goes on , nor is any nation without some turbulent spirits of its own , the dishonour of the gown , and pulpit , the shame , and sometimes ruin of their countrey ; one of which hath late started this question , whether or not all that much magnifyed natural reason ( which we think dignifieth us above , and distinguisheth us from brutes ) and all that humane learning ( which we conceive exalts and rectifyeth reason ) be the fruit of the forbidden tree , and is a spurious and adventious faculty , which man wanted in his innocency , and was instilled into him by satan in the fall ? a quaery satan himself might blush to put , and yet the book stuffed with this and the like doctrine , is cloathed with the specious title of the saints guide ; the wolf adorns himself with the lambs skinne , the fiend transforms himself into an angel of light : it is not amisse to mark the phrase he reproaches learning in , then how he coucheth his doctrine , lastly his divinity in these words , which man wanted in his innocency . indeed the old serpent told eve that the fruit of the forbidden tree would encrease their knowledge , but except him , and this disciple of his , i never found any affirming that man wanted any thing in his innocency : but suppose this diabolical doctrine true , if man wanted learning before , he much more wāts it since the fall ; the author of such stuff may well cry out against reason and learning . but to the question , that reason was depraved and darkned by the fall , we allow , and that by the help of learning it is in some measure restored , we affirm , and so consequently that there had been no need of acquired learning had man stood , no more would there of repentance : but doth it follow therefore , that now vve are fallen , vve should not labour for repentance ? let this fellow go and try whether he can perswade a man that is fallen into a pit not to endeavour to get out , because getting out is a fruit , and effect of his falling in . truly such arguing is instilled by satan , and such sophistry is a bastardly faculty which ingenuity , much more innocency , is so far from wanting , that it abhors and detests it . the fellow seems to be a scholer , i shall ask him therefore one question . is not reason the specifical difference of a man from a beast ? and was man distinguished from a beast by the fall , or the creation ? did the devil or god make him a rational creature ? behold then the horrid blasphemy couched in this query , which would insinuate the rational soul to be the product of the devil ; if this be not a doctrine of devils i know not what is . then for his parenthesis , ( which we think dignifieth us above , and distinguisheth us from brutes ) if reason doth not , what doth ? shape cannot , for so one beast differs from another : neither is it grace , for then all but beasts must have grace : and for his other ( which we conceive exalts , and rectifies reason ) hath not learning exalted and rectified his reason so far as to enable him from such and such premisses to draw such a and such a conclusion , to frame his syllogisms , to write and utter these words , positions , consectaries , quaeries , responsions , cognition , which his illiterate auditors and readers understand no more , than they do him and his drifts ? what but learning hath set his understanding above theirs , and enabled him to talk at a rate his ignorant followers onely can admire ? behold then you misled wretches what a guide you have got , who when all his sophistry , and abuse of his own reason and learning , all his logick and syllogisms are unable to overthrow reason and learning , goes about by his queries to undermine them ; who , when all his impudency dares not affirm , and all his ability cannot prove , endeavors by way off doubt to instill his poison , upon hopes that you will swallow & take for granted whatever drops from him : what is it you admire in this fellow , is it his railing against learning in others ? doth he not make use of it himself ? he disputes syllogistically , he is frequent in division , abounds in subtill and sophistical distinctions , talks hard words , rattles out latine , nay there is not one arrow in his quiver but is feathered with feathers plucked from learnings wing , nor is he able to speak or write , or you to read or understand one syllable , word or sentence against learning , but by its assistance . could you have read , could you have wrote , could you have understood one word had you not been taught ? why these are degrees of learning ; awake and behold the cheat , which would make you enemies even to that image of god which is imprinted on you , level you with brutes nay make you such : you see it is reason that distinguisheth a man from a beast , it is learning that improves reason , be not afraid of being rational ; this caytiff would deprive you of your humanity , that he might the easier destroy your christianity ; rob you of your reason , to bob you of your religion : for if he be not a very jesuite , yet is he the likest one that ever i met with ; if the tree may be judged by the fruits , his acts will a loud proclaim him a notorious juggler : and first behold how he cheats you in stating the question , for it is not whether by the help of humane learning a man may attain a saving knowledge to himself , whether he can save his own soul ; but whether he may not attain to such a knowledge as may enable him to hold out the way of salvation unto others : and that a man may do this , not only too too frequent examples do make out , but the apostle himself tells us in the cor. . . but i keep under my body , and keep it in subjection ; lest that by any means , when i have preached unto others , i my self should be a cast away ; a man may preach to others , and yet be himself a cast away : for this wretch dares not affirm that the apostle inspired by the spirit of god would suppose an impossibility : and the example of iudas clearly shewes that a man may have an outward call to teach , and yet be a reprobate ; was not he one of the twelve that was sent to preach the kingdome of god , and to heal the sick ? luk. . , . also the apostle in the tim. . . speaks of some , having a form of godliness , creeping into houses , leading captive silly women laden with infirmities : these hypocrites by the help of learning and parts could pray as devoutly , talk as holily , wrest the scriptures as dexterously , cogging the dy , making the word speak what they list , craftily applying it , having all the arts and methodes of consenage , even as he himself ; yet were they not taught of god ; it is cleer therfore that learning and parts perse ex propria natura can understand and so apprehend the mystery of the gospel , as to hold it out so to others , that the hearers cannot discern by the teaching an hypocrite from a true believer , notwithstanding all his positions . you may behold also how finely the holy text is wrested by him to no purpose in his following arguments , for unless he prove that a man by the help of learning cannot attain to such a knowledge as to be able to make an outward profession , he proves nothing . and that this sophistry is malicious , not ignorant , his answering two objections will fully clear . object . . that though humane learning be an enemy to the law of god while it is in an unsanctified heart , yet when the heart is truly turned to god , then it becomes a sanctifyed instrument , and a good hundmaid to theology . solution . to this he answers , that though the heart be truly sanctified , in which humane learning doth inhere as in its subject , yet doth it not follow that learning it self is , no more than sin can be said to be sanctified , though the heart of a sinful man may be truly said to be sanctifyed : for acquired learning of it self , and of its own nature , is nothing else but sin , and therefore remains so still , and cannot be truly nor properly said to be sanctifyed , no more than sin . but if by being sanctified , they mean that the providential wisdome of god doth order it , or make use of it for the good of his people , i oppose it not , so that it be understood , that that good flowes not from the nature of acquired knowledge it self , but from the wisdome and goodness of the spirit of god , who maketh all things work together for the benefit of those that love him , who are called according to his purpose , and so no more can properly in this respect be predicated of it than of sin it self , which in that case ( though not as an entity , for non entia ad modum entium concipiuntur ) is said also to work for the good of gods saints . first to this we say , that the habit of sin is destroyed , there is a mortification of sin , as well as a vivification of grace , as rom. . . how shall we that are dead to sin , live any longer therein ? and ephes. . . you hath he quickned who were dead in trespasses and sins . now the habit of learning is not in the least diminished , much less destroyed . secondly , that the whole man with all his endowments is sanctified , as thes. . , . and the very god of peace sanctify you wholly , and i pray god your whole spirit , and soul , and body , be preserved blameless unto the comming of our lord jesus christ . faithful is he that calleth you , who also will do it . now then , either learning must be sanctified , or something remains unsanctified . thirdly , that acquired learning , of it self , and of its own nature is not sin , for sin is a transgression of the law , iohn . . verse , for sin is the transgression of the law , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} . now what law forbiddeth learning ? where is it written thou shalt not be learned ? and sure were learning either in it self sin , or left unsanctified in a sanctified heart , we should not find the ●●●stle paul giving thanks for it in cor. . . i thank my god i speak with tongues more than you all : and the holy ghost describing apollos leaves him upon record to be an eloquent man {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , the word usually is taken for a learned man ; and see what followes , he helped them much which believed , for he mightily convinced the iewes , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , which the learned beza in his annotations renders , magna cum contentione , and he gives the reason of it , vti volui hac perphrasi ut graeci vocabuli emphasin servarem , quo significatur eloquentem hunc hominem omnes ( quod aiunt ) nervos revincendis iudaeis contendisse , i have used this periphrasis , that i might preserve the emphasis of the greek word , by ●●ich is signified that this eloquent man employed the utmost of his abilities to convince the jews . behold then what divinity your doctor teaches , who is not onely content to bely learning , but sanctification , making the holy spirit work by halves ; and as he plaies the knave here , so in the latter part he plaies the fool , fighting with his own shadow , and keeping a coil about nothing , for the very objection , as he himself hath put it , asserts the good to flow from the sanctification of learning , not from its own nature , it makes it a handmaid , and so does he ; untill he comes to his conclusion , which how true it is , as it sufficiently appears by what is said , yet will be more manifest if we consider learning in it self to be indifferent either good or evil , according as it is used or abused , now is sin so ? suppose a man shall make the glory of god his onely end in his attaining learning , that thereby he may be better enabled to read , converse , dispute , and speak concerning the mysteries of salvation ( for could he have written or spoken as he doth without it , unless by help of a miracle ? ) will he affirm this learning to be sin ? is the physical act sinful , or doth the moral circumstance cloath it with good or evil ? something more then may be predicated of learning than of sinne , which cannot be conceived in any other notion than of sin . object . . again , if it be objected , that though learning be not effectual to the understanding of the mystery of the gospel , yet it is prealent to the compleating of the literal and historical knowledge thereof : take this here , that these objections are of his own cloathing , the terms are his own . solution . to this he answers . though it may conduce to the gaining of literal , and historicall knowledge , yet this is not ad idem , because it profiteth nothing ; for truth it self bears record , it is the spirit that quickneth , the flesh profitteth nothing ; and men are made able ministers of the new testament , not of the letter , but of the spirit ; for the letter killeth , but the spirit giveth life . so that all literal and historical knowledge gained by mans power , is but like the principle from whence it slowed , fleshly , earthly , deadly , and destructive . to this we say , that what he saith here against learning , may as well be said against reading , teaching , and hearing , there must be fit and outward organs , there must be eyes , a tongue , and eares , and these must have a body to subsist ; is all reading , hearing , and teaching therefore like the principle from whence they flow , fleshly , earthly , deadly , and destructive ? behold then whether these scriptures are wrested or no ? do you think they are to be understood to condemn all outward means , or onely to shew that outward means without the inward assistance and operation of the spirit cooperating with them were unable to beget saving grace in a soul ? do you conceive the spirit of god in them disallowes all reading , teaching , hearing , or only forbid to put such a confidence in them as to esteem them able in themselves to confer eternal life upon us ? besides , i that place in the corinths , the letter signifies the law , of which moses was a minister , the spirit the gospell , which christ brought and delivered to his apostles and ministers ; for look but into the chapter and you shall see the scope of the apostle is to advance the ministery of the gospel above the ministery of the law : was not this rightly applied then against learning ? can you imagine he himself can th●●k them to mean what he puts upon them ? but i leave him , and so i hope will you ; yet i could wish some able pen would take him task , and 〈…〉 the impostor . chap. xvi . the abuse of learning no argument against the use of it . but as this fellow cries down , so are there others which too much cry up learning , who will entail the ●ift of teaching upon it , and allow none to teach but an vniversity graduate ; which is no other than put bounds to god , to limit the holy spirit , hither and no farther shalt thou go ; but because these men idolize it , must we execrate and abhor it ? because the persians adored the sun , must we christians refuse the comfort of its light and heat ? in thus doing we run as far out of the way on the one hand , as they do on the other . let them consider how many under the light of the gospel furnish'd with the helps of humane learning are strangely unacquainted with the knowledg of christ crucified ; a plain experienced christian ( notwithstanding their auxiliary forces ) only by the help of a bible , will put a whole army to flight ; surgunt indocti et rapiunt coelum , when they in the mean time do but , as he speaks , ornare diabolum ; they become learned spoiles , sapienter descendunt in infernum , they go cunningly to hell . and then on the other side let not us be so silly and malicious as to put the fault in learning , whereas there is no greater vicinity than between truth and goodness ; heaven is full of knowledge , as it is of holiness ; and it is brimfull of both : if some will not make a right use , or will abuse their learning , must learning suffer ? can there be a more gross abuse than , as , isocrates speaks , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , to lay the blame on the thing , not the man ? some men with weapons commit murders and outrages , shall not others therefore have any for their own necessary and just defence ? some make themselves drunk , may not others therefore drink to maintain life , and to comfort and chear the heart ? noah was drunk with wine , shall not timothy therefore drink a little for his stomachs sake , and his often infirmities ? tim. . . a subtil jesuiticall knave wrests scripture , may not a minister of the gospel therefore quote it ? the first abuses his learning to pervert , and destroy , shall not the second make use of his to instruct , and edifie ? upon this account all things might be condemned , even profession it self , and all religious duties , which have been by some abused , and prophaned . chap. xvii . the mischief of ignorance . these things thus weighed , will not the improvement of nature beautified & adorned with supernatural grace make men more serviceable , and instrumental for gods glory ? when the strength of learning , and the power of godliness unite and concentricate their forces , will they not make up the finest and purest complexion , the soundest and bravest constitution , like a sparkling and vigorous soul , quickning and informing a beautiful body ? can religion desire to shine with greater gloss and lustre , can it desire to ride among men in greater pomp and solemnity , in a more tryumphant charriot than in a soul of vast intellectualls ? let us but consider our poor ignorant and unlearned ancestors , with yellings , and howlings , with the horrid noise of brazen and copper pans and bazons hammered on and beaten , endeavouring to help the moon in the ecclipse , whom they thought they did great service to ; and whence proceeded this but from ignorance of the natural cause ? what prayers , what sacrifices did an ecclipse of the sun produce ? all presently supposing he hid his face for anger , as the poets report he did at atreus his banquet , — verterit cursus licet sibi ipse titan , obvium ducens iter , tenebrisque facinus obruit tetrum novis , nox missa ab ort u tempore alieno gravis . seneca , thyestes , and they in danger of an eternal night , and not only be , as one speaks notably of the suns adorers , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , without their god by night , but for ever : and indeed what advantage did the devill make of ignorance in the time of popery ? what a quarter did he keep with his hobgoblins , and fairies ? o , darkness is his delight in the understanding as well as in the air , and doth it not lay men more open to his temptations ? what a tryumph would the prince of darkness lead could he get us all into his livery ? this plutarch an heathen could perceive , knowledge , saith he , frees men from that superstition , which frights , disturbs , and entangles with sinister conceits of the deity , others , who are ignorant of the natural causes of things , and in its place induces a secure piety , and holy confidence in the divine power ; and he instances in the head of a ram with one horn growing in the midst of the front brought to pericles , which when the southsayers converted to an omen , anaxagoras the philosopher dissecting the scull shewed it empty on the sides , and the brains lying in the midst in an oval form just where the horn took root , cleerly convincing them of the natural cause . let us consider how a poor bishop was degraded by a whole council , and the popes infallible worship too boot , for writing and maintaining that there were antipodes , people inhabiting the other side of the worldly globe , a thing known to every ship-boy in wapping : and what will nothign serve our turns but a herd of such teachers ? a drove of such doctors that may bring us in one age to a degree above bleating to be as far from understanding , as they from being able to speak sense ? when a dutch sophister with this doughty fallacy , the scripture commands us to reverence and obey our elders , but the dutch state is the elder state , therefore the scripture commands the english state to reverence and obey the dutch ; or , asses have eares , englishmen have eares , therefore englishmen are asses , shall puzzle our whole nation , and none be able to answer him , unless by down-right telling him he lyes , & so instead of confuting , confirm him in his wild assertions . lastly , let us consider with what impatience we would hear a man that went about to perswade us to burn our ships , break our guns , destroy all our arms and weapons , and lay our selves naked to the invasion and rapine of any forein enemy ; and shall we not with the same disdain and abhorrency behold these pedling truckers under satan , who would disarm our souls , prostitute our understandings to the lust of every subtill sophister , make us like to the horse and mule which want understanding , ready to take the bit into our mouths to be rid by each deceiver , and to crowch down under the burdens which every sly and cunning knave shall please to load us with ? do we so much detest the slavery of our bodies , and shall we not abhor to see our souls led captive , our understandings drawn in shackles after the triumphant chariot of every impostor ? our lord and savior teaches us , that though a man both strong and armed keep the house , yet if a stronger than he come , he will enter and take possession ; these imps of the destroyer suggest , that the lame and blind are only fit garrison souldiers for the strong holds of the new jerusalem , as if religion were the capitol that onely geese must defend ; alas , had there not been a manlius and other valiant and armed romans , the gauls could not have been kept out by their cackling . thus much for learning , as it is useful in religion , what advantage it is of to the civil state shall be discoursed of hereafter in its proper place . chap. xviii . of moral vertue in general . before we proceed further , it will not be amiss to consider moral vertue in the general , as of good conducement to our better understanding of the particular vertues which follow in order to be treated of in our subsequent discourse , and to our easier attaining and imbracing them in our future practice . and first of the name ; the greeks according to some denominated it {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , from mars their god of war , because in war the efficacy of vertue seemed most perspicuous . others fetch its derivation {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , from choosing , because vertue is above all things to be chosen . the latines called it virtus a vir which antiently was solie applyed to a valiant man ; thus cicero in offic. nomen virtutis , inquit , antiquitus solius fuit fortitudinis , vertue , saith he , was the badge heretofore onely of fortitude . but since experience teaching that man was not only to strive with man , to combate the common enemy , but also with his own disorderly affections easily misled by the allurements of riches , delights , and preferment , it became the tryumphant ornament of those that were victorious over themselves and these temptations , which indeed is the more noble conquest , and most manly , as performed by the force of reason , the weapon only man can use . lastly there are some , who not unpleasantly alluding will have it tearmed virtus , quasi viri artus , as it were the joints and lineaments of the mind . now , as the name hath been diversly derived , so hath the thing been variously applyed . as first , to signify in general the power and perfection of any thing , hence we often meet with these and the like phrases in english , by vertue of gods power , wisdome , omniscience ; by vertue of the soul , of the heavens , of the elements , of such or such a plant , mineral , or living creature . secondly , to denote promiscuously all habits as well infused as acquired , thus we say by vertue of grace , faith , &c. thirdly , it is taken for a natural inclination or disposition : thus aristotle in ethic. cap. ult. we possess vertue by nature , and by nature we are temperate and valiant . lastly , it is most properly taken for an habit of the mind , acquired by use and frequent exercise , and thus we are to accept it as an habit ruling the will and appetite of man , and conforming and composing his manners for the help and ornament of humane society . and now having viewed it in the gross , let us a little descend to take it in pieces , wherby the true nature of it will be more plainly understood . the nus is an habit , and we prove its lineage by its coat armour . plutarch de virtut . moral . {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} . there are , saith he , three things in the mind , the faculty , the affection , and the habit ; the faculty is the principle and matter of the affection ; the affection is a certain motion of the faculty : but the habit is the strength and conformity of the faculty gotten by custome . now vertue being to be reduced under one of these heads , we must examin to which it doth conform it self . by vertue men are accounted good , as by vice bad ; but by the faculties which are natural and bear themselves in an indifferent posture to this or that ; and by the affections by which we are only moved , and become not , neither are accounted such or such , we can neither be termed good or bad ; it remains then that the habit gives the denomination , and that vertue is an habit , and so aristotle l. . ethike. . cap. . defines it to be {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} . the difference must be fetched from the matter and form ; now the matter is the subject and object , for no other ▪ matter can be attributed to accidents ; the subject is the will and appetite , the internal object , are the affections , and actions springing from those affections ; the external objects are the persons toward which , and the things in which vertue is exercised . the form is a mediocrity or mean to be observed in all our affections and actions which exces renders violent , defect lame and imperfect . now vertue consists in indivisibili medio , in an individual mediocrity ; {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} . for there is but one path leads to vertue , but to vice many . {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} for good is single , evill of many shapes ; yet is this indivisibility not to be taken in a mathematical , but a moral construction , which admits of some latitude , for its the prudent admonition of some eminent moralists , parum deflectere à medio in excedendo , vel deficiendo , non est vitium semper existimandum ; cum medii quaedam sit latitudo , intra quamse continentes bene agunt , a small declining from the mean either on the right or left is not alwaies to be accounted vice , sith there is a certain latitude in mediocritie , within the limits of which , men containing themselves act well . thus a valiant man by the smart and sight of his wounds may be transported with anger and thirst of revenge , yet it being in the lawfull and just defence of himself and countrey , a resolute and eager charge will be no excess from true fortitude , and for the other extreme we have a noble example in the roman consul catulus , who when he could not perswade the greatest part of his army to abide in their camp , being terrified with the approach of the cimbrians , commanded the eagle , the roman standart , to be advanced , and marcht away himself in the head of them , that they might appear rather to follow than desert their general . here he forsook his camp , and those resolute souldiers that staid to defend it , for fear lest the body of his army who would go should be utterly disheartned , and being publickly branded with deserting the consul , might set light by their fame already blasted , and so the commonwealth then threatned might be greatly endangered by the loss of such an army , which would either have disbanded , or fought untowardly . and to come closer , vertue is not {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , an absolute calm without the least perturbation , but {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , a symmetry of the affections regulated by measure , squared by the golden rule of mediocrity . and as there is a latiude to be considered , so is the proportion which is geometrical , not arithmetical ; it is medium rationis , non rei : for vertue doth not equally differ from its extremes , as six doth from two and ten , as for example , liberality comes nearer to prodigality than covetousness . yet the attaining this mediocrity being a thing of the greatest difficulty , for as it is easie to be angry , so is it hard to be angry with these necessary circumstances , with whom , how far , when , wherefore , and in what manner we ought , it will much avail us to take these helps , laid down by all or the most experienced moralists . first , let us endeavour to shun that extreme which seems most contrary to vertue ; yet here must be care taken lest by endeavouring to avoid one we run into the other extremity according to that , dum vitant stulti vitia in contraria currunt . and , incidit in scyllam cupiens vitare charybdim . thus as the nymph calypso instructs vlisses being to sail between scylla and charybdis , two dangerous rocks in the sicilian sea , rather to avoid charybdis as the more dangerous , but yet still to have an eye to scylla : homer . odyss. so we must avoid that extreme which is most opposit to vertue as more destructive , yet with care of the other too : superstition is liker piety than atheism , we had better therefore be a little too tender , than to make no scruple , a little too formal , than openly prophane , here the excess is less contrary ; but here again the defect , for abstemionsness altogether to forbear wine is more like temperance then drunkennes , and this our reason will instruct us to judge of . yet the prudent perswade for the most part to avoid the excess , as of more difficulty to be shaken off : and indeed it would be more facile to bring an abstemious person to a moderate use of wine for his health sake , than to disswade a drunkard from his tipple though his health , nay life lay at stake ; and of this opinion is cicero in i ▪ de orat suus cuique modus est , inquit , tamen magis offendit nimium , quam parum . there is a measure to be had in every thing , saith he , yet excess is the greater offender of the two : and where we find one voluntarily starving himself , we shall meet with thousands destroyed by surfetting . secondly , let us strive to avoid that extreme which we are most enclined to by our natural temper ; as if we are covetously enclind , let us endeavour rather to be a little too profuse , and so by degrees we may become liberal . {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} . this aristotle illustrates by an apt simile of streightning a stick : for he that will make a stick streight must do it by bending it to the contrary side . thirdly , we must in every action be very suspicious of that which seems to entice with the alluring bait of pleasure , and this aristotle confirms by an argument drawn from the pernicious effect of pleasure . and thus cicero in catone . impedit consilium volupt as rationi inimica et mentis oculos perstringit . pleasure , saith he , that foe to reason , lays a bar in judgements way , and dazzles the eye of the understanding : and again in . lib. offic. voluptates blandissimae dominae saepe majores partes animae à virtute detorquent ; those flattering mistresses , pleasures , do often enveagle and draw the nobler parts of the soul from the practise of vertue , and seneca in epist. . quis hostis in quenquam ita contumeliosus fuit , quam in quosdam voluptates suae ? no professed enemy hath been so injurious and spitefull , hath wrought a man so much disgrace , as their own pleasures , their bosom delights have done too many , one dalilah hath been more powerful to captivate a sampson , than all the lords , than all the thousands among the philistimes . and as a help we shall adde this , that proposing the most sublime , and heroical patterns of vertue for our imitation , we shall the less square our actions by the crooked and deceitful rule of pleasure . he that shall make cicero his example shall never become a cataline : nor shall the admirer of a studious and contemplative athenian , of a couragious and active lacaedemonian , incur the infamy and effeminacie of a delicate sybarite , or a dissolved persian : thus when the glory of miltiades once disturbed the sleep of themistocles , when his victory at marathon had made a conquest also over the others debauchery at athens ; you see how soon he broke those silken cords of pleasure , wherein he was noos'd , and the sense of honour having set an edge upon his affections , he soon cut that gordion knot , whereby he became first victorious over himself , and after over asia ; i mean the numerous persian with the strength of asia then invading greece , and of a dissolute young man , became the most famous captain in his time greece could boast of ; of such efficacy is a noble example . whereas on the contrary , as cicero in laelio , nihilaltum , nihil magnificum , nihil divinum suscipere possunt , qui suas cogitationes abjecerunt in rem humilem et abjectam . the latter phrase is very emphatical ; he that trifles away his thoughts in a low , and abject contemplation , shall never come to be fit for any high , any noble , any heroick undertaking . thus the muck worm that pores upon the ground continually will never arrive to the liberal science of astronomy ; and we cannot but suppose that he shall shoot neerer heaven who takes his aim at a star , than he that levels at a gloworm . the efficient cause of vertue is custome ; which is the genuine parent of an habit ; thus when we see a man wallow in vice , we say he is habituated to it , yet have there been some who have endeavoured to alter this pedegree , and to engraft this excellent cien on another stock . gallen a physician , would bring it under his cure , and place it within the verge of his art , and could he do it , it would be no smal addition to his calling , both in respect of honour , and profit ; which would abound in admirers , and never want patients : how necessary would the physician be to the body politick as well as natural , could he rectify and purge the manners , as well as the humours , and not only help men to live , but to live well ? o the sacred power of that physick , which could purge out vice , and be a cordiall to vertue ! thou hast a fragrancy beyond the ointment of the apothecary ; whose shop alas cannot be the cradle of vertue , neither can all his compounds compose the affections , all his distillations instill vertue , all his essences and spirits quicken that noble heat in the soul , it is beyond the power of chymistry to extract this habit , or to resolve corrupted nature into its first principle of purity . shew me that doctor that can by his physiek make the cholerike man meek , the coward , valiant , or the corrupt , just ; and let him enjoy the deity of aesculapius , and his ruined shrines be repaired for his service . i confess they can make the miser open his fist , and scatter his angells , when he is terrifyed with the dreadful apparition of death . this wretch , contrary to all others , who hold fastest when in danger of drowning , unclutching his gripe when he is sinking into the grave , and parting with his mammon , his beloved deity so long adored by him , when the devil appears ready to ceize him . but this is but like the cowards winking and laying about him when there is no remedy but fight or dy , like damaetas in the noble and ingenuous sydney , who when the sea would let him run no further , turnd , & had the hap to have his adversary cry quarter first ; and the one is as far from being liberal , as the other valiant . thus it seems , making for his profession , gallen attempts to cry up his own diana , and on nature beget a sire for vertue , for he will have it spring from a temperament of the body ; but though this may encline , yet doth it not necessarily draw men to vertue . . for we often see manners changed , the temperament remaining the same , as in the example of themistocles ; and the temper changed , the manners continuing , for in the life of marius we read , that though he was both old , gross , and corpulent , yet did he daily in publick exercise himself in arms among the young men , endeavoring to make his body active and nimble whether nature would or no : yea so fiery and young was his ambition that the i hill froast of age which had made his head hoary could not nip it , and such a thirst after honour burned within him , that six consulships adorn'd with the most-splendid tryumphs could not quench it , but his aspiring soul would have drawn his unweldie body craz'd with age , and loaden with honour , after it into pontus , whether he eagerly sought to be sent commander in chief against mithridates ; yea upon his death bed when he was light headed , fancying he was warring against mithridates , he would often use such postures , and motions of the body , as became a general , backed with a loud , and military clamour : alas poor man ! as if one sprig of laurel could have given thee content , which in a whole grove thou couldst not find , though springing from thine own conquests . . again the temper is not in our power , manners are , for if they were not , to what purpose would deliberation , counsel , exhortation , praise , reproof , laws , rewards , punishments be ? it is evident then that the temperament is not the proximate and chief cause of vertue . secondly , and as gallen , so the stoicks make nature the cause of vertue , which they hold born with man , but vice contrary to nature and acquired by evil custom . so that they themselves will have custome the cause of the acquired habit of vice , which grants our tenent , for having proved vertue to be a habit acquired , not an innate faculty , it must be the product of custome . besides , whatever is natural is immoveable , but manners are mutable , as in the before recited example of themistocles , and how often have our eyes seen young men of very promising beginnings debauched by evil company , to fall from that bright orb of vertue , in which had they been placed by nature they would have been fixed stars ? thirdly , some there are that ascribe vertues original to education , and breeding , and indeed this is very much conducing to beget the first acts of vertue , and to put youth in the right road to come to it , but it is not of force to creat the habit : for how many do we behold excellently initiated in this sacred mystery by a good tutorage , which when they come to have the reigns layd in their necks , gallop down hill , and break the neck of all those goodly expectations ? for the best instilled precepts though they may sometimes check , yet are they not of force to stop the carreer of the headstrong affections , and many are there , who can give good counsel to others , which they cannot or will not follow themselves . but let me not be misunderstood , for though we do not allow education to be the proximate and adaequate , yet shall we not deny it to be a remote cause , which by entering men in vertues path , which gon on in will bring to the habit , may be said to lay the foundation to this glorious fabrick . and thus though we cannot in justice conferre the crown as to have reached the goal , yet let it carry the prize for the first start ; though we must deny it the tryumph due to an absolute victory , yet shall we put the murall crown on its head , for having first mounted the wall , and first erected vertues ensign upon the battlements . let it then not be neglected , but of all receive its due esteem , as the most excellent trayner up of youth , the most noble file-leader , who well followed conducts to victory , that happy victory which will render us invincible , place us above the reach of any enemy , carry us out of fortunes gun-shot . now the rest enjoying what is their own , let us give custom its due , which is to be the efficient cause of vertue , enabling men by an often repetition of such or such a vertuous action , to a ready and unperturbed performing it upon occasion ; for to descend a little in a simile , how come your artificers to become excellent , unless by often practice , or your souldier to be expert , but by exercise ? and it is a maxim amongst military men , that a man never so well versed in speculation , who hath all the arts and stratagems of the most renowned captains at his fingers ends , yet at the first skirmish will be to seek ; and can we think the repugnancies within are less disturbing than enemies without , and require not a mind as well experienced to resist and quell them ? to sum up all the etymon of the word {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} moral , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , derived from the word which signifieth custome , may confirm us that it hath its original from the thing from whose name it derives its denomination . for it would be no more a soloecism in speech to call the son of van trump an english man , than that moral or customary vertue , which is sprung from the loins of temperament , nature or education . but now to prescribe a set number , to tell how many acts go to the making up an habit , is impossible ; for . fewer or more are requisite , accordingly as the mind is less or more enclin'd to vertue . . some acts are more powerful , others less valid . . attention makes large amends for number , whose worth , by way of exchange , may viewith hundreds , and , when put in the scale , far outweigh them . neither let any of us fear to overdo , to act vertuously too often . the external causes of vertue are the examples of others , as in the before-named example of miltiades and themistocles ; and rewards and punishments , as we shall shew more fully in their proper-place . the end of vertue , is bonum civile , the common good , the general interest of mankind , and this must needs be lovely in all our eyes , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , saith the philosopher , it is honourable to do good to one , to a nation heroical ; it is neer of kin to divinity for a man to be able to contribute towards the welfare of his whole species : and magistrates , men in publick place , of whom it is spoken , i have said ye are gods , are placed by god for the common good ; those that are set to rule , like the sun should be full of light , and heat , visible in example , and powerful influence . chap. xix . of probity , and the practice of it among the romans . the external object , as it relates to the persons towards whom vertue bends its eie , delivers it janus-like , looking forward by piety upon god , backward by probity upon man , providing a well-being both for soul and body , and directing us for the benefit of our selves and others . of the first , piety , we have aready spoken , the other , probity , is therefore that which remains for the subject of our persent discourse , and this meets us well accompanyed , noblie followed , as having all those vertues in her train , which are necessary to enable us in performing our duties as we stand in all relations . for its denomination , we find it termed by the greeks {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , and by the latines honestas , from honos honour ; so ingenuously provident were the antients that it might not be so much as mentioned without its due , honour . and indeed it is the very abstract of the other vertues ; it is the ci●cle from whence those noble lines are drawn , and the center in which they meet ; it is the salt that seasons them , and the soul that informs them , that bestowes their glorious being . without this , prudence would be but cunning . justice , in execution , but a more specious and reserved kind of revenge ; in distribution , but a keeping of credit to maintain our trade ; in rewarding , but a bribery to gain affection , and encrease our dependancies . fortitude , but a brutish audacity , and daring rashness to render our selves terrible , and gain domination . temperance , but a kind of senslesnes and stupidity , a stoical piece of tyranny over our bodies . hence grew its esteem among the moralists , which generally make the other vertues spring from the pregnant womb of probitie ; and hence came it to be honored among the romans , which they beheld blessed with so glorious and numerous a progeny , attended by so beautifull a company of daughters . this was it set numa on the throne , and made them with one consent call him from a private country life to govern rome , passing by the most noble among both romans and sabines . it was this fetched serranus from the plough , and adorned him with the absolute & uncontrollable power of dictator . this encouraged them to elect cato to be censor , and pass by the noblest competitors , when instead of courting the people , he seemed to threaten them , proclaming , that by choosing him and valerius flaccus , whom they also made his collegue , the city might be purged of its new corruptions , and antient probity of manners restored . this made fabritius , when the physician sent him word , that if he pleased he would poison pyrrhus , return the letter to pyrrhus with this exprobration , that he was most unfortunate in his choice of friends , as well as enemies ; which when pyrrhus had received , and hanging his physician , returned the roman captives without ransom , fabritius sent as many captives of his with this admonition , that he discovered the treason not for any favour or respect he bore to him , but to let him know that the romans abhorred by treachery to destroy their enemies . pyrrhus had then invaded italy , had overthrown the consul laevinus , and was grown numerous by the revolt of many of the people of italy who lackied to his fortune ; his physician unsought to , even of his own accord , offers to rid them of this danger , yet so great was their love to honesty , they chose to undergo any hazard , rather than to connive at a dishonest act , or in the least to bear with it though in a stranger . behold o matchivilian , this is that which truly establishes a state , when thy unworthy policies , though they may be prosperous for a while , are never long-lived , and thy rotten props will in the close fail thee , and bury thee in the ruins of that thou buildest upon them . produce me an example , where although prosperity might lead the van , reproach and ruine did not bring up the rear ? where thy villanies flourishing for a day , were not frost-nipt at night ? where though they might bud in the morning , and blow at noon , they were not blasted in the evening , and their purple changed into sables , their rosie-tinctured mantles into nights black livery , double dy'd in infamy and horror ? whereas vertuous honesty renders states and persons stable like it self , whose glorious edifices in the roughest and most boysterous storms stand unshaken like their foundation : yea and alwaies cloathes them with the tryumphant roabs of success , who in its armour of proof have combated their foes . this was it set rome aloft in spight of all opposition , and raised her on her feet , when ready to be trampled on by her fiercest foes . this was it upheld her courage in the midst of the greatest losses , and made her enemies tremble in the height of their victories , as accounting her invincible in her vertue , which would make all force stoop and vaile bonnet in the end . thus may we see pyrrhus even reeking with a bloody victory , dispatch away his ambassadour , and stretch out his victorious arms to implore a peace , whilest the beaten roman disdains to treat , and can hardly be brought to give any terms to the conqueror ▪ rejecting his profered friendship , as much as his gold and bribes . for his ambassadour could not fasten the least gift on any private person , nor obtain any other answer from the senate , than a command to leave italy , and that the consul was comming , and in the head of the roman legions should deliver their terms . this made fabritius contemn his profered gold , deride his stratagem of the elephant , which was suddenly brought upon him to try if they could terrifie him ; refuse his profer of being next the king ▪ if he would continue with him ; and return this brief answer , i am no more moved at your beast , than i was with your gold , and for me to live with thee would be perillous , o king , for should thy subjects once come to know me , they would choose rather to serve me than thee ; account fabritius more worthy of the throne , than pyrrhus . this was it carried cato the elder through the greatest oppositions of the roman nobility , and set him above the reach of their envy and malice : this gave him the suffrages from all his competitors , the antient and noblest roman bloud backt with all its factions and dependancies being unable to stand in competition with a plebeian probitie , or the whole patrician order to put stop to his being chosen censor , yea and whom he pleased to be joined with him . this was it , not affection or money , yea that in despight of favour and bribery brought him off in all his accusations ; so that he never was once condemned though fifty times impeached , but in every action had the day ; yea this gave him the confidence to demand his greatest adversary to be judge at his last tryal , who also gave sentence for him . so potent is honesty , that malice it self cannot but yield , and either openly acknowledge , or tacitly confess , that her roughest and best-edg'd files can't touch it . who would not then imbrace this so potent , and excellen vertue ? which even wrests encomiums out of the mouths of enemies : which could make pyrrhus with admiration cry out , that it was easier to turn the sun from its course , than fabritius from his integrity . and his ambassadour cyneas return this answer , when askt what he though of rome . that it was a city of kings , and a senate of gods ; every private person vertuously commanding his affections , and the magistrates divinely influential for the publike honor and safety . and now comming to handle the particular vertues , we shall follow cicero l. . offic. in his division of them into prudence , justice , portitude , and temperance , under which all necessary honest actions may be reduced ; and these are commonly called the cardinal vertues . prudence that directs our reason , the other govern our appetites , as fortitude and temperance in adverse and prosperous affairs concerning our selves , justice in that which pertains to others . chap. xx . of prudence . this vertue is called by the greeks {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , from the mind , whose chief ornament it is : by the latines prudentia , quasi providentia à providendo , it foreseeing what is to be avoided , what to be chosen , as most apposit for the wel-being of our selves and others , it being also its special employment to provide for the future , and we are only to look upon it in its politick capacity , as it is reduced under moral philosophy : for though it may be accounted an intellectual vertue in regard of its subject and efficient cause , as having its dependancy on the understanding and judgement : yet in respect of its object and end it becomes also moral , as which leads not only to contemplative but practical felicity , and beholds civil good as its most lovely object . and indeed prudence is {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} the master workman , the principal agent in the raising and composing of the noble frame of vertue , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} : for as this directs , so do the vertues , and vertuous men act : this draws the lines of election , in whose rectitude the main force of vertue lies ; this squares and contrives by deliberation , making the timbers fit , and the whole structure decent and usefull : yea so necessary an ingredient is it in morality , that aristotle and with him all the moralists have concluded , first , that a man cannot be vertuous , unless he be prudent ; {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} : for vertue is not only an habit consonant to , but joined with right reason . secondly , that a man cannot be prudent , unless he be vertuous : for he must have a right end in all his actions , which is inconsistent with crooked manners . qualis vita , finis ita , may be well enough apply'd here ; besides , vice perverts the judgement , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , and like a cheating trades-man shews colors by a false light . it is therefore affirmed on all hands , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , that by prudence and vertue , every work is made absolute , vertue setting up a right end , and prudence making choice of apt means to bring us to that end . prudence thus comming within our verge , let us inquire what it is : and first we find cicero in l. ● . de invent . thus telling us , that prudence is an exact knowledge of what is both good and evill , prudentia est rerum bonarum , malarum , utrarumque peritia . and lipsius makes it , notitia rerum eventuumque , et judicium in iis rectum , an ability in knowing , and judging a right of things and events . aristotle defines it , l. . eth. c. . {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , an habit conjoined with right reason , conversant and operative in those things which bring good or evil unto man . and now having viewed its essence , let us a little consider its operation , and we find its employment to consist in a solid deliberation of those things which are good and profitable , not particularly onely to health & strength , but which generally conduce to a vertuous and happy life , lib. . ethike. . e. . and this not by deliberating of the general precepts , and lawes of living , which are certainly defined , but by consulting how to square each single act by the streight rule of vertue ; for in the variety of circumstances upon which the rectitude or pravity of action depends consists the obscurity , and in this consultation is solely requisite : and now counsel being taken , prudence decrees that good is to be chosen before evil , the greater good before the lesser , and the lesser evil before the greater ; yet this onely in malo tristi , non turpi ; for the prudent man alwaies shuns the least baseness ; therefore the philosopher tells us that there are some things which are to be abhorr'd above torments , or death it self ; thus pericles being intreated by a friend to give a false testimony , returned this answer , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , i 'm only to help my friends in such things as offend not the gods ; and the french history affords a memorable example of this in the prince of conde , who being trecherously surprised by charles the th . and word sent him that he must choose either to go to mass , to dy , or to be perpetually imprisoned , nobly answered , for the first , by gods assistance , i will never do it , for the other two let the king do as he please , yet i doubt not but god by his fatherly providence will turn all to the best : he refuses the crime , neither would be choose the punishment , lest he might seem to disavow his own innocency : whereas david , convinced of his guilt in numbering the people , by choosing the pestilence , before sword or famine , as a more mild and fatherly punishment , acted the part of a prudent man , sam. . chap. xxi . of the causes of prudence , natural parts , experience , learning , travel , &c. the chief causes of prudence may be reduced under three heads , nature , vse , learning . first , there must be some foundation in nature , some ground whereon to build , ex quovis ligno non fit mercurius , every block will not make a mercury , it is in vain to wash an aethiopian , and though a fool be brayed in a morter he will never become wise : therefore the moralists generally hold these three things requisite to the acquiring of prudence , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , a cleer judgement , a quick apprehension , and a strong memory ; the two first being necessary to a right judging , and readily applying apt means for gaining our end . thus thucydides in lib. . gives us an eminent example in the person of themistocles , who without long warning or tedious consultation , by the very acuteness of his understanding gave the best counsel : in future things he could exactly conjecture what would happen ; in present affairs he was quick of dispatch ; he was most dexterous at discovery in unknown , and in obscure things above all men could foresee what might be for the better , and what for the worse : to sum up all , what by the strength of nature , and help of deliberation , he became so exact , as he seldome or never missed his mark . and livie in . dec . lib. . shews another in cato major , in hoc viro tanta vis animi , ingeniique fuit , ut quocunque loco natus esset , fortunam sibi ipse facturus fuisse videretur : nulla ars neque privatae , neque publicae rei gerendae ei defuit , urbanas , rusticasque res pariter callebat : ad summos honores alios scientia juris , alios eloquentia , alios gloria militaris provexit ; huic versatile ingenium sic pariter ad omnia fuit , ut natum ad id unum diceres , quodcunque ageret . the last which is memorie furnishes us with examples and presidents by which we are taught both by other mens losses or advantages , what course , and how we should steer in all our affairs . thus the philosopher in his little book of the vertues stiles memory the cause , and that known verse , usus me genuit , mater peperit memoria , makes vse the father , and memory the mother of prudence . demosthenes saith it is required in a prudent man to remember what is past , to dispatch and mind what 's present , and to provide for what may happen . and isocrates gives this rule , that when we deliberate , we ought to consider of past examples , for by calling to mind things that are gone , we shall be better enabled to make provision for things that are to come . we shall sum up this with that of strada in his prolus. academ. qui memoria prae aliis valet , glorietur tanquam excellenti vitae bono , tanquam thesauro , et penu disciplinarum , germana literaturae , musarum parente , altrice sapientiae , insigni demum argumento divinitatis ; as was observably eminent in those prudent men homer , aristotle , seneca , and especially julius caesar , who is reported never to have forgotten any thing , but an injury . the second help is use or experience , which furnish us with an insight in single actions , which are most necessary the prudent mans knowledge ; natural abilities , and learning do often make men opiniative , and to presume themselves knowing and wise : but it is experience that brings solidity . the greatest clerks are not alwaies the wisest men ; therfore theognis concludes {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , opinion to be of evil consequence , but use of the best concernment ; to which lipsius assents , especially in those that are are to sit at the helm in a state : indeed this is it which in every art makes a man his crafts-master ; and there is both a civill and military art requisite to the well-governing of a state : therefore your experienced soldier is chosen to command , and men most versed in state affairs held fittest for counsel , and government . suppose we were to perform a far voyage , or to enter an unknown and dangerous harbour , would we not choose him for a pilot who had oftenest steered it , who was best acquainted with the passage ? truly let us consider and we shall find a common-wealth may properly enough be likened to a ship , and the mannagement of affairs to steerage ; thus horace ode . o navis , referent in mare te novi fluctus : and the ingenuous and learned johnson in his catiline brings cato thus speaking to the then chosen consul cicero . — each petty hand can steer a ship becalm'd : but he that will govern , and carry her to her ends , must know his tides , his currents , how to shift his sails ; what she will bear in foul , what in fair weather ; where her springs are , her leaks and how to stop them ; what sands , what shelves , what rocks do threaten her , the forces , and the natures of all winds , gusts , storms , and tempests . when her keel ploughs hell , and deck knocks heaven , then to mannage her becomes the name , and office of a pilot. thus the prudent man must not onely be well acquainted with his own strengths , the ability of the means he hath chosen as fit to bring him to his proposed end , but with the vigor and force of whatsoever is likely to oppose him : he must provide for open assaults , and countermine against underhand practices , for should he depend onely upon his own power , he will be at loss upon every opposition ; he will bowl short of his mark , unless he allow for rubs , which may be in the way . and hence it is that the moralists generally exclude young men as incapable of prudence , who by the natural heat and vigor of youth are too fiery , apt to presume and run headlong into action without any deliberation ; whereas grave men , through use , and experience are made wary and provident ; they will look before they leap , consider whether they shall be able to carry on such or such a design , maugre all opposition , before they imbark themselves in it : therefore homer being to present a prudent counseller under the person of nestor , makes him years of age ; a man of the greatest experience , who had waded through the employments of three ages . the third help is learning ; for there being so great a variety , such nooks , and corners in action , that light is necessary on all sides to further us in our search , it will be need full for us that would be prudent to fly to learning for aid , which can afford us noble and copious assistance . as first history , which is as it were another use , but of a more vigorous capacity . man clog'd with matter can move but slowly , and by his birth and outward concernments is commonly circumscribed within some narrow nook or angle of the world , where he is constrain'd to spend that shorttime of life which nature allowes : so that let him employ his utmost diligence in observation , and most strictly take notes , his knowledge can arrive but to the half of one ages experience , and that too but of a few nations actions ; whereas history layes before us all mankind in all ages acting in whatever as yet hath happened , and providing for ▪ and against whatever could fall under humane consideration , so that we shall not meet with any affair which may not be paralleld , and which we may not find mannaged by others , even to our hands , in the large volume of history . this is that which can make a young man prudent , and exalt his experience above the oldest he that shall stand on tip to upon his own observation : this is that upon whose shoulders a dwarf in years setting his feet , shall see further than a nestor , than the tallest gyant standing on the ground of his own experience . this is that , which not only enriches the memory with variety and plenty of actions and examples , but also enobles the mind with excellent and choise precepts , with good and wholsome admonitions ; for wise and prudent men generally being the penmen to history , have flourished her about , and embroidered the edges of her garments with rich and precious maxims , costly and curious observations of their own . we will conclude histories character with heinsius , est certissima divinae erga homines benignitatis obses , veritatis mater , vitae norma , actionum propagatrix vera , prudentiae ( ut quidam apud graecos loquitur ) metropolis . haec aetatem nostram cum aetate aequat universi ; haec imaginem , non corporis , sed vitae , sed consiliorum , sed animi ad posteros transfundit , et expressam non in aere , aut ferro , non picturae beneficio aut plasticae , immortali rerum ac verborum copia delineatam omnibus spectandam exhibet . and it is reported of lucius lucullus , who conquered two great kings , mithridates and tigranes , that by history he was trayned up to that skill in martial affairs , which rendred him both an able and victorious general , one who with foot , and horse , besieged the great city tigranocerta , and beat tigranes comming to relieve it with darts and slings , foot , and horse , of which were armed cappa●pe . secondly , as history , so philosophy , as first moral , confers much help in attaining of prudence . as . in teaching those peculiar rules of life , and canons , according to which the prudent man governs his counsels ▪ and actions ; besides , it is generally held that a man cannot be prudent unless he be vertuous , now the readiest way to become so is to know what vertue is , and wherein it consists , which moral philosophy teaches , together with the means to attain it . to sum up all , prudence it self , with all its precepts , and rules , is here handled ; whether then should we go for water but to the fountain , where it is most pleasant , dulcius ex ipso fonte bibuntur aquae , most abundant , and most easie to come by ? secondly , speculative philosophy is a great help ; this confers sapience , a dear friend , and support to prudence , upon whose precepts prudence builds , and laies the foundation of its rules ; as for example , upon the doctrine of the rational soul , the doctrine of the will , and of the affections : neither can any man be prudent , unless he be able to discern those various circumstances of persons , places , and times , all which are distinctly handled in speculative philosophy . thus aristotle affirms sapience to be marvellously profitable for the solid understanding of humane felicity , ( which is the end prudence proposes ) both because the operations of the will have their dependency upon the operations of the understanding , for we will after the same rate as we understand ; as also because many arguments may be drawn from speculative philosophy which may much conduce to the exercise of vertue ; as an insight into the temper of our bodies may perswade us to temperance . and lipsius commends both moral and speculative philosophy ; duae istae partes formant hominis animum , vel ad virtutis amorem , & pretium , vel ad notitiam caelestium , & terrestrium , è quibus magnitudo animi oritur , & simul modestia , collatione utrorumque , because both of them create in the mind of man as well a love and esteem of vertue , as a knowledge of the nature of caelestial and earthly things , from which springs magnanimity , and modesty too by comparing each with other . to sum up all with that known saying of divine plato , then commonwealths shall become happy , when philosophers are made magistrates , or magistrates addict themselves to the study of philosophy . thirdly , philology , a skill in languages is of much importance to a prudent man , by which he is made able not onely to converse with , but to dive into the actions of foreiners ; indeed all commerce , all correspondences , all leagues are beholding to this , without which nation could not discourse with nation but by signs , by mopping and mowing as monkies do : and it would be as possible for us to understand the cats wawling in our gutters , as an ambassadour , or merchant which could not speak english . lastly , both geometry , and geography are of no small use to advance prudence ; and aristotle is bold to affirm it impossible for a young man to be prudent without skill in the mathematikes , . eth. . c. but to these three , to wit , natural parts , vse , learning , we may adde as instrumental causes both a careful observation of examples , and also travail ; thus we shall find demosthenes affirming {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} : and terence , hoc vero est sapere , in aliorum vitam tanquam in speculum intueri , et ex illis exemplum capere tibi quod ex usu siet . the wise man dresses himself in the glass of other mens actions , in which he may discover what is comely and fit for him : and homer gives travail for a chief cause of prudence in his vlysses , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} . and now i shall sum up all with a few examples , which are held by many more prevalent in perswasion than advice or instruction . and first , solon the athenian law-maker was not onely endowed with parts , exercised in affairs , improved by travail , but excellently learned , as many of his writings testify ; yea so desirous was he of knowledge , that upon his death-bed being visited by some friends , he lifted up his head , and listned to their discourse , and when asked for what end he was so attentive , returned this answer , that knowing this , i may dy more learned . thus epimanondas , the glory of thebes , is reported by thucydides to have studied much , but {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , without effeminacy . thus philip , thus alexander , thus philopomen , cato the younger , julius and augustus caesar were learned , the latter of which discharged a consular legat , as rude , unlearned , and unfit for imployment , because he had writen ixi for ipsi . thus marcus antonius the good emperor was called the philosopher , and that famous lady isabella of spain , and the incomparable elizabeth of england were studious and learned . chap. xxii . of the prudence of the romans . this victorious and fortunate common-wealth was so sensible of the necessity of this vertue to the wel-being of a state , that they took the greatest care to provide that able and prudent persons should only be admitted to the mannagement of affairs : as for example , they had their lex annalis , the law that provided , that none should bear office before such and such an age , because they would not have unexperienced , rash and imprudent young men trusted at the helm of state . thus latinus pacatus in laudat . theodosii . annorum , inquit , ita cura fuit majoribus , ut non solum in amplissimis magistratibus adipiscendis , sed in praeturis quoque aut aedilitatibus capessendis aetas sit spectanda petitorum ; neque quisquam tantum valuerit nobilitate , vel gratia , qui annos comitiali lege praescriptos , festinatis honoribus occuparit . thus cicero philip . . legibus annalibus cum grandiorem aetatem ad consulatam constituebant , temeritatem adolescentiae verebantur . thus ovid . fast . — finitaque certis legibus est aetas , unde petatur honos . and we find that those that set the fewest will have years of age the time wherin the first office to wit of quaestor could be born ; for that of aedilis , and tribune or . for praetor . for consul , or . as cicero plainly tells us in phil. . quid alexander macedo , qui cum ab ineunte aetate res maximas gerère caepisset , trigesimo tertio anno mortem obiit ? quae aetas nostris legibus decem annis minor quam consularis . and though this law might now and then be dispensed with in some extraordinary danger , and for some more than ordinary worth and vertue in some single person , as scipio africanus , scipio aemilianus , and pompeius magnus : as there can be no general rule but may admit of some exception , especially where the reason of the law pleads against the letter , which taken strictly would deprive the state of the service of such eminent citizens when her dangers would admit of no delay : yet for the general it was inviolably observed until the unruly and tyrannous monarchs turned this topsie turvy , together with all other their most sacred laws and liberties . thus also we shall find lycurgus that wise lawgiver among the spartans , ( who so long as they observed his rules were the most eminent state among the greeks ) would admit none into the senate , unless he were sixty years of age . but we shall conclude this with some few examples which may convince us throughly of the benefit of prudence . cato the elder being consul , had spain alotted for his province , which was then near to a total revolt ; coming thither the celtiberians , a warlike and populous nation , offered to aid him for talents ; this proposition was generally disliked by the romans , as a thing unworthy the roman magnaminity , by money to buy aid or friendship , until the consul convinc'd them how small a thing the celtiberians demanded , without whose aid there was no hopes of victory ; for should we overcome by their assistance , we will pay them out of the enemies spoils , said he , but should we and they be beaten , neither will they be alive to demand , nor shall we be left to pay . scipio africanus , being about to invade afrike , and carry the war to the gates of carthage , prudently seeing that a state which warred by mercinaries , would be weakest at home , selected able and resolute young men out of the roman legions , whom he kept about him , none knowing to what end , and being arrived in sicily , he commanded of the noblest and wealthiest sicilian young gentlemen to appear such a day with their horse and arms . the time being come , he demanded whether they were willing to go with him , or no ? for he had rather they should now tell the truth , than afterwards be unprofitable , and unactive , as such would be . wherupon one of them answered , that if he were put to his choice he should rather stay at home ; scipio commending him for his ingenuity , and calling one of the hundred roman young men , this youth , saith he , shall serve in your stead upon condition you will furnish him with horse and arms , and take him home , and exercise and teach him ; which he joyfully consenting to , all the rest presently desired a dismission upon the same terms : thus raised he a gallant troop , which did him great service , without charge to the common-wealth , whose treasury was emptyed by a long and chargeable war : and obliged the sicilians and their friends , by dismissing their persons from a dangerous war upon so small and inconsiderable a condition as that seemed to them , who would have given far more had they been put to their own choice . and indeed it is not so much the tax , as the manner of laying and levying it , that begets distastes , tumults , insurrections , and revolts . had scipio laid this charge of providing horse and arms , &c. upon these sicilian gentlemen , without any other circumstance , what mutterings would there have been ? why should we above all others be thus used ? and what hatred would it have procured him ? whereas doing as he did , first he seem'd to have a great confidence in their worth and valour , to choose them out of the thousands of sicily ; then a great regard of and civility to their persons , by enquiring whether they were willing to serve or no ; lastly a greater respect to their contentment than his own , by so gentle and easie a dismission of them whom he had honoured above others , and who by refusing to engage with him , disappointed his hopes , & made void the great expectations he had of them : and so by this means imposed an obligation upon them , who in another way would have looked on it as a great discourtesie . and as we find the benefit of prudence in these , so may we see the mischiefs which improvident rashness wrought in other examples . as in coriolanus , who by his stubborn and harsh carriage brought banishment on himself , a miserable war and disgrace upon his countrey , which at last caused his death . thus terentius varro by rashness and imprudency had almost ruined his country in that fatal and bloody battail at cannae . and multitudes of other examples we shall meet with in all histories , yea and in our own dayly experience and observation . chap. xxiii . of justice , and the roman practice of it . it would be a thing of the smallest concernment both to know and choose what is good and to accomodate our actions to the exact circumstances of place , time , and persons , unless we should acknowledge our selves obliged to vertuous actions , and to a total obedience of all her lawes , which is justices part to teach , whose praise were more proper for a prolix oration than the narrow limits of our discourse . aristotle in brief calls it , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , the best of the vertues , and plato {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , that neither the morning nor evening star are so admirable . cicero in l. . offic. justitia est virtus excellentissima , & splendidissima , omnium virtutum regina , ac domina . and scalig. exercit. . sect. . justitia est conservatrix conjunctionis humanae , quae conjunctio ad beatitudinem magna v●a est . indeed it is the use of other vertues towards others ; {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} . for as the philosopher , there are many that can be vertuous for their own concernment , who in other mens will faulter . therefore as cicero , justitia foras spectat , totamque se ad alienas utilitates porrigit ▪ atque explicat . justice will teach them to act vertuously towards others . it is {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , a good to others , and indeed the most beautiful , perfect , and best vertue . for he is the most vertuous {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , who is good to others ; here lies the point ; hic labor hoc opus est , to make profit , pleasure , revenge , &c. give the way to vertue , to right and equity . it is called by the greeks {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , by the latines justitia , and it is either general which consists in a vertuous obedience of all lawes tending to the preservation of humane society , and this is {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} an universall vertue , according to that of the proverb , — {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} or particular , which is a keeping a mean and aequality in all those things in which adversity or prosperity hath to do , or wherein fortune rules ; to give the definition of both according to aristotle , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , it is an habit apting men to just actions , whereby they are enabled to do , and will just things . nowfor to handle this at large , i suppose would be to little purpose , there being none that perceive not that it is the chief duty , as being of general concernment , of the magistrate to look well to the exercise of this vertue : i shall onely therefore hint in some cases which are essentiall to the welbeing of a state . as first in cases of publick danger , the particular members of a state are bound in justice to help the publick with their private stocks , thus we shall find in the roman state ▪ liv. dec . . l. . they brought in all their gold , silver , and coined brass , reserving only enough for an ornament of distinction , and for the publick service of their gods , into the common treasury , and you shall have a motive , respublicaincolumis & privatas res facile salvas praestet : publica prodendo tua nequicquam serves . secondly , the magistrate , after the danger is past , is in justice bound to see these publick debts sati●fyed , there being nothing more to be preserved inviolable than the publick faith : besides prudence teaches this , for if the people perceive them negligent in their publick trust , it will make them refractory , and careless in their private duties . we shall instance no further than in trading , a man once breaking his word , will never be trusted upon his bond , and it would be a sad plunge to put a state to get another state to be bound for them , and an impossibilty to find any private security for such large sums . the third thing required by justice is , that the magistrate ought not in the least to incroach upon the right of particular persons , further than the common necessity or good requires : thus in the beforementioned place we shall find , that first the consuls , then the senate , then the roman knights brought in their gold , &c. they were examples to the people , not exactors upon them . and to say the truth , the magistrate is intrusted for the publick good , and it is not in his power to do a private injury , they are gods substitutes , whose glorious attribute it is , that he cannot do injustice and the peoples trustees , to rule for their good : now grant that they may extrajudicially take away one mans right , and it will follow that they may take away any mans , and all mens . the fourth thing is , inviolably to observe all leagues , treaties , and publick promises with foreiners : this will make them be believ'd , lov'd , and honored abroad . thus we shall see that the romans in defence of , and revenge for their allyes of saguntum , undertook that long , bloody , and almost fatal second punick war ; nay and when hannibal was in the heart of italy , yet sent they armies into spain , and upon the first opportunity restored that city , gathered the scattered inhabitants , bought those that were slaves , and took a sharp revenge upō their borderers , even to the final ruin of the nation which had been instrumental in their miseries . thus shall we see them restore the kingdom of egypt to ptolomy their ally , when driven out by a popular insurrection , nay and preserve it in his sons , whom he by will left to their protection , in spight of the force and ambition of the great antiochus . thus made them honourable , and procured them fast friends , and so it will any state that practises after their copy . the fifth thing is , to have a sacred respect to the persons of ambassadours , and agents ; who are indeed the ministers of peace ; and indeed there can be nothing more brutish , and lesse manly , than to affront and violate these doves which bring olive branches in their mouthes , whom the law of nations gives protection to : thus shall we find the romans taking no where so sharp a revenge as upon corinth , which had abused their ambassadors : and when they for respect to ambustius ( who being an ambassador to the gauls , had contrary to the law of nations taken arms and fought against them ) denyed to deliver him up as the faeciales their heralds a arms had counsel'd , in the sack of their city they paid the reward of slighting this sacred law , and had neer lost all by the unjust endeavoring to preserve one offender from justice . the sixth thing is , to endeavour first by fair means for satisfaction , and if these will not prevail , then to send them a publick defiance : this the romans constantly practised , as to instance once for all , liv. d. . l. . consul deinde m. acilius ex s. c. ad collegium faecialium retulit , ipsine utique regi antiocho indiceretur bellum ? an satis esset ad praesidium aliquod ejus nunciare ? et num aetolis quoque separatim indici juberunt bellum ? et num prius societas eis et amicitia renuncianda esset , quam bellum indicendum ? faeciales responderunt , jam ante sese , cum de philippo consulerentur , decrevisse nihil referre ipsi coram an ad praesidium nunciaretur , amicitiam renunciatam videri , cum legatis toties repetentibus res , nec reddi , nec satisfieri aequum censuissent ; aetolos ultro sibi bellum indixisse , cum demetriadem sociorum urbem per vim occupassent , &c. the seventh is , honourably to reward their own citizens who deserve well . and there can be ●o greater spur to vertue , nor a better way to propagate and increase it . thus we shall see what tryumphs , what ovations , what crowns were conferred on victorious generalls , and valiant souldiers ; as he that preserved the life of a citizen had an oaken crown , and he that first gain'd the top of the wall , a mural one , by the roman state . the eight is , duly and justly to pay those that serve them . and this will render them well-beloved , and well followed ; and though they make use onely of their own citizens , yet ought these to be well paid who gallantly venture their lives ; shall they be liberal of their blood , and shall others be niggardly of their purses ? besides , they leave their callings , and all other means of providing maintenance . thus was their a constant provision of lands among the romans for those that had fulfilled their time of warfare , neither shall we ever find a mutiny for want of pay ; and our saviour tells us , no man goeth to a warfare on his own charge . the ninth is , to have a tender regard of their widdowes and orphans , who have nobly lost their lives in their countrey's defence . shall we enjoy rest , and abundance , & see theirs perishing for want by whose valour we have been preserved ? besides , it is a great discouragement to others to venture their lives for us , when they shall see such a calamity in their deaths ready to cease the dearest pledges of their souls . thus the romans provided them portions out of the publick stock . the tenth is , to have the like regard of such men and their families , who have liberally layd out their own estates in the publick service , or have been so publickly minded , as that they have not regarded their private benefit . thus did the romans often bury great and noble captains , who di'd poor , on the public charge , and bestow their daughters according to their qualities . the eleventh is , to crown the memories of those who had done publick service , with statues , and tryumphant arches , which was every where to be seen in that noble and grateful city of rome . and as these are just , necessary , of good concernment for the nourishing of noble spirits , and producing brave actions , so on the other side it will be the same . twelfly , severely to punish all incendaries , seditious , trayterous , and cowardly persons , and that first to amend such , secondly to keep the publick authority from contempt , thirdly to terrifie others by their examples . thus seneca , ni mia enim licentia adversus malos , crudelitas est adversus bonos . and cicero , quare ita probanda est mansuetudo , ut adhibeatur reipublicae causa severitas , sine qua administrari civitas non potest . and indeed obsta principiis , to nip such practices in the bud , is the safest way , which by connivency may grow to such an height as it will be hard to resist : a small spark unregarded may kindle a flame that shall burn a city : and the romans were so careful in this , that the greatest services , and noblest extraction could not turn the scale of justice , as in manlius capitolinus , saturninus , tiberius and caius gracchus , catiline , lentulus , cethegus , &c. lastly , to take an exact account of those that shall embeazle or purloin the publick treasure ; tyrannize and oppresse the people under their charge . for connivency in such cases will be of very bad consequence , both in keeping the publick poor and behind-hand , in making officers knaves , and wicked , and in undoing , disheartning and enraging the people : therefore we shall find the romans very strict in this point , often calling to account and condemning , even some very eminent for other deserts , as in scipio asiaticus , marcellus , and those noble orations of tully against verres . and indeed this is the onely means to preserve peace and plenty ; for a poor people will be alwaies busling , and an oppressed careless to gather , or play the good husbands , not knowing how long they shall enjoy their own . therefore boaetius excellently saies , annuum bonum , non tam de magnis fructibus , quam de juste regnantibus existimandum , the one will quickly be devoured without the other . chap. xxiv . of laws , and the english laws . it followes now therefore , offenders being to be restrained , to shew what that is which must do it , and that is law , which is the proper medicine for a commonwealth in time of peace , in war there must be a sharper and quicker course taken : and indeed this is so necessary , that as livy saith , multitudo coalescere in vuius populi corpus , nulla re , quam legibus , potest , there can be no communion , no society without laws ; these preserve property , and encourage industry , whereas should men be left at uncertainties , they would like wild and ravenous beasts , wander , ceasing upon their prey where they met with any weaker than themselves : but this general assertion is taken for granted on all hands , we shall only therefore endeavor to give our thoughts in some paticulars , which seem to concern the laws of england . as first that our generous and knowing ancestors plainly perceiving that there could be no liberty where there was no law , were very careful to bring all things to a certainty , so that the very judges are obliged to take notice of it as well as the people , and are bound up to observe the law as much as plantiff or defendant : and this , because to set up arbitrary courts or judges were to leave the people to their will , and in a mist to grope after surmizes what such or such persons would determine ; and indeed until men were omniscient , or could prophetically foretel the imaginations of the rulers or judges hearts , it were the highest piece of injustice to call men to account for a thing committed against no law , and a thing not to be named to condemn them . what could a man call his own , unless there were tenures warranted and confirmed by law ? and to bring a criminal process for a thing no where declared a crime , would be a tyranny our monarchs in the worst ages would have blusht at . but it may be said , what need there so many ? these engender but strife and vexation ; truly for strife it s the effect of peoples perverseness , not the law : and should those actions of battery , actions upon the case for words , and actions of trespass be taken away , we should quickly see the people make themselves judges , and by revenging themselves fall together by the ears : our wise ancestors being aware of such a mischief thought it better to let them vent their petty animosities in a sute where some small matter of money might be thrown away , and spend their spleen in opening each others purse , than to fall into deadly fewds , wherein kinred on both fides would engage , and so print their revenges in murder and ruin , as we have heard practised in the northern parts of this island , and our forefathers saw , and provided against . for let us assure our selves , to provide no remedy by law against these injuries , which are the main beginnings of all quarrels , would not only make mem more ready to provoke , but others as apt to revenge themselves being provoked , and of what consequence this will be to the endangering the civil peace , good , and quiet of a nation , i leave to the world to judge . to conclude , as the law of england gives rules , and teaches men their duties , so is it the most careful and provident for their tryals ; it so abhors arbitrariness ( as the enemy of liberty , and father of injustice ) that it will not trust the matter of fact , and of law in one hand , but sets twelve men of the neighbourhood to give their verdict for fact ; against whom it allowes an attaint , and being found guilty inflicts on them a dreadful punishment ; so careful is it of the lives and liberties of particular persons , and so provident that justice should be impartially administred ; and now if any by his living in turky is become enamoured of slavery , let him choose arbitrary courts , for my part i desire a rule to teach me what may be an offence , and iudges who are bound by oath to observe that rule to give sentence , and twelve of the neighbourhood to enquire of the fact , and against whom their lies an attaint , and upon eviction a dreadful punishment , before an arbitrary court , though never so carefully picked , and so i am sure do all understanding english men , who any whit prize and value their liberties . another objection there is against the iudges , that they are for life ; and that such a continuance may make them remiss and sloathful , and that by a continual use they become less reverent of justice , as a work which dayly use makes tedious and clogging : not omitting that it may create faction and combination , as livy notes of the carthaginians , qui unum ejus ordinis , idem adversos omnes habebat ; as lastly that it may beget corruption by taking away fear of calling to account : and therefore the romans decurias iudicum scribebant , ex honestissimis , & ex censu ( ne paupertas ad culpam impelleret ) : sed non eas omnes assidue judicare vole bant , duntaxat quotannis certum & necessarium numerum sorte legebant , reliquis tunc feriatis . all this we allow in arbitrary judges , who cannot be too short a time limitted ; but where there are lawes according to which they are to judge , there they ought to have experience and knowledge , which must of necessity encrease by practice and continuance . thus the romans whilest they were poor and in continual war , there was no great cause of strife , wealth being wanting , and the war employing them and keeping them busie , so that they had little leisure for private brawls : but when they began to enjoy peace and plenty , they had their decemviri , which were of continuance , and still provided by new lawes to bridle new enormities . so that take away law and continuance will be as dangerous , as the loss of liberty and right will be inevitable ; for we must hold all at will , and have no rule to call judges to account by , whose will must be our final determination , and as they think so must the bell tink . chap. xxv . of fortitude , and the roman practice of it . this vertue by the greeks is stiled {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , from a man , because it is peculiar to that sex , and is seldome found in women , and that in regard of the temperament , which must be hot and dry , and in a heart which is well compact , solid , and full of spirit : therefore cicero . tuscul. viri propria maximè est fortitudo , cujus munera duo sunt , nempe mortis & doloris contemptio . we find it defined by the philosopher , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , to be a vertue keeping a mean in fear and confidence . and it is divided into publick and private . private is a noble and patient undergoing of adversity , as cicero . tuscul. fortitudo est scientia perferendarum rerum , vel affectio animi in patiendo , et ferendo , summae legi parens sine timore : et in l. . offic. fortis & constantis animi est , non perturbari in rebus asperis , nec tumultuantem dejici de gradu , ut dicitur , sed praesenti animo uti , et nec à consilio , nec à ratione discedere ; and horace l. . od. . rebus angustis animosus , atque fortis apparet — publick is a fearless under taking , and constant wading through such perils , wherein our deeds and examples may bring benefit to our countrey , and honour and renown to our selves ; and this where , when , and how we ought , as l. eth. c. . by this then we may behold , first ▪ that self murder is no fortitude , for as curtius saith , non fortium virorum est odisse vitam , sed contemnere mortem , but rather a cowardice that makes them fling themselves into the arms of death to avoid some more threatning evil . besides , they are injurious to the common wealth , which they deprive of a member ; yet here for a sea captain to blow up his ship rather than let her be taken by the enemy , is no point of self-murder ; for the aiming at his countreys good , and her enemies loss and ruine , acts the part of a valiant and faithful citizen . secondly , that duels are no effect of true valour , they being injurious to the common wealth . thirdly , sturdy theeves or robbers , which are not only injurious , and mischievous , but such as fight directly against the laws of humane society ▪ and they are so far from being truly valiant , that they are wicked and impudent : and therefore we shall find some of the antients define fortitude {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} ; fear of reproof ▪ and dread of infamy ; and it is commonly seen that those that most dread the lawes , least fear the enemy , and who are most quiet in peace , are most valiant in war , as plutarch in the life of agis , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} . they are least fearful of suffering , who stand most in aw of doing evil . much more might be said of this manly vertue , which for brevity we omit , and shall refer those that desire further information , to that masculine discourse of aristotle in l. . eth. cap. . for the roman practice of this vertue , it is so obvious in their histories , as we shall hardly find the least foot-step of cowardice in that gallant and victorious commonwealth , whose noble citizens in all occasions were most ready to devote their lives for their countrie , and sacrifise their rags of mortality , to immortal fame and renown . and indeed the love of our countrey , and noble thirst after honour , are the great agents in this glorious production : for what man that is fully perswaded of his duty to the first , and the reward he shall receive from the last , can be faint-hearted or cowardly ? — fax mentis honestae gloria , saith the poet , and as velleius , nec potest quidquam abjectum , & humile cogitare , qui scit de se semper loquendum , a man will hardly be brought to act basely , who shall consider he shall stand on record , either infamous or renowned ; yea such a record , as time every day more and more publishes , as lipsius , vt sol in aurora tenuior , assurgit , & inclarescit ; sic ex virtute , & meritis fama cum aevo ipso augetur , & crescit . what man in flight comming to a bridge , and remembring horatius cocles , would not make a noble stand , and either live with him , or dying live his equal in history ? i shall sum up all with that of polybius , {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , riches are common , but bravery of mind , and the glory and renown that springs from it , is peculiar to the gods , or such men as come neer them . chap. xxvi . of temperance , and he roman practice of it . this vertue by the greeks is called {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , quasi {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , as it were the preserver of prudence : for pleasure and grief corrupt {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , those faculties which are to consider of action : and a mind taken up with either of these cannot well intend the end for which {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , all things ought to be chosen or dore . now temperance moderating these passions keeps the mind undisturbed , and deservedly is stiled , the conservatrix of prudence . we shall define it , a vertue preserving a just decorum in the desiring and enjoying sensual delights : for grief , which comes within its verge , that only arises from want of fruition . it is therefore the duty of a temperat man to abhor dishonest , moderately to desire , and enjoy lawful pleasures , and not immoderately to grieve when deprived of them . now lawful-pleasures are such as first {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , conduce to bodily health , or as {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , exceed not our estates , and misbecom the rank and quality we live in . and of what avail this vertue is to the preservation and growth of a state , history and observation every where , and every day , may clearly make out unto us . this was it set rome upon her legs ; this is it that made her citizens able of body , both to fight , and endure the field ; this made her captains contemn bribes ; and her generals in the height of , military heat , and success , slight pleasure , and constantly keep the publick good , and their own honour in their eye . thus shall we see the noble curius , when the conquered samnites profered him gold , shew them his dinner ( for he was at their coming cooking it himself ) which was a few rape roots in a pipkin , telling them there was no great need of gold to furnish his table , and that he had rather command over such as had gold , than possess it himself . and when some complained that he had assigned too little of the conquered lands to private men , and too much to the publick , he told them , he hoped that there was never a roman citizen which would count that land too little which was sufficient to maintain him . thus shall we see scipio africanus , when the souldiers brought him a most beautiful damosel , taken in the sack of new carthage in spain , and hearing she was betroathed to allucius a young prince of the celtiberians , he sent for him , and not only bestowed on him his beautiful bride , but a great sum of gold as her portion , which her parents brought for her ransome . let us behold the event , this young prince goes home rapt with joy , filling every place with the praise and merit of scipio , telling his countrymen , venisse diis simillimum juvenem , vincentem omnia cum armis , tum benignitate , ac beneficiis , there was a godlike young man arrived , conquering all both by force and bounty : and within a few daies returned with horse to scipio's camp . thus by his temperance he advanced the roman cause , which he prefer'd above all private pleasure , and gave carthage a greater blow in this victory over himself , than in that other of taking their city , though the most considerable they had in spain ▪ i shall conclude all with that speech of asdruball surnamed the kid , the carthaginian legat to the roman senate , raro simul hominibus bonam fortunam , bonamque mentem dari : populum romanum eo invictum esse quod in secundis rebus sapere , & consulere meminerit : & hercle mirandum fuisse , si aliter facerent : ex insolentia , quibus nova bona fortuna sit , impotentes laetitiae insauire : populo romano usitate , ac prope jam obsoleta ex victoria gaudia esse , ac plus pene parcendo victis , quam vincendo imperium auxisse . god hath given england her share of success , we have not of late known what it is to be conquered , but as if we had been the adopted sons of victory , she hath perch'd upon our conquering ensigns , and pitch'd her pavilion among our tents . o let us then endeavour not to be transported with any unbecoming passions , which may force this glorious virgin to blush , to hide her head , and be ashamed to keep us company any further ; but as we increase in power , let us grow in vertue ; thus shall we be established , and to our wreaths of palm and laurel shall the olive chaplet be added , and we enjoy the pleasant fruits of peace at home as well as honourable esteem of valour abroad . — sic , sic juvat ire — per altos virtutum gradus patet ascensus ad aeternitatem . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a e- a gales . b ree . c the downs . d rebellion . e the first invasion . a satyre dedicated to his most excellent maiestie. by george vvither, gentleman. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a satyre dedicated to his most excellent maiestie. by george vvither, gentleman. wither, george, - . [ ] p. printed [by thomas snodham] for george norton, and are to be solde at the signe of the red-bull, neere temple-barre, london : . in verse. printer's name from stc. signatures: a-f. the first two leaves are blank except for signature-marks; the last leaf is blank. reproduction of the original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng satire, english -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a satyre : dedicated to his most excellent maiestie . by george vvither , gentleman . rebus in aduersis crescit . london : printed for george norton , and are to be solde at the signe of the red-bull , neere temple-barre . . the satyre to the meere covrtiers . sirs , i doe know your mindes , you looke for fees , for more respect then needes , for caps and knees : but be content , i haue not for you now , nor will i haue at all to doe with you . for though i seeme opprest , and you suppos● i must be faine to crouch to vertues foes ; yet know , your fauours i doe now slight more in this distress● , then er'e i did befor● . here to my liege a message i must tell , if you will let me passe , yo● shall doe well ; if you de●i● admittance , why then know , i meane to haue it where you will or no. your formall wisedomes which hath neuer beene in ought yet ( saue in venting fashions ) seene , and deemes that man wa● borne to no intent but to be train'd in apish complement , doth now ( perhaps ) suppose me vndiscreet , and such vn-vsed messages vnmeet . but what of that ? shall i goe sute my matter vnto your wits , that haue but wit to flatter ? shall i , of your opinions so much prize to loose my will , to haue you thinke me wise , who neuer yet to any liking had , vnlesse he were a knaue , a foole , or mad ? you mushromes know , so much i weigh your powers i neither value you , nor what is yours . nay , though my crosses had me quite out-worne , spirit enough i d'e finde your spight to scorne : of which resolu'd , to further my aduenter , vnto my king , without your leaues i enter . to the honest covrtiers . bvt you , whose onely worth doth colour giue to them , that they doe worthy seeme to liue , kinde gentlemen ; your ayde i craue , to bring a satyre to the presence of his king : a show of rudenesse doth my forehead arme , yet you may trust me , i will doe no harme : he that hath sent me , is a subiect true , and one whose loue ( i know ) is much to you : but now he lies bound to a narrow scope , almost beyond the cape of all good hope , long hath he sought to free himselfe , but failes : and therefore seeing nothing else preuailes , me , to acquaint my soueraigne , here he sends , as one despayring of all other friends . i doe presume that you will fauour shew me , now that a messenger from him you know me : for many thousands that his face nere knew blame his accusers , and his fortune rue : and by the helpe which your good word may d●● . he hopes for pitty from his soueraigne to . then in his presence with your fauours grace me , and there 's no vice so great , shall dare out-face me . to the kings most excellent maiesty . a satyre . quid tu , sipe●eo ? vvhat once the poet said , i may avow , t is a hard thing not to write satyres now , since what we speake , abuse raignes so in all , spight of our hearts will be satyricall . let it not therefore now be deem●d strange , my vnsmooth'd lines their rudenesse do not change , nor be distastfull to my graciou● king , though in the cage , my olde harsh notes i sing , and rudely make a satyre here vnfold what others would in neater tearmes haue told . and why ? my friends and meanes in court are scant , knowledge of curious phrase , and forme , i want . i cannot bear 't to runne my selfe in debt , to hire the groome , to bid the page intreat some fauour'd follower ; to vouchsafe his word , to get me a colde comfort from his lord : i cannot sooth , though it my life might saue , each fauourite , nor crouch to euery knaue : i cannot brooke delayes as some men do , with scoffes , and scornes , and tak 't in kindnesse to . for er'e i 'de binde my selfe for some slight grace to one that hath no more worth then his place ; orb● ●base meane free my selfe from trouble , i rather would e●●ure my penance double : cause to be forc'd to what my minde disdaines is worse to me then tortures , rackes , and chaines : and therefore vnto thee i onely flye , to whom there needes no meane but honesty : to thee that lou'st not parasite nor minio● should e're i speake , possesse thee with opinion . to thee that do'st what thou wilt vndertake ▪ for loue of iustice , not the persons sake . to thee that kno'wst how vaine all faire shewes be , that flow not from the hearts sincerity . and canst ▪ though shadowed in the simplest vaile , discerne both loue and truth , and where they faile : to thee doe i appeale , in whom heau'n knowes , i next to god my confidence repose . for can it be , thy grace should euer shine , and not enlighten such a cause as mine ? can my hopes ( fixt in thee great king ) be dead ? or thou those satyres hate thy forrests bred ? where shall my second hopes he founded then , if euer i haue heart to hope agen ? can i suppose a fauour may be got in any place when thy co●rt yeel●● it not ? or that i may obtaine it in the land , when i shall be deni'd it at thy hand ? a●d if i might , should i so fond on 't be , to tak 't of other● when i miss't of thee ? or if i did , can i haue comfort by it , when i shall t●inke my so●●raig●e did denie it ? no , were i sure , i to thy hate were borne , the loue of halfe the world beside i 'de scorne . but why should i thy fauour here distrust , that haue a cause so knowne , and knowne so iust ? which not alone my inward comfort doubles , but all suppos'd me wrong'd that heare my troubles . nay , though my fault were reall , i beleeue , thou art so royall that thou wouldst forgiue . for well i know thy sacred m●iestie , hath euer beene admir'd for clemencie . and at thy gentlene● the world hath wondred , for making sunshine , where thou mightst haue thundred . yea , thou in mercy life to them didst giue that could not be content to see thee liue . and can i thinke that thou wilt make me , then , the most vnhappy of all other men ? or le● thy loyall subiect , against reason , be punisht more for loue , then some for treason ? no , thou didst neuer yet thy glory staine , with an iniustice to the meanest swaine . 't is not thy will i 'me wrong'd , nor dost thou know if i haue suffred iniuries or no. for if i haue not heard false rumours flye , th'a●t grac'd me with the stile of honesty . and if it were so ( as the world thinkes 't was ) i cannot see how it should come to passe that thou , from whose free tongue proceedeth nought which is not correspondent with thy thought . those thoughts to , being fram'd in reasons mould , should speake that once , which should not euer hold . but passing it as an vncertaintie , i humbly begge thee , by that maiestie , whose sacred glory strikes a louing-feare into the hearts of all , to whom 't is deare : to deigne me so much fauour , without merit , as reade this plaint , of a distempred spirit : and thinke , vnlesse i saw some hideous storme too great to be indu●'d by such a worme , i had not thus presum'd vnto a king , w●th aesops flye ▪ to seeke an eagles wing . but know i 'me he that entred once the list , gainst all the world to play the satyrist : t was i , that made my measures rough , and rude , daunce arm'd with whips , amid'st the multitude , and vnappalled with my charmed scrowles , teaz'● angry monsters in their lurking holes : i 'ue plaid with wasps , and hornets without feares , till they grew mad , and swarmd about my eares . iu'e done it , and me thinkes 't is such braue sport , i may be stung , but n●re be sorry for 't . for all my griefe is , that i was so sparing ▪ and had no more in 't worth the name of daring . he that will taxe these times , must be more bitter , tart lines of vinegar , and gall are fitter ▪ my fingers , and my spirits are benum'd , my inke runs forth too smooth , t is too much gum'd i d'e haue my pen so paint it , where it traces , each accent should draw bloud into their faces . and make them , when their villanies ●re blaz●d . shudder , and startle , as men halfe amaz●d , for feare my verse should make so loud a din , heauen hearing , might raine vengeance on their sin . oh no● for s●ch a straine● would art could teach it , though life my spirits i consum'd to reach it . i d'e learne my muse so braue a course to flye , men should admire the power of poesie . and those that dar'd her greatnesse to resist , quake , euen at naming of a satyrist . but when hi● sco●rging numbers flow'd with wonder , should cry god blesse vs , as they did at thunder . alas ! my lines came from me too too dully , they did not fill a satyres mouth vp fully . hot bloud , and youth , enrag'd with passion● store , taught me to reach a straine nere touch'd before . but it was coldly done , i throughly chid not : and somewhat there is yet to doe , i did not . more soundly could my scourge haue yerked many , which i omit not , cause i feared any . for want of action , discontentments rage , base dis-respect of vertue ( in this age ) with other things , vnto my selfe a wrong , made me so fearelesse , in my carelesse long : that had not reason within compasse wonne me , i had told truth enough to haue vndo●e me : ( nay , haue already , if that her diuine and vn●eene power , can doe no more then mine . ) for though fore-seeing warinesse was good , i fram'd my stile , vnto a milder mood , and clogging her thigh-towring wing● with mire , made her halfe earth , that was before all fire . then being ( as you saw ) disguis'd in shew , clad like a satyre , brought her forth to view : hoping , ( her out-side being mis-esteem'd ) she might haue passed , but for what she seem'd : yet some , whose comments iumpe not with my minde in that low phrase , a higher reach woul● finde . and out of their deepe iudgement seeme to know , what 't is vncertaine if i meant or no : ayming thereby , out of some priuate hate , to worke my shame , or ouerthrow my state . for amongst many wrongs my foe doth doe me , and diuers imputations , laid vnto me , deceiued in his ayme , he doth mis-conster that which i haue enstil'd a man-like monster , to meane some priuate person in the state , whose worth , i thinke to wrong out of my hate ; vpbraiding me i from my word doe start , either for want of a good ground , or heart , cause from his expectation i doe vary in the denying of his commentary , whereas 't is knowne i meant abuse the while , not thinking any one could be so vile , to merit all those epithites of shame . how euer many doe deserue much blame . but say i grant that i had an intent to haue it so ( as he interprets ) meant , and let my gracious liege , suppose there were one whom the state may haue some cause to feare , or thinke there were a man ( and great in court ) that had more faults then i could well report , suppose i knew him , and had gone about by some particular markes to paint him out , that he best knowing his owne faults might see , he was the man i would should noted be : imagine now such doings in this age , and that this man so pointed at should rage , call me in question , and by his much threatning , by long imprisonment , and ill intreating , vrge a confession : wer 't not a mad part for me to tell him what lay in my heart ? doe not i know a great mans power and might , i● spight of innocence , can smother right . colour his villanies , to get esteeme , and make the honest man the villaine seeme ? and that the truth i told should in conclusion ▪ for want of power , and friends , be my confusion ? i know it , and the world doth know 't is true ; yet●i protest , if such a man i knew , that might my countrey preiudice , or thee , were he the greatest , or the proudest hoe that breathes this day : if so it might be found , that any good to either might redound , so farre i 'le be ( though fate against me run ) from starting off , from that i haue begun , i vn-appalled dare in such a case rip vp his foulest crimes before his face , though for my labour i were sure to drop into the mouth of ruine without hope . but such strange farre-fetcht meanings they haue sought , as i was neuer priuy to in thought : and that vnto particulars would tye which i intended vniuersally . whereat some , with displeasure ouer-gone , those i scarce dream'd of , saw , or thought vpon ▪ maugre those caueats , on my satyres brow , their honest , and iust passage disallow . and on their heads so many censures rake , that spight of me , themselues they 'le guilty make . nor is 't enough to swage their discontent , to say i am ( or to be ) innocent . for as , when once the lyon made decree ▪ no horned beast should nigh his presence be , that , on whose fore-head onely did appeare , a bunch of flesh , or but some tuft of haire , was euen as farre in danger as the rest , if he but said , it was a horned beast : so , there be now , who thinke in that their power , is of much force , or greater farre then our ; it is enough to proue a guilt in me ▪ because ( mistaking ) they so think 't to be . yet'tis my comfort , they are not so high ▪ but they must stoope to thee and equity . and this i know , though prick't , they storme agen the world doth deeme them ne're the better men . to stirre in filth , makes not the stench the lesse , nor doth truth feare the frowne of mightinesse . because those numbers she doth deigne to grace , men may suppresse a while , but ne're to deface . i wonder , and 't is wondred at by many , my harmelesse lines should br●ed distaste in any : so much , that whereas most good men approue , my labour to be wo●thy thankes , and loue ; i as a ●illaine , and my countries foe , should be imprison'd , and so strictly to , that not alone my liberty is bar'd , but the resort of friends ( which is more hard ▪ ) . and whil'st each wanton , or loose rimers pen , with oily words , sleekes o're the sinnes of men , v●iling his wits to euery puppets becke , which e're i 'le doe , i 'le ioy to breake my necke . ( i say ) while such as they in euery place can finde protection , patronage and grace ; if any looke on me , 't is bu● a skaunce , or if i get a fauour , 't is by chaunce . i must protect my selfe : poore truth and i , can haue scarce one speake for our honesty . then whereas they , can gold , and gifts attaine , malitious hate , and enuie is my gaine . and not alone haue here my freedome lost , whereby my best hope 's likely to be crost : but haue beene put to more charge in one day then all my patrons bounties yet will pay . what i haue done was not for thirst of gaine , or out of hope preferments to attaine . since to contemne them , would more profit me , then all the glories in the world that be : yet they are helps to vertue , vs'd aright , and when they wanting be , she wants her might . for eagles mindes ne're f●t a rauens fea●her , to dare , and to be able , sute together . but what is 't i haue done so worthy bla●e , that some so eagerly pursue my fame ? vouchsafe to view 't with thine owne eyes , and try ( saue want of art ) what fault thou canst espy . i haue not sought to scandalize the state , nor sowne sedition , nor made publicke bate . i haue not aym'd at any good mans fame , nor taxt ( directly ) any one by name . i am not he that am growne discontent with the religion , or the gouernment . i meant no ceremonies to protect , nor do● i fa●our any new-sprung sect ; but to my satyres gaue this onely warrant , to apprehend and punish vice apparant . who ayming in particular at none , in generall vpbraided euery one : that each ( vnshamed of himselfe ) might view that in himselfe , which no man dares to shew . and hath this age bred vp neat vice so tenderly she cannot brooke it to be touch'd so sl●nderly ? will she not bide my gentle satyres bites ? harme take her then , what makes she in their sights ? if with impatience she my whip-cord feele , how had she raged at my lash of steele ? but am i call'd in question for her c●use , is 't vice that these afflictions on me drawes ? and neede i now thus to apologize ▪ onely because i scourged villanies ? must i be faine to giue a reason why , and how i dare , allow of honesty ? whilst that each fl●ering parasite is bold thy royall brow vndaunted to behold : and euery temporizer strike● a string , that 's musicke for the hearing of a king. shall not he reach out , to obtaine as much , who dares more for thee then a hundred such ? heauen grant her patience , my muse takes't so badly , i feare sheel'● loose her wits , for she raues madly . yet let not my dread soueraigne too much blame h●r whose awfull presenc● , now hath made her tam●r . for if there be no fly but hath her spleene , nor a poore pismire , but will wreake her teene ; how shall i then , that haue both spleene , and gall , being vniustly d●alt with , beare with all ? i yet with patience take what i haue borne , and all the worlds ensuing hate can scorne : but 't were in me as much stupidity , not to haue feeling of an iniury , as it were weaknesse not to brooke it well . what others therefore thinke i cannot tell ; but he that 's lesse then madde , is more then man , who sees when he hath done the best he can to keepe within the bounds of innocence : sought to discharge his due to god and prince : that he , whil'st villanies vnreproued goe , scoffing , to see him ouer-taken so , should haue his good intendments misconce●●'d , be of his dearest liberty bereau'd ; and which is worse ; without reason why , be frown'd on by authorities grim eye . by that great power my soule so much doth feare , she scornes the stearn'st frownes of a mortall peere . but that i vertue loue , for her owne sake , it were enough to make me vndertake to speake as much in praise of vice agen , and practise some to plague these shames of me● , i meane those my ac●us●rs , who mistaking my true conceit● , frame some of their owne making ▪ but if i list , i neede not buy so dee●e , the iust reuenge i could bring on them here . i could frame measures in this my iust fury , should sooner finde them guilty then a iury : whose ●ords , like swords ( tempred with art ) should pierce and hang , and draw , & quarter them in verse . or i could racke them on the wings of fame , ( and he 's halfe hang'd ( they say ) hath an ill name , ) yea i d'e goe neere to make these spightfull elues , lyca●bes-like , be glad to hang themselues . and though this age will not abide to heare those faults reprou'd , vvhom custome hath made deare . y●t if i pleased , i could write their crimes , and stone them vp in walles for after-times : for theyl 'e be glad ( perhaps ) that shall ensue , to see some story of their fathers true . or should i smother'd be in darknesse still , i might not vse the freedome of a quill : 't would raise vp brauer spirits then my owne , to make my cause , and this their guilt more knowne . who by that subiect should get loue , and fame , vnto my foes disgrace , and endlesse shame : those i do mean , whose comments haue mis-vs'd me , and to those peeres i honour , haue accus'd me : making against my innocence their batteries , and wronging them by their base fl●tteries : but of reuenge i am not yet so faine , to put my selfe vnto that needlesse paine : because i know a greater power there is , that noteth smaller iniuries then this ; and being still as iust as it is strong , apportions due reuenge for euery wrong . but why ( say some ) should his too saucy rimes , thus t●xe the wise and great ones of our times ? it su●es not with his yeares to be so bould , nor fits it vs , by him to be contrould . i must confesse ( ' ●is very true indeede ) such should not of controuling stand in neede ▪ but blame not me , i saw good ver●ue poore , desert , amongst the most , thrust out of doore , honestie hated , curtesie banished , rich men excessiue , poore men famished : coldnesse in zeale , in lawes much partiality ; friendship , but complement , and vaine formality . art i perceiue contemn'd , while most aduance ( to offices of worth ) rich ig●orance . and those that should our lights and teachers be , liue ( if not worse ) as wantonly as we . yea i saw natur● , from her course runne backe , disorders grow , good orders goe to wracke . so to encrease what all the rest began , i to this current of confu●io● ran . and seeing age left off the place of guiding , thus plaid the sawcy wagge , and fell to chiding . wherein , how euer some ( perhaps ) may deeme , i am not so much faulty as i seeme : for when the elders wrong'd susannaes honor , and none withstood the shame they laid vpon her ; a childe rose vp to stand in her defence , and spight of wrong , confirm'd her innocence : to shew those must not , that good vndertake , straine curtsey , who shall doe 't , for manners sake . nor doe i know , whether to me god gaue , a boldnesse more then many other haue , that i might shew the world what shamefull blot vertue by her lasciuious elders got . nor is 't a wonder , as some doe suppose , my youth so much corruption can disclose ; since euery day the sunne doth light mine eyes , i haue experience of new villanies : but it is rath●r to be wondred how , i either can , or dare , be honest now . and though againe there be some others rage ▪ that i should dare ( so much aboue mine age ) thus censure each degree , both yong and old , i see not wherein i am ouer-bold . for if i haue beene plaine with vice i care not , there'● nought that i know good , & can , & dare not ▪ onely this one thing doth my minde deterre , euen a feare ( through ignorance ) to erre . but oh knew i , what thou would'st well approue , or might the small'st respect within thee moue ; so in the sight of god it might be good , and with the quiet of my conscience stood , ( as well i know thy true integrity , would command nothing against piety , ) there 's nought so dangerous , or full of feare , that for my soueraignes sake i would not dare . which good beliefe would it did not possesse thee ; prouided some iust tri●ll might re-blesse me : yea , though a while i did endure the gall of thy displeasure , in this loathsome thrall . for notwithstanding in this place i lye ●y the command of that authority , of which i haue so much respectiue care , that in my owne ( and iust ) defence i feare to vse the free speech that i doe intend , least ignorance , or rashnesse should offend . yet is my meaning and my thought a●free , from wilfull wronging of thy lawes or thee ▪ a● he to whom thy place or person 's dearest , or to himselfe that findes his conscience clearest . if there be wrong , 't is not my making it , all the offence i● some's mistaking it . and is there any iustice borne of late , makes those faults mine , which others perpetrate ? what man could euer any age yet finde that spent his spirits in this thanklesse kinde shewing his meaning , to such words could tye it ▪ that none should either wrong ▪ or mis-apply it ? nay , your owne lawes , which ( as you doe intend ) in plain'st and most effectuall words are pend , cannot be fram'd so well to your intent , but some there be will erre from what you meant . and yet ( alas ) must i be ty'd vnto what neuer any man before could doe ? must all i speake , or write , so well be done , that none may picke more meanings thence then one ? then all the world ( i hope ) will leaue dis-vnion . and euery man become of one opinion . but if some may , what care so ere we tak● diuers constructions of our writings make the charitable reader should conceaue the best intentions mine , and others leaue : chiefly in that , where i fore-hand protest , my meaning euer was the honestest . and if i say so , what is he may know so much as to affirme it was not so ? sit other men so neere my thought to show it ? or is my heart so open that all know it ? sure if it were , they would no such things see , as those whereof some haue accused me . but i am carelesse how 't be vnderstood , because the heauens know my intent was good . and if it be so , that my too free rimes doe much displease the world , and these bad times ; t is not my fault , for had i beene imploy'd in something else , all this had now beene voyd . or if the world would but haue granted me wealth , or affaires , whereon to busie me , i now vnheard of , peraduenture than , had beene as mute as some rich cleargie-man . but they are much deceiu'd that thinke my minde will e're be still , while it can doing finde , or that vnto the world so much it leanes , as to be curtold for default of meanes . no , though most be , all spirits are not earth , nor suiting with the fortunes of their birth , my body 's subiect vnto many powers , but my soule '● free , as is the emperours : and though to curbe her in , i oft assay , she 'le breake in 't action spight of durt and cl●y . and is 't not better then , to take this course , then f●ll to study mischiefes , and doe worse ? i say she must haue action , and she shall : for if she will , how can i doe withall ? and let those that or'e-busie thinke me ▪ know , he made me , that knew why he made me so . and though there 's some that say , my thoughts doe flye a pitch beyond my states sufficiency ; my humble minde , i giue my sauiour thanke , aspires nought yet , aboue my fortunes ranke . but say it did , wil 't not befit a man , to raise his thoughts as neere heau'n as he can ? mu●t the free spirit ty'de and curbed be , a●●o●ding to the bodies pouerty ? or can it euer be so subiect to base change , to rise and fall , as fortunes doe ? men borne to noble meanes and vulgar minde● enioy their wealth , and there 's no law that bindes such to abate their substance , though their pa●es want braine , and they worth , to possesse their states ▪ so god to some , doth onely great mindes giue , and little other meanes whereon to liue . what law , or conscience , then shal make thē smother their spirit , which is their life , more then other t' abate their substance ? since if 't were confest , that a braue minde could euer be supprest , were't reason any should himselfe depriue of what the whole world hath not power to giue ? since wealth is common , and fooles get it to , when to giue spirit's more then kings can doe ? i speake not this , because i thinke there be , more then the ordinariest gifts in me ; but against those who thinke i doe presume on more then doth befit me to assume , or would haue all , whom fortune barres from store , make themselues wretched , as she makes them poore . and cause in outward things she is vnkinde , smother the matchlesse blessings of their minde : whereas ( although her fauours doe forsake them ) their mindes are richer then the world can make thē . why should a good attempt disgraced seeme , because the person is of meane esteeme ? vertue 's a chaste queene , and yet doth not scor●e to be embrac'd by him that 's meanest borne . she is the prop , that maiesties support , yet one whom slaues as well as kings may court. she loueth all that beare affection to her , and yeelds to any that hath heart to wooe her . so vice , how high so e're she be in place , is that which groomes may spit at , in d●sgrace . she is a strumpet , and may be abhorr'd , yea spu●n'd at , in the bosome of a lord. yet had i spoke her faire , i had b●ene free , as many others of her louers be . if her escapes i had not chanc'd to tell , i might haue be●ne a villaine , and done well . gotten some speciall fauour , and not sate as now i doe , shut vp within a grate . or if i could haue hap't on some loose straine ▪ that might haue pleas'd the wanton readers vaine : or but claw'd pride , i now had beene vnblam'd : ( or else at least there 's some would not haue sham'd to plead my cause : ) but see my fatall curse , sure i was either madde , or somewhat worse : for i saw vices followers brauely kept , in silkes they walk'● , on beds of downe they slept richly they fed , on d●inties euermore , they had their pleasure , they had all things store , ( whil'st vertue ●egg'd ) yea fauours had so many , i knew they brook 't not to be touch'd of any : yet could not i , like othe● men , be wise , nor learne for all this , how to temporize ; but must ( with too much honesty made blinde ) vpbraid this loued darling of mankinde ; whereas i might haue better thriu'd by fayning , or if i could not choose but be complayning , more safe i might haue rail'd on vertue sure , because her louers , and her friends are fewer , i might haue brought some other thing to passe , made fidlers song● , or ba●lets , like an asse . or any thing almost indeed but this , yet since 't is thus , i m'e glad 't is ●o amisse ; because if i am guilty of a crime , 't is that , wherein the best of euery time , hath beene found faulty ( if they faulty be ) that doe reproue abuse and villanie . for what i 'me tax't , i can examples show , in such old authors as this s●ate alow . and i would faine once learne a reason why they can haue kinder vsage here then i. i muse men doe not now in question call , seneca , horace , perseus , iuvenall . and such as they ; or why did not that age in which they liued , put them in a cage ? if i should say that men were iuster then , i should neere hand , be made vnsay't agen . and therefore sure i thinke i were as good leaue it to others to be vnderstood ; yet i as well may speake as deeme amisse , f●r such this ages curious cunning is i scarcely dare to let my heart thinke ought , for there be those will seeme to know my thought , who may out-face me that i thinke awry , when there 's no witnesse but my conscience by . and then i likely am as ill to speede , as if i spake or did amisse indeede , yet l●ast those who ( perhaps ) may malice this interpret also these few lines amisse , let them that after thee shall read or heare , from a rash censure of my thoughts forbeare . let them not mold the sense that this containes according to the forming of their braines , or thinke i dare , or can , here taxe those peeres , whose worths their honours to my soule endeares , ( those by whose loued-fear'd authority ) i am restrained of my liberty : for least there yet may be a man so ill , to haunt my lines with his blacke comment still , ( in hope my lucke againe may be so good , to haue my words once rightly vnderstood ) this i protest , that i doe not condemne ought as v●iust that hath beene done by them ; for though my honest h●●rt not guilty be , of the lea●t thought , that may disparage me , yet ●hen such men as i , shall haue such foes , accuse me of such crimes , to such as those , till i had meanes my innocence to show , their iustice could haue done no lesse then so . nor haue i such a proud-conceited wit , or selfe-opinion of my knowledge yet , to thinke it ●ay not be that i haue run vpon some errors in what i haue done , worthy this punishment which i endure , ( i say i cannot so my selfe assure ) for 't is no wonder if their wisedomes can , discouer impe●fections in a man so weake a● i ▪ ( more then himselfe doth see , since my sight , dull with insufficiencie , in men more graue and wiser fa●re then i , innumerable errors doth espy , which they with all their knowledge i 'le be bold . can●ot , or will not , in themselues behold ) but ere i will my selfe accuse my song , o● keepe a tongue shall doe my heart that wrong to say i willingly in what i pe●d did ought which might a goods mans ●ight offend , or with my knowledge did insert one word , that might disparage a true honour'd lord ▪ let it be in my mouth a helplesse sore , and neuer speake to be beleeued more . but man irresolute is , vnconstant , weake , and doth his purpose oft through frailty breake ▪ least therefore i by force hereafter m●y be brought from this minde , and these words vnsay ▪ here to the world i doe proclaime before , ●ere my resolution be so poore , 't is no● the right , but might that makes me doe it , yea nought but fearefull basenesse brings me to it , which i● i still hate , as i now detest , neuer can come to ha●bour in my brest . thus my fault then ( if they a fault imply ) is not alone an ill vnwillingly , but also , might i know it , i intend , not onely to acknowledge , but amend : hoping that thou wilt not be so seuere , to punish me aboue all other here . but for m'intents sake , and my loue to truth , impute my errors to the heate of youth ▪ or rather ignorance , then to my w●ll , which sure i am was good , what e're be ●ll , and like to him now , in whose place thou art , what e're the resdue be , accept the heart . but i grow tedious , and my loue abus'd disturbs my thoughts , and makes my lines confus'd : yet pardon me , and daigne a gracious ey● on this my rude vnfill'd apologie . let not the bluntnesse of my phrase offend , weigh but the matter ▪ and not how 't is pend . by these abrupt lines in my iust defence , iudge what i might say , for my innocence . and thinke i more could speake , that here i spare , becau●e my power ●uites not to what i dare . my vnaff●ct●d stile re●aynes ( you see ) her old frize cloake of yo●ng rusticitie ▪ if others will vs● nea●er tea●m●● , they may , ruder i am yet loue as well as they . and ( though if i would smooth't i cannot doo 't ) my humble heart i bend beneath thy foot : while here my muse her discontent do●h sing to thee her great apollo , and my king : emploring thee by that high sacred name , by iustice , by those powers that i could name : by whatsoe're may moue , entreate i thee , to be what thou art vnto all , to m● . i feare it not , yet giue me leaue to pray , i may haue foes whose power doth beare such sway , if they but say i 'me guilty of offence , 't were vaine for me to pleade my innocence . but as the name of god thou bear'st , i trust thou imitat'st him to , in being iust : that when the right of truth thou com'st to scan , thou l't not respect the person of the man : for if thou doe , then is my hope vndone , the headlong way to ruine i must runne . for whil●t that they haue all the helpes which may procure their pleasure with my soone decay ▪ how is it like that i my peace can win me , when all the ayde i haue , comes from with●● me ? therefore ( good king ) that mak'st thy bounty shine sometime on those whose worths are small as mine ; oh saue me now from enui●● dangerous s●elfe , or make me able , and i 'le saue my selfe . let not the want of that make me a scorne , to which there are more fool●● then wise-men borne . let me not for my meannesse be despi●'d , nor others greatnesse make th●ir words more priz'd . for whatsoe're my outward fate appeares , my soule 's as g●od , my heart as great as their● . my loue vnto my country an● to thee , as much as his that more would seeme to be . and would this age allow but meanes to show it , those that misdoubt● , ●hould ●re long time know it . pitty my youth then , and let me not lye wasting my time in fruitlesse misery . though i am meane , i may be borne vnto that seruice which another cannot doe . in vaine the little mouse the lyon spar'd not , she did him pleasure when a greater dar'd not . if ought that i haue done , doe thee displease , thy misconceiued wrath i will appease : or sacrifice my heart ; but why should i suffer for god knowes whom , i know not why ? if that my words through somes mist●ke offends , let them conceiue them right , and make amends . or were i guilty of offence indeede , one fault ( they say ) doth but one pardon neede . yet one i had , and now i want one more : for once i stood accus'd for this before . as i ●emember i so long agon , s●ng thame , and rhy●es epithalamion . when she that from thy royall selfe deriue● , those gracious vertues that best title giues . she that makes rhyne proud of her excellence , and me oft minde her here with reuerence ; daign'd in her great-good nature to encline her gentle eare to such a cause a● mine ; and which is more , vouchsaf't her word to cleare me from all dangers ( if there any were ) so that i doe not now intreat , or sue for any great boone , or request that 's new ▪ but onely this , ( though absent from the land ) her former fauour still in force might stand : and that her word ( who present was so deere ) might be as powerfull , as when she was heere . which if i finde , and with thy fauour may haue leaue to shake my loathed bands away , ( as i doe hope i shall ) and be set free from all the troubles this hath brought on me , i 'le make her name giue life vnto a song , whose neuer-dying note shall last as long as there is either riuer , groue , or spring , or downe , for sheepe , or shepheards lad to sing . yea , i will teach my muse to touch a straine , that was nere reach't to yet by any swaine . for though that many deeme my yeares vnri●e , yet i ●aue learn'd to tune an oaten pipe , whereon i 'le try what musicke i can make me , ( vntill bellona ●with her trumpe awake me . ) and since the world will not haue vice thus shown● , by blazing vertue i will make it knowne . th●n if the court will not my lines approue , i 'le goe vnto some mountaine , or thicke groue : there to my fellow shepheards will i sing , tuni●g my reed , vnto some dancing spring , in such a note , that none should dare to trouble it , till th● hil●es ans●ere , and th● woods redouble it . and peraduenture i may then goe nere to speake of something thou l't be pleasd'd to heare : and that which those who now my tunes abhorre , shall reade , and like , and daigne to loue me for . but the meane while , oh passe not thi● suite by , let thy free hand signe me my liberty : and if my loue may moue thee more to do , good king consider this my trouble to . others haue found thy fauour in distre●se , whose loue to thee and thine i thinke was lesse and i might fitter for thy ser●ice liue , on what would not be much for thee to giue . and yet i aske it not for that i feare the outward meanes of life should fa●●e me here ▪ for though i want to compa●se those good ●n●s i ayme at for my countrey and my friends . in this poore state i can as well content me , as if that i had wealth and honours lent me ; nor for my owne sake doe i seeke to shunne this thraldome , wherein now i seeme vndone : for though i prize my freedome more then gold , and vse the meanes to free my selfe from hold , yet with a minde ( i hope ) vnchang●d and free , here can i liue and play with misery : yea in despight of want and slauery , laugh at the world in all her brauery , here haue i learn'd to make my greatest wrong● matter of mirth , and subiects but for songs . here can i smile to see my selfe neglected , and how the meane mans sute is disrespected , whil'st those that are more rich , and better friended , can haue twice greater faults thrice sooner ended . all this , yea more , i see and suffer to , yet liue content , midst discontents i do , which whil'st i can , it is all one to me , whether in prison or abroad it be : for should i still lye here distrest and poore , it shall not make me breath a sigh the mor● ; since to my selfe it is indifferent where the small remnant of my dayes be spent , but for thy sake , my countries , and my friends , for whom more then my selfe god this life lends , i would not , could i helpe it , be a scorne , but l●ue ( if i might ) free , as i was borne : or rather for good bell-arete's sake , fa●●e ver●●● of ●hom most account i make , if i can chuse , i will not be deba●'d , in this last action , least she be disgrac'd . for 't was the loue of her that brought me to what spleene nor enuie could not make me do , and if her seruants be no more regarded , if enemies of vice be thus rewarded , and i should also vertues wrongs conceale , as if none liu'd to whom she dar'd appeale : will they that doe not yet her worth approue , be euer drawne to entertaine her loue , when they ●●all see hi● plagu'd as an offender , who for the loue he beares her , doth commend her ? this may to others more offensi●e be , then preiudiciall any way to me : for who will his endeuours euer bend to follow her , whom there is ●one will friend ? some i doe hope there be that nothing may from loue of truth and honesty dismay . but who will euer seeing my hard fortune , the remedy of times abuse importune ? who will againe when they haue smother'd me , dart to oppose the face of villany ? whereas he shall not onely vndertake a combate with a second lernean snake , whose euer-growing heads when as he crops , not onely two springs , for each one he lops , but also he shall see in midst of danger● , those he thought friends turn foes , or at lea●● stranger● . more i could speake , but sure if this doe ●aile me , i neuer shall doe ought that will a●a●●e me , nor c●re to speake againe , vnlesse it be to him that knowes how heart and words agre● , no , nor to liue when none dares vndertake to speake one word for honest vertues sake . but let his will be done , that best knowes what will be my future good , and what will not . hap well or ill , my spotlesse meaning 's faire , and for thee , this shall euer be my prayer , that thou may'st here enioy a long-blest raig●e , and dying , be in heauen re-crown'd againe . so now if thou hast daign'd my lines to heare , there 's nothing can befall me that i feare : for if thou hast compassion on my trouble , the ioy i shall receiue will be made double ; and if i fall , it may some glory be , that none but iove himselfe did ruine me . your maiesties most loyall subiect , and yet prisoner in the marshals●y . geo. wyther . three grains of spirituall frankincense infused into three hymnes of praise, and humbly offered toward the publike thanksgiving, commanded by authority of parliament to be celebrated throughout the commonwealth of england, the of this present january, . wither, george, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing w ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) three grains of spirituall frankincense infused into three hymnes of praise, and humbly offered toward the publike thanksgiving, commanded by authority of parliament to be celebrated throughout the commonwealth of england, the of this present january, . wither, george, - . [ ] p. printed by r. austin, london : . reproduction of original in huntington library. attributed to george wither. cf. nuc pre- . in verse. eng great britain -- history -- puritan revolution, - -- poetry. a r (wing w ). civilwar no three grains of spirituall frankincense, infused into three hymnes of praise; and humbly offered toward the publike thanksgiving, commanded wither, george c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion three grains ▪ of spirituall frankincense , infused into three hymnes of praise ; and humbly offered toward the publike thanksgiving , commanded by authority of parliament to be celebrated throughout the commonwealth of england , the . of this present january , . if scorners term these ballads , 't will not much regarded be , though there be many such : for , they , perhaps , are fools , or children , yet ; and may be wiser , when they shall have wit . if any thinks these odes are over long , let him not do his credit so much wrong , to say it , till he sees what may be spar'd ; and , passe thereon his judgment , afterward . there can arise no great discommendation , by lengthning out a pious recreation : nor merit they much heed , that can be weary to sing of dangers past , and to be merry . london , printed by r. austin . . to the right honourable john bradshavv esqu . lord president of the councell of state . my lord , the parliament having lately graciously considered my humble suit and long patience ? ( and i , by the refreshment thereby obtained , getting some leisure to entertain my naturall genius ) an earnest desire immediately possest me to perform somwhat , which might shew me thankful to god , and to those friends , by whose mercy , i and my family have been preserved , from perishing under our late pressures ; and he who wrought that desire in me , offered therewith to my thought , an undertaking sutable to my inclination ; with hope , that he would inable to the perfecting thereof in due season , though interruptions will be many , and the time , whereto i must confine my self , very short . the supreme authority hath enacted a publique thanksgiving throughout this common wealth , on the thirtieth of this january ( being the last day of the late kings life , as also the first of englands resuming her long lost liberty ) a day , which may by good reason be made an everlasting anniversary , in remembrance of that , and other great deliverances . and , therefore i thought it would neither be an impertinent expression of my gratitude , nor unacceptable where i owe it , to prepare proper hymnes for that daies celebration , with some other brief commemoration , to keep in mind gods late mercies to this republique , when that daies solemnity shall be forgotten ; and thereupon composed ( among other assaies , yet unfinished ) the three following hymnes , which i thus communicate , before the perfecting of what is further intended ; in hope it may be a means to prepare the hearts of some for a more due observation of that day , by giving them space to consider , how pertinent they are to the duty then required ; and that they may be thereby in readinesse for those who shall be willing to make use of such helps to devotion . hymnes are so proper to publique acknowledgements of extraordinary deliverances , and mercies ( spirituall , or temporall ) that by the primitive churches , jewish and christian , they were this way commemorated , and left upon record even to this day ; as appears in holy writ , by the hymns , songs , and psalms , of moses , deborah , hannah , david , esay , hezekiah , simeon , zachary , and mary , with others . the practise also of christian churches , in , and after the apostles time , makes it evident , that they sung hymnes and songs upon the severall occasions , happening from time to time . and though scorners , and ignorant persons do in this age vilifie , or contemn the gift of poesie ; yet the most knowing , and most pious , among all nations , have alwaies practised , and do still approve the use of that faculty , to rouze up spirituall affections in the soul , toward the illustrating of gods praises : and they who dispise it , are dispisers of that gift , which god hath given for his own glory , with our advantage : for , it is none of those accomplishments , which may be acquired by meer human industry , ( though it may be much better'd thereby ) but is one of gods peculiars , and infused in the mothers womb , as is generally confessed by learned and understanding men , many of which have long studied for it in vain , by meer helps of art . upon these considerations , and by the example of many prophets and poets , ( for in some other languages , one word signifies both ) who very well knew that advantages may be made by the right use of that faculty , upon such occasions of praise as have been vouchsafed to this nation ; i have thereby sought to illustrate gods mercies ; with an assurance , that it shall prepare the hearts of many , to a more cheerfull performance of what is commanded , and help to charm down those distempers which trouble the common peace , and hinder our reconcilement , both to god , and to each other ; and i hope it will not seem arrogance in me to offer them to that use . for , though it be no rare thing to see many run on errants before they are sent ; and to obtrude their undigested conceptions upon publique auditories ; yet private persons , qualified by their education , conversation , and gifts , may with modesty and submission make tender of that which they conceive edifying ; yea , and ought , ( as i think ) so to do , their consciences perswading it to be their duty : because i find it was a liberty , apostolically allowed , and taken for private christians to communicate their severall gifts in publique congregations ; and that he who brought a hymn , brought that which was acceptable , as appears in that place , where the apostle prescribes what order is to be observed at such meetings . according to that approved practise , i offer the ensuing hymnes , composed and fitted to the meridian of vulgar capacities ; and yet ( i hope ) not so inartificially composed , as to make them despised of the learned . i have also out of such tunes as the people are acquainted withall , chosen those which are best sutable to the matter and occasion , sitting the first hymn to a strain , beseeming the beginnings of exultation : the second , to higher straines of rejoycing , and the last to the fulnesse of praisefull thanksgivings ; all which i humbly submit to your grave censure . and i dedicate , and first send them to your lordship , for many good reasons . first , by your approbation of their usefullnesse , i shall be the more comfortably confirmed in that hope which i have thereof already . secondly , your exemplary respect may make others perhaps take the more heed of them ; and by growing acquainted with them for your sake , respect them afterward for their own . thirdly , you were one of the most eminent personall instruments under god , of that justice upon which the many mercies followed , which are the subject of these hymns ; and i thought they would be the more acceptable unto you , in regard no man had been in greater danger , if god , by not appearing for us , had permitted our adversaries to prevail . lastly , an obligation lies upon me , to give you some visible testimony of my thankfullnesse for benefits conferred . for , sir , notwithstanding it offends your modesty , to hear me make offers of acknowledgements , ( though it be in private ) yet i will now take the boldnesse to tell it openly , that , if god by his compassion , moving in the heart of your lordship , and one other noble friend , ( whose modesty hath likewise yet stopt my mouth ) had not freely vouchsafed supplies during my late streights , i and my family , ( considering in what hazzard all my other hopes then lay ) had , in probability , long since been quite ruined , or exposed to most despicable wants ; as would be manifest , if the circumstances of my suffering should be fully declared , and i should not now perhaps have had courage enough in me to have composed these hymnes , or to have sung a joyfull song in the land of the living , this day . they are , therefore , not so much mine , as yours , and his ; take them therefore at your own , and with them my prayers , that god would return your mercies a thousand fold into your bosomes , and make them comfortable unto you , both all the daies of your lives , and at the hours of your death . i have nothing else to retribute but prayers , except it be by adding so much to the honour of your justice and mercy , as the single testimony of an honest man ( never aspersed with flattering ) may confer : if that be any thing worth , i can truly say , that i have seen you active in the most eminent prosecution of human publiqke justice under the sun ; and that i am a witnesse also of your extraordinary private mercy , by being twice thereby delivered from probable destruction . vpon contemplation whereof , i am warranted to assure you from him who can make it good , that if you persevere ( whereof i doubt not ) in your heroicall progress , all the power , threats , and mischievous practises of your most inraged and malicious adversaries , shal be but as fire and materialls co-operating with better ingredients to make refined gold for your immortall crown ; and that their revilings , snarlings , and detractions , shall make it more glorious then diamonds , pearls , and rubies , & shine brighter many ages hence , then it can now . it shall questionlesse be so ; and therefore if ought happen hereafter , that may seem bitter to the flesh in more then ordinary measure , or threaten any terrible event , be assured , they are but operations of that fire which is used in preparing the essentiall materialls of your expected crown . he so presageth , whose predictions you have seen verified in more dubious matters ; and he is also unfainedly your lordships most humble servant , george wither . hymne . this first hymne ( prepared for the publike thanksgiving , injoyned on the thirtieth of jan. . ) may , most properly , be sung at the beginning of divine exercises , publike or private , the same day . sing this as the psalm . . with aweful joy , and joyful fear , to sanctifie , o lord , this day , before thy foot-stool we appear ; and , our thank-offrings here to pay : which though it be no other thing , then thy free-mercies to confesse ; or , songs , unto thy praise to sing ; vouchsafe acceptance , nay-the-lesse . . within our selves , we are so poor , that , we have nothing of our own , but , what we had from thee , before ; which , by our sins impair'd is grown : for , our wit , beauty , strength , and health , ( the goods of body , and of mind ) our time , our honours , and our wealth , to serve our lusts , have been resign'd . . and , therefore , till thou shalt renew thine image , by our fault defac'd , we , and our offrings , from thy view , deservedly , may forth be cast . there is no musick in our songs , that 's worthy to be heard of thee ; because , our hearts , eyes , ears , and tongues , prophaned , and untuned be , . yet , by those favours , heartned on ; which were on us bestown , of late , a hymn , we joyntly have begun , to sing this day , at mercies gate . lord ! those eternall doores unclose , through which thy speciall graces flow ; the cords of our corruption lose , and , let thy spirit on us blow . . then , ev'ry word , we hear , or say , with ey'ry thing , that 's done , or thought ( in celebrating of this day ) shall do thee honour , as it ought : and , they that study publike harms , or , flout , what we are doing here , shall be so bound up , by these charms , that when they flout us , they shall fear . hymne . this other hymne ( composed for the same day ) may be sung before the sermon ( or , between the sermons , where two are preached ) or , before the second chapter ; or , after any pause ( or change of exercises ) in devotion . sing this as the . psalm . . oh god! how good ! how kind art thou ! what help , what grace , dost thou bestow on us , in our distrest estate ! our tears to triumphs , thou hast turn'd , we now do sing , who lately mourn'd , and , by our foes , were jeered at . when we were weak , poor and forlorn , expos'd to dangers , fears and scorn , our comforter , thou didst become : and , when we dreaded shame of face ; spoils , death , or wounds , joyn'd with disgrace ; those fears , we were deliver'd from . . as thou , from base and servile bands , and out of cruel pharoahs hands , thine heritage redeemd'st of old : ev'n so , from those , who sought our harm , thou broughtst us off , with out-stretch'd arm , with signs and wonders manifold . they so , were blinded , lord , by thee , who , might have seen , but vvould not see ; nor hear when they were counsell'd well : and he that fraud , and force imploy'd , to make our lavvs , and freedomes void ; in our own view , like pharoah , fell . . this is the day , whereon our yoke of norman bondage , first was broke ; and , england from her chains made free . this is the day , vvhereon the lord , did manumit us by the sword , and , 't is novv signall , by decree . slaves , they deserve to be , therefore , and to be bar'd for evermore , the freedoms of this commonweal , who shall not thankfull , now appear , and vindicate with sword and spear , gods just replies , to our appeal . . by thee , our freedoms , lord , vve got ; oh! to our keeping , leave them not : but , still their guardianship retain . and , let not those , vvho under thee , sub-keepers , of those freedoms be , nor , our sins , forfeit them , again : on those alone , that are unjust or shall be traytrous to their trust , to this republike , or to thee , let thy avenging justice fall ; and , on all those who hinder shall , that peace , with truth , may setled be : . write in our hearts , thy sacred law ; and , let no future failings , draw our former cursed bondage back : but , our depraved wills renew , and , to thy service , keep us true ; which , wil our freedoms perfect make . the kingdom , power , and praise be thine , as long as moon , and sun shall shine : be , likewise , thou our heritage : and , in this nation , let there be no other king , or god , but thee , what e're they are , who thereat rage . hymne . this third hymne , may most properly be sung the same day , after the conclusion of the last sermon ; or , at the consummation of any other devotion . sing this as the . psalm , doubling the last strain of the tune . . all you , that present are , come , let our hearts , and tongues , the praise of god declare , in new-thanksgiving songs ; come , let us sing strains , that may make , the walls to shake , the roofs to ring : still sounding higher , till thereby , we , with angells , be joyn'd in one quire . . related , we have heard , what he , for us , hath done ; with how much disregard , our foes , he looks upon : and , we have seen , how , he befriends , when righteous ends pursu'd have been vve , likewise vievv vvhat will befall , to those that shall their lust pursue . . we see , or may behold , that , he our armies leads ; and ( as in times of old ) his banner o're them spreads , and for our sakes , through threats and spights , through depths and heights , their passage makes , vvhilst , to his praise their foes to nought , are justly brought , in plainer waies . . he , made both seas and wind , to them assistance lend ; and , what they had design'd , sun , moon , and clouds befriend . force , he repells ; he makes them bold , to march where cold , and hunger dwells : and , when their fear did most abound , they mercy found , and victors were . . to him doth praise belong ; for , he did them subdue , who num'rous were , and strong , when we were weak , and few ; and , when our foes came bragging on , and thought all won , they all did lose . still , be it thus ; lord ! alway , so , them overthrow vvho malice us . . his wise-foresight prevents , the politicians wiles : he , crosses their intents , he , at their projects smiles : in his due time , contrived by them : and , in that snare , vvhich , for our feet , they closely set , still caught they are . . vain sons of men , therefore , your bruitish grumbling cease ; pursue false hopes no more , but follow after peace . more prudent grow ; reform your waies , and sing his praise as now we do : oh! whilst you may in god rejoyce , and hear his voice vvhile 't is to day . . let all men do the same , of whatsoe're degrees ; and magnifie his name , as all obliged be . his righteousnesse , his power and grace , in ev'ry place let all confesse : and lay aside their own deserts , their selfish hearts , their stinking pride . . your strength to him submit , you , that have conquests won : wise men ascribe your wit , to him , ev'n him alone . for , he supplies the fool with skill , and , when he will befools the wise . and , certainly , unto to your foes , he , gives the blows by which they die . . rich-men , your precious things bring forth , your thanks to show ; before him , ( oh'ye kings ) your heads , and scepters bow ; and , as 't is meet , come from your thrones , and cast your crown : beneath his feet : for , kingdomes all to him pertain , and he again resume them shall . . oh! let all things that were , that are , or shall ensue ; ( or , but in thought appear ) thy praise , o god , forth-shew ; till times last bound : and , let it run , when time is done , an endlesse round ; where , needs not be privations night , that we true light may better see . . mean time , let not his praise be meerly , in our voice , as if vve thought to raise a trophy , out of noise : but , let us more our thanks expresse , in righteousnesse , then heretofore : els ( this is plain ) false shows we make , and , do but take gods name in vain . finis . divine poems (by way of paraphrase) on the ten commandments illustrated with twelve copper plates, shewing how personal punishments has been inflicted on the transgressors of these commandments, as is recorded in the holy scriptures : also a metrical paraphrase upon the creed and lords prayer / written by george wither. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) divine poems (by way of paraphrase) on the ten commandments illustrated with twelve copper plates, shewing how personal punishments has been inflicted on the transgressors of these commandments, as is recorded in the holy scriptures : also a metrical paraphrase upon the creed and lords prayer / written by george wither. wither, george, - . [ ], , [ ] p. : ill. printed by t.s., and are to be sold by r. janeway, london : . "never before printed." 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ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng ten commandments. religious poetry, english -- early modern, - . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion divine poems ( by way of paraphrase ) on the ten commandments . illustrated with twelve copper plates , shewing how personal punishments has been inflicted on the transgressors of these commandments , as is recorded in the holy scripture . never before printed . also a metrical paraphrase upon the creed and lords prayer . written by george wither esque author of brittains remembrancer . psal . . . would god my ways were so directed that i might keep thy statutes . licensed according to order . london printed by t. s. and are to be sold by r. janeway in queens head ally in pater noster row. . to all such as have formerly been friends to the author , his daughter and only surviving child dedicates these meditations . it was seldom my fathers practice , ( especially of late years , ) to dedicate his works to particular or great persons ; and did i attempt any euch thing now , i should be afraid lest i might disturb his rest in the grave . all you therefore that had a kindness as well for his person as his works , i desire to accept of my good will in sending this relique of his abroad in publick ; which though it hath been written some considerable time , is but lately minded or come to hand . and however it happened to be bundled up with other old writings ( where i found it ) yet i verily believe it was designed for the press by thos many alterations he had made , which had so blur'd the original copy , that i was forced to get it transcribed before it was fit for my self or any body else to read : and having now perused it , i could not in conscience conceal such necessary truths as are therein contained , in hopes that it may take the effect himself desires in his epistle to the reader exprest in his prayer ; believing , that that good spirit which first dictated those petitionary words will accompany them to the worlds end . and then i also believe , that what i have done in making this publick will be acceptable both to god and man , which that it may , shall ever be the prayers of your assured friend in all offices of love and service e. b. from my lodgings at mr. snowdens a printer , at the lower end of great carter-lane , the d of april , . advertisement . the copper plates mentioned in my fathers following epistle , in some of his removals from one habitation to another have been lost , so that i have been forced to get new ones made . to the reader . in that great plague , which ( as i believe ) was the most contagious pestilence that euer afflicted this city of london , it pleased god to enclose me there , and to give me grace to make such observations upon his justice and mercy , as i hope ( however others esteem of them ) shall never of me be forgotten during life . a while before this last visitation , the same gracious god provided me a little place to escape unto , where i did but only hear of that which my brethren suffered , and therefore ( as i may well fear ) was not so sensible of their misery as i ought to have been . yet i was not altogether without meditations as became the time , ( but as the necessities wherewithal god hath yet exercised me would give leave ) endeavoured to employ some hours in the consideration of things pertinent to the honour of my preserver , that i might not appear less thankful for this deliverance , which was without terror , than i seemed to be for that which i obtained with fear and danger . part of my musings were upon the moral law , the neglect whereof ( being the cause of all plagues ) is never impertinently thought upon , much less when the hand of god is extended to chastise us for infringment of the same . and what i then meditated , is now offered unto the publick view , that it might the oftner occasion me and others to be mindful of our duties . neither my estate , nor the place i lived in would afford me the use of books , at that time , therefore instead of them i perused mine own heart to to see what i could read there : for in the heart of man it was originally written . and though our corruption hath now so defaced it that we need some helps to explain the essential meaning of the holy text long since written in stone ; yet if we would but be so diligent as good antiquaries in examining defective inscriptions upon decayed monuments , we might sometime find the truth more certainly than by trusting over-confidently to the search of others , who many times deliver their own fancies instead of the right meaning of gods law. others i confess ( though not many in the english tongue ) have to this purpose devulged large commentaries but some want money to purchase them , and some want leisure to peruse them : for they are so large that many readers had rather venture to break all the commandments than to scan over those tracts ; and yet perhaps these brief meditations have expressed somewhat which is not found in any of them . i profess not ( as i have elsewhere said ) to teach the learned , but to be unto them a remembrancer only of what they already know ( which will otherwhile happen by this means even when they take up my books to peruse them with contempt rather than for any better end ) yet they who are as ingenious as learned , have entertained them with good respect as not unuseful . the same spiritual nourishment which others have tendred more artificially dressed for the publick feasts of the soul ; i have here and elsewhere indifferently fitted for their private refreshments , who are best nourished with plain diet , and who have heretofore wanted either opportunities or due care to come to those repasts . and if i can but find means to relieve the blind and lame in understanding , till a more powerful means shall fetch them from the hedges and high-way-sides to be guests at the great banquet , i shall hope to have done somewhat worth my pains . ignorant persons may be advantaged hereby mediately or immediately ; by receiving information or occasion of reformation : yea the composing thereof in verse will cause many to be the more delighted therewith ; some the better to remember it , others out of curiosity to take notice of it , who may afterward give it more serious entertainment , and no doubt all good men will afford it a favourable censure so far as it shall deliver the truth . so far only i desire it should be allowed , and in that desire do humbly submit the same to the censure of authority , and the success to gods blessing . which i beseech oh glorious god so to manifest in this mite vouchsafed out of the infinite treasury of thy holy spirit , that like a grain of mustard seed it may be fruitful to the encrease of piety beyond the expectation answerable to so despised a means : for some in these days have perverted the plain meaning of thy law ; yea some have lately strived both by their words and works to make the same wholly void and of no use , that they seem either not to have known , or to have quite forgotten ; that thy truth remaineth from one generation to another , or that thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness , in so much that we may justly repeat unto thee this complaint of thy prophet david ; lord it is time for thee to lay to thine hand , for they have destroyed thy law. hear my prayer o lord , and though i am small , and of no reputation , yet since i would not forget thy law , deliver me from mine oppressors , and so teach me thy statutes , that i may keep them unto the end ; yea though the proud have me in derision , and almost made an end of me upon earth , yet let my heart be made so upright in thy statutes , that i may not be ashmed to remember thy promise made to thy servant , even that wherein thou hast caused me to trust ; let it quicken me , and be my comfort in my troubles . for thou art all my portion , and i have determined to keep thy word ; before i was afflicted i went so much astray that it was good for me to have some troubles . o let me hereafter be always exercised in thy law ; let it be a lanthorn unto my feet , and a light unto my path . look upon me , and be merciful unto me as thou usest to be unto those who love thy name . let the proud be ashamed that they have dealt falsly with me . let such as fear thee be turned unto me , and comfort thou me according to the years wherein i have been afflicted , that they who see it may glorifie thy name , for mine eyes have almost failed with waiting for thy assurance . though i have gone astray like a sheep , yet seek thy servant , and deal with me according to thy mercy . let all these my supplications come before thee , that my soul may live , that my lips may praise thee , and that my tongue may sing of thy goodness and mercy for ever and ever , amen . sir , among other kindnesses vouchsafed in your neighbourhood , i received from you the copper plates , which are now made use of in this book . the words which i have added unto those dumb figures will make them ( i hope ) much more profitable , and cause them to be a means of publishing those caveats and universal duties which are pertinent , as well to the general well-being of mankind , as to the glory of god ; which two things were the proper ends of our creation , and ought also to be the chief care of our life . to those ends therefore , and that your cost might not be unprofitably bestowed , i have returned the coppies of those figures which you gave me , illustrated with such meditations as my leisure and ability could afford . and they do now as well speak as make signs what is prepared for wilful transgressors of these laws , whereby if god may receive any honour , or his children profit , i desire it may be some honour and advantage , which is the desire of your hearty and well-wishing friend geo. wither . the decalogue . and these wordes which i command th● this day shal be in thine heart . and thou shall rehearse them continually unto thy children and shalt talke of them when thou 〈◊〉 in thine house and as thou walkest by the way , and when thou liest downe & when thou risest up . and thou shalt binde them for a signe vpon 〈…〉 they shal be as 〈…〉 thine eies also thou shalt write them vpon the postes of thine house and vpon thy gate● deut : . - . . i thov shalt have none other gods bvt me ii thov shalt not make to thy selfe any graven ymage iii thov shalt not take y e name of y e lord thy god in vaine iiii remember that thov keep holy y e sabboth day v honor thy father and thy mother vi thov shalt do no mvrder vii thov shalt not commit advlterie viii thov shalt not steale ix thov shalt not beare false witnesse x thov shalt not covet beholde i see before you this day a blessing and a curse ; the blessing if ye obey the comaundements of the lord your god which i cōmand you this day . and the curse if ye wil not obey y ● commandements of y e lord your god but t●●ne out of the way which i command you this day to go after other gods which ye haue not known . ●● deut optimum ●●t aliena frui insania happy shall that man become , who this law departs not from : blessings will descend on him , from the mount of gerizim ; but from ebal they shall hear curses , who rebellious are . death , for them , attending stands , who shall break these just commands ; and to those who them obey , god proposeth life for aye . the prologue let all these following lessons learn , for all mankind these laws concern . all you who sons by grace or nature be , give ear to what my muses preach to me ; for , what i now do purpose to declare , no less , than universal statutes are , which every child of adam ( here beneath ) must keep in person , on the pain of death , or , by a faithful penitence procure an able pledge , to pay his forfeiture . you , who by nature , had the means to know what duties , creatures to their maker owe ; read here , what by god's finger once was writ within your hearts ; that you may practise it . and having lost that light which nature gave , take what you may by grace's tender have . on fleshly tables once again renew the fair impression which at first he drew : for , 't was your sin which thence gods law did blot and , ignorance therefore excuseth not . you , whom the special grace of our creator brought by his power almighty thro' the water of sound baptism , ( and , within the flood of his dear sons most pure and pretious blood ; drown'd all that hoast of sins , which our grand foe had mustred , for our final overthrow : ) observe you also , this renowned law , to keep it , with a loving filial awe , lest ( though you scap'd enraged pharoh's hoast ) your entrance to the promis'd rest be crost : and lest your following what your lust deviz'd you , in your lawless wandrings be surpriz'd by those ( yet living tyrants ) who possess the passages , of this lifes wilderness . for , though in act we cannot keep entire so strict a law , we may in our desire ; and where desire is not perverted quite , we have a ready means to set it right . if any say or think this obligation pertaineth only to the jewish nation ; they are deceiv'd ; for if they well compare these precepts , to those laws which written are within our hearts , it will be out of doubt that , these , are but the same transcribed out . in stone , they were engraven long ago lest all the world should quite forgetful grow of these their duties . to the jews god gave them to be preserv'd from loss : from them we have them distinguish'd by two tables to be known , from laws , that were peculiars of their own : and though some literal circumstance be found appearing to oblige beyond the bound of legal ceremonies , which to some a means of stumbling and offence become ; yet they , that meekly minded are , shall see the essence whole , and so distinct to be from what is meerly jewish ; that no doubt shall give the weaker conscience thereabout ; for that which is essential may be ' spide from what should only for a time abide as evidently as our bodies are discerned from the ground which once we were . it is the abstract of the law of nature ; and that which every reasonable creature which hath a body , must submit unto , with incorporials , we have nought to do : nor us , to search concerns it any way what law they are obliged to obey . salvation comes not by this law indeed , yet knowledge of our sin , and that we need , a saviour for it , by this law is taught ; till which be known , no safety can be wrought . t is true , we can keep it , yet it may keep us , from running quite out of the way ; or , keep us humble , that the works of grace , may in our hearts , the better take their place . it maketh no man pure ; yet 't is a glass by which the fairest of old adams race may view themselves deform'd , and also see in what defects they should repaired be . it makes not streight ; and yet it may supply a helpful means , our selves to rectify . it gives not sight ; but they that see may find it yieldeth light to those who grow not blind , by wilful faults ; and stubbornly contemn those beams of grace , which might enlighten them . it gives not strength to go , ( we must confess ) but , yet , it shews a way to happiness ; and , they who can but love it , when they know it , shall either be vouchsafed strength to go it . by mediate help , or by immediate grace , exalted be to their desired place . it cannot merit love , but it may shew , whether , or no , our love be false or true . though 't is not life ; it is the death of sin , whereby the life of grace doth first begin to shew that living faith , wherein consists the truth of their profession who are christ's ; and they are not suspected without cause , false christians , who conform not to these laws . it is a needful tutor , though it stand with looks still frowning , and with rod in hand 't is truly good though ill thereby we know , and oft befriends us , though it seem a foe . it all condemns not , though it puts in fear , it brings to christ ; and then it leaves us there . in brief , this law shall ever be in force , though from believers god remove the curse . it shall in essence never fail a jot , ( although some accidents continue not ) and therefore , they whose faith shall them prefer , observe it as a good remembrancer . to these for comfort and encouragement , the promise which attends it we present with all the circumstances , which may give assurances , of what they well believe ; without those plagues or terrors which we find presented to correct a slavish mind , for they that love their founder need no bands but love to keep them true to these commands . love is the laws fulfilling , 't is that end to which both laws and all good actions tend : and he that loves , unto himself is made a law , whereto we nothing need to add . before the rest , our muse , to fright them sets the tipes of punishments , and horrid threats : if either , may bring home the soul that errs , god's be the praise , the comfort of it theirs . and let me share the prayers and the bliss of those that shall pe profited by this . amen . commandment i. i thou shalt have none other gods but me &c. pharoh , by great wonders wrought to acknowledge god was brought , and had reasons light to see who , his only god should be . had he well that guift employ'd , special grace , had been enjoy'd ; but , no use thereof he made , and so , lost the gift he had ; stubborn too , the fool did grow , and ran headlong to his woe . command . i. serve but one god , and let him be that god who made and ransom'd thee . to such as love , our god of love makes known a duty , and a benefit , bestown ; that they might know the object of their creed , and , in the way of righteousness proceed . for , by the preface ( of what follows here ) a freedom from a bondage doth appear . and by the substance of this great command , a duty we may likewise understand . to them whom no kind usage may perswade from sinful paths ( till they afraid are made ) we here exhibit pharoh , as a chief of those , who suffered for an unbelief join with contempt of god ; that , such from thence might moved be to faithful penitence , to them that shall with reverence and fear receive the holy precept which they hear , we shew with love and mercy how they may observe the streight , and shun the crooked way . there is one god alone ; that god is he by whom we formed and reformed be , and they who serve another , or deny his attributes , commit impiety . this god , ( that 's god indeed ) though he might say , my will and pleasure is , you shall obey me only as your lord , ( and unto us no reason render , why it should be thus ) proceeds not so ; but hath declared why we should accept him for our deity , and peradventure this vouchsafed he to teach them knowledge who his viccars be ; and shew to us ( by being meek and kind ) how from false gods the true one we may find . for to be god is to be good , and so in goodness infinite , to overflow , that all may tast thereof ( excepting none ) such is my god , and he is god alone . the egyptian bondage , tipified all the race of adam , in their native thrall , and as their temporal saviour , moses than , left not behind one hoof , much less a man , inslav'd to pharoh , so the blessed son of this great god hath ransom'd every one from that sad house of bondage and of pain where we , without redemption else had lain . for which great favour , he from us doth crave , that we no other god , but him should have . and that we love him with a reverent awe , which is the whole fulfilling of this law this gracious god , by many is rejected , and as they understand , or stand affected , they take , or make up new ones of such things as almost to contempt , the godhead brings . he of himself would make some deity who his own power so much doth magnify , as if by that he thought to gain access to present and to future happiness . he makes the world his god who thinketh fit to love , to follow , serve , and honour it ; as many do , and they who much incline to love this god , are enemies to mine . he makes his lust a god who doth fulfil in every thing his own unbridled will : this tyrant many serve ; yea this is he who makes them bondslaves , whom god setteth free . he makes the worst men gods who doth obey their pleasures , in an unapproved way , or their imperious threatning so much feareth as think it from his duty him deterreth . he makes the devil , god ; who doth believe , by evil means good blessings to receive ; which very many ( very often ) doe whose words deny him , and defie him too . but some of us not only guilty stand of being breakers of this first command , by serving gods beside ; ( and more than ) him , who from death , sin and hell , did us redeem . but , either we neglect him also quite , or , practise works to him so opposite , that into worse impieties we fall than such , as yet , confess no god at all . for , by distrust , self-love , backsliding fear , inconstancy , presumption , fruitless care , impatience , grudging , frowardness or pride , with other such ; our god we have deny'd more oft than once , and oftner fear we shall into this error through our frailty fall . this law , ( in some degree ) is also broke , unless we , to our powers , due care have took to shun each cause of breaking it ; the chief is ignorance , ( the ground of misbelief . ) the next , is to be oft , and willingly among professors of idolatry . the third is servile fear , which many ways the heart unto idolatry betrays . the last ( not least ) is when the sway we give to any lust or sin : for ( thus believe ) such men , to gain the full of their delight , will change their god , or leave religion quite . yea , they who hate at first so gross a sin , are by the devil this way hooked in . this meditation here had found an end but that there are , some others who offend against this law , in such a high degree as that they must not quite unmention'd be . the truest god , confessed is by them their only god : they serve and honour him in outward shew ; and if believe we may , what they themselves have pleased been to say , they love him too ; but either they mistake him , or , by their own invention , so new make him , that though they speak him , by a gracious name , the goodness of his nature , they defame by making him the authour to have bin and cause original of every sin : for in affirming that the fall of man , and sin , and death from gods meer will began , they say no less , although they praise him much for being good to them , and some few such . to say of these i am no whit afraid , as of old idol-makers , hath been said , their god and they are like , for on their will they ground their practices ( which must be still supposed just ) and some , perchance , of them would be as cruel as they fancy him but that their finite natures cannot reach the tyranies which they of him do preach . let us of such impieties beware , what we conceive of god let us have care , and not ( with foolish hereticks ) suppose by teaching common truths , and making shows of holy piety to keep gods eye from seeing when we wrong his majesty . for , if he be displeas'd with such as make good creatures of his godhead , to partake , how much more cause have they his wrath to fear , who make him worse than his worst creatures are ? and that prime attribute have overthrown , by which , he chiefly to be god is known ? for , none are bound to serve him ( by this law ) but such as he did out of bondage draw . for if he drew not all , then some there be who , though they have a god , ours is not he , at least in such a manner as may give these unbelievers courage to believe . their god they say did some unhappy make to shew his power ; and for his glorys sake ; my god is he , who pittied their estates , whom these do fancy hopeless reprobates an issue leaving out of that temptation , in which they lying to their just damnation , and for the day of wrath no sinners made but such as do abuse the grace they had . their god is he , who forc'd mankind to fall and mine is he , who did redeem us all . my sweet redeemer , so my heart incline , that , i may always keep this law of thine amen . commandment ii. thou shalt not make to thy selfe any graven image &c. superstition here is free if her idols rais'd may be ; and with zeal the same pursues if will worship she may use . when , she should obey or hear sacrifice , she doth prepare . such religion to profess is but irreligeousness : and for that presumptions vain , many israelites were slain . command . ii. let every hand and heart refrain an image of our god , to fain . three thousand suffered by their brethrens hand , for offering violence to this command ; and for committing of the same offence , the sword hath been in action , ever since , ( some where or other ) to the devastation of many a powerful and renowned nation . for to adore one godhead , and no moe , save him , to whom such duty all men owe , sufficeth not , unless our adoration be such as may obtain his approbation . a forged worship meriteth a rod as truly as a falsified god ; and such as do their own religion frame , serve but their fancies ; though god bear the name . when humane wit , had fool'd away the notion of gods true being , and of true devotion , she calling to remembrance that each creature had in it some impression of his nature , did blindly seek him , by that couz'ning light , and lost at last the knowledge of him quite . for , some did make him figures like their own ; some like to beasts , and some like forms unknown : then by degrees the devil screwed in to seem a god , and made the foulest sin , thought pious worship : for , though vile it be to picture him whose form we cannot see , and to ascribe to him imperfect features who gave their bodies to the fairest creatures ; and in whose essence all perfections are , yet in their wickedness they staid not there , by wicked ceremonies they invited the world to think the godhead was delighted with hellish actions for their living seed , in horrid wise to death did often bleed as acceptable offerings murtherous hands were thought the actors of his just commands . and drunken riots with lascivious games seem'd holy duties and had holy names . nor did the gentiles only thus misdo but many jews , and many christians too , the self same sins in essence did commit , though with new vizzards they had covered it . for how much better are their festivals then bacchanalian riots , in whose halls and parlours are assembled ( in the stead of those poor souls , whom charity should feed ) a rout of roaring ruffins , who are there for nothing but to drink , or game and swear ? except it be that they might soon undo those fools which do abuse gods bounty so ? mens follies make them frequently to err , and , then , they vice for vertue do prefer . their superstition , makes them think amiss of god ; and then their service of him , is accordingly devis'd : they favour not that worship , which their wit hath not begot . they fear him tyrant-like , and dream that he is pleas'd with such like works as tyrants be . for carnal wisdom , cannot be content , unless it may be suffered to invent , the scoenes , which make her stage religion seem to superarrogate in her esteem . some , tho' they scoff idolatry , are hardly brought to serve a god of whom they have not thought . a circumscribed form , to which , they may address themselves , in that corporeal way , which they affect and therefore up they rear such calves , as to their fancies do appear : yea sometime such ideas they devise , as piety would hate , and wit despise . some others are too homely , and too bold another way , and no man layeth hold upon the truth , who thinks to seize thereon , by searching for it , in himself alone . these sins against this precept justly blam'd as thereto accessary have been nam'd , in what we mused , on the law before to which are added here , three other more , vain curiosity , blind superstition , prophaneness , and a changeable condition . by these we are perverted , yea , by these our god is formed as our fancies please ; sometime ( like those of whom the psalmist speaks ) the god which to it self mans fancy makes ; is either blind or careless . god , ( says one ) beholdeth not those evils that are done , tush , god regardeth not , another says , the folly or perverseness of our waies . some others make unto themselves , a god so mild , as if he never us'd a rod. and , some again do fancy him to be so cruel ; that their god appears to me to be that saturn , now set up again , who ( as the ancient heathen poets fain ) devour'd his children ; and they fain him , for that which the god-like nature doth abhor . these evils to prevent ; this law divine the wandring humane fancy doth confine all men in sacred worshipings restraining as well , from intellectual objects faining , as from corporeal forms : and him god threats who due performance of this law forgets . for god himself who knoweth best how far by representments , it convenient were , to shadow forth his nature , did devize as many and as few as might suffize . god knew , that if mans frailty might not see some objects , whereupon might fixed be his weak devotion , he would either make vain fictions , or devotion , quite forsake . it therefore , pleas'd , his goodness to prepare those objects for the jews , which fitting were for them , such was the serpent made of brass till by idolators abus'd it was . such were their temple and the mercy seat on which or towards which their eyes were set , in their devotion ; that the wandring sence there being fixed , faith might raise from thence the safer flight , and that religion may a body have , wherein her soul may stay , for , doubtless that religion is untrue , which hath no outward shape for men to view . as for the jews : our weakness , tendring too god , hath vouchsaft the like , for us to do . he hath advanc'd for us to look upon the image of his crucified son , and limb'd him in his word with such dimensions as may , and should employ our apprehensions , without all vain additions of our own , until , the essence of it , may be known . nor of our selves nor to our selves was made this image ; but , the same , from god we had . he set it up , for us to fall before it ; to contemplate ; to honour ; to adore it . this image he that faithfully shall view , thereby , that long left image may renew , wherein mankind was framed by god's hand , and in that likeness we shall ever stand . still praised be that image , which hath power to perfect such imperfectness as our : and let all those who shall the same despise be guilty of the worst idolatries . oh christ so perfect my renewed will that i this holy precept may fulfil . amen . commandment iii. thou shalt not take y e name of y e lord thy god in vaine &c iii curses , blasphemies , and oaths , some , can vary as their cloaths ; and , the ruffin , now , begins to seek fashionable sins , no more fearing to blaspheme , than to take a praiseful theme ; but the sin they count so small , doth aloud for vengeance call : and , in figure here we view what for this offence was due . command . iii. if thou wilt free be kept from blame ; take not in vain , god's holy name . to fright blasphemers , we present them with an emblem , of the son of shelomith : ( who worthily , condemned was to dye , and , stoned for his daring blasphemy : ) for , 't is a crime now ripened in excess , though branded with a horrid guiltiness : and of this blott , ( who ever standeth free ) all these that follow deeply guilty be . the common swearer : for , his impious tongue not only to the godhead , offers wrong ; but , ( to his power ) he sometime rends and tears christ's holy body , when he vainly swears . he that affecteth cursings groweth foul , by what this law forbids , for ; on the soul which loves to curse , these plagues are often brought which to befall another , are besought . they are not in a mean degree to blame , who shall prophane the great almighty's name through levity , as when him name they shall , for trifling causes ; or , no cause at all . he , that with oaths , protests in matters vain ; or , swearers for truths , what he himself doth fain ; or , tells for certain , an uncertain thing ; or , vows to god , what he neglects to bring ; or , maketh vows of what are not allowed : things lawful ; or , things comely to be vowed : even he who ere he be that shall transgress these ways , is tainted with a guiltiness . for , all these ways , gods name is vainly used ; and such offences cannot be excused . to these we add our scevites , who presume the power of exorcisms to assume , and work by conjurations of such kind , as may no lawful approbation find , and much from these , those cheaters differ not , who by confederacy the name have got , of eunning men or women , and pretend , to know black arts and practice , to defend our bodies , or to keep our goods from harms , by wicked spels ; prophaning in the charms , the names of god , or portions of his writ ; for , in such actions they dishonour it . nor is he better who delights to make , gods truth a theam for vain discourses sake , or , thence extracteth jests ; or , reads , or hears his word , with heedless eyes , with careless ears , or unprepared heart . nor , are they less prophane ; who to conceal their wickedness , or , meerly to be deemed men devout : still at their girdles bear , gods book about , or , study holy scriptures to devise : a cloak for sins ; and proofs for heresies , or , truths pervert their falshoods to maintain , for , all of these assume gods name in vain . they of the like offence partakers are , who ( as they term it ) make a holy war for christ ; and in his name do that pretend , which is for some concealed wicked end . all they who pray for these , ( by name of such , do fight gods battles ) do offend as much if they shall know it ; for , accursed is such bold and bloody policy as this . he that plots treason , or invents a lie , the cause of god or truth to justifie ; doth stray as wide : for , to assist his foes , these in gods name ; within his ensign goes . moreover they are guilty of this crime who in undecent manner or ill time reprove , or threat , or comfort , or apply gods promises , or judgments , or deny , their needful application in gods name , when time , and place for them require the same . for , of the service , careless they appear , pertaining unto him , whose name they bear . he breaks this law who runs ere he besent , and in gods name speaks what god never meant , he that from holy orders , goeth back , and by his idleness becometh slack in duties of his calling ; or ( grown rich , by church promotions ) thinks it overmuch , to execute that function as he ought , to which with wealth and honour he is brought , even he , what fair excuse so ere he make , is justly said gods name in vain to take . for , if he proveth guiltless , he receiv'd a dispensation , more than i believ'd . a prayer without faith ; a formal mention of gods due praise , without a due intention . yea , vain or complemental salutations , without sincerity are prophanations against this law , though many men have thought , that these are signs of persons better taught . dissembling fasts ; thanksgivings mumbled out , with babling repititions , ( and devout , ) in nought but feigned term or length of time , do make men guilty , likewise , of this crime ; nay many sermons of the vulgar strain , are taking of the name of god in vain . he that his church or chappel hath bedeckt , and yet gods living temples doth neglect . he , that a love to those , doth seem to carry , yet , leaves defac'd his outward sanctuary ; he that to bend his body is asham'd , when he shall here his blessed saviour nam'd . he that without an inward adoration , bows outwardly , or , with an affectation , to mimick gestures ; or , performs the same , unto the vocal sounding of the name , or either practiseth , or leaves undone , such duties in contempt of any one : even he ( though to be guiltless he pretends , ) against this third commandement offends . but none this holy precept more have broke than they , who on themselves christs name have took ; yet live like infidels , excepting those , who guild hypocrisy with godly shows , and under pious habits use to prey , on those , ( who being more sincere than they ) are threatned , and suppose all well bestown , while these will take ; till nothing is their own . god keep his lambs from these as from the worst of all dissembers , and the most accurst . the faults condemn'd , seem nothing to have bin to this abhorred hell begotten sin , are drunken jollities , vnbridled passion , a wicked custom , slight consideration , and evil narture ( but much blame is cast , on tutors and some parents for the last , ) all these must therefore shunned be by him , that would not swear , for-swear , curse nor blaspheme . this must be likewise heeded , that unless we still ( on all occasions ) do confess , the name of god ; and sanctifie it too , by such good duties , as we ought to do : ( as in relieving those who in his name , ) shall ask ( without abusing of the same , ) in swearing by it , when just cause requires , in suffering for it , ( though by sword and fires ) when god may be dishonour'd , by a base forsaking of our faith , or of our place . yea , if we be not ready to our might , in all gods attributes to do him right ; and honour him , in deed , in word , and thought , in what we can , ( although not as we ought ) we faulter in our duty ; and 't is plain , we do profess to bear gods name in vain . " my heart lord god so settle in thy way " that i this law , may never disobey . amen . commandment iv. iiii. remember that thou keep holy y e sabbath day &c. 't is not in the common creed that he gather'd sticks for need , who for sabbath breaking dy'd , for all wants were so supply'd , that it seems he did transgress , by contempt , or carelessness . he commits the same offence , ' gainst this precepts moral sence , who the christian sabbaths wrongs , and a plague to him belongs . command . iv. to hallow , do not thou forget those times , which god apart hath set . you that our christian sabbath do despise , behold this figure with regardful eyes : for , though on us this precept doth not lay the ceremonial service of the day ; or , to a jewish sabbath , us confine ; it n'retheless , a duty doth enjoin , which no man living can be freed from till to the general judgment christ shall come . for , nature urges , that convenient rest , should be allowed both to man and beast , lest their corporeal substance should miscarry before the time ; and 't is as necessary , the soul should have some leisure to attend his will , on whom her being doth depend . freemen , may rest their bodies when they please , and wise men , know how for to take their ease : but , lab'ring beasts , and men who are depraved , or , they whom wants , or tyrants have enslaved , had restless lived , till their life time ended , unless this holy law had them befriended ; and they who to the flesh most favour show for soul affairs , but little time allow . this god at first foresaw , and for that cause ( though in mans heart he then ingrav'd his laws essential , and long oblig'd him not to such additions as time since begot ) yet when he found that error and transgression had wholly rased out the first impression ; to stop corruptions growth , he afterward to rites , to times , and places had regard . all men at first had liberty to take what daies they pleased holydaies to make ; or , for convenient rest . nor did from all this freedom cease when god the jews did call to keep their sabbaths ; for , to one set day no nation were oblig'd save only they ; nor , had the gentiles any other ties save to observe it in a moral wise , so far as might preserve unto the creature the freedom and well being of its nature . a law concerning rest and holy dues confin'd indeed the people of the jews to one set day , even one set day in seven , to them were ceremonies also given concerning it ; which no man might transgress ( save in great need ) without much guiltiness that law , which nature simply had received at our first being was to them derived with such like accidents as might be best to keep them firm , and bring in all the rest in gods appointed season to embrace the law of nature in the law of grace . their customs and their ceremonial day with christ was buried and so swept away . when he arose from death , that to renew and celebrate the sabbath of the jew , we are no more obliged than to rear their temple , and to build their altar here , and yet , lest man's corruption and the lack of accidents , might bring the substance back . even to the first neglect , christ dist instate his church with power to change or abrogate the circumstances of this law , so far as needful seem'd , provided that it were essentially preserved , and in this she hath performed what required is . for , though the time be changed , it retains the same proportion ; it for use remains the same in essence , and that being so the same obedience , is now due thereto , and , to what circumstance the church thinks fit , to help continue the right use of it . now therefore , though that every day be free for works which truly necessary be ; and , though those worshipers which are sincere may worship any day or any where , yet none can without guiltiness despise the places , rites or times , of sacrifice appointed by the church , while they accord what may be authorized by the word . this law is therefore broke when we despise the fastings , feastings , or solemnities the church appoints , or if we shall deny such daies to honour and to sanctify by rest from common labours , whensoere we may without much damage , them forbear ; or , if we vilify those christian rites whereto the publick discipline invites , or , them perform not on their proper day as often as conveniently we may . this law is broke , if to our lab'ring beast , or , servant , we allow not so much rest as nature shall require , and may conduce to keep them able for our lawful use . or , if we shun not all occasious too whereby we may against this law misdo . and they are these ; a hardned heart , a mind prophane , and unto greediness inclin'd , a false belief ; false liberty ; false knowledge , frequenting of the company and colledge . off false believers ; ( from whom self will pride and superstition no man can divide . let no man then that lawless freedom take which may occasion strife or scandals make , by needless labours , nor mis-censure them who take some liberties which they condemn , in things indifferent , and shall not move in such gainst which their governors approve ; and in their manners let them peaceful be , though they in their opinions disagree . let not those times the church hath set apart to rest the body , to instruct the heart , and to preserve a due commemoration of every blessed means of our salvation , be judged vain , or , that they do not draw authority sufficient for this law : but let them know for truth , though not for news , that all the feasts and sabbaths of the jews were but the types of ours ; and that if they shall for the shades the substance cast away , they are unwise ; and guilty of offence against this precept in the moral sense . let those who for the bodies ease and pleasure part of this time allow ; preserve the measure that 's justly due , and in due manner too do that which is allowable to do : not for the soul 's well being caring less than to prevent the bodies weariness . let them who of the soul most heedful seem , remember , still , the body to esteem . a portion of that manhood , for whose sake our sabbath-maker did all sabbaths make , and give it so much liberty as may make pleasant all the duties of the day . and since no private spirit can impose a rule for all ; let all be rul'd by those who by a publick spirit come to learn what may a publick body best concern . or , if among us any one shall deem there is a truer way made known to him ; so let him walk that he himself approve to be in all his waies a child of love. for sure i am , that if the common peace he keep until humility increase , true knowledge in him he , then plain will see who best expounds this law the church or he. come holy ghost , so sanctify my heart , that from this law i never may depart . amen . commandment v. honor thy father and thy mother , &c he that sought his fathers death sonless , yielded up his breath . he , that would his prince have slain , had his pardon sent in vain , for although the king for gave , justice urg'd her due to have , that rebellious children may learn this precept to obey , and the subject stand in awe how he sins against this law. command . v. on them all honours due , bestow , who , by the name of parents go . what of rebelling subjects will become , and graceless children view in absolom : for , whose offence the earth did ( as it were ) refusal make his bodies weight to bear , and heav'n rejects it ; that they might present him hanging for a dreadful monument through ages all , to warn and keep in awe the sleighters and infringers of this law. this foremost precept of the second table unto the first , in this is answerable they both enjoyn and honour where 't is due , their differences are these which do ensue : here blessing follows ; there it went before one parent , that concern'd ; this , many more . he that shall break this precept , maketh snares wherein to hang himself at unawares , and overthrows ( as much as in him lies ) all common-weals , and all societes ; yet , some affect it not , but loudly cry for times which may erect a parity . and , some who dream they keep it , are to blame by being ignorant how far the name of parent reacheth , which we briefly show , that they might better do and better know . we from the parents of our bodies have a natural being ; and they justly crave to be obey'd in all things , but in those which either may superior powers oppose , or , to some being hurries us , that shall be worse , than to have never been at all . beside these parents , we to many moe a duty , by this obligation owe. the fathers of our country , by this law first claimeth of us , honour , love and awe , and from himself , the same prerogatives to his inferiour magistrates derives . there is a fatherhood in those that be our elders , and our betters in degree . our masters also , may have warrant here , to challenge from us , reverence and fear . and husbands also may infer from hence good proof of right to their preheminence ; and if a witness wanted thereunto , my wife i know would say the same i do . and that , i give god thanks for as a blessing , that is not founnd in every mans possessing . our ghostly fathers by whose careful pain we are anew begot , and born again ; ( ev'n to a life more excellent than that , whereto our fleshly fathers us begat ) have honours due , no less than those to whom , we sons and daughters in the flesh become , yea and our fathers in some sort they be , who , from thrall , wants , and death , hath set us free . all these from us an honour may command , according to the place wherein they stand ; to some of them we do not owe alone , that honour which may outwardly be done , or , that unfain'd respect , which doth accord , with bare obedience . but we must afford all helps , whereby we also , may prevent the want , the shame , the harm , or discontent , which may befall them , we should meekly bear their words and blows , ev'n when unjust they are ; we should not pleasure take in any thought , with which dishonour may to them be brought . though they should curse us , we must always bless , defend their lives and hide their nakedness , we should not hear them wrong'd : nor should our tongue to all men tell it , when they do us wrong , but pray and strive , that blameless we might prove , how crookedly so ' ere they please to move . for he alone who thus obey them shall , hath an obedience evangelical . among those many who these laws do break , and pass unheeded any breach to make , on this command , who greatly are to blame , in being disobedient to the same , the first and worst are that ill tutor'd sect , who magistrates , and rulers contradict , they who at all superiors madly strike , and fain would have us honour'd all alike , are deeply guilty , and this just command , they frustrate make ; if ought i understand . the other sort , doth government forsake , of whom god pleas'd this gracious law to make , do sometime also grievously transgress , against this law when they by wilfulness , by pride , or cruelty , provoke or stir , those to rebel , who sons or vassals are . for , he that wilfully gives cause of ill , shares equal guilt with him that acts it still . by sinning he brings others to be naught , then suffers by them , for the sin he taught . for they who tyrannous commands do lay , shall find their servants treacherously obey . the crimes forbidden here as having bin , occasions of a more immediate sin , against this law ; are envy , self-conceit , licentiousness ( which thinketh over streight , all tyes of government . ) forgetfulness , of those commodities which we possess . by them who rule us likewise we may add , ingratitude ; ill habits sooner had , than lost ) gross rudeness ; and the vice , whence most sins flow insatiate avarice . i now remember that i named not some other parents overmuch forgot . we have a heavenly father unto whom , his children should more dutiful become than yet they be . but , what to him we owe , the former table of these laws doth show . we have a mother too , which ( more our sin ) hath in this age 'ore much neglected bin , nay worse ; ( i would it were untruly said ) she hath dishonour'd been and disobey'd , more like a cruel step-dame than like her , within whose blessed womb conceiv'd we were . i mean the holy church the spouze of christ , for we her wholsome discipline resist , her comely ceremonies we despise , her government we often scandalize , we slight her blessings , we her counsels hate , we of her ornaments and her estate dispoil her ; her best children we betray , and when she would embrace we run away , in all which things we disobey this law , and vengeance both on soul and body draw : god grant this wickedness we may repent , before he change into a punishment , the blessing promis'd : for he from the land , will root the breakers of this great command , that men may know the danger to contemn , a good condition ; when 't is off'red them . some are already gone : and though few see , or will confess ) that they afflicted be for this offence : yea though few think that they , were rooted out , because they went away by their own choice : yet god to them hath shew'd their error by some plagues which have ensu'd ; since their departure , that they might perceive , how frowardly they did their mother leave ; and that the truly penitent might there , enjoy the blessing they did forfeit here . god open so their eyes in their distress , and so instruct them in that wilderness , to which they run , that ( though like sarahs maid , they fly from her with whom they should have staid they may divert our heavy condemnation , and leave a blessing to this generation . lord grant thou this , and that those may not shame their brethren who departed without blame , to civilize the lands which know not yet , their blindness , nor what sins they do commit . and gracious god , preserve a heart in me , which to this law may still obedient be . amen . commandment vi. vi thou shalt do no murder . &c. murther leaves a bloody stain , which unpurged will remain , till a flood of tears it cost , or till blood for blood be lost . nor old age , nor length of time cleared joab of this crime , nor his power , though great it was , nor a priviledged place could his head from vengeance hide , but for this offence he dy'd . command . vi. thy makers image do not spill , where god commands thee not to kill . none had been safe , unless the bloody sin forbidden here , had both restrained been , and still pursued ( mischiefs to prevent ) with open and with secret punishment . therefore almighty god ( who hath decreed that he who sheds his brothers blood , shall bleed ) attends it still with vengeance : and the sword ( according to the dreadful sounding word pronounc'd long since to david ) shall not leave him or his house who doth of life bereave a guiltless man ; till for that crying guilt , some blood of his untimely shall be spilt . for though like him , whom here we represent men , may by greatness , keep off punishment , till they are old , it will their heels pursue , and give them at the last their bloody due ; for i have rarely heeded one in ten , of those rash-headed , and fool-hardy men , who ( as they fondly term it ) fairly kill ; but , they or theirs , have either suffered still , deaths violent ; or died in their prime , or , issueless ; for this blood-spilling crime . yea , and for ought is known , the self-same doom on those who yet escape , e're long may come . and if the fair done murthers have these fates , how shall he scape that foul ones perpetrates ! of this offence , let all men conscience make for their own weal , or for their childrens sake whom they beget : for in the same degree wherein they murther , it repaid shall be , on their own persons , or on some of those by whom her due , just vengeance may not lose . if thou hast took away the life of fame from any , thou shall suffer in thy name . if by unchristian anger , or by hate , thou shalt occasion what may ruinate anothers being ; in thy generation , or in thy self , expect retaliation ; unless repentance in a fount of tears shall cleanse that stain , which nothing else out-wears . oppression makes the poor his life to leese like poysons which destroy men by degrees , with lingring deaths , and in an age or two that sin doth all those families undo which were enrich'd thereby , yea i have seen their sons who by oppression rais'd have been , to fall from large estates by some and some till they to such base poverty have come , as brought them to the gallows : therefore they act murthers who take means of life away by an oppressing hand ; and murther not the poor alone ; but those whom they begot . he is in heart a murtherer who prays for others deaths ; and in effect he slays , who can , but will not save , if to afford deliverance , with justice will accord . nor from this error are they counted free , who , wittingly shall an occasion be to other men , of that which may intice by word , or by example to this vice . such are those hacksters , ( who themselves do name men of the sword ) ( but sure enough i am ) ( men of a base condition ) these are they who flesh our blooming gentry in the way of brutish quarrels , and their minds possess with rage instead of sober manliness . just of their stamp , are they who shall provoke their friends unto revenge for what was spoke in drink or passion ; making them believe they were disgraced if they should forgive ; and so the fools are urged to pursue those wicked counsels which at last they rue . another way as faulty are those men who publish by the tongue or by the pen those heresies and fancies which undo ( here and for aye ) themselves and others too . these last , are out of question deeply dy'd in this red crime , though some of them can hide their guilt with holy shews . the former sort though well esteem'd , and such as none report or take for murtherers , would soon be cast if an impartial verdict should be past . there is a murthering poyson in some words and flatteries , are otherwhile the swords that kill their hearers , though when they infect , they do not murther by a line direct . moreover , other while unkindness may strike dead a gentle heart ; and such as play false play in love , ( as when they do allure and causlesly reject ) may soon procure untimely death . but such like youthful crimes though jested at , bring vengeance many times . he that by lawful means doth blood require for blood unjustly spilt , with more desire to satisfy his rage , than to prefer true justice , is a parcel murtherer . and so are such , who practise to encrease a publick concord , or mens private peace . in some degree of murtherers are they who to their might remove not far away all such occasionings as may begin or help to perfect this inhumane sin and therefore by this law we are forbidden , to keep an enmity in secret hidden , that may provoke revenge : which to prevent a duty doth precede the sacrament of christian unity ; and they commit against this law who fail to practise it . pride , wrath , scorn , avarice , wine in excess , wrongs , jeers , neglects , and jests with bitterness , with other such ( which either are or draw occasions on , to violate this law ) are breaches of it . and though few suspect , ( because these are but breaches indirect ) that such enormities unpunish't be ( for that , but seldom they inflicted see immediate stripes ) yet , questionless , by such those troubles are brought on , that shorten much the life of man ; and thereby finish'd are his numbred years before he is aware . the souldier ( whom i had almost forgot ) is very peaceful , if he murther not . to kill is his profession ; yet i say , he murthers if his prisner he shall slay , the battel being past . the voluntary whom , an ambitious avarice doth carry , to hostle actions , when his lawful prince , nor sends nor calls him , nor the just defence of his own person , or his countries good engageth to become a man of blood . ev'n he may be suspected , not to tread a path so noble , and so warranted as he conceives : yet neither praise i them , nor do i peremptorily condemn their practice , but refer what i have said , in their own conscience to be rightly weigh'd . " lord give us eyes our secret sins to see , " while time and place to us vouchsafed be , " that we may leave them , and that love embrace " which will conceal them with her vail of grace . " for , if with joab we grow old in sin , " which hath not really repented bin , " till thou growst angry ; vengeance will not tarry " but smites us dead , ev'n in thy sanctuary . " thrice holy trinity , my heart possess , " and , i , this precept , never shall transgress . amen . commandment vii . vii : thou shalt not commit advlterie . &c. when this figure thou hast ey'd , think how these two wantons dy'd , and what horror was therein , when death took them in their sin , hurrying them from their delight , to an everlasting night . mind it well , and mind it so , that thou still may'st careful grow , from those evils to be free , which this law forbids to thee . comman . vii . commit thou no such act unclean , as here adultery , doth mean. behold this figure , you , who take delight , to give the reins to wanton appetite : and , say within your selves ; why may not we , struck suddenly , in our polutions be , as well as these and others , who have bin , attatched in the very act of sin ? consider this and tremble : for no year wheels round , but , we of one or other hear thus taken ; that , you might forsake the snare , and others be forwarn'd of coming there . permit adultery , and none shall breed without a mungrel and a mingled seed , allow such mixtures and none then shall know , on whom the dues of birth-right to bestow , save a blest faction . and what havoke then will trecherys and murthers make of men ? and , who will careful be to foster that which no man owns , and brutish lust begat ? so needful was this law , that here to dwell without it , were to live the life of hell with fiends incarnate , whose licentiousness their own and others mischiefs would increase . be therefore thankful for it ; and declare your thankfulness with diligence and care in keeping of it ; that you may have rest from sorrows here , and be hereafter blest , and lest your duties from you , may be hidden , observe that by this precept is forbidden , not only such uncleanness as polluteth a married bed ; but , that it those reputeth , offenders too , who simply fornicate or in a married or unmarried state , abuse their members in the wanton fact of any lawless or uncomely act ; which appertaineth to that fleshly sin , which by this law hath interdicted bin . no breach of wedlock was perchance in that bold zimri did with cosbi perpetrate , yet vengeance followed on it , to affright all those who in laciviousness delight , young onan climed not his neighbours bed , yet god for his transgression struck him dead . and let the shameless wantons of our days , who boast ( as of a deed that merits praise ) how many untouch't virgins they deflowr'd lest by a sudden plague they be devour'd , for less than that of which these villanies boast , full three and twenty thousand lives did cost in one days round ; and it may forfeit them their freedom in the new jerusalem . to shun gross wantonness will not suffice , unless the wandrings of adulterous eyes , lascivious touches intermixt among the temptings of a lust provoking tongue , bewiching smiles , and gestures , which intice , both mind and body to embrace this vice , with such like cycean charmings , be supprest , which help transform a man into a beast , nay if the secret longings of the heart , we labour not ( with all our strength ) to thwart , when they incline to lust ; we thereby shall be guilty , though in act we never fall . if therefore blameless we would still abide , we must some precious antidotes provide against this poyson . we must careful prove far from us , all occasions to remove , which may allure : and they are such as these vain songs and poems , which are made to please a wanton ear , and movingly express the longings and the acts of wantonness . obscoen discourse ; lascivious company ; the giving of an opportunity , ( that may be shunn'd ) to such as we do know are not so bashful as to let it go . these are occasions , of especial note , ●s bounds to this offence , not so remote , but , that they bring it easily to pass , yea , otherwhile before it purpos'd was , and , for that cause , this law commands doth lay that we remove those from us far away . nor are those all the temptings unto lust , but there be others which avoid we must as much as these ; fantastical attires , and wanton dressings kindle lustful fires . this makes them so esteemed , and so sought , that otherwhile they are full dearly bought , that some to play the harlot have been fain those various costly dressings to maintain . oft visitings , and spending of the day , with such as trifle half their time away ●n complements , ( and intercourse between each other , but to see or to be seen . ) ev'n these things blow the flame , and many a one by such impertinencies , is undone . the faring delicately in excess , the common sin of beastly drunkenness , are here attatch'd , arraign'd and sentenced , for often causing an adulterous bed. constrained marriages made up by friends , for honour , wealth , or such improper ends , both partys very frequently undo , and cause adulterys and murthers too . where youth and age of too unequal years together match ; both jealousies and fears are guests , and rarely have such weddings bin without occasions of this filthy sin . if , therefore of this crime we would be clear , let us endeavour alwaies to forbear all such as these , as well as to eschew a gross adultery , and so pursue each means which may be helpful to acquire a blameless practice and a clean desire . that we may soul and body beautify with every flower of spotless chastity . for , carnal whoredom was long since a gin by satan forged for the bringing in of ghostly fornications most impure , and frequent testimonies may assure that they who love strange flesh as many do , will change their god with small perswasions too . lord from these vanities direct our eyes which may at unawares the heart surprize ; the law within our members we do find doth cross the law that 's grafted in our mind . that which we hate we are intic'd unto , and what we love we often fail to do . our will thou hast renew'd but in the deed we are not , yet , enabled to proceed with such a constancy as we desire , nor with such pureness as thou dost require . make perfect what in me thou hast begun , compel me , that i after thee may run . ●et not the world adulterate in me the love which i have promis'd unto thee ; although my waies be crooked in thy sight , ● reserve thou my affection still upright . and let thy love so keep my heart in awe that i may still be blameless of this law. amen . commandment viii . viii thou shalt not steale , &c. if a souldier might not thieve , no man may , as i believe ; if such measure achan find for a prey in war purloin'd , what , on these will justice bring who rob country , church and king ? with his children achan fell ( yet i hope their souls are well . ) but if these do not amend greater plagues for them attend . comma . viii . what want so e're oppress thee may steal not , anothers goods away . light fingred achan here doth figur'd stand , who for infringing of this eight command , brought both on him and his a fearful doom to make it known to every age to come , that sacriledge and pilfring may undo both such as use it , and their children too . so strongly are these precepts knit together , and have so much dependance each on other , that none of their whole number can be mist , nor virtue perfect , without all subsist . a families necessities , who can support aright or honour god or man with due respects ? or fully exercise the praiseful work of christian charities , unless this righteous law had been ordain'd whereby each man his own might have retain'd ? the painful hand had wrought but for a prey for slothful drones to spoil and steal away , did not this law prevent ; and they should then possess most wealth who were the strongest men . none would have labour'd but for present need , and to procure and keep , whereon to feed , would so imploy us , that we should not find a leisure hour to rectify the mind , by knowledge , or by seeking that which is the essence of our being , and our bliss , for , as base poverty hath dwelling there where lawless living and disorders are ; so , where that poverty , doth much abound , a brutish ignorance is alwayes found , for , though wealth makes none wiser , yet , it might yield means of knowledge , being us'd aright ; and equal are the sins , to rob the rich as spoil the poor although they seem not such , since that which makes the difference in the facts is in the sufferer , not in him that acts. let no man therefore , lay his hand on what is portion of another mans estate , with purpose to defraud him ; lest it bring a gangrene , and become a cursed thing , which will devour what he before possessed , and stop him in the way of being blessed . rob none ; but of all other shun the theft by which poor widdows are of that bereft which is their lively hood , or that whereby the fatherless compelled are to cry to god for vengeance . and be wary too thou do not willfully thy self undo by execrable things , lest achan's crime bring on thee achan's death , in evil time . for , though deaths due for every sin that 's done some louder cry , and bring it sooner on . there are a thousand thieveries by which the worldling is advanced to be rich with little sence of sin , although they be infringements of this law in high degree . the trades-man stealeth by a frequent lying in bargaining , in selling and in buying ; and most he suffers by this fair-tongu'd thief , who entertains of him the best belief . some courtiers have their pilfrings , which they call their fees or vails , whereby when dues are small , and , their expences large , they soon grow great , and keep their master also in their debt , whose royal name is used to conceal their frequent robbing of the common weal. some steal into estates by their unjust abuse , by whom they have been put in trust ; and men so frequently this way misdo , that such are counted honest livers too . some rob the church ( and this too is no news ) by keeping from her labourers their dues , and by assuming as their own estate what piety to god did consecrate some church-men rob the layty by taking that calling on them without conscience making of those performances , for which god gave the portions and the places which they have ; and doubtless , for the sins of such as they the churches heritage is took away . some by authority or quirks of law raise projects from their neighbours to withdraw their livelihood : some others do no less by outward shews of strict religiousness , or cloked honesty , the latter sort make means to cousin by their good report . some wantons , ( guilty of no petty wrong ) steal hearts , which unto others do belong . some steal both goods and persons . thus do they who take the heirs of mens estates away against their wills ; and when this theft's begun , most commonly both parties are undone . some steal the wit of others . and an ass to be a witty creature , thus may pass . some steal rewards and praises which are due to other men ; and these are not a few . some steal preferments , i could tell you how , but will not , lest indanger'd i may grow by babling of it ; or lest other some may by that means to wealth and greatness come , who do as yet retain their honesties , because they have not learn'd such tricks to rise . some steal mens good opinions , by concealing their own enormities , and by revealing their neighbours errors , with such shews of ruth as if they were all charity and truth . shun all such thievish paths , for he that follows these tracts , may peradventure scape the gallows , but shall not scape unpunish'd , though god may defer his wages till a longer day . as those are not excus'd ; so shall not he from our infringement of this law be free , who nourisheth a cause of this offence by idleness , by prodigal expence , by vicious gaming , by regardlesness to husband wisely , what he doth possess by keeping to himself what was bestown as well for others uses , as his own ; or by withdrawing ( through deceit or might ) the hirelings wages or the poor-mans right whereby those may be driven to supply by stealth or fraud , their griping poverty . more such occasions , he himself may find who doth examine with a single mind his private practices , and how the end of one thing on another doth depend . oh lord vouchsafe me grace to be content " with whatsoever thou to me hast lent " as long as life on me shall be bestown , " let me be fed and cloathed with my own , " and , not with that which being none of mine " may make my neighbour want , or else repine ; " if by a wilful or unwitting wrong " i have detained ought which doth belong " unto my neighbour , give me means and will " by restitution for my doing ill " to make amends , or else do thou repay them " the dues which i unwillingly delay them . " forgive thou also my unrighteousness , " that it corrupt not that which i possess , " or marr my thrift ; and for the time to come " so wary keep me of departing from " this law , that i may still in heart and hand " continue faithful unto this command amen . commandment ix . ix thou shalt not beare false witnes against , &c. who can hope for justice where magistrates false witness bear ? or , secure in falshood be , when great princes scape not free ? she who naboth's death contriv'd was in wrath of life depriv'd , and her flesh by dogs was torn though a queen and princely born , that all others heed may take how this precept they do break . command . ix . in any case no witness bear , of things which false or doubtful are . vvere this edict omitted , who could say , he should enjoy his life or goods a day ? if nigh his habitation chance to dwell , such neighbours as the wicked jesabel , ( and her curst instruments : ) whose downfall , here is typifi'd , that such may stand in fear . where could we be secure from perjur'd men , unless god sent forth vengeance now and then , to find out those who secretly contrive how , others of their portions to deprive , since , very often this offence hath none who can behold it , but , that god alone ? or , by what means might they be kept in awe , whose greatness makes them careless of this law ? how safe seem'd jesabel , by being great ? and , yet , how boldly did the prophet threat succeeding vengeance ? and though she were high , how low upon a suddain did she lie ? that high and low , might view her cursed plight and more in truthful honesty delight . most know , that , of this law they breakers are who bear false witness , at the judgment bar , and very many are not without fear , in such ungodly actions to appear , but , few do seem , aright to understand , their other breaches of this ninth command , to lie , accounted is a fault so small , that many feel no sence thereof at all , but , make a play-game of it : yea and some such patrons of that evil are become , that they allow , and justifie the same as praises rather meriting than blame . but , this will prove though held a petty sin the serpents head , that brings his body in , and , an officious lying , may in time ingage us to commit a greater crime ; however he that an untruth shall speak , or truth ( if to deceive ) this law doth break . to praise is commendable ; yet thereby when we of others better testify than they deserve ; true vertue we deride , and sinners in their sins are justifi'd , unless it be ( by such a modest praise , as flows from hope , our friend affects the ways which yet he walks not ) that our praise may be a gale to ripen what we blooming see : for this is neither purpos'd to deceive the hearer ; nor advantages to weave for him that speaks it : but a wise intention to cherish budding virtue by prevention ; but , he that flatters doth pollute his mouth , and is a falsifier of the truth . the parasite , who shames not to uphold , whatever by his patron shall be told , or , seeks by jeering to discountenance , a simple truth ; and falshood to advance , against this holy precept so offends that punishment his guiltiness attends , yea , they who get access to great mens tables , by coming furnished with news and fables , are thereby often guilty of this sin , which by this law hath countermanded bin . when we dare venture to reiterate , those rumors which the common people prate , on meer surmises ; we are accessary to many slanders : we make truth miscarry , and bear false witness to the wrong of many , when we suspect not that we wronged any , nor can we satisfie for these offences , which then may follow , if our sov'raign princes , or there affairs of state , shall wrong sustain by such false tales as we receive or fain . when out of levity reports we make of others frailties ; or occasions take to mention jestingly , what may disgrace the person either absent or in place , without just motives ( or content shall grow ) to hide what love and equity should show we in the main , or in some circumstance false testimonies ; may thereby advance . but , he that uttereth slanders in despight , or justifies the thing that is not right , or judgeth rashly in anothers cause , or any needful witnesses withdraws , or ( by concealing what for truth he knows ) betrayeth innocency to her foes ; or , hears another injur'd in his fame , with silence when he may prevent the same ; or unto any one occasion gives whereby , he falshood , for the truth believes : ev'n every such a one false witness bears , what cloak of honesty so'ere he wears ? nor are they guiltless , who avoid not that , whereby occasions rise to perpetrate against this law. as bribery , respect or disrespect of persons , which infect the soundest minds , and bring them by degrees , their innocent integrity to leese . yea , he who so loves bribes , though he were wise , they will make deaf his ears , hood-wink his eyes ; and so corrupt his heart , that he shall know no truth , except some profit thence do flow ; nor , any falshood fear to entertain , whereby he may assured be of gain . and , lest by some those men be judged free from this offence ( if any such there be ) who by false miracles , false revelations , false dreams , false visions , false interpretations of holy scripture ; or by such like patchings of carnal wisdom , and of sathan's hatchings affirm that thing for truth which is a lye ; know that these juglers in degree as high as he that 's worst ; prove guilty of this sin which by this precept , hath forbidden bin . for though our doctrines be not so unsound , but that some truths among them shall be found , though cloath'd in lamb-skins we do seem to go , though for a blameless life we famous grow ; though in our formal zeal surpass we shall the pharisees , and ev'ry priest of baal ; tho' oft we fast ; tho' loud we pray and long ; tho' we seem'd wrong'd , and patient of the wrong ; tho' we affect the crown of martyrdome , and dye as if we death had overcome . yea , tho' we seem as angels , who from heav'n had power , and knowledge , and commissions giv'n ; yet , if our zeal , our outward piety , our knowledge , our affected constancy , our suffirings , and the truths which we have said were that the god of truth might be betray'd and falshood favour'd ; we offenders are , against this precept , we false witness bear . and all our godly shews , are fruits of evil delusions and impostures of the devil . lord sanctify my heart , and keep my tongue , that , it may neither do my neighbour wrong , nor prattle those untruths , which may oppose the verities , thy spirit shall disclose ; but , grant that i who see how these offend may find out mine own errors and amend ; yea , lord so teach me and be so my guide , that , faithful to this law i may abide . amen . commandment x. x thou shalt not couet thy neighbours house , &c. when in us this vice begins , crowns we pawn for crooked pins . and by coveting of more forfeit what we had before . blockish ahab therefore mind who by fooling in this kind life and kingdom ( to his cost ) for a kitchen-garden lost ; and his fall is on record that his fault might be abhorr'd . command . x. anothers right desire not , but be contented with thy lot. thou who to covet deem'st it no great crime , consider well , what wickedness in time arises thence , what danger and what shame unless thou timely shall repent the same this folly , and the sequel of it view in ahab , and his guiltiness eschew by heeding of this law , whereon depend all duties , which the former laws intend , and which to us a duty hath exprest more hard to be observ'd than all the rest . a power we have receiv'd to bend the knee , to take , to give , to speak , to hear , to see , and execute those actions which may give most lookers on , occasions to believe that all god's other laws we do fulfil , in some degree according to his will. when we are false at heart , and keep not on with such uprightness , as we should have done ; and were this law left out , some persons might perswade themselves that they were most upright . but by this precept we are taught to see how foul the insides of our vessels be . this findeth out , and smiteth every sin ev'n on the head , and where the roots begin , by checking of that lust which unexprest in outward acts lies lurking in the breast : for 't is the cursed root , whence every thing which may be termed evil , first doth spring ; and if it be subdued e're fulfill'd within his egg a cocatrice is kill'd . this law in soveraignty assumeth more than all the precepts mentioned before ; for it injoins to keep within command my lustful heart , which is not in my hand ; and , whose desires , will offer , come and go in spight of all that i can think or do . within my flesh and blood a law still dwells which naturally against this law rebels , and so rebels , that though my hands were clear , my heart would foul and vitious oft appear unless a purging medicine she acquires to purify her thoughts and her desires . yea , though man could not , and god would not see the secret wickedness that is in me , this law , would never let me quiet bide till of my guilt i should be purifi'd ; for every hidden lust it open lays , and still so shows me mine own wicked ways , that when by others i am righteous thought , it frights my soul , and tells me i am naught . at first , into dispair it almost threw me , but god's good spirit pleased was to shew me , that , what my power extended not unto his grace would so enable me to do , as that it should suffice if i assaid to join my good endeavours to his aid . then i began to see , this law did wound , not to destroy , but , that i might be sound , and that it is a needful probe whereby we may aright the curing salve apply . it shew'd me mine own frailty , that it might unto another make me take my flight . and by instructing me to know my sin hath taught me where amendment should begin for when the heart hath learned to obey , the members will the sooner find the way . though our desires , from evil are not free , to us their guilt imputed shall not be if we resist them : and although they wound , we shall at last with victory be crown'd . keep well this law , and all the precepts here a thousand times more pleasing will appear . guard well thy heart , and then this precept will be found a precept easie to fulfil . break this , and thou hast broken down the sluce to flouds , which thy destruction will produce . the total sum of what this law requires , is first , that we confess our own desires , to be corrupt : for purity begins to enter by confession of our sins . next , let us force our longings to obey the former sacred precepts what we may , because , the failing in one duty , still le ts in another lusting after ill. and , lastly let us alway be content with what the grace of god to us hath lent . for , none will keep law moral , or divine , who much at his condition doth repine . how can they love their god to whom he seems to bar them what their appetite esteems without regard their welfare to provide ( as many think ) whose wishes are deny'd ? how can he love his neighbour who doth crave their heritage , their wives or goods to have ? and what commandement will he respect who neither god nor neighbour doth affect ? contrary wise him who contentment hath , naught urgeth to pursue a lawless path ; for , to what end should he who doth possess that precious jem , embrace a wickedness ? he loveth god , because he surely knows god's power and wisdom , justly doth dispose that portion which will prove the best for him , although it may be bitter for a time : and him he therefore serves , as he is able , in every precept of the former table . and while this christian mind he entertains , he findeth godliness , no little gains . nor will those men who in their lots delight or covet or usurp a neighbours right , for , he that is contented first believes that every one his propor share receives and not anothers ; next he strives to see how perilous to him these things may be , which god withholds ; and weighs with such regard how fit those are which he for him prepar'd , that resting in his portion well apaid nor house , nor land , nor wife nor man , nor maid , nor oxe , nor ass , nor any thing that is another man's desires he to be his ; but praiseth god , for what to him he gave , and thanks him too , for that which others have . against no law he greatly can transgress who is arriv'd at this contentedness . and if to get this grace our mind we set , by gods assistance , we may compass it in that degree , whereby attain we may to what we call perfection of the way . but flesh and blood no further can aspire until that kingdom comes , which we desire . strive what thou mayst , affections to withdraw according to the straightness of this law , thy neighbours wife desire not then from him though kind , wise , rich , chast , good & fair she seem ; for most who have this way their longings gain'd , instead of blessings , curses have obtain'd , by coveting the goods to others due , the beggary of many doth ensue . and servants gotten , by anothers wrong are seldom gainful , to such masters long , because by being lawlesly possest , they either prove unfaithful , or unblest ; but he that with his own remains content , shall gain much bliss , and many sins prevent . that which doth give occasion to transgress against this law , is want of watchfulness , to heed the baits which our betrayer lays in every object and in all our ways . the want of meditating in our thought what inconveniences are dayly brought , on such as make no covenants with their eyes , nor bound these longings which in them arise . for , such as this way do their best endeavour , may stumble , but they shall not fall for ever . " lord , in my self , i could not find the will , " much less the power , thy statutes to fulfil . " but , i now feel my heart to entertain " a willingness ; oh! be it not in vain . " thy grace alone renew'd this will in me , " and i a worker now desire to be , " who may , if thou enable to proceed , " improve my willingness unto the deed " deny it not , oh god! but from this day " ev'n to the latest moment of my stay , " vouchsafe unto me thy assisting grace , " that i may run a warrantable race . " and keep this law and all thy laws entire " in work , in word , and also in desire . amen . the epilogue . christ iesvs who is made vnto us wisedome rightousnesse sanctification redemption cor. . the whole world lieth in wickednesse . ioh. . rom. . . o wretched man that i am who shall deliuer me from y e body of this death behold the lambe of god which taketh away y e sin of y e world . ioh. . deliuer him from going down to the pit i haue found a ransome . iob. . . rom. . . the wages of sinne is death ii timo. . . that they may recouer themselues out of y e snare of the deuil who are taken captiue by him at his will though no flesh this law obey , in it self ; in christ it may : though it frighteth us for sin ; yet our peace , it ushers in : and , in us prepareth place , for the saving law of grace . when this grace hath taught to love , hardest works will easy prove , and that sin we shall abhor , which we doted on before . the epilogue . the law from god 's meer love proceeds , though strict it seems and terror breeds . now having well observ'd this glorious law ( a creature cloath'd with majesty and awe . ) methinks the body of it seems to me , compos'd of such essential parts to be , that , he may find , who rightly from them shall all as but one ; each one of them as all ; and , that who ever breaks or keepeth one , observes or breaketh all , in what is done : as will appear to him , who well attends how ev'ry precept , on the rest depends . he cannot possibly or love or fear one god aright , who willfully doth err in idol worshippings ; in vainly using god's holy name ; in holy times abusing ; or , in permitting so perverse a nature as to abuse himself , or any creature belonging to this god , with such a mind as may contentment in such evils find . and what is of this law averr'd ; we may in ev'ry other precept boldly say . moreover i conceive , it cannot be of less impossibility , that he who gives the creature ev'ry way his right , should in his heart his good creator slight : or actually offend him without sense and sorrow , for so hainous an offence . he that right conscience makes to keep one law , of breaking all the other stands in awe . he that his parents honours as he ought , can never favour murther in his thought , or thirst for vengeance : never will his eyes , or heart , or members act adulterys : no due from any creature will he take , he dares of none conceive , receive or speak , untruths or slanders : he will never crave ( or by a secret longing wish to have ) what may not be desir'd ; nor ought commit which his profession may not ill befit , but penitence , will smite him for the deed , and in his heart a faithful sorrow breed . much less will he grow wilfully to blame , in prophanation of gods days , his name , his worship , or his essence ; for , in one , well doing , all good dutys will be done , and this which from one law , is here exprest , may really be said of all the rest . the like we may as doubtlesly averr of them who ' gainst one law perversly err : begin at which you please , they so are chain'd , all sins are in the breach of one contain'd . one wickedness contracts another still , and that another ; either to fulfill or hide the first ; until all guilt comes in and wheels him round the cursed orbe of sin. for , what hath he to bar him from the rest , who but in one hath wilfully transgrest ? what other sin would he have left undone , which might have hindred his beloved one ? or , if perpetually he do not act all wickedness , and ev'ry filthy fact ? why is it so , unless ( perchance ) because , his finite nature cannot break all laws , at once in act ; nor his desires extend , to ev'ry thing wherein he might offend ? for ev'ry sacred law , is in his will ( inclusively at least ) infringed still , and guiltiness would actually appear , if power and fit occasions present were . for , as the laws fair body is compos'd of portions qualified and dispos'd , in such a manner that we plainly see , the perfect essence , of the whole to be in ev'ry part ; so , likewise , hath our sin an ugle body , and each limb therein containeth ( whether it be great or small ) essentially , the perfect guilt of all , and , by this body , death a means hath found to give to all mankind a mortal wound . but , prais'd be god , his grace provided hath a light , a guard , an armour , and a path by which we may be quite delivered from the body of this death ; and also come to walk the way of life , which else had bin for ever barr'd against us by our sin . the lamb of god by whom we do possess redemption , wisdom , justice , holiness , with ev'ry matchless token of his love ; the guilt of that transgression doth remove , which woundeth first our nature ; and from him , we have a cure for ev'ry actual crime . he , hath fulfilled what we could not keep : he , gives us power to walk , who could not creep : he , paid the price of that which we had bought : he , got our pardon e're the same we sought : he , bore the stripes for us which we did merit : he , purchas'd crowns that we might them inherit : our fears he doth prevent ; our loss restore , and ( to the true believers ) tendreth more than adam lost . yea , he doth freely give to ev'ry soul a power which may believe and persevere , if well he shall employ , the talents and the grace he doth enjoy . and with a mind in all temptations meek , this power in christ , not in her self doth seek . ev'n they that perish , till they do contemn god's profer'd love : potentially in them retain this power by god's free grace , until their flesh seduc'd , like eve , doth move their will , like adam , to consent and then to act a wickedness , and to approve the fact against their conscience : for then god departs from their polluted and rebellious hearts ; and back returneth not until from thence , that guilt be washed by true penitence , the means whereof he also must bestow , or else into obdurateness they grow . affirm we may not , that god will not come to any ( whom he so departeth from , ) twice , thrice , or oftner : for we cannot know how far the limits of his mercys go ; nor by what measure , or by what degree of wilfulness , he so displeas'd shall be . as to forsake for ever , since he may shew mercy where he pleaseth while the day of life-time lasteth there is hope of grace for every sinful soul of adams race . just job confesseth that god oft assays to draw the sinner from delicious ways the raising up of lazarus from death , when he had four days yeilded up his breath , inferreth also that some few obtain god's mercy who had dead and stinking lain in their transgressions ; till there was no place for help by outward means , or common grace . but this his mercy is the highest pitch , and if a god who is in mercy rich vouchsafe it any where , he doth afford much more than he hath promis'd in his word ; for , though he may confer it when he please , yet , to have left such promises as these had better'd none ; but made those worse , by far who , for the grace obtained , thankless are . " oh who enough can praise thy matchless love " most gracious god! who pleasest from above " to look upon the vassals here below " our nature , and distempers tempring so ; " and so providing that the blessing lost " is purchas'd for us , at anothers cost , and may by every soul enjoyed be who shall accept the means ordain'd by thee . though as did once the jews some christians grudge as if the childrens teeth were set on edge by what their fathers eat and doubtful grow ( although thou makest oath , it is not so ) that most of those , which are or which have bin since time began , shall die in adam's sin ; and are in him rejected without place or means of hope of truly saving grace ; yea , though this be an error whereby such as err that way have urg'd thy justice much ; yet we who fear and trust thee ( and to whom the knowledge of thy secrets therefore come ) remember well ( and therefore heed have took ) that thou , the general covenant being broke ) which first was made in adam ) pleas'd hast bin to tell us of a new one , since brought in , and made with all men so particularly that no man for anothers crime can die : a covenant in christ from whom both will and power we have receiv'd to fulfil so much as shall to thee be acceptable , if we endeavour , as thou dost enable : and whereas , when this knowledge we did want , we dreamed that thy new made covenant concern'd but few , we doubtless did aver a doctrine which from truth did widely err , for that which we did ignorantly call a covenant , is no such thing at all : because we then supposed nothing done , nor ought believ'd , but on one side alone . a covenant ( as men of judgment know ) is that which is contracted betwixt two ; but , thou by that which some of us do say dost all thy self ; and giv'st nor power nor way to act or will what absolutely can be said to be the act or will of man. we stand for nothing thou alone believ'st , thou actest all thou givest and receivest ; yea , if we this assertion must allow none truly worketh good or ill but thou ; man's but a sufferer , whatsoe're he does , he doth because he can nor will nor chose . lord let us know the better , and so know what powers and faculties thou doest bestow on us , to fear and serve thee , that we might in work , and word , and thought still do thee right ; for , thou so equally hast all things done , and shew'st such mercy unto every one , that ev'n by those who shall thy wrath abide , in every thing thou shalt be justifi'd , and none shall truly say , when call'd they are before thy throne of judgment to appear , that thou hast more exacted any way from any man , than he had power to pay , till by forsaking thee he forfeit made of that enabling grace , which once he had . this law of thine which an appearance hath of terror , of severity and wrath to those dull naturalists , who have not weighed how by the law of grace it is allay'd ; even this fear'd law when first the same was made , no other end but man's well being had ; nor hath as yet , except it be to those who sleight thy kindness , and believe thy soes . the former table , which we weakly fain ( doth only to thy glory appertain ) concerneth in the points of highest nature , the welfare and the glory of thy creature . to thee what is it , whether we adore thee for our god , or none , or twenty more ? thine honour was at full e're we were made , and would be so though we no being had . 't is our advantage that thou let 's us know to whom in our necessities to go , and leav'st us not as when we gentiles were , to wander all our life times out in fear , in darkness and in error ; yet to find nor ease of body neither peace of mind . 't is our advantage that we may be bold to scorn those bugbears , which in times of old men trembled at ; and that the power and fame of what was nothing , but an empty name enslav'd us not to come with vows and praise to worship it , as in our heathen daies , which benefit we by this law obtain'd , and which without this law we have not gain'd . 't is our avail that such a god we have who lets us know that he hath power to save , and , that when we our selves to him apply , we need not fear a rival deity will angry grow ; and do us in despight a greater wrong , than thou hast power to right . or , that a jealous juno can make void the hopes which in thy love we have enjoy'd . it is our gain to honour thee alone , and that we need not now to cyprus run to worship venus ; then to seek apollo at delphos ; and from thence a course to follow as far as famous ephesus to see if great diana in her temple be : and thence again to post , in hope to meet with jove inshrined in the isle of creet . our times and substance wasting to receive that from them , which they had not power to give . what were it unto thee ; ( but that our peace thou lovest ) if we dayly shall increase our vain will-worshippings , till we devise as many superstitious fopperies as we have sensless dreams ? or if our daies we spend on idols , forging puppet plays , and false ideas , till all truth be lost ? and then , ( which is effected now almost ) fight , brawl , and preach , to make up sects and factions to help maintain the whimsies and distractions which fool us , till we find some chrotchets new unknown to christian , heathen , turk , and jew ? moreover , ( but , that our own harm it were ) to know no power whereof we stood in fear , and were it not a merciful prevention of miseries , of mischiefs , and contention which else would rage among us if we had no name , in which with reverence might be made vows , oaths , and protestations ; or if we should not believe a will and power in thee to heed and punish it , when wrong were done ; what benefit to thee , ensu'd thereon , for which thou shouldst vouchsafe to make a law to keep the damn'd for-swearers hearts in awe ? what suft ' rest thou , when mad blasphemers rave against thy holy name , that thou need'st have a law to curb them ? or , what have they done more than those dogs , which bark against the moon if they themselves , or , others of their kind no damage by those blasphemies did find ? and but , that sweetly provident thou art ev'n for the meanest and least worthy part of all thy creatures ; what was that daies rest to thee , which thou ordain'st for man and beast ? their pain or ease , thy rest augmented not , nor , profit by the sabbaths hast thou got ; or , by the festivals ordain'd by thee , for , they , not thine , but mans advantage be , our essence being of a double nature , and , thou best knowing what best fits the creature , requirest all men so their time to use , that soul and body , may receive their dues but , what missalls to thee if any spends his times in vain or to preposterous ends ? some of us peradventure fancy may , that thou hast honour by the sabbath day , and that it adds to thy contentment then , to hear and see great multitudes of men assemblies make , to invocate thy name , and in their songs to magnifie the same . indeed this is our duty , and when this upon thy days by some performed is : thou tak'st it as a honour done to thee ; that in such dutys , we might serious be , yet , still the benefit is all our own . thy praise is neither more nor farther blown , to thy avail , nor doth our holiness conduce to ought , but our own happiness . the days on which we memorize thy graces ; and meet together in thy holy places , are much for our avail ; for then and there thou teachest us , our , crosses how to bear ; what to believe and hope there we may learn how we 'twixt good and evil may discern , how truth from cursed error we may know , what path to shun or take , what work to do , and how and whom to love ( which is the sun and height of all whereto on earth we come ) which manifests that only for our sake , it pleased thee some days of rest to make . sure ev'ry mean capacity is able to understand , that in the second table ▪ mans welfare is immediately intended , and that therefore , those laws be recommended to universal practice ; so to stay our minds from running out another way . for if our lives ambitiously we spend in brawls for honour : if we set an end to all our kind by murthers : if we please to plague our selves with ev'ry foul disease , and ev'ry grief of heart , which will arise from fornications and adulterys : if all our labours should be made a prey to thieves , till want had worn us quite away ; if we should plague each other by our lies , by slanders or in humane perjurys ; or , if our hearts upon the rack were set by lusting after what we could not get , these madnesses our mischiefs only be , but neither harm nor discontent to thee ; except in this respect , that having took our nature thy compassion cannot brook , to see thy members injur'd by the sin , which lawless people are delighted in ? thou hast affirm'd ; ( the better to apply thy workings to our mean capacity ) that all things for thy glory thou hast wrought , and , yet it is not therefore to be thought thou wantest glory , and didst work for more , or , that it gain'd ought wanting heretofore . nor may we think a power so truly wise , should work for that which we are bid despise . but rather that thou honour dost expect to be to thee ascrib'd as an effect , of fruitfulness belonging to the natures , and undespis'd condition of thy creature , yea , i believe unfainedly oh god , by what i from thy self have understood , thou wrought'st for love. not meerly to attain thy creatures love , for that had been as vain : because indeed , as little need thou hast of their imperfect love , as of the blast of their weak praise . oh lord thy love it was thy love essential which did bring to pass , the works thou mad'st ; that blessed love of thine which is thy self ( oh essence most divine ) for , being all , and all at full possessing in thy self-being , thou conceivd'st a blessing to be conferr'd on others : not to add ought to that blessedness , thy essence had . thy wisedom infinite , a passage found ( by thy eternal power , which hath no bound ) distinct , and finite natures forth to bring ( without impairing or deminishing thy perfect essence ) which of thy perfection should give some demonstration , by reflection . among the rest one creature thou did'st name , compos'd of all , which th' vniversal frame therein contained ; and the same did'st make not only so , as that it might partake of all created things , and also be a certain medium 'twixt them and thee , but , which is to the honour of it more , thine image in it self it likewise bore , and had ●● possibility to be , united ( undivisibly ) to thee . a species of this creature , lord i am , and , for what end created we became as i conceive it , here , i mean to tell oh teach me better , if i say not well , thou being love it self , and therefore kind , it was thy gracious and eternal mind , mankind a sharer in thy bliss to make and grant him license also to partake that glory which thou didst enjoy alone , before all other beings were begun , and this great favour lord thou pleased wert , ( as well became thy wisdom ) to impart by means , degrees , and on the same condition through which we best might gain the best fruition of what was purposed ; and come to be united ( as i said before ) to thee . to adam this great mystery appear'd till disobedience , foggs in him had rear'd which dull'd his reason , and his heart declin'd from thee , within himself , this bliss to find . the law thou gav'st him , was not ( as is thought by some of us ) that proof might so be sought of his obedience : for thou knowest all before it is ; and what shall still befall , much less ( as other some conceited are ) was that command intended as a snare those to entrap whom thy eternal hate , had fore-decreed . oh god! to reprobate ? far it is from the goodness of thy nature , to be a god so cruel to thy creature , and far , far be it from thy creatures too , to their kind maker so great wrong to do . this , rather , seems the cause there could not be a possibility , that thou and we should make a perfect unity , unless our nature had essential righteousness : for , otherwise , thy justice would abhor that which thy mercy did endeavour for , and , from uniting us , become so far that thine own attributes would be at war. when therefore man seduced fail'd in that , which might have perfected his blest estate , and , that perform'd not whereby justice might , in our advancement take a full delight , behold , thy powerful mercy did prevent our total ruin by a wonderment beyond the worlds creation , out of nought . for , when by sin we further off were brought , from what thou had'st intended us , then by the not obtaining of an entity thy all-inventing wisdom found a mean through which our essence made e're while unclean should be re-purifi'd and so perfum'd that personally it might be then assum'd unto thy self ; and man thereby attain a happiness not to be lost again . if some few easy duties he will do when grace enables nature thereunto . and doubtless every man shall one day know that thou on him such portions didst bestow ( ev'n pers'nally ) that if he be undone , it was not adams , but his fault alone . this mystery thy goodness brought to pass , and for no other end , oh lord it was but for our good ; for neither dost thou need our praise or love ; nor is it for the deed of love or praise , or worship or of ought which by our faculties to pass is brought , that thou requirest them of us ; but that we should not unto our selves defective be in doing our endeavours to attain so much as lieth in our power to gain lest it indamage us , and in the way unto our true perfections stops may lay . essential goodness hath essential peace without all diminution or increase , and therefore he who blessedness desires to that above all other thing aspires . to love and give due praise , is better far than to be lov'd , or to be praised are to him that hath subsistance of his own ev'n i my self ( whose heart is overgrown with imperfections ) love without respect of any end but meerly to affect those whom i love , and rather would have done ten thousand kindnesses than sought for one . and lord if such a failing love as mine , may reach to this ; how infinite is thine ? and , oh how far art thou from things so vain as loving meerly to be lov'd again by such poor worms as we whose best affection is but a passion full of imperfection ! indeed thou bid'st us love thee ; but , for what save to preserve us capable of that , which we receive ; and that we might not miss the comfort which in virtue placed is , and of whose hapless want , he cannot chuse but feel the loss whose conscience doth accuse : yea thou commandest love , that love may make our nature of thy nature to partake : without which quality there cannot be the true communion 'twixt us and thee , which is the very height of all our bliss , or which indeed the essence of it is . for could we be of thee , oh god! approv'd , or , could we of all creatures be belov'd tho' we no love return'd ( nor had in us , an object for the love conferred thus ) which were impossible ; we ne'retheless should suffer by our own unworthiness an inward hell , and to our selves invent , occasions of continual discontent , as to those envious men , it may appear who causlesly injurious often are . to those their honest neighbours whom they find to them as friendly as they are unkind , for outward plagues pursueth so this sin , nay also , so affects him still within , and till his nature be depraved quite , his own injustice will his heart affright . yea they whose crimes are pardon'd are not free from suff'rings though they well assured be , that neither god nor man will blame them for , the passed frailties , which they do abhor . for then our hearts will grieve do what we can , if they have injur'd either god or man. and then more favour is vouchsaf'd to them , the more themselves they censure and condemn . therefore , although i can forgive my friend , yet , i would have him wary to offend , lest , when he finds his error griev'd he be , within himself , that he hath wronged me , and in his heart a torment suffer should , from which my love would keep him if i could . ev'n so oh lord my god ( though in degree , more infinite than can conceived be : and , in a manner , which i am not able by any figure to make demonstrable ) in meer good-will to man , thou pleased art to preach unto his ear , or to his heart those dutys , which to thee from him belong , that he , unto himself , may do no wrong . because we seem a great esteem to have of love and praise , and thereby to receive , content and profit ; thou dost oft propose by us to be perform'd ; such things as those , as dutys which are much of thee desired , and at our hand , for thy avail required , but doubtless thou dost only seem to be like us , that thou might'st make us like to thee , and that , ( if thee we love ) we might be won to do as for thy sake what should be done . for our own good ; as parents kind and wise have dealt with children in their infancies . and whereas , lord , it hath been said by thee , that thou wilt of thine honour jealous be : thou only jealous art , lest our neglect of thee , our own perdition may effect . thou dost things honourable ; and though none did praise thee for them , they should still be done . thine honour is essential : that we give and which from us thou pleasest to receive is but an accident ; which ever may , without thy loss , be present or away . and when thou either thanks or praise requirest to perfect us , those dutys thou desirest . this we long time have so misunderstood , as if we did conceive thou wert a god , affected with self-love , or fruitless fame , ( although we mannerly express the same ) yea we have dream'd that thou this world did'st make and us and all things for thy glorys sake . in such a sense , and for such praises too as we effect , when our best works we do . i would we thought no worse ; or would we knew what damnable absurdities ensue , our groundless fancies ; for by them thou gain'st some fear , but little hearty love obtain'st . by these false thoughts of thee , we do encrease our own self love , and all vain gloriousness , within our selves hence is all we intend , our whole endeavours for a private end , and that a froward peevishness is own'd , in most of all our actions to be found , for who can possibly be just or wise , who to his god imputes absurdities ? lord now we better know thee ; and are shown both by thy words and works what should be done ; our selves we yet improve not as we ought , by what thy workings and thy word have taught , but both self-love and vanity have share , ev'n in our actions that most pious are . we counsel , we relieve , write , preach and pray , that honour , gain , or pleasure bring it may , to our own persons ; and would little care how wicked and unhappy others are , had we our aims ; and still might them possess amid'st our sins and their unhappiness , ev'n i my self who love a better mind , do in my self so much corruption find , that ( i confess ) received injuries , more mov'd me to reprove impieties , than mine own goodness , and that from my sin my best performances did first begin , for which let pardon , lord , vouchsafed be , and more sincere hereafter make thou me , for , this may peradventure be the cause , we preach thy gospel , and pronounce thy laws , and write without effect ; ev'n this that our corruption makes the means , to want the power it might have had ; else 't is because we hide thy love , and have that saving grace deny'd , which thou to all extendest ; and which none shall want , who striveth to lay hold thereon . to help amend these faults now i have said , what , i believe thy spirit hath convey'd into my heart : if i have err'd in ought let me , oh lord , by thee be better taught if truth i speak , let other men from hence partakers be , of my intelligence , make me and them thy love so fully view , that we in our affections may be true , and give us grace the truth of them to show in doing well , the duties which we owe. amen . a metrical paraphrase upon the creed . since it befits , that i account should give what way unto salvation i believe ; of my profession here the sum i gather . first , i confess a faith in god the father : in god , who ( without helper or partaker ) was of himself the worlds almighty maker , and first gave time his being : who gave birth to all the creatures , both of heaven and earth . our everlasting welfare doth consist in his great mercies , and in iesus christ ; ( the second person of that three in one ) the father's equal , and his only son ; that ever-blessed , and incarnate word , which our redeemer is , our life , our lord for when by sathans guile we were deceived , christ was that means of help , which was conceived ; yea , ( when we were in danger to be lost ) conceived for us , by the holy ghost . and that we might not ever be forlorn , for our eternal safety he was born ? born as a man ( that man might not miscarry ) even of the substance of the uirgin mary , and loe , a greater mercy , and a wonder ; he that can make all suffer , suffered under the jewish spite ( which all the world revile at ) and cruel tyrannies of pontius pilate . in him do i believe , who was envied , who with extreamest hate was crucified : who being life it self ( to make assured our souls of safety ) was both dead , and buried : and that no servile fear in us might dwell , to conquer , he descended into hell : where no infernal power had power to lay command upon him ; but on the third day the force of death and hell he did constrain , and so in triumph , he arose again . yea , the almighty power advanc'd his head , aswel above all things , as from the dead . then , that from thence gifts might o men be given , with glory , he ascended into heaven : where , that supream and everlasting throne , which was prepar'd , he clim'd ; aid sitteth on that blessed feat , where he shall make abode to plead for us , at the right hand of god and no where should he be enthroned rather , than there : for he is god , as is the father and therefore , with an equal love delight i to praise and serve them both , as one almighty : yet in their office there 's a difference . and i believe , that jesus christ , from thence , shall in the great and universal doom , return , and that with angels he shall come , to question such as at his empire grudge ; even those who have presumed him to judge and that black day shall be so catholick , as i believe not only that the quick to that assise shall all be summoned , but , he will both adjudge them , and the dead . moreover , in the godhead i conceive another person in whom i believe : for all my hope of blessedness were lost , if i believ'd not it the holy ghost . and though vain schismaticks through pride and folly contemn her power , i do believe the holy chast spouse of christ ( for whom so many search by marks uncertain ) the true catholick church . i do believe ( god keep us in this union , ) that there shall be forever the communion of gods elect : and that he still acquaints his children in the fellowship of saints . though damned be mans natural condition , by grace in christ i look for the remission of all my foul misdeeds ; for there begins deaths end , which is the punishment of sins . moreover , i the sadduces infection abhor , and do believe the resurrection : yea , though i turn to dust , yet through god , i expect a glorious rising of the body , and that , exempted from the cares here rife , i shall enjoy perfection and the life that is not subject unto change or wasting , but ever-blessed , and for ever-lasting . this is my faith , which that it fail not when it most should steed me , let god say , amen . to whom , that he so much vouchsafe we may , thus as a member of his church , i pray . a metrical paraphrase upon the lord's prayer . lord , at thy mercy-seat , our selves we gather , to do our duties unto thee , our father . to whom all praise , all honour , should be given : for , thou art that great god which art in heaven . thou by thy wisdom rul'st the worlds whole frame , for ever , therefore , hallowed be thy name . let never more delayes divide us from thy glories view , but let thy kingdom come . let thy commands opposed be by none , but thy good pleasure , and thy will done . and let our promptness to obey , be even the very same in earth , as 't is in heaven . then , for our selves , o lord , we also pray , thou wouldst be pleased to give us this day , that food of life wherewith our souls are fed , contented raiment , and our daily bread . with needful thing do thou relieve us : and , of thy mercy , pitty and forgive us all our misdeeds , in him whom thou didst please , to take in offering for our trespasses . and for as much , o lord , as we believe , thou so wilt pardon us , as we forgive ; let that love teach us , wherewith thou acquaints us , to pardon all them , that trespass against us . and though sometime thou find'st we have forgot this love , or thee , yet help , and lead us not through soul or bodies want , to desperation nor let abundance drive , into temptation . let not the soul of any true believer , fall in the time of tryal : but deliver yea , save him from the malice of the devil , and both in life and death keep us from evil . thus pray we lord : and but of thee from whom can this be had ! for thine is the kingdom . the world is of thy works the graven story , to thee belongs the power , and the glory . and this thy happiness hath ending never : but shall remain for ever , and for ever . this we confess ; and will confess agen , till we shall say eternally , amen . thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house , and upon thy gates , deut. . . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e job . . notes for div a -e see pro. . , . a paraphrase on the ten commandments in divine poems illustrated with twelve copper plates, shewing how personal punishments has been inflicted on the transgressors of these commandment, as is recorded in the holy scripture, never before printed : also, a metrical paraphrase upon the creed and lord's prayer / written by george wither ... wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a paraphrase on the ten commandments in divine poems illustrated with twelve copper plates, shewing how personal punishments has been inflicted on the transgressors of these commandment, as is recorded in the holy scripture, never before printed : also, a metrical paraphrase upon the creed and lord's prayer / written by george wither ... wither, george, - . [ ], p. : ill. printed, and are to be sold by eben. tracy ..., london : . reproduction of original in huntington library. in verse. advertisement: p. [ ] created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng ten commandments -- poetry. lord's prayer -- poetry. christian poetry, english -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - ali jakobson sampled and proofread - ali jakobson text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a paraphrase on the ten commandments in divine poems illustrated with twelve copper plates , shewing how personal punishments has been inflicted on the transgressors of these commandments , as is recorded in the holy scripture . never before printed . also , a metrical paraphrase upon the creed and lord's-prayer . written by george wither esq ; author of britain's remembrancer . psalm . . would god my ways were so directed that i might keep thy statutes ! licensed according to order . london , printed , and are to be sold by eben . tracy , at the three-bibles on london-bridge . . to all such as have formerly been friends to the author , his daughter and only surviving child dedicates these meditations . it was seldom my fathers practice , ( especially of late years , ) to dedicate his works to particular or great persons ; and did i attempt any such thing now , i should be afraid lest i might disturb his rest in the grave . all you therefore that had a kindness as well for his person as his works , i desire to accept of my good will in sending this relique of his abroad in publick ; which though it hath been written some considerable time , is but lately minded or come to hand . and however it happened to be bundled up with other old writings ( where i found it ) yet i verily believe it was designed for the press by those many alterations he had made , which had so blur'd the original copy , that i was forced to get it transcribed before it was fit for my self or any body else to read : and having now perused it , i could not in conscience conceal such necessary truths as are therein contained , in hopes that it may take the effect himself desires in his epistle to the reader exprest in his prayer ; believing , that that good spirit which first dictated those petitionary words will accompany them to the worlds end . and then i also believe , that what i have done in making this publick will be acceptable both to god and man , which that it may , shall ever be the prayers of from my lodgings at mr. snowdens a printer , at the lower end of great carter-lane , the d of april , . your assured friend in all offices of love and service e. b. advertisement . the copper plates mentioned in my fathers following epistle , in some of his removals from one habitation to another have been lost , so that i have been forced to get new ones made . to the reader . in that great plague , which ( as i believe ) was the most contagious pestilence that ever afflicted this city of london , it pleased god to enclose me there , and to give me grace to make such observations upon his justice and mercy , as i hope ( however others esteem of them ) shall never of me be forgotten during life . a while before this last visitation , the same gracious god provided me a little place to escape unto , where i did but only hear of that which my brethren , suffered , and therefore ( as i may well fear ) was not so sensible of their misery as i ought to have been . yet i was not altogether without meditations as became the time , ( but as the necessities wherewithal god hath yet exercised me would give leave ) endeavoured to employ some hours in the consideration of things pertinent to the honour of my preserver , that i might not appear less thankful for this deliverance , which was without terror , than i seemed to be for that which i obtained with fear and danger . part of my musings were upon the moral law , the neglect whereof ( being the cause of all plagues ) is never impertinently thought upon , much less when the hand of god is extended , to chastise us for infringment of the same . and what i then meditated , is now offered unto the publick view , that it might the oftner occasion me and others to be mindful of our duties . neither my estate , nor the place i lived in would afford me the use of books , at that time , therefore instead of them i perused mine own heart to to see what i could read there : for in the heart of man it was . originally written . and though our corruption hath now so defaced it that we need some helps to explain the essential meaning of the holy text long since written in stone ; yet if we would but be so diligent as good antiquaries in examining defective inscriptions upon decayed monuments , we might sometime find the truth more certainly than by trusting over-confidently to the search of others , who many times deliver their own fancies instead of the right meaning of gods law. others i confess ( though not many in the english tongue ) have to this purpose devulged large commentaries : but some want money to purchase them , and some want leisure to peruse them : for they are so large that many readers had rather venture to break all the commandments than to scan over those tracts ; and yet perhaps these brief meditations have expressed somewhat which is not found in any of them . i profess not ( as i have elsewhere said ) to teach the learned , but to be unto them a remembrancer only of what they already know ( which will otherwhile happen by this means even when they take up my books to peruse them with contempt rather than for any better end ) yet they who are as ingenious as learned , have entertained them with good respect as not unuseful . the same spiritual nourishment which others have tendred more artificially dressed for the publick feasts of the soul ; i have here and elsewhere indifferently fitted for their private refreshments , who are best nourished with plain diet , and who have heretofore wanted either opportunities or due care to come to those repasts . and if i can but find means to relieve the blind and lame in understanding , till a more powerful means shall fetch them from the hedges and high-way-sides to be guests at the great banquet , i shall hope to have done somewhat worth my pains . ignorant persons may be advantaged hereby mediately or immediately ; by receiving information or occasion of reformation : yea the composing thereof in verse will cause many to be the more delighted therewith ; some the better to remember it , others out of curiosity to take notice of it , who may afterward give it more serious entertainment , and no doubt all good men will afford it a favourable censure so far as it shall deliver the truth . so far only i desire it should be allowed , and in that desire do humbly submit the same to the censure of authority , and the success to gods blessing . which i beseech oh glorious god so to manifest in this mite vouchsafed out of the infinite treasury of thy holy spirit , that like a grain of mustard seed it may be fruitful to the encrease of piety beyond the expectation answerable to so despised a means : for some in these days have perverted the plain meaning of thy law ; yea some have lately strived both by their words and works to make the same wholly void and of no use , that they seem either not to have known , or to have quite forgotten ; that thy truth remaineth from one generation to another , or that thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness , in so much that we may justly repeat unto thee this complaint of thy prophet david ; lord it is time for thee to lay to thine hand , for they have destroyed thy law. hear my prayer o lord , and though i am small , and of no reputation , yet since i would not forget thy law , deliver me from mine oppressors , and so teach me thy statutes , that i may keep them unto the end ; yea though the proud have me in derision , and almost made an end of me upon earth , yet let my heart be made so upright in thy statutes , that i may not be ashamed to remember thy promise made to thy servant , even that wherein thou hast caused me to trust ; let it quicken me , and be my comfort in my troubles . for thou art all my portion , and i have determined to keep thy word ; before i was afflicted i went so much astray that it was good for me to have some troubles . o let me hereafter be always exercised in thy law ; let it be a lanthorn unto my feet , and a light unto my path . look upon me , and be merciful unto me as thou usest to be unto those who love thy name . let the proud be ashamed that they have dealt falsly with me let such as fear thee be turned unto me and comfort thou me according to the years wherein i have been afflicted , that they who see it may glorifie thy name for mine eyes have almost failed with waiting for thy assurance ▪ though i have gone astray like a sheep , yet seek thy servant , and deal with me according to thy mercy . let all these my supplications come before thee , that my soul may live that my lips may praise thee , and that my tongue may sing of thy goodness and mercy for ever and ever , amen . sir , among other kindnesses vouchsafed ●n your neighbourhood , i received from ●ou the copper plates , which are now ●ade use of in this book . the words which i have added unto those dumb figures will make them ( i hope ) much more profitable , and cause them to be a means of publishing those caveats and ●niversal duties which are pertinent , as ●ell to the general well-being of mankind , as to the glory of god ; which two things were the proper ends of our crea●ion , and ought also to be the chief care of our life . to those ends therefore , and that your ●ost might not be unprofitably bestowed , i have returned the coppies of those figures which you gave me , illustrated with such meditations as my leisure and ability could afford . and they do now as well speak as make signs what is prepared for wilful transgressors of these laws ▪ whereby if god may receive any honour ▪ or his children profit , i desire it may be some honour and advantage , which is the desire of your hearty and well-wishing friend geo. wither the decalogue . happy shall that man become , who this law departs not from : blessings will descend on him , from the mount of gerizim ; but from ebal they shall hear curses , who rebellious are . death , for them , attending stands , who shall break these just commands ; and to those who them obey , god proposeth life for aye ▪ the prologue let all these following lessons learn , for all mankind these laws concern . all you who sons by grace or nature be , give ear to what my muses preach to me ; for what i now do purpose to declare , no less , than vniversal statutes are , which every-child of adam ( here beneath ) must keep in person , on the pain of death , or , by a faithful penitence procure an able pledge , to pay his forfeiture . you , who by nature , had the means to know what duties , creatures to their maker owe ; read here , what by god's finger once was writ within your hearts ; that you may practise it . and having lost that light which nature gave , take what you may by grace's tender have . on fleshly tables once again renew tha fair impression which at first he drew : for , 't was your sin which thence gods law did blot and , ignorance therefore excuseth not . you , whom the special grace of our creator brought by his power almighty thro' the water of sound baptism , ( and , within the flood of his dear sons most pure and pretious blood ; drown'd all that hoast of sins , which our grand foe had mustred , for our final overthrow : ) observe you also , this renowned law , to keep it , with a loving filial awe , lest ( though you scap'd enraged pharoh's hoast ) your entrance to the promis'd rest be crost : and lest your following what your lust deviz'd you , in your lawless wandrings be surpriz'd by those ( yet living tyrants ) who possess the passages , of this lifes wilderness . for , though in act we cannot keep entire so strict a law , we may in our desire ; and where desire is not perverted quite , we have a ready means to set it right . if any say or think this obligation pertaineth only to the jewish nation ; they are deceiv'd ; for if they well compare these precepts , to those laws which written are within our hearts , it will be out of doubt that , these , are but the same transcribed out . in stone , they were engraven long ago lest all the world should quite forgetful grow of these their duties . to the jews god gave them to be preserv'd from loss : from them we have them distinguish'd by two tables to be known , from laws , that were peculiars of their own : and though some literal circumstance be found appearing to oblige beyond the bound of legal ceremonies , which to some a means of stumbling and offence become : yet they , that meekly minded are , shall see the essence whole , and so distinct to be from what is meerly jewish ; that no doubt shall give the weaker conscience thereabout ; for that which is essential may be ' spide from what should only for a time abide as evidently as our bodies are discerned from the ground which once we were . it is the abstract of the law of nature ; and that which every reasonable creature which hath a body , must submit unto , with incorporials , we have nought to do : nor us , to search concerns it any way what law they are obliged to obey . salvation comes not by this law indeed , yet knowledge of our sin , and that we need , a saviour for it , by this law is taught ; till which be known , no safety can be wrought . t is true , we can keep it , yet it may keep us , from running quite out of the way ; or , keep us humble that the works of grace , may in our hearts , the better take their place . it maketh no man pure ; yet 't is a glass by which the fairest of old adams race may view themselves deform'd , and also see in what defects they should repaired be . it makes not streight ; and yet it may supply a helpful means , our selves to rectify . it gives not sight ; but they that see may find it yieldeth light to those who grow not blind , by wilful faults ; and stubbornly contemn those beams of grace , which might enlighten them . it gives not strength to go , ( we must confess ) but , yet , it shews a way to happiness ; and , they who can but love it , when they know it , shall either be vouchsafed strength to go it . by mediate help , or by immediate grace , exalted be to their desired place . it cannot merit love , but it may shew , whether , or no , our love be false or true . though 't is not life ; it is the death of sin , whereby the life of grace doth first begin to shew that living faith , wherein consists the truth of their profession who are christ's ; and they are not suspected without cause , false christians , who conform not to these laws . it is a needful tutor , though it stand with looks still frowning , and with rod in hand 't is truly good though ill thereby we know , and at befriends us , though it seem a foe . it all condemns not , though it puts in fear , it brings to christ ; and then it leaves us there . in brief , this law shall ever be in force , though from believers god remove the curse . it shall in essence never fail a jot , ( although some accidents continue not ) and therefore , they whose faith shall them prefer , observe it as a good remembrancer . to these for comfort and encouragement , the promise which attends it we present with all the circumstances , which may give assurances , of what they well believe ; without those plagues or terrors which we find presented to correct a slavish mind , for they that love their founder need no bands but love to keep them true to these commands . love is the laws fulfilling , 't is that end to which both laws and all good actions tend : and he that loves , unto himself is made a law , whereto we nothing need to add . before the rest , our muse , to fright them sets the tipes of punishments , and horrid threats : if either , may bring home the soul that errs , god's be the praise ▪ the comfort of it theirs . and let me share the prayers and the bliss of those that shall pe profited by this . amen . i. thou shalt have none other gods but me &c. pharoh , by great wonders wrought to acknowledge god was brought , and had reasons light to see who , his only god should be . had he well that guift employ'd , special grace , had been enjoy'd ; but , no use thereof he made , and so , lost the gift he had ; stubborn too , the fool did grow , and ran headlong to his woe . command . i. serve but one god , and let him be that god who made and ransom'd thee . to such as love , our god of love makes known a duty , and a benefit , bestown ; that they might know the object of their creed , and , in the way of righteousness proceed . for , by the preface ( of what follows here ) a freedom from a bondage doth appear . and by the substance of this great command , a duty we may likewise understand . to them whom no kind usage may perswade from sinful paths ( till they afraid are made ) we here exhibit pharoh , as a chief of those , who suffered for an vnbelief join with contempt of god ; that such from thence might moved be to faithful penitence , to them that shall with reverence and fear receive the holy precept which they hear , we shew with love and mercy how they may observe the streight , and shun the crooked way . there is one god alone ; that god is he by whom we formed and reformed be , and they who serve another , or deny his attributes , commit impiety . this god , ( that 's god indeed ) though he might say , my will and pleasure is , you shall obey me only as your lord , ( and unto us no reason render , why it should be thus ) proceeds not so ; but hath declared why we should accept him for our deity , and peradventure this vouchsafed he to teach them knowledge who his viccars be ; and shew to us ( by being meek and kind ) how from false gods the true one we may find . for to be god is to be good , and so in goodness infinite , to overflow , that all may tast thereof ( excepting none ) such is my god , and he is god alone . the egyptian bondage , tipified all the race of adam , in their native thrall , and as their temporal saviour , moses than , left not behind one hoof , much less a man , inslav'd to pharoh , so the blessed son of this great god hath ransom'd every one from that sad house of bondage and of pain where we , without redemption else had lain . for which great favour , he from us doth crave , that we no other god , but him should have . and that we love him with a reverent awe , which is the whole fulfilling of this law this gracious god , by many is rejected , and as they understand , or stand affected , they take , or make up new ones of such things as almost to contempt , the godhead brings . he of himself would make some deity who his own power so much doth magnify , as if by that he thought to gain access . to present and to future happiness . he makes the world his god who thinketh fit to love , to follow , serve , and honour it ; as many do , and they who much incline to love this god , are enemies to mine . he makes his lust a god who doth fulfil in every thing his own unbridled will : this tyrant many serve ; yea this is he who makes them bondslaves , whom god setteth free . he makes the worst men gods who doth obey their pleasures , in an unapproved way , or their imperious threatning so much feareth as think it from his duty him deterreth . he makes the devil , god ; who doth believe , by evil means good blessings to receive ; which very many ( very often ) doe whose words deny him , and defie him too . but some of us not only guilty stand of being breakers of this first command , by serving gods beside ; ( and more than ) him , who from death , sin and hell , did us redeem . but , either we neglect him also quite , or , practise works to him so opposite , that into worse impieties we fall than such , as yet , confess no god at all . for , by distrust , self-love , backsliding fear , inconstancy , presumption , fruitless care , impatience , grudging , frowardness or pride , with other such ; our god we have deny'd more oft than once , and oftner fear we shall ●nto this error through our frailty fall . this law , ( in some degree ) is also broke , unless we , to our powers , due care have took to shun each cause of breaking it ; the chief ●s ignorance , ( the ground of misbelief . ) the next , is to be oft , and willingly among professors of idolatry . the third is servile fear , which many ways the heart unto idolatry betrays . the last ( not least ) is when the sway we give to any lust or sin : for ( thus believe ) such men , to gain the full of their delight , will change their god , or leave religion quite . yea , they who hate at first so gross a sin , are by the devil this way hooked in . this meditation here had found an end but that there are , some others who offend against this law , in such a high degree as that they must not quite unmention'd be . the truest god , confessed is by them their only god : they serve and honour him in outward shew ; and if believe we may , what they themselves have pleased been to say , they love him too ; but either they mistake him or , by their own invention , so new make him , that though they speak him , by a gracious name the goodness of his nature , they defame by making him the authour to have bin and cause original of every sin. for in affirming that the fall of man , and sin , and death from gods meer will began , they say no less , although they praise him much for being good to them , and some few such . to say of these i am no whit afraid . as of old idol-makers , hath been said . their god and they are like , for on their will they ground their practices ( which must be stil● supposed just ) and some , perchance , of them would be as cruel as they fancy him but that their finite natures cannot reach the tyranies which they of him do preach . let us of such impieties beware , what we conceive of god let us have care , and not ( with foolish hereticks ) suppose by teaching common truths , and making shows ●f holy piety to keep gods eye from seeing when we wrong his majesty . for , if he be displeas'd with such as make ●ood creatures of his godhead , to partake , ●ow much more cause have they his wrath to fear , who make him worse than his worst creatures are ? ●nd that prime attribute have overthrown , ●y which , he chiefly to be god is known ? ●or , none are bound to serve him ( by this law ) ●ut such as he did out of bondage draw . ●or if he drew not all , then some there be who , though they have a god , ours is not he , ●t least in such a manner as may give these unbelievers courage to believe . their god they say did some unhappy make ●o shew his power ; and for his glorys sake ; my god is he , who pittied their estates , whom these do fancy hopeless reprobates ●n issue leaving out of that temptation , 〈◊〉 which they lying to their just damnation , ●nd for the day of wrath no sinners made ●ut such as do abuse the grace they had . ●heir god is he , who forc'd mankind to fall ●nd mine is he , who did redeem us all . my sweet redeemer , so my heart incline , that , i may always keep this law of thine amen . ii thou shalt not make to thy selfe any graven image &c. superstition here is free if her idols rais'd may be ; and with zeal the same pursues if will worship she may use . when , she should obey or hear sacrifice , she doth prepare . such religion to profess is but irreligeousness : and for that presumptions vain , many israelites were slain . command . ii. let every hand and heart refrain an image of our god , to fain . three thousand suffered by their brethrens hand , for offering violence to this command ; and for committing of the same offence , the sword hath been in action , ever since , ( some where or other ) to the devastation of many a powerful and renowned nation . for to adore one godhead , and no moe , save him , to whom such duty all men owe , sufficeth not , nless our adoration be such as may obtain his approbation . a forged worship meriteth a rod as truly as a falsified god : and such as do their own religion frame , serve but their fancies , though god bear the name . when humane wit , had fool'd away the notion of gods true being , and of true devotion , she calling to remembrance that each creature had in it some impression of his nature , did blindly seek him , by that couz'ning light , and lost at last the knowledge of him quite . for , some did make him figures like their own ; some like to beasts , and some like forms unknown : then by degrees the devil screwed in to seem a god , and made the foulest sin , thought pious worship : for , though vile it be to picture him whose form we cannot see , and to ascribe to him imperfect features who gave their bodies to the fairest creatures ; and in whose essence all perfections are , yet in their wickedness they staid not there , by wicked ceremonies they invited the world to think the godhead was delighted with hellish actions for their living seed , in horrid wise to death did often bleed as acceptable offerings murtherous hands were thought the actors of his just commands . and drunken riots with lascivious games seem'd holy duties and had holy names . nor did the gentiles only thus misdo but many jews , and many christians too , the self same sins in essence did commit , though with new vizzards they had covered it . for how much better are their festivals then bacchanalian riots , in whose halls and parlours are assembled ( in the stead of those poor souls , whom charity should feed ) a rout of roaring ruffins , who are there for nothing but to drink , or game and swear ? except it be that they might soon undo those fools which do abuse gods bounty so ? mens follies make them frequently to err , and , then , they vice for vertue do prefer . their superstition , makes them think amiss of god ; and then their service of him , is accordingly devis'd : they favour not that worship , which their wit hath not begot . they fear him tyrant-like , and dream that he is pleas'd with such like works as tyrants be . for carnal wisdom , cannot be content , unless it may be suffered to invent , the scaenes , which make her stage religion seem to superarrogate in her esteem . some , tho' they scoff idolatry , are hardly brought to serve a god of whom they have not thought . a circumscribed form , to which , they may address themselves , in that corporeal way , which they affect and therefore up they rear such calves , as to their fancies do appear : yea sometime such ideas they devise , as piety would hate , and wit despise . some others are too homely , and too bold another way , and no man layeth hold upon the truth , who thinks to seize thereon , by searc●ing for it , in himself alone . these sins against this precept justly blam'd as thereto accessary have been nam'd , in what we mused , on the law before to which are added here , three other more , vain curiosity , blind superstition , prophaneness , and a changeable condition . by these we are perverted , yea , by these our god is formed as our fancies please ; sometime ( like those of whom the psalmist speaks ) the god which to it self mans fancy makes ; is either blind or careless . god , ( says one ) beholdeth not those evils that are done , tush , god regardeth not , another says , the folly or perverseness of our waies . some others make unto themselves , a god so mild , as if he never us'd a rod. and , some again do fancy him to be so cruel ; that their god appears to me to be that saturn , now set up again , who ( as the ancient heathen poets fain ) devour'd his children ; and they fain him , for that which the god-like nature doth abhor . these evils to prevent ; this law divine the wandring humane fancy doth confine all men in sacred worshipings restraining as well , from intellectual objects faining , as from corporeal forms : and him god threats who due performance of this law forgets . for god himself who knoweth best how far by representments , it convenient were , to shadow forth his nature , did devize as many and as few as might suffize . god knew , that if mans frailty might not see some objects , whereupon might fixed be his weak devotion , he would either make vain fictions , or devotion , quite forsake . it therefore , pleas'd ▪ his goodness to prepare those objects for the jews , which fitting were for them , such was the serpent made of brass till by idolators abus'd it was . such were their temple and the mercy seat on which or towards which their eyes were set , in their devotion ; that the wandring sence there being fixed , faith might raise from thence the safer flight , and that religion may a body have , wherein her soul may stay , for , doubtless that religion is untrue , which hath no outward shape for men to view . as for the jews : our weakness , tendring too god , hath vouchsaft the like , for us to do . he hath advanc'd for us to look upon the image of his crucified son , and limb'd him in his word with such dimensions as may , and should employ our apprehensions , without all vain additions of our own , until , the essence of it , may be known . nor of our selves nor to our selves was made this image ; but , the same , from god we had . he set it up , for us to fall before it ; to contemplate ; to honour ; to adore it . this image he that faithfully shall view , thereby , that long left image may renew , wherein mankind was framed by god's hand , and in that likeness we shall ever stand . still praised be that image , which hath power to perfect such imperfectness as our : and let all those who shall the same despise be guilty of the worst idolatries . oh christ so perfect my renewed will that i this holy precept may fulfil . amen . iii thou shalt not take y ● name of y e lord thy god in vaine &c. curses , blasphemies , and oaths , some , can vary as their cloaths ; and , the ruffin , now , begins to seek fashionable sins , no more fearing to blaspheme , than to take a praiseful theme ; but the sin they count so small , doth aloud for vengeance call : and , in figure here we view what for this offence was due . command . iii. if thou wilt free be kept from blame ; take not in vain , god's holy name . to fright blasphemers , we present them with an emblem , of the son of shelomith : ( who worthily , condemned was to dye , and , stoned for his daring blasphemy : ) for , 't is a crime now ripened in excess , though branded with a horrid guiltiness ▪ and of this blott , ( who ever standeth free ) all these that follow deeply guilty be . the common swearer : for , his impious tongue not only to the godhead , offers wrong ; but , ( to his power ) he sometime rends and tears christ's holy body , when he vainly swears . he that affecteth cursings groweth foul , by what this law forbids , for ; on the soul which loves to curse , these plagues are often brought which to befall another , are besought . they are not in a mean degree to blame , who shall prophane the great almighty's name through levity , as when him name they shall , for trifling causes ; or , no cause at all . he , that with oaths , protests in matters vain ; or , sweares for truths , what he himself doth fain ; or , tells for certain , an uncertain thing ; or , vows to god , what he neglects to bring ; or , maketh vows of what are not allowed : things lawful ; or , things comely to be vowed : even he who ere he be that shall transgress these ways , is tainted with a guiltiness for , all these ways , gods name is vainly used ; and such offences cannot be excused . to these we add our scevites , who presume the power of exorcisms to assume , and work by conjurations of such kind , as may no lawful approbation find , and much from these , those cheaters differ not , who by confederacy the name have got , of cunning men or women , and pretend . to know black arts and practice , to defend our bodies , or to keep our goods from harms , by wicked spels ; prophaning in the charms , the names of god , or portions of his writ , for , in such actions they dishonour it . nor is he better who delights to make , gods truth a theam for vain discourses sake , or , thence extracteth jests ; or , reads , or hears his word , with heedless eyes , with careless ears , or unprepared heart . nor , are they less prophane ; who to conceal their wickedness , or , meerly to be deemed men devout : still at their girdles bear , gods book about , or , study holy scriptures to devise : a cloak for sins ; and proofs for heresies or , truths pervert their falshoods to maintain , for , all of these assume gods name in vain . they of the like offence partakers are , who ( as they term it ) make a holy war for christ ; and in his name do that pretend , which is for some concealed wicked end . all they who pray for these , ( by name of such , do fight gods battles ) do offend as much if they shall know it ; for , accursed is such bold and bloody policy as this . he that plots treason , or invents a lie , the cause of god or truth to justifie ; doth stray as wide : for , to assist his foes . these in gods name ; within his ensign goes . moreover they are guilty of this crime who in undecent manner or ill time reprove , or threat , or comfort , or apply gods promises , or judgments , or deny , their needful application in gods name , when time , and place for them require the same for , of the service , careless they appear , pertaining unto him , whose name they bear . he breaks this law who runs ere he be sent , and in gods name speaks what god never meant , he that from holy orders , goeth back . and by his idleness becometh slack in duties of his calling ; or ( grown rich , by church promotions ) thinks it overmuch , to execute that function as he ought , to which with wealth and honour he is brought , even he , what fair excuse so ere he make , is justly said gods name in vain to take . for , if he proveth guiltless , he receiv'd a dispensation , more than i believ'd . a prayer without faith ; a formal mention of gods due praise , without a due intention . yea , vain or complemental salutations , without sincerity are prophanations against this law , though many men have thought , that these are signs of persons better taught . dissembling fasts ; thanksgivings mumbled out , with babling repititions , ( and devout , ) in nought but feigned term or length of time , do make men guilty , likewise , of this crime ; nay many sermons of the vulgar strain , are taking of the name of god in vain . he that his church or chappel hath bedeckt , and yet gods living temples doth neglect . he , that a love to those , doth seem to carry , yet , leaves defac'd his outward sanctuary ; he that to bend his body is asham'd , when he shall here his blessed saviour nam'd he that without an inward adoration , bows outwardly , or , with an affectation , to mimick gestures ; or , performs the same , unto the vocal sounding of the name , or either practiseth , or leaves undone , such duties in contempt of any one : even he ( though to be guiltless he pretends , ) against this third commandement offends . but none this holy precept more have broke than they , who on themselves christs name have took , yet live like infidels , excepting those , who guild hypocrisy with godly shows , and under pious habits use to prey , on those , ( who being more sincere than they ) are threatned , and suppose all well bestown , while these will take ; till nothing is their own . god keep his lambs form these as from the worst of all dissembers , and the most accurst . the faults condemn'd , seem nothing to have bin to this abhorred hell begotten sin , are drunken jollities , unbridled passion , a wicked custom , slight consideration , and evil nurture ( but much blame is cast , on tutors and some parents for the last , ) all these must therefore shunned be by him , that would not swear , for-swear , curse nor blaspheme . this must be likewise heeded , that unless we still ( on all occasions ) de confess , the name of god ; and sanctifie it too , by such good duties , as we ought to do : ( as in relieving those who in his name , shall ask ( without abusing of the same , in swearing by it , when just cause requires , in suffering for it , ( though by sword and fires ) when god may be dishonour'd , by a base forsaking of our faith , or of our place . yea , if we be not ready to our might , in all gods attributes to do him right ; and honour him , in deed , in word , and thought , in what we can , ( although not as we ought ) we faulter in our duty ; and 't is plain , we do profess to bear gods name in vain . my heart lord god so settle in thy way that i this law , may never disobey . amen . iiii remember that thou keep holy y e sabboth day &c. 't is not in the common creed that he gather'd sticks for need , who for sabbath breaking dy'd , for all wants were so supply'd , that it seems he did transgress , by contempt , or carelessness . he commits the same offence , ' gainst this precepts moral sence , who the christian sabbaths wrongs , and a plague to him belongs . command . iv. to hallow , do not thou forget those times , which god apart hath set . you that our christian sabbath do despise , behold this figure with regardful eyes : for , though on us this precept doth not lay the ceremonial service of the day ; or , to a jewish sabbath , us confine ; it n'retheless , a duty doth enjoin , which no man living can be freed from till to the general judgment christ shall come . for , nature urges , that convenient rest , should be allowed both no man and beast , lest their corporeal substance should miscarry before the time ; and 't is as necessary , the soul should have some leisure to attend his will , on whom her being doth depend . freemen , may rest their bodies when they please , and wise men , know how for to take their ease : but , lab'ring beasts , and men who are depraved , or , they whom wants , or tyrants have enslaved , had restless lived , till their life time ended , unless this holy law had them befriended ; and they who to the flesh most ●avour show for soul affairs , but little time allow . this god at first foresaw , and for that cause ( though in mans heart he then ingrav'd his laws essential , and long oblig'd him not to such additions as time since begot ) yet when he found that error and transgression had wholly rased out the first impression : to stop corruptions growth , he afterward to rites , to times , and places had regard . all men at first had liberty to take what daies they pleased holydaies to make ; or , for convenient rest . nor did from all this freedom cease when god the jews did call to keep their sabbaths ; for to one set day no nation were oblig'd save only they ; nor , had the gentiles any other ties save to observe it in a moral wise , so far as might preserve unto the creature the freedom and well being of its nature . a law concerning rest and holy dues confin'd indeed the people of the jews to one set day , even one set day in seven , to them were ceremonies also given concerning it ; which no man might transgress ( save in great need ) without much guiltiness that law , which nature simply had received at our first being was to them derived with such like accidents as might be best to keep them firm , and bring in all the rest in gods appointed season to embrace the law of nature in the law of grace . their customs and their ceremonial day with christ was buried and so swept away . when he arose from death , that to renew and celebrate the sabbath of the jew , we are no more obliged than to rear their temple , and to build their altar here , and yet , lest man's corruption and the lack of accidents , might bring the substance back . even to the first neglect , christ dist instate his church with power to change or abrogate the cirumstances of this law , so far as needful seem'd , provided that it were essentially preserved , and in this she hath performed what required is . for , though the time be changed , it retains the same proportion ; it for use remains the same in essence , and that being so the same obedience , is now due thereto , and , to what circumstance the church thinks fit , to help continue the right use of it . now therefore , though that every day be free for works which truly necessary be ; and , though those worshipers which are sincere may worship any day or any where , yet none can without guiltiness despise the places , rites or times , of sacrifice appointed by the church , while they accord what may be authorized by the word . this law is therefore broke when we despise the fastings , feastings , or solemnities the church appoints , or if we shall deny such daies to honour and to sanctify by rest from common labours , whensoere we may without much damage , them forbear ; or , if we vilify those christian rites whereto the publick discipline invites , or , them perform not on their proper day as often as conveniently we may . this law is broke , if to our lab , ring beast , or , servant , we allow not so much rest as nature shall require , and may conduce to keep them able for our lawful use . or , if we shun not all occasious too whereby we may against this law misdo . and they are these ; a hardned heart , a mind prophane , and unto greediness inclin'd , a false belief ; false liberty ; false knowledge , frequenting of the company and colledge . off false believers ; ( from whom self will pride and superstition no man can divide . let no man then that lawless freedom take which may occasion strife or scandals make , by needless labours , nor mis-censure them who take some liberties which they condemn , in things indifferent , and shall not move in such ' gainst which their governors approve ; and in their manners let them peaceful be , though they in their opinions disagree . let not those times the church hath set apart to rest the body , to instruct the heart , and to preserve a due commemoration of every blessed means of our salvation , be judged vain , or , that they do not draw authority sufficient for this law : but let them know for truth , though not for news , that all the feasts and sabbaths of the jews were but the types of ours ; and that if they shall for the shades the substance cast away , they are unwise ; and guilty of offence against this precept in the moral sense . let those who for the bodies ease and pleasure part of this time allow ; preserve the measure that 's justly due , and in due manner too do that which is allowable to do : not for the soul 's well being caring less than to prevent the bodies weariness . let them who of the soul most heedful seem , remember , still , the body to esteem . a portion of that manhood , for whose sake our sabbath-maker did all sabbaths make , and give it so much liberty as may make pleasant all the duties of the day . and since no private spirit can impose a rule for all ; let all be rul'd by those who by a publick spirit come to learn what may a publick body best concern . or , if among us any one shall deem there is a truer way made known to him ; so let him walk that he himself approve to be in all his waies a child of love. for sure i am , that if the common peace he keep until humility increase , true knowledge in him he , then plain will see who best expounds this law the church or he. come holy ghost , so sanctify my heart , that from this law i never may depart . amen . v. honor thy father and thy mother , &c. he that sought his fathers death sonless , yielded up his breath . he , that , would his prince have slain , had his pardon sent in vain , for although the king for gave , justice urg'd her due to have , that rebellious children may learn this precept to obey , and the subject stand in awe how he sins against this law. command . v. on them all honours due , bestow , who , by the name of parents go . what of rebelling subjects will become , and graceless children view in absolom : for , whose offence the earth did ( as it were ) refusal make his bodies weight to bear , and heav'n rejects it ; that they might present him hanging for a dreadful monument through ages all , to warn and keep in awe the sleighters and infringers of this law. this foremost precept of the second table unto the first , in this is answerable they both enjoyn and honour where 't is due , their differences are these which do ensue ▪ here blessing follows ; there it went before one parent , that concern'd ; this , many more . he that shall break this precept , maketh snares wherein to hang himself at unawares , and overthrows ( as much as in him lies ) all common-weals , and all societes ; yet , some affect it not , but loudly cry for times which may erect a parity . and , some who dream they keep it , are to blame by being ignorant how far the name of parent reacheth , which we briefly show , that they might better do and better know . we from the parents of our bodies have a natural being ; and they justly crave to be obey'd in all things , but in those which either may superior powers oppose , or , to some being hurries us , that shall be worse , than to have never been at all . beside these parents , we to many moe a duty , by this obligation owe. the fathers of our country , by this law first claimeth of us , honour , love and awe , and from himself , the same prerogatives to his inferiour magistrates derives . there is a fatherhood in those that be our elders , and our betters in degree . our masters also , may have warrant here , to challenge from us , reverence and fear . and husbands also may infer from hence good proof of right to their preheminence ; and if a witness wanted thereunto , my wife i know would say the same i do . and that , i give god thanks for as a blessing , that is not founnd in every mans possessing . our ghostly fathers by whose careful pain we are anew begot , and born again ; ( ev'n to a life more excellent than that , whereto our fleshly fathers us begat ) have honours due , no less than those to whom , we sons and daughters in the flesh become , yea and our fathers in some sort they be , who , from thrall , wants , and death , hath set us free . all these from us an honour may command , according to the place wherein they stand ; to some of them we do not owe alone , that honour which may outwardly be done , or , that unfain'd respect , which doth accord , with bare obedience . but we must afford all helps , whereby we also , may prevent the want , the shame , the harm , or discontent , which may befall them , we should meekly bear their words and blows , ev'n when unjust they are ; we should not pleasure take in any thought , with which dishonour may to them be brought , though they should curse us , we must always bless , defend their lives and hide their nakedness , we should not hear them wrong'd : nor should our tongue to all men tell it , when they do us wrong , but pray and strive , that blameless we might prove , how crookedly so ' ere they please to move . for he alone who thus obey them shall , hath an obedience evangelical . among those many who these laws do break , and pass unheeded any breach to make , on this command , who greatly are to blame , in being disobedient to the same , the first and worst are that ill tutor'd sect , who magistrates , and rulers contradict , they who at all superiors madly strike , and fain would have us honour'd all alike , are deeply guilty , and this just command , they frustrate make ; if ought i understand . the other sort , doth government forsake , of whom god pleas'd this gracious law to make , do sometime also grievously transgress , against this law when they by wilfulness , by pride , or cruelty , provoke or stir , those to rebel , who sons or vassals are . for , he that wilfully gives cause of ill , shares equal guilt with him that acts it still . by sinning he brings others to be naught , then suffers by them , for the sin he taught . for they who tyrannous commands do lay , shall find their servants treacherously obey . the crimes forbidden here as having bin , occasions of a more immediate sin , against this law ; are envy , self-conceit , licentiousness ( which thinketh over-streight , all tyes of government . ) forgetfulness , of those commodities which we possess . by them who rule us likewise we may add , ingratitude ; ill habits sooner had , than lost ) gross rudeness ; and the vice , whence most sins flow insatiate avarice . i now remember that i named not some other parents overmuch forgot . we have a heavenly father unto whom , his children should more dutiful become than yet they be . but , what to him we owe , the former table of these laws doth show . we have a mother too , which ( more our sin ) hath in this age 'ore much neglected bin , nay worse ; ( i would it were untruly said ) she hath dishonour'd been and disobey'd , more like a cruel step-dame than like her , within whose blessed womb conceiv'd we were . i mean the holy church the spouze of christ , for we her wholsome discipline resist , her comely ceremonies we despise , her government we often scandalize , we slight her blessings , we her counsels hate , we of her ornaments and her estate dispoil her ; her best children we betray , and when she would embrace we run away , in all which things we disobey this law , and vengeance both on soul and body draw : god grant this wickedness we may repent , before he change into a punishment , the blessing promis'd : for he from the land , will root the breakers of this great command , that men may know the danger to contemn , a good condition ; when 't is off'red them . some are already gone : and though few see , ( or will confess ) that they afflicted be for this offence : yea though few think that they , were rooted out , because they went away by their own choice : yet god to them hath shew'd their error by some plagues which have ensu'd ; since their departure , that they might perceive , how frowardly they did their mother leave ; and that the truly penitent might there , enjoy the blessing they did forfeit here . god open so their eyes in their distress , and so instruct them in that wilderness , to which they run , that ( though like sarahs maid , they fly from her with whom they should have staid they may divert our heavy condemnation , and leave a blessing to this generation . lord grant thou this , and that those may not shame their brethren who departed without blame , to civilize the lands which know not yet , their blindness , nor what sins they do commit . and gracious god , preserve a heart in me , which to this law may still obedient be . amen . vi thou shalt do no murder , &c. murther leaves a bloody stain , which unpurged will remain , till a flood of tears it cost , or till blood for blood be lost . nor old age , nor length of time cleared joab of this crime . nor his power , though great it was , nor a priviledged place could his head from vengeance hide , but for this offence he dy'd . command . vi. the makers image do not spill , where god commands thee not to kill . none had been safe , unless the bloody sin forbidden here , had both restrained been , and still pursued ( mischiefs to prevent ) with open and with secret punishment . therefore almighty god ( who hath decreed that he who sheds his brothers blood , shall bleed ) attends it still with vengeance : and the sword ( according to the dreadful sounding word pronounc'd long since to david ) shall not leave him or his house who doth of life bereave a guiltless man ; till for that crying guilt , some blood of his untimely shall be split . for though like him , whom here we represent men , may by greatness , keep off punishment , till they are old , it will their heels pursue , and give them at the last their bloody due ; for i have rarely heeded one in ten , of those rash-headed and fool-hardy men , who ( as they fondly term it ) fairly kill ; but , they or their , have either suffered still , deaths violent ; or died in their prime , or , issueless ; fo this blood-spilling cirme , yea , and for ougit is known , the self-same doom on those who yet escape , e're long may come . and if the fair done murthers have these fates , how shall he scape that foul ones perpetrates ! of this offence , let all men conscience make for their own weal , or for their childrens sake whom they beget : for in the same degree wherein they murther , it repaid shall be , or their own persons , or on some of those by whom her due , just vengeance may not lose . if thou hast took away the life of fame from any , thou shall suffer in thy name . if by unchristian anger , or by hate , thou shalt occasion what may ruinate anothers being ; in thy generation , or in thy self , expect retaliation ; unless repentance in a fount of tears shall cleanse that stain , which nothing else outwears . oppression makes the poor his life to leese like poysons which destroy men by degrees , with lingring deaths , and in an age or two that sin doth all those families undo which were enrich'd thereby , yea i have seen their sons who by oppression rais'd have been , to fall from large estates by some and some till they to such base poverty have come , as brought them to the gallows : therefore they act murthers who take means of life away by an oppressing hand ; and murther not the poor alone ; but those whom they begot . he is in heart a murtherer who prays for others deaths ; and in effect he slays , who can , but will not save , it to afford deliverance , with justice will accord . nor from this error are they counted free , who ▪ wittingly shall an occasion be to other men , of that which may intice by word , or by example to this vice . such are those hacksters , ( who themselves don me men of the sword ) ( but sure enough i am ) ( men of a base condition ) these are they who flesh our blooming gentry in the way of brutish quarrels , and their minds possess with rage instead of sober manliness . just of their stamp , are they who shall provoke their friends unto revenge for what was spoke in drink or passion ; making them believe they were disgraced if they should forgive ; and so the fools are urged to pursue those wicked counsels which at last they rue . another way as faulty are those men who publish by the tongue or by the pen those heresies and fancies which undo ( here and for aye ) themselves and others too . these last , are out of question deeply dy'd in this red crime , though some of them can hide their guilt with holy shews . the former sort though well esteem'd , and such as none report or take for murtherers , would soon be cast if an impartial verdict should be past . there is a murthering poyson in some words and flatteries , are otherwhile the swords that kill their hearers ▪ though when they infect , they do not murther by a line direct . moreover , other while unkindness may strike dead a gentle heart ; and such as play false play in love , ( as when they do allure and causlesly reject ) may soon procure untimely death . but such like youthful crimes though jested at , bring vengeance many times . he that by lawful means doth blood require for blood unjustly spilt , with more desire to satisfy his rage , than to prefer true justice , is a parcel murtherer . and so are such , who practise to encrease a publick concord , or mens private peace . in some degree of murtherers are they who to their might remove not for away all such occasionings as may begin or help to perfect this inhumane sin and therefore by this law we are forbidden , to keep an enmity in secret hidden , that may provoke revenge : which to prevent a duty doth precede the sacrament of christian vnity ; and they commit against this law who fail to practise it . pride , wrath , scorn , avarice , wine in excess , wrongs , jeers , neglects , and jests with bitterness , with other such ( which either are or draw occasions on , to violate this law ) are breaches of it . and though few suspect , ( because these are but breaches indirect ) that such enormities unpunish't be ( for that , but seldom they inflicted see immediate stripes ) yet , questionless , by such those troubles are brought on , that shorten much the life of man ; and thereby finish'd are his numbred years before he is aware . the souldier ( whom i had almost forgot ) is very peaceful , if he murther not . to kill is his profession ; yet i say , he murthers if his prisner he shall slay , the battel being past . the voluntary whom , an ambitious avarice doth carry , to hostle actions , when his lawful prince , nor sends nor calls him , nor the just defence of his own person , or his countries good engageth to become a man of blood . ev'n he may be suspected , not to tread a path so noble , and so warranted as he conceives : yet neither praise i them , nor do i peremptorily condemn their practice , but refer what i have said , in their own conscience to be rightly weigh'd . lord give us eyes our secret sins to see , while time and place to us vouchsafed be , that we may leave them , and that love embrace which will conceal them with her vail of grace . for , it with joab we grow old in sin , which hath not really repented bin , till thou growst angry ; vengeance will not tarry but stimes us dead , ev'n in thy sanctuary . thrice holy trinity , my heart possess , and , i , this precept , never shall transgress . amen . vii . thou shalt not commit advlterie ▪ &c. when this figure thou hastey'd , think how these two wantons dy'd , and what horror was therein , when death took them in their sin , hurrying them from their delight , to an everlasting night . mind it well , and mind it so , that thou still may'st careful grow , from those evils to be free , which this law forbids to thee . comman . vii . comm●● thou ●o such act unclean , as 〈◊〉 adultery , doth mean. behold this figure , you , who take delight , to give the reins to wanton appetite : and , say within your selves ; why may not we , struck suddenly , in our polutions be , as well as these and others , who have bin , at●●●ched " in the very act of sin ? consider this and tremble : for no year wheels round , but , we of one or other hear thus taken ; that , you might forsake the snare , and others be forwarn'd of coming there . permit adultery , and none shall breed without a mungrel and a mingled seed , allow such mixtures and none then shall know , on whom the dues of birth-right to bestow , save a blest faction . and what havoke then will trecherys and murthers make of men ? and , who will careful be to foster that which no man owns , and brutish lust begat ? so needful was this law , that here to dwell without it , were to live the life of hell with fiends incarnate , whose licentiousness their own and others mischiefs would increase . be therefore thankful for it ; and declare your thankfulness with diligence and care in keeping of it ; that you may have rest from sorrows here , and be hereafter blest , and lest your duties from you , may be hidden , observe that by this precept is forbidden , not only such uncleanness as polluteth a married bed ; but , that it those reputeth , offenders too , who simply fornicate or in a married or unmarried state , abuse their members in the wanton fact of any lawless or uncomely act ; which appertaineth to that fleshly sin , which by the law hath interdicted bin . no breach of wedlock was perchance in that bold zimri did with cosbi perpetrate , yet vengeance followed on it , to affright all those who in laciviousness delight , young onan climed not his neighbours bed , yet god for his transgression struck him dead . and let the shameless wantons of our days , who boast ( as of a deed that merits praise ) how many untouch't virgins they deflowr'd lest by a sudden plague they be devour'd , for less than that of which these villanies boast , full three and twenty thousand lives did cost in one days round ; and it may forfeit them their freedom in the new jerusalem . to shun gross wantonness will not suffice , unless the wandrings of adulterous eyes , lascivious touches intermixt among the temptings of a lust provoking tongue , bewiching smiles , and gestures , which , intice , both mind and body to embrace this vice , with such like cycean charmings , be supprest , which help transform a man into a beast , nay if the secret longings of the heart , we labour not ( with all our strength ) to thwart , when they incline to lust ; we thereby shall . be guilty , though in act we never fall . if therefore blameless we would still abide , we must some precious antidotes provide against this poyson . we must careful prove far from us , all occasions to remove , which may allure : and they are such as these vain songs and poems which are made to please a wanton ear , and movingly express the longings and the acts of wantonness . obscaen discourse ; lascivious company ; the giving of an opportunity , ( that may be shunn'd ) to such as we do know are not so bashful as to let it go . these are occasions , of especial note , as bounds to this offence , not so remote , but , that they bring it easily to pass , yea , other while before it purpos'd was , and , for that cause , this law commands doth lay that we remove those from us far away . nor are those all the temptings unto lust , but there be otherswhich avoid we must as much as these ; fantastical attires , and wanton dressings kindle lustful fires . this makes them so esteemed , and so sought , that other while they are full dearly bought , that some to play the harlot have been fain those various costly dressings to maintain . oft visitings , and spending of the day , with such as trifle half their time away in complements , ( and intercourse between each other , but to see or to be seen . ) ev'n these things blow the flame , and many a one by such impertinencies , is undone . the faring delicately in excess , the common sin of beastly drunkenness , are here attatch'd , arraign'd and sentenced , for often causing an adulterous bed. constrained marriages made up by friends , for honour , wealth , or such improper ends , both partys very frequently undo , and cause adulterys and murthers too . where touth and age of too unequal years together match ; both jealousies and fears are guests , and rarely have such weddings bin without occasions of this filthy sin . if , therefore of this crime we would be clear , let us endeavour alwaies to forbear all such as these , as well as to eschew a gross adultery , and so pursue each means which may be helpful to acquire a blameless practice and a clean desire . that we may soul and body beautify with every flower of spotless chastity . for , carnal whoredom was long since a gin by satan forged for the bringing in . of ghostly fornications most impure , and frequent testimonies may assure that they who love strange flesh as many do , will change their god with small perswasions too . lord from these vanities direct our eyes which may at unawares the heart surprize ; the law within our members we do find doth cross the law that 's grafted in our mind . that which we hate we are intie'd unto , and what we love we often fail to do . our will thou hast renew'd but in the deed we are not , yet , enabled to proceed with such a constancy as we desire , nor with such pureness as thou dost require . make perfect what in me thou hast begun , compel me , that i after thee may run . let not the world adulterate in me the love which i have promis'd unto thee ; although my waies be crooked in thy sight , preserve thou my affection still upright . and let thy love so keep my heart in awe that i may still be blameless of this law. amen . viii thou shalt not steale , &c. if a souldier might not thieve , no man may , as i believe ; if such measure achan find for a prey in war purloin'd , what , on these will justice bring who rob country , church and king ? with his children achan fell ( yet i hope their souls are well . ) but if these do not amend greater plagues for them attend . comma . viii . what want so e're oppress thee may steal not , anothers goods away . light fingred achan here doth figur'd stand , who for infringing of this eight command , brought both on him and his a fearful doom to make it known to every age to come , that sacriledge and pilfring may undo both such as use it , and their children too . so strongly are these pre●●pts knit together , and have so much dependance each on other , that none of their whole number can be mist , nor virtue perfect , without all subsist . a families necessities , who can support aright or honour god or man with due respects ? or fully exercise the praiseful work of christian charities , unless this righteous law had been ordain'd whereby each man his own might have retain'd ? the painful hand had wrought but for a prey for slothful drones to spoil and steal away , did not this law prevent ; and they should then possess most wealth who were the strongest men . none would have labour'd but for present need , and to pocure and keep , whereon to feed , would so imploy us , that we should not find a leisure hour to rectify the mind , by knowledge , or by seeking that which is the essence of our being , and our bliss , for , as base poverty hath dwelling there where lawless living and disorders are ; so , where that poverty , doth much abound , a brutish ignorance is alwayes found , for , though wealth makes none wiser , yet , it might yield means of knowledge , being us'd aright ; and equal are the sins , to rob the rich as spoil the poor although they seem not such , since that which makes the difference in the facts is in the sufferer , not in him that acts. let no man therefore , lay his hand on what is portion of another mans estate , with purpose to defraud him ; lest it bring a gangrene , and become a cursed thing , which will devour what he before possessed , and stop him in the way of being blessed . rob none ; but of all other shun the theft by which poor widdows are of that bereft which is their lively hood , or that whereby the fatherless compelled are to cry to god for vengeance . and be wary too thou do not willfully thy self undo by execrable things , lest achan's crime bring on thee achan's death , in evil time . for , though deaths due for every sin that 's done some louder cry , and bring it sooner on . there are a thousand thieveries by which the worldling is advanced to be rich with little sence of sin , although they be infringements of this law in high degree . the trades-man stealeth by a frequent lying in bargaining , in selling and in buying ; and most he suffers by this fair-tongu'd thief , who entertains of him the best belief . some courtiers have their pilfrings , which they call their fees or vails , whereby when dues are small , and , their expences large , they soon grow great , and keep their master also in their debt , whose royal name is used to conceal their frequent robbing of the common weal. some steal into estates by their unjust abuse , by whom they have been put in trust ; and men so frequently this way misdo , that such are counted honest livers too . some rob the church ( and this too is no news ) by keeping from her labourers their dues , and by assuming as their own estate what piety to god did consecrate some church-men rob the layty by taking that calling on them without conscience making of those performances , for which god gave the portions and the places which they have ; and doubtless , for the sins of such as they the churches heritage is took away . some by authority or quirks of law raise projects from their neighbours to withdraw their livelihood : some others do no less by outward shews of strict religiousness , or cloked honesty , the latter sort make means to cousin by their good report . some wantons , ( guilty of no petty wrong ) steal hearts , which unto others do belong . some steal both goods and persons . thus do they who take the heirs of mens estates away against their wills ; and when this theft's begun , most commonly both parties are undone . some steal the wit of others . and an ass to be a witty creature , thus may pass . some stealrewards and praises which are due to other men ; and these are not a few . some steal preferments , i could tell you how , but will not , lest indanger'd i may grow by babling of it ; or lest other some may by that means to wealth and greatness come , who do as yet retain their honesties , because they have not learn'd such tricks to rise . some steal mens good opinions , by concealing their own enormities , and by revealing their neighbours errors , with such shews of ruth as if they were all charity and truth . shun all such thievish paths , for he that follows these tracts , may peradventure scape the gallows , but shall not scape unpunish'd , though god may defer his wages till a longer day . as those are not excus'd ; so shall not he from our infringement of this law be free , who nourisheth a cause of this offence by idleness , by prodigal expence , by vicious gaming , by regardlesness to husband wisely , what he doth possess by keeping to himself what was bestown as well for others uses , as his own ; or by withdrawing ( through deceit or might ) the hirelings wages or the poor-mans right whereby those may be driven to supply by stealth or fraud , their griping poverty . more such occasions , he himself may find who doth examine with a single mind his private practices , and how the end of one thing on another doth depend . oh lord vouchsafe me grace to be content with whatsoever thou to me hast lent as long as life on me shall be bestown , let me be fed and cloathed with my own , and , not with that which being none of mine may make my neighbour want , or else repine ; if by a wilful or unwitting wrong i have detained ought which doth belong unto my neighbour , give me means and will by restitution for my doing ill to make amends , or else do thou repay them the dues which i unwillingly delay them . forgive thou also my unrighteousness , that it corrupt not that which i possess , or marr my thrift ; and for he time to come so wary keep me of departing from this law , that i may still in heart and hand continue faithful unto this command amen . ix . thou shalt not beare false witnes against , &c. who can hope for justice where magistrates false witness bear ? or , secure in falshood be , when great princes scape not free ? she who naboth's death contriv'd was in wrath of life depriv'd , and her flesh by dogs was torn though a queen and princely born , that all others heed may take how this precept they do break . command . ix . in any case no witness bear , of things which false or doubtful are . vvere his edict omitted , who could say , he should enjoy his life or goods a day ? if nigh his habitation chance to dwell , such neighbours as the wicked jesabel , ( and her curst instruments : ) whose downfall , here is typfi'd , that such may stand in fear . where could we be secure from perjur'd men , unless god sent forth vengeance now and then , to find out those who secretly contrive how , others of their portions to deprive , since , very often this offence hath none who can behold it , but , that god alone ? or , by what means might they be kept in awe , whose greantness makes them careless of this law ? how safe seem'd jesobel , by being great ? and , yet , how boldly did the prophet threat succeeding vengeance ? and though she were high , how low upon a suddain did she lie ? that high and low , might view her cursed plight and more in truthful honesty delight . most know , that , of this law they breakers are who bear false witness , at the judgment bar , and very many are not without fear , in such ungodly actions to appear , but , few do seem , aright to understand , their other breaches of this ninth command , to lie , accounted is a fault so small , that many feel no sence thereof at all , but , make a play-game of it : yea and some such patrons of that evil are become , that they allow , and justisie the same as praises rather meriting than blame . but , this will prove though held a petty sin the serpents head , that brings his body in , and , an officious lying , may in time ingage us to commit a greater crime ; however he that an untruth shall speak , or truth ( if to deceive ) this law doth break . to praise is commendable ; yet thereby when we of others better testify than they deserve ; true vertue we deride , and sinners in their sins are justifi'd , unless it be ( by such a modest praise . as flows from hope , our friend affects the ways which yet he walks not ) that our praise may be a gale to ripen what we blooming see : for this is neither purpos'd to deceive the hearer ; nor advantages to weave for him that speaks it : but a wise intention to cherish buddidng virtue by prevention ; but , he that flatters doth pollute his mouth , and is a falsifier of the truth . the parasite , who shames not to uphold , whatever by his patron shall be told , or , seeks by jeering to discountenance , a simple truth ; and falshood to advance , against this holy precept so offends that punishment his guiltiness attends , yea , they who get access to great mens tables , by coming furnished with news and fables , are thereby often guilty of this sin , which by this law hath countermanded bin . when we dare venture to reiterate , those rumors which the common people prate , on meer surmises ; we are accessary to many slanders : we make truth miscarry , and bear false witness to the wrong of many , when we suspect not that we wronged any , nor can we satisfie for these offences , which then may follow , if our sov'raign princes , or there affairs of state , shall wrong sustain by such false tales as we receive or fain . when out of levity reports we make of others frailties ; or occasions take to mention jestingly , what may disgrace the person either absent or in place , without just motives ( or content shall grow ) to hide what love and equity should show we in the main , or in some circumstance false testimonies ; may thereby advance . but , he that uttereth slanders in despight , or justifies the thing that is not right , or judgeth rashly in anothers cause , or any needful witnesses withdraws , or ( by concealing what for truth he knows ) betrayeth innocency to her foes ; or , hears another injur'd in his fame , with silence when he may prevent the same ; or unto any one occasion gives whereby , he falshood , for the truth believes : ev'n every such a one false witness bears , what cloak of honesty so'ere he wears ? nor are they guiltless , who avoid not that , whereby occasions rise to perpetrate against this law. as bribery , respect or disrespect of persons , which infect the soundest minds , and bring them by degress , their innocent integrity to leese . yea , he who so loves bribes , though he were wise , they will make deaf his ears , hood-wink his eyes and so corrupt his heart , that the shall know no truth , except some profit thence do flow ; nor , any falshood fear to entertain , whereby he may assured be of gain . and , lest by some those men be judged free from this offence ( if any such there be ) who by false miracles , false revelations , false dreams , false visions , false interpretations of holy scripture ; or by such like patchings of ●arnal wisdom , and of sathan's hatchings affirm that thing for truth which is a lye ; know that these juglers in degree as high as he that 's worst ; prove guilty of this sin which by this precept , hath forbidden bin . for though our doctrines be not so unsound , but that some truths among them shall be found , though cloath'd in lamb-skins we do seem to go , though for a blameless life we famous grow ; though in our formal zeal surpass we shall the pharisees , and ev'ry priest of baal ; tho' oft we fast ; tho' loud we pray and long ; tho' we seem'd wrong'd , and patient of the wrong ; tho' we affect the crown of martyrdome , and dye as if we death had overcome . yea tho' we seem as angels , who from heav'n had power , and knowledge , and commissions giv'n ; yet , if our zeal , our outward piety , our knowledge , our affected constancy , our suff'rings , and the truths which we have said were that the god of truth might be betray'd and falshood favour'd ; we offenders are , against this precept , we false witness bear . and all our godly shews , are fruits of evil delusions and impostures of the devil . lord sanctify my heart , and keep my tongue , that , it may neither do my neighbour wrong , nor prattle those untruths , which may oppose the verities , thy spirit shall disclose ; but , grant that i who see how these offend may find out mine own errors and amend ; yea , lord so teach me and be so my guide , that , faithful to this law i may abide . amen . x thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house , &c. when in us this vice begins , crowns we pawn for crooked pins , and by coveting of more forfeit what we had before . blockish ahab therefore mind who by fooling in this kind life and kingdom ( to his cost ) for a kitchen-garden lost ; and his fall is on record that his fault might be abhorr'd . command . x. anothers right desire not , but be contented with thy lot. thou who to covet deem'st it no great crime , consider well , what wickedness in time ar●ses thence , what danger and what shame unless thou timely shall repent the same this folly , and the sequel of it view in ahab , and his guiltiness eschew by heeding of this law , whereon depend all duties , which the former laws intend , and which to us a duty hath exprest more hard to be observ'd than all the rest . a power we have receiv'd to bend the knee , to take , to give , to speak , to hear , to see , and execute those actions which may give most lookers on , occasions to believe that all god's other laws we do fulfil , in some degree according to his will. when we are false at heart , and keep not on with such uprightness , as we should have done ; and were this law left out , some persons might perswade themselves that they were most upright . but by this precept we are taught to see how foul the insides of our vessels be . this findeth out , and smiteth every sin ev'n on the head , and where the roots begin , by checking of that lust which unexprest in outward acts lies lurking in the breast : for 't is the cursed root , whence every thing which may termed evil , first doth spring ; and if it be subdued e're fulfill'd within his egg a cocatrice is kill'd . this law in soveraignty assumeth more than all the precepts mentioned before ; for it injoins to keep within command my lustful heart , which is not in my hand ; and , whose desires , will offer , come and go in spight of all that i can think or do . within my flesh and blood a law still dwells which naturally against this law rebels , and so rebels , that though my hands were clear , my heart would foul and vitious oft appear unless a purging medicine she acquires to purify he thoughts and her desires . yea , though man could not , and god would not see the secret wickedness that is in me , this law , would never let me quiet bide till of my guilt i should be purifi'd ; for every hidden lust it open lays , and still so shows me mine own wicked ways , that when by others i am righteous thought , it frights my soul , and tells me i am naught . at first , into dispair it almost threw me , but god'd good spirit pleased was to shew me , that , what my power extended not unto his grace would so enable me to do , as that it should suffice if i assaid to join my good endeavours to his aid . then i began to see , this law did wound , not to destroy , but , that i might be sound , and that it is a needful probe whereby we may aright the curing salve apply . it shew'd me mine own frailty , that it might unto another make me take my flight . and by instructing me to know my sin hath taught me where amendment should begin ; for when the heart hath learned to obey , the members will the sooner find the way . though our desires , from evil are not free , to us their guilt imputed shall not be if we resist them : and although they wound , we shall at last with victory be crown'd . keep well this law , and all the precepts here a thousand times more pleasing will appear . guard well thy heart , and then this precept will be found a precept essie to fulfil . break this , and thou hast broken down the sluce to flouds , which thy destruction will produce . the total sum of what this law requires , is first , that we confess our own desires , to be corrupt : for purity begins to enter by confession of our sins . next , let us force out longings to obey the former sacred precepts what we may , because , the failing in one duty , still le ts in another lusting after ill. and , lastly let us alway be content with what the grace of god to us hath lent . for , none will keep law moral , or divine , who much at his condition doth repine . how can they love their god to whom he seems to bar them what their appetite esteems without regard their welfare to provide ( as many think ) whose wishes are deny'd ? how can he love his neighbour who doth crave their heritage , their wives or good to have ? and what commandement will he respect who neither god nor neighbour doth affect ? contrary wise him who contentment hath , naught urgeth to pursue a lawless path ; for , to what end should he who doth possess that precious jem , embrace a wickedness ? he loveth god , because he surely knows god's power and wisdom , justly doth dispose that portion which with prove the best for him , although it may be bitter for a time : and him he therefore serves , as he is able , in every precept of the former table . and while this christian mind he entertains , he findeth godliness , no little gains . nor will those men who in their lots delight or cover or usurp a neighbours right , for , he that is contented first believes that every one his propor share receives and not anothers ; next he strives to see how perilous to him these things may be , which god withholds ; and weighs with such regard how fit those are which he for him prepar'd , that resting in his portion well apaid nor house , nor land , nor wife nor man , nor maid , nor oxe , nor ass , nor any thing that is another man's desires he to be his ; but praiseth god , for what to him he gave , and thanks him too , for that which others have . against no law he greatly can transgress who is arriv'd at this con●entedness . and if to get this grace our mind we set , by gods assistance , we may compass it in that degree , whereby attain we may to what we call perfection of the way . but flesh and blood no further can aspire until that kingdom comes , which we desire . strive what thou mayst , affections to withdraw according to the straightness of this law , thy neighbours wife desire not then from him though kind , wise , rich , chast , good & fair she seem ▪ for most who have this way their longings gain'd , instead of blessings , curses have obtain'd , by coveting the goods to others due , the beggary of many doth ensue . and servants gotten , by anothers wrong are seldom gainful , to such masters long , because by being lawlesly possest , they either prove unfaithful , or unblest ; but he that with his own remains content , shall gain much bliss , and many sins prevent . that which doth give occasion to transgress against this law , is want of watchfulness , to heed the baits which our betrayer lays in every object and in all our ways . the want of meditating in our thought what inconveniences are dayly brought , on such as make no covenants with their eyes , nor bound these longings which in them arise . for , such as this way do their best endeavour , may stumble , but they shall not fall for ever . lord , in my self , i could not find the will , much less the power , thy statutes to fulfil . but , i now feel my heart to entertain a willingness ; oh! be it not in vain . thy grace alone renew'd this will in me , and i a worker now desire to be , who may , if thou enable to proceed , improve my willingness unto the deed deny it not , oh god! but from this day ev'n to the latest moment of my stay , vouchsafe unto me thy assisting grace , that i may run a warrantable race . and keep this law and all thy laws entire in work , in word , and also in desire . amen . though no flesh this law obey , in it self ; in christ it may : though it frighteth us for sin ; yet our peace , it ushers in : and , in us prepareth place , for the saving law of grace . when this grace hath taught to love , hardest works will easy prove , and that sin we shall abhor , which we doted on before . the epilogue . the law from god's meer love proceeds , though strict it seems and terror breeds . now having well observ'd this glorious law ( a creature cloath'd with majesty and awe . ) methinks the body of it seems to me , compos'd of such essential parts to be , that , he may find , who rightly from them shall all as but one ; each one of them as all ; and , that who ever breaks or keepeth one , observes or breaketh all , in what is done : as will appear to him , who well attends how ev'ry precept , on the rest depends . he cannot possibly or love or fear one god aright , who willfully doth err in idol worshippings ; in vainly using god's holy name ; in holy times abusing ; or , in permitting so perverse a nature as to abuse himself , or any creature belonging to this god , with such a mind as may contentment in such evils find . and what is of this law averr'd ; we may in ev'ry other precept boldly say . moreover i conceive , it cannot be of less impossibility , that he who gives the creature ev'ry way his right , should in his heart his good creator slight : or actually offend him without sense and sorrow , for so hainous an offence . he that right conscience makes to keep one law , of breaking all the other stands in awe . he that is parents honours as he ought , can never favour murther in his thought , or thirst for vengeance : never will his eyes , or heart , or members act adulterys : no due from any creature will he take , he dares of none conceive , receive or speak , vntruths or slanders : he will never crave ( or by a secret longing wish to have ) what may net be desir'd ; nor ought commit which his profession may not ill befit , but penitence , will smite him for the deed , and in his heart a faithful sorrow breed . much less will he grow wilfully to blame , in prophanation of gods days , his name , his worship , or his essence ; for , in one , well doing , all good dutys will be done , and this which from one law , is here exprest , may really be said of all the rest . the like we may as doubtlesly averr of them who ' gainst one law perversly err : begin at which you please , they so are chain'd , all sins are in the breach of one contain'd . one wickedness contracts another still , and that another ; either to fulfill or hide the first ; until all guilt comes in and wheels him round the cursed orbe of sin. for , what hath he to bar him from the rest , who but in one hath wilfully transgrest ? what other sin would he have left undone , which might have hindred his beloved one ? or , if perpetually he do not act all wickedness , and ev'ry filthy fact ? why is it so , unless ( perchance ) because , his finite nature cannot break all laws , at once in act ; nor his desires extend , to ev'ry thing wherein he might offend ? for ev'ry sacred , law , is in his will ( inclusively at least ) infringed still , and guiltiness would actually appear , if power and fit occasions present were . for , as the laws fair body is compos'd , of portions qualified and dispos'd in such a manner that we planily see , the perfect essence , of the whole to be in ev'ry part ; so , likewise , hath our sin an ugle body , and each limb therein containeth ( whether it be great or small ) essentially , the perfect guilt of all , and , by this body , death a means hath found to give to all mankind a mortal wound . but , prais'd be god , his grace provided hath a light , a guard , an armour , and a path by which we may be quite delivered from the body of this death ; and also come to walk the way of life , which else had bin for ever barr'd against us by our sin . the lamb of god by whom we do possess redemption , wisdom , justice , holiness , with ev'ry matchless token of his love ; the guilt of that transgression doth remove , which woundeth first our nature ; and from him , we have a cure for ev'ry actual crime . he , hath fulfilled what we could not keep : he , gives us power to walk , who could not creep : he , paid the price of that which we had bought : he , got our pardon e're the same we sought : he , bore the stripes for us which we did merit : he , purchas'd crowns that we might them inherit : our fears he doth prevent ; our loss restore , and ( to the true believers ) tendreth more than adam lost . yea , he doth freely give to ev'ry soul a power which may believe and persevere , if well he shall employ , the talents and the grace he doth enjoy . and with a mind in all temptations meek , this power in christ , not in her self doth seek . ev'n they that perish , till they do contemn god's profer'd love : potentially in them retain this power by god's free grace , until their flesh seduc'd , like eve , doth move their will , like adam , to consent and then to act a wickedness and to approved the fact against their conscience : for then god departs from their polluted and rebellious hearts ; and back returneth not until from thence , that guilt be washed by true penitence , the means whereof he also must bestow , or else into obdurateness they grow . affirm we may not , that god will not come to any ( whom he so departeth from , ) twice , thrice , or oftner : for we cannot know how far the limits of his mercys go ; nor by what measure , or by what degree of wilfulness , he so displeas'd shall be . as to forsake for ever , since he may shew mercy where he pleaseth while the day of life-time lasteth there is hope of grace fore every sinful soul of adams race just job confesseth that god oft assaysr to draw the sinner from delicious ways job . . . the raising up of lazarus from death . when he had four days yeilded up his breath , inferreth also that some few obtain god's mercy who had dead and stinking lain in their transgressions ; till there was no place for help by outward means , or common grace . but this his mercy is the highest pitch , and if a god who is in mercy rich vouchsafe it any where , he doth afford much more than he hath promis'd in his word ; for , though he may confer it when he please , yet , to have left such promises as these had better'd none ; but made those worse , by far who , for the grace obtained , thankless are . oh who enough can praise thy matchless love most gracious god! who pleasest from above to look upon the vassals here below our nature , and distempers tempring so ; and so providing that the blessing lost is purchas'd for us , at anothers cost , and may by every soul enjoyed be who shall accept the means ordain'd by thee . though as did once the jews some christians grudge as if the childrens teeth were set on edge by what their fathers eat and doubtful grow ( although thou makest oath , it is not so ) that most of those , which are or which have bin since time began , shall die in adam's sin ; and are in him rejected without place or means of hope of truly saving grace ; yea , though this be an error whereby such as err that way have urg'd thy justice much ; yet we who fear and trust thee ( and to whom the knowledge of thy secrets therefore come ) remember well ( and therefore heed have took ) that thou , the general covenant being broke ) which first was made in adam ) pleas'd hast bin to tell us of a new one , since brought in , and made with all men so particularly that no man for anothers crime can die : a covenant in christ from whom both will and power we have receiv'd to fulfil so much as shall to thee be acceptable , if we endeavour , as thou dost enable : and whereas , when this knowledge we did want , we dreamed that thy new made covenant concern'd but few , we doubtless did aver a doctrine which from truth did widely err , for that which we did ignorantly call a covenant , is no such thing at all : because we then supposed nothing done , nor ought believ'd , but on one side alone . a covenant ( as men of judgment know ) is that which is contracted betwixt two ; but , thou by that which some of us do say dost all thy self ; and giv'st nor power nor way to act or will what absolutely can be said to be the act or will of man. we stand for nothing thou alone believ'st , thou actest all thou givest and receivest ; yea , if we this assertion must allow none truly worketh good or ill but thou ; man's but a sufferer , whatsoe're he does , he doth because he can nor will nor chose . lord let us know the better , and so know what powers and faculties thou doest bestow on us , to fear and serve thee , that we might in work , and word , and thought still do thee right ; for , thou so equally hast all things done , and shew'st such mercy unto every one , that ev'n by those who shall thy wrath abide , in every thing thou shalt be justifi'd , and none shall truly say , when call'd they are before thy throne of judgment to appear , that thou hast more exacted any way from any man , than he had power to pay , till by forsaking thee he forfeit made of that enabling grace , which once he had . this law of thine which an appearance hath of terror , of severity and wrath to those dull naturalists , who have not weighed how by the law of grace it is allay'd ; even this fear'd law when first the same was made , no other end but man's well being had ; nor hath as yet , except it be to those who sleight thy kindness , and believe thy foes . the former table , which we weakly fain ( doth only to thy glory appertain ) concerneth in the points of highest nature , the welfare and the glory of thy creature . to thee what is it , whether we adore thee for our god , or none , or twenty more ? thine honour was at full e're we were made , and would be so though we no being had . 't is our advantage that thou let 's us know to whom in our necessities to go , and leav'st us not as when we gentiles were , to wander all our life times out in fear , in darkness and in error ; yet to find nor ease of body neither peace of mind . 't is our advantage that we may be bold to scorn those bugbears , which in times of old men trembled at ; and that the power and fame of what was nothing , but an empty name enslav'd us not to come with vows and praise to worship it , as in our heathen daies , which benefit we by this law obtain'd , and which without this law we have not gain'd . 't is our avail that such a god we have who lets us know that he hath power to save , and , that when we our selves to him apply , we need not fear a rival deity will angry grow ; and do us in despight a greater wrong , than thou hast power to right . or , that a jealous juno can make void the hopes which in thy love we have enjoy'd . it is our gain to honour thee alone , and that we need not now go cyprus run to worship venus ; then to seek apollo at delphos ; and from thence a course to follow as far as famous ephesus to see if great diana in her temple be : and thence again to post , in hope to meet with jove inshrined in the isle of creet . our times and substance wasting to receive that from them , which they had not power to give . what were it unto thee , ( but that our peace thou lovest ) if we dayly shall increase our vain will-worshippings , till we devise as many superstitious fopperies as we have sensless dreams ? or if our daies we spend on idols , forging puppet plays , and false ideas , till all truth be lost ? and then , ( which is effected now almost ) fight , brawl , and preach , to make up sects and factions to help maintain the whimsies and distractions which fool us , till we find some chrotchets new unknown to christian , heathen , turk , and jew ? moreover , ( but , that our own harm it were ) to know no power whereof we stood in fear , and were it not a merciful prevention of miseries , of mischiefs , and contention which else would rage among us if we had no name , in which with reverence might be made vows , oaths , and protestations ; or if we should not believe a will and power in thee to heed and punish it , when wrong were done ; what benefit to thee , ensu'd thereon , for which thou shouldst vouchsafe to make a law to keep the damn'd for-swearers hearts in awe ? what suff'rest thou , when mad blasphemers rave against thy holy name , that thou need'st have a law to curb them ? or , what have they done more than those dogs , which bark against the moon if they themselves , or , others of their kind no damage by those blasphemies did find ? and but , that sweetly provident thou art ev'n for the meanest and least worthy part of all thy creatures ; what was that daies rest to thee , which thou ordain'st for man and beast ? their pain or ease , thy rest augmented not , nor , profit by the sabbaths hast thou got ; or , by the festivals ordain'd by thee , for , they , not thine , but mans advantage be . our essence being of a double nature , and , thou best knowing what best fits the creature , requirest all men so their time to use , that soul and body , may receive their dues but , what misfalls to thee if any spends his times in vain or to preposterous ends ? some of us peradventure fancy may , that thou hast honour by the sabbath day , and that it adds to thy contentment then , to hear and see great multitudes of men assemblies make , to invocate thy name , and in their songs to magnifie the same . indeed this is our duty , and when this upon thy days by some performed is : ●●ou tak'st it as a honour done to thee ; ●●●t in such dutys , we might serious be , yet , still the benefit is all our own . thy praise is neither more nor farther blown , to thy avail , nor doth our holiness conduce to ought , but out own happiness . the days on which we memorize thy graces ; and meet together in thy holy places , are much for our avail ; for then and there thou teachest us , our crosses how to bear ; what to believe and hope there we may learn how we 'twixt good and evil may discern , how truth from cursed error we may know , what path to shun or take , what work to do , and how and whom to love ( which is the sun and height of all whereto on earth we come ) which manifests that only for our sake , it pleased thee some days of rest to make . sure ev'ry mean capacity is able to understand , that in the second table . mans welfare is immediately intended , and that therefore , those laws be recommended to universal practice ; so to stay our minds from running out another way . for if our lives ambitiously we spend in brawls for honour : if we set an end to all our kind by murthers : if we please to plague our selves with ev'ry soul disease , and ev'ry grief of heart , which will arise from fornications and adulterys : if all our labours should be made a prey to thieves , till want had worn us quite away ; if we should plague each other by our lies , by slanders or in humane perjurys ; or , if our hearts upon the rack were set by lusting after what we could not get , these madnesses our mischiefs only be , but neither harm nor discontent to thee ; except in this respect , that having took our nature thy compassion cannot brook , to see thy members injur'd by the sin , which lawless people are delighted in ? thou hast affirm'd ; ( the better to apply thy workings to our mean capacity ) that all things for thy glory thou hast wrought , and , yet it is not therefore to be thought thou wantest glory , and didst work for more , or , that it gain'd ought wanting heretofore . nor may we think a power so truly wise , should work for that which we are bid despise . but rather than thou honour dost expect to be to thee ascrib'd as an effect , of fruitfulness belonging to the natures , and undespis'd condition of thy creature , yea , i believe unfainedly oh god , by what i from thy self have understood , thou wrought'st for love. not meerly to attain thy creatures love , for that had been as vain : because indeed , as little need thou hast of their imperfect love , as of the blast of their weak praise . oh lord thy love it was thy love essentail which did bring to pass , the works thou mad'st ; that blessed love of thine which is thy self ( oh essence most divine ) for , being all , and all at full possessing in thy self-being , thou conceiv'st a blessing to be conferr'd on others : not to add ought to that blessedness , thy essence had . thy wisedom infinite , a passage found ( by thy eternal power , which hath no bound ) distinct , and finite natures forth to bring ( without impairing or deminishing thy perfect essence ) which of thy perfection should give some demonstration , by reflection . among the rest one creature thou did'st name , compos'd of all , which th' universal frame therein contained ; and the same did'st make not only so , as that it might partake of all created things , and also be a certain medium 'twixt them and thee , but , which is to the honour of it more , thine image in it self it likewise bore , and had a possiblity to be , united ( undivisibly ) to thee . a species of this creature , lord i am , and , for what end created we became as i conceive it , here , i mean to tell oh teach me better , if i say not well , thou being love it self , and therefore kind , it was thy gracious and eternal mind , mankind a sharer in thy bliss to make and grant him license also to partake that glory which thou didst enjoy alone , before all other beings were begun , and this great favour lord thou pleased wert , ( as well became thy wisdom ) to impart by means , degrees , and on the same condition through which we best might gain the best fruition of what was purposed ; and come to be united ( as i said before ) to thee . to adam this great mystery appear'd till disobedience , foggs in him had rear'd which dull'd his reason , and his heart declin'd from thee , within himself , this bliss to find . the law thou gav'st him , was not ( as is thought by some of us ) that proof might so be sought of his obedience : for thou knowest all before it is ; and what shall still befall , much less ( as other some conceited are ) was that command intended as a snare those to entrap whom thy eternal hate , had fore-decreed , oh god! to reprobate ? far it is from the goodness of thy nature , to be a god so cruel to thy creature , and far , far be it from thy creatures too , to their kind maker so great wrong to do . this , rather , seems the cause there could not be a possibility , that thou and we should make a perfect vnity , unless our nature had essential righteousness : for , otherwise , thy justice would abhor that which thy mercy did endeavour for , and , from uniting us , become so far that thine own attributes would be at war. when therefore man seduced fail'd in that , which might have perfected his blest estate , and , that perform'd not whereby justice might , in our advancement take a full delight , behold , thy powerful mercy did prevent our total ruin by a wonderment beyond the worlds creation , out of nought . for , when by sin we further off were brought , from what thou had'st intended us , then by the not obtaining of an entity thy all-inventing wisdom found a mean through which our essence made e'rewhile unclean should be re-purifi'd and so perfum'd that personally it might be then assum'd unto thyself ; and man thereby attain a happiness not to be lost again . if some few easy duties he will do when grace enables nature thereunto . and doubtless every man shall one day know that thou on him such portions didst bestow ( ev'n pers'nally ) that if he be undone , it was not adams , but his fault alone . this mystery thy goodness brought to pass , and for no other end , oh lord it was but for our good ; for neither dost thou need our praise or love ; nor is it for the deed of love or praise , or worship or of ought which by our faculties to pass is brought , that thou requirest them of us ; but that we should not unto our selves defective be in doing our endeavours to attain so much as lieth in our power to gain lest it indamage us , and in the way unto our true perfections stops may lay . essential goodness hath essential peace without all diminution or increase , and therefore he who blesledness desires to that above all other thing aspires . to love and give due praise , is better far than to be lov'd , or to be praised are to him that hath subsistance of his own ev'n i my self ( whose heart is overgrown with imperfections ) love without respect of any end but meerly to affect those whom i love , and rather would have done ten thousand kindnesses that sought for one . and lord if such a failing love as mine , may reach to this ; how infinite is thine ? and , oh how far art thou from things so vain as loving meerly to be lov'd again by such poor worms as we whose best affection is but a passion full of imperfection ! indeed thou bid'st us love thee ; but , for what save to preserve us capable of that , which we receive ; and that we might not miss the comfort which in virtue placed is , and of whose hapless want , he cannot chuse but feel the loss whose conscience doth accuse : yea thou commandest love , that love may make our nature of thy nature to partake : without which quality there cannot be the true communion 'twixt us and thee , which is the very height of all our bliss , or which indeed the essence of it is . for could we be of thee , oh god! approv'd , or , could we of all creatures be belov'd tho' we no love return'd ( nor had in us , an object for the love conferred thus ) which were impossible ; we ne'retheless should suffer by our own unworthiness an inward hell , and to our selves invent , occasions of continual discontent , as to those envious men , it may appear who causlesly injurious often are . to those their honest neighbours whom they find to them as friendly as they are unkind , for outward plagues pursueth so this sin , nay also , so affects him still within , and till his nature be depraved quite , his own injustice will his heart affright . yea they whose crimes are pardon'd are not free from suff'rings though they well assured be , that neither god nor man will blame them for , the passed frailties , which they do abhor . for then our hearts will grieve do what we can , if they have injur'd either god or man. and then more favour is vouchsaf'd to them , the more themselves they censure and condemn . therefore , although i can forgive my friend , yet , i would have him wary to offend , lest , when he finds his error griev'd he be , within himself , that he hath wronged me , and in his heart a torment suffer should , from which my love would keep him if i could . ev'n so oh lord my god ( though in degree , more infinite than can conceived be : and , in a manner , which i am not able by any figure to make demonstrable ) in meer good-will to man , thou pleased art to preach unto his ear , or to his heart those dutys , which to thee from him belong , that he , unto himself , may do no wrong . because we seem a great esteem to have of love and praise , and thereby to receive , content and profit ; thou dost oft propose by us to be perform'd ; such things as those , as dutys which are much of thee desired , and at our hand , for thy avail required , but doubtless thou dost only seem to be like us , that thou might'st make us like to thee , and that , ( if thee we love ) we might be won to do as for thy sake what should be done . for our own good ; as parents kind and wise have dealt with children in their infancies . and whereas lord , it hath been said by thee , that thou wilt of thine honour jealous be : thou only jealous art , lest our neglect of thee , our own perdition may effect . thou dost things honourable ; and though none did praise thee for them , they should still be done . thine honour is essential : that we give and which from us thou pleasest to receive is but an accident ; which ever may , without thy loss , be present or away . and when thou either thanks or praise requirest to perfect us , those dutys thou desirest . this we long time have so misunderstood , as if we did conceive thou wert a god , affected with self-love , or fruitless fame , ( although we mannerly express the same ) yea we have dream'd that thou this world did'st make and us and all things for thy glorys sake . in such a sense , and for such praises too as we effect , when our best works we do . i would we thought no worse ; or would we knew what damnable absurdities ensue , our groundless fancies ; for by them thou gain'st some fear , but little hearty love obtain'st . by these false thoughts of thee , we do encrease our own self love , and all vain gloriousness , within our selves hence is all we intend , our whole endeavours for a private end , and that a froward peevishness is own'd , in most of all our actions to be found , for who can possibly be just or wise , who to this god imputes absurdities ? lord now we better know thee ; and are shown both by thy words and works what should be done ; our selves we yet improve not as we ought , by what thy workings and thy word have taught , but both self-love and vanity have share , ev'n in our actions that most pious are . we counsel , we relieve , write , preach and pray , that honour , gain , or pleasure bring it may , to our own persons ; and would little care how wicked and unhappy others are , had we our aims ; and still might them possess amid'st our sins and their unhappiness , ev'n i my self who love a better mind , do in my self so much corruption find , that ( i confess ) received injuries , more mov'd me to reprove impieties , than mine own goodness , and that from my sin my best performances did first begin , for which let pardon , lord , vouchsafed be , and more sincere hereafter make thou me , for , this may peradventure be the cause , we preach thy gospel , and pronounce thy laws , and write without effect ; ev'n this that our corruption makes the means , to want the power it might have had ; else 't is because we hide thy love , and have that saving grace deny'd , which thou to all extendest ; and which none shall want , who striveth to lay hold thereon . to help amend these faults now i have said , what , i believe thy spirit hath convey'd into my heart : if i have err'd in ought let me , oh lord , by thee be better taught if truth i speak , let other men from hence partakers be , of my intelligence , make me and them thy love so fully view , that we in our affections may be true , and give us grace the truth of them to show in doing well , the duties which we owe. amen . a metrical paraphrase upon the creed . since it befi●● that i account should give what way unto salvation i believe ; of my profession here the sum i gather . first , i cofess a faith in god the father : in god , who ( without helper or partaker ) was of himself the worlds almighty maker , and first gave time his being : who gave birth to all the creatures , both of heaven and earth . our everlasting welfare doth consist in his great mercies , and in jesus christ ; ( the second person of that three in one ) the father's equal , and his only son ; that ever-blessed , and incarnate word , which our redeemer is , our life , our lord for when by sathans guile we were deceived , christ was that means of help , which was conceived ; yea , ( when we were in danger to be lost ) conceived for us , by the holy ghost . and that we might not ever be forlorn , for our eternal safety he was born ? born as a man ( that man might not miscarry ) even of the substance of the virgin mary , and loe , a greater mercy , and a wonder ; he that can make all suffer , suffered under the jewish spite ( which all the world revile at ) and cruel tyrannies of pontius pilate . in him do i believe , who was envied , who with extreamest hate was crucified : who being life it self ( to make assured our souls of safety ) was both dead , and buried : and that no servile fear in us might dwell , to conquer , he descended into hell : where no infernal power had power to lay command upon him ; but on the third day the force of death and hell he did constrain , and so in triumph , he arose again . yea , the almighty power advanc'd his head , aswel above all things , as from the dead . then , that from thence gifts might to men be given , with glory , he ascended into heaven : where , that supream and everlasting throne , which was prepar'd , he clim'd ; and sittcth on that blessed feat , where he shall make abode to plead for us , at the right hand of god and no where should he be enthroned rather , than there : for he is god , as is the father and therefore , with an equal love delight i to praise and serve them both , as one almighty : yet in their office there 's a difference . and i believe , that jesus christ , from thence , shall in the great and universal doom , return , and that with angels he shall come , to question such as at his empire grudge ; even those who have presumed him to judge and that black day shall be so catholick , as i believe not only that that the quick to that assise shall all be summoned , but , he will both adjudge them , and the dead . moreover , in the godhead i conceive another person , in whom i believe : for all my hope of blessedness were lost , if i believ'd not in the holy ghost . and though vain schismaticks through pride and folly contemn her power , i do believe the holy chast spouse of christ ( for whom so many search by marks uncertain ) the true catholick church . i do believe ( god keep us in this union , ) that there shall be for ever the communion of gods elect : and that he still acquaints his children in the fellowship of saints . though damned be mans natural condition , by grace in christ i look for the remission of all my foul misdeeds ; for there begins deaths end , which is the punishment of sins . moreover , i the sadduces infection abhor , and do believe the resurrection : yea , though i turn to dust ; yet through god , i expect a glorious rising of the body , and that , exempted from the cares here rife , i shall enjoy perfection and the life that is not subject unto change or wasting , but ever-blessed , and for ever-lasting . this is my faith , which that it fail not when it most should steed me , let god say , amen . to whom , that he so much vouchsafe we may , thus as a member of his church , i pray . a metrical paraphrase upon the lord's prayer . lord , at thy mercy-seat , our selves we gather , to do our duties unto thee , our father . to whom all praise , all honour , should be given : for , thou art that great god which art in heaven . thou by thy wisdom rul'st the worlds whole frame , for ever , therefore , hallowed be thy name . let never more delayes divide us from thy glories view , but let thy kingdom come . let thy commands opposed be by none , but thy good pleasure , and thy will done . and let our promptness to obey , be even the very same in earth , as 't is in heaven . then , for our selves , o lord , we also pray , thou wouldst be pleased to give us this day , that food of life wherewith our souls are fed , contented raiment , and our daily bread . with needful thing do thou relieve us : and , of thy mercy , pitty and forgive us all our misdeeds , in him whom thou didst please , to take in offering for our trespasses . and for as much , o lord , as we believe , thou so wilt pardon us , as we forgive ; let that love teach us , wherewith thou acquaints us , to pardon all them , that trespass against us . and though sometime thou find'st we have forgot this love , or thee , yet help , and lead us not though soul or bodies want , to desperation nor let abundance drive , into temptation . let not the soul of any true believer , fall in the time of tryal : but deliver yea , save him from the malice of the devil , and both in life and death keep us from evil . thus pray we lord : and but of thee from whom can this be had ! for thine is the kingdom . the world is of thy works the graven story , to thee belongs the power , and the glory . and this thy happiness hath ending never : but shall remain for ever , and for ever . this we confess ; and will confess agen , till we shall say eternally , amen . thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house , and upon thy gates , deut. . . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e job . . . notes for div a -e see pro. . , . an improvement of imprisonment, disgrace, poverty, into real freedom, honest reputation, perdurable riches evidenced in a few crums & scraps lately found in a prisoners-basket at newgate, and saved together, by a visitant of oppressed prisoners, for the refreshing of himself and those who are either in a worse prison or (who loathing the dainties of the flesh) hunger and thrist after righteousness / by george wither. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) an improvement of imprisonment, disgrace, poverty, into real freedom, honest reputation, perdurable riches evidenced in a few crums & scraps lately found in a prisoners-basket at newgate, and saved together, by a visitant of oppressed prisoners, for the refreshing of himself and those who are either in a worse prison or (who loathing the dainties of the flesh) hunger and thrist after righteousness / by george wither. wither, george, - . , [ ] p. [s.n.], london : . reproduction of original in huntington library. caption title: captivity improved into freedom by the grace of god. in verse. table of contents: p. - . errata: p. 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ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng prisoners -- great britain. great britain -- history -- restoration, - -- poetry. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - john latta sampled and proofread - john latta text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion an improvement of imprisonment , into real freedom ; of disgrace , into honest reputation ; of poverty , into perdurable riches ; evidenced in a few crums & scraps lately found in a prisoners-basket at nevvgate ; and saved together , by a visitant of oppressed prisoners , for the refreshing of himself and those who are either in a worse prison , or ( who loathing the dainties of the flesh ) hunger and thirst after righteousness . he , who , five thousand hungry souls had fed with two small fishes , and five loaves of bread , would have the fragments sav'd ; for , that is sweet to some , which others trample under feet ; this prisoners late experiments may be , of use to them , who know much more than he : for , men to credit those , are soonest mov'd ; whose words to be sincere , by deeds , are prov'd . by george wither . london , printed in the year , . the author of these fragments , to the humble , the poor in spirit , and to all those afflicted-ones , who disdain not these crumms . experience , though to fools it mistris be oft , makes men wise ; for , some effects on me to that end it hath had : & though with mocks most entertain my triple-paradox , it will , by what ensues ( i hope ) appear that , truths , by me , therein averred were ; and , that , whatever shall succeed thereon , my words , and actions , do concurr in one. those few , who did here visit me , in love , seem'd , with so much contentment to approve their homely entertainment with these scraps , that , they were pocketed ; and some , perhaps , them , will communicate : which if they do , so let it be , and much good do 't them too : i wish , for their sakes , that they better were , but , if , as they did mine , their hearts they cheere , i , may to constancy , encouraged be by their example , more than they by me at present are : and mutual ayd's , ere long , shall make the weakest of us , to grow strong ; for , by god's providence , ( not seldom ) springs noblest effects , from most contemned things . " let , all , who of these fragments , coppies had " these lines ( to be perfixt before them ) add . captivity improved into freedom by the grace of god. george wither , to his friends , who have inquired after him , since the late seizure of his person , books and papers . where i now am , you much desire to hear , what , i am blam'd for ; what , i want , or fear ; which , this will briefly tell you : i am well , ( in purgatory , between heaven and hell. ) my fact , ( which i acknowledge , in good sooth , may some offend ) is only writing truth ; and , that is , in prevaricating times , much more offensive , then some hainous crimes . i nothing want , that 's truly needful , save , due thankfulness to god , for what i have , who hitherto , in an unusual wise , without my care , vouchsafeth me supplies ; which hereby , i acknowledge , to this end , that , others may in straits , on him depend . all , i need now to fear , is , that before i shall be freed , , i way be made so poor the messenger , will hardly get his fees , or , , that the remnant of a loaf and cheese , which at my now forsaken chamber lies , will mouldy be , or eaten by the mise . i do not fear , that what i have exprest or published , will not abide the test , unless my judges , do , by looking back the gen'ral-pardon , ineffectual make : for , that , which i last wrote , was but fruit torn out of the mothers womb before 't was born , which , whether life , or death receive it should , no man with certainty , determine could ; and , if ( according unto my appeals ) that , which i purpos'd for the publick-weal , and honor of the king , may be perused intirely , and not palpably abused , by taking from , or adding thereunto , i do defie the worst , this world can do ; well knowing , that , if she conceal what 's done , from publick view , yet passeth doomes thereon which may be to my wrong , 't will be reveal'd and judg'd by god , to whom i have appeal'd . though now there be not left with me , one line of what i last wrote , i no whit repine : for , providence will further my intent , thereby , much better , than the course i meant ; or , else will raise up , if that be calcin'd , a sprightlier product of the self-same kind , which to obliterate , none shall presume , nor time abolish , nor the flame consume , till it hath took effect to that good end , for which i did at first , the same intend ; and , joseph-like , when i shall tried be , either the king , or god , will set me free , to whose free-mercies only , i appeal ev'n in those things , which i intended well : for , extream justice , is a dreadful thing , whether pronounc'd by god , or by a king : and , otherwhile , men of an upright-way , permitted are , in somethings to mis-say , that spirits may be tri'd , and those things known which are of god , from that , which is our own . i have not purposely , one paper hid to cloake the worst , that er'e i said or did ; and if men would but at my frailties wink , i 'le tell them , when they please , ev'n all i think , although against my life it might offend so , their demands to publick wellfare tend : for , to that purpose , if it needful were , i dare say more , than many dare to hear , ( as would be known by what is now surpriz'd , might it be read in publick , undisguis'd ) yet , not exceed my limits ne'r-theless , or , bounds of reason , or of soberness . i have discharg'd my conscience , as i thought the present times required that i ought , considering , that otherwise , such tools may be of use ; and , men reputed fools speak things , as pertinently in some cases as they , who are imployd in wise mens places . i am not ignorant , with what disdain our pantaloons my poems entertain ; nor ought displeased , that what i have writ seem'd frothy-stuffe , unto a flashy-wit , my sowr herbs are as pleasing to some pallats as apricocks , muskmillions , or sweet sallets to wanton appetites ; and wholsomer than that , wherein they more delighted are . my verse , to them , seems vanity to be ; so seem they , and all earthly things to me . by them , i numbred with phanaticks am , and they , by me , reputed are the same . my muse , harsh sounds unto their ears applies , their manners do as much offend mine eyes ; and , if i merit punishment , who chid them for things misdone , what merit they who did them ? should none reprove , but persons wholly free from sinfulness , no sin reprov'd should be ; and where our general reproofs offend , few men , their private errors will amend . all that is in my thoughts , my words or deeds approvable , from god's free grace proceeds , and none deserveth blame , but i alone ( if i do ) for what now is thought misdone . yet , come not at me , till you may be sure your visits may no detriment procure unto your selves ; for ( though that i am zealous of publick safety ) many are so jealous of our sincerity , whom they shall find from them , in some things , of a diff'ring mind , that they , who walk by gospel and by law , may chance to suffer like jack fletcher's daw , which taken among pigeons , pies and crowes for whom a net was laid , did speed like those : and , to help keep an innocent from starving may censur'd be , by some an ill-deserving , which paradventure may be now my lot. ( if christian charity prevent it not ) more to their shame than mine , who , now have here been their remembrancer , nigh fifty year . but , for me , take you neither care nor grief ; death , will much more advantage me than life : i walk not blindly , in the paths i tread , and they will make me safe , alive , or dead . i am assured , that his providence which orders things of much less consequence ( whether conceal'd or published ) will make that which i 've written , good effects to take ; and also by their means , perhaps , who be as yet displeas'd , both with my book and me . grant me but nature's freedoms , and let then the priviledge of courts and single-men do what they can : for , i have broke no law whereof , a sober man should stand in aw ; nor need i patrons ; nor ought have i done to make me be afraid , through want of one . i , reverence the powers that are supream , and , know so well , what doth belong to them , that , i cannot offend by libelling either against the parliament , or king as many may suppose ; for , vice may be reprov'd , yet , they kept from aspertions free ; as will appear , when i have open laid what , for my vindication may be said . i love and honour more , a foe , that 's just than him , who saves my life , and breaks his trust : and , will not thank them , who , shall see wherein i merit blame , yet palliate my sin ; or , shall excuse me from due punishment , when i shall know my fault , and not repent . nor will they be excus'd , in future times , ( though yet they may ) who make our duties crimes mine , is ( if any ) no more but omission of somewhat ; or , at worst , but a misprision : and , my case now , may be resembled well , by what , unto a northern lasse befel , who , having been corrected very sore for calling of her younger sister whore , which was indeed untrue ; her mother , said unto the lesser girle , tell truly maid , did she not call thee whore ? she answer'd , no , ( she did not ) but , she thought to call me so . i know there are those , who consider can what use there may be of an honest man who seeketh not for honours , or for pelf ; hates none ; affects his neighbour as himself ; fears nought but god , and his own heart ; his king doth reverence , and can in prison sing : when more desire to be affected thus , it will be better both for them and us : and , he who makes these things his chief ambition though wrongs he feel , can never fear perdition . if less than formerly , i am befriended , i , and my suff'rings , quickly shall be ended . if i find favour , you shall hear that from me which , to acknowledge , it will well become me : till then therefore adew ; and hereby know that i am pleas'd , and well , if you be so . chr. our redeemer liveth . aug. . . from mr. northrops , one of the kings messengers in westminster , where i am civilly used . george wither , his first meditation , upon his commitment to newgate , aug. . for his poem called vox vulgi , neither published nor finished . i. so ; i do now begin to be prefer'd ; and from an owl within an iviebush , advanced am , to be a newgate-bird , as fast incaged , as my foes need wish . my feathers have so pluckt already been that , no more i can lose now , but my skin , and when that 's torn away , i may presume my flesh and bones , in short time , will consume . ii. i was restrain'd before , but , not so strait was my restraint , nor in so close a place ; i had my load , but not such overweight , nor seem'd i , so exposed to disgrace . my friends were overcharg'd with me before , and will , this way , be now oppressed more : for , that whereof my judges me condemn , falls not so much on me , as upon them . iii. but , is this newgate , whereof so afraid offenders are ? is this the dismall place , wherein , before i came , i heard it said there 's nothing , but grief , horrour , and disgrace ? i find it otherwise ; and , doubtless , either it is bely'd ; or , they who are sent hither , within themselves , when to this house they come , bring that , which makes it seem so troublesome . iv. i no worse here , then where i was before accommodated am : for , though confin'd from somethings , which concern my body more then formerly , it hath inlarg'd my mind . here , by degrees , with what the world most fears ( with tormeuts , and their executioners ) i may be so acquainted , if i please , that , things which threaten pain , shall bring me ease . v. here , i can see the bottom of that pit which gapes to swallow me : here , i can view what some , who have more prospect , see not yet , nor will , till they their fears cannot eschew . here , i find objects to prepare me for that , which my flesh and blood , doth most abhor ; and , am assurd , that , to what place soe're i , hence am sent , that god , will meet me there . vi. though here , my outward-being , seems no better , but , in appearance dayly worse to grow , my inward comforts and my hopes are greater , and , will be greatest when they make least show ▪ although my oyl and meal doth not increase since i came hither , 't is no whit the less : yea , though i am at more charge every day , then did of late , a weeks expence defray : vii . for that cost , they supplied have , to whom my life , it seems , is dearer , then to me ; and , they ingaged for me are become ; lord ! whence proceeds this kindness , but from thee ? so is it , that , i now can hardly tell whether , my friends , to save me , shew more zeal or they more malice , who have sought of late to ruine both my person , and estate . viii . i find already , by what i have noted , my best expressions will concealed be . my verses ( as the devil scripture quoted ) produc'd by scrapps , to disadvantage me . i see my self oppos'd by no small odds , frown'd on , by mighty men , and mortal gods who sit so high , that they nor feel , nor know what things are suff'red , by poor-men below . ix . not onely railing foes , on every side , but my acquaintaince also , and meer strangers , unjustly , me defame , jeer , and deride ; threats follow me behind , before , lie dangers . yet to no mortal for support i send , nor make complaints by letter , or by friends ; nor will , except to them , to whom belongs the judging of my actions , and my wrongs . x. my soul , these things consider well , and whence they do proceed : consider why , likewise ; who , puts into thy heart , this confidence ; who , by unknown hands , each dayes want supplies ; who , comforts doth augment as griefs increase ; who , cloathes and feeds thee in this wilderness , and , when terrestrial ayds , are quite bereaven rains on thee , quailes and manna down from heaven . xi . mark , how this realm is here epitomiz'd , as to a blest , and reprobate condition : how mercies , and how judgements are despis'd , by most men , at the brinck of their perdition ; how few , be wrought upon , in either place , by threatnings , or by promises of grace . how many , laugh , sing , swear , curse and blaspheme even when , hell , ready seems to swallow them . xii . here , thou shalt see , that meer stupidity and gracelesness , transporteth many a man to out-face death , with less timidity then some with all their moral vertues can : here , thou shalt learn , that if thy prosecutions , thy zeal , thy courage and thy resolutions spring onely , from a natural estate , thou , with all these , mayst be a reprobate . xiii . let therefore , these experiments , which are be enteraain'd ; and , if henceforth god should ( as he perhaps will ) common helps withdraw , let them quite go , and catch on him fast hold . for , if thou then despaire , or shalt distrust his love , who never was to thee unjust , this , will then prove to be a carnal-boast , and , thou , with all thy vain hopes wilt be lost . xiv . since also , thou dost feel thy heart more prone , by smiles and favours , to be drawn aside , then by harsh usage , to be wrought upon , let thy weak'st bulwarks be most fortifi'd , lest , they , who have not strength enough to win the fort by force , by stratagems get in ; and , thou then ruin'd , be past all repair , as many are , by those , who speak them fair . xv. that spirit , try , which thy resolves begets ; for , other while , as resolute are they who are possessed but with ranting-fits , as any , in whom passion bears no sway . contempt of torment , sometimes springs from madness , stoutness , from anger , or despairing-sadness : martyrs , and men , of reprobated sence , bear suff'rings , with small outward difference . xvi . search thou thy heart , therefore , with prudent care , that , malice , pride , nor vengeance lurk therein : that love of god , and all mankinde be there , linckt with a detestation of all sin ; and , if thou find it so , be not afraid what e're against thee shall be done or said : for , resolutions built upon that rock , will , of all raging stormes , endure the shock . xvii . though princes in their supream councils blame thee , and such as are prophane , fannatick call thee ; they shall not able be , to fright or shame thee , by any consequent which may befall thee : and , if so prudently thou guide , thy pen that , when it strikes at faults it spares the men , the wise will form the fools , themselves devide , and , every just-mans vote , be on thy side . xviii . though it alwayes proves not , do not grieve nor vex thereat : for , what god calls thee to , to put in execution thou shalt live , in spight of all this froward world can do ; and future times , will laugh to scorn the storms and mountains , rais'd by gyants , against worms when they shall see , ( which they will see at last ) the towers of babel on their builders cast . xix . make jesus christ , to be the sole foundation , of thy affection , of thy hope and trust , of thy belief , of thy sanctification , of all thy musings , and of all thou dost : for , nothing justifies , but , doth condemn , that is not , in , for , from , and by him , without respect to any interest , except , what , with his glory , may consist . xx. lord , thou hast , by renewing , in some measure my much depraved will , inclined me , in all things , to submit to thy good pleasure , let what 's defective , now , made perfect be , that , known it may be to this generation , man may attain to such a resignation , that , he shall more delight , thy will to do , then , that , which his own will , provokes him to . xxi . prais'd be thy blessed name , who , as thou didst for joseph ( when he was in prison bound ) for me , in my imprisonment provid'st , and , by thy servants , every where art found : be with me , as to be thou hast begun , until my generation work is done , and , when that 's finish'd , for which i was born , let me with joy , into thine arms return . to the right honourable the lord mayor , and the rest of the commissioners of the peace and jail-delivery , for the city of london , now assembled in a general sessions . the humble petition of george wither . the said petitioner , having six and thiry years now past ( before the great pestilence raged ) lived in this city ( about half that time , after he came to mature age ) did in affection thereunto , make here , his voluntary residence , when hundreds of thousands forsook their habitations , that if god spared his life during that mortality , he might be a remembrancer of his judgements and mercies , both to this city , and the whole nation ; which he performing according to his ability , hath hitherto ( with his life onely , and a good conscience ) escaped the plagues of war , poverty , pestilences , and parliaments ; and is now a prisoner in your jail of newgate , in order to be try'd , by the house of commons , at their next meeting , for intending to offer to the private consideration of the lord chancellor of england , a poem called vox vulgi , surprized ( before it was finished ) in this petitioners hands ; who being lately so totally deprived of a considerable estate as not to be left worth this piece of paper , is in danger through want of necessaries , to perish within your walls , before the time of his tryal will come , unless god ( as he hath lately done ) shall extraordinarily provide him his dayly bread , by the charity of some , who , perhaps are scarce able to provide for themselves and families . the said petitionor therefore , ( conceiving himself obliged by the law of nature , to do what he can to preserve his life ( though there be nothing therein considerable , for its own sake ) humbly prayes your honours that , if he can procure bail , it may be accepted for his appearance , when it shall be required , before the said house of commons ; who being the representative of them , whose welfare he hath preferred before his own , and the court to whose doom he seems to be referred by the warrant for his commitment hither , the said petitioner , will patiently submit thereunto . if it be in your power , and may stand with your good pleasure to vouchsafe him this humble request , the said petioner thankfully acknowledging your justice and compassion , will pray for you as in duty he is bound . george wither . the foregoing petition , being dilivered to the lord mayor at the sessions , and no bail allowed to the petitioner , he forthwith composed this epigram . to the city of london . vvere i , a person , who had power to better thy trade , or make thy priviledges greater , or take away the citizens estates , thy walls dismantle , or break down thy gates , i had been lookt upon , though i had done to thee no kindness , neither meant thee one . but , of his love , there is no value made who nought can to to thy wealth or greatness add , though he his life should hazzard for thy sake , that , thee for ever , he might happy make . baii , will not be vouchsaf'd ; but , i must lie among thy rogues , expos'd to live or die ; to starve or begg ; and wholly be debar'd of liberty , unpitied and unheard for doing what was honestly intended ; and , wherein , i against no law offended . this is , i must confesse , nor less nor more , then , i had reason to expect before : yet , all my labour , is not cast away , for , it occasion gives me , thus to say . i wish'd thee well , and will , what ever shall to me , in my extremities befall ; for , here 's a number yet within this place , who are of those in whom the seeds of grace so fructifie , that god hath superseded for their sakes , that for which his justice pleaded ; and i have in my personal distresse so tasted of their charitableness , that , thereby i , enjoying health , and life ( my self not seeking , but thy peace in chief ) expect that justice only , from thy hands whereon thine honour and thy welfare stands ; which neither is thy riches , or thy power for , these may come to nothing , in one hour ; and , if to them , thou overmuch incline , i will not change my poor estate for thine . among the prodigies , by many seen this year , i , might for one , have numbred been , if i , should all particulars relate which do concern my person and estate : but , they must now phanaticks counted be who , either do believe what they shall see , or dare take notice , of those things that vary from god's proceed , in courses ordinary ; and , therefore , i think fitting to conceal them , till that , which is to follow , doth reveal them , to manifest , without all dubitation , that , god hath spoken to this generation . mean while , i 'le suffer : for , our peace must now not from our actings , but , from suff'rings flow . yet , whether , i deserve respect or blame , know london , since i now thy prisoner am , that , if i have not wherewith to subsist thou art oblig'd , to find me bread , at least , whilst here i shall confinement undergo , though i had alwayes been thine open foe ; and , that 't is tyranny ( what ere they are ) to lay on any , more they can bear . know likewise , that , if here i shall miscarry through lack of what , for life is necessary thou , thereby forfeitest , ( as i conceive ) a better charter , then the king can give : because , through want of charity to foes , much more to friends , our part in christ we lose . what i have been to thee , it hath been shown ; what thou to me art , it will now be known . and , possibly , another creation will heed , that i am somewhat to this nation , deserving better , then that lie i should within a jail , at seventy three years old , for acting and designing nothing worse then , how to save them from a greater curse . look to your selves ; for , whether bond or free i am ; i know , my god , will look to me ; and , i and mine , shall be both cloath'd and fed , when they who slieghted us , want robes & bread . so believeth george wither . another meditation , ( or ballad as the world perhaps , will call it ) composed by the same prisoner since his commitment to newgate . i. my soul , since we are left alone , in our confinement here , where we disturbed are of none , to god , come , draw we near . for , part of his three dreadful woes , are now , so carrying on , that , if to him , we cling not close we may be quite undone . ii. our selves , let us examine so , that though our foes condemn , we may , for what we did misdo , make now our peace with him ; lest , when the world hath fully try'd , how , here we may be vext , we , greater miseries must abide where , she will throw us next . iii. sin , to full ripeness , is not come , nor malice , to her heights ; and , we e're they receive their doom may look for more despights . these , which we have endured yet , have been sustain'd with ease ; but , god , it may he will permit much harder things then these . iv. 't is but the suburbs unto hell , whereto , we now are sent ; and ( for the future ) none can tell what , hereto us is meant . to better men , worse things befall then seem to be our meed ; and , our afflictions are but small , to those , which may succeed . v. we have not that dark dungeon seen wherein , is endless night ; nor in those , lowsie lodgings been which ev'ry sence affright ; we feel not that , which many lack ; nor bolts , nor gives we wear , fit things for belly and for back , as yet , supplyed are . vi. with sickness , we are not opprest , in body , or in mind ; no outward cares disturb our rest no inward fears we find . for , all the suff'rings wherewith we as yet , afflicted seem are onely such as grievous be , in other mens esteem . vii . but , should i , ( being old and poor ) diseased grow within , with aches , have my limbes made sore , or , with an vlcer'd skin be turn'd into the common jail to lie upon the ground , and , all those outward helpes quite fail which i have lately found . viii . should this befall us , where might then our hope and courage be ? this , happens oft to righteous men , and , this , may fall on me . what , but complaints and mournful cryes would then , be in this place ; harts aking , or still weeping eyes , scorns , and despaire of grace ? ix . these will be then the best reliefs , that , flesh and blood can see , to cure or mitigate their griefs where such desertious be . yet , be of nought ( my soul ) afraid , for , by his angels , then , shall god's assistance be convaid when thou art left of men . x. they came unto the rich mans doer at which the lazar dy'd , and , him to rest eternal bore to whom , he crums deny'd ; and when elias had of bread the meanes deprived quite , he by the ravenous fowls was fed at morning , and at night . xi . their god is mine ; and if in him , my trust , i still repose , he , will to me , be as to them , to save me from my foes . or , if of that depriv'd i am which fed me to this day , i know he will supply the same as well , another way . xii . the earth is his , with her increase , and wasted were her store , he hath within a richer place , enough , to send me more ; and , till it comes ; that which doth starve , discomfort and destroy ; my life ( whilst useful ) shall preserve , and more increase my joy. xiii . the plagues , which others to despair , and to blaspheming move , shall stir me up , to praise , and prayer , and fill my heart with love. yea , that which on the kings of earth will dreadful horrors bring , shall make me with triumphant mirth , a hallelvjah sing . xiv . the purging fire , which them doth burn , who , therein raving , lye , thy drosse ( my soul ) to gold shall turn , thy silver , purifie . and , when thy fiery-tryal's past , no loss will come to thee , if thy works fixt on christ , thou hast , though built of straw they be . xv. resolves , which i had not before , these musings do beget ; and though , her furnace seven times more , the world , henceforth shall heat , my soul , return thou to thy rest ; for , god , hath me assur'd , that , where i ten times more opprest , it should be well endur'd . xvi . how blessed is that heav'nly place , where thou , oh christ , doth dwell ! if thou canst bring such joy and peace , into this earthly hell ? he , with whom , thou still present art , what ere on him is laid , if , thee he loves with all his heart , needs , no where be afraid . mewgate , sept. . . a return , in answer to some of them , who sent to know how it fares with me in my imprisonment . god , gave me grace ; by grace i did conceive a saving faith ; by saving faith i live . my life of faith , hath had a preservation , by hearing , acting , and by meditation . by meditation , i reduce to words what my experience in this life affords . by that experience which i have attain'd , a patience in my troubles i have gain'd ; my patience hath such hopefulness begot , that , this disgraceful prison shames me not . though i am poor ( and , as our proverb sayes ) as poor as job ) unto my god be praise , i am no beggar ; for , i have not yet , been forc'd to ask for money , clothes , ot meat ; nor tempted ( having dayly bread ) to borrow through fear of wants , that may befal to morrow : and , well remembring , who was pleas'd to say there 's care enough belonging to each day , i , for a day to which i may not live , will not of what i have , my self deprive . with my condition , i am pleas'd , and merry , of my long-suff'rings i am not grown weary . and wish those who pursue me with most hate no worse , then to enjoy the like estate , except my bands . i have acquir'd this rest , by those means and degrees , afore exprest , and , this , unfeignedly , to you declares how , at this present time , with me it fares . sept. . . from newgate . george wither . a pass-by , in relation to those , who seem offended at my frequent-scriblings , as they call them . me thinks , i hear some say , who look upon these papers ; will this fellow ne'r have done ? which questionists , i , with a smile contemn , supposing , labour lost , in answering them : for , nothing is more pleasing to their ears then scurril pamphlets , bawdy rimes , and jeers . to them alone , therefore , who take delight in wholsome words , i le shew why still i write ; presuming , that my reasons will not seem to merit , altogether , disesteem . although my former poems , and my musings had not until of late dayes , those perusings which i expected , nor now valued be of many , they have much refreshed me ; and , otherwile , for supplements have stood instead of sleep , of rayment , and of food . in troubles , me , they more content have made then wealth , repute , and all the friends i had . they cause me to be fearless of my foes ; when i am vext , my spirit they compose ; when i am poor , they are in stead of wealth . when i am sick , they help repair my health ; when i am well , they are my recreation , when tempted to despair , hopes reparation . thereby , when sadness comes , to mirth i turn it ; when i am slieghted , they do make me scorn it . in prisons , when my body is confin'd they do so many wayes inlarge my mind that , doubting whether will for me prove best , the freedom lost , or that which is possest , i use the means of both ; but , wholly leave the choice to god ; and what he gives receive . they are companions , when i 'm left alone ; they find me work to do , when i have none . by day , me from ill company they keep ; make nights less tedious , when i cannot sleep . they ease me , when i am opprest with wrongs ; when i want musick , they do make me songs . to friends , who like them ( where 's no better cheer ) they , acceptable entertainments are : oft , likewise , i make use of them , instead of charms , when , i of fools would fain be rid ; for , if i read them , but a page or two , they strait , grow weary , and away they go . they fix thoughts , which would quite slip out of mind , and , when writ down , i them , know where to find ; yea , other men , thereby , have oft received refreshments , if their words may be believed : and ( which is more then all this ) to god's praise , they are , and may be useful , sundry wayes . for these respects , whoever shall appear pleas'd or displeas'd , to me my musings are considerable ; and if any one they do offend , them , he may let alone ; for , though they have been tendred unto many , i never , yet , inforced them on any , against their wills ; except perhaps it were to save them , whose destruction i thought near ; and , ( i will not be shie the truth to say ) no men , have worse requited me , then they : but peradventure , if that dead i were , none daring to be their remembrancer , ( as i have been ) they may more mischief'd be through want of one , then troubled now by me . george wither's appollogy for composing the poem called vox vulgi ; being a welcome home from the counties , citties and burroughs , to their prevaricating members ; saving the honour of the house of commons , and of every faithfull and discreet individual member thereof ; which poem was surprised before quite finished . the contents . the author , here makes his defence ; clears his asspersed innocence ; and frees himselfe , from just suspition , of acting ought , without commission . here , i have time to meditate upon , what , i my self , and other men have done , occasioning my suffering , at this time , and , in relation to what 's thought my crime : lest , therefore , i may him offend who gave it , i will improve this leisure , whilst i have it ; for , when my musings , are exprest in words , the better means to scan them it affords ; and to declare , what i shall now expresse , i may hereafter , want both time , and place ; or , being dead , before my tryal-day , my false accusors , to my charge may lay , what they shall please ; and none be certain , why i was committed in this jayl to die . god give me strength , to finish this ; and than , let all my foes , do , and say , what they can . i am not only question'd , for a thing , presum'd misdone , but also , for the spring whence 't is deriv'd ; and pleas'd some are , to say that rending of my whole estate away , had me provok'd unto an angry-fit , which was the cause , of what i lately writ ; and , that i had a scurrulous intent . to cast asspertions on the parliament . to make it so appear , depriv'd i am , of what best proves , that , i deserve no blame . my last conception , ( which , before to light it could be brought , was snatcht out of my sight ) may forced be to speak , what i ne'r thought , or , else , be smother'd , as a birth'worth nought : or , ( that an ill intention may appear ) some verses may be pickt out here and there , ( without those qualifyings , which precede , or follow , to illustrate what they read ) whereby , some inferences may be made , that , on good-manners , i , intrenched had , in summing up , and personating that which i have heard , the common-voice relate : thus much to be intended doth appear , by what , i do already see and hear . which falsehood , if , but barely i deny i shall in words alone , retort the lie ; and , reason may be born down by the noises , arising from plurallity of voices , yeld forth by them , who shall intrude to do , that , which nor god , nor good-men calls them to . i , therefore , will produce a vindication , that may be justifi'd by demonstration ; or , by such reasons as will do me right ; unlesse they shall be kept from open sight , or clipt ; or , i not suffered be to say that , which to clear , my self produce i may : and , if so ; by the consciences of them i shall be quit , whose words will me cendemn . my cause , may for the present , injur'd be ; but , all the world can do no harm to me . though that which is without me , wrong'd hath been and may be still , all shall be safe within , so long as god , assisteth me , by whom i , with this confidence , am arm'd become ; and peradventure , they who think to spoil , this confidence , may give themselves the foile . their scandal , in the first place , i le assay , to wipe off , who suppose my losses may provoke me , or , that my oppressions had prevail'd , to make me grow a little mad ; but , they mistaken are in that surmise ; for , to the world-ward , i am so wise , to be by them distempred , in a mood like those , who trust in riches more than god ; and , by what i am like to undergoe , it will be proved , whether it be so . i am not so in love , as men conceive , with that , whereof the world can me bereave , as to ingage , for such poor interests , my quiet in this life , by those contests which i adventure on , if i saw nought , that much more worth such hazards , i had thought : and , this mind , if my actions did not shew , in former times , those will that shall ensue , when , more undoubtedly those things appear , which of my writings , the chief motives were . and will shew whether , i did ought intend to drive on an ignoble , or self-end . it may he known , by what was heretofore divulg'd , that , nothing now befalls me more then i expected ; that , i did foresee what lately seiz'd on other men and me : that , having been here , in the worlds great school so long a time , i was not so much fool , as not to know , how , friends , and means to make in seasonable time to save my stake and mend my game ; if i unto that end had play'd it , which most other men intend ; or , if i thought those men , who look on me with most contempt , were better then they be . i knew as well as any , how to fawn , and flatter ; what to give , and what to pawn for my advantage , if i could have thought that , worth my seeking , for which most men sought . but though i find it an imperfect light whereby at first , i walk'd , it gave me sight of much more then the world believ'd , i saw , and , kept me of mine own heart so in awe , that , notwithstanding i did for a season oft stagger to and fro , 'twixt faith and reason , ( and stumbled otherwhile , into those things which ruine , unless grace prevention brings ) i , in the main , pursu'd a good design ; ( not , i confess , by any power of mine ) and by some symptoms , at the last , perceiv'd , that , till of my estate , i was bereav'd , my work , would neither well be carryed on ( when that time came , wherein it should be done ) nor , take so good effect , as it would then , upon my self , or upon other men . for , which cause , when i saw it must be so , without reluctancy , i , let all go , and without nourishing , a secret spleen against their persons , who my foes have been . this , future things , much better will display then all which at this present , i can say ; as also , that , they who from me of late , have torn unmercifully , my estate ; by far worse motives thereunto were led , then those , which me inclin'd to what i did . loss to prevent , or to regain what 's lost , i did adventure no more pains or cost , then reason warranted , and obligations which bound me to have care of my relations ; or might , then , by pursuing of that course assure me , how much better'd , or grown worse men , by those judgements and those mercies were , which god , had variously dispensed here ; and , having thereby learned what god meant i , with my losses was as well content as is a christian when by turks pursu'd ( who overpower him by their multitude ) he wracks his vessell on a friendly shore , where , he hath life and freedom , though no more . why , should i angry be to see that gone which if i had not lost , had me undone ? which also , will undo them , who now have it , and ( if good heed he take not ) him that gave it ? or , which will be restor'd again to me , if , for god's glory , and my good it be ? why , should i be displeas'd to be bereft of that , whose loss hath an assurance left of better things ? of that , which , whilst possest , increast my troubles , and disturb'd my rest ? of that , which i must shortly leave ( though mine ) and , know not ( when the same i must resign ) whether , it to their weal or woe , shall tend , to whom , when i am dead , it will descend ? these things considered , all wise men know that , nor these , nor my former musings flow from discontentments , or from wrath that springs from loss of inconsiderable things : and wisemens , good esteems , if keep i may , a rush i care not , what fools think or say , on whom , the less impression it will make , the more i rationally write , or speak . but , that , whereby most blame to me may come , ( and , which will probably be charged home ) is an impeachment for a hainous thing that some are pleas'd to call a lybelling against the commons ; which , if proved true i le ask no favour : for , i think none due ; and , if it be an unjust imputation i for my sufferings claim a reparation , expecting ( which ought not to be refus'd ) that , what is call'd a lybel be produc'd to open view , and sight of ev'ry one who may concerned be , in what is done : and , that , none may usurp a priviledge thereon to passe a sentence as my judge , who shall not read , or hear the same throughout ▪ for , solomon hath freed it so from doubt that , to averr , i shall not be a fear'd , he , that doth censure what he never heard , deserveth shame ; and i shall rather laugh and jeer thereat , then either grieve or chafe ; because , ( at worst ) i , then a doome shall have , much like as if , a fool had call'd me knave . if left to publick view , my poem be , and finisht as intended was by me no worse construction , thereof can be made then this , that , i have call'd a spade a spade ; and , means devis'd , whereby men may appear unto themselves , what others know they are . by fained speakers , i have onely said what was to me by common-fame convey'd and murmur'd in most places , to worse ends then that , wheteto my harmless poem tends : and , if i may presume the truth to tell i am rewarded ill , for doing well : for , thereby , i not onely turn'd aside that general reproach which was apply'd to all the house of commons , and , alone to them confin'd it , who brought blame thereon ; but , likewise , without personally blaming ( or marking any forth ) to their defaming , have sought to bring it to their cognisance , who might thereby , the publick weal advance ; and , who , if it prov'd worthy approbation might useful make it for the reformation of that , which else , will have a cousequence more hurtful , then my innocent-offence , for , though by publication , i had done what might have seem'd a fault ; ( and now is none ) the generality but little more had thereby known , then what most knew before , when to worse ends , and more apparant wrongs 't was tost , upon the rackets of mens tongues ; who , so dissatisfied seem to be by what , they lately feel , and hear and see , that very frequently they are offended ev'n with what for their welfare , seems intended ; because , they having often been deceiv'd suspect , some future mischiefs then conceiv'd : yea , then , are things , when plausibly projected , the lesse believed , and the more suspected ; not by those onely , who now called are phanaticks , but , by those likewise that were distinguish'd by the name of cavalier ; yea , and our jacks indifferent , do begin to be more talkative then they have been , because , they find themselves in danger ( whether they are of this , or that side , or of neither ) so long , as things which reason order might , shall passe by number onely , without weight . to intimate , that , parliaments had been disturb'd , by some of those , who were brought in a surrepticious way ; and , that by them the people were abus ' , d is no great crime ; nor is affirming , that they were deceiv'd unfitting to be spoken , or believ'd , when generally avow'd ; nor to averr a parliament in grosse , may sometimes err , since , neither to be wise , or innocent , is , an inseperable accident of parliaments ; as hath apparant been , by that , which we in our own dayes have seen : for , that , they may with treason , and with murther , be charged , we shall need to look no further then , unto those transactions which have past , both in this parliament , and in the last . what have i then misdone in making known how foolish , mad , or wicked some were grown ? how much opprest men are ; how griev'd ; and how exasperated , more and more , they grow ? what fault commit i , when i hear men say what 's done , and what i see done every day , if i declare ( sedition to prevent ) that i perceive most men are discontent , and froward ? since i neither made them such , nor , therein am concerned half so much as other men ? nor did intend a course thereby , to make what 's evil , to be worse ? and , since , by that , which lately written was by me , no mischief can be brought to passe , unless , by accident befall it may , as when heat melteth wax , and hardens clay . it seems hard usage ( therefore ) to be thrown into a jail ; of all that was mine own , in my old age dispoil'd ; shut up alone , where , sick or well ( attended on by none ) i must in longest nights the hazzards take of what may happen , sleeping or awake ; not impudent enough , to beg or borrow , nor having certainty of bread , to morrow , if charity should fail : which , is a case much worse , then oft befalleth in this place , to thieves and murtherers : yet , this is not here mention'd as repining at my lot ; for , whereas i am onely lodged there , where murtherers and thieves confined are , the son of god , who for my ransome dy'd was twixt a thief and murth'rer crucifi'd : and , in my present suff'rings i am eas'd , by being well assur'd , that god is pleas'd with what befals ; and that i shall at last be fill'd with sweetness , by what had a taste of bitterness at first ; and , that to them who , me and my endeavour now contemn , things may hereafter profitable be , which are at present , mischievous to me . despised instruments will be of use to bring to mind , that which will help reduce confusion into order , when apply'd by meekness , and not spurned at by pride ; and , things which by the world , as much were jeer'd as josuah's rams-horns , when he first appear'd surrounding jericho , will bring about as great a miracle , as then was wrought ; though no examples , yet , nor good advice , nor private admonitions make those wise , who have not eyes to see , what they behold nor ears , to hear a truth , when it is told . the hour is not yet come , which i expect may probably give this a good effect . but , there are times wherein that will content for which , we shall at other times be shent . my poem , stiled opobalsamum , ( though ) more offensive , then my last , to some ) the commons ( named the long parliament ) did winck at , without show of discontent : yea , though in plain terms , i made bold to tell wherein , their faulty-members did not well . i , then ( as in the last ) had so divided the goats from sheep ; and had so well provided to save their honour , who least guilty were that ( though when that first poem , did appear , i was to them a prisoner , for telling what some of them to hear of , were unwilling ) they me inlarged , and vouchsaf'd me more respect in show , then e're they did before . for , prudently observing , that the shame which they in chief deserv'd , who were to blame , was upon all , without distinction flung , ( till , unto those to whom it did belong , i had confin'd it ) not one word was spoken to me , which their displeasure might betoken ; and , some good use was made , ( though i confess not very much ) of what i did express : and , when , by time , that out of mind was wore , i , had as little favour as before . and , so i have had also , ever since ; for , still , some at my writings took offence , and more my wrongs , by one foe , one day , were then all my friends , could right in twenty year . i may have hope , the commons before whom i must be try'd , as prudent will become . the priviledge of waterford affords , the freedom of explaining their own words to all her citizens . if my words are allow'd but that sense onely , which they bear grammatically , i no more desire , so that my poem be preserv'd intire , and perfected with my last thoughts thereon according to my mind when 't was begun . for , no great credit again thereby they shall who weigh a matter , till they hear it all , and , they will much bewray their ignorances , who heed not causes , with their circumstances . there was before my book , as epigram whereby , i wholly vindicated am from that which is pretended ; and , i hear that will not be permitted to appear . if so , i find it , there is mischief meant which i shall find a medium to prevent , unless there be , in some an impudence much more deserving blame then my offence . that epigram did evidently shew my book designed for the private view of clarendon , ( suppos'd so wise and just , that , him , the king is pleased to intrust ev'n with his conscience ) to receive his doom before , that forth in publick it should come : because , that , i was hopeful it might bring by means of him , some notions to the king whereof his wisdom , would have made some use to further , what shall to his weal conduce ; and , if that epigram concealed be it both dishonours him , and injures me . for , lyable it makes him , to suspect that , me , in ill designs , he doth protect ; the wrong to me is without precedent , for , e're i had expressed what i meant with my imperfect poem , i was seiz'd ; accus'd of whatsoever others pleas'd , and here , unto an ignominious jail committed am unheard , and without bail. i hope for better usage , when the ring of suff'rings i have trod , till me it bring before my judges : ( for what e're is thought ) their honour , i have not infring'd in ought . their charge , against me , i , yet know not how may honestly be prov'd ; but , this i know , the house of commons may much honour get by well approving that which i have writ ( considering , i therein have appeal'd , to god , and men ) if , it be not conceal'd . from open view , and mulcts upon me laid for mentioning in private , what was said , in publick by the people ; who , thereby and , therein , are concern'd as much as i ; because , my purpose , in that poem , tends to common good , without sinister ends . and , if we to our selves , may not relate , our thoughts in words , and them communicate to peers intrusted by the supream power , ( for preservarion of their peace and our ) we are in danger , shortly , to become the veriest slaves throughout all christendom . but , ( as i said in that which was surpriz'd ) the prudent commons , will be so advis'd when they with seriousness , have that perused whereby , they are suppos'd by me abused , that , finding none reproved save onely those , who them in their debatings did oppose ; and , that they likewise ( after next october , who were half mad in june ) wise , and grown sober , will mend their former manners , and become as helpful , as they have been troublesome ; both parties then , will , peradventure be thenceforth , as fully , reconcil'd to me as i to all men am ; and , what was not ill-meant , shall be well taken , or forgot . if , it be so ; it will a symptome prove of an abatement , if not of remove , of some oppressions , to prepare the way for what 's reserv'd , untill another day . but , to what end is this apologie ? not meerly , from this place wherein i lie , to free my person ; or , from that , which may to me befall upon my tryal-day . no ; those effects , must from an abler spirit proceed : all i can say , or do , or merit , to add a contribution thereunto , so , little , will to such a purpose do , that , rather , provoke more my foes , i shall and deeper , into their displeasure fall : for , 't is not pleading in the fittest season a righteous cause , with arguments reason ; nor is it our well-doing ; or our saying the truth ; nor preaching ; nor unto them , praying ; nor our long-suff'rings ; nor ( when past they are ) good services to them , how great so e're , that so much moves , as flattery , making friends , large gifts , and serving of their present ends . i , therefore , have but an occasion took thereby , to mention somewhat , yet unspoke a nobler cause concerning then mine own , ( and whereon , words will better be bestown ) wholly to god committing the success make that , the chief aim of what i express . for , hearing what is done , ( by common fame ) and partly knowing , that , oblig'd i am not by my nat'ral faculties alone , on me conferred for that end , ( or none ) but , also , by my christianity , ( and , not a little , by a moral-tie ) to speak , and write , and do the best i may , to bring them who are out , into their way ; and , i le express , what e're to that effect i do believe may tend ; without respect to persons of a high or low degree ; or , any powers on earth , who e're they be . councills and parliaments , and soveraign kings , i do acknowledge to be sacred things , whose reputation , whilst ( at least ) they are in being , ought with conscientious care to be preserv'd ; because on them depends , that , which to publick woe or welfare tends . yet , he , from whom all powers their being had , and they , for whose sakes onely they were made ought so to be preferr'd , that , nought be wav'd whereby their dues , and honours , may be sav'd . we have oft seen and felt , in our own times , that , they of such confusions , and such crimes hath been the cause at least in letting in much more destructive plagues , then all the sin of privare persons ; and , that which we know was heretofore , may be hereafter so . yea , may and will , in every age grow worse unless there be provision of some course to regulate them ; and , a free consession ( to persons qualified with discretion ) to mind them of their duties , who have dar'd when they to publick places were prefer'd , imploy those priviledges as their own which were for publick services bestown ; and , often do abuse them , to the wrong of them , to whom of right , they do belong . 't is now high time , that earthly kings & judges , should wiser grow ; and use their peiviledges , to better purposes then heretofore : for , his great kingdom , now is at the door , which will destroy those empires that begun in nimrod , and through various forms did run until the tyrannies , beginning than shall have an end in that misterious-man , who , by the dragon , scarlet-whore and beast , ( though mystically ) truly is exprest . then , shall those tyrannies , and usurpations whereby he , long time , hath opprest the nations , and therewith , every branch that sprung therefrom , unto an everlasting ruine come ; though some of them are seemingly besainted , and with fair shewes of holiness bepainted . for , i believe ( although it doth appear to few men , yet ) divine records declare aswell the term of nimrod's emperies as of mysterious babels tyrannies , whose time , six hundred sixty six is known to number out : and , which must be ov'rthrown with that , from whence it sprung , when ripe 't is grown . that , to be all in all , god , may be known . ( grown . and ( as i've oft inferr'd ) they , who belong to that new empire , which will then grow strong , shall now way need their persons , to ingage by violent actings ; but , to bear the rage of their opposers with a patient heart ; for , suff'ring onely , will be their chief part . and , he who in the assyrian hoast did smite fourscore five thousand persons , in one night , shall by the pow'r and vertue of his word perform that work , without their hand or sword . the cup of fornication , so bewitches with love of pleasures , honours , and of riches the great men of the earth , that , they think none are sober men , unless they dote upon those vanities , and prosecute those ends to which , their policy and power tends , until they grow as mad or drunk as they ; and , then perhaps , for wise men , pass they may . as david sayes , they will not understand ; they will not heed what god hath now in hand ; but , obstinately still adhere to those who , tempt them on , unto their ov'rthrowes , till ruine comes : for , they are not aware how cheated by those mountebanks they are ; nor how those parasites increase their store , ev'n to excess , by making of them poor : nor heed they , how , these cause them to destroy those men , by whom they safety might enjoy with love and honour , if they did not lend their ears to those , who no good-men befren'd . they shut their eyes , and therefore cannot see into what dangers they approaching be ; and , those as much they hate who cross their will to save them , as if they did come to kill . that , which they call , the reason of the state , too far insisted on , is often that which proves the bane of kingdoms ; & yet still either false prophets , priests , or their self-will therewith besots them ; though they have bin told , what thereon hath ensu'd in times of old when , princes , god's directions had despis'd ; and acted that , which their own hearts devis'd although they by experiments had seen , what , of their policies , the fruits have been . these were of old examples : saul , thereby deprived was of life and soveraignty . king solomon , by something like that knack ( to please his wives ) in honour suff'red wrack . so , jeroboam , though , god promis'd him , and to his seed , a lasting diadem , by that state-policy , whereby he sought to keep the throne , the loss thereof was wrought . jehu , regardless of god's promises the same course following , had the like success . high places , altars , groves , and priests of baal were chief occasions of king ahabs fall , the bringing of the gods of edom home , in hope that they a strengthning might become unto his kingdom , was the overthrow of amaziah , and of many moe . state-policy , made judah's king contemn the prophets counsel , when jerusalem was first destroyed , and the jews inslaved who , might then , from that bondage have been saved ; and , they who truly sought their preservation reputed were ( as now ) foes to their nation , disloyal to their king , seiz'd as supitious , and punished as factious or seditious . state-policy , caus'd breaking of that oath for which god was with zedekiah wroth , and punished in such a signal wise that he lost both his kingdom and his eyes : and , politick enlarging of possessions or power , by loading nations with oppressions , to further state-designs ( until it wracks their loyalties , and then their patience cracks ) hath been , and will be , in all times , and nations , the cause of wars , rebellions , desolations and changing governments : but , now ere long when human policy , hath made most strong the mistris of terrestrial potentates , by counsel , strength , and by confederates , combin'd as they intend ( and when their might hath raised expectation to the height ) then ; she , and they , shall be unto each other a mutual plague , and be destroy'd together , with ev'ry person , family , and nation , which is a member of that corporation : and then , those pedlers who are now so jolly , shall , packing up the tokens of their folly run to seek out where they their heads may hide , from that , whereby , they shall be terrifi'd . let him , that hath an ear to hear this , hear it ; let proud men tremble ; let the mighty fear it ; and let the meek rejoyce ; for , god will turn their sorrows into gladness , who now mourn . it is not only , now , of much behoof , but , necessary too , that sharp reproof advice and admonition , should be given to all estates and princes under heaven , yea , and particularly be apply'd by some , and in some cases , when aside they from the way of safety , stray so far that , to apparant danger , nigh they are ; ( how ere they take it , or what ever shall thereby , to their premomters befall ) because , by states , if wickedly inclin'd , the greatest plagues do fall upon mankind . this made elia's to become so bold when ahab , of his wickedness he told unto his face ; and when , to like intent , a writing , he to king jehoram sent . this , to reprove king asa , without dread , the seer hanani encouraged . this , made the prophet samuel so to school king saul , that in effect , he call'd him fool ; and , john the baptist , speak as plainly too , of herod , as now they term'd quakers do to some with us : this , also , did induce king david , who observed the abuse of courts and councils , to cry out on them to this effect ; how long ! will ye condemn the poor and innocent ? how long ! oppress the man , afflicted , and the fatherless ? how long ! will ye unrighteously neglect the cause that 's just , for personal respect ? do justice , and vouchsafe compassion more hereafter , then ye have done heretofore ; for , ( if it be not ) to you , be it known you walk in darkness ; you have overthrown the worlds foundations ; wilfully inforce , all things to move out of their proper course ; and , that , though god himself hath call'd you gods a difference making ( with no little odds ) twixt you and common men , yet , die you shall like them ; yea , die such death's , as did befall to wicked princes , who , unto their place went down , with greatest horror and disgrace . although such rough reprooss on silken ears grate harshly , and are thought by flatterers to sound like blasphemy : this in old times the language was , in which great princes crimes rebuked were ; this was the usual mode , till slavish men , fear'd mortals more then god. thus , david spake unto the congregations of mighty men ; thus , through all generations to them should truth be told , as need requir'd , by those who , to that purpose are inspir'd : republicks , kings , and councils , objects are of such reproofs , and so reproved were , and , how inrag'd soever they are grown god , will be king ; his pleasure hee 'l make known by whom soever he pleases , that their crimes may now , as well as in preceding times reproved be ; for , states and private men are every whit as guilty , now , as then . the same at this time , or , the like omissions , the like exorbitances , and oppressions in this our generation may be found ; and more and more , are likely to abound if not prevented ; for , the things we should : we neither do , nor suffer those who would , and , if we can but force men to professe as we do , though against their consciences , we think we have secur'd them to our side ; whereas , when such mens truths come to be try'd , who are for fear , or for advantage won to act what is against their conscience done , ( they , being both to god , and men unjust ) in them , there 's of all other , the least trust : for , how long ? or to whom ? or unto what will they be true , who conscience violate ? doubtless , without a speedy reformation , it wholly , will corrupt this generation , fit us for nothing , but , for what is evil , and , to be serviceable to the devil . as therefore 't is unfit that ev'ry one should states , reprove , 't is as unfit that none perform that work , and brutish , to conceive that , god , the worlds last and worst age , should leave without premonitors ; or , that the dayes most wicked grown , requir'd not stranger wayes of admonition , then have been in use when , of god's grace there was much less abuse : for , providence , that nothing doth omit which , either work or season , may befit , ( although , but little heed thereof be took ) hath lately , to this generation spoke by many prodigies : each element hath very plainly preached god's intent : yea , many dispensations , which to us seem to be wicked , or ridiculous , have somewhat in them , which relates unto that , which we have done , or else ought to do or have omitted ; or else to be signs of that , whereto this later age declines : and , that such things as those , in these last ages should be , we have authentical presages . but , visions , revelations , prophesies or such like , now , the common-voice decries as at an end : which i , confesse , is true as they concern revealing doctrines new to saving faith relating : yet , of that , which may concern the temporarie state of christ's church militant , or his elect in actings or in suff'rings to direct ; or , of unfolding prophesies to them , which were seal'd up , till an appointed time , god , hath vouchsaf'd in season , revelations as need required in all generations , by whom he pleas'd ; and frequently , by such as , by the world , were not esteemed much . some think , that nothing meriteth regard save what by ancient prophets , was declar'd , who were immediately inspir'd from heaven , by special warrant and commission given . be not deceiv'd ; the same commission , still , is extant with us , under hand and seal , in execution to be put , by all whom , for time being , god shall please to call to be his prophets ; who , aswell may now as heretofore , be called from the plow , from herds , fruit gathering , fishing , from a trade which , in the world small reputation had , or ( as when christianity began ) from being an extorting pablican ; this , may believed be ; for , what is else the meaning of that scripture which foretells their sons and daughters in the later times , should prophesie ? that , old men should have dreams , and young men visions ? mind too ( if forgot it be ) and know it , if you know it not , that every one , who hath in interest in christ , is now , king , prophet and a priest , ( anointed , at renewing of his birth , to do him services here upon earth ; and stands oblig'd , as he occasion sees to execute all these three offices according to the measure of god's grace bestown , and in his proper time and place ; and , these impower'd by his commissions are to parliaments , and councils to declare ▪ ( at least in general terms ) what may prevent dishonouring god , or common detriment ; and be remembrancers , of such like things , as need requires , unto the greatest kings . kings , also , should have still attending them such seers , as to david in old time the prophet nathan was . but , in the stead of such , baffoons , or jesters do succced , in princes courts ; by whom , they sometimes are inform'd of useless truths , by way of jeer ; and , other while , perhaps , a formallist , so far as it with courtship may consist , will mind them of such duties as they see by them perform'd ; but , such as wholly be neglected , and by whose neglect they may be quite destroy'd , they , not a word will say . on many kings ; their lies a heavy charge ; their kingdoms are both populous and large ; there , likewise , are so many thousand cases which do concern their persons , or their places or other men ; and such a few there are to represent them to a royal ear and , likewise of those few , there are so few who represent unto them what is true , that , whilst a freedom is allow'd to none to shew them what 's destructively misdone , or , what is fam'd ; all their prerogatives may not secure their honours and theit lives : especially , at such a time as this wherein god searcheth after what 's amisse ; and , hath already , both begun to cast into his fiery furnace , and to blast all humane wisdom , pow'r and righteousness ( yea all , wherein their confidence men place ) that , they may know , all evils do from them proceed , and all things , that are good , from him . moreover , that , which long since was foretold , some of this generation shall behold , in differing states , and with as different passions according to their differing inclinations ; and by the men , and means the world despises , in spight of all that hamane wit devises it shall be brought to pass ; and , they who did defend the noblest cause , then , best shall speed . oblig'd , for these respects , is ev'ry one to do , what in his place is to be done , that god's will , so far forth as power is given , may here be done on earth , as 't is in heaven : a safe condition , they are alwayes in who trust not in their merits ; hate their sin ; and their endeavours labour to improve in faith , and meekness , patience , hope and love ; that this may be effected , whatsoever it costs them , in pursuing that endeavour . for , priviledges of the humane nature , more sacred are then those of any creature beneath the godhead ; and , to all mankind he is a traytor , who hath ought design'd . against that interest ; and therefore , i vow , in defence thereof , to live and die . in order thereunto , i now employ , the faculty and talent i enjoy , which , god hath made proportionable to the works , and men , with whom i have to do . that , which i suffer for , on this account was done ; by god's commission i have done 't . if truth i write , i am no whit to blame , if it be false , i an imposter am ; and , let the commons , when that next they meet , deal with me for it , as god shall permit . i have discharg'd my conscience : and , if me , he will not save , i , saved will not be ; nor will i , in this cause plead one word more , then , this , and what i 've written heretofore . i know the world ; she also knows her own and , we shall both ere long be better known : mean while , this my imprisonment to me will my teipsum nosce , prove to be . this also , and what 's formerly exprest of me , and of this age , will be a test . now , i le retire unto my self , and sing to god , be glory ; and god save the king. they , who are wise will observe these things ; and shall understand the loving kindness of the lord . psal . . . another meditation in newgate , somewhat alluding to this old verse in seneca , nunquam non potest , esse virtuti locus . which implies , that no place , or time can disadvantage an honest-man . there 's diff'rence in the self same times and places , as god conferreth , or withdraws his graces ; or , as our cause is ; or , as we shall find our hearts , to be ought more or less inclin'd , to bring the flesh into a due subjection , unto the spirits dictates and direction . for , this place , i perceive to be the same to me , which i unto my self , now am , and , not that , which it is to most of them who are with me confined at this time . by burthens ( though as great ) are made more light , then theirs are unto them ; the day or night , are no whit tedious ; nor unpleasing make my sleep , nor cares renew , when i awake : but , i as well contented am become , in all respects , as ev'r i was at home ; although , as well by my intelligence , i , my afflictions feel , as by my sense : for , ev'n those things , which in themselves are bitter , to cure distempers , prove not onely fitter , but sweeter too , then that which in times past was more defir'd , and did most please my taste . the want of sleep here , and of such like things as else where , and at other seasons , brings pain to the flesh , and to the soul vexations , are either made to me sweet recreations , or give instruction , in another mode , and more effectually , then things abroad . last night , as in my bed i musing lay how time and life , and all things pass away ; how needlesly our selves we vex and pother , destroy , afflict , and persecute each other ; what cost , and pains , and time , we spend to build that , which will in a little while be spoil'd ; and , how , the quiet of our lives we trouble about our structures of wood , straw and stubble ; which , when our several fiery tryals come , will into smoke and ashes , quite consume ; it made me take into consideration what i had built , and upon what foundation , that , i my self , might therein be secure although my works , the flame should not endure . and , thereof , having an assurance got the loss of all my works disturb me not : for , i , a thousand times more pleas'd am grown with his on whom i build , then with mine own . my soul then , ( which in her complantings , flies like an eagle mounted on her wings through wayes , which to no other can appear ) to various objects , scatter'd here and there , her flights directing ; at the last descri'd that flame , whereby the works of men are try'd ; to which , mine eye of contemplation turning , to see each single humane structure burning , it was to me , a much more pleasing sight then bon-fires on a solemn day at night when young and old men round them in a ring do sit and hear a fidler play and sing ; and , ' mongst all things , which to the fire then yielded , the paper works which have been lately builded did make the greatest blaze ; and to mine eyes appear'd to be the best burnt-sacrifice that had been off'red in this age by men , by , at the least , nine and a half in ten ; because , they have a prime occasion been both of our present plagues , and of much sin : and , griev'd i was not , that , some of mine own must into that refining fire be thrown , for , though that useful they might be some way , much of them , have ( i fear ) too much alay . there are among our papers-edifices , some useful , sanctifi'd , and harmless peeces which may be helpful to preserve those notions whereby , our faith , our manners and devotions may be improved , and likewise to clear the lanthorn , which the saving light doth bear , from those bedaubings , which the foggs of time , and mists of ignorance , have made so dim , that , many things , it very dubious makes and doth occasion manifold mistakes : but , they are buried so in heaps of trash , so choakt , with intermixed balderdash , and , so supprest by them who hate the light , ( or , persecute the authors with despight ) that , they are but like here and there a spark , which lies at bopeep , twinckling in the dark ; and , would be quite quencht , if not oft reviv'd . by him , from whom , they were at first deriv'd . yet ( like the fire which in a wat'ry-pit , ( was hid ) although such sparks be clouded , yet they will break forth ; and kindled by the blast of god's out-breathings , raise a flame at last , that shall quite burn up , those huge piles of vain and pestilent contrivements of the brain . for , they are , and have long time , been the tinder of pride and lust , and discord . they , do hinder the publick peace ; the growth of truth and love they do obstruct ; all wickedness promove , and all prophaness ; ignorance they cherish , destructive animosites they nourish : yea , have so fill'd the world with books of lies , patcht up with forged probabilities , that , 't is impossible the time succeeding should know the truth of any thing by reading , without a more then common intellect or , some divine assistance to direct . for , they have put on most things , such disguises , that , vertues , hardly can ▪ be known from vices , or truths from heresies , or wit from folly , or things prophane discern'd from what is holy ; nor cheating sophistries , from soundest reason , nor right from wrong , nor loyalty from treason ; nor reprobates from saints ; nor saints from devils , nor saving doctrines from destroying evils , except some help which hath vouchsafed been from god , shall much improve the light within . this notwithstanding , pleased be to know , ( although there is to them pronounc'd a woe by whom offences come ) it fitting were that , if an evil be , it should appear : and , ( since god doth permit it for probation that good and evil in each generation sholdu manifest it self ) that by the crimes of others , men approv'd may know the times , we with a sanctified heart should heed them and , to those ends improve them when we read them for which they were permitted . thus , from acts that evil are , the prudent man extracts good uses , as physitians when it needs , extracteth physick out of poysonous weeds . thus far , my muse before i was aware had rambled ; but , i le cast the lure up , here . these , & such thoughts as these , me waking kept whilst , many dream'd of other things , and slept . this , of the last nights musings , portion was ; ( which , if you please , may for a vision passe ) and , when the morning came , thus , into words i put , as much as memory affords . newgate , the th . day of the . moneth , . a meditation , occasioned by the same prisoners calling to mind , jeremies prophecie to ebed-melech , the blackmore , jerem. . . i am oblig'd , as much as i am able , to be to other men as comfortable as they have been to me ; and , though ( as john and peter said long since ) gold i have none nor silver ) what i have , i will repay , and , that , perhaps , may useful be some way . what was ebed-melech , but , one of those who , nationally , were esteemed foes , to god , and to his church ? which way , can we by what is writ of him , advantag'd be more then by other common histories , if , from what 's mention'd in such peophesies , we may not with good warranty , apply the same rewards of faith and charity , ( to ev'ry man in every generation ) which was recorded by the jewish nation , both to infuse and warrant , the same hope which was confirmed to this aethiope ? but , doubtlesly we may ; since , for our learning for our direction , comfort and forewarning , all those things , principally , were ordain'd which , in the holy scriptures are contain'd . this person , represents to us , our state by nature , and as men regenerate . the life of jeremiah he preserved , who , else , within a dungeon had been starved : him , forth out of a lothsome pit he drew , when , nor prince , peer , or priest , nor any jew to him vouchsafed mercy : he , alone , did more then any isra'lite had done , although a gentile , and a courtier too , who , seldom , works of charity , will do . and , this , was so accepted of the lord , that by the self same prophet , he sent word ( ev'n whilst that he detain'd in prison was as i am now ) that , when upon the place of his abode , the dreadful doom foretold inflicted was , he should the same behold ; and , that , to him , on their destruction day his life , should be vouchsafed , for a prey . this signal mercy to my mind was brought , in this place , pertinently , ( as i thought ) why , from this patern therefore , may not i who , for declaring truth , imprison'd lie , shew forth that mercy which i have receiv'd and whereby , i am hitherto repriev'd from what to me , might probably have been as bad , as that which jeremy was in ? for , age and poverty , in such a place , might quickly have destroy'd one in my case . my soul , for this compassion , praise thou him who hath vouchsafed it ; and blesse thou them my gracious god , who were the instruments in that , which my destruction here prevents : although , they of a forraign nation are not they , neighbours , kinsmen , or familiars were not but all of them ( except a very few ) such , as untill of late , i neither knew in person , or by name ; some of them be in judgement also , differing from me in some points ; which , infallibly doth prove their faith is true , and perfected by love. their charity . ( this i dare boldly say ) god , will reward , upon their tryal day ; and , in those future dreadful visitations which , likely are , to come upon these nations preserve their lives , to see them , who oppresse , receive their portions with the merciless . as sure , as i yet live , it will be thus ; or , they , at least , when christ calls them , with us , before his judgement-throne ; repaid will be what they have here vouchsafed unto me ; for , mercy , though extended to a beast ( much more to man ) with some reward is blest , and , though i were a more unworthy wretch then was by nature , that ebed-melech , yet , forasmuch , as me they have received as one of christs disciples , and relieved , ( what er'e i am ) he , charity regards , and , they , accordingly shall have rewards . newgate , sept. . . an antidote against fear , composed upon the citizens being unexpectedly in arms , sept. . . at night . god , keep all safe abroad ; i 'm in my bed , and , see no danger yet , or cause of dread . emanuel my protector is become , he , keeps all pannick-fears out of this roome , and , though the devil and my foes together confederated , they can bring none hither . here 's nought , that any way doth me disease , unless , it be a few poor starveling fleas , which , i perceive are more afraid of me , then cause i have of them afraid to be : for , if i do but shrugg , where it doth itch , they skip into a hole , and there they couch . no thief , i think , to rob me dares appear , within these walls , the gallowes are so near ; and , likewise , i believe , 't is known full well , i 've nought to lose , nor ought for them to steal . i no back-biters had , since to this house i my commitment had , except , one louse which now is dead , ( not having left behind a son or daughter , that i yet can find ) and , though i were assaulted with a score ( as here , some are oft-times with many more ) i am assur'd , my landress hath a gift to rid them ; and it is a cleanly shift . i do suspect , that , thus it doth not fare with all men , who rejoyce that i am here ; but , that , although they speak big words and grin , they have more fears without them , or within ; and , that , some thousands who yet walk the street with more , and with worse misadventures meet : for , terrors are abroad , and ev'ry where it doth in language , or in looks appear . i , just now , hear a sound like to alarms ; drums beating , and the ●lattering of arms ; i ( as they pass along , hear souldiers voyces , words of command , and military noises , which , by the time , and darkness of the night , doth many of the neighbour-hood affright , and makes me think ( although i cannot tell what is amiss ) that , all things go not well . what should the matter be ? i hope , the men whom we saw dead , are not alive agen ; for , though i live yet , ( and live longer may ) i did expect to rise , assoon as they . most hoped , they , er'e now should have been free , from that , wherewith disturbed they still be ; but , many see , here 's dayly an increase of what , may more infringe the common-peace . the citizens , i hear , strict watch do keep this night , in arms : i hope , were they asleep we should be safe ; and that , this will hereafter yield much less cause of sorrow , then of laughter : for , all our factions are now of each other so fearful , that they 'l hardly come together , unless affrighted in the dark they are , and fall foul on each other , unaware . men might ( if there withall they could be pleas'd ) of pains and cost and troubles , be much eas'd , ( with much more safety , and more , honour too ) yet , make no night alarms as now they do . he , that 's a pious , and an honest liver , needs not the mores bow , nor the parthians quiver , nor , to be singly , much less double garded : for , innocence is by it self , well warded ; and , when she 's most maliciously surrounded , then , soonest , her oppressors are confounded . of all the foes , that are , or ever were , there 's none so bad , or ●●ngerous as fear : for , it not onely many a man distresses , when plenty , power , and honour , he possesses , ( and all the pleasures of his life destroys , whilst ev'ry thing he seemingly enjoyes ) but , makes plagues also , which will never come to be a greater torment unto some , then they are , or , then they can be , if all whereof they are afraid , should them befall . moreover , it is such a foe as none can easily escape when seiz'd upon . nor power nor policy , nor walls of brasse to keep it out , can strengthen any place ; nor flesh and blood , by sratagem , or ginn expell it can , when it hath broken in . were all the wealth and weapons in the land , and all the people , at one mans command , they could not fortifie his heart from fears ; for , terrours will creep in ev'n at the ears , and passage make through ev'ry other sence , in spight of all resistance and defence . that fear is such a terrour , i well know for i have felt it , though i do not now , save , as a natural passion , which , if well we moderate , is , what a sentinel is to an army ; and by flesh and blood , though , possibly , it cannot be withstood , ( especially , when by a wilful sin , against good conscience acted , it breaks in and growes inraged ) yet , by grace we may subdue it ; and , this , is the only way . take fear and love , well tempered together , ( as much , as may sufficient be of either ) fire quencheth fire ; the oil of scorpions , heals , the scorpions sting ; and , if , of all things else you would be fearless , you must fear god , so as man ought ; do , as to be done unto you would expect , and to that fear , add love ; for , love expelleth ev'ry other fear ( if placed on right objects , and sincere ) plucks up all vices , and plants in their places habitual vertues , and celestial graces . the love of god , with filial fear begins , and with a detestation of all sins . the knowledge of our natural estate , in us , desires to cure it will create . the love of god in christ , then , being known , ( and , what , when we incurable were grown he hath done for us ) will more love beget if we no false suggestions do admit ; that love , will also , dayly stronger grow if we god's nature truly learn to know . and , not as eve did , him suspect of evil ; ascribe to him , what 's proper to the devil ; suspect the promises which he doth give us ; nor think that he intendeth to deceive us . for , if we love him , we will then believe him , in all his attributes due glory give him . we then will do , and not disputing stand , of that which he forbids , or doth command . nor fear , nor stagger , from that resolution ( who ever countermands their execution ) but , love him so , as having understood that all his works , and his commands are good : so love him , that , we love his whole creation , nought hating , but what 's his abomination . we will not then permit humane tradition with his known will , to stand in competition ; lay bonds on them , whom he from bondage frees ; charge him , with ordinances and decrees which he did never make ; but forged were by him , who , layes for ev'ry soul a snare ; or , by his instruments , whose merchandizes and pomp , are much advanc'd by those devises : we will not , when he graciously invites , to penitence , reject him with despights , and , foes implacable , to them appear who zealous of their weal and safety are . these are the well-springs of those many errors distractions , miseries , and pannick terrours which are among us . that , which chiefly here begetteth troubles and augmenteth fear , is , want of such a fear , and such a love , as may become effectual to improve ▪ those judgements & these mercies , which our eyes have seen ; & whereby , ( though we see god tryes these nations to this day ) nor prince , nor peer nor priest nor people , doth as yet appear so mindful as they ought to be of that which , was , for , or against them , done of late : nor see i any fruit which thence proceeds , save thorns & brambles , thistles , tares or weeds . but , they who stop their ears and shut their eyes , against those wonders and those prodigies , which have been lately sent to startle them from that security , wherein they dream ; and they who are not much displeas'd alone with publication of what god hath done , but , also with his word ; shall see and hear , those things , ere long , with trembling & with fear , which will not be concealed ; but , befall so openly , as to be known to all . these , have the causes been , that christendom is lately , an acheldama become ; for , these are those things , which advance the works of antichrist , and make way for the turks . let us repent therefore , whilst we have space , lest fields of blood , be turned to golgotha's . let us , in this our visitation day give ear unto god's voice , whilst yet we may ; not like bruit beasts pursuing one another , but , lincking fast in charity together , be reconcil'd to god , with loving-awe : for , that sums up the gospel , and the law. do this , and if of ought your fearful be , let all , that you can fear , fall upon me . a short excuse , rendering some reasons why this prisoner makes no adresses for his release , to great persons for their favour in his cause . i am inform'd , by men of good report , that , there are noble pers'nages in court who hate injustice , and , are of their tribe , who love not baseness , flattery , or a bribe ; and , that , should i my self to these adresse , i might perhaps obtain a quick release . 't is possible ; but , i may much indanger their quiet ; and , am now grown such a stranger to courtship , that i cannot complement , or , act effectually , to that intent ; nor think it prudence ( were i mov'd that way ) to seek a needle , in a trusse of hay . 't is not my principle ( though other while i have been over-ruled , to beguile my understanding ) that course to endeavour ; and , having found it unsucesful ever resolve now ( be it for my gain or loss ) to signifie my cause , to them in grosse , in open courts , to whom it doth belong , to be my judges of what 's right or wrong : for , if impartially , they will not hear my cause at large , and do me justice there , i will not be oblig'd to any one to do for private ends , what should be done , for justice-sake ; because , where one man shall be so corrupt , it may corrupt them all ; and in each case , by turns , for unjust ends , they may bribe one another for their friends , as heretofore they did , and , as they may hereafter , whatsoever i do or say . not much esteem of any thing i make , which other men , can either give or take . nor safety , wealth , or honour pleaseth me but that which will inseparable be from me ; and which i may attain unto , and , also keep , whether men will or no. vertue 's the fountain whence true honour springs ; not popes , grand segniors , emperors or kings , for , what they give to make men honourable , to me appears to be so dispicable that , though most men , do their chief darling , make it if they would give it me , i would not take it : what , is there likely for me to be done , by those , who such-like baubles dote upon ? i , never hitherto , a kindness had by any friend , which i my self have made ; but , by such onely , as god had inclin'd ( without a by-respect in any kind ) to do me justice , or to shew compassion , mov'd by their own heroick inclination : and , to that end , god , often heretofore , hath from among meer strangers , rais'd me more true friends at need , my cause to undertake , then i deserved , or had pow'r to make ; and , as it me contented much the better so , thereby , was their honour made the greater ▪ most seek the judge ; but , i believe his word , who said , the judgement cometh from the lord ; and , unto me , it seems an indirect aspersion , or a symptom of suspect , a judge , in private to preoccupate , and , him by friends , or gifts to captivate ; for , in great counsels , men should nothing do in love to friends , or hatred to a foe . i have observed , that , judicial courts whether they be of good or bad reports , ( or , whether , what is actually there done , seem just , or to the wrong of any one ) are guided by a spirit , which directs to what is alwayes righteous , in respects unto god's justice , though perhaps it may a humane righteousness infringe some way ; or , though they , to whom judgement is refer'd , through ignorance , or wickedness , have err'd . i le therefore , make no friend , nor fear a foe , but , when the commons call me i will go to hear their charge , for which i have begun to suffer , er'e 't is known what i have done ; that , least i break or die before the time in which i must make payment for my crime , ( if crime it prove ) they , rather , overweight may lay ; then , that , which is a dram too light ; for , punishments are usually well paid , though other debts till dooms day are delay'd : and , innocence , is oft pursued further upon suspect , then real theft or murther . in that , for which unheard , some precondemn my person hither ; i , to god and them whom it may most concern , appeals have made whereon , i ought a tryal to have had before i suff'red . my appeal prefer'd to god , hath betwixt him , and me , been heard within his court of conscience in my heart ; and , there am quit of what may on his part be brought against me for what i have writ . he sees it , though the world concealeth it ; and , read it must be by the commons too , ev'n quite throughout ( if justice they will do ) before they censure it ; needless it were , if just and conscientious men they are , to court them to their duties ; and so strong no charm of mine can be , whereby a wrong may be prevented , if to take that ill they be resolv'd , which flowed from good-will . at all aduenture , wholly to the laws , and to their conscience , i le refer my cause ; alleage for my defence , what i can say , and bear that , which will follow , as i may . a composure , for his private refreshment made by the same prisoner , upon considering the said outward condition of his dearest relations in the flesh : after which is added the narrative of a sudden distemper thereupon ensuing . my contemplation ev'ry hour so travells , in new pursuits , and into all things ravells with so much restlesness , as if she ment the whole world in a mapp to represent . one while she maketh inrodes on my foes , to bring me some intelligence from those ; that , i consid'ring what they go about their malice , may the better weather-out . another while , to me she represents , what mischiefes , troubles , fear and discontents there are abroad ; that , i may thereby see how , they are troubled , who have troubled me ; how 'twixt the two shoars , pharohs army reels ; how , god hath taken off their charret wheels how , he obdures the insolent and proud ; how dreadfully , he looks out of the cloud which he hath placed , betwixt them and those , whom they pursue to their own overthrowes . sometime , she brings to my consideration god's love , and inexpressible compassion , who , in an extraordinary wise , not onely hath vouchsafed me supplies by those who to my person strangers are , but also , with such love and tender care of my safe-being , that i may of them ( as christ did , when his kindred ask'd for him ) say , these my kindred are ; these , are my mothers ; these , are my real sisters and my brothers . my dear'st relations in the flesh , among those friends , this day , appeared in the throng to be consider'd ; and , i must confess my bowels yern'd , to think on their distresse , and , mov'd with pitty , it compel'd my muse , to clothe in words , that , which now next ensues . i. all suff'rings , that have tended to my probation , here , cannot be comprehended in what my words declare ; for , though to help expression i have a knowing-sense , the sum of my condition cannot be gathered in thence . ii. in pleasures , and in sorrows , i have had no small share ; sad nights , and joyful morrowes , my portion often were ; that , which with joy affects me , is far above the skie , and , that , which yet afflicts me as deep as hell doth lie . iii. my near'st , and dear'st relations , unmention'd though they be , among my meditations , are not forgot by me . for , though i would not mind them , my heart , them so retains , that , there , i still shall find them , as long as life remains . iv. lest that might have miscarry'd which , to neglect i fear'd , like one , quite dead and buried , i have to them appear'd : and by my late employments , despairful they are made , of me , and those enjoyments which else , they might have had . v. reciprocal indearments , are by my troubles crost ; the means of their preferments with my estate are lost . these times , have quite bereft them of that which gave content , and , in their power nought left them , new mischiefes to prevent . vi. my blossoms are quite wither'd , my leaves are much decay'd ; my fruits , by those are gather'd who nothing for them paid ; i , from whom ( when they need them ) they should supplies have had , have neither fruits to feed them , nor boughes to give them shade . vii . we could , when we were troubled , each others hearts have eas'd ; converse , our pleasures doubled , when we with ought were pleas'd ; such comforts , now to give them , companion they have none , but , they ( what ere doth grieve them ) must sit , and grieve alone . viii . in mercy , lord , look on them , and pitty their estate ; the wrongs that i have done them , proceeded not from hate ; i did , what i conceived doth to thy work belong , but , that 's thereby bereaved , which is to them a wrong . ix . thereof , be therefore heedful , them , favour not the less , supply with all things needful , in this their great distresse ; and , when thou me shalt gather out of this land of life , be thou my childrens father , a husband to my wife . x. when i with them must never speak more , by tongue or pen , and , they be barr'd for ever , to see my face agen . thy loving kindness show them , lost comforts to receive , instead of what i owe them , and pay not whilst i live . xi . let all my former failings , through frailties , in time past , and , what may cause bewailings , quite out of thought be cast ; and , onely recordation of those things be exprest , whereby their consolation may dayly be increast . xii . preserve them from each folly , which ripening into sin , makes root and branch unholy , and brings destruction in . let not this world bewitch them , with her besotting wine , but , let thy grace inrich them , with faith , and love divine . xiii . and , whilst we live together let us , upon thee call ; help to prepare each other , for what , may yet befall ; so just , so faithful hearted , so constant let us be , that , when we here are parted we may all meet in thee . this being writ , and once or twice sung over , my reason , did sufficient strength recover those passions to repell , which did begin upon my heart at that time to break in : but , ere they were alay'd , an accident fell out , which that good issue did prevent ; i have so much of common manliness , ( which might more profit me if it were less ) that , all the frailties of the humane creature ( co-incident since my depraved nature ) still so attend me , that do what i can i fall into distemper , now and then ; and ere that day was wholly overpast , i , by a sudden accident was cast into a passion , which did give occasion of this ensuing sad ejaculation . lord , help me now ; assist me now , to bear that , unexpected brunt of hope and fear , to which i on a suddain am expos'd , ( whilst other mischiefes have me round inclos'd ) for , great and many , though my troubles be they , hitherto have not distemper'd me . but , now i feel my constancy to shake , my flesh to tremble , my sad heart so ake , that , if thou dost not speedily apply a cordial , i may droop , and faint , and die . my treacherous flesh and blood , how false are you ! to me , and to your own selves , how untrue ! how quickly to revolt do you begin ! how cowardly have you my foe let in at his first summons ? how have you conspir'd to give him that advantage he desir'd ? and whilst i for your safety did prepare joyn to surprize me ere i was aware ? lord , let them not prevail ; but , help me rally my scattered forces , and to make a sally on those who my weak citadel beset : for they have seiz'd but on my out-works yet , and , if but over me , thou please to hover , ( though at a distance ) i shall soon recover . therefore , at this assault , for me appear ; from me , this black cloud , by thy presence , clear ; renew my courage in this day of trouble ; increase my faith , my former hope redouble ; and let thy spirit teach me so to pray , that what i shall request , obtain i may . be likewise pleas'd the chatterings of the swallow , and mournings of the turtle , so to hallow ; that those things which are now express'd by me , may be both acceptable unto thee , and unto those who hear them not in vain , though to my private suff'rings they pertain : for peradventure , that which me oretakes hath partly been permitted for their sakes ; that they , by heeding what on them at length may fall , might by my weakness gather strength ; for , what is in it self a single trouble , by circumstances , may be sometimes double . my best friends peradventure , now will wonder how , i am thus , as with a clap of thunder , struck suddenly ; and my foes , with a scoff will jeer , to see me so soon taken off from my late courage and high resolution , ( whilst i was putting it in execution , ) when they shall know , that , but concerns my wife , which breaks through all the comforts of my life , and thus disorders me : but , when they hear me ev'n some of them , who at the first will jeer me , ( if they have any manhood left in them ) shall me of no such levity condemn , as yet they may , when all the circumstances i have declar'd to cure their ignorances : for , one of god's choice prophets , had a tryal not much unlike this , of his self-denial , when he ( as i do ) in his generation , bore witness of their great abomination : which ( if ought more ) had little more effect , then i may , at this present day , expect . he ( whilst god's work he follow'd ) to the heart , was pierced ( through his wife ) with sorrows dart . she ( as the holy scripture testifies ) was unto him , as precious as his eyes , the comfort of his life , and far more dear ( as i believe ) then all things transcient were . and peradventure he had grieved more then yet i do , had not the day before god , both foretold her death , and charg'd him too , not to bewail the wife he loved so . what , this to me doth intimate , i shall forbear to tell now ; but , if that befall which i may fear , it will have an effect , whose demonstration , i shall not neglect if so long i survive , as to declare that sequell , for which , it will way prepare . mean while ( since hope hath taken race with sorrow ) for some few dayes , that little time i le borrow , to make it known , how , by a pannick dread i am at present , so distempered ; and in such sober language will declare it , without hyperboles , that , if men hear it with like sobriety , it will perchance their edifying in some kind advance . when , i had finished those meditations last mention'd ( which concern my dear'st relations as to the world ) a messenger of sorrow that very day , ( i , looking for , next morrow my wives arrival ) brought , not newes alone that suddain sickness , her had seiz'd upon ; but , that , she likewise in a feaver lies , with which are complicated maladies portending death : and death desired so that , they about her , can with much ado preserve her life . this newes , as soon as told , laid instantly , upon me such fast hold , that , er'e i could into my heart retire i seemed to be wholly set on fire : and ( being for surprizal , the more fit by what , that day , for better use was writ ) instead of that , which might have quencht the same i snatcht up oil , and threw 't into the flame . so frail i am not ( though made of such mettle that i am sometime soft and sometime britle ) as to be shaken meerly with a fear of things which ev'ry day expected are ; but , many sad concomitants attended this message , not till then so apprehended ; for , at that instant every thing prest in which might a doleful tragedy begin , with such confusion , that , what entred first i knew not , neither which disturb'd me worst . so that , i nought could call to mind , but that which my afflictions , did more aggravate . imprisonment , i felt not till that day , wherein i found , that i was kept away , where , i to her could no assistance give , for , whose sake , i did most desire to live ; my fancie represented to my sight in how disconsolate and sad a plight , she there was left , dispoil'd of all she had , excepting , what might make her heart more sad ▪ with foes surrounded , not one to befriend her , not servants in that weakness to attend her , no good physitian living there about , scarce any thing within doors , or without , for food or physick : for , while she had health her courage did supply her want of wealth , and all things else , with help , of what from heaven was by his providence in all wants given , who hath been my support ; by him alone she hath in many straits been carryed on , and all oppressions with such courage bore as if she had been rich by being poor : which her despightful neighbours heeding well ( and , that she far'd like trodden camomel ) words unto this effect , were heard to speak will not , with all this loss , her stout heart break ? god , was , and still , her helper he will be ; but , for all this , what thanks is due to me ? what help am i who should a help hav● been , when such extream affliction she was in ? dear betty , how inhumanly opprest ? art thou ? and oh ! how is my soul distrest now , i here think upon thy high desart , and , how discomfortably left thou art ! if it might comfort thee , would thou , didst know ( else not ) what tears out of mine eyes do flow : for , i , from whom the worlds despights can strain nor sighs , nor tears , from tears cannot restrain . woe 's me ( my dear ) my life i would resign might it accepted be , to ransome thine , and were at my dispose ; for , cause am i of that sad plight , wherein thou now dost lie ; since , what the world hath done , is nothing more , then thou hast alwayes look'd for heretofore . yet , take it not unkindly ; for , to thee no ill was meant , in what was done by me : he , ( as i thought ) to whom my self i owe , ( and , who did thee , and all i had bestow ) requir'd the services that brought upon me that , which to thy undoing , hath undone me ; and he will either back again restore what 's lost , or give us better things , and more this , knowing thou believ'st , and dost confide in him , hath much my passion qualifi'd ; and makes me hopeful , god , will bring thee hither , or , me to thee , that , we once more together may praise his name , and live till we can part , without the least distemp'rature of heart . whilst this hope lasts , lest notice being taken that , i with one small puff of wind am shaken ; lest also , this begets a fear in some , that i may totally be overcome , when the● perceive , that he , who hath profest so much , hath with so little been opprest ; and , lest they also may discourag'd be , ( if i sinck under that which lies on me ) i will , for that cause , hence occasion take , ( aswell , for their , as for mine , and her sake ) so plainly , what befals me to expresse , that , no heart which hath any tenderness , beseeming men , shall think a greater tryal of humane patience , in a self-denial can ever in the flesh be undergone , then this ▪ which they suppose a slender one , i have a just occasion too , by that to render her , that honour in the gate , which is her due ; and whereto i do stand obliged by king lemuels command ; and , from what i expresse , perhaps , likewise , there may some other good effects arise . what could the malice of the devil invent , to make more grievous my imprisonment then at this time , wherein ( for ought i know ) the last , and needful'st duty that i owe unto my dearest friend , ought to be paid , to be unjustly in a prison staid ? were i detained but from such a one , as many have , ( a wife in name alone ) i should be glad perhaps , i now am here , or , though within a far worse place it were : but , if i may with modesty expresse , what i believe , i can affirm no less then this ; though many women have done well , mine , with the best may be a parallel : and , since my pow'r to nothing else extends which may , for what she suffers make amends , in words , at least , i le give her what is due and say no more , then i believe is true . perhaps , when told , it will so far exceed what is according to the common creed , that , many will suspect it ; but , know this there is in that man very much amisse who , of his consort , doth not so believe in some degree , as i of mine conceive . for , if he finds her not a helpful wife , either , for this , or for the other life ; the fault 's his own , though she may faulty prove ; and he ingratefully requites god's love. god gave her not , but , he himself acquir'd her , by some ill means ; or , for those ends desir'd her which make no marriages , but what are evil , and , were made by the world , flesh and the devil . else , he would honour providence divine , by praising of his wife as i do mine . or , by confessing freely , as he ought , that , god is just , in giving what he sought . whether mine live or die , let none who hear them grudge her these praises , for her worth will bear them . at first , i lov'd her , for his sake that gave her ; of him , i sought her , and from him i have her , if she be yet alive , ( which i yet hope , and , that he to my fear will put a stop . ) that , we each other might affect the better , ( and , to be mutual helpers prove the fitter ) as eve from adam , god did , as it were , first , make her out of me ; then , me by her he made more perfect ; and since eve was made no man on earth a fitter helper had . if any woman may charactred be by lemuels pattern , i think this is she : for , having oftentimes compared them , betwixt them , little difference did seem . she is a prize , worth ev'ry precious stone in india , were all their worths in one. my heart in her hath trusted so , that yet i never , since i knew her , felt a fit of jealousie or doubt , in any kinde , which brought the least distemper to my mind . she , at all times , much good to me hath done , but , evil , in her life time , did me none . with courage , her affairs she went about by day ; at night , her candle went not out . she was among the last , who came to bed ; the first , who in the morning rais'd her head ; and , that no duty might be left undone , martha , and mary , she still joyn'd in one. in all domestick business , she was skil'd , both in the house , and likewise in the field : and whilst my time was otherwayes bestown , dispatch'd both my affaires , and her own . she was no prodigal , nor basely sparing ; all things were done without vexatious caring ; she chid those , who ( when chiding was in season ) were to be quickned more with noise , then reason ; and , when to angry words they did provoke , her anger ended , when the words were spoke ; when , also , they were griev'd , who did misdo , she pardon'd , and with them , oft , grieved too . all her affairs , she managing with reason , appointed work and meat , in their due season to ev'ry servant ; and good notice took both of what was well , or ill done , or spoke . she feared god , and honour gave to them who were invested with a pow'r supream ; her life , she squared by god's holy word , according to the light he did afford ; and , had her self so exercis'd therein , that , often she my concordance hath been ; yea , and in humane histories , to me been in the stead of my mnemosyne . a better woman , mistris , mother , wife , i never saw , nor shall see during life . rebecca like , she gave me still to eat aswell most savory , as wholsom meat ; and , when god sent me food , good care she took , the devil should not send me in a cook. to me , to mine , and our poor neighbourhood , she , in the stead of our physitian stood ; she , still according to her power was ready to give what things were needful to the needy ; who did not wilful beggarship professe , that , they might live in sorded idlenese ; and , purchasing her own food with her sweat , abhor'd the bread of idleness to eat : she could speak well , yet readier was to hear ; exceeding pleasant , and yet as severe as cato . though corporeal beauties be worn out with age , she is the same to me she was at first , and t' was no mean perfection , which , in my youth , surprized my affection . this is her character , and in the word of truth , this is thereof , a true record . in her , i did as much contentment find , as if i had enjoy'd all woman-kind : for , though a poor mans consort she hath been , she had a spirit might become a queen ; yet , knowing how to want and to abound , could make it stoop ev'n to the very ground ; and , if she die , i shall but little care for any thing she leaves behind her here , except her children , and that which relates to god , and to our spiritual estates . the deprivation of her company and , of thar joy in her society which i have had , is far a greater loss , then , all those many baubles and that drosse , whereof the world deprives me ; or , of them ( had they heen mine ) which others most esteem . this seperation is the great'st despight that malice could have done me at her height ; and might we live , where we might live alone to talk of that , which god for us hath done , ( and means to do ) my joy would be much more with competence , then with the worlds whole store , were i depriv'd of her ; who , might be here so necessary a remembrancer . now , judge ( if you or i , do this believe ) whether i had not cause enough to grieve , that we were so , divided from each other , left hopeless , we again should meet together . though such in ev'ry point , she may not be , yet , since that she doth such appear to me ; think , if by fear of loosing such a prize , a man who is far stronger , and more wise , might not , when thereby suddenly oretaken as much with like distemp'ratures be shaken : and , whether ( taking to consideration the sense i have of ev'ry humane passion ) ought may befall , as i am flesh and blood , that could more difficultly be withstood . but , notwithstanding what 's exprest , let no man suppose i have forgot she is a woman . i am not so uxorious , or unwise , to think that she hath no infirmities ; or , that to any other she doth seem so worthy as she is in my esteem . the rough hard shells in which rich pearls do lie , shew not their beauty to a strangers eye . and vertues , when that they most perfect are , sometimes , like faulty actions may appear to lookers on , who have not means to know how done , nor to what end , nor whence they flow ; and then especially , when their spectators , are envious , or their foes , or vertue 's haters . the mildest medicine , sore eyes , diseases , a sickly stomack wholsom'st meat , displeases ; and so the best and noblest dispositions , are most dislik'd by men of base conditions ; because their vertues , if they neighbours are , do make their vices greater to appear . her precions balms , have sometimes made me smart , but , i confesse , the cause was on my part , if she administred a bitter pill in love , to make me well , when i was ill. and well she might sometimes occasion find , to give me wholsome physick of that kind , by cautions and remembrances apply'd in season , when my wit was foolifi'd : for , nothing purposely , from her i hid that , in my life , i said , or thought , or did . and ( that she might , at full , be privy to my whole affairs , and all i had to do ) no letter unto me in absence came , but leave i gave her to break ope the same . which freedom ( with such ) mutually bestown made me to her , and her to me so known , that , what the outside of my actions be , my conscience hardly better knowes then she . small use of an affection can be there , or proofs of friendship , where no failings are . there 's hardly possibility of living , with any one , who never needs forgiving ; for , he , who in his consort finds no blame , when he fails , will confounded be with shame . by these expressions , which have shown in part , my passions , i have somewhat eas'd my heart . and , though impertinent , they seem to be to others , they are pertinent to me , in shewing me my weakness , and from whom my helps , in all extremities must come . my passion is the same ; but , this , makes way for reason , to command , which did obey ; and , this divertisment a stop , brings in to that , which else , might have destructive been . yet , instrumental , though my reason was herein , th' efficient is preventing grace : and therefore , him , from whom this mercy came , i , thus petition to compleat the same . my god! my heart , thou hast now touched nearly , and dost in that , which i affect most dearly , begin to try my faith ; that faith of mine which ( if a true faith ) was a gift of thine ; it was by thee , upon my soul begot : into temptation , therefore lead me not beyond my strength ; but lord deliver me from evil , that , i may not foiled be : thy onely son , to thee , taught me to pray in words to this effect , when any way i was opprest ; compassion therefore take on me , ( though not for mine ) lord , for his sake ; and me dismisse not , in this sad condition , without a kind reply to my petition : for , as lot said of zoar , lord , the boone i new request is but a little one ; and , peradventure , should my foes perceive thou dost of every comfort him bereave who hath desir'd to magnifie thy name , it might occasion give them to blaspheme , or , make thy servants to begin to fear that , thou regard'st not how opprest they are . that helper , which thou didst on me bestow , ( and , whose assistance is much needed now ) thou seem'st to call upon me to resign , as one , who must no longer now be mine . be not displeased lord , if i shall say thou tak'st the comfort of my life away ; and that , i do expect thou shouldst not leave me quite comfortless , if thou of her bereave me . why dost thou dictate to my heart this prayer , if thou intend'st , to leave me in despaire ? it cannot be , thou move me shouldst to crave , that , which thou dost not purpose i should have . i do depend on thee , and hazarded both her , and all that in this world i had for thy cause , if my heart be not untrue : though therefore , nothing is by merit due , vouchsafe , ( if with thy will accord it may ) her life with health , and for a longer day , that , we with thankfulness , in praises giving , may shew thy mercies forth , among the living . with tokens of thy favour , make us glad , according to the troubles we have had . and , make thy other servants hopeful be of that salvation , which thou shew'st to me . make it appear unto this generation that , we have the same god , the same salvation in these our dayes , that was in former times , aswell , as such like tyrrannies and crimes . make it appear that thou hast love for us aswell as heretofore for lazarus ; that , thou , who didst hear hagar for a son , and , hannah's prayer , when she beg'd for one , dost not despise my prayer for the life of my beloved and afflicted wife ; or , hast less pitty now then heretofore thou hadst of other some , who did deplore their dead or dying friends ; and when they mourn'd , had them into their bosoms back return'd . let it be known to those who do begin to think , thou art not that which thou hast been , because that this age hath produc'd occasions to shew thy self in other dispensations . though to run back to egypt , we are ready ; as froward , as rebellious , and as giddy . as they whom thou broughtst thence ; though , every way as false , as faithless , and as apt as they to set up golden calves : though , as were then there be among us here , such wicked men as jannes , and as jambres , who resist not moses , but a greater , jesus christ ; and , strive by their inchantments how to bring us back to bondage , and seduce the king by cursed sorceries ; yet , make it known ; that , thou in brittain dost a people own : that as when israel was from pharoh saved ; that , as thou wert with moses and with david , and with thy people who in thraldom were at babel , thou art present with us here . ( lord ! i beseech thee mind thou not the less my private suit , although my zeal to this diverts me from it : for , i le further yet pursue that , though thou me shouldst quite forget ) apparant make it , that , some yet inherit a portion of the self same pow'rful spirit which fill'd elias ; and if need require , that thou hast prophets , who can call down fire , hail , thunder-bolts , and other dreadful things upon the troops and armies of those kings who persecute thy saints ; and heaven constrain either to let fall , or withhold the rain , as to thy service it shall appertain ! for , this , though , hardly yet believ'd of any , will shortly be made manifest to many ; and thy vouchsafeing this request of mine , may make it , to this age , perhaps , a signe that , thou , as heretofore , dost lend an ear at need , to every private sufferer , as well as unto publick grievances , and , that , when ripen'd are iniquities a greater conquest will be got by words , then ever was in any age , by swords . my dear redeemer , if it may be thus , be pleas'd to mediate this boon for us . that suit , for which this prayer was begun i will renew , now this digressions done ; yet , neither this , nor ought else i le require , ( though rather then my life , i this desire ) but , what , with thy good pleasure may consist : and , thou hast nothing openly exprest to make me doubtful that may not be done ; for , then , i therein thus far , had not gone . all , things thou seem'st to will , accord not to that , which thou hast decreed for us to do , as being absolutely necessary : for , some of them are but probationary : things , by us , rather to be will'd , then done , as when , to sacrifice his onely son thou didst command thy servant abraham ; and , when that our obedience is the same , with us , it otherwhile , doth so succeed that , thou the will , acceptest for the deed ; and , mayst another sacrifice , this day accept in her stead , for whom i now pray . this , moveth dust and ashes , now , to do , what natural affection prompts me to : make her and me , so perfectly resign our selves , that our will , may be one with thine ; and , pardon this bold pleading ; for , had we no will , which may be said our own to be , there could be no obedience . good nor ill , can be , in him , that is not free to will. lord ! this my consort , is as dear to me as isaac unto abraham could be ; yet , if thou wilt resume her at this time , ( although with me thou deal not as with him ) as absolutely , as he did intend his sacrifice ; i , her to thee commend . from thee i had her ; up to thee i give her ; i , wholly unto thy disposure leave her ; and , whether thou shalt keep , or give her back , i le wear it as a favour , for thy sake . and , this , is all i le absolutely crave , ( wherein , i know , i may request shall have ) if , with thine honour , it may to her good conduce , to let her make with me abode a little longer time , that time allow ; or else with all my heart , resume her now . for , save to serve thee , and our generation , according to the end of our creation , ( and for thy glory ) neither she , nor i ( if i do know her ) wish to live or die . if , her appointed labour now be done , ( and i must here abide to work alone , ) take her into thine arms before she go ; make her not barely , to believe , but know , that , this our sad and suddain separation is for thy glory , and for our salvation : ( for , from the life and death of greatest kings but seldom so much real honour springs to glorifie thy name , as doth from some who fill on earth , a despicable roome . ) give her an earnest , that she shall possesse thy love , in everlasting happiness ; and , that , we , whom she leaves afflicted here , ( continning in our love to thee sincere ) shall by the mediatorship of him who bought us , meet at thy appointed time , where we shall never part ; where , tyrannies , of others , nor our own infirmities , nor any thing which is to come , or past , deprives , of what for thine , prepar'd thou hast : and , if she live , so let our deeds expresse whilst here we live , what we in words professe ; that others , may , until my dying day believe ther 's truth , in what i write and say , to that end , keep us pleased with our lot ; though little , much , or nothing shall be got of what we had ; my god preserve us too from stumbling , and from reeling to and fro , or stagg'rings in our tryals , whereby they who are in like afflictions , stagger may : but , with true joy , so let thy holy ghost replenish us , that , ( although all be lost belonging to this world ) thy saints may see that , there is all-sufficiency in thee . now , live or die my dear , god's will be done ; he fills my heart , and my distemper's gone . since , god hath freed me from this carnal fear , let world , and devil henceforth do what they dare . the greater weights they shall upon me lay , the sooner , i from them shall scape away . if , me , they shall into a dungeon throw , both dark and deep , that none may come to know what , i say , think or do ; yet , what 's done there , by these my scraps and crums , it will appear , though scribled hastily , yea , help prevent what , peradventure , is the worlds intent ; and hint , that , though close-prisoner me they keep , i shall not wholly spend my time in sleep . for , doubtless , to my god , there , speak i shall like jonas , in the belly of a whale , and ( as the blood of abel did ) speake then , that , which will more prevaile then tongue or pen. isaiah . the living , the living ( o god ) shall praise thee as i do this day . ( yet ) blessed are they who die in the lord ; for they shall rest from their labours , and their works follow them . revel . . . octob. . . another spiritual song composed , by occasion of the last mentioned distemper . i. vvhen in the morn we rise , alas ! how little think we on , what through our ears or eyes , may pierce our hearts , ere that day 's gone ? i , did but borrow from what , next morrow , i hop'd to have enjoy'd ; and that , hath quite the whole delight of both dayes , now destroy'd . ii. my thoughtful heart grew sad , and represented unto me , such things as in the shade of death's approaches use to be : with many a doubt , ( which faith keeps out ) my fancy fills my head ; and clouds are come , which with a gloome this day , have overspread : iii. if , whilst the sun gives light , become so dark , so soon , it may , how black will be the night that shall ensue so dark a day ? my soul , i see betray'd wee 'l be , by our own want of care , to have prepar'd a dayly guard , to keep out carnal fear . iv. no pow'r was in the world whereby a passion like to this , on me could have been hurl'd , had nought , been in my self amisse : by day or night , ( be 't black or bright ) the devil hath no power which can procure distemp'rature , without some fault of our . v. how frail a thing is man , that , lifeless words , aray'd in white , this morn affright him can who , seemed fearless yester night ? dread of ill newes , too plainly shews that , with us all 's not well : for , if it were we need not fear , though storm'd by death and hell. vi. for , if beneath god's wing our safe repose we sought to make , none , such ill newes could bring , that , much our courage it could shake ▪ of , plagues that smite by day or night we need not stand in awe of poysonous things , of serpents stings , nor of the lyons pawe . vii . therefore , my spirit rowze ( our foes , we see , are not asleep ) let us , no longer drowze , but , better watch hereafter keep ; come , courage take , and we shall make these bugg-bears take their flight ▪ for , 't is our fear , no strength of their that now doth us affright . viii . the passions of the mind are but the fumes of flesh and blood , which make the reason blind , by mispresenting ill , or good. if , unto these , we closly presse , and , wistly on them look , they will appear such as they are , and , pass away like smoke . ix . and , yet , my soul , beware thou bring not to assault these foes goliah's shield or spear , nor in his head-piece trust repose . no , nor unto what self can do , but , take thou davids sling , and , what he took out of the brook , of grace , among them fling . a meditation whilst he was taking a pipe of tobbacco . though some , perhaps will think the things i do , much less then idleness , amount unto ; yet , to have no work troubles me , at least , as much , as therewith to be overprest ; and , then to be quite idle , i had rather pick strawes , catch flies , or shells , and pebles gather , or , ( as i sometimes do ) the time to pass , number my steps , or tell the panes of glass , and often when a trifling act is done , make some good use of that , which promis'd none . here , all alone , i by my self have took , an emblem of my self , a pipe of smoke : for , i am but a little piece of clay fill'd with a smoke that quickly fumes away . this vanity , our clymat never knew till near the time , in which , first breath i drew ; and otherwhile , it is of wholsome use ( though , for the most part subject to abuse : ) since first i smookt it , after ( it came hither ) i laid it by , nigh thirty years together , and for my healths sake , then , did reassume that bauble wherewith we tobbacco fume ; ( not hitherto disabled to forgo it , if any way offensive i should know it ) and , that in mind , as well as bodily i might he someway profited thereby , such meditations come into my thought , as these , which now , unto my mind are brought . ev'n as this pipe was formed out of clay , and may be shapeless earth again this day , so may i too . so brittle , that one touch may break it , this is ; i , am also such . when it is broke , made whole it cannot be by humane art ; so will it fare with me when i to dust shall be reduc'd by death , until reviv'd by an eternal breath . this brittle ware , we , oft have strangely seen preserv'd from breaking : and so i have been . when foul it growes , it must be purifi'd , by fire ; i , in like manner must abide those fiery-tryals , which will purge away that filth which is contracted every day . moreover , when therein , this herb's calcin'd , such things as these , it brings into mind ; that custom , by degrees , prevaileth still , to draw us , both to what is good and ill ; for , when this customarily is taken , it can by very few , be quite forsaken , or , heeded , how they turn unto abuse , that , which is otherwise , of some good use ; yea , so it them deludes , that oft they think that , is well scented , which doth alway stink ; yet , me it makes , with thankfulness to heed , how , god wraps up , a blessing in a weed : and , how ( when i have weighed things together ) he makes one vanity to cure another ; turns that to good , which was , perhaps , for evil , at first , sent in among us , by the devil . it minds me too , that , as this herb by fire must be consum'd , so , must all our desire of earthly things ; and , that wherein we took most pleasure , turn to ashes and to smoke . when i had writ thus much , of what i thought , my candle , and tobbacco were burnt out . a hint , of that , which may hereafter ( if not despised ) conduce to the setling of peace and concord in church and state. this scrap , though some will not disgest , is cast in here , among the rest . elia's like , i thought my self alone , a while ago , and of my mind , knew none : but , many i now hope , here living be who , joyn in one faith , and one love with me . my soul , i long time , seemed to possess , as when the baptist in the wilderness was to be disciplin'd , and there prepar'd for , that , which he performed afterward . as when he preach'd repentance , in his dayes , high priests , nor lawyers , scribes nor pharisees , nor of the gay herodians , any one ( nor many , but the vulgar sort alone ) regarded it ; so , likewise , i might say of all my premonitions , to this day ; and may ( for ought i know ) without regard pursue my work , till i have his reward : if so it happen , i am well content to follow such a holy precedent . i , am now ( as it were ) one in exile , like john , when banish'd into pathmos isle ; and , to the seven churches in these nations as he then , to the asian congregations had somewhat to expresse ; so , i from him ( as i believe ) who sent his mind to them by that disciple , have a needful errant , to be delivered , by authentick warrant , which , must lie dormant , until them to hear it god , shall prepare , and fit me to declare it . mean while , i cast in this preoccupation , to be a furtherance to that preparation whereto god's grace will ripen me , and the● ( hereafter , in his own appointed time ; if nothing that shall be co-incedent doth intervene , that purpose to prevent ) thus christ , did to a future time adjourn what , he had then spoke , might it have been born ; and , his example doth instruct my reason , to chuse for every work , a proper season . i have a love for all the whole creation , much more , for every christian congregation : i , for each member of them ( whatsoere infirmities , i see in them appear ) have such a love , and so inlarged , that i can with every church communicate , in all essential duties , though they may be sometimes , much abus'd with an allay : because , what me therein offendeth , i , without offending others , can pass by ; and , at another time , in private , seek to make them understand what i dislike ; and , by a meek compliance in what 's good , bear with a failing , not well understood . their ignorance , or misled consciences , give me no cause of personal offences , so , they the fundamental truths , profess without malicious minds , or wilfulness ; or by approving , or continuing in prophanness , and committing open sin. for , since he that knows most , knows but in part and , hath a cloudy region in his heart , they , of my pitty , rather objects be then of my hate . they , so much hurt not me as damnifie themselves : and , i , thereby have of my meekness , faith and charity , those exercises , for which ( if i have them in true sincerity ) god , chiefly gave them . and , which way can they better be employ'd then , that a common good may be enjoy'd ? and that we to our brethren may extend that mercy , when we think they do offend , which god's long suffering doth vouchsafe to us ? and , since he did command it should be thus ? the church catholick , is a corporation , whereof , the several churches in each nation are bodies corporate , as here we see in london , many corporations be members thereof distinct , govern'd by laws peculiar to themselves , as they found cause to constitute them ; yet , unto all these belong the cities gen'ral priviledges ; and every individual person ; there , conforms unto those lawes which proper are to this whole city ; and they live together in peace , without intruding on each other . what hinders ( but our ignorance , ambition , our avarice , and love to superstition , ) that , christian congregatious may not thus be form'd , and regulated so with us , that , we may live henceforward in true peace , morality and piety increase ? prophanness be supprest ? and , no more , here , affairs divine , and civil interfere ? what hinders this , but , want of that true love and meeknes , which our knowledge might improve ? and , whence flowes discord , but from intermedling with what concerns us not ? fooling , and fidling about those things impertinent , which , whether their tendance be to this , or that , or neither 't is not material , so , that may not be infringed , which to all , ought to be free ? that peace may be preserv'd ; men kept in awe from violating of the morall law , and , god permitted to possesse alone the conscience as ( on earth ) his proper throne ? for , he from none , will an account receive , according to what other men believe , or shall command ; but , answerable to what he commands us to believe and do , according to the light he shall afford , by his assisting spirit , and his word : and , therefore , they , who , out of slavish fear , of those who peaceably inclined are , force innocents , to any hard condition ( thereby to free themselves from their suspition which is incurable ) are tyrannous , and foes to god , unto themselves , and us . in my late tryal , i have had a shake , but , it hath deeper driven in the stake ; and hath , i hope vouchsafed by that fit , an earnest , he so fast will settle it ; that , all the tempests which in future dayes the world , the flesh and devil have pow'r to raise , shall more increase my courage ; and , by mine some other , to the like resolves incline . god , give us grace , with seriousness these things in time , with what else may there is a way , how that , may yet be done which hitherto , is little thought upon ; and , thereof , in what is expressed here , a hint , if well observed , may appear . a hymn of thanksgiving to almighty god ; compos'd by this prisoner , for the gracious restoration of his wives life and health ; who , lying mortally sick ( as was supposed ) at . miles distance during his imprisonment , in a sad disconsolate condition , and reputed to be dead , about the space of an hour , was miraculously restored . to the tune of the . psalm . i. how soon , my gracious god , hast thou my prayer heard ? how just , how kind , how good , hast thou to me appear'd ? blest , be this day : for , what did fright my heart last night , thou dost allay : the clouds , that made , this morning sad , are blown away . ii. as when his moan to thee the good centurian made , though i unworthy be , like favour i have had vouchsaf'd to me ; nay little less , in my distress receiv'd i have , then she , whose son , and onely one , was near his grave . iii. at least , i , so much grace of thee , this day have had , as daign'd to jairus was whose daughter thou foundst dead , upon her bed : for , when my wife , depriv'd of life had long time laine , thou , heeding there , our prayers here gav'st life again . iv. thus she , who first was thine ( and so shall alwayes be ) hath now , been twice made mine , and , is enjoy'd by me ; for which , to thee a double praise , lord , all my dayes , i ought to give ; assist i pray , this due to pay whilst here i live . v. and , let all , who now hear what , thou for me hast done , help me thy praise declare ; for , not to me alone extends this boone ; this act of grace , vouchsafed was that , they thereby might at their need , know where to speed as well as i. vi. lord , i have nought to give for all thou hast bestown , but , what i did receive and was , and is thine own ; oh! now therefore this sacrifice , do not despise for , i am poor ; therewith , i shall give self and all , who can give more ? a penitential hymn , composed by occasion of a dream the th . of octob. . about midnight . i. my god , thou didst awake me , this night out of a sad and fearful dream , that , sensible did make me of sins , which heretofore small sins did seem ; and , ere i perfect heed could take , whether i slept , or was awake , he , that is watching ev'ry hour , whom he may mischief , and devour , sought , how he might thereby advantage make : rebuke him , for my dear redeemer's sake . ii. permit thou no transgression , whereof , i heretofore have guilty been , nor great , nor small omission , which i forgotten have , or overseen , ( either through want of penitence or of confessing my offence ) to rise against me , great or small ; for , lord , i do repent them all : and , likewise , ( be it more or less ) renounce all trust , in my own righteousness . iii. as job complain'd , such visions to me seem'd represented this last night of my falings , and omissions that , sleeping , they did much my heart affright ; me thought a spirit passed by not to be seen with mortal eye ; and , i was minded by a voice ( that , spake unto me without noise ) of things preceding , which ( then quite forgot ) so , as i ought to do , i heeded not . iv. oh god! most kind , most holy , remember not the errours of my life ; call not to minde my folly to add a new affliction , to my grief . world , flesh and devil , my foes are , and , much more then my strength can bear on me , they have already cast , unless , that thou compassion hast ; oh! throw my sins out of thy sight therefore , that , they may not be seen , or heard of more . v. my soul doth now abhor them , thine onely son , hath with his precious blood made satisfaction for them ; thou , didst accept it ; i believe it good : and , therefore , though they somtimes make my heart to tremble and to ake , my soul is confident they pard'ned are as if they ne're committed were ; confirm it so , that , sleeping and awake sweet rest in thee , i may for ever take . vi. dear god , of my salvation , preserve me by thy love and mighty pow'r from perilous temptation , in weal , in woe , and at my dying hour : me , let thy gardian angels keep when i do wake , and while i sleep , from shame without , and fear within ; from evil thoughts , and actual sin , that , friends and foes and every one may see , no man in vain , doth put their trust in thee . a requiem to the soul. i. my soul , vex not thy self at those , who , to all godliness are foes , although they make fair outward showes , and spread and flourish like the bay ; for , deplorable is their case , they , as the scorched summer grasse , shall soon into oblivion passe , and all their beauty fade away . ii. i have been young , and old am grown and , many changes i have known , whereby , it hath to me been shown whereto , their wicked courses tend : with honour i have seen them crown'd , with pow'r and riches to abound , whose place no where can now be found ; for , all their pomp is at an end . iii. with shadows they themselves beguile , and , god , doth at their folly smile ; with patience therefore wait a while , and , grudge them not their portion , here ; destruction , toward them is hasting , their time is short , and dayly wasting , but , thine will be for everlasting , and , griefs , as if they never were . iv. employ thy self in doing well , and , god , with thee shall kindly deal ; thou , in the land shalt safely dwell , well fed and clothed , all thy dayes . and when the glory of their name is blur'd out , with an evil fame , then , shall thy poverty and shame be mention'd unto thy praise . v. let wordlings feed upon their chaff , their cups of fornication quaff , and at thy sufferings grin and laugh ; a midst thy foes lie down and sleep . whilst in their malice , they persist , in god's protection take thy rest , for , though thy body be opprest thee , safe , in spight of them , he 'l keep . he , whosoever he be , that speaks this charm , unto his soul in faith , shall have no harm ; therefore , as a receipt approved , take it : for , for my self alone , i did not make it . a meditation upon the many prodigies and apparitions , which are mentioned by publick writing , or common fame . vve are inform'd , by questionless presages ( vouchsafed to instruct succeeding ages ) that warnings of christ's coming , should be given by signs and wonders manifest from heaven : and , we have seen , in histories recorded , that , providence , in all times hath afforded , some premotions of those desolations which fell on persons , places , states and nations , before they came : for , our most gracious god , ( as doth a loving father ) shewes the rod before he whips , that he thereby may fright to penitence , ere he begins to smite ; and , frequently , prevail , if that means may , us to reclaim , he flings the rod away : which kind indulgence , is in these times , more inlarged then , it hath been heretofore . new prodigies , we hear of ev'ry day , and , likewise hear , how they are puft away as but meer fictions . if we find them so , this , justly , thereupon inferr i do , that , more presumptuous we in these times are then ever any other people were : for , very much corruption it implies to be in those who make and publish lyes . if there be truth , in any of those visions , or extraordinary apparitions , which are affirm'd ; 't is no less wicked daring , so to affront god's visible appearing in signs and wonders , as , both to contemn , and seek by all means , how to smother them : but , it is worst of all , to publish lyes of purpose , to discredit verities , as if we meant , to do the most we can to try the patience both of god , and man. if , we believe the things that are aver'd ; why of god's judgements , are we not afeard ? and , either seek to pacifie his wrath , or , magnfie his mercy , who , so hath forewarn'd , of what is likely to ensue , that , we his indignation may eschew ? if we suspect , what publickly is told , why do not they , who are in pow'r ( and should ) search out the truth , that , by due punishment , they such like provocations may prevent ? for , out of question , to connive at lyes , or smother truths , worse things presignifies , then all the apparitions , that have been these twenty years , in this our climate seen ; ( though nothing doubted of ) and will go nigh at last , to turn all truths into a lye. i must confess , that , though unto my ears there have been brought within these twenty years so many strange reports , of sights and voices , earthquakes and thunders , dreadful storms & noises ; of ebbs and tides , of suns , and moons , and stars , and armies in the clouds , portending wars , with such like , as would have perhaps , amounted unto a hundred , if i them had counted ; not one of those i saw : yet , so unjust i am not , as those good men to distrust who have aver'd them : for , though prodigies and such miraculous appearances , are daign'd in chief , to infidels , and those who in god's word , no confidence repose ; yet , they are likewise , otherwhile , reveal'd to true believers , lest , they be conceal'd from those whom they concern ; or lest , by them quite slieghted , who , the works of god , contemn ; they , also their own welfare so neglect that , they be totally without effect . on trust , i therefore take them : for , if we confirmed by their witness may not be , whose conversations are to us well known ; how , can we any affirmations own for truths , historically writ , by those whose conversation , no man living knowes ? for , my part i have with my carnal eyes , and , otherwise , beheld such prodigies in words and deeds , that , although none of that were true , which i hear other men relate , i ( at the least mysteriously ) discover all those old miracles , new acted over , in my time , which in pharaohs days were wrought , when israel out of servitude was brought ; and , many a such like wonderful proceed , as we recorded in the scriptures read . i 've seen th' inchanter's ( yea , and aarons ) rod , turn'd into serpents ; waters into blood . i have seen froggs sent , and remov'd again , and , yet , we as hard hearted still remain . i have observed , ( at least once or twice ) our dust , to be transformed into lice . plagues , which resembled locusts , flies , and hail , yet not a jot upon our hearts , prevail . the people , ev'n as murrains do our beasts , a sin that 's epidemical , infests ; and , so with blaines and byles we smitten be , that , in a moral sense , meer scabs we be . aegyptian darkness too , hath here , among our other plagues , continu'd very long , with likelihood to be as grosse , as there , unless , the sun of righteousness appear ; yea , i have seen our first-born also slain , yet , still , we in obduracy remain . i , therefore , wonder not , if private visions , prodigeous sights , and dreadful apparitions , ( discern'd but here & there ) have nought effected , since , things more signal , are so much neglected . where , moses and the prophets are not heard , one from the dead , will find but small regard . in vain are dumb-shewes , where , a speaking sign can to no heedfulness , mens hearts incline . when christ's own words , will not with credit pass , in vain , will be the speakings of an asse : yet , speak must , when god shall his tongue untie ; and , whatsoere succeedeth , so will i. a riddle for recreation , not impertinent to this place . into a park , i lately came , wherein are many herds of game , whereof the keepers take no care , and yet , they in abundance are . they are a cattle of strange breed which , on no browse , nor grasse do feed ; are found , before that they are sought ; aswell in sleep , as waking caught : so silently , they hunted are that , neither hound nor horn we hear when chatc't : they , are the onely things , left free for beggars and for kings to hunt at will : and , all that we assur'd of by our charters be . what park is this ? what game are these ? tell me , and hunt there , when you please . a proclamation made by this prisoner , with the advise of his privy counsel , the muses . oh yee's , oh yee's , oh yee's : if any man in country , court or city tell me can where my last poem call'd vox vulgi lies , ( seiz'd lately in my chamber by surprize ) on penalty , of what else follow may , let him produce it , e're my tryal day ; ( which , yet , i am not certain , when , or where it will be , neither do i greatly care . ) he , who to me , the same will timely bring , shall be rewarded : so , god save the king. given , this th . of the th . month , . at my head quarters in newgate , which is , at present , all the places of abode upon earth , which the prince of this world and his prelacie have left me . geo. wither . a concluding epigram . vvith these cards , i , an after-game have play'd , but , there 's one card , by shuffling , so mislaid , that , now my fore-game's lost ; yet , if i may just dealing find , fair gamesters , and fair-play , what ever happens , i no question make but , i at last , may thereby save my stake ; and , when the sett is ended , win much more then ere i got by play , or work before . if any good effects , hereby ensue , a thanks to god , is for my troubles due : for , had he not made way to send me hither , these fragments , had not thus been scrap'd together . those papers , which are hitherto supprest , shall that occasion , which will manifest ( at last ) a more effectual operation then , if they might have had free publication . if , also , god , me , here shall exercise with greater tryals , better fruits then these they will produce : therefore , they shall to me be welcome , when , or whatsoere they be . yet , for the sakes of other men , well pleas'd i should be , from my troubles to be eas'd ; because , until mine shall have some redresse , their suff'rings , are not likely to be lesse . lord , therefore , if thou please , make it a sign , their troubles will soon end , by ending mine . i , thereof , am a little hopeful made , by some foretokens , which i newly had . three likely signs thereof , he daigned hath ; for , my beloved consort , he from death , was pleas'd to raise ( ev'n whilst within this place i have remain'd , exposed to disgrace and poverty ) he , for my children too , whilst this was writing , hath provided so that , without portions , to their good content , they married are , without disparagement ; all parties , christian confidence professing of their dependance on god's future blessing . he , in the presence , and amidst my foes , hath spread my table ; and , such bounty showes , that , these are nothing , but the scraps and crums of that supply , which , dayly , from him comes . appello deum , regem , populum , parliamentum . i do , appeal , to judge of my intent , to god , king , people , and the parliament : for , one of these , i 'm sure , my friend will be , and , i hope well , of all the other three ; but , they know not my heart , so well as he . a post-script to the readers . these pieces , being communicated to several persons in writing , were sent back to me imprinted ; by what printer i know not . two or three large cantles , are thrown in among them ; which , though you would have disliked , in respect of their quantity , i should have made no shorter ; for , i could with more contentment have lengthned them . so much was necessary to exercise my own spirit , and strengthen my faith and patience , during the pressures which lie upon me . therefore , if they begin to seem tedious , give over the perusal : for , they were intended to be communicated to those onely , who were voluntarily desirous of them , to whom i beseech god to sanctifie them in the reading . they were distill'd out of me , by that fiery-tryal , which will extend to many other before it be ended , and which will evidence that they are no counterfeit or sophistical extractions , though they may seem trivial to some , because they relate chiefly to my self ; for , they will be found useful to many of them , who , are or shall be , exercised with like passions and afflictions . that , which tends to the vindication of the poem occasioning my commitment hither , will concern others as well as my self ; so , may also that which expresseth my suddain distemper , at the first hearing of my wives sickness , lying at . miles distance in a very disconsolate condition , as to all outward things : and they who are as truly sensible of a conjugal and paternal affection as i am , will perhaps , think when they read what i have written , that it may be of use to some of them , when they consider well the struglings between my flesh & spirit during that tryal ; and , in regard it is in probability , the strongest temptation whereby the world and the devil shall have power to afflict me . but , whatsoever shall be thought of that , of the rest of these parcels , or of me , i sent them to those in writing , who desired to have copies of them , and to passe further , as god should give leave . to write no more , i long since did intend ; but , none but god knowes now when i shall end , for , still , i find , when i think all is done , as much to write , as when i first begun . your true friend , and brother in the best consanguinity , who thinks it no dishonour , to subscribe himself , george wither , of newgate , in the city of london , prisoner . the th . of the th . moneth , . an appendix in relation to what concerns his wife . my consort , ( who still meanes what ere she sayes ) perusing what 's here mentioned to her praise ; protests , her modesty is so offended , to find her self in such a strain commended , that , she 's asham'd to live ; and , to be dead had rather , then to see it published . to be aveng'd for this dislike , therefore i le to the rest , ad this one vertue more , which had been alse forgot ; and if she do therewith find fault , i le then , ad twenty moe . for , i forbore her praises till i fear'd that , them , she never should have seen , or heard , and , had exposed them to publication before i was quite cured , of my passion . a table of the several things contained in this book . . the epistle of the author . pag. . . a missive to his friends , who enquired for him , after the apprehension of his person and the seizure of his books and papers . pag. . . his first meditation after his commitment to newgate . pag. . . his petition at the sessions , that bail might be accepted . pag. . . an epigram to the city of london . p. . . this prisoners second meditation in newgate . pag. . . answer to some friends who sent to know how it fared with him after his commitment . pag. . . a pass-by , to them who seemed offended with his frequent scriblings ( as they call them ) pag. . . the authors apology , for his writing that book which occasioned his imprisonment . pag. . . another meditation , alluding to this verse in seneca , nusquam non potest esse virtuti locus . p. . . a meditation upon jeremies prophesie to ebedmelech , the aethiopian . pag. . . an antidote against fear . pag. . . a short excuse , why he makes no adresse to great persons for their favour in his cause . pag. . . a meditation upon his considering the sad outward condition of his relations in the flesh . p. . . a passionate expression of a casual and suddain destemper , upon hearing of his wives being mortally sick , as he was credibly informed . pag. . . a spiritual song composed upon the last mentioned distemper . pag. . . a meditation whilst he was taking tobacco . pag. . . a hint , conducing to the settlement of peace and concord in the church and state. pag. . . a thanksgiving for his wives restauration to life and health . pag. . . a penitential hymn . pag. . . a requiem to the soul. pag. . . a meditation upon the late prodigies and apparitions . pag. . . a ridle . pag. . . a proclamation by the muses . pag. . . a concluding epigram . pag. . . a post-script . pag. . the end . the authors dream , the night before the imprinting of this book , and ( as he believes ) the true interpretation thereof . i am awake : god's blessed name be prais'd , that , he to see the light , my eyes hath rais'd : for , sleep , i see , which we repute the best of temporal things pertaining to mans rest , ( next to a quiet conscience ) may become a torment , very near as troublesome , if he , that giveth his beloved sleep , did not , within a bound , nights terrours keep . my soul , so toyl'd , and tired out , hath been with what , this night , in dreamings i have seen , that , peradventure , if i waking , had been so opprest , it might have made me mad : for , from the twelfth hour , to the fourth , well nigh , i have been strugling , in an agonie , with such confusions , that , if i would tell how , i have been turmoyl'd , i , might aswell another world endeavour to create out of a chaos , as the same relate : and , not a littie troubled is my mind , now i am waking , how , i forth may find what it presignifies : for , i believe those notions , i did not in vain receive : and , therefore , ( since no daniel i do know , who , either can to me my vision show , or , what it means ) ile , by god's grace , assay to make the best use of it , that i may ; not doubting , but , that he will condescend to shew some glimpse , of what , he doth intend . it hapned ( which , forget not to remember ) the day before the kalend's of november , the first year ( and may be the last ) wherein i had infranchised in newgate been , for off'ring to record , what i have heard by common fame , and , was by me declar'd to no worse end , then , that , prevent it might such like confusions , as me thought , this night to me were represented . and , who knowes but , that , this dream , a consequent foreshowes to that relating , which , fulfill'd will be either , upon these nations , or on me , or both of us , if god , averts not from the best of us , that , which is like to come ; and , as dreadful our waking dreams may be as this was in my sleep , last night to me . this very day , moreover , ( as i hear ) those musings , which by me composed were since my commitment hither , pass the presse ; and , our confusions , will be more or less , as they shall take effect . god's will be done , ( what ere , he pleaseth shall succeed thereon ) for , he , who wak'd me out of this sad dream , will , when , at their worst , raise me out of them ; or , when the resurrection morning comes , save , me , at least , from all destructive dooms , this , ( though my dream admits no explanation ) i take to be a true interpretation . but if , that any finds me out a better i will approve it , and remain his debter . errata . page . line . read appeal , page . line . for which are , r. with awe , l. . r. entertain'd , p. . l. . r. though so , p. . l. . r. be for he , p. . l. . r. dost for doth , p. . l. . r. not so . p. . last l. r. contriv'd . p. . l. . r. first , that , p. . l. . r. grown wise and sober , l. . r. more provoke , p. . l. . r. of reason , p. . l. . r. of letting , l. . r. concession , l. . for is , r. are , p. . l. . r. extract good . p. . l. . r , revive , p. . l. . for race , r. truce . p. . l. . r. every for very . l. . blot out now , p. . l. . r. we for wee 'l . p. . l. . for their r. them . p. . l. . blot out my , p. . l. . r. his trust . carmen-ternarium semi-c ynicum [sic], a dos of rime and reason presented by major geo. wither to some of his noble friends, members of the most honourable house of commons. wither, george, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing w ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) carmen-ternarium semi-c ynicum [sic], a dos of rime and reason presented by major geo. wither to some of his noble friends, members of the most honourable house of commons. wither, george, - . [ ] p. s.n., [london : ?] in verse. place and date of publication from wing. reproduction of original in huntington library. eng a r (wing w ). civilwar no carmen-ternarium semi-cynicum. a dos, of rime and reason: presented by major geo. wither, to some of his noble friends, members of the most wither, george a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion carmen-ternarium semi-cynicum . a dos , of rime and reason : presented by major geo. wither , to some of his noble friends , members of the most honourable house of commons . . friends , by your leave ; and , in a cynick-time , if i present you with a doggrell-rime , impute it not , i pray you , as a crime : for , whatsoe're occasion her excites , my muse weighs what , and unto whom she writes ; and , though she grumbles , neither snarles , nor bites . . 't is now , a pentecost , and six weeks more , since i was last a suitor at your doore ; for , 't was your christmasse eves-eve heretofore : yea , 't was the morne that next ensu'd the day , wherein you did convene to fast , and pray , that , what you now are planting , prosper may . . god grant your suits may better thrive then mine ; god give you of your hopes a better signe ; and , more to you , then you to me incline : for , if much longer , i be now delay'd , my just demands , to me had best been pay'd , if , at the first , they had been quite denay'd . . this , is ( in print and writing ) since th' edition of that , which first made knowne my sad condition , at least the twice ten hundreth repetition ; yet , most complaints , that i have tendered , seem ; as if neither heeded , heard , nor read , and , take effect , like prayers to the dead . . this , is above the six and thirti'th yeare , since first , my muses flung defiance , here , against their waies , who now your foes appeare ; yet , they who slight your cause , have better far'd ; they , who destroy you , have had more regard , and , oft you heare them , when i am unheard . . this , is the nineth or tenth now-minted-way , by which , i 've took occasion to assay ; how , i might find acceptance , when i pray ; yet , nor choise times , nor seasons , rimes nor prose , service to you , hot suffrings , by your foes , produce ought hitherto ; but empty-showes . . this , is the seventh year , since i begun to suffer with you , and to be undone , for , being , to your cause , a faithfull-one ; yet , have my foes prevailed , by their charmes , to make my faithfulnesse increase my harms , and , crush'd me , nigh to death , ev'n in your armes . . this , is the third moneth , since a hopefull signe , made shew , as if you joyntly did incline to be aspitious to such plaints as mine : yet , still , crosse accidents make vold my suit , with my estate , destroying my repute , and , i get nought , but blossoms without fruit . . two twelve moneths since , and twice within that space , your house , hath in compassion of my case , refer'd the naming of me to some place , that , till the publike shall repay my debt , i , by my labours , might subsistence get ; but , no effect thereof , appeareth , yet . . a place was once propos'd , for which , to cleare my debt , i offer made : but , one sate there , who , whilst i beat the bush , did catch the hare . another , i was nam'd to ; but , ere i could get the same reported , they , who trie the surest course , found means to put me by . . to twenty other places , i of late was nam'd , wherein , i might have serv'd the state , if , i , like other men , had friends or fate : but , they that have enough , must , yet , have more ; they , who are needy , must be still kept poore , and , he gets most , that had too much before . . nor would i grudge , might i my own receive , to misse the best preferments you could give ; for , i can find my self work whilst i live : and , should be better pleased to possesse my self , in an obscured quietnesse , then , in the greatest of your offices . . and , peradventure , better thrive should i , if , i could still beleeve , undoubtingly , that , in this world , my portion doth not lie : for , whatsoever promise she doth make , or , whatsoever likely course i take , i , either nothing win , or lose my stake , . yea , whosoever are put out or in ; whether you feast , or fast , or lose , or win , my portion , to this day , the same hath been ; and , neither orders , votes , nor ordinances , nor ought else , hitherto , my cause advances ; but , multiplies , cost , troubles , and mischances . . they , who heed this ; and , mark how long i sue for that , which you your selves acknowledge due , suppose my friends unkind , or , very few : and , so shall i think too ; if , when i see the grand-affairs dispens'd withall may bee , you , more consider not , my wants and mee . . for , though the publike cause should be preferr'd , some houres , for private causes , must be spar'd , lest , none be left , the publike to regard . your publike actings too , ( as i conceive ) would better thrive , did you more oft relieve their suffrings , whom , your long demurrers grieve . . three moneths ( at full ) you have delay'd to heare all private pressures , how extreme soe're ; yea , though your faithfull friends the suitors were : yet , you could , then , allow spare time for those , who were your wilfull and condemned foes : and , grace you did vouchsafe , to some of those . . to none i grudg your mercy : yet , withall i wish , that you to mind would likewise call , how , to your friends , worse things then death befall : for , penitents condemned , can but die : which , were it in my power , disdain would i , to ask , what any mortall could deny . . to see our selves , with many mischiefs hemn'd , pursu'd by foes , and of our friends contemn'd , is worse , then guiltlesly to be condemn'd . yea , to behold their families undone , who , for the publike , did that hazzard run , deserves more pity , then a dying-grone . . although the publike wants , be very great , the publike-justice , it doth ill befit that , some , large-favour find ; some , never a whit : that , some , should likewise have immediate pay ; some , interest at full , for all delay ; some others , nothing , after six years stay . . that he , to whom the state doth nothing owe , should rich , by three or foure employments grow , whilst they pine , who , thereon did all bestow : and , that those who have spent more pretious time , to serve you , then the whole earth can redeem , should scarce find one half-houre , befriending them . . consider , i beseech you , how ye may ( before all opportunities are slipt away ) preserve their being , who assist you may ; and , let them not be needlessely destroyd , by whom , your safety , may be best enjoyd ; and , with whose hopes , yours , also , will be voyd . . nor think your selves excus'd , if you deny to yeeld me at my need , a due supply ; because , five hundred want as much as i : for , no good principle , they build upon who shall resolve , they will be kind to none , because , they cannot succour ev'ry one . . we who are standers-by , do plainly see , that , if self-seekers might removed bee , ( or , would in just , and righteous things agree ) both means , and time enough might , yet , be found , to make the sick republike , quickly sound , and , ease the smart of ev'ry private wound . . yea , we perceive , that if division were well made , of what the common purse may spare ; ( of places , which at your disposure are ) and , of your time and paines ; you might have eas'd your selves much more ; your best friends , more have pleas'd , and , kept off troubles , which on us have seiz'd . . new states and governments , best founded are by justice , and by mercy ; and , to spare a largesse too , it now convenient were : at least , we may expect , as well as you , subsistence out of that which is our due , to keep us able , who were alwaies true . . for , what will it availe you , when your friends , who , might be serviceable to your ends , want means to further what the state intends ? or , with what courage , can those men go on , to help you , in that work which is begun , if , they must perish , e're it shall be done ? . what can they hope for , when their foe shall raign , who , whilst their friends rule , sue seven years , in vaine , ( not favors ) but , bare justice to obtain ? yet , get nought visible , wherewith to cherish their children ( which through want are like to perish ) except perchance a pension from their parish . . my case is not so bad : but , if you thought how neere thereto , i 'me drove ; how low i 'me brought , and , what hard lessons i am daily taught , you would excuse this discomposed-strain , believe my head broke , e're you saw my brain ; and , let me sue , and wait , no more in vain . . for , if extremities compell me should to summe up all , which i in scraps have told , ( and justly might have added , if i would ) they , who observe the love to me pretended , how known i am , and yet how ill befriended , would quite despair , to see their troubles ended . . fair promises , prove neither flesh nor fish ; my gaines are , hitherto , not worth a rush ; but that befalls me , which my foes do wish . for , when to do me right , fit time there was , some friends lackt power ; some , were not then in place ; and , some , that had the power , had not the grace . . your ordinance , the lords concurrence lackt , and , my estate , and credit , will be crackt , unlesse , with speed , you turn into an act ; few minutes may compleat it , which i pray vouchsafe ; for , by the late three moneths delay , i , six moneths interest , am like to pay . . bis dat , qui citò dat , the proverb saies ; and , 't is as true , that , he , who long delaies a favour or a gift , nought gives , or paies . for , by delay , thus fareth it with most , that , by vexation , labour , time , and cost , the profits of slow benefits , are lost . . but , i , this theam , have long enough persude : lest , therefore it may tire you ( to obtrude much more upon your patience ) i le conclude : yea , for a few daies , here i le make a stop ; and , if i then , accomplish not my hope , i le play but one card more ; and , so , give up . . as much for others sakes , as for mine own this sense , of private suffrings , i have shown : and hope , it will with good effects be known , for , when i mind what work you have to do , and , how few , put their helping hands thereto , i can excuse you ; and , have oft done so . finis . the two incomparable generalissimo's of the world, with their armies briefly described and embattailed, visibly and invisibly opposing each other wither, george, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing w c). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing w c estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : or : ) the two incomparable generalissimo's of the world, with their armies briefly described and embattailed, visibly and invisibly opposing each other wither, george, - . broadside. printed for james butler, london : . in verse. signed: g.w. attributed to george wither by nuc pre- imprints. wing number w cancelled in wing (cd-rom, ). reproduction of originals in the harvard university library. eng christian poetry, english -- early modern, - . a r (wing w c). civilwar no the two incomparable generalissimo's of the world, with their armies briefly described and embattailed, visibly and invisibly opposing each wither, george d the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the d category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the two incomparable generalissimo's of the world , with their armies briefly described and embattailed , visibly and invisibly opposing each other . the one is the old serpent the devill , generall of the church malignant . the other is the lord jesus christ , generall of the church militant . argument . according to the enmity decreed betweene the womans and the serpents seed in paradise , each other doth defie , this hatred lasteth to eternity : no marvell then that warre is now begun unnaturally 'twixt father and the son . clad all in angry armes of discontent , because of his perpetuall banishment from blisse , above fiv●●housand yeares ago , and in revenge of that same fatall blow , given him by that pure unspotted ch●●● borne of a woman whom he so beguil●● the old infernall serpent ever since , hath prov'd a hatefull rebell to his prince , and all enrag'd with malice and despight , he leads his captive souldiers thus to fight . in van , or front march infidels without the church , then persecutors , and the rout of heretiques within ; the middleward prophane , and all ungodly men do guard ; the reare consists of an accursed crew , terrible indeed , and hideous to view ( as conscience awaked once can tell ) deadly sinne , damnation , death and hell . the wings , or sides this body that inclose are fleshly lusts , and worldly pleasures foes , that by force of strong perswasion kill , moe , than the tempter can with all his skill ▪ the collonels , captains , drums and trumpeters , and other such inferiour officers , are infernall spirits hovering in the aire ; th'word of command's presumption and despaire . thus summum malum , summum bonums foe , sets up his standard here on earth below ; and with his false suggestions , every houre drawes to his party a malignant power of potentates , as well as baser sort , his earthly fading kingdomes to support , and sends abroad his nimble mercuries , intelligencers , scouts , and aulick lyes , and promiseth rewards for all their paines , as pleasures , treasures , dignities and gaines : but all these proffers prove but a flim-flam , he leaves them at the last like doctor lambe ; and when delights , and life are gone and past , then comes the sad catastrophe at last , endlesse and easelesse torments in hell-fire , this is the serpents and his souldiers hire . against this hydra-headed army stands the prince of peace , with his victorious bands ; not that this glorious conquerour doth need created helpe , t' effect a noble deed ; for he himselfe did long ago subdue the prince or darknesse , and th'infernall crew ; but to communicate he doth delight to silly mortals his owne match●esse might , which so upon them daily he conferres , that in the end th' are more than conquerers ; yet none but slaves , and conquered by sinne he makes his sould●ers , and the field to winne , after he first hath pull'd them from the jawes of death and hell , and given them new lawes and principle● divine ; then doth dispose them thus in order 'gainst his churches foes . the vant-guard doth consist of saints , and brave heroick martyrs , who despise the grave ; the true professours of the gospell next , ( with scoffing chams and lying doegs vext ) march in the middleward ; but o the reare , ( that which most th'infernall force doth feare ) consisteth of the generalls owne merits , which succour sends unto the fainting spirits of all his souldiers , who else would be lost ; the wings on each side of this glorious hoast , are stretched farre above all earthly things , spirituall graces making lively springs of hope and joy with promises so sure of heav'nly life for ever to endure . the officers to this high generall , are brave commanders , blessed angels all , who at their captaines becke like lightning move ; th'word of command is this ; i feare , and love . thus stands the christian arm'd against his foes , giving , and sometimes taking many blowe● , and that not by imaginary force but as really as did foot and horse neare winchester of late , where soules apace fled to the frowning and the smiling face of this great generall ; for only he bindeth , and maketh men and angels free . and by his mighty power doth so keepe his souldiers happy soules that fall asleepe that stinging death shall never hurt them , why ? because they dye to live eternally . to the reader . now may thine eye convey unto thy heart , thine own condition ( reader ) on whose part or side , to take up armes thou dost intend , or be unto thy selfe a foe or friend ; for under one of these two generalls the service of all men and angels falls ; you see the captaines and their wages both , o love the one then , and the other loath . g w. london printed , for iames butler , , the grateful acknowledgment of a late trimming regulator humbly presented to that honest and worthy country gentleman who is come lately to town, and stiles himself by the name of multum in parvo : with a most strange and wonderful prophecy, taken out of britains genious / written in the time of the late wars, by ... captain george withers. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the grateful acknowledgment of a late trimming regulator humbly presented to that honest and worthy country gentleman who is come lately to town, and stiles himself by the name of multum in parvo : with a most strange and wonderful prophecy, taken out of britains genious / written in the time of the late wars, by ... captain george withers. wither, george, - . wither, george, - . prophecy. pennyman, john, - . multum in parvo. p. [s.n.], london : . reproduction of original in huntington library. this work consists of two poems erroneously attributed to wither. the first work, "multum in parvo" is attributed to john pennyman by halkett & laing. the second work, "the prophecy" is an extract from wither's prosopopoeia britannica: britans genius ... . created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng great britain -- history -- puritan revolution, - -- poetry. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the grateful acknowledgment of a late trimming regulator . humbly presented to that honest and worthy country gentleman who is come lately to town , and stiles himself by the name of multum in parvo . with a most strange and wonderful prophecy , taken out of britains genious . vvritten in the time of the late vvars , by that famous and divine poet of our age , captain george withers . london , printed in the year , . the grateful acknowledgment of a late trimming regulator . thou honest janus face , what didst thou mean ? my eyes to blind in thy so great extream : thy very front did make my heart to ake , booted apostles made my soul to quake . thou gav'st me poison in a bitter cup , thou gav'st me oyl , and bid me drink it up , 't would cure all poison to the very heart , thus thou was pleas'd at me to sling thy dart. thy title page did swell my eyes with grief , thy antidote did soon give me relief ; thy regulators put me in such fret , as if i were a prey unto his net ; vvho by the stars , long since , hath often said , about this time in england should be laid : till that within i soon there did behold , thy first twelve lines were worth their weight in gold : at the first sight , my trembling hand was such , and more afraid than some are of the dutch ; my head was hot , as if all on a fire , my pulse did beat still higher and still higher , to stay at home , or else straightways to flee , for my protection , to the orange tree ; straightwayes to run , or else to stay at home , or else to fly with peters unto rome ; to let them know of our late sad disaster , these were my thoughts , until thy sovereign plaister did ease my mind , by thy ingenious pen , who first did wound , and after cur'd our men : vvhen we perceiv'd the cream of thy contest , multum was much , and parvo was in jeast ; booted apostles only was a trap to catch some gudgeons with thy french fools cap , printing and paper being near of kin , vvithout the first ink is a foolish thing ; the gudgeons here , must pay the printing-press ; so that at present we may give a guess , this genteal plot , which surely was thy own , instead of ten we wish thee forty one ; at every throw , and every hawl and pull , sometimes a gudgeon , sometimes a sea-gull : could we but know thee in thy naked dress , vve'd soon surround thee with a fair address ; hussa's and acclamations we must give , unto thy lines , so long as we do live . adam , where art thou ? now let all men know , bowls do run trim , where thistles us'd to grow : lo , here we come , our service to present , vvith all submission , to thy good intent ; and those that will not joyn in this thy pace , are not ( we fear ) of the true christian race . thy royal master , forty one , and we , ought to present thee to the orange tree . thou hast said more than ever we could think , what , dost thou write with some inspired ink ; you make distinctions to all sober men , 'twixt forty one , and thirty nine with ten ; vvhich is a thing which few men understand , vvhich made them so the forty one men brand. rebels and traytors , men of forty one , the tories curse , and the tantivies tone ; men so sunk down beyond old adam's fall , nothing would please them , but a rope for all : so that this tory and tantivy heat , may end with some in a cold trembling sweat. vve pray to god , that those which shall get free , may never more out-face the tripple-tree . the regulators in the rare a show , concerns not us , as most good people know : we gave no charters up , nor made no slaves , but alwayes counted them a pack of knaves ; our post therein , was only to perswade , and to unhing what those first rogues had made . squeeze but their pockets , and then let them pass , one for an ox , another for an ass , most bravely match'd , to draw both in one team , the ox before , behind the ass so lean. let the state purge them of some guiney gold , they 'll never more of our laws make so bold , save but their lives , their pelf will serve to pay the king 's old soldiers , though they run away . that was foretold a thousand years ago , then was fulfilled this most re-ree show . we dare engage our future judges shall no more fine men , according to white-hall . vvhat they did dictate , that the judge must do , ( oh blessed tools ! ) three nations to vndo . some men not worth five thousand pound i' th' world , must pay one hundred or to prison hurl'd ; this was the mode , and this the fashion then , mad men to sit , the wise men to condemn . our souls did grieve , sung welladay , alass , to see , ' mongst christians , such things come to pass . this was complain'd of in the prophet's day , for one word speaking made a beast of prey ; and though such words not in the least were treason , yet they were fin'd ( the lord knows ) without reason ; sooner or later these men they have found ( like to old nick ) their measures under ground . the fomous b — worth , in those days procur'd a tory jury , not to be endur'd ; eight hundred pounds they gave for damage there , when as two shillings could not then appear . what men were those that made so much ado , juries to pack , our children to vndo ; vve must them note , or else we are vndone if once they get again a riseing son. by force of arms they swore sham shriefs , by name vve know them well , and though we did complain , got no relief , but only got this grace , for honest broom to loose his crowners place . mandamus , aliis , pluris , to them all one , are these men fit to guard the royal throne of justice , which to all men gives their due , sure these can't be the protestants true blue . such were the regulators of those times , no more we hope to ring such b — b. chimes . empson and dudley , little did they dream , to be chastized for their great extream ; though some have dream't , that they themselves should die , upon a gibbet of two stories high. the famous oates , his cards are all now trumps , thanks to high orange and his mogan jumps ; from exon gates to berwick upon tweed , at one great leap , here is a jump indeed ; who would not be a jumper at this rate , not one in millions ever had this fate . god sent his moses to egyptian land , to save the jews from great king pharaoh's hand god sent his son , to save us from the grave , now sends his orange us all to unslave ; could monsieur le grand now jump as well as he , he 'd make our orange leap the tripple-tree if he could catch him ; herein lies the art , god hath him rais'd to make that kingdom smart for all the works which they have done amiss , this orange tree is for them rods in piss : instead of monsieur jumping here next spring , before that time another tune will sing ; his orange land with all his heart will give up to the heir , provided he may live : ill gotten goods , when took in so great haste , do seldom thrive , but quickly they do waste : the boldest thief , which to that sport is bent , is sometimes hang'd before his money 's spent . courage brave hero , be not you dismaid , nor of his numerous arms be you afraid ; heav'ns lord protector is your only prop , next spring he 'll give you your own orange crop. invade his borders but that time , and then with your own troops , and our true english men , we dare be bold his army then will run , like mists and fogs before the rising sun ; and many will ( like us ) run to your camp , then after him , you may the pope new vamp , who is so warp'd , he wants an underlay , an orange scent will make him dance the hay so rarely well , whenever you shall come , to bid defiance to the walls of rome . this we may see before some years be gone , by this great orange , our great james's son. much being lost , we took hold on a twig , this is the case of the poor trimming whig ; being near drowning by some men of note , vve then did strive only to trim the boat , to save our selves , and all our noble race , and shall we now for this suffer disgrace , if this a crime esteemed be , and blot , then let our names for ever dye and rot. upon this topick we will loose our lives , and leave to god our children and our wives . and for your self to own us at this time , sure you must be no less than a divine . the forty one men were a trimming race , the forty eight religion did disgrace ; the last were tories of the highest form , the nations scourges , and the nations scorn : the first were mild and gentle like thy self , the last were got sure by a romish elfe ; for persecution alwayes leaves behind a sting i' th' tail , and so is never kynde . mark these two words , and the first n deface , there you may see an honest trimmers face . and if men now shall act as heretofore , god may next turn , open the trimmers door , which if he should , great truth will then prevail , and make all popes to her dutch ship strike sail. our princes sins , to god only are known , his christian acts we never will disown . the eighty eight men , as they shall proceed , you say you 'll watch them as you shall have need ; but we do hope all things will stand so fair , whatever comes , the king 's the legal heir , unless we shall unhing the legal right , and for a common-wealth rise up and fight ; vvhich , in this land , the lords will never bear , therefore we must not think such fruit to rear : when priests do run , and chancellors do flee , vve may bless god we have an orange tree , vvho will defend us in our equal rights , god still preserve him in such wars and fights ; whose sweet perfume , like gods grace from above , is sent from heaven , to make us live in love ; vvhich if we don't , god knows whose turn is next , let us not dare then , to pervert the text. and so we 'll leave thee to thy next effort , storm roger still , and please the orange court ; and let john baies from you have one more lift , in statu quo , he 'll turn for his last shift ; what e'er it be , we are resolv'd to buy , or else our tongues must give our hearts the lye . and so farewell , till we can see thy face , we do believe thy stock is noble race . the prophecy , &c. when here a scot shall think his throne to set , above the circle of a british king , he shall a dateless parliament beget , from whence a furious armed brood shall spring . that army shall beget a wild confusion , confusion shall an anarchy beget , that anarchy shall bring forth in conclusion , a creature which you have no name for yet . that creature shall conceive a sickly state , which shall an arostocracy produce , the many headed beast not liking that , to raise democracy shall rather chuse ; and then democracy's production shall a moon calf be , which some a mole do call : so acting for a while , few men shall know , whether among them , a supream or no. five of them shall subdue the other five , and then those five shall by a doubtful strife , each others death so happily contrive , that they shall dye to live a better life : and out of their corruption rise there shall , a true supream acknowledged by all ; in which the power of all the five shall be , with unity made visible in three ; king , people , parliament , with priests and peers , shall be a while your emulous grandees , make a confused pentarchy some years , and leave off their distinct claims by degrees . and then shall righteousness ascend the throne , then love and truth and peace re-enter shall ; then faith and reason shall agree in one , and all the virtues to their council call. and timely after this , there shall arise , that kingdom , and that happy government , which is the scope of all those prophecies , which future truths obscurely represent : but how this shall be done , few men shall see , for wrought in clouds and darkness it shall be ; and e'er it come to pass in publick view , most of these following signs shall first ensue . a king shall willingly himself vnking , and thereby grow far greater than before , the priests their priesthoods to contempt shall bring , and piety shall thereby thrive the more . a parliament it self shall overthrow , and thereby shall a better being gain , the peers by setting of themselves below , a more enobling honour shall obtain . the people for a while shall be enslav'd , and that shall make them for the future free , by private loss , the publick shall be sav'd , an army shall by yielding victor be . then shall god own his people and their cause , the laws corruption shall reform the laws , and bullocks of the largest northern breed , shall fatten'd be , where now scarce sheep can feed . postscript . noli me tangere , our known laws do say , to him that doth the royal scepter sway , others must pay the damage in this cause , and cost to boot , so sayes the same good laws . his evil counsellors , these are the men must be truss'd up in bunches ten by ten : our prince is safe , the former are not so , as they advise , to tyburn they must go . a triple paradox affixed to a counter-mure raised against the furious batteries of restraint, slander and poverty, the three grand engines of the world, the flesh, and the devil / by major george wither ... wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a triple paradox affixed to a counter-mure raised against the furious batteries of restraint, slander and poverty, the three grand engines of the world, the flesh, and the devil / by major george wither ... wither, george, - . [ ], , [ ] p. printed for the author, london : . reproduction of original in huntington library. in verse. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng imprisonment -- great britain -- poetry. libel and slander -- poetry. poverty -- poetry. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a triple paradox : affixed to a counter-mure raised against the furious batteries of restraint , slander and poverty , the three grand engines of the world , the flesh and the devil . by major george wither , who , now beleagured by their forces , throws out unto them this defiance . the said paradox maintains these particulars . that confinement is more safe than liberty , slander more advantageous than praise , poverty more profitable than riches . nusquam , non potest esse virtuti locus . seneca . london , printed for the author . . the author , to all those who have relieved him in his beleagurement . it is a more blessed thing to give , than to receive ; therefore , having hitherto been a receiver only , i am now desirous to be a giver also , though it be but of a mite , or of a cup of cold water ; for , we are not to expect benedictions or acceprations , strictly answerable to the quantity or quality of our gifts considered in themselves , but according to our purposes and abilities ; which incourages me to send you a handful of such fruit as grows upon my witherd-tree , now almost past bearing , that if you find it as pleasant and as wholsome , as i conceived it to be , you having therewith refreshed your selves , may if you please , pick out some of the kernels , and by sowing and replanting them in your orchards , preserve the kinde for future use , when my tree is rotten . i make not tender of this diminutive present , by way of r●tribution ; for , god is your reward : but to be a testimonial of my gratitude , and of my willingness , to have done more , if i had been able ; or rather , that it may be a memorial of gods mercy to me vouchsafed by your hands when i was deserted of the world ; which ought never to be by me forgotten : for , i confess , i have thereby lived to produce this , and whatsoever i shall do hereafter in discharge of my duty , and had else , ere this day perished from the earth , for ought i know to the contrary , though in my greatest wants and uncertainty of supplies i was always as far from a despairing distrust , as if i had then possessed a vault filled with hidden treasures , which no man could take from me : and ( though i am yet in no more certainty in respect of external supplies ) god preserves in me the same confidence , and i believe he will always preserve it in me . this , is so great , and so extraordinary a mercy , considering the many terrors , distrusts & necessities , wherewith many thousands of better men are daily exercised & proved , that i conceive my self obliged in conscience , openly to acknowledge it both to glorifie him who vouchsafes it , and to confirm in my self and other men , our christian hopes , by delaring what god hath done for my soul , who have nothing in my self to deserve it , but what is of his gift , and who have much more of my own , which rather deserves the contrary . i am , and i hope shall ever be so far from being ashamed of my preservation by meer charity , that i do esteem it a greater honour & happiness , than to have the most plentiful subsistance which the world can confer upon me by a constant revenue , with an eminent dignitary annexed : for i have seen the best provisions of that kind , not only to fall but to bring their possessors also to be worse than nothing . i had superscribed your names ( or hereto added a catalogue of them : ) but many of you are personally unknown , and , the rest having discovered themselves unto me , for our mutual comfort and conversation only ( without any desire that notice might be taken by other men of what hath been communicated , and passed between them and me ) i do forbear making your names publick , for that and other considerable respects . you are my friends by the surest side : for you were not made mine by my industry , merit , solicitation , or in respect of any carnal relations , but meerly by gods mediation who inclined your hearts to that voluntary compassion , whereof i had fruit in due season , sufficient to preserve me , without sordid want or dejection , in that condition wherein i am likely to be continued to fit me for that service , which i have yet to do ; and i am confident that he who made you my friends , will so keep you ; and make me thankful to him and you , whilst we live in this world . your acceptation i doubt not of , nor of assistance by your prayers to the end of my pilgrim●ge : for , though some of us may circumstantially differ in our iudgements , we are one in him and with him , in his essential truth , and in that love which knits all the saints into one blessed and everlasting communion . i am your humble beadsman , george wither . a triple paradox ; wherein are asserted , these particulars , that ( ty ; imprisonment , is more safe than liberslander , more advantageous than praise ; poverty , more profitable than riches . for an introduction , the author flings this express to the world . a parlie , unto thee disdainful world , i sound ; and have to thee this paper hurl'd . yet , neither for a treaty or compliance , but , rather , still , to bid to thee defiance ; for , what thou wer't , thou art ; and i yet am and will be , whilst i live , to thee the same . thou art become the mistress of the field ; hast me beleaguer'd , summond me to yield my fortress , and thou so proceedest on , as if thou wert assur'd , it should be wonn : but , thereon thou perhaps , mayst yet attend as long as did th' infanta for ostend ; and as she nothing had at last but stones , get nothing but dead flesh , and rotten bones . i see thine insolence , and every day hear what thy favourites are pleas'd to say , how they extol thy power , how they debase my succours , and my helpers would disgrace . i well observe , thou round begirt me hast ; that , having all my outworks quite laid waste , thou , to compleat a conquest , dost begin a fierce assault to ruine all within . that , to prevent the sending of supplies , thou fright'st my friends with slanders and with lies . my accusatrix too , become thou art ; and , justly ( i acknowledge ) in some part , but , not in all : for , chiefly , thy temptations inducements were to those prevarications whereby , my talents were sometime abus'd : though therefore , i seem worthily reduc'd to what i am ; thou undeservedly hast me pursued with malignity ; because the love which i once bore to thee was more , than thou deservedest it should be ; thou most injuriously requited hast that love , which in my youth on thee i plac't ; for , though i never totally was thine , thou had'st ( when least ) more of me then was mine : and , him , of his right , to whom all was due i robbed then , thy service to pursue . but , he , now gives me grace , thy wiles to hate , and to observe them ere it is too late , that what thou by thy falshoods dost intend , shall cross thine own designments in the end . thou , having into many errors run me , thought'st by undoing me , to have undone me , but art deceiv'd : for , that which thou hast done hath brought me to the knowledge of that stone , which turneth dross to gold ; and from offences instructs me to extract those quintessences , which will preserve my freedome in all places , supply all wants ; convert all my disgraces to honours ; and in every estate , with all things needful , me accommodate . the devil by thine aid , hath long time sought how , he his ends upon me might have wrought ; but , neither thou nor he , nor both conjoyn'd , had power to bring to pass what was design'd , untill the flesh , my dalilah , you got to be a third associate in the plot ; and then , both to her damage , and to mine you , such progression made in your design , that by deluding her , you soon prevail'd , in that , whereof you otherwise had fail'd ; so , by her frailty , more than by your power , ( i , being in your clutches at this hour ) am openly exposed ( in some sort ) like sampson for a while , to make you sport ; but , stretched your malignity so far that your own actings , your own works will mar : for , though my dalilah your vassal be , and you by her means have surprized me , your cords and chains will off again be flung , so that , we shall redeemed be ere long from our captivities , and in conclusion your own contrivements will be your confusion . when thou pretendedst kindnesses to me ( and by them , didst intend to ruine me ) thou gav'st me then , one of pandora's boxes , which , i return thee full of paradoxes that shall uncharm thy witchcrafts , and destroy those gins which thou against me dost employ : for , if thou open it , ( as it is sed prometheus opened what shee 's fabuled to have bestow'd on him ) from thence will flow those truths , which will thy falshoods overthrow , and make some who admire them , to contemn those iuglings wherewithall thou foolest them : as likewise all those bugbear-tyrannies , which thy oppressing-instruments devise to fright us from our duties , and adhere to thy allurements , out of love or fear . to batter down my petty single sconce , thy three great'st engines thou hast rais'd at once , and so surrounded me within my fort , that , i have scarce one little sally-port whereby i may have egress to offend my foes , or to give ingress to a friend . thy ragged regiment of poverty , ( and they which by restraint of liberty , ) commanded are ) enclose me so about with double trenches , that , here can to nought for my relief , admittance now be given , except it comes immediately from heaven : moreover , at the four winds , raised high , are four mounts , whereupon thy batteries lie so diligently man'd by major slander ( an old and well experienced commander in such like services ) that , several wayes his great artillery upon me playes . at me perpetually his tongue-shot flies , and his whole culverings charg'd full with lies , send poysoned bullets , which i often hear , making loud cracks , or whizzing by mine ear . but , i , at last , shall rout all this brigade , quite frustrate those attempts which thou hast made and raise again thy seige , or do as well by dying nobly in my citadel , and , that it will to thee ( when batter'd down ) prove like the house by sampson overthrown . then , those things , plainly will to thee appear , which thou at present , wilt not see nor hear ; and i shall be the same to thee and thine , which thou hast lately been to me and mine ; for , then , my ghost , arrayed in white sheets shall haunt thy houses , walk about thy streets , and fright thee day and night with repetition of what is hasting on , for thy perdition , and will descend upon thee at those times wherein thou fill'st the measure of thy crimes . mean while , to comfort others , and prevent the tediousness of my beleagurement , i le draw a map , wherein i le so express the vanity of thy maliciousness , that , they who list shall know how much i slight thy triple-forces , and contemn thy spight ; and i to thee , their weaknesses apart will so declare , that , unless blind thou art thou shalt perceive , i cannot be destroy'd , by those whom thou against me hast employ'd although in one united : for , these three slander , imprisonment and poverty , to fall upon me , all at once began before , thou didst repute me for a man ; and though they charge me all at once agen , grown weaker by old age , than i was then , my helper is the same ; and suffring long hath by his grace , now made my power more strong . i know thy pride this confidence contemns : for , faith and hope , are now thought but the dreams of those men , whom thou dost phanaticks call : but , whatsoev'r thou thinkst , proceed i shall . and , if thou heedst what follows , thou shalt hear how little , either thee , or thine i fear . with that part of thy forces i le begin which , with the first trench hath now shut me in . thou knowst , what outwardly , thou hast bereft ; now , thou shalt know , what is within me left but , never shalt attain to apprehend how far my hidden store-house doth extend . confinement is more advantageous than liberty . restraint , which is an engine , right or wrong , made use of , ( first , or last , short time or long ) by most oppressors , hath been oft my lot ; and , at this present , i escape it not : for , ( though not in the ordinary way it seemeth now inflicted ) i might say , i am imprisoned , and so confin'd that , i am no way free , except in mind . of most enjoyments i am quite depriv'd which from external things may be deriv'd , yet thereby not undone ; for i possess my whole essential freedome neretheless . my toyes are lost , but by their deprivations i furnish'd am with real consolations , which , though they to the world-ward make no shows yield sweeter comforts than the things i lose , and make my hidden freedoms to be more than those the world vouchsafed heretofore : for , to her freedoms , when respect i gave i was then only free to be a slave , whereas , this , doth from nothing me restrain , which , to true liberty , doth appertain . that , which gives most content to flesh and blood i finde to be the basest servitude ; and that we nothing have whereof to boast till what the world calls liberty is lost . what freedom want i , save what being had makes many free-men slaves , and wise men mad ? none , have upon themselves , and others , brought more plagues than they have done , who would be thought the freest men : for freedoms mis-imploy'd have lately all our liberties destroy'd ; and , most , whom we much reverence as our betters are but our fellow-slaves in golden fetters . what liberty had i , whereof to vaunt by those infranchisements i seem to want ? i was at liberty to rowle in dust , to prosecute my fancies and my lust ; and therein joy'd , when i could walk abroad ; but , now , i finde the services of god are perfectst freedom . that , i am debarr'd of nothing , which deserveth my regard ; and , that the liberty i did possess , was not true freedom , but licentiousness ; at which experiment i am arriv'd , by losing that whereof i am depriv'd . this ( though fore-seen it was ) to me befell before i for it was prepared well , and , i confess , at first it made a change within me , and without , that seemed strange : but , not long after , at the second sight , that , which appear'd the wrong-side , prov'd the right ; and i am well contented therewithall : for , i could see gods mercies through the wall ; discern'd , when inwardly , i turn'd mine eyes , much more of heaven , than when i saw the skies . and , that , from very little i was barr'd , which i have reason greatly to regard . what can i see abroad , which hath not been by me before , almost to loathing seen , or , heard not so describ'd , that being shown it will not seem a thing already known ? both changes and rechanges i have view'd ; seen new things old become , old things renew'd ; princes petitioning disdainful grooms great kings dethron'd , & peasants in their rooms ; laws out-law'd , out-laws raised to be judges of laws , lives , goods , and of our priviledges , by law and conscience ; loyaltie made treason , and treason loyaltie ; non-sense for reason allow'd , and reason thought irrational : yea , meteors i have seen rise , and stars fall ; foundations that immoveable appear'd thrown down , and castles in the air uprear'd . i have seen heads and feet exchange their places , wealth make men poor , and honour bring disgraces ; beauties , which ravished beholders eyes wax more deformed than anatomies , or , no more lovely to be lookt upon , than rawridge , mumble-crust , or bloody-bone , but , truth to say , they who most lovely be , now , no more pleasureful appear to me than pictures , nor so much as ugly faces whose hearts are beautifi'd with inward graces , although to beauty very few were more a servant , than i have been heretofore , and if that please not , which i once lik'd best , what pleasure is there to behold the rest ? that , at this present , and all other sights afford so little which my heart delights , that , all the earth , and one poor little room are so equivalent to me become , that i know nothing any other where more to be priz'd than my enjoyments here ; and , that which makes me so indifferent nor melancholy is , nor discontent . confinement , in a house of strength doth dwell , a homely , and sometimes a nasty cell , in furnitures , and in attendance poor , a cerberus lies alwayes at the door fawning a little , when we entring are but ever snarls while we continue there : yet , i so quickly had found out his diet , that , i knew either how to keep him quiet , or order so my self , that when i please , i can lye down and sleep in little-ease ; enlarge within , that which without hath bound , contrive conveniences , where none i found ; and , every whit as much content receive in what i have not , as in what i have . i view not here the pleasures of the fields or what a garden , grove , or meddow yields which were of late my daily recreation , but , i have visions by my contemplation , which hither , during my confinement brings not only sights of more essential things but an assurance of enjoyments too , whereof i doubted more a while ago . i could not be at that solemnization which honoured my soveraigns coronation , nor saw his royal train in their late marches through london , under their triumphant arches ; yet in my solitariness , alone , what they were doing , i did think upon , with what should else be done , that 's not done yet and , which i wish we may not quite forget , nor so long , that there , may at length be lost much real honour , and no little cost ; and which , perhaps , to bring now into mind by this expression , i am thus confin'd ; for providence , did neither me restrain at this time , nor infuse these thoughts in vain . ionick , dorick , and corinthians works , in which , an architectors cunning lurks apart , or inter-wove ( with that apply'd whereby it may be richly beautifi'd ) i can conceive , as if i saw it made , and all which paintings thereunto can add . i know , as well as they who did behold that costly show , what silver , silk and gold , pearls , diamonds , and precious rubies , can contribute to adorn a horse or man. i have seen all materials which were thither , to make up that great triumph , brought together . princes and dukes , and marquesses and earls , plebeians , men and women , boyes and girls , as many thousands as then present were i did as well imagine to be there as if i them had seen ; and can suppose not only what is acted at such shows , but also , more than was at any one since first the roman triumphs were begun , and fancy by my self such glorious things as would quite beggar emperors and kings to represent them . so , by being there i had but seen a meaner show than here my fancy could have made ; and what had i been then , i pray , advantaged thereby ? what had i gained then , by sitting long and paying , to be crowded in a throng ? what great contentment could i have deriv'd from what mechanick artists had contriv'd , compar'd to that which my imagination contriv'd in honour of that coronation ? at which the trophies cost , at most , no more than would have made some needy persons poor ? i seldom took , at any time much pleasure in shows , which ev'ry vulgar eye can measure ; and time and cost require to make them gay , yet in a moment vanish quite away , behinde them leaving nothing that conduces to pious , moral , or to civil uses . what though i did not see the king that day ? i did in my confinement , for him pray as heartily as any person there , and , god , perhaps , assoon the same will hear , although my tongue was not then heard among those acclamations of the vulgar throng , which did salute his ear ; my silent voice wing'd with devotion ( though it made no noise ) ascended heav'n , and may bring blessings down , which will conduce to setling of his crown , if he unfix it not by mis-endeavour , or , valuing of the gift more than the giver . i do presume his duties on that day he did discharge ; and ( wishing others may perform their dues to him ) do not envy the glory of that day's solemnity to him , for whom 't was purpos'd , nor the sight , thereof , to those who took therein delight ; but wish'd , both might be perfectly contented in what was at that present represented ; and hope , nought was to him ascribed then , which rather appertains to god than men : for , when to hereds eloquent orations the people gave blasphemous acclamations , and he that honour to himself apply'd , whereby , god ought to have been glorifi'd , the doom , which that offence did on him bring , made him a lifeless , and a louzie king. of these things my confinement did produce some thoughts , which are perhaps of some good use . i , likewise exercis'd my meditation , that day , on other things which have relation to what was then in act ; and mus'd upon that , which occasion gave of things then done , on some now past , and upon other some which probably will be in time to come . i mus'd upon the changes , and the chances , the publick troubles , and deliverances which i have seen . i seriously did ponder gods , and mens actions joyntly and asunder ; our foolish projects , his wise providences , both in their progress , and their consequences . i thought both on the people and the king , what good or evil possibly might spring from their deportments towards one another now by gods mercy they are brought together . on those too , in particular , i thought whom , god into his power hath lately brought : how great , erewhile , his wants and sufferings were , what , his enjoyments at this present are ; and , on some other matters , not a few , which these , to my consideration drew , and which perhaps , that day had been by none mus'd on , so much , had i not been alone . moreover it occasion'd thoughts of that which to a nobler object doth relate ; even to that kingdom , king , and coronation , that should be thought on with more veneration than all the monarchs in their greatest glory , who now live , or are memoriz'd in story . my contemplation , with as much content , as others had , to me did represent that day wherein christ through ierusalem rode meekly on an ass , whilst after him the people throng'd or laqued by his side , and voluntarily hosanna cry'd , yet afterward pursuing him with scorns cry'd crucifie , and crowned him with thorns ; and this , me thought , was so considerable , that it made all our pomp seem despicable . for , then my muses drew me by degrees , to meditate on what my soul fore-sees concerning them , who , whilst they do pretend christ's kingdom , do pursue another end ; and that , which for his glory was bestown , make use of , for advancement of their own . not seldom , likewise , i then thought upon those many thousand families undone , who sit and weep through want of what that day was wastfully and vainly , thrown away , at such a time , wherein both man and god , proceedings lookt for in another mode , and when , our publick hazards and distress , requir'd another way of thankfulness . upon that solemn day , ( not without wonder ) i saw and heard , the lightning , rain , and thunder wherewith god seem'd to answer and out-vy our guns and fire-works , ( though i was not nigh ) and such-resemblance had the works of art , to nature's , that they could not be apart distinguish'd ; but that , to prevent our error , the last was loudest , and infus'd more terrour . this , i observed well ; and furthermore took special heed , that nigh two moneths before , and likewise ever since , from rainy weather we were not oft free , one whole day together , until that royal triumph was begun , nor till that moment wherein it was done : yet , durst i not be so prophane , to say ( as one hath writ ) it dar'd not rain that day . nor at that time , flaminian like , durst i conjecture by a heathenish augurie what god thereby intended : but , with awe consider'd upon what i heard and saw : and i confess , the lightning , rain , and thunder at this our seed-time , caused me to ponder on that , which sumuel prayed god to send in harvest-time , and what that did portend ; which i conceive to be a meditation not then improper , for my contemplation . and , though some peradventure may suspect that these expressions , may some way reflect on what concerns them , it concerns him more whose cause and honour i prefer before all earthly things ; and can be not afraid , who ere shall be displeas'd with what i 've said ; for , i was barr'd from seeing what is done by men ; that , gods works might be mused on . such things , although we then much mind them not , should not amidst our triumphs be forgot ; and , that , ( which then by me was thought upon ) much more effectually , perhaps , was done in this condition which i now am in , than could in that state , wherein i have been : forgot therefore , by others , if it be it will seem no great wonderment to me ; for , who remember iosephs in their sports , or in the jollities at princes courts ? confinement ( which i once a damage thought ) to me , hath other priviledges brought . it manifests apparently to me who are my kinsmen , who my neighbours be ; and whether he who passeth by me than , be levite , priest , or a samaritan : for , neighbourhood and kindred , he best tryes that 's robbed , wounded , or imprison'd lyes . in liberty , i sometimes doubted whether they , who then came to visit me , were either my friends or foes , for , i found other while they whom i trusted most , did most beguile . but , few or none my visitants now are save they , whose visitations are sincere ; the friends i got , when i did walk abroad i gain'd my self : these , are made mine by god. these were acquired without pains or cost ; not won by merit , nor by small faults lost . the first , were for prosperity decreed , the latter , for my help , in time of need , and sought my body out , unknown before because , they heard it was distrest , and poor ; which hath to me , confinement sweeter made , than all the freedoms which i lately had ; and , me , with that communion of the saints , experimentally , it now acquaints , which , in this life enjoyed is , by all , who , in the life to come , enjoy it shall , a prison , cannot dreadful seem to me , for , there i first was taught my a , b , c , in sufferings : there , when i had scarcely past mine nonage , to be schooled i was place't . and , so long as the providence of god , was pleas'd , that , to instruct me with that rod , i should continue my abiding there , princes , my tutors , and correctors were . a prison , is that house of discipline , wherein the martyrs usually begin to be probationers ; it is the colledge of saints , wherein experimental knowledge is first acquired by a carnal sense of that , which tries their christian patience . prisons , to them , are sanctified temples , wherein , they by their meekness and examples preach to the world by deeds ( a powerful way ) what , many other do but meerly say . and , as our prelates , in each cathedral have several places , which they please to call more or less holy : so , there likewise be imprisonments of differing degree : the outer-ward , an entertainment gives most commonly to murtherers and thieves , or , such like malefactors , who displease the world sometimes , and interrupt her ease , for which they are confin'd , till their just guerdon they shall receive , or bribe her for a pardon ; and whereto she gives all advantages that may in prisons granted be to these . but , all her prisoners are not confin'd to wards , and receptacles of one kind . the inner-wards , which do to me appear the same that chancels unto churches are , are not made use of ( except now and then ) but for most holy and religious men . the deepest dungeons be reserv'd for those who dare our vices , or her lusts oppose ; or , things repugnant to our ends profess , ( when mov'd thereto by conscientiousness ) and , whosoere presumes to plead their cases , as innocents , doth hazard in like places his own restraint ; or else unto suspects , which peradventure may have worse effects . yet , freedom yields to none so much content , as these enjoy , by such imprisonment . for , they with inward comforts are delighted , whilst they with outward darkness are benighted : and sweet refreshments , in amongst them come when they are throng'd up in a nasty room . when , they of their familiars are depriv'd , they are by those , who knew them not , reliev'd ; when they from earthly men , fast lockt have been , celestial angels have sometime broke in ; knockt off their chains ; the gates and doors unbar'd the prison shook ; the sturdy iaylor scarr'd and made him ( falling down before them too ) cry , men and brethren , say , what shall we do ? a prison is the best retiring room that can be got ; the best museolum for him , wherein to contemplate , that would those objects without fallacy behold , which most concern him ; or would notions have of what he ought to do , hope or believe ; for , most of those things , which abroad he spies , either delude his ears , or blind his eyes , pervert his iudgement , or withdraw his mind from that , wherein his welfare he might find . a prison is a place ; which he that can make use of , as becomes a prudent man , findes there , more lasting , and more perfect solace than in the greatest earthly princes pallace , and , when he knows what priviledges are in this condition , will scorn all that 's there . in prison , quickly , understand he shall the worst that can to him , at last , befall . there , he may notice take , how most men pother themselves ; what plagues they are unto each other . how , causelesly men terrified are by those , to whom they dreadful would appear ; and , peradventure , if they patient be that , they pursued by their foes will see , by which their self-destruction shall be wrought , and those freed , whom , they into bondage brought . there , they may learn , that to make black or white , one hair , or add one straws-breadth to their height care nought avails ; and in that poor estate to laugh at all the worlds despight and hate : for , over them , no power then left she hath , except of prosecuting them to death , which them ten thousand fold will happier make than all , that she can either give or take . these are such benefits as i enjoy , by what , now seems my freedom to destroy . in prison , too , this priviledge i have , that , living , i descend into my grave , and by my contemplation can fore-see what my condition in that place will be . i search it to the bottom , by that spark of light , which shineth brightest in the dark . the terrours of that dungeon i fore-stall , i , ( as it were ) pre-act my funeral , and in a manner also , see and hear what will be said and done , when i am there ; which are advantages not to be known , whilst in the world i flutter up and down . in prison also , when least room i have , and close am kept , i , far beyond the grave do prospects view ; and can see pretty well what may concern men , both in heaven and hell ; whereof , if here i should my knowledge speak them , for phanatick dreams , the world would take ; and not believe the things i could declare , because , she knows that i was never there ; and , therefore , i le proceed again to show what , my experiments are here below . restraint , from me , hath totally shut out that frivelous , and that offensive rout , which interrupts my musings with discourse that 's either wholly vain , or somewhat worse : for , to nought else , it for the most part tends but fruitless complements , or graceless ends ; and , what among us , is at meetings blown , wrongs other mens affairs , or else our own , whereas , our words whilst here we are together , tend to the edifying of each other , in faith or manners ; or else , to improve that hope , that meekness , constancy and love which may enable , patiently to bear those burthens , wherewith we oppressed are : and , when our bodies are asunder gone , we never leave each other quite alone ; for , we ( ev'n when corporeally apart ) are present , both in spirit and in heart . though this fraternity did often minde me , till my imprisonment they could not finde me , nor did i know their persons . thou , therefore oh foolish world , to my content add'st more by my restraint , than if to me were given all carnal freedoms on this side of heaven ; and , if this be the great'st harms thou canst do , prethee , let every spight thou dost be two . but , all the comforts which best friends afford , ( as they are men ) may prove like ionah's gourd , for , as next morning , that , did wither quite which god did cause to spring up in one night , so , when the sun burns , or a sharp wind blows , this may as quickly fade , as it arose : for , death or injuries , do every day take those mens lives , or , their estates away who are most charitable , and , of bread they may have need , by whom i have been fed , for , unto all men underneath the sun that may betide which doth befall to one . not therefore , upon those things which god sends , but , on himself alone , my soul depends : here , all my confidence , vain world , is place't , or else i might be ruined at last ; and all my present hopes , as vain would be , as if i had repos'd my trust in thee . by this restriction , not a few temptations will be repelled ; many deviations of mine prevented ; duties better done ; things which have been forgot , more thought upon ; it peradventure may prepare me too , for what i 'm yet to suffer and to do , much better than that freedom did , or could , which , by the common tenure i did hold : and who knows , but some corporal mis-hap i may or did by this restraint escape , which might have else befell me when together the people throng'd and trod upon each other . which , though no more but shunning so much harm , as breaking of a neck , a legg , or arm , were considerable , and ten to one such mis-adventures daily fall upon some persons unconfin'd , when they least dread them , because , where dangers are , they little heed them . scap'd i no more here , than that slavish load of complementings , wherewithall abroad men tire themselves , and others ; that , alone sufficient were , if well consider'd on , to make amends for all the sufferings which my confinement now upon me brings . for , as to pay this life , i am a debter to nature , and then hope to have a better , my wants , restraints , and poverty do less afflict my body , by all that distress now laid upon it , than my soul hath been to hear and see , what i have heard and seen , whilest i had liberty abroad to go , and hear and see , what many say and do : with what dissembling complements , caresses , affected speeches , flattering addresses , and false pretendings , men of ev'ry sort do cheat , fool , claw , and one another court , as if they did realities intend when , in meer nullities , at last they end . how , letters , promises , vows , declarations , orders , oaths , covenants , and protestations annihilated are , and turn to smoak or stinks , which rather poison us , and choak than truly nourish ; and how they go on in acting still , such things as they have done who are destroyed ; and yet , nere the less , dream they pursue the waies of happiness . i am , as well pleas'd , with my sad condition , as others , with what they have in fruition , and , if desire a longer life i could , for nothing else the same desire i should , except it were that i might live to see what god will do , and what their end will be . frequent i cannot , with conveniency ( as lately , when i had my liberty , i might have done ) the publick congregation ; but , i , upon god's word , by meditation , ( to exercise my self ) may set apart the time they dedicate ; and both my heart and my best faculties , employ that day , in preaching somewhat to the world my way which will advance god's glory , and improve my brethren in good life , hope , faith , and love : or , that prepare , which thereunto may tend , when daies and times , with me will have an end : and , god ( i know ) confines not saving graces to ordinary means , forms , times , or places , nor is displeased when his services endeavour'd are , without contentiousness , as we are able , and with upright heart , though of our duties we may fail in part . some other notions , which in this estate are apprehended , i might now relate , which further may illustrate those mis-haps that man by an imprisonment escapes but , they are trifles to what i possess , in my constrained solitariness . for , though it be not what i might have chose ( had i been left unto mine own dispose ) it proves much better : and for that respect what i most naturally do affect i dare not absolutely to request , ( much less make choice of ) but to him that best knows what 's best for me , wholly have resign'd both mine own self , and things of ev'ry kind . 't is he , who hath assign'd this lot , and all what ere it be , which thereby doth befall ; and , this restraint , not only makes him dearer to me , but also , to him , draws me nearer , so that the more my troubles do increase , the nearer unto him is my access . he , fortifies my confidence in him , and heartens me , the world thus to contemn , as boldly as if doubtless cause there were for her to fear me , more than i fear her . i have my fears , but they are nothing else save what perdues and scouts , and centinels are to an army : they do not dis-heart a valiant souldier ; though they make him start at first alarm ; but cause him to prepare for those assaults , which nigh approaching are . when i am judged , in an undone-case , because , confin'd , in wants , and in distress ; when all my outward comforters are gone , and , i lie musing on my bed alone of what i knew before , or heard that day ; of what my friends fear , and my foes do say ; what men they are , who seem with me offended , what is already done , and what intended ; sometimes a little shuddring doth begin , as if a panick-fear were breaking in , which he marks , ere to me it doth appear forthwith , steps down betwixt me and that fear supplies defects , expelleth doubts and sadness , replenisheth my heart with sober gladness , about me sets his angels , watch to keep , and ( as to his beloved ) gives me sleep . these things considered , prisons and restraints ( which have been long , the portion of the saints ) are not alone things little to be fear'd , but also many times to be preferr'd before those liberties , and all those things that can be found in palaces of kings ; what ere their flatterers are pleas'd to say , by fruitless hopes , to drive their fears away . for , more are there endanger'd , more destroy'd : there , many times , is less content enjoy'd , less outward safety , and a great deal less of what conduceth to true happiness , than in a prison : and who ere well heeds what , there is done , and what thereon succeeds will finde cause , their condition to bewail sometimes , much more , than his that 's in a gaol . for , errors flowing from prosperity indanger more , because unseen they lie . men may by their afflictions be prepar'd for whatsoere can follow afterward , and are oft fitted by a lingring grief , for future happiness in death or life : but , while corrupted by excessive treasures , befool'd with honours , and bewitch'd with pleasures , the cause of self-destruction still they nourish ; they grow as brutish as the beasts that perish ; and , daily so besotted , by degrees that , sense of their humanity they leese ; so long dream , they are god's ( or somewhat greater , till they are devils , or but little better ; and suddenly , when they think all goes well , sink from supposed happiness to hell . most men , ( yea very many of the best ) their talents , till they palm-like down are prest , improve not ; nor their duties truly do , till by afflictions they are whipt thereto . a prison , was long time the school , wherein chast ioseph those progressions did begin , which , him forth from obscurity did bring to be the second person to a king. ionas was not obedient to god's call till he , both by a storm , and by a whale , was disciplin'd : and , if i had a thought my duties were performed as they ought in any thing , affirmed it should be that , thereto my afflictions fitted me : for , such like simples , as i am , require to make them yield forth oyl , the press , or fire , my flinty-nature gives not out one spark to light my self , or others in the dark , till knockt with steel . this knowledge i have gain'd of mine own temper , and it is unfain'd . to be imprison'd , slander'd , or made poor , shall therefore , henceforth , frighten me no more , nor make me , whilst i live asham'd of either of those three lots , nor of them altogether . priests , prophets , kings and saints , yea ( whilst abode he made on earth ) the glorious son of god was pleased to submit to all of them ( but to the latter two in an extream ) and , with such company , i le undergo my share , and think , i 'm thereby honour'd too . to this effect , much more might here be said , but , this will be sufficient , if well weigh'd , which , i suspect ; for , very few men heed , or mind , long , what they hear , or what they read . slander is more beneficiall than praise . who , can express the pain of being stung with such a fiery serpent as the tongue ? or , what can cure it , but his being ey'd , whom , once , the brazen serpent typifi'd ? 't is far more sharp than arrows , darts or spears ; down to the heart , it pierces through the ears ; not only wounds , but frighteth also more than murthring canons , when they loudest roar ; afflicteth us , whilst here we draw our breath , and , gangreeve-like , so spreadeth after death ( ev'n to posterity upon our names ) that it destroys the life of honest fames . this sury slander , hath been quarter'd long , in rotten-row , and hart-street , at the tongue ; her magazeens and forges are all there , the shop at which she vents them , is the ear , in ev'ry town and city ; and no places or persons , her aspersions and disgraces can long avoid : for , ev'ry where she scatters that shot wherewith the forts of fame she batters . so venemous it is , that every touch proves mortal , or indangers very much , and nothing shooteth more impoysoned pellets , except it be the flatteries of prelates . i must confess , that many years ago i therewith have been often wounded so that , very well , content i could have been to lye down , where i might no more be seen ; and , my stupidity is not , yet , such as not to feel indignities as much as any man : but , i have learned how to change my sicknesses to physick , now : and when the world intendeth me a shame by retroversion to convert the same to that , which from be spattrings purifies , and makes me both her blame and praise despise , no more displeas'd , or pleased therewithall than if a whibling cur , should fawn or bawl . for , unto those oppressions , heretofore and now lay'd on me , whatsoever more the world shall add ; though they a while oppress , will , shortly , make them , not alone much less but , also none at all ; and wheel about upon her self , as soon as my turn's out . praise , is a pleasing thing , to flesh and blood , yet , often doth it much more harm than good ; puffs up with pride , ore-weening and vain glory , or , with affection to things transitory beyond a safe mean ; and makes men suppose themselves to be , what ev'ry neighbour knows they are not ; yea , what they themselves do see they neither are , nor possibly can be . whereas , to be without a cause despis'd , disprais'd , reproach'd , scoft , jeer'd and scandaliz'd , an undue self-opinion doth remove true meekness and humility improve ; brings constancy and patience to their tryal , and , at the last , to such a self-denial , as in the close will more contentment give us than all , whereof a slander can deprive us . the flatteries of his lords , made joash stumble , reviling speeches , made king david humble , good men , by praises , oft , are evil made , but , by reproaches harm they never had . the world , which best is pleas'd with her own baubles for that false titulary honor scrabbles , which is compos'd of aiery attributes , or , which opinion only constitutes : and , all her happiness , dependant seems on vulgar approbations and esteems , which are , indeed , her portion : but , to those , who can look both beyond , and through the shows , that such toies make , nought therein doth appear to merit their desire , love , hate or fear : and , therefore , they respect them , ( come , or go ) as reason them obliges thereunto , or , as things , which ( if grace divine be granted ) them , indifferently , may be possest or wanted ; make such use as they serve to , whilst they have and yield them , when resum'd , to those who gave them . for , had external honours in this place , been truly more essential than disgrace , to happiness eternal ; christ had waved the scandals of the cross ; we had been saved and sanctifi'd should be without those troubles , scorns and reproaches , which the world now doubles and may redouble : yea , in vain had he a promise made , that they should blessed be who in his sufferings do with him partake , and are reproach'd and slander'd for his sake . these things consider'd , i am at full rest ; slanders infringe not my chief interest . good or ill words will me no more concern when i am dead , than when i was unborn . and , whilst i live , ( as is inferr'd before ) they harm a little , and they profit more . if scandals neither mend nor mar my health , increase not troubles , nor decrease my wealth , save in opinion onely ; all those lostes are cur'd , if my vote , that opinion crosses . and ( prare who list ) i will as merry bee as is a pye upon a cherry-tree . praise , or dispraises , if so be my heart assures , that neither of them by desert to mee belongs , my own phanatick brain is cause of all , where of i do complain , or take delight in : praise , blame , bless , or curse , i am no whit the better , or the worse ; and , all men are as much concern'd as i in what 's then spoken be it truth , or lye. if of a hundred crimes i guilty were , all which , as evidently did appear , as in a cloudless day , the sun at noon ; the world , but as the spots within the moon , would look upon them , if , for my defence i have a face well braz'd with impudence ; an oily tongue , a crocodiles moist eye , can finde great friends , bribe , flatter , fawn and lye , ore-awe my neighbours , or , my self express a friend to them , in their licentiousnesse . but , were i , both in words and deeds , as free from just reproof , as mortal man may be , had i , but one great neighbour , who envies all men suppos'd more honest , or more wise , than hee is thought ; therewith a neighbourhood , which takes delight in nothing that is good ; abhorring all , as their injurious foes , who , them , in their unrighteous waies oppose ; or , if i be constrained to have dealing , with such , by some relation , or nigh dwelling , who think , there 's nothing rational or just , but , what tends to their profit , or their lust ; it is impossible to scape the wrongs of wicked hands , or of malicious tongues : and , therefore , he , with whom it thus doth fare must study patience , how his lot to bear ; and in this case , can look for no defence but from gods justice , and his innocence , which is sufficient unto them that know what consolations from those fountains flow . what , is there to be fear'd in slandrous tales , whether , they shall be either true or false ? a false report more mischieves those who spread it , than harmeth me . if it impairs my credit , i may recover it again ere long , and also peradventure , by that wrong improve some vertue , or abate some pride , within my self till that time , unespy'd . although hard words , give harder knocks than stones , and crack our credits , yet , they break no bones ; and , if unjustly thrown , by spightful fingers , they prove most mischievous unto their flingers . one fault which conscience findes , afflicts me more than twenty slanders , yea than twenty score : so long as that lyes quietly in me , i shall not care who my accusers be ; and , when that shall accuse me ( as sometime it doth ) i sue out an appeal to him who straight acquits me ; else i must confess i should as much fear mine own righteousness as all my sins ; for , i esteem them both alike impure , and as a menstruous cloath . if i am justly blam'd for things misdone , or , for faults wherein i am going on , it doth by bringing on me shame of face , repentance bring , and to that , state of grace from which i falling was ; and stay the course which might have drawn me on from bad to worse , until , that by habituated sin , endless impenitency had broke in : much more , therefore , to these i am a debter who speak ill , than to those men who speak better than i deserve : and , though that in their ends they differ , they may be as useful friends who speak of me opprobriously , sometimes , as they , who praise me , or excuse my crimes . for , i have long observ'd that all relations , nigh or far off ( what ever obligations have nearly joyned them , or whatsoere their quarrels , bonds , or disobligements are ) be ( for the most part ) either friends or foes , but , as a prosp'rous , or a cross wind blows ; or , as their inter'st or expectancy may be secur'd , or doth at hazzard lye . the love or hatred , which i finde in them , differs but in the measure , or the time , or , in th' occasions , which have them inclin'd , to friendliness , or else to be unkinde . they frown or smile they praise , or they disgrace , destroy and save , and stab , or else imbrace , even as the fit which comes upon them , takes them , and either pleased , or displeased makes them . such will their words and deeds be then to thee , what ere thou art to them , or they to thee . as bitter language , i have heard 'twixt those that were dear lovers , as 'twixt greatest foes , yea , and more bitter too , in some respects considering their causes and effects . a foes revilings very sharp appear , but , when our friends exasperated are with , or without cause given of offence , there is between them greater difference ( or at the least , but very little less ) than tasted is between the bitterness of unpeel'd wallnut-kernels , and strong gall , vvhen with our tongues distinguish them we shall . moreover , i have sometimes also seen that , they , who have unto each other been most mischievous , so reconcil'd together ( though little vertue hath appear'd in either ) so kind in words and deeds , for outward ends , and , so ingaged mutually as friends in their concernments , as if they had never at variance been ; but , hearty friends for ever . vvhich , when i mind , i neither pleasure have in praises , nor do slanders me bereave of much content , from whom soe're they come , so long as i finde innocence at home ; nor , in my own respect at any time , so griev'd am i , as otherwhile for them vvho have mis-censur'd me ; because i know from what distempers usually they flow ; and that the sob'rest and the wisest men have some deliriums on them now and then . exception is not alwayes to be took by what shall by a friend or foe be spoke : for , men in passion , whether they appear . pleas'd or displeas'd , speak few things as they are , nor alwayes as they think , but , rather say that , which the passion bearing then chief sway transports them to ; although a wound it give to their own souls , which pains them whilst they live . but , friends and foes , both good and ill report , and , all terrestrial things of every sort , vvill shortly have an end ( with me at least . ) the worst , as well as that whereof the best esteem i had , will into nothing fly : my slanders , and my slanderers will dye . at present , therefore them no more i dread than if i saw they were already dead ; and , that which dead or living , shall to me befall , will equally forgotten be . by living , i , their scandals may out-live , and good proofs of my innocency give . vvhen i am dead , what ever men shall please to speak or do , it cannot me disease : and , they who after death do men defame , or shall expose their bodies unto shame , bring that dishonour which they did intend to others , on themselves , at latter end : yea , make some question , and suspect their merits ; repute them persons of ignoble spirits ; and , what they hoped should confirm their peace , their terrours and their dangers will increase . slanders ( though poyson in themselves ) have been to me a precious antidote for sin , preventing , not a few times more than one , that , wherein else perhaps i had mis-done , ( and i , thereby , effects like his have found who had a sickness cured by a wound ) whereas , contrariwise , a vain applause of sins or follies , are a frequent cause . i well remember , that , when i was young ( and in both kinds an object of the tongue , as now i am ) i reaped , many wayes , by slanders , much more profit than by praise . for , praises made me sometimes over-ween , and ( as if no defects in me had been ) neglect the means , that , supplements might add to what , i more in show , than substance had . it , likewise , me to envy did expose , from which great disadvantages arose , and scandals , without cause : but grace divine cross'd thereby , what the devil did design : for , defamation , so soon was begun , that , what it charg'd me with , was never done . that , sin prevented was , and many more by sending of the scandal forth before the crime was acted ; so , into a blessing a curse was turn'd , which merits this confessing ; and also , me obliges , all my dayes , on all occasions , to give god the praise ; for , if , perhaps it had over-flowed then , the stream had never kept his bounds again . the scoffs and jeers , cast on me by the rimes of some reputed poets in these times have been my great advantage : for , th' esteem which in my youthful dayes i had of them had else perhaps , from my simplicity drawn me , by their familiarity to those affected vanities with which they have infected fools , and claw'd their itch . were i but as ambitious of that name a poet , as they are , and think i am , it might a little vex me , when i hear how often , in their pamphlets me they jear , because , truth seasonably i convey to such as need it , in a homely way , best pleasing unto those who do not care to crack hard shells in which no kernels are ; or for strong lines , in which is little found , save an affected phrase , and empty sound . but , i do read them with a smiling pitty to finde them to be wicked , who are witty . at their detractions , i do not repine ; their poems i esteem as they do mine : their censures , i with sleighting overpass , who , like words without sense , wit without grace ; and , better am contented , without cause to hear their mis-reports , than their applause . as also , that , they should by pantaloons admired be , and honour'd by buffoons . yea , as iob said , should they a book compile against me ( as they may , and did erewhile ) i would receive it , on my shoulders bear it , and as a crown , upon my head would wear it . my fearleness of slanders doth not flow from ignorance , which hinders me to know how , i am scandaliz'd : for it appears in print and i have heard it through both ears . i daily hear what ignominious lyes detraction , to defame me doth devise . i know , whence they proceed ; whereto they tend , in what likewise they possibly may end : and it would stagger and affright me too , unless i knew the worst , all this could do for , they , who idolize the prelacy impute to me no less than blasphemy , and sacriledge : and , i may well expect that , when their hopes have taken full effect , though they with me at present , do but dandle , they then will curse me with bell , book and candle . how ever , for their persons i will pray : for , malice hath not mov'd me to gain-say their prelacy ; nor hope to get again what they usurp , and doth to me pertain : but , meerly conscientiousness of that which in my place i vow'd to vindicate . some , call me traytor too ; but well i wot , they do not so beleeve , or know me not . i never did betray my trust to any , though i my self have been betray'd by many . with traytors i have numbred beenf or one , and serv'd their ends , yet i my self was none : for , if like absolone they did pretend to sacrifice , and had another end , i went on in simplicity of heart , and did not from my principles depart . if they intended , or committed treason , i wronged not my conscience , or my reason . by ought mis-done , except it were , perchance , through over-sight , or else through ignorance ; for which , the plagues now epidemical , to me , as unto other men befall . i never was in any factious plot , nor likely seems it , by what i have got , that , with them in their actings , i was one vvho , thriv'd by those designs they carried on , though being subject to the present law , i now do suffer , like jack fletchers daw. but , howsoere , i seem to merit blame none , to the king , are truer than i am . yet , if in fame , we credit may repose , i am designed to be one of those , vvho shall not be vouchsaf'd that common grace , vvhich at his coronation granted was . god's will be done : perhaps , the king well knows i need not , what on others he bestows ; or , to me , singly , will his favour show , that i his magnanimity may know ; and , that he will more gracious be to those vvho , him did not maliciously oppose , than they , whom i did serve , were to their friends , because they did not serve them , to their ends . but , if report hath not divulg'd a lye , vvhat , can i lose , or others get thereby ? my whole estate , already is bereft , and , what will there be found , where's nothing left ? my life , you 'l say ; alas ! that 's little worth , it hath been wasting , ever since my birth ; and ( when it was at best ) too poor a thing , to satisfie the vengeance of a king. it will to most men seem ridiculous , to hear a lion rampant , kill'd a mouse , or , see an eagle stoop down from on high , to trusse a titmouse , or a butterfly . the dread of such a loss will not come neer me , for , age will shortly kill me , though he spare me ; and , when there 's no conveniency of living , life , neither is worth asking or the giving . but god's intentions , and the hearts of kings , are such inscrutable and hidden things , that , none can search their bottomes ; then much less can they be fathom'd by maliciousness . their wayes of working their own pleasures out , are , many times , by wheeling round about , by cross and counter-actings , and by those which seem'd their own designments to oppose . the faithfull'st men , they do expose oft-times to hazzards ; or wirh such as are for crimes condemn'd , they number them ; or , prove them by desertions , dis-respects , and poverty ; and , frequently , do fit them for those places wherein they best may serve them , by disgraces ; but principally , at those times , wherein , hypocrisie , becomes the reigning-sin . more things i might insert , which have relations in this kinde , to my own prevarications , and , to th' improvements , which have oft ensu'd by scandals , which i then would have eschew'd . but , my experiments will work on none , vvho cannot by their own , be wrought upon . consider therefore all ye unto whom this writing , by god's providence doth come , vvhat , in your selves and others , you have heeded , vvhich hath from slanders , and from praise proceeded ; and , you shall finde more by the last undone than by the former , at least , ten to one . according to our proverb , the bell clinketh just so , as in his fancy , the fool thinketh and , they who flattring praises love to hear , immediately , such to themselves appear , as represented by their parasite , though no more like than black-swans are to white . such panegyricks i have sometime seen that , hard to be resolved , it had been , by him , whose judgement you therein should crave , whether , the panegyrist were more knave than he was fool , for whom , the same was made : but , of their equal impudence i had no doubt at all , when wistly i had heeded what one gave , tother took , and what succeeded . for , i have oftentimes observ'd , thereby , good men deprav'd ; great men , to tyranny incouraged ; that , which is due to men by natures law , at first , they seize and then those attributes , at last , intrude upon that ought to be ascrib'd to god alone . which evidences , that , immodest praise is worse than slander , and a ground-work layes , whereon a superstructure may be built , to sink the builders , down to shame and guilt . slanders , and persecutions of the tongue a portion likewise is , which doth belong unto the saints ; and sanctifi'd they are by him , with whom , an individual share each must expect ; we , do but only sup at brim , he drunk the bottome of the cup : we altogether merited the blame , he underwent the sorrow and the shame . false witnesses against him were suborn'd ; his glory was to his dishonour turn'd ; his nearest friends forsook him , and forswore him , his foes preferr'd a murtherer before him ; his innocency not alone reproaching , but , likewise most injuriously incroaching : upon his righteous person , him pursu'd till by a shameful death , he death subdu'd , and breaking from the grave , to heav'n ascended , by angels to immortal life attended ; where , now inthron'd , he thrones prepared hath for all , who follow him in that rough path ; and every slander , scorn , reproach and shame , he suffr'd here , adds glory to his name . this is the way , and hath been ever since , through which all men must pass , who go from hence to that eternity , where shall be worn the robes of honour , when the rags of scorn shall off be thrown . on him i fix mine eyes , and , that , will me enable to despise terrestrial shame and honour : that , makes all my troubles , when at greatest , seem but small . that , makes me , whilst my body is confin'd , take pleasure , in the freedomes of the minde ; not dreading present , or ensuing wrongs , of wicked hands , or of malicious tongues . this paradox , it helps me to maintain , that , where the grace of god is not in vain , more profit , bitterest reproach affords , than all the worlds applauses , and fair words . poverty is more profitable than riches . another black-guard hath beleagur'd me , that , seems to be the worst of all the three for , therewith , whosoever hath to do , still is in danger of these other two , imprisonment and slander , who attend on poverty unto her latter end . yet , whatsoever in her self she seem , she merits not a total dis-esteem : for , 't is an instrument of good and evil , oft-times imploy'd against us by the devil , and , oft by god himself , to such effects as may prevent the mischief he projects , by tempting to those manifold abuses which riches being mis-employ'd produces . there are two sorts of poverty , that spring from diffring roots ; effects they likewise bring both diffring and alike : for , providence maugre all humane wit and diligence , makes many poor , and all their industries rendreth successeless by contingencies , vvhich no man can fore-see , or wholly shun vvho shall be thereby outwardly undone . this poverty , afflicts , at first , as much as any , but , disparages not such as bear it well ; and though it grieveth many , ( except by their own fault ) destroyes not any . the other sort , is sordid , vile , and base , yet , draws her pedigree , from such a race , as doth in country , city , and in court still bear an extraordinary port : for , by the fathers , or the mothers side , it sprung from prodigality or pride , or , from improvidence or idleness , and , is indeed , near kin to all excess , though her alliance , these , now scorn and wave , because , that she is ragged , and they brave . she , at this present time , both against me and others is employ'd : but , though she be made use of by the world ; yet , i well know the world it self abhors her as a foe , and , with a slavish dreadfulness doth fear her , on whatsoere occasion , shee comes near her . yea , till this bug-bear , was more known to mee , i , dreaded her almost as much as shee , and , did the best i could , to keep her from that nearness whereunto she now is come . for , he that would disgrace , and bring us to that state , which questionless might us undo , let him but justly say that wee are poor , and , to destroy us , hee need say no more . vvhereas disgrac'd thereby we shall be much if , we continue to be very rich , of whatsoever crime or crimes , we stand convicted by the known laws , of this land. for , vvealth cannot alone our pardons buy and blot out every former infamy ; but , in a short time also , make us capable of trusts or places that be honourable ; yea though they be those places which dispence to all the people , law and conscience ; and marry ladies ( neither nor poor , nor painted ) as if our bloods had with no crimes been tainted . but , to be poor , implieth every whit , as if we had nor honesty , nor wit , and , every thing , which since our lives begun , vvee honestly , nor prudently have done , shall so traduced be as if that nought had e're by us , been well done , spoke , or thought . there , where we have been kindly entertain'd , a civil usage , hardly shall be daign'd . there , where we have been honour'd in times past , neighbours and kinsmen will their doors make fast ; our old familiars will our persons shun , like rats , our servants from the house will run , which , then , will be a place of desolation , and few thenceforth approach our habitation , but , serjeants , shreeves , or bayliffs ( beasts of prey ) that little , which is left , to fetch a way : and , when there doth remain nor sticks nor stones , dead or alive , they 'l take our flesh and bones . if all i should expresse , that might be said in this kind , you would think mee still afraid of poverty ; and , that which i should speak , in some , perhaps , would such impressions make that , they with difficulty would beleeve what benefits i now thereby receive : forbearing therefore , that which i might add i 'le tell what profits may thereby be had ; that , others ( who can think i do not lye ) may be no more afraid thereof than i : that , also , they who thereby grieved are , may in my consolations have a share , to bear those burchens without discontent , which are now on them , or seem imminent : for , little i will mention which was brought by reading , or by hearsay to my thought ; but , that philosophy , which reason teaches , ( experience hath confirm'd , and god's grace unto my heart ; that , it may sympathize with their hearts , who the same shall not despise : preaches which , though exprest in language rude and plain , will , peradventure , to good use remain , when they , who of their elegancies boast , are , with their kickshaws , in oblivion lost . when most are also , quite forgot , whom they now dream , shall by their poems , live for aye ; and , when , that , which they despicable deem , vvith wise and honest men , shall finde esteem . in my restraint , i therefore , do not whine ; at my reproaches , i do not repine , nor murmure at my losses ; nor want sense of that is in them , which may give offence . my seeming-friends , i must confess , are fewer , but , they whom now god gives mee are much truer ; for , these that now i have , i finde more willing to give a pound , than those to pay a shilling . yet , some of these are so poor , that , i 'm fain them , from their free donations to restrain , because , that of my sufferings they are grown more sensible , than they are of their own . and this , an evidence of that doth give , vvhich pleaseth better than what i receive ; since it demonstrates , god , hath in this nation a people , capable of his compassion . i am not ignorant how much disgrace is thrown on poverty , nor in what base account they are , who , thereby are constrain'd meerly , by charity , to bee maintain'd : yet nought ashamed am of that estate vvhich most so scorn , and so abominate . for without loss of honour , men of merit , this portion very many times inherit . great consuls , and renowned generals ( in such an exigent as oft befalls to very many thousands in this nation ) have had relief without dis-reputation by common charity : and , antient story hath kept memorials of it to their glory . but , i refer that which i might express ( to take this blur off ) to another place . to have subsistance by meer charity is , to subsist by god , immediately , and , they are wicked , or , vain fools , at least , by whom those exhibitions are disgrac't . for , very many of god's favourites have been oft , thereby , from the worlds despights preserv'd : yea , to the world , it would appear if shee would heed it , that , her minions are expos'd to such a lot , and ( without shame ) have been by alms preserved as i am : and , not in those necessities alone , vvhich by mis-accidents are undergone , are they reliev'd ; but , very many be thereby likewise upheld , in that degree , vvhich much is honour'd ; yea , ev'n to excesse , in outward splendor , and vain pompousnesse . for , this way , not alone are monks and friers maintained , with their abbots and their priors , but , even the great prelates , all their lives , by charities abused donatives ; and , yet as loftily advance their crest as if they had been barons born , at least , precedency usurping above those , by whom , they from obscurity arose . by most men , poverty is thought so base , that , they repute it for the great'st disgrace vvhich can betide them , by what way soever it comes ; or howsoere they shall indeavour to keep it off ; and think it not their least dishonour , when enforced to subsist by charity , although it shall be used vvith thankfulness , and in no wise abused . and , many seek to turn it to my shame that i now brought to this condition am . yet , what 's to mee befallen worse or more than to good , wise , and great men heretofore ? renowned princes in preceding ages , have sought , and had supplies and patronages . from forein kings and states , in their distresses vvithout reproach : yea , he that now possesses these three great kingdomes was by indigence constrained ( not a very long time since ) by charity , to be both cloath'd and fed ; to slake his hunger with a poor mans bread , and , to accept it , not alone from those who were his friends , but also from his soes , ( whose gifts were baits , whose table was a snare , and , of whom , if hee do not well beware , more mischief , and , dishonour will be done him than by the poverty then brought upon him . ) some other persons also , of great birth , from place to place have wandr'd through the earth maintain'd by the charity alone , sometime by many , and sometimes by one ; and other while , have seem'd so left by all , that they into great poverty did fall . yet n'eretheless , whilst they have preservation retain still in the world some reputation . they are meer fools , or worse , who do beleeve that , more disgrace , than these i can receive from such an in-come : for ( by what i gather from thence ) it is a real honour rather , that , god supplieth ( as it were ) from heaven , when earthly wealth and honours are bereaven . when israel had been captiv'd sev'nty year , hee made , even those , by whom inslav'd they were them , from their tedious thraldome to redeem , vvhen there was none to help or pity them . it was their honour , that their preservation should be vouchsafed , so to admiration , that nations all , might in all times to come , by heeding it , consider well , from whom they must in such like cases aid expect ; and , that , though by a long delay'd effect they seem forgot , and outward hopes quite past , there will bee a deliverer at last , by whom , those wants for which they have been scorn'd shall , to their honour , certainly be turn'd . what is it more to my dis-reputation that god provideth for my preservation by charity , than 't is disgrace to those who their estates by fire or water lose and , thereupon the state vouchsafes a breef , whereby to ask , and to receive releef ? nay , what supply can be so honourable as that , which from hearts , by hands charitable is raised and conferr'd , ( unaskt , unsought ) by them , of whom i never heard , or thought ? this way ( which without shame i do confess ) god hath vouchsaf'd releef in my distress , to mee , as hee to men in like estate , hath done in former times , and now of late . e're while at piedmont in their persecutions our brethren hee reliev'd by contributions ; and , should i think it my disgrace can be that , hee doth for my family and mee provide , as for a nation ? i beleeve it blame deserv'd , if so i should conceive . though i had ask'd ; what without asking came , none could impute it justly to my blame all things consider'd : for , a publick score , demonstrates , that this nation owes mee more than food and rayment ; and that , in the fine my want , will more be their disgrace than mine . my beggarly condition , is a portion more noble , than wealth gotten by extortion , bribes , projects , and those cheats whereby some bee advanced to great wealth , and high degree , thought honourable : yea benevolences , and forced loans , which otherwhile by princes exacted be , much more disgraceful are than what my benefactors do confer ; for , at my need , it giveth mee releef , and , to the givers , is no wrong or grief . i hear that is disgracefully objected vvhich by my poverty is now effected : my house , they say , is desolate become , and , i confin'd am to a single room ; my wife is of her dowry quite despoil'd ; i cannot give the portion of a childe to son or daughter , which a while ago i offred , and was able to bestow : and , that , where lately we had good respect scoffs , flouts and jeers , are added to neglect ; and , though these hardships possibly i may vvith patience bear , yet , certainly , say they , these his relations cannot : yes , they can and have done , ever since the storm began : for , we fore-saw it , and we did prepare a stock of patience , those events to bear . my spouse is christ's spouse , by a law divine , more his , than she by humane law is mine . our children ( though the world usurps a power o're them ) are likewise , much more his than our ; and , of her scorn , though she an object makes them he neither helpless leaves them , or forsakes them . he made this globe , with all that therein is ; all things that are in heav'n and earth are his ; vve know it , and therefore do not despair that here on earth ; our loss hee will repair , or , give us better portions , where , they never shall be impair'd , but injoy'd for ever . yea , i am confident , that , if it may but add unto god's glory any way , or , make for their advancement in that path vvhich , to eternity , a tendance hath , he 'l either keep them virgins to attend the lamb , when he brings babel to an end , or , marry them ere long , without my cost , and , give them better portions than they lost , or , at the worst , they shall content be made vvith ( be it more or less ) what may be had . this , without wavering , beleeve i do , and , others will perhaps , beleeve it too , vvhen they consider marriages in heaven by god himself are made , and portions given , in love and vertue , without prepossessing of any other medium , but his blessing . wealth , in itself , is neither good nor bad , nor poverty , nor takes from , nor doth add to happiness essential , but , as they are sanctifi'd , and as our games wee play : and , of the two , in that , least danger lies , vvhich we most seek to shun , and most despise . wealth , makes men wasteful , dissolute and lazy , in manners rude , in mind and body crazy ; makes bold-men cowards , free-men doth inslave ; many , to lose themselves , their wealth to save . it so befools them , that asse-like , some bear their golden-load , till , meat for worms they are , enjoying no more profit by their treasure , save meerly , an imaginary pleasure vvhilst here they live ; and , as if hope it gave it would be useful to them in the grave they hugg it , hoard it , and do lock it fast , ( as long as living breath in them doth last ) not sensible of any detriment vvhich they do thereby cause , or might prevent . and , i beleeve , three families , for one , that thereby thrive , by riches are undone , through those debauchments whereto they allure , till , soul or bodies ruine , they procure . contrariwise , despised poverty , incites to courage , and to industry , breaks thraldoms yoaks ; cures often , those diseases vvhich luxury ingenders , or increases ; for , 't is an antidote against the gout , and helps to purge all those ill humours out , that , send men to their graves , by an excess either in gluttony , or drunkenness . exorbitant desires it doth restrain , an empty belly makes a witful brain : a crosseless purse , to him small danger brings vvho bears it ; for , before the theef hee sings . and , when he dies , that which makes those men sad , vvho , whilst they liv'd , things in abundance had , afflicts not him that 's poor ; for he 's depriv'd of nought , but what opprest him whilst he liv'd . a very poor man also , scapes their fates , vvho are belov'd , or hang'd for their estates , and , some at this time , ( i beleeve ) will judge the last of these , to be a priviledge . though many , not a little do rejoyce in that rude , loud , and everlasting noise vvhich , in most rich mens houses you shall hear , vvhere every room is made a thorow-fare ; or , where , so many servants help to do their works , as make one bus'ness , more than two ; vvhere , for each man who faithfully obeyes him , the master feeds another , who betrayes him and , thrice as many , who , by night or day do steal , perhaps , or spoil , or waste away more ( oftentimes ) than would the charges bear of paying twice their wages , for that year : though many like this ; 't is to me an ease that poverty hath freed me quite from these . i , now , finde much more joy , than in much pelf , that , i have learned how to serve my self ; to brush my cloak , my garments to unloose , put on and off , my stockings and my shooes , and , that , without my servants , i can bee as well content , as they are without mee ; i know both how to want , and to abound ; and much more pleasure , i , in this have found , than in choyce meats , that in a time of need , on bread alone , i savourly can seed , or ; on as scanty , and as homely fare ( in my old age ) as men that poorest are : yet , be both more in health , and no lesse able , than when god gave a fully furnish'd table , with meat so well cook't , that it did invite at every meal , a double-appetite . and , i , whose worst apparel us'd to be as good as any mans of my degree , can in those garments , without shame , appear which , i , but lately was asham'd to wear ; unto which confidence , till want had brought mee , philosophy , that lesson never taught mee . i , must likewise , ingenuously confess that , my distractions have been ten times less since i had nothing left , than whil'st i had vvhat , in opinion , mee a rich man made : and , this is gain'd by losing what is gone , that , now , 'twixt having wealth , and having none , i know the difference to be so small , that , upon neither of them , dote i shall : for , as much certainty , i do perceive in that uncertainty , at which i live as is in any temporal estate of goods or lands ( especially of late ) now , therefore , i desire not to be rich , or to be poor , because ( not knowing which will best advantage mee ) i to his pleasure have left it , who , knows what estate , and measure of wealth and poverty , best fit mee shall to do that , whereto hee vouchsafes a call. i neither wealth nor poverty will chuse ; nor , which soere he gives will i refuse . but , most men would have somewhat of their own , as if supplies by charity bestown , would sooner fail them ; yea , although their father well cloaths and feeds them , they desire much rather to finger their whole portion , that they might pursue their own desires , out of his sight . some other , altogether do rely on their own prudence , and self-industry , and , of contingencies , are so afraid that , thus within themselves their hearts have said ; we possibly , into such wants may fall , and , so deserted likewise be of all by whom we have been harbour'd , cloath'd and sed , ( some of them being ruin'd , and some dead ) that , unless wee can some reserve provide , whereby , what e're haps , wee may be supply'd , wee may become exceeding miserable ; especially , if us to dis-enable , old age , restraint , and sickness should increase , and , to necessities , add helplesness . should this befall ( as possibly it may ) our poverty would be too great , they 'l say , vvith patience to be born : alas ! poor men , i 'le grant all this may happen : but , what then ? did ever you yet know , or see , or hear , that lands or goods freed any from this fear ? if not , how can you hope to bring to pass that , which by no man , yet effected was ? have you not still a god ? and , is not hee , a refuge , though all other failing be ? your trust was never plac'd on him alone , if him , you cannot trust , when all is gone . vvhile somewhat 's left , whereby subsist we may , as david said , wee boast of him all day , but , bee assur'd , that e're from hence yee go , hee 'l make proof , whether it be thus or no. him , and our own cause , wee do much mistake , vvhen 't is at best , the same at worst , wee make , and , so much on his gifts our hearts are set , that , him , who did bestow them , we forget . to god , be therefore , praise , who , by this trial gives mee both proof and means of self-denial . i , am as worthless as the worst of you , i , nothing know by mine own merits due , but , that which now i suffer , and much worse , ( the wages of an everlasting curse ) my frailties are as great , my sins as many as yours ; worse than my self i know not any , though some so seem : and , yet , god's promises make way through all these disadvantages , so well to know him , that i do beleeve my trust in him , hee never will deceive ; and , that it would for my advantage be if all that may be fear'd , should fall on mee . vvere that condition ( as it may bee ) mine , i , then , should have no more cause to repine than any other man , who to the doom of death submitteth , when his time is come : for , he who feels this day nor want nor sorrow , may be in worse estate than i to morrow . so long , as i , have any work to do , i shall have what is needfull thereunto . and when 't is at an end , no matter whether the stroke of death shall be received , either by axe or halter , ( so i merit not , what is by law the malefactors lot. ) or , starving , or , by one of those diseases which , ordinarily , the body ceizes . for , that shame , which men fear , whilst they have breath by suffring , what they count a shameful death is shar'd among mankind , and every one bears part thereof with mee , when i am gone . and , whilst i live , what e're can suffred be , may fall as well to any , as to mee . upon my death-bed , or , upon a rack , when flesh and bones , and all my sinews crack , i may be therewithall , as blithe and frolick , as , when a burning feaver , or , the collick age , or consumptions , or the pestilence shall be the means to carry mee from hence . the pains of these , are oftentimes as strong , they do continue ev'ry whit , as long ; and , at a rich mans door , a lazar dies sometimes as easily , as he that lyes upon a bed of down , and who till death all necessaries in abundance hath . this , being well observ'd , it may appear that , we are fooled with false hope , or fear , when we shall dream to be secured more from all events , by being rich , than poor , or , that , there any state on earth can be , vvhich may not have the same catastrophe . vvhen god vouchsafes to make mens poverties to glorifie him , he doth send supplies , ev'n by unlikely means ; and makes that nourish vvhereby , they , who are fed with dainties perish . them , on whom tyrants no compassion have , he , in the fiery furnaces can save ; when they are cast into a lions den , he maketh beasts more merciful than men . he , ( when to manifest his power divine it pleaseth him ) turns water into wine which , at a poor mans wedding once was done more to his honour , than when conduits run with sack and claret ; which magnificence adds honour to the marriage of a prince . he , when men hungring after righteousness wait on him in a hungry wilderness , feeds thousands with a few loaves , and two fishes , as full , as if they had ten thousand dishes . the bottome of a barrel , and a cruse shall meal and oyl sufficiently produce , to keep a family in time of dearth , until he sends a plenty upon earth . he , when the creditor , for payment asks ( with rigor ) doth fill many empty casks , out of one pot of oyle , until there be a competence , to set the debter free , and , for his livelihood , in time to come . yea , by devourers , he doth nourish some : for , daily , that elias might be fed the ravens brought unto him flesh and bread . this hath been ; and some things i can aver of this kind , in mine own particular . once , twice , nay , oftner i have been distrest as , i now am ; and three times at the least , have had repair vouchsafed mee by god , in such an extraordinary mode , that , many did admire , at my supply ; as very well they might ; for , so did i. and , when it seasonably may be shown , the manner of it will perhaps be known . at , this time , that , which many did suppose would mee , ere now , have ruin'd ; on my foes hath cast a bridle , and will keep mee from what they intend , until my hour is come ; and , peradventure , then , restrain them too , from acting all , that they intend to do . that , which both my estate and reputation should have destroyed , is my preservation another away ; and an advantage brings , in better and more profitable things . for , slanders , gain mee credit ; that , doth glad mee which was intended to deject and sad mee ; that , which pursued , is , to make mee poor makes my wants less , and my contentments more . and , as if god had purpos'd to bestow a sign upon mee , plainly to fore-show that , those afflictions , and abhorred places , which add to others , torments and disgraces , should comfort mee , when common comforts fail , new gate , suppos'd an ignomineous jaile to mee , hath ( as it were a patroness ) contributed releef in my distress , perhaps , from some of them , whose pressures were either as great , or greater , than , mine are : which ( as i am obliged ) to god's praise i do , and shall acknowledge all my daies to be an action , which doth signifie a greater mercy , than that bare supply ; for , it informs , and well assureth mee a prison , shall no dammage bring to mee , and , that those places , which , make many poor , will make mee richer than i was before . these things , i thus express , that others may perswaded be , i do not write or say what i have read or heard , or whereof i have no more in mee , save the theory ; and , knowing , this , which into words i spin flows forth from what is really , within , and , by experience learn'd , it might effect that operation which i do expect . most men , suppose them signs they are beloved of god , and all their waies by him approved , ( how negligent soe're of his commands ) when outward things do prosper in their hands . they count them marks of his especial grace if their cows casts not calf ; if he doth bless their oxen ; if their flocks of sheep increase ; if none doth in their persons them oppress ; if their new-purchas'd titles be made good ; if , by their trades and rents , they to their brood may leave great portions ; if , they may at court finde favour ; and , if blessings of this sort be multiply'd upon them , they suppose god is their friend , and foe unto their foes . indeed , these , blessings are ; but signs to mee of god's especial grace , these , rather be ; that , when of land and goods i am bereft , and , no external comfort seemeth left , i can depend on him , and be more glad , in his love , than in all that e're i had : that , i am freely justifi'd by him in that , for which the world doth mee condemn : that , i perceive , he deigneth mee releef , by that , which usually augmenteth grief ; and , that , when most inrag'd oppressors are , of their displeasure , i am least in fear : that , things which threaten troubles to prolong ( till they are helpless ) make my faith more strong , my fear as little , whilst the fight doth last , as at the triumph , when all danger 's past ; and , that , their waies , who do most malice mee , neither the waies of god , or good men be . these things , are of god's love a truer sign than an increase of corn , of oyl and wine , and , i do smile to think , how like poor slaves they will e're long , sneak down into their graves , who , make false boast of god , when they with shame shall know , that , by their spight i better'd am . and , when my country hears the next age tell how , mee they us'd , who alwaies lov'd it well ; what , better men have suffer'd ; what , in vain was said ; what done , undone , and done again ; how , truth 's bely'd ; how lies upheld for truth ; how much the heart dissented from the mouth ; their deeds from what they seem to think and say ; and , how , at fast and loose , we now do play ; it will be thought , perhaps , this generation had lost faith , reason , iustice , and compassion , and , they , who shall by strict examination , search out the cause of this prevarication will finde an hypocritical devotion sprung from the love of riches and promotion , ( dis-robing piety of her plain dresse , to be dis-figur'd with that pompousness which is affected by the man of sin ) of all that is amiss , chief cause hath been . i must not scribble all that might be pend upon this subject , lest i more offend than profit , or , lest , for want of speed , be hindred , in my purpose to proceed . but , one more argument , i 'le therefore add whereby , it out of question may be made , that , to be very rich , indangers more a real happiness , than to be poor ; and , prov'd it shall be by a demonstration , that , will admit no future confutation . because , it shews that wealth hath not alone more hurt to many single persons done than poverty , but , also to the race of all mankind ; and unto god's free-grace injurious been ; dishonour brought to christ , and , set up his opposers interest . observe it , for , i , nothing will alledge but , that , whereof , the meanest wit may judge . i need not tell you , wee more easily may drive a camel through a needles eye , or , thread it with a cable , than , to heaven rich men ascend , or thither may be driven . for , most have heard , he spake to that effect whose judgement none have reason to suspect ; yet , i will shew to you what way he went , and how , by his example to prevent that difficulty ; for , he did not say , one thing to us , and walk another way as many do , and did , who would be thought to follow him , and teach us what he taught . in plain expression i will let you see who , those impostors and apostates be who speak sometimes his words , and do profess his truth , yet are in practice nothing less . christ , knowing well , that , avarice , ambition , wealth and preferments ripen to perdition , and , that , they so insensibly deprave the best and wisest men , if way they give to their allurements ; that , although he were the son of god , and needed not to fear the frailties of his flesh , he , to the law conformed , and preserved it in awe by true obedience ; mortifi'd that nature which he assumed from the humane-creature . both by an unconstrain'd humility , and , by a voluntary poverty : and , did for our example , and our sake forbear , of things indifferent to partake , lest , we , who know not how aright to use our liberty , things lawful might abuse by taking that for food , which was provided for physick rather , when a cure we needed . when , first , from heav'n he came ( though lord of all in heav'n and earth he was ) within a stall he took up his first lodging ; passed on throughout his childe-hood , as he had begun ; and , to the world , no better did appear than son to joseph , a poor carpenter . when to mans age he came ( for ought we know ) he liv'd by labour , as such poor men do . and , when he did begin to manifest himself to be the saviour jesus christ , his royalty was furnish'd out no more with earthly riches , than it was before ; he had nor lands , nor goods , to finde him bread , nor any house , wherein to rest his head . he had , for what was needful , no supplies but , pious men and womens charities . poor despicable fisher-men ( or such ) and , those , who neither noble were , nor rich he those for his disciples ; and when these 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 abroad on his ambassages , they were forbidden either to take care wher● with they might be fed , or what to wear , or , m●●y to provide for their expence , but , le●ve those things unto god's providence . to them his gospel-principles he gave , and , taught them how themselves they should behave in their discipleship , both where neglect they found , and also where they had respect . 〈◊〉 them injoyned , to be meek and humble , 〈…〉 likeli'st block to make them stumble 〈…〉 , to precedency , not to aspire , 〈…〉 lordly attributes desire : 〈…〉 disciples in their low'st condition began to be infected with ambition . the sons of zebede , when they were poor , were tainted therewithall ; and , how much more it doth deprave men when they wealthy grow christ did fore-see , and we have liv'd to know by that , wherein the prelacy hath varied from his example ; and , by him who carried the bag in his time , we have learned too , what avarice may make a bishop do . moreover , when by publick acclamation christ had a visible inauguration into that kingdome , whereto he was born , no rich or royal robes by him were worn ; nor sought he to be honour'd with such things as are affected by terrestrial kings , but , meekly , through jerusalem did pass not on a barbed steed , but , on an asse , ( which none had backt before ) & which nor pad , nor saddle , trappings , or a foot-cloth had , save what the people on his back had thrown , and , to that purpose taken from their own . when he was crown'd , no golden crown he wore lin'd with soft fur , but , one much worse than poor : a wreath of thorns , he wore upon his head ; he , had no better scepter than a reed ; a purple robe , was cast on him in scorn , to be at that sad coronation worn . for him , there was prepar'd no other throne , except a cross , to be advanc'd upon . nor fun'ral rites , nor monument , nor grave , had he when dead , but , what some lent or gave . thus , poorly was his kingdome here begun ; thus , his affairs of state were carried on . so long , as he a life on earth retaind , like no terrestriall monarch , here he reign'd ; but , glorifi'd his kingdom in this mode : and , when that he ascended up to god , hee , by his holy spirit , so did minde , ( and so inspire those whom he left behinde ) to propagate the same , that they pursu'd the discipline and paterne , which he shew'd . from satans kingdoms , to distinguish it , he added whatsoever did befit a righteous government , in every thing which might advance the throne of such a king , without those baubles which do more oppress their subjects , than promote the common peace . to this end , and preserve with purity the church and saints in their integrity , they left behinde them precepts , counsels , cautions , and , many ( not ambiguous ) declarations , both to inform us of the mind of christ , and , of the wiles of that great antichrist which was to come , and should foundationslay to set a kingdome up , another way ; that , might ( if possible ) be thought to be christ's kingdome , as now thousands live to see the world reputes what they erected have , and , with her ornaments , made rich and brave . moreover , that christ's vineyard and cornfield , might fruits both nourishing and pleasant yeeld , no needful diligence , at first was wanting , in digging , dressing , sowing , or in planting ; or , so to beautifie it , that none might despise it , or not therein take delight . and , that , none should by pride , or avarice intrude upon their brethrens legacies , they , truly , his last tstament recorded ; the same into a gospel-law they worded , which hath sufficiency , without additions by humane policies , or new traditions , to constitute his kingdome , and prevent prevarications , by mis-government . to bar out innovations , they by deed confirmed , what they had in words decreed . from no true principles of faith they swerved , devotions reverence they well preserved , with ut new-sangles , and those trincketings , that superstition to adorn it brings . the sacrament ( by which the death of christ should be remembred ) they made not the test of things , no way relating to that end , for which , that mystery he did intend , or , rendring , what should be by his intention , the band of love , a means to breed dissention : nor was the bread or wine , then idoliz'd ; but , that love-feast , was duly solemniz'd , in decency , without vain pomp of state ; altars , court-cubbord like , beset with plate ; waxe-lights at noon , in silver-candlesticks , or , any other of those needless tricks , which were first introduced , in those daies when wooden-priests , got silver chalices . they us'd no superstitious adorations , cringings , ridiculous gesticulations , or mimick actions : nor these , or those , postures of body ; neither places , times , or vestures , were so essential made , or necessary to holy duties , that , none ought to vary from those formalities : nor , painted walls , nor pictures had they , supplices , nor palls , chimers , hoods , rochets , nor rich copes , nor tippets , nor was their service cut out into sippets , for , such toyes ( then unknown ) did not begin till ancichrist arose and brought them in ; and , till with wealth and dignities inricht the presbyters , and bishops were bewitcht . to have prevented this ( as i have said ) a good foundation christ himself had laid , and , at the first , that structure was begun , which , he intended should be built thereon . such as were then , by sacred ordination , call'd bishops , watchful were , and took occasion from ev'ry slip , to travel , preach , and write , that , errours and mis-deeds prevent they might . as soon as demas and diotrephes , with such like , were observed in their daies to innovate , and labour to begin that prelacy which , afterward crept in , they so oppos'd it , that , till from his chain , the devil ( then confin'd ) was loos'd again , none could setup what a faction begun , though many were then working thereupon ; for , christ's apostles , and their true successors ( in spight of innovators , of oppressors and hereticks ) by that simplicity of truth , which was profest in poverty , did so distinguish it , from what by those advanc'd would be , when antichrist arose , that , they inviolate maintaind thereby her honour , and her native purity , without that carnal pomp , and costly pride with wch , the strumpet , now seems glorifi'd . and wherewith , shee hath half the world inchanted , since heathenish deities , were first supplanted . that miracle , was wrought by god , through them whose poverty the world did then contemn : ev'n when their worshippers were in full power , and , when inrag'd at height , sought to devour their scorn'd opposers , they withall that odds were not then able to support their gods. but , when the saints were as distrest and poor , as they , who seek their bread from door to door , when , they broke through a tenfold persecution , to put their masters will in execution ; when in despised habits through each nation they preach'd the blessed means of our salvation ; were counted fools , and as much dis-esteem'd as any , who are now phanaticks deem'd ; when , they had neither academick halls , schools , colledges , or sumptuous cathedrals , nor universities , nor deans , nor doctors , prebends , archdeacons , chancellours or proctors , nor rents , nor tythes , nor pensions , nor oblations , excepting onely good mens free-donations ; when they , nor bishops had , nor presbyters , save , such as holy scripture characters , ( who claimed no precedence , or submission , from those , authoriz'd by the same commission ; when , they were meek and lowly , in their places , poor in their temporalties , and rich in graces ; when , they ( as necessary to salvation ) on no man , did impose an observation of daies , times , forms , or ceremonious rite , but , as to edifying , tend it might ; and , left them to be practis'd , or omitted , as , either they might , or might not be fitted to holy duties , without just offences , to other mens , or their own consciences : ( in which case , none that hath sobriety , will bar another of his liberty . ) when pastors medled not at all , or little , with soveraigns , whether they themselves , or title were good or bad ; excepting in those cases which did concern the duties of their places ; but , in the fear of god , obedient were to that power , which did visibly appear impowered to protect them ( whilst it stood with that obedience , which they owe to god ; and , did by suffring , render satisfaction , for what they dared not perform in action . ) when , emperours nor kings did them esteem , nor flatter'd were , or fawn'd upon , by them ; ev'n then by these , mens doctrines and examples , were all the gentiles great and glorious temples throughout the world destroy'd : their superstitions ( from which new rome retrived her traditions ) were then by those expell'd : their oracles , then silenc'd were ; their jugling miracles were prov'd impostures : then , the sophistries of those whom former ages thought most wise , were found but fallacies ; their wisdome folly ; unsound their manners , their beleef unholy ; their books of curious arts , whereby great fame they had acquir'd , were cast into the flame ; and , then , their flamins , and archflamins too , ( who domineered as the prelates do ) were ( as these , in the time appointed shall ) brought to those dooms , which on impostors fall . the worship also , wherewithall the jews , the worlds credulity sought to abuse , as well as her philosophy , was foil'd at their own weapons ; of that glory spoil'd whereof they boasted ; and all this was done , without the outward pomp , now doted on . and , if the prelates , can with all the glory , which they have gotten by things transitory , and , by the help of all the kings on earth , to such another miracle give birth , i le think , that they as great impostors are , as jannes , and as jambres long since , were ; yet , still beleeve , that , maugre all their power , the rods of these , will their charm'd rods devour . that , which the prelates take to be a sign of sanctity , the most becoming shrine of sacred piety , and true devotion , i mean , that pomp , whereby ( for self promotion ) they seek to trim and paint it , forth hath brought ( compar'd to this ) not any thing worth ought but meer contempt : for , by the zeal of those , who , made such poor , and despicable shows , more honour to the church of christ is done , than all their wealth and honours , have thereon conferr'd , in more than fifteen hundred years , by all their great and potent favourers . they , whom the churches poverty brought forth , though poor externally , had inward worth ; good life was practis'd , sacred truth profest religion , with sincerity imbrac't , in her poor driss , by many an humble saint , without the fucus of a whorish paint ; and , till men leaving their plain sober way , sought by external wealth , to make her gay , the church , in piety , did still increase though outward persecutions did not cease . but , what hath followed since her poverties , are chang'd for temporal wealth and dignities ? since princely prelates sought for carnal things , had learn'd to flatter emperours and kings , and , cheat them with a seeming loyalty , made credible by fained piety ? since they , an ambodexters part could play , had got two masters , and a double pay , topt wreathes imperial with a triple crown , made rebels martyrs , trod allegiance down and , had on so much wealth and honour ceas'd , that they could turn the scale wch way they pleas'd , what , hath er'e since that time , proceeded thence but , products of destructive consequence ? and those confusions , for which ( without shame ) some , to the saints of god , impute the blame , as heretofore , the heathen tyrants did to them , whose blood they innocently shed ? and , though that in their publick declamations , ( as also , in their private exultation . ) the prelates , to a joy transported seem , like ( as they say themselves ) men in a dream , to see that wealth , and pomp restor'd again , whereof , small hope they did erewhile retain ; though , of a golden hierarchie dreaming , they ( still the poverty of christ blaspheming ) do think , the angels are as glad as they of that , wherein they triumph at this day ; and , say ( which i conceive to be a lye ) that , they , could well content have been to dye , the next day after they restor'd had been to that condition , which they now are in ; yet , i beleeve , it will not , in the cloze , make them so happy , as they now suppose ; or , give much cause unto this generation , to be well pleased in their restauration . for , to these nations , or unto our king , what , can i think , these golden calves will bring save , at the last , what followed upon that , which ieroboams policy of state produc'd in isr'el , when he ( as it were inspight of god ) set golden calves up there ? and , his successors walkt on in that way , vvhat er'e those prophets , from thenceforth , could say vvhom god , in justice , or in mercy , sent their threatned desolation to prevent ? vvhat , is more likely , if th' abominations of , almost ev'ry good-man , in these nations shall be indulg'd ? ( and , though it ever since it first begun , produc'd nought but offence ? ) for , observation daily finds it plain , that , fear of losses , or the hope of gain , or , of promotion , will root out apace the seeds and plants , of piety and grace . and , since , already , it so multiplies apostates , and augments hypocrisies , what can be thought , but , that , those daies , we see wherein , th' elect shall hardly saved be , unless god shorten them for , whatsoere men say , or do , they fall into a snare ; and , those deceivers , whereof last i spoke , to blinde mens eyes , have raised such a smoak , that , few , know which way safely turn they may ; or , what to think , beleeve , hope , do , or say . such histories , as are approv'd by those , who never did the prelacy oppose , affirm , that when the churches augmentation of wealth and honour , by the free donation of constantine , was first on them conferr'd , a voice , was in the air distinctly heard , which did these words , articulately say , into the church is poison pour'd this day : and , thereupon , that , quickly did ensue , which , manifests the saying to he true : for , they , who read historical relations , of what hath been in former generations , ( as also , in their times ) discreetly heeding what , their experience addeth to their reading , will finde , that , here , and , almost ev'ry where , the prelates cause of many mischieves were . yea , that the greatest troubles on the earth , sprung indirectly , or directly , forth from their ambition , avarice and pride . when gold and silver they had multipli'd . how many troubles , have been here of late , occasion'd by what they did innovate ? how many thousand families undone in these three kingdomes are , since they begun , those whimzies , which the prime occasion were of all the civil wars and discords here ? and , what more will ensue , god only knows , for , wee , already see ill boding shows . their avarice , and matchless greediness , of hoarding treasure up , to an excess at such a time as this , wherein the state is straitned ; ( and when much it doth abate that , trading , whereby , our necessities publick , and private , should have their supplies ) produceth ill effects ; and how by these both in their civil peace , and consciences , men may disturbed be , there 's cause of fear , by what in their deportments doth appear . and , i observ'd this ( which ile now record ) that , when they first begun to be restor'd , with them , return'd , ( god grant there come no may-poles , maid-marian , & the hobby-horse , ( worse ) beside , some other heathenish prophanations , maugre the kings late pious proclamations . it would fill many volumes to collect what prelacy did heretofore effect ; how troublesome in other common-weals , and kingdomes , it hath to god's israels , and , other people been : how oft have they endeavoured their soveraigns to betray , unto the see of rome ? how oft , to bring the people into bondage to their king , that , when their purpose they had wrought on him both king and people , might be slaves to them ? how insolent and impudent a power , was then usurped when an emperour did hold the stirrup ? when an english king they to so great a slavery did bring , ( and foolery to boot ) as to decline his royal person , at tom beckets shrine ? do pennance there , and be so much befoold , that , school-boy-like , he was with rods there school'd , by canterbury monks ? when , he , that trod upon his leige lords neck ( blaspheming god ) that piece of scripture , to himself applide which could in none , but christ , be verifide ? intolerable was his arrogance , but , such are oft effects of their advance ; and , thus , have kings and emperors been rewarded , who , their lean gammons , had with fat inlarded . these , are the blessed and the holy fruits , of their great wealth , and lordly attributes ; yet , these are not the worst ; for kings and princes , were not alone by prelates insolencies , abus'd like other men , in what relates unto their lives , their honours and estates ; but , god , is also , thrust out of his throne : ev'n his peculiars are usurp'd upon ; and , such intrusions are now made , by these upon mens faiths , and on their consciences , that , they make many prostites for the devil , expose them to an everlasting evil , and , causes are of mischiefs and offence , vvhich all the world can never recompence : for , bonds they lay , where god doth none impose ; unbinde , from what he never will unlose ; and , whatsoere he speaks , his words , by these , are made to mean , what ever they shall please . but , let the saints in patience persevere ; for , though these arrogantly domineer , and in their hopes grow every day more strong , their time of standing , will not now be long : the kings , who with the cup of fornications have been made drunk , for many generations , will at the last grow sober , or else mad , to see what power on them , these juglers had , and , help to bring that fatal iudgement on , which must reward them for what they have done : great babylon it self , will shortly fall , and , they shall have their portion therewithall . to do us harm , they had not been so able , if in those principles , men had been stable which constitute christ's church ; nor to assist as they have done , the throne of antichrist . had these been still content to seek no more ( as bishops were in ages heretofore ) than might supply things needful in their place , for nature to promote the works of grace , ( nor stretched their precedency ought further , than did conduce to decency , and order ) it had not such ill consequents produc'd : and , could they but , yet , timely be reduc'd , to that bound ; discords , would ere long be ended , and , much , that is amiss would be amended . ( god bless the king , and open so his eyes , that , he may see in what his safetie lies ; and prosper mee , as i desire hee may walke and continue , in that blessed way , which truly to his glory doth redound ; whom he so kind , and merciful hath found . my prayers are , that god would make him strong against the charms of every glosing tongue ; in grace and vertues , daily so improve him , that , god and men , for ever more may love him : and , that , i may finde favour in his sight , according as i am in heart , upright : for , whatsoever , hee shall bee to mee ; to him , i 'm true , and so will ever be . god , pardon all that i have done amiss , and , so , i finish this parenthesis . ) here , i have shown you , by plain demonstration , which ( as i said ) admits no confutation , that , poverty ( though much despis'd ) is better than riches ; and , that , i thereto am debter much more , for what concerns my happiness , than , by what can be got by an excess in wealth and honour : and , what 's here rehearst , will bee approv'd , when synods have reverst their votes ; and be by wisest men upheld vvhen acts of parliament shall be repeal'd , that , were confirm'd , by commons , lords & king , vvhen , god , shall to effect , his purpose bring , and , those men to their wits , who , little heeded , vvhat , would ensue that , wherein they proceeded . now i have done . if this you can beleeve , and , god , his blessing thereunto shall give , i have what , i desired for my paine ; and , what 's here writ , shall not be writ in vain : for , all that 's in my words , is in my heart , in every circumstance , and every part . perhaps , this despicable barly-cake , may tumble , till a fatal breach it make into the tents of midian : but , thereon vvhat ere else follows , let god's will be done . though no man living , should the same regard , a good work , to it self gives full reward ; and , there is nothing , that can make it less , than what it is , or , bar it from increase : for , though such accidents , may oft befall , as , that , it will not so appear to all , nor poverty , imprisonment , disgrace , life , death , good , bad condition , time nor place , praises , privations , nor ought that hath name , makes real vertue , not to be the same . glory be to god. a word on the behalf of mr. zachary crofton prisoner in the tower. whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you , do ye the same unto them ; for this is the law and the prophets , matth. . . since all men erre , and one way , or another , occasion what mis-happens to each other , i cannot but be sensible of that , which may bee mine , and ev'ry mans estate . crofton's a prisoner , and , some say , must dye ; yet , i , from none , can learn the reason why . if his declaring for the covenant , be all his crime , a reason i shall want , to satisfie mee , by what law wee shall conclude that his offence is capital ; or , how , that can imputed be for sin , which , by no law , hath yet forbidden been . god , bless the king and state ; and so mens reason preserve , that , we may once know truth from treason , lest we at last be brought into a snare , and , be uncertain , when we traitors are : for , though it safely might bee justifi'd that , rather than god , men should be obey'd ; such , may not be their own friends , who condemn that man , who pleaded both for god , and them , and , to the hazzard of his life persists , in vindicating their joynt-interests , to no mans disadvantage , except those , who , are to god and men , apparent foes . mee thinks , it is great pity , that , a man who , to god , king and church , both may , and can be serviceable ; and , who doth profess his judgement , in meer conscientiousness without design'd contempt , unto the state , or , purposing a mutinous debate , and , never gave just cause to be suspected , he was to either of them disaffected , ( but , unto both of them , good service did , when they of faithful servants had most need ; and , hath but done his duty , to oppose those harpies , which to all good men are foes ) should by mistake , or , by mis-information , as one , who had deserved no compassion , a sufferer with malefactors be because , hee sees not , what he cannot see ; or , else , because he cannot credit give to what , he findes no reason to beleeve ; for , who will care for life , where prelacy attains to such a height of tyranny , that , it inslaves both soul and body too ? and , where , of what we should beleeve and do , no certainty , can by their light be known , nor leave obtain'd , to make use of our own , though voluntarily the king ingag'd to let the conscience be so priviledg'd ; and , mercy , in some other things , did show whereof , the prelacy will not allow , whether the covenant , by right , or wrong , were made , or burnt , it doth not now belong to private men to question : for , when dooms are past in parliament , the case then comes before god's judgement-seat ; and , woe to them , who , that , which hee approves of , shall condemn . till , therefore , he , thence answers their appeal wise men , their private thinkings will conceal , and , him implore , to whom referr'd it is , to right what 's wrong , and pardon what 's amiss . what , fame reports by crofton to be done i , singly and sincerely musing on , do finde , by that ; whereof inform'd i am , that , hee more merited reward than blame , unless , that , wherein other men have err'd ( without his fault ) may be to him transferr'd . the covenant hee took , but did not make it ; nor forced any one to take , or break it ; but , in his place alone , the same maintain'd ( to his own hazzard ) as it appertain'd unto the honour , peace , and preservation both of the royal persons , and the nation , as he thought it oblig'd ; and as it stood in force , relating to the will of god and , no jot further ; unless , wee suppose hee err'd , in pressing it , to bar out those who , have been , still are , and will be agen , foes unto god , to kings , and common men , as soon as they themselves enabled finde , to do the work , for which they were design'd . for , that , which crofton most insisted on , ( as purpos'd by the covenant to be done ) is an exploding of the hierarchy brought in , by antichristian-prelacy , ( to whose support , his oath cannot extend who , christ's faith , is obliged to defend . ) and , if that , be a fault , god , mee forgive , for , therein , i resolve , to dye , and live . the stress of his case , as appears to mee , lies there ; if , hee of ought else guilty bee , i , leave him to excuse himself ; for , never saw i his face , nor shall perhaps for ever . but , hee 's in durance , and i fain would do as , in his case , i would bee done unto ; and , peradventure , it will needful bee that , some , ere long , should do as much for mee . there are , besides those actings , which do fall within the duties of our common-call , some , having so peculiar relation , to god's designments in our generation , that , they not onely do the force abate of what is call'd , the reason of the state , but , of those precepts also , at sometimes , whose violations are most hainous crimes , in any other case ; as may appear , by many proofs , which i will now forbear . god , doth a generation-work design ; for , ev'ry man : these , are a part of mine , and , i had rather dye ten deaths for one than take ten lives , to let it bee undone . till that is done , mee , lord vouchsafe to keep ; and , david - like , then , let mee fall asleep . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e act. . . faire-virtue, the mistresse of phil'arete. written by george wither wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc b estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) faire-virtue, the mistresse of phil'arete. written by george wither wither, george, - . [ ] p. printed [by augustine mathewes] for iohn grismand, london : m.dc.xxii. [ ] in verse. the roman numeral date is made with turned c's. printer's name from stc. signatures: a-p. the first leaf is blank. running title reads: the mistresse of phil'arete. the last leaf bears "the stationers postscript" on recto. a reissue, with cancel title page, of the edition without author's name in full in title. reproduction of the original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - rina kor sampled and proofread - rina kor text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion faire-virtve , the mistresse of phil'arete . written by george wither . catul. carm. xv ▪ — nihil veremur istos , qui inplatea , mod● huc , modo illuc i● re pretereunt sua occupati . london , printed for iohn grismand . m.dc.xxii . the stationer to the reader . this , being one of the authours first poems , was composed many yeares agone ; and vnknown to him , gotten out of his custodie by an acquaintance of his . and comming lately to my hands without a name , it was thought to haue so much resemblance of the maker , that many , vpon the first sight , vndertooke to guesse who was author of it : and , perswaded that it was likely also , to become profitable both to them , and mee . whereupon , i got it authorised , according to order : intending to publish it , without further inquiry . but , attaining by chance a more perfect knowledge to whom it most properly belonged : i thought it fitting to acquaint him therewithall . and did so ; desiring also , both his good will to publish the same , and leaue to passe it vnder his name . both which , i found him very vnwilling to permit ; least the seeming lightnesse of such a subiect , might somewhat disparage , the more serious studies , which he hath since vndertaken . yet , doubting ( this being got out of his custod●● ) some imperfecter coppies might hereafter be scattered abroad in writing , or , be vnknowne to him , imprinted : he was pleased ( vpon my importunities ) to condescend that it might be published , without his name . and his words were these . when ( said he ) i first composed it , i well liked thereof ; and it well enough became my yeares : but now , i neither like , nor dislike it . that ( therefore ) it should be di●ulged , i desire not : and whether it be , or whether ( if it happen so ) it bee approoued or no , i care not . for this i am sure of : howsoeuer it be valued ; it is worth as much as i prize it at : likely it is also to be as beneficial to the world , as the world hath been to me ; and will be more then those who like it not , euer deserued at my hands . these were his speeches : and ( if you looked for a prologue ; thus much he wished me to tell you , in stead thereof : because ( as he sayd ) hee himselfe had somewhat else to doe . yet , ( to acknowledge the truth ) i was so earnest with him , that , as busie as he would seeme to be , i got him to write this epistle for me : and haue therunto set my name . which , he wished me to confesse : partly , to auoid the occasion of belying my inuention ; and partly , because hee thought some of you would suppose so much . i entreated him , to explaine his meaning , in certaine obscure passages . but , he told me , how that were to take away the employment of his interpreters : whereas , he would purposely , leaue somewhat remaining doubtfull , to see what sir politicke wovld-bee , and his companions could picke out of it . i desired him also , to set downe , to what good purposes , this poeme would serue . but his reply was : how , that would bee well enough found out , in the perusing , by all such as had honest vnderstandings : and they who are not so prouided ; hee hopes will not read it . more , i could not get from him . whether therefore , this mistresse of phil'arete , bee really a woman , shaddowed vnder the name of virtve : or virtve onely , whose louelinesse is represented by the beautie of an excellent woman : or , whether it meane both together ; i cannot tell you . but , thus much i dare promise for your money : that , heere , you shall find familiarly expressed , both such beauties as young men , are most intangled withall ; and and the excellency also of such , as are most worthy their affection . that , seeing both impa●tially set foorth , by him that was capable of both , they might the better settle their loue on the best . heereby also , those women , who desire to bee truely beloued , may know what makes them , so to be . and , seeke to acquire those accomplishments of the mind , which may endeare them , when the sweetest features of a beautifull face , shall bee conuerted into deformities . and , here is described , that louelinesse of theirs , which is the principall obiect of wanton affection , to no worse end : but , that those , who would neuer haue lookt on this poeme ( if virtue and goodnesse , had beene therein , no otherwise represented , then as they are obiects of the soule ) might , where they expected the satisfaction of their sensualitie onely ; meet with that also , which would insinaute into them , an apprehension of more reasonable , and most excellent perfections . yea , whereas , the common opinion of youth hath been ; that , onely old men , and such as are vnable , or past delighting in a bodily louelinesse , are those who are best capable of the mindes perfections : and , that they doe therefore so much preferre them before the other ; because their age , or stupiditie hath depriued them of being sensible what pleasures they yeelde . though , this be the vulger errour ; yet , here it shal appeare , that he , who was able to conceiue the most excellent pleasingnesse , which could be apprehended in a corporall beautie ; found it ( euen when he was most enamour'd with it ) far short of that vnexpressible sweetnes , which he discouered in a virtuous and well-tempered disposition . and if this bee not worth your money , keepe it . iohn marriot . phil'arete to his mistresse . haile , thou fairest of all creatures , vpon whom the sun doth shine : modell of all rarest features , and perfections most diuine . thrice all-haile : and blessed be , those , that loue , and honour thee . of thy worth , this rurall storie , thy vnworthy swaine hath pend : and , to thy ne're-ending glory , these plaine numbers doth commend . which , ensuing times shall warble , when 't is lost , that 's writ in marble . though thy praise , and high deseruings cannot all , be here exprest : yet , my loue , and true-obseruings , someway , ought to be profest . and , where greatest loue we see , highest things attempted be . by thy beautie , i haue gained , to behold , the best perfections : by thy loue , i haue obtained , to enioy the best affections . and my tongue , to sing thy praise ; loue , and beautie , thus doth raise . what , although in rusticke shaddowes , i , a shepheards breeding had ? and , confined to these meadowes ; so , in home-spunn russet clad ? such as i , haue now and then , dar'd as much , as greater men . though a stranger to the muses , young , obscured , and despis'd : yet , such art , thy loue infuses , that , i thus , haue poetiz'd . read ; and be content to see , thy admyred powre in me . and , oh grant , thou sweetest beautie , ( wherewith euer earth was grac't ) that this trophee of my dutie , may with fauour be imbrac't : and disdaine not , in these rymes , to be sung , to after-times . let those doters on apollo , that adore the muses , so , ( and , like geese , each other follow ) see , what loue alone , can doe . for , in loue-layes ; groue , and field ; nor to schools , nor courts wil yeeld . on this glasse , of thy perfection , if that any women pry ; let them thereby take direction , to adorne themselues thereby . and , if ought amisse they view , let them dresse themselues anew . young-men , shall by this , acquainted with the truest beauties grow : so , the counterfeit , or painted , they may shun , whē them they know . but , the way , all will not find : for , some eyes haue , yet are blind . thee , entirely , i haue loued , so , thy sweetnesse , on me wrought ; yet , thy beautie neuer mooued , ill temptations , in my thought . but , still did thy beauties ray ; sun-like , driue those foggs away . those , that mistresses are named , and for that , suspected be ; shall not need to be ashamed , if they patterne take by thee . neither shall their servants feare , fauours , openly to weare . thou , to no man fauour dainest , but what 's fitting to bestow ; neither , seruants entertainest , that can euer wanton grow . for , the more they looke on thee ; their desires still bettered be . this , thy picture , therefore , show i naked vnto euery eye . yet , no feare of riuall know i , neither touch of ielousie . for , the more make loue to thee ; i , the more shall pleased be . i , am no italian louer , that will mewe thee in a iayle ; but , thy beautie i discouer , english-like , without a vaile . if , thou mayst be wonne away ; winne and weare thee , he that may . yet , in this , thou mayst beleeue me ; ( so indifferent though i seeme ) death with tortures , would not grieue me , more , then losse of thy esteeme . for , if virtve me forsake ; all , a scorne of me will make . then , as i on thee relying , doe no changing , feare in thee : so , by my defects supplying , from all changing , keepe thou me . that , vnmatched we may prooue thou , for beautie ; i , for loue. then , while their loues , are forgotten , who to pride , and lust were slaues ; and , their mistresses quite rotten , lye vnthought on , in their graues . kings and queens ( in their despight ) shall , to mind vs , take delight . faire-virtve : or , the mistresse of phil'arete . two prettie rills doe meet , and meeting make within one vally , a large siluer lake : about whose bankes the fertile mountaines stood , in ages passed brauely crownd with wood ; which lending cold-sweet-shadowes , gaue it grace , to be accounted cynthia's bathing place . and from her father neptunes brackish court , faire thetis thither often would resort , attended by the fishes of the sea , which in those sweeter waters came to plea. there , would the daughter of the sea-god diue ; and thither came the land-nymphs euery eue , to wait vpon her : bringing for her browes , rich garlands of sweet flowres , and beechy boughs . for , pleasant was that poole ; and neere it , then , was neither rotten mersh , nor boggy fen. it was nor ouergrowne with boystrou● sedge , nor grew there rudely then along the edge , a bending willow , nor a pricky bush , nor broadleafd flag , nor reed , nor knotty rush. but here , wel order'd was a groue with bowers : there grassy plots set round about with flowers . here , you might ( through the water ) see the land , appeare , strowd o're with white or yellow sand . ●onn , deeper was it ; and the wind by whiffes . would make it rise , and wash the little cliffes , on which , oft pluming sate ( vnfrighted than ) the gagling wild goose , and the snow-white swan : with all those flockes of fowles , which to this day , vpon those quiet waters breed , and play . for , though those excellences wanting be , which once it had ; it is the same , that we by transposition name the ford of arle . and out of which along a chalky marle ) that riuer trils , whose waters wash the fort , in which braue arthur kept his royall court. north-east ( not far frō this great poole ) there lies a tract of beechy mountaines , that arise with leasurely-ascending to such height , as from their tops the warlike i le of wight . you in the oceans bosome may espie , though neere two hundred furlongs thence it lie . the pleasant way , as vp those hils you clime , is strewed o're , with mariarome , and thyme . which growes vnset . the hedge-rowes do not want the cowslip , violet , primrose , nor a plant , that freshly sents : as birch both greene and tall ; low sallowes , on whose bloomings bees doe fall . faire woodbinds which , about the hedges twine ; smooth priuet , and the sharpesweete eglantine . with many moe , whose lea●es and blossomes faire , the earth addorne , and oft perfumes the ayre . when you vnto the highest doe attaine ; an intermixture both of wood and plaine , you shall behold : which ( though aloft it lye ) hath downes for sheepe , and fields for husbandry ▪ so much ( at least ) as little needeth more , if not enough to marchandize their store . in euery rowe hath nature planted there , some banquet , for the hungry passenger . for here , the haste-nut and filbird growes ; there bulloes , and little further sloes . on this hand , standeth a faire weilding-tree ; on that , large thickets of blacke cherries be . the shrubbie fields , are raspice orchards there , the new fel'd woods , like strabery-gardens are : and , had the king of riuers blest those hills with some small number of such prettie rills as flow elsewhere , arcadia had not seene a sweeter plot of earth then this had beene . for what offence this place was scanted so of springing waters , no record doth show : nor haue they old tradition left , that tels ; but till this day , at fiftie fathome wels the shepherds drink . and strange it was to heare of any swaine that euer liued there , who either in a pastorall-ode had skill , or knew to set his fingers to a quill . for , rude they were who there inhabited , and to a dull contentment being bred , they no such art esteem'd , nor tooke much heed of any thing , the world without them did . eu'n there ; and in the least frequented place of all these mountaines , is a little space of pleasant ground hemd in with dropping trees , and those so thicke , that phoebus scarcely sees the earth they grow on once in all the yeere , nor what is done among the shaddowes there . along those louely pathes ( where neuer came report of pan , or of apollo's name , nor rumour of the muses till of late ) some nymphs were wandring : and by chance , or fate vpon a laund ariued , where they met the little flocke of pastor philaret . they , were a troupe of beauties knowne well nigh through all the plaines of happy britany . a shepheards lad was he , obscure and young , who ( being first that euer there had sung ) in homely verse , expressed countrey loues ; and onely told them to the beechy groues : as if to sound his name he neuer ment , beyond the compasse that his sheep-walke went. they saw not him ; nor them perceiued he : for , in the branches of a maple-tree he shrouded sate , and taught the hollow hill to eccho foorth the musique of his quill : whose tatling voice redoubled so the sound , that where he was conceald , they quickly found . and there , they heard him sing a mad●igall ; that soone betrayd his cunning to them all . full rude it was no doubt , but such a song , those rusticke , and obscured shades among , was neuer heard ( they say ) by any care ; vntill his muses had inspir'd him there . though meane and plain , his country habit seemd , yet by his song the ladies rightly deemd , that either he had trauailed abrode , where swaines of better knowledge make abode . or else , that some braue nimph who vs'd that groue , had dained to inrich him , with her loue . approaching nearer , therefore , to this swaine , they him saluted ; and he , them againe : in such good fashion , as well seemd to be according to their state and his degree . which greetings , being passed ; and much chat , concerning him , the place , with this and that ; he , to an arbor doth those beauties bring ; where , he them prayes to sit , they him to sing : and to expresse that vntaught country art , in setting forth the mistresse of his hart ; which they ore●eard him practise , when vnseene , he thought no eare had witnesse of it beene . at first ( as much vnable ) he refusd ; and seemed willing to haue beene excusde , from such a taske . for , tr●st me nimphs ( quoth he ) i would not purposely vnciuill be , nor churlish in denying what you craue ; but , as i hope great pan my flocke will saue , i rather wish , that i might heard of none , enioy my musick , by my selfe alone : or , that the murmers of some little flood ( ioynd with the friendly ecchoes of the wood ) might be th'impartial● vmpires of my wit , then vent it , where the worla might heare of it . and doubtlesse , i had sung lesse loud while-ere , had i but thought of any such so neere . not that i either wish obscurifide , her matchlesse beanty ; or desire to hide her sweet perfections . for , by loue i sweare , the vtmost happinesse i ayme at here , it but to compasse worth enough to raise a high-built trophee equall with her praise . which ( fairest ladies ) i shall hope in vaine : for , i was meanly bred on yonder plaine . and , though i can well prooue my blood to be deriu'd from no ignoble stems to me : yet fate and time them so obscur'd and crost , that with their fortunes their esteeme is lost . and whatsoere repute i striue to win , now , from my selfe alone , it must begin . for , i haue nor estate , nor friends , nor fame , to purchase either credit to my name , or gaine a good opinion ; though i doe ascend the height i shall aspire vnto . if any of those virtues yet i haue , which honour to my predecessors gaue , ther 's all that 's left me . and though some contemn● such needy iewels ; yet it was for them , my faire-one did my humble suit affect , and dayned my aduenturous loue respect . and by their helpe , i passage hope to make through such poore things as i dare vndertake . but , you may say ; what goodly thing alas ! can my despised meannesse bring to passe ? or what great monument of honour raise to virtue , in these vice abounding dayes ? in which ( a thousand times ) more honor finds , ignoble gotten meanes , then noble minds ? indeed , the world affoordeth small reward for honest minds ; and therefore her regard i seeke not after : neither doe i care , if i haue blisse , how others thinke i fare . for , so my thoughts haue rest , it yrkes not me , though none but i , doe know how blest they be . here therefore , in these groues and hidden plaines , i pleased sit alone ; and many straines i carroll to my selfe , these hills among : where no man comes to interrupt my song . whereas , if my rude layes make knowne i should , beyond their home ; perhaps , some carpers would ( because they haue not heard from whence we be ) traduce , abuse , and scoffe both them and me . for , if our great and learned shepheards ( who are grac't with wit , and fame , and fauours to , ) with much adoe , escape vncensurd may ; what hopes haue i to passe vnscoft i pray , who yet vnto the muses am vnknowne ? and liue vnhonoured , heere among mine owne ? a gadding humour seldome taketh me , to range out further then yonn mountaines be : nor hath applausiue rumour borne my name vpon the spreading wings of sounding fame . nor can i thinke ( faire nymphs ) that you resort for other purpose , then to make a sport at that simplicitie which shall appeare among the rude vntutor'd shepheards here . i know that you my noble mistresse weene at best , a homely milk-maid on the greene ; or some such country lasse , as tasked stayes at seruile labour vntill holy dayes . for , poore mens vertues so neglected grow , and are now prized at a rate so low , as t is impossible , you should bee brought , to let it with beleefe possesse your thought , that any nymph whose loue might worthy be ; would daigne to cast respectiue eyes on me . you see i liue , possessing none of those gay things , with which the world enamor'd grows . to woo a courtly beautie , i haue neither rings , bracelets , iewels , nor a scarfe , nor feather . i vse no double dyed cloth to weare ; no scrip embroydered richly doe i beare : no silken belt , nor sheephooke layd with pearles , to win me fauour from the shepherds girles . no place of office , or command i keepe , but this my little flocke of homely sheepe . and in a word ; the summe of all my pelfe is this ; i am the master of my selfe . no doubt ; in courts of princes you haue beene , and all the pleasures of the palace seene . there , you beheld braue courtly passages , betweene heroës and their mistresses . you , there perhaps ( in presence of the king ) haue heard his learned bards and poets sing . and what contentment then , can wood , or field , to please your curious vnderstandings yeeld ? i know , you walked hither , but to prooue , what silly shepheards doe conceiue of loue : or to make triall how our simplenesse can passions force , or beauties power expresse : and when you are departed , you will ioy , to laugh , or descant on the shepheards boy . but yet ( i vow ) if all the art i had could any more esteeme , or glory add to her vnmatched worth ; i would not weigh what you intended . prethee lad , quoth they , distrustfull of our courtsie doe not seeme . her noblenesse can neuer want esteeme ; nor thy concealed measures be disgrac't , though in a meaner person they were plac't : if thy too-modestly reserued quill , but reach that height , which we suppose it will. thy meannesse or obscurenesse cannot wrong , the nymph thou shalt eternize in thy song . for , as it higher reares thy glory , that a noble mistresse thou hast aymed at : so , more vnto her honour it will prooue , that whilst deceauing shaddowes others moue , her constant eyes , could passe vnmoued by , the subtill times bewitching brauery ; and those obscured virtues loue in thee , that with despised meannesse clouded be . now then , for her sweet sake , whose beautious eye , hath filled thy soule with heauenly poesie , sing in her praise some new inspired straine : and , if within our power there shall remaine , a fauour to be done may pleasure thee : a●ke , and obtaine it whatsoere it be . faire ladies quoth the lad , such words as those , compell me can● and , therewithall he rose ; return'd them thanks , obeisance made , and than , downe sate againe , and thus to sing began . yov , that at a blush can tell , where the best perfections dwell ; and the substance can coniecture , by a shaddow , or a picture : come , and try , if you by this ; know my mistresse , who she is . for , though i am farre vnable here to match apelles table , or draw zeuxes , cunning lines , who , so painted bacchus vines , that the hungry byrds did muster , round the counterfeited cluster . though , i vaunt not to inherit , petrarchs , yet vnequal'd spirit ; nor to quaffe the sacred well , halfe so deepe as astrophill : though , the much commended celi● , louely laura , stella , delia , ( who in former times excell'd ) liue in lines vnparaled ; making vs beleeue 't were much , earth should yeeld another such . yet , assisted but by nature , i assay to paint a creatnre whose rare worth , in future yeares , shall be praysd , as much as theirs . nor let any thinke amisse , that i haue presumed this : for , a gentle nimph is shee , and hath often honor'd me . shee s , a noble sparke of light , in each part so exquisit , had she in times passed beene , they had made her , beauties queene . then , shall cowardly despaire , let the most vnblemisht faire , for default of some poore art ( which her fauour may impart ) and the sweetest beauty fade , that was euer borne or made ? shall , of all the faire ones , shee onely so vnhappy be ; as to liue in such a time , in so rude , so dull a clime , where no spirit can ascend high enough , to apprehend her vnprized excellence , which lies hid from common sense ? neuer shall a staine so vile , blemish this , our peets i le . i my selfe , will rather runne , and seeke out for helicon . i , will wash , and make me cleane , in the waues of hyppocrene : and in spight of fortunes barres , climbe the hill that braues the starres . where , if i can get no muse that will any skill infuse , ( or my iust attempt prefer ) i will make a muse of her : whose kind heat shall soone distill , art , into my ruder quill . by her fauour , i will gaine helpe , to reach so rare a straine : that the learned hils shall wonder , how the vntaught vallies vnder , met with raptures so diuine , without knowledge of the nine . i , that am a shepheards swaine , piping on the lowly plaine , and no other musique can , then what learn'd i haue of pan. i , who neuer sung the layes , that deserue apollo's bayes , hope not onely , here to frame , measures , which shall keepe her name , from the spight of wasting times ; but ( enshrin'd in sacred rimes ) place her , where her forme diuine , shall to after ages shine : and without respect of odds , vye renowne with demy-gods . then , whilst of her praise i sing , harken vally , groue and spring ; listen to me sacred fountaines , solitarie rocks , and mountaines : satyres , and you wanton elues , that doe nightly sport your selues . shepheards , you that on the reede , whistle while your lambes doe feed : aged woods , and floods , that know , what hath beene long times agoe . your more serious notes among , heare , how i can in my song , set a n●mphs perfection forth : and , when you haue heard her worth ; say , if such another lasse , euer knowne to mortall was . listen lordlings ; you that most , of your outward honors boast . and you gallants ; that thinke scorne , we to lowly fortunes borne , should attaine to any graces , where , you looke for sweet embraces . see , if all those vanities , whereon your affection lies . or the titles , or the power , by your fathers virtues your , can your mistresses enshrine , in such state , as i will mine : who am forced , to importune fauours , in despight of fortune . beauties listen ; chiefly you , that yet know not virtues due . you , that thinke there are no sports , nor no honours but in courts . ( though of thousands there liues not two , but dye and are forgot : ) see , if any palace yeelds ought more glorious , then the fields . and consider well , if we may not as high-flying be in our thoughts , as you that sing in the chambers of a king. see ; if our contented minds , whom ambition neuer blinds : ( we , that clad in home-spun gray , on our owne sweet meadowes play ) cannot honour ( if we please ) where we list as well as these . or as well of worth approue ; or with equall passions loue . see , if beauties may not touch our soone-louing hearts as much : or our seruices effect fauours , with as true respect in your good conceits to rise , as our painted butterflies . and you fairest giue her roome , when your sexes pride doth come : for that subiect of my song , i inuoke these groues among , to be witnesse of the layes , which i carroll in her praise . and because shee soone will see , if my measures faultie be ; whilst i chaunt them , let each rime keepe a well proportioned time : and with straines that are diuine , meet her thoughts in euery line . let each accent there , present to her soule a new content ; and , with rauishings so ceaze her , she may feele the height of pleasure . you enchanting spells , that lye , lurking in sweet poesie : ( and to none else will appeare , but to those that worthy are ) make her know there is a power ruling in these charmes of your ; that transcends ( a thousand heights ) ordinary mens delights : and can leaue within her brest , pleasures , not to be exprest . let her linger , on each straine , as if shee would heare 't againe ; and were loth to part from thence , till shee had the quintessence , out of each conceit shee meets , and had stord her , with those sweets . make her , by your art to see : i , that am her swaine , was he , vnto whom all beauties here , were alike , and equall deare . that i could of freedome boast , and of fauours with the most : yet , now ( nothing more affecting ) sing of her , the rest neglecting . make her heart , with full compassion , iudge the merit of true passion ; and , as much my loue prefer , as i striue to honor her. lastly ; you , that will ( i know ) heare me , wh'ere you should or no. you , that seeke to turne all flowers , by your breathes infectious powers , into such ranke lothsome weedes , as your dunghill nature breeds . let your hearts be chast , or here come not , till you purge them cleare . marke ; and marke then , what is worst : for , what ere it seeme at first ; if you bring a modest minde , you shall nought immodest finde . but , if any too seuere , happ to lend a partiall eare ; or , out of his blindnesse yawne , such a word , as oh prophane : let him know thus much from me , if here 's ought prophane , t is he ; who applies these excellences , onely to the touch of senses : and , dimm sighted , cannot see , where the soule of this , may bee . yet , that no offence may grow , t is their choice , to stay , or goe . or , if any for despight , rather comes , then for delight : for his presence i le not pray , nor his absence : come he may . critticks shall admitted be , though i know thei le carpe at me . for i neither feare nor care , what in this , their censures are . if the verse heere vsed , be their dislike ; it liketh me . if my methode they deride , let them know , loue is not tide in his free discourse , to chuse such strict rules-as arts-men vse . these may prate of loue ; but they , know him not : for hee will play from the matter , now and then , off and on , and off agen . if this prologue tedious seeme , or the rest too long they deeme : let them know , my loue they win , though they goe ere i begin , iust as if they should attend me , till the last , and there commend me . for , i will for no mans pleasure change a syllable or measure : neither for their praises adde ought to mend what they thinke bad : since it neuer was my fashion , to make worke of recreation . pedants shall not tye my straines , to our antique poets vaines ; as if we , in latter dayes , knew to loue , but not to praise . being borne as free as these , i will sing , as i shall please ; who , as well new paths may run , as the best before haue done . i disdaine to make my song , for their pleasures short or long . if i please i le end it here : if i list i le sing this yeere . and , though none regard of it , by my selfe i pleas'd can sit , and , with that contentment cheare me ▪ as if halfe the world did heare me . but because i am assured , all are either so coniured , as they will my song attend , with the patience of a friend ; or ( at least ) take note , that i care not much : now willingly i these goodly colours lay , wind , nor raine , shall we are away . but retaine their purest glasse , when the statues made of brasse , for some princes more renowne , shall be wholly ouerthrowne : or ( consum'd with cankred rust ) lie neglected in the dust . and my reason giues direction , ( when i sing of such perfection ) first , those beauties to declare , which ( though hers ) without her are . to aduance her fame , i find , those are of a triple kind . priuiledges she hath store , at her birth , since , and before . from before her birth , the fame , shee of high discents may claime ; ( whose wel-gotten honors , may her deseruing more display ) for , from heauenly race shee springs , and from high and mightie kings . at her birth ; shee was by fate in those parents fortunate , whose estates and virtues stood , answerable to their blood. then , the nation , time , and place , to the rest may adde some grace . for the people , with the clime , and the fashions of the time ; ( in all which she hath been blest , by enioying them at best ) doe not onely mend the features , but oft times make better natures . whereas , those who hap not so , both deform'd , and ruder grow . in these climes , and latter dayes , to deserue sweet beauties praise , ( where so many females dwell , that each seemeth to excell ) in more glory twenty fold , then it was in dayes of old , when our ordinary faire ones might haue been esteemed rare ones ; and haue made a subiect fit , for their brauest poets wit. little p●ush-lights , or a sparke , shineth fairely in the darke : and , to him occasion giues that from sight of lesser liues to adore it : yet the ray of one torch will take away all the light of twentie more , that shin'd very well before . so , those pettie beauties , which made the times before vs rich ; though but sparkles seemd a flame , which hath been increast by fame , and their true affections , who better neuer liu'd to know . whereas , her if they had seene , shee had sure adored beene , and ta●ght ages past , to sing sweeter in their sonneting . such a ray , so cleare , so bright , had out-shined all the light , of a thousand such as theirs , who were then esteemed starres ; and would haue enlightned , neere halfe the worlds wide hemisphere . shee is fairest , that may passe for a faire one , where the lasse trips it on the countrie greene , that may equall spartas queene . where ( in euery street you see ) throngs of nymphs and ladies be , that a● faire enough to moue angels ; and enamour loue . shee must matchlesse features bring that now mooues a muse to sing , when as one small prouince may shew more beauties in a day , then the halfe of europe could , breed them in an age of old . such is shee , and such a lot hath her rare perfection got . since her birth ; to make the coulor of so true a beautie fuller ; and to giue a better grace to that sweetnesse in the face : shee , hath all the furthrance had , noble educations add . and not onely knoweth all , which our ladies , courtship call , with those knowledges , that doe grace her sex , and sute thereto : but shee hath attaind to find , ( what is rare with womankind ) excellencies , whereby she may in soule delighted be ; and reape more contentment , than one of twentie thousand can . by this meanes , hath better'd bin , all without her , and within . for , it hath by adding arts , to addorne her natiue parts , raised to a noble flame , ( which shall lighten forth her fame ) those deare sparkes of sacred fire , which the muses did inspire at her birth : that she compleat , might with them befit a seat . but , perhaps i doe amise , to insist so long on this . these , are superficiall things ; and but slender shaddowings , to the worke i haue in hand . neither can you vnderstand , what her excellence may be , till her selfe desrib'd you see . nor can mine , or any penn , paint her halfe so louely then , as she is indeed . for , here might those deities appeare , which young paris view'd , at will , naked , vpon ida hill ; that i from those three might take , all their beauties one to make ( those , no question well compact , would haue made vp one exact ) something yet , we misse of might , to expresse her sweetnesse right , iuno's maiestie would fit ; venus beauty , pallas wit : might haue brought to patterne hers , in some shew'd particulers . but , they neuer can expresse , her whole frame or worthinesse : with those excellences , which make both soule , and body rich . pallas sometimes was vntoward , venus wanton , iuno froward : yea , all three infected were , with such faults as women are . and , though falsly deifi'd , fraileties had , which shee 'le deride . by herselfe , must therefore she , or by nothing pattern'd , be . and i hope to paynt her so , by her selfe ; that you shall know , i haue seru'd no common dame , of meane worth , or vulger fame , but a nimph that 's fairer than , pen , or pencill , portrait can . and to morrow if you stray , backe againe this vncoth way : i my simple art will show : but , the time preuents me now . for , except at yonder glade , all the laund is vnder shade . that , before these ewes be told , those my weathers in the fold , ten young wainlings driuen downe to the well beneath the towne ; and my lambkins changed from brome leaze , to the mead at home : t will be farre in night : and so , i shall make my father woe for my stay , and be in feare some what is mischanced here . on your way , i le therefore bring you , and a song or two i le sing you , such as i ( halfe in despaire ) made when first i woo'd my faire : whereunto my boy shall play , that my voyce assist , it may . come my muse , if thou disdaine , all my comforts are bereft me ; no delight doth now remaine , i nor friend , nor flocke haue left me , they are fcattered on the plaine . ( men , alas ) are too seuere , and make scoffes at louers fortunes ; women , hearted like the beare , that regards not who importunes , but , doth all in pieces teare . if i should my sorrowes show vnto riuers , springs , or fountaines , they are sencelesse of my woe ; so are groues , and rockes , and mountaines . then , oh whither shall i goe ? meanes of harbour me to shield from dispaire ; ah , know you any ? for , nor citie , grange , nor field ( though they lend content to many ) vnto me , can comfort yeeld . i haue wept and sighed to . for compassion to make triall : yea , done all that words can doe , yet hane nothing but denyall . what way is there then to wooe ? shall i sweare , protest , and vow ? so haue i done most extreamely . should i die ? i know not how . for , from all attempts vnseemely , loue , and virtue , keepes me now . i have heard that time preuailes ; but i feare mee t is a fable . time , and all endeavour failes ; to beare more , my heart 's vnable , yet none careth what it ayles . lines , to some haue op't the dore , and got entrance for affection . words well spoken , much implore by the gestures good direction : but a looke doth ten times more . t is the eye that onely reades , to the heart , loues deepest lectures . by a moouing looke it pleads , more then common sence coniectures : and , a way to pittie leades . this , i knowing did obserue , ( both by words , & looks complayning ) yet , for pittie i may starue : there 's no hope of my obtaining ; till i better can deserue . yea , and he that thinkes to winne by desert , may bee deceiued . for , they who haue worthiest bin , of their right haue beene bereaued , and a groome admitted in . wherefore muse , to thee i call ; thou ( since nothing else auailes me ) must redeeme mee from my thrall . if thy sweet enchauntment failes me , then adue , loue , life , and all . . tell me my hart , what thoughts these pantings moue ? my thoughts of love . what flames are these , that set thee so on fire ? flames of desire . what meanes hast thou , contentments floure to crop ? no meanes but hope . yet let vs feed on hope , and hope the best . for , they amid their griefes are something blest ; whose thoughts , & flames , & meanes , haue such free scope , they may at once , both love , desire , and hope . but say ; what fruit will loue at last obtaine ? fruitlesse disdaine . what will those hopes proue , which yet seeme so faire ? hopelesse despaire . what end shall runne those passions out of breath ? an endlesse death . oh can there be such crueltie in loue ? and doth my fortune so vngentle proue , shee will no fruit , nor hope , nor end bequeath , but cruellest disdain , dispaire , and death ? then what new studie shall i now apply ? studie to die. how might i end my care , and dye content ? care to repent . and what good thoughts may make my end more holy ? thinke on thy folly . yes , so i will ; and since my fate can giue no hope , but euer without hope to liue . my studies , cares , and thoughts , i le all apply . to weigh my folly well , repent and die. . sad eyes what doe you ayle to be thus ill disposed ? why doth your sleeping faile , now all mens else are closed ? wast i , that nere did bow in any seruile dutie ; and will you make me , now , a slaue to loue and beautie ? what though thy mistresse smile , and in her loue affects thee ? let not her eye beguile , i feare shee disrespects thee . doe not poore heart depend on those vaine thoughts that fill thee ; they le faile thee in the end , so must thy passions kill thee . what hopes haue i , that shee will hold her fauours euer ; when so few women be , that constant can perseuer ? what ere shee doe protest , when fortunes doe deceiue me ; then shee , with all the rest , i feare , alas ! will leaue me . whil'st youth , & strength remains , with art that may commend her ; perhaps , she nought disdaines , her seruant should attend her . but , it is one to ten , if crosses ouertake me ; shee will not know me , then , but scorne , and so forsake mee . shall then in earnest truth , my carefull eyes obserue her ? shall i consurne my youth , and short my time to serue her ? shall i , beyond my strength , let passions torments prooue me , to heare her say , at length , away , i cannot loue thee ? oh , rather let me dye , whil'st i thus gentle finde her ; t were worse then death , if i , should finde shee prooues vnkinder . one frowne ( though but in iest ) or one vnkindnes , fained , would rob me of more rest , then ere could be regained . but , in her eyes i finde , such signes of pitie moouing ; shee cannot be vnkinde : nor erre , nor faile in louing . and , on her forehead , this , seemes written to relieue me ; my heart no ioy shall misse , that loue , or shee , can giue me . which if i finde , i vow , my seruice shall perseuer : the same that i am now , i will continue euer . no others high degree , nor beautious looke shall change me . my loue shall constant bee , and no estate estrange me . when other noble dames by greater men attended ; shall with their liues , and names , haue all their glories ended ; with fairest queenes shall she , sit sharing equall glory : and times to come , shall be , delighted with our story . in spight of others hates , more honour i will doe her , then those , that with estates , and helpes of fortune wooe her . yea , that true worth i spie , though monarchs stroue to grace it , they should not reach more hie , then i dare hope to place it . and though i neuer vaunt , what fauours are possessed , much lesse content i wan , then if they were expressed . let others make their mirth , to blab each kisse , or toying ; i know no blisse on earth , like , seeret loue enioying . and this shall be the worst , of all that can betide me ; if i , like some accurst , should finde my hopes deride me : my cares will not be long , i know which way to mend them ; i le thinke who did the wrong , sigh , breake my heart , and end them . haile faire beauties , and againe , haile to all your goodly traine . what i promisd yesterday , if it please you , heare yee may : for , now once begun haue i , sing i will , though none were by . and , though freely on i runne , yet confused paths to shunne , first , that part shal be disclos'd , that 's of elements compos'd . there , the two vnequall paire , water , fire , earth and ayre . ( each one suting a complexion , ) haue so cunning a commixtion ; as they , in proportion sweet , with the rarest temper meete . either , in as much as needeth , so as neither , ought exceedeth . this pure substance , is the same , which the body we doe name . were that , of immortall stuffe ; t is resin'd and pure enough , to be cald a soule : for sure , many soules are not so pure . i ( that with a serious looke note of this rare moddel tooke ) find , that nature in their places , so well couched all the graces , as the curioust eies that be , can nor blot , nor blemish see . like a pine it groweth streight , reaching an approued height : and hath all the choice perfections , that inflame the best affections . in the motion of each part , nature seemes to striue with art , which her gestures most shall blesse , with the guifts of pleasingnesse . when she sits ; me , thinkes , i see , how all virtues fixed be , in a frame ; whose constant mould , will the same vnchanged hold . if you note her when she moues , cytherea drawne with doues : may come learne such winning motions , as will gaine to loues deuotions , more then all her painted wiles ; such as teares , or sighs , or smiles . some , whose bodies want true graces , haue sweete features in their faces : others , that doe misse them there , louely are some other where , and to our desires doe fitte , in behauiour , or in witte : or some inward worth appearing , to the soule , the soule endearing : but , in her your eie may find , all that 's good in womankind . what in others we preferre , are but sundry parts of her : who , most perfect , doth present , what might one , and all content . yea , he that in loue still ranges , and each day , or howrly changes ; ( had he iudgement but to know , what perfection in her grow ) there would find the spring of store , sweare a faith , and change no more . neither in the totall frame , is she only void of blame ; but , each part suruei'd a sunder , might beget both loue and wonder . if you dare to looke so high , or behold such maiestie ; lift your wondring eies , and see , whether ought can better'd be . ther 's her haire , with which loue angles , and beholdes eies intangles . for , in those faire curled snares , they are hampred vnawares : and compeld to sweare a duty , to her sweete inthrauling beauty . in my mind , t is the most faire , that was euer called haire , somewhat brighter then a browne , and her tresses wauing downe , at full length , and so dispread : mantles her from foote to head . if you saw her arched brow , tell me pray , what art knowes how to haue made it in a line , more exact , or more diuine . beauty there may be diseri'd , in the height of all her pride , t is a meanly rising plaine , whose pure white hath many a vaine , interlacing like the springs , in the earths enamilings . if the tale be not a toy , of the little winged boy ; when he meanes to strike a heart , thence , he throwes the fatall dart : which of wounds still makes a paire , one of loue , one of dispaire . round her visage : or so neare , to a roundnes doth appeare , that no more of length it takes , then what best proportion makes . short her chinne is ; and yet so , as it is iust long enow : louelines , doth seeme to glory , in that cyrcling promontory . pretty mouing features skip , twixt that hillocke and the lip : if you note her , but the while she is pleas'd to speake , o● smile . and her lips ( that shew no dulnes ) full are , in the meanest fulnes : those , the leaues be , whose vnfolding , brings sweete pleasures to beholding : for , such pearles they doe disclose , both the indies match not those : yet , are so in order placed , as their whitenesse is more graced . each part is so well disposed , and her dainty mouth composed , so , as there is no distortion , misbeseemes that sweete proportion . when her iuorie teeth she buries , twixt her two enticing cherries , there appeares such pleasures hidden , as might tempt what were forbidden . if you looke againe the whiles , she doth part those lips in smiles : t is as when a flash of light , breakes from heauen to glad the night . other parts my pencill craue , but those lips i cannot leaue ; for ( me thinkes ) i should goe , and forsake those cherries so . ther 's a kind of excellence , holds me from departing hence . i would tell you what it were , but my cunning failes me there . they are like in their discloses , to the mornings dewie roses : that beside the name of faire , cast perfumes that sweet the aire . melting-soft her kisses be , and had i , now , two or three ; ( more inspired , by their touch ) i had praisd them twise asmuch . but sweete muses marke yee how , her faire eies doe checke me now , that i seem'd to passe them so : and their praises ouer goe : and yet blame me not , that i would so faine haue past them by . for , i feared to haue seene them , least there were some danger in them . yet , such gentle lookes they lend , as might make her foe , a friend ; and by their allurings moue , all beholders , vnto loue . such a power is also there , as will keepe those thoughts in feare ; and command enough i saw , to hold impudence in awe . there , may he that knowes to loue , read contents , which are aboue , their ignoble aimes , who know nothing , that so high doth grow . whilst she me beholding is , my hart dares not thinke amisse : for , her sight most peircing cleare , seemes to see , what 's written there . those bright eies , that with their light , often times haue blest my sight , and in turning thence their shining , left me in sad darkenes pining : are the rarest , loueliest gray . and do cast forth such a ray ; as the man , that black prefers , more would like this gray of hers . when their matchles beames she shrouds , t is like cynthia hid in clouds . if againe she shew them light , t is like morning after night . and , t is worthy well beholding , with how many a pretty folding , her sweet eye lids grace that faire , meanly fring'd with beaming haire : whereby , neatly ouerspread , those bright lamps are shaddowed . twixt the eyes , no hollow place , wrinkle nor vndecent space , disproportions her in ought ; though by enuy , faults were sought . on those eye-browes neuer yet , did disdainefull scowling sit . loue and goodnesse gotten thither , sit on equall thrones together ; and doe throw iust scorne on them , that their gouernment contemne . then ( almost obscur'd ) appeares those her iewell-gracing eares , whose owne beauties more adome , then the richest pearle that 's worne by the proudest persian dames , or the best that nature frames . there , the voice ( in loues meanders those their pretty cirklings , wanders : whose rare turnings will admit , no rude speech to enter it . stretching from mount forhead lies , beauties cape betwixt her eyes . which two chrystall-passing lakes , loues delightfull isthmus makes ; neither more nor lesse extending , then most meriteth commending . those , in whom that part hath beene , best deseruing praises seene : or , ( surueid without affection ) came the neerest to perfection . would scarce handsome ones appeare , if with her compar'd they were . for , it is so much excelling , that it passeth meanes of telling . on the either side of this , loues most louely prospect is . those her smiling cheekes , whose colour comprehends true beautie fuller , then the curioust mixtures can , that are made by art of man. it is beauties garden plot , where , as in a true-loue-knot , so , the snowy lilly growes , mixed with the crimson rose , that , as friends they ioyned be . yet , they seeme to disagree , whether of the two shall raigne ; and the lillies oft obtaine greatest sway , vnlesse a blush helpe the roses at a push . hollow fallings , none there are ; ther 's no wrinkle , ther 's no scar : onely ther 's a little mole , which from venus cheeke was stole . if it were a thing in nature , possible , that any creature , might decaying life repaire onely by the helpe of aire : there were no such salue for death , as the balme of her sweet breath . or , if any humane power , might detaine the soule an houre , from the flesh to dust bequeathing , it would linger on her breathing : and be halfe in mind , that there ; more then mortall pleasures were . and whose fortune were so faire , as to draw so sweet an ayre , would no doubt , let sleighted lie , the perfumes of arabie . for the english eglantine , doth through enuy of her , pine . violets , and roses to ; feares that she will them vndoe . and , it seemes that in her brest , is compos'd the ph●nix nest . but , descend a while mine eye . see , if polisht iuory , or the finest sleeced flockes , or the whitest albi●n rocks ; for comparisons may stand , to expresse that snowy hand . when she drawes it from her gloue , it hath virtue to remoue , or disperst ; if there be ought , cloudeth the beholders thought . if that palme but toucheth your , you shall feele a secret power cheare your heart ; and glad it more , though it droopt with griefe before . through the vaines , disposed true crimson , yeelds a saphir hue : which adds grace , and more delight , by embracing with the white . smooth , and moist , and soft , and tender , are her palmes ; the fingers slender ; tipt with mollified pearle . and if that transformed girle , whose much cunning , made her dare , with loues daughter to compare , had that hand worne ; maugre spight , shee had sham'd the goddesse quite . for , there is in euery part , nature perfecter then art. these , were ioyned to those armes , that were neuer made for harmes : but , possesse the sweetest graces , that may apt them for imbraces . like the siluer streames they be , which from some high hill we see clipping in a goodly vale , that growes prowd of such a thrall . neither alabaster rocks , pearl strowd-shores , nor cotswold flockes , nor the mountaines tipt with snow , nor the milk-white swannes of po , can appeare so faire to me , as her spotlesse shoulders be . they are like some worke of state , couer'd with the richest plate : and a presence haue , that strike with deuotions , goddes-like . twixt those shoulders ( meanly spread ) to support that globe-like head , riseth vp her necke ; wherein , beautie seemeth to beginne to disclose it selfe , in more tempting manner then before . how , therein she doth excell , ( though i would ) i cannot tell : for , i naught on earth espie , that i may expresse it by . there , should louers as in dutie , hange rich trophes vp to beauty . t is proportion'd to a height , that is euen with delight . yet , it is a great deale higher , then to answere base desire . where the necke hath end , begins that smooth path , where loues close ginns are thicke placed to inthrall , such , as that way straggle shall . there , a pleasing passage lies , farre beyond the sight of eies : and much more delight containes , then the old elizian plaines . whatsoeuer others say , there 's alone the milkie-way ; that to beauties walkes doth goe , which , if others came to know ; in possessing their delight , they should neuer reach the height , of the pleasures which i share , whilst that those debarred are . yet ( vnspoken of ) there rests , her two twinlike louely breasts , whose round-rising , pretty panting i would tell , but art is wanting . words can neuer well declare , her faire sweete perfections there : for , would measures giue me leaue , to expresse what i conceiue , i doe know i should goe neare , halfe to rauish all that heare . and , but that i learne to season , what i apprehend with reason , it had made my passions weight , sincke me through my owne conceit , there i finde so large a measure , of an vnexpressed pleasure ; that my heart , through strong surmize , in a pleasing fainting lies . he that there may rest to proue , softer finds those beds of loue , then the cotton ripest growne ; or fine pillowes of such downe , as in time of molting , fanns , from the breasts of siluer swannes . those two sisters are a paire smoth alike , like soft , like faire ; if together they be vewed . yet if they a part be shewed , that you touch , or see , seemes smother ; softer , fairer , then the other . that the colour may delight , so much red as makes the white , purer seeme , is shed among : and then , here , and there , along , runnes a saphire-mine , whose blew shaddowd , makes so braue a shew on those lillie mounts , as tho , beauties simples there did grow . in the vale , twixt either hill , lies desire in ambush still ; and surprizeth euerie eie , which doth that way dare to pry . there , is sure the twy-top hill , where the poets , learne their skill . that 's parnassus where the muses , chast , and wise minerua vses . her two cherrilets are those , whence the pleasantst nectar flowes : and no fruits ere equall'd these , fetcht from the hesperides . once , as cynthir's games she chased , and for aire , left halfe vn●ased , her light summer-robe of greene , ( beauties safe , but slender skreene ) vnawares , i partly spide , that faire lillie field vnhid , which you may her belly name ; yet , nor she , nor i , to blame . for , it was but what mine eie , might behold with modestie . t is a faire and matchlesse plaine , where vnknowne delights remaine , t is the store-house wherin , pleasure , hides the richest of her treasure . which , true modestie ( in ward ) keepes with a continuall guard , of such virtues ; as shee 's sure , no corruption can allure . there they say ( for mind it well ) i doe this by hearesay , tell , growes her nauell which doth seeme , like some iewel of esteeme : with so wondrous cunning wrought , that an iniury t is thought : such a beauty , with the rest , ( should vnknowne ) be vnexprest . some what else there is , that 's hidden ; which to name i am forbidden : neither haue i euer pried , after that should be vnspied . neuer shall my maiden-muse , so her selfe , and me abuse , as to sing what i may feare , will offend the choisest eare . though i know , if none be by , but true friends to modestie ; i might name each part at will , and yet no mans thought be ill . yet , for feare loose hearers may , iudge amisse , if more i say : i le descend to shunn all blame , to the pillers of this frame . where , though i nere aimd so high , as her daintie youthfull thigh ; ( whose rare softnes , smothnes , fulnes , being knowne , would teach my dulnes such a straine , as might be fit , some braue tuscan poets wit ) once a sawcie bush i spide , plucke her silken skirts aside ; so discouered vnto me , all those beauties to the knee . and , before the thornes entanglings , had let goe the siluer spanglings , i perceiud the curious knitting , of those ioynts were well be fitting ; such a noble piece of worke : mongst whose turnings , seem'd to lurke , much to entertaine the sight , with new obiects of delight . then the legge for shape as rare , will admit of no compare . streight it is ; the anckle leane , full the calfe , but in the meane : and the slender foote doth fit , so each way to suit with it , as she nothing lesse excells therein , then in all things els . yea from head to foote , her feature , shewes her an vnblemisht creature : in whom loue with reason , might , finds so matchlesse a delight . that more cannot be acquired , nor , a greater blisse desired . yet if you will rest an howre , vnder yonder shady bowre : i , anon my muse will raise to a higher pitch of praise . but a while with raspice-berries , strawberries , ripe peares , and cherries , ( such as these our groues doe beare ) we will coole our palats there . and those homely cates among , now and then , a past ' rall song , shall my lad , here , sing , and play : such , as you had yesterday . a lad whose faith will constant proue , and neuer know an end : late by an ouer sight in loue , displeas'd his dearest friend . for which , incens'd shee did retake , the fauours which he wore ; and said , he neuer for her sake , should weare , or see them more . the griefe whereof , how neere i●●ent , and how vnkindly tooke ; was figur'd by the discontent , appearing in his looke . at first , he could not silence breake , ( so heauy sorrow lay ) but when his sighs gaue way to speake , thus , sadly did he say . my onely deare ; and with that speech , not able to sustaine , the floods of griefe at sorrowes breach ; he paus'd awhile againe . at length ( nigh fainting ) did expresse , these words , with much adoe ; oh deare ! let not my loues excesse . me , and my loue vndoe . shee , little mooued with his paine , his much distraction eyde ; and changing loue , into disdaine , thus ( still vnkind ) replide : forbeare to vrge one kindnesse more , vnlesse you long to see , the good respect you had before , at once all lost in me . with that , dismaid , his suit he ceast , and , downe his head he hung : and , as his reasons strength decreast , his passion grew more strong . but , seeing shee did flight his mone ( with willow garlands wreath'd ) he sate him downe , and all alone , this sad complaint he breahb'd . oh heauens ! quoth he , why doe we spend , endeauours thus in vaine ; since what the fates doe fore-intend , they neuer change againe ? nor faith , nor loue , nor true desert , nor all that man can doe , can winne him place within her heart , that is not borne theret● . why doe i fondly waste my youth , in secret sighs , and teares ? why to preserue a spotlesse truth , taste i , so many cares ? for , women that no worth respect , doe so vngentle prooue ; that some shall wi●ne by their neglect , what others lose with loue . those , that haue set the best at naught , and no man could enioy ; at last , by some base gull are caught , and gotten with a toy . yea , they that spend an ages light , their fauours to obtaine ; for one vnwilling ouer sight , may loose them all againe . how glad , and faine , alas would i , for her haue vnderwent , the greatest care , ere she should trie , the smallest discontent ? yet she , that may my life commaund , and doth those passions know , denieth me a poore demaund , in height of all my wo● . oh , if the noblest of her time , and best belou'd of me ; could for so poore , so slight a crime , so voyd of pitie be . sure , had it beene some common one , whose patience i had tride ; no wonder i had been vndone , or vnforgiuen di'de . a thousand liues i would haue layd , so well i once beleeu'd , she would haue dain'd to lend me ayd , if she had seene me gree●'d . but now , i liue to see the day , where i presumed so ; i neither dare for pitie pray , nor tell her of my woe . yet , let not poore despised heart , her worth ought question'd be ; hadst thou not fayled in desert , shee had not failed thee . but least perhaps , they flout thy mone , that should esteeme thee deare ; goe , make it by thy selfe alone , where none may come to heare . still keepe thy forhead crown'd with smiles , what passion ere thou trie ; that none may laugh at thee the whiles , thou discontented lye . and let no wrong , by change distaine a loue so truely faire : but rather , neuer hope againe , and thou shalt ne're despaire . oretyr'd by cruell passions that oppresse me , with heart nigh broken , time no hope would giue me upon my bed i laid mee downe to rest me ; and gentle sleepe , i wo●ed to releeue me . but oh alas ! i found that on the morrow my sleeping ioyes , brought forth my waking sorrow . for loe , a dreame i had so full of pleasure , that to possesse , what to imbrace i seemed , could not effect my ioy in higher measure , then now it grieues mee , that i haue but dreamed . oh let my dreames be sighs and teares hereafter : so , i that sleeping weepe , may wake in laughter . faine would i tell , how much that shaddow pleasd me ; but tongue and pen , want words , and art in telling . yet , this i le say , to shew what horrour seazd me ; ( when i was rob'd of blisse , so much excelling ) might all my dreames be suchj ; oh let me neuer awake againe : but sleepe , and dreame for euer . for , when i waking saw my selfe deceiued , and what an inward hell it had procured , to finde my selfe of all my hopes bereaued , it brought on passions not to be endured : and , knew i ; next night had such dreames in keeping , i 'de make my eyes , forsweare , for euer sleeping . you wooddy hils , you dales , you groues , you floods , and euery spring , you creatures come , whom nothing moues , and heare a shepheard sing . for , to heroës , nymphes , and swaines , i long haue made ●y mone : yet , what my mournfull verse containes , is vnderstood of none . in song , apollo gaue me skill ; their loue , his sisters daine . with those , that haunt pernassus hill , i friendship entertaine . yet , this is all in vaine to me , so haplessely i fare , as those things which my glory be , my cause of ruine , are . for , loue hath kindled in my brest , his neuer quenched fire : and i , who often haue exprest , what other men desire , ( because i could so diue into , the depth of others mone ) now , i my owne affliction show , i heeded am , of none . oft haue the nymphs of greatest worth , made sute my songs to heare . as oft ( when i haue sighed forth , such notes as saddest were ) alas ! said they , poore gentle heart , who ere that shepheard be : but , none of them suspects my smart , nor thinkes , it meaneth me . when i haue reacht so high a straine , of passion in my song ; that they , haue seene the teares toraine and trill my cheeke along : insteed of sigh , or weeping eye , to sympathize with me ; oh , were he once in loue , they crie , how mouing would he be ? oh pitie me , you powers aboue , and take my skill away : or , let my hearers thinke i loue , and faine not what i say . for , if i could disclose the smart , which i vnknowne doe beare ; each line would make them sighs impart , and euery word , a teare . had i a mistresse , some doe thinke , shee should reuealed be ; and i would fauors weare , or drinke her health vpon my knee . alas poore fooles ! they ayme awry , their fancy flags too low : could they my loues rare course espie , they would amazed grow . but , let nor nymph nor swaine conceiue , my tongue shall euer tell , who of this rest , doth mee bereaue ; or where i am not well . but , if you sighing me espie , where rarest features be ; marke , where i fixe a weeping eye , and sweare you , there is shee . yet , ere my eyes betray me shall , i le swell , and burst with paine : and , for each drop they would let fall , my heart shall bleed me twaine . for , since my soule more sorrow beares , then common louers know ; i scorne , my passions should like theirs , a common humour show . eare , neuer heard of , heretofore , of any loue like mine . nor shall there be for euermore , affection so diuine . and , that to faine it , none may try , when i dissolu'd must be ; the first i am , it liued by , and die it shall , with me . boy , h'a done ; for now my braine is inspir'd afresh againe , and new raptures pressing are , to be sung in praise of her : whose faire picture lieth nigh , quite vnuail'd to eu'ry eye . no small fauour hath it beene , that such beautie might be seene : therefore , euer may they rue it , who with euill eyes shall view it . yea , what ancient stories tell , once to rude acteon fell , ( when with euill thoughts , he stood eyeing cynthia in the flood ) may that fatall horned curse , light vpon them ; or a worse . but ( what euer others be ) lest some fault be found in me , if vnperfect this remaine ; i will ouer-trym't againe . therefore , turne where we begun : and now all is ouerrunne . marke , if euery thing exprest , sute not so vnto the rest , as if nature would prefer , all perfections , vnto her . wherefore seemes it strange to any , that they daily see so many , who were else most perfect creatures , in some one part , want true features ? since , from all the fair'st that liue , nature tooke the best , to giue her pefection in each part . i , alone , except her heart ; for , among all woman-kind . such as hers , is hard to find . if you truely note her face , you shall find it hath a grace , neither wanton , nor ore serious ; nor too yeelding , nor imperious : but , with such a feature blest , it is that , which pleaseth best : and delight 's each seu'rall eye , that affects with modesty . lowlinesse , hath in her looke , equall place with greatnes tooke . and , if beautie ( any where ) claimes prerogatiues , t is there . for , at once , thus much t will doe ; threat , command , perswade , and wooe . in her speech there is not found , any harsh , vnpleasing sound . but a well beseeming power ; neither higher , neither lower , then will sute with her perfection , t is the loadstone of affection . and , that man , whose iudging eyes , could well sound such mysteries , would in loue , make her , his choice ; though he did but heare her voice . for , such accents , breath not , whence beautie keeps non-residence . neuer word of hers , i heare , but t is musicke to mine eare : and , much mor● contentment brings , then the sweetly-touched strings , of the pleasing lute , whose straines , rauish hearers when it plaines . rais'd by her discourse , i flie , in contented thoughts so high , that i passe the common measures , of the dulled senses pleasures : and , leaue farre below my flight , vulger pitches of delight . if shee smile , and merry be ; all about her , are as she . for , each looker on , takes part of the ioy that 's in her heart . if shee grieue , or you but spie , sadnesse peeping through her eye ; such a grace it seemes to borrow , that you 'l fall in loue with sorrow : and abhorre the name of mirth , as the hatefulst thing on earth . should i see her shed a teare , my poore eyes would melt , i feare . for , much more in hers appeares , then in other womens teares : and her looke , did neuer faine sorrow , where there was no paine . seldome hath she beene espide so impatient as to chi●e : for , if any see her so , they 'l in loue with anger grow . sigh , or speake , o● smile , or talke , sing , or weepe , or sit , or walke , euery thing that shee doth doe , decent is , and louely too . each part that you shall behold , hath within it selfe inrold , what you could desire to see , ( or your heart conceiue to be ) yet if from that part your eye , mouing shall another spye : there you see as much or more , then you thought to praise before . while the eye surueyes it , you will imagine that her brow hath all beautie ; when her cheeke , you behold , it is as like to be deemed fairest too . ( so much there can beautie doe ) looke but thence vpon her eye , and you wonder by and by , how there may be any where , so much worthy praise as there . yet , if you suruey her brest , then as freely you 'l protest , that in them perfection is ; though ( i know ) that one poore kisse , from her tempting lips , would then , make all that forsworne agen . for , the selfe same moouing grace , is at once in euery place . she , her beautie neuer foyles , with your oyntments , waters , oyles , nor no loathsome fucus settles , mixt with iewish fasting spetles . faire by nature , being borne , she doth borrowed beautie seorne . who so kisses her , needs feare no vnwholesome varnish there . for , from thence he onely sips , the pure nectar , of her lips . and at once with these he closes , melting rubies , cherries , roses . then , in her behauiour , she striueth but her selfe to be . keeping such a decent state , as ( indeed ) she seemes to hate precious leasure should be spent , in abused complement . though she knowes what other doe , ( and can all their courtship toe ) she , is not in so ill case , as to need their borrowed grace . her discourses sweetned are , with a kind of artlesse care , that expresseth greater art , then affected words imp●rt . so , her gestures ( being none , but that freenesse which alone , suits the brauenesse of her mind ) make , her , of her selfe , to find , postures more becomming far , then the meere acquired , are . if you marke , when for her pleasure , shee vouchsafes to foot a measure , though , with others skill , she pace , ther 's a sweet delightfull grace , in her selfe ; which doth prefer , art , beyond that art , in her . neither needs she beat her wit , to deuise what dressings fit . her complexion , and her feature , so beholding are to nature ; if she in the fashions goe , all the reason she doth so , is ; because she would not erre , in appearing singuler . doubtlesse , not for any thought , that 't will perfect her , in ought . many a dainty-seeming dame , is in natiue beauties lame . some , are graced by their tyres , as their quoifs , their hats , their wyres . one , a ruffe doth best become ; falling-bands much altreth some . and their fauours , oft , we see , changed as their dressings be . which , her beautie neuer feares : for , it graceth all she weares . if ye note her tyre to day , that , doth sute her best , you 'l say . marke , what she next morne doth weare ; that , becomes her best , you 'l sweare . yea , as oft as her you see ; such new graces , still there be : as , she euer seemeth grac't , most by that , she weareth last . though , it be the same wore , but the very day before . when she takes her tyers about her , ( neuer halfe so rich without her ) at the putting on of them , you may liken euery iem , to those lamps , which at a play , are set vp to light the day . for , their l●sture addes no more , to what titan gaue before ; neither doth their pretty gleamings , hinder ought , his greater beamings . and yet ( which is strange to me ) when those costly deckings be , laid away ; there seemes descrid , beauties , which those vailes did hide . and , she looke● , as doth the moone , past some clowd through which she shone : o● , some iewell watch , whose case , set with diamonds , seemes to grace what it doth containe within 〈◊〉 till the curious worke be seene , then ; t is found , that costly shrining ; did but hinder tother 's shining . if you chance to be in place , when her mantle she doth grace ; you would presently protest , irish dressings were the best . if againe she lay it downe , while you view her in a gowne : and how those her dainty limbs , that close-bodied garment trims . you would sweare , and sweare agen : she appeared loueliest then . but , if she so truely faire , should vntie her shining haire , and at length , that treasure shed ; ioues endured gammed , neither cythereas ioy , nor the sweet selfe-louing boy , ( who in beauty did surpasse ) nor the fair'st that euer was : could , to take you prisoner bring , lookes so sweetly conquering . she , excells her , whom appollo , once with weeping eies did follow . or that nimph , who shut in towers , was beguild with golden showers ; yea , and she , whose loue was wont , to swime ore the hellispont . for her sake ( though in attire , fittest to enflame desire ) seem'd not halfe so faire to be , nor so louely , as is she . for , the man whose happy eye , viewes her in full maiesty : knowes , she hath a power that mooues , more then doth the queene of loues , when she vseth all her power , to inflame her paramour . and , sometime i doe admire , all men burne not with desire . nay , i muse her seruants are not pleading loue ; but oh they dare not . and , i therfore wonder , why they doe not grow sicke , and die . sure they would doe so , but that by the ordinance of fate , there is some concealed thing , so , each gazer limiting ; he can see no more of merit , then beseemes his worth , and spirit . for , in her a grace there shines , that o're-daring thoughts confines ; making worthlesse men dispaire , to be lou'd of one so faire . yea , the destinies agree , some good iudgments blind should be , and not gaine the power of knowing those rare beauties in her growing . reason doth as much imply : for , if euery iudging eye , ( which beholdeth her ) should there , find what excellencies are : all , orecome by those perfections , would be captiue to affections . so , in happinesse vnblest ; shee , for louers , should not rest . this , well heeding , thinke vpon : and , if there be any one , who alloweth not the worth , which my muse hath painted forth ; hold it no defect in her ; but , that hee 's ordaind to erre . or , if any female wight , should detract from this i write , shee , i yeeld , may shew her wit , but disparage her no whit . for , on earth few women be , that from enuies touch are free . and , who euer , enuy knew , yeeld those honours that were due ? though sometime my song i raise , to vnused heights of praise , ( and breake forth as i shall please . into strange hyperboles ) t is to shew , conceit hath found , worth , beyond expressions bound . though , her breath i doe compare , to the sweet'st perfumes that are ; or , her eies that are so bright , to the mornings cheerefull light . yet , i doe it not so much , to inferre that she is such ; as to shew , that being blest , with what merrits name of best , she appeares more faire to me , then all creatures else that be . her true beauty leaues behind , apprehensions in my mind , of more sweetnes then all art , or inuentions can impart . thoughts , too deepe to be exprest , and too strong to be supprest . which , oft raiseth my conceits , to so vnbeleeued heights ; that ( i feare ) some shallow braine , thinkes my muses doe but faine . sure , he wrongs them if he doe : for , could i haue reached to so like straines , as these you see ; had there beene no such as she ? is it possible that i , who scarce heard of poesie ; should a meare idea raise , to as true a pitch of praise , as the learned poets could , now , or in the times of old ; all those reall-beauties bring , honord by their sonneting ? ( hauing arts , and fauors to , more t' encourage what they doe ) no ; if i had neuer seene , such a beauty ; i had beene piping in the country shades , to the homely dary-maides : for a country fidlers fees ; clouted creame , & bread and cheese . i no skill in numbers had , more then euery shepheards lad , till she taught me , straines that were , pleasing to her gentle eare . her faire splendor , and her worth , from obscurenes , drew me forth . and , because i had no muse , shee her selfe daignd to infuse all the skill , by which i clime , to these praises in my ryme . which , if she had pleasd to add , to that art sweet drayton had , or that happy swaine that shall sing britanias pastorall ; or to theirs , whose verse set forth rosalind , and stella's worth ; they had doubled all their skill , gained on apollos hill : and , as much more set her forth , as i' me short of them in worth . they , had vnto heights aspired , might haue iustly been admired ; and , in such braue straines had moued , as of all had been approued . i , must praise her as i may ; which i doe mine owne rude way : sometime setting forth her glories , by vnheard of allegories . thinke not , tho , my muse now sings , meere absurd , or fained things . if to gold i like her haire , or , to starres , her eyes so faire : though i praise her skin by snow , or , by pearles , her double-row : t is , that you might gather thence , her vnmatched excellence . eyes , as faire ( for eyes ) hath she as starres faire , for starres may be . and , each part as faire doth show , in it kind , as white in snow . t is no grace to her at all , if her haire i sunne-beames call : for , were there a power in art , so to pourtrait euery part , all men might those beauties see , as they doe appeare to me . i would scorne to make compare with the glorioust things that are . nought i ere saw , faire enow , but the haire , the haire to show . yet , some thinke him ouerbold , that compares it but to gold. he , from reason seemes to erre , who commending of his deare , giues her lips the rubies hue , or by pearles her teeth doth shew . but what pearles , what rubies can , seeme so louely faire , to man , as her lipps whom he doth loue , when in sweete discourse they moue ? or her louelier teeth the while , she doth blesse him with a smile . starres indeed , faire creatures be : yet , amongst vs , where is he , ioyes not more the while he lies , sunning in his mistresse eies , then in all the glimmering light , of a starrie winters night ? him to flatter , most suppose , that preferrs before the rose or the lillies ( while they grow ) or the flakes of new-falne suow ; her complextion whom he loueth : and yet , this my muse approueth . for , in such a beauty , meets vnexpressed mouing sweets ; that , ( the like vnto them ) no man , euer saw but in a woman . looke on moone , on starrs , on sunne , all gods creatures ouer-runne . see , if all of them presents , to your mind , such sweet contents : or , if you from them can take , ought that may a beauty make , shall one halfe so pleasing proue , as is hers , whom you doe loue . for indeed , if there had beene other mortall beauties seene , obiects for the loue of man , vaine was their creation than . yea , if this could well be granted , adam might his eue haue wanted . but a woman is the creature , whose proportion with our nature best agrees ; and whose perfections , sympathize with our affections : and not onely finds our senses , pleasure in their excellencies . but our reason also knowes , sweetnesse in them , that outgoes humane wit to comprehend , much more , truely , to commend . note , the beautie of any eye ; and , if ought you praise it by , leaue such passion in your mind , let my reasons eye be blind . marke , if euer red or white , any where , gaue such delight , as when they haue taken place , in a worthy womans sace . he that so much hath not noted , will not : or is growne besotted . such as louers are , conceaue , what impressions beauty leaue ; and those hearts , that fire haue took , by a loue-enflaming looke : those , beleeue , what here i say ; and , suppose not that i stray , in a word , by setting foorth any praise beyond true worth . and yet , wherefore should i care , what anothers censures are , since i know her to be such , as no praise can be too much ? all that see her , will agree , in the selfe same mind with me ; if their wit be worth the hauing , or their iudgement merrit crauing . and the man that kens her not , speaks , at best , he knowes not what : so , his enuy , or good will. neither doth her good , nor ill . then , fooles cauils i disdaine , and , call backe my muse againe , to decipher out the rest . for , i haue too long digrest . this is shee , in whom there meets , all varietie of sweets . an epitomie , of all , that on earth we faire may call . nay , yet more i dare auer : he that is possest of her , shall at once all pleasure find , that is reapt from woman-kind . oh , what man would further range , that in one might finde such change ? what dull eye such worth can see , and not sworne a louer be ? or , from whence was he , could proue , such a monster in his loue ; as , in thought , to vse amisse , such vnequald worth as this ? pitie 't were that such a creature , phenix-like , for matchlesse feature , should so suffer ; or be blamed , with what now the times are shamed . beautie ( vnto me diuine ) makes my honest thoughts encline , vnto better things , then that , which the vulgar aymeth at . and , i vow , i grieue to see , any faire , and false to be : or , when i sweet pleasures find , matcht with a defiled mind . but ( aboue all others ) her , so much doth my soule prefer ; that to him whose ill desire , should so nurse a lawlesse fire , as to tempt , to that , which might dimme her sacred virtues light ; i could wish that he might die ere he did it ; though 't were i. for , if shee should hap to stray , all this beautie would away : and not her alone vndoe , but kill him , that prais'd her to . but , i know her maker will keepe her vnd●●tained still : that ensuing ages may patterne out , by her the way to all goodnesse . and if fate that appoints all things a date heare me would ; i 'de wish that she might for aye preserued be . and that neither wasting cares , neither all-consuming yeares , might , from what she is , estrange her , or in mind , or body change her . for , oh why should enuious time , perpetrate so vile a crime , as to waste , or wrong , or staine , what shall ne're be matcht againe ? much i hope , it shall not be : for , if loue deceiue not me , to that height of faire she growes , age , or sicknesse ( beauties foes ) cannot so much wrong it there , but enough there will appeare , euer worthy to be lou'd : and , that heart shall more be mou'd , ( where there is a iudging eye ) with those prints it doth espie , of her beautie wrongd by time , then by others , in their prime . one aduantage shee hath more , that adds grace to all before . it is this ; her beauties fame , hath not done her honour shame . for , where beautie we doe find , enuy still is so vnkind , that , although their vertues are such , as passe their beauies farre ; yet on slanders rocks they be shipwrackt oftentimes , we see : and are subiect to the wrongs , of a thousand spightfull tongues , when the greatest fault they had , was , that some would make them bad ; and not finding them for action , sought for vengeance , by detraction . but her beauty sure no tongue , is so villanous to wrong . neuer did the iealoust eare , any muttering rumor heare , that might cause the least suspects , of indifferent defects . and ( which somewhat stranger is ) they , whose slanders few can misse , ( though set on by euill will , and habituated ill ) nothing can of her inuent , whence to frame disparagement . which , if we respect the crimes , of these loose iniurious times ; doth not only truly proue , great discretion in her loue : and , that she hath liu'd vpright , in each iealouse tongues dispight . but , it must be vnderstood , that her priuate thoughts are good . yea , t is an apparant signe , that her beautie is diuine : and , that angels haue a care , mens polluting tongues should spare to defile , what god hath giuen , to be deare to earth , and heauen . tell me you that heare me now ; is there any one of you , wanteth feeling of affection ? or that loues not such perfection ? can there be so dull an eare , as of so much worth to heare ; and not seriously incline , to this saint-like friend of mine ? if there be ; the fault doth lie , in my artlesse poesy . for , if i could reach the straine , which me thinkes i might obtaine ; or , but make my measures flie , equall with my fantasie ; i would not permit an eare , to attend vnrauisht heere ; if , but so much fence it knew , as the blocks , that orphe●s drew . thinke on this discription , well , and , your noblest ladyes tell ; which of you ( that worth can see ) this my mistresse would not be ? you braue english , who haue run , from the rising of the sun : till in trauelling you found , where he doth conclude his round . you , that haue the beauties seene , which in farthest lands haue beene ; and sur●eid the faire resorts , of the french and spanish courts : ( with the best that fame renownes , in the rich trans-alpine townes ) doe not with our brainelesse fry , ( that admire each nouelty ) wrong your countries fame in ought . but , here freely speake your thought ; and i durst presume you le sweare , shee 's not matched any where . gallants , you that would so faine , nymphs and ladies loues obtaine . you , that striue to serue and please , fairest queenes and empresses . tell me this , and tell me right ; if you would not ( so you might ) leaue them all dispis'd to proue , what contents are in her loue ? could your fathers euer tell , of a nymph did more excell ? or hath any storie told , of the like , in times of old ? dido was not such a one . nor the troians paragone . though they so much fauour found , as to haue their honors crownd , by the best of poets penns , euer knowne before , or since . for , had dido beene so faire , old anchises noble heire ; ioues command had disobaid : and with her in carthage staid : where , he would haue quite forswore , seeing the lauinian shore . or , had laedas daughter beene , ( when she was the spartan queene ) equall with this louely-one , menelaus had neuer gone , from her sight so farre away , as to leaue her for a pray ; and his roome , to be possest , by her wanton phrigian guest . but , least yet among you , some , thinke she may behind these , come : stay a little more , and here me : in another straine i le reare me . i le vnmasque a beauty , now , which to kisse , the gods may bow . and so feelingly did moue , that your soules shall fall in loue . i haue yet , the best behind ; her most faire , vnequald , minde . this , that i haue here exprest , is but that , which vailes the rest . an incomparable shrine , of a beauty more diuine . whereof , ere i farther speake , off againe , my song i le breake . and , if you among the roses , ( which , yo● quickset hedge incloses ) will with plucking flowres , beguile tedious-seeming time awhile ; till i step to yonder greene , ( whence the sheep so plaine are seen ) i , wil be returned , ere you an howre haue stayd there . and , excuse me now , i pray , though i rudely goe away . for , affaires i haue to doe : which , vnlesse i looke into ; i may sing out summer here , like the idle grashopper , and at winter , hide my head , or else fast , till i am dead . yet if rusticke past'rall measures , can ought adde vnto your pleasures ; i will leaue you some of those , which , it pleasd me to compose , when dispairing fits were ouer ; and i made a happy louer , exercisd my louing passion , in an other kind of fashion , then to vtter , i deuised , when i fear'd to be despised . those ; shall lye in gage for me , till i backe returned be . and , in writing ; here , you haue them : either sing , or read , or leaue them . sonnet . admire not shepheards boy , why i my pipe forbeare ; my sorrowes , and my ioy , beyond expression are . though others may , in songs display their passions , when they wooe : yet , mine doe flie , a pitch too high , for words to reach vnto . if such weake thoughts as those , with others fancies moue ; or , if my breast did close , but common straines of loue : or passions store , learnd me no more , to feele then others doe : i 'de paint my cares , as blacke as theirs , and teach my lynes to wooe . but oh ! thrice happy yee , whose meane conceit is dull ; you from those thoughts are free , that stuffe my breast so full : my loues excesse , le ts to expresse , what songs are vsed to : and my delights , take such high flights , my ioyes will mee vndoe . i haue a loue that 's faire , rich , wise , and nobly borne ; shee 's true perfections heire , holds nought but vice in scorne . a heart to find , more chast , more kind , our plaines affoord no moe . of her degree , no blab i le be , for doubt , some prince should wooe . and yet i doe not feare , ( though shee my meannesse knowes ) the willow branch to weare , no , nor the yellow hose . for , if great ioue , should sue for loue , shee would not me forgoe resort i may , by night or day . which brauer , dare not doe . you gallants , borne to pelfe , to lands , to titles store ; i me borne but to my selfe , nor doe i care for more . adde to your earth , wealth , honors , birth , and all you can thereto ; you cannot proue , that height of loue , which , i in meannesse doe . great men haue helpes to gaine , those fauours they implore ; which , though i winne with paine , i finde my ioyes the more . each clowne may rise , and climbe the skies , when he hath found a staire : but ioy to him , that dares to climbe , and hath no helpe , but ayre . some say , that loue repents , where fortunes disagree ; i know the high'st contents , from low beginnings be . my loue 's vnfain'd , to her that daignd , from greatnesse , stoope thereto . shee loues , cause i , so meane , dar'dtrie , her better worth to wooe . and yet although much ioy , my fortune seemes to blesse ; t is mixt with more annoy , then i shall ere expresse : for , with much paine did i obtaine , the iem i le nere forgoe : which , yet i dare nor shew , nor weare ; and that breeds all my woe . but fie , my foolish tongue , how loosely now it goes ! first , let my knell be rung , ere i doe more disclose . mounts thoughts on high ; cease words , for why : my meaning to diuine : to those i leaue , that can conceiue , so braue a loue as mine . and now , no more i le sing , among my fellow swaines : nor groues , nor hilles shall ring , with ecchoes of my plaines . my measures be , confus'd ( you see ) and will not sute thereto : cause , i haue more , braue thoughts in flore , then words can reach vnto . sonnet . . hence away , you syrens , leaue me , and vnclaspe your wanton armes ; sugred words shall ne're deceiue me , ( though thou proue a thousand charmes ) fie , fie , forbeare ; no common snare , could euer my affection chaine : your painted baits , and poore deceits , are all bestowed on me , in vaine . i 'me no flaue , to such as you be ; neither shall a snowy brest , wanton eye , or lip of ruby , euer robb me , of my rest . goe , goe , display , your beauties ray , to some ore-soone enamour'd swaine . those common wiles , of sighs and smiles ; are all bestowed on me , in vaine . i haue elsewhere , vowed a dutie ; turne away thy tempting eyes . shew not me , a naked beautie , those impostures , i despise . my spirit lothes , where gawdy clothes , and fained othes , may loue obtaine . i loue her so , whose looke , sweares no ; that , all your labours will be vaine . can he prize the tainted posies , which on euery brest are worne ; that may plucke the spotlesse roses , from their neuer-touched thorne ? i can goe rest , on her sweet brest ; that is the pride of cynthia's traine . then hold your tongues , your mermaid songs , are all bestow'd on me in vaine . hee 's a foole , that basely dallies , where each peasant mates with him . shall i haunt the thronged vallies , whilst ther 's noble hils to climbe ? no , no ; though clownes are skar'd with frownes , i know the best can but disdaine : and those i le proue ; so shall your loue be all bestowed , on me in vaine . yet , i would not daigne embraces , with the greatest-fairest shee , if another shar'd those graces , vvhich had beene bestowed on me. i gaue that one , my loue , where none , shall come to robb me of my gaine . your fickle hearts makes teares , and arts , and all , bestowed on me in vaine . i doe scorne , to vow a dutie , vvhere each lustfull lad may wooe . giue me her , whose sun-like beautie , buzzards dare not soare vnto . shee , shee it is , affoords that blisse , for which , i would refuse no paine . but such as you , fond fooles adue ; you seeke to captiue me in vaine . prowd she seem'd in the beginning , and disdaind my looking on : but , that coy one in the winning , proues a true one being wonne . vvhat ere betide , shee 'l nere diuide , the fauour shee to me shall daigne . but , your fond loue , vvill fickle proue : and all that trust in you , are vaine . therefore know , when i enioy one , ( and for loue employ my breath ) shee i court shall be a coy one , though i winne her with my death . a fauour there , few ayme at dare . and if perhaps , some louer plaine , shee is not wonne , nor i vndone , by placing of my loue in vaine . leaue me then , you syrens leaue me ; seeke no more to worke my harmes : craftie wiles cannot deceiue me ; who am proofe against your charmes . you labour may , to lead astray , the heart , that constant shall remaine : and i the while , will sit and smile , to see you spend your time in vaine . sonnet . when philomela with her straines , the spring had welcom'd in ; and flora , to bestrow the plaines , with daysies did begin : my loue , and i ( on whom suspitious eyes , had set a thousand spies ) to cosen argos stroue ; and seene of none , we got alone , into a shady gr●●e . on euery bush , the eglantine , with leaues perfumed hung . the primrose , made the ●edge-rowes fine , the woods , of musicke rung . the earth , the aire , & all things did conspire to raise contentment higher . that , had i come to wooe : nor meanes of grace , nor time , nor place ; were wanting thereunto . with hand in hand , alone we walkt , and oft each other ●y●e : of loue , and passions past , we 〈◊〉 , which our poore hearts had tride . our soules , infus'd into each other were : and , what may be her care , did my more sorrow breed . one mind we bore ; one faith we swore : and both in one agreed . her dainty palme , i gently prest , and with her lips i plaid . my cheeke , vpon her panting brest , and on her necke i laid . and yet , we had no sence of wanton lust : nor , did we then mistrust , the poyson in the sweet . our bodies wrought so close , we thought , because our soules should meet . with pleasant toyle , we breathles grew ; and kist in warmer blood : vpon her lips , the 〈◊〉 , like drops on roses stood ; and on those 〈…〉 ; whose sweets ; were such to me , them could i not 〈◊〉 no , not to feast , on venus 〈◊〉 ; whence streames of sweetnesse flow . but , kissing and embracing , we so long together lay ; her touches all inflamed me , and i began to stray . my hands , presum'd so farre , they were too bold . my tongue , vnwisely told how much my heart was chang'd . and virtue quite , vvas put to flight , or , for the time estrang'd . oh! what are we , if in our strength , vvee ouer boldly trust ? the strongest forts , will yeeld at length , and so our virtues must . in me , no force of reason had preuaild ; if shee had also faild . but ere i further straid , she sighing kist , my naked wrist ; and thus , in teares she said . sweet heart ( quoth she ) if in thy brest , those virtues reall bee , which hitherto thou hast profest , and i beleeu'd in thee : thy selfe , and me , oh seeke not to abuse . whilst thee i thus refuse , in hotter flames i frie : yet , let vs not , our true loue spot , oh , rather let mee die . for , if thy heart should fall from good , what would become of mine ? as strong a passion , stirres my blood , as can distemper thine . yet , in my brest this rage i smoother would , though it consume me should ; and , my desires containe : for , where we see , such breaches be , they seldome stop againe . are we the two , that haue so long , each others loues imbrac't ? and neuer did affection wrong , nor thinke a thought vnchast ? and shall , oh , shall we now , our matchlesse iay , for one poore touch destroy ? and all content forgoe ? oh no , my deare , sweet heart , forbeare ; i will not loose thee so . for , should we doe a deed so base , ( as it can neuer be ) i could no more haue seene thy face , nor wouldst thou looke on me . i should of all our passions gr●w asham'd ; and blush when thou art nam'd , yea ( though thou constant wert ) i being nought , a iealous thought , would still torment my heart . what goodly thing doe wee obtaine , if i consent to thee ? rare ioyes we loose , and what we gaine , but common pleasures be : yea , those ( some say ) who are to lust enclind , driue loue out of the mind ; and so much reason misse : that they admire , what kind of fire , a chast affection is . no vulgar blisse , i aymed at , when first i heard thee wooe : i le neuer prize a man for that , which euery groome can doe . if that be loue ; the basest men that be , doe loue as well as we . who , if we beare vs well , doe passe them then , as angels , men , in glory doe excell . whilst thus she spake , a cruell band of passions ceazd my soule : and , what one seemed to command , another did controule . twixt good , and ill , i did diuided lie , but , as i rais'd mine eye , in her me thought i saw , those virtues shine , whose rayes diuine , first gaue desire , a law. with that , i felt the blush of shame , into my cheeke returne , and loue , did with a chaster flame , vvithin my bosome burne . my soule , her light of reason had renew'd ; and by those beames i view'd , how slily lust ensnares : and all the fires , of ill desires , i quenched with my teares . goe wantons now , and flout at this , my coldnesse , if you list ; vaine fooles , you neuer knew the blisse , that doth in loue consist . you sigh , and weepe , and labour to enioy ; a shade , a dreame , a toy . poore folly you pursue , and are vnblest , since euery beast , in pleasure equals you . you neuer tooke so rich content , in all your wanton play , as this to me hath pleasure lent , , that chast she went away . for as some sinnes , which me committed haue ; sharpe stings behind them leeue . whereby we vexed are : so , ill supprest , begetteth rest , and peace , without compare . but least this conquest slight you make , which on my selfe i wonne ; twelue labors , i will vndertake , with ioues victorious sonne , er'e i , will such another brunt endure . for , had diana pure , thus tempted beene to sinne ; that queene of night , ( with her chast light , ) had scarce , a maiden binne . oh ! how honor'd are my songs , grac't by your melodious tongues ? and how pleasing doe they seeme , now your voices carroll them ? were not , yet , that taske to doe , which my word inioynes me to , i should begge of you , to heare , what your owne inuentions were . but , ( before i ought will craue ) what i promisd , you shall haue . and , as i on mortall creatures , cald , to view her bodies features ; shewing how , to make the senses , apprehend her excellences . now ; i speake of no worse subiect , then a soules , and reasons obiect : ( and relate a beauties glories , fitting heauenly auditories ) therefore , whilst i sit and sing , hemme me angels , in a ring . come ye spirits , which haue eies , that can gaze on deityes : and vnclog'd , with bruitish sences , comprehend such excellences . or , if any mortall eare , would be granted leaue to heare , ( and find profit with delight , in what now , i shall indite ) let him first be sure , to season a prepared hart with reason : and , with iudgement , drawing nigh , lay all fond affections by . so , through all her vailings , he shall the soule of beautie see . but , auoid you earth-bred wights , cloid with sensuall appetites . on bafe obiects glut your eies , till your starueling pleasure dies . feede your eares , with such delights , as may match you grosse conceits ; for , within your muddie braine , these , you neuer can containe . thinke not , you , who by the sence , only iudge of excellence ; ( or doe all contentment place , in the beauty of a face ) that these higher thoughts of our , soare so base a pitch as your . i can giue , as well as you , outward beauties all their due : i can most contentments see , that in loue , or women be . though i dote not on the features , of our daintiest female creatures ; ( nor , was ere so void of shames , as to play their lawlesse games ) i more prize a snowye hand , then the gold on tagus strand : and a daintie lippe before , all the greatest monarcks store . yea , from these i reape as true , and as large contents as you . yet , to them i am not tide . i haue rarer sweets espide ; ( wider prospects of true pleasure ) then your curbed thoughts can measure . in her soule , my soule descries , obiects , that may feede her eyes . and the beauty of her mind , shewes my reason where to finde , all my former pleasure doubled . neither with such passion troubled ; as wherewith it oft was crost : nor so easie to be lost . i , that rauisht lay , wel-nigh , by the lustre of her eye : and , had almost sworne affection , to the fore exprest perfection ; as if nothing had been higher , whereunto i might aspire . now , haue found , by seeking nearer , inward worth ; that shining clearer ; ( by a sweet and secret mouing ) drawes me to a dearer louing . and , whilst i that loue conceiue , such impressions it doth leaue , in the intellectiue part ; as , defaceth from my hart , eu'rie thought of those delights , which allure base appetits . and , my mind so much imploies , in contemplating , those ioyes , which , a purer sight , doth find , in the beauty of her mind : that , i so thereon am set , as ( me thinkes ) i could forget , all her sweetest outward graces : though i lay in her imbraces . but , some thinking with a smile , what , they would haue done the while : now suppose my words are such , as exceed my power too much . for , all those , our wantons hold , void of vigor , dull , and cold : or ( at best ) but fooles , whose flame , makes not way vnto their shame . though at length with griefe they see they the fooles doe proue to be . these , the body so much minded , that their reason ouer-blinded , by the pleasures of the sence , hides from them that excellence ; and that sweetnes , whose true worth , i am here to blazon forth . t is not ; t is not , those rare graces , that doe lurke in womens faces . t is not , a displayd perfection , youthfull eyes , nor cleare complexion ; nor a skin , smooth-satten like , nor a daintie rosie cheeke , that to wantonnesse can moue , such as vertuously doe loue . beautie , rather gently drawes wild desires , to reasons lawes ; and oft frights men from that sin , they had else transgressed in : through a sweet amazement , stroke , from an ouer-ruling looke . beautie , neuer tempteth men to lasciuiousnes ; but when carelesse idlenesse hath brought wicked longings into thought . nor doth youth , or heat of blood , make men prooue what is not good . nor the strength , of which they vaunt . t is the strength , and power they want , and the basenesse of the mind , makes their bruit desires enclind , to persue those vaine delights , which affect their appetites . and so blinded doe they grow , ( who are ouertaken so ) as their dulnes cannot see , nor beleeue that better be . some , haue blood as hot as their , whose affections loosest are ; bodies that require no art , to supply weake natures part . youth they haue ; and , sure , might to , boast of what , some ( shamelesse doe ) yet , their minds that aime more high , ( then those baser pleasures lye ) taught by virtue can suppresse , all attempts of wantonnesse . and such powerfull motiues frame , to extinguish passions flame ; that ( by reasons good direction ) quallifying loose affection ; thei le in midst of beauties fires , walke vnscorcht of ill desires . yet , no such , as stupid shame , keeps from actions worthy blame . but , in all so truly man , that their apprehensions can , prize the bodies vtmost worth : and , find many pleasures forth , in those beauties ; more then you , that abuse them , euer knew . but , perhaps her outward grace , here discrib'd , hath tane such place , in some ore-enamourd breast , and so much his hart possest , as he thinkes it passeth telling , how shee may be more excelling : or what worth , i can prefer , to be more admir'd in her. therefore , now i will be briefe , to preuent that misbeliefe . and , if there be present here , any one , whose nicer eare : taskes my measures , as offending , in too seriously commending what affects the sense ; or may , iniure virtue any way . let them know ; t is vnderstood , that if they were truly good , it could neuer breed offence , that i shewd the excellence , with the power of god and nature , in the beauty of his creature . they from thence would rather raise , cause , to meditate his praise : and thus thinke ; how faire must he , that hath made this faire-one be ! that ; was my proposed end. and , to make them more attend vnto this ; so much excelling , as it passeth meanes of telling . but at worst ; if any straine , makes your memories retaine , sparks of such a banefull fire , as may kindle ill desire : this , that followes after , shall not alone extinguish all ; but , eu'n make you blush with shame , that your thoughts were so to blame . yet , i know when i haue done , ( in respect of that bright sunne , whose inestimable light i would blazon to your sight ) these , ensuing flashes , are , as to cynthia's beames a starre ; or , a petty comets ray , to the glorious eye of day . for , what power of words or art , can her worth at full impart ? or , what is there , may be found , plac'd within the senses bound ; that can paint those sweets to me , which the eyes of loue doe see ? or the beauties of that mind , which her body hath enshrin'd . can i thinke , the guide of heauen , hath so bountifully giuen , outward features , cause he meant , to haue made lesse excellent , her diuine part ? or suppose , beautie , goodnesse doth oppose ; like those fooles , who doe despaire , to find any good and faire ? rather ; there i seeke a mind , most excelling , where i find god hath to the body lent , most-beseeming ornament . but , though he that did inspire first , the true promethean fire , in each seuerall soule did place equall excellence and grace , as some thinke ; yet haue not they equall beauties euery way . for , they more or lesse appeare , as the outward organs are : following much the temp'rature , of the body , grosse or pure . and i doe beleeue it true , that , as we the body view : nearer to perfection grow ; so , the soule her selfe doth show : others more , and more excelling , in her powre ; as in her dwelling . for , that purenesse giueth way , better to disclose each ray , to the dull conceit of man , then a grosser substance can . thus , through spotlesse christall , wee may the dayes full glory see ; when , if clearest sunbeames passe , through a foule polluted glasse : so discollerd , the 'il appeare ; as those staines they shone through , were . let no critticke cauill then , if i dare affirme agen ; that her minds perfections are , fairer then her bodie 's farr ; and , i need not proue it by , axioms of philosophy , since no proofe can better be , then their rare effect in me . for , while other men complaining , tell their mistresses disdaining : free from care , i write a storie , only of her worth and glory . while most louers pining sit , ( rob'd of libertie and wit ) vassaling themselues with shame , to some proud imperious dame : or , in songs their fate bewailing , shew the world their faithles fayling . i , enwreath'd with boughs of myrtle , fare like the beloued turtle . yea while most , are most vntoward , peeuish , vaine , inconstant , froward . while their best contentments bring , nought but after-sorrowing . she , those childish humors slighting , hath conditions so delighting , and doth so my blisse indeauour , as my ioy encreaseth euer . by her actions i can see , that her passions so agree , vnto reason ; as they erre , seldome , to distemper her . lone she can ( and doth ) but so , as she will not ouerthrow , loues content by any folly , or , by deeds that are vnholy . dotingly , she nere affects ; neither willingly neglects honest loue : but meanes doth find , with discretion to be kind . t is nor thundring phrase , nor othes , honors , wealth , nor painted clothes , that can her good liking gaine , if no other worth remaine . neuer tooke her heart , delight in your court-hermaphrodite , or such frothy gallants , as for the times heroes passe . such ; who ( still in loue ) doe all faire , and sweet , and lady call . and where e're they hap to stray , either prate the rest away ; or , of all discourse to seeke , shuffle in at cent , or gleek . goodnesse more delights her , than all their maske of folly can . fond , she hateth to appeare ; though she hold her friend as deare , as her part of life vnspent : or , the best of her content . if the heat of youthfull fires , warme her blood with those desires , which are by the course of nature , stird in euery perfect creature : as those passions kindle , so doth heauens grace , and reason grow abler , to suppresse in her those rebellions ; and they stirre , neuer more affection , then one good thought allayes agen . i could say , so chast is shee , as the new-blowne roses be . or , the drifts of snow , that none euer toucht , or lookt vpon . but , that were not worth a flie , seeing so much chastitie , old pigmalion picture had : yea , those eunuchs borne or made , ne're to know desire ; might say , shee deseru'd no more then they . wheras , whilst their worth proceeds from such wants , as they must needs , be vnmou'd ( cause nature fram'd no affections to be tam'd ) through her daintie limbs , are spread , vigour , heat , and freely shed , life blood into euery vaine ; till they fill , and swell againe : and no doubt they striue to force , way , in some forbidden course . which , by grace she still resists ; and so courbs within their lists , those desires : that she is chaster , then if she had none to master . malice , neuer lets she in : neither hates she ought , but sin . enuy , if she could admit , ther 's no meanes to nourish it : for , her gentle heart is pleas'd , when she knowes anothers eas'd . and ther 's none , who euer got that perfection , she hath not . so , that no cause is there , why shee should any one enuy . mildly angry shee le appeare , that the baser rout may feare ; through presumption to misdoe . yet , she often faines that to . but let wrong be whatsoeuer , she giues way to choller , neuer . if she e're of vengeante thought , t was nor life , nor blood was sought ; but ( at most ) some prayer to moue , iustice for abused loue : or , that fate would pay againe , loues neglectors with disdaine . if she euer crau'd of fate , to obtaine a higher state ; ( or ambitiously were giuen ) sure , t was but to climbe to heauen . pride , is from her heart as farre , as the poles in distance are . for , her worth , nor all this praise , can her humble spirit raise , lesse to prize me , then before ; or her selfe , to value more . were she vaine ; she might alledge , t were her sexes priuiledge . but , shee 's such ; as ( doubtlesse ) no man knowes lesse folly , in a woman . to preuent a being idle , sometime , with her curious needle , ( though it be her meanest glory ) shee so limnes an antique story , as minerua ( would she take it ) might her richest sample make it . other while , againe , she rather labors , with delight to gather knowledge from such learned writs , as are left by famous wits . where , shee chiefly seekes to know , god ; her selfe ; and what we owe , to our neighbour : since with these , come all needefull knowledges . shee , with adam , neuer will long to learne both good and ill ; but , her state well vndestood , rests her selfe , content with good. auarice , abhorreth shee , as the lothsom'st things that be : since she knowes it is an ill , that doth ripest vertue kill . and , where ere it comes to rest , ( though in some strict matrons brest ) be she ne're so seeming iust , i le no shewes of goodnesse trust . for , if you but gold can bring ; such , are hir'd to any thing . if you thinke she iealous be ; you are wide : for , credit me , her strong'st iealousies , nought are , other then an honest care , of her friends . and , most can tell , who so wants that , loues not well . though some little feare she showes , t is no more then loue allowes : so the passion doe not moue her , till she greeue , or wrong her louer . shee may thinke he may doe ill ; though , shee 'l not beleeue he will. nor , can such a harmelesse thought , blemish true affection ought : rather , when as else it would , through security growe cold . this her passion , keeping measure , strengthens loue , and sweetens pleasure . crueltie , her soule detests ; for , within her bosome rests , noblest pitty ; vsherd by , an vnequall'd courtesie . and , is grieu'd at good mens moane , as the griefe were all her owne . iust shee is ; so iust , that i know she would not wrong a flye ; or , oppresse the meanest thing , to be mistresse to a king. if our painters would include , temperance , and fortitude , in one picture ; she would fitt , for the nonce to paterne it . patient , as the lambe is she . harmelesse , as the turtles be . yea , so largely stor'd , with all which we mortals goodnesse call ; that , if euer virtue were , or may be , incarnate here ; this is she , whose praises , i offer to eternitie . shee 's no image trimd about , faire within , and foule without : but a iemm that doth appeare , like the diamond , euery where , sparkling rayes of beautie forth ; all of such vnblemisht worth , that wert possible , your eye might her inmost thoughts espie , and behold the dimmest part , of the lustre in her heart . it would find that center passe , what the superficies was . and , that euery angle there , like a diamonds inside were . for , although that excellence passe the piercingst eye of sence ; by their operations we , guesse at things that hidden be . so ( beyond our common reach ) wise men can by reason teach , what the influences beene , of a planet , when vnseene ; or the beautie of a starre , that doth shine aboue vs farre . so , by that wide-beaming light , wherewith titan courts our sight , by his clothing of the earth ; by the wondrous , various birth , of new creatures , yearely bred through his heat ; and nourished : and by many virtues moe ( which our senses reach vnto ) we conclude ; they are not all , which make faire that goodly ball. though shee prize her honour more , then the far-fetcht precious store of the rich molucchi , or all the wealth was traffickt for , since our vessels , passage knew vnto mexico , peru : or those spacious kingdomes , which make the proud iberians rich . t is not that vncertaine blast , keepes my mistresse good , or chast. shee , that but for honours sake , doth of ill a conscience make ; ( more in feare what rumour sayes , then in loue to vertuous wayes ) though she seem'd more ciuill than , you haue seene a courtezan , for an honor : and cries oh fie , at each shew of vanitie . though she censure all that be , not so foolish coy as shee . though she with the roman dame kill her selfe , to purchase fame . shee would prostitute become , to the meanest basest groome ; if so closely they may doe it , as the world should neuer know it . so at best those women prooue , that for honour ; virtue loue . giue me her , that goodnes chuseth for it owne sake : and refuseth to haue greatest honors gain'd , with her secret conscience stain'd . giue me her , that would be poore ; die disgrac't ; nay , thought a whoore ; and each times reproch become , till the generall day of doome : rather then consent to act pleasing sinne , though by the fact , ( with esteeme of vertuous ) she might the german empresse be . such my mistresse is ; and nought shall haue power to change her thought . pleasures cannot tempt her eye , on their bayts to glance awry . for their good she still esteemes , as it is ; not as it seemes : and , she takes no comfort in sweetest pleasure , sowr'd with sinn . by her selfe , she hath such care , that her actions decent are . for , were she in secret hid , none might see her what she did . shee would doe , as if for spies , euery wall were stucke with eyes . and be chary of her honour , cause the heau'ns do looke vpon her . and , oh what had power to moue , flames of lust , or wanton loue , so farre , to disparage vs , if we all , were minded thus ? these , are beauties that shall last , when the crimson blood shall wast ; and the shining haire wax gray : or with age be worne away . these , yeeld pleasures , such as might , be remembred with delight ; when we gaspe our latest breath , on the loathed bed of death . though discreetly speake shee can , shee le be silent , rather than talke while others may be heard . as if she did hate , or fear'd , their condition ; who will force all , to wait on their discourse . reason hath on her bestowed more of knowledge , then she owed to that sex : and grace with it , doth aright her practise fit . yet , hath fate so framed her , as she may at sometime , erre : but , if ere her iudgement stray , t is that other women may , those much-pleasing beauties see , which in yeelding natures be . for , since no perfection can here on earth be found in man , ther 's more good in free submissions , then ther 's ill in our transgressions . should you heare her , once , contend , in discoursing , to defend ( as she can ) a doubtfull cause : she such strong positions drawes from known truths ; and doth apply , reasons with such maiestie : as if she did vndertake , from some oracle to speake . and you could not think , what might breed more loue , or more delight . yet , if you should marke agen , her discreet behauiour , when she finds reason to repent some wrong-pleaded argument . she so temperatly lets all her mis-held opinions fall ; and , can with such mildnesse bow : as 't will more enamour you , then her knowledge . for , there are pleasing sweets without compare in such yeeldings ; which doe prooue , wit , humilitie , and loue. yea , by those mistakings ; you her condition so shall know , ( and the nature of her mind , so vndoubtedly shall find ) as will make her , more endeared , then if she had neuer erred . farther ; that she nought may misse , which worth praise in woman , is : this , vnto the rest i add . if i wound , or sicknes , had ; none should for my curing runne . ( no not to appollo's sonne ) she , so well , the virtue knowes , of each needfull hearbe that growes ; and so fitly , can apply , salues to euery maladie : that , if she , no succour gaue me , t were no meanes of art , could saue me . should my soule oppressed lye , ( sunke with griefe and sorrow nigh ) she hath balme for minds distrest ; and could ease my pained breast . she so well knowes how to season , passionate discourse with reason ; and knowes how to sweeten it , both with so much loue and wit ; that , it shall prepare the sense . to giue way with lesse offence . for , greeued minds , can ill abide , counsell churlishly applide : which , instead of comfortings ; desperation , often brings . but , harke nymphs : me thinkes , i heare musicke , sounding in mine eare . t is a lute : and hee 's the best for a voice , in all the west , that doth touch it . and the swaine , i would haue you heare so faine , that my song , forbeare will i , to attend his melodie . hither comes he , day by day , in these groues to sing , and play , and , in yonn close arbor , he sitteth now , expecting me . he , so bashfull is ; that mute will his tougne be , and his lute , should he happen to espie this , vnlookt for company . if you , therefore list to heare him , let 's with silence walke more neere him . t will be worth your paines ( beleeue me ) ( if a voice , content may giue yee ) and , await you shall not long ; for , he now beginns a song . sonnet . . what is the cause , when elsewhere i resort , i haue my gestures , and discourse more free ? and ( if i please ) can any beauty court , yet stand so dull , and so demure by thee ? why are my speeches broken , whilst i talke ? why doe i feare almost thy hand to touch ? why dare i not imbrace thee as we walk , since , with the greatest nymphs i 'ue dar'd as much ? ah! know that none of those i e're affected ; and therefore , vs'd a carelesse courtship there : because , i neither their disdaine respected , nor recon'd them , or their embraces deare . but , louing thee ; my loue hath found content ; and rich delights , in things indifferent . sonnet . . why couet i , thy blessed eyes to see ; whose sweet aspect , may cheere the saddest mind ? why , when our bodies must diuided be , can i no howre of rest , or pleasure find ? why doe i sleeping start , and waking mone , to finde , that of my dreamed hopes i misse ? why , doe i of●en contemplate alone , of such a thing as thy perfection is ? and wherefore , when we meet , doth passion stop my speechles tongue , and leaue me in a panting ? why , doth my heart o'rechargd with feare & hope ( in spight of reason ) almost droop to fainting ? because , in me thy excellencies mouing , haue drawne me to an excellence in louing . sonnet . faire , since thy virtues my affections moue , and i haue vowd , my purpose is to ioyne , ( in an eternall band of chastest loue ) our soules , to make a mariage most diuine . why ( thou maist thinke ) then , seemeth he to prize , an outward beauties fading how so much ? why , doth he read such lectures in mine eyes ? and often striue my tender palme to touch ? oh pardon my presuming : for i sweare , my loue is soyled , with no lustfull spot : thy soules perfections , through those vailes appeare , and i halfe faint , that i embrace them not . no foule desires , doth make thy touches sweet : but , my soule striueth , with thy soule to meet . sonnet . shall i wasting in dispaire , dye because a womans faire ? or make pale my cheekes with care , cause anothers rosie are ? be shee fairer then the day , or the flowry meads in may ; if she be not so to me , what care i how faire shee be . should my heart be grieud or pin'd , cause i see a woman kind ? or a well disposed nature , ioyned with a louely feature ? be shee meeker , kinder , than turtle-doue , or pelican : if shee be not so to me , what care i , how kind she be . shall a womans virtues moue , me , to perish for her loue ? or , her well-deseruing knowne , make me quite forget mine owne ? be shee with that goodnesse blest , which may gaine her , name of best : if she be not such to me , what care i , how good she be . cause her fortune seemes too high , shall i play the foole , and dye ? those that beare a noble minde , where they want of riches find , thinke , what with them , they would doe , that without them , dare to wooe . and , vnlesse that mind i see , what care i , though great she be . great , or good , or kind , or faire , i will ne're the more dispaire , if she loue me , this beleeue ; i will die , er'e she shall grieue . if she slight me , when i wooe ; i can scorne , and let her goe . for , if shee be not for me , what care i , for whom she be . sonnet . i wandred out , awhile agone , and went i know not whither : but , there doe beauties many a one , resort , and meet together . and cupids power will there be showne , if euer you come thither . for , like two sunnes , two beauties bright , i shining saw together . and , tempted by their double light , my eyes i fixt on either : till both at once , so thral'd my sight , i lou'd , and knew not whether . such equall sweet venus gaue , that i prefer'd not either . and when for loue , i thought to craue , i knew not well of whether . for , one while , this , i wisht to haue , and then , i that , had leifer . a louer of the curioust eye , might haue been pleasd in either . and so , i must confesse , might i , had they not been together . now , both must loue , or both denie , in one , enioy i neither . but yet at last i scapt the smart , i feard , at comming hither . for , seeing my diuided heart , i chusing , knew not whether . loue angry grew , and did depart ; and now , i care for neither . see ; these trees so ill did hide vs , that the shepheard hath espide vs : and ( as iealous of his cunning ) all in hast away is running . to entreat him backe againe , would be labour spent in vaine . you may therefore , now , betake ye to the musicke i can make ye ; who , doe purpose my inuention , shall pursue my first intention . for , in her ( whose worth i tell ) many excellences dwell , yet vnmention'd : whose perfections worthy are of best affections . that , which is so rare to find , both in man , and womankind : that ; whose absence loue defaceth , and both sexes more disgraceth , then the spight of furrowed age , sicknesses , or sorrowes rage : that 's the iewell so diuine , which doth on her forehead shine . and , therewith endowed is shee , in an excellent degree . constancy ( i meane ) the purest of all beauties ; and the surest . for , who e're doth that possesse , hath an endlesse louelinesse . all afflictions , labours , crosses , all our dangers , wounds , and losses , games of pleasure , we can make , for that matchlesse womans sake ; in whose brest that virtue bideth : and we ioy what e're betideth . most deiected hearts it gladdeth : twenty thousand glories addeth vnto beauties brightest ray : and , preserues it from decay . t is the salt , that 's made to season , beautie , for the vse of reason . t is the vernish , and the oyling , keeps her colours fresh , from spoiling . t is an excellence , whereby age , though ioyn'd with pouertie , hath more deare affection wonne , then fresh youth , and wealth haue done . t is a louelinesse , endearing beauties , scarce worth note , appearing ; whil'st a fairer fickle dame , nothing gaines , but scorne and shame . further ; t is a beautie , such as i can nor praise too much , nor frame measures , to expresse . no ; nor any man , vnlesse he , who ( more then all men crost ) finds it in that woman lost ; on whose faith , he would haue pawnd life , and all he could commaund . such a man may by that misse make vs know how deare it is ; when , o're-charg'd with griefe , he shall sigh , and breake his heart withall . this is that perfection , which in her fauour makes me rich . all whose beauties ( nam'd before ) else , would but torment me more : and , in hauing this , i find , ( what e're haps ) a quiet mind : yea , t is that , which i doe prize , farre aboue her lips , her eyes : or , that generall beauty , whence shines each seuerall excellence . for , alas ! what gaind hath he , who may clip the fairest shee ( that the name of woman beares ) if , vnhappily , he feares , any others worth , may win , what he thought his owne had bin ? him , base-minded deeme i should , who ( although he were in hold , wrapt in chaines ) would not disdaine , loue with her to entertaine that both daughter to a peere , and most rich and louely were ; when a brainelesse gull shall dare , in her , fauours with him share : or , the action of a player , robb him of a hope so faire . this , i dread not : for , i know , strained gestures , painted show , shamelesse boastings , borrowed iests , female looks , gay-plumed crests , vowes nor protestations vaine , ( wherwith fooles are made so vaine ) moue her can ; saue to contemne , or perhaps , to laugh at them . neither can i doubt , or feare , time shall either change or weare this her virtue : or , impaire that which makes her soule , so faire . in which trust , great comforts are , which , the feare of losse , would marr . nor hath this my rare hope stood , so much , in her being good ; ( with her loue to blessed things ) as in her acknowledgings , from a higher power to haue them ; and her loue , to him , that gaue them . for , although to haue a mind naturally to good inclin'd , ( and to loue it ) would assure reason , that it might endure . yet ( since man was first vniust ) ther 's no warrant for such trust. virtues , that most wonder winn , would conuerted be to sin ; if their flourishings began , from no better root , then man. our best virtues , when they are of themselues , we may compare , to the beautie of a flower , that is blasted in an howre : and , which growing to be fuller , turnes into some loathed colour . but , those being freely giuen , and confirm'd in vs from heauen ; haue a promise on them past : and for euermore shall last ; diamond-like , their lustre clearing , more and more , by vse and wearing . but , if this rare worth i praise , should by fates permission , raise passions in some gentle brest , that distemper may his rest ; ( and be author of such treason , as might nigh endanger reason ) or , inforce his tongue to craue , what another man must haue . marke , in such a streight as this , how discreet her dealing is . shee , is nothing of their humours , who , their honor build on rumours , and , had rather priuat sporting , then allow of open courting : nor of theirs , that would seeme holy , by diuulging others folly . farther is she from their guise , that delight to tyrannize , or make boastings , in espying , others for their fauours dying . shee , a spirit doth possesse so repleat with noblenesse , that , if shee be there beloued , where she ought not to be moued , equally , to loue againe : shee , doth so well entertaine that affection ; as ther 's none can suppose it , ill bestowne . from deluding , she is free : from disdaine , as farre is shee : and so feelingly beares part , of what paines another heart ; that no curse , of scorned dutie , shall draw vengeance on her beautie . rather , with so tender feare , of her honour , and their care , shee is toucht ; that neither shall , wrong vnto her selfe , befall ; ( by the fauour she doth show ) nor will shee neglect them so ; as may iust occafion giue , any way to make them grieue . hope , she will not let them see , least they should presuming be ; and aspire to that , which none , euer must enioy but one. from dispaire , shee keepes them to ; fearing , they might hap to doe , either through loues indiscretions , ( or much ouer stirred passions ) what , might with their hurt & shame , into question call her name . and a scandall on her bring , who is iust in euery thing . shee hath mark't how others runne ; and by them hath learn'd to shunne , both their fault , who ( ouerwise ) erre , by being too precise : and their folly that o're kind , are to all complaints inclind . for , her wit hath found the way , how a while to hold them play ; and , that in conu●nience shunne , whereinto , both seeme to runne ; by allowing them a scope , iust betwixt dispaire , and hope . where confin'd , and reaching neither ▪ they doe take a part in either : till , long liuing in suspence , ( tyr'd by her indifference ) time , at last , their passion weares ; passions wearing , reason cleares ; reason giues their iudgement light ; iudgement bringeth all to right . so , their hope appearing vaine , they become themselues againe . and , with high applauses , fit , for such virtue , with such wit ; they , that seruice , onely profer , shee may take , and they may offer . yet , this course she neuer proues ; saue with those , whose virtuous loues ▪ vse the noblest meanes of gaining , fauours , worthy the obtaining . and , if such should chance to erre , ( either 'gainst themselues , or her ) in some ouer-sights , when they , are through passion led astray . shee , so well mans frailtie knowes , with the darts that beautie throwes ; as she will not adding terror , breake the heart for one poore error . rather ( if still good they be ) twentie remedies hath she , gently to apply , where sense hath inuaded reasons fence ; and , without or wound , or scarre , turnes to peace , a lawlesse warre . but , to those whose baser fires , breath out smoke of such desires , as may dimm with vnpure steames , any part of beauties beames . shee , will daigne no milder way , those foule burnings to allay ; saue , with such extreme neglect , as shall worke her wisht effect . and , to vse so sharpe a cure , shee s not oft constrained sure . cause , vpon her forhead , still goodnesse sits , so fear'd of ill. that the scorne , and high disdaines , where with all she entertaines , those loth'd glaunces ; giueth ending , to such flamings in the tynding : that their cooled hopes , needs must freeze desires , in heat of lust. t is a power that neuer lies , in the fair'st immodest eyes . vvantons ; t is not your sweet eyings , forced passions , fained dyings , gestures temptings , teares beguilings , dancings , singings , kissings , smilings ; nor those painted sweets , with which , you vnwary men bewitch : ( all vnited , nor asunder ) that can compasse such a wonder . or , to winn you loue preuailes , where her mouing virtues , failes . beauties , t is not all those features , placed in the fairest creatures ; though their best they should discouer , that can tempt from her , a louer . t is not , those soft-snowie brests , where loue rockt in pleasure , rests ; ( and by their continuall motions , draweth hearts to vaine deuotions ) nor the nectar that we sip from a hony-dropping lip : nor those eyes , whence beauties launces , wound the heart , with wanton glances : nor , those sought delights , that lye in loues hidden treasurie ▪ that , can liking gaine , where she , will the best beloued be . for , should those who thinke they may , draw my loue from her away ; bring forth all their female graces , wrapt me , in their close embraces ; practise all the art they may ; weepe , or sing , or kisse , or pray , and with sighs and lookes come woe me , when they soonest may vndoe me : one poore thought of her , would arme me so , as circe could not harme me . since beside those excellences , wherewith , others please the senses ; she , whom i haue prised so , yeilds delights , for reason to . who could dote on thing so common , as mere outward handsome woman ? those halfe-beauties , only winne fooles , to let affection in . vulger wits , from reason shaken , are with such impostures taken : and , with all their art in loue , wantons , can but wantons moue . but , when vnto those , are ioind ; those things which adorne the mind : none , their excellences see , but they straight enthralled be . fooles , and wisemen , worst and best , subiect are to loues arrest . for , when virtue wooes a louer , shee 's an vnresisted moouer : that will haue no kind of nay , and in loue brookes no delay . she , can make the sensuall wights , to restraine their appetites . and , ( her beautie when they see ) spight of vice , in loue to be : yea ( although themselues be bad ) praise the good they neuer had . she , hath to her seruice brought , those , that her , haue set at nought ; and can fayre enough appeare , to enflame the most seueare . she , hath oft allured out , the religiously deuout , from their cloysters , & their vowes ▪ to embrace what she allowes : and , to such contentments come , as blind zeale had bard them from . while ( her lawes mis-vnderstood ) they did ill for loue of good. where i finde true worth to be , sweetest are their lipps to me : and embraces tempt me to , more then outward beauties doe . that my firme beleefe is this : if euer i doe amisse ; seeming-good , the bayt will lay , that to ill shall me betray : since , where shewes of goodnesse are , i am oft emboldned there , freedomes so permit , and vse ; which , i else-where doe refuse : for because i thinke they meane , to allow no deed vncleane . yet , where two , loue virtue shall , both at once , they seldome fall . for , when one hath thoughts of ill , tother helpes e●ile them still . my faire virtues powre is this . and , that powre the beauty is , which doth make her , here exprest , equally both faire , and blest . this , was that contenting grace , which affection made me place , with so deare respect , that neuer can it faile ; but , last for euer . this ; a seruant made me sworne , who before time , held in scorne , to yeeld vassilage , or duty , though , vnto the queene of beauty . yet , that i her seruant am , it shall more be to my fame ; then to owne these woods and downes : or be lord of fiftie townes . and my mistresse to be deem'd , shall more honor be esteem'd ; then those titles to acquire , which most women , most desire . yea , when you a woman shall , countesse , or a dutchesse call ; that respect it shall not moue , neither gaine her halfe such loue , as to say , loe , this is she , that supposed is to be , mistresse to phil●arete . and , that louelie nymph , which he , in a pastorall poem fam'd , and faire-virtve , there hath nam'd . yea , some ladies ( tenne to one ) if not many ( now vnknowne ) will be very well apaid , when by chance , she heares it said shee , that faire-one is ; whom i , here haue prais'd , concealedly . and , though now this ages pride , may so braue a hope deride . yet , when all their glories passe as the thiug that neuer was ; ( and on monuments appeare , that , they ere had breathing here ) who enuy it : shee shall thriue in her fame ▪ and honor'd liue , whilst great-bri●taines shepheards , sing english , in their sonnetting . and , who ere in future dayes , shall bestow the vtmost praise , on his loue ; that any man , attribute to creature can . t will be this ; that he hath dared , his , and mine to haue compared . oh! what starres did shine on me , when her eyes i first did see ? and how good was their aspect , when we first did both affect ? for , i neuer since to changing was enclind , or thought of ranging . me , so oft my fancy drew , here and there , that i nere knew where to place desire , before , so , that range it might no more . but , as he that passeth by , where in all her iollitie , floras riches in a row , doth in seemely order grow : and a thousand flowers stand , bending as to kisse his hand ; out of which delightfull store , one he may take ; and no more . long he pausing , doubteth whether , of those faire ones he should gather . first , the primrose courts his eyes ; then , the cowslip he espies ; next , the pansey seemes to wooe him ; then , carnations bow vnto him : which , whil'st that enamour'd swaine from the stalke intends to straine , ( as halfe fearing to be seene ) prettily her leaues betweene peepes the violet : pale , to see , that her virtues sleighted be . which , so much his liking winnes , that , to ceaze her , he beginnes . yet , before he stoopt so low , he , his wanton eye did throw on a stemm that grew more high , and the rose did there espie : who , beside her pretious sent ( to procure his eyes content ) did display her goodly brest ; where he found at full exprest , all the good , that nature showers on a thousand other flowers . wherewith he , affected , takes it ; his beloued flowre he makes it . and , without desire of more , walkes through all , he saw before . so , i wandring , but erewhile , through the garden of this i le , saw rich beauties ( i confesse ) and in number , numberlesse . yea , so differing louely to , that , i had a world to doe , ere i could set vp my rest , where to chuse ; and chuse the best . one i saw , whose haire excelled , on anothers brow there dwelled , such a maiestie : it seemed , shee , was best to be esteemed . this , had with her speeches won me , that , with silence , had vndone me . on her lips , the graces hung ; tother , charm'd me with her tongue . in her eyes , a third did beare , that , which did anew insnare . then a fourth did fairer show ; yet , wherein i did not know . onely this perceiued i , somewhat pleas'd my fantasie . now , the wealth i most esteemed ; honour then , i better deemed . next , the loue of beautie ceazd me , and , then virtue better pleas'd me . iuno's loue , i nought esteem'd , whilst a venus fairer seem'd . nay , both could not me suffice ; whilst a pallas was more wise . though i found enough in one , to content , if still alone . amarillis , i did wooe ; and i courted phillis to . daphne , for her loue i chose ; cloris for that damaske rose , in her cheeke , i held as deare ; yea , a thousand lik● , welneere . and , in loue with altogether , feared the enioying either ; cause , to be of one possest , bar'd the hope of all the rest . thus i fondly far'd , till fate , which ( i must confesse in that did a greater fauour to me , then the world can malice doe me ) shew'd to me that matchlesse flowre , subiect for this song of our . whose perfection , hauing eied , reason instantly espied ; that , desire ( which rang'd abroad ) there , would find a period . and no maruell , if it might : for , it there hath all delight ; and in her hath nature placed , what each seuerall faire one graced . nor am i , alone delighted , with those graces all vnited ; which the senses eie , doth finde , scattered , throughout womankind . but , my reason finds perfections , to enflame my soules affections . yea , such virtues she possesseth , as with firmest pleasures blesseth : and keepes sound , that beauties state , which would else grow ruinate . in this flowre , are sweets such store ; i shall neuer , wish for more . nor be tempted out to stray , for the fairest budds in may. let who lift ( for me ) aduance , the admired flowres of france , let who will ; praise , and behold , the reserued marigold . let the sweet breath 't violet , now , vnto whom she pleaseth , bow . and the fairest lillie , spread where she will , her golden head . i haue such a flowre to weare , that for those i doe not care . neuer shall my fancie range , nor once thinke againe of change : neuer will i ; ( neuer more ) greeue , or sigh , as heretofore : nor within the lodgings lie , of dispaire , or iealousie . let the young and happy swaines , playing on the britan plaines : court vnblamd , their sheepherdesses . and with their gold-curled tresses ; toy vncensur'd ; vntill i grutch at their prosperitie . let all times ; both present , past , and the age , that shall be last , vaunt the beauties they bring forth . i haue found in one , such worth : that ( content ) i neither care , what the best before me were : nor desire to liue , and see , who shall faire hereafter be . for , i know the hand of nature , will not make a fairer creature . which , because succeeding dayes , shall confesse ; and adde their praise , in approuing , what my tongue , ere they had their being , sung . once againe , come lend an eare , and , a rapture you shall heare , ( though i tast no thespian spring ) will amaze you , whilst i sing . i doe feele new straines inspiring , and to such braue heights aspiring , that my muse will touch a key , higher , then you heard to day . i haue beauties to vnfold , that deserue a penn of gold. sweets , that neuer dream'd of were . things vnknowne : and such , as eare neuer heard a measure sound ; since the sunne first ran his round . when apelles limb'd to life , loathed vulcans louely wife . with such beauties , he did trim , each sweet feature , and each limbe ▪ and , so curiously did place , euery well-becomming grace . that t was said , e're he could draw such a peece ; he naked saw many women in their prime , and the fairest of that time. from all which , he parts did take , which aright disposed , make perfect beautie . so , when you know , what i haue yet to show : it will seeme to passe so farre , those things which expressed are . that , you will suppose i 'ue beene priuiledg'd ; where i have seene , all the good , that 's spread in parts , through a thousand womens hearts . ( with their fair'st conditions lye , bare , without hypocrisie ) and , that i , haue tooke from thence , each dispersed excellence . to expresse her , who hath gained more , then euer one obtained . and yet soft , ( i feare ) in vaine , i haue boasted such a straine . apprehensions euer are greater , then expression farre . and , my stryuing to disclose what i know ; hath made me lose my inuentions better part : and , my hopes exceed my art. speake i can ; yet think i more , words compar'd with thoughts , are poore . and i find , had i begun , such a straine ; it would be done , when we number all the sands , washt ore periur'd goodwins lands . for , of things , i should indite ; which , i know , are infinite . i doe yeeld , my thoughts did clime , far aboue the powre of ryme : and no wonder , it is so ; since , there is no art can show ; red in roses , white in snow ; nor expresse how they doe grow . yea , since bird , beast , stone , and tree , ( that inferior creatures be ) beauties haue , which we confesse , lines vnable to expresse : they more hardly can enroule , those , that doe adorne a soule . but , suppose my measures could , reach the height , i thought they would . now , relate , i would not tho ; what did swell within me so . for , if i should all discrie , you would know asmuch as i : and those clownes , the muses hate , would of things aboue them prate . or , with their prophaning eies , come to view those misteries , whereof , ( since they disesteem'd them ) heauen , hath vnworthy deemd them . and beside ; it seemes to me , that your eares nigh tired be . ● perceiue ; the fire that charmeth , and inspireth me ; scarce warmeth your chill harts . nay sure ; were i melted into poesie , ● should not a measure hit , though apollo promted it ) which should able be to leaue , that in you , which i conceaue . you are cold ; and here i may wast my vitall heat away , e're you will be moou'd so much , as to feele one perfect touch of those swee●s , which yet conceal'd swell my brest , to be reueal'd . now , my words , i therefore cease : that , my mounting thoughts , in peace , may alone , those pleasures share , whereof , lines vnworthy are . and so , you an end doe see of my song ; though long it be . no sooner had the shepheard philaret , to this description his last period set : but , instantly , descending from a wood , ( which , on a rising ground , adioyning stood ) a troupe of satyrs to the view of all , came dauncing of a new-deuised brall . the measures they did pase , by him , were taught th● who , to so rare a gentlenesse had brought them , that he , had learnd their rudenesse an obseruing , of such respect vnto the well-deseruing , as they became to no men else a terrour , but such , as did persist in wilfull errour : and they , the ladies made no whit affeard , though since that time they some great men haue scard . their dance , the w●ipping of abuse they nam'd ; and , though the shepherd since that , hath bin blam'd , yet , now t is daily seene in euery towne ; and ther 's no countrey-dance that 's better knowne : nor , that hath gain'd a greater commendation , ●mongst those that loue an honest recreation . this scene presented ; from a groue was heard , a set of viols ; and , there was prepar'd a countrey banquet , which this shepheard made , to entertaine the ladies , in the shade . and t is supposd , his song prolonged was of purpose , that it might be brought to passe . ●o well it was performd , that each one deem'd , the banquet might the citie haue beseem'd . yet , better was their welcome then their fare : which they perceiued , and the merrier were . one beautie tho , there sate amongst the rest ; that lookt as sad , as if her heart opprest with loue had bene . whom philaret beholding , ●it so demurely , and her armes enfolding . lady ( quoth he ) am i , or this poore cheere , ●he cause that you so melancholy are ? ●or , if the obiect of your thoughts be higher , ●t fits nor me to know them ; nor enquire . 〈◊〉 if from me it commeth , that offends , ● seeke the cause , that i may make amends . kind swaine ( said she ) it is nor so , nor so . no fault in you , nor in your cheere i know . nor doe i thinke there is a thought in me ; that can too worthy of your knowledge be . nor haue i , many a day , more pleasure had , then here i find ; though i haue seemed sad . my hart , is sometime heauy , when i smile ; and when i greeue , i often sing the while . nor is it sadnesse , that doth me possesse , but , rather , musing with much seriousnesse , vpon that multitude of sighs and teares ; with those innumerable doubts and feares : through which , you passed ▪ ere you could acquire ▪ a setled hope of gaining your desire . for , you dar●d loue a nymph , so great , and faire , as might haue brought a prince vnto dispaire . and sure , the excellencie of your passions , did then produce as excellent expressions . if therefore , me , the sute may well become ; and , if to you it be not wearisome : in name of all these ladies , i entreat , that , one of those sad straines you would repeate , which you composd ; when greatest discontent vnsought-for helpe , to your inuention lent . fayre nymph ( said philarer ) i will doe so . for , though your shepheard , doth no courtship know he hath humanitie . and , what 's in me to doe you seruice , may commanded be . so , taking downe a lute , that neere him hung , he gaue't his boy , who plaid ; whilst this , he sung . ah me ! am i the swaine , that late from sorrow free , did all the cares on earth disdaine ? and still vntoucht , as at some safer games , plaid with the burning coals of loue , & beautis flames ? wast i , could diue , & soūd each passions secret depth at will ; and , frō those huge ouerwhelmings , rise , by help of reason stil ? and am i now , oh heauens ! for trying this in vaine , so sunke , that i shall neuer rise againe ? then let dispaire , set sorrows string , for strains that dolefulst be . and i will sing , ah me . but why , oh fatall time ! dost thou constraine that i , should perish , in my youths sweet prime ? i , but a while agoe ( you cruell powers ) inspight of fortune , cropt contentmēts sweetest flowers . and yet , vnscorned , serue a gentle nymph , the fairest shee , that euer was belou'd of man , or eyes did euer see . yea , one , whose tender heart , would rue for my distresse ; yet i , poore i ; must perish nay-the lesse . and ( which much more augmēts my care ) vnmoaned i must dye : and , no man er'e , kn●w why . thy leaue , my dying song , yet take , ere griefe bereaue , the breath which i enioy too long . tel thou that fair-one this ; my soul prefers , her loue aboue my life , and that i died hers : and let him be , for euermore , to her remembrance deare , who lou'd the very thought of her , whilst he remained here . and now , farewell thou place , of my vnhappy birth ; where once i breathd the sweetest aire on earth . since me , my wonted ioyes forsake ; and all my trust deceiue : of all , i take my leaue . farewell , sweet groues to you : you hils , that highest dwell ; and all you humble vales , adue . you wanton brookes , and solitary rockes , my deare companions all , and you , my tender flockes . forevvell my pipe , and all these pleasing songs , vvhose mouing straines delighted once the fairest nymphes , that daunce vpon the plaines . you discontents ( whose deep , & ouer deadly smart , haue , without pitie , broke the truest heart ) sighs , teares , and euery sad annoy , that erst did with me dwell , and all others ioy , farewell . adue , faire shepherdesses : let garlands of sad yewe , adorne your daintie golden tresses . i , that loud you ; and often with my quill , made musick that delighted fountain groue , & hill : i , whom you loued so ; and with a sweet and chast embrace , ( yea , with a thousand rarer fauors ) would vouchsaf to grace . i , now must leaue you all alone , of loue to plaine : and neuer pipe , nor neuer sing againe . i must , for euermore , bee gone ; and therefore , bid i you , and euery one , adue . i dye ! for oh , i feele deaths horrors , drawing nie ; and all this frame of nature , reele . my hopelesse heart , dispairing of reliefe , sinks vnderneath the heauy weight of saddest griefe . which , hath so ruthles torn , so rackt , ( o torturd ' euery vaine ; all comfort comes too late , to haue it euer cur'd againe . my swimming head , begins to dance deaths giddy round . a shuddering chilnes doth each sence confound : benum'd , is my cold-sweating brow ; a dimnesse shuts my eye ; and now , oh now , i die . so mouingly , these lines he did expresse , and , to a tune so full of heauinesse , as if indeed , his purpose had bin past , to liue no longer then the song did last . which in the nymphs , such tender passion bred . that some of them , did teares of pitty shed . this , she perceiuing , who first craud the song ; shepheard she said ; although it be no wrong , nor griefe to you , those passions to recall , which heretofore you haue beene paind withall , but comforts rather ; since they now , are ouer , and you ( it seemeth ) an enioying louer . yet , some young nymphs among vs i doe see , who so much mooued with your passions be : that if , my aime , i taken haue aright , their thoughts wil hardly , let them sleepe to night . i dare not therefore , beg of you againe , to sing another of the selfesame straine : for feare , it breed within them , more vnrest , then womens weakenesses , can well disgest . yet , in your measures , such content you haue ; that , one song more i will presume to craue . and , if your memorie preserues of those , which you of your affections did compose , before you saw this mistresse : let vs heare , what kind of passions , then , within you were . to which request , he instantly obaid ; and , this ensuing song , both sung and plaid . sonnet . . you gentle nymphs , that on these meadows play and oft relate the loues of shepherds young : come , sit you downe ; for , if you please to stay , now may you heare an vncouth passion sung . a lad there is , and i am that poore groome ; that faln in loue , & cannot tell with whom . oh doe not smile at sorrow as a iest ; with others cares good natures mooued be : and , i should weepe , if you had my vnrest . then , at my griefe , how , can you merry be ? ah , where is tender pitie now become ? i am in loue , and cannot tell with whom . i , that haue oft the rarest features viewd , and beautie in her best perfection seene : i , that haue laught at them that loue pursude ▪ and euer free , from such affections beene . lo now at last , so cruell is my doome ; i am in loue , and cannot tell with whom . my heart is full nigh bursting with desire , yet cannot find from whence these longings flow : my brest doth burne , but she that lights the fire , i neuer saw , nor can i come to know . so great a blisse my fortune keepes my from . that though i dearly loue ; i know not whō . ere i had twice foure springs , renewed seene , the force of beautie i began to proue ; and , ere i nine yeares old , had fully beene , it taught me how to frame a song of loue. and , little thought i , this day should haue come , before that i to loue , had found out whom . for , on my chinn , the mossy downe you see , and , in my vaines , well-heated blood doth glow : of summers i haue seene twice three times three , and , fast , my youthfull time away doth goe . that much i feare , i aged shall become : and still complaine ; i loue i know not whom . oh! why had i , a heart bestow'd on me , to cherish deare affections , so enclind ? since , i am so vnhappy borne to be no obiect , for so true a loue to find . when i am dead , it will be mist of some : yet , now i liue ; i loue , i know not whom . i , to a thousand beautious nymphs am knowne ; a hundred ladies fauours doe i weare : i , with as many , halfe in loue am growne ; yet none of them ( i find ) can be my deare . me thinks , i haue a mistresse , yet to come ; which makes me sing ; i loue i know not whom there liues no swaine doth stronger passion proue , for her , whom most he couets to possesse ; then doth my heart , that being full of loue , knowes not to whom , it may the same professe . for , he that is despisd , hath sorrow , some : but he hath more ; that loues , and knowes not whom ▪ knew i my loue , as many others doe , to some one obiect might my thoughts be bent : so , they diuided should not wandring goe , vntill the soules vnited force be spent . as his , that seekes , and neuer finds a home : such is my rest ; that loue , & know not whom . those , whom the frownes of iealous friends diuide , may liue to meet , and descant on their woe : and he , hath gaind a lady for his bride , that durst not woe her mayd , a while agoe . but oh ! what end vnto my hopes can come ? that am in loue , and cannot tel with whom . poore collin , grieues that he was late disdaind : and cloris , doth for willy's absence pine . sad thirsis , weeps , for his sicke phaebe paind . but , all their sorrowes cannot equall mine . a greater care alas , on me is come : i am in loue , and cannot tell with whom . narcissus-like , did i affect my shade ; some shaddow yet , i had , to dote vpon . or , did i loue , some image of the dead , whose substance had not breathed long agone ; i might dispaire , and so an end would come ; b●t , oh , i loue ! and cannot tell you whom . once in a dreame , me thought , my loue i view'd ; but , neuer waking , could her face behold : and doubtles , that resemblance was but shew'd , that more , my tyred heart torment it should . for , since that time , more grieu'd i am become ; and more in loue ; i cannot tell with whom . when on my bed at night , to rest i lye , my watchfull eyes , with teares bedew my cheeke : and then , oh would it once were day , i crie ; yet when it comes , i am as far to seeke . for , who can tell , though all the earth he rome ; or when , or where , to find hee knowes not whom ? oh! if she be among the beautious traines , of all you nymphs , that haunt the siluer ●ills ; or , if you know her , ladies of the plaines , or you , that haue your bowers , on the hills . tell if you can , who will my loue become : or i shal die , and neuer know for whom . the ladies smiled oft , when this they heard , because the passion strange to them appeard . and stranger was it ; since , by his expression , ( as well as by his owne vnfain'd confession ) it seemed true . but , hauing sung it out : and seeing , scarcely manners , they it thought to vrge him farther , thus to them he spake . faire ladies : for as much as doubt you make to re-command me : of mine owne accord , another straine , i freely will afford . it shall not be of loue ; nor any song , which to the praise of beautie doth belong . but , that hereafter , when you hence are gone , your shepheard may be sometime thought vpon . to shew you also , what content the field , and louely groue , to honest minds may yeeld . that you my humble fate , may not despise ; when you returne vnto your braueries . and not suppose , that in these homely bowers , i hugg my fortune , cause i know not yours . such lines i le sing , as were composd , by me , when some proud courtiers , where i hap't to be , did ( like themselues ) of their owne glories prate ; as in contempt , of my more happy state . and these they be . — sonnet . lordly gallants , tell mee this , ( though my safe content you weigh not ) in your greatnesse what one blisse , haue you gain'd , that i enioy not ? you haue honors , you haue wealth , i haue peace , and i haue health : all the day , i merry make , and , at night , no care i take . bound to none , my fortunes be ; this , or that mans fall , i feare not : him i loue , that loueth me ; for the rest , a pinne i care not . you are sad , when others chafe , and grow merry as they laugh ; i , that hate it , and am free , laugh and weepe , as pleaseth me . you may boast of fauours showne , where your seruice is applied ▪ but , my pleasures are mine owne , and to no mans humours tyed . you oft flatter , soothe , and faine , i , such basenesse doe disdaine : and to none , be slaue i would , though my fetters might be gold . by great titles , some beleeue , highest honours are attained ; and yet kings haue power to giue , to their fools , what these haue gained . where they fauour , there they may , all their names of honour lay : but , i looke not , rais'd to be , till mine owne wing , carrie me . seeke to raise your titles higher , they are toyes not worth my sorrow : those that we to day admire , prooue the ages scorne to morrow . take your honors ; let me find , virtue , in a free-borne mind : this , the greatest kings that be , cannot giue , nor take from me . though i vainly doe not vaunt , large demesnes , to feed my pleasure : i haue fauours where you want , that would buy respect with treasure . you haue lands lie here , and there ; but my wealth is euery where : and , this , addeth to my store : fortune , cannot make me poore . say , you purchase with your pelfe , some respect , where you importune . those may loue me for my selfe , that regard you for your fortune . rich , or borne of high degree , fooles , as well as you may bee : but , that ●eace , in which i liue , no discent , nor wealth can giue . if you boast , that you may gaine , the respect of high-borne beauties : know , i neuer wooed in vaine , nor preferred scorned duties . shee i loue , hath all delight ; rosie-red , with lillie-white : and , who er'e your mistresse be , flesh and blood as good as shee . note , of me , was neuer tooke , for my woman-like perfections : but , so like a man , i looke , it hath gaind me best affections . for my loue , as many showers haue been wept , as haue for yours . and , yet none doth me condemne for abuse , or scorning them . though of dainties , you haue store , to delight a choyser pallat : yet your taste is pleas'd no more , then is mine in one poore sallat . you to please your senses , feed ; but , i eat , good blood to breed . and am most delighted than , when i spend it like a man. though you lord it ouer me , you in vaine thereof haue braued : for , those lusts my seruants be , whereunto your minds are slaued . to your selues you wise appeare : but alas , deceiu'd you are . you doe foolish me esteeme , and are that , which i doe seeme . when your faults i open lay , you are moou'd , and madd with vexing ; but , you ne're could doe or say , ought to driue me to perplexing . therefore , my despised power greater is , by farre , then your . and , what er'e you thinke of me , in your mindes , you poorer be . you are pleased , more or lesse , as men well or ill report you ; and , shew discontentednesse , when the times forbeare to court you . that , in which my pleasures be , no man can diuide from me . and , my care , it addes not to what-so , others say , or doe . be not proud , because you view , you by thousands are attended : for alas , it is not you , but your fortune , tha 's be-friended . where i show of loue haue go● , such a danger feare i not . since , they nought can seeke of me ; but , for loue , belou'd to be . when your hearts haue euery thing , you , are pleasantly disposed : but , i can both laugh and sing , though my foes haue me enclosed . yea , when dangers ●oe doe hemm , i delight in scorning them , more then you , in your renowne ; or a king can in his crowne . you doe brauely domineere , whilst the sunne vpon you shineth . yet , if any storme appeare , basely then , your mind declineth . but , or shine , or raine , or blow , i , my resolutions know . liuing , dying , thrall , or free , at one height my mind shall be . when in thraldome , i haue laine , me , not worth your thought you prized . but , your malice was in vaine , for , your fauours , i despised . and , how ere you value me , i , with praise , shall thought on be ; vvhen the world esteemes you not , and your names shall be forgot . in these thoughts my riches are , now , though poore or meane you deeme me ; i am pleasd , and doe not care , how the times , or you esteeme me . for , these toyes that make you gay , are but play-games for a day . and , when nature craues her due ; i , as braue shall be , as you , here philaret did giue his song an ending , to which the nymphs , so seriously attending , about him sate ; as if they had supposed , he still had somewhat more , to be disclosed . and , well they knew not ; whether did belong , most praise vnto the shepheard , or his song . for , though ( they must confesse ) they often heare , those layes , which much more deeply learned are : yet , when they well considerd of the place , with how vnlikely ( in their thought ) it was , to giue them hope of hearing such a straine ; or , that so young , and so obscure a swaine , should , such a matchlesse beauties fauour get , and know her worth so well , to sing of it . they wondred at it . and some thus surmizd , that hee a greater man was , so disguisd : or else , that shee , whom he so much had praisd some goddesse was : that those his measures raisd , of purpose , to that rare-attained height , in enui's and presuming art's despight . but , whilst they musing , with thēselues , bethought which way , out of this shepheard to haue wrought , what nymph this fair-one was ; and where she liu'd . loe , at that very instant there arriu'd three men , that by their habits courtiers seemd : for ( though obscure ) by some he is esteemd among the greatest : who do not contemne in his retyred walkes , to visit him . and there they tast those pleasures of the mind , which they , can nor in court , nor citie find . some news or message , these new guests had broght him , and , to make hast away ( it seemes ) besought him . for , instantly he rose : and that his nurture , might not be taxed by a rude departure , himselfe excusing , he those nymphs did pray : his noble friends might bring them on their way : who , as it seemes ( he said ) were therefore come ; that they might wait vpon them to their home . so , with their fauour , he departed thence : and ( as they thought ) to meet her excellence , of whom he sung . yet many deeme that this , but an idea of a mistresse is . because to none , he yet had daind the telling , her proper name ; nor shown her place of dwelling . when he was gone : a lady from among those nymphs ; tooke vp his lute , & sung this song . the nymphs song . gentle swaine , good speed befall thee ; and in loue still prosper thou : fu●ure times shall happy call thee , though , thou lie neglected , now . virtues louers , shall commend thee ; and perpetuall fame , attend thee . happy are these woody mountaines , in whose shad dowes thou doest hide : and as happy , are those fountaines , by whose murmures thou doest bide . for , contents are here excelling ; more , then in a princes dwelling . these thy flocks doe clothing bring thee , and thy food , out of the fields : pretty songs , the birds doe sing thee ; sweet perfumes the meddowe yeelds : and , what more is worth the seeing ? heauen and earth thy prospect being ? none comes hither , who denies thee , thy contentments ( for despight ) neither any that enuies thee , that , wherein thou dost delight . but , all happy things are meant thee ? and what euer may content thee . thy affection reason measures ; and distempers none it feeds : still , so harmelesse are thy pleasures , that no others griefe it breeds . and , if night , beget thee sorrow ; seldome stayes it , till the morrow . why doe foolish men so vainely , seeke contentment in their store ? since they may perceiue so plainly , thou art rich , in being poore ? and that they are vext about it ; whilst thou merry art without it . vvhy are idle braines deuising , how high titles may be gaind ? since , by those poore toyes despising , thou hast higher things obtaind ? for the man who scornes to craue them , greater is , then they that haue them . if all men could tast that sweetnesse , thou dost in thy meanesse know ; kings would be to seeke , where greatnesse , and their honours to bestow . for , it such content would breed them ; as they would not thinke they need them . and , if those who so aspiring , to the court-preferments bee ; knew how worthy the desiring ; those things are , enioyed by thee . wealth and titles , would hereafter : subiects be , for scorne and laughter . he that courtly stiles affected , should a may-lords honour haue . he that heaps of wealth collected , should be counted as a slaue . and the man with few'st things cumbred , vvith the noblest should be numbred . thou , their folly hast descerned , that neglect thy mind , and thee ; and to sight them , thou hast learned , of what title er'e they be . that ; no more with thee , obtaineth ; then with them , thy meannes gaineth . all their riches , honours , pleasures ; poore vnworthy trifles seeme ; ( if compared with thy treasures ) and , doe merit no esteeme . for , they true contents prouide thee ; and from them can none diuide thee . whether thralled , or exiled ; whether poore or rich thou be : whether praised , or reuiled ; not a rush , it is to thee . this , nor that , thy rest doth win thee : but , the mind , which is within thee . then , oh why , so madly dote we , on those things , that vs ore-lode ? why , no more , their vainnesse note we ; but still make of them a god ? for , alas ! they still deceiue vs ; and , in greatest need they leaue vs. therefore , haue the fates prouided , well ( thou happy swaine ) for thee : that mayst , here , so farre diuided , from the worlds distractions be . thee , distemper let them neuer ; but , in peace continue euer . in these lonely groues , enioy thou , that contentment here begun : and , thy houres , so pleasd , employ thou , till the latest glasse bee run . from a fortune so assured : by no temptings be allured . much good doo 't them with their glories , who in courts of princes dwell . we haue read in antique stories , how some rose , and how they fell . and t is worthy well the heeding ; ther 's like end , wher 's like proceeding . be thou ; still , in thy affection , to thy noble mistresse , true : let her ( neuer-matcht ) perfection , be the same , vnto thy view . and , let neuer other beautie , make thee faile , in loue , or dutie . for , if thou shalt not estranged from thy course professed , ●e . but remaine for aye vnchanged ; nothing shall haue power on thee . those that sleight thee now , shall loue thee , and , in spight of spight , approue thee . so those vertues now neglected , to be more esteem'd ; will come : yea , those toyes so much affected , many shall be wooed from . and , the golden age ( deplored ) shall , by some , be thought restored . thus sang the nymph : so rarely-well inspired , that all the hearers , her braue strains admired . and , as i heard , by some that there attended , when this her song was finisht , all was ended . a postscript . if any carpe , for that , my younger● times , brought foorth such idle fruit , as these slight rymes , it is no matter ; so they doe not sweare , that they , so ill imployed , neuer were . whilst their desires ( perhaps ) they looselier spent ; i gaue my heats of youth , this better vent . and , oft by writing thus , the bloud haue tam'd ; which some , with reading wanton laye ▪ enflam'd . nor care i , though their censure some haue past , because my songs exceed the fidlers last . for , doe they thinke , that i will make my measures , the longer , or the shorter , for their pleasures ? or may me , or curtolize my free inuention ; because , fooles weary are , of their attention . no ; let them know , who do their length contemn , i make to please my selfe , and not for them . a miscelany of epigrams , sonnets , epitaphs , and such other verses , as were found written , with the poeme , aforegoing . of the inuention of the nine muses . the acts of ages past , doth clio write . the tragoedie's , melpomenes delight . thalia , is with comedies contented . e●terpe , first , the shepheards pipe inuented . terpsicore , doth song , and lute applie . dauncing er●to found geometry . calliop● , on louing verses dwels . the secrets of the starres , vrania tells . polymnia , with choyce words , the speech doth trim . and great apollo shares with all of them . those thrice three feminines ▪ we mases call ; but that one masculine is worth them all . of the labours of hercules . first , he the strong nemean lyon slew : the many-headed hydra next ore-threw . the eremanthian bore he thirdly foyles : then of his golden hornes the stagge he spoyles . the foule stymphalian birds he fifthly frayd : next , he the queene of amazons ore-swayd ▪ then clensd aegeas stalls , with filth so full : and eighthly , tamed the vntamed bull. he slew proud diomedes with his horses . from triple gerio● his rich heard he forces . he slew the dragon for the fruite of gold : and made blacke cerber●● the day behold . these were his twelue stout labours . and they say , with fifty virgins in one night he lay . if true it be , t is thought he labourd more in that one act , then in the twelue before . being 〈◊〉 by a gentleman in his dining-roome , where was nothing but a map of england to entertaine him , he thus turned it into verse . faire england in the bosome of the seas , amid her two and fiftie prouinces , sits like a glorious empresse ; whose rich throne , great nymphes of honor come to wayt vpon . first , in the height of brauery appeares kent , east and south , and middle-saxon shires : next , surry ▪ barkshire , and southampton get , with dorcet , vvilton , and rich sommerset . then deuon , with the cornish promontory : gloster and vvorster , faire sabrinas glory . then salope , suffolke , northfolke large and faire , oxford and cambridge , that thrice learned paire . then lincolne , darby , yorkeshire , nottingham , northamption , vvarwick , stafford , buckingham . chester and lancaster ( with heards well stord ) huntingdon , hartford , rutland , hereford . then princely durham , bedford , leister , and northumber , cumber and cold vvestmerland . braue english shires ; with whom lou'd equally welch munmouth , rad●or , and mountgomery , adde all the glory ( to her t●aine ) they can : so doth glamorgan , breckn●● , cardigan , caernaruan , denbigh , 〈◊〉 - shire , with anglesey ( which ore the sea doth reare her● lofty head and with the first , though last , flint , pembrooke and carmarthen might be pla●● . for all of these ( vnto their power ) maintaine their mistrisse england with a royall traine . yea , for supporters at each hand , hath she the vvight and man , that two braue ilands be . from these , i to the scottish nymphes had iorny'd , but that my friend was backe againe returned , who hauing kindly brought me to his home , alone did leaue me in his dining rome : where i was faine ( and glad i had the hap ) to begg an entertainment of his map. an epitaph vpon the right vertuous lady , the lady scott . let none suppose this relique of the iust , as here wrapt vp , to perish in the dust . no , like best 〈◊〉 , her time she fully stood : then being growne in faith , and ripe in good ; ( with stedfast hope , that shee another day , should rise with christ ) with dea●h here downe she lay . and , that each part , which her , in life had grac't , preseru'd might be , and meet againe at last : the poore , the worl● , the heauens , and the graue : her almes , her praise , her soule , her body haue . an epitaph vpon a woman , and her child , buried together in the same graue . beneath this marble stone doth lye , ●he subiect of deaths tyranny . a mother : who in this close tombe , sleepes with the issue of her wombe . though cruelly enclinde was he ; and with the fruit shooke downe the tree . yet was his cruelty in vaine . for , tree , and fruit , shall spring againe . a christmas carroll . so , now is come our ioyfulst feast ; let euery man be iolly . each roome , with yuie leaues is drest , and euery post , with holly . though some churles at our mirth repine , round your forheads garlands twine , drowne sorrow in a cup of wine . and let vs all be merry . now , all our neighbours chimneys smoke , and christmas blocks are burning ; the , ouens , they with bakt meats choke , and all their spits are turning . without the doore , let sorrow lie : and , if for cold , it hap to die , wee le bury't in a christmas pye. and euermore be merry . now , euery lad is wondrous trimm , and no man minds his labour . our lasses haue prouided them , a bag-pipe , and a tabor . young men , and mayds , and girles & boyes , ciue life , to one ano● hers ioyes : and , you anon shall by their noyse , perceiue that they are merry . ranke misers now , doe sparing shun : their hall of musicke soundeth : and , dogs , thence with whole shoulders run , so , all things there aboundeth . the countrey-folke , themselues aduance ; for crowdy-mutton's come out of france : and iack shall pipe , and iyll shall daunce , and all the towne be merry . ned swash hath fetcht his bands from pawne , and all his best apparell . brisk nell hath bought a ruffe of lawne , with droppings of the barrell . and those that hardly all the yeare had bread to eat , or raggs to weare , will haue both clothes , and daintie fare : and all the day be merry . now poore men to the iustices , with capons make their arrants , and if they hap to faile of these , they plague them with their warrants . but now they feed them with good cheere , and what they want , they take in beere : for , christmas comes but once a yeare : and then they shall be merry . good farmours , in the countrey , nurse the poore , that else were vndone . some land-lords , spend their money worse , on lust , and pride at london . there , the roysters they doe play ; drabb and dice their landt away , which may be ours , another day : and therefore le ts be merry . the clyent now his suit forbeares , the prisoners heart is eased . the debtor drinks away his cares , and , for the time is pleased . though others purses be more fat , why should we pine or grieue at that ? hang sorrow , care will kill a cat. and therefore le ts be merry . harke , how the wagges , abrode doe call each other foorth to rambling . anon , you le see them in the hall , for nutts , and apples scambling . harke , how the roofes with laughters sound ! annon they 'l thinke the house goes round : for , they the sellars depth haue found . and , there they will be merry . the vvenches with their wassell-bowles , about the streets are singing : the boyes are come to catch the owles , the wild-mare , in is bringing . our kitchin-boy hath broke his boxe , and , to the dealing of the oxe , our honest neighbours come by flocks , and , here , they will be merry . now kings and queenes , poore sheep-cotes haue , and mate with euery body : the honest , now , may play the knaue , and wise men play at noddy . some youths will now a mumming goe ; some others play at rowland-hoe , and , twenty other gameboyes moe : because they will be merry . then wherefore in these merry daies , should we i pray , be duller ? no ; let vs sing some roundelayes , to make our mirth the fuller . and , wh●lest thus inspir'd we sing , let all the streets with ecchoes ring : woods , and hills , and euery thing , beare witnesse we are merry . an epitaph vpon the porter of a prison . here lye the bones of him , that was of late , a churlish porter of a prison gate . death many an euening at his lodging knockt , but could not take him , for the dore was lockt : yet at a tauerne late one night he found him , and getting him , into the seller , drownd him . on which , the world ( that stil the worst is thinking ) reports abroad , that he was kild with drinking : yet let no prisoner , whether thiefe or debtor reioyce , as if his fortune were the better ; their sorrows likely to be nere the shorter , the warden liues , though death hath took the porter . a sennet vpon a stolne kisse . now gentle sleepe , hath closed vp those eyes , which waking , kept my boldest thoughts in awe : and f●eeaccesse vnto that sweet lip , lies , from whence i long the rosie breath to draw . me think●s no wrong it were , if i should steale from those two melting rubies , one poore kisse : none sees the theft , that would the thiefe reueale , nor rob i her of ought , which she can misse : nay , should i twenty kisses take away , there would be little signe i had done so : why then should i this robbery delay ? oh! she may wake , and therewith angry grow . well , if she do , i le back restore that one , and twenty hundred thousand more for lone . an epitaph vpon abram good●fellow , a common alehouse-hunter . beware , thou looke not who here vnder lies , vnlesse thou long to weepe away thine eyes . this man ( as sorrowfull report doth tell vs ) was , when he liu'd , the prince of all goodfellows . that day he dide , it cannot be belieu'd , how out of reason , all the alewiues grieu'd , and what abominable lamentation they made at black-boy , and at salutation ; they hould and cride , and euer more among , this was the burthen of their wofull song : vvell , goe thy wayes , thy like hath neuer been , nor shall thy match againe be euer seene : for out of doubt now thou art dead and gone , there 's many a tap house will be quite vndone , and death by taking thee , did them more skath , then yet the ale-house protect done them hath . loe , such a one but yesterday was he , but now he much is alterd , you do see . since he came hither , he hath left his ryot , yea , changed both his company and dyet , and now so ciuill lies ; that to your thinking , he neither for an ale-house cares , nor drinking . an epitaph vpon a gentlewoman , who had fore-told the time of her death . her , who beneath this stone , consuming lyes , for many virtues we might memorize . but , most of all , the praise deserueth shee , in making of her words , and deeds agree . for , shee so truely kept the word shee spake , as that with death , she promise would not breake . i shall ( quoth she ) be dead , before the midd of such a month. and , as she said , she did . an epitaph , on a child , sonne to sir w. h. knight . here lyes , within a cabinet of stone , the deare remainder of a prety-one . who did in wit , his yeares so farre out-passe , his parents wonder , and their ioy he was . and , by his face , you might haue deemed him , to be on earth some heauenly cheruh●m . sixe yeares with life he labor'd . then deceast , to keepe the sabbath of eternall rest . so ; that , which many thousand able men , are lab'ring for , till threescore yeares and ten . this blessed childe attained to , er'e seauen ; and , now enioyes it with the saints of heauen . a song . now young-man , thy dayes and thy glories appeare , like sun-shine and blossomes in spring of the yeare . thy vigour of body , thy spirits , thy wit , are perfect , and sound , and vntroubled yet . now then , oh , now then , if safetie thou loue . mind thou , oh mind thou , thy maker aboue . mispend not a morning , so excellent cleare ; neuer ( for euer ) was happinesse nere . thy noone-tyde of life hath but little delight , and sorrowes on sorrowes will follow at night . now then , oh , now then , &c. mind thou , oh mind thou , &c. that strength , & those beauties that grace thee to day , to morrow , may perish , and vanish away . thy wealth , or thy pleasures , or friends that now be , may waste , or deceiue , or be traytors to thee . now then , oh now then , &c. mind thou , oh mind thou , &c. thy ioynts are yet nimble , thy sinnewes vnslacke . and marrow vnwasted , doth strengthen thy backe . thy youth from diseases preserueth the braine ; and blood with free passage , plumps enury vaine . now then , oh now then , &c. mind thou , oh mind thou , &c. but ( trust me ) it will not for euer be so ; those armes that are mightie , shall feebler grow . and those legs , so proudly supporting thee , now , with age , or diseases , will stagger and bow . now then , oh now then , &c. mind thou , oh mind thou , &c. then , all those rare features , now gracefull in thee ; shall ( plough'd with times furrowes ) quite ruined be . and they , who admired , and lou'd thee so much , shall loath , or forget thou hadst euer been such . now then , oh now then , &c. mind thou , oh mind thou , &c. those tresses of haire , which thy youth doe adorne , will looke like the meads in a winterly morne . and , where red and white intermixed did grow , dull palenesse , a dea●ly complexion will show . now then , oh now then , &c. mind thou , oh mind thou , &c. that forhead imperious , whereon we now view , a smoothnesse , and whitenesse enameld with blew ; will loose that perfection , which touth now maintaines , and change it for hollownesse , wrinckles , and staines . now then , oh now then , &c. mind thou ; oh mind thou , &c. those eares , thou with musicke didst oft entertaine , and charme with so many a delicate straine ; may misse of those pleasures , wherewith they are fed , and neuer heare song more , when youth is once fled . now then , oh now then , &c. mind thou , oh mind thou , &c. those eyes , which so many , so much did admire , and with strange affections set thousands on fire : shut vp in that darkenesse , which age will constraine , shall neuer see mortall ; no , neuer againe . now then , oh now then , &c. mind thou , oh mind thou , &c. those lips , whereon beautie , so fully discloses , the colour and sweetnesse of rubies , and roses ; instead of that hue , will gastlinesse weare , and none shall beleeue , what perfection was there . now then , oh now then , &c. thy teeth , that stood firmely , like pearles in a row , shall rotten , and scatterd disorderly grow : the mouth , whose proportion earths-wonder was thought , shall rob'd of that sweetnesse , be prized at nought . now then , oh now then , &c. that gate , and those gestures , that win thee such grace , will turne to a feeble and staggering pace . and thou , that or'e mountaines ranst nimbly to day ; shalt stumble at euery rubb in the way . now then , oh now then , &c. mind then , oh mind then , &c. by these imperfections ▪ old age will preuaile , thy marrow , thy sinewes , and spirits will fayle . and nothing is left thee , when those are once spent , to giue ▪ or thy selfe ; or another , content . now then , oh now then , &c. mind thou , oh mind thou , &c. those fancies that lull thee , with dreames of delight , will trouble thy quiet , the comfortlesse night , and thou , that now sleepest thy troubles away , shalt heare , how each cockrell giues warning of day . now then , oh now then , &c. mind thou , oh mind thou , &c. then , thou , that art yet vnto thousands so deare , of all shal● despisd , or neglected appeare . which , when thou perceiust ( though now pleasant it be ) thy life will be grieuous and loathsome to thee . now then , oh now then , &c. mind thou , oh mind thou , &c. that lust , which thy youth can so hardly forgoe , will leaue thee ; and leaue thee , repentance , and woe . and then , in thy ●olly no ioy thou canst haue , nor hope other rest , then a comfortlesse grau● . now then , oh now then , &c. mind thou , oh mind thou , &c. for , next shall thy breath be quite taken away , thy flesh turn'd to dust , and that dust turn'd to clay : and , those thou hast loued , and share of thy store , shall leaue thee , forget thee , and mind thee no more . now then , oh , now then , &c. mind thou , oh mind thou , &c. and yet , if in time thou remember not this , the slenderest part of thy sorrow it is : thy soule to a torture , more fearefull shall wend , hath euer , and euer , and neuer an end . now then , oh , now then , if safetie thou loue . mind thou , oh mind thou , thy maker aboue . a dreame . when bright phaebus at his rest , was reposed in the west , and the cherefull day-light gone , drew vnwelcome darknesse on ; night , her blacknesse , wrapt about me , and , within , 't was as without me . therefore , on my tumbled bedd , downe i laid my troubled head : where , mine eyes inur'd to care , seldome vsd to slumbring were . yet , or ' etyr'd of late , with weeping ; then , by chance , they fell a sleeping . but , such visions me diseas'd , as in vaine , that sleepe i ceaz'd : for , i sleeping fancies had , vvhich , yet waking , make me sad . some , can sleepe away their sorrow ; but , mine doubles , euery morrow . walking to a pleasant groue , ( vvhere , i vsd to thinke of loue ) i , me thought , a place did view , vvherein flora's riches grew . primerose , hyacinth , and lillies , cowslips , vy'lets , daffodillies . there , a fountaine , close beside , i , a matchlesse beautie spide . so she lay , as if she slept : but , much griefe , her waking kept . and , she had no softer pillow , then the hard root of a willow . downe her cheekes , the teares did flow , ( which a greeued heart did show ) her faire eyes , the earth beholding , and , her armes themselues enfolding ; shee , her passion to betoken , sigh'd , as if her heart were broken . so much griefe , me thought she shew'd , that my sorrow it renew'd : but , when neerer her i went , it encreast my discontent . for a gentle nymph shee prooued , who , me ( long vnknowne ) had loued . streight , on me shee fixt her looke ; which , a deepe impression tooke . and , of all that liue ( quoth shee ) thou art welcommest o me . then ( misdoubting to be blamed ) thus , she spake , as halfe ashamed . thee , vnknowne , i long affected , and , as long , in vaine expected . for , i had a hopefull thought , thou wouldst craue , what others sought ; and i , for thy sake , haue stayd , many wanton springs , a maid . still , when any wooed me , they renewd , the thought of thee : and , in hope thou wouldst haue tride their affections , i denide . but , a louer , forc't vpon me , by my friends , hath now vndone me . what , i waking dar'd not show , in a dreame , thou now doest know : but , to better my estate ; now , alas , it is too late . and , i both awake , and sleeping , now , consume my youth in weeping . somewhat then , i would haue sayd ; but , replyings were denayd . for , me thought , when speake i would , not a word bring foorth i could , and , as i a kisse was taking ; that i lost to , by awaking . certaine verses written to his louing friend , vpon his departure . swift time , that will by no entreaty stay , is now gone by , and summons me away . and , what my griefe , denies my tongue to doe , my true affection driues my pen vnto . deare heart ; that day , and that sad houre is come , in which , thy face i must be banisht from : and goe to liue , where ( peraduenture ) we hereafter must , for aye , deuided be . for , twixt our bodies , which now close are met , a thousand hills and vallies shall be set : a thousand groues , a thousand weeping springs , and many thousand other enuious things , which , when we are departed , keepe vs may , from comming nearer , till our dying day . so these our hands , which thus each other touch , shall neuer after this time doe so much . nor shall these eyes , which yet themselues delight , ( with mutuall gazing on each other light ) be euer raysed vp againe , so neare , to view each other in their proper spheare . nor ere againe , through those their christall orbes , reade what sad passion , our poore hearts disturbs . which when we think vpon , we scarce containe , their swelling floud-gates ; but a pearly raine drops frō those plenteous springs : & forth are sent from those sad dungeons , where our harts are pent , so many sighes ; that , in our parting , now , a storme of passions we must venture through . whose fury , i would stay to see ore-past before i went , in spight of all my hast , but that , i view some tokens , which fore-tell , that by delay , the flouds will highe swell ; and , whilst to be diuided , we are loth , with some worse perill , ouerwhelme vs both . oh! rather let vs wisely vndergoe a sorrow , that will daily lesser grow ▪ then venture on a pleasing mischiefe , which will vnawares , our honest hearts bewitch : and bring vs to such passe ( at last ) that we shall nere perceiue it , till vndone we be . i find your loue ; and so the same approue , that i shall euer loue you , for that loue . and , am so couetous of such deare pelfe , that , for it , i could giue away my selfe . and yet , i rather would go pine , and die , for want thereof ; then liue till you , or i , should giue , or take , one dram of that delight which is anothers ; and so , marre out-right our most vnstaind affection : which , hath yet no inclination vnto ill , in it . nay ( though it more vnsufferable were ) i would , eu'n that iust liberty forbeare which honest friendship is allow'd to take : if i perceiu'd , it me vnapt did make , to master my affections : or to goe on those affaires , that reason calls me to . those parents that discreet in louing be , when on their new-borne child a wen they see , which may ( perchance ) in aftertime , disgrace the sweete proportion of a louely face : ( although it wound their soules to heare the mone , and see the tortures of their pritty one ) to weepe a little , rather are content , whilst he endures the surgeons instrument ; then suffer that soule blemish there , to spread ; vntill his face be quite disfigured . so , we betwixt whose soules , there is begot that sweet babe , friendship ; must beware , no spot through our indulgent indiscretion grow , that may the beauty of our loue ore-throw : let 's rather beare a little discontent ; and learne of reason , those things to preuent which marre affection . that our friendship may wax firmer , and more louely eu'ry day . there is , indeed , to gentle hearts , no smarting , that is more torment to them , then departing from those they loue . and doubtlesse , if that we were so vnited , as the married be ; our bodies at our par●●re , would be so , as if each of them 〈◊〉 a ●oule forgoe . but , in our flesh ; we are , and must remaine perpetuall strangers : and our selues containe from that embrace , which marriage loue allowes : or else , i iniure virtue ; you , your vowes . and , for a short vnworthy pleasure , marre those rich contentments , which eternall are . of which , i am in hope , that , alwaies we should in each others presence guiltlesse be . but in our absence ( sure i am ) we shall not onely still be innocent of all , that simple folly , and that ouer-sight , to which , our many frailties tempt vs might : but , by this meanes shall also scape the blot , wherwith i● toungs our names would seek to spot . which if you feare , and would auoyd the wrongs that may befall you by malicious tongues , then seeke my absence : for i haue in that vnto my friends , been too vnfortunate : yet , as i loue faire-virtue , there is no man ere heard me boast the fauours of a woman to her dishonour ; neither ( by my soule ) was i ere guiltie of an act so foule , as some imagine . neither doe i know that woman yet , with whom i might be so ; for neuer kindnesses to me were show'd , which i dar'd thinke , for euill end bestow'd . nor euer , to this present houre , did i turne friendship , fauour , opportunitie ; ( or ought vouchsaft me ) thereby to acquire those wicked ends which 〈◊〉 doe desire . for , whensoeuer lust begun to flame , it was extinguisht , by true loue , and shame . but , what would this my innocence preuaile , when your faire name , 〈◊〉 should assayle ? and how abhord should i hereafter be , if you should suffer infamy by me ? you feare it not one halfe so much you say , as you are loth i should depart away : and hap what will , you thinke to be content , whilst i am here ; and you still innocent . indeed , those friends approue i not , which may by euery slanderous tongue be talkt away : but yet , i like not him that will not striue , as much as in him lyeth , free to liue , from giuing iust occasions of offence : for , else he vainely braggs of innocence . and so doe we , vnlesse , that without blame we purpose with our loue , to keepe our fame . then , let vs pleased part ; and though the dearenes of our affection , couets both a nearenes in mind and body ; let vs willingly beget a virtue of necessitie . and , since we must compelled be to liue , by time and place diuided ; let vs striue in the despight of time and distance , so that loue of virtue may more perfect grow : and that this seperation , we lament , may make our meeting fuller of content . betwixt our bodies ( this i le not deny ) there is a deare respectiue sympathy ; which makes vs mutually both ioy , and grieue as there is cause . and farther , i belieue , that our contentment is imperfect , till they haue each other in possession still : but , that which in vs two , i loue , dare name , is twixt our soules ; and such a powerfull flame , as nothing shall extinguish nor obsure , whilst their eternall substance , doth endure : no , not our absence ; nor that mightie space , betwixt my home , and your abiding place . for , ere your eyes , my eyes had euer seene ; when many thousand furlongs lay betweene , our vnknowne bodies : and before that you had seene my face , or thought the same to view , you most entirely loued me ( you say ) which shewes our soules had then found out the way , to know each other : and vnseene of vs , to make our bodies meet vnthought of , thus . then ; much lesse now , shall hill , or dale , or groue , or , that great tract of ground which must remoue my body from you : there , my soule confine , to keepe it backe from yours : or yours from mine . nay , being more aquainted then they were , and actiue spirits , that can any where within a moment meet . they to and fro , will euery minute to each other go and , we shall loue , with that deare loue , wherein will neither be offence , nor cause of sinne . yea , whereas carnall loue , is euer colder , as youth decayes ; and as the flesh growes older : and , when the body is dissolued , must be buried with obliuion in the dust . we , then shall dearer grow : and this our loue , which now imperfect is , shall perfect proue . for , there 's no mortall power can rob true friends , of that which noblest amitie attends . nor any seperation that is able , to make the virtuous louers miserable . since , when disasters threaten most deiection , their , goodnesse maketh strongest their affection . and , that which works in others loues , deniall ; in them , more noble makes it , by the triall . t is true ; that whē we part , we know not whether these bodies shall , for euer , meet together ; as you haue said . yet , wherefore should we grieue , since , we a better meeting doe belieue ? if we did also know , that when we die , this loue , should perish euerlastingly . and that we must as bruitish creatures do , lose with our bodies , all our dearnesse to : our seperation , then , a sorrow were , which mortall heart had neuer power to beare . and we should faint and die , to thinke vpon the passions would be felt , when i were gone . but , seeing in the soule , our loue is plac't ; and ( seeing ) soules of death shall neuer tast : no death can end our loue . nay ; when we dye , our soules ( that now in chaines and fettters lie ) shall meet more freely , to pertake that ioy , compard to which , our friendship 's but a toy . and , for each bitternesse , in this our loue , we shall a thousand sweet contentments proue . meane while ; we , that ( together liuing ) may through humane weaknesses be led astray : ( and vnawares , make that affection foule , which virtue yet keeps blamelesse in the soule ) by absence shall preserued be , as cleane , as to be kept ( in our best thoughts ) wee meane . and , in our prayers for each other , shall giue , and receiue more kindnesses , then all the world can yeeld vs. and , when other men whose loue is carnall , are tormented , when death calls them hence : because they robbed be of all their hope ( for euermore ) to see the obiect of their loue : we shall auoid , that bitter anguish wherewith they are cloyd . and , whensoer'e it happens , thou , or i , shall feele the time approaching vs to dye ; it shall not grieue vs at our latest breath , to mind each other on the bed of death : ( because of any ouersight , or sinne , whereof we guiltie in our soules haue bin ) nor will death feare vs , cause we shall perceiue that these contentments , which we had not leaue to take now we are liuing ; shall be gaind , when our imprison'd soules shall be vnchaind . nay rather wish to dye , we might possesse the sweet fruition of that happinesse , which we shall then receiue , in the perfection of him , that is the fulnesse of affection . if time preuented not , i had in store to comfort thee , so many reasons more , that thou wouldst leaue to grieue ; although we should each others persons neuer more behold . but , there is hope . and then , that know you may , true friends can in their absence find the way . to compasse their contentments , whom they loue : you shall ere long , the powre it hath , approue . meane while , you still are deare : yea , liue or dye , my soule shall loue you euerlastingly . and howsoere , there seeme such cause of sorrow ; yet , those that part , and thinke to meet to morrow , death may diuide to night ; and , as before , their feare was lesse , their griefe will be the more . since therefore , whether far i liue , or nigh , there is in meeting an vncertaintie . let vs , for that which surest is , prouide . part like those friends , whom nothing can diuide : and , since we louers first became , that we , might to our power each others comfort be : let 's not the sweetnesse of our loue destroy ; but , turne these weepings into teares of ioy . on which condition , i doe giue thee , this ; to be both mine , and sorrowes parting-kisse . phil'arete . finis . the stationers postscript . there bee three or foure songs in this poeme aforegoing , which were stollen from the authour , and heeretofore impertinently imprinted in an imperfect and erronious copie , foolishly intituled his workes ; which the stationer hath there falsely affirmed to bee corrected and augmented for his owne aduantage ; and without the said authours knowledge , or respect to his credit . if therfore you haue seene them formerly in those counterfet impressions , let it not be offensiue that you finde them againe in their proper places ; and in the poeme to which they appertaine . vale. i. m. wither's motto nec habeo, nec careo, nec curo. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc . estc s ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) wither's motto nec habeo, nec careo, nec curo. wither, george, - . [ ] p. printed for iohn marriott, london : . in verse. "the explanation of the embleme" facing t.p. title page engraved, illustrated, signed "r.e. sculpsit". signatures: a-e⁸, f⁴. reproduction of original in the university of illinois (urbana-champaign campus). library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - ben griffin sampled and proofread - ben griffin text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion wither's motto . nec habeo , nec careo , nec curo . london printed for iohn marriott the explanation of the embleme . this litle embleme here doth represent , the blest condition , of a man content . the place he lyes on , is a mighty rocke : to shew , that he contemnes and makes a mocke of force , or vnderminers . we expresse , what others thinke him , by his nakednesse . his mantle , with hearts-ease y wrought doth show , what he , doth of his owne well being , know . the piller , on whose base , his head doth rest ; hath fortitude and constancie exprest . the cornu-copia that so neere him lyes ; declares , that he enough hath to suffice : and that he can be pleasd , with what the fields , or what the fruitfull tree , by nature yealds . that pleasant prospectiue , in which you see , groues , ryuers ●ndes , and pallaces there be ; lies farr belowe him : and is that , in which , the truest-happy man , is seldome rich . the words , nec habeo he doth there bestow ; and what he meanes , doth with his finger show . aboue him houer angels , and his eye , he fixing , on the glorious heauens on high ; ( from whence a ray into his brest descends ) his other word nec careo , thither sends : to intimate , that he can nothing need , whom angels guard , and god himselfe doth feed . by force , or slye temptations , to preuaile both temporall , and ghostly foes assaile , his naked person : but , without a wound , their darts are broake ; or , backe on them rebound . so , with nec curo , those he entertaines : and to expresse , how highly he disdaines , the best contents , the world affoord him may ; a globe terrestriall , he doth spurne away . to any body . to recreate my selfe , after some more serious studies , i tooke occasion to exercise my inuention in the illustration of my motto ; which being thus finished , my friends made me beleeue it was worth the preseruing ; and grew so importunat for coppies thereof , that i could not deny them . but doubting , lest by often transcribing , it might be much lamed through the scribes insufficiency ( as many things of this nature are ) i thought fitting , rather to exemplyfie the same , by the presse , then by the penne. and to that end , deliuered it ouer to some stationers , to haue onely so many copies , as i intended to bestow . yet considering that other men ( to whom i meant them not ) might peraduenture , come to the view of those lines . i thought it not amisse , by way of preuention , to remooue such cauills as may be made against mee , by those vnto whom i am vnknowne . not , that i care to giue euery idle reader , an account of my intentions : but to shew the ingenuous , that the carelesnes expressed in this motto , proseeds from an vndistempered care , to make all my actions , ( as neere as i can ) such , as may be decent , warrantable , and becomming an honest man : and that those , who shall foolishly seeke ( from thence ) to picke aduantages against me : may know , i am too well aduised to write any thing , which they shall bee iustly able to interpret , either to my hinderance , or disparagement . let me want esteeme among all good men , if i purposed ( or haue any secret desire in me ) that any part of this , should be applied to any particular man ; but so as euery one ought to apply things vnto his own conscience ; and he that beleeues me not , i feare is guilty . my intent was , to draw the true picture of mine own heart ; that my friends , who knew mee outwardly , might haue some representation of my inside also . and that , if they liked the forme of it , they might ( wherein they were defectiue ) fashion their owne mindes thereunto . but , my principall intention , was by recording those thoughts to confirme mine owne resolution ; and to preuent such alterations , as time and infirmites , may worke vpon mee . and if there bee no more reason inferr ed against me , to remoue my opinion , then i am yet apprehensiue of : i am confidently perswaded , that neither feare , nor force shall compell me , to deny any thing which i haue affirmed in this poem . for , i had rather bee degraded from the greatest title of honour that could be giuen me ; then constrained to deny this motto . proud arrogance ( i know ) and enough too ; will be layd to my charge . but those who both know me , and the necessitie of this resolution , will excuse me of it . the rest ( if they mis-censure me ) are part of those things , i care not for . the language is but indifferent ; for , i affected matter more then words . the method is none at all : for , i was loath to make a businesse , of a recreation . and we know , he that rides abroad for his pleasure , is not tyed so strictly to keepe high-waies , as hee that takes a iourney . if the intermixing of sleight and weighty things together , be offensiue to any . let them vnderstand , that if they well obserue it , they shall finde a seriousnesse , euen in that which they imagine least momentary . and if they had aswell obserued the conditions of men , as i haue done : they would perceiue that the greatest number ( like children which are allured to schoole with points and aples ) must be drawne on with some friuolous expressions , or else will neuer listen to the graue precepts of virtue ; which , when they once heare , doe many times beget a delight in them , before they be aware . many dishes of meate which we affect not may be so cookt , that we shall haue a good appetit vnto them : so , many men who take no pleasure to seeke vertue in graue treatises of morallitie , may ( perhaps ) finding her vnlookt for , masked vnder the habit of a light poem , growenamord on her beauty . the foolish canterbury tale in my scourge of vanity , ( which i am now almost ashamed to read ouer ) euen that , hath bin by some praysed for a witty passage : and i haue heard diuers , seriously protest , that they haue much more feelingly bin informed , & moued to detest the vanity of the humor there skoffed at , by that rude tale , then they were by the most graue precepts of phylosophy . and that makes me oftentimes affect some things , in regard of their vsefulnesse : which being considered according to the method of art , and rules of schollership , would seeme ridiculous . but i vse more words for my apology then needes : if this will not giue you satisfaction , i am sorry i haue said so much ; and , if you know which way , satisfie your selues . for , how i am resolued ( if you thinke it worth the taking notise of ) the booke will tell you . farewell . geo : wither . wither's motto . nec habeo , nec careo , nec curo . nor haue i , nor want i , nor care i. hah ! will they storme ? why let thē ; who needs care ? or who dares frown on what the muses dare , who when they list , can for a tempest call , which thunder louder then their fury shall ? and if men causelesly their power contemne , will more then mortall vengeance fling on them ? with thine owne trembling spirit , thou didst view these free-borne lines ; that doubtst what may ensue : for if thou feltst the temper of my soule and knewst my heart , thou wouldst not feare controul . doe not i know , my honest thoughts are cleare from any priuate spleene , or malice here ? doe not i know that none will frowne at this , but such as haue apparant guiltinesse ; or such as must to shame and ruine runne , as some , once ayming at my fall haue done ? and can i feare those idle scar-crowes then ? those bugg-beare perils , those meere shades of men ? at whose displeasure they for terror sweat , whose heart vpon the worlds vaine loue is set ? no ; when this motto first , i mine did make , to me i tooke it , not for fashions sake : but that it might expresse me as i am ; and keepe me mindefull to be still the same . which i resolue to be : for , could the eye of other men , within my breast espie my resolution , and the cause thereof ; they durst not at this boldnesse make a skoffe . shall i be fearefull of my selfe to speake ; for doubt some other may exceptions take ? if this age hold ; ere long we shall goe neere of eu'ry word of our , to stand in feare . and ( fiue to one ) if any should confesse those sinnes in publike , which his soule oppresse : some guilty fellow ( moou'd thereat ) would take it vnto himselfe ; and so , a libell make it . nay ; we shall hardly be allowd to pray against a crying-sinne ; lest great men may suspect , that by a figure we intend to point out them : and how they doe offend . as i haue hope to prosper ; e're i 'le fall to such a bondage , i 'le aduenture all : and make the whole world madd , to heare how i will fearelesse write and raile at villany . but oh ! beware ( gray-hayrd discretion sayes ) the dogge fights well that out of danger playes . for now , these guilty times so captious be that such , as loue in speaking to be free ; may for their freedome , to their cost be shent ; how harmelesse er'e they be , in their intent : and such as of their future peace haue care , vnto the times a little seruile are . pish ; tell not me of times , or danger thus : to doe a villany is dangerous ; but in an honest action , my heart knowes no more of feares , then dead-men doe of blowes . and to be slaue to times , is worse to me then to be that , which most men feare to be . i tell thee critike ; whatsoeuer thou , or any man , of me shall censure now : they , who for ought here written doe accuse , or with a mind malicious , taxe my muse ; shall nor by day awake , nor sleepe by night , with more contentment , in their glories height ; then i will doe , though they should lay me where i must in darkenesse , bolts of iron weare . for , i am not so ignorant , but that i partly know what things i may relate : and what an honest man should still conceale , i know as well , as what he may reueale . if they be poore and base , that feare my straine : these poore base fellowes are afraid in vaine . i scorne to spurne a dogge , or strike a flye , or with such groomes to soile my poesie . if great they were , and fallen ; let them know , i doe abhor to touch a wounded foe . if on the top of honour , yet they be : t is poore weake honour , if ought done by me may blot , or shake the same : yea , whatsoere their titles cost , or they would faine appear● , they are ignoble , and beneath me farre ; if with these measures they distempered are . for , if they had true greatnesse , they would know , the spight of all the world , were farre below the seate of noblest honor ; and that he , in whom true worth , and reall vertues be , so well is arm'd : as that he feares no wrong from any tyrants hand ; or villaines tongue . much lesse be startled at those numbers would ; where uertue's praised and proud uice contrould . is any man the worse if i expresse my wants , my riches , or my carelesnesse ? or can my honest thoughts , or my content , be turn'd to any mans disparagement , if he be honest ? nay , those men will finde , a pleasure in this d●re of my minde , who honour vertue , and instead of blame , will ( as they haue done ) loue me for the same . you are decein'd , if the bohemian state you thinke i touch ; or the palatinate : or that this ought of eighty-eight containes ; the powder-plot , or any thing of spaines : that their ambassador neede question me , or bring me iustly for it on my knee . the state of those occurrences i know too well ; my raptures that way to bestow . nor neede you doubt , but any friend you haue , may play the foole , and if he list the knaue , for ought here written : for it is not such as you suppose ; nor what you feare so much . if i had beene dispos'd to satyrize , would i haue tam'd my numbers in this wise ? no : i haue furies that lye ty'de in chaines . bold ( english-mastiue-like ) aduentrons straines : who fearelesse dare on any monster flye , that weares a body of mortality . and i had let them loose , if i had list , to play againe the sharpe-fangd satyrist . that therefore you no more mis-title this , i say , it is my motto ; and it is . i 'le haue it so : for , if it please not me ; it shall not be a satyr , though it be . what is 't to you ( or any man ) if i , this little poem terme as foolishly , as some doe their children ? is it not , mine owne minerua , of my braines begot ? for ought i know , i neuer did intrude , to name your whelps ; and if you be so rude , to meddle with my kitling ( though in sport ) 't is odds , but shee 'l goe neere to scratch you for 't . play with your monkey then , and let it lye : or ( if you be not angry ) take it pray , and read it ouer . — — so ; the critick's gone , who at these numbers carpt ; and we alone : proceede we to the matter . — nec habeo , nec careo , nec curo . some hauing seene , where i this motto w●it beneath my picture ; askt , what meaned it . and many in my absence , doe assay , what by these words , they best coniecture may : some haue supposed , that it doth expresse , an vnaduised , desperate carelesnesse . some others doe imagine , that i meant in little , to set forth a great content . some , on each member of the sentence dwell : and ( first ) will , what i haue not , seeme to tell : what things i want not , they will next declare : and then they gesse , for what i doe not care . but that they might not from my meaning err , i 'le now become my owne interpreter . some things i haue , which here i will not show ; some things i want , which you shall neuer know : and sometime i ( perchance ) doe carefull grow ; but we , with that , will nothing haue to doe . if good occasion be thereof to speake ; another time , we may the pleasure take . that , which to treat of , i now purpose ( therefor , ) is what i neither haue , nor want , nor care for . nec habeo . and first ; that no man else may censure me , for vaunting what belongeth not to me : heare what i haue not ; for , i 'le not deny to make confession of my pouerty . i haue not of my selfe the powre , or grace , to be , or not to be ; one minute space . i haue not strength another word to write ; or tell you what i purpose to indite : or thinke out halfe a thought , before my death , but by the leaue of him that gaue me breath . i haue no natiue goodnesse in my soul ; but i was ouer all corrupt and foul : and till another cleans'd me , i had nought that was not stain'd within me : not a thought . i haue no propper merrit ; neither will , or to resolue , or act but what is ill . i haue no meanes of safety , or content , in ought which mine owne wisedome can inuent . nor haue i reason to be desperate tho : because for this a remedy i know . i haue no portion in the world like this , that i may breath that ayre , which common is : nor haue i seene within this spacious round ; what i haue worth my ioy or sorrow found . except it hath for these that follow binn ; the loue of my redeemer , and my sinn . i none of those great priuiledges haue , which make the minions of the time , so braue . i haue no sumpteous pallaces , or bowers that ouertop my neighbours with their towrs . i haue no large demeanes or princely rents , like those heroes ; nor their discontents . i haue no glories from mine auncesters ; for want of reall worth to bragg of theirs , nor haue i basenes in my pedigree ; for it is noble , though obscure it be . i haue no gold those honours to obtaine , which men might heretofore , by vertue gaine , nor haue i witt , if wealth were giuen me ; to thinke , bought place or title , honour'd me . i ( yet ) haue no beliefe that they are wise , who for base ends , can basely temporise : or that it will at length be ill for me , that i liu'd poore , to keepe my spirit free . i haue no causes in our pleading courts . nor start i at our chancery reports . no fearefull bill hath yet affrighted me , no motion , order , iudgement , or decree . nor haue i forced beene to tedious iourneys , betwixt my counsellors and my attorneys . ●e no neede of those long-gowned warriers , who play at westminster , vnarm'd at barriers : nor gamster for those common-pleas am i , whose sport is marred , by the chancery . i haue no iuggling hand , no double tongue ; nor any minde to take , or doe a wrong . i haue no shifts or cunning fleights , on which i feed my selfe , with hope of being rich . nor haue i one of these , to make me poore ; hounds , humors , running horses , haukes or vvhore , i haue no pleasure in acquaintance , where the rules of state , and ceremony , are obseru'd so seriously ; that i must dance , and act o're all the complements of france , and spaine , and italy ; before i can be taken , for a well bred englishman : and euery time we meet , be forc't agen , to put in action that most idle sceane . mong these , much precious time ( vnto my cost ) and much true-hearty meaning haue i lost . vvhich hauing found : i doe resolue therefore , to lose my time , and friendship , so no more . i haue no complements ; but what may show , that i doe manners , and good breeding know . for much i hate , the forced , apish tricks , of those our home-disdaining politicks : vvho to the forraine guise are so affected , that english honesty is quite reiected : and in the stead thereof ; they fu●isht home , vvith shaddowes of humanity doe come . oh! how iudicious in their owne esteeme , and how compleatly , trauelled they seeme ; if in the place of reall kindnesses , ( vvhich nature could , haue taught them to expresse ) they can with gestures , lookes , and ●guage sweet , fawne like a curtezan , on all they meet : and vie , in humble and kind speaches ; when , they doe most proudly , and most falsely meane . on this : too many falsely set their face , of courtship and of wisedome : but t is base . for , seruile ( vnto me ) it doth appeare , when we descend , to sooth and flatter , where we want affection : yea , i hate it more , then to be borne a slaue ; or to be poore . i haue no pleasure , or delight in ought , that by dissembling must to passe be brought . if i dislike , i 'ld sooner tell them so , then hide my face , beneath a friendly show . for he , ( who to be iust , hath an intent , needs nor dissemble , nor a lye inuent . i rather wish to faile with honesty , then to p●euaile in ought by treachery . and with this minde i 'le safer sleepe , then all our machauillian pollititians shall . i haue no minde to fl●tter ; though i might , be made some lords companion ; or a knight . not shall my verse for me on begging goe , though i might starue , vnlesse it did doe so . i haue no muses that will serue the turne , at euery triumph ; and reioyce or mourne , vpon a minutes warning for their hire ; if with old sherry they themselues inspire . i am not of a temper , like to those , that can prouide an houres sad talke in prose , for any funerall ; and then goe dine , and choke my griefe , with sugar-plums and wine . i cannot at the claret sic and laugh , and then halfe tipsie , write an epitaph ; or howle an epicoedium for each groome , that is , by fraud , or nigardize , become a wealthy alderman : nor , for each gull , that hath acquir'd the stile of worshipfull . i cannot for reward adorne the hearse , of some old rotten miser , with my verse : nor like the poetasters of the time ; goe howle a dolefull elegie in ryme , for euery lord or ladiship that dyes : and then perplex their heires , to patronize that muddy poesie . oh! how i scorne , those raptures , which are free , and nobly borne , should fidler-like , for entertainment scrape at strangers windowes : and goe play the ape , in counterfeiting passion , when there 's none , or in good earnest , foolishly bem●ane ( in hope of cursed bounty ) their iust death ; who , ( liuing ) merrit not , a minutes breath to keepe their fame aliue , vnles to blow , some trumpet which their blacke disgrace may show . i cannot ( for my life ) my pen compell , vpon the praise of any man to dwell : vnlesse i know , ( or thinke at least ) his worth , to be the same , which i haue blazed forth . had i some honest suite ; the gaine of which , would make me noble , eminent , and rich : and that to compasse it , no meanes there were vnlesse i basely flatter'd some great peere ; would with that suite , my ruine i might get : if on those termes i would endeauour it . i haue not bin to their condition borne , who are inclined to respect , and scorne ; as men in their estates , doe rise or fall : or rich , or poore , i uertue loue in all . and where i finde it not , i doe despise to fawne on them ; how high so e're they rise , for , where proud greatnesse without worth i see : old mordecay had not a stiffer knee . i cannot giue a plaudit ( i protest ) when as his lordship thinkes , he breakes aieast , vnles it moue me ; neither can i grin , when he a causeles laughter doth begin . i cannot sweare him , truely honourable ; because he once receiu'd me to his table ; and talk't as if the mases glad might be , that he vouchsased such a grace to me . his slender worth , i could not blaze on so , by strange hyporboles , as some would do . or wonder at it , as if none had bin his equall , since king william first came in . nor can i thinke true vertue euer car'd to giue or take , ( for praise ) what i haue heard . for if we peyze them well ; what goodly grace , haue outward beauties , riches , titles , place , or such ; that we , the owners should commend , when no true vertues , doe on these attend ? if beautifull he be , what honour 's that ? as faire as he is many a beggers brar . if we , his noble titles would extoll ; those titles . he may haue and be a foole . if seats of iustice he hath climb'd ( we say ) so tyrants , and corrupt oppressors may . if for a large estate his praise we tell : a thousand villanies , may be prais'd as well . if he , his princes good esteeme be in ; why , so hath many a bloody traytor bin . and if in these things he alone excell , let those that list , vpon his prayses dwell . some other worth i finde , e're i haue sense of any praise-deseruing excellence . i haue no friends , that once affected were , but to my heart , they sit this day as neare , as when i most endear'd them ( though they seeme , to fall from my opinion or esteeme : ) for precious time , in idle would be spent ; if i with all , should alwayes complement . and till , my loue i may to purpose show ; i care not wher'they thinke i loue or no. for sure i am , if any finde me chang'd ; their greatnes , nor their meannesse me estrang'd . i haue not priz'd mens loues , the lesse or more , because i saw them , either rich , or poore ; but as their loue , and vertues did appeare , i such esteem'd them , whosoe're they were . i haue no trust , or confidence in friends , that seeke to know me , meerly for their ends , nor haue i euer said , i loued yet ; where i expected more then loue for it , and let me faile of that where most i lou'd , if that with greater ioy i be not mou'd by twenty-fold , when i my kindnes show , then when their fauours they on me bestow . i haue not that vile minde ; nor shall my brest for euer , with such basenes be possest ; as in my anger ( be it ne're so iust ) to vtter ought committed to my trust in time of frien●ship : though constrained so , that want of telling it , should me vndo . for , whosoe're hath trust repos'd in me ; shall euer find me true , though false he be . i haue no lo●o countrey , prince or friend ; that can be more , or lesse , or haue an end . for whatsoeuer state they rais'd me to ; i would not loue them ; better then i do . nor can i hate them ; though on me they should heape all the scorne , and iniury they could . i haue no do●ing humor , to affect where loue i finde rewarded with neglect . i neuer was wit● melancholy fit oppressed in such stupid manner , yet , a ▪ that vngently to my friends i sp●ke ; o● beed to their contentment , did not take : nor haue i felt my anger so inflam'd but that with gentle speach it might be tam'd . i haue no priuate cause of discontent ; nor grudge against the publike gouernment . i haue no spight , or enu●e in my brest , nor doth anothers peace disturbe my rest . i haue not ( yet ) that dunghill humour , which some great-men haue ; who , so they may be rich , thinke all gaine sweet , and nought ashamed are , in vile , and rascall suites to haue a share . for i their basenes scorne : and euer loth'd by wronging others , to be fed or cloth'd , much more , to haue my pride , or lust maintain'd , vvith what , by foule oppression hath bene gain'd . i haue not bene enamor'd on the fate of men , to great aduancements fortunate . i neuer yet a fauorite did see so happy , that i wished to be hee : nor would i , whatsoe're of me became ; be any other man , but who i am . for , though i am assur'd the destiny of millions tendeth to felicity : yet , those deare secret comforts , which i finde , vnseene , within the closet of my minde : giue more assurance of true happines , then any outward glories can expresse . and 't is so hard , ( what shewes soe're there be ) the inward plight of other men to see : that my estate , with none exchange i dare , although my fortunes more dispised were . i haue not hitherto divulged ought , vvherein my words dissented from my thought . nor would i faile ; if i might able be , to make my manners , and my words agree . i haue not bene ashamed to confesse my lowest fortunes , or the kindnesses , of poorest men : nor haue i proud beene made , by any fauor from a great man , had i haue not plac't so much of my content , vpon the goods of fortune , to lament the losse of them ; more then may seemely be , to grieue for things , which are no part of me . for , i haue knowne the worst of being poore ; yea lost , when i to lose haue had no more , and though , the coward world more quakes for feare of pouerty , then any plagues that are : yet , he that mindes his end , obserues his ward , the meanes persues , and keepes a heart prepar'd : da●es , scorne and pouerty as boldly meete ; as others gladly . fame , and riches greet . for those , who on the stage of this proud world , into the pawes of want and scorne are hurld : are in the master-prize , that trieth men ; and vertue fighteth her brau'st combat , then , i no antipathy ( as yet ) haue had , twixt me , and any creature , god hath made : for if they doe not scratch , nor bite , nor sting , snakes , serpents , todes , or catts , or any thing i can endure to touch , or looke vpon : ( so cannot eu'ry one whom i haue knowne . ) i haue no nation on the earth abhord , but with a iewe , or spaniard can accord , as well , as with my brother ; if i finde he beare a vertuous , and heroick minde . yet ( i confesse ) of all men , i most hate such , as their manners doe adulterate . those lins●-woolsie people , who are neither french , english , scotsh , nor dutch : but altogether those , i affect not ; rather wish i could , that they were fish , or flesh , or hott , or cold : but none among all them , worse brooke i , then our meere hispaniolized english men . and if we scape their trecheries at home , i 'le feare no mischies , where so'ere i come . i haue not fear'd who my religion knowes : nor euer for preferment , made i showes of what i was not . for , although i may through want , be forc't , to put on worse ar●y , vpon my body ; i will euer finde , meanes so maintaine , a habit for my minde , of truth in graine : and weare it , in the sight of all the world : in all the worlds despight . i , their presumption , haue not , who dare blame , a fault in others ; and correct the same with grieuous punishments : yet guilty be , of those offences in more high degree . for , oh ! how bold , and impudent a face , ( and what vnmoued hearts of flint and brasse ) haue those corrupted magistrates , who dare , vpon the seat of iudgement sit ; and there without an inward horror preach abroad , the guilt of sinne , and heauy wrath of god ; ( against offenders pleading at their barr ) yet know , what plots , within their bosomes are ? who ; when ( enthron'd for iustice ) they behold , a reuerend magistrate , both graue , and old ; and heare how sternly , he doth aggrauate each little crime , offenders perpetrate : how much the fact he seemeth to abhor ; how he , a iust correction labours for ; how he admires , and wonders that among a people , where the faith hath florisht long such wickednes should raigne which ( he hath heard ) the heathen to commit , haue bin affeard . who , that obserues all this ; would thinke that he did but an houre before , receiue a fee , some innocent ( by law ) to murther there ? or else , from children fatherles to teare their iust inheritance ? and that when this were done ( as if that nought had beene amisse ) he could goe sleepe vpon a deed so foule ; and neither thinke on mans , or gods controule ? i haue not a stupidity so madd , and this presumption , i would no man hadd . i haue no question made , but some there are , who , when of this my motto they shall heare ; will haue a better stomacke , to pro●ure that i may check , or punishment endure , then their owne euill manners to amend : for that 's a worke , they cannot yet intend . and though , they many view ( before their face ) fal'ne , and each minute falling to disgrace ; ( for lesse offences farre then they commit ) without remorse , and penitence they sit . as if that they , ( and they all one ) had binne , without the compasse of reproofe of sinne . i haue no great opinion of their wit , nor euer saw their actions prosper , yet , who wedded to their owne deuises be ; and will nor counsell heare , nor danger see , that is foretold them by their truest friends : but rather , list to them , who for their ends doe sooth their fancies . and the best excuse ; that such men can , to hide their folly vse ; ( when all their idle proiects come to nought ) are these words of the foole . i had not thought . i haue not their delight , who pleasure take at natures imperfections scoffes to make . nor haue i bitternes against that sinne , which thorow weakenes hath committed bin . ( for i my selfe , am to offences prone ; and euery day commit i many a one ) but at their hatefull crimes i onely glance that sinne of pleasure , pride , and arrogance . i haue not so much knowledge as to call the arts in question ; neither wi● so small , to wast my spirits , those things to attaine ; which all the world hath labour'd for in vaine . i haue not so much beauty , to attract the eyes of ladies : neither haue i lackt of that proportion which doth well suffice to make me gracious , in good peoples eyes . i haue not done , so many a holy deed ; as that of iesvs christ , i haue no need . and my good-workes i hope are not so few ; but that in me a liuing faith they shew . i haue not found ability so much . to carry milstones ; yea , and were it such , i should not greatly vaunt it : for , in this , a scuruie pack-horse farr my better is . i loue his manly strength , that can resist his owne desi●es : force passage when he list through all his strong affections , and subdue , the stout attempts of that rebellious cr●we . this , were a brauer strength then sampson got : and this , i couet , but i haue it not . i haue not so much heedlesnes of things , which appertaine vnto the courts of kings ; but that from my low station , i can see a princes loue may oft abused be . for many men their country iniure dare at home ; where , all our eyes vpon them are , and ( of the worlds protector ) i implore , the trust abroad , be not abused more . i haue no brother , but of younger age , nor haue i birth-right without heritage : and with that land , let me inherit shame ; vnlesse i grieue when i possesse the same . the value of a penny haue i not , that was by bribry , or extortion got . i haue no lands that from the church were pild , to bring ( hereafter ) ruine to my child . and hitherto , i thinke , i haue beene free from widdowes , or from orphants cursing me . the spleene , the collicke , or the lythargy , gouts , palsies , dropsies , or a lunacy . i ( by inheritance ) haue none of these : nor raigning sinne ; nor any foule disease . i haue no debts , but such as ( when i can ) i meane to pay ; nor is there any man ( to whom i standingag'd by ought i borrow ) shall losse sustaine , though i should dye to morro● and if they should ( so much my friends they be ) their greatest losse the 'le thinke the losse of me . and well they know , i tooke not whatthey lent , to wrong their loues , or to be idly spent . except the deuill , and that cursed brood , vvhich haue dependance on his deuil-hood , i know no foes i haue ; for , if there be , in none , more malice , then i finde in me : the earth , that man ( at this time ) doth not beare vvho would not , if some iust occasions were ; ( eu'n in his height of spleene ) my life to saue , aduenture with one foot , into his graue . to make me carefull ; children i haue none ; nor haue i , any vvife to get them on ; nor haue i , ( yet to keepe her ) had i one ; nor can this spoyle my marriage being knowne . since i am sure , i was not borne for her , that shall before my worth , her wealth prefer : for , i doe set my vertues , at a rate , as high as any prise their riches at . and if all count , the venture too much cost , in keeping it my selfe there 's nothing lost . for , she i wed , shall some what thinke in me more worthy loue , then great reuenues be . and if i finde not one , of such a minde , ( as such indeed , are iewels rare to finde ) i le clasped in mine owne embraces lye : and neuer touch a woman till i dye . for , shall a fellow , whom ( the vsurer ) his father , by extortion did prefer vnto an heritage in value cleare , aboue foure times a thousand pounds a yeare , so worthily or so confident become ? ( by meanes of that his goodly annuall somme , which may be lost to morrow ) as to dare attempt a nymph of honour for his pheare ? shall he , that hath with those foure thousand pounds a gaming vaine ; a deepe mouth'd cry of hounds , three cast of hawkes , of whores as many brace , sixe hunting naggs , and fiue more for the race : ( perhaps a numerous brood of fighting-cocks ) physitians , barbers , surgeons for the pox ; and twenty other humors to maintaine ; ( beside the yearely charges of his traine ) with this reuenue ? most of which , or all to morgage must be set ? perhaps to sale to pay his creditors , and yet all faile to keepe his crasie body from the iayle ? shall this dull foole , with his vncertaine store ( and in all honesty and vertues poore ) hope for a mistresse , noble , rich , and faire ? and is it likely , that i can dispaire to be as happy , if i seeke it would ? who such a matchlesse fortune haue in hold ; that though the world my ruine plot and threat , i can in spight of it be rich , and great ? a silly girle , no sooner vnderstands , that shee is left in portion , or in lands ; so large a fortune , that it doth excell the greatest part , who neare about her dwell : but straight begins to rate , and prize her selfe according to the value of her pelfe . and though to gentry , nor good breeding born ; can all , that haue estates beneath her , scorn . this wit a woman hath : and shall not i , who know i haue a wealth , which none can buy for all the world ; expect a nobler phere then sutes vnto a hundred pounds a yeere ? shall loue of truth , and vertue make of me a match no better worthy , then is he who knowes not what they meane ? and doth possesse in outward fortunes neither more nor lesse ? haue i oft heard so many faire ones plaine how fruitles titles are ? how poore and vaine they found rich greatnes , where they did not find , true loue , and the endowments of the mind ? haue fayrest ladies often sworne to me that if they might , but onely mistresse be of true affection ; they would prize it more then all those glories , which the most adore : haue i obseru'd how hard it is to find a constant heart ? a iust and honest mind ? how few good natures in the world there are , how scanty true affection is ? how rare ? and shall i passe as true a heart away , as hath conceiu'd an honest thought to day : as if in value to no more it came , then would endeare me to a vulgar dame on equall termes ? or else vndoe me with some old rich croan , that hath out-liu'd her teeth ? i 'le rather breake it with proud scorne ; that dead ; the wormes may rifle for my mayden-head . i haue no loue to beauties , which are gone much like a rose in iune , assoone as blowne . those painted cabinets and nought within , haue little power my respect to win . nor haue i , yet , that stupid loue to pelfe . as for the hope thereof , to yoke my selfe with any female ; betwixt whom , and me , there could not in the soule , a marriage be . for whosoeuer ioyne without that care ; fooles , and accursed in their matches are ; and so are you , that either heare or view what i auerr ; vnlesse you thinke it true . i haue no meaning , whensoere i wed , that my companion , shall become my head . nor would i ( if i meant to keepe my right ) so much as say so , though that win her might . not though a dutchesse : for , the meanes i le vse to keepe my worth , though my reward i loose , yea , from a prison had she raised me , lord of her fortunes , and her selfe to be : i that respect , would still expect to haue , which might become her husband : not her slaue . and should i spouse a begger ; i would shew , what loue , and honor , to a wife were due . i haue not , yet , of any skorned binn ; who●e good opinion , i haue sought to winn . nor haue i ( when i meane to woe ) a feare , that any man , shall make me , willow weare . i haue not , eyes so excellent , to see things ( as some men can do ) before they be . nor purblinde sight ; which crimes farre off can mark● yet seeme , no faults , which are more neare me , dark . i haue not cares for euery ●ale that 's told : nor memory , things friuelous to hold . i haue not their credulity that dare , giue credit vnto all reports they heare . nor haue i subiect to their dulnes beene , who can bele●ue no more then they haue seene . i haue no feeling of those wrongs that be by base vnworthy fellowes , offerd me : for , my contentment ; and my glory lyes aboue the pitch , their spight , or malice flyes . i haue not neede enough , as yet , to serue : nor impudence to craue , till i deserue . i haue no hope , the worlds esteeme to get : nor could a foole , or knaue , e're brooke me yet . i haue not villany enough , to prey vpon the weake : or friendship to betray . nor haue i so much loue to life , that i would seeke to saue it by dishonesty : i haue not cowardise enough to feare , in honest actions ; though my death be there : nor heart , to perpetrate a wilfull sinne : though i with safety , large renowne might winne ; and for omitting it , were sure to dye , ne'r to be thought on , but with infamy . i haue not their base cruelty , who can insult , vpon an ouer-grieued man : or tread on him , that at my feet doth bow . for , i protest , no villany i know that could be done me ; but if i perceiu'd ( or thought ) the doer , without faigning grieu'd : i truely could forgiue him ; as if hee had neuer in a thought abused mee . and if my loue to mercy , i belye let god deny me mercy when i dye . i haue not that vnhappinesse , to be a rich mans sonne ; for he had trained me , in some vaine path ; and i had neuer sought , that knowledge which my pouerty hath taught . i haue no inclination to respect each vulgar complement , nor neglect an honest shew of friendship : for , i sweare , i rather wish , that i deceiued were ; then of so base a disposition be , as to distrust , till cause were giuen me . i haue no constitution , to accord to ought dishonest , sooner for a lord , then for his meanest groome ; and hopes there be it neuer will be otherwise with me . i haue no pollicies to make me seeme a man well worthy of the worlds esteeme . nor haue i hope , i shall hereafter grow , to any more regard , for saying so ; i haue no doubt , though here a slighted thing ; but i am fauorite , to heau'ns great king. nor haue i feare but all that 's good in me ; shall in my life , or death , rewarded be . but yet , i haue not that attain'd , for which those who account this nothing , thinke me rich : no● that , which they doe reckon worth esteeme ; to whom the riches of the min●e , doe seeme a scornefull pouerty . but let that go , men cannot prize the pearles they doe not know . nor haue i power to teach them : for if i , should here consume my gift of poesie ▪ ( and wholy wast my spirits , to expresse what rich contents , a poore estate may blesse ) it were impossible , to moue the sense of those braue things , in their intelligence . i haue not found , on what i may relie ; vnlesse it carry some diuinitie to make me confident : for , all the glory , and all hopes faile ; in things meere transitory . what man is there among vs , doth not knowe , a thousand men , this night to bed will goe , of many a hundred goodly things possest ; that shall haue nought to morrow but a chest , and one poore sheet to lie in ? what i may , next morning haue , i know not ; but to day , a friend , meat , drinke , and fitting clothes to weare ; some bookes and papers , which my iewels are ; a seruant and a horse : all this i haue , and when i dye , one promist me 〈◊〉 graue . a graue ; that quiet close● of content : and i haue built my selfe a monument . but ( as i liue ) excepting onely this ; ( which of my wealth the inuentory , is ) i haue so little ; i my oath might saue : if i should take it , that i , nothing haue . nec careo . and yet , what want i ? or who knoweth how , i may be richer made then i am now ? or what great peere , or wealthy alderman , bequeath , his sonne , so great a fortune can ? i nothing want that needfull is to haue ; sought i no more , then nature bids me craue . for ; as we see , the smallest 〈◊〉 , may as full as greatest glasses be ; though they much l●sse containe : so , my small portion giues th● full content to me ; in which he liues , who most possesseth : and with larger store , i might fill others , but my selfe , no more . i want not temperance to rest content with what the prouidence of god , hath lent ; nor want i a sufficiencie , to know ; which way to vse it , if he more bestow . for , as when me , one horse would easier beare ▪ to ride on two at once , it madnes were : and , as when one small bowle might quench my thirst to lift a vessell , that my backe might burst were wondrous ●olly : so absurd a thing , it were in me ; should i neglect a spring , ( whose plenty may a countries want supply ) to dwell by some small poole that would be dry ? if therefore ought doe happen in the way ; which on a iust occasion seeke i may : i want not resolution , to make tryall ; nor want i patience , if i haue deniall . men aske me what preserment i haue gain'd ? vvhat riches , by my studies are attain'd ? and those that fed , and fatned are with draffe for their destruction ; please themselues to laugh at my low fate ; as if i nought had got ( for my enriching ) cause they saw it not . alas ! that mole-ey'd issue , cannot see , vvhat patrimonies , are bestow'd on mee . there is a brauer wealthinesse , then what ; they , ( by aboundance ) haue arriued at . had i their wealth i should not sleepe the more securely for it ; and , were i as poore in outward fortunes , as men shipwrackt are ; i should ( of pouerty ) haue no more feare , then if i had the riches and the powers ; of all the easterne kings , and emperors . for , grasse though trod into the earth may grow ; and highest cedars , haue an ouerthrow . yea. i haue seene , as many begger'd by their fathers wealth ; and much prospe i y ; as haue by want mis-done . and for each one , vvhom by his riches , i aduanc't haue knowne ; i three could reckon , who through being poore , haue raisd their fortunes , and their friends the more . to what contents doe men most wealthy mount , vvhich i inioy not ; if their cares we count : my cloathing keepes me full as warme as their , my meates vnto my taste , as pleasing are . i feed enough my hunger to suffice : i sleep , till i my selfe , am pleasd to rise . my dreames as sweet , and full of quiet be : my waking cares , as seldome trouble me . i haue as oftentimes , a sunny day : and sport , and laugh , and sing , as well as they . i breath as wholsome , and as sweet an ayre ; as louing as my mistresse , and as faire . my body is as healthy ; and i finde , as little cause of sicknesse , in my minde . i am as wise , i thinke , as some of those ; and oft my selfe as foolishly dispose : for , of the wisest , i am none ( as yet ) and i haue nigh , as little haire , as wit : of neither , haue i ought to let to farme , nor so much want i , as may keepe me warme . i finde my liuer sound , my ioynts well knit : youth , and good diet , are my doctors yet . nor on potatoes , or eringoes feed i ; no meates restoratiue , to raise me , need i : n●r amber-greece , with other things confected , to take away the stinke , of lungs infected , i neu'r in need of pothicary stood . or any surgeons hand to let me blood : for since the rod , my tutor hurled by , i haue not medled with phlebotomy . as good as other mens , my senses be ; each limbe i haue , as able is in me . and whether i , as louely be , or no : t is ten to one , but some doe thinke me so . the wealthiest men , no benefits possesse , but i haue such ; or better , in their place . as they my low condition , can contemne ; so , i know how to fling a scorne at them . my fame , is yet as faire , and flies as farre , as some mens , that with titles laden are . yea , by my selfe much more i haue attain'd , then many , haue with helpe of others gain'd . and my esteeme , i will not change for their , whose for unes are ten thousand more a yeare . nor want i so much grace , as to confesse ; that god is author of this happinesse . i want not so much iudgement , as to see there must twixt men and men , a difference be , and i , of those in place , account doe make , ( though they be wicked ) for good orders sake . but i could stoope to serue them at their feet , where old nobility , and vertue meet . to finde mine owne defects , i want not sense : nor want i will to grieue , for my offence . to see my friend misdoe , i want not eyes ; nor loue , to couer his infirmities . i want not spirit , if i once but know the way be iust , and noble that i goe . my mind 's as great as theirs that greatest are ; yet , i can make it fit the clothes i weare . and whether i ascend , or lower fall : i want not hope , but i preserue it shall . i want no slanders ; neither want i braine , to scorne the rascall humors , of the vaine and giddy multitude , and ( trust me ) they so farre vnable are to talke away my resolution ; that no more it feares the worst their ignorance , or malice dares : then doth the moone , when doggs and birds of night , doe barking stand , or whooting at her light . and if this mischiefe , no way shun i could , but that they praise me , or dispraise me would : i rather wish , their tongues should blast my name ; then be beholding to them for my fame . i want nor wit , nor honesty enough to keepe my hand , from such base rascall stuffe , as if a libell : for , although i shall sometime let flye , at vice in generall , i spare particulers ; no● shall a knaue in my lines liue , so much as shame to haue . but in his owne corruption , dye , and ro●t ; that all his memory may be forgot . i want not so much knowledge , as to know , true wisedome , lies not in a glorious 〈◊〉 of humane learning ; or in being able to ●e authority innumerable . nor in a new inuention . but that man , who make good vse of eu'ry creature can : and from all things , that happen well , or ill , contentment drawes ; ( and keepes a conscience still , to witnesse his endeauors to be good ) that man is wisest ; though he vnderstood the language of no countrey but his owne , nor euer had he vse of lette●s knowne . to make faire shewes , of honesty and arts ; of knowledge and religion , are the parts this age doth striue to play : but few there are , who truly are the same they doe appeare . and this is that , which daily makes vs see so many , whom we honest thought to be , and wise , and learned , ( while some sceanes doe last ) proue fooles , and knaucs , before their act be past . i want not sense , of those mens miseries ; who lul'd asleepe in their prosperities must shortly fall ; and with a heauy eye behold their pompe , and pleasures vanish by : and how that mistresse they so doted on ( their proud vaine-glory ) will with scorne be gon . i feele me thinkes with what a drooping heart , they , and their idle hopes , begin to part : and with what mighty burth●ns of vnrest their poore distemperd soules , will be opprest . how much they will repent i doe foresee ; how much confused , and asham'd they 'l be , and as i praise their doome ; eu'n so i pray , their shame , and sorrow , worke their comfort may . i want not much experiment , to show that all is good god pleaseth to bestow ; ( what shape soeuer he doth maske it in ) for all my former cares , my ioyes haue bin : and i haue trust , that all my woes to come , will bring my soule , eternall comforts home . i doe not finde , within me , other feares ; then what to men , of all degrres appeares . i haue a conscience that is cleane within ; for , ( though i guilty am of many a sinne ) a kinde redeemer , i haue found , and he his righteousnes imputeth vnto me . the greatest , haue no greatnes , more then i , in bearing out a want , or misery . i can aswell , to passion set a bound : i brooke aswell the smarting of a wound . aswell endure i , to be hunger-bit ; aswell can wrestle , with an ague-fit . my eyes can wake as long as their i 'me sure ; and as much cold , or heat i can endure . yea , let my dearest friends excused be , from heaping scorne , or iniuries on me ; ( come all the world ) and i my heart can make , to brooke as much , before it shrinke , or breake as theirs , that doe the noblest titles were ; and slight as much their frown that might'st are . for , if in me at any time appeare , a bashfulnes ( which some mistitle , feare ) it is in doubt , least i through folly may some things vnfitting me ; or doe , or say : but not that i am fearefull to be shent ; for dread of men , or feare of punishment . and yet , no faults i want ; nor want in me , affections which in other men there be . asmuch i hate an inciuility ; asmuch am taken with a courtesie ; asmuch abhorr i , brutish vanities ; asmuch allow i , christian liberties ; assoone an iniury , i can perceiue ; and with as free a heart , i can forgiue . my hand in anger , i as well can stay ; and i dare strike as stout a man as they ; and when i know , that i amisse haue done ; i am as much asham'd as any one . if my afflictions , more then others be : i haue more comforts , to keepe heart in me . i haue a faith will carry me on high : vntill it lift me to eternity . i haue a hope , that neither want , nor spight , nor grim aduersity , shall stop this flight : but that vndaunted , i my course shall hold , though twenty thousand deuils crosse me should . yet ( i confesse ) in this my pilgrimage , i like some infant am , of tender age ; for , as the childe , who from his father hath strai'd in some groue , through many a crooked path : is sometime hopefull , that he findes the way ; and sometime doubtfull , he runs more astray . sometime , with faire , and easie paths , doth meet ; sometime with rougher tracts , that stay his feet . here runnes , there goes , and you amazed stayes : now cryes , and straight for gets his care , and playes . then hearing where his louing father calls . makes haste ; but through a zeale il-guided , fall● ; or runnes some other way : vntill that he , ( who 's loue is more , then his endeauours be ) to seeke this wanderer foorth himselfe doth come , and take him , in his armes , and beare him home . so , in this life , this groue of ignorance ; as to my homeward , i my selfe aduance ; sometime aright , and sometime wrong i goe ; sometime , my pace is speedy , sometime slow ; sometime i stagger , and sometime i fall : sometime i sing , sometime for helpe i call . one while , my wayes are pleasant vnto me ; another while , as full of cares they be : now , i haue courage , and doe nothing feare , anon , my spirits halfe deiected are . i doubt , and hope , and doubt , and hope againe ; and many a change of passions i sustaine , in this my iourney : so that now and then , i lost may seeme ( perhaps ) to other men . yea , to my selfe a while , when sinnes impure , doe my redeemers loue , from me obscure . but ( whatsoe're betide ) i know full well , my father ( who aboue the cloudes doe dwell ) an eye vpon his wandring childe doth cast : and he , will fetch me , to my home at last . for , of gods loue , a witnesse want not i ; and whom he loues , he loues eternally . i haue within my breast a little heart , which seemes to be composed , of a part , of all my friends : for , ( truly ) whensoe're they suffer any thing , i feele it there . and they no sooner a complaint doe make , but presently , it falls to pant , and ake . i haue a loue , that is as strong as fate , and such , as cannot be impair'd by hate . and ( whatsoeuer the successe may proue ) i want not yet , the comforts of my loue. these , are the iewels that doe make me rich ; these , while i doe possesse , i want not much ; and i so happy am , that still i beare , these riches with me : and so safe they are , th●t pyrats , robbers , no deuice of man , or tyrants powre , depriue me of them can . and were i naked , forced to exile ; more treasure , i should carry from this ile ; then should be sold ; though for it i might gaine , the wealth of all america and spaine . for , this makes sweet my life ; and when i dye , will bring the sleepe of dea●h on quietly . yea , such as greatest pompe , in life time haue ; shall finde no warmer lodging , in their graue . besides ; i want not many things they need , who me in outward fortunes doe exceed . i want no guard , or coate of musket proofe ; my innocence , is guardian strong enough . i want no title ; for , to be the sonne , of the almighty ; is a glorious one : i want no followers : for , through faith i see a troup of angels , still attending me . through want of friendship , need i not repine , for god and goodmen , are still friends of mine . and when i iourney to the north , the east , the pleasant south , or to the fertile west ; i cannot want for profferd courtesies , as farre as our great-britaines empire lies . in euery shire , and corner of the land , to welcome me , doe houses open stand , of best esteeme : and strangers to my face , haue thought me worth the feasting , & more grac● then i will boast of : lest you may suspect , that i those glories ( which i scorne ) affect . of my acquaintance were a thousand glad , and sought it , though not wealth , nor place i had , for their aduantage , and , if some more high , ( who on the multitudes of friends relye ) had but a fortune equall vnto me , their troupe of followers would as slender be : and those mong whom , they now esteeme haue wo● , would scarsely thinke them , worth the looking on . i want no office ; for ( though none be voyde ) a christian findes , he may be still employd . i want no pleasures , for i pleasures make , what euer god is pleasd , i vndertake . companions want i not , for know , that i , am one , of that renown'd societie : which by the name we carry , first was knowne , at antioch , so many yeares agone . and greatest kings , themselues haue happy thought tho●●o this noble order , they were brought . i want not armes , to sit me for the field ; my prayers , are my sword ; my faith , my shield : by which , ( how ere you prize them ) i haue got , vnwounded , ●horow twenty thousand shot . and with these armes , i heauen thinke to skale , though hell the ditch were , & more high the wall. a thousand other priuiledges more , i doe possesse ; in which the world is poore . yea , i so long could reckon , you would grant , that though i nothing haue ; i nothing want . and did the king , but know how rich i were ; i durst to pawne my fortunes , he would sweare , that were he not the king ; i had beene hee , whom he ( of all men ) would haue wisht to be . nec curo . then , to vouchsafe me yet more fauour here ; he that supplies my want , hath tooke my care. and when to barre me ought , he sees it fit , he doth infuse a minde to sleight at it . why , if he all thinges needfull doth bestow , should i for what i haue not , carefull grow ? low place i keepe ; yet to a greatnesse borne , which doth the worlds affected greatnesse scorne : i doe disdaine her glories and contemne , those muddy spirits that delig●t in them . i care for no mans countenance , or grace , vnlesse he be as good , as great in place . for no mans spight , or enuie doe i care : for none haue spight at me , that honest are . i care not for that baser wealth in which vice may become , as well as vertue rich . i care not for their friendship , who haue spent , loues best expressions , in meere complement : nor for those fauors ( though a queenes they were ) in which i thought another had a share . i care not for their prayse , who doe not show , that in their liues , which they in words allow . a rush i care not who condemneth me ; that sees not what , my soules intentions bee . i care not though to all men knowne it were , both whom i loue , or hate ; for none i feare . i care not though some cou●tiers still preferre , the parasite , and smooth-tongu'd flatterer , before my bold truth speaking lines , and here , if these should anger them , i doe not care . i care not for that goodly precious stone ; which chymists haue so fondly dored on . nor would i giue a rot●en chip , that i were of the rosie-crosse , fraternity : for , i the world too well haue vnderstood , as to be gall'd with such a brother-hood . i care for no more knowledge , then to know : what i to god , and to my neighbour owe. for outward beauties i doe nothing care , so i within , my faire to god appeare : no other liberty i care to winne , but to be wholy free-ed from my sinne . nor more abilitie ( whilst i haue breath ) then strength to beare my crosses to my death . nor can the earth affoord a happinesse that shall be greater then this carelesnesse . for such a life i soone should careles grow , in which i had not leasure more to know . nor care i , in a knowledge paines to take , which doth not those , who get it , wiser make : nor for that wisdome , doe i greatly care ; which would not make me somewhat honester . nor for that morall honestie , that shall refuse to ioyne religion , therewithall . nor for that zealous seeming piety . which wanteth loue and morrall honesty . nor for their loues , whose base affections be , more for their lust , then for ought good in me : nor , for ought good within me should i care , but that , they sprincklings of gods goodnesse are . for many bookes i care not ; and my store might now suffice me , though i had no more , then gods two testaments , and therewithall that mighty uolume , which the world we call . for , these well lookt on , well in mind preseru'd ; the present ages passages obseru'd : my priuate actions , seriously oreview'd . my thoughts recald , and what of them ensu'd : are bookes , which better farre , instruct me can , then all the other paper-workes of man ? and some of these , i may be reading to , where e're i come , or whatsoe're i do . i care not though a sight of idle guls , ( with lauish tongues and euer-empty skulls ) doe let my better temperd labours lye ; and since , i termely make not pamphlets flie , say i am idle , and doe nothing now . as if that i were bound , to let them know , what i were doing ; or to cast away my breath , and studies , on such fooles as they. i much disdaine it : for , these blockes be those , that vse to read my verse like ragged prose ; and such as ( so their bookes be new ) , ne're care of what esteeme , nor of what vse they are . i care not , though a vaine and spungy crew , of shallow critickes , in each tauerne spew their drunken censures on my poesie , vntill among their cupps , they sprawling lye . these poore , betattered rimers ( now and then ) with wine and impudence inspired can some fustian language vtter , which doth seeme ( among their base admirers ) worth esteeme . but those base iuie-poets neuer knew , which way , a sprightly , honest rapture flew : nor can they relish , any straine of wit , but , what was in some drunken fury , writ . those needy poetasters ; to preferr their nasty stuffe to some dull stationer ; with impudence extoll it : and will tell him , the very title of their booke shall sell him , as many thousands of them ( wholly told ) as euer of my satyrs , haue been sold , yet , e're a tweluemoneth by the walls it lies , or to the kitchin or the pastry hies . sometime , that these mens rymes may heeded be , they giue ( forsooth ) a secret ierke at me . but so obscurely , that no man may know , who there was meant , vntill they tell them so . for fearing me , they dare not to be plaine , and yet my vengeance they suspect in vaine . for i can keepe my way , and carelesse be , though twenty snarling curres doe barke at me . and while my fame , those fooles doe murmur at , ( and vex themselues ) with laughing , i am fat . i am not much inquisitiue to know , for what braue action our last fleet did go : what men abroad performe , or what at home , who shall be emperour , or pope of rome ; what newes from france , or spaine , or turkey are ; whether of merchandize , of peace or warre ; whether mogul , the sophy prester-iohn , the duke of china or the i le iaphan , the mightier be : for , things impertinent to my particular , or my content i little heede ( though much thereof i know ) nor care i whether it be true or no. not for because i carelesse am become , of the neglected state of christendome . but , cause ( i am assur'd ) what euer shall vnto the church or common-wealth befall ; ( through sathans spight , or humane trechery , or our relying on weake policy ) gods promise to his glory shall preuaile : yea , when the fond attempts of men doe fayle , and they lye smoaking , in th●infernall pit ; then truth and vertue , shall in glory sit . those , who in loue to things that wicked are ; and those , who through cowardize and feare , became the damned instruments , whereby to set vp vice and falsehoods tyranny ; eu'n those shall perish by their owne offence : and they who loued truth and innocence , out of oppression shall aduance their head : and on the ruin●s of those tyrants tread . oh! let that truth and innocence , in me for euer vndefil●d preserued be : and let me liue no more : if then i care , how many miseries i liue to beare . for , well i know , i should not weigh how great , the perils are , that my destruction threat . nor chaynes , nor dungeons should my soule affright , nor grimmest apparitions of the night : though men from hell could of the deuill borrow , those vgly prospects , to augment my sorrow . but proue me guilty ; and my conscience than inflicts more smart , then bloody tortures can . and none ( i thinke ) of me could viler deeme ; then i my selfe , vnto my selfe should seeme . if good , and honest my endeauors be , what day they were begun ne're troubles me . i care not whether it be calme , or blow . or raine , or shine , or freeze , or haile or snow : nor whether it be antumne , or the spring ; or whether , first i heare the ●uckow sing , or first the nightingale : nor doe i care wh●ther my dreames of flowers , or weddings are . what b●ast doth crosse me , care i not at all ; nor how the goblet , or the salt doth fall ; nor what aspect the planets please to show ; nor how the diall , or the clocke doth goe . i doe not care to be inquisitiue , how many weekes , or months , i haue to liue . for , how is 't like , that i should better grow , when i my time shall tweluemonth longer know ; if i dare act , a villany and yet , know i may die , whilst i am doing it ? let them , whose braines are sicke of that disease ; be sl●ues vnto an ephem●rides . search constellations , and themselues apply ; to find the fate of their natiuity . i 'le seeke within me ; and if there i find , those stars , that should giue light vnto my mind , rise faire and timely in me and affect , each other with a naturall aspect . if in coniunction , there perceiue i may true uertue and r●ligion euery day : and walke according to that influence , which is deriued vnto me from thence : i feare no fortunes , whatsoe're they be , nor care i , what my stars doe threaten me ▪ for he , who to that state can once attaine , aboue the power of all the starres doth raigne . and he that gaines a knowledge wherewithall , he is prepard for whatsoe're may fall : in my conceit is farre a happier man , then such , as but foretell mis-fortunes can . i start not at a friers prophecy , or those with which we merlin doe bely . nor am i frighted with the sad relation , of any neare-approaching alteration . for things haue euer changd , and euer shall , vntill there be a change run ouer all. and he that beares an honest heart about him , needes neuer feare , what changes be without him . the easterne kingdomes , had their times to flor●sh the grecian empire rising , saw them perish ; that fell and then the roman pride began ; now scourged by the race of ottoman . and if the course of things around must run , till they haue ending , where they first begun , what is 't to me ? who peraduenture must , ere that befall , lie moulther'd into dust . what if america's large tract of ground , and all those iles adioyning , lately found ? ( which we more truely may a desert call , then any of the worlds more ciuill pale . ) what then ? if there the wildernesse doe lye , to which the woman , and her s●xe must flie , to scape the dragons furie ; and there bide , till europes thankelesse nations ( full of pride , and all abomination ) scourged are , with barbarisme as their neighbours were ? if thus god please to doe ; and make our sin the cause of bringing o her peoples in , his church to be ( as once he pleased was , the gentiles calling should be brought to passe , the better , by the iewish vnbeliefe , ) why , should his pleasure be my care , or griefe ? oh! let his name and church more glorious grow ; although my ruine helpe to make it so . so i , my duty in my place haue done , i care not greatly , what succeed theron : for sure i am , if i can pleased be , with what god wills ; all shall be well for me . i hate , to haue a thought o're ▪ serious spent , in things meere triuiall , or indifferent . when i am hungry , so i get a dish , i care not , whether it be flesh or fish ; or any thing , so wholsome foode it be : nor care i , whether you doe carue to me , the head , the tayle , the wing , the legge , or none ; for , all i like , and all can let alone . i care not , at your table where i sit ; nor should i thinke i were disgrac●t in it , ( so much as you ) if i should thence in skoffe , to feed among your groomes be turned off . for i am sure that no affront can blot , his reputation , that deserues it not . to be o're curious , i doe not professe ; nor euer car'd i , for vncleanlinesse . for i ne're loued that phylosophy , which taught men to be rude and slouenly . i care not what you weares , or you , or he , nor of what fashion my next clothes shall be , yet to be singular in antique fashions , i hold as vaine , as apish imitations , of each phantastique garb our gallants weare : for some , as fondly proud conceited are , to know , that the beholder , taketh note , how they still keepe their grandsires iusset coate : as is the proudest lady , when that she hath all the fashions , that last extant be . i care for no more credit , then will serue , the honour of the vertuous to preserue : for , if the showes of honesty in me , to others vertues , would no blemish be ; ( nor make them deemed hypocrites ) if i should falsly be accus'd of villany : sure , whether i were innocent , or no ; i should not thinke the world , worth telling so , because to most men , nothing bad doth seeme , nor nothing vertuous ; but as vnto them , occasion makes it good , or ill appeare . yea , foulest crimes , while they vnpunisht are : or bring in profit , no disgrace are thought ; and truest vertues , poore , are set at naught . i care for no more pleasures then will make , the way which i intend to vndertake , so passible ; that my vnwealdy loade of fraileti●s , incident to flesh and blood discourage not my willing soule from that , which she on good aduice , hath aymed at . i care for no more time then will amount , to doe my worke , and make vp my account . i care for no more money , then will pay the reckoning , and the charges of the day . and if i neede not now , i will not borrow , for feare of wants , that i may haue to morrow . what kings , and states-men meane ; i doe not care ; nor will i iudge , what their intentions are : for priuate censures , helpe not any way , but iniure them in their proceedings may . yet , princes ( by experience ) we haue seene , by those they loue , haue greatly wronged been . their too much trust , doth often danger breed . and serpents in their royall bosoms feed . for , all the fauours , gifts and places , which should honour them ; doe but these men enrich . with those , they further their owne priuate ends : their faction strengthen , gratifie their friends : gaine new associates , daily to their parts , and from their soueraigne , steale away the hearts , of such as are about them ; for those be their creatures ; and but rarely , thankes hath he , because the grants of pension , and of place ; are taken as their fauors , not his grace . and ( which is yet a greater wickednesse ) when these the loyall subiects doe oppresse , and grind the faces of the poore , aliue ; they 'le doe it , by the kings prerogatiue . they make him patron of their villany ; and when he thinkes they serue him faithfully , secure him in their loues , and all things do , according both to law and conscience to ; by vertue of his name , they perpetrate a world of mischiefes : they abuse the state ; his truer-hearted seruants , they displace ; bring their debauched followers into grace ; his coffers rob ; yea ( worser farre they vse him ) the true affections of his people loose him : and make those hearts ( which did in him belieeue , all matchlesse vertues ) to suspect , and grieue . now , ( by that loyaltie i owe my prince ) this of all treason , is the quintessence . a treason so abhorred , that to me , no treachery could halfe so odious be . not though my death they plotted ; for more deare , my honor , and my friends affections are then twenty kingdomes , and ten thousand liues . and , whosoeuer , me of that depriues : i find it would , a great deale harder be , to moue my heart to pardon ; then if he conspired had , ( when i least thought the same ) to root out my posterity and name . who next in court shall fall , i doe not care : for , my delights , in no mans ruines are . nor meane i , to depend on any , so , that his disgrace shall be my ouerthrow . i care as little , who shall next arise ; for none of my ambition that way lyes . those rising starres , would neuer deigne to shine , on any good endeauour , yet , of mine . nor can i thinke there shall hereafter be , a man amongst them , that will fauour me. for , i a scourge doe carry , which doth feare them , and loue too much plaine-dealing , to be neare them . if my experience teach me any thing , i care not old antiquities to bring ; but can as well belieue it to be so , as if t were writ , three thousand yeeres ago . and where i find good ground for my assent , i 'le not be halter'd to a president . if men speake reason , t is all one to me , whether their tenent , aristotles be ; or some barbarian● , who scarce heard of yet ; so much as with what names the arts we fit . or whether , for an author you infer , some foole , or some renown'd philosopher . in my religion , i dare entertaine , no fancies hatched in mine owne weake braine ; nor priuate spirits : but , am ruled by the scriptures ; and that church authoritie , which with the ancient faith doth best agree , but new opinions will not downe with me . when i would learne , i neuer greatly care , so truth they teach me , who my teachers were . in points of faith i looke not on the man ; nor beza , caluin . neither luther can more things , without iust proofe perswade me to , then any honest parish-clarke can do . the ancient fathers ( where consent i find ) doe make me , without doubting of their mind . but , where in his opinion any one of these great pillers , i shall find alone , ( except in questions which indifferent are , and such as till his time , vnmooued were ) i shun his doctrine ; for , this swayeth me , no man alone in points of faith can be . old ambrose , austine , ierome , chrysostome , or any father ; if his reuerence come , to moue my free assent to any thing , which reason warrants not ( vnlesse he bring , the sacred word of god to giue me for it ) i prize not this opinion ; but abhorre it . nay , i no faction gainst the truth would follow , although diuinest paul , and great apollo , did leade me ; if that possible it were , that they should haue permitted bin to erre . and whilst that i am in the right how wise , or learned . them , you thinke , that are not , i care not i care not , who did heare me , if i said , that he who for a place of iustice paid a golden inn-come , was no honest man , nor he that sold it : for i proue it can , and will maintaine it , that so long as those , and church-preferments , we to sale expose ; nor common-wealth , nor church shall euer be , from hatefull brib'ry , or damn'd schisme , free , i may be blam●d , perhaps , for speaking t●ing this ; but much i care not : for the truth it is . and were i certaine , that to blaze the same , would set those things ( that are amisse ) in frame . shame be my end but i would vndertake it , though i were sure to perish when i spake it . i care not for preferments which are sold , and bought ( by men of common worth ) for gold , for , he is nobler who can those contemne . then most of such , as seeke esteeme in them . i doe not for those ayrie titles care , which fooles , and knaues , as well as i may weare . or that my name ( when e're it shall be writ ) should be obscur'd with twenty after it . for could i set my mind on vulgar fame , i would not thinke it hard to make my name , mine owne name , purchase me as true renowne , as to be cald , by some old ruin'd towne . i loue my country , yet i doe not care , in what dominions my abidings are : for , any region on the earth shall be , ( on good occasion ) natiue soile to me . i care not though there be a muddy crew , whose blockishnes ( because it neuer knew the ground of this my carelesnesse ) will smile , as if they thought i raued , all this while . for , those the prouerb saith , that liue in hell can ne'r conceiue what 't is in heauen to dwell . i care not for those places , whereunto bad men doe sooner climbe then good men do : and from whose euer-gogling station , all may at the pleasure of another , fall . but oh ! how carelesse euery way am i , of their base minds , who liuing decently vpon their owne demeanes ; there feareles might enioy the day from morning vntill night , in sweet contentments : rendring prayse to him , who gaue this blessings , and this rest to them ; that free from cares and enuies of the court , they honor'd in their neighbours good report ; might twenty pleasures , that kings know not , trie , and keepe a quiet conscience , till they die ? oh god! how mad are they , who thus may do ; yet , that poore happinesse to reach vnto , which is but painted ; will those blessings shun , and bribe and woo , and sweate to be vndone ? how dull are they ? who , when they home may keep and there , vpon their owne soft pillow sleepe , in deare security ; would roame about , vncertaine hopes , or pleasures to find out ? yea , straine themselues a slippery place to buy , with hazarding their states to beggery ? with giuing vp , their liberties , their fame ? with their aduenturing on perpetuall shame : with prostituting neeces , daughters , wiues , by putting into ieopardy their liues ? by selling of their country , and the sale of iustice , of religion , soule and all ? still dreaming on content ; although they may behold , by new examples , eu'ry day that those hopes faile ; and faile them not alone , in such vaine things as they presumed on : but bring them also ( many-times ) those cares , those sad distractions , those dispaires , and feares ▪ that all their glorious guilding , cannot hide those wofull ruines on their inner-side . but , ten to one , at length they doe depart , with losse , with shame , and with a broken heart . i care not for this humor , but i had , far rather lye in bedlem chain'd and mad , then be , with these mens frantique mood possest : for there they doe lesse harme , and haue more rest . i care not when there comes a parliament : for i am no proiector , who inuent new monopolies , or such suites , as those , who , wickedly pretending goodly showes , abuses to reforme , engender more ; and farre lesse tollerable , then before . abusing prince , and state , and common-weale ; their ( iust deserued ) beggeries to heale : or , that their ill-got profit , may aduance , to some great place , their pride , and ignorance . nor by extortion , nor through bribery , to any seat of iustice , climb'd am i ; nor liue i so , as that i need to care , though my proceedings , should be question'd there . and some there be , would giue their coat away , that they could this as confidently say . i care for no such thriuing pollicy , as makes a foole , of morrall honesty . for , such occasions happen now and than : that he prooues wise , that proues an honest man. and howsoere our pr●iect-mongers deeme , of such mens fortunes , and of them esteeme ; ( how big soe're they looke ; how braue soe're , among their base admirers they appeare : though ne're so trimme , in others feathers dight ; though clad with title of a lord , or knight ; and by a hundred thousand croucht vnto ) those gaudv vpstarts , no more prize , i doe , then poorest kennell-rakers ; yea , they are things , which i count , so little worth my care ; that ( as i loue faire vertue ) i protest , among all honest men the beggerl'est , and most betatter'd pesant , in mine eye , is nobler , and more full of maiestie ; then all that braue bespangl'd rabblement , composd of pride , of shifts , and complement . let great and courtly pers'nages delight , in some dull gest●r , or a parasite ; or in their dry buffoone , that gracefully , can sing them baudy songs , and sweare , and lye ; and let their mastership ( if so they please ) still fauour more , the slauerings of these , then my free numbers . for , i care no more , to be approued , or esteemed , for a witty make-sport ; then an ape to be . and whosoeuer takes delight in me , for any quality that doth affect his senses better , then his intellect ; i care not for his loue . my dogge doth so ; he loues , as farre as sensuall loue can go , and if how well he lou'd me , i did weigh , deserues ( perhaps ) as much respect , as they . i haue a soule , and must beloued be for that which makes a louely soule in me ; or else , their loues , so little care i for , that them , and their affections i abhor . i care not , though some fellowes , whose desert might raise them , to the pillory , or cart , the stocks , the branding-yron , or the whip . ( with such like due preferment ) those doe skip ; and by their blacke endeauours purchase can , the priuiledges of a noble man. and be as confident , in what they doe : as if by vertue they were rais'd thereto . for , as true vertue hath a confidence , so , vice , and villaines haue their impudence . and manly resolution , both are thought , till both are to an equall tryall brought ; but vicious impudence , then prooues a mocke : and vertuous constancy , endures the shocke . though such vnworthy groomes , who t'other day , were but their masters panders to puruey the fuell of their lust ; and had no more , but the reuertion of their meat , their whore , and their old cloathes to brag of . though that these ; ( the foes to vertue , and the times disease ) haue now , to couer o're their knauery , got on the robes , of wealth , and brauery ; and dare behaue their rogueships sawcily , in preseuce of our old nobilitie : as if they had been borne to act a part , in the contempt of honour , and desart . though all this be ; and though it often hath discourag'd many a one , in vertues path , i am the same , and care not : for , i know , those butter-flies , haue but a time to show their painted wings ; that when a storme is neare , our habits , which for any weather are , may shew more glorious , whilst they shrinking lye , in some old creuise , and there starue and dye . those dues , which vnto vertue doe belong , he that despiseth , offers vertue wrong . so , he that followes vertue for rewards ; and more the credit , then the act regards ; ( or such esteeme as others seeke , doth misse ) himselfe imagines worthier then he is . if therefore , i can tread the way i ought , i care not how ignoble i be thought : nor for those honours doe i care a fly , which any man can giue me , or deny : for what i reckon worth aspiring to , is got and kept , whe● others will or no. and all the world can neuer raise a man to such braue heights , as his owne vertues can . i care not for that gentry , which doth lye in nothing but a coat of heraldry . one vertue more i rather wish i had , then all the heralds to mine armes could add : yea , i had rather , by my industry i could acquire some one good quality , then through the families , that noblest be from fiftie kings to draw my pedigree . of nations , or of countries , i nought care , to be commaunder ; my ambitions are , to haue the rule , and soueraignty of things , which doe commaund , great emperours , and kings . those strong , and mighty passions , wherewithall great monarchs haue bin foyld , & brought in th●all ; i hope to trample on . and whilst that they force but my body ( if i disobey ) i rule that spirit ; which would they constraine beyond my will ; they should attempt in vaine . yea , whilst they bounded within limits here , on some few mortals , onely domineer , those titles , and that crowne , i doe pursue , which shall the deuils to my powre subdue . i care not for that ualour , which is got by furious choller , or the sherry-pot . nor ( if my cause be ill ) to heare men say , i fought it out , euen when my bowels lay beneath my feete . a desperatenesse it is , and there is nothing worthy praise in this ; for i haue seene ( and you may see it to ) that any mastiue dogge as much will doe . he valiant is , who knowes the dis-esteeme , the vulgar haue , or such as cowards seeme . and yet dares seeme one , rather then bestow against an honest cause , or word , or blow : though , else he fear'd no more , to fight , or die , then you to strike a dogg , or kill a flie . yea , him i honour , who new wakt from sleeping , finds all his spirits so their temper keeping ; as that he would not start , though by him there , grim death , and hell , and all the deuils were . i care not for a coward , for to me , no beasts on earth , more truely hatefull be ; since all the villanies that can be thought throughout the world , and altogether brought , to make one villaine ; can make nothing more , then he that is a coward , was before . and he that is so , can be nothing lesse , then the perfection of all wickednesse . in him no manly vertues dwelling are , nor any shewes thereof , except for feare . in no braue resolution is he strong , nor dares he bide in any goodnesse long . for , if one threatning from his foe there come , his vowed resolution starts he from . and cares not what destruction others haue , so he may gaine but hope himselfe to saue . the man that hath a fearefull heart , is sure of that disease that neuer finds a cure . for take and arme him through in euery place , build round about him twenty walls of brasse . girt him with trenches , whose deepe bottoms lye thrice lower , then three times the alpes are hye . prouide ( those trenches , and those walles toward ) a million of old souldiers for his guard , all honest men and sworne : his feauer will breake in ( despight of all ) and shake him still . to scape this feare , his guard he would betray , make cruelly his dearest friend away ; act any base , or any wicked thing , be traytour to his countrey , or his king , for-sweare his god , and in some fright goe nigh to hang himselfe , to scape the feare to dye . and for these reasons , i shall neuer care , to reckon them for friends , that cowards are . i care not for large fortunes : for i find , great wants , best trie the greatnesse of the minde . and though i must confesse , such times there be , in which the common wish , hath place in me . yet , when i search my heart , and what content my god vouchsafe me hath ; i count my rent to be aboue , a thousand pound a yeare , more then it can vnto the world appeare . and with more wealth , i lesse content might find , if i with riches , had some rich-mans mind . a daintie pallate would consume in cheere , ( more then i doe ) an hundred pounds a yeere , and leaue me worse sufficed then i am . had i an inclination , much to game ; a thousand markes , would aunually away , and yet i want my full content at play. if i in hawkes or doggs had much delight , twelue hundred crownes it yearely waste me might ; and yet , not halfe that pleasure bring me to , which from one line of this , receiue i do . if i to braue apparell were inclind ; fiue students pensions , i should ye●rely spend , yet not be pleas'd so well , with what i weare , as now i am ; nor take so little care i much for physicke might be forc't to giue , and yet a thousand fold , lesse healthy liue . to keepe my right , the law my goods might wast , and with vexation tyre me out at last . these , and ( no doubt ) with these full many a thing to make me lesse content , more wealth might bring , yet more employ me to ; for few i see who owners of the greatest fortunes be : but they haue still , as they more riches gaine , more state , more lusts , more troubles to maintaine with their reuennues . that the whole account , of their great seeming blisse , doth scarse amount to halfe of my content . and can i lesse esteeme this rare acquired happinesse , then i , a thousand pounds in rent would prize ? since with lesse trouble , it doth more suffice ? no ; for as when the march is swift and long , and men haue foes to meet , both fierce and strong ; that souldier in the conflict best doth fare , who getteth armes of proofe , that lightest are : so i , who with a little , doe enioy as much my pleasure and content , as they . whom farre more wealth and businesse doth molest ; account my fortune , and estate the best . gods fauour in it , i extoll the more : and great possessions , much lesse care i for . i care not so i still my selfe may bee , what others are , or who takes place of me . i care not for the times vniust neglect ; nor feare their frownes , nor praise their vaine respect . for , to my selfe my worth doth neuer seeme ; or more , or lesse , for other mens esteeme . the turke , the deuill , antichrist , and all the rabble of that body-mysticall , i care not for ; and i should sorry be , if i should giue them cause to care for me . what christians ought not to b● carefull for ▪ what the eternall essence doth abhor , i hate as i am able ; and for ought which god approues not , when i spend a thought . i truly wish that from my eyes might raine , a shower of teares , to buy it backe againe . i care not for their kin , who blush to see , those of their blood , who are in meane degree . for , that bewrayes vnworthines ; and showes , how they by chance , and not by vertue rose . to say , my lord , my cousen , can to me ( in my opinion ) no such honour be ; ( if he from vertues precepts goe astray ) as when my honest kinsman ) i can say . and they are fooles , who , when they raised are ; faine their beginnings , nobler then they were . yea , they doe rob themselues of truest fame , with some false honor to belye their name . for , such as to the highest titles rise , from poore beginnings , nobler then they were . to honour and obserue them ( farre ) then all that doe succeed them , euer boast of , shall , for , being nothing more then they were borne , men heede them not ( vnlesse they merit scorne ) for some vnworthinesse . and then , perchance , as their forefathers meannesse , did aduance his praise the higher ; so their greatnesse shall , make greater both their infamy , and fall. it is mens glory therefore , not a blot , when they the start , of all their names haue got ; and it was worthlesse enuy , first begun , that false opinion , which so farre hath run . which well they know , whose vertues honor win , and shame not to confesse their poorest kin. for , whensoeuer they doe looke on those , to god they praises giue and thus suppose : loe ; when the hand of heauen , aduanced vs , aboue our brethren , to be lifted thus ; he let them stay behind , for markes to show , from whence we came , and whither we may goe . to haue the mind of those , i doe not care , vvho both so shamelesse , and so foolish are , that to acquire some poore esteeme , where they vvere neuer heard of , vntill yesterday , ( and neuer shall perhaps , be thought on more ) can prodigally there , consume their store : and stand vpon their points of honour so , as if their credit had an ouerthrow , vvithout redemption : if in ought they misse , vvherein th'accomplish gallant punctuall is . yet basely , eu'ry qualitie despise , in which true vvisdome , and true honour lies . if you , and one of those , should dine to day , t were three to one , but he for all would pay : if but your seruant light him to the doore , he will reward him : if but he , and 's whore , carocht a furlong are ; the coachman may , for sennight after , let his horses play , and yet , this fellow , whom abroad you shall perceiue so noble , and so liberall , ( to gaine a dayes , perhaps , but one houres fame ) mong those that hardly , will inquire his name . at home ( where euery good , and euery ill , remaines to honour , or to shame him still ) neglects humanitie . yea , where he liues , and needs most loue ; all cause of hatred giues , to poole , to racke , to ruine , and oppresse , the poore , the widow and the fatherlesse . to shift , to lie , to cousen , and delay , the lab'rer and the creditor of pay , are there his practises . and yet this asse , would for a man of worth , and honour passe , the deuill he shall assoone : and i will write , the storie of his being conuertite . i care not for the worlds vaine blast of fame , nor doe i greatly feare the trumpe of shame : for whatsoeuer good , or ill is done , the rumor of it in a weeke is gone . one thing put out another ; and men sorrow , to day , yerhaps , for what they ioy to morrow . and it is likely , that ere night they may , condemne the man , they pleased yesterday ? hand him next morning , and be sorry then , because he cannot be aliue agen . but , grant the fame of things had larger date : alas ! what glory is it if men prate in some three parishes of that we doe , when three great kingdoms are but mole-hils to , the earths circumference ? and scarce one man of twenty millions , know our actions can ? belieue me , it is worth so little thought , ( if the offence to others were not ought ) what mens opinions , or their speeches be ; that were there not a better cause in me , which moou'd to vertue ) i would neuer care , whether my actions good or euill were . though still vnheeded of the world , i spend my time and studies , to the noblest end ; one hayre , i care not . for , i find reward , beyond the worlds requitall , or regard . and since all men , some things erronious doe , and must in iustice , somewhat suffer to , in part of my correction . this i take ; and that i fauourd am , account doe make . i care not , though , there eu'ry houre , should be some outward discontent to busie me . and , as i would not too much triall haue ; so , too much carnall peace i doe not craue . the one , might giue my faith a dangerous blow ; the other would peruert my life , i know . for , few loue uertue in aduersitie ; but fewer hold it in prosperitie . vaine hopes ( when i had nought . but hopes alone ) haue made me erre : then whither had i gone , ( if i , the full possession had attaind ) when , but meere hopes , my heart to folly traind ? smoth waies would make me wantō : and my course must lye , where labour , industry , and force , must worke me passage : or , i shall not keepe my soule from dull securities , dead-sleepe : but , outward discontentments make me flie farre higher , then the worlds contents doe lie . i neither for their pompe , or glory care ; who by the loue of vice aduanced are . faire vertue is the louely nimph i serue ; her will i follow , her commands obserue ; yea , though the purblindworld perceiue not where , the best of all her fauours i doe weare . and , when great ui●es , with faire bayted hookes , large promises of fauour tempting lookes , and twenty wiles , hath woo'd me to betray , that noble mistresse ; i haue turnd away : and flung defiance both at them and theirs , inspight of all their gaudy seruitors . in which braue daring , i opposde haue bin by mighty tirants ; and was plunged in more wants , then thrice my fortunes would haue when our heroes did , or feare , or scorne , to lend me succour ( yea , in that weake age , borne , when i but newly entred on the stage of this proud world ) so that , vnlesse the king had nobly pleasde , to heare the muses sing , my bold appologie ; till now , might i haue struggling bin , beneath their tyranny . but all those threatning comets , i haue seene blaze , till their glories quite extinct haue beene . and i , that crusht and lost was thought to be ; liue yet , to pitty those , that spighted me ; enioying hopes which so well grounded are , that , what may follow , i nor feare , nor care . yet those i know there be , who doe expect , what length my hopes shall haue , and what effect . vvith enuious eyes awayting eu'ry day , vvhen all my confidence shall slip away . and make me glad , through those base paths to fly , vvhich they haue trod , to raise their fortunes by . they flout to heare , that i doe conscience make , what place i sue for , or what course i take . they laugh to see me spend my youthfull time , in serious studies ; and to teach my rime the straines of vertue ; whilst i might perchance , by lines of ribaldry , my selfe aduance to place of fauour . they make skoffes , to heare the praise of honesty ; as if it were , for'none but vulgar mindes . and since they liue in braue prosperitie , they doe belieue it shall continue : and account of me , as one scarce worthy of their scorne to be . all this is truth ; yea , trust me , care i not ; nor loue i vertue , ought the worse a iot . for , i oft said , that i should liue , to see my way , farre safer then their courses be , and i haue seene , nor one , nor two , nor ten , but ( in few yeares ) great numbers of those men , from goodly brauery , to raggs decline , and waite vpon as poore a fate as mine . yea those , whom but a day or two before , were ( in their owne vaine hopes ) a great deale more then any of our auncient baronage : ( and such as many wisemen of this age , haue wisht to be the men ) eu'n those , haue i seene hurled downe to shame , and beggery , in one twelue houres : and grow so miserable , that they became the scornefull , hatefull fablo of all the kingdome . and there 's none so base , but thought himselfe , a man in better case . this , makes me pleased with mine owne estate , and fearefull to desire anothers fate . this makes me carelesse of the worlds proud scorne , and of those glories , whereto such are borne . and , if to haue me , still kept meane and poore , to gods great glory , shall ought adde the more : or if to haue disgraces heapt on me ; ( for others , in their way to blisse ) may be of more aduantage , then to see mee thriue in outward fortunes , or more prized liue : i care not though i neuer see that day , which with one pinns-worth more enrich me may . yea , by the eternall dietie i vow ; who knowes i lie not , who doth heare me , now . whose dreadfull maiestie is all i feare , of whose great spirit , these the sparklings are , and who will make me , such proud daring , rue ; if this my protestation be vntrue . so i may still retaine that in peace , that loue and taste , of the eternall blisse ; those matchlesse comforts , and those braue desires , those sweet contentments , and immortall fires , which at this instant doe inflame my brest ; ( and are to excellent to be exprest . ) i doe not care a rush , though i were borne , vnto the greatest pouerty ; and scorne : that ( since god first infusde it ; with his breath ) poore flesh and bloud , did euer groane beneath . excepting onely , such a load it were , as no humanitie was made to beare . yea , let me keepe these thoughts ; and let bee hurld , vpon my backe , the spight of all the world , let me haue neither drinke , nor bread to eate , nor cloathes to weare , but those for which i sweat . let me become vnto my foes a slaue ; or , causelesse here the markes of iustice , haue ; for some great villany , that i nere thought , let my best actions , be against me brought . that small repute , and that poore little fame , which haue got ; let men vnto my shame hereafter turne . let me become the fable , a talke of fooles let me be miserable , in all mens eyes , and yet let no man spare , ( though that would make me happy ) halfe a teare . nay ( which is more vnsufferable farre , then all the miseries yet spoken are ) let that deare friend , whose loue is more to me , then all those drops of crymson liquor be , that warme my heart ( and for whose onely good : i could the brunt , of all this care haue stood ) let him forsake me . let that prized friend , be cruell to ; and when distrest , i send to seeke his comfort , let him looke on me , with bitter scorne , and so hard-hearted be ; as that ( although he know me innocent , and how those miseries i vnderwent , in loue to him ) he , yet deny me should , one gentle looke , though that suffice me could . and ( truly grieu'd , to make me ) bring in place , my well knowne foe , to scorne me to my face . let this befall me ; and with this , beside , let me , be for the faulty friend belide . let my religion , and my honestie ; be counted till my death hypocrisie . and , when i die , let till the generall doome , my name , each houre into question come , for sinnes i neuer did . and if to this , you ought can adde , which yet more grieuous is , let that befall me to ; so that , in me , those comforts may encrease , that springing be , to helpe me beare it . let that grace descend , of which i now , some portion apprehend : and then , as i already ( heretofore ) ( vpon my makers strength , relying ) swore , so , now i sweare againe ; if ought it could , gods glory further , that i suffer should : those miserie 's recited : i nor care , how soone they ceazd me , nor how long they were : for , he can make them pleasures , and i know ; as long as he inflicts them , will doe so . nor vnto this assurance am i come , by any apothegmes , gathered from our old , and much admir'd phylosophers . my sayings are mine owne , as well as theirs ; for , whatsoe're account of them is made , i haue as good experience of them had : yea , when i die ( though now they sleighted be ) the times to come , for them , shall honour me , and praise that minde of mine , which now perchance , shall be reputed foolish arrogance . oh! that my lines were able to expresse , the cause , and ground , of this my carelesnesse . that i might shew you , what braue things they be , which at this instant are a fire in me . fooles may deride me , and suppose , that this ( no more ) but some vaine-glorious humour is ; or such like idle motion , as may rise , from furious , and distempered phantasies . but , let their thoughts be free ; i know the flame that is within me , and from whence it came ; such things haue fill'd me , that i feele my braine , wax giddy , those high raptures to containe . they raise my spirits , which now whi●ling be , as if they meant to take their leaue of me . and could these straines of contemplation , slay to lift me higher still , but halfe a day : by that time , they would mount to such a height , that all my cares would haue an end to night . but oh ! i feele the fumes of flesh and bloud , to clog those spirits in me , and like mudd , they sincke againe . more dimly burne my fires ; to her low pitch , my muse againe retires : and as her heauenly flames extinguishtbe , the more i find my cares to burthen mee . yet , i beleeue , i was enlightned so , that neuer shall my spirit stoope so low , to let the seruile thoughts , and dunghill cares , of common minds , entrap me in their snares . for , still i value not , those things of nought , for which the greatest part , take greatest thought . much for the world i care not ; and ( confesse ) desire i doe , my care for it , were lesse . i doe not care , ( for ought they me could harme ) if with more mischiefes , this last age did swa●e ; yea such poore ioy i haue or care to see the best contents these times can promise me : and that small feare of any plague at all , ( or miseries ) which on this age may fall . that , but for charitie , i did not care if all those comming stormes , which some doe feare , were now descending downe : for hell can make , no vpro●re , which my peacefull thoughts may shake . i founded haue my hopes on him that hath a shelter for me , in the day of w●ath . and i haue trust , i shall ( without a maze , ) looke vp , when all burnes round me in a blaze . and if to haue these thoughts , & this mind known shal spread gods praise no further then mine owne : or , if this shall no more instructiue be , to others ; th● it glory is to me : here le● i● perish , and he ●led by , into obliuion euerlastingly . for , with this mind , i can be pleas'd ; ( as much ) though none but i my selfe did know it such . and , he that hath contentment , needs not care ; what other me● opinions of it , are . i care not ; though for many griefes to come , to liue an hundred yeare● , it were my doome . nor care i though i summon'd be , away , at nigh● to morrow-m●ning , or to day . i care not whether this , you read or no ; nor whether you beleeue it , if you doe . i care no● whether any man suppose all this from iudgement , or from rash●es flowes . nor meane i , to take care what any man , will thinke thereof : or comment on it can . i care not who shall fondly censure it ; because it was not with more m●thod writ : or fram d in imitation , of the straine . in some deepe grecian or old romane vaine . yea , though that all men liuing should despise , these thoughts in me , to heed , or patronize : i vow , i care not ▪ and i vow , no lesse , i care not who dislikes this carelesnesse . my minde 's my kingdome ; and i will permit , no other● will , to haue the rule of it . for , i am free ; and no mans power ( i know ) did make me thus , nor shall vnmake me now . but , through a spirit none can quench in me : this mind i got , and this , my mind shall be . to enuy. now looke vpon me , enuy , if thou dare , dart all thy malice , shoot me eu'ry where : try all the wayes thou canst , to wake me feele , the cruell sharpenes of thy poys'ned steele . for , i am enuy-proofe , and scorne i do ; the worst , thy cancred spight , can vrge thee to . this word , i care not , is so strong a charme , that he , who speakes it truely , feares no harme , which thy accursed rancor , harbor may ; or , his peruersest fortunes , on him lay . goe , hatefull fury ; hagge , goe , hide thou then , thy snakie head , in thy abhorred deu. and since thou canst not haue thy will of me : there ; damned fiend , thine owne tormentresse ●e , thy forked stings , vpon thy body turne ; with hellish flames , thy scorched entrailes burne ; from thy leaue carkasse , thy blacke sinn●wes teare , with thine owne venome burst , and perish there . nec habeo , nec careo , nec curo . a postscript . qvite through this iland hath my motto rung , and twenty dayes are past , since vp i hung my bold impreza : which defiance throwes , at all the malice of faire vertues foes . the good approue it ; and so crowne the cause of this my resolution , with applause : that such as spight it , dare not to appeare , in opposition to the challenger . their malice would enforce them ; but , it lyes oppressed yet , with fearefull cowardize ; for , they so arm'd haue found me , that they feare , i may ( in spight of all their enuy ) beare the conquest from them : and vpon the face , of their be-spotted fame , stick more disgrace . this , makes them storme in priuate , slander , raile , threat , libell , ryme , detract ; and to preuaile vpon my patience , try their vtmost art , but , i still mind my motto's latter-part , and care not for it : which more makes them cha●e ; and still the more they fret , the more i laugh . but , now their enuies haue so well conspir'd , that they haue 〈◊〉 the proiect they desir'd ; and tooke such course , that ( if their word you take ) shall mooue my choller , and my patience shake . forsooth , some rimers they haue hyr'd , to chew their rankor into balladry , and spew their blacke despight , which to a drunken note , they , in a hundred tauerns , haue by roate already belcht vnto that auditory , who are the fittest trumpets of their story . when their inuentions ( by the powre diuine of much-inspiring sacke and claret-wine ) are ripened to the highest ; then , they say the stationer expects it eu'ry day : and that he may a sauing bargaine make , ( a forehand ) doth his customers bespeake . but when these braine-wormes crawling forth you ( as pity t were , such wit should smotherd lie ) they will bewray the sires ; and mak 't appeare , spie that ignorance , and enuy parents were to that despightfull issue : so , that he who shall a rush the lesse , esteeme of me , for ought there writ : eu'n ( he ) is one of them , whose hate , and whose affection i contemne . the instruments they get to serue the turne , are those , that are vnworthy of my scorne : and if contend , or answere them i should ; it more might wrong me , then their riming could . as therefore , when an armed souldier feeles a testy curre , in vaine to gnaw his heeles ; he mindes not him : but spends his blowes vpon those churlish peasants , that did set him on . so ; i , that know these dogges doe but their kind ; well , let them barke , & f●arle , & spend their wind , till they grow weary . but , let them sit strong . that vrge them to it ; or i lay along their high top-gallant ; where each groome shall see how worthy scorne , and infamy they be . for , they who are their patrons are such foes , as i may somewhat worthyly oppose : and i le vnmaske them so , that you shall spie in them , detractions true anatomy . yea , whereas they haue by their malice , thought to haue on me their spightfull pleasures wrought ; i le from their censures , an occasion take to shew how other men a sport shall make at all detractions ; so , those slaues vndoe , who that base practise are enclin'd vnto . raile they that list : for , those men know not yet , what mind i haue ; who thinke the man that writ this motto , can be euer brought to feare such poore fond things , as idle carpers are ; nay rather , from those slanders they shall raise , i will aduantage gather for my praise : while they that in my shame would take delight , shal gnaw their flesh through vengance , & despight to see how i , vnmou'd their enuy mocke , and make of them this ages laughing-stocke . for , lest to haue preuailed they should seeme ; and so grow wise men in their owne esteeme : ( or , by their foolish brags , dishearten such , whose resolutions are not growne so much ) when i at leasure am ; for recreation , ●e merry make my selfe , to their vexation ; yet shall my mirth from malice be so free , that though i bitter to the guiltie be . it shall appeare that i in loue doe scourge them ; that of their foule corruptions i may purge them . and that it may be knowne how vertue hath a sting to punish , though not moou'd to wrath . but goe ; and for the pamphlet seeke about , for , yet ere night ( t is thought ) it will come out . yet , when you finde it ; doe not looke for there his wit alone , whose name you see it beare : ( for though you nothing can collect from thence , but foul-mouthd language , rime and impudence ) yet there expect , ( since t is the common cause of all crowe-poets , and poeticke-dawes , which i haue toucht ) that all the brotherhood , will lend their wits to make the quarrell good . for , to that purpose they are all combind ; yea , to their strong confed'racy are ioynd , that corporation , by whose patronage , such poetry hath flourisht in this age : and some beside , that dare not yet be knowne , haue fauour , to this goodly proiect showne . but , let them ioyne their force ; for i had rather ten millions should themselues against me gather● ( and blot and practise for my ouerthrow ) then be the conqueror of one base foe . for , as mine enemies encreasing be ; so , resolution doth encrease in mee : and if i must haue foes , my fates shall friend me ; if great and noble enemies they send me . but , whether on meane foes , or great i light , my spirit will be greater then their spight . an epigram , written by the author on his owne picture ; where this motto was inscribed . thus , others loues , haue set my shadow forth , to fill a roome , with names of greater worth : and me , among the rest , they set to show . yet , what i am , i pray mistake not , tho . imagine me , nor earle , nor lord , nor knight ; nor any new aduanced fauorite . for , you would sweare ; if this well pictur'd me , that such a one i ne'r were like to bee . no child of purblind fortun 's was i borne ; for all that issue holdeth me in scorne . yet , he that made me hath assur'd me to , fortune can make no such ; nor such vndo . and bids me , in no fauours take delight ; but what i shall acquire , in her despight . which mind , in raggs , i rather wish to beare , then rise through basenes , brauest robes to wear● part of my outside hath the picture showne ; part of my inside , by these lines is knowne : and t is no matter of a rush to me , how this , or that , shall now esteemed be . finis . verses intended to the king's majesty by george wither, whilst he was a prisoner in nevvgate, which being found written with his own hand, among his loose papers, since his commitment close prisoner to the tower, are now published, as pertinent both to his majesty, and to him. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) verses intended to the king's majesty by george wither, whilst he was a prisoner in nevvgate, which being found written with his own hand, among his loose papers, since his commitment close prisoner to the tower, are now published, as pertinent both to his majesty, and to him. wither, george, - . [ ], - p. [s.n.], london : . reproduction of original in huntington library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng great britain -- history -- puritan revolution, - -- poetry. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion verses intended to the king's majesty , by major george wither , whilst he was prisoner in nevvgate : which being found written with his own hand , among his loose papers , since his commitment close prisoner to the tovver , are now published , as pertinent both to his majesty , and to him. london , printed in the year , . verses intended to the kings majesty , by maj. geo. wither , when he was prisoner in newgate ; and found among other loose papers , written with his own hand . sir , though i neither of your grace despair , nor lack sufficient faith , to make a prayr in court : yet , wanting means to prosecute , i 'le trouble you at this time , with no suit ; but , treat of somewhat , that no more will cost , save labour , which i many times have lost , and , thereby , not been made a jot the worse , either in mind , in body , or in purse . when rebels did king davids flight constrain , and , god was pleas'd to bring him home again , they , who to drive him out , had forwardst been , made hast to joyn with those who brought him in . and , he , with god , in mercy so comply'd , that , not one man for that rebellion dy'd , in following absalom , who had contriv'd the treason , and well-meaning men deceiv'd . a traitrous child's life , that rebellion cost ; but , by our war , a fathers life was lost : and therfore , though some bloodshed that produc'd , in humane reason you may be excus'd , vvhom natural affection mov'd to shed the blood of some , by whom your father bled ; since you more mercy freely have bestown than davids , or your foll'wers would have shown . which much augments your honour : for , no jem so beautifies a royal diadem , as mercy , when it is enameled vvith justice , and with prudence riveted . i had presum'd a personal address long since ; but , difficult is an * access for such as i appear , who hazard blame , and disrespect enough , where i now am ; because , what conscience chargeth me withal , is by some judged to be criminal . in that regard , this paper must make way for gaining an admittance , as it may ; and will , i hope , presented be , by some vvho shall have entrance , where i cannot come . i am despoiled so of ev'ry thing , that nothing for a present i can bring except ( of grace ) your majesty shall please to daign acceptance to such gifts as these ; which ( though but mean , and in an homly dress ) vvill then illustrate your true worthiness , as amply , as the can did acceptation , of what may seem of greater valuation . i cannot write strong lines , with swelling words , vvhose elegancy scarcely room affords for sober sense ; nor muster up their names , whom history , and whom tradition fames for brav'st atchievements , since time first begun , and then say , you have all of them outgone ; as if my foolish words , might add unto your honour , more than your own deeds can do . or , as if any wise-man would give creed to what they in a flatring poem reade . it is not in the pow'r of any other by pen or tongue to clear up , or to smother your true deserts ; for , in your self that lies , vvhich either them beclouds , or dignifies . no other thoughts i entertain of you , but such as i may think , and you allow : yet , to extol your worth i shall not dare , till i know truly what your vertues are . for , though to flatrers all kings seem to be of like desert , they seem not so to me . i 'le serve you faithfully in what i may , and , as my king , love , honour and obey . i would conceal , not publish your defects , if i know any ; and give due respects to all your merits ; but , i will not own one line that praises them , till they are known : for , till i know , i give but what is due , i am a lyar , though my words be true ; since equally , both good and evil things , are famed of the best of men , and kings . a stranger likewise , you have been long time to most of your own subjects in this clime , and , i was never where i did behold your face , since you were two or three years old : vvhat good soever therefore i aver of you , i shall but seem a flatterer ; yea , you your self would think so , should i add those virtues , which you know you never had ; and , praise , which is ascrib'd to any one in that mode , is a little less than none . but , little credit also hath a poet , to celebrate your worth , when he shall know it , or counterpoize , or silence contradictions , since most esteem his writings to be fictions ; and you will be more honor'd , than in them , by these blunt lines , if they have your esteem . i therefore , so shall study to increase your honour , that i may not make it less ; and whatsoever i can say or do , ( although you give a countermand thereto ) i 'le say , and do it ; when i shall be sure your life , or peace , or honour 't will secure : and , if this be a fault , i do intend to be thus faulty , till my life shall end . i know , most royal sir , who 't is that saies , to please great men , deserves not meanest praise : i see how 't is approv'd , and what they gain who can that thriving faculty attain . yet , i shall wave their art , and will assay to do you honour in another way , by giving you occasion to express your justice , mercy , and your prudentness ; so that your self may make the world to see your virtues more , than words can say they be . to that end , much might in my case be shown ; but , rather for your sake , than for mine own is this address ; yea , rather to prevent what may be your harm , than my detriment . to tell our wants , or grievances , to kings , sometime , lesse remedy , than silence brings . i le therefore wave that too ; that no self-end may frustrate what i chiefly do intend . some , questionless , before your restoration contributed for your accommodation in true sincerity ; and some , no doubt , thereby to work their own salvation out ; and many a one , perhaps , like ziba sped , vvho merited no better than he did . some other would have done as much as they , but , neither had the means , nor knew the way ; and many , who against you then combin'd , are now , so truly of another mind , that , you in them are safe : for , love in such will much abound , who were forgiven much . i , who obeyed late preceding pow'rs compulsively ; now , willingly to yours profess allegiance ; and , as true as those will be , who of their truth make fairest shows . for , when i saw god on your side appear , i was reclaim'd by conscience , not by fear ; yea , i foresaw , and likewise did foretel ( to them who were in pow'r ) what since befell ; attending passively , what i expected , by providence divine would be effected : and my professed loyalty to you is not alone unquestionably true , but also , may appear to be more free from self-ends , than their loyalty can be in whom you most confide : for , they from bands exempted are ; have honours , goods and lands , pensions or offices , wherein you do protect them ; and , they have your favour too . but , all these wholly are to me destroy'd , and i by your protection have enjoy'd nought , save a dying-life , a living-grave , or that , whereof so small esteem i have , that , if my work were done , and god would say amen , i would resign my life this day . yet , so far am i from repining at my portion , or my seeming sad estate , that , in this posture i will serve as long , as to endure it god shall make me strong ; not doubting , but when all things come to proof , my suffrings will be much to my behoof : mean time , lest otherwise , my good intent to you , some causualty may prevent , i will , so far forth as my chain will stretch , ( and mine now shortned arm and hand will reach ) exhibit such expedients , as from time , and other herbs , i 've suckt within your clime ; and , wanting better gifts , will offer you this little cluster of those grapes , which grew upon my wither'd vine : for , though they are but sowre , your kingdom yeelds none wholsomer , if you shall seasonably press out the juice , and then assume it without prejudice . this time is critical ; the wayes be ruff , and many of those chariot-wheels fly off , by which your marches expedited seem'd , and lost advantages must be redeem'd , lest when you think that they are come to hand , your main expectances be at a stand , or , put so far back , that you may survive your hopes , and your own happiness outlive . i wish it otherwise ; and know it may be as i wish , if you the means assay , not giving ear to those , who will withstand your good , & that which god hath now in hand . i have discharg'd my conscience ; and so shall , vvhatever for so doing doth befall , in hope that will not wholly be dispis'd , which now shall be in faithfulness advis'd . to those men do not over-much adhere , who think all wisdom lies within their sphear ; for , honours , riches , and self-interest have made wise-men as brutish as a beast . heed otherwhile , what common fame doth say , aswel as what your courtiers whisper may ; lest you be ignorant of many things , whose cognizance is pertinent to kings . make no man your chief confident , but he that 's both discreet , and honest known to be ; lest he deceives your trust , and in the close destroyes your old friends , or begets new foes . let justice be your scepter , let your crown be mercy ; and , if you would keep your own , give that to others , which to them belongs , and free the poor and fatherless from wrongs : especially , your main endeavours bend to make and keep your sov'reign lord your friend . and if you would be setled on your throne , take care that his usurped be by none . enjoy your conscience , whatsoere it be ; so other men may have their conscience free ; and , hang me for a traitor , if thereby you then enjoy not more security , than what your strength by sea and land now gives , and all that humane policy contrives . let truth and error fight it out together , whilst civil peace disturbed is by neither ; which may be so provided for , that none shall justly be displeas'd with what is done ; nor you hereafter be ( for evermore ) disturbed , as you have been heretofore . if you neglect this , and i disobey , t will be with much grief , and no other way , but only passively , and whatsoever i suffer , will your welfare still endeavour . to be of this mind , thousands are believ'd , vvho are not into favour yet receiv'd : and whilst they are excluded ( though in peace they live ) suspitions daily will encrease ; and from their malice , who nor god , nor king , much care for , some ill consequence may spring , by which you may have trouble , and they blame , vvho shall be no way guilty of the same . your taking timely opportunities now offred ( and , of what before you lies ) may render you a blessed instrument , in making passage to that government vvhich tyrants fear ; more glorious make your throne than ever any king yet sate upon : and make your name a terror to all those vvho to that kingdom shall continue foes . herein i 've spoke according to my creed , wishing my just hopes may thereon succeed ; and that upon your heart it may work more , than what i 've spoke to others heretofore . but god's time is at hand ; within his pow'r are all mens ways ; yea , both your hearts & our ; and i will patiently submit unto vvhat either he or you shall please to do , not asking ( whatsoere i seem to want ) ought more , than you spontaneously shall grant : for , what i may expect , if you denie , so far as need shall be , god will supply . these words , when i was young , my motto were , ( thus english'd ) i nor have , nor want , nor care : so are they now i 'm old ; yea , somewhat more essentially than ever heretofore ; and thereof i will not abate one letter , till god and you dirrect me to a better . the liberty i covet to enjoy , is that which no man living can destroy . the wealth i aim at , is nor less , nor more , but to be well contented , rich or poor : and , if i had a mind my wits to strain , that i to earthly honours might attain , i should to no such common heights aspire , as now are objects of most mens desire ; or , to a stile of so mean consequence , as is an earl , a marquess , duke or prince ; or , to be call'd your cousin : for , no less vvould satisfie my large ambitiousness , but so much worth , at least , as did commend his loyalty , whom david call'd his friend , and wit enough to make a parallel of ev'ry traytor , with achithophel : or , show to you , the diffrence 'twixt the faiths of all your ziba's , and mephibosheths . for , then you should in very short time see , that no man more deserves esteem'd to be your majesties loyal subject than , geo. wither . newgate , mar. . . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e * ( non cuivis homini conting it adire corinthum . ) princibus placuisse viris , non ultima laus est . hor. epistol . . coram rege suo , de paupertate placentes , plus , poscente ferènt . hor : ibidem . [ nec habeo , nec careo , nec curo . ] ecchoes from the sixth trumpet. the first part reverberated by a review of neglected remembrances, abreviating [sic] precautions and predictions heretofore published at several times, upon sundry occasions, to forewarn what the future effects of divine justice would be, as soon as our sinnes were full ripe,if not prevented by timely repentance : most part of the predictions have been already seen or heard verified, both by the author yet living, and by many others, who observed at what times, in what manner, upon what persons, and in what places they were literally or mystically fulfilled : collected out of the said authors printed books, who conscienciously [sic] observed on what divine prophesies the said predictions were grounded, as also god's late frequent intermixture of judgments and mercies, to reclaim this generation. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) ecchoes from the sixth trumpet. the first part reverberated by a review of neglected remembrances, abreviating [sic] precautions and predictions heretofore published at several times, upon sundry occasions, to forewarn what the future effects of divine justice would be, as soon as our sinnes were full ripe,if not prevented by timely repentance : most part of the predictions have been already seen or heard verified, both by the author yet living, and by many others, who observed at what times, in what manner, upon what persons, and in what places they were literally or mystically fulfilled : collected out of the said authors printed books, who conscienciously [sic] observed on what divine prophesies the said predictions were grounded, as also god's late frequent intermixture of judgments and mercies, to reclaim this generation. wither, george, - . [ ], [i.e. ], [ ] p. imprinted in the year chronogrammically expressed, in this seasonable prayer, [london] : lord have mercie upon us [i.e. ] predominately in verse. running title: a review of neglected remembrances, &c. attributed to wither by wing and nuc pre- imprints. place of publication suggested by wing and nuc pre- imprints. a future "second part", alluded to on p. , was never published. errors in paging: p. misprinted ; p. - repeated in numbering only. reproduction of original in the huntington library. "the names of those printed books heretofore written by george wither, out of which this first part of this review of neglected remembrances ... was collected ...": p. [ ] at end. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng great britain -- history -- stuarts, - -- poetry. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion ecchoes from the sixth trumpet . reverberated by a review of neglected remembrances : abreviating precautions and predictions heretofore published at several times , upon sundry occasions , to forewarn what the future effects of divine justice would be , as soon as our sinnes were full ripe , if not prevented by timely repentance . most part of the predictions have been already seen or heard verified , both by the author yet living , and by many others , who observed at what times , in what manner , upon what persons , and in what places they were literally or mystically fulfilled . collected out of the said authors printed books , who conscienciously observed on what divine prophesies the said predictions were grounded ; as also god's late frequent intermixture of judgments and mercies , to reclaim this generation . the first part. matth. . . every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven , is like unto a housholder , who bringeth out of his treasure things new and old . imprinted in the year chronogrammically expressed in this seasonable prayer lord have mercie vpon vs. a preface to the following review , offering somewhat therewith considerable . this preface , and the following review , were not without good reason personated as written by a third person ; yet perhaps may make it questionable , whether they were done by the author of the books abreviated , or by another hand ; but that is not material : for , they express nothing save what may be by him justified in every circumstance ; and therefore it shall so pass . he was thirteen years old when queen elizabeth reigned ; and even at that time begun to observe both the works of god , and the actions ef men ; so continuing to do , from time to time , whereby ( with god's gracious assistance ) he was preserved from grosly falling into , and persevering in those sins whereto he was naturally prone ; and came into the world at a time which gave him such an experimental knowledg both of god and men , as he could not have had in many preceding generations ; for he hath lived to see eleven signal changes , in which , not a few signal transactions providentially occurred ; to wit , under the government of queen elizabeth , king james , charles the first , the king and parliament together , the parliament alone , the army , oliver cromwel , richard cromwel , a council of state , the parliament again , and now king charles the second ; during all which times , he lived in those places , and in such midling stations , between persons of the highest and lowest degree ; exercised in employments , which gave him opportunity to heed what was done , both by those who were above and below him . god had also bestowed upon him a faculty , which ( though it be despised , and he therewith but meanly endowed ) would not permit him to be altogether idle or silent ; for , it compelled him to a consciencious exercise of his talent , in that , which he thought required at his hand ; and to take all occasions from time to time happening , to commemorate , and offer to consideration , those things whereby god might be glorified , and his countreymen benefited in some degree ; which duty ( though not so well as he would ) he hath so well as he could prosecuted to this day . he begun very early , by expressing and publishing those conceptions which the affections and inclinations of youth had awakened in him ; endeavouring to season them with as much morality and piety , as subjects of that nature are capable of ; suiting them to capacities of young men , who delight to see their own natural passions represented as it were in a glass ; wherein , they not onely met with some better things then they looked for , but , with such notions also therewith mixed , as insinuated into their hearts that seasoning , which made them much delighted with his poems , and rendred him so generally known , that many thousands were desirous to peruse his future writings , and to take better heed of that , whereof else perhaps they had taken little or no notice , though expressed by a more elegant and learned author . it likewise encouraged him to assume all occasions to prosecute that , which might most redound to god's glory , and the edifying of men in faith and righteousness , though it were to his personal disadvantage in carnal concernments . and god hath given him comfort therein , carrying him on hitherto through all difficulties occurring , though by impartially discharging his conscience in such a mode as had provoked many powerful persons to prosecute him with indignation ; for , his frequent reproofs have been very offensive , notwithstanding they were in general terms onely , without personal aspersions , and with as much charity , and tender respect to every mans infirmities , and unwilling failings , as to his own . length of time hath given him so many several occasions to declare what he thought necessary or expedient , that his published poems and writings amount now to about a hundred , besides many never printed ; in which , though he hath exprest much to the same purpose ( in various forms and words ) yet the same or like occasions warrant the application of the same or like matter and words , as the practise of the holy prophets and apostles hath evidenced to be sometimes necessary . for , that medicine which operates not at one time , doth work effectually at another , on the same persons , or upon those of another constitution : meats also , variously dressed , are pleasing to their appetites , and well digested by their stomacks , who almost loathed them when often eaten cook't the same way . and so it is in this case . wherefore he hath endeavoured to put his matter into such a dress ( otherwhile in prose , and otherwhile in a poetical mode ) that it may suit with vulgar capacities , and not be despised by the most judicious ; mixing so far forth as may be decent , delight and profit , according to this old verse , et prodesse solent , & delectare poetae . his presuming to give counsel to them who neither desire it , nor care for his advice , hath much offended many , and made them heedless of that which might have prevented their sorrow ; but it hath pleased and benefited some ; and that makes him slight their proverb , which forbids coming to give counsel before we are called . and he hath nevertheless prosecuted the multiplying of doctrinal remembrances , exhortations , precautions and predictions , ( to prevent that which the neglect of them will produce ) until they amounted to that numerousness which appears in those books whereof this is an abridgment . and by considering upon whose promises and threatnings they are grounded , he hath not been affraid to predict conditionally those mercies aud judgments which are promised and menaced in those books here abreviated . and some will find , that which is not yet verified upon wilful delinquents , to be at last as truly fulfilled , as those which they have seen ; though the world hath made it one of her principles to believe and profess , that prophesying hath long time ceased ; because her wise men think as the apostle peter said prophane men would do in the later times , who scoffingly say , where is the promise of his coming ; for , since the fathers fel asleep , all things continue as they were from the creation , pet. . . indeed , prophesying is at an end , as touching saving-faith , or any new fundamental articles thereto pertaining . but , the spirit of prophesie , as foretelling what shall come to pass in relation to those mercies or judgments , which shall be the reward ef well-doing , and the punishment of evil-doers , in this life , is not taken away or ceased , as it hath been manifested in and by many , who have had in our dayes revelations of such things before they came to pass , and have been living witnesses of their predicting them before-hand ; as also of their being afterward fulfilled ; and in particular , of that judgment , whereby the glory of london was this year consumed , ( though that will not come into every mans creed : ) for , before the said fire , this author was informed by a credible person , ( who was afterward a great sufferer thereby ) of a vision representing such a conflagration in london as there befel soon after . he himself also , had confused preapprehensions of the like effect , when he sent forth his warning-piece to london , published , occasioned by a sudden fire in the night at lothbury , near the middle of that city , which then consumed the house of an eminent citizen , with all the inhabitants therein . dr. gell , a learned and conscientious preacher to this city , seemed also to have had the like impressions upon his heart , both by what he communicated to some friends in private , and by a printed sermon of his , preacbed before the lord mayor upon that text , mat. , wherein the coming of the son of man , is parallel'd with the coming of the flood in the dayes of noah . the same sermon contains a narrative ( which he averrs was attested by many witnesses ) to wit , that about two years before his preaching of that sermon , the sign of the son of man , even of christ on the cross , wounded in his hands and feet , and angels round about him , appeared at frankendale in germany , to the view of thousands , three hours together at mid-day . moreover it is credibly avowed , that a book was brought to be published a little before the said fire , fore-declaring what we have seen come to pass , and was refused by the printer , because not licensed ; and that the same printer being afterward busie to help quench the fire , and then seeing that same person passing by , told him , he suspected his hand to be in the kindling thereof : whereto the man answered , that had he been accessary to such a a wicked purpose or action , he should not have offered that to publication , whereby it might probably have been prevented ; adding these words , that ere long there would be a more dreadful execution by the sword , then that was by the fire ; ( which , whosoever that man was , or upon what ground soever he spake , it may probably come to pass ) and a famine follow that , if god should deal with us according to our demerits . this review is in the first place entituled , an eccho from the sixth trumpet ; because , it allusively reverberateth , and ecchoes , as it were , to what was predicted should come to pass between the sounding of the sixth and seventh trumpet , upon pouring forth the sixth viol , the sad effects whereof are partly felt at this day , by many who consider not from whence they proceed , that they might have been as effectual to make them happy , as they will also be to make them more miserable both here and hereafter . now if upon the whole matter it should be questioned ( as perhaps it may ) upon what warrantable grounds this author presumes this generation is guilty of such and so many provocations , as have rendred it liable to gods judgments conditionally predicted in his former writings ; he thereto answers , that beside his personal knowledg thereof acquired by long experience , ( and the witness which he believes the spirit of god beareth in his heart thereunto ) common fame is a good concurrent evidence ( especially in this case ; ) for , though in many things fame is a lyar ; yet in such cases as this , vox vulgi is vox dei , the voice of the people is the voice of god to their consciences , bearing witness against themselves , as justly meriting all the judgments predicted by his prophets , against such sinnes as they have committed ; and they alwayes carry in themselves ( though seldom heeded ) their accusation and sentence of condemnation . it is no marvel , if god's long-suffering is little regarded , whilst he is slow to wrath , and executes fore threatned plagues upon some persons and places with less terror and severity then upon some other , or upon the same persons at other times : for , now when they came thick , fell heavily and more dreadfully upon them , than heretofore , the greatest number are so far from being reformed ; that they grow more impudent malefactors , as it was predicted it would be in these last times , wherein they on whom the viols of wrath should be poured forth , blasphemed when they should have repented . but this excuses not those whom god qualifies for such services ( though they shall be bemired and rent in pieces by some ) if they shall not seasonably proclaim and reiterate precautions and exhortations as often as just occasions are offered ; and therefore this review of neglected remembrances , is thought pertinent at this time , though they were heretofore scoffingly termed prophesies , and will at this day be as little regarded by many ; and it is hoped also , this labour will not be quite lost , but have a kindly operation on those who are not hardned into a final impenitence by customary sinning , and wilfully despising god's judgments and mercies ; and that they may be likewise helpful to prevent the like obduracie in those who are not totally depraved . many who are forgetful or heedless of forewarnings , counsels and precepts , which concern their present duties , are so much enclined to listen after those predictions which presage their happiness or unhappiness hereafter , that , if the contrary were not apparent , it might probably be thought , they were less careful to secure their present , then their future enjoyments ; for , they rake together all predictions new and old , which have a show of presaging that which they fear or hope for ; entertaining each other at their meeting-places , with mutual repetitions of what they last heard to such purposes , how frivolous or improbable soever . this vanity , the seducer of mankind , and the deceitfulness of mens hearts , makes use of to divert the prosecution of their duties to god , to themselves , and to other men ; and to frustrate those rational and seasonable predictions and precautions , which might have prevented the greatest plagues conditionally menaced by the most holy prophets . by delighting more to hear what is to come , then what men ought to do ; they seem to think all good counsels and endeavours less pertinent to their cognizance and practise , than an unprofitable , uncertain foresight of what is but conditionally predicted , and shall onely come to pass according as the conditions are performed or neglected . but , toward the cure of this distemper , humane prudence can extend no further than the circumference of its own sphear . predictions expressed in ambiguous terms , and having neither certain signification or dependance upon ought following or preceding , are ignorantly insisted upon as pertinent to those persons or places whereto they had probably no relation . such are many groundless figments cry'd about the streets , and pickt out of gypsie-like prognostications , to the abusing of ignorant people . such are also the ridiculous welsh impostors , entituled taliefen , the fiction termed the panther-prophesie ; and mother shiptons prophesies , so called , are thought considerable by some who suppose themselves no fools ; and hereby predictions and premonitions grounded upon sound reason , and divine truth , are unheeded or neglected . however , there is and shall be a remnant preserved , who can distinguish between serious and trivial precautions ; and to them , that which is here collected , will at some times be of good use , though the author be yet in contempt , and in a suffering-condition . let those therefore , into whose hands these come , be pleased to accept and improve them as they find cause , giving praise to god , who vouchsafeth timely fore-warnings to all places , persons and societies in every age ; and memorials of that which brings on confusion and destruction , to the glorifying of his righteousness , to the shame of presumptuous transgressors , and to make future times more cautious ; speaking as well by the simple and mean , as by the wise and honourable , in terms fitted unto every capacity ; as also in such various modes as might rouze them up out of security . and , now of late , seeing both dreadful and calm voices have been long slighted or neglected , he hath spoken to us by all the elements ; yea , by pestilence , warr , furious hurricano's , and devouring fire , joined together in a terrible consort : to which is added a concurrent presage in the hearts of most men , portending a general ruine , by their agreeing in that fear , how differing soever their , affections and judgments be in other things ; and doubtless a final execution of judgment is not far off , in regard their grand affairs in most places , begin to resemble the constitution of that senate whereof it was said , that all the rest of the senators were ordered according to the pleasure of one among them ; he governed by his wife , she by her childs nurse , and the nurse by her nursing . according to our vulgar computation , this is the thousandth six hundred sixty and sixth year after our saviour's birth , and will questionless , be a signal year , according to the pre-conjectures of many ; yet , not extend to the total extirpation of his malignant kingdom , whose reign is to end in the th year after he was compleatly enthroned upon the seat of that beast , which was to continue a thousand years in a declining estate , until the mystery of iniquity should be raised out of it to the full height ; which time , ( though they heeded it not ) was mystically fore-declared in their own numerals , which in an orderly conjunction , according to their simple valuation , extends no further than to make mdclxvi , comprehending the whole term limited to the fourth monarchy , with what should arise out of it , from the highest exaltation both of the first and second beast . the highest pitch of the first , the author believeth ( as he hath frequently hinted in his writings published upon several occasions ) was even then at full , when the lord of life was crucified under that power ; for , till then it flourished . the number of years comprehending the heathenish and papal antichristian tyrany , being mdclxvi in the whole , was not to be reckoned as beginning immediately after christs birth , but after his crucifying or ascension ; allotting the greatest numeral m , to wit , a thousand years , to the said first beast , and dclxvi years , to the second beast , that being the number of the name , or power of that mystical man of sin , whose reign will probably determine in or about the three or four and thirtieth year yet to come , if chronologers have truly informed us of the times past ; and history rightly stated the progress of the second beast , to the height of his power , that we may know from what year to begin that number : but this is certain , though nor the year , nor the day can be precisely known , he hath not long to reign ; for , all predictions will ere long end in one ; and as it was said a little before the flood , god will not much longer strive with flesh ; but , for the sakes of his elect , shorten the time of antichrist , which might else have been lengthned out to the end of years after the creation , but that his fury will hasten his own destruction . this — th year shall be a preparative thereunto , though the romanists insult , as if the saints have mistaken the time of their visitation ; for , the late execution of judgment by devouring fire , ( the like whereof ( considering it was not accompanied with the sword ) was never , or very seldom heard of since the consuming of sodom and gomarrah ) as are also other epidemical judgments , prosecuted upon those of god's own house , not to destroy , but to purge it . when their fierce trial hath consumed the hay , stubble and wooden structures , which they have erected ; when self-love , hypocrisie , the reliques of idolatry , and such other babylonish corruptions ( as of old , or newly crept in ) are purged out ; when the abominable pride , idleness and excess , which have here abounded , to the parallelling of sodom , ( considering what they wanted of what we had ) are consumed , which nothing can burn up , except such irresistable fires as that of late , or somewhat thereto equivalent ; and , when the saints have drunk so much of this bitter cup , as will suffice to cleanse them ; then shall the scarlet whore , and her vaunting confederates , swallow down the dreggs , finding themselves deceived in the expectation of those consequents which their emissaries have predicted in silly rimes dispersed since the said fire , to insinuate that the executions now in act , will be destructive to them onely who are departed out of their babylon , and protested against it . for , though the purifying of gods family is thereby principally intended , the same judgments will have concurrent effects from year to year , toward the compleating of that , which will be the final doom of rome's babylon , when years , as aforesaid , are determined after their mysterie of iniquity was at height . this author believes , that the saints last purgatory is now commencing , and that it is made signal by the fire which in this year hath eclipsed the glory , and defaced the beauty of london , which is to our israel of god , the same which jerusalem in palestine was to his israel at that time . london was the greatest , the most famous , and the most potent of all the cities wherein the protestant religion was visibly professed in opposition to the papacy ; and among other considerable circumstances , that mercy whereby the execution of divine justice was managed , during this years visitation hitherto , do manifest , that they have a special relation to gods inheritance . the most magnificent , and the noblest part of this ancient city was wholly and suddenly consumed ; her sad inhabitants looking on , were disabled to quench it , till it had destroyed ( with many thousands of other structures great and small ) above a hundred temples and oratories , besides colledges , schools and halls ; one of her temples being reputed the greatest in christendom , and wherein the gospel had been preached , and god worshipped , and ( though not at all times by all according to the purity of his sanctuary , yet ) by some with as much sincerity , ( according to the degrees of their understanding ) as by any other national or congregational assemblies ; until humane authorities presumed to set up their posts by god's posts , and magisterially imposed more than was enjoyned or required by him ; which presumption was aggravated by falling from their first love to christ and their brethren ; which love is the most signal mark of his disciples ; yea an over-peremptory and too stiff an adhering by all parties dissenting in judgment , to their single opinions as touching things indifferent in their own nature , hath partly ( if not principally ) occasioned that overflowing and complication of plagues wherewith we are now afflicted throughout these three nations , and in this our head-city , in which ( if we may believe travellers ) both her own citizens , and strangers were preserved in more safety by night and by day , and as well and civilly governed according to moral principles , and external forms of piety , as in any city throughout the world , so great , and so populous ; yet the fury of the late fiery storm most raged , and made the saddest spect acle , and the most deformed marks of desolation , even in that part of this city wherein they lived who were then reputed among the most generous , the most civil , the most charitable , and the most pious of her inhabitants ; and though the best men had not the least share in that calamity , it was made tollerable by so many mercies wrapt up therewith , as do evidence , that god had a considerable number therin , and that the generality were no greater sinners then they whose dwellings escaped that judgment . the out-parts ( except at the west end ) were graciously spared , as zoar was heretofore , for the sake of lot , to be for the present time a refuge both to them who were chased away by the fire , and to their brethren , whose habitations were preserved for their joint comfort ; and of this mercy the best and worst of men had equal portions , in some respects , because their time is not yet come , wherein god will be fully avenged on his and their enemies . though probably that fire was both kindled and encreased by wicked hands , divine providence ( who permitted those to be his executioners ) carried it on as well against the wind , when it blew very strongly , as with it ; and by taking away their hearts who were succesfully active at other times in preventing such beginnings , permitted it to proceed so far : and when god's fiery messenger was in the height of his career , bounded his rage at paper-buildings , after it had broken irresistibly through thick and strong edifices of brick and stone . it is considerable also , that this fire was not permitted to extend into those contiguous buildings , streets and allies , wherein the greatest oppressors , the most prophane , the most impudent , the most debauched , and the most irreligious persons were commonly famed to have their dwellings intermixt with such as were of a civil and pious conversation ; for few or no places were then touched by the fire , wherein either a publick theater , or a common gaming-house , or a notorious brothel-house , or a may-pole , or a popish chappel was at that time standing , which it may be some think , so hallowed the places , that the fire could not prevail against them ; whereas it rather demonstrates , that this visitation extends primarily to god's own people ; and that the utter extirpation of antichrist , and his prophane associates , is deferred until a time yet to come . yet , in the mean while , ( though few lay it to heart ) god will inflict upon every particular member of that wicked society , in his generation , so much of their temporal dooms as will amount to the whole at their lives end ; and therefore seeing their last doom ( for ought they know ) may be too morrow , or this present hour , it will be dangerous to defer penitence , because they think the last day of judgment may be far off . this , and the preceding affirmatives will peradventure be distastful to those time-pleasing parasites , ( as also to them who delight in gross flatteries ) who preach peace , and prognosticate glorious consequences to the proceedings of this generation . but the wrath of such will not prevent the failing of their unwarrantable expectations . god's promises and threatnings , unto all predicted are , with a conditional express or tacit ; and ( although they seem pronounced absolutely , at some time ) may be reversible according to our faith , and acting what we ought to do : for , we are taught by many presidents , that , like proceedings will have like events , till somewhat interveneth to dispense judgment and mercy with a difference . most part of what this author did predict , hath variously already took effect : and , if ought is deferred , or abated , of that which was by him prognosticated against this generation , or this place , 't is meerly an effect of god ' s free-grace , by him vouchsafed , for their sakes , by whom a seed must be preserv'd till he shall come , whose coming , & whose reign will put an end to all their sufferings , who for him attend in faithful patience , and he will enable to bear mean while , what seems intolerable . that , nothing contained in the following review , may justly be suspected , as thereinto lately shufled , a catologue of the imprinted books , out of which it was gathered as they come to hand , ( being gotten together with much difficulty ) shall be added in the close , with a direction to the pages wherein their abreviation is begun , corrected in those places , where faults have escaped at the press , there being very many , by reason of the authors not being present , and there are some such gross mistakes , that he could hardly make out his own meaning . it shall mention also the years wherein the said books were the first , or a second time imprinted ; in which it is to be heeded , that the book-sellers usually post-date the first impressions , that the books may seem new a little the longer . this is as much as shall be offered for a preludium to the following review ; concluded with humbly desiring their prayers to whom this shall come , that this , and all the authors endeavours may be sanctified to the glory of god , and to the rendring of his judgments and mercies effectual to the salvation of our souls , by true faith , hearty penitence and mutual love in christ jesus ; and they are also desired not to impute to a corrupt self-end , his now purposed with drawing from this city : for , he hath been this isles remembrancer , and continued with this city both in her sicknesses and health , in war and peace , almost sixty years together , ( with a little absence at some times ) taking all occasions hitherto offered , to remember her from time to time , of such things as he thoughts might probably conduce to her welfare ; insomuch , that he now knows not what he can say or do , more than he hath already said or done to that purpose ; he not having so much regard vouchsafed for his good intentions , from any of her chiefs , as might have been expected for penning one speech to illustrate her lord mayor's pageants ; though he was often ( for no ill-deserving ) a close prisoner within her jurisdiction , so despoiled of all whereby to clothe and feed him , that he had then perished , if a few strangers , and some of her midling and inferior citizens had not by god's mercy , been charitably inclined to compassionate his condition : that strait being still the same , and many of those now dead , some impoverished , and the remainder , for the most part , so scattered since the late pestilence and fire , that nor he nor they now know where to find each other without much difficulty ; he being wearied , and almost worn out , is constrained to prepare a retreating place for himself and his consort , which he hath prepared at a lonely habitation in his native countrey , ( where he neither had , or look't for much respect ) thither he resolves to retire with as much speed as he can , there to wait upon gods future dispensations during the remainder of his life , or until providence otherwise disposeth of him ; not doubting , but that he shall rest therewith gratefully contented , wheresoever it shall be , because he hath had assurance by many demonstrations of god's good will to the whole humane nature , of a special love to him ; and well knows his eternal mercy to be infinite over all his works . though lot a while in zoar stai'd , there long to abide he was afraid ; and many now begin to fear there will be little safety here ; because they see , hear and believe what makes them both to fear and grieve . yet , in his place let each man stay until god calleth him away , by straitning of his path-wayes here , or , by enlarging them elsewhere . and , let him careful be , that whither he moves , he bears not our sinnes thither ; for , to what place soe're we go , the same sinns bring the same plagues too . and , there is means of saving-grace for penitents , in ev'ry place . a review of neglected remembrances . being a breviate of the most considerable remembrances and predictions dispersed in the books hereafter specified , and published at several times , upon such various occasions as inclined the author to those prophetical expressions . this collection begins with a review of the poem called britans remembrancer , written during the great pestilence raging in the year . the title-page of that book is a considerable prediction both emblematically , and in words . for therein was represented a black cloud hovering over this island , with justice and mercy thereon seated , attended with an host of plagues ; and in the opposite page the meaning of that title expressed in these following words : behold , and mark , and mind ye british nationt this dreadful vision of my contemplations : before the throne of heaven i saw , methought , this famous island into question brought ; with better ears then these my body wear , i heard impartial justice to declare god's benefits , our thanklesness , and what small heed his love or judgments here begat . i heeded how eternal mercy strove god's just deserved vengeance to remove ; but , so our sins encreas'd , and cry'd so loud , that , at the last , i saw a dismal cloud exceeding black , as from the sea ascending , and over all this isle it self extending , with such thick foggy vapours , that their steams seem'd for a while , to darken mercy 's beams , within that dreadful cloud , i did behold most plagues and punishments that name i could ; expecting , with a trembling heart , each hour , god should that tempest on this island pour . yet better hopes appear'd ; for , lo the raies of mercy pierc'd the cloud , and made such waies quite through those exhalations , that mine eye did this inscription thereupon espye britans remembrancer , and somewhat said these words , me thought , the storm is yet delaid ; and , if you do not penitence defer , this cloud is onely a remembrancer : but if you still affect impiety , expect ere long what this may signifie . this having seen and heard , it seem'd nor fit nor safe for me to slight or smother it : and therefore , thus , both to your eyes and ears , i offer here what unto mine appears ; judge , readers , as ye please , of this or me , truth will be true , how ere it censur'd be . in the last page of the epistle to the king , before that poem , there is a confident presage relating both to the said poem , and to the author thereof , hitherto made good ; the words are these : — i know , what ere the spight of man against this poem speak or practice can , it shall continue when all they are rotten , or live in infamy , or dye forgotten , who shall oppose it . i more over know , that dead or living , i esteem'd shall grow for what they blame , &c. to maintain confidence in the authors prosecution of his duty , it was thus presaged unto his heart , as it is recorded canto . fol. . thou hast from heaven , an arrant yet to do , which ( unless god prevent ) will call thee to new troubles , and more mischiefs bring upon thee , then all thy former messages brought on thee : and be assur'd the devil will devise what may disparage thee , to scandalize , and ineffectual every thing to make , which , to good purpose , thou shalt undertake . thou must prepare thy self to hear the noise of causeless threatnings ; and the foolish voice of ignorant reprovers ; and expect the bitter censures of each giddy sect : thou must contented be to hear great lords talk without reason , big imperious words ; although with meekness thou shalt make repair , when thou art summon'd , to the scorners chair , vvhere they with jeers and flouts , will take in hand to censure what they do not understand , &c. — — but , fear them not , for he that in all places , from every danger , and from all disgraces , hath hitherto preserv'd thee , will secure thy person now . that hand which did procure relief from thy close thraldomes , and maintain'd contentment when from liberty restrain'd , will be the same for ever , &c. — for to this realm and city thou art sent to warn them that they speedily repent : to shew them for what failings and offences god sendeth famines , warrs and pestilences ; and , to pronounce what other plagues will come , if their transgressions they depart not from , &c. in folio , and in the following leaves , this author declared how desolate that plague had made many places in and near london ; particularly , the kings house , the innes of court , westminster-hall , and the parliament-house ; which produced this expression , amounting to a presage : — there did i behold two traitors heads which pearcht on high , did shew their teeth , as if they had been grinning at our afflictions , which are now beginning ; for their wide eye-holes , me thought , star'd , as tho they look't to see that house should overthrow it self , which they with powder up had blown , had not god them , and their device o'rethrown . also in the th leaf , he taking notice of the desolate houses of the citizens , peers and lawyers , at that time , hath words to this effect : — wish i shall , that they their wayes to mind would better call , lest both their countrey and their city-piles be smoaking seen , and burning many miles , &c. — or else lest there , some fear arrestings , where no serjeants are ; for , this portends , that , if they who profess our laws , continue on their practises , till they ( as heretofore the clergy were ) are more in number than the land can bear ; their goodly palaces will spue them forth as excrements that are of little worth ; and be disposed of , as now they see old priories and monastaries be . in the th , and in many following leaves , the said author having contemplated how numerously the fields near london were frequented for recreation , with people of all sorts , before that infection ; how desolate they then were , and what sudden effects would probably ensue , if god should withdraw that plague before we were truly penitent ; other future judgments are there mentioned , as implicitely presaged in these words : if god should whistle for those armed bands which now are wasting other christian lands , to put in action on our commick stage the tragedies of war , and brutish rage , what lamentations would here then be made , and calling into mind the peace we had ? should we in every house at board and bed have soldiers and rude captains billeted , that would command and swagger as if they kept all the townships where they lodg , in pay , to wait upon their pleasures ? or should see our own defenders our devourers be ? should we behold those fields where now we sport , cut out in trenches ; here a warlike fort , another there ; a sconce not far from that , a new-rais'd mount , &c. after many other pre-supposals to this effect , he thus proceeded , fol. . as heretofore the unpeopled fields i walk'd , to this effect my thoughts within me talk'd ; yea , when all present objects gave content , my heart did such idea's represent of judgments likely to be cast upon so great a city , and a sinful one ; that much i feared , i should live to see some such afflictions as here mentioned be . according to what his heart had presaged , and was then presupposed , he lived to behold about eighteen years after , such insolencies committed by the armies , such forts raised , and such trenches in the fields round about london . many other fore-expressions to the same purpose were dictated to this author , as more at large appears in several pages of the same book ; and after enumerating several transgressions and provocations of god's wrath , it was thus predictated in the th canto , fol. : if thou , oh britan , dreaming all is well , shalt slight this message which my muses tell , and scorn their counsel , &c. — — hear then what i am bold to tell thee , as now fitting to be told ; for , i will tell thy fortune , which , when they who are unborn shall read another day , they will believe then , that god did infuse into thy poet a prophetick muse : moreover know , that he did him prefer to be , to this isle his remembrancer ; and that if wilfully thou stop thine ear , or burn these rowles , in which recorded are thy just inditements , they shall written be with new additions , deeply stampt on thee , iu such characters , that no time shall rase their fatal image from thy scarred face . — though thou watch and ward , and all thy forts and havens strongly guard ; though thou shalt multiply thine island-forces , double thy trained bands , and troups of horses : though like an eagle , shalt thy wings display , and ( high thy head advancing ) proudly say , i sit aloft , enthron'd so , that none can pluck me from the place i rest upon : yet , sure thou shalt be humbled , and brought low , ev'n then , when least thou fear'st it will be so . till thou repent , all preparations made for thy defence , or , others to invade , shall be in vain ; and still the greater cost thou dost bestow , the honour thereby lost shall be the greater ; and thy wasting strength bring on thee a consumption at the length . the treaties which for peace or profit be , shall neither peace nor profit bring to thee . for , if endeavours prosper for a while , god will permit it onely to beguile with foolish hopes , alluring them to run those courses which will bring new mischiefs on : yea , thy prevailings will but fewel be to feed the folly which bewitches thee ; and , make against thee , those the more enrag'd , who shall for thy corrections be engag'd . what heretofore , by god , hath threatned bin against a wicked natiou for their sin , shall seize on thee ; his hand shall be for ill upon each little , and high raised hill : thy lofty cedars , and thy sturdy oaks , shall feel the fury of his thunder-stroaks upon thy fleet 's , thy havens and thy ports ; upon thine armies , and thy strong-wall'd forts , upon thy pleasures and commodities , upon thy handicrafts and merchandise , upon the fruits and cattel in thy fields , on what the air , the earth or water yields : on prince and people , on both weak and strong , on priest and prophet , on both old and young : yea , on each person , place , and ev'ry thing , his just deserved judgments , god will bring . what thou hast hoped for , he frustrate shall , and make that which thou fear'st , on thee to fall . this pleasant land wherein how plenty grows , and wherein milk and honey overflows , shall for thy peoples wickedness , be made as barren as the soil which never had such blessings in it . god shall drive away the flocks of fowles , and sholes of fish that play within thy waters now ; and for the store whereof , thy neighbours would have prais'd him more : the rivers which have made thy vallies rich , to thee shall be like streams of burning pitch : thy dust as brimstone , thy fields hard and dry like iron , and the firmament on high , like brass , affording neither showres nor dew in season , wasted blessing to renew . a leanness shall thy fatness quite devour ; thy wheat shall yeild thee bran instead of flowr : thou shalt , when harvest cometh , reap the thorn , or weeds and thistles where thou look'st for corn . robb'd shall thy groves be of their pleasant shadows , and of their grass , thy fertile flowry meadows . sheep on thy downs , or shepherds on the green , shall then be few , and not so often seen . thy garden-walks , and many a pleasant plot , shall be like places men inhabit not , thy villages which now well peopled are , shall stand as if no dwellers in them were . thy cities and thy palaces , wherein most neatness and magnificence hath bin , shall heaps of rubbish be ; and ( as in those demolisht abbies , wherein daws and crows now make their nests ) the bramble and the nettle , shall in the halls and parlours root and settle . thy princely houses , and the streets and courts now fill'd with men of all degrees and sorts , shall in them few inhabitants retain , except a fisher-man , or countrey-swain ; who , of thy pride and glory , when they see such marks , with wonderment surpriz'd shall be , as oft they are , who deep foundations find , of towns and cities perisht out of mind . the places where much people meetings had , shall vermine-holes , and dens for beasts be made , or haunts for sprights , which do in loanly rooms affright the passenger who thither comes . instead of mirth and laughter lamentation shall there be heard ; abhorred desolation instead of company , and where men heard sweet melody , they shall be made affear'd with hideous cryes , and howlings of despair ; yea , then thy climate , and well temp'red air shall lose their wholsomness for thy offences ; breed here infectious feavers , pestilences , and all diseases . they who up were train'd in ease , and with soft pleasures entertain'd , leaving their idle games , and wanton dances , shall practise how , to handle guns and launces , and be compelled from the dear embraces of friends , to end their lives in unknown places . or , thy face with their own bloud to defile , in hope to save thee and themselves from spoile . thy beautious women ( whose pride is now more : then theirs , whom esay mention'd heretofore ) shall in the stead of paintings , costly scents , or glittering gems , and curious ornaments , wear foul deformities upon their faces ; and robb'd of all their sweet and tempting graces , feel stinks , diseases , wants , and all such things , as loathing , to a wanton lover brings . thy god , shall for thy multiplied vices scourge thee with scorpions and with cockatrices , whose tailes with such envenom'd stings are armed , as neither can be plucked out , nor charmed . thou shalt not be suffic'd , when thou art fed ; nor suffer onely scarcity of bread corporeal , but want likewise of that whereof each faithful soul desires to eat . that curse of ravenous beasts which god hath said upon a wicked nation shall be laid , he will inflict on thee , for although here no tygers , lyons , wolves or bears now are , to beastly-minded men thou shalt be made a prey , which will be ( if not worse ) as bad . instead of lyons , tyrants thou shalt breed , who nor of conscience , nor of law take heed ; but , on the weak mans portion lay their paws , and make their pleasure to become their laws . instead of tygers , men of no compassion ( a furious and a wilful generation ) shall fill thy borders . thieves and outlaws vile , shall haunt thy ways , and hunt the woods for spoile . a subtile , false , dissembling , cheating crew , ( who will with fraudful coz'nages pursue the simple sort ) shall here encrease their breed , and in their craftiness the fox exceed . that hoggish herd which alwayes nozling are in filth and dirt , ( from whence they seldom rear their grunting snouts , to fix an eye on heaven , to look on him from whom good things are given ) ev'n , swinish livers , having a desire to feed on draff , to wallow in the mire , to drink in puddles , rather then sweet springs , to tread on , and pollute the precious't things , will more destructive be unto thy fields , then all the wild-boars that the desart yields . whilst thou continuest-in thy sins , thou art like egypt , and the hardness of thy heart will at the last , bring down upon thee all those plagues , which long since did on egypt fall : blood , frogs and lice , great swarms of stinging flies ; th' infectious murrain whereof cattel dies ; biles , scabs & blains , cold hail , hot thunder-storms , the locust , and the fruit-devouring worms ; gross darkness , and the death of them that be thy darlings : all these plagues will seize on thee , according as the letter doth implie , or , as they mystically signifie . thy rivers shall be turned into blood ; thy fountains which were savoury and good , grow nasty ; and shall in thy nostrils stink ; thy children shall but little eat or drink , until a portion of their blood it cost , or , every drop in hazard to be lost . most loathsome froggs , that is , men of impure of base condition , of birth as obscure as frogs that are in fens and ditches bred , shall with a clownish rudeness overspread each pleasant place , thy fairest rooms possess , and make unwholsome by their sluttishness , thy kneading-troughs , thy ovens and thy meat , whereof thy children most desire to eat : yea , this brood shall presume to croak and sing within the privy-chambers of thy king ; there exercising their harsh-sounding throats , with ill-composed and unpleasing notes , to wit , vain boasts , reviling's , ribaldries , lyes , curses , and ungodly blasphemies . the land shall breed a loathsome generation , unworthy either of the reputation . or name of men ; for they as lice shall feed upon that body whence they did proceed . here shall moreover , divers baneful flies ingend'red be in thy prosperities . the flesh-flye shall thy pamp'red flesh corrupt ; musketoes , honest lab'rers interrupt ; the lazy and unprofitable drones , the wasps , the hornet , and such angry ones as do them represent , whose buzzing tongues , and stings are active to their neighbours wrongs : the butterflies will vex thee too ; ev'n they who do in idle flutterings wast away their precious time , and their estates consume on gaudy clothes , till beggars they become . as beasts destroyed by the murrain be , so they who are of beastly life in thee , by lewd example shall infect each other , and , in their foul diseases rot together . men shall grow over-hot , or over-cold , and very few an equal temper hold ; but like tempestuous exhalations , will thy borders with a thousand mischiefs fill . the locust also , and the palmer-worms shall prey on what escapeth from the storms ; ev'n those destructive locusts too , which from the bottomless infernal pit did come . then shall a darkness follow , much more black then when the sun and moon-light thou dost lack ; for grossest ignorance o'reshadowing all , shall with so thick a fog upon thee fall , that thou a blockish nation wilt be made : still stumbling on in a deluding shade ; distrusting friends , the way to safety shewing , most trusting foes , who labour thy undoing ; and , shalt be daily vext with doubts and fears , like him that outcries in dark places hears . yet , then his hand , god shall not from the turn , till he hath also smote thine eldest son ; that is , until he hath removed quite those in whom now thou takest most delight ; and filled every house throughout the nation , with deaths unlooked for , and lamentation . such will be thy confusions , and thy shame , that when the neighbouring kingdoms hear the same , their ears will tingle ; for when that hour comes in which god shall inflict deserved dooms , it will be then a day of gloominess , sad , dreadful , and exceeding comfortless ; for then will thy beloved vanities , thy gold and silver idol-deities , with all those reeds on which thou hast depended , deceive thy trust , and leave thee unbefriended . thy kings , thy priests and prophets then shall mourn , and peradventure , formally return to him who would have saved them ; but , they who will not hearken to him whilst they may , shall cry unheeded ; for , he will despise their vows , their prayers , and their sacrifice . a sea of troubles will thy hopes up swallow , as wave on wave , plague upon plague shall follow ; and every thing that was a blessing to thee , shall to a curse be turn'd , which may undo thee . thy king , who as a father should have been , and by whom peace should be preserved in thy sea-girt limits , shall not much befriend thee , nor then in thy professed faith defend thee . thou haft at present , goodly hopes of him who lately did put on thy diadem ; but know , that until thou reformed art , thou shalt in his deservings have no part : his princely vertues to his own avail may prove ; but they to profit thee shall fail . his clemency shall seem to thee severe , his greatest favours injuries appear ; and when thy sins are fully ripe in thee , thy king and people both alike shall be . thou shalt have babes to be thy kings ; yea worse , those tyrants who by cruelty and force , of all their ancient liberties will quite bereave their subjects . they shall then delight in their oppressing them ; yet they who are by them enslav'd , shall murmur , and not dare to stir against them . by degrees they shall deprive them of their priviledges all , and force them ( as in other lands this day ) for their own meat , and their own drink to pay . — to such intents their nobles will become their instruments ; for men reputed of the noblest races , will be expos'd gradatim to disgraces , dispoil'd of pow'r ; and in their stead arise a brood advanced by impieties , by flat'ry , and by brib'ry , and by that which men of noble principles do hate . without desert ( from beggarly possessions , and stemmes obscure ) they shall by their ambitions mount seats of justice , and those titles wear which honord most in those dominions are . and having gain'd these heights hope to make strong oppressive grandure , by encreasing wrong . for , themselves , these will unto those unite , who to such dignities pretend most right ; ( with no less ill-deserving ) and by such , destruction will be hastned forward much : for these will kings abuse , with tales and lies , with feigned love , and servile flatteries ; perswading them , that they may justly make their will their law , and at their pleasure take ( as warranted by their prerogatives ) their subjects goods , their persons and their lives ; and instrumental these will then become , in practising to raise by some and some , their monarchies to tyrannies ; yea , shall abuse religion , honesty , and all : and shall to compass their designs , devise what ever may effect them , truth or lies : those grave deportments which do best befit the majesty of states , they shall omit : fawn or dissemble , threaten , rail or storm , when they pretend abuses to reform : and , in those high courts wherein sober , grave admonishments or censures men should have if they offend ; they shall be taunted there , or scoft , or jeer'd , though innocent they are : for in those times ( which nearer are then some do yet believe ) such rhetorick will come in practice ; and law , equity and reason , for their defence be pleaded out of season . folly will then seem wisdom , and go nigh to bring contempt on all authority . the council-table shall a snare be made ; they against whom no just complaints they had , at first convention shall be urg'd to say such words , perhaps , ere they depart away , as will expose their prudence unto blame , and make them guilty seem , who guiltless came . all that which from the people they can tear , exact or borrow , shall be ( as it were ) a lawful prize , and taken from a foe ; few shall make conscience what they say or do , injurious to another , so it may fulfil their lustings for the present day . but to accomplish it , they will endeavour , although they know it will undo for ever their own posterity , and still persist in what will ruine their self-interest . this , will by darkning their intelligence , bring them to such a reprobated sence , and blind them so , that when an ax shall be seen hewing at the root of their own tree by their own handy stroaks , they shall not grieve for their approaching downfal ; or believe their fall approaching ( to assume that heed which may prevent it ) till they fall indeed . thy princes , britan , in those dayes will be like roaring lyons , making prey of thee . god shall deliver thee into their hands , and they shall act their pleasure in these lands . thy kings , as now thou wallowest in excesse ; shall take delight in drink and wantonness . they , who reputed are thy noble ones , shall to the very marrow gnaw thy bones . thy lawyers wilfully pervert thy lawes ; they to the ruine of the common cause , shall misinterpret them , in hope of grace from them , who may dispoile them of their place . that , whereunto they are obliged both by their professed calling , and their oath , they shall to put in execution fear , and leave them helpless , who oppressed are . thy prelates in the publick spoils will share . thy priests , in manners , as prophane appear as the prophanest ; and their prophesies and preachings , mixt with heresies and lies . the truths they speak , shall spoken be in vain ; so little knowledg shall with them remain , that they shall cause the means of saving-grace to be remov'd unto another place . mark , britan , what i have yet more to say , and do not slightly pass my words away ; but be assured , that when god begins to bring those judgments on thee for thy sins , which do portend a total overthrow , thy prophets and thy priests will slily sow the seeds of that dissention and sedition , which time will ripen for thy sad perdition . they who in former times were of thy peace the blessed instruments , will then encrease thy sorrows ; and as when of old the jews their truth-presaging prophets did abuse , god suffered impostors in his name to preach those falshoods which at last became to them destructive : so , if thou go on to make a scorn ( as thou hast often done ) of those who seek thy welfare , he will send false prophets , who thy ruine shall intend ; say nothing but what thou wouldst have them say , to lull thee fast asleep in thine own way . if any brain-sick-fellow ( whom the devil inspireth ) shall to thee intend what 's evil , and ( heeding what thou art inclin'd unto ) perswades to that which may at last undo both prince and people ; thou shalt like and follow h●s counsels ; thou that cover'd hook shalt swallow which will destroy both ; and thine ignorance for those disservices , will him advance : whereas , if he who truly seeks thy weal , inspir'd with truth , and with a sober zeal , shall tell thee what concerns thy real good , that messenger shall stifly be withstood ; that seer shall be charged not to see ; his message shall displease , and slighted be ; instead of good respect , he shall be sure a prison , or worse usage to endure ; to death , perhaps , condemned with disgrace among disturbers of the common-peace . but not unless the priests thereto consent ; for , in those dayes but few men innocent shall suffer in that mode by ought wherein thy clergy hath not some way active been . if ever in thy fields ( which god forbid ) the blood of thine own children shall be shed by civil discord , they shall blow the flame , which will encrease thy sorrow , and thy shame . and thus it shall be kindled , when the times are nigh at worst , and thy loud-crying crimes almost full ripe , the devil shall begin to bring strange crotchets and opinions in among thy teachers , which will breed dis-union , and interrupt the visible communion of thy establisht churches . in the steed of zealous pastors , who their flocks did feed , there shall arise within thee , by degrees , a clergy , that will more desire to fleeze then feed their flocks . a clergy it shall be divided in it self ; and they shall thee divide among them into several factions , which will both rend , and fill thee with distractions . all of those , in appearance , will pretend god's glory , and to have one pious end ; but under colour of sincere devotion , their chief aim will be temporal promotion ; which , will among themselves dissentions make , wherein all sorts of people shall partake , as to the persons , or the cause they stand inclin'd , through every quarter of the land : one part of these , will for preferment strive , by raising up the king's prerogative above it self : they shall perswade him to more then by law or conscience he may do ; and say , god warrants it : his righteous laws they shall pervert , to justifie their cause . with blushless impudency , they shall dare ascrîbe to monarchs , things which proper are to none but christ : and mix their flatteries with such like attributes and blasphemies , as heathens did , to make their kings believe , that whomsoever they oppress and grieve , they do no wrong ; and that one though oppressed should seek by their own laws to be redressed . such counsel shall thy foolish kings provoke to cast upon thee rhehoboam's yoak ; and they , not caring , or not taking heed , how ill , that misadvised king did speed ; shall multiply the causes of distraction ! and then , shall of those priests , the other faction bestir themselves . they will in outward shows , those whom i last have mentioned , oppose ; but , in their aimes agree , with lowly zeal , an envious pride of heart , they shall conceal . and , as the former to the king will teach meer tyranny ; so shall the other preach rebellion to the people ; and then strain the word of god , sedition to maintain . oh! therefore be thou watchful ; and when here those lambs with dragons voices , do appear ; repent thy sins , or take it for a token that such a bulwark of thy peace is broken , as if it be not soon repaired , all the grandure of thy glory down will fall . beware then of those prophets who will strive betwixt thy prince and people to contrive a breach ; and what event soever come , thy due allegiance never start thou from . for ( their oppressions though we may withstand by pleading laws or customes ) not a hand must move against him , but the hand of god , who makes the king a bulwark , or a rod , as pleaseth him . oh take therefore good heed ye subjects , and ye kings , what may succeed by those impostors , of the last , beware ye subjects , for their counsels wicked are ; and , though they promise liberty and peace , your thraldom and your troubles they encrease . shun oh ye kings , the first ; for they advise what will your crowns and honours prejudice . when you suppose their prophesies befriend you , they shall but unto ramoth gillead send you , where you shall perish ; and poor micha's word , though disesteem'd , more safety will afford . this author hath been censured , as having deviated from his principle expressed in the last foregoing caveat , when ( upon their command ) he took up arms with the long-parliament : but , he declared by the motto in his cornet , pro lege , rege grege , that he purposed nothing contrary thereunto , or against the king ; and he is also sufficiently vindicated from that aspersion , by what he long since published to justifie both his actings and intentions under that power , which was called and authorized both by king and people , to regulate and settle their joint and distinct interests . after that , and the rest of the foregoing precautions and predictions , the said author having considered this nation , and how it had parallel'd the jews heretofore , he proceeded to declare what would follow thereupon , if they parallel'd them also in their final obstinacy , fol. . p. . what here is mentioned , if thou shalt heed ▪ oh britan , in those times that will succeed , it may prevent much loss , and make thee shun those mischiefs , whereby kingdoms are undone . but , to thy other sins , if thou shalt add rebellion , as false prophets will perswade when that time comes , wherein thou likewise shalt in thy profession , as to god-ward , halt , then will thy king and people scourge each other , for their offences , till both fall together , by weakning of their pow'r , and making way to their ends , who expect that fatal day . then shall disorder every where abound , justice or piety be rarely found each man shall to his neighbour be a thorn , by whom he shall be either scratcht or torn . thy princes will to little condescend , save for accomplishing their own self-end , either in multiplying of their treasures , or satiating of their fleshly pleasures . few causes will without a bribe be tri'de , few friends will in each other dare confide . the parents and their children shall despise , hate or neglect each other . she that lies within her husbands bosome , shall betray him ; they who the people should protect , shall slay them . old age shall honor'd be by few or none ; the poor shall by the rich be trod upon ; such insolencies , almost , every where , shall acted be , that good and bad shall fear in thee to dwell ; and wise men to assume the magistracy , when that time is come , god , shall then call , and whistle from afar those hither , who the most malicious are of all thine adversaries ; they shall from their dwellings , like a whirlwind , on thee come ; sharp shall their arrows be , and strong their bow : to thee their faces will as dreadful show , as roaring lyons : they on thee like thunder shall furiously break in , and tread thee under their iron feet . they shall devour thy bread , and with thy flocks both clothed be , and fed . their children they shall carry from their own , to countreys which their fathers have not known : and thither shall such mischiefs them pursue , that they who seek the pit-fall to eschue , shall in a snare be taken : them who shall escape the sword , a serpent in the wall shall sting to death ; and tho they have the hap to shun a hundred plagues , they shall not scape ; but with new dangers be still chas't about , until they shall be wholly rooted out , the plow-man shall be then afraid to fow ; artificers their labour shall forgo . the merchant-man shall cross the seas no more , except to flye hence to another shore . the stoutest heart shall fear ; the wisest then shall know themselves to be but foolish men ; and they who built and planted by oppression , shall leave their gettings to their foes possession : and yet god will chastise thee seven times more with seven times greater plagues then heretofore for thy allies their friendship shall withdraw ; they , who of thy grandure stood in aw , shall say in scorn , is this the valiant nation which had throughout the world sush reputation by victories on land ? alas ! are these the men , who were once master of the seas , and grew so powerful ? yea , that petty nation which seem'd scarce worthy of thine indignation , shal slight thee too , and all thy former fame will be forgot , or mention'd to thy shame . mark how god's plagues were doubled on the jews when they his mild corrections did abuse . mark what at last upon their land was sent , and look thou for the self-same punishment , lest he in anger unto us protest , that we shall never come into his rest . for we have followed them in all their sin ; such , and so many have our warnings been ; and , if god still prolong not his compassion , to us belong the self-same desolation . then , wo shall be to them that heretofore by joining house to house , expeld the po're ; and field have unto field incorporated , till villages were nigh depolulated . for , desolate their dwellings will be made , the lord shall in their bowels sheath his blade ; and , they who have by their oppressive wiles erected palaces , and costly piles , shall see the stones and timbers in the wall arise against them , and for vengeance call . then wo shall be to them that early rise to eat and drink , to play and wantonni●● , still adding sin to sin : they the distress shall feel of hunger , thirst and nakedness ; and be the servile slaves of them that are their foes , as to their lusts they captives were . then wo to them who darkness more have lov'd then light , and wholsom counsel disapprov'd : for , they shall wander in a crooked path which neither light , nor end , nor comfort hath . then , wo to them who have corrupted bin , to justifie the wicked in their sin , or , for a bribe the righteous to condemn : for , as the chaff , a wind shall scatter them ; their bodies on the dunghil shall be cast , their finest flow're be dust , their substance wast , and all the gawdy titles they have worn , shall but augment their sorrow , shame and scorn . then wo to them , who ( when they were afraid of mischiefs threatned ) sought unlawful aid ; or , setting god's protection quite aside , on their own strength and wisdom have reli'de . for , he their foolish hopes will bring to nought , till all they fear , shall be upon them brought ; and , all their wit and strength shall not suffice to heave that burthen off , which on them lies . because fore-warnings they do neither heed or mind , till god to execution doth proceed ; and of his long-forbearance careless are , till in consuming fire he shall appear . yet we still set far off the evil day , in dull security we pass away our precious time , and with vain hopes and toyes build up a trust which every puff destroyes : and therefore still when healing is expected , new and unlook'd for troubles are effected . we wisht for parliaments , and them we made our god ; for all the hopes that many had , the mischiefs which we feared to prevent , was by the wisdom of a parliament . well , parliaments we had , and what in being succeeded hath , but greater disagreeing , with greater grievances then heretofore ? and reason good ; for we depended more on second causes , then on him who sends what to our evil , or well-being tends . know then , that should our parliaments agree according to our wish ; should our kings be so gracious , as to condescend to all which to the publike weal propose they shall : ev'n that agreement , till our sins we leave , shall make us but secure , and help to weave a snare , by whose fine threads we shall be caught , before we see the mîschiefs thereby wrought ; whilst for self-interests we chiefly seek , by parliaments , the king shall do the like ; yea , till in mutual aides we can agree , and , our endeavourings unfeigned be , in labouring for a christian reformation , each meeting shall beget a new vexation . in the folio , and in many following leaves , the prevarications of persons in several other callings ▪ having been mentioned , the author added this , and much more , in relation to the clergy . nor came the priests and prophets much behind the worst of these , but passe them in some kind ; for , though a learned clergy now thou hast , and knowledge is here lately much encreast ; though ' likewise , i believe thou hast in thee some pastors , from a just reproof as free as any nation hath ; yet thou hast more prevaricators now , then heretofore . a heap of teachers entertain'd thou hast , resembling empty vapours , or a blast that breaths no comfort . what god never meant they preach for truth , and run e're they are sent . the peoples wounds they salve with pleasing speech ; when there 's no peace at all , of peace they preach ; or , like dumb dogs consume their time in sleep , and some so look , that they affright the sheep . like hungry curres they alwayes gormundize , yet never can their appetite suffize . in bribing , and in hunting for promotion more is their zeal , and much more their devotion , then to discharge their duty . they delight in flat'ries , and the fawningst parasite in all the courts of europe , cannot prate more heath'nishly , or more insinuate then some of these , &c. — there is no avarice that theirs exceeds ; no malice that a mischief sooner breeds . no pride so surly as the clergy-pride , except among the beggars when they cri'de . they , who a few years past would half have broke their kindred to have purchas'd them a cloke , and in poor thred-bare cassocks came to preach beneath an vnder-curate , and to teach the children of a farmer for their meat , and , scarcely worthy seem'd so much to get : ev'n some of these have so well acted out ▪ their parts , of seeming honestly-devout ; and have so quaintly humoured and pleased the present times , that they at last have seized on what they aim'd at , and now over-pe're their heads , by whom they first advanced were . and if you mark , how proudly now they bear their lofty heads , how insolent they are ; how barb'rously ingrateful unto those by whom they from the dunghil first arose ; how they at least neglect , if not contemn their old friends , and betwixt themselves & them , what distances they set ; unto their kin how harsh , and how ill-natur'd they have been , how peevish they are grown , and how unquiet ; how choice in their attendance , and their diet ; if it were well observed with what strain of pride and loftiness they entertain their brethren of the clergy , when they are by their own officers call'd to appear before their lordships ; with what pope-like phrase they seek to terrifie , and to amaze their humble suppliants ; how on those they play , who their superiors were the other day . were these things heeded , with some passages , which name i could , as worthy heed as these : a man would hardly think that these had been those priests whom they a while before had seen so beggarly , and so expos'd to scorn , but , that they had at least been prelates born , few could have else thought that these men are they who lately did so bitterly inveigh against that pride episcopal , &c. o lord ! awaken those , i humbly pray , whom pride and vanity hath led away . and , oh ye house of levi ! warning take ye , lest god , for times to come , examples make ye ; as he that clergy an example made , whose monstrous pride , the age foregoing had so great a fall . the priests and prophets sin was signal in the bringing those plagues in which overwhelm'd the jewish commonweal : and , if what 's threatned god shall not repeal , your sins will be the means to hasten hither that vengeance which will ruine all together , &c. excuse me worthy prelates , &c. by these last words , whereby the author begins to plead an excuse for his sharp reproofs , it appears he at that time thought not prelacy to have produced such evil consequents as he now doth ; for he did not then ( nor now ) conceive that episcopacy gives to the ministers of the gospel a precedency of dignity before their fellow-commissioners , but a preheminence of order onely : and of that judgment he believes those bishops to have been , who underwent martyrdom for conscience sake , and owned the title of a prelate in no other sense then he intended it , who thinks the office of a bishop to be a divine institution , being regulated , and the persons qualified according to st. paul's character , tim. . this precaution being added , the abreviation of his remembrances thus goes on . believe it , britan , howsoever some ( who should forewarn thee of what is to come ) endeavour to perswade thee that thou hast a hopeful time , and that the worst is past ; i will be bold to tell thee thou hast nigh out-worn god's patience by impiety . but , what am i , that me thou shouldst believe , and unto my predictions credit give ? it may be , this adulterous generation , expects fore-tokens of their desolation ; and therefore , i will give them signes of that which they are now almost arrived at : not signes so dubious as were some of old , whereby the jews destruction was foretold ; but signes as evident as are the day , for what the prophets heretofore did say , jerusalem's destruction did foreshew , they spake to every state that should ensue . and that they nought of her , or to her spake , for hers alone , but also for thy sake . in the th folio of the remembrancer , and in the eight pages next following it , are ten signs recorded , grounded upon the holy prophets , as presignifying the desolation of those kingdoms and republicks , which should parallel the jewesh prevarications ; to the perusal whereof , the reader is referred , to shorten this collection , and onely the last of these ten signs is here inserted . the last black sight that i will now repeat , which doth to kingdoms desolation threat , is when the hand of god almighty brings a people unto bondage to their kings . i say , when their own king shall take delight , those whom he should protect , to rob and smite . when they who feed the flock , the sheep shall kill , devour them , and suppose they do not ill . when th●is , h britan , shall befall to thee , an evident prognostick it will be of god's displeasure ; and a certain token thou by a foreign pow'r shalt be broken , or , by thine own divided strength at home , which will the more destructive plague become . god will ( unless we shall repent ) perchance , in time to come , a shepherd here advance , who shall not plead for what his young men say is his ; but , take the same perforce away . an idol-shepherd , who shall neither care to find or seek out those who straying are ; nor feed the lambs , nor cure what hath a wound , or cherish those who firm to him are found : but take the fatlings , rob them of their fleeces ; devour their flesh , and break their bones in peeces . i might more signs then these , enumerate , to shew god's patience is nigh out of date . but , these are signs enough , and so apparent , that twenty more will give no better warrant of what will come ; yet , if these false appear ; that 's one sign more of what is drawing near . be watchful therefore , whilst it is to day , and let no good occasion slip away . now rent your hearts , ye britans , wash and rinse them from all corruptions , from all evil clense them : go offer up the pleasing sacrifice of righteousness : from folly turn your eyes ; seek peace , and follow it with strict pursuit , relieve the needy , justice execute ; refresh the weary , right the fatherless , the strangers and the widows wants redress . give praise to god for all ; with lowly faith on him depend ; mind what the spirit saith . remember what a price your ransome cost , and now redeem the time that hath been lost . it was feigned , that a shepherd said of what had misbefallen to him , saepe nobis malum hoc praedixit ab ilice cornix , a raven from a holly tree did oft presage this ill to me . and perhaps , upon the perusal of this review , this author will be likened to those ravens , which presage nothing but mischief ; for , some have said already , that he hath been a troubler of the people ; and as ahab said micah did of him , that he predicted no good to this nation ; but it is apparently false ; for he hath conditionally presaged as well mercies as judgments , intermixing threatnings and promises fore-declared by his prophets , to prevent what is pronounced against wilful transgressors ; seasoning all his predictions wîth many precautions and exhortations , to beget and confirm true faith and penitence ; such as these next following . return , return thou , oh back-sliding nation , and let thy tears prevent thy desolation . as yet thou maist return ; for god's embrace to thee is open , if thou shalt have grace to give it meeting . thy repentance may prevent the future mischiefs ( which this day are threatned ) if so be thou shalt in time according to thy pow'r comply with him . for , thereupon his dreadful judgments all predicted here , to mercies change he shall . i cannot say , it shall excuse thee from all chastisements , so that no blow shall come : but , of thus much thou may'st assured be , that ev'ry judgment then , which falls on thee , shall be a mercy , if he shall not stay what 's threatned , now , the strokes which he doth lay will fall the lighter , and produce a blessing , thy future happiness much more encreasing then all the great prosperity and rest which hath long time together been possest . yea , britan , if thou timely shalt reform thy manners , it will stop the dreadful storm appearing now , and they who triumph would thy utter desolation to behold , will either change their minds , or live to see the judgments which descending are on thee , remov'd to them ; for , when from sin men cease , god makes their enemies and them at peace . then , thou shalt have again in thy possessings , all inward graces , and external blessings ; thy herds in ev'ry pasture safe shall feed , thy soile shall plentifully encrease thy seed : thy flocks good shepherds shall not want , or meat ; clean provender thy stalled beast shall eat . there shall be rivers in thy dales , and fountains upon the top of thy most barren mountains , the moon shall cast upon thee beams as bright as did the sun ; and with a sevenfold light thou shalt be blessed . he that raigns in thee shall neither jealous of his people be , nor they of him ; but he by righteousness shall with the peoples love , the throne possess ; and to each other , both as kind appear as loving parents and good children are . thy magistrates with wisdom shall proceed in all things , by them acted or decreed . as rivers are to places over dry ; as harbours when winds blow tempestuo usly ; as shadows when we are opprest with heat ; as to the hungry stomack , wholsom meat ; so acceptable shall thy rulers be , when god shall find true penitence in thee . thy priests shall preach truth onely in thy temples , and make it fruitful by their good examples . christ with his righteousness shall them array , and they shall guide thy footsteps in his way ; thine eyes , which are now blinded , shall be clear ; thine ears , at present deafned , then shall hear ; thy faultring tongue speak timely truth and plain ; thy heart true understanding shall retain ; peace will return , no lab'ring man shall want a blessing on what he doth sow or plant . thy poorest people shall at full be fed , the meek man of no tyrant stand in dread . thou shalt have grace and knowledg to avoid what may bereave the mercies yet enjoi'd . all promis'd blessings , god upon thee shall confer , and hear thee still when thou dost call . these and many other mercies , as well as judgments , were conditionally predicted in the said remembrancer , upon several occasions ; to the perusal whereof more at large , the reader is referred , this being but a breviate , to make this generation the more heedful thereof . to which end here shall be likewise added a part of what the author expressed in the conclusion of that book , touching his resolution to discharge his duty , and depend on god alone for protection and supply in all straits whatsoever ; which resolution was expressed in these words , fol. . so now , though not so fully as i ought , my vow is paid , and to conclusion brought this work , for which god pleas'd my life to spare , when thousands round about me slaughter'd were , and live or dye , i care not , for i see but little usefulness henceforth of me . yet since none knows what god will call him to , i 'le not say absolutely what i 'le do or not do ; though i now intend no more to exercise my muse as heretofore : for if this profit not , i think in vain i shall hereafter touch this string again . if these do not prevail , i shall suppose words are not wanting here so much as blows ; and that the filthy will be filthy still , till they the measure of their sins fulfill ; or , till god shall , to free us from pollution , proceed to some unusual execution . fol. . pag. . my outward hopes have not my tongue unloos'd , nor can my mouth by outward fears be clos'd : what i would do , is done , and i am eas'd , and glad , however others will be pleas'd . let them who shall peruse it , praise or laugh , revile , or scoff , or threat , or swear , or chafe , all 's one to me , so i within am still , without me , let men make what noise they will. for , i am sure , though they my flesh confound , what i desire to save , shall be kept sound ; and , likewise know , that nor the brutish rages either of this , or of succeeding ages , shall root this poem out ; but that to all ensuing times , the same continue shall , and be perused in this land , as long as here they shall retain the english tongue ; or whilst there shall be sinners and offences , disorders , discords , warrs and pestilences . and if our gross sins we depart not from , before the day of our destruction come , this book shall to the times ensuing show what crimes they were that wrought our overthrow . and testifie to others , for their learning , that vengeance seiz'd us not without fore-warning . after the author 's insisting upon many other particular circumstances in the pages next following , to make his precautions and predictions the better heeded , he thus proceeds . the king hath shown me favour . at this hour i do not know that living man whose pow'r or person i envy or disaffect ; or whom , of any malice i suspect to me or mine : with me all those are friends who were at odds ; and to obtain my ends in my affairs , i never had a day so probable as now , if i would stay this message : and this peradventure shall my hopes defer , or quite destroy them all . yet , is this bluntly told , that you may see my hopes were greater then my fears could be : and that it may be known my heart disclaims all those poor ends at which some think it aims . such arguments and words , therefore , as may anticipate , i here before-hand say , not that i think it possible by them , to work on those who will this book contemn , ( for 't is not in the pow'r of argument or words , to make the wilful provident ) it lieth not in serious protestations to nullifie malicious combinations , no , nor in miraclcs , till god shall please , who of all hearts doth keep the locks and keyes . i therefore these precautions do infert to evidence the hardness of his heart who shall be obstinate ; and fore-declare those things that shall be done , ere done they were , that men may know , when they are come to pass , nought did succeed but what expected was ; and that the better working this may have on those who shall god's messages receive by this remembrancer : for he hath sent it , though i who am unworthy , do present it . this misadvisedly compos'd i not , nor was it by a miracle begot ; to fit me for this purpose , i have thrice imprisonment endur'd , close prison twice : much trouble on my first essayes ensu'd through want and scandals , not a few i shrew'd ; and being guarded by god's providence , was lately carried through the pestilence ; both saw and felt what nature doth abhor , to harden me , and to prepare me for this message . therefore they who dream they shall with frowning looks , or big words me appale , must look more grim then death , more ugly far then vizards or the devils pictures are ; breath stronger poyson then a plague-fill'd grave ; and stamp , and roar , and tear , and rage , and rave more dreadfully , and louder then a man infected with six pestilences can : else , i to play with terrors being born , shall slight them , and laugh all their rage to scorn : yet , i am naturally ( and i do ingenuously confess it ) subject to such fears and passions as make better men to startle from their duties now and then . by what is done , may troubles come upon me , but not performing it , had quite undone me ; since i deterred by what might befall me , had that neglected , whereto god did call me : for , of his calling me the meanes and ways whereby he did my weakness thereto raise , unquestionable evidences give ; and they who do not , yet the same believe , will think so too , perhaps , when they shall see themselves assaulted with new plagues to be . this i believing , and considering what hazard that neglect therewith might bring , and what assurances i did possess , i had contracted a grand guiltiness by disobeying ; and more had therein transgressed against god , then by a sin against the state , though such truths utter'd were as they shall most displeasing be to hear . what ever others think , this is my fear , and to my soul so terrible a thing , the wilful disobeying that great king appears to me , that i should never sleep in peace again , if silence i should keep : now therefore , neither all the royal graces of kings , nor gifts , nor honorable places shall stop my mouth ; nor will i smother this , though twenty kings had sworn to make me kiss the gallows for it , lest my conscience should torment me more then all men living could : yea , though this did proceed from ignorance or fancy , as it will be thought perchance ; yet , since that fancy may present to me as hideous frights as things that real be ; i 'le rather hazard twenty deaths to dye , then to be tortur'd by my fantasie ; for , i had rather in a dungeon dwell five years , then in my soul to feel a hell five minutes ; and whilst god and i are friends , i shall not care how many this offends . now because this remembrancer was long ago imprinted , and is not easie to be gotten , the contents of every canto , as they were at first published , are here inserted , that the general scope thereof may be known to them who desire it . the contents of the first canto . our author first with god begins , describes his anger for our sins ; of all his judgments muster makes ; declares how mercy undertakes the pleading of this kingdoms cause , to bring god's wrath unto a pause ; and ( for the common reader ) suites high things , with lowly attributes . then steps into a praiseful strain of charles his new-beginning reign ; emplores , that well succed it may , and for his weal makes mercy pray . he justice also introduces , complaining on our gross abuses ; who proveth so our sinful nation to merit utter desolation , that all gods plagues had us enclos'd , if mercy had not interpos'd . but , after pleading of the case with justice , mercy doth embrace ; who ( that our sins may punish't be ) to send the pestilence agree ; their other plagues a while suspending , to prove how that will work amending . the contents of the second canto . our muse defends her lowly stile , and ( having flown aside a while ) tells how the plague first entred here , what means to stay it practis'd were . some vulgar tenents are disputed , some rectified , some refuted . she from the nature and the cause of that disease , conclusions draws ; declareth how it runs and creeps , and what uncertain paths it keeps ; how long strict orders useful stood , the fruit of christian neighbourhood : and many other things betwixt these mentioned , are intermixt . she sheweth ( also ) means assured , by which this mischief may be cured : how to apply that means ; how those who use it , should themselves compose : how violent the plague did grow ; who from it might , or might not go : how much 't was feared , how men fled ; how ill , in flying , many sped : and lastly , ( as occasion moves ) she grieves , she counsels ; and reproves . the contents of the third canto . the house of mourning , which most fear , ( and flye so much ) is praised here . it shews , that outward joyes and care , nor meerly good , nor evil are , but things indifferent , which the wise nor over-praise , nor under-prise . the strife within our authors brest about his stay , is next exprest . then doth it orderly recite what reason argu'd for his flight ; what faith alledged to reprove the motives urging his remove : what arms for him she did prepare to hide the shock of death and fear . what proof she to his conscience made , that he a lawful calling had , in midst of this great plague to tarry , by warrant extraordinary . what , thereupon he did conclude , what joy and confidence ensu'de : how much this favour he doth prise above earths glorious'st vanities : how he his time desires to spend ; and so this canto hath an end . the contents of the fourth canto . our muse in the fourth canto writes of melancholly thoughts and sights : what changes were in ev'ry place , what ruines in a little space : how trades , and how provisions fail'd , how sorrow thriv'd , how death prevail'd ; and how in triumph he did ride , with all his horrors by his side . to london then she doth declare how suiting her afflictions were to former sins ; what good and bad effects this plague produced had ▪ what friendly champions , and what foes for us did fight , or us oppose : and how the greatest plague of all on poor artificers did fall . then from the fields new grief she takes , and useful meditations makes : relates how slowly vengeance came , how god forewarn'd us of the same : what other plagues to this were joined : and here and there are interlined vpbraidings , warnings , exhortations , and pertinent expostulations . the contents of the fifth canto . the author justifies again his method , and his lowly strain . next , having formerly made known the common fears , he tells his own : shews with what thoughts he was diseased , when first the plague his lodging seized : of what god's justice him accused : upon what doubts or hopes he mused : on what , and how he did resolve , and who from death did him absolve . the plagues encrease he then expresseth ; the mercies of the lord confesseth : emplores that he himself may never forget them , but be thankful ever : then mounting contemplations wings , ascends to high and useful things . from thence his muse is called down , to make great britan's errors known ; wherein , he doth confess a failing ; and ( his infirmities bewailing ) is fitted and resolv'd anew , his purpos'd message to pursue : and , having first anticipated , his arrant is in part related . the contents of the sixth canto . the poet ( weighing well his warrant ) goes on with his enjoined arrant : impartially he doth relate this islands good and bad estate : what several sins in her have place ; how gross they are , how they encrease he also tells ; and then he shews that nor the gentiles nor the jews were check'd or plagu'd for any crimes , which are not reigning in these times . next that , he boldly doth approve the course in which our nobles move : derides their folly , blames their sin , and warns what danger they are in . our gentry then he reprehends , their foolish humours discommends : and ( having brought them to their sights ) upon the guilty clergy lights : on lawyers that abuse the laws ; on officers , and on the cause of most corruptions : last of all on some enormities doth fall , which are in court and city found ; and runs this canto there on ground . the contents of the seventh canto . first , of himself he somewhat speaks : then of the cities errors makes a larger scrowl ; and therewithal inserts abuses general . he shews , by reason of her sin , what misery this land is in : what ill success , and what dishonor is , for her follies , come upon her in foreign parts , and here at home : how sensless also , she 's become . what several wayes against this land , god hath of late stretcht out his hand : and how the blame of what 's amiss , from one to th' other shifted is . by many symptomes he declares how sick this commonweal appears . disputes the late distemper bred betwixt the body and the head , and layes the blame where lye it should ; yet therein proves not over-bold . then aims he at some imperfections , in burgesses , and their elections ; and , briefly pointeth at the way by which our cure effect we may . the contents of the eighth canto . our poet having toucht again what frailties in himself remain ; declares , that many plagues do steal as well on church as commonweal : relates what crotchets do possess some who righteousness profess : what noisome plants , what tares and weeds are sprung to choak the holy seeds : what feigned zeal and affectation hath fool'd this formal generation : and , how from some , great scandal grows , who bear the keyes that bind and loose . next , he delivereth predictions of plagues , of sorrows and affictions , which on this island will descend , unless our manners we amend . and whensoever civil jarres , or mischiefs , by the rage of warres oppress this realm , his muse doth show who shall oceasion it , and how . which fearful judgment to prevent , he calls upon her to repent ; by ten apparent signs hath shown god's patience nigh expir'd is grown . then for the publick weal he prayes , then for himself ; and there he stayes . the authors motto , nec habeo , nec careo , nec curo , imp. . the said motto , and the descant thereupon , may perhaps appear to some readers a careless , rather then a serious composure , because expressed in an unusual and extravagant strain . nevertheless , it hints many good principles , which the author thought would be best insinuated in that mode ; and he was not therein deceived ; for , it then so well pleased , that about thirty thousand copies thereof were imprinted and published within a few months . the book is so common , that no more shall be here mentioned , but a few lines out of the descant upon the last word , wherein is a passage relating to an over-curious inquisitiveness after things to come ; and wherein is implicitely wrapt up a prediction , which may be considerable . the words are these : i do not care to be inquisitive , how many months or weeks i have to live : for , 't is unlikely i shall better grow when i my self to be long-liv'd , do know , if i dare act a wickedness , and yet know i may dye whilst i am doing it . let them whose brains are crackt with that disease , depend upon their ephimerides , search constellations , and themselves apply to find the fate of their nativity ; i 'le seek within me , and if there i find the stars , that should illuminate my mind , rise far , and seasonably me direct through my life's progress by a good aspect ; and , in conjunction , shall discover there true piety , and honesty sincere confirm●d in me ( by those influences which grace to regulate our course dispences ) i 'le fear no fortunes , whatsoe're they be , nor much care what the stars portend to me : for , he who to this state of grace attains , above the pow'r of constellations reigns , and gets a resolution therewithall , which fits him so for what e're may befall , that he becomes a happier man then he who can but tell what shall hereafter be . i start not at a fryers prophesie , or , those with which we merlin do belye : nor am i frighted with the sad narrations of any near approaching alterations : for , things have ever chang'd , and ever shall , until there doth a change run overall : and he that bears an honest heart about him , needs not to fear what changes are without him . the eastern kingdoms had a time to flourish ; the grecian empire rising , saw them perish : that sunk ; and then the roman pride began , now bounded by the race of ottoman : and , if vicisitudes a round must run , till all things end where they at first begun , what is 't to me , who peradventure must e're that befalls , be mouldred into dust ? what if america's large tract of ground , and all those isles adjoining , lately found , ( which we more truly may a desart call , then our well-till'd and civilized pal● ) what if now there , that wilderness doth lye , to which the woman and her son must flye to scape the dragons fury ? and there ' bide till europes thankless nations for their pride and other crying sins , o'rewhelmed be with such like barbarousness as there we see . if thus god please to do , and makes our sin the means of bringing those rude nations in to be his people , ( as vouchsaf'd it was the gentiles calling should be brought to pass when he cast off the jews for unbelief ) why should his pleasure be to me a grief ? oh! let his name on earth more honor'd grow , although my ruine helps to make it so . campo-musae , or , field-musings ; imprinted . this poem was written whilst the author was in arms for the king and parliament , to reunite them , not to divide them , as appears by this impress in his cornet , under the figure of a sword and pen , pro rege , lege grege . it was partly composed to vindicate himself from their aspersions , who imputed unto him the deserting his principle relating to the royal power ; and partly to evidence , that he had neither actually or intentionally infringed it . but many other particulars were thereby offered to consideration , whereof some are here abreviated . the contents of the said field-musings . a question presuppos'd , the muse makes answer , and her freedom shews . tells with what heart , with what intent this war her poet under went : avers that reason and the laws will justifi him in his cause . the publick streights he doth express , lamenteth , and implores redress . fights combats with dosive reason , his party to acquit from treason ; them he encourageth to do what god and reason calls them to . then mentioning a voice of peace that she hath heard , and there dooh cease ; intruding , ere she doth proceed , to make some proof how this will speed . having touched upon many omissions and commissions which occasioned several expostulations , caveats and predictions , ( to which the reader is referred ) this follows , pag. . our speedy reconcilement hasten shall the churches triumph , and great babels fall . her date is near , if i aright have hit the meaning of the number , left to be a trial and probation of their wit who seek the fall of antichrist to see . he is , with his partakers , at this day in publick and in private carrying on the cunning'st plot which they have yet to play , and when that 's acted out , their play is done . till then their fraud will so some saints beguile , that they to their design will furth'rance bring ; yea , they shall help promote it for a while , who favour nor the persons , nor the thing . but , lest your hearts may faint by long delay , heed for your comfort what my muse will say . that year in which rome's long-liv'd emperie shall from the day in which it was at height , sum up m , d , c , l , x , v , and i , in order as these letters here incite , that year , that day , that hour will put a date to her usurped pow'r , ( reserving neither top , root or branch of that accursed state , nor hand , nor body , limb , horn , claw or feather . for here are all the numerals of rome in order , as they are in valuation , and cannot make a less or greater sum , without disorder , want , or iteration . nor shall it longer stand , or sooner fall , if i mistake not him who governs all . in number , weight and measure worketh he , allotting to each man the bound and season , which may both correspond with his decree , and somewhat also suit with humane reason . in egypt , thus a certain time to stay was to the seed of jacob there assign'd ; thus likewise to a fore-appointed day the reign of baltashazer was confin'd ; thus from the time of daniels supplication , the time when christ should come , foretold appears to be a preordained limitation , until the end of seventy weeks of years . and thus rome's declination may ( no doubt ) be numbring till her numeral● are out . two famous numbers are in them contain'd , the first declares the length of time wherein the devil was by providence restrain'd from setting up the mystery of sin : the later is the number of the beast , which when the lett was taken quite away , ( whereby he was a thousand years supprest ) doth number out his kingdom to a day . it is the number of the name or pow'r ev'n of a man , of that mysterious man , by whom that mysterie is at this hour , continu'd , and by whom it first began . and , he that can begin the thousandth year , shall find the ruine of both beasts is near . to search that out , it seems not hard to me , who do believe , that when of her chief sin rome to be guilty did appear to be , her declination did then first begin . and sure , of all her sins the greatest crime was , crucifying of the lord of life , and her unjustly persecuting them who tendred saving-grace to their belief . then , i presume , she first to fall began , and , that god measur'd , weigh'd , and numbred out how many backward rounds her wheel should run , before it should the last time turn about . thus in those numerals which are her own , join'd all together , was her fate writ down . to bring to pass that work there was a let to be remov'd , of no mean consequence ; which was removed at the time fore-set , and her new off-spring hath reign'd ever since . but with exceeding infamy and scorns , the beast , which now so powerful seems to some , shall lose his head , and moult away his horns , and to the world a laughing-stock become . then many juglings hitherto conceal'd , ( and which to blind the heedless christians eye , in seven dark mysteries , have long been seal'd ) shall to the faithful soul uncover'd lye . that kingdom which the jew did long ago mould out according to his erring brain ; ( and whereof many zealous christians too unwarrantable fancies entertain . ) that kingdom ( whereof now in types we hear ) shall to the world essentially appear . be patient therefore , ye that are opprest ; this generation shall not pass away , till some behold the downfall of that beast , which yet among us with his taile doth play . then will the lamb of god begin to take the kingdom to himself , and ev'ry king that of his right shall usurpation make , to judgment and destruction he shall bring . no kingling then , assume the boldness shall blasphemously ( for know it is no less ) to stile himself the king catholical , as if earths universal globe were his ; for , though another hath usurpt thereon , that title doth belong to christ alone . and , 't is no wonder if the potentates , kings , and the rulers of this world combine by policy to strengthen their estates , and with the beast , with gog and magog join . no marvel if enraged they appear , through jealousies , and fear of losing that by which their pride and lusts maintained were , and which base fear and flat'ry first begat : for all those kingdoms and those emperies throughout the world , which their beginning took by humane wit , fraud , force and tyrannies , shall pass away , and vanish into smoak . an army whereof here 's yet little hope , shall wrest the scepter both from turk and pope . religion , and meer shews of piety , have been so long the masks of base designs ; the great vicegerents of their deity , have made such polititians of divines ; and these together , have so fool'd and cheated the consciences of persons well inclin'd , that , of all freedoms they are nigh defeated , belonging to the body and the mind ; yea , they have so mock't god , and on his throne and his prerogative so far encroach't , that , of his honour being jealous grown much longer bear he will not such reproach . but , to the saints their liberties restore , and give those kings their portion with the whore. d' ye startle at it , as if i had spoke high treason ? or , as if what i now say without a warrant i had undertook to publish , as perhaps you think i may . if so ; know , that i had this information not from a private spirit , but from his well known and unsuspected revelation , who to his church long since revealed this . they who will to the lamb their crowns resign , and shall ( the beast opposing ) be content to reign according to christ's discipline , ( and his command ) shall keep their government . the rest cast off , shall wail and curse their birth , with tyrants , and the merchants of the earth . christ and his law shall then bear all the sway , by governments , resembling that perchance , for which the jews god's yoke did cast away , the kingship of the gentiles to advance . and as his people foolishly did crave ( instead of his mild scepter to retain ) a heath'nish monarchy , which doth enslave and seek by arbitrary pow'rs to reign ; so shall all nations be content to leave their ethnick bonds , and with his holy nation christ's precepts and his discipline receive , and joint partakers be of their salvation . and when this glorious kingdom doth begin , the fulness of the gentiles will come in . god hath so long deferred the possession of that great mercy , because worldliness , hypocrisie and discord keep the blessing from ripening into such a happiness : some in unrightcousness the truth retain'd , and make the same thereby the less believ'd ; some by an outward sanctity have gain'd the means to have their heresies believ'd . whilst some pursue the antichrist without them , an antichrist ariseth up within ; which if they look not warily about them , new work for reformation will begin . but god will finish what he preordains , when penitence for sin the means obtains . in the sixty third page of this poem , the author for illustration of that mystery , adds this that follows . and lastly , i have weigh'd , that not alone a plot is laid these kingdoms to undo ; but likewise , in their spoil to have undone all other true reformed churches too . i see god's glory , and the servitude of all his people in this cause concern'd ; and whatsoever others do conclude , i these conclusions with good warrant learn'd , that those whom in this warfare we resist , are neither worse nor better then those bands , and those confederates of antichrist , which are this day his champions in these lands : and , that who ever fighteth on their side , when this is known , have god & christ deni'd . i see as plainly as i see the sun , he draweth near who on the white horse rides ; the long expected battel is begun ; the beast to muster up his kings provides : with him h●s bloody edomites conspire , the ●eeds of hagar , and the sons of lot , philistia , gebal ; moab , ammon , tire , and all who with his mark themselves bespot . to meet these , those white regiments i see , that on the lord of hosts , and king of kings attending in triumphant habits be : and , whilst i contemplate the aid he brings , methinks i hear his angel call the crows , to eat the kings and captains of his foes . to strengthen the faith , and confirm the patience of the saints , this mysterie is insisted upon in many other of this author's writings , as occasions were offer'd ; and are thought not impertinently expressed in a various mode to the same effect , because the ignorance or heedlesness of many , require both reiteration and plainness , to prevent mistakes . there are also many other neglected remembrances contained in the aforesaid poem , to the perusal whereof more at large , the reader is referred . the dark lanthorn , imprinted . this is a parabolical and enigmatical poem , containing , with some plain precautions and remembrances , many dark predictions ; and begins thus : he , from whose perfect light , all true lights come , spake parables ; yea , spake nought else to some : and providence by many various wayes of dispensation , to the world conveyes the means of carrying on those works which tend to mans perfection at his latter end : and , to the wonderful accomplishment of what eternally is his intent , bringeth about oft times the self-same things , ( or such like ) toward their accomplishings , that prudent men might apprehend thereby what he designs , and therewithal comply , &c. and in the seventh page he proceeds thus ; i may perhaps be , among others , one who was design'd for service to be done in order thereunto ( as i conceive i am , and as ( when i am gone ) some will believe , though few so think now ; for although i dress the mind and matter of my messages in measur'd words ( and trimmed with such fancies as are allowed in poetick frencies , to pass for sober garbs ) yet , now and then i blunder out that which meer worldly men count madness ; and what oft the best men too sometimes , do think becomes not me to do . but i best know my warrant , and proceed as i am mov'd ( with little fear or heed , what others judge ) and that which makes me dare what seemeth madness , helpeth to prepare such strains , as other while produceth heeding of what had not else been thought worth the reading : and , these my ridlings now , are an invention which partly were design'd with that intention ; and partly likewise to amuse those readers who to my principles are counter-pleaders . when many think the times afford me may enough to speak of , i have nought to say . when i to ought am called , i cast by my own affairs , and to that call apply as i occasion find ; venting sometimes my thoughts in prose , and otherwhile in rimes ; one while in sharp and bitter strains reproving ; sometimes by admonitions calm and loving ; yea , jiggs of recreation sometimes fidling , and now i 'm fall'n into a fit of ridling . riddle my riddles then , you that have heard truths oft , and plainly spoke without regard , ( except it were in malice to combine against their peace , who cast their pearls to swine ) riddle them if you can ; for in them lies a dark character of our destinies . those things within these problems couched are , which i once thought more plainly to declare ; but , from that purpose have now chang'd my mind , that seeing you might see , yet still be blind : that you might read , and yet not understand the works which god and men have now in hand . till those events befall to you , which may produce those good effects which you delay . to which intent , that which i would unfold , shall herogliphically now be told . page the , after many pre-occupations to confirm himself in prosecuting what he intended , he thus again proceeds . but i will wheel about , and with the rein turn pegasus into his path again : though he in his digressions ( as we say of beggars ) never is beside his way . once on a time ( thus did old tales begin ere i was born , or thought so to have been ) a foolish people , ( overmuch at ease ) their wantonness and vanity to please , among their may-games , brought home from the wood trees , which had else till now unheeded stood . of these they made , by hewings , knocks & smoothing , that look like something , which resembled nothing . and out of shapeless , knotty loggs , did hew some statues , not uncomely to the view . these , ere quite finisht ( with some jeers and mocks ) they set up higher over other blocks . them so repollishing , and painting so , that of what stuff they were , few men could know . beginning then their own work to admire , they rais'd them higher , and a little higher , till idols they became ; with whom they grew at first familiar , and did them bestrew with flow'rs and garlands ; shortly after they bow'd humbly down before them ev'ry day . till custom had their judgment quite befool●d : for , when they them inshrined did behold , sparkling with jewels , and with gold array'd , they of their own creations grew afraid ; and , at the last ( as at the last such do , who after their own fancies whoring go ) they much repenting their fond superstition , bewail'd the slavery of their condition ; with some appearances of an intent to grow more wise , as well as penitent . yea , to blaspheme their new-made gods they spar'd not , and would have-pull'd them down again , but dar'd not . for , by their flat'ring attributes long given , they had advanc't them to a sphere ( or heaven ) where uncontroul'd , a power they exercis●d according to their will ; and them despis'd whose hands had made them , and whose breath had blown them too high for their ambitiousness to own them . their incantations by degrees had brought strange spirits into what their hands had wrought , alluring , and enabling them unto those actings which their makers might undo . yet still these block-heads persever'd , and will to make such idols , and adore them still , till both they and their puppets are destroy'd , unless the god of gods make just fears void : for , most men being of a slavish mind , are so much unto slavishness enclin'd , that to fulfil their slavish lust they 'l fawn upon a dog , and lay their souls to pawn . riddle this riddle , if you can , and tell what people this may be , and where they dwell , which i believing you with ease may do , will add this following parable thereto . there was a time when silly bees could speak , ( a people of much industry , though weak ) among themselves , these lately made great moans , as being much oppressed by their drones , who ( having made incursions among those that had an uncontroulable dispose in their republike ) did in various wise , encroachments make on their proprieties , and greedily unto themselves derive the fatness and the sweetness of the hive . complaints in private no redress obtaining , encrease to open and avow'd complaining ; which finding like successes , they begun to buz , as when a swarming time comes on : then to shut up their cells , to shake their wings , to leave their wonted work , and shew their stings . at first the drones were frighted much thereat , but ( being not so wise as they were fat ) neglected still the course which might prevent the mischiefs then appearing imminent . which when i saw , i would no longer stay , but said , god help them , and so came away . this parable , if rightly moraliz'd , affords a meaning not to be despis'd . and so doth what next follows . as i went on pilgrimage unto the parliament , i there attending saw some of the cocks ( which kept our hens and capons from the fox ) with broken wings , with backs without a feather , to hide their naked bodies from the weather . with plumeless tailes , with scarred necks & breasts , vvith empty bellies , with their combs and crests quite worn away , and scraping with their feet on dunghils for their food , and in the street , so despicably , that it could appear by nothing ( save their spurres ) what once they were : and popinjayes and parrots clad and fed with what the valour of these purchased ; these trim'd up in their feathers , strutting by did cast upon them a disdainful eye , which heeding , i suppose ( i tell you true ) to be no good presage . pray what think you ? news , if you look for , i but little know save such as this next parable doth show , a fair ship now lies floating on the flouds , well fraught with pass●ngers , well fill'd with goods , lab'ring to fix an anchor on the strand of her wisht harbour , which lies near at hand . by many storms much tackling she hath spent , her masts are shatter'd , and her sailes are rent : her ammunition , and her stores are wasted , her bread and beaverage is evil tasted , her keel springs leaks , through her uncawked seams , her knees are weakned , broken are her beams , her pump is crack't , no cable sound hath she , and anchor's have been slipt , till none there be . her helm hangs loose ; her card hath great defects , her compass likewise often interdicts , and ev'ry where she craziness doth feel from prow to stern , from top-mast to the keal . in this condition to and fro she drives , and on the waves with much ado she lives : for , now of late again , the sea grows high , a stiff gale blows , and she expos'd doth lye to many hazards close without a barr betwixt two fore-lands which in kenning are . if she to seaward forth again should stand , there pirates threaten her ; if then to land she makes , the rocks lye scatter'd here and there , in which as great or greater dangers are . and which is worse , they who should be her guide , are false , and mutinously qualified . some ignorant , some treacherous , and some ambitious how possessors to become of what belongs to others . some of those who have this publike ship at their dispose , have in delayes their time and stores mispent , for private ends , and for accomplishment ▪ of worse designs , and in this great distress , ( partly through fear , in part through guiltiness ) so much amus'd , and so amazed are that , they are at a loss what course to stear both to secure themselves , and their design , without which , to no course they will încline , &c. but maugre all these hazards , she at last in her wisht harbour shall an anchor cast , and take in both good pilots and recruits , when her fate seems to promise no such fruits . you therefore , who conceive your interest to be concern'd , by what is here exprest , praise god alone , when safe this ship shall be , for to secure her there is none but he , and , let not any to whom this relates , slight what the parable insinuates , which next ensueth : for , it hath some use that much to their advantage may conduce : a home-br●d lyon ( of a hair unknown , in africa ) by being overgrown , and dreadful to his keepers , shall thereby awake the rage of smother'd jealousie , and lose his tayle ; except between his paws he couch his head , and hide his teeth and claws , or else grow rampant ; what will follow then ? ask those you credit , they are cunning men ; of me you ask in vain ; for 't is my fate seldom to be believ'd , till 't is too late , this was interpreted as a relative to oliver cromwel , then lord general of the army , whose arms was a white lyon. it follows thus : — they who have took delight in deeds of darkness , will put out the light by which the footsteps of their foes are known , and , whereby they might see to guide their own . instead thereof , they raise and follow shall an ignis fatuus , which will hazard all ; and providence to each man shall dispose that which for his chief happiness he chose . the dogs unto their vomit shall retire : the swine , who love to wallow in the mire , themselves with their beloved filth shall fill ; and they who are unclean , shall be so still . the wilful adders who do stop their ears , and will not heed the charmer whom he hears , shall feel a voice within them , which will shake them out of their dumps , & from their deafness wake them when 't is too late ( it may be ) to prevent the dint of their forewarned detriment . the leaches shall by salt a vomit take , or else continue sucking till they break . the bubbles , who in emptiness do find most pleasure , shall be puffed up with wind , till blown up into nothing , there appear no signs that in the world such bladders were . the sons of earth , who with the gods make war , shall heap up hills on hills , till crusht they are by their own handy-works . the shrubs now grown more lofty than the cedars , they broke down ; among their thorns and leaves a fire do hide , which on a sudden will consume their pride . the grubbs and maggots ( but ere while so small , so poor and weak , that they could hardly crawle ) have got bulk , strength , new forms , aspiring wings , yea , dreadful teeth , and horns , and claws , and stings ; but , by a storm , whereof they have no dread , they shall consume as fast as they were bred . out of the putrified barbed steed , shall generated be a numerous breed of noisome hornets , which abroad will flye , much mischief acting , and next winter dye . the blasted orange , and the crooked vine , with other plants on either side of rhine , shall twist together , that beneath their shade , a shelter for the thistle may be made , till they perceive what plagues are in pursuit of that ejected plant , branch , root and fruit : then will they wiser grow , lest they become exposed justly to the self-same doom . mean while the tawny olive shall assay his roots into these valleys to convey . from whence it was removed , and effect thereby what very few do now suspect , except the willow and the oak foresee what for their mutual weal should acted be , whereby they frustrate may a grand design which is on foot , both states to undermine ; and they who thereunto first movers are , shall of that blessing reap the greatest share . observe this well ; if you hereafter fee ( which peradventure may permitted be ) the red-cross from its former height decline , and for a time the half-moon northward shine with an ill influence upon the seas , beyond the pillars of great hercules , and not be retrograde , till it hath more effects that way , then ever heretofore ; expect some consequence will then ensue , which many who yet dream not of , will rue . but losses are sometimes a gainful prize ; by oversights men grow to be more wise ; and they who heed not now what doth concern their welfare , will perhaps more wisdom learn , when more experience makes their judgment stronger . by suff'ring loss and shame a little longer . we on this side the water are not yet confus'd enough , that order to beget that must reform us ; and shall here therefore pursue self-interest yet more and more , till such as are in pow'r vouchsafe to hear the counsel of their slighted ingineer . the old robe with new cloth will patched be , though rents thereby still wider made they see , till every rag is quite worn out , and then they with a whole robe shall be cloth'd agen ; and they who own it , be secured more , and much more dignifi'd then heretofore . when they who would effect it , make their choices as well by lot divine , as humane voices ; whereto self-seekers never will agree , till by some streight it shall enforced be . but when this comes to pass , there will appear a new light shining in our hemisphear that will disperse the clouds and fogs which make so many cross each other , and mistake the way to safety . then , we shall perceive our opposites desire to interweave their interest with ours , and if sincere , they shall , in what will be produced here partake ; and both together then possess each other , and the world , in christian peace , till he appeareth to ascend the throne , who must unite all nations into one . then shall the glaring comets which have seem'd fixt stars , ( and so by many are esteem'd ) ev'n they of greatest magnitude , down from their heights be cast , and more despis'd become then gloworms , or those rotten chips that glare in darkness , as if real lights they were : then every single person shall be brought unto his test , and that which he hath wrought , to trial comes ; moreover they who now by spoiles and by oppression powerful grow , will then become the scorn of every one , whom they opprest , desp●s'd and trampled on . then they who large indulgencies contrive for others , that themselves they may forgive ; who cunningly at fast and loose do play , who take to morrow , what they give to day ; and make their seeming favours means unto those mischiefs which their malice could not do ; who , spider-like , weave cobwebs with pretence to catch the flyes alone , which give offence ; when none but harmless bees their engines take , for wasps and hornets passage through them make . they who do sacrifice unto the dead , that wherewithall the living should be fed ; who justifie the wicked in their way , and unto death men innocent betray ; these then , and all such like , shall to their doom with horror , fear , and with amazement come . page , it thus follows : then from the buried oxe will forth arise a swarm of thrifty honey-making flyes , that shall with sweetness and with plenty store these islands from the midland to the shore , and spread their floating hives on all the seas , 'twixt both the tropicks , to th' antipodes , to make preparatives for that which brings into one body all dispersed things . some other things of no mean consequence i do foresee approaching , not far hence ; but so obscurely , that i cannot say without all doubtings , whereto tend they may ; for far beyond my apprehension lies the chain of those remote contingencies , which draw on future things , because my glass through which the notions of them are to pass , is so defective , that they do perchance misrepresent them in some circumstance . yet by the enlightnings which the sacred writ on sanctified reason doth beget , ( if we well heed , consider and compare what things have been , with such as present are to god and men relating ) we of some things future , may aright inform'd become . the perpetual parliament , imprinted . in this poem the author having more poetico , expressed a contemplative vision , preparative to what he intended , he thus proceeds , pag. . — by what hath represented been , by well consid'ring what i had seen , by spelling out what ev'ry character holds forth , to evidence those things that were thereby intended , i found out therein where that great work must first of all begin , which may make up our breaches , when thereto our selves we settle , as we ought to do . i saw that on a future settlement , and constitution of a parliament upon a just foundation laid , with speed , a means of restauration might succeed , that introducing therewith , which might bring into right order ev'ry other thing , our outward weal promoting , if we take that course whereof proposal i now make . i am likewise perswaded ( ev'n without so much as any shadow of a doubt ) that by this parliaments misconstitution , we are uncapable of that fruition which we expect ; that ( for the most part ) thence proceeds the cause of all our indigence , and that this parliament is naytheless the chief , ( if not sole means of our redress ) ev'n this ; which many at this day do seek to bring ( by disrespect ) into dislike , and to a nullity , as if thereby they had no hopes of our recovery : for by this parliament god would effect the future settlement they do expect . if they too long delay'd hot the pursuit of an impartial rational recruit . although the body of it , being made of members , which among them long have had ( and yet hath over-many ) so corrupted , that they have not alone much interrupted their activeness who discontinue sound , but now are also likely to confound the whole at once , by seeking how to please their lusts or friends ; yet we might maugre these , restored be by those who have been just , and to their utmost pow●r perform'd their trust : it is from those that we denominate this parliament , in them is lodg'd our fate conditionally ; yea , whatsoe're they seem , this is ( as things are ) that which must redeem our honour lost ; and if then it shall dissolved be , down will their structures fall , not to be rais'd without the cost of more then hath been spent upon it heretofore . but , as they are , what prudent man can think it will be long ere totally they sink ? for while they shall endeavour to subsist , without preserving of their interest who chose them , or permit their dissolution , with our late hardly gained constitution ; ( which now without enforcement can by none effected be , but by it self alone ) they shall henceforth for ever be unable to gain a government that will be stable , unless a phoenix , yet unhatcht , arise out of their ashes , with renew'd supplies , which seeing that may probably be never , they some expedient must with speed endeavour . in this , and after the th page in the imprinted copies , the sense in many pages was so mistaken by the transcriber , or the printer , that the expedient thereby intended , is confusedly exprest ; the result whereof was to this effect afore expressed ; and it thus follows , pag. . let them take notice , that the peoples rage at their delayes , is likely to engage in some disorderly resolve , unless they see that followed with more seriousness , which they expect either in a parliament new-moulded , or by what 's equivalent . for , 't is conceiv'd their sufferings may thereby , and thereby onely , meet a remedy : which cure , if misadvis'd i have not been , must with the parliament it self begin . there is a course , whereby without disgrace or danger , they may bring a work to pass that will fecure from hazards , cost and pain , which without thanks or profit you sustain , afflicting others too , by those confusions which are encreased by irresolutions . until a better , therefore , shall appear , be pleased this expediment to hear ; and if thereby you find a likelihood of ought conducing to your future good . take heed that no self-interest divert that approbation whereunto your heart inclineth you ; for , god will find it out , and cross the counter-work you go about . in england and in wales there is a shire for ev'ry week that 's numbred in the year : according to the months , by twelve divide the counties , with the persons qualifi'de for knights and burgesses , proportioning , as near as may be , to an equalling the number of the whole , so , or so many unto each month , ( without omitting any . ) as certain then , the month and day wherein each twelfth part an election shall begin . ( the middle of the week appearing best , as being farthest from the day of rest ) on the first wednesday of each month , let those by whom their deputies are to be chose , ( respectively ) convene in ev'ry shire , upon that month and wednesday every year , which is to them assign'd ; then , having chosen ( at months end ) let each twelfth part of the dozen send up their chosen men to represent their shires and burroughs in the parliament ; and , on that very day in which they come , let all their predecessors give them room . thus one month some , & month by month for ever , let each twelfth part still orderly persever to take a turn , till ev'ry shire hath had a month in ev'ry year ; then having made their choice , let them still enter , and withdraw , successively , by a perpetual law , no man a place of trust supplying there , by one election , longer then one year . thus , as the thames doth still continue one , and , is the self-same river , though there run a new supply of waters ev'ry day along her channel ; you continue may the parliament by annual supply to be the self-same everlastingly , ( with very little change or molestation to them , who chuse or represent the nation . ) thus may the parliament be both together successive and perpetual ; yet neither enjoying such a perpetuity as can occasion future tyranny , or present grievances ( save such alone as wholly can prevented be by none : ) nor shall we be endammag'd by succession , or by parliaments long intermission ; but form a constitution which will add all pow'r which may be for advantage had , either to gain what best men would effect , or to prevent the mischiefs they suspect . what i intend , may plainly be conceiv'd , and , to that end , some things may be contriv'd much better , if your wisdom shall refine the rudeness of my proffered design ; and by authority strict rules provide , whereby th' elected may be qualifi'de , and their electors too ; for 't were unjust in things of this concernment those to trust who have disturb'd your peace , until a time for their probation is allotted them ; and , till they likewise by their good desert make manifest a reconciled heart ; their merits being well weigh'd by such judges as may suspend usurped priviledges . and since , ev'n they who are the best affected to common welfare , often have elected such as deceive their trust ; since there 's no eye but god's , that sees the hearts hypocrisie ; and , since we find it left upon record , ( ev'n in the volume of the sacred word ) that lot's were needful in the choice of those to whom they did a supreme pow'r impose ; since likewise when the purest congregation in all the world , had with deliberation elected two ; a lot was also cast ( before an approbation thereon past ) to send forth him who was to be employ'd in execution of the place then void , that god might also have his choice therein , it was no doubt vouchsafed to have been exemplar , that we might with warranty in this approved president comply : for god by his election join'd with our , will probably upon the elected pour his grace . this will moreover give content to prudent men , and frequently prevent the choice of those whom for sinister ends , a numerous corrupted party sends . why may not then ? why should not two be chose for ev'ry place that 's void , and one of those by lot ? that god therein may have a voice , and join with men , in perfecting their choice ? since they who do th●s nation represent , are god's vicegerents in the government , as well as our trustees , who would not more in such a choice confide , then heretofore in their elections ? or then they will do in those hereafter not elected so ? why was it not , why should it not be thus , if this the kingdom be of god with us ? but that , self-seekers know , were this admitted , they by reputed fools , should be outwitted ? and not so easily obtain a power , hereafter to oppress and to devour . to no good end have lots been from among all such elections shufled out so long ; vsurpers and intruders do well know lots would their kingdoms quickly overthrow ; make them afraid , that christ will reign indeed , ( as they with discontent oft hear and read ) and that without controul , in time to come , they should not rant and revel in his room as now they do , and will , till we begin a better course then that which we are in . if timely some provision might be made , to our elections , lots henceforth to add , much reformation would thereby redound , and great advantages therein be found . so might there also , if that whensoe're th' elect to perform their duty were , some short speech might be made , or cautions read , whereby it should be offer'd to their heed , how much it will concern them to take care what choice they make , and what the dangers are , which may ensue , when some sinister ends the dread of greatness , or respects to friends , makes them misplace their trust , and cast away themselves , and all , for ever , in one day . this to prevent , 't were fitting to make known what trust that is which is on them bestown . what benefits may gen'rally arise , by chusing men couragious , honest , wise , and fearing god : what perils will ensue , ( which by forepast examples we may shew ) if cowards , fools , ungodly men , and vicious , or to the present government pernicious , they should elect . they may likewise , declare how qualify'd such persons should appear ; and warn them , that they never do unhallow their choice with any , such as these that follow . men over-talkative , affecting much to hear themselves speak ; for , not many such can keep or give good counsel ; and they 'l prate much precious time away in vain debate . your common-gamesters , for they are not just unto themselves , and them we should not trust with other mens estates , who have been known to lose , or hazard desperately their own . men to their pleasures over-much addicted ; for publike work will be by them neglected . chuse not men evidently avaricious , or of promotion greedily ambitious ; for if their ends thereby obtain these may , they will be brib'd their countrey to betray ; or quite neglect their trust to court their whore , and shame their fellows , if they do no more . of irreligious persons make no choice , for these will very seldom give their voice but in the negative , to any motion that may be for advancement of devotion . chuse none who are defam'd in any kind , for such as they will an occasion find to hinder all enactings that restrain ill manners , or to sober life pertain . elect not children , for it is unfit that in your supream councils they should sit to vote in grand affairs , whom law restrains from managing what to themselves pertains . chuse none who are observed to withhold their long due debts , when they discharge them could : nor outlaw'd persons ; for unfit are they to make us laws , who would not law. chuse none who shall solicite or propose that they for your law-makers may be chose . nor such as their electors by th' abuse of feastings , wine and banquetings seduce : for they who shall ( uncall'd ) themselves advance to that great work , have much more arrogance then real worth ; and it is ten to one they for themselves have somewhat to be done , &c. there are many other particulars pertinent to the trust mentioned in this poem ; as also , other precautions and predictions of the good and evil consequences likely to ensue , in that poem hinted , with a purpose onely to bring those things to consideration , which wiser men may improve , according to the author's intention , by a better method then is here proposed : therefore to the perusal thereof , the reader is referred . the author's emblems , imprinted . this book , written by the said author in his younger years , is a poem in folio , containing two hundred figures engraven in copper , and illustrated with morals , and a lottery annexed , the better to insinuate into young readers , those divine morals , and civil documents , which are thereby tendred to consideration . out of those , a few onely are collected , the rest may be perused in the original . in the first book of emblems , pag. , is a laureat head fixed upon a basis of stone . still fixt , and with triumphant lawrel crown'd , is truest wisdom , which expressed thus among some old impressa's we have found , and much this emblem hath instructed us . from hence we learn , that prudence doth not flow from those unconstant men , whom ev'ry blast , or slight occasion turneth to and fro , but from a setled head that standeth fast . who ever shoulders him , he gives not place ; what storm soe're his times or fortunes breath , he neither hides his brow , nor turns his face , but keeps a look undaunted ev'n in death . the laureat head upon a pillar set , this intimates , and his bay-wreath doth shew that constant wisdom shall a conquest get , when giddy policy prevails not so . if therefore , thou art willing to be taught , propose good ends , with honest means thereto ; and therein constant be , till thou hast brought that to perfection , which thou hast to do . let neither flat'ring pleasures , fear , disgrace , nor scoffing censures , threatnings , or the slights of fawning sycophants , obstruct that race to which a blameless prudence thee invites . though others plot , conspire and undermine , keep then a plain right path ; let not their course make thee without just cause to alter thine , though for the present it may seem the worse . he that thus acts , puts policy to shool , and makes the machavilian prove a fool . in the same book , pag. . a spade , a serpent , and a wreath of lawrel . suppose you , sirs , those mimick apes you meet in strange fantastick habits , or the rabble that with gay clothes embroyder out the street , are truly worshipful or honourable ? or can you think , that to be born the son of some rich alderman , or ancient peer , or , that the fame your predecessors won , may claim such wreaths as due deservings wear ? is honour due to them who ●●end their dayes in courting one another or consuming their fortunes and themselves ●n drabs and plays , in sleeping , drinking , and tobacco fuming ? not so ; for ( though such fools , like children , place gay titles on each other ) wise men know what slaves they be how despicably base , and where such attributes would better show : an idle body clothes a vicious , mind , and what at best is purchast by the same , is nothing else but stinking smoak and wind , or frothy bubbles of an empty fame . true glory none did ever purchase yet , until he to be virtuous did attain ; and all their virtues are but counterfeit , who labour not for what they would obtain . and this impressa doth infer no less ; for , by the spade is labour here impli'de ; the snake a virtuous prudence doth express , and glory by the wreath is typifi'de : for where a virtuous industry is found , it with a wreath of glory shall be crown'd . in the same book , pag. . the emblem is a skeleton , with this following descant why , silly man , so much admirest thou thy present fortune ; over-valuing so thy person , or the beauty of thy brow , and in fantastick habits clothed go ? why dost thou live in riotous excess , and boast as if the flesh immortal were ? why dost thou covet so , why so oppress , and o're thy fellow-creatures dominere ? behold this emblem , such a one was he whom this doth represent , as now thou art ; and such a fleshless rawbone thou shalt be , though yet thou seem'st to act a comelier part . observe it well , and mark what ugliness stares through the sightless eye-holes from within ; note those lean crags , and with what gastliness that horrid countenance doth seem to grin . well heed it ; and when thou hast seen the same , pluck down that pride which puffs thee now so high . boast not of shape or features , but ( for shame ) repent of all thy former vanity ; and , having learn'd that all men must become such bare anatomies ( that such a fate no mortal pow'r or wit can guard thee from ) live so , that death may better thy estate . consider who created thee , and why ; rowse up thy spirit , ere thy flesh decayes , pursue things honest , with true piety , and seek thy welfare in thy makers praise : so when of life and form death shall deprive thee , life with eternal glory god will give thee . in the same book , pag. . the figure of one rowling a stone up a steep hill. a massie milstone , up a tedious hill , with endless labour sisiphus doth rowle , and down ( when rais'd aloft ) it tumbleth still , to keep employed his afflicted soul . on him this toyle is feign'd to be impos'd , to be ( though vain ) perpetually assay'd ; but , some there be , by no such streight enclos'd , who on themselves as endless tasks have laid : yea , knowing not ( or without care to know ) how they are worn and wearied out in vain . they plunge themselves into a world of wo , to seek uncertain ease , in certain pain . such fools are they , who dream they shall acquire a mind content , by scrabling still for more ; for wealth encreasing , doth encrease desire , and makes less contentation then before . such also they , who their endeavour stretch to climb by titles to true honours height ; for having gotten one ambitions reach another , comes perpetually in sight . and their stupidity is nothing less , who fancy , flesh and blood may raised be unto the top of perfect holiness : for at the best , corrupt and vile are we . yet , we are bound in faith , with love and hope , to rowle the stone of good endeavour still , as near as may be , to perfections top , though back again , it tumbles down the hill . for then , what workes had never power to do , god by his grace will freely bring us to . in the same book , p. . a man in a boat with sails and oars . no wonder he a prosperous voyage finds , who hath both sails and oars to serve his turn , and still assisted with propitious winds , is to his wished harbour timely born . nor is it very strange , if they who lack those helps on which the common faith depends , and from their hop'd for aims repelled back , and miss of that to which their labour tends . not in the ships , the winds , the oars or sails , ( nor in the want of outward means ) alone , consists it , that our hope succeeds or fails , but most in that which men least think upon . some well endeavour , and their pains are blest with gales that are so prosperous , that they flye safe and swiftly on among the best , whilst others toyle hard , and are cast away . some long time on this worlds wide ocean float , and , seldom winds or tides assistance have ; nor sail , nor oar , nor anchor , nor sound boat enjoying , neither skill themselves to save ; and yet escape . some other too there are , who neither want fit means , nor do neglect good industry , nor are without due care , or active skill , yet find small good effect . however , let still thy intent be just , then add what means thou canst to compass it ; ●nd , though means fails , admit of no distrust , but fearlesly to god thy wayes commit . for he , where faith and honesty he finds , turns loss to gain , and storms to prosperous winds . in the fourth book , p. . the figure is an hour-glass , and the sand almost run out . this glass declares how time doth pass away , and if th' annexed motto truth doth say , the time that 's gone , is lost . this to be true , experience too doth manifestly shew . how fast their time departs , they least perceive , from whom it steals before they take their leave of what they love ; and their last hour is run before they do suppose it is begun . therefore , how fast it slide , let them be taught hereby , who foolishly put out of thought their latter end ; or alwayes do presume , or overlargely hope on time to come : the present hours nor thankfully enjoying , nor prudently or honestly employing . else these will peradventure too late find , when better understanding brings to mind how foolishly they hitherto have spent time past , that 't is not to their detriment lost onely , but which is much worse then so , lost with a thousand other losses too : which to redeem , nor wit , nor wealth , nor pow'r can purchase them one minute of an hour . consider this , all ye that spend the prime , the moon-tides , and the twilights of your time , in play-games , or inquest of needless things , as if ye could at pleasure nip times wings , or turn his glass , or had a life or twain to live , when you had fool'd this out in vain . short is the present , lost times passed be , and time to come you are not sure to see . it would make this review too long to be called a breviate , if it should be enlarged with any more of these emblems ; and it may be hoped these few gleaned out of them , will suffice to make that heeded which is precautioned and predicted in those four books ; and that some also who did read them heretofore either negligently , or in sport onely , will peruse them to better purpose . an interjection , occasioned by a sudden ejaculation , whilst this review of neglected remembrances was transcribing ; which shall here stand inserted , thought it be no part of what was heretofore expressed , or intended to be hereunto added . alas ! in this review , to what good end my words , my time and labour thus to spend am i enforc'd ? why am i troublesome to others and my self , of things to come or past , still to make mention ? since i see nor judgments , whereof sensible men be ( from day to day ) nor mercies , which betwixt those judgments intervene , or intermixt , ●●ch heeded are ? although they such have been , as are not in one age or place oft seen . oh times ! oh manners ▪ how far wil these nations proceed at last in their prevarications , if god thereto a bounder shall not set , and they seek him no more then they do yet ? our posture at this present is the same with isr'els when they forth from egypt came . two mountains on both sides of them they had , o're which no pass in safety could be made ; before them was a sea , where ship or boat to waft them over , could not then be got . behind them , pharoah with a dreadful host pursu'de them , to recover what was lost , and to reduce them to that servile state , which they were hopeful had been out of date ; or to destroy them quite , where did appear no likely hope of a deliverer : for means of safety they could none espye , within the prospect of a carnal eye . they , thus affrighted , to the lord then cri'de , not as they should , who do in him confi'de ; but with more fear then faith ; nay , worse then so , they murmur'd , and upbraided moses too , in an uncivil and ingrateful mode , as if without a warranty from god he had imprudently pursu'd a course which they foresaw ; and told him would make worse their bad condition ; yea , exprest a will , slaves ( as they had been ) to continue still . yet he ( the meekest person who then liv'd . ) as if he neither at that time perceiv'd how him they injur'd , or how jus●●y they deserv'd what seemed probable that day , ( or how much base , unmanly slavishness their own tongues did apparently express ) he wav'd their murmurs , whilst they were afraid , as if nought had amiss by them been said : and , like a loving father , speaking to his children , ( knowing not when they mis-do ) said gently thus : fear not , stand still and see with patience , how yeshall deliver'd be : for these egyptians who are now before your eyes this day , shall never fright you more : and so befel it ; for next morn they saw their foes lye dead , of whom they stood in awe , drown'd by the waves , and on that sea-shore cast , through which they dry-shod , and in safety past . yet both that , with those mercies which before god had vouchsaf●d ( with very many more soon after ) seemed to be so forgot , as if they them , or him regarded not . now at this present time such is our case , we are beleaguer'd as that people was ; with hazards upon every side confin'de ; with dangers both before us , and behind ; not onely having many foreign foes , but some likewise at home as bad as those ; and , worse within us also , who have brought us to greater streights then all our foes without us . those jews we parallel in ev'ry thing , who injur'd moses by their murmuring : and , are as thankless unto god , who hath here acted , both in mercy and in wrath , as many wonders as by him were shown in egypt when king pharoh was o'rethrown ; ( though they appear not such unto their sence , who shut the eyes of their intelligence ) we as distrustful are as they , as giddy in ev'ry tryal too ; we are as ready to make a golden calf , and to prefer that idol before our deliverer . as much as they , we long to repossess the flesh-pots of our lusts , our slavishness , ( which we did cry to be deliver'd from ) as soon as into any streight we come . yet , god hath been to us ( and at this time ) continues the same god he was to them . though their example , which should make us better , hath made our provocations much the greater , he with us dealeth , as a father mild , whose heart is grieved by a froward child ; and , as he did with stubborn ephraim when anger and compassion moved him to cry out thus , what shall i do to thee ? for at a stand with us he seems to be , both by his frequently himself estranging , and by his oft returning , and oft changing his judgments and his mercies , that we may be changed , and reform our crooked way . we have this day ( though in another mode ) the daily presence of our gracious god to lead us through that wilderness of sin in which we have a long time wandring been : he guides , guards , and provideth us supplies in all our wants , ( though in another wise ) and is with us as wonderfully here , as when his people brought from egypt were . the self-same cloud and pillar we have had , ( though varied ) and , as effectual made to all intents and purposes , as they then had ; and to refresh us in the way unto the land of rest , we have that rock whereof they drank , unto that purpose broke : and , though we oft stray , shall to what we tend attain , when we are at our journeys end ; if we believe , and persevere to do so much as god enableth us unto . for , he requireth not from any one a scruple more then may by him be done ; nor doth expect from any to receive more then what he at first , or last shall give ; because of all omissions and mis-actions , he hath in full accepted satisfactions by his deservings , who secure us may from whatsoever debts we cannot pay ; if on his mediation we depend , with faith and penitence at our lives end ; that mark retaining , which distinguisheth christs chosen sheep from goats , in life and death ; to wit , that love to him , and to each other , which knits for ever , god and man together . this is that everlasting gospel which we were foretold , an angel was to preach to ev'ry kindred , people , tongue and nation throughout the earth to bring men to salvation : and , for a preparation thereunto , he cry'd aloud , ( as all true prophets do ) fear god ; to him , and to the lamb give praise , for now the hour is come , ( these are the dayes ) wherein his judgments must be pour'd on them who shall not glorifie and worship him by whom heaven , earth , the fountains & the seas created were , and ev'ry thing in these . the fear of god is that which first lets in true wisdom ; that brings penitence for sin : by these within the heart of man is wrought such faith and grace , that they then taking root , do seasonably bring forth such blessed fruit , as by degrees destroys the thorns and weeds which either choak or starve the holy seeds , from whence the means of those enjoyments springs whereof to us that gospel tydings brings . this method long ago was practised by john the baptist , when he ushered christ and his everlasting gospel in , by preaching of true penitence for sin : and thereby did prepare before his face , the way intended , to soul-saving grace . such consequents , as promis'd are to spring from christ and his apostles publishing this gospel ( whether it shall come abroad as preached in the ordinary mode , or by the holy ghost , which oft conveighs the same by extraordinary wayes ) are without fail to them vouchfaf'd for ever , who entertaine it ; and shall still endeavour conformity , sincerely , that to do which grace and nature them inables to . but everlastingly it shall not be preacht in this world : for this believe must we , that his commission , who authorized those men , by whom it was first published , is nigh expir'd ; and that it shall not last one minute longer , when that date is past ; which will be in that moment wherein all shall die , or changed be ; but sooner shall be so to them , who summon'd are away by death , before that grand assizes day . if it be so , let us take timely heed what doctrine thence , doth by result proceed : for christ himself , is he who did predict the judgments which we both feel and expect . he is that angel in a mystery , who through the midst of the heavens did flye . t was he , whom 'twixt the heavens of the law and gospel many prophets flying saw , to bring the news and means to every nation of peace on earth , by reconciliation 'twixt god and man. we have already seen , some of those tokens , which foretold have been , to signifie to us the general doom , that should soon after their appearance come ; and should they be commemorated here . it very evidently would appear , that hitherward it speedily advances to them who heed well the known circumstances in god's and humane actings . he hath pour'd the viols forth , whereby some are devour'd , and some tormented ; yet , most men grow more blasphemous , and more wicked then before . and had we no sign else to predeclare the sounding of the seventh trump , is near , save that , and those divisions , which of late republicks , realms , and persons separate from others , and themselves ; we need not shew another symptome of what will ensue . to hasten such dooms ( among other crimes which are predominant in these our times ) one i have seen reiterated here with impudence in publick ev'ry year , which will not go unpunish'd , though the nation hath entertain'd it with much veneration : but i have yet no warrant to declare it , and therefore till i have so , will forbear it . with these , there is likewise one special sign concurrent , mention'd in records divine , ( not least considerable ) 't is a defection by wanting of that natural affection which constitutes the manhood ; for that sin doth to be epidemieal begin ; yea , ev'n the natural act of generation , which was ordained for our preservation , so is corrupted into an excess of brutish lustings , beyond beastliness , and filthiness , grown up to such a height , that many in their sins take less delight except they lawlessy be carried on , and shall be likewise impudently done . to which end , ev'n our honest recreations are lately scandalized by these nations , and oft abused ; yea , the tunes and songs which to a sober merriment belongs , are so estranged now from what they were in former times , ( and within sixty year ) that in my apprehension there doth seem so vast a diffrence betwixt these and them , as 'twixt the croakings of a ravens throat , and linnets , or a nightingales clear note . which unto me appeareth to portend our pleasant things are drawing to an end ; and , that our sins , and their deserved doom are now almost to their last period come . one sign more i will add unto those many foremention'd , which as signal is as any : some of the true christ do begin to doubt , and where to find another , hunt about ; not wanting such as will be undertaking to bring them unto one of their own making . thus much , as i believe , his words implies , who said false christs and prophets should arise in latter times ; for i have in my dayes seen that to be fulfilled many wayes . the greatest number christians now profest , send one another unto antichrist , and say that 's he : in turky at this day , he is expected , ( as reports do say ▪ ) and many last year were in expectation to hear thereof , ere now , a confirmation . and i , because i credit not that fame , a man of little faith reputed am . some confidently tell us he is here , to wit , in this church whereof now we are ; and , so i hope , although it may be thought we have not entertain'd him as we ought ; nor are so charitable unto them , who conscientiously do worship him . some say , he 's there , in such or such a place wherein a secret meeting is , or was ; some other send men to the wilderness , affirming he is there ; perhaps by this intruding , that he by the humane creature , may found be in his own wild until'd nature : but this believe not , for till thither he comes of himself , found there he cannot be , nor any where , save where that love resides which doth expel that self-love which divides his flocks , and causeth men no care to take those breaches to repair , which pride doth make , not many take into consideration how to improve aright this visitation ; they do both good and evil things mis-name , the wicked they acquit , the righteous blame ; their interests sometimes confound together , to th' one sometimes apply what 's due to th' other ; and , as the jews ( their type ) did justifie themselves in acting that impiety for which they are corrected ; we begin to say , like them , the troubles we are in , and loss of all the good things now bereft , befall us onely because we had left such idolizings , as when spice-cakes given for an oblation to the queen of heaven , by them omitted were . such thoughts have we of god , and of those judgments which now be on us inflicted ; yea , their parallel we are in all , wherein they did not well . i am not able to enumerate the many wayes whereby we separate from one another ; nor dare say how few go right , if there be but one way that 's true . nor know how to be safe , unless there were as well a preaching to the heart , as ear : for , most what now proceeding from the mouth is , only counter-pleadings between truth and error ; which both sides , to fortifie with so much confidency do applie the words or meanings of gods holy writ , that , had we no way to ascertain it but these , or those mens , or my yea or no , none could know what they should believe or do . for , as well supream powers as private men are patrons of gross errors now and then ; and by authority that is supprest which was by like authority profest . with ev'ry windy doctrine flur'd about , some are not half so zealously devout and resolute professors of what 's true , as of what is heretical and new : and others oldest and sound truths condemn , because they are but novelties to them . some term all those phanaticks who dissent from them in iudgment , although innocent . some call them saints and martyrs , who by some are judg'd the cause of all the plagues now come . the romanists , unto our separation from them , ascribe this present visitation . some others say , it is our toleration of their idolatries , which plagues this nation . some to entrenching on mens consciences impute it . some to our tolerating these . some to expelling of the hi'rarchy : some to suppressing the presbytery . some to rebellious actings against kings ; some other unto quite contrary things . and the result of all summ'd up together , is this , each shifts his guilt off to another . but , god before the round hath wheel'd about , will find the principal offenders out , either while time runs on , or , when he shall to universal iudgment summon all . that which should have two feet to stand upon , we cripple , by allowing it but one : some zealous are for temples built with stones ; some for those spiritualiz'd in flesh and bones . some are for conquests by the temp'ral sword ; some to be victors by the two-edg'd word . some look for christ in that ierusalem which was in palestine ; and some for him ( in that ierusalem which doth descend from heaven ) do in faith and hope attend : and , too too often also , they who be at union in their iudgments , disagree so long ( for by-ends ) timely to improve their knowledg , faith and works , by christian love , that in all , whereby they to merit thought , their labour 's lost , and all for which they wrought . delusions now so many are , and such in these last times , that they endanger much ev'n god's elect ; and do presignifie the day of vengeance is approaching nigh : and partly seems to be charactared by what the best men hope , and worst men dread . however , let no soul despair that hath sad apprehensions of the day of wrath ; by this , or what in my review you find conditionally predicted , to remind what was neglected ; for , among us here christ's everlasting gospel to our ear is preached yet ; and , not yet is the day of reconcilement passed quite away . come , let us therefore , ere it shall grow dark , to scape the storm and fire , flye to th' ark which hath been slighted ; there is yet a place for mercy , and an open door for grace . when penitence brings reformation in , it makes a blessing , what a plague had been : yea , then 't will to her future weal be turn'd , that this great city was to ashes burn'd : she phoenix-like , shall gloriously arise out of that rubbish wherein now she lies ; and i , which now am disrespected here , shall have a monument erected there . god all advantages to save us , takes , forsaketh none , till him he first forsakes ; made not one man ( though some so please to say ) to be a sinner or a cast-away : but all in love , that they might be by him possessed with delight , and he by them . for , when the sin of one had all destroy'd , that his love should not thereby be made void , he to redeem them gave his onely son , who ransom'd all again , excepting none . still by his actings in the dispensation of iudgments and of mercies to this nation , ( ev'n by the late plague of devouring fire ) he manifests , that he doth not desire our total ruine ; but , takes all occasions allow'd by iustice , for our preservations : and though our sins as red as scarlet show , he can and will make us as white as snow , if we repent them ; or , if we but would endeavour it so far forth as we could : for , he in sinners deaths takes no delight , or , any without cause to grieve or smite : but in pure love dispenseth his correction , to bring our happiness unto perfection . this is my creed , which should i not confess to glorifie god's love and righteoussness , ( when by occasions thereto mov'd i am , that others may likewise believe the same ) i merited to be shut out from those to whom god everlasting mercy shows : for , could we see , or apprehend how near he standeth , when far off he doth appear , co-operating for , and with us too , ( in that which for our selves we cannot do ) we would more love then fear him ( though his blows are very sharp ) since intents by those , is hammering the self-love of the creature into the will and temper of his nature , to make true vnion , which till then , will be impossible ; for , nothing can agree with ought so perfectly as to unite , when diametrically opposite , as those two natures be ; because the other th' one would destroy , if till then knit together . repine not therefore , at what god shall do , what ere it be ; but willingly thereto submit your selves , and heartily repent your provocations . let us all lament , not thereto frighted by a slavish fear ( of judgments which now felt or threatned are by this review ) but in pure love to him whose mercy saves , when justice might condemn ; and persevereth to redintegrate by love , ev'n those who persever'd in hate . do thus , and then the iudgments which in part now executing are , god will divert . repent what you have done , and he will too repent of what he threatned hath to do . for such repentance well consists with that immutability which doth relate unto the deity ; and will accord with attributes ascribed in his word . yea , though from my predictions you scape free , i shall then counted a true prophet be ; and this my interjection will appear not so improperly inserted here , as i my self suppos'd , when 't was begun , it would appear to many , being done : for , till i had compos●d what here is pen'd , i knew not all whereto it might extend ; nor know i yet : and therefore i do leave it to such effects as god shall please to give it . but how my soul ! how came it so to pass , that this ejaculation , with alas , ( and with sad musings ) was begun at first ? since thou dost know , that when things are at worst , god then comes in , and often doth repair our breaches , when brought near unto despair ? the aid delay'd a while , he brings at length , ( ev'n when we have no likely means , or strength to help our selves ) why then shouldst thou be sad , who frequently experiments hast had that mercy hath to thee been more then doubled , when others thought thee most extreamly troubled thou wert vouchsaf●d the greatest inward rest , when in thy body thou seem'dst most opprest ; and to be kept unharmed in the flame , is more then preservation from the same . then what thou hast perswaded others to , continue ( as thou hast profest ) to do : in what god's glory may advance , persever ; depend on him ; be pleas'd with whatsoever he either shall permit , or hath decreed , and to discharge thy conscience still proceed , not fearing that thy labour or thy cost in doing of thy duty , will be lost : for fully recompens'd thy pains would be , though thou shouldst edifie but two or three . the world , the devil , yea mine own flesh too ( offended much with what i say or do ) conspire together , and confederates be both to discourage and disparage me ; pretending they have somewhat to produce , to prove me blamable without excuse : ( and may destroy me , if nought intervene , to bar the prosecuting what they mean ) yet i desie them both to act and say the worst they either would effect , or may ; for , though they find me many grains too light , i have a white stone that will make up weight , and such a friend as hath on me bestown a righteousness more perfect then mine own . he cheers me with assurance that he will to me what he hath been , continue still ; by god's free-gift this hope , this faith i have , and they will send me safe beyond my grav● . vaticinium causuale , imprinted . this being composed upon a special occasion , whilst oliver cromwel was in power , the following prediction was therein expressed , pag. . and now great oliver , to thee likewise let this be known , and do thou not despise the publisher . god doth expect to have honour from him to whom he honour gave : that such as bear rule over men be just , that they their vows infringe not , nor his trust : that they consider he bestows large measure of pow'r upon them , not to act their pleasure , or to fulfil their , lusts ; but doth enlarge his bounty , that their place they may discharge with courage : that he riches doth provide , lest avarice might draw their hearts aside , or wants , to do injustice them compel : that he gives honour , not to make them swell above their brethren ; but them to exempt from what may mis-befall them by contempt . and , that all these things are on them bestown much more for others sakes , then for their own . know , sir , that god , from persons in your place expects all this , and to that end gives grace and pow'r for asking ; and what ere some say , that he no man compels to go astray , nor leaves nor hardens any ( not the worst ) till love to selfuess makes them leave him first . if this , thou well considering , shalt act accordingly , performing thy contract with god , and with his people , he shall then give thee the loves and hearts of all good men : fix thee as firmly as the rocky shores , which slight the ocean when it foams and roars . thy name shall spread and glorifie much more then all thy predecessors heretofore . yea , in fame's book thou maist enrolled be , the first who made this people truly free ; be first-born of those vice-roys who shall take their thrones from him , whose kingdom down wil break all monarchies of tyrants , with all those who help patch up the clay and iron toes , the reliques of that image which hath been the prop of him that 's call'd the man of sin. all this may be , and if thou strive to go the way that open lies , it shall be so . oh! lose not this advantage for a bubble , which in vain hope begins , and ends in trouble . and lastly , be it known , not by event ( which may be to thy future detriment ) but by precaution , that if fail thou shalt ( without this peoples obstinate default ) of what they justly from thee may expect , ( who art advanc't their freedom to protect ) or , shalt abuse thy pow'r them to oppress ; or , leave them unreliev'd in their distress , so that they shall be forc'd to cry and call to god for aid ; he hear and help them shall ; search what 's misdone , and ( though their former sin hath great and full of provocations been ) he , for the present time , will pass it by , and on thy failings onely cast an eye , avenge their cause , call thee account to give of all those favours which thou didst receive , of that late mercy too , among the rest , ( which did occasion what is here exprest ) and with much indignation cast thee down , when to its height thy confidence is grown . there were several addresses made to oliver cromwel , and his son richard by this author , whilst they exercised the supream power , amounting to above two quires of paper ; in which were many seasonable precautions and remembrances to them tendred with a sober boldness ; as also many predictions of what would succeed , if they neglected what was thereby precautioned , which are now observed to have been verified : but these being delivered ( sealed up ) into their own hands , and not imprinted , are all omitted in this review . verses to the king's majesty : written immediately after his restauration , and imprinted anno . in the sixth page , the author thus proceeds with what he had begun . i had presum'd a personal address long since ; but difficult is an access for such as i appear , who hazard blame and disrespect enough , where i now am , because that which to do , my conscience calls , is by some numbred among criminals . in that regard this paper must make way for gaining an admittance , as it may , and will perhaps presented be by some who shall have entrance where i must not come . i cannot write strong lines with swelling words , whose elegancy scarcely room affords for sober sence ; nor muster up their names whom history , or whom tradition fames for brav'st atchievements since time first begun , and then say , you have all of them outgone ; and think my foolish words may add unto your honour , more then your own deeds can do . or , that there 's any wise man who gives creed to what they in a flat'ring poem read . it it is not in the pow'r of any other by pen or tongue to clear up , or to smother your true deserts ; for in your self that lies , which either them be clouds or dignifies . no other thoughts i entertain of you , but such as i may think , and you allow . yet to extol your worth , i shall not dare , till i know truly what your virtues are . for though to flat'rers , all kings seem to be of like desert ; they seem not so to me . i 'le serve you faithfully in what i may , and you , as king , love , honour and obey : i would conceal , not publish your defects if i knew any ; and give due respects to all your merits ; but i will not own one line that praises them , till they are known . for , till i know i give but what is due , i am a lyar , though my words be true . since equally both good and evil things , are famed of the best and worst of kings . a stranger likewise , you have been long time to most of your own subjects in this clime ; and , i was neyer where i did behold your face , since you were two or three years old ; what good soever therefore i aver of you , i shall but seem a flatterer : yea , you your self would think so , should i add those virtues which you know you never had ; and , praise which is ascrib'd to any one i●n that mode , is a little less then none . but little credit also hath a poet , to celebrate your worth when he shall know it , or counterpoise or silence contradictions , since most esteem his writings to be fictions . and you would have more honor then from them by these blunt lines , if they had your esteem . i therefore so shall study to encrease your honour , that i may not make it less ; and , whatsoever i can say or do , ( although you give a countermand thereto ) i 'le say and do it , when i shall be sure your life , or peace , or honour 't will secure : and if this be a fault , i do intend to be thus faulty till my life shall end . i know well , royal sir , who 't is that sayes , to please great men , deserves not meanest praise . i see how 't is approv'd , and what they gain , who can that thriving faculty attain ; yet i shall wave that art , and will assay to do you honour in another way , by giving you occasions to express your justice , mercy , and your prudentness , that you your self may make the world to see your virtues more , then words can say they be . to that end much might in my caese be shown , but rather for your sake , then for mine own , is this address ; yea , rather to prevent what may be your harm , then my detriment : i 'le therefore wave that too , that no self-end may frustrate what i chiefly do intend , &c. page , it thus follows . — lest my good intent to you , some future casualties prevent , i will so far forth as my chain doth stretch , ( and my own shortned arm and hand will reach ) exhibit such expedients , as from time , and other herbs , i 've suckt within our clime ; and wanting better gifts , will offer you this little cluster of those grapes which grew upon my wither'd vine ; for though they are but sow'r , your kingdom yeelds none wholsomer , if you shall seasonably press out the juice , and then assume it without prejudice . this time is critical , the wayes be rough , and many of those chariot wheels flye off , by which your marches expedited seem'd ; and , lost advantages must be redeem'd , lest when you think that they are come to hand , your main expectances are at a stand , or put so far back , that you may survive your hopes , and your own happiness outlive . i wish it otherwise , and know it may be as i wish , if you the means assay , not giving ear to those who will withstand your good , and that which god hath now in hand . i have discharg'd my conscience , and so shall , what ever for so doing doth befall ; and hope that will not wholly be despis'd , which now shall be in faithfulness advis'd . to those men do not over-much adhere , who think all wisdom lies within their sphere . for honours , riches , and self-interest , have made wise men as brutish as a beast . heed other while , what common fame doth say , as well as what your courtiers whisper may ; lest you be ignorant of many things whose cognizance is pertinent to kings . make no man your chief confident , but he that is discreet and honest fam'd to be ; lest he deceives your trust , and in the close , destroys your old friends , and begets new foes . let justice be your scepter ; and your crown be mercy ; and if you would keep your own , give that to others which to them belongs , and free the poor and fatherless from wrongs ; especially your main endeavours bend to make & keep your soveraign lord your friend ; and if you would be setled on your throne , take care that his usurped be by none . enjoy your conscience , whatsoe'er it be , so other men may have their conscience free ; and hang me for a traitor , if hereby you then enjoy not more security then what your strength by land & sea now gives , and all that humane policy contrives . let truth and error fight it out together , whilst civil peace disturbed is by neither ; which may be so provided for , that none shall justly be displeas'd with what is done ; nor you thenceforward be ( for evermore ) disturbed , as you have been heretofore . if you neglect this , and i disobey , 't will be with much grief , and no other way but onely passively ; and whatsoever i suffer , will your welfare still endeavour . to be of this mind , thousands i believe , whom you to favour do not yet receive ; and whilst they are excluded ( though in peace they live ) suspitions daily will encrease , by which you may have trouble , and they blame , who shall be no way guilty of the same . your taking timely opportunities now offer'd ( from what yet before you lies ) may render you a blessed instrument in making smooth way to that government which tyrants and ungodly men most fear , you and your subjects mutually endear , more glorious make your temporary throne , then ever english king yet sate upon ; and your name to be terrible to those who to christ's kingdom shall continue foes . herein i 've spoke according to my creed wishing my just hopes may thereon succeed ; and , that upon your heart it may work more then what i 've spoke to others heretofore . but , god's time is at hand , within his pow'r are all mens wayes , yea both your heart and our ; and i will patiently submit unto what either he or you shall please to do ; not asking ( whatsoe're i seem to want ) ought more then you spontaneously shall grant ; for what i may expect , if you deny , so far as need shall be , god will supply . the liberty i covet to enjoy , is that which no man living can destroy . the wealth i aim at , is nor less nor more but to be well contented , rich or poor ; and if i had a will my wits to strain , that i to earthly honours might attain , i should to no such vulgar heights aspire , as now are objects of most mens desire ; or to a style of so mean consequence as is an earl , a marquess , duke or prince ; or to be call'd your cousin . for , no less would satisfie my large ambitiousness , but such a dignity as did commend his loyalty , whom david called friend ; and means enough to make a parallel of ev'ry traitor with achitophel . for , then you should in very short time see that no man more deserves esteem'd to be your loyal subject . a thankful retribution , imprinted . this was written to express the author's gratitude to some few members of parliament , who without his seeking , had propounded an expedient whereby to satisfie his just demands ; but being without effect , that which was neglected , is here again revived , as pertinent to consideration at this time . though wishes are but words , thanks are no more ; and my oppressions make me not so poor , but that i have yet thanks enough to pay for fifty thousand wishes in one day ; and i much thank you — page the second . but truly i expect not yet to see the world neglect her own , to think on me ; nor do i ought for my advantage crave , whereby the publick may disprofit have : i rather wish , that what is truly known by service and by grant to be mine own , might be confer'd , or means at least , whereby my labours might support my family till i receiv'd my dues . for that would please my longing more , then all those offices which others covet , and wherein few can at once grow rich , and be an honest man ; and , wherein ( as affairs are manag'd now ) he that would fain be honest , knows not how . i value not my self so high , to set my heart on what i am not like to get : no , nor so low , but that ( if i had wings to reach them ) i would flye at th' highest things your house could give me , or the world could show me , yet set them at a distance far below me : for , he who of himself esteem shall make by those things which the world may give or take , ( or he who by his trappings , or his place doth prize himself ) his manhood doth debase . if i well know my heart , i seek no more of this worlds honour , or of her vast store , then what sufficeth to defray the debts , which duty and necessity now sets upon me ; or which may yeeld means to do those works which god may seem to call me to , and keep up that frail part of me which dyes or lives unactive , without due supplies . yet when i did perceive with what disdain some did your friendly motion entertain , and how they jeer'd thereat , it tempted me to wish your motion might vouchsafed be , that i might see how mad the fools would grow with envy , if they liv'd to see it so . one said the place was fitter to reward a member of your house ; and it appear'd thereby to me , that he had quite forgot ( as others do ) the self-denying vote . some seem to think , that seeing i am poor , ( whate're they owe me ) they should give no more then sutes my present fortune ; as if i with my estate had lost my dignity , and he had got it , who since t'other day is grown sub-grandee from a beggar-boy , by such an occupation , as hath yet neither improv'd his honesty or wit : but , let these make the best of their new lot , so mine they wrong not , i envy them not ; and , 't is my honour , rather then my shame , now to be poor ; because i poor became not by mine own default ; and in a time when to be very rich , implies a crime . for , who with honour to great wealth can rise , when all the land is full of poor mens cries ? or , what shame thereby him can seise upon , who wants , when kings and kingdoms are undone ? or poor became , because he lent and gave his whole estate the neighbourhood to save ? and what at last will unto such succeed , who , when they may , relieve not that mans need ? i covet not the place propos'd for me , ( although as capable thereof as he who did possess it ) for , i know too well wherein that man his neighbours must excel , who hath an aim so high , except there shall some extraordinary change befall : and , me ( i think ) it would advance no more then did that office i held heretofore . for , in these isles i have already had a place more honourable ( though not made so much account of ) then 't is to supply the greatest office in your chancery . yea , more then to possess the place of him who in that court is officer supream . and as a mark of honour , bears about a silver seal in an embroidered clout . i have been honour'd to draw up records for him that 's king of kings , and lord of lords ; to be unto this isle remembrancer , and , as it were , a publick register to that supream , high and most awful court from whence proceeds no sentence , no report , no order or injunction , no decree , edicts or dooms , but such as righteous be ; and where the judg will to no side be sway'd by eloquence , or force , or brib'd , or pray'd to be more merciful , or more severe then justice and true clemency may bear . yea , although at this present heeded not by many , ( and by others quite forgot ) i have enroll'd , and registred to stand upon record , what mercies to this land have been vouchsaf'd ; what ought to have bin done to keep away the judgments coming on : shown how the king , and how the people might have scap't the hands which both of them now smite : foretold the war before it came to pass ; who should begin the quarrel in this place : what sad effects would follow ; what regard my words would find , how they should me reward , with many other things , which will appear in those records , whilst men speak english here : and thousands will in future time confess those things fulfill'd which i did fore-express , who shall , it may be , likewise live to see , that god observes who have abused me . for hitherto , though i despis'd appear , he spares my life , upholds my spirit here ; feeds me by his own hand , sometimes by men , by ravens and by angels now and then . twice when my pow'rful foes had by their might deprived me of my subsistence quite , he did supply my wants when i nor knew nor thought how oyl or meal i could renew ; against proud prelates , and corrupted peers , he did maintain about me many years a watchful guard , which kept me from their pow'r when me they did endeavour to devour ; and from my troubles did release me too , by doing what some though would me undo : yea , when the greatest lyon loudly roar'd , and rouz'd against me ; when the bloudy sword was drawn upon me ; when a poysonous pest breaths killing vapours ; when i was opprest on ev'ry side ; and when i was forsook well nigh of all , god notice of me took ; sav'd me from spoil , from slaughter , from infection , and honor'd me , ev'n by his own protection . this being so , my scorners whom i hear at your proposal do both grudg and jeer , have no such cause ( as their misdeemings may suppose they had ) your motion to gain-say : 't was fear , perhaps , i might have made the place henceforth less profitable then it was , for if that register shall conscience make at ev'ry hearing such true notes to take of what is order'd , and so careful be , to draw up ev'ry sentence and decree ; as not to leave that doubtful which the court intrusts to his discretion and report , ambiguous orders would not so enlarge the clients trouble , and his needless charge , either by words too many , or too few , ( or of less weight then to the sense was due ) new motions to beget , and thereupon new orders , till both parties are undone . when to prevent this , due care shall be took , you will not so much for great places look , to gratifie your friends , as you will then to execute them , seek out fitting men . no place will then be thought too good for those who for your sakes have made their friends their foes they shall then get , at least , their own again , who hitherto have spent themselves in vain ; and out of zeal unto the common good , adventur'd liberty , estates and bloud , whilst others ( by their patience , cost and sweat ) grow , to their countreys damage , rich and great . then they who have been innocently wife , will see in what their wealth and safety lies ; and , then it may be , some fair lot among my brethren , will befall me short or long . when such a change i find , i shall begin to doubt almost , what climate i am in . i shall not , for a good space after , take the boldness to profess i am awake , or , that a reformation in hath crept , whilst i was either in the dark , or slept ; and shall of our distractions hope to see a better end , then likely now to be . then those things which we yet hear and behold with fear and sorrow , shall with joy be told ; and then shall i no whit displeased grow , whether i sit higher , or more low ; or , whether they who me should think upon , give me that office , or a worse , or none . for whatsoe're befalls , i shall be fed , and so shall mine , whilst other men have bread . from your well-wishings these expressions flow ; from these perhaps another fruit may grow ; from that another , and from those again another , till your wishes you obtain , and our endeavours ( though what we intend , succeed not ) shall be prosperous in the end . boni ominis votum : imprinted . this ( as a symptome of a good omen ) was occasioned by the summoning of extraordinary grand juries out of the eminent baronets , knights , esquires and gentlemen , to serve in their respective counties , at the summer assizes , which because it offers what is fit to be considered and remembred , ( and is also very short ) shall be here inserted without abreviation . good speed to this republick , and encrease of happiness to those who seek her peace . sad things are threatned , and a lowring skye seems to portend great storms are drawing nigh : but look above them , and good courage take , the sun still shines , although the clouds be black , and beamings through their darkest parts appear , whereby discernable good omens are , with symptoms of the blessing we expect , if we our selves obstruct not their effect , and turn them to ill-signs ; which to prevent , that which yet follows gives a needful hint . as both abroad and here within this land , publick and private mens affaire now stand , this year is likely to be critical , about the time in which the leaves will fall ; and if conjectures may be builded on , we from what 's acted , with what 's left undone , spell'd both together , somewhat may deduce to teach us what ere long will be in use . whether it were the policy of some in hope it an obstruction might become to concord ; or the prudence of the shrieve , or special providence , which did contrive by those grand juries so to represent their counties , we shall best know by th' event : for , whether chearfully they meet and do that service which their call invites them to ; or , by a wilful non-appearance , wave . that duty which the common cause doth crave , it will be signal ; and to many one a test , as virtual as the lydian stone : and , likewise give an intellectual view of some result , which thereon will ensue at their next meeting , who to represent this nation , shall be by election sent . for those grand jurors are now chosen forth of them , whose gifts , estates , degree or birth , hath rankt them with the best , yea , out of those ( excepting onely open active foes to this republick ) who have been suspected meer neuters , or else persons disaffected , as well as from among them , whose true zeal hath kept them constant to this commonweal , that they who heartily well minded are , themselves henceforward some way might endear thereto ; and thereby for the future stand enroll'd among the patriots of this land : endow'd with all their liberties , and freed from those distinguishments which either breed or nourish secret hatred , to th' encrease of quarrels , and diminishment of peace . and , who can tell what providence by these ( though diffring in their judgments ) will now please to make effectual for the preservation or settlement of peace throughout this nation , when things are acted by a moderate expostulation , in a joint debate ? where ev'ry one may freely speak his thought , and when it is consid'red as it ought , that no man can of safety be assur'd , until the publick safety be secur'd . we know , that diffring simples put together , so qualifie and so correct each other , ( though some are poysonous ) that they purge away malignant humours , which would else de●●roy the life of man ; so they who formerly did in their singular capacity and private judgments , sometimes act or speak what did at least endanger , if not break the common peace ; may when they gath'red are into one fellowship , be helpful there to benefit their countrey ten times more ' then they have been , or could be heretofore . yea , as the fat lime , and the barren sand when they well mixed are , do make a band to bind together rough or hewed stone , ( which neither of them could have done alone ) ev'n so by them who are dissenters now , our publick buildings may the firmer grow , when they into one structure shall be fixt , well qualifi'd , and rationally mixt . this peradventure may some good presage to them who are convened to engage within a higher orb , or shortly must become our trustees in a greater trust : for he who hath consid'red it , believes that if those petty representatives , by loving prudence , shall prepare a way thereto , ( as in good likelihood they may ) that nobler body , which to its perfection are ( for the most part ) rais'd by their election , might be so modaliz'd , and temper'd so , that discords into sympathies would grow , and all our fears and dangers in the close quite vanish , to the terror of our foes . it may be thus , and will be thus , if yet mens wilfulness hath left them any wit : for , why should they who now may be at rest , run hazards to advance their interest , whom nothing else can satisfie but pow'r , all others at their pleasure to devour ? and spoilers of their own estates become , to make a fortune for they know not whom ? or seek to have that game afresh begun , by which all may be lost , and nothing won ? i hope they shall be wiser , and that we in this expedient shall so wary be , that whatsoever others may intend , we shall endeavour to promote that end we ought to prosecute ; and at the last our anchor in a peaceful harbour cast . i wish it heartily ; and ( since i see wishings are vain where no endeavours be ) that , those whom it concerns , provoke i may to seek this blessing , and to help make way to that i wish for , i compos'd this spell ; let him who mov'd me to it , speed it well ; and make it so consider'd by this nation ( before things grow beyond consideration ) that words which to their safety do pertain , may not be alwayes spoke to them in vain ; for they are fools who still pursue a course . which makes a sickly being to be worse : and they are also little less then mad , who would exchange a good one for a bad : or put in hazard a possessed lot , in hope to get what never can be got . a si quis , or queries , with other verses annexed . imprinted in the year . here should have been inserted collections our of an address entituled , a speech without door ; but it is quite lost . the following si quis presented to the members of parl●ament in their single capacities , related to the author 's particular interest , and was composed in an unusual mode , in hope it might have inclined some of them to provoke the rest to take notice of that which had been often presented unto them in an usual and more serious manner . much may be thereby collected to evidence how most parliament men stood affected as to the execution of justice about that time . this was laid down at the parliament door . that day in which victorious cromwel sent his first express ( to your great wonderment ) of hamilton's defeat ; which whilst a scot then living , liveth , will not be forgot ; ev'n on that day , before your feet i spread a sad petition , humbly prefaced by these ensuing lines : he that is prostrate on the floor , lies there whence he can fall no lower ; so does this orator of your . petitions he hath oft convey'd into your hands , yet finds no aid ; these therefore at your feet are laid . there let them not neglected lye , nor unregarded pass them by , but view them with a gracious eye . and let our parents not provoke their children , till offence be took , by which their patience may be broke . consider those who lye below ; for you shall reap what you do sow , and find such mercy as you sow . refresh their spirits who are sad ; as god this day hath made you glad by those good tydings you have had . among the rest , this beadsman hear , who feels the wants which they but fear , who dread the effects of this moist year . and blame him not , that thus he shows his cause as well in verse as prose , and in a path untrodden goes : for , scarce earth , water , air or fire enjoyes he , or wherewith to hire that pittance nature doth require . and men in danger to be drown'd , lay hold on any trifle found , to reconveigh them safe aground . then this annexed paper view , and let him favour'd be of you , as that which he avers , is true . or , if for what he here prefers his suit , there stand competitors , let it be neither his nor theirs , but as most equitable it appears . to my petition fixt , i for your view left this upon the pavement , and withdrew , in hope some kind hand would have been extended to take it up , that it might be commended to free debate . but six dayes now are gone , and god since then the mercy lately shown , hath more then doubled on you ; yet here i still at your door unheard , unheeded lye , and have as yet not so much favour'd bin as to be told who took my paper in of private scrutenies grown therefore weary , i have in publike now set up this query . your house receiving notice twelve months since , of my long suffring , and my indigence , ( occasion'd in your service ) thought it fit to some selected members to commit the finding an employment to supply subsistence , till my great necessity might be removed , by discharging that which is to me yet owing by the state. i ( having long without successe attended ) stand at this present by them recommended unto a place nam'd , wherein there appears with me , nor few , nor mean competitors ; and some ( to vacate your intent thereby ) have also term'd it a monopoly . i humbly make queries . " first , whether he that 's well known to have bin " foe to the cause you are engaged in , " standing competitor with him that 's known " to hazard for it all that was his own , " can be preferr'd without a wrong to you , " and an entrenchment on the other's due ? " next , whether a competitor defam'd " for breach of trust ( by whomsoever nam'd ) " ought rather by your votes to be befriended , " then he who to your house is recommended " by her own members , and ' gainst whom no man " exhibit justly an impeachment can ? " then whether he your grace deserveth best , " who hath for you lost all his interest " in outward things ; or they whose wealth is more " since our distractions then it was before ? " and lastly , whether ought may be compris'd " among things judg'd to be monopoliz'd , " when all the profits which from thence arise , " are brought into the publick treasuries , " and whereof neither one alone , or few , " but all men likewise have their proper due ? consider well , i humbly pray of these few queries ; and then do as you shall please . for , though my hopes in these poor suits may fail , i shall in what is my chief aim prevail . yea , ere this land hath rest , a day will be , in which there shall be some regard of me ; and then , that which is now perus'd with jeers , shall fill their scornful readers full of fears . these verses next following , were upon the same occasion presented to several members of the house of commons , repairing thither the d of december , being the next day after their humiliation , with an imprinted petition thereto annexed . they who at rich mens thresholds begging lye , ( though long neglected ) wil prolong their cry till they an answer get , and so will i. i know it is not eight and thirty year since first i was an humble suiter here ; and yet to me it seems as if it were . dayes , months and years i sadly waiting stand , yet no man speaks a word , none lends a hand to help me , though but justice i demand . and therefore , such as know me , and my case , observe it to the scandal of that place , whose guilt i blush for , as my own disgrace . but now i hope the pool which heretofore cur'd some days none , or one , ( and few days more ) is mov'd so , that one day will cure a score . and that he prosecutes not his affairs unseasonably , who to a means repairs new sanctifi'd , with fastings and with prayers . excuse me then , that thus i do forelay , and ( as it were ) arrest you in the way unto the house of parliament this day . and ( whatsoe're this morning is design'd to be debated there ) some minutes find to hear that prayer which is herewith join'd . yea , spare a little time to do him right , who ( having serv'd you with a heart upright ) seeks but his own , that you enjoy it might . for , 't is a loss to you , that he or they who could , and did for you lend , give and pay , should scarce have bread sufficient for the day . and 't is to your dishonour too , that such who to secure you , goods nor lives did grutch , should want , whilst your betrayers are grown rich . if you in your grand work the worse succed for doing of this charitable deed , leave me hereafter quite out of your creed . or , if they long thrive , who as heretofore shall still defer to hear and help the poor , kick me and my petitions out of door . 't is now within your walls , and i expect it will be there this day with good effect , though some should think it merited neglect . for of that crisis 't will a ground-work be , whereby i shall undoubtingly foresee , what will become of other men and me . things present at some points of time foreshew things future ; and unless mistake i do , that which this day produceth , will do so . that which was predicted in the last lines , hath accordingly succeeded , and justly ; for that expressed in the petition annexed to the preceding verses , was in effect that which next follows . the effect of the author's petition . it shewed , that after several accompts upon oath examined , stated and reported by the commissioners of the navy , an ordinance was passed the d of march , for payment of l. s. d , out of the excise in course , without interest , which was to that day wholly unpaid , though l. had been spent in soliciting for it , and interest had also been paid by him for l. thereof , which was by him borrowed for the parliaments use , upon credit of the warrant from the committee of safety , in may , for immediate payment of l. wholly unpaid to that day . that he had also no recompence for l. respited upon the publick faith by the committee of accompts ; nor for that money ( though allowed to others ) which was deducted of his pay , for trophies . that whereas l. was upon another accompt granted by an order of both houses , march , , out of delinquents estates to be discovered at haberdashers-hall , that order brought on him cost and trouble , without benefit ; and that what he was possessed of by orderly seizures , was taken away again by compositions at goldsmiths-hall , and by other committees , to his damage and disgrace , instead of benefit . that it being proved also upon oath , how he was damnified ( about six years then past ) by the loss of his stock , his lease , and an employment which might probably ( for sixteen years to come ) have produced l. per an . that though recompence was promised by the parliament , his repair was nevertheless neglected , till he had spent all superfluous things in his possession , and was imprisoned for what he had borrowed , as aforesaid , for the states service , till he was compelled for discharge of that debt , to fell l. per an . in reversion , and l. per an . in possession , for certain time to come ; which , with a little houshold-stuff , was all the estate he had then left . more might be alledged of this petitioner's losses ; but he hath had patience to suffer , more then you have leisure to hear . in consideration of the premisses , he humbly prays , that the said l. s. d. may be paid with interest , as allowed to others . that the l. borrowed for the state , and for which he hath paid interest five years , may be made payable accordingly , with the l. respited , and the l. by him already disbursed ; as also the said l. made payable by the said ordinance of both houses , the ● of march , out of the excise , or out of compositions at goldsmiths-hall , with interest , until all shall be paid , to relieve his wants , to proceed with his contracts , and to disoblige him from his creditors , to this effect was the annexed petition ; but all this was neglected , ev'n when the petitioner was thereby constrained to live upon charity , ( as appear'd by his poem , called westrow revived . ) until god providentially beyond his hope , almost in a miraculous way , enabled him to purchase a considerable estate , by means of their acting against him , who thereby intended their own benefit and his ruine . and that estate was also lost again by their self-seeking and injustice , who thereby lost likewise their power , as that petitioner often predicted it would come to pass . for , after preferring the foregoing petition , the said parliament sold unto him a mannor worth about l. per an . in consideration of a part of his debt , and of about l. more by him paid . the deeds were sealed , possession delivered , and he enjoyed it a while ; nevertheless they sold it again to a member of their own , who pretended to a concealed mortgage thereof , ( probably forged ) whereupon by a suit in law , this petitioner was ejected without any satisfaction , having lost , besides his purchase-money , about a thousand marks in charge of suit , with other inavoidable expences , and the loss of the whole purchase , without likelihood of one penny toward satisfaction for ever . moreover upon further consideration , the parliament allowed interest for the aforesaid l. s. d. charged upon the excise , with l. formerly due for interest ; which l. with much difficulty was procured by oliver cromwel's order ; but all payments out of the excise office being retrenched for the publick service , the petitioner having forborn that great sum almost twenty years , never received more of the interest or principle-money , and the said parliament being quite dissolved , gave over that debt as quite lost for ever ; yet he lost not all , for he had thereby a true feeling of that whereof he had experience formerly by sight and report onely ; as also both of god's justice and mercy . the tired petitioner . this being a single sheet , was imprinted without a date , about the same time with what last precedes ; and offers to remembrance some neglects not inconsiderable . but it may be thought by many , that this author hath in these , and the verses next foregoing , insisted too much in particulars relating to himself ; therefore this short excuse was added . he was ( as he believeth ) providentially engaged by publick services interwoven with his private affairs , that he might have means and opportunities to gain a personal experience of the chief transactions in those times ; which if he had taken up on trust , and by report onely , he could not have been so assured of , as by being made sensible how those persons , were qualifi'd , by whom the work then in hand was carried on ; nor what occasions were from time to time justly offer'd , to prosecute that which he thought pertinent to his duty in relation to god and his countrey , as he did , and might do by knowing , and being known to most persons of quality then active in those publick affairs , with which his private concernments were linked throughout the progress of that parliament , from the strange and unexpected beginning thereof , to the no less strange end of it . for by his personal sufferings under that power above twenty years , with little intermission , ( notwithstanding his faithfulness thereunto ) it did the better appear how great many of their grievances were , who had neither that likely means either to prosecute remedies , or to make them so well known ; to prevent the like heedlesness and want of compassionating private mens oppressions hereafter ; this he hopes will sufficiently apologize for him to all rational men ; and therefore here shall be added some part of that which he offered upon the forementioned occasion , to those members of parliament whom he thought his friends . sirs , if this paper find you ( who to me are not so fully known as you should be ) it comes to move , that my petitions may obtain your answer without more delay ; lest by attendance ( as my neighbours do ) with my estate , i lose my patience too . for , i have waited , and endur'd so long , that no result can do me greater wrong then lingring hopes ; and were i quite undone , i possibly another course might run to be repair'd again , ere i obtain that benefit which i had hope to gain : or , else might find some other likely way to fit me for the part i have to play . some say my friends are more then i do know ; and i am hopeful that it may be so : for , if kind language and much complement are signs thereof , nor christendom nor kent knows any man who may himself apply unto your house with better hopes then i : but , if by real deeds it must be known what friends i have , their number small is grown : or , else their pow'r attaineth not unto those friendly offices they wish to do : and peradventure they obstructed be in their endeavours , by defects in me . it may be 't is observ'd i want relations , gifts-qualifying , or those commendations that should advance my suits ; & which might make those active who mens causes undertake ; and i half think it so ; for ere this day , some one or other else had gotten way for my petitions ; or appeared able to make my suits and me considerable : since others who have neither lost nor spent , nor for the publick hazarded or lent life , limb or money , find means to be heard with expedition , and with good regard . but hitherto my hopes do not succeed according to my suffrings and my need . two months upon one suit i have bestown ; upon a former , thrice three months and one ; upon another , four times three , and nine ; yet still some other cause out-justles mine : and ev'n by favours hitherto obtain'd , more mischiefs then advantages are gain'd ; because in th' execution they have wanted that influence whereby they first were granted . this , with uncrazed patience i can bear so long as my desires delay'd appear , by those affairs which profitable be unto the publick , though they hinder me ; since whilst that thrives , i cannot be bereft of all my hopes , nor comfortless be left . but , if i still perceive my suit delay'd , or crost , for private ends , i am afraid my grievances will make my plaints outroar the cries of all the women at your door . preserve i would , according to my might , my private freedoms with our publick right ; and , wise men will consider , that unless they heed some time , a single mans distress , ( at least in his extreams ) that one by one , the generality may be undone : and that a bruise upon the smallest toe may gangreen to the bodies overthrow . in me ( although my suffrings are despis'd ) the common grievance is epitomis'd ; and , as this day the kingdoms cause doth lye distrest between two factions , so do i : for , what some would have granted for my sake , is crost for their sakes who the motion make ; because but few men are by those made strong , with whom they side not both in right and wrong . but whatsoever shall to me betide , whether my suits be granted or deni'de , by your endeavourings ; it shall not wrest my thoughts for any private interest , to murmur at it ; so you will befriend my suit so much , to bring it to an end : that from your labyrinths i may retire , and be again at leisure to enquire what will become of me ; and what of them who take the courses which good men condemn : for to retreat , and gotten ground to yeild . is otherwhile the means to win the field ; and he that would turn floods another way , must dig his drain before he builds the bay. he that hath money to promote his ends , needs neither strain his wits nor tire his friends . he that hath friends his matters to contrive , may ( though he have nor wit nor mony ) live . he that hath wit , and wants the other twain , may live , but not without some want and pain . he that hath two of these , and wanteth one , cannot be very rich , or quite undone . he that hath all of these , might be a king , were he ambitious to be such a thing ; and he that is depriv'd of all these three , may be as happy as i seem to be . se defendendo . imprinted without date . this was an apology written by the author in prose , to vindicate himself from such aspersions as had been injuriously , and without any probable cause cast upon him by malicious detractors , as well to hide the unjust dealing with him , as to disparage his endeavours relating to the publick service . it contains many particulars , which being timely well heeded , might have prevented such mischiefs and disadvantages as afterward befel , and continue to this day . the date is not mentioned in the imprinted copies : but the time may be well enough known by the contents . the matter is such as cannot be abreviated without dismembring and making the whole invalid ; and therefore the book is referred to their perusal unto whose hands it may come . justitiarius justificatus , imprinted without date . this is also an apologetical discourse , the imprinting whereof is very well known to some ; for , it was burnt by the hand of the common hangman ; and the author ( though he neither published it , nor intended the distributing thereof to any but members of parliament , to whom cognizance of the cause most properly pertained ) was both fined and confined for it , neither being called to answer for himself , nor having knowledg of his impeachment , until sentence was past against him . but this innocency was so well known to the greatest number of the most consciencious members of that parliament , whereby he was censured , that ( though the accusation was brought in early in the morning , upon a day set apart for debating a cause relating to the scots ) so many of the said members then present , so abominated what they perceived to be then intruded ; that the whole day was spent before the authors enemies could prevail against him : so many of them also , had been ear and eye-witnesses , of an impudent injustice , whereby he was oppressed by their committee of examinations in another cause ; that it occasioned the voting down of that committee , within a day or two afterward : and the same parliament , upon better consideration , having also made trial of the authors patience in suffring , about the space of a whole year , discharged him both from the said fine and imprisonment , without his petitioning or mediation for it : for , at that time his friends by gods providence , had a seasonable opportunity to move on his behalf , there being a considerable number then present , who were jealous to do justice , and discharge the trust reposed in them by their electors . this is all that shall be inserted touching the contents of that book ; because , there are persons therein mentioned by name , whose failings he desireth may be forgotten , in hope they are as truly to him reconciled , as he is to them . vox pacifica . imprinted . this was a voice tending to the pacification of gods wrath , and to make some such proposals as might help to reconcile those by whom the common peace was infringed ; and offered many particulars to consideration , which are stil as needful , and as much neglected now as at that time . it consists of four cantoes , containing about pages , two cantoes more being intended , but not finished , be-because the author thought his labour would be quite lost , here are inserted a few particulars , in hope it may invite them to whose hands the book comes to peruse it at large . in the page before the title , and engraven frontispiece , the meaning of it is thus exprest . a trumpet sounds a parlee to this isle , and over it a hand displaies the while a flag of peace , that this new sign at door may draw you on to see a little more . we hung it forth , that these besotted nations may heed the seasons of their visitations . and grow more careful to conform their wayes to what this voice , and their known duty sayes ; though yet the most , our words no more have markt , then if a cat had mew'd , or dog had barkt , &c. the epistle before the said book , intended to the king , parliament and people , thus begins . not to petition king or parliament , or court the people suit with his intent who sends out this ; nor is he come to crave your favours , or your patronage to have . it is almost too late ; and 't was too soon : at this time therefore , he expects that boon from one who better knows him , and from whom this voice doth both to sight and hearing come : he , had he alwayes thus resolv'd , had lost less labour , and escaped with less cost . he hath no will to flatter ; if he had , to flatter at this time , were to be mad . and peradventure also , he hath now as little cause as mind to flatter you . yet , that the same affection may appear with which by him you alway served were ; and that he may not give a just offence by seeming careless of the reverence belonging to your grandure , he professes , that meerly for the sake of these expresses , the freedom of bold language he assumes , &c. the news he brings , though thus declar'd it be , will warrantize the speaker to be free ; and , if it be despised , he conceives , some will ere long grow bold without your leaves , to make you hear with ruder complements , a blunter language , and to worse intents : for dreadful things are murmur'd ; and unless men more conform to that which they profess , you 'l find at last , he dareth without fear , to speak more truth then many dare to hear . what ever he or his rude language seems , your persons none more loves , or more esteems ; none seeks your honour or your safety more then he doth now , or hath done heretofore . none oftner his own blame hath ventur'd on , that others might not wholly be undone . he hath no aim herein at ought which tends to his own personal or private ends . and thus professeth he , that you might grow the more advantag'd by believing so ; and that his purposes no other are , then he professeth , plain it will appear to men of ingenuity and wit , who weigh what 's past , with what henow hath writ . for whosoe're hath observation took with what impartial freedom he hath spoke the truth to each side ( sparing friend nor foe ) ( nor caring who displeas'd or pleas'd should grow ) can never draw a false conclusion thence , without much folly , or much impudence . be wary therefore that this voice you heed , before to any censures you proceed condemning it , or him from whom it came , lest you your selves incur the greatest blame . for if this voice be welcome to your ear , the blessed way of peace it shall prepare ; and you shall by the charmings of this song , perceive the rage of war allay'd ere long : the wicked spirit shall be conjur'd down , by whom the seeds of discord have been sown . the haggs and furies which have danced here , no longer to affright you shall appear ; but all the sacred virtues , and the graces , shall beautifie your desolated places . but , if this voice you either shall contemn , or him for speaking it , ( what ere he seem ) time shall , by god's permission , spread the same , in spight of your detractions to your shame , to bear a testimonial of your crimes , and your impenitence , to future times ; or , for a warning to those yet to come , or to exalt god's justice in your doom ; the least of which will yeeld a rich return for all his pains , though his good will you scorn . page the th , after many fore-expressions by way of preparation , in order to what was intended by that poem , this follows . you look for peace , ( and he who well could sing that song , deserveth highly to be priz'd ) but , what can hither such a blessing bring , whilst most conditions thereof are despis'd ? or , what as yet have they to do with peace , whom their corrections move not to repent ? whilst wickedness doth rather more encrease , then seem abated by their chastisement ? who can expect that fretting corrosives shall be removed from a fest'ring sore , until the skilful surgeon first perceives it may with healing-salves be plastred o're ; unless he rather hath a mind to see the patient quite destroy'd , then cur'd to be ? how few are yet observ'd , whose former course is better'd by those plagues which now lie on them ? how many rather do appear the worse , and to be more corrupt then we have known them ? in what perpetual broiles are they involved who for the publick welfare most endeavor ? how friendless are they who seem best resolved , and in good resolutions do persever ? howmany into parties quickly band , a questioned delinquent to protect ? how few men for that innocent will stand , whom malice doth accuse , or but suspect ? and , who now lives , and loves the common right , who suffers not some insolent despight ? though most men see destruction hanging over their giddy heads ; their tragedy begun , and round about them nothing can discover but universal ruine drawing on : ambition , malice , avarice and pride , self-will , self-love , hypocrisie and guile , as arrogantly still on horse-back ride , as if no plague had seized on this isle . this man for place , that striveth for command , pretends the publick weal , but seeks his own ; and cares not , if he profit by the hand , if law and gospel too , be overthrown . and he who their preserver would become , finds furious foes abroad , and worse at home . in ev'ry shire , in ev'ry town and city , this kingdoms discords are epitomiz'd , in ev'ry corporation and committee , some engine of division is devis'd . occasions daily spring ; each man engaging to side with , or stand leanning to some faction , and by new quarrels more and more enraging their fury , to the heightning of distraction : an emblem of which madness he might draw , who saw within an old thatch'd barn on fire , poor beggars quarrelling for lowsie straw , ( or dunghil rags or clouts rak'd from the mire ) who wil not heed their harms , or cease to brawl , until the flame consumes rogues , rags and all . how can calm peace be timely wooed thither , where men grown beast-like are in their dissentions ; and where the means of knitting them together , are still occasions made of new contentions ? how can these isles have peace that are so vitious , and who have factious spirits rais'd in them as wilfully dispos'd as those seditious , who brought destruction on jerusalem ? how can they look for peace , while they contrive designs enlarging still their discontent ? whilst policy doth wedges daily drive 'twixt ev'ry joint , to make a cureless rent ? and , whilst to mend the breaches of this land , there 's nothing brought but peble stones & sand ? how can these miserable isles have peace , whilst justice nor compassion find regard ? whilst they who should protect , do most oppress ; when sin scapes blame , and virtue wants reward ? how can he hope for peace , who would enjoy his will on any terms , and for the shade , the substance of those mercies quite destroy , which might by patient industry be had ? or how can he be worthy of that blessing , who knowing how much it hath lately cost in blood and treasure , le ts the repossessing of that dear purchase , for a toy be lost ? and doth for evermore himself undo , to satisfie his lust a year or two ? who knoweth not , that more dread most men have , lest of estate or person they should lose the loved freedoms , then to be a slave to him whose tyranny the soul undoes ? you chiefly for self-ends give , lend and pay ; to that intent strict covenants you make ; to that end you sometimes do fast and pray ; to that intent much care and pains you take . yea , many goodly things to that intent you often do , and many moe intend ; but your peace-offerings all in vain are spent , till you direct them to their proper end , and till the peace which you desire to make , shall be desir'd for truth and conscience sake . who sees not , that a peace you now desire , for nought but that you might again enjoy your lusts , and to those vanities retire , wherein you did your former dayes employ ? who sees not , that like to those isra'lites whom from th' egyptian bondage god redeem'd , you have the pleasing of your appetites much more then your deliverer esteem'd ? their garlike and their flesh-pots left behind , they thought on more then on their servitude from which they came ; & more then they did mind the wonders and the mercies which god shew'd . and you have acted as in imitation of that perverse and foolish generation , &c. after the mentioning of many other actings and omissions obstructive to peace-making , he proceeds , pag. . assoon shall he who westward alwayes goes , meet him that still an eastward point doth steer , as your two factions in a firm peace close , till they in their chief aims approach more near . for th' one is bent the other to enslave ; the other is resolved to be free : the last would keep what god and nature gave ; the first would se●ze what ought not theirs to be : and these from reconcilement are so far , that all their kindness is but to betray : when most they talk of peace , they purpose war ; when they embrace , they mean to stab and slay . and when perhaps you think the war is done , the greatest mischiefs will be but begun . for as yet nor th' one , nor th' other side , nor king , nor people , commoners , nor peers , nor flocks , nor shepherds have the course yet tri'de by which you can be saved from your fears . a treaty might compleat it ; but , before you venture that , you must be fit to treat : for then the work were half way done , and more ; and till that be , no step you forward get . in heat of quarrels , nothing done or spoke can reconcile ; a friends words move you not : the more you talk , the more the peace is broke , till you your lost considering caps have got : till your hot blood is cool'd , till rage is gone , and reason doth examine things alone . then peradventure , &c. — see further , page . until both parties do at least agree , in all those common principles whereby human society preserv'd may be with natures rights , and christian liberty , all treaties will be mischievous , or vain , to men adhering to the better course ; for , by such treatings , politicians gain advantages to make your being worse : yea , by that means these find occasions may to gain , or give intelligence ; to make new plots and friends ; to hasten or delay as cause requires , and other wayes to take for their avail ; which else they had not got , and which true honesty alloweth not . this precaution is added , pag. . take serious heed that zeal to innovations . or causeless fears or hopes incline your mind to subjugate these kingdoms and these nations to governments of any foreign kind : but rather use your utmost diligence , to rectifie those things that are amiss in that which is establisht ; and from thence cast and purge out what ever therein is repugnant to those charters which by grace or nature were confer'd ; and let your care be so to settle all , that you make place the throne of christ among you to prepare : lest when his kingdom comes , you must be fain to pluck your new devices down again . take likewise heed you no just means neglect , whereby the king may be recall'd , and wonne , god's honour , with your safety to respect , and do the duties he hath left undone . for , by rejecting him , how just soe're the cause may seem , you shall delay the peace that is desir'd , and make the quarrels here with much more difficulty to decrease . but , if your prudency shall win him home , and he return sincerely to his charge , it shall a blessing to these isles become ; your honour and your joy it shall enlarge . and as christ's vice-roy he shall sit upon a righteous and an everlasting throne . walk therefore prudently in this streight path , and turn not to the left hand or the right : that pow'r which god to you committed hath , improve for him according to your might ; him in the reasonable means attend with faith and patience , that he may at last your king new moulded back unto you send , or him out of his ruin'd kingdoms cast . if his misactings timely he repent , god will restore him ; and if you amend , then that which hitherto hath made a rent betwixt you , shall in sweet agreement end . if both conform , both shall true peace enjoy ; if both be wilful , god shall both destroy , &c. see the th page , where it thus follows . let serious care be took , and quickly too , that her due rights the commonwealth enjoy : that private men their duties better do , lest they by their divisions all destroy . let not those foolish toyes who do besot themselves with arrogance , presume to prate as if a parliament had them begot to be now heirs apparent to the state. permit you not religious melancholly , phlegmatick avarice , or zeal cholerick , nor suffer an excess of sanguine folly to make both church and state grow deadly sick , or rather mad , and in their mad distractions to tear themselves into a thousand fractions . let not your king and parliament in one , much less apart , mistake themselves for that which is most worthy to be thought upon , or think they are essentially the state. let them not fancy that th' authority and priviledges upon them bestown , confer'd were to set up a majesty , a power or a glory of their own . but let them know , that for another thing , which they but represent , and which ere long them to a strict account will doubtless bring , if any way they do it wilful wrong : for that indeed is really the face , and they but as the shadow in a glass . moreover let them know this , that if either they still dividing , grow from bad to worse ; or without penitence unite together , and by their sin provoke him to that course , god out of their confusions can and will create a means , and raise a lawful pow'r his promise to his people to fulfil ; and his and their opposers to devour . yea , bid both king and parliament make hast , in penitence united to appear ; lest into those confusions they are cast , which will affright them both , yea make them fear , and know there is on earth a greater thing then an unrighteous parliament or king. because the poem is large , and hard to be gotten , to supply that defect here are added the contents of every canto , as they are in the imprinted book . the contents of the first canto . first , here is to your view prefer'd , when , where , and how this voice was heard : what kind of musings were the ground , what worlds and wonders may be found within our selves ; what safe retreats from those oppressions , frauds and baits which are without ; how little fear of terrors which affright us here : how plainly there a man may see the villanies that acted be for private ends , with feigned shows : how general corruption grows : why to acquaint you with this voice , god by so mean a man makes choice . then shews how our great hopes deceive us , and prayes his aid who can relieve us . the contents of the second canto . this cantoes preface being done , the voice to these effects goes on : tells how unworthy we are yet , for peace desired how unfit : how vain , how harmful treaties be , till both sides in one third agree ; and ( laying by ignoble ends ) use likely means of being friends . shews that the peace which most pursue , will be nor permanent , nor true : then that some cures may be appli'de , declares what parts are putrifi'de , which must be purg'd without delay , or cauteriz'd , or cut away , if we will , ere it be too late , repair this weak , this dying state. the contents of the third canto . here , whether you be pleas'd or no , this author maketh bold to show that portion of his private wrongs , whose knowledg and recess belongs to publick interest ; that her eye may through his wounds her scars espye . the voice then speaks again , and schools in him , all other froward fools , who with impatiency do vent their private wrongs , or discontent ; and look their trifles should be heard , when kingdoms cannot find regard . it shews our senate blameless is , of many things which are amiss : and where the fault and fountain lies from whence our present plagues arise . the contents of the fourth canto . whilst here the author doth recite his musings after naseby fight , the voice returns , and doth begin to tell us what must usher in exiled peace : then told are we how kept our vows and covenants be : how we reform , and fast , and pray , what thanklesness we do repay . what must in general be done , what by each individual one . what course both king and people take , ere they their peace with god shall make . what he expecteth from these nations , from cities , towns and corporations ; and ev'ry house in some degree , before true peace will setled be . carmen expostulatorium , imprinted . this was intended to prevent the engaging these nations into a second warre , when the dividing of the city and army was then by some endeavoured , and likely to be effected . the same precautions are at this day pertinent to consideration ; and are therefore here abreviated . though i have written heretofore in vain , and may do now ; yet i will write again , in hope that what by reason and by rime was not effected , may be done in time ; and , that although my pains be lost to some , it shall not fruitless unto all become . hark! how the drums beat , & the trumpets are sounding alarams to a second warre before the first is done ; and whilst yet green the wounds upon your bodies may be seen . behold , that which was coming long ago , draws now so near , that none shall need foreshow what at the last will thereupon ensue : for we without a glass may plainly view such things in kenning , that unless our god to them shall please to set a period , ( or make some such diversion as no man conjecture of by any symptome can ) an vniversal plague will on us seize , instead of remedies for our disease . how then can i in time of need withhold that which my conscience tells me should be told ? why should i keep those premonitions back , which i conceive my friends at this time lack ? a poor mans counsel once ( as we hear say ) did save a city ; so perhaps this may . excuse me therefore if ( much grieved at your rash proceedings ) i expostulate concerning that , whereby it seems to me the war may now again renewed be . renowned citizens , what do you mean to make your city the unhappy scoene whereon there shall in probability be acted now the bloodiest tragedy that e're this island saw ? are you grown mad ? and is there no physician to be had for this distemp'rature , but must it here be cuckow-moon , or dog-dayes all the year ? have you no drugs that may lost wits restore ? can patience , herbagrace , nor h●lebore , nor any other simple or confection , work out that noysome humour and infection which hath besotted you , till ye grow fit for bedlam , where are no such mad men yet ? page , it thus follows . have you not yet discover'd who be they that cheat you , and for whom this game you play by your divisions ? and when others find their falshood for you , will you still be blind , or wink , as careless of the things you heed , till by long winking you grow blind indeed ? &c. cannot you yet discover through the mist , those juglings which the spawn of antichrist ( false priests and lying prophets ) practise now , to raise themselves , and work your overthrow ? nor with what impudence they publish lyes , ( their bitter jeerings , and their blasphemies ) to make new breaches , or to widen those which love and prudency begun to close ? and which ere this time closed up had been , had they not cast untemp'red dirt between ? page the fourth . is it a time your quarrels to renew , when all is hazarded that 's dear to you ? observe ye not three factions like to them which were the ruine of jerusalem , at strife within your walls ? do you not see what spightful sparklings in their eyes there be ? how sharply they against each other whet their sland'rous tongues ? how grinningly they set their gnashing teeth ? observe ye not how they with pens dipt in black poyson , do assay to re-ingage you , and with cursed words provoke the reinsheathing of your swords , that ev'ry son and father , friend and brother , may sheath them in the heart of one another , &c. have you concluded never to retire in your career , till all is on a fire ? and you and yours lye sprawling in the plashes of your own blood , or in your cities ashes ? or till you see this goodly stately frame ( the work of many ages ) in a flame ? have you so often heard it said from him ( whose true presages no men will contemn but reprobates ) what miserable fate attends that house , that city , and that state which is divided ? have his prophesies so often been fulfill'd before your eyes ? and are they at this day so likely too to be ere long fulfilled upon you ? and yet will you a new division run , as if you studied how to be undone ? or , as if you resolv'd to keep that path . which to avoid , your god forewarn●d ●ou hath ? after many other expostulations , and neglected precautions , tending to their welfare , and which are now as pertinent to us , the author thus proceeds again , p. . what makes you , and our army now to be so jealous of each other , as we see , but that self-love and pride which you and they pursue in others ? and because each day you more and more in manners grow like them whose guiltiness you rail at , and condemn ? for most of those among you who pretend to reformation , do but seek to mend some faults in other men , that they to make themselves thereby , may an advantage take . when zealously they labour to remove a tyrant , it proceeds but from self-love , that they may by possessing of his room , as active in like tyrannies become ; as 't were not probable that we should see suppressed tyrants ev'ry day to be outvi'de by their successors ; and outgone by those who blamed most what they had done . 't is not because you seek the publick good , that you renew this warre ; for , letting blood ( especially now when the dog-star reigns ) so near unto the heart , and in those veins now likely to be op'ned , seems to me not physick , but meer butchery to be . 't is not for god that you do now promove this quarrel ; for you know that god is love : and , when he doth engage us in a war , it alwayes evidently doth appear how it conduceth to the preservation of amity and vnion in a nation ; and , that we cannot otherwayes avoid the consequence of being quite destroy'd , with all that 's dear unto us : but in this , of such a common good no sign there is , &c. all your contentions rather do arise from fleshly lusts , and carnal vanities , then from the cause pretended ; and there 's none will doubt it , if you wilfully go on in bloodshed , not endeavouring for grace , by making fury give discretion place . 't is not the errors , or the imperfections of your opinions , but of your affections , which heighten discord ; and a will to please backsliding demas , and diotrophes , which hath surpris'd you . 't is a disregard of justice in chastisements , and reward ; and that respect of persons which each side is guilty of , if both be not bely'd . for if by symptomes we the truth may gather , the city and the army too had rather adventure their safe being , by denial of yeelding up their minions to a trial , then to permit that justice should proceed impartially . both are , it seems , agreed , what ever their well-willers do propose to save their malefactors , though they lose themselves and all their tribe , ( as for that crime the benjamites did once in former time ) and ( which more aggravates ) ev'n thus they do , though they have seen the king for doing so , sit half beside his throne ; yea , though they see this parliament endangered to be ev'n for the self-same fault . so hard a thing it is ev'n for the best of men , to bring their will , and their affections to submit to justice , though they cannot flye from it . we will add no more , but leave the rest to be perused in the printed copy , to avoid tediousness . letters of advice touching the election of knights , citizens and burgesses in parliament . imprinted . among other things offered by this author to be heeded , as pertinent to the common welfare , he published a book so called , touching the choice of knights and burgesses , to represent the commons in parliament , and other publick ministers ; to which purpose he offered somewhat in his perpetual parliament , mentioned in this review . therefore this being overlarge to be wholly inserted , no more shall be here added , but some part of what is therein contained , in relation to the due qualification both of the electors , and persons to be elected which perhaps will give occasion of better heeding what hath been heretofore neglected . it was thus expressed , pag. , in prose . being wofully experienced in the manifold mischiefs whereinto this nation hath been plunged by the corruption or insufficiency of persons heretofore chosen ( or presumptuously intruding upon that trust ) and perceiving no publike means provided for preventing the like mischief hereafter , nor any thereto privately contributing his advice , i have hastily sent abroad these letters , not arrogating a sufficiency to give such directions as may not be excepted against , but rather in hope it would give occasion to some of better judgment to perfect what i have imperfectly begun according to my talent : lest by that course which we at present run , both good and bad together be undone . that my proposals may be the more willingly entertained and prosecuted , i will briefly offer to heed , first , the mischiefs we incur by inconsiderate elections , and how traiterous thereby we are to our countrey , and to our selves . secondly , i will present you with the necessary qualifications of those who are to be elected . and lastly , by what expedient i conceive abuses in that kind may be best prevented , if we are not grown so corrupt a body , that we neither will nor can be represented by honest and discreet persons . i need not particularize into how many mischiefs this nation is now , and hath been heretofore plunged by the rottenness and giddiness of some formerly chosen to represent the commonalty ; or how perfidiously they have disserted or betrayed their trust , to an endangering of our being everlastingly exposed to the slavery of temporal and spiritual tyrannies , no less accursed and intollerable then the egyptian bondage : for , we give them power not onely to make us slaves , beggars , and liable to the hangman at their pleasure ; but to subject us also unto those decrees which may ( gradatim ) bring us or our posterity to be papists , turks , pagans , and vassals to the devil , if the professors of popery , turcism , or of any other damnable impieties should obtain a temporal soveraignty over us . if this ▪ you believe not to be possible , ( because not yet come to pass ) believe at least , that which you see of their practise and condition who have been unworthily and unwarrantably chosen ; and how far they have already brought back upon us those antichristian slaveries which we thought past fear of reviving . but perhaps mischiefs and inconveniences of less concernment will stir up some to be more cautious in their elections then these . let such take notice , that by beedlesness in this duty , they shall make fools and tyrants lords over them , who will fawn and court them , till they are in power , and then scorn and trample them under foot ; putting such immeasurable differences between themselves and others , as if the respect due to the whole nation , were due to their single persons . and they will then so take upon them , and so demean themselves , as if to favour the clients , to suppress those whom they disaffect , to strengthen their own faction , and to maintain their usurped personal priviledges ( though to the utter ruine both of all publick liberties , and true piety ) were the chief end of their power ; what good can be expected from such a choice ? or what better choice can be made , unless you more seriously , more prudently , and more conscienciously manage your elections ? when wolves are by the sheep for guardians chose , who marvels if their skinnes and lives they lose . the onely means in humane prudence to be delivered from such mischiefs , is by humbly supplicating divine mercy by truly repenting our sins , and by taking more heed hereafter , that we be not traitors to our selves , in foolishly giving the disposure of our estates , lives , liberties , and consciences , to them who will sell us for old shooes ; and serve us onely to serve their own turns , though to our destruction . therefore i beseech you to be wary whom you shall now and hereafter elect ; and make us not irrecoverably unhappy , by listning to the insinuations of unworthy persons , who will importune you by themselves and others , to put our bodies and souls into their hands ; complying with all shews of curtesie and humility , till their purposes are obtained ; and never afterward regard our petitions , our cause , our miseries , or our persons ; but overlook us with such pride , as if they had neither received their power from us , or for our welfare ; but meerly to exalt their own vanity , &c. therefore to remedy present evils , and to establish your just priviledges , for preservation of the common interest hereafter , let your care be to avoid the choice of such as these : i. men overlavish in speaking , and in taking extraordinary pleasure in hearing themselves talk ; for a man full of words is neither good to give , or keep counsel . ii. notorious gamesters ; for , i never knew a prudent or just man , a common gamester : how can they be just , whose practise is to cheat other men of their estates ? or prudent managers of publike treasure , who expose their own estates to the uncertain hazard of chance ? iii. men much addicted to hunting or hawking ; for most of these , so they may preserve and encrease their game , and enlarge priviledges for their own pleasure , will not much care though it were to the depopulating of the countrey , and to the multiplying of wild beasts destructive to the nation . iv. the houshold servants , or dependants on such peers , as expect from their creatures the promotion of their own designs and interest , how repugnant soever to the general good. v. courtiers depending meerly on the king or queens service ; for the enlargement and continuance of their favour , depend on that which they call royal prerogative ; and the more that may be improved to an infringement of the subjects right , the richer and the more powerful these will grow . vi. chuse not such as are evidently ambitious or covetous ; for how prone these will be to sell their countrey and religion too , for titular honors and wealth , we have had too frequent experience . " the peoples trust and freedoms to betray , " to be a lord is now the nearest way . vii . elect not persons enslaved to wantonness , and impudently persevering in carnal vncleannesses ; for such will not onely give away your and their own estates to satisfie their lusts , but betray also their countrey , and their saviour , to please their dalilahs . viii . take heed of chusing men superlatively proud : for they will be so puft up with their legislatorship , that after they have sate a while in the house , you will hardly know how to speak unto them , or of them , without being questioned either for transgressing against good manners , or for breach of their personal priviledges ; which they prefer before the priviledges of the whole nation . ix . chuse not men over-much affected to popularity , or factiously oppugning soveraignty ; for they will not be just or true to the interest of king or people , but so far onely as it may advan●e their own will. x. chuse none generally reputed vicious in any kind ; for they will be open or secret opposers of all laws or ordinances restraining enormities , and hinderers of bringing delinquents to condign punishment . xi . make not choice of irreligious persons , or such as are inclined to ancient superstitions , or modern novelties ; for these will not willingly assent to the establishment of ought save what may advance their private fancies . for how can he affect true reformation , who neither hath right rule or firm foundation ? xii . make not choice of children under age ; for we ought not to commit the management of the most weighty affairs of the commonwealth to them who are not capable by law of disposing their own estates ; especially seeing the major part of voices , ( which an ignorant child may help to make up ) will be sufficient sometimes to confirm a resolution to the publike damage . xiii . chuse not persons outlaw'd ; or so far endebted , that they dare not walk abroad without a protection ; for what can be more unjust , then to let them sit as law-makers , who submit not to the laws in force , and to render the fountain of justice obstructive unto it self . xiv . lastly , avoid the choice of those who make means to have themselves chosen ; for it discovereth so much arrogance and self-conceit , that they are worthy to be rejected ; and doubtless they more intend that which may advantage themselves , then to be serviceable to their countrey . the deliverers of god's people in distress , were such as modestly sought rather to put off , then to intrude upon publick employments ; yea , saul was fitter to reign when he hid himself among the stuff , then when he took care to be honoured before the people . " the cursed bramble sought not to be chose " the king of trees , till they did him propose . there were also some proposals and caveats concerning those who are electors , and as touching the making choice by lot ; to the perusal whereof you are referred in the original tract . a cause allegorically stated . imprinted . this was published among other things , during oliver cromwel's reign , with an appeal therein to all impartial censurers . a goodly ship , with precious lading fraught , late in a dark night , nigh to land was brought . through many dangers , & much blustring weather , god's providence had safely brought her thither ; and by the waters motions , and the humming among the shrouds , another storm seem'd coming . the place arriv'd at , was a dangerous bay , from which , into the port , two channels lay , divided by a quick-sand , with great store of shelves , and sharp rocks upon either shore . she had a choice commander , merchants many , stout seamen , pilots too , as good as any ; with passengers of all sorts , among whom some could ( had need been ) have suppli'd the room of well-experienc'd seamen , and advis'd such things as prudence would not have despis'd . but these , among themselves divided were , ( steer ; through which of those two channels they should one party thinking that the safest way , in which the other thought most danger lay ; and in the dark it could not well be seen in which the greatest hazard would have been . nor were they in less hazard to lye there at anchor , till the day-light did appear . a poor old man was at that time aboard , to whom god had been pleased to afford a faculty to see things in the dark , which others could not view , or did not mark : he knowing what great streights the ship was in , ( and what their loss was likely to have been ) call'd out to those there had chief command , and said , there stands a rock , here lyes a sand ; another yonder ; and a whirl-pool there : be very careful therefore how ye steer ; bear up a little while into the wind , ( although a shew of danger there you find ) and take heed that a causeless fear or doubt , makes you not over-soon to tack about , lest in the way you strike upon a steep sharp ridg , and over-set into the deep . first , on the starbordside a compass fetch half way to yon point , to avoid that breach ; and then upon the larbordside again wheel off , and you the harbour shall attain . thus spake the old man ; for although 't were night , he saw as well as when the sun gives light ; and they who had a willingness thereto , did that which he advised them to do . the greater part not heeding what they heard , ( nor knowing their own danger ) grin'd and jeer'd , and from the hatches crept into the hold , leaving the ship to what befall it should . but they who more desir'd to have their will , then to be counsell'd , whether well or ill ; disdaining ( as it were ) to be advis'd ( though for their weal , by one whom they despis'd , did not alone pursue him with despight , but with oppressions also him requite : now therefore , in what this man stands oblig'd to those , let it impartially be judg'd : and ▪ whether such as they deserve not all those plagues which now are feared may befall , till that ingratitude they shall repent , which justly merits that sad consequent this is a case ( though heeded but of few ) to some known , as exprest here , to be true . mercurius rusticus . imprinted without date . this was composed in or about the first year after the late unhappy warre between the king and parliament , in imitation of the weekly intelligencers , then published ; being a rustick discourse , offering between jest and earnest , some particulars to consideration , relating both to civil and military transactions ; and hinted notions then pertinent to those times , and not wholly impertinent to these . but no more of it shall be here inserted save the beginning of the book ; and that also to no other purpose , but to distinguish it from a book of the same title , published by another man ; which this author now having seen , is unwilling to have it imputed to him , ( as he hath heard it is ) how worthy soever it may seem to be owned . his book ( which he thinks none will be ambitious to father ) thus begins . by your leave gentlemen ; when seriousness takes not effect , perhaps trifling may . every man hath some toyes in his head ; and i have too many . one will now discover it self , which hath itched in it ever since last night . mars had lately tired me with long marches and skirmishes . jupiter hath cast such ill aspects upon me , that i cannot be jovial . the moon is in the wain ; venus retrograde ; apollo would not lend me his fiddle to prevent my being oppressed with melancholly by the influences of saturn ; and therefore i compli'd with mercury in making a rustick progress , and ( now understanding that variety of news is much desir'd ) i am bold to present you with such gleannings as i gathered up in the countrey . and though i am not so witty as my friend britanicus ; nor bring you narratives that so well deserve the whetstone as monsieur aulicus ; nor come so furnished with novelties as master civicus ; nor so supply'd with passages as the weekly intelligencer ; nor am at leisure to sum up all occurrences , as the accomptant ; nor so large in promises as the scout , the informer , and the rest of your diligent mercuries ; nor so impudent as to aver i present you with nothing but truth : yet i have brought you that with which you may perhaps be for once well contented to read or hear , though they be but such gatherings as i had from the mill , the alehouse , the smiths shop , or the barbers ; for these are our countrey exchanges , wherein we talk of a many things with as little good success as they do at westminster ; and otherwhile also to as ill , and to as good purposes . this being sufficient to distinguish his from the other book bearing the same title , no more shall be here inserted . what peace to the wicked . imprinted . this is an expostulatory answer to a derisory question concerning peace ; and here is with little omission inserted , because it was so long ago imprinted , that it cannot be easily procured . one who hath seldom in these dayes , from fool or knave got love or praise , ( and who by many men is known with chearfulness to have bestown his wit , pains , person and estate , the common right to vindicate ) a long imprisonment hath had for calling of a spade a spade , which ( if a court-card ) might have been next to the king , except the queen . while he in that confinement lay , one asked him the other day , when he suppos'd this war should end , and what successes would attend our hopes of peace : which question tho from levity it seem'd to flow , ( or scoffingly to be exprest ) receiv'd this answer not in jest . why ask ye when this war will cease , and when this kingdom shall have peace , as if you thought i could foreshew all that hereafter shall ensue ? or as if when the truth were told , you value or believe it could , who nor esteem nor use have made of those fore-warnings which you had ? they who will know what shall succeed , must of things past take serious heed ; and glean instructions whilst they may , from actions of the present day : for , past and present time declares what for the future god prepares ; and , till these quicken their fore-sights , men sit in darkness till he smites . if to this question you would know an answer which for truth may go , ( and not with ●hab-like desires ) wish all your prophets may be lyars : then ask your consciences , and they will tell what things expect you may ; for , let my troubles never cease , if ever you have other peace then what your conscience might foresee , though king and parliament agree . but lest the conscience may be sear'd , or lest delusions have appear'd , which promise peace when she is fled , ( and vengeance hanging over head ) ask your own fears and human reason , what they conjecture of the season . ask them what sign it is of peace , when wickedness doth more encrease ? what may be hop'd for , of that nation that slights her day of visitation ; that mendeth not for words or blows , that in reforming , worser grows ; that suffers them who serve her best , to be most wronged and opprest ; and on them ev'ry token hath of desolation , and of wrath ? what peace can we expect , whilst they who spoiled us , not onely may find mercy ( which we could allow ) but , so imperious also grow , as to reproach them to their faces , ( ev'n in their priviledged places ) who once thought better fruits would come from that which they had parted from ? what likelihood is there that peace will follow , when your friends decrease , and they who serv'd you heretofore , shall be as mad as they are poor ? if yet you cannot well discern when peace will back again return ; get knowledge timely , if you may , what game you are about to play ; how far you have as yet to run that wild-goose-chase of late begun : what can be hoped for of those who are irrationally foes : what you in safety can propound , where little save deceit is found : or , what good harvest can be mown , where mischief onely hath been sown : for , when these things are truly weigh'd , what will succeed , needs not be said . get knowledg , if ye can , how long divisions will be rais'd among the lords and commons ; and when we shall find both houses to agree , that to the publike detriment , nor house nor member shall dissent , or be united , but insist upon the common interest : for , you have heard what lot betides a house or kingdom that divides : and know what 's likely to succeed , till our peace-makers are agreed . if waste jerusalem was made , who therein but three factions had : this island how may we deplore , wherein are three times three , and more ? some with the parliament partake ; some for the king a party make : some would a popular estate : some aristocracy create : some are a faction for the pope : some to maintain the prelates hope : some for the presbyterians vote : some independency promote : some strive for this , and some for that : some neither know , nor care not what , so war goes on , and get they may free-quarter , plunder , and their pay. some fight their liberties to save ; some , that they others may enslave . some for religion , and for christ , some that they may do what they list : some for the commonwealths avail , some for themselves with tooth and nail ; and they who have the basest end , as fairly as the best pretend : not caring whether their desire obtained be by sword or fire , by truth or lyes , with love or hate , by treachery , or fair debate : this is our posture ; and whilst we so foolish , false , and factious be ; or , whilst it shall continue thus , who knows what will become of us ? ask those who now of peace do dream , who shall procure the same for them , since many are become their foes , whom they to be their champions chose ; since they our substance have bestown , to make new fortunes of their own ; and publike injuries encrease , to gain themselves a private peace . yea , since the people doubtings have what to refuse , or what to crave , do still irresolute abide , long constant unto neither side ; not in themselves resolved are , whether they would have peace or war , or whether readmit they shall charles to be king , or not at all ; for , doubtless if thus matters go , ( as many now much fear they do ) a wise man needs not break his brain , to search what peace we shall obtain , since whilst thus blind and mad we be , what will ensue , a fool may see . yet lest you may be fooled more , then either now , or heretofore , observe the commons , if of them none serve two masters at a time ; nay , whether none among them be , who servants are this day to three , and false to all ; observe of those whom we for publike service chose , how many fail the peoples trust , to private persons how unjust they are ; how little good effect the king or people can expect , concerning peace , while such as they the cunning ambodexters play . ask them who sit to take accounts , to what their two years pains amounts ? or , what the commonwealth it betters , when they have found who are her debtors ; if when their falshood shall be known , ( and published throughout the town ) a cheating shark may outface them who justly have convicted him , and be employed as before , or else where he may cheat us more . ask if they have not pow'r to call as well the great thieves , as the small , to give accompt ; those whom we hear cumprivilegio , as it were , have plundered at an easie rate , coin , jewels , houshold-stuff and plate : and if you find they have not leave to question all men who deceive the publike trust ; know we are yet for peace with righteousness unfit . then mark what favours many have , who sought this nation to enslave ; how some exposed are to scorn , who of this war the brunt have born ; and having heedfully survay'd how good with evil is repay'd , mind well the doctrine , and the vse , and what that may at last produce . enquire moreover how you find to works of mercy men enclin'd ; how honest causes are prefer'd , how griev'd petitioners are heard ; how offices conferred be ; whether some have not two or three , who for the publike neither spent , nor gave , nor hazarded , nor lent , when many better men had none , who in your service were undone . observe those pensions how you share , which for relief allotted are ; how little best deservers get , how many of them not a whit ; how often ill , how seldom well rewards and punishments you deal ; which are the pillars whereon stand the peace and honour of the land. observe , if when we spend a day in praises , or to fast and pray , if more hypocrisie therein , then true devotion , hath not bin● : if preaching tend not more to strife , then to sound doctrine , or good life : if more we seek not to fulfil our sensual humours , and our will , then to perform a thank-oblation , or duties of humiliation ; or if the worship we profess , be not an outside holiness , no deeper rooted then the tongue , or fruits that fade as soon as sprung : for , as it proveth when you see these things to tryal brought shall be , you may without much failing guess what likelihood there is of peace . an ear , an eye sometimes too have ye upon the army and the navy ; an eye severely to behold , an ear to hear what hath been told of some who much entrusted were , with stores , arms , and provisions there ; or had commissions to array , to furnish , fortifie and pay ships , forts or men ; and those in chief , employ'd for ireland's first relief , and your first armies ; ( ev'n when all did lye at stake , and seem to call for faithful , stout and honest men ) observe how they discharged then the trust repos'd ; how some were made commanders , pay and titles had , but scarce a man : how others now defraud the publike ; and if you ( as fame reports ) among them find deceit in this accursed kind , excuse not them ; yea , though at last , acts of oblivion should be past for open foes , no grace provide for men untrue to their own side ; lest , as your peace they have defer'd , they marr it likewise afterward : for , where employed such are found when peace is made , 't will not be sound . enquire ( if you can tell of whom to make enquiry ) what 's become of all the publike protestations , engag'd for private reparations ; what of that vow which did profess a mutual aid in all distress : what of the self-denying vote , which goodly hopes in us begot : what of those orders whereupon some trusted till they were undone . what of the publike faith , in which we thought our selves exceeding rich , though all were lost , so that remain'd inviolated , and unstain'd . enquire ( i say ) throughout the land , in what condition these now stand ; for , when of these you have obtain'd that certainty which may be gain'd , it will undoubtedly appear what we may either hope or fear . enquire yet further ( lest you may expect perhaps a sun-shine day , and meet a storm ) in what good mind that sort of people you shall find , ycleep'd the clergy ; for the stem of our late troubles , was in them . their factions , avarice and pride , did first of all these isles divide : from them at first , the fire-brands came , that set this empire in a flame : when 't was nigh quench'd again , they blew those coals which did the flame renew . the nations they did re-engage , the peoples vexed minds enrage , by feigned wiles , and false pretences , abusing tender consciences : the course long since by them begun , is to this day continued on : and therefore take this truth for me , ( for you shall find it truth to be ) that till you see these much estrang'd from what they are , their posture ehang'd , till they shall better their conditions , confine● themselves to their commissions , leave off to jangle , fool and fiddle with what they should not intermeddle , and be as pious , and as wise , as they are outwardly precise , ( or , as those few among them are , for whose sakes god abates this war ) nor king , nor peers , the commons neither , nor these united altogether , shall able be that peace to make , which their contentions will not shake . make one enquiry more to see and search what most of those men be on whose endeavours you depend , to bring our troubles to an end . mark how their duties they attend in private , how their time they spend : what company they most frequent , what matters give them best content : what by their neighbors they were thought , till they obtained what they sought ; and to what purpose they employ the pow'r and places they enjoy . then cast an eye upon the rabble , and , taking view ( if you be able ) of all together , great and small , mark well the tantamount of all . mark if we be not like an hoast that 's routed when the battel 's lost . and if we deal not gifts and blows , like mad men , both to friends and foes . mark how those hypocrites , who here promoters of the truth appear , walk in their masking suits abroad , as if they thought to cozen god as they do men ; mark too , that crew , which is prophane in open view , how blindly , and how daringly ( ev'n where god's thunderbolts do flye ) they still offend ; and whether we may not to them compared be , who sawing are those planks asunder , whereon they stand , when hell is under . when these enquiries you have made , to see what light may thence be had ; and , when you know as well as i , those hind'rances , and reasons why that voice of peace yet goes not on which this time twelve months was begun ; and , shall observe with due regard , whath hath been since done , and declar'd ; it will disclose a great deal more , then i have told you heretofore : but not till then . yet lest some may despair or faint before that day , i will deliver , ere you go , a comfortable word or two . " there may be peace at last , though yet " we nor know how , nor merit it : " for god oft shews great mercies where " the greatest of all sinners are . " and , if self-seekers be discri'de , " before this isle they more divide ; " if factions , wrongs , and discontent , " endanger not this parliament ; " and if the faithful members can " but cast out from them now and then " a trouble-house , and timely swage " the vexed peoples rising rage , " by offring out of their committees " ( what reign in counties , towns and cities ) " but two or three such peace-oblations , " as that was of th' examinations , " and by their prudence act it so " that honesty more priz'd may grow ; " that priest and people down may lay " the works of stubble and of hay , " their names and terms of separation , " and meekly seek the preservation " of truth in love : then in one year " if peace be not establish'd here , " my loans and losses yet unpaid , " with my arrears three years delai'd , " i 'le forfeit wholly to the state , " and live still as i do of late , " by swallowing wrongs and empty air , " and patience kept through faith and pray'r . thus to the question made ▪ you have that answer which your pris'ner gave , who other news will tell , if he much longer shall a pris'ner be . your spaniels beaten , at your feet will lie , your english mastives at your face will flie . remember that also . an address to the members of parliament in their single capacities . imprinted . the author having been compelled to make use of such extravagant means as this , during the sitting of the long parliament and thereby left unrelieved ; was constrained to prosecute the like ordinary and extraordinary expedients during those parliaments which were called by oliver cromwel , and his successor ; among which , this was one , left at their threshold , thus superscribed , to that member of parliament who shall take up this paper . sir , if you are not of this parliament , hereby to greet you , 't is not my intent . but , if a member of this house you are , your taking up these papers ( as it were by lot ) engageth you to manage those petitions , which i therewith did inclose , as you would have another use his pow'r for your avail , if now my case were your : whereof take this account why i thus play my cards confus'd , in this unusual way . i shall hereby at least guess at the length of my oppressions , or how well my strength may be improv'd to bear them ; how contracts , sales , bargains , and your other publike acts will be perform'd ; that as i by presage of many things to come , foretold this age before fulfill'd ; so i might likewise tell the next age what i saw done ill or well . i have oft wooed you to entertain my just requests , but hitherto in vain ; though i have many sev'ral ways assay'd , to gain respect to what was humbly pray'd . now therefore , having at your door attended six months at least together unbefriended ; and seeing to obstruct me , ev'ry day new suitors so encrease to stop the way , that i had little hope with friends to meet to hand this in , i laid it at your feet who pass in thither , hoping that it may for an admission make the quicker way , and not be kept here waiting at your gate , till hearing and relief shall come too late . he who shall take this up , and get it read , where it shall with respect be answered , an obligation will ( by doing so ) impose both upon me , and many moe : for , if my suits obtain deserved heed , some other will have hope as well to speed , who now almost despair relief to have ; and , future cost and trouble i shall save . three parliaments ( the eldest of which three might , had it pleas'd our lord , have outliv'd me ) are dead and gone , since first i did complain of grievances , which unredrest remain : and now to see a fourth i have surviv'd , which i fear hath it self almost outliv'd , unless god grant it pow'r and will to do what they in duty are oblig'd unto ; that they from wrongs the wronged may release , proceed with honour , and conclude in peace . to such atchievements there 's a middle way 'twixt this and that ; 'twixt haste and long delay'd : which if mistaken , or not timely found , may ( as it hath done ) lead into a round , ( or labyrinth ) whereby we may be brought to pits and snares , which have no passage out ; and multiply distractions , till our pray'rs are turn'd to indignation , or despairs ; which is their drift , and not their least design , who seek our liberties to undermine . when publike wants with speed must be suppli'd , a private plaint may then be laid aside ; but not too long defer'd , lest it become a festring sore , not meanly perilsome . for since an universal weal consists of many individual interests , a perfect body cannot be enjoy'd , where one by one the members are destroy'd ; and when the eye or ear unheedful grows of what afflicts the fingers and the toes : much less when they neglect what appertains to keep it from an ulcer in the brains . the cures therefore , of private wants , betwixt publike transactions , should be intermixt ( at least sometimes ) in those emergent things , wherein delay of justice , losses brings beyond repair ; or when the state at last must bear the damage , when the care is past ; or else in point of honour , suffer more then all the publike treasure will restore . i grudg not , when god's glory is at stake , that they who of his honour conscience make , should take the freedom to debate at large what may their duties unto him discharge ; or , when the common safety doth appear in hazard , though my life in danger were : but , when those brunts are over , if men please for their meer pleasure , profit , or their ease , to leave us in a perishing condition , then of their faithfulness they give suspition , and i more griev'd for what i thereby see befalls my countrey , then for wrongs to me . there 's time enough in all streight whatsoe're , for all things , if it well divided were : and , for our not opportioning aright the time we have , ( as wise men know we might ) god cuts off half the dayes we should have had , and our designments are abortive made . as we from week to week , from day to day , do put off those who for our sorrows pray , so likewise we our hopes and suits put by by him on whose assistance we relye . an hour therefore , should other-while be spent to give reward , as well as punishment : as well to make repayments , as to borrow : to think on them who help us in our sorrow , we are oblig'd , and forth our fruits to bring in season , like trees planted by a spring ; not nine or ten years after they are dead , ( who by our timely fruit should have been fed ) lest we be felled by the wood-man's hand , or , like the fig-tree , wither where we stand . one day is as well spar'd sometimes to save an honest man , as nine to doom a knave . of useful plants we should have as much care , as from the good corn to weed out a tare . some private acts of justice , with our zeal to piety , and to the publike weal ; and works of mercy sprinkled here and there among them , like embroydries would appear on flowers of gold , with silver interwove , and helpful be your grand work to improve . but , where few private grievances are heard . god gives their publike prayers small regard ; and few are in that commonwealth much joy'd , by whom their whole well-being is destroy'd ; or which is sensless of their sad estate who did help save it from a sadder fate . among such suffrers , i may self am one , who gladly would be better thought upon ; i have as many years already spent , as are to two mens lives equivalent , to seek for justice , with such cost , such trouble , and loss of time , as makes my losses double . so that if but one suit more at this rate i had depending , ten times my estate , and ten mens lives , would not afford me time and means enough , whereby to finish them : for , my petitions either were defer'd from month to month , from year to year unheard , or answer'd so , that when my suit seem'd done , my case prov'd worse then when it first begun : and to obstruct the justice i implore , they voice me to be rich , who make me poor . with mock-shews of relief i have been fed , with stones in my distress , instead of bread , which had ere this day starv'd me , but that god turn'd many of them into wholsome food , and rais'd me a subsistance out of that which was design'd to ruine my estate . if i who had a few friends , have thus far'd , alas ! how speed poor men whom none regard ? and who from none can claim an obligation , either by friendship , faction , or relation ? but now new misadventures me beset , which by delay of justice do beget increasing mischiefs , that admit no cure save what must from a legislative pow'r derived be ; and this befalleth so perhaps , that i in ev'ry change may know the gen'ral temper , by the pulse that beats both in superior and inferior seats ; that i and other men may timely see how little confidence repos'd may be in lords or commons , parliaments or kings , or in the best of all terrestrial things ; and that henceforth we might depend upon god's providence , and upon him alone . if this displease , it cannot make me more expos'd to suffrings , then i was before . they who to neither side , nor back , nor further can move themselves , need no restraint by order : nor greatly be afraid what next will come , their just resolvings to divert them from : and that whereto necessities compel , is done excusably , though not done well . if much oppression cracks a wise man's brain , who knows whereto it may a fool constrain ? or how it may the meekest men provoke to that whereby the common peace is broke ? they whom delay of justice doth make poor , do lose but their estates , and may get more ; if otherwhile they are of life depriv'd , they feel not what to feel they might have liv'd : but he who doth in life-time , thereby lose estate and credit , shall to friends and foes become a scorn ; whereat if mad he be , and makes ten thousands grow as mad as he , who knows whereto it may at last extend , or what will thereon follow in the end ? the fault is theirs who without mercy stretch a weak man's patience further then 't will reach , as if he of his suffrings , sense had none , because they no more feel them , then a stone . my principle ( for which i am abus'd ) injoins me , when i scurvily am us'd , where i expect relief , to show my wrongs , and vengeance leave , to whom the same belongs ; but all men cannot be content to stay god's leisure ; or , for justice in his way : and , what their wants , neglects , and indignation may tempt them to , is worth consideration . there is to all things an appointed date , and they are not wise , who are wise too late . " one sin remains unacted to the height , " which when compleat , will ruine all outright . " and that is this ; there are yet in the gap " some standing , who with life do yet escape ; " if these remov'd were , that abomination " which next precedes an utter desolation , " will be set up ; and then shall be inflicted " at full , all those plagues heretofore predicted . " oh god! prevent that grand , that fatal guilt , " i humbly pray ; and i believe thou wilt , " by raising still to stand before thy face , " an acceptable number in this place , " for whose sake thou wilt spare it from the dooms " now threatned , till our great deliv'rer comes ; " and keep them constant to true self-denial , " faith , love and patience in their fiery trial : " for , nor thine , or their glory it advances " so much , as when they have deliverances " from suffrings in their height , and when they are " within a burning furnace , as they were " who had it heated for them seven times more " then ere it was at any time before . this , as were all this author 's other addresses , were tendred to the late parliaments without success , whether expreffed in a serious or extravagant mode . and thereby perhaps the true constitution of those times will the better appear to the glorifying of god's justice ; because the personal experience which he had by feeling those oppressions whereof many others complained , were to him much more evidenced thereby to be real , then they could be , by what he seemed to see , or to hear onely by report . halelvjah . or , britan's second remembrancer . imprinted . this first part of a review of neglected precautions , predictions and remembrances , was begun with the author's first book , called britans remembrancer ; and this second remembrancer shall conclude it : for , though composed in a mode much differing from the former , it was an expedient which might have produced good effects , had it not been as much neglected as all other good means are to this day . it is our duty to make trial of another way , when one fails ; and the prophets are herein exemplary to us , who often declared the same truths in various dressings , and otherwhile in the same words , when the same or like occasions were given . that book containing two hundred thirty three spiritual hymns and songs ; is too large to be abreviated ; and therefore to instance the usefulness of the rest , here shall be inserted but two or three hymns out of each book , the first relating to particular occasions ; the second to times ; the third to persons ; that all men of all sorts , might be thereby minded of their duties at all times , and upon all occasions , as appears by this brief narration . a friend of the author's , much affecting that expedient , ( as tending to the advance both of morality and virtue , distributed many of the books among his acquaintance , at his own cost , and recommended one of them to a person of quality , who loved song and musick ; but before he had read two lines thereof , he rejected it with much contempt ; whereupon the other somewhat grieved , asked the reason of his dislike , and received this answer ; such a character of it hath ( said he ) been given by a learned and pious divine , upon whose judgment i relye , that i will not lose time in perusing it . yet at last being importuned , he took it up , and turning to a song which was to him instanced as demonstrating the frothiness of all the rest , he began to read it aloud in slighting manner , and in a ridiculous tone ; but after the reading of a few lines , changing his voice , sate still a good space , perusing it in silence ; then suddenly starting up , said thus to his friend , i heartily thank you for this book , and for importuning me to read it ; i hope also , it shall teach me whilst i live , not to depend upon the judgment of other men , ( how religious or judicious soever they shall be reputed ) in those things wherein i ought to use my own understanding as well as theirs . this is the effect of what was told the author , and it is here inserted , in hope it may make some other as wise as that gentleman . the author in his epistles before the whole , and each particular book of that volume , hath expressed by way of preoccupat●on , somewhat to prevent prejudice ▪ and if it had been contemplatively and actually made use of according to his intention and proposals , might perhaps have reduced this generation to a better temper then precepts without practise have effected ; and made those vain songs less delighted in , which are become so numerous , and so affected , that pious meditations are nigh quite out of fashion with many ; for , not in private onely , but at publike feasts and meetings also , scurrilous and obscene songs are impudently sung without respect to the presence of matrons , virgins , magistrates and divines ; yea , sometimes are in their despight called for , sung , and acted with such abominable gesticulations , as are offensive to all modest hearers and beholders ; and befitting onely the solemnities of bacchus , venus , and priapus ; for the abolishing of which abuse , the author was a petitioner that some provision might be made ; and prepared also this expedient to promove it ; but the carnal prophaness of some , and the sullen religiousness of others , who causlesly pretended a superstitious design to be therein couched , hath hitherto vacated both his hope and pious endeavours , notwithstanding all his precautions . an occasional hymn when we first awake in the morning . dear god ! who watch dost keep round all that honour thee , to thy beloved givest sleep , when rest shall needful be . my soul returns thee praise , that thus refresh'd i am , and that my tongue a voice can raise , to praise thee for the same . as now my soul doth shake dull sleep out of mine eyes , so let thy spirit me awake , that i from sin may rise . the night is past away , which fill'd us full of fears , and we enjoy another day , wherein thy grace appears . oh! let me therefore shun all errors of the night ; thy righteousness let me put on , and walk as in the light. protect me from his pow'r , ( since i on thee relye ) who walks in darkness to devour , when our long sleep draws nigh . grant when the trump shall sound a summons from the grave , my body then may from the ground a blessed rising have . that whatsoe're the dreams of my corruption be , the vision of thy glorious beams may bring full joyes to me . a hymn when day-light appears . look forth mine eye , look up and view how bright the day-light shines on me ; and , as the morning doth renew , mark how renew'd god's mercies be . behold , the splendors of the day disperse the shadows of the night ; and , they who late in darkness lay , have now the comfort of the light . nor twilight-plagues , nor midnight-fears , nor mortal or immortal foes , had pow'r to take us in their snares ; but safe we slept , and safe arose . and to those dayes which we have had , he that is lord of day and night , another day vouchsafes to add , that our lost hours redeem we might . it is too much to have made void so many dayes already past ; let this therefore be so employ'd , as if we knew it were our last . most creatures now themselves advance , their morning-sacrifice to bring ; the herds do skip , the flocks do dance , the winds do pipe , the birds do sing . lord , why should these that were decreed to serve thee in a lower place , in thankful duties us exceed , who have obtained special grace ? we are oblig'd much more then those , our voice in thankfulness to raise ; therefore , oh god ! our lips unclose , and teach our tongues to sing thy praise . let heart , and hand , and voice accord this day to magnifie thy name ; and let us ev'ry day , oh lord ! endeavour to perform the same . so , when that morning doth appear , in which thou shalt all flesh destroy , we shall not then awake in fear , but rise to meet thy son with joy . a hymn when we are putting on our apparel . lord , had not man sought out by sin what was untimely known , his nakedness unfelt had bin , and wiser he had grown . but in the stead of what he thought by lawless means to know , the knowledg of those things was taught , which bringeth sense of wo. had he as forward strove to be , the fruit of life to tast , as on the death-procuring-tree a lustful eye to cast , the happiness for him prepar'd in soul he had obtain'd , and in his body also shar'd the bliss for him ordain'd . but since the flesh did press to see her wants before the time , both soul and flesh afflicted be for that presumptuous crime . and cumbred so with pain and care , for clothing and for food , that little their endeavours are , to seek their chiefest good . lord , with a rose of innocence , thy servant so array , that it may take the painful sense of outward wants away . so clothe me with thy righteousness , that ( though defil'd i am ) i may not by my nakedness exposed be to shame . let not the garments which i wear my tender flesh to hide , be either made a lustful snare , or nourishments of pride ; but be remembrances to show the folly of that deed by which man fell , and fell so low , as those base rags to need . the second temporary hymn . a temporary hymn for the first day of the week , commonly called the lords-day , or sunday . great lord of time , great king of heav'n , since weekly thou renew'st my dayes , to thee shall daylie thanks be giv'n , and weekly sacrifice of praise . this day the light ( time's eldest born ) her glorious beams did first display ; and then the evening and the morn did first obtain the name of day . the depth with darkness then empal'd , ( that out of which the world was made ) and , which deep waters thou hast call'd , upon this day beginning had . and , as upon this day it was in which creation first begun , so on this day the work of grace in ev'ry circumstance was done . for , on this day thy christ arose , and victor over death became ▪ this day he conquer'd all his foes , and put them to perpetual shame . upon this day it pleased thee thy holy spirit down to send , that men with gifts might furnish'd be , thy gospel's preaching to attend . this day therefore we set apart for holy rest , and holy rites ; and ev'ry sanctified heart to celebrate this day delights . except thereto compell'd by need , works for the body we forbear , that in those works we may proceed , which for the souls health needful are . therefore that now to thee , oh lord , a due oblation bring i may , thus to thine honor i record , and sing the blessings of this day . so let me sing , so mind them still , and all my life so thankful be , that when my course i shall fulfil , i may acceptance find with thee . discretion grant me so to know what sabbath-rites thou dost require ; and grace my duty so to do , that i may keep thy law intire . not doing what should not be done , nor ought omitting , fit to do ; nor over-burth'ning any one with more then thou enjoin'st them to . but , let me rest my body so , that to my soul i do no wrong ; or , in devotion heedless grow , what to my body's rest belong : that both in soul and body , lord , i may still hallow ev'ry day according to thy holy word , and have true rest in thee for ay . the third temporary hymn . for monday . this morning brings to mind , oh god , thy forming of this airy sphere , and spreading of that orb abro'd , wherewith we now surrounded are . it was the fabrick which thy hand vouchsaf'd upon this day to frame ; and , bounding waters under land from those which are above the same . this airy firmament both keeps all breathing creatures here below , from suffocation in those deeps whereon , till then , no wind did blow . to us this firmament convayes those dews and show'rs which oft we need , and all those pleasant summer-dayes whence profits and delights proceed . yea , by this firmament we gain the vision of refreshing light ; and thereby do as well obtain the use of hearing , and of sight . for this dayes workmanship , oh lord , i praise thee now , and humbly pray , that i may thankfully record thy daily blessings ev'ry day . a personal hymn for a soveraign prince . by me , or by my father's house deserv'd it could not be , that i , or any one of us obtained this degree . but god who dealeth forth his own , as him it liketh best , on me those honours hath bestown , whereof i am poffest . great hazards many undergo , such titles to acquire , yet neither find content below , or means of rising higher . what therefore can i less repay , to him whose gift it is , then otherwhile to sing or say some such like hymn as this ? let me , o lord , my diadem unto thy glory wear , and be a blessing unto them who my leige people are . let not thy favours make my heart to swell with wanton pride ; or , from those precepts to depart , which ought to be my guide . but make me still in mind to bear , from whom this throne i had , and that they my own brethren are who ruler i was made . yea , cause me evermore to heed that i and they are thine , although to serve the publike need , their goods and lives are mine . since ev'ry subjects cause to me should equally be dear , in judgment let the poor man be as precious as the peer . and , lest for them we snares may make at my chief council-bo'rd , lord let me dayly counsel take from thy truth-speaking-word . those traitors chase out of my court , who dare pervert the laws , or , cause me by a false report , to wrong an honest cause . and , let thy judgments them devour , how high soe're they stand who shall abuse my royal pow'r , to hinder thy command . within my realms let no man dare my statutes to gainsay ; and , let me live in as much fear , thy laws to disobey . so i and they whom thou on me , for subjects hast bestown , shall in each other blessed be , and keep sedition down . preserve to me my royal dues , and grace vouchsafe me still , my just prerogative to use according to thy will ; that evil men may dread my frown , the righteous comfort find , and i obtain a better crown when this must be resign'd . here ends the first part of this review , to which a second part shall be added as god enables and permits . a postscript . the uncertainty and changeableness of all temporal things , make us accordingly mutable in our purposes . and whereas the author of the several books here abreviated , intended a retirement to a solitary habitation in the place of his nativity , ( upon such considerations as were expressed in the preface of this review ) his friends resident in and near london , not approving thereof , have perswaded him to the contrary , by making it probable , that future inconveniences would be thereby rather multiplied then diminished : now therefore , by considering therewithall , that where god's judgments are most visible , his mercy will be there as much evidenced to all who love and trust unfeignedly in him , he resolveth to continue where he is , until he can stay there no longer , lest he may bury himself alive by removing far from them , by whose charity god hath hitherto preserved him . there are faults escaped in the imprinting or transcribing of this review ; which the author 's late sickness disabled him to take notice of : the readers are therefore desired to correct and amend them according to their own discretion . the names of those printed books heretofore written by george wither , out of which this first part of this review of neglected remembrances , precautions and predictions was collected ; mentioning the years in which they were the first or second time imprinted . britans remembrancer , imprinted . pag. . the author's motto , nec habeo , nec careo , nec curo , imprinted . p. . campo musae , or field-musings , impr. . p. . the dark lanthorn , imprinted . p. . the perpetual parliament , imprinted . p. . the author's emblems , imprinted . p. . an interjection , being a sudden ejaculation cast in , at the collecting of this review , p. . vaticinium causuale , imprinted . p. . verses to the kings majesty , imprinted . p. . a thankful retribution , imprinted . p. . boni ominis votum , imprinted . p. . a si quis , or queries , imprinted . p. . the author's petition , imprinted . p. . the tyred petitioner , imprinted without date p. . se defendendo , imprinted without date . p. . justitiarius justificatus , impr. without date . p. . vox pacifica , imprinted . p. . carmen expostulatorium , imprinted . p. . letters of advice , imprinted . p. . a cause allegorically stated , impr. . p. . mercurius rusticus , imprinted without date . p. . what peace to the wicked , imprinted . p. . an address to the members of parliament , imprinted . p. . halelujah , or britan's second remembrancer , imprinted . p. . finis . fides-anglicana, or, a plea for the publick-faith of these nations lately pawned, forfeited and violated by some of their former trustees to the rendering it as infamous as fides-punica was heretofore : it is humbly offered to consideration in a petitionary remonstrance to all in authority on the behalf of many thousands to whom securities were given upon the said public-faith and was prepared to have been put forth during the sitting of the last parliament ... / by the author george wither. wither, george, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing w ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) fides-anglicana, or, a plea for the publick-faith of these nations lately pawned, forfeited and violated by some of their former trustees to the rendering it as infamous as fides-punica was heretofore : it is humbly offered to consideration in a petitionary remonstrance to all in authority on the behalf of many thousands to whom securities were given upon the said public-faith and was prepared to have been put forth during the sitting of the last parliament ... / by the author george wither. wither, george, - . p. [s.n.], london : . reproduction of original in the harvard university library. eng great britain -- politics and government -- - . a r (wing w ). civilwar no fides-anglicana. or, a plea for the publick-faith of these nations, lately pawned, forfeited and violated by some of their former trustees, wither, george b the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion fides-anglicana . or , a plea for the publick-faith of these nations , lately pawned , forfeited and violated by some of their former trustees , to the rendring it as infamous , as fides-punica was heretofore . it is humbly offered to consideration , in a petitionary remonstrance to all in authority , on the behalf of many thousands , to whom securities were given upon the said publick-faith ; and was prepared to have been put forth during the sitting of the last parliament . by the author george wither . it comprehends likewise , an expedient , whereby the honour of the king and nations may be preserved in redeeming the same , without oppressing private persons , or overburthening the publick : and thereto are added two or three examplary narratives out of antiquity , evidencing that neglect of justice is dangerous ; and that the freedom of expression assumed by the author , is neither needless in such cases , nor unjustifiable by warrantable precedents . veritas non quaerit angulos . london , printed in the year mdclx . fides-anglicana . or , a plea by way of remonstrance , for the publick-faith of these brittish nations , humbly offered to all in power and authority , joyntly and individually , by whatsoever title or name they are lawfully active ; and to whom a care of preserving the peace and honour of these kingdoms doth appertain . psalm . v. , , , , &c. god standeth in the congregation of the mighty , he judgeth among the gods : how long will ye judge unjustly , and accept the persons of the wicked ? defend the poor and fatherless , do justice to the afflicted , preserve the poor and needy out of the hands of the ungodly , &c. whereas in the hopes entertained rationally by this remonstrant and others , upon his majesties late voluntary and gracious condescentions ( without any care taken for our indempnity , at his restauration , by the trustees of these nations ) they rested thankfully therewith contented ; being much comforted in the kings prudent and tender respect vouchsafed to their sad condition ; and have ever since , ( though it be now about eight or nine moneths ) waited in a patient expectation of some timely settlement , according to his royal declaration , speeches , references and commission ; notwithstanding many of them have in the mean time been almost quite destroyed in their estates and credits , and some utterly ruined by the impatience of their creditors ; by the violence of untimely intruders upon their possessions ; by vexatious suits commenced against them ; and by paying great taxes and other duties , for those lands by them purchased , which are intruded upon contrary to an order of parliament , and other prohibitions ; as also , because some of the said purchasers have been so impoverished by former oppressions , that ( to the publick damage , as well as to their own ) much of the said lands lyeth waste , in regard they have neither wherewith to stock those which came lately into possession , nor means to demise them to tenants , whilest their titles are disparaged . which with other destructive grievances daily multiplying , have constrained this remonstrant ( who in his own person , is made sensible of other mens afflictions , well near in every kind ) both for preventing the utter undoing of himself with his relations , and of many thousands more , together with their creditors and relations , humbly to remonstrate as follows . that the long delayed , and justly expected relief of the said purchasers and lenders ( of which this remonstrant is one ) seems to him prolonged by the sinister endeavours or neglects of some from whom they hoped better things , occasioning no less dishonour and hazard to the king and nation , then injury to their patience , whose dammages are multiplyed thereby : for instead of what was rationally hoped for , this remonstrant and many more , are among other frequent upbraidings and provocations , jeered with this untimely and unsavoury caution , caveat emptor ; which hath obliquely , a worse reflection upon venders then buyers in their condition ; implying rather caveant venditores , in regard it is a caveat to be given before-hand ; and to those only , who contract with persons justly suspected to be either cheaters or beggars , and ought not to be applyed to them who were purchasers from states or parliaments , who have engaged the publick faith of a whole nation to confirm their sales and securities : for they should with reverence be confided in , by all under their authority , lest such become guilty of exposing it to contempt ; and therefore , the said purchasers and lenders , were not ( till really damnified ) to suspect or question , whether the grants and securities to them offered , would be valid or invalid ; or whether the estates exposed to sale by the parliament , were justly or unjustly bargained and sold ; because it was to be presumed that states and parliaments , are not only at all times able to make good their bargains and securities , or to give full recompence to those who shall be thereby damnified , if it prove otherwise ; but that ( being thereto obliged both in honour and justice ) they will also punctually perform the one or the other , without receding from their bargains , or hagling like broken debtors : and therefore by one of these wayes , the said purchasers and lenders presume they shall accordingly be saved harmless . and , it is their humble desire , it may be timely and effectually done , in respect of those destructive necessities afore-mentioned , whereinto many of them are plunged ; and that they may not be listened unto , who seek to perswade those who should relieve them , that ( as affairs now stand ) there is no obligation upon the supream power , or upon the representatives of this nation , to take cognizance of those engagements ; for , whatsoever they think , the publick peace , and the honour of the whole nation , together with their kings and parliaments , will therein be much concerned , whether their power who granted those estates and securities , were justly or unjustly constituted , or exercised ; considering it was then the sole visible power in being , assented and submitted unto as an authentick authority , by the greatest number of the people of every degree and qualification , in these three nations , without any open contradiction ( which implies an universall assent , or what is so equivalent thereto , that a factious or rebellious combination could not be justly thereto imputed . ) it was acknowledged to be then the supream power , not only by popular voices in the air , but by voluntary subscriptions also , under the hands of well near all the magistrates , knights , citizens and burgers of all counties , cities and corporations in these dominions , without any open protest made against it ; and , de non apparentibus & non existentibus eadem est ratio : those things , which when they should appear , appear not , reputed are , among the things that are not . moreover , it was actually owned and obeyed by the nobility , as the supream authority , and by the reverend judges of our land in every court of record ; by the pastors of parochial churches , and congregations of each several judgement , to be by divine precepts , and the examplary practise of christ and his apostles , that power ( being then the power which had sole visible being ) whereto obedience was due : such also it was generally reputed and acknowledged by the publick ministers of all neighbouring nations , kings , princes , and republicks ; wiser then whom , it could not be expected , that this remonstrant , or any of the said purchasers and lenders should have been . therefore , if they were deceived , the examples of such considerable persons , and so much reason deceived them , that no man living can be certain , wherein he is not deceived ; or that he may not be as much deceived now , or hereafter , as he , and others were heretofore . but , without question , the powers in being , whether by gods grace or permission , all power being given by him , ( even that which pontius pilate had to crucifie his son ) are to be the object of our obedience while they continue , whatsoever they seem ; and no man can be justly blamed for submitting actively thereunto in meer civil things , or with a passive obedience , in matters relating to god and conscience ; nor can this principle be disadvantagious to the power for the time being , but will be a great strengthening and security thereunto , if well understood : even as a man , whether he were lawfully or unlawfully begotten , is truly and essentially a man , and so reputed , as long as the soul and body continue together , ( howsoever he shall be dismembred by others , or by his own default . ) so , that power and parliament , by which the said securities and sales were given and made , were a valid power , and a true parliament , to all intents and purposes , so long as they retained that which was essential to supream powers and parliaments , how surreptiously soever that power was acquired , or whatsoever was but accidentally defective : or else perhaps , the lawfulness of most powers and parliaments , ( yea , and of most humane authorities and constitutions ) would be otherwise found defective enough to be questioned , and to have all their transactions rendred invalid : and so likewise , they may de facto ( how just soever they be de jure ) when a power shall be permitted to raign , which is strong enough to make will and pleasure the supream law : for ( to speak truth in plain english , which this remonstrant heartily loves to do , when just occasion is offered ) a prevailing power , in the hands of tyrants , ( howsoever acquired ) is while it hath being , paramount to all laws and rational arguments ; and will be obeyed in every thing as it pleaseth , right or wrong ; or else break or destroy all that opposeth it , till god extraordinarily restrains it , or breaks it into pieces . blessed be his name for it , we are not yet subjected to such a tyrannie as our sins have deserved ; but , to a king from whom we have received an earnest , making us hopeful that justice and mercy will equally flow from the throne , either when he shall be fully and rightly informed of such particulars as are pertinent to his cognizance and care ; or when god's time is come : and therefore , this remonstrant , doth in order thereunto , hereby signifie on behalf of himself and such other purchasers and lenders as aforesaid ; that , when they engaged with and for the the said parliament ( lent their moneys , and purchased the forementioned estates ) they did it not upon any factious principle ; nor meerly to get satisfaction for what they had disbursed , or to have recompence for services formerly done ; but , for supply also of publick necessities , and to dis-engage the said parliament and nation from those debts , which were originally contracted for the service of the late king ; by which debts , other engagements were ( in part at least ) occasioned ; and for discharge whereof , that parliament was impowered to continue undissolved , till the said debts and engagements were paid and discharged : and this remonstrant then believed , and still believes , that the said parliament was fully authorised , both to raise money by what lawfull means they could , to supply publick wants , and to make such sales and securities as they proposed , to repay and satisfie for what was lent , bought , or acted by their commands , for the publick honour or safety : and he so believes , because parliaments were that supream council of the kingdom , to whose orders , acts , and ordinances , the people had ever heretofore been obedient , without scruple or blame ; yea , whereto no less obedience was required , then to the kings personal commands ; nay , much more , as it was then thought , when empson and dudley , two eminent persons , ( and as this remonstrant remembers ) of the kings privy council , were condemned by judgement in parliament , and executed for their officious obedience , in executing the kings illegal commission under the great seal of england ; which was more obliging , then his personal mandates . a popular supream power , whilest it is actually in being , cannot be properly impeached of treason , nor any who acts by the commands or authority thereof : because , it was then our duty to be obedient thereto . and though a single person , or few , or many , yea though cities , counties , provinces , and whole armies may be traytors , it is not reasonably supposed the representatives of whole nations can so be , and if possibly they might , there is no competent judge thereof but god himself , who usually determineth such differences ( as he is lord of hosts ) by the sword , as he did lately upon a joynt appeal , and afterward , by reversing again that judgement for the sins of these nations , hath righteously executed his dooms on both parties , for their mutual failings in their reciprocal relations ; and which dooms were reciprocally inflicted on both the said parties for their treasons against his divine majesty , for their gross hypocrisies , apostasies , prophaneness , unmercifulness and injustice , in which many imitate each other to this day . for even many of those actions which ought not to have been done , lay obligations upon their actors and their successors , when they are done . children should not be unlawfully begotten ; yet when mis-begotten , the parents are obliged in all duties by them to be performed to their children . the israelites were not to have made a league with the gibeonites ; but when it was made , they were bound to observe it ; and for the breach thereof , the whole nation was punished many years after , and seven of their kings sons hanged also for that transgression . moreover , it is further considerable , that the parliament which made the said sales , and granted the said securities , were both the kings and peoples trustees , summoned by the late kings writ , to consult about the most weighty affairs of the kingdom , and delegated by a popular election , to dispose of the peoples interest , as they should find cause , for the common good . and thereupon , this remonstrant conceived , he might reasonably have confided as much in that parliament , as in this now sitting ; and doth suppose , that they who make question of the former , may as rationally be doubtful , both of this , and of all future parliaments ; especially , if the successors of that power and parliament shall not , ( or ought not in equity ) to confirm their sales and securities , nor give recompence to those who are damnified , out of the estates of those who trusted them with the publick faith , whose estates , as long as they shall be a people , will in conscience , be liable thereunto . and , it seems to this remonstrant , by matter of fact , since the sitting of this present parliament , that even in their judgement , the sales and securities , granted and given by the long parliament , should be made good according to their intention . for , they caused or ordered payment to be made of very great summs to the now lord maior of london , and to major general massey ; persons who heretofore were of the same judgement with other men , now called phanatiques ; and who then opposed the kings armed power , both in field and garrison , as vigorously as any , in the beginning of the late war ; and were instrumental in that , which enabled others to prosecute him to death : these had no other , but the very same security , which the remonstrant , and the rest afore-mentioned , had for money lent , lands bought , and services done by the commands of that representative of this nation , and which to make good the said securities , was by a peculiar positive law , to have been continued as aforesaid , to that purpose , till they were dissolved by an act of parliament , with their own consent . the loss of which power , whether occasioned by their own default , or other mens , or by god's immediate justice upon them , is no bar in equity , to the purchases claimed , securities or debts aforesaid ; in regard the nation in whose name they were made and contracted , to whose use the said money was raised , by the said sales , loans , and condescentions ; ( and upon whose credit also they were granted by their own acts , personated by their trustees ) is the same nation by whom all this was transacted , and to whom the injustice and dishonour of violating those securities will be imputed : and if the representative thereof now in being , or some other hereafter impowered , provide not an expedient whereby to disoblige it from the said securities , it will be a blot upon it ( yea worse ) whilest it is a nation . for , it will be liable to the judgements which are due to such a failing , in what ought to be performed . also , if those securities be rendred void , ( for whose confirmation such extraordinary provision was made ) nothing will hereafter be reputed a good security , which can be thereby given : for , in probability , states and parliaments will so lose their credit , that they will not only be reputed the greatest cheaters in the world ; and the most cruel and most foolish destroyers of their own honour and relations ; but also , in whatsoever necessity they shall be , will never more be confided in , notwithstanding all their specious pretences , plausible speeches , declarations , protestations , and engagements ; and then their magisterial slighting , contemning , and condemning , just and reasonable proposals , cautions , and humble requests of oppressed supplicants , will have evil consequents , though they may serve their ends for a while . the remonstrant fears this result , and that there are some endeavouring to make invalid the said securities , together with the kings gracious condescentions , if it be possible , both to the remonstrant and others , who can hardly walk the streets without abusive affronts and provocations ; in which considerations it is presumed he is allowed by the law of nature , ( and shall be permitted by your humanity ) to plead and insinuate in a peaceable manner , such motives as reasonably tend to their timely relief ; especially , when they are made almost careless of their lives by being totally deprived of that , whereupon life dependeth , through their neglect of justice to whom they conscientiously adhered . but much more weight may be laid upon the argument drawn from that tender respect , that ought to be had to the honour of the king and his parliament , which this remonstrant cannot chuse but frequently touch upon , as being of very high concernment . a gentleman of the lowest rank , who hath any sense of his true honour , is no less careful to keep his word and promise , then to perform what he is obliged unto by an instrument confirmed with hand and seal ; yea more , because he to whom he stands engaged by the latter , confided less in him , and hath a legal security , whereby he may probably be saved harmless , howsoever he be inclined to make performance , who gave him credit . and it ought to be remembred , that by his majesties declaration from breda , concerning sales ; by a declaration made in this parliament the . of may last ; by his majesties proclamation the . of june last ; by an order in parliament last august , restraining ecclesiasticks from granting leases of any of the said lands by them claimed ; by his majesties speech at the end of the first session of this parliament ; and by the l. chancellours speech seconding the same ; ( which gave hope that som good proceed should be made toward the relief promised , before the members of this parliament were arrived at their countrey-houses . ) it seemed to be the intent both of the king , and of this parliament , that the said purchases should , and ought , to have been confirmed to the late purchasers ; and that in the mean time , their possessions should be quieted , and their rents and arrears paid unto them by their tenants : nevertheless , to the dishonour both of the king and parliament , the prelates not only slight the orders and acts of the commons alone , and the ordinances of the lords and commons joyntly , with that which was declared by the king , as aforesaid ; but , do many other wayes , act so violently and arbitrarily repugnant to these condescentions , as if they would make the people believe , that they knew the king and this parliament intended not what they declared , except only in things relating to the benefit of them the said prelates : for , the first votes of this house of commons , for restoring them to their mansion-houses , and the votes of the grand committee , excluding persons , under several qualifications , ( not excepted in the act of oblivion ) from the benefit of the intended act for confirmation of sales , they observe , and impose as laws upon the people ; but , on the contrary , the votes of the same house , for prohibiting them the said ecclesiasticks to grant any leases , until the intended act of sales was passed ; as also , for the augmentation of vicaredges , and the votes of the said grand committee , for satisfying the purchasers their money and interest , before they did part with their possessions , they reject as of no force , the parliament being dissolved ; and regard the said ordinances of the lords and commons , and the said acts and orders of the commons alone , much less . moreover , if in any thing his majesties commissioners encline to give the least satisfaction to any purchaser , the said ecclesiasticks cry out against it as an arbitrary prerogative commission ; though in cases relating to their advantage , they cry up the prerogative against the laws . also upon petitions of some of the purchasers ( as the remonstrant is informed ) orders are made , seeming to enable them to receive all arrears due before the . of june last ; when it is well known ( perhaps to themselves ) that by the act of oblivion , arrears to that day are generally pardoned , and that the tenants who ought to have paid them , lay hold on that act , and disobey those orders ; by which means , officers are only benefited , and the suiters more damnified by expences , instead of getting relief ; so that , whereas purchasers are invited to bring in their deeds to be cancelled , upon promising that they should receive all rents due at and before michaelmas last , it would be plainer dealing to tell them , they should have a quarters rent , to relinquish their purchases ; for in truth it amounts to no more , from june to michaelmas next following . furthermore , there being nothing promised by king or parliament , as aforesaid , in their declarations , in relation to the old tenants of prelates lands , ( the said tenants having had pre-emption before all other , when the said lands were sold ; enjoying also their full term without interruption , during their respective leases ; and being no otherwise displaced , then they usually were formerly when the said prelates pleased by concurrent leases or otherwise , to take these farms into their own hands , or for the benefit of their children and relations , at the expiration of their terms ) it had been more candid usage , to have absolutely signified to the purchasers , that the said old tenants should be preferred before them , rather then to permit the said purchasers ( deluded by a vain hope ) to consume money and time in seeking for a composition , and to suffer the said prelates in the mean time , to receive their whole rents , to eject the purchasers by force , when they had paid all taxes , with other duties , not without great expence bestowed in fencing , soyling , plowing and sowing the said lands ; and also to grant leases , as they have done , to the vacating of all the cost and labour of the said purchasers , in pursuing what seemed graciously intended both by king and parliament on their behalf . these and many other passages , which this remonstrant hath observed , makes it appear unto him , that there is not that care yet taken to preserve the honour of the king and of this parliament , in giving satisfaction to purchasers , as might be wished ; and that there is not that respect had to justice and good conscience , in satisfying them , as hath been heretofore vouchsafed by princes , states , and parliaments in the like cases . in true reason , ( which distinguisheth men from beasts , as justice and mercy differences them from devils ) this remonstrant conceives , that the whole matter in fact and judgement , concerning the said sales and securities , must unavoidably be brought to this dilemma ; ( to wit ) either the long parliament had power to make such sales , and grant such securities as aforesaid , or else they had not : if they had such a power , then their sales and securities must be allowed and confirmed ; or , at least , ( if in law or equity , restitution of what was by them sold , ought to be made to the former possessors ) then recompence must be given another way ; else injustice is commited , god , and the nation are dishonoured , and many thousand families and innocent persons will be unmercifully exposed to ruine ; and that severity and want of compassion , for which they were visited in wrath , who last abused their power , will be more then doubled . god is the same he was ; and if private men , for not performing their covenants made to and with each other , ( though to their own hindrance ) shall be excluded from his tabernacle ; doubtless an equivalent judgement will be extended to states and parliaments , or those whom they represent . then , on the other part it 〈◊〉 should be granted that the foresaid parliament 〈◊〉 , and exercised wilfully a power , not thereto belonging , to the damnifying of those who confided in them ; that parliaments successors ought then in justice , to award satisfaction out of their estates , who arrogated such an unwarrantable power , as far as they will extend , if they can be distinguished from those among them , who were guiltless : and if that distinction cannot be made , or , the damages exceed their abilities ; then , condign satisfaction should be made out of their common purse , who intrusted those with the publick-faith : for , the greatest part of the people have often been too careless upon whom they impose that confidence , and perhaps , will be more wary , when they have well paid for it , what persons they chuse ; and be so wise , as to consider , that they who have not wit enough to govern their private estates , or they who consume many thousands of pounds , in ale houses , inns and taverns , ( whose reckonings , as this remonstrant hears , are not yet paid ) to procure themselves to be elected by feastings and drunkenness , had probably some worse ends in being so prodigal , then a sincere intention , to serve god , the king , and their countrey . yet , neither this remonstrant , nor as he believeth , many of the said purchasers and lenders , do expect satisfaction should be made them at full for all their damages , ( though in justice it ought so to be ) but considering the publick wants , and other private mens necessities , as well as their own ; with how much it may tend at this time to the settlement of peace and amity , that every man should enjoy a comfortable subsistence , they would rest contented with so much only toward a repair , as might discharge them from their engagements occasioned by the said loans and purchases , to the redeeming the loss of their liberties , and to preserve a competency proportionable to their several degrees , and the condition of their nearest relations ; which might be raised without overburthening any , if such expedients might be speedily taken into consideration , and vigorously prosecuted , as may be hereafter proposed ; whereas the course which is yet pursued , will neither be a means of relieving many , nor of so reconciling disagreeing parties , but that the breaches will daily grow wider , and encrease animosities till they become irreconcileable ; and kindle such an universal flame by private fewds and vexatious suits , that it will never perhaps be quenched , whilest ought is left unconsumed , or whilest any considerable number of them , or of their posterities , are living , who were unhappily engaged against each other in the late war : and for prevention whereof , there will be no possibility in nature , but by a general forgiveness on all sides , mediated by a moderate course , to preserve in some indifferent measure , that interest by which each man may be comfortably maintained : for , until that be sincerely endeavoured , prosecuting the rigour of the laws , by imprisoning , suing , hanging , beheading and quartering will terrisie few of those who have neither estates to lose , nor an outward condition of life worth preserveing : nor in such cases will preaching the principles of morality , or evangelical precepts prevail much , but with men , naturally meek , ( or perhaps cowardly ) or such as are of so true a christian and sanctified a temper , that , according to the doctrine and example of christ , they can freely forgive their enemies , and submit to any thing , wherewith it shall please god to permit the supream power to exercise their faith and patience ; which number is so small in respect of the rest of those who are at this time exasperated , in relation to their estates , credits and consciences , ( as they will pretend at least ) that the publick charge , which the present government may be constrained yearly to continue , will amount to more , then that which would suffice to calm their spirits , by a repair of their destructive damages : and yet their suppression by violence , may paradventure also , be prolonged , until some advantage be gotten by the changeableness of humane affairs , to let their fury break forth in such a time as may destroy or endanger that peace , which they desire to preserve : for , an army is a security which hath in it , neither certainty nor safety . it being therefore this remonstrants principle , not only to seek the preservation of that visible power whereto god subjects him , out of prudence and moral gratitude , because it protects him ; but even for conscience sake also , ( though it should oppress him , as the last did ) he thinks it his duty to give a caveat , whereby they whom it shall concern , may take it into consideration , whether both parties which have opposed each other , are not in some respect so equally guilty of the sins occasioning the judgements under which they have lain together , or by turns ; and whether it will not be their next and safest way to a general peace , to divide the burthen which now lies destructively upon many , to be born by the whole nation , and to make it as easie , as justice and prudence will permit , by an impartial respect to the interest of all parties concerned : to which end , somewhat shall be proposed before the conclusion of this remonstrance ; not magisterially , to be strictly so or so prosecuted ; but rather , to be a hint of something to that purpose , to be deliberately determined by wiser men . it will be pertinent to common peace , to take notice how many hundred thousands are at this time exasperated , by being nigh totally destroy'd or much impoverished by the loss of their livelihoods & liberties , with little hope of remedy : some , by imprisonment upon malicious suggestions only , without any cause of offence given ; some by being deprived of their monies exacted , lent or contributed upon the publick faith , to that power whereto they heretofore submitted conscientiously , or by compulsion ; some by being ejected forcibly out of lands , offices , or other estates by them purchased , and formerly belonging to the king , queen , prince , prelates , and such as were then reputed delinquents ; some by taking up , on valuable considerations , those lands or offices from the first or second purchasers and possessors , in satisfaction , or in relation to debts , jointures , childrens portions , or other collateral contracts , securities , or engagements ; and some by great summs expended in buildings or other improvements , borrowed from many who are quite undone by their disability to repay it ; occasioning suits and quarrels no less destructive to them , then to the original purchasers and lenders . and not a few thousands are as much discontented upon other civil and conscientious accounts , whom to provoke altogether , may be of dangerous consequence , though the kings indulgence hath much qualified and settled the minds and estates of some : for little advantaged will they be by a pardon for life , who needed it , or for ought else criminal , who are put into a worse condition by living , then to be executed ten times by the hang-man . the natural temper of this nation , is for these respects much to be regarded , and they are accordingly to be dealt withall ; as it was prudently counselled by king henry the fourth , upon his death-bed to his son , whose words i will here insert as not impertinent . i charge thee ( said he ) before god , to minister the law indifferently to all , to ease the oppressed , to beware of flatterers , not to deferr justice , nor yet to be sparing of mercy ; punish the oppressors of thy people , so shalt thou obtain favour of god , and love and fear of thy subjects , who whilest they have wealth , so long shalt thou have their obedience ; but , made poor by oppressions , will be ready to make insurrections ; rejoyce not so much in the glory of thy crown , as meditate on the burthenous care which accompanies it . mingle love with fear ; so thou , as the heart , shalt be defended in the midst of the body ; but know , that neither the heart without the members , nor king without the subjects help , is of any force . speed , pag. . this remonstrant conceives , he might have procured many thousand hands subscribed to attest the reasonableness of this caution , and of what else is in this remonstrance expressed or desired ; but he endeavoured it not , because , he thinks it will be needless to wise men , who very well know , that common cheat signifies little or nothing , as hands are usually procured . when reason prevails not more then voices , there is small hope of justice . and , as it was said to dives , they who will not believe moses and the prophets , will not believe one sent from the dead . so , may this remonstrant say , they , who will not be moved to do conscionable and righteous things , for the sake of justice and mercy , will little regard remonstrances or petitions , subscribed with many thousand hands , till they feel them about their ears ; or , until the vengeance of god seizes on them , as it lately did on those who neglected good cautions , until they had not power to put them in execution . misconster not this , as a secret threat to any in authority ; for it is humbly and soberly intended , to be only a memorandum , useful at this time , wherein all have not the patience of saints , who are grieved or oppressed . that , which hath been , may be again hereafter ; and there be among those who are now depressed , some of those anointed-ones of the lord , whom he will not permit to be harmfully touched without vengeance : for , he hath other anointed-ones beside kings , whom he often reproves for their sakes ; and verily he will not forget the poor for ever , though to humble them for their transgressions , he hideth his face from them for a season ; at least , his everlasting mercies , he will not take from them . god preserve us from seditious and mutinous repinings ; and give us all grace , from the lowest to the highest , joyntly and severally , to endeavour that which prevents desperate activities , and take away every occasion of temptations thereunto : for , though meek and conscientious men , will , as they ought to do , wait patiently upon god in all their sufferings ; yet meer natural men , ( of which sort , the greatest number of those many thousands consist , who are made almost desperately careless of their lives ) will not easily conform to evangelical principles , ( as is before implyed ) but , perhaps , when their personal wants are aggravated with the importunings and upbraidings of creditors , the neglects of friends , and the scorn of enemies , the jears of neighbours , and the cries of perishing wives and children , it may so provoke them , that in such extremities , they will have as a little regard to reason , religion and civil duties , as they had to their sad petitions from whom they expected justice or compassion ; and then like provoked english mastives , ( the true hieroglyphicks of english mens temper ) fly upon bulls , bears or lyons , without fear of their inequality in strength and number , or into any dangerous attempts . take it not therefore offensively , that you are in this extraordinary manner forewarned thereof . many things have been this year permitted by way of premonition , more then at other times . the waters , which are the peoples hieroglyphick , have had several prodigeous motions ; the air , not a few portentuous impressions ; yea , the fire and earth also ; and many other of god's creatures have contributed symptoms pertinent to our instruction , which ought to be well heeded ; and are no such non significants , as they would seem to think them , who do what they can to becloud them . it may be , the late insurrection of those few , called fifth-monarchy-men , hath somewhat in it which tends to premonition : for , god and nature never act or permit any thing in vain ( no not the falling of a sparrow to the ground , or the numbring of hairs ) and , this remonstrant , therefore , conceiving himself obliged to declare his sense thereupon , will make bold here to insert it , that it may not be altogether fruitless . he truly professeth he knew not one of those persons , so much as by name , and is as far from justifying that , or any such attempt , as they who either martially or legally prosecuted them to their destruction in the flesh . for , though moses slew the aegyptian which oppressed an israelite , being then but a private person , rahab confederated with forraign spies , to the destruction of her native city ; jael infringed both a league and the law of hospitality , in killing sisera ; and ehud , under colour of presenting a gift , and of being a messenger from god , slew king eglon , to whom he was a tributary subject ; and these had no doubt , secret warrants from god for those irregular actings , by a divine impulse upon their spirits , making them content to hazard the destruction of their bodies to a temporal condemnation in those services ; but no such secret ever entred into the soul of this remonstrant , nor doth he find his heart enclinable to act any thing not warrantable by the revealed will of god ; because , he finds , as well by what hath within his own experience befaln to some , as by the example of simeon and levi , that , men may be so deluded , by their own fancies and corruptions , as to think the most barbarous cruelties are acts of justice . therefore he leaves the judgement of those persons , and of such attempts , to those unto whom they appertain , and to god , who only knows their hearts , their purposes and warrants , if they had any ; and whose mercies being infinite , and his judgements past searching out , doth sometime permit external judgements to seize upon a few , to make way for many to escape them ; and otherwhile exposeth men to temporal cruelties , without mercy here , that an everlasting mercy may be enjoyed hereafter . but , whatever those persons were in themselves ; or whatsoever that attempt was in its own nature ; this remonstrant is very certain that it was a providential permission , for their sins and ours , hinting unto this generation , things very pertinent thereto ; and foreshewing somewhat to come , ( if not prevented by repentance and amendment ) which it will concern us to search after , with as much diligence as we can . what it particularly points at , he hath a dark view by a contemplative vision , like an imperfect apparition in the air , which is not visible enough to be ascertained in words to other men ; yet sufficient he thereby discovereth to make it evident to himself , that such previous considerations as these that follow , will be very needfull . first , forasmuch ( as aforesaid ) god and nature act or permit nothing in vain ; it is to be considered , that the suddain rising and desperate attempt before-mentioned , tends to more then such a vanity seems to be in it self ; and that the circumstances of the fact , and the qualifications of the persons , may have much in them tending to the disquisition of what providence intended . secondly , it is to be considered , that if moral and religious men , being left to themselves , may be transported into such dangerous extravagancies , what they may possibly be hurried into , who have neither honesty nor religion to restrain them , if god should be then provoaked , to give way to their corruptions , when they are tempted by their lusts , or exasperated by sufferings , which they conceive injuriously inflicted . thirdly , if upon a mistaken principle , a few persons , seduced to take up carnal weapons to prosecute a spiritual warfare , might be so encouraged , and elevated in their spirits , as to out-dare the whole power of one of the greatest and most populous cities in the world ; even when her citizens were in arms , in readiness upon their guards , and the militia of the whole kingdom without her walls , in a defensive and an offensive posture , to assist if need were : it is very considerable , what the effect thereof might be , if the whole body of god's elect in these nations , spirited by an unquestionable belief , grounded upon his promises , should engage all together as one man in his cause , armed with all the spiritual weapons offensive and defensive . fourthly , it is observable , that those impulses which are termed phanaticall , and those persons who are agitated by them , are neither to be slighted , nor inconsiderately treated withall : because , if they be moved by divine instinct , ( which may be discernable ) as jonathan and his armour-bearer were , two of them will be able to rout a whole garrison , ten to chase an hundred , and an hundred to put a thousand to flight . if they be stirred up , but by a meer phanatique delusion , they may accidentally , be sufficiently spirited , thereby to vanquish a power , much superiour to themselves in strength and number , as it hath often happened , when unequal armies have joyned battle , and the superstitious vulgar were prepossessed by some ominous conceit or presage divulged among them : as for instance , at the battle of agencourt , ( if the remonstrants remembrance fails him not ) when the english , over-powered by their numerous adversaries , ten ( nay twenty to one ) as some writers affirm , ( when their strength was spent , by sickness and weariness , and they quite surrounded , and seeming without hope of escaping an utter defeat ) a prediction being divulged among them , which had long before presaged , that the stones of the field should rise up for them against the french : god , who is the giver of victories , permitted that despicable means , to be instrumental thereto ; for , weapons failing , and the english thereby encouraged , took up stones , and obtained the most signal victory , that ever was gotten in these parts of the world . and the most famous captains among the antients , made use of auguries , predictions , and such like mediums , to stir in their souldiery such impulses , as we call phanatique , and very frequently thereby prevailed . fifthly , if a handful of men ( as it were ) upon a conscientious account only , built upon a false ground , without being moved with respect to their personal damages or interests , could be so desperately and obstinately resolved : it is considerable , what the desperation of so many hundred thousands may amount unto ; who are or may be exasperated through unsufferable insolencies and oppressions , making them careless of their lives , by defect of all things pertinent to a comfortable life ; they having therewith no sense of morality , piety , or conscience to restrain them , proposed nothing but vengeance ; and god should then also , therewith let loose the fury of others , whose malevolence and discontents are not yet much heeded , to make them instrumental for the deliverance of those from oppression , have meekly submitted their cause to him only . for know , that they who are eminent for nothing so much , as for their prodigality , whoreing , roaring , drinking or swearing ; and valiant only in baudy-houses and taverns , will run away like sheep before resolute assaylants , made desperate as aforesaid . know also , that the lord of hosts , who is the god of nature , as well as of grace , is general of a two-fold militia , furnished with distinct weapons according to the several services whereby they are to glorifie him ; the one natural , and the other spiritual ; and that he makes use of both to correct his children , and destroy the enemies of his kingdom , as occasion is given . the first he employeth in shedding the blood of his malicious opposers , or of incorrigible servants , sometime , with hazzard or loss of their own ; and the other , ( if need be ) he engageth in sufferings , and by contributing their own blood also in his cause ; managing to that end , those offensive and defensive weapons only , which are proper to a spiritual warfare . these last , are those followers of the lamb whither soever he goeth , who are saints and souldiers , in the most super-eminent degree ; to whom the other usually make way by the violence of natural faculties and passions , to those conquests over prophaneness and injustice , which must be compleated by patience , meekness , love , constancy in faith and prayer . and many of the former may be saints also , who when their natural corruptions have been soaked in their own blood , or sufferings , and the stains washed out , by being rinsed in the blood of the lamb , shall have a share both in his victories and triumphs . permit , i pray you , this remonstrant , with patience and candor , to pursue this plain-dealing a little further , and to add somewhat for vindication of himself , from those mis-interpretations which may be made of his honest and peaceable intentions , in these free expressions : for , when he calls to mind , that christ and his apostles were charged with sedition , for innocently preaching the peaceable glad-tidings of the gospel , for their safety to whom they preached them ; and that some of the prophets were imprisoned and persecuted as seditious persons , when they declared god's judgements , and what ought to have been performed for preservation of their common safety ; he thinks it not unlikely , in this froward generation , that some objections of that kind may be made against him , by their pride , malice , or ignorance , who prosecute their selfends ; and he being neither insensible , nor totally careless of those disadvantages which may befall thereby , nor ignorant how easie it is to find wherewith to beat a dog ; will now ( lest he may be restrained from that liberty hereafter ) preoccupate as much as he can , whilest he may , to prevent prejudicacy ( if it be possible ) by giving reasons for his remonstrating to the purposes afore-mentioned , and in this unusual mode . he knows how far the just bounds of a free expression extends by the laws of god and nature ; and though his body may be enslaved , and kept from the exercise thereof by the cruelty of others , his mind cannot be inthralled , but by his own baseness or pusillanity ; and if he must perish , he is resolved to perish like a man , not like a beast , or like one who cuts his own throat for fear of death . he will not whine like a curdog , or snarl at him , when he is beaten or kickt by his master ; nor cry like a swine , when he is to be slain by the butcher , or ringed for his rooting ; nor doth he think himself obliged at this time , to be as dumb before his shearers , as christ was ; nor until a time comes ( as it did to him ) wherein words will either be wholly in vain , or may tend to prevent that suffering , whereunto he shall believe he was pre-ordained by providence , for his masters glory , or for the welfare of other men ; and then he will leave scribling , and bear his cross in silence . but it is yet , seasonable for him to write and speak , and if he now do it not , he may for ever hereafter hold his peace ; for it will be to no purpose . he writes and speaks , with the more boldness , because it is not for his own interest ; but as it lies wrapt up with the publick honour , peace , and welfare , and is preservable , without injury to other private persons . he acknowledgeth himself subject to the natural desires , fears , frailties and infirmities of the weakest men ; yet , god , by his grace , hath ( as he hopeth ) so habituated him to the principles , which will preserve him in a warrantable sobriety , that he shall dread nothing , but god and himself ; or lest by ignorance he may offend against his own conscience ; in which case he is one of the veriest cowards in the world . he neither doth nor can willingly intend hereby the just offence of any : for he hates nothing , that god hath made , loves him above all things ; his neighbour as himself ; and his countrey ( if his heart deceive him not ) much better . he honours the king , and is , and will be , as faithful unto him , as he was to those who lately exercised supream authority ; to whom , he was conscientiously faithful to the last hour , wherein god permitted them to retain it ; never dissembling , jugling , or halting between two parties ; yea , though he was neglected and oppressed by those to whom he was obedient . he that hath no self-love , is as blameable , as he which hath too much , because he wants that rule whereby he ought to regulate a love to his neighbour ; and he who to his power , provides not for his family , is worse then an infidel . therefore , no malevolent repining or discontent , but a christian regard to his duty , and to those many who are oppressed ( which is enough to make a dumb man speak ) hath extracted this remonstrance , quickned with a little more salt , sulphur , and mercury , then usual , that ( if he should live so long ) he might not solicit in vain for justice twenty years longer , but have a speedy dispatch one way or other . for , qui rogat timidè , docet negare , he , who sneakingly demands justice , as if he were begging an alms , encourages his oppressors the more impudently to oppress him . and yet , perhaps , he had not adventured to express himself in this mode , if an unresistible impulse had not made impressions on his heart , more for the sakes of others , then for his own . for , though this remonstrant hath had many provocations thereunto , by the loss of his most precious time , with the ruine of his estate and credit ; thousands perhaps , have suffered as much as he that way , whom patience , fear , or stupidity have kept silent ; and it would be a shame to him not to suffer as mutely as other men ; also he is reduced to a subsistence by charity ; but , that hath brought with it such experimental evidences , of gods merciful supplying a competency from day to day hitherto , that the damage is not only made thereby supportable , but comfortable also : and in this kind , he hath suffered no more then the king , and many persons of honour have been exercised withal . this remonstrant hath likewise been made the scorn and derision of his enemies , neighbours and acquaintance , and is frequently persecuted with uncivil upbraidings ; but , he can pass them over with as little regard , as the barkings of dogs , when he considers what shimeies they are , who set them on , why , and to what purpose : that , which above all this afflicts him , are the sufferings which have suddenly befaln to some of his needy creditors , and most near and beloved relations ; who , not accustomed to the want of food , rayment , and such other necessaries or conveniencies as they formerly enjoyed , look otherwhile so sadly upon him , that it makes his bowels yern : yet , it may be , neither had that been moving enough to embolden him hereunto : but , when to all these inducements , there seemed to be added , in his apprehension , a likelihood of multiplying those confusions , oppressions , and innovations , which will be a dishonour to god , the king , and these nations ; ( and as well hazzardous to the common peace , as destructive to him and others in their private capacities ) this remonstrant thought it better to adventure the tranquility of one man , then to let so many be in danger of perishing , by continuing sheepishly silent : and he confesses there is somewhat of selfness , even in that also ; because , he is afraid his own conscience would accuse him for neglect of his duty , and bring greater distempers upon him , for his being silent at such a time , then those evils which he might hope thereby to escape : for , god having carried him , a long time through many vicissitudes and dangers , giving him frequent experiments what the events of his own and other mens transactions were , and will be , ( with an ability in some measure more then ordinary , to illustrate to vulgar capacities , those things which are considerable ) he dares not presume to displease and inrage his conscience , to avoid the displeasure of men , whatsoever outward disadvantages may happen . these things considered , with those priviledges which are due by the law of nature , he conceives neither any digression or expression herein contained is needless , or can be justly questionable ; and that , he is not obliged ( his present condition being weighed ) to make answer unto ought objected , which may tend to the accusing of himself , though he were as blameable as he is innocent . for , he intends nothing to the iniury of publick or private interests ; nor seeks for ought but his own according to justice , that he may do justice to his creditors and relations . they who live at ease in plenty ; because , they see some appearances of a progress toward the relief of this remonstrant and other sufferers , do condemn them as over hasty , and more importunate then they need to be : yea , are pleased to say , that much more is done for them already , then they deserve ; and that whatsoever shall be done for them , they will never be contented ; which asseverations are better evidences of their dis-affection to the sufferers , and of their want of true charity , then of the truth of that which they affirm : and , it is the very same which was imputed to this remonstrant , at several times , during his almost twenty years solicitation , by some who were formerly in power , when he petitioned to be relieved for his sufferings in their service ; and how justly they did it , may be collected from the literal sense , of this metaphorical illustration thereof : he complained of a consuming fire , whereinto they permitted him to be thrown by their neglects ; and after he had long complained , they for a remedy , tost him into a boyling caldron ; that , not contenting him , they threw him into a frying-pan ; therewith he being no more eased , renewed his complaint , and then , they laid him upon a gridiron ; that being as painful , they turned him upon his other side ; that , proving as uneasie , he petitioned again , and was only basted with a few oylie words , or had orders pin'd on him , like papers to keep roast-beef from burning ; he then once again , made an humble address for more effectual means of relief ; whereto some of them angrily replyed , nothing will satisfie this fellow : and seeing none of the former condescentions , would give satisfaction , they at last cast him into a freezing lake , wherein he yet remains ; and , but that the charity of others , did otherwhile a little thaw him , he ere this time had been frozen to death , and laid where such remonstrances as these are needless . these are the favours which this remonstrant obtained , from those whom he served faithfully and conscientiously heretofore , though he were personally known well near to all of them , and though most of them were his familiar acquaintance , and some of them his professed friends : which when he seriously considers , and how he hath nevertheless been from time to time , so many years together , neglected and abused ; he can hardly discern whether hath been more injurious unto him , neighbours , or strangers ; hypocrites , or prophane persons ; seeming friends , or open enemies ; his countrey-men , or some of his own kindred . but , now he hopes better ; for , worse they cannot use him , whom he opposed for their sakes , when they were in power . and , if that obedience which he now professeth unfeignedly to his majestie , shall procure so much respect to his present condition , as to allow out of what he thought his own , wherewith to dis-engage him from his creditors , and redeem his family from that poverty , which now oppresseth it , he shall not only be therewith contented , but thankfully acknowledge also , to the honour of the king and state , that he finds them , whom he had made his enemies , to be much more just and merciful unto him , then his professed friends , of whom he had best deserved : and it may be possible , that their generositie , whatsoever he hath heretofore done ( or here , or elsewhere expressed ) will make them as confident of his allegiance , as they are of the most faithful of those , who profess obedience and conformity to the government , and in the most usual mode . let it not seem unsavoury to any reader , that this remonstrant , insists so much upon his personal sad condition and grievances : for , by them he became sensible of other mens oppressions : by the reality of his own wrongs , he perceived what just cause others might have to complain : also , without particularizing his sufferings , they could not probably be redressed ; and no reasonable or conscientious man , will grudge him the liberty of inserting a leaf or two into that discourse , which was for the relief of many , together with himself ; composed solely at his cost and labour , without the least contribution thereunto vouchsafed , either by them or any other : for he may say on his own behalf , as ulisses did , when he pleaded for the armour of achilles before the grecians . — meaque haec facundia siqua est quae nunc pro domino , pro vobis saepe locuta est , invidia careat , bona nec sua quisque recuset . — do not envy my pen , which often for the weal of other men hath been employed , if that otherwhile , i , make use of it for mine own availe . but , the means hitherto provided for the relief of this remonstrant , and other purchasers and lenders , doth not yet appear likely to have that gracious effect , which was by them expected , and intended by his majesty . therefore , he prayes it may not be offensively taken , if he declares plainly , what the effects thereof hitherto are , and may probably be hereafter , according to his understanding : for , his purpose being to express nothing but in order to the preservation of himself and others from destruction , ( nor to be more bold in language , then the heedlesness of this generation shall constrain ) it cannot be justly conceived that he would wilfully insert any word or clause , which might by giving just offence , deprive him of that benefit which he desireth to attain ; unless it be thought his oppressions have made him mad ; ( as many wiser men have been , who suffered less ) and if so , he is rather an object of pitty , then of displeasure . he is thankful to his majestie , for not taking those advantages at large , which were providentially put into his hands ; and gratefully acknowledgeth the indulgence vouchsafed to purchasers by his commission , for mediating on their behalf , manifest his compassion to be more then their own trustees have expressed ; especially his often hastening the act of general pardon , and desiring the parliament to make the plaister as large as the soares ; nevertheless , the instrument drawn up to those purposes , seems not to have passed through their hands , who are so sensible of his peoples grievances , as he himself was , nor is it possible that he can in so short a time have that full cognizance , which he may have hereafter , of the true state of those many differing causes , which are to come under consideration , in relation to purchasers ; and therefore the means by him intended may be so defective without his default , that many will be more damnified , then relieved thereby . this is found and felt by experience already . the work imposed is too heavy for so few work-men , in regard the commissioners are persons of honour , who have other weighty affairs which will divert them , and take up so much time , that not a few being already quite ruined by delay ; many more will be destroyed before their causes can be heard and determined . some of them have so little whereby to subsist , that they cannot spare out of it , so much as the charge of solicitation will require . and it is feared , most of those who are yet able , will be wheeled round in such perpetual motions , as they were at worcester and drury-houses , to their impoverishing also , by the long contests which will arise from several interfering securities , interests , and claims , still multiplying debates and expences ; when so many thousands as are engaged by original purchases and subcontracts , shall from all parts betwixt saint michaels-mount and barwick ( some of them two or three hundred miles from their habitations ) flock together , with witnesses , counsel and sollicitours , to their great cost here , and neglect of their businesses at home . such a multitude cannot but so obstruct each others proceedings , that many who are best able to bear the burthen , may be sore straitened and depressed , by losses in one place , and expences in another ; by seeing officers and making friends , for that which will amount to little or nothing at the last : for , of much of those lands which were purchased , as aforesaid , the prelates have not power to make leases for longer term , then during their own lives ; and there being no rule setled by parliament , whereby final agreements may be made ( in that , and some other cases , without dispute ) the purchasers will have as questionable titles hereafter , as they have now ; and be perhaps all dead or beggared , before any satisfaction shall be enjoyed . as for the lands claimed by the prelates , there is little hope the late purchasers will have any considerable redress in lieu of them , if the said prelates be permitted to proceed as they begin ; for ( except two or three of them only , as this remonstrant hath heard , who perhaps desire the episcopal function should be reduced to the pristine constitution ) so ambitious are they of preheminence , and so greedily hunt after immoderate riches in their old age , that regarding neither the tears of the oppressed , nor orders of parliament , nor the kings gracious condescentions published on the behalf of purchasers ; they following the dictates of their own avarice , take up the whole rents , make forcible entries , grant leases to them who will give most , and arbitrarily seize the estates of the purchasers , before the times limited are expired , or the kings commissioners can have time to take their causes into consideration ; and before many can have means to present them , or be in a capacity to treat . this remonstrant in particular , having now lost about eight years . l. per an. in a purchase of their lands who were hererofore called delinquents , which lands cost him as good as almost twenty years purchase in ready money . also . l. . s. . d. charged by ordinance upon the excise in course , which , with the interest thereof , hath been eighteen years almost , unpaid . and now he is in danger to lose totally between five and six hundred pounds per . an. more , in prelates lands , in possession and reversion ; part whereof coming into possession the last year , being unstockt , and not demisable , by reason the title is disparaged , hath cost him in taxes , with other duties and necessary disbursments therein dispended , more then twice so much as he could raise out of them , by occasion of the said prelates forcible intrusions : the remainder of this remonstrants stock and goods , were by attachments out of the said prelates own court , ( without arrest , or any cause formerly made known , according to equity , or the common-law of this land ) illegally ( and some of them , as he thinks , feloniously ) taken in the night , and carried away , by the said prelates officers or agents , being strangers , without any known lawful officer . and , the said remonstrant neither being at home , nor having the liberty of his person , or any other means left to defend himself against such outrages , or to maintain his family , but by charity , is by this usage , and that which hath been thereby occasioned , deprived of as much of his estate , as being sold to the value , and proportionably distributed , might have satisfied most of his personal debts , had it not been so torn from him by some unconscionable creditors , and the said officers maliciously confederating together , to the taking away , at the third part of the value , the remainder of his houshold-stuff , wearing apparrel , victuals , and the beds whereon his wife , children , and servants lay ; as also the wood in his yard , without any other authority , but will and pleasure ; for the use of the prelates now tenant , who being reputed ( perhaps because a papist ) a true son of the church , is now seated upon that farm , which he hath forcibly seized ; some of his said agents being so shameless , as to make answer , when the illegality of their proceedings was objected , that this remonstrant should not be left able to prosecute his remedy at law , or words to that effect , which they have made good : insomuch , that this remonstrant , is compelled in his old age , to shut up himself in a lone room , without a servant , night and day , both in sickness and health ; his wife necessitated , above fifty miles distant , to keep possession , with her maide in a naked house , standing far from neighbours , ( and much farther from honest men ) and his children and servants being scattered , to seek harbour and livelihood where they can get it . this , and much worse , is the remonstrants present outward condition ; by delay of the relief hoped for , and by his being thereby disabled to prosecute means of redressing his grievances any further : in the like condition ( as he believeth ) many thousands are at this day among the said purchasers , lenders , and such as fall under them , by the ruine of those who are impoverished by their wants . for , the hopes which they had eight or nine moneths past , of a timely settlement , hath had so slow a progress , that many who had fair expectations , and best means to improve them , begin to be afraid , it may succeed at last , as in an old tale , it is said , befell to him , who brought a large piece of cloth to his taylor , to make him such garments as it would extend unto ; who at first , told him , it would make a very good sute , cloak , and coat ; but after it had been in his custody awhile , he said to his customer , it would make but a sute and a cloak ; after that , it would make but a cloak ; being kept a little longer , he could make but a sute of it ; after a few dayes more , but a short coat only ; and at last , no more but a very fair cloth-button : and perhaps , with such a result some of the purchasers may button up their baggs of papers and evidences ( if the king take not their causes into his special consideration ) and go home three times more damnified , then by losing all at first , without more cost and trouble : for , when they have summed up the money , paid for their purchases at first ; for passing their conveyances and concomitant charges ; interest and brockage for money borrowed ; expences in suites at common law and chancery thereby occasioned ; as also in contests many years before committees and commissioners for removing obstructions ; and thereto added what it will cost now , before there will be a final settlement , it may possibly amount to so much , that the recompence will be less worthy of thanks , then a peremptory denyal would have been at the beginning ; as this remonstrant hath found by experience ; who verily believeth , that after his demands and receipts had been stated by the committee of accounts for the kingdom , examined again by the committee of the navy ; re-examined by a select committee of parliament , and upon that three-fold examination , had . l. reported to be due unto him , and payment then ordered ; if he had totally quitted the said debt , and hoped no more for it , he had been at least . l. richer , then he is at this day : for , if delayes occasioning expences with the loss of eighteen years time , and the money mispent , and so long forborn , had been avoided , and other wayes employed , he might in that space have turned it to more considerable profit . the proverb saith , he that gives quickly , gives twice . a benefit vouchsafed speedily , and seasonably , may be doubled , yea tripled thereby , ( as opportunities may occur ) whereas , by being long delayed , suites , forfeitures , interest , or such like , may so augment damages , that twice so much afterward , will not be so beneficial , as a quarter thereof might have been at the first ; and to destroy men under a colour of doing justice , and shewing mercy , is like the cats playing with the mouse , ( a making sport at other mens miseries ) and one of the greatest cruelties in the world . in brief , by what is afore-expressed , this remonstrant hath neither the liberty of his person to attend the commissioners , nor wherewith , but by charity , to subsist , much less to bear the charge of prosecution , so long as his cause may possibly be undetermined ; yea , it will be little better then putting him all that while upon the rack , yet peradventure be no more available at last , then meat set before a dead man . but , all this remonstrating is to little purpose , except somewhat may be proposed , out of which an expedient shall be raised , whereby the publick-faith may be redeemed , and the grants and securities afore-mentioned be made good , or else a satisfaction given in such manner , that particular animosities may be allayed , without overburthening , or enseebling the whole body-politick ; which this remonstrant thinking possible , will contribute his conceptions thereunto , though perhaps he may have little or no thanks , ( but a jear ) for his labour . and , though he be so broken in his estate , and overcharged with musings in his mind , that he can hardly compose himself for such a serious contrivement , yet he may stammer out such notions , that wiser men less disturbed , may either make more practicall , or at least , thereby take hints to discover and prosecute a better expedient of their own : for , the most prudent men sometimes oversee , what a fool takes notice of . the only way to settle an universal peace and concord , is to satisfie all interests , as much as may be ; especially in things necessary to a competent subsistence , even to the answering of their expectations , who are most carnal , so far forth as they are just ; in regard they are likely to be most troublesom . venter non habet aures , and there are now so many laying claim to that interest , as will make it dangerous , to exasperate them all at once ; and will be injustice to leave any of them unsatisfied , as touching reasonable demands . they whose grievances are most considerable , are such as have lent or contributed upon the publick-faith ; souldiers , who adventured their lives in the service of the parliament ; purchasers of lands or estates belonging to the king , queen , prince , prelates , or those who heretofore adhered to the king against the parliament , and such as had either grants of estates , or parliamentary securities , for payment of debts declared to be due unto them . it cannot be now expected , that the lands of the king , queen , prince , or such as were heretofore reputed delinquents , should be enjoyed by the said purchasers , except so far forth only , as in consideration of improvements , the former owners will freely , of their own nobleness , give way thereunto , if we look for a perfect concord on their part . and then , how the purchasers of those lands , and the parliaments other creditors may be satisfied , a course must be other wayes provided ; which will be the more easily effected , and the less burthensom , if the purchasers of prelates estates , may have satisfaction out of the same lands ; as this remonstrant conceives , in equity and prudence , they ought to have , and also may have , to their reasonable contentment , with an addition of honour and advantage , both to the king and nation , without wrong to the episcopal function , being constituted and confirmed according to primitive ordination , derived from the canon of god's word ; such an episcopacy never being intended ( as this remonstrant believeth ) to be exploded out of the church of england by the solemn league and covenant ; or to be barred out of scotland , if the persons were regulated and qualified , as they are charactered by saint paul . those temporalities which they claim as prelates , belonged not to them by divine right as bishops : but , were conferred in time of popery , to support them as barons , when they were authorized to sit in parliament : which priviledge , being taken away by act of parliament , assented unto by the late king , that work is at an end : and work and wages being relatives , cease both together . temporal and spiritual lords in a parliament , resemble plowing with oxen and asses in one teeme , and by weaving ( as it were ) linnen and wollen together , may make that linsey-woolsey , both in civil and spiritual things , as will be pleasing neither to god nor men . the services whereto the bishops were chiefly ordained , may be best performed , ( and with least obstruction to civil transactions ) in synods , or national councils and conventions , where no lordly titles or usurpations are to be claimed or allowed : nor any precedencies , but for orders sake only , lest precedencies , and temporal dignities , may over-awe their fellow-members , and disadvantage the truth . bishops being regulated , as aforesaid , and exercising only a primacy of order , as speakers in parliaments , prolocutors in synods , and presidents in councils , ought to be restored ; and a competent and an honourable maintenance might be provided for them out of those legal perquisites , which heretofore belonged unto them quatenus bishops , ( and consist with an evangelical discipline ) none of which are sold from them : and out of those impropriations , which they formerly leased for fines and yearly rents , giving a plow-mans wages to their poor curates . these impropriations , if they might be timely reserved from being again so misdisposed of by their avarice , would amount to a sufficiency : yea , and to a far larger revenue , then many bishops formerly had , if they were prudently distributed ; and would be likewise a quieter subsistance , and somewhat more proper to their calling ; because a maintenance settled upon the ministry by the laws of the land . moreover , to enlarge that maintenance , convenient places of residence , with demeasnes and annual rents enabling them to be hospitable , and incouragers of others to piety and vertue , might and would be afforded , by the said purchasers , out of what was sold unto them . and such a portion , being settled on them , and their successors , by king and parliament , as the donations of nursing fathers of the church , ( and not derived from heathenish or other superstitious beginnings dishonourable to god , and scandalous to religion ) would redound more to their honour , then their baronies and lordships ; be more comfortable to their consciences , when they must resign their bishopricks ; make their ministry more effectual to their particular flocks , and to the preserving of unity in fundamentals , between those congregations which are of differing judgements ; render their posterities more prosperous , and their persons more beloved both of god and men . the worst this remonstrant wisheth , even to those prelates , who do but pretend to be the bishops of christ , is , that they truly were so ; and that they had humility enough to accept of such an offer , on condition he wholly left his hope of repossessing his said purchase , though he thinks it more possible for him to be restored thereto , then for them long to enjoy that wherewith they seem absolutely invested . let this be well considered ; for though the prelates and their favourers , term him a scribling fool ; the tatlings of children and fools , are sometimes to be listned unto by wise and grave men , who know they often speak truth , when others either will not , or dare not . when the king shall by experience know , how useless the prelacy is , both to him , and to the church of god ; and how serviceable such as are called bishops may be , when reduced to the canon of the word , it is hoped , he may perswade them to submit thereto , and that some of them , will be so convinced in conscience , as to perceive it will be more honour to god and them , then disparagement to their persons , to evidence the power of truth upon themselves in an humble conformity , and restrain them from unmercifully seeking to enrich themselves by the destruction of so many families as are now in danger of perishing by their immoderate avarice . as for the rest of the hierarchie , this remonstrant cannot imagine to what good end they may be continued , which will be equivalent to the preventing the thousandth part of that mischief , which will ensue the dispossessing of those who have purchased their estates . deans and chapters , with their appendants , are a whimsey of a late invention , as now constituted , which the primitive ages neither knew , nor perhaps thought of : a plant which our heavenly father never planted in his church ; nor are they necessarily pertinent to the service of god , or to the edifying of mankind in piety or morality ; but rather burthensom and scandalous . most of those vast revenues which they claim as sacred , ( if not all ) are no more worthy to be reputed holy things then the price of dogs , or wages of strumpets , as i have elsewhere said , in regard much of them were obtained by merchandizing for the souls of men , and were sacrifices to the devil , worse then sacriledge , given ( or exacted ) by their cunning brokers , in derogation from christs meritorious passion , for expiating of adulteries , murthers , and other hainous crimes : which if they could make evident to be sacred offerings , and accepted of god as truly such , they might hope ere long to make men believe , that their houses of office , their very dunghills , yea , their sins , or any thing they pleased so to term , were also sacred . but , what reasonable man can imagine , why such an impertinency should be preserved , when the state is so necessitated , though it were some way useful , and when so many thousands of serviceable and innocent persons may be destroyed by the re-admission thereof ? whereto are they necessary ? if you suppose it be to elect bishops , when they shall be reduced to what they originally were and ought to be ; that constitution , will admit of no such election : such as now are , may be as well chosen by the king himself , as by vertue of his letters directed to the deans and chapters ; or more properly , by his conge deslere to the pastors of the respective diocesses ; which presbyters may likewise officiate , ( if need be ) at their cathedrals by turns ( having provision made for them at such times ) more to the edifying of the people then heretofore : and their cathedrals which , ( to speak truth ) are more pertinent to the civil honour and magnificence of the nation , then essential to the worship of god ; ( and being built , ought rather to be upheld , for decency and conveniency , then wholly neglected ) and may so be , without any great burthen to the purchasers , by contributing toward their repair a yearly rent to that purpose , if the old fabrick lands be not sufficient , and unsold : these may also , be of use for pious exercises and devout meetings , more to the glory of god , and the edifying of his people , then at present they are , by those irreverent persons , who serve their own selves only , under a pretence of serving god , with empty ounds , tautologies , vain repetitions , and loud vociferations , mingled with abominable prophaneness : for , this remonstrant heard it lately credibly averred , that one of those , who is to oversee and direct those who sing in the quire , hearing a discord in their musick , was so serious in his musicall devotion , that moved to indignation , he passionately swore aloud in these words , by god , a snarle : and that another , angrily calling upon the boyes to raise their voices higher , cursed them with four several great curses within a little space , whilest they were chanting out their divine service , ( as they call it ) because they answered not his expectation . oh! abominable zeal . but , should it be granted , that god required their will-worship , that , they were conscientiously devout therein ; that , their prelaticall constitution , at least were not scandalous , & that their large possessions were the real charitable donatives of truely devout benefactors , irrevocably set apart from common use ( not one of which particulars can be proved ) yet , little or nothing considerable , is or ever was performed , to such pious uses as are pretended , or were intended . for , by their own canons ( or , by such as they approve of , and will be conformable unto , when it may be for their personal advantages ) there is but a third part of their yearly profits due to them . one third is by those canons to be employed in maintaining their cathedral-churches and dwelling-houses , with the services and necessaries to them belonging : another third , is to be for relief of the poor and strangers ; and a charitable bishop of york , ( as the remonstrant remembers ) was so far from the mind of our prelates in these dayes , that to relieve the poor in a time of famine , he sold away most part of the utensils and ornaments of the churches in his diocess . a third part only , of the revenues of the cathedrals and prelates , was to have been made use of for themselves and their families , which hath nigh quite swallowed up the other two parts : for , it is well enough remembred , how ruinous many of their edifices were , before the beginning of the late war , and how slovenly kept in some places : it is also well known , that the poor were usually relieved with little more then the scraps of their superfluities ; and that the strangers by them entertained , during the dayes of their residency , were but their fellow prebends , their kindred , their familiars , and now and then a bold guest , who had no need of their hospitality ; and why should many honest men , more serviceable then they , be starved or beggared , by being deprived of what they bought of the nations representative ; that such large revenues might be shared by a few , and consumed to so little purpose ? with what confusion of face , will these pretenders to piety and hospitality appear , when christ jesus , personated in this life by their conscience ; or , when he shall hereafter in his own person , say unto such , depart from me ye workers of iniquity : for , having large patrimonies intrusted with you , to supply the wants of the members of his mystical body , they neither fed him , when he was hungry , except with stones and scorpions , instead of bread and fish ; nor gave him drink when thirsty , except mingled with vinegar and gall ; nor cloathed him when naked , but only with superstitious raggs , or else robes impurpled with his own blood ; nor housed him when harbourless , except in a prison , because he approved not of their vanities , avarice and ambition . this remonstrant , is not so cruel to beasts nourished out of curiosity , and for mens pleasures only , as to starve them when they are bred ; much less that men unprofitably employed at the publick cost , should be left destitute of a competent subsistence , when that abuse is reformed ; nor ought such in his judgement to enjoy more then a just competency , much less ten times more then better deserving persons . all the whole hierarchy of this nation ( as this remonstrant is informed ) doth not consist of a much greater number , then those prophets of whom jezebel fed four hundred every day from her table ; if so many of those now in being , shall enjoy a plurality of prebendaries , parsonages , vicaridges and spiritual promotions , as did heretofore : for , some had two or three dignitaries , some more ; and it the hexameter of this well known distich be a true memorial of it , one of them had five beside his income by usury ; ( for the pentameter concerned him not . ) usury , st. dunstans , pauls , windsor , salsbury , christ-church , bristol , westchester , banbury , bangor , asaph . the impropriations only , formerly belonging to the prelates , ( which are all nigh out of lease ) are worth yearly ( as this remonstrant is credibly informed ) an hundred forty and two thousand pounds . the parsonages and vicaridges , which beside their cathedral dignitaries , the deans , prebends , archdeacons , and some of the bishops had in commendam , being no parsonages or vicaridges of the least value , ( if they have pluralities as formerly ) may be worth to each individual person , between two and three hundred pounds per an. at least , one with another ; to which being added the profits of their spirtual functions and jurisdictions , and their temporalities now repossessed with vast improvements , will probably amount to above a thousand pound yearly , for every individual prelate . and what a barbarous cruelty were it , under colour of a mock-piety , to destroy many families , for the superfluous enriching of every one of these ? to starve a whole hive of bees , to feed a single drone ? and peradventure , to the occasioning of that , which may draw after it a worse consequent . for , these ( as the remonstrant believeth ) are one kind of those locusts which came out of the smoak of the bottomless pit , and were in part driven hence about the end of the last hundredth year , as a noysom pest . therefore , this remonstrant hopes , that you whom it concerns , will consider how imprudent an act it will be thought by unbyassed men , in this and future generations , needlesly to hazzard the confusions , despairations , exasperations , and destruction of so many thousands of families as may be impoverished , to the impoverishing of as many thousands more by their poverty , if the sale of cathedral lands should be made void to the said purchasers , for the superfluous enriching of an inconsiderable number of useless persons ; and for the pleasing of a few , whose claim and interest dies with their persons , to the discontent of many whose right will never die , but still revive , and continue for ever in their heirs ; yea , and to do it contrary to laws and presidents , for confirmation of the like sales , judged agreeable to justice and equity , by princes , parliaments , and other grave councils , upon mature deliberation : and it is hoped also , if ( as report goes ) the prelates intend out of their vast fines and rents , to raise and maintain two regiments of horse in the kings service , to be continued by his favour in that which they repossess ; it will be perceived , that they would but stick him down a feather , in lieu of the goose which they have gotten : for , the incomes of two of their cathedral revenues , will yearly defray that expence , and leave those proprietors of them , more then ever they heretofore possessed : and perhaps the king will take notice also , that ( if it tend not to the beginning of another prelatical war ) it is at best offered but to make such a diversion for the present , as antiently succeeded , when to prevent the intention that former parliaments had to take away their large possessions for publick use ; they then offered to their kings a contribution , toward the recovering their right in france , or toward regaining of the holy-land , ( as they called it ) which tended only to their own advantage , though respect to them was thereby pretended . this remonstrant could alleadge much more , which is of publick concernment , both in reference to what is last mentioned , and to the publick-faith ; but , the times will not bear it : much reason , as well as much learning , would make some to grow mad ; and it were imprudence to express more then can be born , to the rendring of that less effectual which is expressed . he had lived . years , when the last great pestilence broke in , whereof he was a remembrance to this nation ; and having survived since that time . years more , hath seen enough to give him cause to fear , that a worse infection is beginning ; which if god's extraordinary mercy prevents it not ( by shortning those dayes for his elects sake ) may continue at least . years together ; even a spiritual pestilence , intermixed with many natural plagues and distempers : for , some have begun to make way for it , by endeavouring how they may divert us , from heeding the true antichrist , and to draw this generation , to look after a new antichrist , by ridiculously confining him , and the two witnesses , to persons , fraternities and places , which neither consist with those terms , qualifications , transactions , powers , civil death and reviving , which do manifest them , according to what is revealed in god's word ; nor with that universal relation which they have to the catholick church , and to the overthrow of the enemies thereof ; as will appear when that impudence is more evident ; and when to see her delusions , and to hate and prosecute the whore , god shall put it into the heart of that king , with whom the tenth part of the mysterious babylon shall fall from her . as for that scare-crow of a pretended sacriledge , wherewith fools only are affrighted , and with which the prelates ignorantly ( if not impudently ) charged as well many preceding kings , parliamenes , and persons of honour and integrity , as the late purchasers of cathedral lands , it will shortly appear so ridiculous a bug-bear , that the publishers of that fancy , will be ashamed ( if they have any shame ) to hope they shall be able to perswade his majesty , and this nation , that alienating of their prelatical possessions from the church ( as they call their corporations ) is the sin of sacriledge . for , this remonstrant is so confident on his part , of the contrary , that if the prelate who claims that which he hath purchased , will thereupon hazzard but half the value in other lands , and allow him but as competent and wise judges in the case , as the parliament of england , and the pope of rome were in queen maries dayes ( when the like sales were questioned ) the said remonstrant , if judgement pass against him , will resign all that he hath purchased of the said lands for a farthing : or if that all the prelates be able to prove his said purchase sacriledge ; or if he be not able to prove that many prelates who now or heretofore possessed such lands , as aforesaid , by colour of a divine right , did not more sacrilegiously get them , enjoy them , and dispose of them , then the late purchasers , ( to wit ) when they alienated them for . years , to bribe themselves into a deanary or bishoprick , or when they conferred them in fee , or by lease to their kindred , minions or concubines . much more might be added to evidence these things , and to vindicate those from aspersion , who have bought the said prelates lands , or alienated them by publick authority ; but since i had written that which precedes , i had view of a printed sheet , composed by a learned and judicious author , and entituled , an apology for purchasers of lands , late of bishops , deans and chapters , wherein so much is alleadged to justifie the alienation of sales , and purchases of lands belonging to ecclesiastical persons , and that estates granted by parliament , as aforesaid , ought by reason , law and presidents to be made valid : that i might have spared this remonstrance , if i had not known by long experience , that men who are sleepy , ( or very busie in serious prosecutions tending to their own profit or pleasure ) will seldom heed or hear reason , until awakened by some unusual noise . it appears then by the premises , that the purchasers of lands belonging heretofore to the prelates , may have a satisfactory proportion of the said lands , and yet leave enough to be an honourable maintenance for bishops , regulated according to their primitive institution : and that they who had debts secured by ordinances or orders of parliament upon the publick-faith , and such as purchased the estates of the king , queen , prince , or of them whose estates were sold to pay publick debts , for adhering to the king , must be satisfied by some other expedient , to prevent those mischiefs which may else befall to the disturbance of common peace , by discontenting the one party or the other : for indeed , till there be a mutual forgiveness , as aforesaid , and such a contrivement , that every man may possess his own , we in vain shall otherwise endeavour , for a settled peace . now , to compleat the satisfaction desired , there are many hundred thousand acres in this kingdom , in forrests , chases , and other waste grounds , which being divided betwixt lords and tenants , reserving a portion out of their proportions , would amount ( with a little contribution out of their estates , who have no interest in those lands , that all might help to bear the burthen ) not only sufficiently to discharge all publick debts aforementioned , and to give a competent allowance to the remaining purchasers ; but advance such an improvement also , in corn , grass , cattle , wood , and timber , for fireing , building of ships , and houses , in time to come , ( as provision may be made in parliament ) that might yearly feed a million more of people , encrease trade , supply other defects , produce many conveniencies , and prevent not a few mischiefs : for , that land which is not worth six-pence by the acre yearly , would be improved to five shillings per annum , that of five shillings to ten , that of ten to twenty , and some to much more ; and , by that means , likewise , one of those previous signs of that righteous government , specified in the remonstrants britains-genius long since published , might perhaps be thereby eminently fulfilled ( to wit ) that , — oxen of the largest northern breed should fatted be , where sheep now scarcely feed . this expedient would be justly offensive to none ( as our case now stands ) but , to men of corrupt principles , and such as neither know nor understand the true interest which publick or private persons have in such lands ; or , who are not willing to lose those opportunities , which they have by the near scituation of their dwellings , to take wholly to their own use , what belongs in a larger measure to other men , living at a farther distance : or , it may be some poor people unlawfully intruding upon those wastes , having erected cottages upon them , to the wrong of their neighbours , will complain thereof : but , it will be without just cause , since they may be better provided for by such a division , both for their own and the publick wellfare , out of those lands . for , the most part of those poor people who have so intrenched upon the right of other men , to the impoverishing of many parishes , are very wicked and dissolute persons , living upon pillfering and stealing , or keeping unlicensed ale-houses in blind corners , wherein is more idleness , drunkenness , and prophaneness , by night and by day , ( especially on the lords day ) then can be imagined by those who have not seen it . also , a small starvling breed of jades , and of other unserviceable and improveable cattle , eats up yearly many large commons , without any advantage comparatively considerable , with that which might be raised by their improvement . the making of barren lands fruitful is a temporal blessing , which may be preparatory for a spiritual mercy , and a cure of that curse which is imposed , by making a fruitful land barren , for the sins of the people that dwell therein . the forrests and chases , ( though many have now almost forgotten it ) were heretofore one of the greatest oppressions in this kingdom ; and being settled , either by laws , or by customs equivalent to law , may quickly be revived . beasts and beastlike men ( such as professed hunters , falkners and keepers have been for the most part ) had well near the sole benefit of those forrests and chases , which were replenished with game . the king received no profit by them , and not much pleasure for which he paid not yearly , more then it was worth ; and his subjects were so misused and tyrannized over by his officers , that many gentlemen and others were inforced to forsake their habitations in and about those forrests and chases , to prevent undoing , or avoid their unsufferable insolencies : and it would be a double mercy , if by now sacrificing them to justice , occasion of the like tyrannie for the future might be taken away , and the publick-faith vindicated from scandall and violation , by satisfying for the remainder of lands sold as aforesaid , & for those debts whereunto this nation is liable both in justice and conscience . and the remonstrant humbly prayeth , that by your mediation who are in authority , it may speedily be endeavoured , unless the wisdom of this generation can find out a better expedient : for , as it was said heretofore , jerem. . v. . to the house of the king of judah , so , saith this remonstrant , hear the word of the lord , oh king and people of england , thus saith the lord , execute judgement in the morning , ( that is , assoon as the cry of oppression comes to your ears , and power into your hands ) and deliver him that is spoyled out of the hand of the oppressor , lest my fury go out like fire , and burn that none can quench it , because of the evil of your doings . do justice , that you may find mercy , and do not frustrate the prayers of distressed suppliants , as did they whom god hath made exemplary for their failings ; nor let all the fore-warnings of your remembrancer be still in vain , but give ear oh regardless generation , to what is timely hereby expressed relating to your welfare . this remonstrant , will now add for a corollary , to what hath been hereby offered to consideration , two exemplary executions of god's judgements , for oppression and injustice ; and one pattern of righteousness in an ethnick prince in times of old , with two or three presidents out of antiquity , warranting that freedom which he hath assumed to express his mind so plainly at this time , and then conclude . one of those monitory examples , shall be that prodigious judgement recorded in holy scripture , to have been executed upon sodom and gomorrah , whose sins were pride , idleness , fulness of bread , and not strengthening the hand of the needy , for which god having visited them with a war , as these nations have been , and delivered them by the hand of abraham for lots sake , whom he providentially sent to dwell among them , to be both by his counsel and life , a means to bring them to repentance : they neglecting to improve those mercies , and continuing in their sins , god in a fair sun-shining morning , after they had spent the preceding night in prosecuting their abominable lusts , suddenly destroyed them by a most prodigious sulphurous fire descending from heaven , to be an everlasting memorial of his wrath against obstinate impenitent sinners ; which is so well known , that it needs no further illustration . the other shall be an example no less prodigious , commemorated in ethnick history , which the author declared in words to this effect . in the year of rome , . and in the . year of the age of marcus aurelius , upon the twentieth day of august , about sun-set , at palermo a sea-port in the isle of sicily , there chanced a thing perilous to them who then saw it , and no less dreadful to those who heard of it afterward . whilest they of palermo were celebrating a great feast with much joy , for the great spoyls which they had taken at sea from the numidians , & which the pirates purposed to divide among them , they were partly prevented by the magistrates and partly by the said accident : for , when the people were returned to their houses , there appeared in the city a dreadful monster in this form ; he seemed to be of the length of three cubits , his head was bald , so that his skull did appear ; he had no ears , but two holes in his neck , whereby it was supposed , he heard ; he had two wreathen horns like a goat , his right arm was longer then his left , and his hands were like the hoofs of horses , his shoulders and his head were both of one height , his shoulders shined like the scales of a fish , his breast was hairie , his face in all things like unto a man , save that he had but one eye in the midst of his fore-head , and but one nostril ; from the middle downward , nothing could be seen , because he sate in a chariot which concealed it ; the chariot was in fashion like other chariots then used , and drawn with four beasts ; two lions before , and two bears behinde . within the chariot stood a great caldron with ears , wherein this monster sate : it wandred a great space through the city , from one gate to another , casting out sparks of fire ; which caused so great a fear throughout the city , that women with child miscarried , and some died out-right with fear : men and women , great and small , ran to the temples of jupiter , mars , and februa , makeing importunate prayers , with sad cries . at the same time the pirates were in the governours palace , whose name was solyno , born at copua , and in that palace the spoyls being kept , thither the monster came , after it had wandred through the city , and cutting off one of the lyons ears , wrote with the blood thereof , upon the palace gate , these letters , r. a. s. v. p. i. p. p. these letters were diversly interpreted , so that the interpretations were more then the letters . but in the end , a prophetess greatly esteemed for her science , opened the true meaning of the letters , saying , r. signifieth reddite , a. aliena , s. si , v. vultis , p. propria , i. in , p. pace , p. possidere , which words altogether , make up this sense , reddite aliena si vultis propria possidere in pace render to other men that which belongs to them , if you will possess in peace that which is your own . the pirates were wonderfully afraid of this command , and the woman highly commended for her exposition ( but the injunction was not obeyed . ) the monster went the same night out of the city , unto an high hill named jamicia , and there continued three dayes within sight of the city , the lions and bears terribly roaring , and the monster casting forth flames ; during all which time , there was neither bird seen in the air , nor beast in the field near that place , and the people offered great sacrifices to the gods , yea their own blood , to appease their wrath . three dayes being passed , there appeared in the element a marvellous dark cloud , seeming to darken the whole earth , and then it began to thunder and lighten so terribly , that many men died , and divers houses fell to the ground ; and at last there came such a flame of fire from the monster , that it burnt both the palace where the pirates were , and all that was therein , consuming the very stones thereof ; yea the tempest was so great , that there fell above two thousand houses , and more then ten thousand persons died in the tempest . in that place where the monster stood upon the said hill , the emperour built a sumptuous temple to jupiter in memorial thereof , of which temple alexander the emperour made afterward a strong castle . this is taken out of the epistles of marcus aurelius the emperour . thus you have an evidence of two witnesses , one of divine credit , and the other recorded by one of greatest fame among heathen philosophers and emperours , to shew how dangerous it is to neglect justice , and not to render unto every man his own , when god requires it to be done . also , how honourable it is for kings and states to do righteous things , and how necessary and warrantable it is , both for men oppressed , and others thereto conscientiously moved , in such times and cases as many are in at this present , to speak truth plainly and boldly , even to the highest powers on earth , this that follows may illustrate . a testimonial of the first , tending to stir up princes and states to be ambitious of the like glorious vertues , is taken out of an epistle of the same emperour , written to antigonus . in the twentieth year of my age , i lay ( saith he ) during the winter season , in the isle of cheten , which now is called cyprus , where in former time lived a king , greatly renowned for clemency and other heroick vertues , and who lay there buried under four pillars within a tomb , whereon was engraven in greek letters , without the addition of his name , ( which indeed ( saith my author ) i could not learn from any one ) an epitaph to this effect , whilest , by the permission of the gods , i here lived and reigned , my endeavour was to nourish peace , and prevent discord . i desired nothing , but what might be vertuously obtained , without any vitious practises , and what i could acquire by a peaceable means , i never sought to obtain by war and force ; or to procure that by rigour , which might possibly be gotten by mildness : i never openly reprooved any man , before i had first admonished him in secret ; neither delighted in flatterers , but hated and abhorred lying , both in my self and others : i coveted nothing that was another mans ; but , was content with what was justly mine own ; spent not prodigally , nor spared nigardly ; nor ever deserted any friend in his adversity . i delighted more to forgive , then to revenge ; and punished not the greatest offendors , but with compassion , and much sorrow in mine own heart . being born of a woman , i was to be subject to the condition of mortals , and dying , was laid here , to be meat for worms as other men are ; and having endeavoured to live a vertuous life , did willingly resign my soveraignty to death , and my spirit to the gods who gave it . how thinkest thou antigonus ? ( said the author ) what an epitaph was this ? how glorious was his life , how eternall deserves his memory to be ? i swear unto thee by the law of a good man , and as the gods may prosper me , i took not so much pleasure in pompey with his jerusalem , in semeramis with her india , in king cyrus with his babylon , in cajus caesar with his gaules , nor in scipio with his africa , as i do with this king of cyprus in his grave : for more glory bath that king there in that sharp mountain being dead , then all these , and all those in proud rome , who are now alive . now , out of many approved presidents justifying , by the acceptation they had , the just freedom which men oppressed may challenge , in plainly and boldly declaring their grievances and oppressions to the greatest potentates of the world , i have chosen two , the first of a jew , and the other of a german , both which came to rome , to complain unto the senate there , on the behalf of themselves and country-men , oppressed by the romans . their speeches being long , i will here epitomize ; and first , that of the jew , spoken to the roman senate , the third year after pompey sacked jerusalem , and whilest valerius gracchus governed judea . fathers conscript , your good fortune permitting it , or to say better , we for saking god , jerusalem which was lady of all the cities in asia , and mother of all the hebrews in palestine ▪ is now servant and tributary to rome : whereat we jews need not to marvel , nor ye romans to be proud thereof ; for the highest trees are soonest blown down by violent winds . great were those armies whereby pompey vanquished us , but greater have our offences been , for which we were forsaken of god . i would have you to hear by words , but rather to know it by experience , that we have a merciful god , who can do more alone , then all your gods together , and who sheweth compassion , though among fifty thousand there be but ten good men : they are our great offences only , which have made you to be lords over us ; and not your power or vertues . for , whilest we agreed in the unity of faith in one only god , he prospered us ; and so long as the wrath of god is upon us for our sins , so long shall you be lords over us , and no longer . then shall we recover what we have lost , and ye shall lose what you have won : and as we are now commanded , so shall we be then obeyed ; but at present , and whilest we are swayed one way , and ye another , neither can you encline me to the worship of your gods , neither shall i be able to draw you to believe only in in that one god , the creator of all things , to whom i refer the disposing of all things . touching that which i have chiefly to say , know you , that in times past , rome had peace with judea , and judea with rome ; and being friends , preserved each other in peace ; but now it is otherwise , and whilest we sigh for peace , we see , you make preparations for war ; whereas , if you would expell those who bear us evil will , and we could know and take heed of them who provoke us to rebell , neither should rome so much oppress judea , nor judea hate rome . friendship is lost , not so much for the interest of the one or other , as by their indiscretion who pretend to be mediators ; for if they who take upon them that office , be greater enemies then those between whom a war is begun , they do but cast wood into that fire , which they should quench with water . since the banishment of archelaus from judea , in whose place you sent unto us , pomponius , marcus , rufus , and valerius , we have had four plagues , the least wherof was sufficient to poyson all rome . what greater calamity could happen unto us , then to have judges sent from rome , who took up all the evil , customs of wicked men , and were themselves inventors of new vices ? and when they , who ought to punish the lightness of youth , are the ringleaders of levity ? it is openly said in asia , that the thieves of rome , do hang the thieves of jewry : and i must plainly tell you , we fear not the thieves which rob us in the woods , so much as those judges who spoyl us in our houses . we dread not robbers on the high-way , nor those who make open war upon us , nor the plague of pestilence half so much , as your corrupt judges . to that , which is here heard in the senate , and not seen with us , you give more credit , though reported by one who hath been but three moneths in the province , then to that which is reported by many who have governed thirty years . consider ye senators , that if ye were advanced to this dignity because you were the wisest , the most honest , and moderate among the people , it would appear in your being so just and vertuous , as not to believe all you hear since you have to do with many of divers nations , whose ends and intentions are variable . i speak the truth unto you , your judges have done so much injustice , and shown such ill examples , that they have taught the youth of judea , those vices which our fathers never heard of , nor we ever saw or read of before : and ye being mighty , and reputed noble , disdain to take counsel of men that be poor , as if to know much , and to have little wealth or esteem , were never found together . as ye have given counsel to us , so be pleased to take counsel from us , and know , that though your captains have won many realms by shedding blood , the way to keep them , is by clemency and mildness , without bloodshed ; and therefore pray and advise your judges , whom ye send to govern strange provinces , that they be more diligent to preserve the common peace , then to employ themselves in taking fines and forfeitures , lest else , they slander you who send them , and destroy those whom they should govern and protect : for the reason , why they are not justly obeyed , is , because they command unjust things : righteous impositions and just commands make men humble and obedient , whereas unrighteous commands , make meek and humble men obstinate and froward ; and the more evil things are commanded , the less good things are obeyed , when such persons enjoyn them . believe this , oh ye romans , that from the levity of those in authority , springs the shamelesness and disobedience of the people . the prince , who imposeth government upon those whom he knoweth not to be qualified for such a trust , intendeth not so much that they should do justice to his people , as that they should increase his treasure and serve his lusts ; but let him be well assured , that when he least thinketh of it , his honour and credit will be turned into infamy , his treasure consumed , and some notable vengeance fall upon him or his posterity . i having other matters to speak of in secret , will here conclude , with this advice , that ye keep us and our countrey in safety ; ( for which you have hazzarded your selves ) and that ye do justice impartially , for then we shall reverence your commands . be mercifull , and we shall be meek ; be not cruel in punishing our weakness , and we shall willingly obey your just commands ; command not with proud severity , and you shall find in us the love which fathers may expect from children , and not that treason , which oppressive lords usually find in their servants . these words , though bold and sharp , were ( as the author saith ) heard with admiration and approbation of all the roman senate . the other speech which i will here make use of , was reported by marcus aurelius to have been spoken in the senate of rome , in the first year of his consulship , by a poor countrey-man , living near the river danubius , who came to ask justice of the said senate , against a censor who sorely oppressed the germans : this rustick was in outward appearance , in some respects , more contemptible then this remonstrant : for , he is described to have been a man who had a small face , great lips , hollow eyes , of a sun-burnt complexion , having curled hair on his head , and a long thick beard ; his rayment and coat was of beasts skins , his shooes of porcupine-leather , his girdle of bull-rushes , his head bare , and a club in his hand : in this equippage he entred the senate , whereon though many persons were there attending to have their affairs dispatched , this poor man was admitted before all others , and spake in this manner . oh fathers conscript , i mileno a plow-man , dwelling near the river danubius , salute you worthy senators of rome , beseeching the immortal gods so to govern my tongue this day , that i may speak that which may be for the welfare of my countrey , and encline you to do that which may be for the publick honour of this empire , for without the help of god , we can neither obtain that which is good , nor avoid what is evil . by divine permission , and our wrathful god's forsaking us , such was our evil , and your good hap , that your proud captains of rome , took our countrey of germany by force of arms ; of which ye had been prevented , if we had timely appeased the wrath of god . great is the glory you have atchieved by your conquests ; but greater will be your infamy , by the cruelties which you have committed : for you shall know , ( if you know it not ) that when the wicked victors went before the triumphant chariots crying , live , live , invincible rome ; the poor captives walked after , saying in their hearts , justice , justice . give me leave to speak plainly , your covetousness , oh ye romans , in taking away other mens goods , hath been so extream , and your commands in strange countries have been so extravagant , that neither the depths of the seas can suffice you , nor the wideness of the earth secure us ; and there is no other consolation left us in our troubles , but our hope that the gods who are just , will execute justice on those who are unjust ; which assurance being wanting , we should with our own hands destroy our selves , to avoid the inhumanity of our enemies : but , i hope in the just gods , that you , who without just cause , have cast us out of our houses and possessions , shall by them be cast out , both of italy and rome . in my country , we take it for an infallible rule , that he who taketh from another man his right , ought in reason to lose his own ; and i trust , that what we have for a proverb in germany , you shall have here by experience . by my blunt language , and by the homely apparrel that i wear , you may well imagine me some rude and barbarous groom : yet , i want not reason to know who is righteous in keeping his own , and who a tyrant in possessing what is another mans : for though we plain country-men cannot speak eloquently , we are not ignorant of the difference between good and evil , or that the gods will take away in one hour , what tyrants have been gathering many dayes , and restore in one minute , that which good men have lost many years . believe me , ob romans , goods unlawfully gotten by the fathers , are the undoing of their children ; and it is impossible , that a wise man should find any contentment , in that which is gained unlawfully , and with an ill conscience . i wonder how he that keepeth another mans goods , can sleep or rest one hour , knowing he hath done injury to the gods , scandalized his neighbour , pleased his enemies , lost his friends , and put his person in peril , by endamaging those whom he hath robbed . he that taketh away my goods unjustly , will the same day take away my life if he can . i say and affirm ( not caring whether he be greek , barbarian , roman , present or absent , who shall be offended thereat ) that he is and shall be accursed of the gods , and hated of men ; who will turn a good fame to an infamy , justice into wrong , rule into tyrannie , truth into lyes , certainties into things doubtful , and destroy his own happiness , by depriving other men of their contentment . you romans are naturally proud , and your pride blinds you , or else you would perceive , that being lords of great provinces , you are slaves to your own riches ; and that they both deprive you of your honour , contentment and rest . hearken to what i shall say , and i beseech the gods to make you so understand it , that i lose not my labour . i hear all the world exclaim against pride , and yet none embrace humility ; every man condemns adultery , yet i see few who live chastly ; most men curse excess , yet i perceive not any who is temprate ; all men praise patience , yet none will patiently suffer ; they blame sloth , yet spend their time in idleness ; all exclaim against avarice , nevertheless every one robbeth his neighbour ; and i speak it here openly in the senate , not without grief , every mans tongue extolleth vertue , yet they enslave all their members to vice ; and this i object not against those romans which are in iliria alone , but against those also which i see here in this senate . in your houses , and about your arms , you have this motto , romanorum est debellare superbos , & parcere subjectis ; but , you might more truly have written , romanorum est spoliare innocentes , & reddere subjectos . what just occasion brought you from the banks of tiber , to invade us who lived peaceably nigh the river of danuby ? were we friends to your foes , or enemies to you ? did we go to conquer other counrites , or were disobedient to our own lords ? did we either despise your friendship , or defy you as adversaries ? did any of our deceased princes bequeath our lands unto you as their heirs , thereby entituling you to a rightful claiming us for your subjects ? have we destroyed your armies , wasted your fields , spoyled your people , or done any outrage or injury , which might provoke you to revenge ? of a truth , none of these , or of any such occurences have happened , as usually give occasion of controversies betwixt neighbours ; but meer covetousness and ambition were sole causes of your intrusions : for , in germany , we felt your tyrannie , as soon as we heard of your fame . if you be offended with what i have said ; be pleased with what i will say ; which is this , that the name of romans , and the cruelties of tyrants , arrived together in one day upon our people . they who have much , do oppress them who have little ; covetousness produceth malice , and malice makes way to open robbery . i conjure you romans , by the immortal gods , to heed what i say , and consider what you have done : for either the words of the gods are not true , or else men with their oppressions , and the world , must come to an end : fortune must fix a pin in her wheel , or else that which you have gotten in eight years , will possibly be lost in eight dayes ; since nothing is more just , then that the gods should make you slaves , who have made your selves tyrants . do not think , though you have subdued germany , and are lords thereof , that it was by your warlike prowess : for , you are no more warlike , nor more couragious , nor more able to endure hardship , then we germans : but , we , as is aforesaid , provoked the gods to wrath , and they to punish our sins , have ordained that you should be a scourge to our persons . you are not so strong , nor we so weak , that you had enjoyed the spoyl of our country , if the gods had favoured us as much as they did you : therefore you obtained not the victories by the weapons which you brought from rome , but by the vices you found in germany : we were not over-run for being cowards , but for being wicked ; and when your vices are at full , and the gods as angry with you , as they are now with us , things will succeed better on our behalf . think not to be the more prosperous or victorious by your great armies or vast treasures , or for that you have more potent gods to assist you , or because you build greater temples , or offer larger sacrifices : for know , if you know it not , that none are more favoured of the gods , then they who execute justice and shew mercy . the triumphs of conquerours are not atchieved by politick generals , experienced captains , valiant souldiers , and numerous armies : for we have found by experience , that with all these concurring , they can but begin a battle , and that then , the gods themselves dispose of the victory : and if i am not deceived , the wrath of the gods towards us , is so much appeased since our sufferings , and so incensed against you for your cruelties to us , and your unthankfulness to them ; that , you who now esteem us to be your slaves , may possibly hereafter acknowledge us to be your lords . in my travails hither , i have seen high mountains , large provinces , several nations , and barbarous people ; and finding rome to be so many miles distant from germany , i wonder what fond toy came into your heads , to send to conquer it . if it were for desire of treasure , i believe , ye spent more in subduing it , then the revenue of all our country will amount to in many years , and yet may perhaps also lose it , before you re-imburse what it cost . if it were glory , that you aimed at , great is your vanity ; for , little honour is it to have forts and towns , where you have not the hearts of the people . if you did it to enlarge your bounds ; it became neither wise nor valiant men , to enlarge their dominions , and diminish their honour . if you say , it was done , that we should not be barbarous , but civilized according to your mode , i should be therewith well contented : but , how can you give good laws to strangers , who neglect and break the best laws made by your own predecessors ? with what credit can they correct others , who deserve as much correction ? how can the blind lead the lame ? why should the proud romans subdue the innocent germans ? and since every man is so corrupt , and so alienated from the love of god and goodness , that each taketh what he can , and killeth whom he listeth , what remedy is like to succeed , when neither they who govern will endeavour it , nor they who are oppressed dare complain ? rulers are so hard to be entreated , and so little regard poor mens grievances , that it is not more grievous to endure their oppressions at home , then to come and exhibit their complaints here ; because , in their own country , they have but one persecutor , and in this place very many ; they being rich , and the complainants poor . rome , if she be the mistress of germany , ought in equity to preserve us in peace by her justice ; whereas they who go from hence thither , despoyl us of our estates there , and they who are here , rob us of our good name , saying , we are a people without laws , without reason , without a king , and may as barbarians be made your slaves : but , in these slanders you are injurious , since we being as we are , and as the gods created us , remain peaceably in our own countries , without desiring to invade others , might more justly and rationally say , that you are men without law or reason , in that not being contented with the sweetness and fertility of italy , you seek to conquer all the world by bloodshed . if you say , we deserve to be slaves , because we have no prince to command us , nor senate to govern us , nor army to defend us ; i thereto answer , that having no enemies , we need no armies ; that , being contented with our lots , we wanted not a proud senate to govern us ; and being all equals , had no necessity to be subjected to the humours of a prince , whose office duly executed , being to suppress tyrants , and maintain the people in peace , we wanted not a person to be kept among us to either of these ends ; and , if you therefore say , we have in our country no common-wealth nor politie , but live as brute beasts in the mountains ; therein also you slander as : for , in our country , we suffer no liers , nor rebels , nor thieves , nor seditious persons , nor men who bring us fantastical apparrel , or strange customs from other clymates : but , are modest in our rayment , temperate in our meats and feeding , and needed no better behaviour then our own . though we have not the merchandizes of carthage , nor oyls of mauritania , nor wares of tire , nor steel of calabria , nor odours of asia , nor the gold of spain , nor the silver of britan , amber of sydonia , silk of damascus , corn of sicilia , wine of candy , or purple of arabia : yet , we have a common-wealth , and are not brutish : for , these , and such like things , yield more provocations to vice , then helps toward a vertuous life . blessed is that common-wealth and nation , not where riches abound , but where vertues are commanded , practised , and improved ; not where light , proud , and froward persons inhabit and domineer , but where sober , serious , prudent , and meek men reside ; and therefore you may have cause to envy our poverty , and we to pity your condition in being rich. would god , you were as well contented with your wealth , as we could have been with our poverty before your invasions ; for then you had not robbed our country , nor had we been forced hither to complain , where our tears and complaints are not so much regarded , as to effect a diminishment either of your pleasures , or of our grievances . you may think perhaps , i have no more to say ; but it is not so ; there yet remains that to be spoken , which may astonish you ; and i will not be afraid to speak it , though you have not been ashamed to do it ; for , open offences , merit not secret reproofs . i marvail , romans , what ye mean , to send over unto us such ignorant governours , who ( i swear by the immortal gods ) neither seem to know your laws , nor to understand ours ! ye send not those who are best able to defend us by executing justice , but , those who are best befriended in rome ; as perhaps , you give to those of the senate the office of censors , more for favour or importunity , then for desert . i can say little here , in respect of what they do with us . what you authorize them to do , i know not , but what they do , is too well known unto me . all bribes that are brought unto them , they take openly , and share and poll us all in secret , to the utmost of their power . they punish the faults of poor men , and connive at rich mens transgressions , that they may take occasion and encouragement to commit greater ; and whereas they should use means to diminish reproach and slanders , they encrease them . to demand justice without a bribe , is the certain course not to obtain it . will your tyrannie and avarice never have an end ? though you wrong us in words , oppress us not also in deeds . our bodies are able to bear those irons with which you load us ; but the tributes and taxes which you impose , are greater then we can sustain . if nothing will content you , but all that we have in germany , go thither and take it , for we affect not , as you do , to live poorly , that we may die rich , and to deprive our selves of contentment during life , that others may squander away our superfluities when we are dead . if our service content you not , strike off our heads : for your swords are not so dreadful to our eyes , as your tyrannies are abominable to our hearts . do ye know , oh romans , what you have done ? if not , i will tell you : verily , you have caused many of us to swear , that we will forbear to cohabit with our wives , and slay our children as soon as born , rather then leave them in the hands of such wicked and inhumane tyrants as ye are : yea , we determine as desperate men , to resist the natural motions of the flesh all our life time , rather then get our wives with child : thinking it better to restrain our lusting twenty or thirty years , then to leave our posterity to be your perpetual slaves . but , to what end is this complaining ? perhaps you will sometimes hear us , as now you hear me ; but when you have heard us , you will be still slow in relieving . i will tell you some of those things which i have observed , that you may reform them . if a poor man come to complain and demand justice , if he hath no money to give , nor wine or oyl to promise , nor a revenue to maintain his expences nor friends to mediate for him ; then after he hath declared his grievances ; you , for awhile , give him fair words , seem to pity his sufferings , and promise him speedy relief . but in the mean time make him totally spend that little which he had , and wast the best part of his life in vain hopes and tedious prosecutions , without any effect at all to his profit : yea , on the contrary , they who at first promised him favours , do at last joyn hands with his oppressors , and quite undo him . most say in the beginning , his cause is good , yet though upon his tryal they find it so proved , they give sentence against him at the last ; so that he who came at first hither to complain against one , returns home complaining against many , yea against all , and crying out to the immortal gods for vengeance . i will declare unto you my life , oh romans , that ye may understand , how we now live and subsist in my country : i get my livelihood by gathering acorns in the winter , by fruits in the summer , and reaping corn : sometimes i fish , both for pleasure , and to supply necessaries , spending most part of my time alone in woods , fields and mountains , because i would not behold the outrages which are perpetrated by your officers in our country ; whose oppressions , if i could fully declare them , would appear so many and so hainous , that either they would be deprived of their employments , or my punishment would certainly ensue . but what good success can i hope for ? when i consider the things which i have seen within these fifteen dayes now passed away since my arrival in rome ; where such things have been committed , that if they had been done in germany , the gallows and gibbets had worthily hung as thick with malefactors , as vines with clusters of grapes ? for , i have observed , ( beside other things observable ) such immodesty in apparrel , such intemperance in your feeding , and such disorder in your lives and affairs , that having beheld as much as i desired : and my heart being at rest , by spitting out that poyson which was in it , i am ready to make recompence for it with my head , if i have offended , &c. this , and somewhat more , which for brevity sake i omitted , was spoken in this bold manner , by a person as contemptible as this remonstrant ( to a greater and a more absolute power then we live under ) on the behalf of himself and country-men , who were thereby oppressed , and , who , though reputed the greatest tyrants of the world , were not so tyrannous , as to be enraged by his upbraidings & bold expressions , whom oppression had exasperated : for , we find it attested by that famous emperour , who occasionally related this speech , that it was highly approved , both by the whole senate and by him , as well becoming the speaker , in such a case ; yea , notwithstanding the tartness thereof . his testimoniall after he had said much in praise of this oration , to those unto whom he declared it , was delivered in words to this effect : by the faith of a good man ( said he ) i saw this german stand boldly on his feet , and undismayed a whole hour , whilest all we in the senate sate beholding the earth with shame , not able to answer him one word ; because indeed he had astonished us , to see the little regard he had of his life . but , the senate agreed altogether , ( said he ) the next day to send new governours and judges into germany ; commanded him to deliver unto us in writing all that he had said , to be registred among the good sayings of strangers ; made him a free-man of rome ; chose him to be a senator , and appointed him a maintenance out of the common treasury . by this , it appears , that there is a way , whereby a prudent senate , or supream authority , may advance their honour , if they please , by hearing with patience and good acceptation , those bold and free speakings , tending to the execution of justice , which fools mis-interpret as scandalous , and tending to their dishonour or disadvantage . and the remonstrant hath made use of these ethnick precedents and testimonies , that they who profess christianity , may be the more ashamed , to hear that heathens and meer natural men should surpass them in generousness , in zeal to justice , and in compassionately permitting grieved supplicants boldly , plainly and openly , to signifie their grievances , and particularize their oppressors , if need be , not only without blame , but also , with approbation , remedy and reward . here , this remonstrant , purposed to conclude : but , as many times , he knows neither when he shall begin to write , nor what he shall write untill he hath begun : so , be knows not sometimes when he shall make an end , untill he hath done . whilest he was transcribing what is last added , providence offered to his view an epistle written by marcus aurelius , then censor , to his friend catullus , concerning the news which was at that time in rome : which comprehendeth so many particulars pertinent to our consideration at this present , & which have such resemblances to occurrences in this our generation , that he could not omit it : therefore , it is here epitomized in these words , preserving the true genuine sense of that epistle . marcus the new censor , to catullus now aged , sendeth greeting . ten dayes past i received thy letter in the temple of janus , whom i take to witness , that i had rather have seen thy person . thou desirest my letters may be long , but shortness of time , compells me to make them shorter then i would . to answer thy expectation of knowing what news is now here , i shall not be so able as i could have been , if thou hadst desired to be informed , whether any thing that was good and old , is yet remaining here amongst us in rome or italy : for , by our evil destiny , all that was good and old is ended , and new things which are evil , do now begin to abound . the emperour , the consuls , the tribunes , the senators , the aediles , the flamins , the praetors , the centurions , and almost all things are new save the vertues , which are grown obsolet . we pass the time in making new officers , in devising new projects and counsels , in raising new taxes , with such like ; and there have been more novelties within four years , then in four hundred heretofore . we now assemble three hundred to counsel in the capitol , and there we brag and boast , swear and promise , that we will extoll the vertuous , subdue the vitious , favour the right , not wink at wrongs , punish the evil , reward the good , repair the old , edifie new , pluck vices up by the roots , plant vertues , follow that which is good , reprove tyrants , and relieve the poor and oppressed : but , when we are gone from thence , they who speak the best words , commit the worst deeds . the senators pass away their time in saying , we will do , we will do ; but , every man seeks his own profit , and forgets both private mens injuries , and the weal-publick . i often hear in the senate , much eloquence in words , fair shews of zeal to justice , and much spoken by many in justification of themselves ; and when i come abroad , am ashamed to see their evil works , with their cruel extortions , and find it to be very frequent for them who commit the greatest crimes , to be most severe in giving sentence against others for the same offences . we behold our own faults in mirrours which make them seem less , and other mens in multiplying-glasses , making them appear greater . oh! how many have i seen condemned by the senate for one fault committed but once in all their life-time , when they themselves commit the same fault , or worse , every hour ! i read , that in the time of alexander the great , there was a famous pirate called dionides , who robbing all ships he could meet withall , alexander set forth a great navy to apprehend him , which having taken him , and presented him to alexander , that king said unto him , why dionides , dost thou spoyl so on the seas , that no ship can sale in safety for thee ? the pirate answered , if i spoyl by sea , why dost thou spoyl both by sea and land ? oh alexander , because i fight with one single ship at sea , i am called a pirate , and because thou robbest with two hundred ships at sea , and troublest all the world with two hundred thousand men by land , thou art called an emperour . i swear unto thee alexander , if the gods were so favourable to me , as they are to thee , and so adverse to thee , as now they are to me , and would give me thine empire , and bestow on thee my little ship , peradventure i should be a better emperour then thou art , and thou wouldst be a worse pirate then i. this bold speech pleased alexander so well , that he made him general of a great army ; and he became more vertuous by land , then he was vicious by sea . now , in italy , they who rob openly , are called lords , and they who rob privately , are called thieves . i read in the annals of livy , that there came an embassador from spain to rome , to treat of a peace with the romans , which embassador proved before the senate , that he had been robbed ten times of his goods , whilest he was at rome , and that he had seen one of those who robbed him , hang another who defended him ; and that seeing so wicked a deed , he took a coal , and wrote upon the gibbet these words . oh gibbet , thou art planted among thieves , art made by thieves , and hanged full of innocents . the whole history wherein these words are found , was written with black ink , and these words in vermilion letters . i cannot tell what other news to send thee ; but every thing here is so new and tender , and joyned with such ill cement , that i fear all will shortly fall suddenly in pieces . some , are so hastily and so highly promoted , that i dare assure thee rather of their fall , then of their lives and firm standing . we have already seen many , at whose rising we wondered , and as much marvelled at their sudden fall . we have seen cincius fulvius , in one year made consul , his children tribunes , his wife matron to the virgins , as also keepress of the capitol , and after that , not in one year , but the same day , saw cincius beheaded in the place , his children drowned in tiber , his wife banished , his house rased to the ground , and all his goods confiscate to the common treasury ; and this rigorous example we have not read of in a book , but seen with our eyes , that we might the better mind it . sith i have begun , and thou art in a strange country , i will write all the news which is here . this year , the . of may , an embassador came out of asia , who considering it would be dangerous sayling home in winter ; and seeing after long stay his business was not dispatched , ( being a man of a good courage , and zealous of his countries affairs ) coming one day to the senate , and seeing the senators enter the capitol unarmed , as the custom is , laying aside their arms , he spake thus , in presence of all the senators . fathers conscript , i am come to rome from a far country , & have found rome without rome . the fame of the place brought me not hither , but the renown of them who govern it . i came not to see that exchequer wherein the wealth of all realms is treasured up , but the sacred senate , out of which should issue counsel for all men : i came not to see you , because you were conquerors of other nations , but , because i thought you were more vertuous then all other . but , i dare say , except the gods have made me blind , or taken away my understanding , either you are not romans of rome , or this is not rome of the romans your predecessors . we have heard that the kingdoms conquered by their valour , were conserved by the wisdom of this senate ; but methinks you are more likely to lose , then to keep what your fathers got ; for their exercise was in realities , and you consume your time in complements and vain ceremonies : i have almost killed my self with laughing at you , to see with what punctualities you leave off those arms at the senate gate , with which your ancestors defended the empire . what profit is it to your suppliants , that you lay off those arms which may hurt one , and put on those which destroy all the world ? what avails it us , that you enter the senate without sword or dagger , whilest you are armed with malice in your hearts ? know , ye romans , we dread you not , as armed captains , but , as malitious senators ; we fear not your swords and d●ggers , but your hearts and tongues . it were less injury , if going armed into the senate , you took away our lives , then to suffer innocents to be destroyed , by not dispatching their affairs . i neither understand what ye intend , nor can suffer with patience what i see you do . in my country we disarm fools : now , whether your arms be taken from you as fools or mad-men , i know not : if it be done because ye are fools ; surely it is not the law of the gods , that three hundred fools should govern three hundred thousand wise men . i have tarried here for my answer a long season , and by your delayes , i am further from a dispatch , then i was the first day . we bring you hither , hony , oyl , saffron , wood , salt , silver , and you send us away to seek justice elsewhere . you have one law whereby to gather your tributes , and another whereby to determine justice : for , we must pay our tributes in one day , but you will not discharge our arrands in a whole year . either take away our lives , that our businesses may have an end , or hear our complaints , that we may live to serve you . if you think my words extravagant , and find them offensive , so you will do justice to my country , take my life ; and so i make an end . these were his words , catullus , which i got in writing , and may now say , that the same boldness and high spirit , which romans exercised heretofore in other countries , strangers now dare to express in rome . for this speech some would have had him punished ; but god forbid that any man should suffer for saying truth in my presence ; seeing that is more then enough which men suffer , though we then persecute them not , when they boldly inform us of their grievances . the sheep cannot be preserved from wolves , if the shepherds dogs bark not ; and there is no law of gods or mans which awardeth punishment for liars , that will permit any one should be punished for speaking truth : yet now , men are chastised more for murmuring against one senator , then for blaspheming all the gods at once . we need not seek to the gods in our temples : for , the senators take upon them to be gods ; but there is great difference betwixt them : for , the gods do nothing that is evil , and the senators nothing that is good : the gods never lie , and the senators never speak truth : the gods pardon often , and they never forgive : the gods are content to be honoured five times in a year , and the senators would be honoured ten times in a day : the gods are constant in every thing , and fail in nothing , the senators are stedfast in nothing , and fail in all things ; and when they intend not to amend their faults , they cannot endure their suppliants should inform them of the truth . but , be it as it may be ; this i am sure of , that it is impossible for them to be just , or sincerely to apply themselves to any vertue , who withdraw their ears from listning to the truth : and no mortal man , be he orator , or consul , or censor , or emperour , how well soever he takes heed to his wayes , and orders his desires , but he shall other while have need of some reproof and counsel . now i have written concerning others , i will inform thee of somewhat concerning my self , because thou desirest it . know that in the kalends of january , i was made censor in the senate , which i neither desired nor deserve . no wise man will spontaneously take upon himself the burthen and charge of looking to other mens affairs ; for it is an hard task to please every man in such an office ; and he who undertakes it , must often make shew in countenance , of that which is not in his heart . good men only ought to be put into office , and in the eighth table of our antient laws , it is enjoyned , that charge of justice be never given to him who seeks or desires it , but that men be chosen to such places with great deliberation , because few men are so vertuous and loving to their country , as to take offices upon themselves , so much for the benefit of other men , as for their own utility . unhappy is rome , if i be one of those who best deserveth such an office . i had no need of it , but accepted thereof to fulfill the command of antonius my grandfather , and to be obedient to the senate , who had thereto elected me of their own accord , &c. this remonstrant leaves it to your grave wisdoms , who are in authority , and to all other prudent readers , to make that use and application of these preceding fragments of antiquity , as they shall find cause ; and to consider whether these be not exemplary precedents , which may excuse at least ( if not justifie ) those plain and free expressions , which both his private necessities , and the constitution of publick affairs do require at this present , in relation to the common peace , to the preservation of publick honour , and to himself . howsoever , he will now conclude , adding only an humble prayer to all you who are in power , and one reasonable request to them , on whose behalf he was chiefly induced and emboldened , to draw up this pleading . his prayer to you in authority , is , that by your mediation and endeavours in your several capacities , means may be prosecuted , whereby , to the honour of god , those covenants , contracts and securities , made and granted by this nations representative , may be preserved without infringement , according to the tenour of his divine law ; that the honour and priviledges of the humane nature , may be duely tendred , by acting according to the law of reason ; and that the credit of the english nation may be kept from being violated and disparaged , by making good what their elected representative engaged to perform , either in specie , or , by a recompence nobly and generously vouchsafed ; and not by that irrational way of discount , which is by some proposed : for it is not only impossible , after so many years , and so many transactions , of which no memorials were kept , in expectation of a future accompt ; but it will be very injurious also , unless the said purchasers and lenders may be allowed to demand and receive satisfaction upon account and discount , for all their losses , their hindrances by expences in time , and their suits , solicitations , and forbearances occasioned ( without their default ) by those engagements which necessitated them to be purchasers or lenders ; as also , for all improvements , by them made at their proper cost , together with the charges of prosecuting a composition before the commissioners lately authorised to mediate the same ; and for dammages sustained by interest of money , and loss of the profits of those lands , which are intruded upon , and left unoccupied the mean while . these particulars being omitted , it will be as unconscionable a proposition , as it would be to merchant-adventurers , ( who must ballance their losses at one time , with what they gain at another ) to compell them to make sale of their wares , brought home at their last voyage , according to the disbursments only at that return , without any respect had , to what they lost formerly , or may possibly lose hereafter . nay , it is far more unconscionable , in regard that whereas merchants do usually gain sufficiently , at one time or other , to make them both savers and gainers , toward the advance of their estates ; many of the said purchasers and lenders , have been by casualities , by having that which was due unto them detained many years , and otherwise by gross injustice , very great losers , ( without their own default ) in every purchase , loan and contract , made to and with them , who were intrusted with publick concernments , and exercised the supream power , without contradiction ; and whereto , being conscientiously obedient , they ought in equity to have their obedience rewarded , as it was said , their piety and charity should be , who administred to his necessities as a disciple of christs , who came in the name of his disciple , though peradventure he was an impostor . and it is more then probable , that many of the said purchasers and lenders , if they have gotten ought , or been savers by the said parliaments grants in one particular , have lost more then the whole interest and principal of their disbursments in the rest of their contracts , expences and debts , pretended to have been secured unto them by the said parliament , as it hath happened unto this remonstrant in his own particular . his single request , before-mentioned , to his fellow-purchasers and lenders , shall be but this , that , they would be more just and respective unto him , then some of them have been ( as he hears ) in their censures passed upon this remonstrance , when it was perused in private : for , though it were voluntarily by him composed , with as much regard unto their good , as unto his own oppressive sufferings , without putting them to any cost or pains , ( though also , none or few of them had more just cause to complain ; though he is more certain of the reality of his own oppressions , then of all theirs , and though the common grievances may thereby be more illustrated , then by many of their sufferings . ) they , nevertheless , not considering ( as usually they do in their own cases ) that egomet mihi proximus , do grudge this remonstrant the mentioning his personal wrongs ; and ( as if they who suffered most , had least right to complain ) misconster his insisting upon his own oppressions , as not comely in their judgement , or else , as likely to make his arguments the less effectual on their behalf ; which want of prudence , justice and charity , he cannot well approve of ; and therefore desires them to be more thankful to their friends , lest they discourage every man from apologizing for them , when they cannot , or dare not speak for themselves . though this remonstrant intends well to all , he hath no such ill meaning to himself , as in the prosecution of the common interest , sottishly to neglect his own well being , when it is therewith involved . he might have inserted much more in relation both to the puhlick interest , and to his own , but he confesseth he hath omitted in prudence , not a few arguments of more strength then any yet alleadged ; because , he knows they may at this time , be more mischievous to him , then available to that cause for which he pleadeth ; and that it would have been rather madness then discretion , to produce them out of season . that , which he hath offered to consideration , is expressed with a good conscience toward god , his prince , his countrey , and to each individual person therein : and he desires no otherwise to prosper in this world , then as he is an enemy to no mans person , whatsoever his judgement be , but only to his errours and vices ; and as he unfeignedly desires rather their conversion , then their impoverishment , shame and confusion . he doth but hereby endeavour , ( as he hath often done heretofore ) to discharge the office of a remembrancer to these nations , & in barking like a true english mastive , when he thinks his masters house or flocks are endangered by thieves or wolves ; and therefore , though his name be herein already aenigmatically inscribed , and was thought by him at first , to have been a sufficient attestation hereof : he doth now upon more deliberation , openly subscribe what he hath remonstrated with this name george wither . a brief advertisement , not unreasonably hazzarded . this remonstrant , being desirous that the honour and well-being both of the king and people , may be preserved by a timely supply of all their necessities ; and hearing since the conclusion of this remonstrance , that his majestie hath present use of a very great summ of money , an expedient , came suddenly into thought , whereby in his judgement , he may not only be supplyed , but thereby prevent also a great mischief which is already felt , and whereof we shall every day grow more and more sensible , by that diligence which is now practised to draw a considerable part of the kingdoms treasure into private hands . for , the ecclesiasticks , by being repossessed of about an hundred forty and two thousand pounds per annum , ( as this remonstraant is credibly informed ) by impropriations , now well near all out of lease , besides parsonages and vicaridges , with other vast revenues lately so much improved , that their annual worth is greatly enlarged , have already raised so many hundred thousands of pounds by fines and rents , that it hath exhausted the treasure of this kingdom out of the peoples purses , into their secret hoords ; even so much , that there is not sufficient for men to follow their trades and callings , pay taxes , and sustain their families , without great penury : and the said ecclesiasticks , ( as it is famed also ) are so suspitious of the securities of these times , and ( perhaps , justly so fearful lest the king and his council , or the king and the next parliament , may take their uselesness , avarice and ambition , into such serious consideration ) that , to provide for what may possibly succeed , they will either hide their money in the earth , where much of it may be quite lost ; or else keep it so close , that little of it will be employed , for advance of traffick & negotiations betwixt man and man , & trade thereby obstructed , much more then at present ; especially , by that time they have fleeced every sheep within their jurisdictions . therefore , the king and his council , ( upon a view taken of what they have received ) may if they need it for publick-uses , get speedy supply of money , ( as legally as they repossess those lands ) by requiring a benevolence from all the prelates , now enriched to excess , meerly by the kings favour ; and who , being ( for the most part ) old men , with one foot and a half in the grave ( and some of them childless ) shall not only have more left then is necessary ; yea , much more ( though nothing be left them but their yearly rents ) then either their predecessors had , or then they will deserve , as now they are constituted : but , by this means also , much money which is , or which probably would else be hoorded up , to the publick dammage , will be dispersed to the advance of trading , and to the employing of many thousands , who now want bread for their families , because there is not wherewith to set them on work : or else , ( which will be a far better expedient , if the king were so pleased ) he may be supplyed more to his honour , by the purchasers of the said prelates lands , if by his favour they were thereto enabled , as they might justly be : for , this remonstrant is perswaded , if they might have their bargains and sales confirmed by parliament , with his royal assent , they would contribute a more bountiful supply then the prelates ; and would be possessors and occupiers of those estates for the future , more to the glory of god , more for his , with the publick honour and welfare , and more for the lawful benefit and advantage of private persons : and , this remonstrant can not forbear openly to profess , that he thinks in his conscience , the prelates are neither consistent with an orthodox christian discipline , nor with the lawful interests of king or people : and , that he wonders at the madness of this generation , seeing so many thousands within their knowledge undone by trusting to the bargains , sales and securities of their parliaments , which were thought the best security in the world ; that , they will now adventure their money upon so slender a security , as the hand and seal only , of old doting men , who are tenants but for life , ( perhaps , but during pleasure ) without a general warranty , by some good collateral security . but , let those adventrous contractors do as they please ; the remonstrant having played the fool himself in trusting to such securities , hath no reason to grudge other men the liberty to buy wit with their own money ; and though in charity , he would prevent their dammage , yet , knowing he shall never be able to make such men wiser by examples or counsel , until they have as well paid for it as he hath done , he will scrible no more to that purpose ; but conclude all with this prayer , god bless the king and people , and encline those who can better vindicate the publick faith of this nation , to contribute their endeavours in due season . finis . though this authors writings have been contemned , and disgracefully termed scriblings by some ; yet , because by them the constitution of the generation wherin he liveth , may be partly known ; very many have importuned him , to publish a catalogue of those poems and discourses which have been heretofore by him composed and imprinted , together with those which are not yet published ; that , they who are desirous to collect them for their private use , may know by what names to enquire for them . therefore to fulfill their desire , the said author hath here set down the titles of so many of them as he remembers at this time , ( not in order as they were written , but as they came to mind ) whereby , if any of those manuscripts which were lost when his house was plundred , or by other casualities , shall be brought again to his hand , he will be very thankful to the bringer , and give him a copy thereof , if he desire it , or what other satisfaction he shall reasonably demand . those books which were composed in his minority , and may therefore be called his juvenilia , are these . . iter hibernicum , or , his irish voyage . verse . . iter boreale , a northern journey . ver. . patricks purgatory . ver. . philaretes complaint . ver. these four last mentioned were lost in manuscript . . fidelia . ver. . eglogs . ver. . an epithalamium . . a funeral elegie on p. h. . abuses stript and whipt ; two books . . the shepherds hunting . . the shepherds pipe , composed joyntly by him and mr. w. brown . . the scourge . . the mistress of philarete . these books following were composed when he was of riper years . . withers motto , ( videl. ) nec habeo , nec careo , nec curo . . an apology to the lords of the council , in justification of the reproof of vices in his poems . . a satyre to the king . . a treatise of antient hieroglyphicks , with their various significations ; a manuscr . lost . . emblems , in folio . . a preparation to the psalter , in folio . . exercises on the first psalm , in prose and ver. . exercises on the nine psalms next following , in pro . and ver. all lost . . a metricall translation of davids psalms . . a translation of nemesius , de natura hominis . pro . . a metricall translation of the canonical hymns and songs . . three books , of hymns and spiritual songs , for several occasions . . the scholars purgatory . pro . . the pursuit of happiness , being a character of the extravagancy of the authors affections and passions in his youth . prose , not printed . . riddles , songs and epigrams ; not printed . . a discourse concerning the plantations of ulster in ireland , with preconjectures of what consequents would probably ensue . pro . . the dutchess . ver. not printed . . domestick devotions . pro . not printed . . another funeral elegie : not printed . . a tract of usury , wherein , that lending for increase , which is forbidden in scripture , is distinguished from that which is lawful : not printed . . meditations upon the x. commandments , with sculptures . ver. , familiar epistles . prose , lost . . the authors confession of his faith , both in fundamentals , and in relation to most points controverted by men of several judgements in religion : not printed . . a precatory meditation and soliloquy with god , on the behalf of his children and their posterity , if they have any : not printed . a discourse to a friend , touching the consolations in close imprisonment : not printed . . britains remembrancer . these that follow , were written since the beginning of the long parliament . . campomusae . ver. . vox pacifica . ver. . vaticinium poeticum . ver. . caveat emptor . pro . . se defendendo . pro . . justiciarius justificatus . pro . . letter of advice touching chusing members of parliament . pro . . mercurius rusticus . pro . . britains genius . . a petition and narrative to the parliament . pro . . opobalsamum anglicanum . ver. . carmen expostulatorum . ver. . a single si quis . ver. . carmen terrarium semicynicum . ver . a thankful retribution . ver. . the tired petitioner . ver. . what peace to the wicked ? ver. . the speech without door . pro . . withers disclaimer . pro . . the dark lantern and perpetual parliament . ver. . boni ominis votum . ver. . know thy self . ver. . the true state of the cause betwixt the king and parliament . pro . mis-laid or lost . . the delinquents purgation . pro . . west-row revived . ver. . the sinners confession . ver. . a cordial confection , &c. pro . . verses to the individual members of parliament . . epistolium-vagum-prosau●metricum . . furor poeticus . ver. . a suddain flash . ver. . salt upon salt . ver. . amigdala britannica , or , almonds for parrets . ver. . the british appeal . ver. . there grains of frankincense . ver. . the protector . ver. . carmen eucharisticon , or a private oblation , &c. ver. . speculum speculativum , or a considering-glass . ver. . fides anglicana , or a plea for the publick faith of these nations . . a declaration in the person of oliver cromwell , given into his own hand , and tending to the settling of such a government as he never intended . pro . . a private address to the said oliver , in prose and verse , offering things pertinent to his consideration , into his hand sealed up . . another address for the third day of sept. . given to his own hands likewise . . another address given to r. cromwells own hands . neither of these four last-mentioned were imprinted ; for they were private remembrances both of their duties and failings ; with forewarnings of what is since come to pass . these and some other scriblings , whose titles this author cannot now remember , are here set down , not for ostentation , but to satisfie the requests of his friends . by these it may appear , how ( for about . years together ) he hath employed himself , and that though he be none of the wisest , and hath failed in many other things , he hath been alwayes well affected to his country ; and so desirous to be serviceable to his generation , that perhaps he hath not merited to be thereby totally destroyed , though to god he hath been an unprofitable servant . be it considered that some of these books were composed in his unripe age ; some , when wiser men then he erred ; and that in regard there is in all of them , somewhat savouring of a natural spirit , and somewhat dictated by a better spirit then his own , it will concern every man to try the spirits , and to adhere to that only which is agreeable to the touch stone of truth , which is left us by the father of spirits ; to be the test of all mens writings . the two incomparable generalissimo's of the world, with their armies briefly described and embattailed, visibly and invisibly opposing each other. wither, george, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing w b thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) the two incomparable generalissimo's of the world, with their armies briefly described and embattailed, visibly and invisibly opposing each other. wither, george, - . sheet ([ ] p.) s.n., [london : ] signed g.w. (i.e. george wither). caption title. imprint from wing. verse - "clad all in angry armes of discontent,". a duel between the devil ("generall of the church malignant") and christ ("generall of the church militant"). reproduction of the original in the british library. eng christian poetry, english -- early modern, - . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no the two incomparable generalissimo's of the world, with their armies briefly described and embattailed, visibly and invisibly opposing each wither, george c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the two incomparable generalissimo's of the world , with their armies briefly described and embattailed , visibly and invisibly opposing each other . argument . according to the enmity decreed betweene the womans and the serpents seed in paradise , each other doth defie , this hatred lasteth to eternity : no marvell then that warre is now begun unnaturally 'twixt father and the son . the one is the old serpent the devill , generall of the church malignant . clad all in angry armes of discontent , because of his perpetuall banishment from blisse , above five thousand yeares ago , and in revenge of that same fatall blow , given him by that pure unspotted child , borne of a woman whom he so beguild , the old infernall serpent ever since , hath prov'd a hatefull rebell to his prince , and all enrag'd with malice and despight , he leads his captive souldiers thus to fight . in van , or front march infidels without the church , then perfecutors , and the rout of heretiques within ; the middleward prophane , and all ungodly men do guard ; the reare consists of an accursed crew , terrible indeed , and hideous to view ( as conscience awaked once can tell ) deadly sinne , damnation , death and hell . the wings , or sides this body that inclose are fleshly lusts , and worldly pleasures foes , that by force of strong perswasion kill , moe , than the tempter can with all his skill . the collonels , captains , drums and trumpeters , and other such inferiour officers , are infernall spirits hovering in the aire ; th'word of command's presumption and despaire . thus summum malum , summum bonums foe , sets up his standard here on earth below ; and with his false suggestions , every houre drawes to his party a malignant power of potentates , as well as baser sort , his earthly fading kingdomes to support , and sends abroad his nimble mercuries , intelligencers , scouts , and aulick lyes , and promiseth rewatds for all their paines , as pleasures , treasures , dignities and gaines : but all these proffers prove but a flim-flam , he leaves them at the last like doctor lambe ; and when delights , and life are gone and past , then comes the sad catastrophe at last , endlesse and easelesse torments in hell-fire , this is the serpents and his souldiers hire . the other is the lord jesus christ , generall of the church militant . against this hydra-headed army stands the prince of peace , with his victorious bands not that this glorious conquerour doth nee● created helpe , t' effect a noble deed ; for he himselfe did long ago subdue the prince of darknesse , and th'infernall crew ; but to communicate he doth delight to silly mortals his owne matchlesse might , which so upon them daily he conferres , that in the end th' are more than conquerers ; yet none but slaves , and conquered by sinne he makes his souldiers , and the field to winne , after he first hath pull'd them from the jawes of death and hell , and given them new lawes and principles divine ; then doth dispose them thus in order 'gainst his churches foes . the vant-guard doth consist of saints , and brave heroick martyrs , who despise the grave ; the true professours of the gospell next , ( with scoffing chams and lying doegs vext ) march in the middleward ; but o the reare , ( that which most th'insernall force doth feare ) consisteth of the generalls owne merits , which succour sends unto the fainting spirits of all his souldiers , who else would be lost ; the wings on each side of this glorious hoast , are stretched farre above all earthly things , spirituall graces making lively springs of hope and joy with promises so sure of heav'nly life for ever to endure . the officers to this high generall , are brave commanders , blessed angels all , who at their captaines becke like lightning move th'word of command is this ; i feare , and love . thus stands the christian arm'd against his foes , giving , and sometimes taking many blowes , and that not by imaginary force but as really as did foot and horse neare winchester of late , where soules apace fled to the frowning and the smiling face of this great generall ; for only he bindeth , and maketh men and angels free . and by his mighty power doth so keepe his souldiers happy soules that fall asleepe that stinging death shall never hurt them , why ? because they dye to live eternally . to the reader . now may thine eye convey unto thy heart , thine own condition ( reader ) on whose part or side , to take up armes thou dost intend , or be unto thy selfe a foe or friend ; for under one of these two generalls the service of all men and angels falls ; you see the captaines and their wages both , o love the one then , and the other loath . g w. abuses stript, and whipt. or satirical essayes. by george wyther. diuided into two bookes wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) abuses stript, and whipt. or satirical essayes. by george wyther. diuided into two bookes wither, george, - . [ ] p. printed by g. eld, for francis burton, and are to be solde at his shop in pauls church-yard, at the signe of the green-dragon, at london : . in verse. signatures: a-x (-a , ). in this edition a r line of text has: whome. reproduction of the original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery. some print show-through; some pages tightly bound. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng satire, english -- early works to . epigrams, english -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - rina kor sampled and proofread - rina kor text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion abvses stript , and whipt . or satirical essayes . by george wyther . diuided into two bookes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . dispise not this what ere i seeme in showe , a foole to purpose speaks sometime you know . at london , printed by g. eld , for francis bvrton , and are to be solde at his shop in pauls church-yard , at the signe of the green-dragon . . to him-selfe , g. w. wisheth all hapinesse . thou ( euen my selfe ) whome next god , my prince , and country i am most engaged vnto ; it is not vnlikelie , but some will wonder , why , contrary to the worlds custome , i haue made choyse of thy patronage for this booke , rather then the protection of such whose mightinesse might seeme better able to defend it ; especially considering such a gigantick troupe of aduersaries haue banded themselues against the truth , that one of them goliah-like dares raile vpon a whole hoast of israel . it may be ( i say ) some will wonder , and some scoffe at mee for it ; for which cause ( though to answer them with sic volo had been sufficient : yet to shew i will not like our great ones stand so much vpon my authority as to make my vvill my reason ) i heere let you know why , and for what causes i haue done it ; the first is this : i could not amongst all men finde any man , in my opinion , so fitting for this purpose , but either my worke was vnworthy , or too worthie his patronage . secondly , it is said ; obsequium amicos , veritas odium parit : and i doubting my free speech would hardly make a diapason , pleasing to the eare of a common mecaenas , thought it best to hold my tong , or speake to my selfe , whose disposition i am better acquainted with . thirdly , seeing i know but what men appeare , and not what they are ; i had rather indure the kites tyranny , then with aesops doues make the sparrow-hauke my champion . fourthly , if i haue spoken truth it is able to defend it selfe ; if not , who-ere be my patron , it is i must answere for it . fiftly , for asmuch as i know my owne minde best ; i purpose , if need be , to become my own aduocate . sixtly , for my owne sake i first made it , and therefore certaine i am i my selfe haue most right vnto it . but seauently , and lastly ( which is indeed the principal reason ) i haue made this dedication to thee , poore world-despised selfe ; euen to put thee in minde , ( seeing thou hast here boldly begun to bid defiance to the flesh , and vpon iust causes quarrelled with the world ) that thou take heed to thine owne words , and not through basenes of minde or vntowardnes of fortune ( to thy euerlasting disgrace ) faintly giue ouer so noble a combate ; if euer aduersitie ( as t is like enough ) oppresse thee , yet remember thy owne sayings , and in despight of outward destinies haue a care to keepe an vndeiected heart still free for vertue . or on the contrary , if euer ( as t is vnlikely ) vnexpected prosperity bee cast vpon thee , then look to thy selfe , take to thee this poore booke of thine , wherein thou shalt see the dangers of it , and be , perhaps , thereby staid from many a perilous enterprise , which that estate might else driue thee into . reade it , weekely , daily , yea and howerly toe : what though it bee thine owne ? thou knowest mans nature to bee so vncertaine , and prone to forgetfulnesse , euen in the best things , that thou canst not haue too many memorandums . the wisest fall , and therefore euery day was philip desirous to bee remembred that hee was a man ; thou thinkest i know , still to remaine what thou art , i desire in some things thou maist , but vnlesse thou labour it with diligent watchfulnesse ouer affection , it is at least much to be doubted , if not altogether to bee despaired of ; thou hast seene many by an alteration in their estate beene so metamorphosed , as if they were not the same men , nor of that nation . nay remember it , thou thy selfe , and that but vpon a bare hope , or imagination of some preferment , hast bin puffed vp and exalted aboue measure : consider now then how much more thou hadst beene so and what had become of thee if god had not by dashing those hopes called thee to thy selfe againe ? alas ! if hee had answered thy ambitious expectations to thy desire , thou hadst bin by this time past recouerie and not thought of this ; but delighted in villany , bin ouer-mastered by passion , rusht into all vanity and presumption ; yet neuer felt any danger , till it were too late to preuent it ▪ thou hast oft wisht thou hadst bin borne to the like means that others are , which might it haue beene so , now thou seest thou shouldst hardly , or neuer , haue come to the knowledge of those things , that are now showne thee . t is true , thou hast lamented to be crost in thy preferments , but thou seest since that it might haue been thy vndoing if it had not beene so , and maist perswade thy selfe , whether it be now or neuer , it will be to thy good . for tell me , hast thou not often felt , euen when thou wert busiest to preuent them ; fond loue , ambition , reuenge , couetousnesse and such like passions then to inuade thee ? hast thou perceiued it i say ? how much more then would they haue beene ready to assaile thee , when quite forgetting them , thou hadst wholly addicted thy self to the things of this world ? let mee aduise my deare-selfe then , to make vse of this thine owne worke , it will be better to thee then all the world : for this good it may do thee , and to this end i made both ●t and the dedication thereof to thee , that if euer hereafter the temptations of the world , the flesh & the diuel , or any occasion should make thee to forget this mind that thou art now in : or so blind thy vnderstanding thou shouldst not perceiue thy owne and the worlds follies as thou now dost ; that if thou shouldst be in that miserable state as many are , to haue no feeling of thy danger : that if thou shouldst bee wofully flattered and haue no friend that dares , or loues thee so well to put thee in mind of thy transgressions . then i haue ordained this to shew thee what once thou wert , to touch thee againe with the feeling of thy miseries , and to bee vnto thee that true friend , which , free from all faigned inuention , shal plainely tell thee , what perhaps should else haue neuer beene brought againe to thy remembrance . looke then that for thy owne sake thou respect this , how euer to others it may seeme a trifle . bee carefull of thy actions , for seeing thou knowest the dangerous passions wherevnto man is subiect , hast showne his vanities , layed open his weakenesse , and sharpely taxed his presumptions : if now thou shouldest wilfully runne thy selfe into the same euilles , the vvorld would vpraid● thee , this booke , yea thy conscience accuse thee , god and good-men hate thee , thy fault be more odious and in-excusable , thy iudgement more seuere , and which is worst , thy punishment most intollerable ; i say seeke therefore ( if for no other cause ) so to carry thy selfe , that at least thou maist haue a good conscience before god , for si deus tecum quis contrate , but if now hauing made the world thine enemie , exposed thy selfe to the malice thereof , and hauing so many legions of foes without thee , thou shouldest also , by thy negligence , suffer the inuincible fortresse of a sound conscience to be crazed within thee , the di●ell , that is alway watching such aduantages , would quickly possesse it with an vnmercifull troupe of horrors , feares , and desperations , that without gods miraculous assistance thou wouldest grow wholly past either comfort or recouery . for all the world cannot defend thee against thy conscience , but that beeing with hee , thou maist preuaile against all the world. beware then , doe not like the zibe●hum yeeld a perfume to sweeten others and be thy selfe a stinking vermine , but let this thy owne worke bee first confirmed by thy life and conuersation , yea let it be a president to thy selfe , for , tan●i erit aliis quanti tibi fuerit , but if not , i say if the world mis-esteeme either it or thee , yet doe not thou therefore esteeme the lesse either of thy booke or of thy selfe , but rather let them know that thou hast learned , still thy care , shal be , a rush for him , that cares a straw for thee . but now , though for these and diuers oother reasons , i haue to thee my owne-selfe committed the protection , and made the dedication of this booke , yet my meaning is not that thou shouldst keepe it wholly to thine owne vse ; but rather seeing it is honourable to giue , ( though none will giue thee any thing ) i haue bestowne this o● thee , that if thou canst in this corrupted age , finde any , whom desert , and thy loue may make so deare vnto thee , or whom● thou art perswaded will gratifie , or but thinke well of thy honest endeauours , thou maist bee liberall to them both of these thy labours and expences . but this i coniure thee to ; be they neuer so great yet flatter not , or if he be a man whom thou knowest the world speakes any way iustly ill of ; either tell him his fault , or leaue him wholly out of thy catalogue : but because i begin to grow tedious to my owne-selfe , and since i shall haue opportunity enough to consider with thee what is further needfull without an epistle , with my prayers for my prince , my country , my friends , and my ●wne prosperitie , without any leaue taking , or commendations of my selfe ; i heartily wish my owne soule to fare-well . thy princes , thy countries , thy friends , and thine i. thine owne whilst reason masters affection . geo. wither . to the reader . readers ; i speake to you that haue vnderstanding ; when these first fruits of my conuerted muses , shall come to your iudicious censures , do not look for spencers , or daniels wel composed numbers ; or the deep conceits of now florishing iohnson ; no ; say t is honest plain matter , & there 's as much as i look for . if i haue seem'd to err in any thing suppose me not so obstinate , or wel conceited of my own opinions , but that i may be perswaded by any that shal produce stronger reasons to the contrary . if any thing may seeme to haue a doubtfull interpretation , assure your selues the honestest meaning in it is mine , and although some may think i haue not so wel ioyned things together as i might haue done , i know whē you haue considered the nature of the subiect , & the diuersity of things therin hādled , you wil accept my good wil & let my yeeres be an excuse for that & al other ignorant ouer-sights whatsoeuer . some no doubt will mistake my plainnes , in that i haue so bluntly spoken what i haue obserued , without any poeticall additions or fained allegories , i am sorry i haue not pleased them therein , but should haue been more sorry if i had displeased my selfe in doing otherwise ; for i know if i had wrapt vp vy meaning , in dark riddles , i should haue been more applauded and lesse vnderstood , which i nothing desire . i neither feare nor shame to speake the trurh , and therefore haue nakedly thrust it forth without a couering . to what end were it , if i ( as some do ) had appareld my mind in darke parables , that few or none might haue vnderstood mee ? i should doe better to be silent ; but if it be more in request i may hereafter be obscure enough , yet in this t is not my meaning , for indeed , if i knew how , my desire is to be so plaine , that the bluntest iobernole might vnderstand mee . our grand-villaines care not for a secret ierk ; well wee may shew an honest wit in couertly nipping them ; but either 't is in vaine cause they perceiue it not , or else ridiculous , seeing they only vnderstand it who will but either malice or flout vs for our labors . many may dislike the harshnes of the verse but you know , although it be not stately , yet it we enough befits the matter , and whereas i may seem blame-worthy in mixing diuinity with humanity : yet when you haue found my generall ayme ; considered with what reuerent respect i haue done it , and what commendable authorities i may haue for it , i nothing misdoubt your approbation . those things which concerne my selfe , may seeme childish , nothing pleasing , but you must consider i had a care to please my selfe aswel as others ; and if the world blame mee as to sawcy with her , 't is for want of manners , but her owne fault , that would allow mee no better education . to bee briefe , if i haue any way offended i am so well perswaded you wil mildly conster my errors and infirmities , that i rest wholly , and onely on your sound and incorrupted iudgements . * but* readers ; i meane you that are no more but readers ; i make no question if this book come to your spelling , it will haue many halting verses , and disioynted sentenses : for i haue had experience of your insufficiencie : yet haue i striu'd to bee for your sakes i tell you ( because i would if it were possible bee vnderstood ) as plaine ( as they say ) as a pack-saddle , and now the doubt is then fooles will ride me . if they doe certainly , i shall be rough & vneasie for their tendernes . though you vnderstand them not yet because you see this wants some fine phrases & flourishes , as you find other mens writings stuft withal , perhaps you wil iudge me vnlearned . wel ; and right enough . yet you will be counted but saucy coblers to go beyond your lasts . and if that be a fault did not the subiect and your ignorances , require me to be in that sort faulty ? i could with ease haue amended it , for it cost me ( i protest ) more labour to obserue this plainenesse then if i had more poetically trim'd ii , but for feare if i speake much , i confound your memories , i will say no more but this , read and welcome , but censure not , for your iudgement is weake and i vtterly renounce it . valete george wither . to time. epigr. . now swift-deuouring , bald and ill fac't time , dost not thou blush to see thy selfe vncloak't ? oh that i knew but how to laugh in rime ? faith i would do it though thou wisht me choakt . did'st thou but see how thy faire antique shape , is now transformed to a shapelesse hew : how like thou look'st to some barbarian ape , could'st thou i say with me thine owne selfe view thou wouldst be metamorphosed anew , run quite away , and either all amend , or wish thy selfe and all things at an end . and yet dispaire not time , though thou art ill ; the worst that euer yet was knowne to be , t is not ordain'd thou shouldst remaine so still , for i my selfe this age do hope to see : the gloriou'st work that euer time brought forth , the master-peece , and the most noble act ; in the respect of which 't were nothing worth if all the braue deeds done were but one fact , romes fall i meane ; i heard it when it crack't . yea from my cradle i did still surmize ; i should see babell tumble bethell rise , epig . . i heare there 's some aske how i dare so plaine tax the abuses that i now see raigne , i muse as much they dare say ill vnto it , or dare but aske , but how i dare to doe it . to the stranger . thou that wert so vnhappy first , to breath , without the compasse of great brittans powe● and blest againe that fate did thee bequeath , the knowledge of so rich a tongue as our . if vnderstanding thou dost hap to read , this booke wherein thou seest my nations sham● yet do not thou against my country plead , for thine thou know'st doth merit as much blame our faults are many , this indeed is true ; but were they moe , we were no worse then you . to the satyro-mastix . . oh lord sir y' are deceiu'd i 'me none of tho●● that write in anger , or malicious spleene , i haue not taken pepper in the nose , nor a base forger of false libels beene , such ones there be indeed , such i haue seene ; i enuy no man for his greatnes i , nor seeke i any honest mans disgrace ; i ioy in euery ones prosperity , i le not the credit of a dogge deface , my aduersaery shall not prooue the case . then stand back sirrah whip-iack with your scourge , do not incense my satyr for thy life : hee 's patient enough vnlesse thou vrge , contentions are now a dayes to rife , and he is very backward vnto strife , but notwithstanding heere he lets thee see , as long as there is cause and reason why : in spight of all that foes to satyrs be : he shall , if i list taxe iniquitie , it is a matter of necessity . what ? you would faine haue all the great ones freed , they must not for their vices be controld , beware ; that were a saucines indeed ; but if the great-ones to offend be bold , i see no reason but they should be told . yea and they shall ; their faults most hurtfull be , and though i will not put them to that shame , i no iniustice in the matter see , if they were taxed by their proper name , for no sinne can on earth haue her full blame . then scourge of satyrs hold thy whip from mine , or i will make my rod lash thee and thine . to the gald reader . epig . . sir , he that 's night-gald or hath cornes on 's toes , may blame the shoomaker and curse his shooes but those that are acquainted with the fault , can tell the reason wherefore he doth halt ; so thou maist think ( perhaps ) these satyrs sting thee where only thy owne guiltines doth wring thee . for if thou wert from these diseases free , thou wouldst be quiet as some others be . but t is well known a ticklish beast hath tricks and the old prouerb saith a gold la ●e kicks . but i 'le aduise thee , if thou feele it smart , be rule by me and play not the fooles part , keep 't to thy selfe , and there are none shall know , whether that thou art toucht therein or no , thou seest thou neither art markt out nor na'md ; and therefore onely to thy selfe art sham'd ; now if thou stir at best thou shalt but make the country of thy faults more knowledge take . and ( as indeed it iustly may ) diuine , the worst faults that i write against are thine , then since to be reprooued seemes a curse , and to be mooued makes the matter worse , either for to amend thy life haue care , o● like a pack ! orse and an asse stil beare . to the impartiall author . ceorge , i did euer thinke thy faithfull breast , conteind a mind beyond the common sort , thy very looke and honest heart exprest , and seem'd an aw-full mildnes to import : poets may vaunt of smooth and lofty straines , thine with thy subiect fitly do agree ; but then thy muse a better praise obtaines , for whilst the greatest but time-pleasers be , thou vnappald and freely speak'st the truth : not any one for feare or lucre sparing : a vertue rare in age , more rare in youth ; another cato , but i think more daring ; wel maist thou speed in these tempestuous times , thou soone begin'st to make the world thy foe yet i so wel do like thy honest rimes ; that i could wish al poets would write so ; for thou the way of truth so rightly tend'st , i hold them double prais'd whom thou commendst thy deare friend , th. c. the contents of the first booke . the occasion . the introduction , of man offond loue. satyr of lust. of hate . of enuy. of reuenge . of choller . of iealousie , of couetousnes . of ambition . of feare . of despaire . of hope . of compassion . of cruelty . of ioy. of sorrow . the conclusion of the first booke . the second booke . of vanity . satyr . of inconstancy of weaknes . of presumption the scourge epigramms to the king , &c. and to certaine noble personages and friends , to whom the author gaue any of his bookes . the occasion . of this worke . vvhen nimble time , that all things ouer-runs ; made me forsake my tops and elderne guns reaching those yeares in which the schoole boyes bragge in leauing off the bottle and the bagg : the very spring before i grew so old , that i had amost thrice fiue winters told , noting my other fellow-pupils hast , that to our english athens flockt so fast : least others for a truant should suspect me , that had the selfe-same tutor to direct me and in a manner counting it a shame , to vndergoe so long a schoole-boyes name , thither went i ; for ( though i le not compare ) with any of them that my fellowes were ; yet then ( i le speake it to my teachers praise ) i was vnfurnisht of no needfull layes ; nor any whit for grammar rules to seeke , in lillies latine , nor in camdens greeke . but so well grounded that another day , i could not with our idle students say for an excuse i was ill enter'd ; no : there are too-many know it was not so ; and therefore since i came no wiser thence , i must confesse it was my negligence , yet daily longing to behold and see , the places where the sacred sisters be ; i was so happy to that foard i came , of which an oxe , they say , beares halfe the name : it is the spring of knowledge that imparts , a thousand seuerall sciences , and arts , a christall fount , whose water is by ods , far sweeter then the nectar of the gods : or for to giue 't a title that befits , it is the very nurcery of wits ; there once arriued , cause my wits were raw , i fell to wondring at each thing i saw and for my learning made a monthes vacation , in nothing of the places scituation : the palaces and temples that were due vnto the wife mineruaes hallowed crew ; their cloisters , walkes , and groues all which suruei'd , and in my new admittance well apaid ; i did ( as other idle freshmen doe ) long for to see the bell of osney to : but yet , indeed ( may not i grieue to tell ? ) i neuer dranke at aristotles well . and that perhaps may be the reason why , i know so little in philosophy . yet old sir harry bath was not forgot , in the remembrance of whose wondrous shot , the forrest by ( beleeue it they that will ) retaines the surname of shot-ouer still : then hauing seene enough , and therewithall , got some experience at the tennisball , my tutor ( telling me i was not sent , there to be idle , but with an intent , for to encrease my knowledge ) , cald me in , and with his graue instructions did begin to teach : and by his good perswasions sought , to bring me to a loue of what he taught : then after that he gan for to impart , the hidden secrets of the logick art ; in steed of grammer rules he taught me than , old scotus , seton , and new keckerman . he shew'd me which the predicables be , as genus , species , and th' other three , so hauing said enough of their contents , handles in order the ten praedicaments , then post praedicaments : with priorum , perhermenias and posteriorum : he with the topicks opens ; and descries elenchi , full of subtile falacies : these to vnfold ( indecd ) he tooke some paine , but to my dull capacity in vaine : for all he spake was to as little passe , as in old time vnto the vulger was their latine seruice , which they vnderstood aswel as did a horse to do them good , and i his meaning did as neere coniecture , as if he had beene reading hebrew lecture ; his infinites , indiuiduit●es , contrari's , and subcontrarieti's , diuisions : subdiuisions , and a crew of tearmes and wordes such as i neuer knew ; my shallow vnderstanding so confounded , that i was grauel'd like a ship that 's grounded ; and in despaire the mistery to gaine , neglecting all tooke neither heed nor paine , yea , i remaind in that amazed plight , till cinthia sixe times lost her borrowed light , but then ashamd to find my selfe still mute , and other little dandiprats dispute , that could distinguish vppon rationale , yet scarcely heard of ver●um personale ; and could by heart ( like parots ) in the schooles , stād pratling , those me thought were pretty fooles , and therefore in some hope to profit so , that i like them ( at least ) might make a show : i reacht my bookes that i had cast about , ( to see if i could pick the meaning out ) and prying on them with some diligence , at length i felt my dull intelligence begin to open ; and perceiued more , in halfe an houre then halfe a yeare before , and which is strange the thinges i had forgot , and till that very day remembred not , since first my tutor read them ; those did then , returne into my memory agen , ●o that with which i had so much to do , a weeke made easie , yea and pleasing too . but then with that not thoroughly content , ●practis'd to maintaine an argument , and hauing waded thorough sophistrie , ●ell vnto reading of philosophy ; and thinking there the ethicks not enough , ● also had a longing for to know , the cause of snow , haile , thunder , frost , and raine , ●he lightenings , meteors , and what here 't were vaine for me to speake of ; since i shall but show-it , ●o those that better then my selfe do know-it . then from the causes of thinges naturall , ●went to matters metaphisical : of which when i a little newes could tell , ● ( as the rest did ) vnto wrangling fell . and as the fashion was for to disgrace her , when i oppos'd the truth i could out-face her , ●ut now ensues the worst , i getting foot , ●nd well digesting learnings bitter root : ●eady to tast the fruit ; and when i thought ●hould a calling in that place haue sought , ●ound i was for other ends ordain'd , ●ea to forsake this course i was constrain'd : ●or fortune that full many a boone hath lost me , ●hus in the reaping my contentment , crost me . ●u sir ( quoth she ) that i must make my slaue , ●or whom in store a thousand plagues i haue , ●ome home , i pray , and learne to hold the plough , ●or you haue read philosophy enough . if wrangling in the schooles be such a sport , go to those ploydens in the inns of court , for aske your parish-neighbors they can tell , those fellowes do maintaine contention well ; for art in numbers you no coile need keep , a little skill shall serue to tell your sheepe : seeke not the stars thy euils should relate , least when thou know them , thou grow desperate ; and let alone geometry , t is vaine , i le find you worke enough to marre your braine ; or would you study musique ? else 't were pitty , and yet it needs not , you shall find i le fit ye : i le teach you how to frame a song , and will prouide you cares to be the subiect stil : this , fortune or my fate , did seem to tel me , and such a chance , indeed , ere long befell me , for ere my yeares would suffer me to be , admitted for to take the lowest degree ; by fates appointment ( that no stay can brook ) the paradise of england i forsooke , and seing i was forc't to leaue those mountaines , fine groues , faire walks , & sweet delightful fountains and since it might not vnto me be granted , to keepe those places where the muses hanted , i home returned somwhat discontent , and to our bentworth beechy shadowes went : bewailing these my first endeauors lost , and so to be by angy fortune crost , who though she dayly do much mischiefe to me , can neuer whilst i liue a greater do me ; and yet in that , ere she procur'd her will , i learnt enough to scorne a fortune still : yea vse hath made her enuy seeme so vaine , that i am almost proud in her disdaine : but being back returnd , as i haue said , hauing a little in the country stai'd , i there espi'de ( as i had long suspected ) i ( vndeseru'd ) of some was ill affected , and that by those t is thought my friends had been , but though they kept ther mallice long vnseene , and made faire showes as if they sought my good ; yet they the same of all men most with-stood , for , ( seeming kind ) they often did perswade my friends , to learne me some mechannick trade , vrging expence ( perhaps ) and telling how , that learning is but little made of now ; when t was through mallice , cause they feard that i might come to vnderstand my state thereby , exceed their knowledge , and attaine to do , my selfe more good , then they could wish me to : for that , a worse , or some such scuruy end , this selfe-conceited crew did euer bend their spitefull heads , by secret meanes to crosse my wisht desire , and to procure my losse : but hauing noted this their hollownesse , and finding that meere country businesse , was not my calling ; to auoyd their spight , ( which at that season was not showne outright ) i to the city often did resort , to see if either that place , or the court , would yeeld preferment ; but in vaine i sought , ill fortune still my hopes confusion wrought . which though for an ill signe some vnderstood , yet i presum'd vppon some future good . for though i scarce am wisht so well of some , i hope i haue a happy time to come : which , when i haue most need of comfort , shall send me true ioy to make amends for all ; but say it be not whilst i draw this ayre , i haue a heart ( i hope ) shall nere dispaire ; because there is a god , with whom i trust , my soule shall triumph , when my bodie 's dust ; but when i found that my endeauours still , fell out as they would haue 't that wisht me ill , and when i saw the world was growne so coy , to deeme me then to young for to employ : and that her greatnes thought she did not want me or found no calling bad enough to grant me , ( and hauing scapt a thrall which i le not touch , here in this place , for feare i haue too much spoke on 't elsewhere ; ) i say well weighing this , together what a foule reproch it is , to be still idle : and because i spide how glad they would be that my state enuide to find me so although the world doth scorne t' allow me action , as if i were borne before my time ; yet for to let them see in spight of fortune i le employed be ; casting preferments too much care aside and leauing that to god for to prouide ; the times abuses i obseru'd and then in generall the state and tricks of men , wherein although my labour were not seene , yet ( trust me ) the discouery hath been , my great content : and i haue for my paine , although no outward , yet an inward gaine . of which because i can with all my heart , allow my country-men to haue a part , and cause i thinke it may do some a pleasure , on opportunity i le now take seisure , and summon vp my muse to make relation , i may b' imploid ere long , now 's my vacation . an introdvction . come then inuention , and call iudgement in , knowledge , and reason , fie where haue you bin ? goe whistle off my muse that wanton plaies , with epigrams , loue-sonnets , roundelaies , and such like trifling game ; bid her come on , i haue found brauer prey to seaze vppon . ●ome new inspiring prayer warmes my heart , and addes fresh courage vnto euery part : new blood hath fild vp all my loue-dri'd veines , ● sacred fury hath possest my braines . and something too there is that swels my breast , ●il that be vtter'd i expect no rest ; for full with matter like a sibill nun , i shall grow furious till this taske be done . then rouse thee muse each little hobby plies , at scarabes and painted butterflies : leaue thou such trash , it is not now for vs , to flye for pleasure ; wee le in earnest trusse , but thou lookst dull ; vnfit for lofty things , thy wanton flight i feare hath tir ' de thy wings , least therefore thou should'st faint , forsake th●efist , and turne thy selfe into a satyrist ; not of the roughest , nor the mildestsort , be most in earnest , but sometimes in sport , what e're thou find to speake be not affrayd , and for assistance craue iehouahs ayd . vse all thy art , for why , thou must vnfold , the strangest nature that was euer told : at ripping vp whereof some smart will be , yet goe thou foreward still , who dares touch thee ? diue if thou canst , til thou the bottome sound , yet not too farre least thou thy selfe confound ; mistake me not , i meane not thou shouldst goe , to search th' earths center what lies hid below , or vndermine it for ritch mineralls thou shalt not haue to do with vegetalls , strange natures haue both stones , trees , herbes , and plants , which let him speake of that a subiect wants , there is an herb indeeed whose vertues such , it in the pasture only with a touch , vnshooes the new-shod steed : within the north , the scottish iles cald oreades brings forth trees , ( or else writers faine it ) from whose seeds , a certaine kind of water-foule proceeds . the loadstone also drawes the steele vnto it , yet hath not ginne or instrument to doe it , rare properties you see , but neither these nor what lies hidden in the vast wide seas meane i to speake off ; i no knowledge haue , what monsters play with neptunes boistrous waue , nor quality of birds , nor beasts i found ; for why their natures may be quickly found , indeed we may by little inquisition , find out the bruitish creatures true condition , as for example we for certaine know , the elephant much loue to man wil show . the tygers , woolues , and lyons we do find , are rauenous , fierce and cruell euen by kind , we know at caryon we shal find the crowes , and that the roost-cock whē t is mid night knowes : by a few dayes experience we may see , whether the mastife , curst or gentle be ; and many other natures we find out , of which we haue no cause at all to doubt , but there 's another creature called man , note him who wil , and tel me if he can , what his condition is ; obserue his deeds , his speach , his rayment . yea and how hee feedes try him a month , a yeare , an age , and when you haue so tride him ; say , what is he then ? retaines he either vnto praester iohn , or else vnto the whore of babilon : if that you know not which of them to grant , is he a brownist or a protestant ? if in an age you cannot find out wheither are you so much as sure that he is either ? is his heart proud or humble ? know you where or when , he hates , or loues , or standes in feare ? or who can say ( in conscience i think none ) that this mans words , and deeds , & thoughts are one ? where shall you him so well resolued find , that wants a wandring and a wauering mind ? nay he of whom you haue most triall , when you see him dying , will you trust him then ? perhaps you may ; yet questionlesse he leaues you , a mind misdoubting still that he deceiues you . and no great wonder ; for hee s such an else , that euer is vncertaine of himselfe . he is not semper idem in his will , nor stands on this or that opinion still , but varies ; he both will and wil not too , yea euen the thing he thinkes and sweares to doe he many times omits . now god forgiue him , i wonder how another should beleeue him . but this same diuers and inconstant creature , that so contrary is in his owne nature , 't is him my new-inspired muse here tries , whilst he is liuing to anotomize : t is his abuses and condition , ( although it be beyond all definition ) i labour to discouer : but aswell i may againe dragge cerberus from hell : alcydes toyles were much , yet this is more , yea if his twise-sixe , had beene twise sixe-score . it is so infinite for to vnfold , although that i did speake til i were old , yet should i leaue vnnam'd i 'me sure ee'n than , many a humor i haue seene in man. and yet i must needes say in him there be , a thousand times more trickes then i can see . t is wonderfull , and my immagination is almost ouerwhelm'd with admiration ; indeed it is , so deep 's mans heart ; but yet , since either want of yeares , or want of wit , or lack of worke , or lack of all , hath brought me , to be more heedful , then a number thought me ; since it some time and study too hath cost me , and many a humor of mine owne hath lost me . since it hurts none , and since perhaps some may , be benefitted by 't another day , although it be a taske that 's not alone , too huge for to be done by any one , but more then al the world can well dispatch , yet looke what my weake memory could catch , i le heer relate and nothing of it spare , saue things vnfit , and such as neeedlesse are . now some will say t were fit i held my tongue , for such a taske as this i am too young : he ne're had dealings in the world with men , how can he speak of their conditions then ? he cannot they conclude : strong reasons why , know none how market goes but such as buy ? we see it happens that a shifting knaue , a sly deceitfull connicatching slaue , playing at cards with some vnskilfull gull , whose purse is lin'd with crownes and penniful , may put a nimble feat for to deceiue ; which though a cunning gamester nere perceiue , he peraduenture may the same descry , that is no player but a stander by : so i aloofe may view , without suspition , mens idle humours and their weake condition : plainer perhaps then many that haue seene , more daies & on th' earths stage haue actors been . and t is no maruaile , for employment takes them , quite from themselues , and so dim-sighted makes them they cannot see the fooleries they doe , nor what ill passions they are subiect to : then who er'e carpe , the course i haue begunne , in spight of them i wil ( god helping ) runne : and least th' exordium hath too tedious bin , my obseruations loe i now begin . of man. mounted aloft on contemplations wings , and noting with my selfe the state of things , i plainely did perceiue as on a stage , the confus'd actions of this present age , i view'd the world , and i saw my fill , because , that all i saw therein was ill . i weigh'd it well and found it was the scoene , of villany , of lust , and all vncleane and loath'd corruption . seeing which my mind , ( that by some inspiration ganne to find the place was not in fault for this ) search't on , to find the cause of this confusion . and noting euery creature , there i found , that only man was the chiefe spring and ground of all this vproare ; yea i soone did see , he there was all in all , and none but he ; then being also willing for to know , what thing man was , i did begin to grow yet more inquisitiue . an old record at last i hapt vpon which did afford much sacred light . it shewed man was a creature , first made by god , iust , and vpright by nature , in his owne likenesse . that he was compounded of soule and body : that this last was founded of earth : the first infus'd by inspiration , and that the finall cause of his creation , was to set forth the glory of his maker , and with him to be made a ioynt-partaker of enldes happines . growne much amazd , to read this of him for a time i paus'd , and finding now in man no marke or signe , that ere he was a creature so deuine , i knew not what to thinke , vnlesse the same , meant any other creature of that name : but prying further on i there found out , the resolution of my present doubt , i saw the cause of 's fall : how with free-will he fell from his first goodnes vnto ill : i saw how he from happines did slide , through disobedience and vnthankfull pride : yea and i found , how by that cursed fall , he was bereaued and quite stript of all that so adornd him ; his first holinesse , was chang'd to a corrupted filthinesse then he began to draw a paineful breath , and was a slaue , made captiue vnto death ; his body was expos'd to labour , sweate , and much disquieting : he got his meat with sorrow , care , and many perturbations , and then his soule grew subiect vnto passions and strange distemperatures . more-ouer he , so perfect miserable grew to be , that if he had not a re-generation ; nothing was left him but meere desperation . hauing seene this , i made no question than , but this was spoken of the creature man which i sought after : serching further yet , on some ap●criphall records i hit , the workes of wise philosophers ; from whence , i haue receiued more intelligence concerning him , for there they do vnfold , each part about his body , and haue told secrets of nature very rare to finde , besides they haue considered of the mind : the vnderstanding part , and do relate the nature of his soule , and her estate : deepe misteries indeed : but cause that i cannot diue into that philosophy , so farre as these . and since i shall but tell , those things which no men can explane so well as they themselues , i leaue you to their bookes , in which he that with good aduisement lookes , shal find it largely handled : as for me , i meane to speake but what i know and see by tri'd experience , which perhaps may giue , ( although i haue but now begun to liue ) some profitable notes . first i avow , what euer man hath beene , that he is now , a reasonable liuing creature : who consisteth of a soule and body toe . his bodye's flesh and blood , subiect to sinning , corrupting euen in his first beginning , and ful of al vncleannesse : then his soule , is a pure lasting substance yet made foule through th' others filthines : much supprest by diuers hurtful passions which molest and hinder hir proceedings ; yea hee 's this , a creature that exceeding wretched is , and that he may be sure no fault to want , vaine , fickle , weake , and wondrous arogazt . and though his nature heretofore were pure , now nothing is more fading or vnsure . but i le omit at this time to relate , the curses iu'e obseru'd in 's outward state , for though the body , that before the fall susteind no sorrow , were it ner'e so small : doth now feele hunger , with heat , thirst and cold , a feeble birth , defects in being old , with thousands more ; and though each gaspe of breath , in misery he draw vntil his death . yet al this outward change which i do find , is nothing when i do behold the mind : for there ( as i haue said ) abused passion , keepes vmpire , and hath got predomination . vertues depos'd thence , and vice rule obtaines ; yea vice from vice there by succession raignes : thrusting out those that vertues presence grac't and in their steeds these hurtful monsters plac't fond loue , and lust , ambition , emnity , foolish compassion , ioy and iealousie : feare , hope , despaire , and sadnesse , with the vic● cal'd hate , reuenge , and greedy auarice , choller and cruelty : which i perceiud , to be the only causes man 's bereau'd of quietnesse and rest . and these i found to be the principall , and only ground of all pernitious mischeefes that do rage , or haue disturbed him in any age , and therefore i do heere entend to show , ere i goe farther , what ill humors flow from these fore-named ; yea i will declare , to what abuses most men subiect are throgh any of them : for when as i tooke view , although i saw not all , i found a few ; and for because i wil not order breake , i will assunder of each passion speake . of the passion . of love . satyr . . first loue ; the same i heere the first do call , because that passion is most natural ; and of it selfe could not be discommended , wert not with many a foule abuse attended , or so much out of measure , as we see , by those in whom it raignes it oft wil be : for looke wher't growes into extremity , it soone becometh vertues laethargy , makes them set light by reasons sound direction , and beares them headlong by vntam'd affection . c●unsels in vain , cause when this fit doth take them reason and vnderstanding doth forsake them ; it makes them some-time merry , some-time sad , vntam'd men mild , and many a mild man mad : to fooles it wisdome giues , and makes the witty to shew thēselues most fooles ( the more 's the pitty ) some it makes purblind , that they do not know , the snow white cygnet from the cole-black crow ; that one to gold compares his mistris hayre , when 't is like foxe-fur and doth think shee 's faire , though she in beauty be not far before , the swart west-indian , or the tawny moore . oh those faire star-like eyes of thine , one saies : when to my thinking she hath look't nine wayes ; and that sweet breath ; when i thinke ( out vppon 't ) 't would blast a flower if she breathed on 't , another hauing got a dainty peece , ( prouder then iason with his golden fleece ) commends her vertues that hath iust as many , as a shee-baud that neuer yet had any . yet sweares shee 's chast and takes her for no more , vvhen all her neighbours knowes she is a — another he growes carelesse of his health , neglects his credit and consumes his wealth , hath found a pretty peat , procur'd her fauor , and sweares that he in spight of all , wil haue her ; wel let him take her since they are contented , but such rash-matches are the soon'st repented . then there is one who hauing found a peere , in all thinges worthy to be counted deere ; vvanting both art and heart his mind to breake , sits sighing ( wo is me ) and wil not speake . all company he hates , is oft alone , growes melancholly , weepes , respecteth none ; and in dispaire seekes out a way to dye , vvhen he might liue and find a remedy . but how now ; wast not you ( saies one ) that late so humbly beg'd a boone at beauties gate ? was it not you that to a female saint indited your aretophels complaint , with many doleful sonnets , wa' st not you ? sure t was saies he : but then how comes it now you carpe at loue thus in a satyrs vaine ? take heed you fall not in her handes againe , sure if you doe , you shal in open court , be forc't to sing a palinodia for't . what are your braines dry , or yourblood growne cold ? or are you on a sodaine waxen old ? to flout at loue , which men of greatest wit , alow in youth as naturall and fit . what reason haue you for 't els ? what pretence haue you for to excuse this vild offence ? to him i answer that indeed een'e i was lately subiect to this malady : lik't what i now dislike ; employ'd good times in the composing of such idle rimes as are obiected : from my heart i sent full many a heauy sigh , and oft-times spent vnmanly teares . i haue , i must confesse , thought if my loue smil'd that no happinesse might equalize it , and her frowne much worse , ( o god forgiue me ) then the churches curse , i did ( as some do ) not much matter make , to hazard soule and body for her sake , hauing no hope sometime i did despaire , sometime too much built castles in the ayre , in many a foolish humor i haue beene , as wel as others ; looke where i haue seene her ( whom i lou'd ) to walke , when she was gone , thither i often haue repair'd alone : as if i thought the places did containe , something to ease me ( oh exceeding vaine : ) yet what if i haue beene thus idly bent , shal be now asham'd for to repent ? moreouer i was in my child-hood than , and am scarse yet reputed for a man. and therefore neither cold , nor old , nor dry ; nor cloi'd with any foule disease am i , 't is no such cause that made me change my mind , but my affection that before was blind , rash and vnruly , now begins to find that it had run a large and fruitlesse race , and therevpon hath giuen reason place . so that by reason , what no reason might perswade me from before ; i haue out-right , iustly forsaken ; for because i see 't was vaine , absurd , and naught but foolery , yet for all this looke where i lou'd of late , i haue not turnd it in a spleene to hate : no , for 't was first her vertue and her wit , taught me to see how much i wanted it ; then as for loue , i do alow it stil , i neuer did dislik't nor neuer will ; so it be vertuous , and contain'd within , the bounds of reason ; but when 't will begin , to run at random and her limits breake ; i must , because i cannot chuse but speake . but i forget my selfe , wherefore am i so tedious in my owne apologie ? it needed not at all , i le on againe , and shew what kind of louers yet remaine : one sort i find yet of this louing crew , whose quality i thinke is knowne to few : these seeke by all the meanes they can to gaine each virgins liking : sometime not in vaine , they do obtaine their wish , but when t is got , sorry they are and wish they had it not . for peraduenture they haue plac't their loue , so as it cannot , nor it must not mooue and yet if they should faile for to procure it , 't would greeue thē so they hardly woould endure it . yea though in shew ( at least ) they haue said nay , their loues with like affection to repay , if they perceiu't abate , as it will doe , both this and that , doth make them sorry too . but he that is with such a humor led , i may be bold to terme a watle-head . more-ouer men in placing their affection , haue feu'rall humors for to giue direction . some like the faire , but there 's not all the grace , she may be faire , and haue a squemish face , some like the wanton , some the modest eyes , the pace , or gesture some's affection ties . a smile wins one , anothers lookes mooues pitty , the next commends the lasse that 's bold and witty . againe some loue where they no cause can find , but onely this ; the wench they see is kind . yea one doth thinke her faire ( another loathes ) because she seemes so in her gaudy clothes . more sorts there are ; but sure i am , not many that for bare vertue haue affected any . wealth many matches makes ; but most can prooue though it breeds liking , yet it winnes not loue . then to obtaine his mistres , one man tries , how he can stretch his wits to poetize : his pass●a● to relate his skill he proues , but in this blockish age it little moues ; nor doe i wonder much true meaning failes , and wit so little in this case auailes , since dunces can haue sannets fram'd & send them , as their inuentions , when some others pen'd them . another seekes by valour to obtaine , his wished prize , but now that trial 's vaine ; the third brings wealth , and if he doe not speed , the womans worth the suing for indeed . then he that 's neither valorous nor wise , comes ruffling in , with shamelesse brags and lies , making a stately , proud , vaine-glorious show , of much good matter , when t is nothing so . in steed of lands , to which he ne're was heyre , he tels her tales of castles in the ayre , for martiall matters , he relates of fraies , where many drew their swords & ran their waies . his poetry is such as he can cull , from plaies he heard at curtaine or at bull , and yet is fine coy mistres - marry-muffe , the soonest taken with such broken stuffe . another shallow braine hath no deuise , but prates of some strange casts he had at dice , brags of his play , yea sure it doth befall , he vaunts oft-times of that which marreth all ; but some i note ( now fie on such a man ) that make themselues as like them as they can , thereby to winne their loues ; they faine their pace ; order their lookes , and striue to set their face to looke demure : some wooe by nods , and lookes , some by their sighes , and others by their bookes ; some haue a nature must not be denaide , and will grow furious if they be delaide : others againe haue such a fancy got , if they soone speed then they esteeme them not . when women woo , some men do most affect them , and some againe for wantons doe suspect them : besides , we see that fooles themselues they make , what toyes they count of for their wenches sake ; one for some certaine months , or weekes , or daies , vveares in his hat a branch of wither'd bayes . or sweares for to employ his vtmost power , for to preserue some stale-neglected flowre : he weares such colours as for louers be , drinks vowed healths vpon his bared knee : sue's mainly for a shoo-string , or doth craue her , to grant him but a busk-point for a fauour : and then to note ( as i haue seene ) an asse that by her window , whom he loues , must passe , with what a fained pace , the woodcock stalks ; how skuruely he sleareth as he walks : and if he ride , how he rebounds and trots , as if his horse were troubled with the bots ; 't would make one swell with laughing : in a day he makes more errands then he needs that way , bearing himselfe as if he still espide him , when as perhaps she flouts , or lookes beside him : nay should i tell you all the vanitie , i haue obserued in this maladie , i should shame louers , but i le now be husht , for had i said more i my selfe had blusht : yet know ; although this passion i haue tyde to loue of women , it concludes beside all whatsoeuer kinde of loues there be , vnlesse they keep the minde from trouble free , and yeeld to reason : but of such-like louers , my muse hereafter other feates discouers . of desire or lvst . satyr . . lvstfull desire , ( although t were rather fit . to some bruite creature to attribute it ) shall in mans heart retaine the second place ; because it shrouds her vile deformed face vnder loues vizard , and assumes that name , hiding her owne fault with the others blame : t is a base passion , from the which doth flow many base humours ; t is the ouerthrow of all in whom it enters ; 't is an euill , worse then to be possessed with a diuell : this 't is that oft hath caused publike strife , and priuate discord ; this makes man and wife grow each to other cold in their affection , and to the very marrow sends infection ; and as phisicians say , it makes the face looke wan , pale , yellow , and doth much deface the beauty of it ; and as for the fight it either dums it or bereaues it quight ; it dries the body , and from thence doth sprout griefes of the stomack , leprosie and gout , with other such ; beside it doth decay not life alone , but also takes away , both memory and vnderstanding toe ; so doctors that haue tride it , say t' will doe . and which way comes that foule disease to vs we call the french , so vile and odious : i st not by lust ? breed not such-like desires , children begotten by vncertaine syres ? strange generations , beds so oft defilde ; that many a father scarcely knowes his childe ? or , is 't not hence this common prouerbe growes , t is a wise child that his oane father knowes ? doth it not others reputations foyle ? and them e'ne of their dearest iewels spoyle ? yes , yes ; and hence a thousand other crimes doe daily spring , and yet in these our times t is highly made of : yea t is lust doth weare the richest garments , and hath curiou'st fare ; the softest beds it hath for to repose , with sweet perfumes , but sure there 's need of those . drawne in a coach it visits now and then some neere acquaintance , mongst the noblemen ; yet doth it not the court alone frequent , but is i th' cittie as much resident : where when it walkes the street it doth imploy , either a prentice , or a roaring-boy to vsher it along , and few disdaine it , but those vnable for to entertaine it . 't were much to note the paine that some indure , and cost that they 'le be at for to procure their beastly wils : there 's many spend their stocks in ruffes , gownes , kirtles , peti-coats , and smocks , for which one 's paid with that shal make him craul , ( if he be friended ) to some hospitall . another's quitted for his wel-spent stuffe , by some grim sergeant with a counter-buffe : the last it brings , if still that course he followes , first to the gaole , and so forth to the gallowes . and what haue you obserued to haue bin the vsuall associats of this sinne ? but filthy speeches , bold fac't impudence . vnseemely actions , ryot , negligence , and such as these ; yea to procure their lust it makes them into any mischiefs thrust , how hatefull or apparent ere they be , or put in practise any villanie . moreouer , where it enters once , the minde , cannot true rest , nor any quiet finde . we see it also makes them for to craue , not what is best , but what they long to haue , yea , lust hath many mischiefes that ensue it , which most men see , but few the lesse eschew it : men rather now , as if t' were no offence , are growne to such a shamelesse impudence , they vaunt and bragge of their lasciuious facts , no lesse then some , of braue heroick acts . and not a few of this same humor be , that would be term'd the foes of chastitie . by whom if i see ill , i le sure conceale it , for they themselues will to their shames reueale it : there 's others who disliking so to vaunt , vvill , si non castè , tamen cautè grant , for that 's their motto , they make modest showes , but what they doe in secret , man nere knowes : some make a baud of their diuine profession , like shauelings in auricular-confession . th' other are bad , and sure of god accurst , but of all others , these i deeme the worst . there 's other gallants would desire but this , vvithout suspition for to talke and kisse : for other pleasures they do neuer craue them , nay if they might , they sweare they will not haue them so mean , perhaps : but time brings alteration , and a faire woman is a shrewd temptation : then many make their fained loue to be a cloake to couer their immodestie : these will protest and vow , and sweare their life consists in hauing whom they wooe , to wife , yet if the villaines can their lust fulfill , they will forsweare them and be liuing still : some doe court all , and not alone doe proue , but for because with all they are in loue , with such deep passion , that they cannot smother , their hot affection till they meete another : but why will man against himselfe and reason , consent to such a tyrant in his treason ? why will he so his liberties foregoe to be a slaue to such a monstrous foe ? for what is this same passion we call lust , i st not a brutish longing and vniust , and foule desire of the soule , to gaine some euill pleasure ? or to speake more plaine , a furious burning passion , whose hot fumes corrupts the vnderstanding , and consumes the very flesb of man ? then what 's the fact ? what may i terme that vile and shamefull act , but this ; the execution of an ill , out of set purpose and with a good will , in spight of reason ? tell me i st not base ? when men shall so their worthy sex disgrace , to giue their bodies in a deed vncleane , with a foule nasty prostituted queane ? or in their vnderstanding be so dull as to obserue on idle short-heeld trull ? a puling female diuell that hath smiles , like syrens songs , and teares like crocadiles . yet there be some ( i will not name them now ) whom i haue seene vnto such puppits bow , and be as seruiceable as a groome , that feares another man will beg his roome : they had beene glad ful oft to please their pride , with costly gifts , and forc't for to abide , imperious scoffs , with many scornefull words ; such as the humors they are in , affords and yet for these thei 'le venter honors , liues ; if they command it ; when for their poore wiues : ( though they in beauty , loue and true delight , exceed them more then day-time doth the night ) they le scarcely take vppon them for to speake , in any case of theirs their , loues so weake , yea and their lust doth wrap them in such blindnes they cannot giue them one poore look in kindnes . moreouer for their lust they haue not laid base plots alone , like him that was conueyd in a close trunk , because in secrecy , he would ( vnseene ) enioy his venery . i say not only therein haue they retcht , their damn'd inuentions , it hath also stretcht , vnto strange lusts , of which i wil not speake , because i may offend the minde that 's weake , or least i to some simple one should show , those sinnes by naming , he did neuer know : and here i leaue : there 's lurking holes such store , this stinking vermin i wil hunt no more . of hate . satyr . . bvt i haue rous'd another here as bad they call it : hate ; a worse i neuer had , before in chase : i scarce can keepe ( insooth ) my selfe from danger of his venom'd tooth . this is the passion that doth vse to moue , the mind a cleane contrary way to loue ; it is an inspiration of the divel , that makes men long for one anothers euill , it cankers in the heart , and plagueth most , not him that 's hated , but the hateful host . and yet there 's too too many i do know , whose hearts with this soule poyson ouer-flow : of which i haue a true intelligence , by the sharpe scoffs and slanders springing thence , for where it rules they cannot well conceale it , but either wordes or deeds , or both reueale it , were it iust causes that did stil engender this passion in them ; or if they could render , a reason fort 't were somwhat , but their will carries them on in spight of reason still . these are their humors , for a slight offence thei 'le hate th' offender for a recompence . some malice all that any way excell , in which who thinkes but they do very well , and many haue abhorred ( god amend them ) the stranger that did neuer yet offend them : vvhich they are not asham'd for to confesse , yet in their hate continue ner'e the lesse , but though that they can yeeld no reason why , they beare them causlesse mallice , yet can i : their hearts are il , and it is seldome knowne , that a sweet bro●ke from bitter springs hath flowne : there 's some to when they see a man respected more then themselues , though they be not neglected , they inly grudge , and outwardly disdaine , being alike condition'd as was caine , some hate their friends that loue and count them deare , as by the sequel plainely shal appeare ; one that a seeming friendship had profest me , vpon a time did earnestly request me that i would plainely my opinion shew , what i of his conditions thought or knew ; and that i would without exceptions tel , what acts of his did not become him well . i scorning flattry , with a louing heart , twixt him and me my mind did soon impart ; and as a friend , that is vnfaigned , ought , left nothing vnreueald of what i thought , yea without feare i boldly reprehended , if i perceiud he any way offended , provided alwayes that i did not swerue , from a decorum fitting to obserue , but marke mans nature : he perceiuing i had taken note of some infirmity , he would not haue vnript ; and seeing toe , i espide more then he wisht i should doe of his ill humours ; ( though i must confesse ) being my friend i lou'd him nothing lesse ; in steed of thankes and liking for my paines , my company and sight he now refraines ; and for my kindnes like a thanklesse mate , doth ill repay me with a lothing hate . this one i know , and by that one i finde , that there be many beare as bad a minde , but let vs for their true conuersion pray , for we alasse may very iustly say . quod nulla est in terra charitas , et odium parit ipsa veritas . againe the wicked hates beyond all measure the righteous man , that contradicts his pleasure ; and that 's the fundamentall cause i know , that many men doe hate their teachers so : these common humors are obseru'd of few , yet may a yong experience find them true . and boldly say that all in whom th' are found , haue poysoned hearts polluted and vnsound , but they corrupted aboue all the rest , which hate their friends they should account of best but let men striue and study to remoue this passion from their hearts and graffe on loue. let them not harbor such a hellish sinne , which being entred marreth all within ; nor let them thinke my counsell merits laughter , since scripture saies , to hate our brother's slaughte● of envy . satyr . then some enuenom'd with an enuious touch , think eu'ry thing their neighbor hath to much ▪ o lord say they ( if in the field they be ) what goodly corne , and wel-fed beasts hath he ? ( if in the house ) they neuer in their liues , saw fairer women then their neighbours wiues : t is pitty shee that puts so many downe , should be embraced by so rude a clowne : that house is too well furnisht , or doth stand , better then his , or it hath finer land : this farme hath profits more then his by much , for wood and water he had neuer such . yea so he grudges inwardly and frets at euery good thing that his neighbour gets : of these besides there are that when they see , any beloued , or in fauour be , especially in courts , and great mens houses , then the heart swelleth , and the enuious rouses , ne're resting till that like a spightfull elfe , he doe displace them or disgrace himselfe . now some are in the minde that hate and this , still goe together and one passion is ; indeed , they soule iniurious humors be , so like , they seeme to haue affinitee : but if 't were so , me thinks betwixt them both , there should arise more wrangling them there doth , so t is with kinsmen , they enuy the good of those that are the same in flesh and bloud . but here may be the difference , and it shall hate doth extend to some , and this ●o all : yet enuious men doe least spight such as be of ill report , or of a low degree : but rather they doe take their ayme at such , who either wel-be-loued are , or rich : and therefore some doe fitly liken these , vnto those flies we terme cantharides : cause for the most part they alight on none , but on the flowers that are fairest blowne : or to the boisterous winde which sooner grubs the stately cedar then the humble shrubs : but yet that sometimes shakes the bush below , and moues the leafe that 's wither'd long agoe : as if he had not showne sufficient spight , vnlesse it also could orewhelme him quite and bury it in earth ; so i haue found , the blast of enuy flies as low's the ground . and though it hath already brought a man euen vnto the meanest state it can , yet t is not satisfi'd , but still deuising , vvhich way it also may disturbe his rising , this i know true ; or else it could not be that any man should hate or enuy me , being a creature , ( one would thinke ) that 's plast too low for to be toucht with enuies blast , and yet i am ; i see men haue espi'd , some-thing in me too , that may be enui'd ; but i haue found it now : and know the matter . the reason , they are rich and i le not flatter : yes and because they see that i doe scorne , to be their slaue whose equall i am borne , i heard ( although 't were spoken in a cloud ) they censure that my knowledge makes me proud , and that i reach so farre beyond my calling , they euery hower doe expect my falling : with many a prayer , and prognostication to shew their loue not worthy reuelation , but what care i ; to quit their good surmising , i doe desire my fall may be their rising . which say should once be , as i hope t will neuer , i trust to god it shall not be for euer ; and for because i know it cannot be , much lower then it is , it greeues not me , and where they say my wit augments my pride , my conscience tels me that i am belide : for knowledge of my wants doth greeue me so , i haue small ioy to boast of that i know . but let them scandall as i heare they doe , and see whose lot the shame will fall vnto ; the shafts are aim'd at me , but i le reiect them , and on the shooters too , perhaps reflect them , i care not for their enuy , since they show it ; nor doe i feare their mallice , now i know it : for to preuent the venome of their throat , i le of this poyson make an antidote : and their presaging ( though it be abuse ) i hope wil serue me to an excellent vse ; for where before i should haue tooke no heed , their wordes shall make me circumspect indeed . yea i wil be more careful to do wel , which were a plague as bad for them as hel . some i do know , yea too too well i know them , and in this place do a remembrance owe them , these ; when that through their enuy they intend , to bring one out of fauour with his friend , wil make as though they some great vices knew , that he is guilty of , and not a few : thei le shake their heads , as if they did detest the course he followes ; and that not in iest . if to the father they dispraise the sonne , it shall be slily , indirectly done : and thus ( i hope ) there 's some wil vnderstand , he liues i tel you at a s●cond hand . should i say al i know , 't would much offend you , but more such children i pray god neu'r send you , with other words of doubt to breed suspition , but dare not ( being of a base condition ) to name them any fault : and good cause why , it may be prou'd vnto their shames a ly ; now t is a quality i do dispise , as such a one doth him whom he enuies , if therefore any do that loue professe me , lord from their friendship i beseech thee blesse me , some crafty ones wil honor to their face , those whom they dare not openly disgrace : yet vnder-hand , their fames they 'l vndermine , as lately did a seeming friend of mine ; they 'l sowe their slanders as if they with griefe , were forc't to speake it : or that their vnbeliefe were loth to credit it , when 't is well knowne , the damn'd inuention was at first their owne : some doe not care how grosly they dispraise , or how vnlikely a report they raise ; because they know if 't be so false an ill , that one beleeues it not , another will ; and so their enuy very seldome failes , but one way or another , still preuailes : oh villanous conceit ! an engin bent to ouerthrow the truest innocent ; for well they know , when onee a slander's sowne , and that a false report abroad is blowne , though they would wipe it out ; yet they can neuer , because some scar will stick behind for euer . but what is this , that men are so inclind and subiect to it ? how may 't be defin'd ? sure if the same be rightly vnderstood , it is a griefe that springs from others good . and vexes them if they doe but heare tell , that other mens endeauors prosper well , it makes them grieue when any man is friended , or in their hearing praised , or commended , contrariwise againe , such is their spight : in other mens misfortunes they delight ; yea , notwithstanding it be not a whit vnto their profit , not their benefit , others prosperity doth make them leane , yea it deuoureth and consumes them cleane : but if they see them in much greefe , why that doth only make them iocund , full and fat ; of kingdomes ruine they best loue to heare , and tragicall reports do only cheere their hellish thoughts : and then their bleared eies can looke on nothing but black infamies , reprochful actions , and the foulest deeds , of shame , that mans corrupted nature breeds : but they must winke when vertue shineth bright , for feare her lustre mar their weakned sight . they do not loue encomiastick stories . or for to read their predecessors glories ; for good report to all men they deny , and both the liuing and the dead enuy : yea many of them ▪ i do thinke had rather loose all good fame then share 't with their owne father . the biting satyr they do only like , and that at some particulars must strike , or al 's worth norhing : if they can apply some part of this to him they do enuy , as well perhaps they may , then thei l commend it , and spite of their ill natures , i that pend it , shall haue some thank , but why ? not cause they deem me , or my writing either worth esteem : no , heere 's the reason they thy labour like . they think i meane him , then suppose i strike : now whose endeauors thinke you prosper should , if the euent of thinges were as these would ? ( no man can answere that , for it 's vnknowne ) nor parents , no nor childrens , scarce their owne : ( i say ) their owne hand-works are seldome free , but subiect to their proper enuies be : ' witnesse a certaine rich-man , who of late ' much pittying a neighbours wofull state , ' put to his helping hand , and set him cleare ' from all his former misery and feare : ' but when he saw that through his thrift , and heed , ' he had well cur'd againe his former need , ' and grew to pretty meanes , though he no whit ' vnthankfull was for this his benefit : ' yet , being of a nature that did long , ' and ioy , to see anothers case goe wrong , ' hauing no second cause ; much grieued now , ' that he once helpt him ; all his study's how , 'to ruinate the poore mans state againe , ' and make through enuy his owne labour vaine . i wonder men should so from reason range , or entertaine a humor that 's so strange and so vnprofitable , tell me why , should we the honors , or the wealth enuy of other men ? if we delight to see , our brethren when in euill case they be , le ts wish them riches , titles , and promotion , t will make them greedy , proud , & choke deuotion , t will plunge them in a flood of misery , in the respect of which , the beggery we thinke so vile , is heauen , yea i know , it is a thousand more mens ouerthrow then pouertie can be . that if we hate , or would enuy who are in happy state , in my opinion they must not be such that titles haue attaind , or to be ritch ; no , poore men rather , who are combred lesse , and haue indeed the truest happinesse . but be they rich or no , i passe not whether , for my part , i am sure , i enuy neither , so i but reach the glorie i desire , i doe not care how many mount vp higher ; and if i want not , what hurt is'● to me , if i the poorest in the kingdome be ? yet from this passion , i beleeue not many can be exempted , if there may be any : but sure more mischiefe alway doth betide th' enuious then to him that is enuide ; and they haue often , ( who would then bemone ? ) lost both their eyes to lose their neighbour one : yea there is many a periur'd enuious noddy ; damnes his owne soule to hurt his neighbours body . but now such men may best by this be knowne , they 'le speake in no mans praise but in their owne , and in their presence but commend a man , they 'l from his worth detract eu'n all they can : so do the foule mouth'd zoili , spightfull momes , vvhose eyes on euery new pen'd treatise romes . not for their owne auaile or benefit ; to feed their humors by disgracing it , they rather seeke : and that they 'l disallow which they would mend themselues , if they knew how : but what are they that keep this censuring court , none i le assure you of the wisest sort ; none of the wisest said i : yet content ye , they are a great way past ass in presenti ; and think themselues , ( but thought somtime is free ) a great deale wiser then indeed they bee , for howsoeuer their insinuation hath gain'd a little vulgar reputation , they are but glow-wormes that are briske by might , and neuer can be seen when sunne giues light ; ill tong'd and enuious , ignorant of shame , and vile detractors of anothers fame ; but let them carp on , what need any care ; simce they are knowne for fooles without compare ; but fellow christians , thinke vpon this euill , know 't is an instigation of the diuell , remember 't is a knowne apparant foe to charitie ; and friendships ouerthrow . a vicious humor , that with hell acquaints , and hinders the communion of saints : consider that , and how it makes vnable , to be partaker of the holy table . and so i trust you 'l root it from the heart , and , as th'apostle counsels , lay apart dissembling , enuie , slander , malice , guile ; and euil-speaking as most bad and vile . chiefely in those men , whose religion saith , her mainest piller , is true-loue , next faith. of revenge . satyr . . roome for reuenge , he 's no commedian that acts for pleasure , but a grim tragedian , a foule sterne monster , which if we displease ; death , wounds and bloud , or nothing can appease ; so wicked that though all good men disdaine it , yet there are many rashly entertaine it , and hugge it as a sweet contented passion : but all men act not in one kinde , nor fashion , for one so priuate is , that no man knowes it ; another cares not , before whom he showes it , then some of them are fearefull , some are bolder , some are too hot , and some againe are colder : oh , i haue seene , and laught at heart to see 't , some of our hot-spurs drawing in the street , as though they could not passions rage withstand ▪ but must betake them to it out of hand . but why i th' street ? oh company doth heart them , and men m●y see their valorous acts and part them . that humor yet , i rather doe commend then theirs whose fury hath no stay nor end ; till of their liues they haue bereft their foes , and then they thinke they pay them ; yet who b●● knows ▪ that t is a smal reuenge ? since to be slaine , is to be free from danger , care and paine . so whilst his enemy lies and feeles no smart , he hath a thousand tortures in his heart . and say his conscience do escape a flaw , he brings himselfe in danger of the law. if such reuenge be sweet sure i le forgiue , and neuer seeke for vengeance whilst i liue . but oh ( me thinkes ) i heere our hacsters tel me , with thundring words , as if their breath would fel me : i am a coward if i wil not fight , true , cauelieroes you hane spoke the right , and if vpon good tearmes you vrge me to it , i haue both strength and heart enough to doe it , which you should find ; and yet my mind is still , rather to defend my selfe then kill . but most men thinke , that he which kils his foe ; is most couragious : now i tell thee no : for he that hath a heart that fact to doe , is both a tyrant and a coward toe . but how is he a coward some will aske ? to answer that is but an easie taske , thus he is one : he hauing by his might , a power on him with whome he haps to fight : thinkes if he spare his life , in such a case , he one day may reuenge his foule disgrace ; that thought with feare , of future dangers fils him , which to preuent , he like a coward kils him . but those that iustly in excuse can say , for present safety , they were forc't to slay , i must count blamelesse . thou that hast a foe , seeke not to be his wofull ouerthrow . rather if 't may be keepe him liuing still ; i tell thee 't is a necessary ill , ( inimicus amicus ) my selfe haue some , their liues i do no grutch , for they haue done me seruice very much ; and wil do still for wheresoere i goe , they make me careful what i speak , or doe : and when i step aside i here on 't roundly , or ( as themselues say ) they wil tel 't me soundly . whereas my friend , til i were quite vndone , would let me stil in mine owne follies run , or if he warne me it is so in sport , that i am scarse a whit the better sort . but this same good , i know but few can vse , because that they do better thinges abuse . mans nature 's ill , and i haue noted this , if they vpbraided bewith what 's amisse they cannot brooke it , but are readier still , for to reuenge that , then amend what 's ill . we must not now our lusty-blouds gain-say , no not so much as in a yea , or nay ; but presently we dye for 't ( if we will ) they haue both hand , and heart prepar'd to kil . let them but thinke a man to them iniurious , although he be not so , thei 'le straight grow furious and are so quickly up in a brauado , they are for nothing but the imbrocado : and in this humor they respect not wheither , they be vnto them friends , or foes , or neither ; all are alike ; and their hot choller ends , not only loue , and friendship , but their friends : i know 't were vaine if i should tel to these the peaceful mind of ancient socrates : or if i should lycurgus vengeance shew , how he behau'd himselfe vnto his foe , ●twere but in vaine ( i say ) for there 's no doubt , our watle-headed gallants would but flout at their wel tempred passions ; since they deeme , none now but fooles , or mad-men , worth esteeme● but what 's the cause of their vnbridled rage ? oh know it is a humor of their age , for to be foolish desperate ; and many account not of him wil not fight with any on the least quarrel . therefore most to gaine , a little fame that way , though nere so vaine , wil put their liues in danger : nay there 's some , had rather haue it then the life to come , alas poore men , what hath bewitcht your mind ? how are you grown so sencelesse and so blind , for to affect vaine shaddowes and let slide , the true substance , as a thing vnspide ? ●s reason in you growne so great a stranger , to suffer an affection of such danger to settle in you ? bannish't from your breast , and there let mercy and forgiuenes rest : ●t is a token of a humane mildnes , but vengeance is a signe of bruitish wildnes : not fitting any but the tyger , beare , ●r su●h like creatures , that remorslesse teare what ere they light on . cast it from you then , ●e in condition as in shape y' are men ; and stand vnmoou'd , for innocence ere long , will shew her selfe abroad in spight of wrong : and of your patience you shall not repent , but be auenged to your owne content : yet some may say the counsell i haue giuen , is hard to follow , strict , and too vneuen , and whatsoeuer show i seeme to make , such as my selfe would hardly vndertake . know you that thinke so ; i am not afraid . if that it be a burthen i haue laid , to bear 't my self ; nay , i haue vndergone if this be hard , a more vneasie one : for but of late , a friend of mine in show , being ( indeed ) a spightfull secret foe , i know not why , ( for i did ne're in ought wrong him i 'me sure ; no not in an ill thought . ) yet this man hauing wisely watcht his time , when i ( a stranger , in another clime ) left my owne country ; did meane while repaire , to my best friends , and with dissemblings faire , and showes of loue and griefe , did there vnfold , the grosest slander , euer villaine told . a dam'nd inuention so exceeding vile , that gallants 't would haue made your bloud to boile and out of your abused bodies start , i know it would haue broken veines or heart : i say if you had felt that cruell sting , you would haue fret , fum'd , stampt , done any thing or angry rag'd like mad-men in their fit , till mercilesse reuenge , had quenched it : but what did i ? at first i must confesse , i was a little mou'd , who could be lesse ? but when i felt my troubled thoughts begin to ioyne with brutish passion within , and raise disquiet humors in my brest , i fear'd if i should yeeld 't would mar my rest . and therefore to my selfe i patience tooke , vvhich whil'st i haue about me i can brooke any misfortune . then that patience , grew so much stronger through my innocence that i forgot both wrong and vengeance too ; some thinke 't was cause that i lack't might to doe the hurt i would ; no , it was onely will for i had power enough to doe him ill ; ●t is well knowne the coward dares not stand t' abide the vengeance of my wronged hand were his strength tripled ; nay were i in bands of impotencie wrapt , and had no hands , yet i haue friends ( whom if i had not prai'd and beg'd vnto , to haue their fury stai'd ) had chopt him , and made dogs meat for my sake of his vile carkas ; yea and he would quake , a twelue-month after , had he but the daring , to thinke vpon the vengeance was preparing for that lewd slanderous tale of his ; which he might better raise on one vnborne then me : now though that course my reason did gain-say , i was allow'd reuenge a better way , both law add iustice , proffer'd me a scourge , to whip him for it , which my friends did vrge : shewing me motiues to allure me to it : yet still was i vnwilling for to doe it : for though i might ( beside submission ) gaine , no little summes ; my heart doth much disdaine , for to encrease my substance through his shame , or raise it with the ruines of my fame : now for because there 's some may thinke i faine , or speake a matter fram'd by mine owne braine : know , this back-biter liues and may doe long to doe me more , and many others wrong : and though i doe not mind to staine my verse , the name of such a monster to rehearse , for others satisfaction and to grace it , vpon the margent here i thought to place it : but that perhaps would vengeance counted be , whereas it shall not be reueng'd for me : yet gallants you may see i wish you to no other thing , then i my selfe would doe , you heare that i was wrong'd , and yet withstood my owne mad passion in the heate of bloud : and am not i in as good case as those , that haue reueng'd themselues with stabs & blows in my opinion it is as well , as if that i should pack his soule to hell with danger of mine owne ; and heere remaine , to greeue and wish he were aliue againe ; nay now t is best , for why , he may repent , and i with a safe conscience liue content : ther 's some ( perhaps ) misdeem'd my innocence , because they saw that i with patience indur'd the wrong : t is thought that i did know , my selfe in fault , because i tooke it so . indeed t is true , i let him scot-free passe , what should i doe vnto him ? say an asse had strooke me with his heeles ; how should i qui● the harme he doth me ? you would blame my wit if i should kill him ; if i went to law who would not count me the most asse ? a daw ; the worst of fooles ; i pray what were i lesse , if i had don 't to his vnworthinesse ? one that 's more ignorant of his offence , and seemes as if he had no sparke nor sence of humane goodnesse : one , whom if i touch , or offer to lay hands on , t is as much , as if i in my anger would begin to breake the stoole that erst had broke my shin . i knew in this , and that , the case was one , and therefore i did let reuenge alone : yet will i note him , for this cause indeed , that other men may know him and take heed : and therefore marke , the greatest feast i th' yeare and ioyfullest his name at full doth beare . a sacred syllable makes the first part ; which since t is there alone , and not in 's heart : take it from thence with the ensuing letter , and the remainder will befit him better : hereof enough ; for why there doth remaine , some more of these mad humors to explaine , besides those i first nam'd ; for their brother , they cannot their reuengefull nature smother ; and for because they dare not deale with swords : like valiant champions fight it out with words . such fraies haue made me oftentimes to smile , and yet they proue shrewd combats other while , for from such braules do sodaine stabs arise , and somtime in reuenge the quart-pot flies ; ioyne-stooles , and glasses makes a bustling rumor : yea this is growne a gentleman-like humor : but in my mind , he that so wel can fight , deserues for to be dubd an ale-house knight : i st not a shame that men should at their meeting , welcome each other with a friendly greeting , as i haue seene , and yet before they part , bandy their swords at one anothers heart ? wondrous inhumane , the sauage bore , the wild armenean heards wil do no more : sure such beleeue not it is god hath said , vengeance is his and must by him be paid . for if they did i thinke there would not be , such caruers for themselues : but we may see , the diuel doth so much possesse them than , they haue no honest thought of god or man. as in this humor you shall see 't explain'd , two falling out , would fight , but are restrain'd : yet stil they striue to be each others fall , which shewes their loue to man-kind none at all : but curbed of their wills through standers by , forth breakes their fury , and they straight let flye , such horrid , bloody , fearefull cannon oathes , as their 's no honest christian eare but loathes , almost to heare them nam'd they seeme to teare christs man-hood peece-meal from him when they sweare for foot , heart , nailes , stil vsing god withall their foule-mouth'd-rackets like a tennise ball doth bandy too and fro : his blood and wounds , set forth their vaunts they think with brauest sounds , and makes the simple people to admire ; their courage which is but as a flame on fire . thrice valiant champions whereby should one gather they haue a thought of god that 's good ? but rather that they are vile blasphemers ; for when they cannot haue vengeance they desired , why , as if they scorn'd th' almighties fearefull rod , thus thinke they to auenge themselues on god , who were he not as merciful as iust , might with a blast consume them into dust . of choller . satyr . . bvt now the cause of mens reuengefull thirst , proceeds from rash vnbridled choller first : which passion flowes from imbecillity , and brings vs vnto much absurdity : yea those that are infected with this crime , are in a manner mad-men for the time : 't is a short fury , where-with man possest resembles most a wild vntamed beast : it makes him foolish , quite besides his wit , doing and speaking many a thing vnfit . those men in whom i find this passion raigne , i haue oft seene to storme for things but vaine , yea , and as if they had some greeuous crosse chafe out of measure for a penny losse , and fret as much in loosing of some toy as if therein consisted all their ioy : this too i noted in a chollerick man , ( let any one disproue me if he can ) they are not onely apt for to beleeue , any report that may occasion giue ; but in light matters if they should contend , would pick a quarrell with their dearest friend : yea i haue seen where friends , nay more , where brothers that should & haue bin dearer far thē others : these i haue knowne in choller e'ne like foes . mingling sharpe words , with farre more sharpned blows . when they are in their fit they do not spare , any degree ; no reuerence , nor care doth then remaine ; thei 'le speake though they be sure , their heedlesse words , not foes alone procure , but loose their friends : nor doe they in that case , respect the time , the company , nor place : besides there is this ouersight in some , where choller doth the reason ouercome : they doe not onely blame him that offends , but are displeased euen with their friends , and all that are in presence or in view ; i haue obseru'd it often to be true : then if that any should but tell these men , their anger were without iust reason , then , although it be so and thy know it right , their fury is the more increast with spight : they cannot brooke ●ontroule , nor yet can they endure that a man should nothing say , for then indeed t is presently suspected , he cares not , and his anger is neglected : and in some masters i haue noted this , wherein they doe in my conceit amisse : if they but thinke their seruant doth offend , he must not his suspected crime defend , guilty or no ; but yeild it an offence as if men still were slaues ; but surely hence , springs this abuse , in whom this humour passes : choller beares sway , and they are wayward asses : who though they haue read some strict rules in cat● were neuer schollers , to diuiner plato : oh anger is a wondrous headstrong passion , that hath a beastly , frantick operation ; from which , how can we any man release since we must neither speake , nor hold our peace ? some will be angry , if they cannot make , another their opinions for to take . others haue meanings but they cannot shew them , yet are displeas'd , with those that doe not know and i haue seene ( that anger may be holy ) them : a good man mooued for anothers folly ; yet in such cases let not any chafe , but pray ( as i doe ) they may mend and laugh ; me thinkes they should be men vnfit to weild the sword of iustice that do basely yeild , vnto so brute a passion ; yet haue we some gouernours that ouer-ruled be by this , and worse affections ; yea some now haue charge of others , that doe worse know how to guide themselues : the angry magistrate , to be aueng'd on him whom he doth hate , for priuate causes drawes the publike sword , and all the rigor that the lawes affoord must serue his choller ; such there be , so many you cannot misse one , though i name not any . now diuers doe affirme such men as be hasty , ( so they tearme this infirmitie ) are the best natur'd : who that lesson taught ? if they be best i le sweare the best be naught : moreouer there be many doe suppose , it is a signe of courage ; what meane those ? where is their iudgements ? they me thinkes should gather that it were weakenesse did produce it rather , or else why should the feeble and the sicke , women and children be most chollerick ? againe there 's some ( whose iudgement is as rude ) doe thinke that anger quickens fortitude : but that 's a vertue surely will deny , with such a vice to haue affinity : thou that hast iudgement , tell me , can it be , that fortitude and anger may agree ? i thinke it not , for why , the one is steady , and rul'd by reason , t'other rash and heady : the one doth nothing but on consultation , the other cannot take deliberation : and therefore if that we be well aduis'd , it is a humor ought to be despis'd : and though some thence much help may seeme to gather , to whet on fortitude , it hinders rather : yea t is a strange vnreasonable passion , that brings the owner cleane beside all fashion ; making him speake if ought but discontent him , yea doe the thing of which he shall repent him , and of a friend if i might chuser be : i 'de rather haue a man that 's mad then he : some say 't is inflamation of the blood , and may with carefull heed be soone withstood ; but their 's so few that seeke to stop this ill , that most do let it runne at randome stil : and very faintly yeeld to the inuasion of this wild passion , on the least occasion , but he indeed that would a medcine find for this disease , must haue a setled mind , not giuing credit vnto all reports ▪ nor yet delighting in vaine toyes , nor sports : on dogs , or hawkes his mind must not be set , so much , as for their losse to chafe or fret : he should not fancy fuch fond idle trash , but euer taking heed of being rash ; athenodorus good aduice embrace , and follow cotis that wise king of thrace , whereby he best shall quench this passions tinder , and many an angry fumish fit may hinder . of iealovsie . satyr . bvt though these angry-ones soon breed a braule and are pernicious to conuerse with-all . not one ●ot better is the iealous-head , that thinks his friend , and 's wife are still a-bed : this passion , ( as it plainely doth appeare ) proceeds out of a too-much loue with feare ; loue in a match procures the highest bliss , that for vs men on earth ordained is : but adde a feare of loosing of our ioy , and that we loue so dearely , 't will destroy all our delights ; and strewing good with ill , makes that seeme lost which we haue with vs still : thus doth it often with the iealous proue , vvho carefull in the choosing of his loue , hath gotten her that is not faire alone ; but modest , wise , and curteous , hating none , nor yet affecting any but her peere , for which good parts , her husband counts her deere , as well he may , her vertues he 'll vphold , dares sweare she will not be allur'd with gold . honor , nor beauty ; but as she is chast so hee 's perswaded will be to the last ; and to himselfe so well he seemes to thriue , he thinkes his owne the happiest choise aliue , 't is good : thus for no hurt , he wiued well ; but soft there , there is an after part to tell ; this man when he by daily proofe doth see , his wife no other then a wife should be , it so augments his loue to that extreame , he knowes not if he be awake or dreame ; now doth this loue ( for loue will euer doe it ) for a companion take in feare vnto it ; a feare of loosing what he loues so much ; and then the nature of this feare is such , that it begets suspect ; which creeping in doth by a little at the first begin to make him doubt his spouse doth loosely liue ; whereto vpon a slight report to giue firme credence he seemes loth ; but yet ere long he doth ( but ) think perhaps she doth him wrong , which if he doe , that one false thought 's enough , to giue all former truths the ouerthrow , and why ? suspect growes thereupon so great , see thrusts true iudgement , quite besides her seat : which being done , then straight begins to wane , the good conceit he of his bliss had tane ; for if his friend doth to his house repaire , he thinkes t is onely , cause his wife is faire : but if 't be strangers , he durst pawne his life , there 's some compact betweene them & his wife : yea though their busines to himselfe he find , he thinks t is b●t a hood to keep him blind ; then all the sweet he had is turn'd to sowre , faine would he think well , but hath not the powre ; much care torments his heart , and yet he will , be prying farther to encrease it still : yea , he will seeke , although he truely know , the more he seekes , the more he findes his woe : beside , suspect receiueth in the head , all things that may be mis-interpreted , and the best thought her vertue 's like to winne is onely this : it seru'd to cloake her sinne . in briefe , his liking thus he marreth quight , and there he loath's where once he tooke delight ; but wherefore ? onely cause he doth mistrust , and not on any proofe , that she 's vniust : vnhappy woman haplesly to wed so meere a sot , and such a iealous head ; an owle-eyed buzzard , that by day is blind , and sees not things apparant ; yet can find that out which neuer was . the feare to loose the iewell he aboue all iemms did chuse , that feare , i say , of wit doth so bereaue him , he thinks that 's gone which means not yet to leaue him : oh foolish man , that hauing gain'd a bliss , doost mak 't a curse by vsing it amiss , if iudgement be not blinded in thee ? looke ; try if thou hast not all this while mistooke : is not thy wife still faire ? and to the eye seemes she not yet to haue that modesty , thou didst commend her for ? is she not wary with whom she walks , or speaks , or where to tarie ? is she not still as willing for to please ; as louing toe , as in her former daies ? in shew he sees it , but he thinks 't is fein'd , out blockish dolt that art most iustly pain'd : thou but a few supposed shadowes hast , that makes thee to account thy wife vnchast , but many firme substantiall proofes make cleare , that shee 's vnstain'd , and ought to be as deare as e're she was ; why should an ill in thee make her seeme so , vnlesse she euill be ? a woman that is faire , shall much be view'd , and haue perhaps vnlook't for fauours shew'd , she shall be courted where she will or no , nay be resorted to ; and though she show scarcely so much as common curtesies she shal be censur'd by misiudging eyes , and false reports will fly ; but what of this ? shall he that hath had triall what she is , and ne're saw ought amiss , shall he , i say , cast all the good conceit he had away ; and streight grow iealous , trusting the surmise of the lewd vulgar more then his owne eyes ? it were mad folly ; and yet i doe knowe some that are thus besotted , more 's their woe . and pitty 't were but they had horned him , were 't not a greater pitty so to sinne : should you but sit with such a one at table , to hold from laughter you were scarcely able , to see what note the iealous wood-cock-takes , of his wiues words , and euery looke she makes , in what a feare he eates his meate , and drinks : what signes he vses , how he nods and winks , with twenty scuruy gestures ; though he see no reason he should so suspicious be : now some haue cause enough , but that 's all one ; why should men striue to hold what will be gone , vexing themselues so for anothers ill , which they can neuer help ? let him that will : but this is true , to seeke for to restraine a womans will , is labour spent in vaine ; and he that tries to doe it , might haue bin , one of the crew that bedg'd the cuckow in . why should a man go put himselfe to paine , as some haue done , a iourney for to faine ? and then at night come lurk about his house , where , be it but the stirring of a mouse he doth obserue it : wherefore doth he so ? since if thereby he ought amisse doth know , the greatest good that he shall thereby find , is more vexation to molest his mind : for then the mischiefe he but fear'd before , hee 's certaine of , and need not doubt it more : a goodly meed , but sure those wretched elues , take pleasure in tormenting of themselues ; they hearken , watch , set spies , and alway long to heare some tales or inckling of their wrong : and he that can but whisper some such fable , shall be the welcom'st guest that sits at table , though it be ne're so false ; they loue so well to feele the torture of this earthly hell : but i doe muse what diuell keeps their heart , they should affect the causers of their smart ; those euer-buzzing-deadly-stinging flies ; those that of echoes onely can deuise a formall lie. what if 't be true they say ? it is a meanes to draw thy loue away from her thou ow'st it to ; and that 's a crime , cause she must be thy best belou'd a time , better or worse , be sure thou must abide her , till from thy selse the death of one deuide her : then tell me were it not by much lesse paine ; a good opinion of her to retaine ? could'st thou not be contented by thy will , at least to thinke that she were honest still ? yes sure in heart thou would'st be glad , vnlesse that thou wer 't voide of sense , or mad : why shake off all these claw-backs then that vse thy soone-beleeuing-heart for to abuse ; for ( trust me ) they , are but some spightfull elues , who cause they haue not the like blisse themselues would faine marre thine ; or else i dare be bold , if thou the truth couldst warily vnfold , they are some lust-stung villaines , that did court thy honest wife to some vnlawfull sport : and finding her too-chast to serue their turne , whose euill hearts with foule desires did burne , to spight her ( being far more euill doers , then daniels elders , faire susannaes woers ) to thee they doe accuse her of an ill , vvhereto they sought for to allure her will : nay , this i wish thee whatsoe're he be , that of such dealings first informeth thee ; beleeue him not what proofes so ere he bring . do not giue eare to him for any thing : and though he be the nearest friend thou hast , from such like knowledge shut all sence vp fast ; flye and auoid him as thou wouldst the diuel , or one that brings thee messages of euill : let him be to thee as thy deadliest foe , a fury , or some one thou loathe'st to know ; and be assured what soere he shewes , he is no friend of thine that brings that newes , so if that thou wert his most deadly foe , for any wrong i● were reuenge enough . now some men i haue noted loue as well , the husbands faults vnto the wife to tell , and aggrauate them to : as if thereby they either meant to feed their iealousie , or else stir vp their vnbeseeming hates , against their guiltlesse well-beloued mates : but of these monsters ( fairest sexe ) beware of their insinuations haue a care : beleeue them not they wil coyne tales vntrue , to sow foule strife betwixt your loues and you out of ill-will : or else heere is my doome , they hope to get into your husbands roome by the aduantage of the discontent they 'll worke in you , but their intent they 'l soe disguise , that you shal neuer spy them ▪ til you are snar'd too fast for to deny them : but oh you creatures that for excellence , haue reasonable for a difference , auoid this passion ; if your wiues be ill , aduise them well , but let them haue their will , for curbing makes them worse , and their condition indeed is such they cannot brooke suspition ; restraine them not i say , for as the pouder , being fast stopt makes the report the louder , sending the bullet with the greatest force , so he ●at seekes to barre a womans course , makes her more eager , and can ne're out-striue her , but on she wil because the diuel doth driue her . let those that are so matcht then patience take , and there are none shal know their heads do ake , but beware chiefely that no false surmises , or flying tale some enuious head deuises , make them to wrong their chast and modest wiues , who haue with vertue led vnspotted liues , for though some stand vnmoou'd for that 's the way , to make a woman soonest go astray : but now i think on 't , i do wonder why , the greatest part brand him with infamy , that is a cuckold ? since that all men know , it is not his offence that he is so , i neuer heard a reason for t it 'h schooles , yet sure t is this , the greatest part are fooles : but now i will conclude these i ealous humors , which part i found b'experience , part by rumors ; i feele it not , yet know it is a smart that plagues the mind and gripes the very heart , yet i could wish but for the others sake , their thought-tormenting-paine might neuer slake ; for there 's none iealous , i durst pawne my li●e , but he that hath defil'd anothers wife . of covetovsnes . satyr . . bvt of that passion how mist i to tell , the same that brings her pedigree from hell ? cal'd auarice , a humor vile and base , and yet as common as to haue a face : i muse it scap't , i say , since i le be plaine , i looke not vp but see where it doth raigne ; many i know , and yet indeed but few , that can this slauish dunghill-vice eschew ; i neither can excuse sex nor degree , young folks , nor such as middle-aged be : nay i perceiue them giuen most to craue , vvhen they had need to dig themselues a graue , like earth-bred moles they scramble in the dust , not for the treasure that shall neuer rust ; but for vile cankred drosse is all their care , as if the same their summum bonum were . when all that they haue with their labour bought in my opinion is not worth a thought : i haue knowne chuffs , that hauing well to liue , yea and sufficient for to lend and giue : will naith'less toyle , moile , and take more paine , then a iewes bond-slaue , or a m●●re in spaine ; all day they brooke the raine , haile , frost and snow , and then as if they had not drudg'd enough , they lie and thinke all night with care & sorrow , how they may take as little rest the morrow . 't is strange their minds so much for gold should itch and being gotten that it should bewitch ; it is by nature in a prison pent , vnder our feet i' th' basest element : and shall we pluck't from dungeons , filth , and mire to giue 't the chiefest seat in our desire ? 't were want of iudgement , but braue spirits know t is base , and therefore doe account it so . i haue heard those say that trauell to the east , where this beloued mettaile hath its neast , that in those places where such minerals be is neither grasse , nor herbe , nor plant , nor tree ; a cursed soile ; and this at home i find , that those which too-much do imploy their minde about that trash ; their hearts are ( i le be bold ) as barraine as the earth where men digge gold . this humor hath no bounds , t is a desire , ( or disease rather ) nothing can expire ; 't is hell , for had it all the world , yet , it longs asmuch as if 't had ne're a whit ; a boundlesse gulfe : and i lament their paine who haue this neuer-quenched thirst of gaine ; so bottomelesse a whirle-poole that receaues still , yet the self-same roome still empty leaues ; hee 's mad that food to such a vulture giues that 's neuer full ; and e'ne as good fill siues that haue no bottome , as for to endeauor , to glut a monster that will hunger euer : yet men still striue although it be in vaine ; and though they feele their longing still remaine , they 'l weary out themselues like him that drinks brine , or salt water , and still thereby thinks to slacke his thirst at last ; though he feel 't more augmented , at each draught then t was before : yea , wealth doth as much lessen this desire of auarice in men , as flames of fire alay the heate : besides , though they haue store , this makes them to themselues exceeding poore ; and howsoeuer they may seeme , yet such vntill their dying-day are neuer rich ▪ they very seldome haue respect or care to promise , or religion ; thei 'l not spare to wrong their neighbour , friend , or god himselfe , thereby for to increase their cursed pelfe : they neither reuerence the right of lawes , nor are they touched with the poore-mans cause : they would be well content to shed their blouds , loose soule and heauen , for to saue their goods : to talke to them of better things 't were vaine , for they are onely capable of gaine ; they neuer liue in true societie , nor know they friendship , loue , or pietie ; and in a word , those that are thereby led , neuer doe good till they are sick or dead . and therefore with these vermine i wil place them ▪ that serue to no vse till that we vncase them ▪ i haue obserud ' that such mens children be , borne many times to greatest misery ; for they haue neither mean es nor education , according to their kindred , state nor nation : vvhereby we see that they do often run , into vild actions and are quite vndone ; so then , these greeue to heare they do amisse , but nere consider that their fault it is ; 't is greedines that makes a man a flaue , to that which hee should for his seruant haue , and teaches him for to esteeme of more , the vicioius-ritchman , then the honest poore , alas ! how many are there i could name , iniurious villaines ; that for to defame , or wrong another would forsweare saluation , as if they thought that there were no damnation ? prouided that when they their conscience straine , it be out of a hatred or for gaine : yea there be idle theeuing rogues a many , that haue no vertue , nor wil nere haue any : yet for their wealth shall highly be respected , when honest men their beetters , are neglected , and then●we also see that most men do , put many worthy titles on them toe , that such base scummes must oft entreated be , with good your worship , and with cap and knee : but sure the world is now become a gull , to thinke such scoundrels can be worshipfull ; and yet in these dayes , if that men haue ritches , though they be hangmen , vsurers or witches , diuels-incarnate , such as haue no shame , to act the thing that i should blush to name , doth that disgrace them any whit ? fie no , the world it meanes not for to vse them so ; there is no shame for ritch-men in these times , for wealth wil serue to couer any crimes : wert thou a crooke-back-dwarfe , deform'd in shape ; thersites like , condition'd like an ape : didst neuer do a deed a good-man ought , nor spake true word , nor had'st an honest thought , if thou be ritch , and hap to disagree with one that 's poore ; although indeed hee bee in euery part a man and hath a spirit that 's truely noble , able for to merit euen praise of enuy ; yet if thou wilt seem a man far worthier and of more esteeme , although thou canst inuent no means to blame him yet i can tel a trick how thou shalt shame him , and that 's but this , report that he is poore , and there 's no way for to disgrace him more ; for so this passion doth mens iudgement blind , that him in whom they most perfection find , if that he be not ritch they count him bace , and oft hee s faine to giue a villaine place . moreouer the desire to gaine this pelfe , makes many a braue man to forget himselfe : some i haue knowne that for their worthy parts , their vertue and their skill in many arts , deserued honor ; and ( if any can iudge by the outward looke , the inward man ) for to command men they me thought were born ▪ and seem'd a slauish seruitude to scorne ; yet haue i seene when such as these ( alas ! ) in hope of gaine haue croucht vnto an asse , obseru'd a dolt , and much debas't their merits , to men of vulgar and ignoble spirits ; how many of our finest wits haue spent , their times and studies in meere complement ? greasing with praises many a fat-fed bore , of whom the world thought too too well before : how many now that followed mars his troope whom force of death could neuer make to stoope ? nay more , how many of our graue diuines that should seeke treasure not in earthly mines , what store i say of these , against the haire , ( as goes the common prouerbe ) can speake faire , flatter for gaine , and humor such base groomes , as are not worthy of their horse-boyes roomes ? they wrong themselues , but those are counted wise that now a daies know how to temporize : i cannot brooke dissembling : and i vow , e're i to any golden calfe would bow , flatter against my conscience , or else smother that which i know for truth , to please another , e're i for gaine would faune to please a clowne , or feed great fooles with tales of the renowne of their reputed fathers , when ( god mend them ) thēselues haue nothing why we should commend them , and ere i le coine a lie , be 't ne're so small , for eu'r a bragging thraso of them all in hope of profit ; i le giue vp my play , and fall to labour for a groat a day ; and for my clothing in a mantle goe , and feed on sham-roots , as the irish doe ; for , what contentment can in riches be , vnless the body and the mind be free ? but tush what 's freedome ? look where gold beares sway , it takes that credit , yea and wit away ; corrupts the iudgement , and can make the lawes oft-times to fauour an vngodly cause : besides , a worldly mind doth so affect , where wealth abounds , & beares so much respect to those that haue it : that their vice they deeme to be a vertue , and so make it seeme ; for , say they vse extortion , no men more , vndoe their country , hurt and wrong the poore , be damn'd vsurers , and keep a house , that yeelds not crums enough to feed a mouse : yet they 'l not say hee 's couetous ; oh no , hee 's thrifty , a good wary man , or so . another though in pride he doe excell , be more ambitious then the prince of hell ; if his apparell be in part like vs , italian , span●sh , french and barbarous , although it be of twenty seuerall fashions , all borrowed from as many forraine nations ; yet hee 's not vaine , nor proud ; what is he than ? marry a proper , fine , neat gentleman , or if he be a drunkard that can swagger , goe daily armed with an alehouse dagger , quaffe soule-sick-healths vntill his eyes doe stare , sing baudy songs , and rounds , and curse and sweare ; though he vse gaming , as the cards and dice , so out of measure that he mak 't a vice , turne his owne house into a filthy stewes , keep whores , and knaues , and baudes , as that 's no newes yet if he be a rich man what is he , a rude ranke ruffine if you aske of me , a ruffin ? guep iack sauce-boxe with a wannion , nay hee 's a merry and a boone companion , this is the worlds censure . yet beside , another qualitie i haue espide ; for those diseases they doe shun the poore , they doe abhor a rich-man ne're the more : him i haue knowne that hath disdain'd to sup water , or beere , out of a poore mans cup , for feare of poysoning , or some thing as bad , although he knew no malady he had ; and yet haue i , seene the same curious asse , pledging a rich-man in the selfe-same glasse : when he hath knowne the party ( if you please i le speakeplaine english ) had the french disease : but as the prouerb saith , birds of a feather vvill alwaies vse to flock and feed together : i haue oft mused and doe still admire , that men should hurtfull riches so desire , for weigh it well and you shall find it fils , the owner of it with a thousand ill 's , much worse then these forenam'd : for why we find , it choakes and mar's the vertues of the mind : then we perceiue it greatly doth annoy , vexes the heart , and hinders the true ioy would else be there ; and as it may appeare , loads vs with diuers troubles , cares and feare : it makes vs to grow arrogant , vniust , drawes vnto pleasure , and prouokes to lust : more hopefull for to practise villany , then for to further vs in honesty , it nere contents the owners that enioy it , and those that haue it many times employ it to corrupt iustice ; or for to allure , matrons , or virgins , to an act impure : it hires murthers , and makes men seditious , full of suspect , and enuie , or ambitious : yea it breeds claw-backs , pick-thanks , flattery , makes many theeues and causes periury : it hinders knowledge , for most that haue lands , liue neither by their wisedome nor their hands . they follow sloath and pleasure , not the schooles , and that 's the reason there 's such wealthy fooles : these are the fruits of wealth ; yet that alone seemes now the fairest marke of euery one to make his course for ; and which to attaine , or keep once gotten , we refuse no paine labor nor danger ; yet it doth appeare , they think that all , which they were plac't for here : now ther 's a counterpassion vnto this , which to speake something of 't were not amisse : those , subiect therevnto , haue got a fashion , that 's quite contrarie to the former passion . fore'ne as greedy men are set on fire , with an vnquenched and a soule desire , of hourding riches ( god in heaven amend them ) so doe the other hie as fast to spend them : their 〈◊〉 diuers ; some vaine-glorious asses . consu●n't in gaudy cloathes ; and looking glasses ; others blowne vp e'ne with the selfe same bellowes seeke to obtaine the loue of all good fellowes ; these at the althouse haue their daily pots though they be there or no. and looke what shots , are in their chambers spent , be 't nere so many , he doth them wrong that thinks to pay a penny ; these feast at tauernes their supposed friends , that pay with , thankes , we nere shall make 〈◊〉 : yea , and in more things they haue lauish bin , but those are pathes i'uc no experience in , yet such as they ere many yeares be past , will wish ( i warrant ) they had held it fast , when for their kindnes and their former cheere , they hardly shall procure a cup of beare . but there must needs be some men prone there to , or how a diuell shall our sharker doe ? yet can i not say rightly that these be , from auarice and greedinesse quite free : for though they doe consume it knauishly , and spend it on vaine pleasures lauishly , they gladly would their euill course maintaine , and therefore ouerslip no meanes of gaine , for they haue vsed ( by their owne confession ) secret and open robberies ; oppression , and diuers tricks which show this spending vice , may haue some reference to auarice . others there are , ( but few ) who hauing store , neglect their wealth , and rather would be poore ; and why ? it stops the way to heauen they say ; sure being misimployed so it may : and therefore rather then they should abuse it , 't were good they had it that know how to vse it : for such are lightly weake in resolution , and men but of a simple constitution , or are by some seducing villan taught , that their goods ( rather then their good ) haue sought : now i suppose the man that well obtaines his wealth , and in an honest calling gaines , more wisedome shewes in vsing it aright , then such a cynnick as contemnes in quite . men will be in extreames ; but sure the lesse , is to neglect wealth , for much greedines , makes not the body onely , leane and foule , but also spreads infection to his soule , and clogges her so with things of no account , that she is ouer-poyz'd to much , to mount . but those that for to goe astray are loth , vse their endeuours to auoide them both . of ambition . satyr . . here 's yet another cal'd ambition , little with men of low condition , but 't is a humor which doth euer search , the stout-high-minded , and doth alway perch in men of spirit . this doth farre surmount , the force of loue ; it maketh no account of nature , nor religion ; 't is not law , nor conscience , that can keep such men in awe ; ther 's no estate contents them ; peace and strife are both alike to them ; yea death and life : wiues , children , friends , nor none but such as may ▪ be vnto their ambitious plots a stay , shall be respected ; and so they may reape , what they desire , the 'il not stick to heape murther on murthers ; yea and think 't no sinne , be it of strangers , or their nearest kin : they haue such flinty breasts they can out-beard , danger it selfe , and be no whit afeard ; proud daring spirits ; yet we see , confusion , of such high minds doth prooue the sad couclusion : and he that first was ruin'd by this euill , was our grand foe which wee doe call the diuell : for he aspir'd so high , that higher powers , wrought his iust fall , and now he seeketh ours ; he first infus'd this ill into our brest , for to disquiet and disturbe our rest . this most vnreasonable , strong desire ; this too excessiue longing to aspire to honour and promotion ; which indeed doth from a sottish ignorance proceed ; it is the wild'st and most disorderd'st passion , and a great enemy to contentation , for whatsoeuer state man hath attain'd t is e ' ne as if that he had nothing gain'd ; for he hath hereby still a farther i cope , and neuer reaches to the end of 's hope ; that which he doth possesse he neere respecteth , but altogether things vnknowne affecteth , and counts them best ; which whatsoe're they being once gotten too , are not esteem'd : but what 's the reason that they doe abhor , sseem'd , the things possest that they haue labor'd for ? what is the cause i say they doe contemne , ( or cannot vse ) things hauing gained them ? sure hence it doth proceed ; they doe not know vvhat the things are that they doe long for so . and they obtaine them oft , e're they haue might , and reason fit to gouerne them aright : had many of our reaching yeomanry , that haue growne wealthy through good husbandry , and some of our proud gentry , that haue sought titles , and vndeserued honors bought ; had they , i say , before-hand knowne the shame , and beggery that followed on the same , for want to knowing where to they aspir'd they would not haue those dignities desir'd , and so indeed they might haue walk't the street , and not haue feard the counters nor the fleet : yea and with good-man haue contented bin , where now there 's scarce a good man of the kin . ambitious men wil euer enuious be ; regarding neither loue nor amity , and though that they may make a goodly shew , with reason it can neuer stand i know , they should be faithfull , or with iustice deale , either for princes or for common-weale : for why this humor makes them to attend , and all their labours and best counsels spend , in their owne plots ; and so they haue no losse , they care not whose proceedings they do crosse ; vertuous endeauors this doth also let , yea makes men many a good thing to forget : and though i 'me loath to speake it i protest i thinke it raignes not in the clergy least , for they at first shew great humility , while that they are of meane ability : thei 'l be industrious and take paine to teach , for twise a week shal be the least thei 'le preach : or in their pouerty they wil not stick for catechizing , viziting the sick , and such like dutious workes of piety , as do belong to their society : but if that they can reach a vicarage , or be inducted to some parsouage : men must content the mselues and thinke it well , if once a yeare they heare the sermon bell : now if it be a deanery or so , if not in twelue months it is oft enough , and why ? alas consider that deuotion , is but a busie thing that lets promotion , and if that they should giue their minds too 't all who should haue their great places when they fall ? no , no , t were fitter they their ease did take , and se what friendes and patrons they can make for the next hierarchy ; or learne how to humor and to please the great-ones now ; but , if that they in that aduenture speed , thei 'le be more paineful ; yes , t is like indeed : if they get into their formalibus , and reuerent pontificalibus ; 't is very like i say that we shall heare , they vse the pulpit once in twise a yeare : nay and t is wel if it be done so oft , for this ambition beares men so aloft , they soone forget their duties : and this pride i in the clergy worst of all abide , in them i hold it the most odious , and no ambition so pernitious , eeither for prince , or church , or common good , vvitnesse the beast of rome and his fou'e broo● of clyming cardinals , who from base states , are gotten to be kings and princes mates , yea their superiors . this the diuel makes , his cheefest engine where withall he shakes religions soundnesse ; and rends in it chinks , which he dawbes vp againe with what he think● shall ruin't all in time ; was it not hence , he had his meanes to mar the innocence of romes first bishops ? yes , the church grew strong and flourish't while it was supprest with wrong , but when the worthy emperors embrac't the sacred truth ; and with their fauors grac't their good proceedings ; they then gan to leaue their humble nature off : and closely weaue , vnder a religious shew ( not a bare miter it fits not the successors of saint peter ) a triple diadem ; and such a state , that neuer any earthly potentate enioy'd the like ( yet all with humble preaching ) a long degree i tak 't , beyond the reaching of temporall ambition . but i pray er'e the first beast his time be done away , there rise not vp another monster heere 'mongst our ambitious churchmen ; i should feare a second antichrist , but that i hope they either shall be kept within their scope , or the last iudgement , whose nigh times vnknowne , shall cut him off e're he be wholly growne : but more of these i here omit to speake , because , i thinke there 's no mans sight so weake , but see 's their doings ; yet let none suppose , 〈◊〉 heare meane to defend , or maintaine those that doe our bishops callings disalow . let them that can● for sure i know not how : nor would i haue the world to vnderstand , that i tax all the clergy in the land : or the whole hierarchy : think not so ; for why ; this present age doth yeeld , i know , men that are truely worthy ; i hope many , yea i am sure few times , since christ , had any more knowing or more painefull then some few , and whatsoe're men thinke , yet for to show , though i satyrically carp at those that follow vice and are true vertues foes , i haue not such a spightfull cankred spirit , as to conceale and smother worth and merit : for i le for canterburies grace be bold , out of mine owne experience to vphold , that sea was neuer gouerned as yet , by any one more reuerent or more fit : for ouer and aboue his country cares , wherein he neither time nor counsell spares , besides church busines whereto he applies his mind to further it , what in him lies ; i say beside this publick care at large , few ministers haue , in their priuate charge , showne greater paine : that here the truth i tell , london and lambeth both can witnes well , and thou wert vnhappy london then , when thou didst loose this rare one among men ; yet thou wert blest againe , thy fate did bring , in place of such a father such a king , a maine chruch-piller , and of so great worth , europe can hardly bring his equall forth : and for them both my muse will this put downe , ( who scornes to sooth a king to get a crowne ) had she not thought them to be what she saies , she would haue heere disdain'd to sing their praise : but to go foreword , i do wonder why , men should be subiect to this vanity for i haue seene those that had ritches store , great offices , and fauours , no men more , honor and credit , yea and wisedome to , yet see what an ambitious head wil doe : clyming to high they got so low a fall , they forfeited their honors , liues and all . me thinkes ere they in such an act should stur , t were no't amisse to thinke on aesops cur , who catching but to get a shadow more , did loose the substance that he had before : i might a while vpon example stand , of former times ; but that within this land , the present age , the which i onely view , can yeeld enough to prooue my saying true : and of so many in this kingdome showne , i meane at this time to produce but one : and that shal be the late ambitious plot , the like whereof the world sure yeeldeth not , i meane the pouder treason , and intention , brought ( had not god assisted ) past preuention : yet see ere they could clime to their desire , when they were for to mount but one step-higher ( let god be honor'd for 't ) downe tumbled all , and gaue these hel-hounds a deserued fall : as often as i call to memory , that horrid and detested villany , it makes me sorry such a hellish plot , should scape vnblas'd to be so soone forgot ; but some good wit ere long i do not doubt , vvil vndertake to paint that action out ; and in it owne true sable colour show it , that children that are yet vnborne may know it : and to make plaine that ruine and perdition , are the last periods to conclude ambition : but to that purpose they may labour spend , and per aduenture all to little end : they wil not thinke thereon , for we may see , how lofty-minded stil there 's many be , vvith what desires of titles they haue sought them and at how deare a reckoning they haue bought them : but that with other flowes from vanity , a part essentiall in humanity , vvhich ( if god grant me leaue ) i meane to chase , but must referre it to another place : some haue ambitious heads , but cannot rise , because the want of meanes and friends denies what they aspire vnto : but such are vext , their mind i know is troubled and perplext beyond all reason ; oh strange humor'd men , your folly you wil leaue i thinke , but when ? be with your states content , for do you know vvether you wish be for your good or no ? oyes thinkes one ; if i could once attaine , such offices ; or so much wealth to gaine as this or that man hath ; my wish were ended , and such or such a fault should be amended : but this i say , though they may thinke it strange , vvith the estate the mind doth also change , and when in one thing thou hast thy desire , thou canst not stay there but must mount vp higher and higher stil , vntil thou dost attaine , vnto the top or tumble downe againe : be warned then you that ambitious are , and for to curbe your passion haue a care : else at the length , 't wil certainely deceiue you , but you wil haue your wils to which i leaue you . of feare . satyr . . soft now ; what pasion's this that followes next ? surely i thinke hee 's with a feuer vext , he shakes and lookes so pale ; o me , t is feare ! i le make his humors also to appeare , since i haue found him . this is he that mar's , all our delight on earth : 't is he that bars man the right vse of pleasure . and t is he , that was at first ordaind our plague to be , auoid him you that loue and looke for rest , let a true courage banish him your brest : for this makes not your bodies only num , tremblingly cold , deform'd , and pale become . but 't is a passion vgly , grim , and foule , that doth with greefe e'ne clog the very foule : and comes ( if that i faile not in my skill ) out of a false opinion of some ill , that 's present or to come ; it inly stings , and also for companions it brings both paine and shame ; and diuers haue i seene , that with this feauer haue sore shaken beene ; two but of late whose feare so foolish prou'd , many thereby were vnto laughter moou'd , one came in puffing almost out of breath , as if he hardly had escaped death , and why ? alas ! he thought a whited post , he on a sodaine saw had beene a ghoast : and that surmise did such impression take , that though he after saw 't was but a stake , if yet he do but come that way benighted , he is e'ne with the very place affrighted : th' other came running like a man that 's mad , oh! he had seene the diuel that he had , where in an old house fitting on a block , we lookt and there we found a turky-cock : thus many feare where cause of feare is none , and make themselues a iest for euery one ; yea feare hath made a number so affraid , that they haue oft their dearest friends betraid : for this cause onely i do nere intend , to choose a coward for to be my friend , and if that women be not growne so coy , to scorne to take aduisement of a boy , let them not chuse a coward to their mate , least they repent it as one did of late : for not far off there dwelt not long agoe ( i le tel a tale that many yet do know : ) a gentlewoman not of meanest ranke , whose fauour might haue wel deserued thanke , for that in face and dowry few did match her , many a gallant tride his wittes to catch her : who being kept but narrowly at home , so she were gone she car'd not much with whom ; now see dame fortune that wil seldome part , her fauours vnto men of good desert , brings to the house a fellow that in shew , seem'd worthy of the prize , but was not so ; yet hauing opportunity he tries , gets her good-will and with her thence he flies ; but lo , the parents quickly mist their daughter , rais'd all the towne , and following hardly after . were by meere chance into an old houseled , where this young couple were new gon to bed : you that haue euer in that pickle bin , iudge what a case these naked folkes were in . but what did he ? there leaues his nevv stolne prey , and like a feareful covvard slunke avvay . out on such asses ; hovv could he for shame , so leaue a vvoman to beare all the blame ? and for the greefe s●e suffers vvith her friends , hovv can the villaine make the vvhore amends ? i knovv not : but for playing such a part , 't is certain be hath turn'd the vvenches heart , and she for climing to a cowards bed , hath lost her credit with her maiden-head . such was th' effect of feare . and more , from thence proceedeth cruelty , impacience , breach of our promise , with much enuying together with the hatefull vice of lying ; murthers and treasons toe ; there 's nought so base , so full of villany , shame or disgrace , the feareful would not act with all his heart , to free himselfe from feare of death or smart : yea some would be contented very well , so they might scape death , to goe quick to hell such is their nature ; i my selfe haue seene , feare bring those euils that had else not beene : as it hath brought the plague on some . beside , there 's many a one for feare of death hath dyed : and there be diuers haue so careful bin , to rid themselues from feares which they were in ; that as the ship that doth charibdis shun , they ran on sylla and were quite vndone ; and why ? alas it is the cowards error : to think the present danger ful'st of terror : the feare of euil more tormenteth some , then doth the thing they fear'd whē once t is come men dread what is ; what wil be ; and alas ! many a thing that nere shal come to passe ; if they did only feare apparant things , that likeli-hood of terror with it brings , as troopes of enemies , or theeues , or treason , pirats or stormes at sea ; there were some reason or colour for it then , but they wil quake , at fictions ; at meere nothings ; their hearts ake at their owne fancies : superstitious , at tales of fairies , and of visions , yea i haue seene some heauy and sull sad , because of a poore foolish dreame they had : oh what meanes man that hauing mischeefes store must in his owne conceit needs make them more ? thinkes he those wil not grim enough appeare , vnlesse he apprehend them first by feare ? sure t is a plague the diuel did inuent , to work in man a lasting discontent : and taught it adam , whe revppon he said , i saw my nakednes and was affraid : this is our fault ; but yet i cannot see , a reason why men should so fearefull be : may they not ioy and be as merry still ; with hope of good , as sad with feare of ill ? sure i think yes ; and wil on hope so feed , no ill shal feare me til t is come indeed , for that which likeliest seemes for to betide me , god in his mercy yet may put beside me . and though much proofe hath bred with in my brest , this resolution , yet of all the rest , this last confirm'd it most , for th' other day , when the hard frost had stopt the scullers way , and that the flowing thames with yce was arch't so that the people ouer on it march't , amongst the rest one bolder then was fit , wandring beside the path for want of wit : stept on a peece of yce which with a crack , rent from the maine , and stopt his going back : the ycie fragment ( 't was a heauy token ) swam to the bridge where all the yce was broken , the people look't and he for aid did craue , but oh ! there was no power in them to saue ; which soone conceiuing on his knees he fell , ( i from the bridge perceiu'd him very well ) and lifting vp his handes his ayd implores that sau'd old ionas without sailes or oares ; and see gods mercy when he drew so neere , no hope of safegard seemed to appeare and when that he had three times whirled bin , and that the arch was like to suck him in : beyond our expectation ( in a trise ) there thrusts betweene a greater peece of yce , which comming downe as if it scornd to stay , beat by the lesser for to giue it way , and a while staid it ; but he had beene faine , when that was gone to take his turne againe , had not , next god , the people stood his friend , and sau'd him by a rope that 's some mans end : so this prooues , men may scape a mischeefe now ; when t is so neere them , they perceiue not how , and i do hope this argument is cleere , that we haue as much cause to hope as feare ; more trembling humors i might here vnfold , which , some will be vnwilling to be told , and therefore passe them ; but i do protest , this hurtful monster i so much detest , that i am very loath for to omit , any occasion of disgracing it : yet do i not alow their resolution , that meerely of a hellish constitution , haue such obdurate hearts so hard in euill , they neither seeme affraid of god nor diuell . such i haue noted to , but truely they , are in as bad , but a contrary way . they prate and sweare as if they could affright , and make hobgoblin run away by night , when questionlesse as bold as they appeare , they are perplexed with an inward feare ; yea i haue knowne a trifle or a blast , hath made such champions oftentimes agast . there is a feare that 's good , and hinders sinne , indeed that , euery good man should be in , and there 's a feare that keepes a kingdomes state , from ruine , if it be not taine to late ; t is not a slauish terror , that 's a crime , no rather 't is a wise fore-sight in time : that makes men very heedfull to fore-thinke danger to come , and not as we do , winke at our owne nakednes ; as without care , who spies it , so we see not our selues bare . this feare it is that makes men to prouide against a storme they may the better bide the fury of it ; this 't is keepes off wrong , and makes a city or a kingdom strong , and i much doubt the wanting of these feares , wil make vs smart for 't yet ere many yeares , for since we are become a pretty number , although we can but one another cumber , or serue to make a hubbub , we suppose , there are no nations dare to be our foes , we thinke a wondrous policy we shew , if once in foure years we do take a view , or count the number of our able men , flattring our selues there with ; as if that then ; ( hauing so great and huge a multitude , though we were nere so inexpert and rude ) there were no cause of feare : but a realmes might consists not in the number that must fight , more in their skill , for of good souldiers ten , will foile a hundred vnexperienc't men , such as we are : for , 't is a shame to speake , how wonderfull vnfitty and how weake , this ignorance makes most of vs , except vvhom braue south-hamptons gouernment hath kept in warlike order ; i doe meane indeed our hampshire ilanders , of whom for need a hundred boyes that nere had haire on chin , shal from fiue hundred of vp-landish win both field and towne : by which it may appeare good gouernment with profitable feare vvithin a few short yeares so wel wil thriue , one shal become to haue the odds of fiue : these therefore that haue wisedome for to tell , when they do any thing amisse or well ; stil in this passion obserue a meane , and not to feare nor to presumption leane . of despaire . saty . . no more of feare , for lo his impious brat , lookes now to be admitted ; this is that ; we call dispaire , with ghastly looks he stands , and poisons , ropes , or poin-yards fills his handes , still ready to do hurt ; one step , no more , reaches from hence vnto dam nations dore . this is that passion giues a man instruction , to wrest the scriptures to his owne destruction ; and makes him think while he on earth doth dwel he feeles the very torturing pangs of hell ; it makes men rage , like furies screeeh and houle , with exclamations horrible and foule , like monsters more then men . onely damnation is in their mouthes ; no mercy nor saluation they seeme to hope for : they extreamely feare some monstrous shapes which seeme for to appeare through their imaginations ; and the paine that they in soule and conscience do sustaine , all earthly tortures doth so much exceed , that they haue thought them selues in hell indeed oh what repentant liues , some vow to liue , if god would but once more vouchsafe to giue their health and hope againe : then they would spend their liues , and good , vnto no other end but wholly for his glory : yet there 's now some liuing that haue quite forgot that vow , god giue them grace to looke into their error , or they wil one day find a double terror , some in this agony haue little will , to any thing , vnlesse it be to kill , or make themselues away ; whereto the diuell , the author and chiefe causer of this euill , ( vnlesse that god in mercy him preuents ) is ready to prouide him instruments , i euen quake to thinke what humors be , attending on this hellish maladee ; and for some cause i mean not here to shew them , but pray that all had grace for to eschew them : now some do thinke this passion being taken , can very hardly be again forsaken ; but let none thinke so ; for why ? god in distresse doth neuer leaue man quite without redresse : nor can we say that he hath left vs voyd , of helpe for this , when ere we are anoy'd through satans guile ; for pittying our case , he leaues vs hope of fauour and of grace , if wee 'l lay hold on 't ; which to make more cleare , he let his euerlasting loue appeare , in highest measure , by the sacrifice of christ his sonne for our iniquities ; and also , did not sinne thus make vs blind , for euery greefe of body and of mind , he hath ordain'd a salue : all christians know ( or should at least ) the spring from whence doth flow , a pretious liquor that will quickly cure , our strongest passions , ( if the cup be pure ) or if we do not so presume as stand , and lap it here and there with our owne hand , for that 's the way to sooth vp many a passion , and the all-only cause of desperation ; which from all good-men i do wish as farre , as earth's low center from the highest star , but now dispaire or ▪ , distrust is twofold , one sort of which i haue already told , being concerning matters of saluation , the horriblest and feareful'st desperation , but th' other is alone of earthly things , yet mighty disaduantage with it brings , vvhere it gets entrance ; this makes many loath , to vndertake great matters cause through sloth they do dispaire to reach them ; yea it breeds a carelessnesse in man , and thence proceeds not a few treasons ; for the breach of law , makes many times the subiect in such awe , that he dispaires of pardon for his ill ; and therefore not alone remaines in 't still , but being guilty , for to salue one sore incurs the danger of a thousand more ; and for because he thinkes himselfe vndone , wil for assurance to rebellion runne : besides , there 's some dispairing of their cause , and being brought to triall by the lawes , for some offence are obstinately mute : to these forsooth the commons do impute a manly resolution ; cause thereby , they saue their landes to their posterity ; but sure there is no wise-man wil commend him that so desperately seekes his end ; and wilfully doth cast away him●el●e ( body and soule perhaps ) to saue his pelfe , to some suruiuors ; where as if he bide on hope , and not dispaire for to be tride according to the lawes , he may be cleer'd , and quitted of the danger he so fear'd , as some haue beene : besides , if we indure , but a small paine , if we despaire of cure , ease or amends , 't wil make it seem to be vnsufferable ; whereas if that we haue any hope , the ease we looke to win vvill mittigate the torture we are in ; his winter toyle what ploughman could sustain ▪ if he despaired of his haruest gaine ? and the strong'st army needs must faint and ●ly , if it despaire before of victory . but to conclude it must be vnderstood , dispaires a passion that is no time good , 't is alway hurtfull ; and i can obserue nothing whereto a man may make it serue , vnlesse to helpe a troope of coward fight : for could a man lead them past hope of flight , vvhere they should see there were no remedy , but they must dye or get the victory ; despaire in that case may giue them the day , that would haue lost it to haue run away . of hope . saty . . thrice welcome hope the diuel keep home the tother ( dispaire & feare ar sitting for no other ) this is the passion that of all the rest , we haue most reason to esteme of best : for if it be with good aduise applide , a salue it is god did himselfe prouide to ease not onely euery outward greife , but when the very soule doth want releefe , it wil redresse her paine , although it were the shaking of that hideous monster feare : oh precious balme ! yea , if that man had power , to take it to himselfe at such an hower , when black dispaire doth pinch him , that indeed would quite expell it ; and he should not need apothecary drugs . but what can wee , apply aright and not instructed be , by gods good inspiration ? nay , 't is true ; we are so farre vnlike for to pursue the way we should , that we do follow still , the crooked'st path to loose our selues in ill : this needing hope , we either neuer vse it , or else for want of knowledge do abuse it : yea this that of all passions was the best , is now as much corrupted as the rest ; we must consider then , mans hope is double , one true and certaine : th' other ful of trouble , and most vnconstant : the first hope attends things more immortall , and alone depends , on th' expectation of the certain'st things , and such perfection of true ioy , as brings no trouble with it , this through faith we gaine , and 't is sufficient to make any paine seeme short and easy ; yea it cheares a man , and t is a help , without the which none can endure to liue : but now great store there be , who for because of their infirmity , together through the bad and weake foundation , they build this hope on , make it in some fashion to be blame-worthy : it , cannot indure , nor wil it ( without doubting ) make them sure of what they looke for . now the other kind of hope , which i amongst vs men do find , is of vncertaine earthly things , and this of no continuance and oft frustrate is ; for the best likeli-hoods that may be showne , and the strong'st humane reasons that are knowne , are nothing for to ground a hope vpon ; ( since in the turning of a hand t is gone ) were all the men on earth procured to some easie thing that 's in ones power to doe ; and all were well resolu'd to see it done ; yea , wer 't but one daies work , and that begun , we may wel hope indeed thei 'l bring to passe , so smal a thing as that ; but yet , alas ! none can assure it , for because they know , no warrant from aboue it should be so : and therefore i could wish that euery man , should take vnto him the best hope he can , in all his outward actions ; but foresee , at least on honest grounds it builded be , and therewith be so well prepared still , that if these doubtfull hopes doe fall out ill , he ne're repine , but tak 't as if the same had beene expected long before it came ; and since that fickle trust did nought auaile him , depend on the true hope that shall nere faile him . for that indeed that 's plac'd on wit or strength is vaine , and most vncertaine ; cause at length , how ere it may seeme sure , it will deceiue him , and when he hath most need of comfort , leaue him . besides there 's many to this hope are led , by sundry passions within them bred : as loue , ambition , auarice , and such , 't is true that these will make a man hope much ; but many thereby into errors run so blindly on , that they are quite vndone , cause in their mindes , they hopefully expect , a thousand things which they shall nere effect ; for they giue their desires too large a scope , and doe abuse themselues through fained hope , not hauing plac'd it on a certaine ground ( for then it neuer could be frustrate found . ) but louers hopes , and such as theirs , are bold , on euery paltry trifle to lay hold . and whatsoe're the ambitious doe intend , the hopes they haue to bring their plots to end are drawne frō n' other grounds but their affections which for the most part giue such blind directions , that they , as we may by experience see together with their hopes oft ruin'd be ; but as this passion is now much abus'd , the next that followes is as hardly vs'd . of compassion . satyr . . pitty is knowne a kinde and tender passion , in it owne nature worthy commendation ; and if discretion guide it , well may be of meere alliance vnto charitie ; if not , it then from vertue quickly swerues , and with the rest a like reproofe deserues : now some will muse thereat , such as suppose a man through pitty cannot erre ; but those if they haue any iudgement of their owne , shall say compassion may amisse be showne : yea , and oft is , which they will quickly finde , or else i 'le say their reasons eye is blinde ; first let them tell me , is 't not frequented now , that those the which our country lawes allow iurors for tryall , are oft-times compell'd through a base tender weaknes for to yeeld . vnto this melting passion ? sometime by , a personall respect ta'ne by the eye : sometime for that th' offendor ( it may be , already hath sustain'd much misery : and thinke they not this charity and right ? yet through the ignorance forgetting quite , whilest they an ill deserued life prolong , therein they doe not onely iustice wrong , but by their indiscreete and fond compassion , vnwisely hazard e'ne their owne saluation ; then for their need , or cause they much implore , in common pleas they leane vnto the poore , ( if might o're sway them not , ) and that they trust , ( because they meane well ) may be counted iust : are there not some toe , who would faine be deem'd good common-wealths men ? yet haue misesteem'd that order which for wandring rogues was made , ( and as if they allowd their begging trade ) much pittie those that iustly punisht be , as though it were done void of charitie ? yea they haue dar'd to saie thus much and more , there 's no lawes made now , but against the poore : moreouer , he whose iudgement is so slender , and hath an yeelding heart so fondly tender to stoup vnto this passion , neither spares the lawes of god nor man ; but rashly dares peruert them both ; supposing his intent , shall free him from deserued punishment : these though that god himselfe saies kill ; reply with no alas ? t is pitty he should die : but such as they deserue the selfe same-check he had that spar'd the king of amaleck : for to say truth as vertuous as it showes , a foolish p●tty quickly ouerthrowes , in war an army and in peace a state ; and this i le stand to , 't is as bad as hate , for that and bribes to such a power is growne , iustic● can little in some courts now be showne : yea it is cleere and cannot be withstood , that pitty sometimes hurts the common good , and more we find that god's therby offended , and therefore man must haue this fault amended , and be perswaded 't is his part to see , how farre this passion may admitted be ; for seeme how 't will , all pitty is vnfit , vnlesse gods lawes and mans do warrant it : but i haue noted some kind-hearted asses , worth laughing at , that all the rest surpasses for foolish pitty : but themselues alone , 't is preiudiciall too ; or hurteth none ; to these do you but a tragaedian be , or else recite some ancient historie ; if that the matter which you do relate be sorrowfull and somthing passionate , though it were done a thousand yeares agoe , and in a country they did neuer know , yet wil they weep ( kind-hearts ) as if those men , were of their friends ; and that thing told , but then before their eyes in action : nay , vnfold some new made tale that neuer yet was told , so it be doleful and do represent some strange and lamentable accident : although not only ( as i said before ) it be a matter meerely fain'd , but more ; though that they know it so , they cannot keep their melting eyes from teares but they must weep i might touch parents , chiefly in the city , that mar their children by their cockering pitty , but other passions call me now away ; and yet before i leaue thus much i le say , those fond-kind parents that take rods from schooles haue almost fild the land with knaues and fooles and those that think we need no pitty rue , let them not hold so stil , for this is true , fond pitty rests in no true manly breast ; and therefore you that are , or would at least be counted men ; be not therewith ore ' borne , for t is a passion that novv women scorne . of crvelty . satyr . . bvt here 's another beares vs farther wide , if we embrace it on the other side ; and therefore whilst we seeke for to beware of foolish pitty , we must haue a care least this do ouer-run vs : t is a thing , whose very name doth seeme enough to bring , all men in the opinion to confesse , t is an inhuma●e hellish wickednes : a monstrous passion , so vnfit to rest or harbor in a reasonable brest that beasts , in whom it rather should remaine , doe for the greatest part the same refraine : and yet as odious as it doth appeare , vnlesse men looke to their affections neere , 't will steale vpon them , and they shall begin , not only to be quickly snar'd therein , although at first they doe abhorre it much , ●ut more ; the nature of this passion 's such , it will begin delightfull ; and it makes so deepe impression in the heart , and takes so sound a root , 't will hardly be displac't , whilst that the body by the soule is grac't : and yet some doe supposer i● may with ease , be left or tooke as eu'ry one shall please , but they are wide , like them that ouer-bold , and trusting to their proper strength , vphold , we neede not this same passion discommend , nature sufficient is to reprehend that fault ( they say . ) and they detest it so , reason can neere haue such an ouerthrow , that they should liue themselues for to defile , with any passion that they know so vile : indeed it is a monstrous villany , and most i thinke can raile at cruelty , yet let none be so carelesse , for 't is true , the odious vices we doe most eschew , grow pleasing by degrees : when hasael vvas told what he should doe to israel , full little thought he then his gentle heart , should euer giue consent to act a part , of such a tragick scaene ; and yet we find , he became after of another mind : for our intents and best affections , be exceeding subiect to vncertaintie : those we thinke surest ; and vnlesse each hower , we be remembred such a state is our we should forget our selues . philip , the sire of that bold grecian king that did aspire to be the worlds third monarch , knew full well himselfe to be a man , yet could not tell whereto he might through humane frailty fall , and therefore wil'd his seruant for to call , thus at his window ( ere the day began ) philip , remember that thou art a man. and e'ne as hatefull as this passion is , to be remembred so , 't were not amisse , but men are stronger now they thinke then he , and much lesse prone to imbecillitie ; but you that thinke so , and you that vphold this needs no warning , 'pray let me be bold for to demand some questions , since there be , so few as you thinke stain'd with cruelty ; is he not mercilesse , that without shame doth rob his neighbour of his honest name by raising false reports ? doth not that lord , that to his tenant grudges to afford , what loue and conscience giues ? or he that takes , the common profit to himselfe , and makes his owne good of it , when he knowes thereby many a poore man 's brought to beggery ? doth not i say that landlord hardly deale ? and is he not vnto the common weale . a cruell foe ? some damned vsurers , that are i thinke the diuels treasurers : ( for by the small vse they of riches make they for another seeme their care to take ) are they not cruell , when they cannot be , contented with their statute vsuree but must encrease their gaines by bribes and guifts , with many subtile and vnlawfull shifts ; pinching poore debtors till their greedy hands haue got possession both of goods and lands ? what are out lawyers that can brooke to see , christians like beasts that still a wrangling be , and yet when it lies in their power to part them , will for their owne gaine vnto discord hart them , keeping them still at strife by adding fuell to maintaine an ill flame ; are they not cruell ? yes verily ; and so are not alone , the mercilesse offenders ; but each one : who when he doth perceiue that there is need , is slacke to doe a charitable deed : and what may they be that employ their care , to pamper vp the flesh with curious fare : largely prouiding for the bodies good whilst the poore soule is hunger-steru'd for food ? they are not cruell ? no , t is like that such that can take pittie on themselues so much , are mercifull to others . you will say to poison men 't were ill , then what are they that by false doctrine fraught with errors foule , seeke to enuenome and infect the soule ? cruell they are ( i know ) you must confesse , but then you 'le say t is not that cruelnesse you vnderstood ; as if you did suppose , none through this passion did offend but those that murtherers be : in truth i thinke that this i here recite , not principallest is . for it from other causes doth proceed , whereas true proper cruelty indeed , is when a man delights and longs to see , or doe , some deed that 's full of crueltee : iust such was his that out of a desire , to see how troy burn't when it was on fire , caus'd rome in many places for to flame , and longing to behold from whence he came , ript vp his mothers wombe ; a passiue right vvas also his , that tooke so much delight , for to behold men strangely tortured , that he out of his bounty promised , a large reward to him that could inuent , the cruel'st and vnusuall'st punishment ; vvhich phalaris demanding , was therefore , the first that made his brazen bull to roare ; and like to this are those mens humors to , that vncompel'd , would make no more a doe to murther , till a country were vnman'd , then doth a schoole-boy with a walking wand , to lop downe thistles tops . now these men be passiuely cruell in the high'st degree : and though the first rehearsed be not so , yet thereto they may very quickly grow : vnlesse they haue oft warning to beware , since they already halfe-way entred are : especially the greedy hungry elfe , that would for profit gladly damne himselfe : for auarice doth harden so the heart ; in any mischiefe he may beare a part . no cruelty the couetous refraines , murther nor treason so he may haue gaines . if that i thought 't would any thing auaile , against this passion i could further raile ; but as it raignes in man experience showes ; so that 't is euill there is none but knowes : wherefore i 'le say no more but onely this , as he is blessed that meeke hearted is : so for the cruell lightly doth attend , a heauy curse , and a most fearefull end . of ioy . satyr . . of all the passions handled hitherto , vvith this that followes i had least to doe : and yet by some small trials i haue had , 't is better i perceiue then being sad : yea 't were the greatest blessing that might be , were 't of it selfe , and from all combrance free : but seldome 't is or neuer ; cause that such , is our estate ; as if that fa●e did grutch the vse of simples ; we almost can finde , nothing to pleasure vs in it owne kind : neuer could any man as yet obtaine ioy , but there follow'd either shame or pain : and he no question that 's allowed most , doth deerely pay for what is quickly lost : but now the reason why mens ioy so soone is chang'd to sorrow ; is because there 's none , or very few that doe their gladnesse found vpon a sollid , firme , substantiall ground : but on such subiects as no maruaile tho , it doth receiue so quick an ouerthrow and hath so sharpe a farwel : for one , ioyes in dogs , apes , monkeis , or some such like toyes , and when they faile , as how can they last long ? their mirth is finish't ; they must change their song . some in their honor all their ioy dooe place , but let them take good heed : for if disgrace , adde the least motion vnto fortunes wheele , sorrow takes place , and little ioy they feele : take but away his substance you destroy the miserable rich mens onely ioy , and soone by sicknesse that delight 's defac't , which man in beauty , or in strength hath plac't : yea all our ioy in transitory things they being lost , at last a sorrow brings : and therefore i wish men to make their choice , of that wherein 't were fit for to reioyce , and not in thinges so friuolous and vaine , they must repent them for their ioy againe . some do so firmely settle their delight on things vnworthy that they are e'n quite bereft of vnderstanding when they see , they must of them againe depriued be : but oh you men ( that haue your better parts , of an immortall frame ) awake your hearts , and from●delight in drosse , and clay , remooue your ioyes ; and place them vpon thinges aboue : so shall you still haue cause for to reioyce , and not with sorrow thus repent your choyce . another fault i in mans ioy espy , which i 'le illustrate by this simily , looke how those men that being calm'd at sea , and forc't the leasure of the winds to stay , halfe starud for food , once cast vpon some shore , where , of prouision they are seru'd with store : i say looke how those men by taking in , to their weake stomacks that haue fasting bin a little food ; do then begin to faint ; and cause their pallates they do not acquaint , with a spare dier , ( although it wholsome be ) through former want and their infirmity it workes their bane ; right so it fares in this , for he that alway in some sorrow is , and tost vpon the boistrous seas of care if for his comfort he be landed there where ioy abounds ; his heart , where ( none hath bin full many a day before ) receiues it in , so out of measure ; that it euen makes the soule vnquiet , and thereby he takes a surfet ; whose strong violence is such , the body faints or is endanger'd much . i need not stand on proofes for this , i trow , since there be many by experience know , at sodaine telling of some newes that 's good , diuers haue sencelesse and amazed stood . yea bin so rauisht with the ioy they tooke , that they haue e'ne their liues and all forsooke , though flesh be fraile , me thinkes if eu'ry man , would striue to curbe his nature what he can ; armes of resistance they might better weild , and not so basely to their passions yeeld : yea it befits not him that ought to be , at all poynts fenc't with magnanimity , to suffer any mischeefe to anoy his mind , through either too much care or ioy ; but let these passions of each other borrow , he may be sad with mirth and glad with sorrow , much i might speake more ( some perhaps wil say ) but here my muse is now resolu'd to stay : yet if heereafter i haue ioy in store , if it be needfull , i wil tel you more . of sorrow . satyr . . of this said passion i may knowledge take , and wel say som-what for acquaintance sake , i heare it is complain'd vpon of many , yet i dare say it seldome hurteth any , excepting those by whom 't is entertain'd , and such indeed haue with iust cause complain'd : for whilest they keepe it they shall neuer rest , 't is so vntam'd and troublesome a guest : yet such a guest , though he his host diseases , 't is thought he cannot rid him when he pleases . yet if that man would vse the meanes he might , sure by degrees he might out-weare it quite ; yea t is his part and duty . for should he , that must on ●arth iehouahs viceroy be ? should he to whom his soueraigne lord hath giuen a countenance for to behold the heauen ? should he , i say , blot out this manly grace , and groueling turne to earth his blubber'd face ? it were a shame : yet more shall he that saith , he is a christian and seemes t' haue faith , for losse of friends ; when there 's no remedy , be passionate in such extremity , that childish teares not onely staines his face , ( which may be borne withall in such a case ) but also raues , growes furious , and extends his griefe past reasons limits ; who commends a man for that say , is it any lesse , then to deny by deed what words professe ? for who would think which fees how he bewailes , the losse of breath that in a moment failes , that he beleeues , but rather thinke 't is vaine , to hope or trust , the flesh shall rise againe ; or that there were , as holy scripture saith , any reward for them that die in faith . it 's a plaine token of a misbeliefe , when christians so ore whelme themselues with greef : and therefore though i doe not discommend , the moderate bewailing of a friend ; i wish the extreame hereof men might despise , least they doe their profession scandalize : beside though as i seem'd to say before , vnles 't be common , 't is no common sore , because it hurts but those that entertaine it , yet were it good if all men could refraine it ; for it not onely makes mans visage be wried , deform'd , and wrinkled as we see , himselfe exiling from the common eye , to vexe and greeue alone , he knowes not why : but also brings diseases with his death , by the vntimely stopping of his breath . ●t makes his friends to loath his company , and greatly hinders his commoditie , for who for dealings in affaires is fit , vnlesse with good will he attendeth it . and howsoere it seeme , yet surely this , as farre from vertue as bad pleasure is , for as through one one we to much euill runne , so many good things th' other leaues vndone : i wonder that this passion should touch , the harts of men to make them greeue so much as many doe , for present miseries ; haue they no feeling of felicities , that are to come ? if that they be in paine , let hope giue ease ; it will not alwaies raine , calmes doe the roughest stormes that are attend , and th' longest night that is will haue an end . but 't is still bad thou saist , take 't patiently , an age is nothing to eternitie , thy times not here : enuy not though that some seeme to thee happy ; their bad day 's to come , and if thou knew'st the griefe they must sustaine , thou would'st not thinke so hardly of thy paine : i must confesse 't was once a fault of mine , at euery misaduenture to repine ; i sought preferment , and it fled me still , whereat i greeu'd , and thought my fortune ill ; i vext to see some in prosperitie , deride and scoffe at my aduerstie ; but since aduis'd , and weighing in my minde the course of things , i soone began to finde the vainenesse of them ; these i saw of late in bliss , ( as i thought ) scorning my estate , i see now ebbing , and the once-full tide that ouer-flow'd the lofty banks of pride , hath left them like the sand shore , bare and dry , and almost in as poore a case as i. besides , i view'd my daies , now gone and past , and how my fortunes from the first to th' last were link't together ; i obseru'd , i say , each chance and deed of mine , from day to day , that memory could keep ; yet found i none , not one thing in my life that was alone : but still it either did depend on some that was already passed , or to come ; yea , the most childish , idle trifling thing , that seemed no necessitie to bring ; in that hath the beginnings oft been hid , of some the waightiest things that ere i did : but cheefely to abate the excessiue ioying , in worldly things ; and to preuent th' annoying of any sorrow , this i noted thence , ( and euer-since haue made it a defence for both these passions ) i haue truely seene , that those things wherewith i haue ioyed beene ▪ highly delighted , and the dearest lou'd , euen those very things haue often prou'd , my cheefest care : and i haue found againe , that which i deem'd my greatest losse , or paine , and wherewithall i haue been most anoyd , and should haue deem'd a blessing to auoid ; that which my heart hath ask't for ; and wherein , i thought me most vnhappy ; that hath bin the ground of my best●ioyes : for which cause , i aduise all men that are in misery to stand vnmou'd , for why they doe not know whether it be to them for good or no : they ought not for to murmur nor to pine at any thing , shall please the powers deuine to lay vpon them : for my mind is this , each sorrow is an entrance into blisse . and that the greatest pleasure we attaine ; is but a signe of some insuing paine . but to be plainer , this our life 's a toy , that hath nought in it worth our griefe or ioy : but there are some base-minded dunghill elues , that sorrow not for any but themselues . or if they doe 't is onely for the losse of some old crest-falne lade ; but that 's a crosse past bearing ; be it but a rotten sheep , or two stale egs , they will such yelling keep , as if thereby had perished a brood , in which consisted halfe the kingdomes good : but i intreat them since it must befall , they would be patient ; who can doe withall ? and also let them of much griefe beware ; for there 's small ods betweene the same and care : and they haue heard ( i need not tell them that ) 't is an old saying , care will kill a cat. then let them take heart , chiefly since they see , none liue but sometime they must loosers be , vvhich is an ease : for i haue heard them tell , with mates they care not , if they goe to hell . but in good earnest now let vs not runne , willingly hereinto as we haue done ; rather auoid it as a hurtfull foe , that can effect nought but our ouerthrow : and yet instead receiue into our breast , an honest mirth , which is a better guest ; and whatso'ere our former griefe hath been , let vs nere sorrow more , but for our sinne : thus with this passion end the rest will i , because it ends not till our end is nigh . the conclvsion . thus haue i labour'd some effects to show , that doe from mens abused passions flow ; which from example of old ages past , and wise-mens sayings , i might more haue grac't ▪ but that i am resolu'd to tie my rimes as much as may be to the present times ; also i might amongst these here haue told , the bodies passions ; as hunger , cold , heat , thirst , and such like ; but their force is seene , and most men haue sufficient carefull beene for to preuent them ; they last not so long , nor are by much so violent and strong , or dangerous as these : but if men knew , or with the eyes of reason would o're view these foule-bred maladies , as sure they ought , they would with greater diligence haue sought the cure of them , then of such slight diseases ; the which their bodies and no more displeases : but now the reason men disturbed are , for the most part with such preposterous care is this ; through their corrupted iudgement they , doe onely on things seene depend and stay ; which being most apparant to the sense , so muffles vp the weake intelligence , and blinds her that she hath no power to see , the better things that more subsisting be ; when if they could conceiue but halfe so well the soules estate , they 'd labour to expell all these corruptions , that may cause her woe , all those fell passions that molest her so : but some men haue in this opinion stood , that eu'ry passion 's naturall and good ; indeed philosophers the same doe call , a motion of the soule that 's naturall ; and in some sort we may not be afraid , for to vphold as much as they haue said : but thus we must distinguish on it then , and make a two-fold passion in men , of which , one sort vnto the best aspires , and that alone , things meerely good , desires , therein reioycing ; moderate , and weake in operation ; and the truth to speake ; we haue it rather by gods inspiration , then bred within vs at our generation : the other , as th' effects thereof doe show , doth by our owne corrupted nature grow ; for it is head-strong , rash , insatiate , wondrous disordred , and immoderate , of which kind these are , whereof i haue spoken , and they are oft the cause mens sleeps are broken ; that 't is which makes them raue , or greeue , or ioy so out of measure for a trifling toy ; yea that 't is onely makes them oft so teasie , their friends seem troublesome , their beds vneasie , and lastly , these are the occasions still , of all misfortunes , and of euery ill ; th' effects they doe produce we also see , contrarie to their expectations be ; for he that hopes , or lookes for to attaine , great ioy & pleasure haps on greefe and paine : but by what meanes may men these passions kill ? sure not by the procuring of their will , as some imagine . for first it may be , a thing that 's not in possibilitie for to be reacht vnto . but say it were , will the ambitious-minded-man forbeare to be ambitious , if he once fulfill his longing thoughts ? no ; he will rather still , encrease that passion which first he had or fall into some other that 's as bad ; for altring the condition or estate , the soules vexation doth no more abate , then changing roomes or beds doth ease his paines that hath a feuer ; since the cause remaines still in himselfe : but how and which way then may these diseases be recur'd in men ? why by philosophy , counsell , and reason , these being well appli'd in their due season may do much good . else seek the cause whence rise , these hurtfull and pernitious maladies . let them consider that , and so they may , cut off the ' ffect by taking it away . but if they cannot the occasions find i le tell them 't is a basenesse of the mind : or els a false opinion that 's in some , of good or euill present or to come . respecting good things thus : they do desire and are to yehemently set on fire ▪ with coueting what seemes so ; or anoying , themselues with an excessiue ouer-ioying , in the obtaining . in regard of ill , they are oppressed with some sorrow still ; so that we see if men would goe about , to change their minds , and driue that basenes out through magnanimity , ( and note well this , that passion but some false opinion is , fram'd by the will , and drawne by the direction of iudgement that 's corrupted by affection ) me thinkes they might by reasons help confound , the former errors that haue tane such ground , in their weake hearts , and learne for to esteeme , that which doth either good or euill seeme : ( and in their soules such perturbation wrought ) as things not good , nor ill , and that which ought , ( being vnworthy ) neither to molest , nor breed such passions in their carefull breast . by these and other such like meanes as these , the wise philosophers in elder daies kept out those furies , and 't were now a shame , if that we christians could not doe the same : hauing besides those helps whereon they staid , a certaine promise of a better ayd , if wee le but aske it : le ts demand it then , to rid these euils from our soules agen . if that we feele them yet not stirring in vs , let vs preuent them ere by force they win vs : for 't is more easie ( eu'ry one doth know ) for to keep out , then to expella foe : if any thinke i from my purpose swarue , cause my intent was chiefly to obserue and not to teach ; let them not blame me tho ; for who can see his friends lie sick , and know which way to cure them ? but you 'l say my skill , cannot instruct you : yet may my good-will be worth accepting , and the other neither , a thing to be reiected altogether : for , i haue seene when in a knowne disease doctors with all their art could giue no ease to their weake patient ; a country dame , hath with a home-made medicine cur'd the same : and why not i , in this ? yes , i le abide it ; being well vs'd it helps , for i haue tride it : thus much for that ; but still there doth remaine some obseruations yet for to explaine ; i haue not done , for i am further task't , and there 's more humors yet to be vnmask't , wherein because i will not step astray nor swerue from truth a iot beside the way , i 'le say no more ( least men should seeme belide ) then what my owne experience hath espide ; and then if any frowne , ( as sure they dare not ) so i speake truth , let them frowne still i care not : but if my muse you should so saucy finde , sometime to leaue her notes , and speak her minde , as oft she doth , when she but haps to see , how vaine , or weake , or fickle , most men be ; yet blame me not , 't is out of the good-will i beare to you , and hatred vnto ill : which when i see , my purpos'd course i breake , because , indeed , i am compel'd to speake : yet thinke not , though i some where bitter be , i count my selfe from all those vices free ; rather imagine 't is to me well knowne , that here with others faults i tell mine owne . the end of the first booke . the second booke . of the vanity . inconstancie , vveake-nesse , and presumption of men. precatio . thou that createdst all things in a weeke , great god : whose fauour i doe onely seeke , e'ne thou by whose sweet inspiration , i vndertooke this obseruation ; oh grant , i pray , since thou hast dain'd to show , thy seruant that which thousands doe not know , that this my noting of mans hum'rous passion , may worke within me such an alteration , i may be for my past offences sorry , and lead a life to thy eternall glorie . let not ambition , nor foule desire , nor hate , nor enuy set my heart on fire , reuenge , nor choller , no nor iealousie , and keepe me from despaire and crueltie , fond hope expell , and i beseech thee blesse , my soule ●rom feare and too much heauines . but giue me speciall grace to shun the vice , that is so common ; beastly auarice : yea grant me power i not onely know , but flye those euils that from passion flow . moreouer now inspire my soule with art , and grant me thy assistance to impart , the rest of mens ill customes , yet remaining , and his vaine humors ; that by my explaining , they may perceiue how odious i can make them , blush at the reading and at last forsake them : so let my muse in this and things to come , sing to thy glory , lord , or else be dumbe . the second booke . of the vanitie , inconstancie , weaknes , and presumption of men. of vanitie . satyr . . my muse , that now hath done the best she can to blaze corrupted passion bred in man , goes further here , and meanes for to vndoe , another knot of ill 's he 's prone vnto ; from which , as out of the main root there growes , all whatsoeuer euill , mankind knowes , with thousands of bad humors , of which some , ( such as to mind by obseruation come ; as also , such as are the proper crimes of these vngodly and disorder'd times : ) she means to treat off : the chiefe heads be these , ( consider of them reader if thou please ) first vvanton , and light-headed vanity , next that , camelion-like inconstancy . then , miserable weaknes ; lastly this , damned presumption , that ore-daring is . but ere i doe begin this worke , that i may speake to purpose with sinceritie , lord i beseech thee help me to explaine , and teach me to contemne the thing that 's vaine , i haue begun in thee this my endeauour , and constancie i craue for to perseuer ; also my knowledge i confesse is weake , yet through thy strength and truth i hope to breake these mires of sinne , from which mankind , kept vnder , must be let loose ( like beds of eelles by thunder ) then that i may man's pride the better see , from all presumption lord deliuer me . likewise disperse the foggy mist of sinne , that to my purpose hath a hindrance bin , and th' euill by thy wisedome i perceiue , lord let thy mercy giue me grace to leaue ; that being free my selfe , i may not coldly , tax others faults but reprehend them boldly . so hauing for this good assistance praid , my muse goes forward trusting to thine ayd , to guide me in the wildernes of sinne , great vanities suruey : for being in , i see now 't is an intricate maeander , in which ( i feare ) i shall confus'dly wander : it is a labyrinth so full of wayes , and seemes so endlesse if my pen o●ce strayes , as doth the fisherman amazed stand , that knoweth not , which way to row to land , when all alone in some close misty day ; far from the hauen he hath lost his way . knowing he may as well strike vp the maine , as turne vnto the wished shore againe ; so i doe feare least this may carry me , into an ocean where no sea-marks be . because what way so ere my course i bend , there vanity i see without all end ; which hath not vnder her subiection gain'd such things alone as are on earth containd , or vnderneath the orbs of ayre and fire , but reaches farther and encroaches higher ; according to his meaning , who said plaine , that all things vnderneath the sunne were vaine : but now i thinke it may a question be , whether the sunne , the moone and starres be free , for sometimes false predictions they impart , or are belyed by abused art ; but of man onely here my muse must tel's who is by much more vaine then all things els . for vanity his reason ouerswayes , not onely on some certaine monthes or dayes , but is at all times in him resident , as if it were his proper accident ; neither doth age , in which he groweth on , any thing lessen the proportion of vanities he had . but in the steed , of some reiected follies there succeed others as bad : for we perceiue when boyes , begin to man , ( asham'd of childish toyes ) these then leaue off , their former idle chat , and foolish games ; but what 's the cause of that ? for being ill ? no ; rather they contemne those bad things as not bad enough for them ; and as one poore , playes first for points and pins , once growing rich leaues that , and then begins to venture crownes , dislikes not gaming tho he shun the first game as not fit enough , for his estate ; so yong men doe forsake , the rope-ripe tricks , that their first age did take cheef pleasure in ; not cause they wicked deem them but being men they think 't will not beseeme them ; then hounds & haukes , & whores a● their delight ; quarrels and braules doe fit their humors right , disordred meetings , drunken reuellings , consuming dice , and lauish banquettings , proud , costly robes , this is the yong mans vaine , the which his elder doth dislike againe , not since ill neither : but because his yeares , him vnto other vanities endeares ; as selfe conceit , much care for worldly pelfe , heaping vp what he nere enioyes himselfe , prone to contentions , much desiring still , be it his weale , or woe , to haue his will. extreamely louing lies , and giuen to prate , yet making shew as if he both did hate : yea old men boast of what they did in youth , vvhich none disproouing we must take for truth : and thousands more or else they are belied , each age is pester'd with ; and yet beside , vanities●proper vnto each degree , millions of thousands i suppose there be . princes haue these , they very basely can , suffer themselues that haue the rule of man , to be oreberne by villaines ; so insteed , of kings they stand , when they are slaues indeed . by blood and wrong a heauenly crowne thei 'l danger t' assure their state heere ( often to a stranger . ) they quickly yeeld vnto the battaries , of slye insinuating flatteries , most bountifull to fooles , too full of feare , and far to credulous of that they heare . so giuen to pleasure , as if in that thing , consisted all the office of a king. but if heere in my harmeles halting rimes , were onely ti'de vnto this place and times , and shold of none but of my soueraigne tell , spight of her heart she could not speake but well ; for ( i suppose ) the truth i must confesse . that vanity no prince ere harbord lesse then iames hath done ; vnlesse corrupted stories , rob's former ages of deserued glories . if any say to sooth i now deuise , his heart i know wil tel his tong he lies , for did i not thinke true what heere i sing , i 'de not wrong iustice for to please the king. great men are vaine toe , in much se●king fames , with nimrod and his mates ; they raise their names by building babels ; yea and they suppose , honour consists in titles and in showes . they thraso-like in parasites delight , that do in presence claw , in absence bite . they vse their pleasures not as pleasures now , or recreations as 't were fit , but how ? 't is all their care , their cheefe and only ioy , in satisfying which ; they doe employ , both wealth and wit and all . if they would take somthing in hand for recreations sake , they are wi●h pleasures so o'recloy● we see , it must be that which their affaires should be , a wondrous vanity ! and their care , is for rich rayment and the curioust fare ; pam●ring their flesh when all is but in vaine , for dust it was and shal to dust againe . then since their euils we seeme not to see , in vaine they think that they wel thought of be ; tush , men their lewdnes cease for to repeat , why : cause th' are faultles ? no because th' are great● but for their vices though now none dare shew the , ̄ vnlesse they mend another age shal know them ; and therefore if they count their honors deare , let them be good as wel as great men heare ; let them leaue vanity and not suppose , the world wil euer blinded be with showes , for that great mighty peere that died so lately , ere while was mighty , powerful , and stately , he was most croucht vnto and oft implor'd , yea almost like a demi-god ador'd ; he onely ( as my selfe haue heard some prate , ) was the vpholder of the brittaine state. and all the wit this kingdome did containe , some thought was harbor●d in his little braine , ahd had he liu'd ( if all be true men say ) he might haue wel beene pater patriae . but now alas hee s gone , and all his fame you sees not able to preserue his name from foule reproach ; but each one breaks his mind which shewes though they winkt they were not blind in spight of all his greatnes , 't is wel knowne that store of rimes , and libels now are sowne in his disgrace : but i heare diuers say , that they are slanders , ( then the more knaues they that were the authors ) but if so it be , he were from those vild imputations free ; if that his vertue 's paid with such a curse , what shal they looke for that are ten times worse ? wel nobles i le the court ere long suruay , and if i find among you such as stray , through vanity or pride ; vnlesse it be , into some small faults through infirmity , if there be no man that dare taxe you for 't , my muse shal do it e'ne to make me sport , for though she keepe but a plaine hobling forme , shee shall haue wit enough to make you storme . i wil not spare you thus , til death do fet yee , but rub you whilst you are aliue to fret yee . yet do not think ● meane to blaze your shame , in scattered libels , that shal want a name . no ; i hate that : i le tell the illes you doe , and put my name for witnesse therevnto . then 't is but fetching me ad magistratum , and laying to me scandalum magnatum , which though you proue not , rather yet then faile , you were best hang or clap me into iaile to stay my tongue ; so much you may do to me , and that 's the worst i know that you can do me . but whether runnes my ouer-sawcy pen ? there 's vanity , besides in noblemen . the gentleman , for some repute but vaine , beyond his power oftentimes doth straine , our yeomen toe that neuer armes haue borne to gentillize it makes themselues a scorne ; but their gaine 's enuy , with a greater charge ; yet of these fooles the catalogue is large . then ere that lesson be halfe taken forth , they must ad knight-hood or 't is nothing worth : mony may get it , therefore many sue it , although with shame and beggery they ●rue it . and credit they expect in vaine thereby , for it turnes rather to their infamy ; because it is bestowne without deserts , and yet in troth our knights haue done their parts . for most haue well deseru'd it , but as how ? brauely in field , en'e in a field at plow . but why looke we in meere humanity , for that which sauors not of vanity , since diuine matters cannot quite be free , but with the same must oft corrupted be ? diuines , striue not so much for to impart , the truest doctrines as to shew their art : the grace their speach more with vaine words for sound , then with graue sayings , needful and profound ; but t is a vaine thing , wondrous full of shame , and in my iudgement highly merits blame , to paint o're that whose beautie 's neuer fuller , then when it shines forth in it proper colour . againe they striue what ceremonies fit and best beseemes the church , meane while omit more weighty matters ; who that 's wise would stand , like many wrangling spirits in this land , vpon such idle questions as they know , 't is no great matter on which side they goe ? and such as best in my conceit befits , none but vnquiet and seditious wits . heere 's my opinion : be they not the cheefe grounds of religion , or the same beleefe saluation comes by , that men go about by their inuentions for to bring in doubt , so 't be not that they touch , ( as sure they dare not ) let all the rest go which way 't will i care not , haue not our lawyers many vaine delayes , vnnecessary writs and idle staies , for to prolong mens suites ? when they might foile , the party faulty e'ne with halfe that quoile , they 'l for their fee relate some pretty tale , like the wise story of old iack i'ith vale , which ( if they once haue thorowly begun ) vndo them quite that tarry til 't be done . iack doe , dick roe with whom y 'ad ne're to doe , thei le bring to help your cause and god knowes who and for your benefit they can affoord , many a foolish sencelesse idle word . which they i know will not account as vaine , since that 't is with a vengeance brings them gaine . besides as i suppose their lawes they pen'd , in their old pedlers french vnto this end the vulgar should no farther knowledge reach , then what shall please their maisterships to teach ; or else they haue the selfe-fame policie , as the professors of damn'd papistry , who sacred writ in forraine tongues conceal'd , least that their knauish trickes should be reueal'd . what can they not in our owne language find , words of sufficient force t' expresse their mind ? that cannot be denied , but t is a trouble , so easily to counterfeit and double in a knowne tongue , when th' other but a few , can vnderstand , but that obstreperous crew . these make the lawes almost to none effect , their courses are so wondrous indirect , to them they fauour they delaies can grant , though iustice her due expedition want . sometimes vpon one matter we may see , that sundry iudgments shal pronounced be ; now there 's a motion granted , next day crost , so fee and labour 's to no purpose lost : and stil the clrent shal be so deluded , that when he hope 's al 's done there 's nought concluded nay though we heare the vtmost sentence past , which by all course of law should be the last ▪ why then , i say , ( though all seeme wholly ended ) yet may the execution be suspended : and for some trifle , to the poore mans terror , be cald in question by a writ of error . so that the right oft yeelds vnto the stronger , vvhen poore mens purses can hold out no longer . oh miserable state ! what should we say ? may not the country think themselues a prey these rauens liue on ? may we not suppose , by their delayes , and some such tricks as those , they practise only for to cheat and gull ; and on our ruines fil their gorges full ? yes questionlesse ; for they , themselues do raise , vnto this height on other mens decayes , not their owne vertu●s ; oh though't be too late , yet let me wish that we had kept the state and simple innocence we once retain'd , for then we had not of this ill complain'd , nor yet those moouers of sedition knowne , ( now to a mony-headed monster growne . ) but since that time is past , we may complaine , yet must nere looke to see those dayes againe , we haue good lawes , but they too , seeme in vaine , since they according to each lawyers braine , may be now wrested too and fro to make the matter good that he doth vndertake ; i 'le say it plainely , and yet not belye them , there 's few but rich-men can haue iustice by them . and pray you iudge now , is not that law vaine ? which when it is enacted ( to restraine , some priuiledge or custome that hath stood as a great hinderance to the publike good ) should of it vertue be so slightly gui'd , as by a licence to be disanuld . moreouer there be some too much to blame , or poenall lawes are onely lawes in vaine , made in terrorem tantum , to affright and not for execution of the right : and i may liken them vnto those logges , that iupiter threw downe to rule the frogges ; at first they come forth with such thundring terror , that we doe tremble to commit an error , but in a day or two they are so still , for ought i see , we may doe what we will , vnlesse that we be poore ; or some despight vs , then peraduenture thei 'le go neere to fright vs a tweluemonth after ; if so long they last , twenty to one then all the furie 's past . did you but note it you would much admire , to see how strictly iustices inquire , on daies of sitting , what abuses raigne , how those they threate that slackly doe complain , how they wil raile and fume , and chafe , and storme as if all evils they would quite reforme within a moment : but things violent cannot you know be long time permanent , nor is their zeale ; for surely ( god amend it ) one twise twelue howers will begin and end it . but why are they so earnest then ? oh know , that the small springs within the dales below , glide gently on , vntill a land-flood fils their empty channels from the higher hils . but when thei 'le swell vntill they can discharge , their burthens in some plaine to runne at large , so these low magistrates , would gladly sleepe , and their owne easie crooked channels keepe ; but when that any streame of ivstice showers , and comes downe to them from the higher powers then peraduenture the 'le grow big a day , and iustice shall haue course the nearest waie : yet in a little space she must be faine , to runne within their winding banks againe . some falsely haue affirmed iusti●e blind , yet i am sure she knows how to finde ( if that she be disposed for to looke , ) who giues her daie-workes by her counting books . nay she knowes capon , turkey , goose or swan and thee i warrant from another man what ere thou be : but whilest she sees so plaine , it is no wonder we haue lawes in vaine , also when officers doe vndertake their charge at first , lord what a quoile they make a drunkard cannot with his capring feete , cut out indentures , as he walkes the streete , but he 's straight stockt for 't , or for his offence , by fining to the poore he must dispence . then those perhaps that slackly doe frequent gods deuine seruice , somewhat shall be shent ; and many other goodly deeds thei 'le do , but these grow quickly weary of them toe . againe , sometimes comes out a proclamation , which threatens , on the paine of confiscation , that no recusant doe presume to stay within ten miles o th' court from such a day , yet sure 't is notwithstanding ment , that some should daily to the presence chamber come , and shroud within a furlong on 't or two ; some great-one's may ; and so i hope they doe , and by their owne authority no doubt , may keepe the rest from danger thereabout , pish , they at such a matter will but scoffe 'cause they know surely how to put it off . yet i 'le not say it is in vaine ; for why the printer's sometime set on worke thereby : and 't is moreouer for our satisfaction . who else might think the state were out of action , but oh you noble english senators our kingdomes guard , and princes counsellors how can you see your labours so mis-vs'd ? or brooke , to haue your soueraigne so abus'd ? doe you suppose that it deserues no blame , to make a scar-crow of the regall name ? and to erect it on some common stall , for to be gaz'd on , to no end at all ? respect it more ; and vse it not for course or fashions sake ; but shew it hath some force . pluck out those vipers that for feare of harme their chilled spirits in your bosomes warme : d' ye not perceiue their stings ? no danger feare yet ? oh 't is apparant let them not shroud neere yee ? for if you doe , 't is doubtlesse the conclusion , if god preuent not will be your confusion . yet all ( for ought i see ) should still remaine , were there not some , who ( out of zeale to gaine more then religion , or their countries weale , ) their scuruie base conditions doe reueale , in begging and in rifling of some few ; but they their owne corruptions rather shew then redresse any . more i here could vtter but i methinkes already heare some mutter , as if i should be sure of r●mes great curse : but then ●'me sure i shall be ne're the worse . yea , let them go to rome , curse , ban , & spare not , i 'le sit at home and laugh ; because i care not , but why doe i of lawes alone complaine , since all man deales in , is in some sort vaine ? religion is with ceremonies stuft , and with vaine-glory and presumption puft , now our almes-de●ds and guifts of charitie , are done for shew and with hypocrisie . yea , al 's made vaine , for if you would but view our vniuersities ; indeed 't is true , there you may yet see , how that heretofore , in better daies , hath been erected store of pallaces ; ( whose curious build are still , a faire remembrance of the worke-mens skill ) which , least that knowledge in the land should fade , vvere by the patrons of good learning made , that there the muses shelter'd from the rages of former , present , and succeeding ages might safely liue and not beholding be to pyren for his hospitality . 't is also true , there wants not , to sustaine their proper needs , nor yet to entertaine such as desire knowledge , there 's enough ; the worthy founders haue prouided so , but of these profits now why make they stay ? best sel 't , or let some courtier beg't away . for publike guifts are turn'd to priuate vses , faire colledges are ful of foule abuses . and their reuenues i account as vaine , because they lazy dunces do maintaine , who to themselues do claime the profits , by nothing but witlesse seniority . such as saue beard ( with reuerence be it spoken ) of profound learning haue nor marke nor token . good founders dreaming not of these abuses , gaue them at first to charitable vses ; but we find now all alter'd , and the dues , the which by right vpon desert ensues , like offices in court , are bought and sould , and places may be had , but how ? for gold , there as else-where they now are growne so bad , without quid dabis nothing can be had , 't is strange to see what auarice can doe , but are the muses taken with it to ? oh no ? for they esteeme such gaine a losse , and their high spirits scorne such earthly drosse ▪ how then ? there are some cormorants crept in , who in their youth pretended to haue bin addicted vnto knowledge : when alas . t is wel seene since that all their purpose was to snort in ease ; augmenting still their store , til they grow wealthy and their houses poore ; foule droanes , whose voices must be hir'd with mony steruing the bees , while they deuoure the hony . but oh you birdes of athens , cleare your hals and driue those lazy hornets from your stals . through them it is men thinke you couetous , they make your groues and walks grow scandalous , but how wil you discerne them ? marry thus , since they haue made themselues notorious i le point them out ; and though their heads they shroud as venus did aeneas in a cloud , i 'le so vnmask them ; if their eares they show you shal be able to say , there they goe . first note them ; there are some by bribes and fees , can soone passe thorough two or three degrees : and if they sue for ought are not deni'de it : when better students must be put beside it . then there be others who their nests to fether , can keepe in office nineteene yeares together , enforcing many vnto penury , to haue wherewith to feed their luxury . note you not some at fifty winters study , that haue their wits so thin and braines so muddy , they must procure of other men to doe , the excercises they were cal'd vnto ? and sit there not of dunces pretty store , from sunne to sunne at euery tradesman dore ? huge fat curm●dgeons ? tell me , i think no , do commons of three halfe-pence feed them so ? or can such puffes so humberkinlike set , into a pulpit once in seauen yeare get ? sure if they do , their memorie's so weake , when they come there they know not what to speake , nor are they halfe so fit if 't came to proofe . to serue for pastors as to hang at roofe , it is no maruaile then that blockish rout , retaine their places and keep better out , for no good patron that doth conscience make , will vnto them the charge of soules be take : because if such , the flock of christ should keepe , no question they would make but carion sheepe . then they must stay , yet in their stay thei 'le be a plague vnto the vniuersity . for ouer and aboue the mischeefes nam'd the vice for which the younger sort is blam'd , they are most guilty of ; for forc't to tarry , through want ; and by their lawes forbid to marry . thence springs it that the townes-men are reputed , thus by a common voyce to be cornuted : for i haue knowne that such haue daily beene , where younger scollers neuer durst be seene . and all ( vnlesse that they haue eyes like moles ) may see those foxes vse the badgers holes . nor hath their lewdnesse in that action staid , but on the place a fouler blemish laid . which heere indeed i do forbeare to name , least it be to the place i loue , a shame ; and for because i feare some spitefull mates , may taxe them with it that such dealing hates , brought in by them ; for who is so impure , but he that liueth like an epicure . oh mues seeke in time to root these weeds , that mar your gardens , and corrupt your seeds , and you that are appoynted visitors , who ought for to be strict inqui●●tors , to search the foule abuses of these times and see them punisht oh! let these my rimes moue you for to reforme this villany ; or let the hate of damned periury stir vp your zeale these euils to restraine if not for loue of good for feare of paine : which else ( though you set light as at your heele ) as sure as god is iust , your soules shall feele . do you not see now all the wondrous cost of worthy benefactors vainely lost , the lands , reuenues , customes , charters , rents which they haue left for diuers good intents vainely employed ; see the student poore for whom it was ordain'd stands at the doore and may not enter , whilst the golden asse , is quietly admitted for to passe , and shroud himselfe within those sacred gates , which wer 't not for commodity he hates . you sacred genii that did once attend those wel deuoted patrons to their end ; although your bodies be entoomb'd in claie , since you suruiue , because you liue for aye ; looke downe on your abused guifts and see , be , what oddes twix't th' vse and your good meanings come and behold how the laborious sits , sharing some hungry commons , scarce two bits ; and that but when a double gauday haps full glad alas at other times with scraps ; while that the lazy dunce on dainties feeds ; oh come ( i say ) if you respect your deeds , and fright them with some ghastly visions thence , they may haue more remorse for their offence . if i could take on me some monstrous forme ; i 'de either make them their bad liues reforme , or hare them quicke to hell : but i am vaine , thus for to inuocate , or to complaine , because i doubt this fault will nere be mended , vntill all euill with the world be ended . learning is vaine too , or so made at least , consider it , i speake it not in iest ; doe we not see that those who haue consum'd , halfe a mans age in schooles , and haue assum'd degrees of art , and howrely ouer-looke , many a leafe , many a wise-mans booke , still studying to know ; fellowes that can , as they themselues thinke , put downe any man , that dares of predicables to dispute , yea such as can to , if need be , refute knowne truths ; and that in metaphisicall , much more i thinke in matters naturall , seeme greatly read . doe we not see i say ? that these from study being tane away , for some employments in the publike weale , a man would be ashamed to reueale their simple carriage ? sooner thei le speak treason , then any thing that shall be law , or reason . aske their opinions but of this or that , thei 'le tell a tale they scarcely know of what ; and at the last you must be well apaid , with this the poet , or this tully said ; so other mens opinions shall be showne , but very seldome any of their owne : what is 't to heape vp a great multitude , of words and sayings like a chaos rude , for to be able for to bring in plato , great aristotle , with the wiseman cato : and diuers more , yet like a blockish elfe , be able to say nought at all himselfe ? as if it were all well and he had paid it , if he can once say , such a man hath said it . then by their actions , who gather can they haue more knowledge then another man ? since they doe worse absurdities commit , then thoe that seeme their iuniors in wit , as if they thought it were enough to know , and not with knowledge vnto practise goe . those may be learned and of learning p●ate , but for affaires of country , or of state in my conceit they are as farre vnfit as fooles and mad-men that haue lost their wit ; and notwithstanding all their studious paine , i count their learning and their knowledge vaine ▪ but thinke not i , hold knowledge vaine to be , or all that in the vniuersitie , mispend their times ; vntiftting men to deale about employments of the common-weale . no ; for i euer this accompt did make , that there are those know best to vndertake , great offices ; and surely such as haue both knowledge and desert : yet shall they saue but their owne credits : th' other who are knowne to haue no gifts of nature of their owne , for all their knowledge gotten in the schooles , are worse by much ods then vnlearned fooles . now thou that wouldst know rightly these mens state goe but a while and talke with coryate and thou wilt soone be able to maintaine , and say with me that learning 's somewhere vaine . then if there were ordain'd no other place , where now-despised-vertue should haue grace , she were vaine to , and those that lou'd her best were to be counted vaine aboue the rest . for they be sure , of these worldly crosses , and whosoere gaine , theirs must be the losses , iustice is wanting so ; for if that men commit an ill , the law giues smart , but when they doe performe a vertuous deed 't is hard , there 's no law heere that giues them a reward . nay if a man by wrong suspition be , brought vnto any wofull misery . if he be wrackt and tortur'd so that death may pleasure him by stopping of his breath : and if at last by proofes it doth appeare , that he of the suspected crime is cleare , onely he may his life by that meanes saue , but shall no other satisfaction haue . yea , and he must be glad and well content he hath his life for being innocent : whereof he would full glad haue ridden bin , to scape the torments they had plung'd him in , t is meere iniustice , and i say againe for to be vertuous in this age 't were vaine ; but that it one day shall rewarded be , by heauens chast iustice with eternitie . i will not heere take paines for to reueale the vaine trades crept into our common-weale : onely i le say , and so i thinke will any , would there were lesse , for such there be too many . but i must needesly shew their sympathy , who make their treasures and felicitie of things meere friuolous , as honour , srength , pleasure , and vvealth , & beauty , which at length , yea in short time must fade ; titles wrong plac't without desert , are not alone disgrac't , and loose that reputation of their owne , but shame them too , on whom they are bestowne ▪ vvhat noblenesse of birth but meerely vaine , vnlesse that in the linage there remaine , some noble qualitie ? which in them bred , they haue deriu'd from predecessors dead ? what 's honor ? but e'ne smoke and idle 〈◊〉 ▪ a thing consisting onely in a name ? which if you take away then you take all , ( for alexanders glory was not small , ) yet were he namelesse , what would then remaine , for to inherit honour for his paine , since that his best part from the earth is fled , and t'other though remaining here , now dead ? then if that honour doe aduantage bring , to soule nor body , but doth wholly cling vnto the name : who care , or paines would take if he be wise , such trophirs for to make vnto the same , which may inioyed be , by many thousand other men , whilst he rots ; and which three mens vertues , i 'le maintaine , grace not so much as one mans vice shall staine ? wer't onely for a name , that men did well , and stroue in vertues others to excell , what good had symon the apostle gain'd more then the wicked sorcerer obtain'd ? and how should we giue each of them his fame who liuing , being two , had but one name ? were outward honour all that vertue got , he were a wise-man that esteem'd it not . but shee 's the bodies comfort till it die , and soules companion to eternitie . vulgar repute , what is thereby acquired ? why is 't so glorious , and so much desired ? but i doe chiefely maruell what they ment , that haue prefer'd it before their content . i hold it vaine and wondrous friuolous , extreamely foolish , or ridiculous , that any man should stand in greater feare , what they doe vnto other men appeare then their owne consciences ; or striue , ( poore elues ) to seeme to other , god , when to themselues th' are worse then diuels ; why , i say , should they with vaine repute be so much borne away ? and why boast men of strength that lasts no longer ? and seeing the brute creatures are farre stronger ; a woman may blind sampson with her charmes , and little dauid slay a man at armes , for god doth make , as holy scriptures speake , strong things to be confounded by the weake . then some are vaine in pleasures , like to him , vvho for because he in delights would swim , in these his daies to please his fiue brute senses , made twenty hundred crowns one nights expences ▪ i onely cease for to declare his name , least he should hap to vaunt vpon the same . but why in beauty should men glory so ? as well we may perceiue there 's many do ; since 't is no better then a fading flower , that florishes , and withers in an hower . it could not saue the good king dauids sonne for being iustly by his foes vndone ; nay , their 's searce any that enioy the same can keepe vnto themselues an honest name . vve see moreouer men vaine-glorious grow , in building and apparrell ; al 's for show ; and yet the prince that 's gorgioust in array , must lie as naked as his groome in clay . and though that men to build so curious be , how worthy of contempt it is we see , in that th' arch-king of heauen , earth and all , was very well contented with a stall . what mind are they in who suppose to raise , by such a vanity an endlesse praise ? vvhen as they dayly see by obseruation , time vtterly decayes the strongst foundation . where are those wondrous high pyramides , that were admired at in former daies ? and of those huge colossi what remaines ? ( which to erect now were an endlesse paines ) nothing almost ; no scarce his name that spent the paine and cost of such a monument : if that be so , how much more vanity , is it to hope for fames eternity , by such sleight trifles whose ground-worke needs mending before the roofe be brought vnto an ending ? againe some thinke how e're their liues they spend yet if they can attaine to in the end a glorious funerall , and be inter'd vvith idle pompe and show , or be prefer'd in a bald sermon , for some one good deed they did the common-wealth for their owne need , or by their owne , or friends procurement haue on their vnworthy scarce-deserued graue a goodly epitaph ; they thinke al 's well ; alas poore silly men ! what can they tell how long 't will stand , before 't be razed downe ? but say it bide a while , what faire renowne , can in a peece of carued marble be ? vvhat can a guilded tombe then profit thee ? preserue thy fame ? i know it cannot passe , the wondrous heape that once erected was , and yet e'ne at this day doth now remaine not farre from sarum on the vvesterne plaine , yet who can say directly , ( or what story doth absolutely mention ) for whose glory that was first founded ? or by whom ? or why ? and if a deed of such great wonder die , dost thou suppose by a few carued stones , scarcely enough to couer all thy bones to be immortall ? if thou long to liue after thy death , why then let vertue giue and adde that liuing glory to thy name ; let her sound forth the trumpet of thy fame , and it shall last ; for she knowes how to place it ; nor time , nor enuy shall haue power to race it . i say endeuour to be vertuous heere , so shall thy sacred memory be deere to those that liue , aud whil'st thy body lies , entomb'd on earth , thy soule shall mount the skies . but if in pleasure thou hast liued long , and tooke delight in seeking bloud and wrong : vvhen that the euill day shall come to end thee , the curse of the oppressed shall attend thee , thy soule shall pay for 't ; and the selfe-same graue thou for thy honour didst suppose to haue shall be thy shame ; for those that trauell by it shall often curse it , yea deride , defie it ; and to each other say , there doth he lie , that acted such , or such a villany . then why should gay clothes be delighted in , since they are but a badge of our first sinne ? and yet 't is strange to know how many fashions , we borrow now a daies from sundry nations . some , but a few , in irish trouzes goe , and they must make it with a codpeece too , some ( as the fashion they best like ) haue chose the soruce diminitiue neat frenchmans hose another lik't it once but now hee 'll chop , or chang't as we say for the switzers slop ; and cause sometimes the fashions we disdaine , of italy , france , netherland and spaine , wee le fetch them farther yet , for by your leaues we haue morisco gownes , barbarian sleeues , polonian shooes , with diuers far-fetcht trifles , such as the wandring english gallant rifles strange countries for ; besides our taylors know , how best to set apparell out for show . it either shall be gathered , sticht ; or lac't , else plated , printed , iag'd , or cut and rac't , or any way according to your will , for we haue now a daies learn'd much vaine skill : but note you when these geu-gaues once be made , and that this cunning maister of his trade must bring it home , then lies all the iest , to see vvhen the poore slaue hath done his best to mend what faults he can ( for by his trade , he can set right what nature crooked made ) vvhen he hath fitted to his power , and trickt , whom he wold please ; when he hath brusht & pickt e'ne till he sweate againe : yet ( though he spies scarce any fault ) you rogue the gallant cries . a plague confound thee ; looke here how this sits , zounds 't is a mile too wide ; where were thy wits ? see , this is halfe too long that halfe too short , ' sbloud i could finde in heart to knock thee for 't . then for the faults behind he lookes in glasse , straight raues againe and cals his tayler asse , villaine , and all the court-like names he can , why i 'le be iudg'd ( saies he ) here by my man , if my left shoulder seeme yet in his sight , for all this bumbast halfe so big's the right . how is he seru'd ? this day he should haue went , with such a lord or lady into kent : to hampton court to morrow comes the queene , and there should he with certain friends haue bin , now he shall faile . villaine go straight and mend it and see with all the speed you can , you send it : or by my sword the gallant sweares he will make thee to wait twise twelu-months with thy bil if e're he pay thee . then the other takes it , carries it home againe : turnes , rubs , and shakes it , lets it lye still an houre or so , and then as if 't were alter'd beares it back againe ; then 't is so fit , our gallant cannot tell that e're he had apparel made so well . ere-while , saies he , faith i was anger'd sore , why couldst thou not haue done it thus afore ▪ with many gentle speeches in amends , and so these two vaine fooles grow quickly friends , vvhat shall isay of our superfluous fare ? our beastly , vaine , and too excessiue care to please the belly ? we , that once did feed on homely rootes and hearbs , do now exceed the persian kings for dainties ; in those coates a man would think they liu'd with hay and ●a●es , the diet they are growne vnto of late , excels the feasts , that men of high estate had in times past , for there 's both flesh and fish , with many a dainty new deuised dish . for bread they can compare with lords or knights , for they haue raueld , manchet , browne and white , of finest wheate : their drinkes are good and stale , for perry , cider , mead , metheglin , ale , or beere they haue great plenty of ; but then this cannot serue the richer sort of men . they with all sorts of forraine wines are sped ; their cellers are oft fraught with white and red , be 't french , italian , spanish , if they craue it : nay grecian or canarian , they may haue it , catepument , veruage , if they doe desire , or romney , bastard , capricke , oley , tire , muscadel , malmsey , clarey , what they will ; both head and belly each may haue their fill . then if their stomacks doe disdaine to eate , beefe , mutton , lambe , or such like butchers meate ; if that they cannot feed on capon , swan , duck , goose , or common houshold poultry ; than their storehouse will not very often faile , to yeeld them partrich , phesant , plouer , quaile , or any dainty fowle that may delight , their gluttonous and beastly appetite . so they are pamper'd whilst the poore man sterues , yet there 's not all , for custards , tarts , conserues , must follow to ; and yet they are no let for suckets , march-panes , nor for marmalet . frute , florentines ▪ sweet sugar meats and spice , vvith many an other idle fond deuise , such as i cannot name , nor care to know ; and then besides the tast 't is made for show , for they must haue it cullour'd , guilded , printed , with shapes of beasts & fowles , cut , pincht , indented , so idly that in my conceit 't is plaine , that men are foolish and exceeding vaine , and howsoe'er they of religion boast , their belly is the god they honour most . but see whereto this dainty time hath brought vs , the time hath been that if a famine caught vs , and left vs neither sheepe , nor oxe , nor corne , yet vnto such a diet were we borne , were we not in our townes kept in by th ' foe , the woods and fields had yeelded vs enough to content nature : and then in our needs had we found either leaues , or grasse , or weeds , we could haue liu'd , as now at this day can many a fellow-subiect iris●man . but in this age , if onely wheate doe rise to any extraordinary prize : of if that we haue cheese or butter scant , though almost nothing else that is , we want ; lord how we murmor , grumble , fret and pine , as if we would vpbraid the powers diuine ; yea we prouoke god , as sometime the iewes did moses ; and with vs it is no newes . but you that are so like to sterue in plenties , because you are a little bar'd your dainties , leaue of your luxury ; let me intreat ; or there will come a famine shall be great : when soule nor body neither , shall haue food , or any thing to comfort them that 's good . we talke of scarcity : yet here there came no want this twenty ages , worth the name of famine ; but our gentle god hath bin , exceeding mercifull vnto our sin . vvheat at ten shillings , makes no dearth of bread , like theirs ; where once ( we read ) an asses head , cost foure-score siluer peeces ; where doues dong , vvas highly pris'd : and mothers eate their yong ; there famine raign'd . pray in the like we fall not ; if we can fast with niniue we shall not . but truely much i feare the same , vnlesse vve doe leaue off our gluttonous excesse , for though we quaffe and swill much time away , yet three set meales will scarce suffice a day to satisfie our lust ; whereas but one , suffis'd our predecessors , sometime none . it were a worke too tedious to quote the sundry vanities that we may note sprung from this greedinesse , as our long-sitting , a custome rather in my mind befitting pagans and epicures , then honest men . but 't is a vse now common growne ; and then this fo●lery we haue ; we nothing deeme worthy of our desire , or esteeme , saue that which we haue either dearely bought , or far-away from forraine kingdomes brought : yea notwithstanding here in our land , those things be better ; and more neere at hand . yet we out of an idle humor are , much more affected to all forraine ware then to our owne : although the same be best . so that this vainenesse doth not onely rest in meates , and in apparell ; but 't is showne in many things ; we least affect our owne . our home-made cloth , now quoddam est inanum , we are for serges and perpetnanum ; with other stuffe , as crow-graine , chamblets , rash. and such like new deuised forraine trash . yea though our natiue country-men excell in any trade , we like them not so well as we doe strangers : ( and in very deed ) i thinke for vaine inuentions they exceed . and then moreouer when we doe not want any good wholesome hearbe , or fruit , or plant , that may be necessary , fit or good , either to serue for phisick or for food , yet those we leaue , as if we did abhorre them , and send to seeke in other kingdomes for them . so while we onely make our vse of them , our better home-bred simples we contemne . ( oh vanity ) our country yeelds enough , vvhat need we grecian or arabian stuffe ? why send we for them to those countries thus ? 't was planted there for them and not for vs : what though it help them of diseases there ? the climate , yea , and our complexions are so different , for ought that i can gather , heer 't may not help our griefs , but poison 's rather . my selfe haue heard some trauellers to say , that which will salue their wounds within a day , that of the farthest easterne countries be , vvill not recure an englishman in three . then sure if we should vse that medicine heere , it would not help nor cure vs in a yeare . trust me i thinke , this ouermuch respecting of forraine compounds , and the still neglecting of our owne symples is the cause that wee so little better for our phisicke be ; some in their writings praise tobacco much , perhaps the vertue of it may be such as they haue said , where first the simple grew , but if it be replanted heere a new , from it owne soile where natures hand did place it , i dare not with those properties to grace it vvhich there it had ; nor can the vertue bide vvhen 't is transported to our region , dri'd . yet almost 't is a wonder to behold , how generally now both yong and old suck on that forraine weed : for so they vse it , or rather ( to speake right ) so they abuse it , in too oft taking , that a man would thinke it were more needfull then their meate or drinke ▪ but what 's their reason ? doe not aske them why , for neither can they tell you that , nor i : vnlesse 't be this : so they haue seene some doe forsooth , and therefore they must vse it too . nay , wonder not ; the sunne lights not a nation that more addicteth apish imitation then doe we english : should a stranger come and weare his doublet fastned to his bumme : pluck gloues on 's feet , & put his hands in 's shoes , and we are his rings and iewels on his toes . and come so tired to our english court , attended in some strange preposterous sort ; most of our courtiers would make much ado , but they would get into that fashion too . for when they did but happen for to see , those that with rhume a little troubled be , weare on their faces a round masticke patch , their fondnes i perceiu'd , sometime to catch that for a fashion . nay , we cannot name that thing so full of barbarisme and shame that they 'le not imitate : witnesse this smoake , vvhich though at first it was enough to choake or stifle vp the sence ; though 't were vnpleasing in taste and sauour , oftentimes diseasing the takers bodies ; yet like men halfe mad , not knowing neither what effect it had , onely because a rude and sauage nation , took 't for some vnknowne need ; thei 'le mak 't a fashion , alas what profit england at thy need , hast thou attain'd to , by this indian weed ? what hath it lengthen'd life or maintain'd health or hath it brought thee more encrease of wealth ? it dries superfluous moistures ; doth't ? indeed tane with discretion it may stand insteed , and surely it deserues to be excus'd , being with honest moderation vs'd . but i doe greatly wonder what they ment , that first did tak 't in way of complement . for now it is as common at each meeting , as how d' yee , or , god saue yee for a greeting ; hee 's no good fellow that 's without the pox , burnd pipes , tobacco , and his tinder-boxe : and therefore there be some who scarce abide it , yet alwaies will for company prouide it ; with whom ( though they alone the same eschew ) thei 'le take it till they spit and cough and spue . me thinkes they may as well since this thei 'le doe , at all their meetings take purgations too . there 's not a tinker , cobler , shepheard now or rascall ragamuffin that knowes how in a blind ale-house for to drinke a pot , or swagger kindly , if he haue it not ; you shall haue some among them will not sticke , to sweare that they are for tobacco sicke ; when by their ragged outsides you would gather , it were for want of bread and victuals rather ; and so i tak 't ; but now if you deny , th' affecting forraine drugges , a vanity , yet you , i hope will grant , ( because 't is plaine ) the vsing of tobacco thus is vaine . i meane in those that daily sit and smoake , ale●ouse and tauerne till the windowes roke . and you must yeeld if euer ; quod nunc sumus , e'ne as the old verse saies , flos , foenum , fumus , some vainely much acquaintance seeke to get , and often in a strangers cause will sweate . vvhen none ( vnlesse some one for rarity ) vvill to their kinne shew loue or charitie . the loue of men some striue for to attaine , and they haue iust their labour for their paine ▪ for what 's the fauour or the loue of men ? a thing long getting and soone lost agen , for him i know whose company hath seem'd , in my poore iudgement to be so esteem'd by many , that in show he hath appear'd to be more neerely to their soules indear'd then their owne brothers ; and sure for the time , ( but that inconancie's a humane crime ) he hath been so ; for when he hath departed , as if his absence inwardly had smarted ; out of their eyes full oft against their will , i haue seene , sorrow looke , and teares to trill . and yet againe hath my experience seen , the selfe-same man that hath so made of been , euen of those men he hath been so respected , after some absence either much neglected , wholly forgotten or they so estranged , as if their loue and good conceit were changed . which hauing found , i weighed well the end , and thought them vaine that on the like depend . also methinkes it makes me pretty sport , to note the vainenesse of the greater sort ; how full of congees , curtesies , and greetings , embracements , & kind words they be at meetings . or else what me●orandums past betweene , of great good turnes that nere perhaps haue been , vvhat commendations , and ioyes there be , for one anothers good prosperitie . vvhen howsoeuer they their malice smother , they care not what becomes of one another . to see me well , hee 's glad at heart , one cries , when 't is well knowne that in his heart he lies , another bids me welcome to my face , vvhen he would leaue my presence for my place . yea and to sweare it too he will not tremble , although he knowes , i know he doth dissemble : vvhich in my iudgement is a vanity , too full of shamelesse grosse absurditie , and i much wonder men delight to spend time that 's so precious to so little end , as to consum 't in idle complement , and not so much as to a good intent ; crouching and kneeling , when each peasant knowes much curtesie , much craft : the prouerbe goes . a quality beseeming men i deem 't , for to be courteous and i much esteem't , yet sure without good meaning t is vnfit , and extreame vaine when men are cloy'd with it . when some man's table 's furnished with store , of dainties , that a prince can haue no more , hee 'le bid you welcome , though that by your cheere , it doth not ( as hee 'le say himselfe ) appeare , and yet he sees and knowes well that his bordes , haue what the water , earth , and ayr affords : with pray d' yee eat , i drink t'yee , nay be merry ; and such like words ; i oft haue beene as weary to thank , to pledge , and say i do not spare , as ere was sommers of his trotting mare , but now i think of this , i 'le without ieasting , tell one absurdity l 'ue seene in feasting , amongst my countrymen ; when one intends for to be merry he bids home his friends , and for them all things needfull doth prepare , that they may well perceiue they welcome are ; yea , he would haue them frolick , and 't is good , a signe of loue and honest neighbourhood , but then with all he oftentimes inuites , som lofty statesmen or proud neighbouring knights who all their merriment doth ouerthrow , because they looke for reuerence you know , and he must be a slaue vnto that guest , contenting him , though he displease the rest . now that 's his fault , were i as he , my boord , should neuer entertaine that knight or lord in way of feasting ; that allow'd not me , to be as merry and as blith as he ; or that through his disdaine would thinke amisse , to beare some iests of mine as i beare his ; for who but fooles would while their guest is baiting stand with bare heads like alehouse-keepers waiting ( as if they were some strangers wanted chearing ) in their owne houses ? while they dominering say what they list ; be therefore rul'd by me , bid none but equals if you 'le merry be : at least let them be such as can abide , to lay superiority aside . moreouer ( if they haue the prouidence to bid their friends & keep these mar-feasts thence ) they are too lauish and doe much deuize , how they the appetite may best suffize . but 't is a signe their vnderstanding's weake , and they haue small good matter for to speake ; it showes a shallow pate and muddy braine , when men haue no discourse to entertaine their friends withall , but whiffes of smoake or drinke , or curious fare ; as if that they did thinke they could not shew their honest loue , vnlesse they did abound in gluttonous excesse . but there be many greedy-guts indeed , that will finde fault vnlesse their cates exceed . such socrates shewes how to answer best , who hauing for his friends prepar'd a feast , and hearing one to discommend his store told him directly , friend there needs no more , for be they vertuous her's enough for such , if otherwise ( quoth he ) there is too much a fitter answere we can neuer finde , for such nice gluttons ; differing in minde from certaine deere and learned friends of mine : whom , when i late requested for to dine or sup with me one night ; would not agree , vnlesse i drest that they appointed me : i will said i , and not a bit beside , why then ( quoth they ) we charge thee to prouide one dish , no more , we loue not him that crams , and let our second course be epigrams . well , that they had with more good mirth & laughing , then those that had their dainties , & their quaffing , who can declare that vanity man shewes , in hearing and reporting idle newes ? the foolish tales , and lies that he doth faine , are more then any numbers can containe . and now i thinke on that same lying euill , a mischiefe first inuented by the diuell , i cannot chuse but greatly wonder why , men should delight so in that vanity . it is not onely vicious and base , but also doth their credits quite deface . and truth out of their mouthe● is mis-esteem'd because , oft lying , they are lyers deem'd . i meane not any falshood to maintaine , no though they be officious , or for gaine . yet worst like them , who their wits bo bend to inuent tales vnto no other end . but for to find the company some talke , and cause they loue to heare their owne tonges walke some i haue knowne ( iudge of their vanity ) they haue told tales to their owne infamy ; and yet vntrue , 't is like they haue small care of others credits when they wil not spare to wrong th●mselues : another crew beside among these ly●rs i haue also spide , who , as it may appeare , do like so well , strange newes , and matters past beleefe to tell , that notwithstanding they do surely know , it makes not only modest eares to glow , but that 't is knowne they lie , yet stil they dare gainst truth , their owne , & al mens knowledge swear . yea , when they may aswell , and speake as right , sweare that each man is blind , and all crows white oh too presumptuous and lewd offence sprung from a brazen , ●ellish impudence ! then there 's a number to , that do suppose , all that beyond their little reason growes , is surely false ; and vainely do vphold that all reports which trauellers vnfold of forraine lands are lies ; because they see no such strange thinges in their owne parish be , if that i may not terme such fellowes vaine , i 'le say th' are dul and of a shallow braine . and him i count no wiseman that imparts , to men of such base misconceiuing hearts any rare matter , for their bruitish wit , will very quickly wrong both him and it . for thus the saying goes , and i hold so , ignorance onely , is true wisedomes foe . then thou art vaine that wilt vouchsafe to spend thy breath , with witlesse fooles for to contend in weighty matters ; when it is well knowne thei 'le like of no opinions but their owne . euer disabling what thou dost recite , yea notwithstanding it be ne're so right . and be their owne case false , and all amisse , they 'le proue it true ; how ? thus : because it is . so if there be no more wise men in place , thou bear'st the shame , & thei 'le haue all the grace . and yet the mischiefe hath not there an end , for tell me , you that euer did contend vvith such ; is not their wayward disputation a meere confusion and a strong vexation ? i know 't is so ; for i my selfe haue tride it , and since that time could neuer yet abide it ; but let those follow vanity together with purb●ind ignorance ; and i 'le send thither to keep them company , those that take pleasure in tedious discourse , they be at leasure , and those that loue to heare their owue tong●es walke or still seeke out occasion for to talke shall not stray from them : yet i haue beheld more vanities which must not be conceal'd . as foolish wishes : many a silly asse , couets those things that cannot come to passe . another that in wishing is as heedlesse , desires some trifling bables which are needlesse . nay , i haue heard , without regard of shame , such beastly wishes as i blush to name , vvhat damn'd infernall curses can each brother , in euery angry fit wish one another ? when such as these their iesting words thei●e make ye a pox , a pestelence and a murraine take yee . which if the lord should in his iustice send them , their owne vaine wishes wold e're long time and thē . some free-borne men i haue obserued too who are thought wise , yet very vainely do . these , as if they lackt troubles of their owne for other men are slaues and drudges growne . i tax not such as honestly haue stood in the mainetaining a poore neighbours good . but rather those who are so out of measure giuen to be for other men at leasure : that they can finde almost no time to bee emploid about their owne commoditee . others there are , more knauish , and as vaine , who seeming carefull of an others gaine , intrude themselues into their actions ; when 't is not for any good they wish the men , but for this cause , and sure for nothing more , in each mans boate they loue to haue an oare . 't is good men looke to their affaires , but yet , i hold it for a vaine thing , and vnfit they should be vexed with such extreame care in following them as i perceiue they are : for vnto me it seemes , the greatest part . take businesse not in hand now , but in heart . what meane our wealthy vsurers to hoord more vp for others then they can affoord vnto themselues ? whereas they do not know whether it shall be for a friend or foe . sure such me thinkes should be deseruedly , recorded for their sottish vanity . now as these too well , of the world doe deeme , so others make thereof too small esteeme : as of a thing whose vse were of no weight , but both are led away with vaine conceit . then some mans care is , that when this life ends , hee dying , may be buried with his friends . as if he fear'd his foes had not forgotten to do him mischiefe though their bones were rottē others extremely are distempered to thinke what men will do when they be dead . and vainely sit , ( more wit god one day send ) lamenting what they know not how to mend . for worthlesse matters some are wondrous sad , whome if i call not vaine , i must tearme mad . if that their noses bleed some certaine drops : and then againe vpon the suddaine stops . or if the babling foule we call a iay , a squirrel or a hare , but crosse the way . or if the salt fall toward them at table , or any such like superstitious bable , their mirth is spoild , because they hould it true that some mischance must therevpon ensue . but i doe know no little numbers bee seduced with this foolish vanity : and questionlesse although i discommend it , there wants not some that stoutly will defend it , but all their proofe is onely this , i know by dayly triall they doe finde it so . indeed 't is true , god often by permission , to see if they will trust to superstition more then to him , doth willingly supply , vvhat they so look't for by their augury . then some for to be deemed men of state , of nothing but the court-affaires doe prate , if they but come amongst vs countri-men , lord what magnificoes they will be then . yea though they blow but the kings organ-●ellows vve must suppose them earles and barons fellowes or else we wrong them : 't was my chance to light , in a friends house , where one of these that night tooke vp his lodging ; at the first i deem'd him a man of some great place and so esteem'd him ; and be tooke me for some soft country gull , thinking my wit ( as t is indeed ) but dull , but i perceiu'd his pride , i must confesse , and seem'd as if i had a great deale lesse . i made him more fine congees by a score , then ere he had at court in 's life before , the worship , and the honour too i gaue him , but from the charge of either i dare saue him . yet my high tearmes so pleas'd the courtiers vaine , that vp he rips me newes of fra●ce and spaine , of germany , of denmarke , and of sweed ; and he had french store , thereof i tooke heed , then next he tels me all their life at court , relates st. georges showes and christmas sport , with such like talke ; which i in shew desir'd , and ( as if i had neuer seen 't before ) admir'd : which he perceiuing falls for to deuise , more strange reports , and tels me sundry lyes , which stil i wondred at ; and in his talke i noted though his tongue did euer walke he neuer spake of others then the best , for earles , and lords , and ladies were the least i heard him mentioning ; when sure the foole , is but some seruant to the groome o' th stoole . but howsoeuer for this once he passes , to shew the nature of his fellow-asses , i am affraid 't will be to little end , if i should words and pretious leasure spend , to tel our gallants what vaine , friuolous , discourse they haue , and how ridiculous they are at meetings ; i haue been for laughter , often beholding to them a weeke after . and trust me i 'le not giue a cue so soone , to see an ape , a monkey , or baboone play his forc't trickes , as i would giue a tester , to come and view them and their apish gesture , when they are either frollick in their cans , or courting of their light hee 'ld curtezans they thinke themselues fine men , i know they do , what will they giue me and i 'le think so to , and yet i shall not sure , do what i can , they haue so little in them that is man. for my few yeares hath noted many fruits producted in fine silkes and satten sutes vvorth obseruation : i could recite , their braue behauiour in their mistres sight : but sure thei 'le nere endure 't , they cannot do 't , yet if i list now i could force them to 't , but i spare them ; they are beholding to me , and may perhaps as great a fauour doe me . but faith i may not , nor i cannot hold nor keep in all their vanities vntol'd : at least one humorous tricke i must not misse , vvhich lately i obseru'd ; and that was this . two lads , of late , disposed to be merry , met at a towne not farre from canterbury , where though their busines scarce would let them stay , they 'd frolicke out a night , and then away ; so there they sup't and slept , where i let passe to tell their mirth in what good fashion 't was : but as i heard the parish clocke strocke one , before their merry-mad-conceits were done : and then they went to bed , where i dare say they'd more deuotion for to sleepe then pray . next morne th' one awaking suddenly vpstart , and lightly gert out such a boystrous — it wak't his fellow , who suppriz'd with wonder , leapt vp amaz'd and swore he heard it thunder : and where there was a storme or no , 't was sed , the chamber-pot ore-flow'd and drown'd the bed . then hauing prai'd a curse or two , th' one rises , yea , of his businesse with himselfe deuises , and therevpon like a considerete man , sweares he will thence with all the speed he can , come prethee rise ( quoth he ) and le ts begone , why goe ( quoth th' other ) i will come anon , zonnds harke , i thinke the clock striks eight , why when ? oh soon : enough to breaks my fast by ten . then chamberlaine one cals aloud , dost heare ? come bring vs vp a double iugge of beere . so either hauing drunke a good carouse , downe come the gallants to discharge the house , but taking leaue , oh what d' yee thinke they mist ? their hostesse ( pretty woman must be kist ) then vp she 's cal'd , and in her night attire , downe claps she on a stoole before the fire ; where hauing bid her welcome from her nest , come say ( quoth he ) what wine is 't you like best ? truely ( quoth she ) i vse to drinke no wine , yet your best morning's draught is muskadine : with that the drawer's cald to fill a quart ( oh! 't is a wholesome liquor next the heart . ) and hauing drunk it , whilst their heads were steddy they bad the hostler make their horses ready nay ( quoth the hostesse ) what needs al this hast ? in faith you shal not goe til dinner 's past ; i haue a dish prepared for the none's arich potato pie , and marrow-boxes ; yea and a bit which gallants , i protest , i wil not part with vnto euery guest ; with that the punies laid aside their cloaks , the glasses walke , and the tobacco smoakes , til dinner comes , with which whē they are fraught to get on horseback by and by t is naught . as hauing supt'ts good to walk a mile , so after d●nner men must sit a while . but what ? wil they sit idle 't were a shame , reach them the tables , they must play a game : yet set them by againe , for now i thinke they know not when to leaue , thei 'le rather drink a health or two , to some especiall friend , and then ifaith they meane to make an end , then one calls drawer , he cries what d' yee lack ? rogue bring vs vp a gallon more of sack , when that 's turn'd vp , zounds one wil drinke no more , but bids the hostler bring his horse to doore : the fellow might performe it without stay , for why ? they had been bridl'd vp all day . then like good husbands without any words . on went their cloakes , but first of all their swords , but stepping out of dore their hostes meetes them , and with a full fil'd boule demurely greetes them . this was her pint , but thei 'l giue hir the tother , which drew the third down and the third another , vntill these gallants felt their heads so addle , their bodies scarce could sit vpright it 'h saddle . then for to settle their vnsteady braine , they fell to their tobacco once againe ; at which they suckt so long , they thought no more of the poore iades , which they left ty'de at dore ▪ til that the sun declinde vnto the west , then starting vp th' one swore he thought 't were best , that they went thence ; and to his fellow said ; come we shall be benighted i 'me affraid , what if we be ( quoth tother ) by this light , i know the time when i haue rod all night . by twelue a clocke i le be at home i vow , yet hostesse , by this kisse , i 'le sup with you . and so they did , but after supper th' one , hastens the other that they may be gone ; nay be aduised ( quoth his copesmate ) harke , let 's stay all night for it growes pestlence darke . i marry ( quoth the host ) perswaded be , there 's many murthers now i promise ye . i le bid my seruants to shut vp the gate , no guest shall goe out of my house so late . no surely ( quoth their hostesse ) by s. anne , you may be mischieft , stay and make a man. well , thei 'le be ruld for once , but swere thei 'le goe the following morning ere the cock do crow . introth at farthest , ere the day giues light , then hauing kist their hostesse ouernight , to bed againe these roystering youngsters went , forgetting whereto they before were bent . but when the morne her turne againe did take , and that it grew high time for them to wake ; then vp they busteld and began to lay the fault from one to t' other , of their stay . for this ( the first said ) we may thanke your sl●th , ( but i thinke therein they were guilty both ) nay ( quoth the other ) might you haue your will ▪ you 'd drinke tobacco , and be quaffing stildl who i ( quoth he ) i weigh it not two chips , i could not get you from my hostestesse lips . you doe me wrong ( said th' other ) for i sweare , i seldome toucht them , but you still hung there . to beare the burthen he grew discontent , and swore he would not drinke before he went. but cald , our horses ostler quickly , and our wands , and sirra tapster water for our hands : ( quoth t' other ) you le be ruled yet i thinke ? prethee let me intreat thee for to drinke . before th●u wash ; our fathers that were wise , were wont to say , 't is wholsome for the eyes . vvell he will drinke , yet but a draught at most , that must be spiced with a nut-browne tost . but then 't were good they had a bit beside , for they considered they had farre to ride . so he that would not drinke , a late for hast , is now content to stay and breake his fast . which e're 't were ended , vp their host was got , and then the drunkard needs must haue his pot , and so he had : but i commend my cozen , the cuckolds one can , cost the fooles a dozen . but then perceiuing they began to stay , quoth guts , my bullies , harke ye , what d' ye say ? can you this morning on a rasher feed ? oh yes say they , that 's kingly meate indeed ; they ask't it , and they had it ; but this cheere , quickly drew downe a dozen more of beere ; which being drunk , they had got out of towne , but that their hostesse was now new come downe , with whom they spent ere they could get away in kissing and in quaffing halfe that day . and fiue times as i heard they took the paine , to get on horseback and come off againe but at the last iust as the clock strook two , they were the sixt time hors't with much adoo : but then , as 't is the drunkards vse , they sate tipling some howre and a halfe at gate . so that the night drew on apace and then , thither came riding other gentlemen . and meant to lodge there ; they had friendship showne . t' other were stale guests and their mony flowne . their honest host for all their large expence , and former kindnes , quickly got him thence : yea their sweet hostesse that so worthy deem'd thē , slunk out of sight , as if she nought esteem'd them . and as most will , except a very few , she left her old guls to enter league with new , who at their parting thought for to haue kist her , but were so drunken that they euer mist her . for there they quaft so long they did not know , which way , nor whether , nor yet when to goe . that some suppose , yea and they think so still , their horses brought thē thence against their will. for if so bee that they had wanted wit , ( to come themselues ) the fooles had been there yet if you 't was made by , read with discontent , you are too blame , none knowes by whom 't was ment there is no cause you should dislike my rime , that learnes you wit against another time . when others are thus vaine , could you forbeare it ; and note the follies in 't , you would forsweare it ; as kind's your hostesse seemes , yet this is plaine , shee 'l flout , and vse the next as wel for gaine . now what do you vnto these gallants say , were they not pretty witty ones i pray ? it may be they wil frowne at this , 't were fit , and i am very sorry for 't ; but yet , one humor more which i haue noted vaine , for to be told of , they must not disdaine . it may anoy them if they do not mend it , yea notwithstanding they so much defend it , 't is this ; they too much of their valour vaunt , and so extreamely for vaineglory haunt , that for to get themselues a valiant name , or peraduenture halfe an howers fame thei 'l hazard life and limbe , yea soule and all , rather then in their brauery thei 'l let fall that vaine repute : oh silly sencelesse men ! what wil the breath of fame auaile you , when you lye in dust and molded vp in clay ? perhaps you shall be spoken of a day , in some poore village where your bodies lye , to all the earth besides your fame shall dye . and it may be whereas you looke for glory , you shall but serue for to make vp the story of hare-brain'd fooles : so how soere some deem you men that haue vnderstanding wil esteeme you . but yet there is a crew that much anoyes the common-weale , some call them roaring-boys london doth harbour many at this time , and now i think their orders in the prime : and flourishing estate . diuers are proud , to be one of that brotherhood alow'd . and reason too , for why they are indeed no common fellowes , but they all exceed . they do ; but oh ! now wherein is it think ye ? in villanies ; for these be they wil drink yee from morne til night , from night till more againe , emptying themselues like conduits , and remaine , ready for more stil : earth drinks not the showers , faster then their infernal throat deuoures , wine and strong liquors : these be they wil sweare , as if they would the veile of heauen teare , and compell god to heare their blasphemy these are the patrons of all villany ; vvhoores champions ; deceit and trechery , with the most loathsome vice of lechery , is all their practise . thunder when it roares , ioynd with the raging waues that beat the shoares , together with the winds most rude intrusion , make not a noyse more full of mad confusion , then do these helhounds where they vse to houze or make their most vnciuill rendeuouze : for a more godlesse crew their cannot well , be pickt out of the boundlesse pit of hell . yet these base fellowes ( whom i must confesse , i cannot find words able to expresse ) are great mens darlings , ( as some vnderstand ) the absolutest gallants in this land , and onely men of spirit of our time ; but this opinion's but a vulgar crime , for they which vnderstanding haue , see plaine , that these and all their fauorites are vaine . and sure 't were good if such were forc't to giue , a strict account by whom and how they liue . thus haue i brought to light as wel's i can , some of the vanities i 'ue seene in man. but i do feare in taking so much paine , i haue but showne my selfe to be most vaine ; because i haue spent time , and reprehended that which will ne're the sooner be amended , but yet there 's hope it may , and therefore i will say thus much more ; that this vanity consisteth not alone in words and workes , it hath tane root within , and also lurkes about the heart ; and if it there be sought , i know it also may be found in thought , and that it is makes one man sit and plot , what is by traffick with virginea got . what it may cost to furnish him a fleet , that shall with all the spainish nauy meete , or how he may by art or practise find a nearer passage to the easterne inde . when as perhaps ( poore foole ) besides his coate , he is , not worth a portsmouth passage boate , nor neuer meanes to trauell so much sea , as from high-ferry to south-hamp on-key . another wood-cocke is as fondly vayne , and to no purpose doth molest his braine , to study if he were a nobleman , what kind of carriage would befit him than : how , and in what set wordes he would complaine , of the abuses that he now sees raigne : where he would make his place of residence , how he would keep his house with prouidence , and yet what plenty daily at his dore , should be distributed vnto the poore , what certaine sheepe , and oxen should be slaine , and what prouision weekly to maintaine his lordly port ; how many seruing-men , he meant to keep , and peraduenture then , what pleasure he will haue , as haukes and hounds , what game he wil preserue about his grownds : or else he falls to cast what profits cleare , his giftes and bribes wil come to in a yeare . how hee 'le put off his hat , cause people than shall say he is a courteous noble-man . then vpon this againe he falls to plot , how when that he the peoples loue had ' got , if that the king and all his kindred dye , and if none may be found for to supply that regall office , the respect they beare him , vnto that princely dignity may reare him : then too his thoughtes , on that estate so feed , that he forgets quite what he is indeed , and if a man could hit so iust a time , to come vpon him when his thoughts in prime : and giue him vnawares a sodaine knock ; conceit his vnderstanding so would lock , that i suppose because it stands with reason , he would go neere hand for to call out , treason : for oftentimes mens hearts are so anoyd , vvith those vaine thoughts whereon they are imploid , that for a time they so forgetfull grow , nor what they are , nor where , they do not know , but now since you may see there doth remaine , nothing in man but is in some sort vaine ; and since i must be driuen to confesse , his vanities are great and number-lesse , i 'le go no farther in this large suruey , for feare discourse should carry me away ; and peraduenture so i may become , lesse pleasing , and more tedious to some ; vvhich to auoyd , though i no end espy , yet heare i end to treat of vanity . of in constancy . satyr . . yet there 's another property in men , that meanes to set my muse to work agen , in constancy , and that no other is , vnlesse i vnderstand the same amisse , but an vnsetled humor of the mind , which so vnstable is it cannot find by any study that opinion , of which it dares to be resolued on . 't is meere irresolution and estranging for what is purpos'd by a fickle changing . but since this vice i meane for to detect , women i know will earnestly expect to be sore raild'on , but i le gently vse them , because i see their consciences accuse them , and notwithstanding they deserue much blame , yet i le not tax them by their proper name , so they will think i also meane them , when i vse no more , but this bare name of men : and though their faults i seeme not to vpbraid , cause nothing of them is directly said ; yet they , i hope wil nere the more disdaine , to be thought fickle , proud , and weak and vaine . but now for men ; whereas i did complaine , he both in dee● and word , and thought was vain●● so i in this ( i see ) the like may doo , since he in all these is inconstant to . and first it is a wonder for to see his actions how mutable they be ; he labour's now , and 's altogether set vpon the world how he wealth may get , vpon a sodaine ; then he thinkes to mend it , hee 's in a humor then he meanes to spend it : somtime he is consenting with the diuell , and ready to do any act that 's euill . the which , perhaps , repenting , some diuine or heauenly matter doth his thoughtes refine . so that he is resolu'd to spend that day , in reading what gods holy prophets say ; whlch in his mind it may be worketh so , he leaues it , and wil to a sermon goe ; where by the way a bill he doth espy , which showes there 's acted some new comedy then thither he is full and wholly bent , there 's nothing that shall hinder his intent , but ere he to the theater can come , he heares perhaps the sounding of a drum : thereat he leaues both stage-play and deuotion , and wil forsooth go see some idle motion ; ere he gets in his rouling wandring eyes , beholds some fencer prest to play his prize . faith then there is no remedy hee 'le see 't ; but e're he can get halfe-way o're the street some very neere acquaintance doth salute him , who for a miser would perhaps repute him , vnlesse he kndly offer to bestow the wine or beere at least , before he goe ? vvell then he will ; but while they do deuise , what wine to haue , perhaps they heare the cryes , and howling which the eager mastiffes make , vvhen they behold a bull or beare at stake . oh , on a sodaine then they will be gone , thei 'le see that first and come and drinke anon , but iust as he out of the t●●ern● peepes , some gallant lasse along before him sweepes : vvhose youthfull brow adorn'd with beauty trim and louely-making doth so rauish him , as if that he were bound for to attend , he leaues play , fencer , vvine , bull , dogs , and friend . by which we see his mind doth alwayes vary , and seldome constant on one subiect tary . but stil that thing with most desire is sought , vvhich happens for to be the last in thought . one while he likes best of the country sport , anon prefers the pleasure of the court. another while his mind is all in spaine , then beyond nilus , and straight heere againe . now he thinkes highly of a single life , and hateth marriage as full of strife : and yet e'ne in the turning of a hand , hee 's glad to make a ioynture of his land , and woo with much intreaty to obtaine , a wife which he did but of late disdaine . one while he zealously professeth christ , but shortly he becomes an athe-ist , in turkey he will mahomet adore , among the cursed pagans can implore a carued stone ; in rome he hath profest the worship of that antichristian beast ; and yet in england heere with vs he grants no sound religion but the protestants . and not alone according to the place , can these camelions alter thus their case ; but for a shift themselues they doe apply , to answere both the time and company . gallants shall find them formall , young men wild ▪ plaine men shall think them simple , old men mild. and for the time with edward they wil be , ( i le warrant ) protestants , as wel as he . and when his sister mary comes to raigne , they can be papists easily againe . nay i do feare me though we haue had teaching , and almost threescore years the gospels preaching vnconstant mankind is so prone to ill , ( and to be changing hath so good a will ) too many both of old men and of youth , might soone be drawne for to forsake the truth . let vs but note , and 't will be strange to see . what contradictions in our actions be . sometime the same we do with trophees raise , that we did but a while before dispraise : nor can we alway in one passion keepe , but often for one thing reioyce and weepe . is 't not a signe of humane ficklenesse , and a true note of our vnsetlednesse , when not alone some one , or two , or few , but a great number , a selected crew , pickt out of all estates , and they the wisest , the vnderstandingst , yea and the precisest of a whole empire , and when these ( i say ) haue argu'd pro & con , from day to day , from week to week to haue ( perhaps ) enacted , one law or statute , yet when al 's compacted , and euery thing seemes clearely done and ended then to haue somthing in 't to be amended ? yea and when this is done , and the records , fram'd in their plain'st and most effectuall words , t' expresse their meaning , and they thinke it plaine ▪ yet at next reading 't is dislik't againe . this yeare they make a law , repeal 't the next , then re-inact ●t , and then change the text ; either by taking from , or adding to , and so they haue an endlesse work to do . but some may tel me that thus stands the case , they must haue both respect to time and place and that no law deuis'd by humane wit , can be for euery place and season fit : all which i yeeld for truth indeed ; but then , we must confess 't a misery in men , that he ( camelion-like ) must haue a mind , with euery obiect vnto change inclin'd . i might speake of the ficklenesse i see , in mens external fortunes for to be : for this day he hath friends , to morrow none , now he hath wealth , and in an hower 't is gone , some in their youth there be haue all things store , and yet do often liue til they are poore . again , there 's some in youth at begger states ; become in age for to be potentates . some are of kings made slaues , and kings againe , whilst other with the contrary complaine , for poore eumenes of a potters sonn , by fickle fortunes help a kingdome wonne ; but for him such a dyet did prouide , that shortly after he of hunger dy'd . i many such examples might inferre , but that would wast more time and make me erre from my intent , who purpose to relate , the ficklenes of man , not his estate . moreouer , hee 's a creature knowes not how , to do an act which he shall long allow , or think of wel himselfe ; he cannot tell , vvhat he would haue , nor what he would not , wel . for peraduenture he is now content , to do what he wil in an hower repent , he does , and vndoes what he did before , is discontented , and with no man more then with himselfe ; in word hee 's fickle to , for he wil promise what hee 'le neuer do . if that he tels me he wil be in pauls , i 'le go looke for him in the temple-hals , for soonest to that place resort doth he , vvhereas he saies or sweares he wil not be . oh! had there beene in wordes a constant trust , i needed not to haue done as now i must . i should haue had no cause to haue bewail'd , that which i once thought would haue neuerfaild but since 't is thus , at nothing more i greeue , then that vnconstant wordes made me beleeue , were promises worth trust , what needed than , such written contracts betweene man and man ? and wherefore should they make so much ado , to haue both hands and seales to witnes too ? vnlesse it be for proofes to make it plaine , their wordes are both inconstant , false , and vaine . to morrow he wil earnestly gaine-say . what stoutly is affirm'd by him to day : yea truely hee 's so wauering and vniust , that scarce a word of his deserueth trust . but as a creature of all good forlorne , sweares what 's deni'd , and straight denyes what 's sworne that i suppose , in troth and do not mock , hee 's flt for nothing but a weather-cock . then that same thought that 's likeliest to remaine , another that 's vnlike puts out againe . for appetite , not reason , guides him still , which makes him so inconstant in his vvill. had he a sute at first but made of leather , and cloathes enough to keepe away the weather 't were all his wish ; wel so let vs grant , and ten to one he somthing else will want . but sweares that he for more would neuer care , then to be able to haue cloth to weare , which if he get , then would he very faine , reach to haue silkes , for cloth he faith is plaine , and so his wishes seldome would haue stay , vntill that he hath wisht for all he may . but though from this infirmity there 's no man , that i can well except it is so common , yet surely i most properly may cal 't or tearm 't to be the common peoples fault ; think not i wrong them , for if it may not be , a fault for to digresse , you soone should see their nature and condition ; for i hate it : and now i think vpon 't i wil relate it . tax me who list ( i care not ) heere i le breake , my course a while , i may not chuse but speake , somthing , i say my muse of them must tell , she cannot beare it any farther well . and yet expect not all , for i 'le but shew , of many hundred thousand faults , a few . and to be breefe : the vulg●r are a rude , a strange inconstant hare-braind multitude : borne too and fro with euery idle passion , or by opinion led beside all fashion , they stil desire newes , and to a song , or a bald tale thei 'l listen all day long . soone weary of a good thing , and they try , to al reports how they may adde a lye ; like that of scoggins crowes : and with them stil , custome hath borne most sway and euer will : and good or bad , what their forefathers did , thei 'l put in prastise to , ( else god for bid ) they are seditious and much giuen to range , in their opinions , and desiring change , for if their country be turmoyld with warre , they thinke that peace is more commodious farre , if they be quiet they would very faine , begin to set the warres abroach againe ; i wel remember when an irish presse , had made a parish but a man the lesse , lord what a hurly burly there was than ! these warrs ( say they ) hathe cost vs many a man , the countrey is impouerisht by 't and we , rob'd of our husbands and our children be , with many lamentations : but now peace , hath made ●●ellonaes anger for to cease , their euer discontented natures grutch , and thinke this happy peace we haue too much , yea and their wisdomes beare vs now in hand , that it is warres that doth enrich the land : but what are these ? not men of any merit , that speak it from a bold and daring spirit , but lightly some faint-hearted brauing momes , that rather had be hang'd at their owne ●omes , then for their countries welfare for to stay , the brunt of one pitcht battell but a day , of such as would distract with feare become , to heare the thundring of a martiall drum . they cannot keep a meane , a naughty crime , nor neuer are contented with the time . but better like the state they haue been in , although the present hath the better bin , e'ne as the iewes , that loathing manna , faine would be in egypt at their flesh again , though they were there in bondage ; so do these , vvish for the world as in queene maries dayes ; vvith all the blindnes and the trumpery , that was expeld the land with popery ; vvhy ? thinges were cheap , and t was a goodly m●ny . vven we had foure and twenty agges a penny . but sure they ate them stale for want of wit , and that hath made them adle-headed yet . then this ( moreouer ) i haue in them seene , they alwaies to the good haue enuious beene , mild men they reckon fooles and do vphold , him to be valiant that is ouer-bold : when he with wisemen is and euer was . counted no better then a desperate asse . he that doth trust vnto their loue , shall find t is more vnconstant then the wauering wind , which since my time a man that many knew , relying on it : at his death found true . then they haue oft vnthank fully withstood , those that haue laboure ▪ for the common good . and being basely minded euermore , seeke lesse the publick then the priuate store . moreouer such a prince as yet was neuer , of whom the people could speake well of euer , nor can a man a gouernment inuent them , how good soeuer that shall long content them . their honesty as i do plainely find is not the disposition of their mind : but they are forc't vnto the same through feare , as in those villaines it may wel appeare . who hauing found so vile vngodly cause , if there be any meanes to wrest the lawes , by tricks or shifts to make the matter goe as they would haue it , all is well enow : although the wrong and 〈◊〉 they proffer , be to apparent for a iew to offer . they know not iustice , and oft causles hate , or where their should not are compassionate , as at an execution i hau● seene , where malefactors haue rewarded beene , according to desert ; before they know , if he accused , gui●ty be or no. they on report , this hastie censure giue ; he is a villaine and vnfit to liue : but when he is once arraign'd and found guilty by law ; and heauily led bound vnto the scaffold , then they doe relent , and pi●ty his deserued punishment . those that wil now braue gallant men be deem'd ▪ and with the common people be esteem'd , let them turne hack-sters as they walke the street , quarrell , and fight with euery one they meet ; learne a welsh song to scoffe the brittish bloud or breake a iest on scotsmen , that 's as good , or if they would that fooles should much admire them , they should be iugglers if i might desire them : but if they want such feates for to be glorious make ballets and they shall become not orious , yet this is nothing if they looke for fame , and meane to haue an euerlasting name . amongst the vulgar let them seeke for gaine with ward the pirat on the boisterous maine , or else well mounted keepe themselues on land , and bid our wealthy trauellers to stand , emptying their full cram'd bags ; for that 's a tricke vvhich somtimes wan renoune to cutting dicke . but some may tell me , though that such , it doth not goe against their conscience much : and though there 's boldnes showne in such a case , yet to be tost at tyburns a disgrace , no , 't is their credit , for the people then , wil say , 't is pitty they we e●proper men . with many such like humors base and naught , i do perceiue the common people fraught , then by th' opinion of some it seemes , how much the vulgar sort of men esteems o 〈◊〉 or learning : certaine neighbouring swaines , ( that think none wise-men but whose wisdome games ; where knowledge be it morall or diuine is valued as an orient-pearle with swine meeting me in an euening in my walke , being gone past me , thus began their talke . first an old chuff , whose roofe , i dare be bould , hath bacon hang's in 't aboue fiue yeares old . said : that 's his sonne that●s owner of the grounds that on this pleasant beechs mountaines bounds , d' ye marke me ne ghbors ? this sa●e yong mans vather had a bin my zunne i hud a hangd him rather assoone as he perze●u'd the little voole , could creepe about the house , putten to schoole , whither he we t●not now and then a ●purt , as 't had beene good to keep him from the durt ; nor yet at leasure tim s , ( that 's my zunnes stint ) vor then 〈◊〉 deed there had beene reason in'te b●t vor continuance and beyond all zesse a held him too 't sixe dayes a weeke no lesse that by s. anne ie was a great presumption it brought him no● his end with a consvmption : and then besides he was not so content , to putten there where as our childers went : to learne the horne booke , and the abcee through , no that he thought not learning halfe enough , but he must seeke the country all about , where he might find a better teacher out . and then he buies him ( now a pips befall it ) a vlapp●ng booke , i know not what they call it , t is latine ●ll , thus it begins ; in speech , and hat 's in english , boy , beware your breech , one day my dicke a leafe on t with him brought , which he out of his fellowes booke had ra●g ●t , and to h● s mother and my selfe did read it , but we indeed did so extreamely dread it , we gaue him charge no more thereon to looke , vor veare it had bin of a coniuring booke , if that you thinke i iest goe as ke my wife , if ere she heard such ●ibberish in her life , but when he yonn had cond the same by heart , and of a meny moethe better part ; he went to oxford , where he did remaine , some certaine yeares , whence hee 's returnd againe , now who can tell ( it in my stomack stickes ) and i doe veare he has some oxford tricks . but if it be zo : would he had ne●e come hether , vor we shall still be sure of blustring weather . to what end comes his paine and vathers cost ? th' one's charges , and the tothers labour lost ; i warrant he so long a learning went , that he almost a brothers portion spent : and now it nought auailes him : by this holly , i thinke all learning in the world a folly , and them i take to be the veriest vooles , that all their life time doe frequent the schooles , goe aske him now and see if all his wits , can tell you when a barly season hits . when meddowes must be left to spring , when mowne , when wheate , or tares , or rye , or pease be sowne . he knows it not , nor when t is meet to fold , how to manure the ground that 's wet or cold : what lands are fit for pasture , what for corne , or how to hearten what is ouer-worne . nay ; he scarce knowes a gelding from a mare , a barrow from a sow , nor tak she care of such like things as these ; be knowes not whether , there be a difference twixt the ewe and weather , can he resolue you ? ( no nor many more ) if cowes doe want their vpper teeth before ; nay i durst pawne a groat he cannot tell , how many legges a sheepe hath very well , is 't not a wise man thinke yee ? by the masse , c ham glad at heart my zunnes not zuch an asse , why he can tell already all this geare , as well almost as any of vs heare . and neighbors : yet i 'le tell you more ; my dicke , hath very pretty skill in arsemetricke . can cast accouts , writes his name , & dunces daughter , taught him to spell the hardest words it 'h zauter . and yet the boy i le warrant yee knowes how , as well as you or i , to hold the plow , and this i noted in the vrchin euer , bid him to take a booke he had as lether , all day haue drawne a harrow ; truth is so , i likt it wel although i made no shew vor to my comfort i did plainly see , that he heoreaster would not bookish bee , then when that hauing nought at home to do , i sometime forct him to the schoole to goe , you would haue greeud in heart to heare him whine , and then how glad he was to keep the swine , i yet remember ; and what tricks the mome , would haue inuented for to stay at home you would haue wondred ; but 't is such another , a has a wit in all the world likes mother ; yet once a month , although it greeues vs than , h'ele looke you in a books do what we can ; that mother , sister , brother all we foure , can scarce perswade him from 't in halfe an howre , but oft i thinke he does it more of spight , to anger vs then any true delight . vor why ? his mother thinks as others do , and i am halfe of that opinion too . although a little learning be not bad , those that are bookish are the so ●nest mad . and therefore since much wit makes vooles of many , i hil take an order mine shall ne're haue any . by r lady your the wiser ( quoth the rest ) the course you take in our conceit 's the best , your lonne may liue in any place i th land , by his industrious and laborious hand , whilst he ( but that his parents are his stay ) hath not the meane , to keepe him selfe a day , his study to our sight no pleasure giues , nor me●●es , nor profit , and thereby he liues so little thing the better , none needt doubt it , he might haue been a happier man without it . for though he now 〈◊〉 speake a little better , it is not words you know will free the debter . thus so ne whose speeches shew wel what they be , for want of matter fell to talke of me . of whom , though somthing they haue said be true yet since insteed of giuing act her due , they haue disgrast it ; notwithstanding i , haue not the knowledge that these dol●s enuy , or can so much without incurring blame , as take vnto my selfe a schollers name . yet now my reputation for to saue , since i must make account of that i haue , i le let you know though they so lightly deeme it , what gaine 's in knowledge , and how i esteeme it , as often as i call to minde the blisse , that in my little knowledge heaped is . the many comforts , of all which the least , more ioyes my heart then can be well exprest . how happy then thinke i are they whose soules more wisdome by a thousand parts in rowles ; whose vnderstanding-hearts are so diuine they can perceiue a m●ll●ou more then mine , such haue content indeed : and who that 's man and should know reason is so sencelesse than to spurne at knowledg● , art , or learning ; when that onely showes they are the race of men ? and what may i then of those peasants deeme , the which of wisdome make so small esteeme ? but that indeed such blockish sencelesse logges , sprang from those clownes latona turn'd to frogs ; alas , suppose they nothing can be got by precious stones , cause swine esteeme them not ? ot do they thinke , because they cannot vse it , that those which may haue knowledge wil refuse it ? well , if their shallow coxcombs can containe a reason when it s told them , i 'le explaine , how that same little knowledge i haue got , much pleasures me , though they perceiue it not : for first thereby ( though none can here attaine for to renew their first estate againe ) apart reuiues ( although it be but small ) of that i lost by my first fathers fall . and makes me man , which was before ( at least ) as haplesse , if not more , then is the beast that reason wants ; for his condition still , remaines according to his makers will. they neuer dreame of that , and then by this , i find what godly , and what euill is ; that knowing both , i may the best ensue , aud as i ought the worser part eschew , then i haue learn't to count that drosse but vaine , for which such bores consume themselues with paine : i can endure discontentments , crosses , be iouia●l in want , and smile at losses : keep vnder passions , stop those insurrections , rais'd in my microcosmus by affections . be nothing greeued for aduersitie , nor nere the prouder for prosperitie . how to respect my friend i partly know , and in like manner how to vse my foe . i can see others lay their soules to pawne , looke vpon great-men , and yet scorne to fawne . am still content , & dare whilst god giues grace , e'ne looke my grimmest fortunes in the face . i feare mens censures as the char-coale sparks , or as i doe a toothlesse dog that barks ; th' one frights children , ' other threats to burne , but sparks will die , and brawling curs returne . yea i haue learn't that still my care shall be , a rush for him , that cares a straw for me . now what would men haue more ? are these no pleasures ? or do they not deserue the name of treasures ? sure yes ; and he that hath good learning store , shall finde these in 't besides a thousand more . o● but our chuffs thinke these delights but course , if we compare them to their hobby-horse : and they beleeue not any pleasure can , make them so merry as maid-marian . not is the lawyer prouder of his fee ▪ then these will of a cuckooe lordship bee . though their sweet ladies make them father that , some other at their vvhitson ales begat ; but he whose carriage is of so good note , to be thought worthy of their lords fooles coate . that 's a great credit , for because that he , is euer thought the wisest man to be . but as there 's vertue where the diuil's precisest , so ther 's much knowledge where a fool 's the wisest , but what meane i ? let earth content these moles , and their high'st pleasure be their summer-poles , about the which i leaue them for to dance , and much good do 't them with their ignorance . so this i hope will serue for to declare , how rude these vulgar sort of people are . but herevpon there 's some may question make , vvhether i onely for the vulgar take , such men as these ; to whom i answer , no , for let them hereby vnderstand and know , i doe not meane these meaner sort alone , tradesmen or labourers ; but euery one , be he esquire , knight , baron , earle or more , yet if he haue not learn'd of vertues lore , but followes vulgar passions ; then e'ne he , amongst the vulgar shall for one man be . and the poore groome , that he thinks should adore him , shall for his vertue be preferd before him . for though the world doth such men much despise , they seeme most noble in a wise-mans eyes . and notwithstanding some doe noblest deeme , such as are sprung of great and high esteeme , and those to whom the country doth affoord the title of a marquis or a lord , though 't were atchiued by their fathers merits , and themselues men but of dunghill spirits ; cowards or fooles ; ( and such as euer be prating or boasting of their pedigree ) when they are nothing but a blot or shame , vnto the noble house from whence they came . yet these ( i say ) vnlesse that they haue wit , to guide the common-wealth , as it is fit they should ; and as their good fore-fathers did , how ere their faults may seeme by greatness hid , they shall appeare ; and the poore yeomans sonne , whose proper vertue hath true honour won , be plac't aboue him : but nobilitie that comes by birth hath most antiquitie some thinke ; and tother ( if at all they yeeld as noble ) they an vpstart call , but i say rather no , his noblenesse that 's rais'd by vertue hath most worthinesse . and is most ancient , for it is the same , by which all great men first obtaind their fame ; so then i hope 't will not offend the court , that i count some there with the vulgar sort , and outset others ; yet some thinke me bold , because there 's few that these opinions hold . but shall i care what others thinke or say ? there is a path besides the beaten way ; yea and a safer , for heere 's christs instruction , the broadest way leads soonest to destruction . and truely no opinions deceiue , sooner then those the vulgar sort receiue , and therefore he that would indeed be wise , must learne their rude conditions to despise , and shun their presence ; for we haue bin taught , diseases in a presse are quickly caught . now satyr leaue them till another time , and spare to scourge the vulgar with thy rime , if any thinke thou hast digrest too long , they may passe ouer this , and doe no wrong . but in my former matter to proceed , who , being mans race is so much freed from ficklenes , that he is sure to finde himselfe to morrow , in that very minde hee 's in to day ? though he not onely know no reason wherefore he should not be so , but also though he plainly do perceiue much cause he should not that opinion leaue : may no man do it ? who then iustly can be forced to rely , or trust in man whose thoughts are changing , and so oft amisse , that by himselfe , himselfe deceiued is ? who is so sottish as to build saluation on such a feeble tottering foundation as man ? who is 't that hauing a respect , to his soules safety , will so much neglect that precious assurance , as to lay his confidence on that false peece of clay , which being fickle , merits farre lesse trust , then letters written in the sand , or dust ? do they not see those they haue soundest deem'd , and for their constants writers still esteem'd , all wauering in assertions ? yea but looke , and you shall finde in one , and the same booke such contradiction in opinion , as shewes their thoughts are scarce at vnion . where finde you him that dares be absolute , or alwaies in his sayings resolute ? ther 's none ; i by my owne experience speake , i haue a feeling that we men are weake , whereon much musing , makes me inly mourne , and grieue at heart , that i a man was borne . ( yet herevpon i do desire that no man , vvould gather that i long to be a woman , ) alas ! how often had i good intendments and with my whole heart vow'd and sworn amendments yea purpos'd that , wherein i once thought , neuer vnconstancy should let me to perseuer ? and yet for all my purpose and my vow , i am oft alter'd ere my selfe knowes how : but therefore since it is not i alone , or any certaine number that is knowne , to be vn-stable ; but e'ne all that be ; since none ( i say ) is from this frailty free , let vs confesse it all , and all implore our nere repenting god ; that euermore remaines the same , we may be ( as we ought ) more certaine both in word , and deed , & thought that he will keep vs from inconstancy , yea from all damned , lewd apostasie ; but howsoeuer our affections change , and we in slight opinions hap to range : yet , pray his truth in vs be so ingraued , continuing to the end we may be saued . of weaknes . satyr . . bvt oh looke here ; for i haue surely found the maine chiefe root , the very spring and ground . of our inconstancy . it is not chance that so dis-ables our perseuerance : but a base weaknesse , which to terme aright , is meerely a priuat● on of that might , or a detraction from that little power which should be in those limbs and minds of our : we boast of strength ; but tell me , can our daies affoord a milo , or a hercules ? can all the world , ( and that is large enough ) a match for hector or achilles show : haue we a champion strong enough to weild this buckler ? or sir aiax seauen-fold-shield ? i thinke we haue not : ( but i durst so grant , there be some liuing shall with aiax vaunt . ) nay , now in these daies it is doubted much , vvhether that any former age had such as these fore-named ; but indeed our faith binds vs to credit , that as scripture saith there was a samson , who could fright whole hosts , and rent downe azaths barred gates and posts , whose mighty arms vnarm'd could bring to passe , e'ne with the rotten iaw bone of an asse , a thousands ruine ▪ and yet 't will be long , er'e he shall thereby proue that ma● is strong . for first , the strength he seem'd to haue , was known , to be the spirit of god , and not his owne . and then his proper weaknesse did appeare , when after his braue actiheihad wel-neare , been dead for thirst ; whereas if he in spight of nature had been able by his might , out of this little stony-rocke to wring , to quench his present thirst , some flowing spring , as did a stronger one : or if his power could haue compel'd the melting clouds to shower for present need , such plenteous drops of raine , he might haue had no cause for to complaine , or craue more aid . sure then we might at length , be brought for to beleeue that men had strength ; but ne're till then . hee 's mighty that can make the heaueus , earth , & hell with 's breath to shake . that in his spheare the suns swift course can stop , and atlas with his burthen vnder-prop . he that with ease his massy globe can rowle , and wrap vp heauen like a parchment scrowle ; he that fot no disease or paine will droop , nor vnto any plague infernall stoop . he that can meat , and drinke , and sleepe refraine , or hath the power to dye , and rise again● , hee 's strong indeed ; but he that can but teare , or rent in two a lyon , or a beare , or doe some such like act , and then goe lye himselfe ore-come by some infirmitte , how ere with vants he seemes his deedes to grace , he is both miserable , weak , and base , what creature is there borne so weake as man , and so vn-able ? tel me , he that can . or if that they could number'd be by any , count his disease and what hath so many ? or else what creature is there if he be in bone and flesh of the same quantity , so fraile as man ? or that can worse sustaine . hunger or thirst or cold or heat or paine ? sure none ; and yet in histories we find , til luxury hath weakened thus mankind , they weare much stronger ; could indure the heat , trauel a long time without drink or meat , and their best dainty was no costlier thing then a wild-root or water from the spring . with which small commons nature was content : yea in our climate people naked went ; and yet no question felt as little cold , as we wrapt vp in halfe a dozen fold they had no wast-coats , night-caps for their heads , nor downy pillowes nor soft feather-beds they scorn'd as much to haue such thinges about thē as we in this age sc●rne to be without them . their heads some stone bare vp their brawny sides , vvith ease the hardnes of the earth abides . gluttonous fare that so the pallat pleases , nere fild their bodies full of foule diseases nor any pleasing liquors with excesse , made them grow weak through beastly drunkennes . no lust-prouoking meats made them vnchaste . nor vnto carnall copula●ton haste , for i am in the minde they ne're requir'd it , till nature come to herfull strength , desir'd it , and that it is alone which made them be more stout , more strong , and brauer men then we . it was a noble care in them indeed ; but how are we become such dwarfes and pigmies now ? how are our limbs so weake and feeble growne ? i thinke i need not tell it , 't is well knowne , nice tender breeding , which we well might spare , much drunkennes and our luxurious fare : which ads not strength , as some doe vainely say but rather takes both strength , and health away . yet chiefely this same imbecility , comes by too soone and frequent venery . a beardlesse boy now cannot keep his bed , vnlesse that he be of his night-geere sped , and many giglets i haue married seene , ere they ( forsooth ) could reach eleuenteene . nay 't is no wonder we are growne so weake , for now the 'r matching brats ere they can speake ; and though we yet say that the men are stronger , yet he ( i thinke ) that liues but so much longer , the reuolution of an age to see , vvill say that men the weaker vessels be . but now our strength of body , which indeed , deserues no more respect then doth a reed , is not the strength of which i meant to speake , for we are yet another way too weake . our minds haue lost their magnanimitie , and are so feebled through infirmitie ; that either to be resolute we care not , or else because of some base feare we dare not , where can we finde almost a man so hardy , who through his weakenesse is not somtime tardy , to speake the truth ? or to declare his minde ? though he doe many iust occasions finde . he 'le wink at 's friends offence , and passe it blindly , least ( peraduenture ) he should tak 't vnkindly . and if it be a great man that offends , shew me but him that boldly reprehends , and i 'le admire him ; nay wee 'l rather now bend our endeuour and our study how to sooth and fawne ; or to their lewdnes tell , that all they doe ( be 't nere so bad ) is well . their very looks and presence we so feare , as if that they some monstrous cyclops were , which makes them worse . but howsoe're they trust vnto their might , i 'le tell them ( for i must ) although they threaten , and can slanders make of iust reproofes , my heart shall neuer quake t' informe their honors , thus'tis censur'd by men , if they be great-ones , tanto maius crimen ; one knowes the truth , but dares not to defend it , because he heares another discommend it . yea diuers follow vertues wayes but coldly , because they dare not doe a good thing boldly and doe we not perceiue that many a man fearing for to be ●earm'd a p●ritan , simply neglects the meanes of his saluation , though it be needfull , and worth commendation ? some cannot well endure this or that : others distempred with i know not what shew an exceeding frailty : few can brooke with any patience , that men should looke into their actions ; and though they should loue them , they rather hate them for 't that doe reproue them . is there a man so strong , that he forbeares choller or fury , when by chance he heares , himselfe reuil'd , reproched and disgrac'd ? if there be such a one , he shall be plac'd amongst the worthie , with the formost three : for in my iudgement , none more wothy be to haue renowne for strength , then those that can , on their rebellious passons play the man. this weakenes i do also find in men , they know not their owne happinesse till then when they haue lost it : and they doe esteeme men for their wealth , and them most blessed deeme that are most rich ; supposing no man more accursed or vnhappy , then the poore . some basely doe comdemne each strange report to be vntrue , because it doth not sort with their weake reasons . some againe will be , astonished at euery nouelty . but too much wondring doth discover plaine where ignorance and frailty both remaine . is it not weakenesse when some petty losses , some hindrance in preferment , or such crosses shall make men greeue ? is it no weakenesse when , aduersitie shall so disquiet men that they should not with patience sustaine , or vndetgoe a little crosse and paine ? yes questionles it is ; or were they strong , they would so arme themselues gainst greefe and wrong that no disastrous , or il hap shold fright them though fortune did the worst she can to spight them . nor would they those , as the vnworthiest deeme , to whom dame fortune doth most froward seeme ; but rather such as all their life time be , in quiet state and from disturbance free . for ●he oft giues what their base longing craues , because she scornes to vexe deiected flaues , i haue knowne braue men , braue at least in shew , ( and in this age now that is braue enow ) that in appearance for bold champions past and yet haue basely yeelded at the last . besides there 's many who thought scorne to droop , by fortunes power haue been made to stoop , and with discredit shamefully left vndone , what they with honor at the first begun ; and their weake hearts ( which frailty i much hate ) deiected , haue growne base with their estate . vvhereas ( me thinkes ) the mind should neuer be , subiect to fortunes frownes not tyrany . but here through weaknes , some , offence may take that i of fortune should recitall make : for they by fortune say there 's nothing done , but all things are both ended and begunne , by gods appointment . i confesse indeed , that he knowes all , and all hath fore-decreed : in the respect of whom i cannot say , ought comes by chance ; respecting vs i may . so they are answer'd ; but how can men be , so ouer-borne with this infirmitie ? as those who are in euery matter led , by parasites and apes : where is their head ? i meane their will , their reason , and their sence , what is become of their intelligence ? how i st that they haue such a partiall care , they can iudge nothing true , but what they heare come from the tongue of some sly sycophant . but for because they strength of iudgement want , those that themselues to flatterers inure , i haue perceiued basely to endure for to be plainely soothed , mock't and flouted , made coxcombs to their faces , yet not doubted that they were highly reuerenc't , respected , and by those fauning parasites affected and why forsooth ? they often heare them prate , in commendations of their happy state ; yes , and they tell them that they vertuous be , wise , courteous , strong , and beautifull to see , when if the eye of reason were not lockt they plainly might perceiue that they were mockt . for what i st else , when they are prais'd for many goodly conditions , that had neuer any ? this frailty also merits to be blam'd when fearefull of reproach we are asham'd , our ignorance in those things to explaine , wherin , t were fit more knowledge to attain 't is weaknes also when a bargaines bought , for to dispraise the penniworth as nought , and tell what might haue beene , or fondly prate , of counsel , when he sees it is too late , nor is it any lesse to seeke to stay , him that we know doth hasten on his way , o● be importunate , for that which will ▪ be nothing for our good , yet others ill : also , to be affraid for to gainesay , what men doe know vnture , or to delay the right of any matter to declare , because they feare they vnbeleeued are : for notwithstanding truth doth oft bring blame , it may be freely spoken without shame diuers more waies of which i needs must speake , there 's many men doe shew themselues but weake : in some but lately i obserued this , and must needs say their nature euill is ; if friends to them haue any kindnes showne , or entertainments willingly bestowne , that they confesse they are indebted for it , yet such is their condition ( i abhor it ) if that those freinds do hap to take the paine , to come somtime and visit them againe , in meere good will , because these weake ones see they cannot then so well prouided be to bid them welcome as their loues require , ( though more then loue their loues did ne're desire ) a foolish shame so blinds them that they shall ( for giuing them to much ) haue naught at all ; yea for because they want excessiue fare , or some such things for which their friends neere care , ( though by their will it other wise had beene ) they neither will be knowne at home nor seene . vvhich doth not onely shew impiety , but hindereth loue , and barres society , yet now the greatest weaknesse that i finde , to be in man , is ignorance of mind , it makes a poore man hee 's scarse good for ought , if rich men haue it , they are worse then nought . for hauing riches store , and wanting might , or strength of mind to vse the same aright , t is arrogancies and ambitious fuell , it makes them couetuous , inconstant , cruell ; intemperate , vniust and wonderous heady , yea in their actionsrude , and so vnsteddy they cannot follow any sound direction , but are still carried with a wild affection , this is their nature : ( it is quickly noted ) if they to honour be by hap promoted then they grow insolent , beyond all reason , apt for ambition , quarrels , murthers , treason : or any villany , that followes those , who doe the summe of happinesse repose in worldly glory : but if fortune frowne , and from her fickle wheele once cast them downe , then their deiected hearts againe grow base , they are impatient of their present case : raue or run mad , and can doe nought poore elues , vnlesse it be goe hang or drowne them selues . moreouer the same weakenes that proceeds , from ignorance , this mischife also breeds ; it makes men will conceited of their will , which they will follow be it nere so ill . and they thinke all things needs must fall out bad , wherein their wise aduise may not be had . but heere 's the hell : to them all counsell's vaine , cause they all others wisedome doe disdaine , and wholly on their owne deuises rest , as men perswaded that their owne are best : but as all such are weake , e'ne so i say is euery one that rashly doth repay vengeance in anger ; or that 's male content oft ; or oft mooued and impatient : or those that iudge of counsels by th' euent , or that perswade themselues , if their intent be good and honest , that it doth not skill if that the matter of it selfe be ill ; which were it true then dauid might complaine , that vzzah for his good intent was slaine . others againe thinke superstitious rites , to be the seruice in which god delghts . but since i 'me forst my mind of them to speake , i must needs say their iudgements are but weake : the like i must of them who disesteeme , all forraine customes , and doe onely deeme their owne , praise-worthy ; as also such as do thinke those things best they cannot reach vnto ; yet in the vulgar this weake humor 's bred , they 'l sooner be with idle customes led , or fond opinions such as they haue store , then learne of reason or of vertues lore , we think that we are strong , but what alas ! is there that our great might can bring to passe , since though we thereto bend e'ne all our will , we neither can be good not wholly ill . god giues vs needfull blessings for to vse them , which wanting power to do we oft abuse them , some hold them wise and vertuous that professe , an heremitall solitariness : but it proceeds from imbecillity , and for because through non-ability , those thinges they cannot well in dure to doe , which they indeed should be inur'd vnto : besides , they wrong their country , and their friends . for man ( saith tullye's , ) borne to other ends then for to please himselfe ; a part to haue , the common-weale doth look , and parents craue a part ; so doth his friend ; then deales he well that closely mewd vp in a carelesse cell keepes all himselfe ; and for a little ease , can in his conscience find to rob all these ? i say hee 's weake , and so againe i must , but add withall , hee 's slothfull and vniust : then as hee 's vaine that precious time doth spend , in fond and idle pleasure to no end : so are those weake , that with contempt disdaine all plesure and delights on earth as vaine ; and though they would be zealous thought , & wise i shall but count them foolishly precise ; for man hath cares ; and pleasures mixt with-all are needfull ; yea both iust and naturall . we are no angels that our recreation , should consist only in meer contemplation : but we haue bodies to , of whose due pleasure , the soules must find sometimes to be at leasure for to participate ; but in this kind , though some find fault , we are not much behind then t is through humane weaknes , when that we of a good-turne will soone forgetfull be , and readier to reuenge a small offence , then for that good to make a recompen ● and so 't is also when that we eschew , or shunne them vnto whom from vs is due both loue and mony ; this because their owne th' other cause friendship at our need was showne : but 't is well seen there 's many so abhor , to be in presence with their creditor , that ( thankless elues ) though he be still their friend . they rather would desire to see his end : he 's weake , to that 's not able to withstand , any vnlawfull or vniust demand , as well as he that knowes not to deny , seruing-mens kindness , or pot-curtesie . some simple fellowes , cause that silken-fooles , ( that had their bringing-vp in bacchus schooles . ) in show of loue , but daine to drink vnto them , think presently they such a fauour do them , that though they feele their stomack wel nigh sick yet if to pledge these kind ones they should sticke : or for a draught or two , or three refuse them they thinke in conscience they should much abuse them nay there be some , and wisemen you would thinke that are not able to refuse their drinke , through this their weaknesse ; though that they be sure 't is more then their weake stomacks can indure , and why ? oh 't is the health of some great peere his maisters , or his friend he counteth deare ; what then ? if that the party vertuous be , he 'le not esteeme of such a foolery ; if not , who er 't be , this is my mind still , a straw for 's loue , his friendship , or good will , some muse to see those that haue knowledge gaind and to degrees of art in schooles attaind , should haue opinion stuft with heresie , and in their action such simplicitie as many haue , at first , without a pause , as meere a boy as i may tell the cause : i st not , the reason their acquired parts , and knowledge they haue reacht vnto by arts is growne a m●tch to great , and farre vnfit , for to be ioyned with their naturallwit ? 't is so ; and they insteed of rightfull vsing draw from their leraning errors , by abusing . plaine reason should , and euery man that 's wise knowes though that learning be a dainty prize , yet if that fate with such a weakling place it , who hath no helpes of nature for to grace it : or one , whose proper knowledge , is so small , he is beholding to his booke for all ; it onely breeds , ( vnlesse it be some treasons ) cripled opinions , and prodigious reasons . which being fauour'd brings in the conclusion , publike dissentions , or their owne confusion . for i may liken learning to a shield , with a strong armor , lying in a field : ready for any man that hath the wit to take it vp and arme himselfe with it , now if he be a man of strength and might , that happens on that furniture to light he may doe wonders ; as offend his foe , and keep himselfe and his , from ouerthrow . but if a weake and feeble man should take these instruments of mars ; what would they make , for his aduantage ? surely i should gather they would goe neere to ouerthrow him rather : for they would loade him so , a man more strong although he be vnarm'd , may doe him wrong . so he , that is depriu'd of natures guifts , with all his learning , maketh harder shifts , through his owne weakenes , & incurs more shames ; then many that want art to write their names . we haue some fellowes that would scorne to be term'd weake i know , especially by me , because they see that my vngentle fate , allow'd me not to be a graduate . yet whatsoeuer they will say vnto it , for all their scorning i am like to doe it . and to be breefe they are no simple fooles , but such as haue yauld ergo in the schooles , who being by some men of worship thought , fit men by whom their children may be taught , and learnd enough for that they are allowd the name of teachers , whereof growing proud , because perhaps they heare that now and then , they are admired at by the seruing-men ; or else by reason somthing they haue said , hath beene applauded by the chamber-maid ; they therevppon suppose that no man may . hold any thing for truth but what they say : and in discourse their tongues so much wil walke , you may not heere a man of reason talke ; they are halfe preachers , if your question be , of matters that concerne diuinity ; if it be law ; i 'le warrant they 'l out-face , a dozen p●oydens to maintaine their case : but if it be of physick you contend , old galen and hypocrates may send for their opinion ; nay , they dare professe , knowledge in al things , though there 's none know less : now i should wonder they preuaild so much , did not the common-people fauour such , but they are knowne although their verdit passes , proud dogmatists , and self-conceited asses ; whom i may tearme ( though i cannot out-scold them weake simple fooles , and those that doe vphold them : moreouer some , ( but foolishly precise , and in my iudgement , far more weake then wise , ) misiudge of poetry , as if the same , did worthily dese●ue reproach and blame ; if any booke in verse they hap to spy , oh , out vpon 't , away , pr●fane they cry , burn't , reade it not , for sure it doth containe nothing but fables of a lying braine ; al-as● take heed , indeed it oft pollutes the out-side of thy false-vaine glorious sutes ? and to the blinded people makes it plaine , the coulour , thou so counterset'st will staine . because we see that men are drunke with wine , shall we contemne the liquor of the vine ? and since there 's some that doe this art misuse , wilt therefore thou the art it selfe abuse ? 't were meere iniustice : for diuinitie hath with no science more affinitie then this ; and howsoe're this scruple rose , rime hath exprest as sacred things as prose ; when both in this age and in former time , prose hath been ten-times more profane , then rime ; but they say still that poetry is lies , and fables , such as idle heads deuise , made to please fooles : but now we may by this perceiue their weaknes plainely what it is : yea , this both weake and ignorant doth proue them , in that thei 'l censure things that are aboue them : for , if that worthy poets did not teach , a way beyond their dull conceited reach , i thinke their shallow wisedomes would espy , a parable did differ from a lie . yea , if their iudgement be not quite bereft ; or if that they had any reason left , the precious truths within their fables wrapt , had not vpon so rude a censure hapt ; but though that kind of teaching some dispraise , as there 's few good things lik't of now adaies : yet i dare say because the s●riptures show it , the best e're taught on earth , taught like a poet : and whereas poets now are counted base , and in this worth-lesse age in much disgrace ; i of the cause cannot refraine to speake , and this it is ; mens iudgements are growne weake , they know not true desert ; for if they did their well deseruings could not so be hid , and sure if there be any doth despise such as they are ; it is cause he enuies their worthines ; and is a secret foe to euery one that truely learnes to know : for , of all sorts of men here 's my beliefe , the poet is most worthy and the chiefe : his science is the absolut'st and best , and deserues honor aboue all the rest ; for 't is no humane knowledge gain'd by art , but rather 't is inspir'd into the heart by diuine meanes ; and i doe muse men dare , twixt it and their professoins make compare . for why should he that 's but philosopher , geometrician , or astrologer , physitian , lawyer , rhetorician . historian , arithmetician , or some such like , why should he hauing found the meanes but by one ar● to be renown'd , compare with him that claimes to haue a part and interest almost in euery art ? and if that men may adde vnto their name , by one of these an euerlasting fame , how much more should it vnto them befall , that haue not onely one of these , but all as poets haue ? for doe but search their works and you shall find within their writing lurks all knowledge ; if they vndertake of diu●ne matters any speech to make , you 'l thinke them doctors ; if they need to tell the course of starres , they seeme for to excell great ptolomey ; entend they to perswade , you 'l thinke that they were retoricians made : vvhat law , what phisick , or what history can these not treat of ? nay what mistery are they not learn'd in ? if of trades they write , haue they not all tearms and words as right as if he had seru'd an apprentiship ? can they not name all tooles for workemanship ? we see t is true ; if once they entreat of wars ? of cruell bloudy fraies ? of wounds ? of scars ? vvhy then he speaks so like a souldier there , that he hath beene begot in armes thou 'lt sweare : againe , he writes so like a nauigator , as if they had seru'd neptune in the water , and thou wouldst thinke he might of trauaile make as great a volume , as our famous drake ; old proteus , and vertumnus are but apes . compar'd to these , for shifting of their shapes ; there is no humorous passion so strange , to which they cannot in a moment change : note but their drammaticks and you shall see they i speake for euery sex , for each degree , and in all causes as if they had beene , in euery thing , or at least all things seene . if need be they can like a lawyer prate , or talke more grauely like a man of state ; they 'l haue a tradesmans tongue to praise their ware , and counterfet him right ( but they 'le not sweare ) the curioust phisicians ( if they please ) shall not quoine words to giue their patients ease so well as they ; and if occasion vrge , they 'l choller , yea and melancholly purge onely with charmes and words ; and yet it shall be honest meanes and meerely naturall ; are they dispos'd to gossip't like a woman , they 'l shew their tricks so right , that almost noman , but would so thinke them : virgins that are purest , and marrons that make shew to be demurest , speake not so like chast cynthia , as they can , nor newbery so like a curtezan ; they 'l giue words either fitting for a clowne , or such as shall not vnbeseeme a crowne ; in show they will be chollerick , ambitious , d●sperate , iealous , mad , or enuious , in sorrow , or in any passion be ; but yet remaine still , from all passions free . for they onely to this end exprest them , that men may see them plainer , and detest them . but some will say that these haue on the stage , so painted out the vices of this age , that it not onely tels that they haue bin , experienc't in euery kind of sinne , but that it also doth corrupt , and show how men should act those sins they did not know , oh hatefull saying , not pronounc't by chance , bnt spew'd out of malicious ignorance ; vveigh it , and you will either thinke these weak , or say that they doe out of enuy speake : can none declare th' effect of drunkennes , vnlesse they vsed such-like bestlinesse ? are all men ignorant what comes by lust , excepting those tht were themselues vniust ? or thinke they no man can describe a sin ? but that which he himselfe hath wallawed in ? if they suppose so , i no cause can tell , but they may also boldly say as well they are apprentices to euery trade , of which they find they haue descriptions made , or for because they see them write those things , that do belong to rule best , say th' are kings : as though that sacred poesie inspir'd , no other knowledge then might be acquir'd by the dull outward sence ; yes , this is shee that showes vs no● alone all things that be , but by her power laies before out view , such wondrous things as nature neuer knewe and then whereas they say that men are worse , by reading what these write , 't is their owne curse , for is the flower faulty cause we see , the loathsome spider and the painefull bee , make diuers vse on 't ? no it is the same , vnto the spider though she cannot frame , like sweetnes as the bee thence ; but indeed i must confesse that this bad age doth breed , too many that without respect presume , this worthy title on them to assume , and vndeseru'd base fellowes , whom meere time , hath made sufficient to bring forth a rime , a curtaine ligge , a libell or a ballet , for fidlers or some roagues with staffe and wallet to sing at doores ; men only wise enough , out of some rotten old worme-eaten stuffe , to patch vp a bald witlesse comedy , and trim it heere and there with ribaldry learn'd at a baudy house ▪ i say there 's such , and they can neuer be disgrac't too much , for though the name of poet such abuses , yet they are enemies to all the muses and dare not sort with them for feare they will , tumble them headlong downe parnassus hill : why then should their vsurping of it wrong that title which doth not to them belong ? and wherefore should the shame of this lewd , crew betide them , vnto whom true honors due ? it shal not ; for how ere they vse the name , their works wil show how they do merit fame ; and though it be disgrac't through ignorance , the generous will poesie aduance : as the most antique science that is found , and that which hath been the first root & ground of euery art ; yea that which only brings content ; and hath beene the delight of kings ; great iames our king both loues & liues a poet , his bookes now extant do directly show it , and that shall adde vnto his worthy name , a better glory , and a greater fame then britaines monarchy ; for few but he , i thinke will both a king and poet be ; and for the last , although some fooles debase it , i 'me in the mind that angels do imbrace it : and though god giu 't heere but in part to some , all shall hau 't perfect in the world to come . this in defence of poesie to say i am compel'd , because that at this day , weaknesse and ignorance hath wrong'd it sore ▪ but what need any man therein speake more then diuine sidney hath already done ? for whom ( though he deceas'd ere i begu● ) i haue oft sighed , and bewaild my fate , that brought me forth so many yeeres too late , to view that worthy ; and now thinke not you oh daniell , draiton , iohnson , chapman how i long to see you with your fellow peeres , matchlesse siluester , glory of these yeeres . i hither to haue onely heard your fames and know you yet but by your workes and names : the little time , i on the earth haue spent , would not allow me any more content : i long to know you better that is the truth , i am in hope you 'l not disdaine my youth . for know you muses darlings , i le note raue , a fellowship amongst you for to haue : oh no ; for though my euer willing heart , haue vow'd to loue and praise you and your art ; and though that i your stile doe now assume , i doe not , nor i will not so presume ; i claime not that too-worthy name of poet ; it is not yet deseru'd by me , i know it . grant me i may but on your muses tend , and be enrould their seruant , or their friend . and if desert hereafter worthy make me , then for a pellow ( if it please you ) take me . but yet i must not here giue off to speake , to tell men wherein i haue found them weake , and chiefely those that cannot brooke to heare , mention of death but with much griefe and fear● for many are not able for to take that thought into them , but their soules will quake ▪ poore feeble spirits , would you nere away , but dwell for euer in a peece of clay ? what find you heere wherein you doe delight , or what 's to seeing that 's worth the sight ? what ? doth the heauens thy endeauors blesse and wouldst thou therefore liue for to possesse the ioy thou hast ? seek't not ; perhaps to morro● thou l't wish to haue di'd to day , to scape the sorro● thou then shall see , for shame take stronger hearts and adde mo●e courage to your betteer parts ; for death 's not to be feard , since t is a friend , that of your sorrowes makes a gentle end . but here a qualitie i call to minde . that i amongst the common-people finde , this 't is , a weake one to ; when they perceiue a friend neare death , and ready for to leaue this wretched life ; and if they heare him say some par●ing words , as if he might not stay , nay say not so ( these comforters reply ) take heart your time 's not come , ye shall not die ; what man , and grace of god you shal be stronger ; and liue no doubt yet , many a faire day longer . thinke not on death ; with many such like words , such as their vnderstanding best affoords : but where is now become this peoples wit ? vvhat doth their knowledges esteeme more fit then death to thinke on ; chiefly when men be about to put off their mortal●tie ? me thinkes they rather should perswade them then fearelesse to be resolu'd , to die like men. for want of such a resolution stings at point of death ; and dreadfull horror brings , ●e'ne to the soule ; cause wanting preparation , she lies despairing of her owne saluation ; yea and moreouer this full well know i , he that 's at any time afraide to die , ●s in weake case , and whatso'ere he saith , hath but a wauering and a feeble faith. but what need i goe farther to relate , the frailty i haue seene in mans estate ? since this i haue already said makes cleere , that of all creatures , god hath placed here , ( prouided we respect them in their kind ) vve cannot any more vnable finde ; for of our selues we haue not power to speake , no nor to frame a thought , we are so weake . against our bodies eue'ry thing preuailes , and oft our knowledge and our iudgement failes ; yea if that one mans strength were now no lesse , then all men doe in generall possesse . or if he had attaind to ten-times more then all gods creatures ioyn'd in one before ; yet would his power be eauen then so small , when he stands surest ; he 's but sure to fall ; 't is onely weakenesse that doth make vs droupe , and vnto crosses and diseases stoupe : that makes vs vaine , inconstant , and vnsure , vnable any good things to endure : it brings vs to the seruile base subiection , of all loose passion , and vntam'd affection : it leads vs and compels vs oft to stray both beside truth , and out of reasons way . and lastly we , and that because of this , either doe nothing ; or do all amisse . which being so , we may with dauid then , confesse that we are rather wormes then men . of presvmption . satyr . . soft heedlesse muse thou no aduisement tak'st , wast not of men that last of al thou spak'st : it was : and of the weakness● too of men , come then with shame now and denie 't agen , reca●t : for so the matter rhou didst handle , thou maist be curst for t , with bell booke & candle : is mankind weake ? who then can by their powers , into the aire hurle palaces and towers ? and with one blaste'ne in a moment make , whole kingdomes and braue monarchies to shake . or what are they that dare for toaspire , into gods seat ; and if it might be higher : that forgiue sinnes as fast as men can do them , and make iehouah be beholding to them ? i 'ue heard of such ; what are they ? would i wist ; they can make saints they say of whom they list : and being made , aboue the stars cāseat them yea with their own hands make their gods & eat thē ha ? are they men ; how dar'st thou then to speake , such b●asphemy to say mankinde is weake ? i tell thee this muse , either man is strong , and through thy babling thou hast done him wrong , or else beyond his limits he doth erre , and for presumption puts downe lucifer : i st so ? nay then i prethee muse goe on , and let vs heare of his presumption : for i doe know , cause i haue heard him vaunt , that he 's a creature proud and arrogant : and it may be he is not of such might as he makes show for ; but vsurps some's right ▪ there't goe's indeed , for though he be so base so weake , and in such miserable case , that i want words of a sufficient worth , to paint his most abhorred vilenesse forth : yet such is also his detested pride , that i suppose the diuell is belide by euery man that shall affirme or say he is more proud ; for doe but marke i pray : this creature man ; did natures powerfull king , ( god , that of nothing framed eu'ry thing ) m●uld out of clay ; a peece which he had rent , e'ne from the earth the basest element : and whereas he might haue beene made a thrall , yea and the very vuderling of all ; that god with title of chief ruler grac't him , and as a steward ouer all things plac't him : gaue him a pleasant garden for to till , and leaue to eate of eu'ry tree at will. onely of one indeed he did deny him , and peraduenture of that one , to try him ; but see his insolence ; though god did threat death if he eate , and though that god was great , and so exceeding iust , that he well knew , all that he threatned doubtles would ensue : thogh god were strōg , & could , had mā bin prouder ( pore clay-bred worm ) haue stampt him into pouder● yet ( not withstanding all this same ) did he presume to tast of that forbidden tree . a rash beginning , but he sped so ill , d' yee thinke he held on this presumption still ? to heare he had left that offence 't were newes , but cain and nimrod , pharaoh and the lewes , shew'd it continued ; and grew much more , rather then lesser ▪ then it was before ; caine in his murther , and his proud replie ; nimrod in that he dar'd to build so high ; pharaoh by boldly tempting god , to shew his sundry plagues to egypts ouerthrow ; and many waies the last ; but what need i , recite examples of antiquitie ? or for to taxe old ages for that crime , since there was nere a more presumptuous time then this that 's now ; what dare not men to doe , if they haue any list or minde thereto ? their fellow creatures they doe much contemne , vaunting that all things were ordain'd for them ; yea both the gladsome daies and quiet nights , sun , moone , & heauen , with those glorious lights , which so be spangle that faire azure roofe , they thinke were onely made for their behoofe : when as alas their poore and weake command cannot extend so farre for to withstand the least starres force ; and them and their estate , sunne , moone , and starres too , do predominate . before our fall indded we did excell , all other creatures that on earth did dwell , but now i thinke the very worst that be , haue iust asmuch to boast vpon as we . our soule 's defil d ; and therefore if in sence we place our worth and cheefe prehemmence , t is knowne that there be diuers creatures then vvill haue the vpper hand ; for they passe men ; and though we still presume vpon 't , t is vaine , to challenge our old soueraingty againe ; for when that we from our obedience fell all things against vs also did rebell , lyons and beares , and tigers sought our blood the barren earth deny'd to yeeld vs food : the clouds raignd plagues , and yet dare we go on , we find such pleasure in presumption . but for because there 's some do scarcely know , how we do in that fault offend ; i le shew . first , when that they new worshippings inuent , and cannot hold themselues so well content vvith that which god doth in his word ordaine , as with inuentions of their owne weake braine , it seemes they think their fancies to fulfill , vvould please him better then to haue his will. next i doe reckon them , that ouer-bold , gods sacred legend haue at will contrould , and maugre his grand-curse some places chang'd added to some , and some againe estrang'd ; then those great masters i presumptuous deeme , that of their knowledge doe so well esteeme , they will force others , as the papists doe for to alow of their opinions to , yea though it be a meere imagination , that neither hath good ground nor iust foundation some will be prying though they are forbidden , into those secrets , god ment should be hidden . so doe some students in astrologie , though they can make a faire apologie ▪ and so doe those that very vainely trie , to finde our fortunes by their palmistrie ; these doe presume , but much more such as say , at this or that time , comes the iudgement day . or such as aske , or dare for to relate , what god was doing ere he did create heauen and earth ; or where he did abide , how and by whom , he then was glorifide . but those that into such deep secrets wind . a slender profit in their labours find ; for to make knowne how highly they offend , a desperate madnes is ofttimes their end . yet such their nature is , thei le not beware , but to be prying further still they dare , for sure that longing can no way be flaid , which well the poet seemd to know , who said , man , what he is forbidden still desires , and what he is denide off , most requires . rather then many will a man gainesay , they dare make bold with god , they thinke they may because it seems they deeme him not so strong , or so well able to reuenge a wrong . some such great power to themselues assume , and on their owne strength doe so much presume , they seldome doe for gods assistance craue , as if it were a needlesse thing to haue ; which is the cause that often the conclusion proues their owne shame , their hindrance & confusion ; in praying , men presume , ( vnlesse they be , with eu'ry one in loue and charitie : ) or if in their petitions , they desire such things as are vnlawfull to require ; death 's their reward , we know , that break the law , but neither that , nor yet damnations awe keeps vs from sinne ; a thousand god-heads more , then one we make , and dare for to adore our owne hand-works ; the sabboth we disdaine , and dreadlesse take the name of god in vaine : if but by his lords hand an irish swere , to violate that oath he stands in feare ; least him of both his lands and goods he spoile , for making him the instrument of guile : and yet dare we ( poore wormes ) before his face , ( respecting whom , the greatest lords are base ) both sweare , & forsweare ; vsing that great name at pleasure , without any feare of blame : why should not we as well suppose that he , who in our hearts would haue no fraud to be , will miserable , poore , and naked leaue vs , yea , of those blessings and estates bereaue vs we now hold of him , if we thus contemne , and still abuse his sacred name , and him ? but men secure in wickednes per●ist as if they could please god with what they list ; if they can , lord haue mercy on them say , and mumble some few prayers once a day , there needs no more ; nay , surely there be such , that thinke it is enough ; if not too-much : but what 's their reason ? god made all the man , why should he haue but part allow'd him than ? he in their seruice nothing doth delight , vnlesse it be with all their strength and might , with their whole heart , & soule , and that way toe , as he appoints them in his word to doe : some men their are who hope by honesty , by their almes-deeds , and works of charity to win gods fauour , and for to obtaine saluation by it ; but their hope 's in vaine : also , their 's others cause they haue the faith , for to beleeue 't is true the scripture saith , since they haue knowledge in religion , and make thereof a strict profession : or doe obserue the outward worship duly , do think that their in they haue pleas'd god truely . now these are iust as far as th' other wide , or they gods worship doe by halfes diuide , and for his due which is e'ne all the heart , do dare presume to offer him a part ; but th' one must know he will not pleased be , with a religion that wants honestie : and th' other that as little good will doe , his honest shew without religion toe ; if this be so , ( as so it is indeed ) how then wil those presumptuous fellowes speed ? who thinke ( forsooth ) because that once a yeare , they can afford the poore some slender cheare ; obserue their country feasts , or common doles , and entertaine their christmas wassaile boles , or else because that for the churches good , they in defence of hock-tide custome stood ; a whitsun-ale , or some such goodly motion , the better to procure young mens deuotion : what will they doe , i say , that think to please , their mighty god with such vaine things as these ? sure very ill ; for though that they can mone , and say that loue and charity is gone as old folkes do , because their banquetings , their antient-drunken-summer reuelings are out of date ; though they can say through teaching , and since the ghospell hath had open preaching , men are growne worse ; though they can soon espy a little mote in their owne neighbours eye yea though that they their pater noster can , and call their honest neighbour puritan ; ( how ere they in their owne conceits may smile , yet they are presumptuous , weake , and vile ; also in this abhominable time , it is amongst vs now a common crime , to flout and scoffe at those which we do spy , vvilling to shake off humane vanity ; and those that gladly do themselues enforce , vnto a strict and more religious course , then most men doe ; although , they truely know no men are able to pay halfe they owe ( thought vnto their god , ( as though their wisedomes he migh be serued better then he ought , they count precise and curious more then needs , they try their sayings and weigh all their deeds : a thousand thinges that they well do shal be , slightly past ouer as if none did see : but one thing ill done , ( though the best does ill ) they shal be certaine for to heare of still ; yea not with standing they can daily smother , millions of ten times greater faults in other : vvho are so hated or so often blam'd ? or so reuil'd , or scorn'd ? or so misnam'd ? to whom do we now our contentions lay , who are so much term'd puritans as they that feare god most ? but t is no maruaile men , presume so much to wrong his children ; when as if they fear'd not his reuengefull rod , they can blaspheme and dare to anger god. now by these wordes to some men it may seeme , that i haue puritans in high esteeme ; indeed , if by that name you vnderstand , those that the vulgar atheists of this land , do daily terme so ; that is such as are fore-named heere ; and haue the greatest care to know and please their maker : then 't is true , i loue them well ; for loue to such is due : but if you meane the busie headed sect , the hollow crew , the counterfeit elect : our d●gmatists , and euer-wrangling spirits , that doe as well contemne good workes , as merits : if you meane those that make their care seem great to get soules food , when 't is for bodies meate , or those all whose religion doe depend , on this , that they know how to discommend a maygame , or a summerpole defie , or shake the head , or else turne vp the eye ; if you meane those , how euer they appeare , this i say of them ( would they all might heare ) though in a zealous habit they doe wander , yet they are gods foes and the churches slander ; and though they humble be in show to many , they are as haughty euery way as any . what need i here the lewd presumptions tell of papists in these daies ? t is knowne to well : for them there of each peasant now conuinces , in things as well concerning god as princes , other ▪ i find toe , that doe dare presume , the office of a teacher to assume ; and being blind themselues and gone astray , take on them to shew other men the way . yea some there be , who haue small guifts or spirit , no kind of knowledge , and as little merit ; that with the world haue made a firme cōiunctio● ▪ yet dare to vndergoe the sacred function of christ his pas●or . yea such is their daring , that neither for their charge nor duty caring , insteed of giuing good and sound instruction , they lead themselues and others to destruction . we read that ieremy and moses both , to vndertake their charge were wondrous loth : ( the greatnes of the same so much appal'd them ) yea though that god himselfe directly cal'd them : but our braue clarkes as if they did condemne , the two much bashfull backwardnes of them : or else as if themselues they abler thought ; those diuine callings , haue not onely sought without respect of their ability , a c●ristian conscience or ciuility , but being of old simon magus tribe , purchase it often with a hateful bribe ; vvhich showes that they such places do desire , not for the good of others but their hire : but patrons feare yee neither god nor hell ? dare ye the churches patrimony sell for filthy lucre , in despite of law sacred or humane ? pedants dare yee ? hah ? dare you buy 't of them ? by gods help , vnlesse this villany ere long , haue some redresse , i le find a meanes , or else let me haue blame , to bring some smart , or else eternal shame vpon you for 't ; it may be you do sent it , but all your pollicy shall not preuent it : what do you look for hell and your d●mnation ? vvel you shall haue it by impropriation ; i know now you haue enter'd simony , you le double damne your selues with periury . for , they as oft together may be seene , as is the chilling feauer and the spleene , but oh deare countrymen be more aduis'd , thinke what god is he may not be dispis'd . could you well weigh his iustice and his power , how many infinites it passeth ouer : and knew his iudgements we would not dissemble an outward fained reuerence ; but tremble and shake with horror ; you 'd not dare to venter sanctum sanctorum so vnfit to enter ; his churches good you rather would aduance , then rob it thus of her inheritance ; or make the same ( as men stil vnbeleeuing ) like to a house of merchandise and theeuing . you to whom deeds of former times are knowne , marke to what passe this age of ours is growne , euen with vs that strictest seeme to be , in the professing christianity ; you know men haue been carefull to augment , the churches portion and haue beene content to adde vnto it out of their estate ; and sacriledge all nations did so hate that the meere irish who seem'd not to care , for god nor man had the respect to spare the churches profits ; yea their heed was such that in the time of need they would not touch , the knowne prouisions , they daily saw , stor'd vp in churches : in such feare and awe the places held them ; though that they did know the thinges therein belonged to their foe : but now the world & mans good natures chang'd from this opinion most men are estrang'd ; we rob the church , and what we can attaine by sacriledge and theft is our best gaine : in paying dues the refuse of our stock , the barrennest and leanest of our flock shall serue our pastor ? whom for to deceiue we think no sin ; nay further ( by your leaue ) men seeke not to impropriate a part vnto themselues : but they can find in heart t' engross vp all : which vile presumption , hath brought church-liuings to a strange consumption and if this strong disease do not abate , 't wil be the poorest member in the state ; no maruaile though in steed of learned preachers , we haue beene pester'd with such simple teachers such poore , mute , tong-tide readers , as scarce know whether that god made adam first or no : thence it proceeds , and ther 's the cause that place and office at this time incurs disgrace . for men of iudgement or good dispositions , scorne to be tyde to any base conditions : like to our hungry pedants , who 'le engage , their soules for any curtold vicarage . i say there 's none of knowledge , wit , or merit ▪ but such as are of a most seruile spirit , that will so wrong the church as to presume , some poore-halfe-demi-parsnage to assume in name of all ; no , they had rather quite be put beside the same , than wrong gods right , well , they must entertaine such pedants then , fitter to feed swine , then the soules of men : but patrons thinke such best , for there 's no feare they will speake any thing they loath to heare ; they may run foolishly to their owne damnation , without reproofe or any disturbation ; to let them see their vice they may bee bold , and yet not stand in doubt to be contol'd : those in their houses may keepe priuate schooles , and either serue for iesters or for fooles , and will suppose that they are highly grac't , be they but at their patrons table plac't : and there if they be cal'd but priests in scoffe , straight they duck down and al their caps come off , supposing it for to be done in kindnes , which shows their weaknes & apparant blindnes . moreouer 't is well knowne that former time held it to be a vild presumptuous crime ; such men in sacred offices to place , whom they knew toucht with any foule disgrace : or to allow those whom they did suspect , to haue an outward bodily defect : but be they now not only crooked , lame , dismembr'd , and of the vnshapeliest frame that euer nature form'd ; though they be blind , not in sight onely , but as well in mind , though they be such who if they come to shreeuin● might confess murder , whordom , slander , theeuing and all damb'd villany ; yet these men will be admitted to the sacred ministry : but most of vs do now disdaine that place , accounting it vnworthy , meane , and base ; yea like to ieroboams priests , we see , they of the lowest of the people he : and though we know , the israelites allow'd god the first-borne for his ; we are so proud , vnlesse they either do want shape or wit , or seeme for worldly busines vnfit : few thinke gods seruice worthy the bestowing their child about it ; or such duty owing vnto the same ; but rather that vocation they count a blemish to their reputation . but where 's your vnderstanding , oh you men ? turne from your bruitish dulnes once agen , honour gods messengers for why t is true , to them both reuere●ce and honour 's due ; think what they are and be not still selfe-minded , suffer not reason to be so much blinded ; if not for loue that you to iustice beare , yet follow her ( although it be ) for feare : and see that this presumption you amend , or looke some heauy plague shal be your end . then it is also a presumptuous act , with knowledge to commit a sinfull fact though ne're so small ; for sin 's a subtill else , that by degrees insinuates it selfe into our soules ; and in a little space , becomes too-huge a monster to displace ; yea , it is certaine that one sinne , though small , will make entrance great enough for all ; and what is 't but presumption to abuse , and without-feare and reuerence to vse gods sacred word ; yet we that christ professe , thinke it no fault , or that there 's no fault lesse : else sure we would not in our common talke , let our loose tongues so much at randome walke , we would not dare our iests of that to make , at vttering whereof the heauens shake ; for if god had reueal'd his gospel newes , to vs as heeretofore vnto the iewes he did the law ; who heard him to their wonder speaking through fearefull fiery flames and thunder , we would more dread in any euill fashon : to vse that sacred meanes of our suluation our cursed pagan vnbeleeuing foe , i meane the turke , more reuerence doth show in those his dam'nd erroneous rites then we in the true worship : for 't is knowne that he wil not so much as touch his alcharon , that doth containe his false religion with vnwasht handes ; nor till he hath o'rewent all that his vaine and confus'd rablement of ceremonies vs'd ; much lesse dares looke , on the contents of that vnhallowed booke ; but we in midst of all our villany , in our pot-conference and ribaldry , irreuerently can the same apply , as if 't were some of pasquils letany : but soft my muse in her perambulation hath hapt vpon an excomunication : and though that her commission she wanted yet she made bold to search wherefore 't was granted which if you would know too , why it may be , some were so pleas'd because they lack't a fee : for , had the officers bin wel contented , they say the matter might haue been preuented ▪ but you that haue the wisdomes to discerne when abuse is ; pray tel me , i would learne ; misuse we excommunication ? you know it is a separation from god ; and a most fearefull banishment , from the partaking of his sacrament and good mens fellowship ; a sad exile , ( perhaps for euer , at the least a while ) from the true church ; and ( oh most horrid euill ) a giuing of men ouer to the diuell . and therefore was ordain'd in better times , onely for such who in their hainous crimes with hardned obstinacy did persist , as may appeare : but now we at our list , as if the same but some slight matter were , for euery trifle to pronounce it dare ; and peraduenture to , on such as be , more honest far , and better much than we : but since my muse hath her endeauour done to note how men into this fault do run ; i will be bold to let you vnderstand , one strange presumption noted in our land worth the amending ; and indeed 't is this readers pray iudge how dangerous it is ; we seeing god hath now remooued far , from this our country his iust plague of war , and made vs through his mercy so much blest , vve do in spight of all our foes yet rest exempt from danger ; by vs it appeares , through the great blessing of these quiet yeares , we are so feare-lesse care-lesse and secure in this our happy peace and so cock-sure as if we did suppose or heard it sed , oul● mars were strangled or the diuel dead ; else can i not beleeue we would so lightly , esteeme our safely and let passe so slightly our former care of martiall discipline , for excercises meerely feminine : vve would not see our armes so soild in dust , nor our bright blades eat vp with cankred rust , as now they be ; our bowes they lye and rot , both musket and caliuer is forgot , and we lye open to all forraine dangers for want of discipline 't is knowne to strangers though weel 'e not see 't ; alas will not our pleasure , let vs be once in seauen yeares at leasure to take a muster and to giue instruction ? no rather pleasure will be our destruction ; for that first caus'd the law , that now preuents , and barres the vse of pouder-instruments to be enacted ; why ? for to preserue an idle game , the which i wish might sterue amids our plenty , so that with their curse , the land and people might be nothing worse , cause for that trifle to the realmes abuse , the hand-gun hath been so much out of vse scarce one in forty if to proofe it came , dares or knowes how for to discharge the same : oh valiant english we are like to hold the glory that our fathers had of old . but sure i think some vndermining hand , that studies for the ruine of the land , is cause of this , in hope thereby at length , to weaken ours and let in forraine strength ; what , do we think cause theirs a truce with spaine , that we are safe ? alas that thought is vaine , our dangers rather more ; for while they dar'd , to proffer wrong they found vs still prepar'd ; the profitable feare that we were in preuented danger that might else haue bin . but now the cause of former feare is gone , we haue not only let all care alone , but also are so drunken with delights , and drownd in pleasure that our dulled sprites are so o'reclog'd with luxury ; we droope , more fit for venus then for mars his troope ; that if our foes should now so ventrous be , for to inuade the lan● , vnlesse that wee , with speed amend this error , heere 's my mind , the way to worke our ruine thei 'le soone find ; for iust the troians last nights watch wee keepe , who then were buried all in ●ine and sleepe . we read when cato should a captaine chuse , for the panonian fight , he did refuse his kins-man publius , cause that from the war he often had return'd without a scar , and went perfum'd ; but if such faults as these , displeasd the censor , sure then in our dayes he scarcely would in towne or country find , a man with vs according to his mind , such is our daintinesse ; besides to strangers , ( as if there were no cause to doubt of dangers ) we do not only our great ritches show , ( a shrewd temptation to allure a foe : ) but we moreouer plainely do declare , by fond apparell , too superfluous fare , much idlenesse and other wanton parts , that we haue weake effeminated hearts ; which being knowne are sure a great perswasion , vnto our enemies to make inuasion . but we do say in god's our only trust , on him we do depend ; well so we must , and yet we ought not therefore to disdaine , the lawfull meanes by which he doth ordaine , to worke our safety then , for that 's a signe , we rather lou'd to tempt the powers deuine , then trust vnto them ; worthy brittaines then , leaue this presumption , once againe be men , not weake sardanapali ; leaue those toyes to idle women , wanton girles and boyes : vnto your foes i wish you could betake them , or vnto any so you would forsake them . let martialists that long haue beene disgrac't be lou'd againe and in our fauours plac't : count not them rogues ; but rather such as can so much degenerate themselues from man , in tire and gesture both , to womanize , goc call a parlament and there deuise an act to haue them whipt now ; oh 'twere good , a deed well worthy such a noble brood , meane while let 's trim our rusty armes and scoure , those long vn-vsed well-steeld blades of our : we shal not do the spiders any wrong , for they haue rent-free held their house-room long in morians , helmets , gauntlets , bandileres ; displace them thence , they haue had all their years : and giue it such a lustre that the light , may dimme the mooncshine in a winters night ; away with idle cithernes , lutes , and tabers , let knocks requite the fidlers for their labours , bring in the warlike drum , 't will musicke make ye , that from your drousie pleasures will awake yee : or else the hartning trumpet , that from farre , may sound vnto you all the points of warre : let dances turne to marches ; you ere long , may know what doth to rankes and files belong , and let your thundring shot so smoke and rore , stangers may tremble to behold the shoare , and know you sleep not ; but now to what end do you suppose that i these words do spend ? beleeue me i 'me not male content with peace . or do desire this happy time might cease , i would not haue you foule seditions make , or any vniust warres to vndertake ; but i desire you leaue those idle fashions , that haue beene the iust fall of many nations ; looke well vnto your selues and not suppose , cause there 's a league with spaine you haue no foes : for if vvarres euer make this land complaine , it wil be through some truce it had with spaine : but heere i bid you once againe beware , delay not time but with all speed prepare , repaire your forts againe , and manne them well , place better captaines in them ; i can tell some are growne couetous and there 's no trust to such as they ; that vice makes men vniust : they pocket vp the wages of their men , and one poore soldier serues alone for ten : look to the nauy-royall , wer 't wel scan'd , i doubt it will be found but simply man'd : the pursers study ( if some not belie them ) onely which way they may haue profit by them ; but see vnto it you to whom 't belongs , see the abuses done , redresse the wrongs : and oh ! renew the forces of this land , for there 's a fearefull bloudy day at hand , though not foreseene , a bloudy day for some , nor wil the same be long before it come . there is a tempest brewing in the so●th , a horrid vapor forc't from hell's owne mouth . 't is spread already far into the vvest , and now begins to gather to the east ; when 't is at full once it will straight come forth to shoure downe all it vengeance on the north : but feare not little ile thy cause is right , and if thou hast not cast all care off quite , nor art secure , why by that token then thou shalt driue back that threatning storme agen ▪ through cods assistance for to ruine those , by , and amongst whom , first of all it rose : but if that still thou carelesse snorting lye in thy presuming blind security , tak 't for a signe that now thy sinnes are ripe , and thou shalt surely feele the death-full stripe of that ensuing ill , vnto thy shame , and extirpation of thy former fame : but yet i hope this ouer-fight will end , and we shall this presumptuous fault amend : i hope i say and yet i hope no harmes , to see our english youth trick't vp in armes ; and so well train'd that all their foes shall heare no newes from them but horror , death , and feare ; yea and their march , like iehues king of iury , shal shew they come with vengeance speed & fury , i would we could as easily forsake , other presumptions , and that we could take but halfe the care and dilligence to arme our soules , in danger of a greater harme : would we the holy weapons could assume of christian war-fare , and not stil presume to leaue our better parts all open so , for the aduantage of the greater foe then rome or spaine : oh would wee could begin , to feele the danger of presumptuous sinne ! which soon would be , if we would once be brought for to consider with an equall thought , our base beginning and infirmity , our wauering and wondrous misery : and with this wretched poore estate of our , gods infinite and al-sufficient power : his iustice , with his hatred vnto ill , and threatnings if we disobey his will. or else remember he did still behold and see vs when we sin'd ; for who so bold , vnlesse depriu'd of grace then to offend ? but it should seeme we our endeauors bend to anger god , for we of sinne complaine , yet with our will sinne in his sight againe . say , wer 't not a presumption very great , if comming to a king one should intreat a pardon for some murther , and yet bring the bloudy blade with which he did that thing he would haue mercy for ? & whilst hee 's speaking , sheath it againe with bloud and gore yet reaking , in the kings sonne before his fathers face , and yet stil bide as if he hop't for grace : should we not thinke him mad ? sure yes ; yet we cannot that madnes in our owne selues see : for we dare come before th' almighty king to sue for pardon for our sinnes ; yet bring the selfe same bad mind still , conceiuing murther against his children to prouoke him further . and looke what ill is but in thought begun , with him 's all one as if the same were done , it is no maruaile that no humane law , can keepe our ouer-daring hearts in awe : since that we do so little dread the rod , of such a powerfull and so iust a god : and if in mans and gods owne sight we dare , so searelesse sinne without respect or care , it seemes that we do little conscience make what mischeifes by our selues we vndertake : or think it no presumption to commit , somthing alone in our owne sight vnfit ; oh grosle and ignorant ! why that 's the worst , of all presumptions the most accurst and fulst of danger . silly man take heed , do not before thy selfe an euill deed ; for when god wil forgiue and man forget , thy owne ill conscience will oppose and set her selfe against thee ; tell thee thine offending , and keep thee back from euer apprehending grace of forgiuenesse ; neither wil affoord the smallest comfort of the sacred word : but rather to thy sad remembrance call , each saying that may serue to prooue thy fall : and though that fire wondrous torture brings vnto the body , yet when conscience stings nor fire nor sword , nor hell it selfe can yeeld , aworser to ment ; god defend and shield me from the like ; and giue me grace to feare , so , that i may preserue my conscience cleare in all my actions : and then i shall be , in better case a thousand fold then he that vnto wealth and honour hath obtaind , with a craz'd conscience that is blurd and stain'd : alas how easie wert to climbe or mount to worldly reputation and account ? how soone could i if i had an intention for to contriue or plot a damn'd inuention get golden heapes ? yea and so priuily , that though t were done by craft and villany , i by the blinded world would yet be deem'd perhaps more honest ; but much more esteem'd then now i am ; but god forbid that i such base vaine trash and dunghil stuffe should buy at such a rate ; for there 's no iewell dearer , nor any losse a man can haue goe nearer then peace of conscience ; which for to be true , the ancient poets very wisely knew , and therefore fain'd their f●ries , with intent , for to declare the inward punishment of guilty mindes ; which sure they might do well , for there is in them diuels , yea and hell , with all her torture ; what else was the cause , nero who knew no god nor feared lawes , when he had kil'd his mother tooke no rest , but thought he saw her comming to molest and plague him for 't ? what made him to surmise he was still tortur'd in such hellish wise that furies did to his appearance scorch his liuing body with a burning torch ? wast not his conscience that had priuy beene vnto the fact ? was not the cause within his owne bad selfe ? if t were let 's to amending , of our presumptuous sinnes , aud bold offending , if neither in regard of god nor men , oh le ts for feare of our owne conscience then . yet there 's another thing which wert wel weighd our rash presumption would be som-what staid . the end of life ; with the ne're-ending paine , god for presumptuous sinners doth ordaine , could we note that , with deaths vncertaine times , and how it takes men acting of the crimes euen in the very nick of their offence , and beares them , ere they can repent them , hence , to such a place where nothing shall appeare , but all the gastly obiects of grimme feare : whereas each sense shall seuerally sustaine , the miserable smart of endlesse paine : the tender feeling shall in euery part , be subiect to th' intollerable smart of hellish flames , commixt with chilling cold , tortures beyond conceit , not to be told ; the dainty mouth , that had the curioust tast , and of the choysest cates still made repast , shall be fild vp , yea belly , throat and all , with filth more loath-some then the bitterest gall the once perfumed nostrill , there shall drinke , foule noysome smels : beside the sulpherous stinke of choaking flames ; and there the listning eare , fed with the sound of pleasing musicke heare , shall change it for the wofull screeching cry of damned soules , that in hels torture lye ; vvhose hydeous howlings can by no defence , be kept from percing that amazed sence : and then while they shal trembling thinke to flye from those amazements that do seeme so nigh , to there the feareful'st obiects of the sight , their quite despairing mindes shall more affright , for garish formes of foule mishapen fiendes , and vgly bugs for euermore attends , to thwhart each looke . but if this do not make , thy ouer hardened heart ( oh man ) to quake : if this relation be too weake to win , or to reclaime thee from thy wonted sinne ; reader , if this do no impression leaue , so that thou canst not any feare conceiue through this description ; thinke vpon t at night soone in thy bed when earth 's depriu'd of light i say at mid-night when thou wak'st from sleepe , and lonely darknesse doth in silence keep the grim-fac't night . and but immagine then , thou wert borne all alone to some darke den and there set naked ; though thou felts no paine , yet seeing no way to get out againe , if thou shouldst in that naked loneness heare , some yelling voyce , or some strange noyse drawne●● vvith threatning ; or but calling on thy name ; oh with what patience couldst thou bide the sam● but if withall , thy wandring eyes should marke , and now and then see pearing through the dar● some monstrous visages , or vgly faces vvhich shold make proffer of some rude embr●●● and smetime seeme as if they would begin vvith griping pawes to ceize thy trembling ski● or , but suppose that in thy chamber there , where cannot be the hundreth part of feare : ( because to thee the place well knowne will be and thou must haue wherewith to couer thee ) yet there i say suppose thou shouldst behold nor such grim obiects as are heere foretold , but onely heare the dolefull voyce of men complaining in the darke ; and now and then behold the ghastly shape of friends long dead , wrapt in their sheetes as they were buried , or else from out thy chamber floore to rise a troupe of bony , pickt anatomies come pointing to thee , as if thou wert he that must ere long their bare companion be : then thou wouldst feare i know , and think on him whose might & fearful power thou didst contemn thou wouldst consider better of the feare , and hellish horror i haue mention'd heare . that dungeons estate thou would'st conceiue , and somewhat thy presumptuous actions leaue ; thou wouldst not so cast all thy care behind thee , but watch thy self for feare least death shold finde thee , doing some il ; nor wouldst thou thus delay , times of repentance still from day to day : but oh ! show should i hope that this i plead , will worke in them that shall but barely read what i haue writ ? since i my selfe that know , and haue some inward seeling of that woe for get my selfe ; i thought when i shall be from such , and such like cares and troubles free , then wil i all my vanities forsake , a better course of life i le vndertake , and only seeke the glory of his name by whom i liue ; that day ere long time came ; then i had other lets ; but if that they , as i did seeke they might were once away , i would indeed my duty better doe : well , so it pleas'd god i orepast them too ; yet somthing hindred still that i could neuer in my intended christian course perseuer . but euer found vnto my griefe and sorrow , that i was bad to day and worse to morrow : but oh ! thou god that knowst my hearts desire , do not ; oh do not at my handes require my youthfull sinnes ; though that my flesh be fraile , and my affections often do preuaile : seeing thou knowest the weake estate of man , and what a little his small power can ; accept my will , and let thy blood suffice , to quit the rest of mine iniquities , but now , because i haue obseru'd such store , i needs must tell a few presumptions more . some in contemning others wisdome , show , that they presume themselues do all things , kno● but that vile selfe-conceit nere raised any , certaine i am it is the fall of many : others ( and they in this kind too offend , ) on their owne memories too much depend : such i haue heard so confidently speake , as if they had no thought that men were wea● yea those though twenty men haue all gaine-said what they affirmed , were not yet affraid , their owne bare affirmation to out-face , with sundry oathes : such wondrous trust they place in their remembrance ; yea my selfe ere now haue beene oft-times more rash for to anow what i thought truth ; then ere i le be againe : for what i deemd to be so sure and plaine , that i not onely stood in 't to my might , but would haue paun'd my life ' thad been the right that to my shame , i haue my selfe alone , found to be false when all the rest were gone . vvhich greeu'd me so that i le nere more rely or trust so much to mine owne memory . but what may i terme those , who for a name , or for to get some vile prepostrous fame ; vvill desperately for the nonce begin , to put in action some vngodly sinne that all men loath ; and only as they say , for to be talkt of . vvhat are such i pray ? presumptuous , vaine , or weake , or all that 's bad , the last i thinke and ten-times more then mad ; yet we haue gallants , and great store of such , that in their great brauadoes care not much vvhat villanies they doe ; but 't is their humor , only to fill mens mouthes with idle rumor . and cause they know the vulgar sort do deeme them , youths of great spirit , and do much esteeme them , but amongst wise-men they are sure to gaine . reprochfull shame and wel deseru'd disdaine , yet for to adde some fame vnto this story : we will be queath them erostratus glory . nor haue our old men left that humor yet , for though through feeblenesse they are vnfit to put in practise their old tricks againe , yet for to show they like them , and would faine , thei 'le often with a lie or two recite them , and the rememberance doth so much delight them that whereas they ought rather to repent , and with a grieued heart for to lament their former follie ; they with ioy and laughter seeme to approu't in those that shall come after . yet there 's a crew the which my muse wel knows , to them she here a memorandum owes and yet no commendations , for they are but busie fellowes that doe boldly dare take on them in their comments , for to finde the secret meaning of each authors minde . and to apply that in particular that should extend to all in generall : and in this little booke perhaps they can , say here i ment one , there another man ; and by their names they wil not stick to shew them , when as perhaps i nere so much as knew them . so from my honest meaning they will reare them a slander for some priuat grudge they beare them but though these are so bold , yet i beleeue , or hope at least ▪ no men of wisedome giue credit to any such interpretations , that are but false imaginations ; since each of these what stile soere he craue , doth show him a presumptuous foole and knaue , but heare all you that are quite voyd of care , vvhat you presume in : chiefly you that dare , maugre gods threates , go foreward to fulfill , your naughty , rash , vnbridled hare-braine will ; as if you thought that you your selues made all , and that indeed there were no god at al. know this , ere long time it shall come to passe , that you shall houling sit and cry , alas : cursing your births and miserable state , vvith sad repentance when it is too late , vnlesse you now take time . oh wormes ! oh men ! forsake your sollies , oh forsake them then , vvhat wil you do else when that seiz'd by death , ready to draw the latest gaspe of breath : vvhen as you are so weak that you would faine , but cannot mooue your tongues for to complaine ? vvhat would you do if then their should appeare the authors of most miserable feare , your guilty consciences , and there vnroll to your remembrances the dreadfull scroll , of your presumptions , and with all present , ● vision of th ' infernall punishment , ●repar'd for such ? and if in that bad case , you should behold him you esteemd so base ●t with such power , that at each frown he makes ●he earth doth tremble and the heauen shakes : vvhat would you doe ? oh any thing i 'me sure , ●o paine there is but you would then endure to scape his wrath if you do not dispaire , then wil you beg , entreat , and promise faire ; or any thing , if so it were you might returne to life againe ; then you would quite alter your doings , then forsooth you 'l be a patterne vnto all posterity . you would be humble , meeke , deuout and chaste but now there 's time , and then it may be past : yet i my selfe haue heard those that haue vow'd , much in their anguish , and god hath allow'd a longer time , yea hath vouchsaft to saue and giue them life againe e'ne at the graue : and yet haue these forgot their former paine and turnd vnto their owne ill wayes againe : which hauing seene , this for vs men i 'le speake , not without griefe ; though nothing be so weake : yet we are in our owne conceits so tall , that for presumption we do out-passe all : and if so be that this same hardning sinne do seaze vpon the heart once and get in ; my mind is this 't will nere be purg'd thence well , no not with all the feares and pangs of hell. epilogvs . so in some measure i haue now made knowne . what foule abuses time to me hath showne and what man is : i haue explain'd some crimes that i haue noted in these present times . then though i haue beene stil accounted idle , this showes i haue not giuen time the bridle to run away vnmannag'd ; but did vse it then best , when i seem'd most for to abuse it ? here sinfull man thou maist behold in part thy miserable state and what thou art : thy passions , thy vanities heere see , in part i say for all there cannot be : thy wauerings and thy frailties i 'ue explain'd , with thy presumption , yet nothing fain'd ; if thou hast read it , then i hope thou know'st , though thou seem'st bad , thou art worse then thou show'st and i do trust thy wretchednesse espide , will quell thy most intollerable pride ; i mus'd a while thou wert so prone to sinning , but 't was thy fault i see from the beginning : and as the lord himselfe once said , so stil , t' immaginations of thy heart are ill : that 's one maine cause ; then to performe an euill , thou hast the pronenesse of the flesh , the diuell , with bad examples of his instigation , besides the worldes rash approbation : but yet would i not haue thee think , oh man ! that i with tymon the athenian desire to make thee so much feele thy woe , to goe and hang thy selfe ; i meane not so , or for to driue thee thereby to dispaire , 't is not my purpose , my intent's more faire : this i would haue thee doe , since flesh is fraile , and sathan will be busie to preuaile : with heed and care watch ouer thy affection , and in thy doings follow this direction . first see if 't be thy flesh that mooues thee to those thinges the which thou art about to doe , next to consider well it doth behooue thee , what kind of men they are that do approoue thee : for true it is as i haue oft beene taught , what flesh desires , and most approoues is naught . and since they thrust thee forward vnto euill , thou hast an ill heart , proud flesh , and the diuill with bad example . learne oh man to season , thy hart with sacred , thoughts , with truth & reason thy flesh with labour ; and with fasting tame and t wil not be so subiect vnto blame ; preuent the diuels baits and his temptations , with earnest prayers and good meditations , and see thou heed to thy companions giu'st , since thou wilt be as these with whom thou liu'st ; yea since thou art so subiect vnto sinne , shun all occasions that may draw thee in , so when thy god shall see thou hast a will , and true desire for to amend what 's ill , he will accept it for his sonnes deare sake , and thee more willing , and more able make ; yea should thy sinnes more red then scarlet grow , yet he would make them whiter then the snow . thy now blacke soule , were it thrice more defilde , as innocent as is the new borne child : and thy most miserable body , farre more glorious then is the brightest starre : but if thou , without care or heed , dost leane vnto those lusts of flesh that are vncleane ; if thou take pleasure and delight to doe them , quite giuing ouer thy desire vnto them , they both in soule and body toe , will make thee so fowle a leaper that god will forsake thee ; his holy angels and his saints abhor thee , and onely diuels make entreaty for thee ; yea thou must in gehynnon waile with them , that are excluded new ierusalem . the end of the second booke . the scovrge . my muse i purpos'd to haue rested heere , and so she should indeed , but that i feare a gentle warning wil not now suffice to make men leaue off their iniquities : yea , i do know their negligence so great , t is not enough for to perswade or threat : and therefore i me resolued ere i part , to giue them a remembrance to their smart , and though full loath , cause their ill natures vrge i le send abroad a satir with a scourge , that to their shame for this abuse shall strip them , and being naked in their vices , whip them : and to be sure of these that are most rash , not one shall scape him that deserues a lash , but some will kick , now let them kick & spare not , so he may come and ierk them well i care not ; for be they rich , or poore , or weake , or strong , i le make him finde them that delight in wrong , not in despight , to make reuengefull rumors ; rather in sport to mock the worlds base humors ; but least i make my prologue ouer-large , ' i le let my whipping-satyr know his charge : first though he haue but little manners got ; bred in the woods ; where many vse them not : yet will i send him to suruey the court , and dance the witch to make his king some sport . doe satyr , goe , thou shalt not be disdain'd , loue without merit hath bin entertain'd , and so many thine ; that progenies the most , yea all indeed of which the world can boast , and that so worthy : ( 't is a wondrous matter ) commend it how thou wilt thou canst not flatter . if thou maist get their fauour that 's the best , there is no cause why thou should'st feare the rest the good will help but neuer hurt , then care not , although the wicked would offend they dare not . first lash the great ones , but if thou be wise , in generall and doe not speciallize : yet if thou do , so wisely let it be , none may except but those that faulty be . now peraduenture some will rage or storme , but that 's no matter thou art freely borne ; and though their eies spark fire , and they look big be thou as sterne , thou need'st not care a fig ; and tell them plainely ' t is not all their shew , can make them think them better thē they know ; 't is not great words , nor yet a large possession , shall free them from the scandall of oppression , thogh they can now , to get themselues a name , build babell vp a new , and quickly frame such loftie pallaces as if they ment , to threaten heauen from the batlement . who wonders at it ? none i thinke ; and why ? who is so mad to tel them that , not i ? yet satyr looke that thou before thou part , giue them one ierke to make their honors smart , their stately houses say are things but vaine : an age or two shall rot them downe againe ; and for their vice if there be none dare show it , say i haue vow'd to make the world to know it , then t is not toombes nor yet a heape of stones , shall make men thinke the better of their bones , no , it shall speake their auarice and pride , which those they scorn'd and wrong'd , shall then deride . so let them go their soueraigne to attend , and those that be not at the best , amend : search on for more ; but if thou hap to finde any among them of the female kinde , vvomen or angels , bad or good ; thine eyes shall not looke toward their infirmities . vvhat ere some say , no man will , or can , vvrong him ( i le warrant ) that 's an honest man , for they are good and surely would be still , vver 't not that men did often make them ill : those that are angry with them let them show it , i le say th' are vertuous for because i know it . mens faults i tell , so may he womens too that 's plagu'd by whores , with whom he had to doe . these if thou hap to see , i charge thee skip , and search in euery office with thy whip ; there , there are those that for their priuate store make both th' exchequer & the commons poore , extortion doth maintaine their brauery , yet lay not open all their knauery , but tell them they a new account must bring , that lash perhaps their guilty soule will sting . thou shalt in court another troope espy , such as in show are full of honesty , faire tong'd ; but he that such fine followers wants is happy ; for they are but sycophants , dissembling ▪ villaines : do but note them well , and thou wilt say they are the brood of hell . for pluck away their fain'd fidelity , and they are e'ne a heap of villany : to make them smart these wordes to them commend that beggery and shame shall be their end . yet thou shalt find depending on the court some that wil ieast to make their betters sport , but sift them , i durst pawne a brace of testers , if truth were known they are more fooles then iesters and so they are suppos'd , although indeed , they are more knaues then fooles ; but take thou heed come not within the compasse of their bable , then call them knaues as lowd as thou art able ; if thou come thither at some publike show , as there thou shalt be whether they will or no , remember that thou make a shift to creepe neere to the place where they the re●els keep . there stand a while vnseene , and do no more , but note those fellowes that do keep the doore , if thou perceiue some , as some will do then , keep out a many worthy gentlemen , and let a laundresse or a scoundrel passe , giue him a ierk and tell him hee 's an asse ; but least thou spy what may make thee asham'd , or speake of that for which thou maist be blam'd , leaue thou the court if thy owne ease thou pitty , and come a while to walke about the citty ▪ as soone as there thou ent'rest thou shalt meet great store of gallants pacing out the street : a part from dice , or fence , or dancing come , and peraduenture from a whore-house some , those are goodfellowes that will frankly spend , while land will last or any man wil lend ; and yet to see ( more fooles the world had neuer ) they are so proud as if 't t would last for euer , and though these lightly cannot haue a worse , or deadlier sicknes then an empty purse which wil ensue , yet tell them they must meete at the kinges-bench , the counter , or the fleet , then step vnto the lawyers , peraduentnre they 'l by some vvrit command thee not to enter : yet feare them not but looke and thou shalt spye , vnder their gownes a messe of knauery . pluck off their mask of law that clokes their drifts , and thou shalt see a world of lawlesse shir●s ; but tell them there 's a iudge wil not be feed , and that perhaps wil make their conscience bleed ; then tell the scriueners as thou passest by : that they were best to leaue their forgery , or else , why is 't their eares do scape so well , the diuell meanes to beare them whole to hell ▪ tell the phisitions if thou meet with any , their potions & their drugs haue murther'd many for which thou would'st haue lasht , but dost delay them because the diuel means himselfe to pay thē ; but if thei 'l proue conclusions , bid them then , try't on themselues and not on other men : desire the brokers that they would not yaune , after the forfeit of anothers pawne , it is their right by law thei le say , t is true , and so 's their soule , perhaps , anothers due ; but sting them if their conscience quite be fled , then shall they pay what they haue forfeited : entreat the tailor next , if that he can , to leaue his theft and proue an honest man ; if that he think the matter be too hard , knock him about the noddle with his yard , if he bee ritch and take the same in snuffe , tell him his substance is but stolen stuffe and that the iay would hardly brook the weather , if eu'ry bird should take away her feather . so hauing whipt him , let the priest go shrieue him , and if he haue authority forgiue him : go warn the crafts man that he do not lurke all day at ale-house , and neglect his worke , and then suruey the ware of euery trade , for much , i tell thee , is deceitfull made , which if thou find i charge thee do not friend it , but call him knaue , and bid him go and mend it , oh see if thou the marchant-man canst find , for hee le be gone at turning of the wind , bid him keep touch , or tell his worship how his heart wil tremble when the seas are tough , desire him to , if he doe trauaile thither , where conscience is , that he would bring some hither , here 's little ; some wil haue it ; if none will , he shall gaine by it though he keepe it still ; if he bring none , 't were charitie , i thinke , to pray some storme might make his vessell sinke ; looke in their ships , for i haue knowne deceit hath bin in both the owner and the fraight , yea note them well , & thou shalt finde their bookes are ginns for wood-cocks made like tenter-hooks : well they are ritch , the marchant wealth obtaines and cares not how , so he encrease his gaines ; yet least his wealth may hap to make him proud , satyr i pray thee , tell him this aloude to make him smart , that whilst he like a mome , playes fast abroad , his wife pla●es loose at home ; nor shall his ill-got masse of wealth hould out but he or his become a banquerout : now to thy rest , t is night ; but here approaches a troupe with torches hurried in their coaches , stay and behold , what are they ? i can tell , some bound for shoreditch , or for clarken-well : oh these are they which thinke that fornication , is but a youthfull sportfull recreation : these to hold out the game , maintaine the back vvith marrow pies , potato-rootes and sack : and when that nature hath consum'd her part , can hould out a luxurious course by art : goe stop the horses quickly least thou misse and tel the coachmans wanton carriage this , they of their guide must be aduised well , for they are running downe the hill to hell . their venery will soone consume their stocks , and bring them to repentance with a poxe . so other crimes committed without light , let such reueale as see like owles by night : for many men a secret fault can finde , but in apparant rougeries are blind or else they will not see ; but thou wertst best leaue whipping and betake thee to thy rest ; if in an inne it be , before thou sup , will that the tapster call his maister vp and bid him kindly , since he giues thee lodging , to vse plaine dealing and detest all dodging . dissembling's naught , hard rekonings they ar wors● light gaines ( they say ) will make a heauy purse . and let them not ( this fault is very rife ) make any guest familiar with his wife . for many men ( they weare but what they should ) do make their wiues more wantō then they would . thereby they gaine , their innes are wel frequented but such ill courses are too late repented ; so schoole him well and do thy whip refraine , and send him to his other guests againe . then thou shalt see the nimble tapster flie , still yalling , here , anon sir , by and by , so dilligent , till thou thy selfe acquaint with his ●ly tricks thou 'lt ●'take him for a saint . but i suppose that they haue tane an oth , neuer to ●●ll a pot but halfe with froth ; and there 's an old shift if they leaue it not , there must be something added to the shot . but wilt thou swagger with him for it ? no , but take him as he is and let him goe , now for most hostlers if thou hap to try them . knaues thou maist say they are and not belie them , for they deceaue the poore dumb traueling beast , and for the same deseru'd a ierke at least ; yet do thou spare them , for there is no doubt , some guest will finde a time to pay the lout . well , hauing rested and discharg'd thine host , i le send thee downe , into the country , post ; for i haue bus'nes , no man would beleiue , with whom d'ye thinke ? e'ne with the vnder-shreeue tell him thou heardst ( and that 's a fault indeed ) that in some causes he is double-feed . and that moreouer he deserues a portion , with those that are indited for extortion . yea and for other things as well as that , tell him the country tearmes him he knowes what ▪ a● which if he make light as if he care not , whip him in conscience soundly for 't , and spare not now for our knights ; their much formality , hath made them leaue their hospitality , yet , le●t they should be angry say no more , this age hath made a number of them poore ; and that some toe ( or else they are belied ) haue begger'd their posteritie with pride , and since thou art so neere them doe not cease vntill thou see our iustices of peace , there try if thou canst get but so much fauour , to bind the country to the good behauiour , and tell them how thou hast informed been , that they haue granted warrants vpon spleene ; are partiall , and haue ouer-sway'd by might the poore mans cause that 's innocent and right : if this thou finde be true , thou hast permission ; to lash , or put them out of the commission ; the cunstable if he were bid , i wiss , be good in 's office , 't were not much amiss : for he , they say , a many meanes may haue , if so he be dispos'd to play the knaue ; see how he deales and makes thy message known , for he hath stocks and whipping-posts of 's owne : there are church-wardens to , i shame to see how they runne into wilfull periurie , partlie in fauour and in part for feare , they wink 't at much disorder in a yeare ; but if thou hap to take them in the lurch , ierke them as euill members of the church ; if they reply , offenders are so friended though they present , 't is little thing amended , yet tell them 't is their duty to discharge , their consciences in euery thing at large ; vvhich if they doe , ill doers shall be sham'd or the corrupted visitors be blam'd and prethee tell the b. chancellor , that thou art sent to be his counsellor : and will him if he meane not to be stript , and like a schoole boy once againe be whipt , his worship would not so bad minded be , to peruert iudgement for a scuruy fee. then next go tell the reuerent good maisters , thou and the clergy needs must fall at wasters : faith thou shalt find their doctorships perhaps , disputing of their surplesses and caps , about the holy crosse , and gowne , a hood , or some such matters for the churches good , but tell them there are other thinges to doe , a great deale fitter to be lookt into . and if they please to go their visitation , there 's waightier matters looke for reformation , yea say there 's many an infirmity , which they both may and ought to remedy . but touch them with remembrance of their place , and they perhaps will alter then the case , then bid those dunces in our colledges , that they prouide them good apologies : for 't is reported lately they haue borh , betooke themselues to venery and sloth , and seek not learning only as they should , but are back friends to many a man that would 't were fit they made a publike recantation , and were wel whipt before a congregation . sole auing them their wits for to refine , thou shalt be bold to looke on the diuine ; they say , hee 's growne more carefull of his stock , his profits and his tithes then of his flock : now if thou find report hath not belied him , with a respect vnto his calling chide him , i had almost forgot our ciuill doctors ; i pray thee warne them and their lazy proctors , they would not vse to make so many pauses , before they do determine poore mens causes , and let them not suppose their fees are small , since they at last wil get the diuell and all , there be court barrons many in the way , thus maist thou to the guardians of them say , their policy in raising fines and rents , hath put poore men beside their tenements : and tel them , let them answer if they can , their false court-roles hath vndone many a man ; say thou hast seene what to their place belong'd and knowst , ofttimes both lord & tenāts wrong'd yet spare thy whip ; for why ? the peoples curse , already hath prepared them a worse , so when that thou hast punisht vices slaues , and roundly ierk't the country petty-knaues , then march we to the camp to bloody nero and tel the ruftling shuffling caualero ; he whose hard-heart can brooke to rob or spill , his friend or foe , to ruine , wound or kil , tel him , i say , there is a misery must follow to reuenge his cruelty ; and see that thou the ruffaines courage quaile , or lash him till the stock and whipcord faile ; walke but the round , and thou maist hap to catch , the carelesse souldiers sleeping in their watch , or in a march perhaps thei le goe astray , but if thou see them in their best aray , and without leaue and warrant roming out , to fetch some desperate booty there about , remember them ; and for their stout brauado's , let them be wel prefer'd with bastinadoes , then bid the captaines in their garisons , not lay to paune their rich caparisons , nor come vppon the score til they are forc't , to be disarmd for payment , or vnhors't , nor keepe the soldiers hire , least they be faine , to make an insurrection or complaine , for that indeed prooues oftentimes the cause , they do so much transgresse the martiall lawes ; yea tel him 't is a scandall to be drunke and drowne their valour , or maintaine a punk ; then if he mend not for to blot his fame , in steed of honor whip him for 't with shame , then lastly there are selfe-conceited wits , whose stomacks nought but their own humor fits , detractors , critticks ; who en'e at the best , do bite with enuy or else snarle at least , and in thy progresse if discern'd thou be , 't is out of question they wil snap at thee , to spight them then the waie 's not to out-brawle them , but say thou car'st not , & that lash wil gaule them : now satyr leaue me to my selfe alone , thou hast thy message and thou maist be gone , whip any that shall offer to withstand thee , in executing that which i command thee ; and yet so , ho , ho , ho , come back againe , be sure that thou do vnderstand me plaine : first note ; i from my scourge do here except , the guard by whom the kingdomes peace is kept the vertuous peeres : alas ! i nothing grutch them , and on my blessiing see thou do not touch them : and if in all our offices there 's any ; that is an honest man amongst so many ; him did i euer meane that thou shouldst spare , because i know that such a one is rare ; physick and law i honor both ( god blesse it ) with euery vertuous man that doth professe it , i do not ayme at such as they , nor when i flout our gallants , meane i gentlemen , such worthy brittaines as maintained be , according to their fashion and degree : no , those i loue ; and what can i lesse doe , since i of them am wel-beloued to ; to blame all marchants neuer was my will , nor do i think all trades-mens work is ill ; my meaning must not so be vnderstood , for the last shooes i had were very good ; yea and so farre am i from such a thought , thou shouldst against the vertuous doe ought , that if thou but an honest tapster see , tell him i wish we might acquainted be ; and i 'le that hostler loue which in amends , will vse my horse wel , that we may be friends ; and to be breefe good satyr vnderstand that thou maist not mistake what i command : 't is not my meaning neither do i like , that thou at this time shouldst in speciall strike , because my hatred might appeare as then , not to the vice , but rather to the men ; vvhich is not so , for though some malice me vvith eu'ry one am i in charitie ; and if that thou doe euer come to sight , and bring thy yet concealed charge to light ▪ i wish it might be tooke as 't was intended : and then no vertuous man wil be offended : but if that any man doe thinke amiss , vpon my life that partie guiltie is ; and therefore lash him , so get thee out of dore come what come will , i 'le call thee back no more : so , now he 's gone the way that i direct him , i wonder how the world will now respect him , if that she maruaile why he was not bolder , perhaps he may be when that he is older ; he hath too smooth a chin , a looke too mild , a token that he is not wholly wild ; but may i reach the yeares of other men , if that this loose world be not mended then , i le send a satyr rougher then a beare that shal not chide and whip , but scartch & teare . and so i 'le teach him he shall be too strong , for all your paris-garden dogs to wrong . this satyr hath a scourge , ( but it wants weight , your spanish whips were worse in eighty-eight , ) that shall not onely make them howle for paine , but touse them , till they hold their peace againe : now if the world , frowne vpon me for 't , shall i be sorie ? no , 't wil mend my sport ; but what if i my self should hap to stray , out of my bounds into my satyrs way ? why then ; and that 's as much as i need doe , i giue him leaue to come and lash me toe . so now my muse a resting time requires , for shee 's or ' wearied and her spirit tires . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 finis . certaine epigrammes to the kings most excellent maiestie , the queene , the prince , the princesse , and other noble and honorable personages , and friends to whom the author gaue any of his bookes . to the kings maiestie . epigram . . loe here ●read sou'raign and great brittans king first to thy view i haue presum'd to bring , these my essaies ; on which but ge●ly looke , i do not make thee patron of m● booke : for 't is not sit ●ur faiths-desender ( still ) take the protection of each trifling quill ; no ; yet because thy wisdome able is , of all things to make vse ; i g●ue thee this : the picture of a beast in humane shape , 't is neither monkey , nor baboone , nor ape , though neere conditioned ; i haue not sought it brought it in affrick deserts ; neither haue i out of ignota terra : those wild lands , beyond the farthest magalanick strands yeeld not the like ; the fiend liues in this il and i mu●'d that you spied not all this while that man-like monster . but ( alas ) i saw , the looke of maiestie kept him in awe ; he wil not , for he dares not before thee shew what ( indeed ) he vses for to be ; but in thy presence he is meeke , demure , deuout , chast , honest , innocent , and pure : seeming an angell , free from thought of ill , and therefore thou must needs so thinke him stil. but for because thy soueraigne place denies , the sight of what is view'd by meaner eyes : this i haue brought thee , with much care and paine , 't was like to haue bin forced backe again : so loath the world was , that thou should'st view , the portrature that i haue drawne so true ; yea yet , ( i feare ) she findes her selfe so gal'd , that some wil study how to haue 't recal'd ; but t is too late ; for now my muse doth trust , when thou hast seen 't thou wilt approoue what 's iust . and if i may but once perceiue , or heare , that this sounds pleasing in thy kingly eare , i le make my muse for to describe him fuller , and paint him forth in a more liuely cullour : yea i wil to the worlds great shame vnfold , that which is knowne , but neuer yet was told ; meane while great king a happy monar●h raigne , in spight of rome , the diuel , hel , and spaine . another to his maiesty . epigr. . as he that feedes on no worse meat then quailes , and with choice dainties pleaseth appetite : wil neuer haue great list to gnaw his nailes , or in a course thin diet take delight , so thou great king that still dost ouerlooke , the learned workes , that are most deepe , most rare ▪ canst not perhaps these my rude satyrs brooke : thou dost not for such sharp fang'd critticks care : oh do not yet thy selfe so much estrange , from wonted curtesie to others showne , a country dish doth often serue for change , and something heere is worthy to be knowne . sharpe sauce giues sweetest meat a better tast ; and though that this to many bitter be , thou no such sicknes in thy stomack hast , and therefore 't will be pleasing vnto thee : vvhat though i neither flater , fawne , nor sooth , my honest plainenesse shall more truely praise thee , then those that in court language filed smooth , striue vnbeleeuing tropheis for to raise thee , my loyall heart cannot so well impart , the loue it beares your maiesty as other●s : the want of time , encouragement and art , my purpose in the embrio still smothers . obscurity , grosse-fates , and want of meanes , would haue made romes great maro harshly sing ▪ but if once caesar to his musique leanes , his tunes through all the world will sweetly ring ▪ and why are english wits so perfect growne ? but for because thy kingly hand peruses , their wel tun'd poems ; and hath bounty showne , yea it is thou giust light vnto their muses . oh! had i such a star for pole to mine , i 'de reach a straine should rauish all the nine . to the queenes maiesty epigr. . daughter , wife , sister , ' mother to ' in posse . a king ▪ and empresse of the north , enrich your name ; yet do you chastity and wisedome bring , bounty , and curtesie to make vp true fame . vvhich ●ince ( faire queen ) my muse hath vnderstood , she 's bold into your presence to intrude , assured , honest meanings that are good , shall find acceptance there , though they seeme rud● , looke and hehold the vanities of men , their misery , their weaknesse , and their pride , daigne to suruey this booke ( i say ) and then , vvhen you haue each particular espi'de : thinke with your selfe , how highly blest you be , for to enioy a prince that both knowes how , to keepe himselfe , from such fell passion free , and make so many mad-wild creatures bow , indeed here 's vices tablet plainely made , not veiled ouer , or obscurely drawne ; t is in a colour which shall neuer fade , that men may blush , on such a hag to fawne ▪ but if your grace will fauour what i sing , though vertue be in durance i le erpreeue her that now despised nimph to honour bring , set al her hidden beauties forth ; and giue her so sweet a looke , and such a deft attire , men shal grow loue-sick and burne with desire . to charles prince of wales . epig . . see here faire of-spring of the royall stem , what all the world almost is subiect to ; behold it so , thou truely maist contemne , and from thy heart abhorre what others doe , now is the fit and only time to season , that young , rare-vnderstanding breast of thine vvith sacred precepts , good aduise , and reason ; but there 's no doubt thou wilt to good incline , inheritance , great prince , will make it thine : and were mans nature , yet more prone to fall , soe to be borne , and so taught , helpes all . to the princesse . epig . . sweet princesse ; though my muse sings not the glories , of faire aduenterous knights or ladies loues : though here be no encomiastick stor●es , that tender hearts , or gentle spirits moues , yet in an honest homelie rustick straine , she shews the creature ( such may you nere know ) forgiue her though she be seuere , or plaine , truth that may warrant it commanded so . yea view it ouer with beleefe ; but than , i am afraid you will abhor a man. and yet you need not ; all deserue not blame , for that great prince that wooes for to be yours if that his worth but equalize his fame , is free from any sat●r here of ours . nay they shall praise him ; for though they haue whips to make the wicked their offences rue , and dare to scourge the greatest when he trips , vertue shall still be certaine of her due . but for your sake ; ( if that you entertaine him , ) oh would he were ( a man ) as i could faine him yet sweet elizabeth : that happy name , if we lost nothing else by loosing thee ; so deare to eng●and is , we are to blame if without teares and sighes we parted be ; but if thou must make blest another clime ; remember our ; and for that ; though i vse , a crabbed subiect and a churlish rime , daine but to be the mistris of my muse ; and i le change theames , and in a lofty stile , keepe thee aliue for euer , in this i le . to the lords of his maiesties most honorable priuy counsell . epigr. . most honor'd lords ; i heere present this book , to your graue censures , not to shew my art : nere did you on so rude a matter looke , yet t is the token of an honest heart , i did it not to please , nor flatter any , nor haue i made it for the thirst of gaine : for i am sure it wil not humor many , and i expect much hatred for my paine . here somthing you may see that now requires , your care and prouidence to haue 't amended : that 's the maine poynt to which my muse aspires , and whereto i haue all my labour tended : it may be there be some out of their hate , will mis-interpret what is plainely ment ; or tax me as too saucy with the state , in hope to make me for the truth be ●hent , yet know great lords , i do acknowledge heere , it is your wisdomes that next god maintaines , this kingdomes good ; and from my heart i beare● a reuerent respect vnto your paines . i do not , as such faine would haue it seeme , presume to teach your wisedomes what is best , i do not my owne knowledge so esteeme , vile selfe conceit i from my heart detest . but for because i know the percing'st eye , can neuer into all abuses see ; and since the greatest in authority , may not behold some-time so much as we : what therefore i haue thought to be amisse and worth amending i haue told it heere : i know your honors wil be pleas'd in this , though some ( it may be ) cannot rage forbeare . but if there 's any take this writing badly , had it told all , it would haue vext him madly . to henry earle of south-hampton . epigr. south-hampton ; since thy prouince brought me forth● and on those pleasant mountaines i yet keepe ●ought to be no stranger to thy worth , nor let thy vertues in obliuion sleepe . nor wil i ; if my fortunes giue me time : meane while read this , and see what others be ; ●f thou canst lik 't , and wil but grace my r●me , ●wil so blaze thy hampshire springs and thee , thy arle , test , stowre , and auon shal share fame , either with humber , seuerne , trent or thame . to william earle of penbrooke . epig . . thou whom respect of kin makes not vniust , true noble spirit free from hate or guile ; ●hou whom thy prince hath for thy care and trust , ●●ac't for to keepe the entrance of this i le , ●e heere th' abuses of these wicked times , ●haue expos'd them open to thy view : ●hy iudgement is not blinded with like crimes , 〈◊〉 therefore maist perceiue that all is true . ●take't , though i seeme a stranger , yet i know thee ; ●nd for thy vertues penbrooke , this i owe thee . to the lord lisle , lord chamberlaine to the queene . epigram . . being a sidney and so neere allied , to him whose matchlesse rare immortall pen procur'd of fame to haue him deifide , and liue for euer in the hearts of men : the loue my soule hath euer borne that name , would certainely perswade me for your sake ; in honest seruice to aduenture blame , or any open dangers vndertake , yet shall not that your titles , nor your place , your honours , nor your might , nor all you haue , cause me to flatter for reward or grace ▪ fortune shall neuer make my mind a slaue , but seeing that your vertue shines apparant , and honorable acts do speake your praise : since good report hath giuen forth her warrant , which none so much as by himselfe gaine-saies , that ( and naught else but that ) compels my muse , to sing your worth and to present her owne , if this imperfect issue you 'le peruse , i le make her in a better forne be knowne , and teach her , that is now so rude and plaine , to soare a pitch aboue the common straine , to the lady mary wroth. epigr. . madame , to call you best , or the most faire , the vertu'st and the wisest in our daies : is now not commendations worth a haire , for that 's become to be each hus-wifes praise . there 's no degree , below superlatiue , vvill serue some soothing epigrammatists : the worst they praise , exceeds comparatiue , and best can get no more out of their fists . but , arts sweet louer ; ( vnto whom ! know , there is no happie muse this day remaines ; that doth not for your worth and bounty owe , euen himselfe , his best and sweetest straines . ) vouchsafe , to let this booke your fauour finde , and as i heare haue mans abuses showne , i le with like iust , and vncorrupted minde , so make your true vnfained vertues knowne , while others false praise , shall in one's mouth be , all shall commend you , in the high'st degree . to sir thomas ridgeway , knight barronet , treasurer of ireland . epigr. . sir , you first grac't and gratifi'd my muse , which nere durst try til then what she could do that which i did vnto my selfe was newes , a matter i was little vs'd vnto : had you those first endeauours not approou'd , i should for euer more haue silence kept ; but now your good encouragement hath moou'd and rous'd my spirits , that before time slept ; for which i vow'd a guift that should be better : accept this for 't , and i le be still your debtor . here you shall see the images of men , more sauage then the wildest irish kerne : abuses whipt and stript , and whipt agen , i know your iudgement can the truth discerne , now so you will thinke well of this my rime , i 'ue such a mind yet to saint patrickes ile , that if my fate and fortunes giue me time , i hope for to reuisit you a while , and make those sparkes of honour to flame high that rak't vp in obliuions cinders lie . to his father . epigr. . others may glorie that their fathers hands haue scrapt together mighty summes of gold boast in the circuit of new purchast lands , or heards of cattell more then can be told . god giue them ioy ; their wealth i le nere enuy , for you haue gotten me a greater store , and though i haue not their prosperitie , in my conceit i am not halfe so poore . you learn't me with a little to content me , shew'd how to bridle passion in some measure ; and through your meanes i haue a talent lent me , vvhich i more valew then all indies treasure ; for when the al-most boundlesse patrimonies , are wasted ; those by which our great ones trust to be eterniz'd : when their ceremonies shall be forgotten , and their toombes be dust ; then to the glorie of your future line , your owne and my friends sacred memorie , this litle , poore , despised , wealth of mine , shall raise a trophee of eternitie , which fretting enuy , nor consuming time , shall ere abolish or one whit offend : a toplesse statue that to starres shall clime , far greater then your art shall comprehend : but i must needs confesse t is true , i yet reape little profit in the eyes of men : my tallent yeelds small outward benefit , yet i le not leaue it for the world agen , though 't bring no gaine that you by artful sleight can measure out the earth in part or whole ; sound out the centers depth , and take the height , either of th' artick , or antartick pole : yet t is your pleasure , it contentment brings , and so my muse is my content and ioy , i would not misse her to be ranckt with kings , how euer some account it is a toy , but hauing then ( and by your meanes ) obtaind ▪ so rich a patrimony for my share : for which with linkes of loue i 'me euer chaind , vvhat duties fitting for such bounties are ? moreouer nature brought me in your debt , and still i owe you for your cares and feares : your paines and charges i doe not forget beside the interest of manie yeares : vvhat waie is there to make requitall for it ? much i shall leaue vnpaid doe what i can : should i be then vnthankefull ? i abhorre it , the will maie serue when power wants in man : this booke i giue you then , heere you shall finde somewhat to counteruaile your former cost ; it is a little index of my mind ; time spent in reading it , will not be lost ▪ accept it and when i haue to my might , paid all i can to you ; if powers diuine shall so much in my happi●es delight , to make you grandsire to a sonne of mine : looke what remaines and may by right be due ▪ i 'le pay it him as 't was receiud from you . your louing sonne . george wither . to his mother . epig . . vngrateful is the child that can forget , the mother 's many paines , her cares , her feares , and therefore though i cannot pay the debt , due for the smallest drop of your kind teares ; this booke i for acknowledgement do giue you , wherein you may perceiue my heart ▪ my mind ; let neuer false report of me more grieue you , and you shall sure no iust occasion find , loue made you apt to feare those slanders true , which in my absence were but lately sowne : it was a motherly distrust in you , but those that raisd them are false villaines known for though i must confesse i am indeed , the vilest to my selfe that liues this time , yet to the world ward i 'ue tane such heed , there 's none can spot me with a hainous crime . this i am forct to speake , you best know why , wherer's that man liuing that dare say i lye . to his deare friend maister thomas cranly . epigr. . brother , for so i call thee , not because thou wert my fathers , or my mothers sonne , nor consanguinity , nor wedlock lawes , could such a kindred twixt vs haue begun , we are not of one blood , nor yet name neither , nor sworn in brotherhood with ale house quarts we neuer were so much as drunke together , t was no such slight acquaintance ioynd our harts but a long knowledge with much trial did it ( which for to chuse a friend are good directions , ) and though we lou'd both well at first , both hid it , till 't was discouered by a like affections . since which , thou hast ore-gon me far in showing the office of a friend ; do 't stil and spare not , lo heere 's a memorandum for what 's owing ; but know for all thy kind respect i care not , vnlesse thou 'lt show how i may seruice do thee , then i wil sweare i am beholding to thee . thine g. vv. to his louing friend , and cousen-german , m. william wither . epigr. . if that the standerds of the house bewray , what fortunes to the owners may betide : or if their destinies , as some men say , be in the names of any signifi'd ; t is so in thine for that faire antique shield , borne by thy predecessors long agoe , depainted with a cleere pure arg●nt field , the innocency of thy line did show . three sable crescents with a cheueron gul'de tel's that black fates obscur'd our howses light ; because the planet that our fortunes rul'd , lost her owne lustre and was darkned quite : and as inded our aduersaries say ; the very name of vvither showes decay . but yet despaire not , keep thy white vnstain'd , and then it skills not what thy crescents be what though the moone be now increas't , now wain'd learne thence to know thy lifes inconstancy , be carefull as thou hitherto hast beene , to shun th' abuses man is tax't for heere , and then thy soule , that 's now ecclips'd with sin , when moone and sun are darkned shal look cleere and what soer'e thy english name may threat , the a haruests sonne the greekes entitle thee , ere thou shalt wāt , thy a h●re wil bring thee meat , and , to kill care , her selfe thy make-sport be , yea yet ( though enuies mists do make them dull ) i hope to see the wained orbes at full . for the better vndersta●●ing of this epigram , note that his armes are in a field argent a cheuron , gules betwixt three crescents sable , his name accord●ng to the greekes is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and his crest is a hare with thre● wheat eares in her mouth . to his schoole-maister , maister iohn greaues . epigr. . i feuer i doe wish i maie be rich , ( as oft perhaps such ilde breath i spend ; ) i doe it not for any thing so much , as for to haue wherewith to pay my friend . for trust me , there is nothing grieues me more then this ; that i should still much kindnes take , and haue a fortune ( to my mind ) so poore , that ( though i would ) amends i cannot make : yet for to be as thankefull as i maie , snce my estate no better meanes affords , vvhat i in deed receiue , i doe repaie in willingnes , in thankes and gentle words . then though your loue doth well deserue to haue better requitals then are in my power ; knowing you 'l nothing vltra posse craue , here i haue brought you some essaies of our : you may thinke much , perhaps , since ther 's so many learn'd graduates that haue your pupils beene ; i who am none , and more vnfit then any , should first presume in publike to be seene : but you doe know those horses in the teeme , that with their worke are ablest to goe through , seldome so forward as blind bayard seeme , ( or giue so many twitches to the plough ) and so though they may better ; their intent is not , perhaps , for to be fooles is print . to the captious reader . vvhat thou maist say or thinke , it is no matte but if thou busily imagine here , since most of these are mighty , that i flatter ; know , sacred iustice is to me so deare , did not their vertues in my thoughts thus ra●●ther to get an empire by them i 'de not praise the●● finis . exercises vpon the first psalme both in prose and verse. by geo: wither, of the societie of lincolnes inne. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) exercises vpon the first psalme both in prose and verse. by geo: wither, of the societie of lincolnes inne. wither, george, - . [ ], , [ ] p. printed by edw. griffin, for iohn harrison, and are to be sold at his shop, in pater noster row, at the signe of the golden vnicorne, london : . partly in verse. includes a verse paraphrase of ecclesiastes xii, - . the last leaf is blank. reproduction of the original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng bible. -- o.t. -- psalms i -- commentaries -- early works to . bible. -- o.t. -- psalms i -- meditations -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - olivia bottum sampled and proofread - olivia bottum text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion to the noble yovng gentle-man , sr. iohn smith , knight ; onely sonne to the honourable knight , sr. thomas smith , gouernour of the east-india company , &c. the author of these exercises , heartily wisheth all true happinesse whatsoeuer . sir ; mvch hath beene the respect , and many the courtesies ; which , i haue receiued from your noble father . and the greatest requitall i can giue him ; is , to make my selfe ( as far as in mee lyeth ) such a one , as that hee neede not repent , nor be ashamed of the respect hee hath showne mee : and that , if i should dye vnable to repay his kindnesses ; he might yet , haue some cause , to think his fauors not altogether lost vpon mee . nay rather , might reckon them among the good deedes he hath done ) in regard i haue made vse of them , ( not to follow my pleasures , but ) to enable me in some good endeauours . of which , this little volume is a part ; & knowing , i should well witnesse my loue vnto him , whensoeuer i gaue good testimony of mine honest affection towards you . lo , as a pledge therof , i consecrate to your vse , these exercises . and , with your name , deliuer them ouer to the world . that , when , and wheresoeuer they shall be read ; you may be remembred , both for a louer of these kinds of studies , & a fauourer of his , who was desirous to bee honestly employed . for , such haue you approued your selfe towards mee , both in your courteous familiarity : and by that free accesse , which in my meditations , i haue alwayes had to your library . accept then these papers ; & let it not be tedious vnto you , sometime to read them ouer . for , though i may be thought fitter by many , to accompany you in the way of pleasures : then to present you with any sound precepts of morality , or religion . yet , i hope , you shall finde me an instrument : readier to encourage you , in euery of those vertues , wherwith your education hath acquainted your youth : then to whisper ought , that may bring you in loue with those vanities ; whereunto , ouer-many other of our gentry , are so much enclinde . for , though that way , i might haue more bettered my fortunes , and esteeme , among some men . this way , i am sure , i shall better satisfie my conscience , and my dutie to god. neuerthelesse , i prefer not this to instruct you ; but , to be a remembrancer , of those things , in which you haue alreadie beene instructed . for , your good father , hath not onely largely prouided for you , the temporall felicities : but , asmuch , as in him lieth , prepared you for that blessednes , which is treated of in these exercises . more he cannot do ; seeing , it must be euerie mans particular endeauor , that shall purchase him this treasure , being the most invaluable that can be . for , the greatest monarch of the world , hath neither power to giue , nor take it , from you . yea , and without it , the more of other blessings you possesse , the more miserable they will make you . but , i know , you will bee happie in the prosecution therof , that you may treble that happines , in the possession of it . and , to that end , you haue my prayers , who am most faithfully yours . g. w. to the reader . i know , that many of you , e're this time , expected the first decade of the psalmes , according to the promise , in my preparation . and therfore , when you behold here , but a tenth part of it , i shall be thought to come too much short of what i intended . as indeed i doe ( seeing , i then wanted not much , of hauing finished the whole decade in that manner , as i purposed to set it forth ) but , if it were here fitting ( or any way for your profit ) to discouer them , i might giue vndenyable reasons ( to excuse my selfe ) which i now conceale . onely thus much , i will say . few men consider , how many painefull dayes ( after the maine labour is ended ) the writing ouer againe of such a volume will aske ; how many moneths it may be afterward attended at the presse ; how much charge , the authors little means , may ( without any profit of his labours ) bee put to ; nor , through how many vnlooked-for troubles and businesses , hee must make way vnto the performance of it . for , if they did know , and weigh this ; so many , that are idle ones themselues , would not so often ( as i heare they doe ) blame my idlenesse . but , rather wonder , how ; and when , i got meanes and time , to performe what is already done . discouragements , and hinderances , i haue had many , since i began to meddle with the psalmes . but helps , or encouragements , i haue had none ; no , not the least part of one : saue the comforts , which i haue found , within mine owne heart . and they are so great , that i am still resolued to proceed in this work , as i shal be enabled . for , though it may come the more slowly forward , by reason of some lets : yet , i am perswaded , god will supply , by his grace , whatsoeuer , i am that way depriued of . and ( if i can haue patience ) bring what i intend , to much more happie perfection , then if i had receiued no obstacle in the performance . this psalme , in the meane while , my friends were desirous of ; and haue wished me thus to publish the rest , by one or two together , vntill a whole decade be imprinted : that so ( euery psalme , being an entire thing of it selfe ) those poore men , who are desirous of them , and vnable to spare so much money together , as will buy a greater booke , may by little and little , without any hinderance furnish themselues of all . and beside , they thinke the portablenesse of it , may make it the more frequently read ; for which causes i haue hearkned vnto them . take then in good part , this little beginning . value it , as it shall deserue to bee esteemed ; and , let not my vnworthinesse bee any blemish vnto it . for , though i am no profest diuine ; yet , my profession is christianitie , and these my labours , hauing the approbation of authority , are not to be despisedly reckoned of , as mine ; but receiued as the doctrines of the church : who hath now , by her allowance , both made them her owne , and deliuered them ouer vnto you . so ; gods blessing on you , and me , and farwell . g. w. the seuerall exercises vpon this psalme , are these . . a preamble : wherein the author , the person , the matter , the method , the occasion , and vse , of this psalme , are treated of . pag. . . the metricall translation of this psalme , with short notes , to iustifie the questionable places in that version . pag. . . the seuerall readings of this psalme , in most of the ancient and moderne interpreters . pag. . . an exposition , diuided according to the parts of the psalme : the first part begins , pag. the second , pag. . . meditations in verse , vpon the same psalme , beginning : pag . . a short paraphrase in prose , wherein the words of the psalme are wholly preserued . pag. . . a prayer , taken out of the psalme , petitioning for the blessings ; and to be deliuered from the vnhappinesse therein mentioned . pag. . exercises vpon the first psalme . . of the author of the first psalme , and the person speaking there : of the matter also , and method of it : with the occasion , and vse . the first psalme ( which hath no title in the hebrew ) most of the learned fathers ascribe to dauid ; as origen , ambrose , basil , augustine , cassiodore , &c. yea , and s. ierome ( though he elsewhere followeth the opinion of the hebrew doctors in his time ) in one of his * epistles , attributes this psalme to dauid . some also there bee , who suppose it to be composed by esdras , who is affirmed by athanasius and hylarie , to haue gathered the psalmes into one volume . but since the scriptures make no certaine mention thereof , vrging no man to follow this or that opinion , i leaue it as indifferent ; although i must confesse , that i my selfe am more enclined to their side , who impute this psalme , with all the rest , to dauid . but doubtles , whose-soeuer it were , or by whomsoeuer the whole booke was thus ordered ; this , was most properly made a proeme to the rest , for that it treats of blessednesse , which is the principall end of all instructions . the person principally speaking in this psalme , is the holy ghost , by the mouth of the prophet , who doth hereby first teach vs who is truely happy , vers . . . secondly , by a similitude , we are made to vnderstand the excellent estate of him , that is so blessed . vers . . and lastly , wee are here informed , that the wicked being nothing so , dreame of a false vncertaine felicity , and are , both in respect of their present and future condition , most miserable . vers . . . . in breefe , this psalme may bee diuided into two parts , the first three verses , set forth the blessednesse of the church in christ , and the other , declare the lamentable condition of all that seeke for happinesse without him . something i will say , concerning the ground and occasion of this psalme ; for , i haue shown you before in my preparation , that there were certaine diuine subiects , some of which the holy prophet alwayes made the first obiects , of his contemplations ; and the meanes , whereby he ascended vnto the cleere knowledge of the high mysteries , deliuered in euery psalme . now , although here be no title to shew vs so manifestly , what he made the foundation of his contemplation , that we should peremptorily conclude it , to be this , or that particular ; yet , by the matter of the psalme , we may ( i hope ) without iniury to the holy spirit , giue our meditations leaue to ayme therat . and to me it plainely appeareth to bee that double-law of god , which was giuen in paradise . for , though at the beginning , god created man , that he should know , loue , enioy him , and bee made blessed in that fruition ; yet , he would not that such blessednesse should be obtained without some condition . and therfore hee gaue him an easie , but ( as i sayd before ) a double-law , partly affirmatiue , partly negatiue : the affirmatiue part was , that hee should dresse the garden , and eat freely of euery tree therein : the negatiue was , that he should not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and euill . and there was both a promise of reward , for his obedience ; and a commination of punishment , if hee transgressed : but adam , who by obedience , might haue beene eternally happy ; by disobedience , was thrust out of paradise , into a world of miseries , to wander for euer in discontentment , and in the vnhappy shadowes of death . which god beholding with pity , bestowed on him , in place of originall righteousnesse which hee lost ; a meanes of iustification : and ( changing the accidents , though not the essence of his first command ) gaue to him in his word , that generall law of faith , by which hee , and his posterity , might bee directed out of the way of perdition , and ariue againe at true felicity . this mystestery , being the first in the holy book of god , that most neerely concernes vs , the prophet , as it seemeth , contemplated , and made it the obiect and ground-worke of this first psalme : for , as god gaue to our first parents in paradise , a negatiue and affirmatiue law , so in that vniuersall law , imposed since their fall , some things are commanded , and some forbidden to bee done ; and that law , in respect of the essence , is one throughout all the ages of the church . moreouer , as adam , if hee had kept the commandement of god in paradise , should haue there liued a happy life , and peraduenture beene translated from thence without death , into a more glorious blessednesse in heauen ; so wee , by keeping the law , which is since giuen vnto vs insteed of the tree of life in this world , shall obtaine the blessednesse of grace in gods church for the present , and the perfection of all happinesse ( euen the life of eternall glory ) hereafter . contrariwise , as adam , by contemning the law of god , with the tree of life , in eating the forbidden fruit , lost thereby the estate of blessednesse , and incurred for the breach of a double law , the danger of a double death ; so , those which transgresse the two-fold law of faith and workes , which he hath since giuen in his word , doe both depriue themselues of the fore-named felicity , and are the second time ( and that irrecouerably ) in the way of eternall damnation . the effect hereof is opened in this psalme ; and therefore it may with good probability bee supposed , that he tooke the parable , whereupon he compiled this hymne , from the mystery of the tree of life planted in paradise , and from the law and charge which was there giuen vnto adam ; and he sheweth , that as the transgression of the commandement , is the way that perisheth ; so the fulfilling of the law of the lord , is the onely meanes which is left vs , to recouer againe the happinesse that we haue lost . this psalme wee may sing , or meditate , when wee are disposed to praise and set forth the blessed and vnspotted life of our redeemer ; or else , when wee are discouraged with the prosperity of wicked worldlings ( which seemes to bee the onely happy men ) we may hence , both informe our selues of their end : and comfort our soules , with remembrance of the blessed estate , of a good christian. the metricall translation of the first psalme . here the prophet hath exprest , who alone are truely blest ; all things prosper with the iust , but the wicked perish must . the man is a blest , who walketh not b astray in their c lewd counsels , that vngodly are , who neither standeth in the sinners way , nor with the scornfull sitteth in their chaire . but , in the law of the d eternall lord , e sincerely placeth he , his whole delight , and in his law , f his euer-blessed word , doth g exercise himselfe both day and night . he shall be like a tree , which close beside the h riuers set , his fruit doth timely giue ; his leafe shall neuer fade , i but fresh abide , k and whatsoe're he takes in hand shall thriue . but with vngodly men it is not so : for they are like the chaffe , which ( l being fann'd ) by puffs of winde , is driuen to and fro . in iudgement , therfore shall not sinners stand . nor the vngodly n ( be admitted ) where , the righteous shall o in one assemble p then : for , q god well knowes their way that righteous are but perish shall , the path of wicked men . a blessings , or all happy things , belong to that man , &c. for some take the hebrew word to be a substantiue plurall , and some an adiectiue plurall ; but which soeuer it be , it is fully enough expressed in this our english phrase , blest , or , blessed is the man. b the word , astray , seemes heere to be added onely for the verse sake , but the sence indeede includeth it , seeing it is an erroneous walking from god , which is meant in this place . c this epithite is not added in the originall , nor other , which i somtime vse in my metricall translation of the psalmes : neuerthelesse , i think i may , with a good conscience , insert them ; where they are either such , as are warrantable in some other places of holy scripture , to bee well vsed in that sence : or such as may bee naturally proper to the subiect , which they are applyed vnto . as i thinke this is . d this word , eternall , is an attribute most proper to god , and indeede not to be applyed to any other . for , nothing can be rightly called eternall , but that which euer u , was , and shall bee , without beginning or ending : and therfore i haue added it to the word , lord , that it might the better expresse here , the hebrew tetragrammaton , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 e this , and many other such like words , may seeme to bee added in diuers places of my translation ; whereas , the power of the hebrew being considered , they will bee found included in the text. f these words are added , explicandi causâ , and therefore put in a different character : which liberty , all translators haue taken , euen in their prose-translations ; and to authorize me heerein , i haue not onely the example of moderne interpreters , but of the septuagint also , who both explicandi , & ornandi causâ , haue added many words in their translation . as in the fourth verse of this psalme , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in the second verse also , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , neither of which , are in the hebrew . g the word , exercise , which is vsed in some english translations , doth ( in my opinion ) better and more fully expresse the meaning of the holy ghost , then the word , meditate ; seeing it may as properly bee applyed to the heart and tongue , as to the hand ; whereas the word , meditate , is neuer with vs vsed so largely , although it be sometime so taken , with the latines . h riuers , of it self , aswell expresseth the meaning of the prophet in our tongue , as riuers of water ; for , as by flames , without other addition , we vnderstand flames of fire : so , without other addition also , by riuers , we fully enough vnderstand , the water , diuiding it selfe into many streames . i these words are explicandi causa also , as that , spoken of before in the second verse . k and he shall make what e're he doth , to thriue ; so it may be read also ; for some translate the words thus , et quicquid faciet , prosperare faciet . l explicandi causa , as before . m m in the first verse , because there are degrees of sinners mentioned , and ( in the hebrew ) distinguished , by three seuerall words , which the latines interpret impij , peccatores , and derisores , that is , the vngodly , sinners , and scorners , therefore in that , and in all such places , where is meant more then one sort of offenders , i haue called them , which the latines terme impij , the wicked , or vngodly ; and those which they call peccatores , i haue termed sinners : but in this , and such like places ( where one kinde of euill doers is onely spoken of ) i haue indifferently named them , sometime the wicked , sometime the vngodly , sometime sinners , and sometime by such other names , as i knew were vsuall in our tongue , to denote such sinners , as the holy ghost there poynted at ; for , howsoeuer the circumstances doe in many places appropriate these words , the sinners , or the vngodly , to particular degrees of offenders : yet in our tongue , we indifferently vse either of them , to signifie the congegation of reprobate-members of the deuill . n these words are included in the sense , though not literally expressed , vide annotationes francisc. vatabl. o this is added , explicandi causa ; for here seemes to be meant , that great assembly of the faithfull , which at the generall iudgement , shall bee perfectly made one in christ , who is the head of that mysticall body . p i may seeme perhaps , to haue inserted this word , then , more for the rimes sake , then for any force it here hath ; but , being well considered , it will appeare to be necessarily added , for it hath respect to the time of that iudgment ( spoken of before ) in which will be congregated that principall assembly of the righteous , out of which all vnrepentant sinners shall be vndoubtedly excluded . q i told you in my preparation to the psalter , that where soeuer in translating these psalmes , i met with the hebrew tetragrammaton 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i would either expresse it by the word lord , as the apostles , the septuagint , the fathers , and some english translators haue done ; or else by such a word as should somewhat estentially expresse the godhead : and distinguish it also by writing the same in capitall letters ; as in this place , the word god is charactered : which ( how euer some may thinke ) is a significant , essentiall name of the deitie ; yea , ( except the hebrew tetragrammaton , whose mysteries i am not able to search into ) i thinke there is no one word of any language , more significant to expresse the essence of the deitie , then is the word god , which though it be for difference sake a little otherwise pronounced , is the same in signification with the word good , an english tetragrammaton ( out of whose number and forme of letters , if it were to any purpose , i durst vndertake to gather mysteries equall to many of those which some iewish rabbines and cabalisticall doctors haue framed out of the letters and forme of the hebrew vnspeakeable name . ) it comprehends in it selfe all attributes whatsoeuer , which are expressed in the knowne names of god , vsed throughout euery language of the world , for eternity , omnipotency , beautie , knowledge , loue , prouidence , blessednes , with the perfection of these , and all other excellencies ; serue but to make vp one summum bonum , one chiefe good , and that is god : who , is the perfection of all goodnesse , and he , to whom onely this essentiall name ought to be giuen . as appeareth in st mathews gospell , chap. . vers . . where christ himselfe telleth vs , that there is none to whom this name of good , appertaines , but to the deitie : there is none good , but one , sayth he , euen god. and this is made somwhat the plainer , by considering the english word , by which we signifie him that is gods opposite ; for , we call him not as other nations doe , by a name comprehending some one attribute of his , as the deceiuer , or so ; but we impose a name on him , which at once , expresseth all that can be said of him in a thousand words , to wit , the deuill ; for , all the particular vnhappinesses , mischiefes , and wickednesses of the world , put together , doe make but one perfect euill , and he in whom they meet is properly termed the deuill , or th' euill , for so it seemes to haue beene aunciently pronounced , vntill the saxon character being somewhat like our d. made vs loose that pronunciation ; and as we call him that is the fulnesse of all good , god ; so ; him that is the perfection of all euill , wee name the deuill . these notes i haue added , to shew the reader , that in my translation i tooke no vaine libertie , but made conscience of the least variation , and passed ouer nothing , vntill i had some reasonable warrant for what i did . variae lectiones . ver . . musculus , & translationes anglicanae reddiderunt in praesenti , sed graecus , & latina vulgata , & reliqui , tā veteres , quàm recentiores , legunt in praeterito ; & alijhabent accedit ad consiliū , alij ambulauit in consilio , preterea grec : vertit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . i. in sede pestilentiarū , vt est , in vulg : lat : sed leronim : habet , cathedra derisorum , sic est etiam in recentioribus . ver. . deliciae ipsius , recentior : voluntas eius in lege domini , vulgat : lat . in lege iehovae : recentīor : in statuto , chaldeus . pluraliter in statutis , arabs : intelligens quaeuis instituta dei. & vbi est , in lege eius meditabitur in vulg : lat : translatio anglicana nouissima , & alij habent , meditatur , & chaldeus , in luminatione eius cantat , sive iubilat . ver. . etest velut , &c. alij legunt , & fuit , graecus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. & erit . quae fructum suum dat : recentior : dabit genev : fructum suum concoquens , ad maturitatem producens , chaldeus . folium eius non marcescit , recentior : non defluet , vulg. lat. & omnia , quaecunque faciet , prosperabuntur , vulg. lat. chaldaeus sic reddidit , omne germen quod germinat , grauescit , & prosperatur . ver. . non sic impij recentiores . sic est etiam in vulgat : lat. & in septuagint . sed idem repetunt , vidt : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . non sic impij , non sic , & in fine versus addunt , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 à facie terrae . sic etiam & arabs . tanquam gluma recenti : puluis , vulgat . lat. sed idem significat , nos enim in occidentali parte angliae vocamus tegumentum tritici , dust. ver. . non stabunt impij recenti : alij legunt , consistent , graecus , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , non resurgunt . sic vulgat . lat. in iudicio , recent : in die iudicij magni , chaldaeus . in fine , arabs : denotans extremum iudicium , in fine mundi . in congregatione iustorum recenti . alij in caetu . alij in concilio . graec : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . vulg : lat : in consilio iustorum . nota , quod in libris graecis & latinis , versus tertius in duos diuiditur . the reason why i haue heere inserted these various readings , and in latine , rather then in english , appeares in the third chapter of my preparation to the psalter . the first part of the psalme . . blessed is the man , that doth not walke in the counsell of the vngodly , nor stand in the way of sinners , nor sit in the seat of the scornfull . . but his delight is in the law of the lord , and in his law doth he meditate , day and night . . and he shall bee like a tree planted by the riuers of waters , that will bring forth her fruit in season , his leafe shall not fade , and whatsoeuer he doth , shall prosper . the exposition . in nomine patris , & filij , & spiritus sancti . blessed : as a word of comfort , and a signe of good speede to my labours , stands heere to make happy my beginning of this endeauor : and i humbly beseech the euer-liuing god of dauid , both to make blessed my proceedings , & grant that my end may be crowned with the glorious reward , of eternall blessednes . for , that is the precious iewell , which euer since the world begun , hath beene the principall ayme , whereat euery man shot , and the prize , after which they haue run . but indeede , the way to it hath beene often mistaken , and among the philosophers , which were accounted wisest , it was a long time questionable , both wherein this happinesse consisted , and by what meanes it was to bee attained vnto . nor in the times of heathen ignorance onely , were men deceiued in their aymes ; but euen amongst vs also , at this day , the greatest part run wide , proposing vnto themselues , a happinesse in the enioying of those vaine things , wherby , they are often hurried quite beside it . for , some place their felicity , or summum bonum , in hauing the soueraignty and authority ouer others ; some , in abundance of riches ; and the greatest part , epicure-like , in fleshly delights and pleasures , let vs eat and drinke ( say they ) for to morrow we shall die . but the kingdome of god is not meat and drinke , as the apostle saith ; and therfore that men might not still bee deceiued , and so weary themselues in a wrong course ; the author of this psalme hath here decided the matter in question : and shewes vs , that true blessednesse , neither consisteth in obseruation of the morall vertues , as philosophers thought ; nor in the worship of many gods , as the pagans suppose ; nor in obseruing the law of moses , as the iewes dreame ; nor in enioying the pleasures of this life , as great courtiers and epicures beleeue : but quite ouerthrowing the opinions of all these , and their foolish expectations , who build their contentment on honour , riches , and such like things of this world ; he affirmes , that man only to be most truely blessed , and in the path to highest happinesse , who , shunning the wayes of meere naturall men , endeauoureth also to auoyd the custome of sinners , to seperate himselfe from the scornfull enemies of the truth , and to continue sincerely , embracing and rightly professing the doctrine of gods word . and this kind of preface , the holy ghost , as it seemes , hath vsed ; because , by discouering ( at the first view ) so precious a iewell , as blessednesse ; hee would allure men , to giue the more heede vnto those mysteries and instructions , which are afterward deliuered : and , if it were possible , make them more willingly conforme themselues vnto the courses , which are inclusiuely propounded . the like kind of beginning hath the heathen philosopher , aristotle , vsed in his ethicks ; and which is more to be heeded , our sauiour made it the exordium of his doctrine : as appeares in that his first sermon preached in the mount , where he begins to pronounce , who are blessed : blessed ( saith he ) are the peace makers , blessed the poore in spirit , blessed the meeke , &c. and so saith our prophet . blessed , that is , according to the originall , blessednesse , blessings , or all happy things , appertaine vnto that man , who walketh not in the counsell of the vngodly , nor standeth in the way of sinners , as it followeth in the psalme . and this his blessednesse is double ; for , he hath the hope and means of happinesse in this world , and assurance of eternall glory in the next : or , as the apostle expresseth it , both the promise of this life , and that which is to come . now , what the blessings of this life are ( which god hath ordained , for such as walke in his ordinances ) you may read in the last booke of moses ; blessed , sayd he , shalt thou be in the citie , and blessed in the field ; blessed shall be the fruit of thy body , the fruit of thy ground , the fruit of thy cattell , the encrease of thy kine , and the flocks of thy sheep . blessed shall bee thy basket , and thy store ; blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out , and blessed when thou commest in . yea , as it is in the same chapter , among many other temporall blessings , god shall make thee holy vnto himselfe , if thou keepe his commandements or if you would , in a word , receiue a glimpse of the perfection of the blessednesse , which belongs to the godly man. s. paul giueth vs the best knowledge of it , in shewing how farre it is beyond the reach of our knowledge ; for , saith he , neither hath eve seene , nor care heard , nor can it enter into the heart of man , what god hath prepared for them that loue him , cor. . . this psalme , as i sayd in the argument , consisteth of two parts ; in this first part , is set forth the blessed estate of the iust , and who is such an one : in the other part , the miserable condition of the wicked . in the two first verses , the blessednesse , and piety of the man so happy , is both negatiuely , and affirmatiuely described ; for , the prophet hath begun , according to that saying of s. peter , shun euill , and doe good : and indeed , true righteousnesse consisteth , aswell in eschewing what may prouoke , or displease god , as it is expressed in the first verse ; as in seriously performing , or endeauouring that which may please him ( which is declared in the second . ) and , as a well experienced physician , doth first purge away all the ill humours , that occasioned the sicknesse of his weake patient ; before hee will administer those cordials , which are prepared to recouer his health : so , by this order , in his description of a blessed man , the holy ghost doth shew vs , that before the physick of his word , can worke effectually in our hearts , for the saluation of our soules ; wee must bee clensed from the corruptions , which wee haue gotten by the euill-affected counsells of our owne hearts , or , the infectious society of the wicked : and , as it were , diet our selues , by abstaining from their abhominable customes ; which diet , is here first prescribed in the negatiue : and it is , as if hee had sayd thus . if you euer intend to recouer the health of your soules , and become partakers of true blessednesse ; you must neither walk in the counsels of the vngodly , nor stand in the way of sinners , nor sit in the seat of the scornfull : for these are the courses which hee shuns , that doth arriue at happinesse . but , the holy ghost hath not here vsed the ordinary manner of speech , in his description ; but rather , by way of metaphor , exprest it : & the diuine muse , hath into three triads , or triple-heads , diuided this negatiue . in which are to bee considered three subiects , three qualities , three actions . and there is an admirable gradation in all the parts : first , in the subiects , or persons ; from an vngodly man , to a sinner : from a sinner , to a scorner . next , in the degrees of sinne ; as , from the counsell , to the way : from the way , to the seat . lastly , in the manner of it ; from walking , to standing ; from standing , to sitting : and their wickednesse , is increased to the full . by the vngodly , such are heere vnderstood , who are still in their originall corruptions ; and being ignorant of god , and his seruice , encline to those euill affections , wherunto their nature is subiect . yea , by the vngodly , are principally meant infidels ; such as are ignorant of religion , and the diuine worship of god , according to his word : such , as employ all their endeauours , without thought of him , to become happy in this life ; giuing themselues ouer vnto couetousnesse , pleasures , with such like vanities , whereunto their affections lead them . the word vngodly , in our tongue , doth of it selfe , very well answer to this explication ; for , as godlinesse most properly appertaineth to god and faith ; so , vngodlinesse expresseth the contrary thereunto . the originall importeth such a crue , as are so restlesly affected with worldly cares ; and euill perturbations of the minde , that they are endlesly , hurried to and fro in their vngodlinesse : like the sea , which hath no power to stay it selfe . and so esay describes them , the vngodly ( saith hee ) are like the troubled sea , when it cannot rest ; whose waters cast vp mire and dirt . by walking , is metaphorically vnderstood , the ordinary proceeding of men in all their actions , whether of faith or works . and in this place is ment , a departure from god in the progresse of their liues . and although in my metricall translation , i haue expressed it by adding the word , astray ; it is nothing from the naturall sence of this verse : seeing there is ment an , erronius walking , or wandering from the right way ; as the word abijt in the vulgar latine , verie well manifesteth : for , it signifieth most properly , to goe away . and saint augustine saith , ille abijt , qui recessit a deo. by councels are here ment the internall deliberations of the minde ; and that naturall inclination of man to euill , which god spake of when hee said ; that the imaginations of the thoughts of his heart , were onely euill continually . for , councell is not here so strictly taken as aristotle defines it in his ethicks ; where hee saith , that councell is the finding out of the fittest meanes to bring any thing to passe ; but councell in this place , signifieth rather temptations , then such councell : and it hath aswell respect to the inward perswasions of our owne lufts , as to the outward aduise of others . euery man , saith saint iames , is tempted , when he is drawne away and enticed by his owne corruption , iam. . . but if you will know further , and more particularly what the externall councels of the vngodly be , whereto they tend , and what euents follow them ; you may reade it in the prouerbs of solomon , chap. . vers . . . sam. . . gen. . &c. now , we come to the second triade in the negatiue , which saith ; that the blessed man , is such a one as doth not stand in the way of sinners , and here is expressed a degree of wickednesse beyond walking in the councels of the vngodly . for , by those that are said to stand in the way of sinners , are such vnderstood ; who are not onely led by the vaine deuises , and imaginations of their owne hearts ( which proceede from original guiltines ) or such , who are simply ignorant of god , and religion ( as the heathen nations are ) but , those are thereby ment also , who haue followed the councell of their owne lusts , to put them in execution , with such as are willingly ignorant of the worship of god ; negligent of the meanes of their conuersion : and offendors against the precepts of the first , and second table of the law . these are said to stand , not because they walke no further in the path of vnrighteousnesse : but rather , because they not returning back to the way of godlinesse , follow their wicked actions , with a setled delight in them : stant quia in peccato delectantur , saith saint augustine ; yea , they are such as perseuere vntill they haue gotten a habit in sinne , and made ( as it were ) a beaten path in vnrighteousnesse . for , such is the emphasis of the word , as it imports a continuance and insisting in euill : not a falling by infirmitie , as dauid , and peter fell ; but a reiterating and heaping of sinne vpon sinne , through the whole course of their liues . for , the word way both here , and in other places of scripture is many times metaphorically vsed for doctrine , or religion ; and sometimes for the manner of our liuing , whether good or bad . but , the way that the prophet here meanes , is that broade and much troden way , leading to destruction , whereof our sauiour spake , in the gospell of saint mathew . and to make the matter more plaine ; those that stand in the way of sinners , are not such as vnwillingly , or through infirmitie offend : for , there is no man on the earth that doth good , and sinneth not ( saith the preacher ) but those who setling their loue vpon euill , haue gotten ( as i said ) a habit in sinning : and suffer themselues to bee carried headlong by the concupiscence of their hearts into all wicked actions , vntill they haue by continuance made themselues not onely seruants to sinne and vncleannesse : but euen blushlesse , and without shame , both of what they doe ; or before whom , they commit their follies . such , were the sodomites , that pressed into the house of lot ; such sinners , were the beniamites of gibeah ; such , are all the keepers of publick houses of iniquity ; such , are those common swearers ; that when you tell them of their oathes , will in sport ( to make an vnsauory ieast ) sweare that they swore not : such , are they , that goe to bed late , and rise early , to follow drunkennesse ; such , are those that spend all their youth in ridiculous vanities , and are distinguished from the children of god , by their language : for , it often soundeth god damme me ; and such , are those gallants amongst vs , as dare , impudently , bost of their beastlinesse , or in merriment publish their owne lasciuiousnesse : euen these are such , as the holy-ghost meaneth in this triade ; and distinguisheth from other offendors , by the name of sinners ; as appeareth through both testaments . the last part , or triade of this negatiue is : hee must not sit in the seate of the scornefull ( that is ) hee must not haue fellowship with obstinate hereticks ; nor carelesly , stubbornly , or against his owne knowledge , continue in vnrighteousnes or vnbeleefe : nor scoffe at religion , with the professors thereof : nor insult ouer good men in their miseries : nor by blasphemous speeches , or erronious doctrines , maliciously oppose himselfe against god , and his truth : nor be associated with such men , as are wholly giuen ouer to a reprobate sense . for , by scorners , the holy ghost meanes those , who are not only guilty of originall vncleanenesse ; or polluted with actuall sins ; but so rooted in them , that they haue there , set vp their rest ; yea , they are such as , being hardned by their continuance in sinne , grow incorrigible , incredulous of religion , contemners of god , and so presumptuous ; as they dare reproach , blaspheme him , peruert his truth against their owne knowledges ; and yet as it were in despite of him , promise vnto themselues impunity : such they are also , as vngraciously deride the ordinance of god ; and make iests at his word . and such , saint peter said , there should be in the last dayes ; euen scoffers , walking after their owne lusts , and saying , where is the promise of his comming : for , since the fathers fell asleepe , all things continue as they were ? such sinners , and scorners as these ; were the iewes that despised christ : such , are they that for temporall aduancements , maintaine doctrines against the knowne truth , and their owne consciences ; such , are those that make religion a colour for their villany ; deuouring widowes houses , vnder the pretence of long prayer : and these , if they once get into the chaire , and sit there ; are those sinners which shall neuer bee forgiuen : for , by the chayre , or seate , is vnderstood ; a desperat security , and a diuelish obstinacy in malicious wickednesse ; and hee is properly said to sit there , that continues in his peruersenesse , without repentance , vnto the end of his life . and the reason why there is no redemption for such , is ; not because there is want of mercy in god : but by reason there is no repentance in man. these , make vp the three degrees of comparison , and the third and last step to the diuell : for , to walke in the councell of the vngodly ( which is the purpose of sinning ) is bad : to stand in the way of sinners ( which is the action of it ) is worse ; but to sit in the seate of the scornefull ( which is to die impenitent in his wickednesse ) is worst of all , and the highest degree of a reprobate . but , to draw into sewer words this exposition of these three-folde negatiues ; by the vngodly , are ment vnbeleeuers ; by sinners , those that are vniust and dishonest in their actions ; by scorners , obstinate hereticks ; by the councels of the vngodly , are vnderstood the vaine cogitations of meere naturall men , with the superstitions of iewes and pagans ; the way of sinners , is a vitious course of life , as the breach of the morrall precepts ; and the chayre of scorners , is the obstinate profession of false doctrines . now , he that beleeues not the promise of the gospell , walkes in the councell of the first ; hee that adicts himselfe to pride , couetousnesse and such like ; stands in the way of the second : and hee , that dies in the maintenance of a false worship , or in any of these sinnes , without repentance ; is seated in the seate of the scornefull . which the septuagint calleth ; the chaire of pestilence . and it very well expresseth the nature of that sinne : for , as the plague of pestilence , is a disease most dangerous ; infectious ; and the suddaine deuourer of mightie congregations : so , those kind of sinners doe by their doctrines , contemptible speeches of god , and euill example ; quickly infect , poyson , and kill the soules of an innumerable multitude of men . and therefore obstinate hereticks , atheists , false teachers , scorners of the truth , deriders of religion , and vnrepentant sinners ; may very well be said to sit , in the chayre of pestilence : for , they are the plague of the world ; and to be abhorred as a most dangerous , and infectious pestilence , to the soule of man. and thus haue you this gradation opened ; which may bee eyther vnderstood according , to the ordinarie course : to wit , as from the positiue , to the superlatiue ; in this manner . he that is a blessed man , must bee carefull , that he walke not in the councell of the vngodly ; much more that he stand not in the way of sinners : but aboue all things , he must be most circumspect , that he shunne ; the infectious seate of scorners , or else it may be inuerted thus : the man that wold be blessed ; ought not only to auoide the pestilent scate of scorners & obstinate inrepentant sinners : but eschew also as farre asin him lies , the action , or iteration of any sinne ; nay , he should not so much as suffer his thoughts willingly , to wander after the vngodly perswasions of carnall desires . the doctrines and obseruations , which may properly be gathered out of this verse , are these . first , i obserue , that there be but three steps to hell , the purpose of sinne ; the action of it ; and an obstinate continuance therein , without repentance : and vnlesse we be very watchfull , we may stip downe those three stayres , before we be aware : for , facilis descensus anerni ; it is an easy way to hell : and the nature of sinne is such ; that it insinuates by degrees , into the heart , without being perceiued . first , it scrues into good liking ; and gaines the consent , or purpose ; then proceedes it vnto action . and so forward , vntill it grow ripe ; euen to the contempt of god : and this is the policy of the diuell ; to deceiue men : for hee knowes , if hee should perswade at first ouser , to renounce god : it is so vnnaturall a sinne ; that it wold seem abhominable , to the worst disposed men : & the hart would not admit such a perswasiō to take place . therfore , he makes not that appeare to bee his ayme ; but presents them , rather with such bayts , as seeme to haue no danger in them . he counsels them ( according to the natural enclination of their hearts , and the example of worldlings ) to seeke preferments , riches , pleasures , with such like vanities ; hee shewes them the glory and vse they may haue ; he perswades the christian , who is in a meane degree of life , that if he would seeke after honours , he might thereby become a patron , for the afflicted members of the church , or common-wealth . but hee knowes well , the olde saying will proue true , honores mutant mores , honours change manners : and that preserment is able , not onely to make them forget many good thoughts , and resolutions , which they haue in a lower estate : but to blot out of memory also : friendship , kinred , and the knowledge of themselues ( as wee daily see it doth ) yea , the deuill is sure , that if hee can procure a man , but once to climb the ladder of promotion ; it will so intangle him with the loue thereof , that it is twenty to one , but that he will renounce god , before hee will yeeld to step one degree backe againe . others , hee tempts with ease ; and makes them ( poore soules ) beleeue , that if they might disburthen themselues of such businesses , or such and such cares , that they should then better attend to the seruice of god , and with a more quiet minde , follow their deuotions . but the deceiuer is subtill , and hath by experience seene , that afflictions make those seek god , often and earnestly , that being deliuered of their cares , cannot finde one houre in a month , to serue him . others , againe , hee allureth with the loue of riches : and that hee may may do so , he causeth them to imagin ( perhaps ) that if they were wealthy , as some men are , whom they know : there should not so many poore people , goe thinly clad ; nor such numbers die , for want of sustenance . so many churches should not lie ruined ; nor so many works of pietie , or for the publike profit , bee vnperformed . yea , he perswades them , that these temporall things , may not only be sought after , and enioyed , without the displeasure , or dishonour of god ; but serue him also for his seruice , and the better setting forth of his glory . and indeed , so they may ; where they are moderately sought after , and gained by honest meanes but , where there is one that seekes them , with such temperance ; there are ten , who settle their mindes so vpon them , as they choke vp all these good determinations , that were at first springing in their hearts . for , a man that is not contented with his estate , but desires things out of his owne concupiscence , without respect vnto the will of god ; that man hath giuen the deuill aduantage , and is walking in the counsells of the vngodly , euen after the vaine cogitations of an vnregenerate heart . and not considering the dangerous aduise , that his appetite giues him ; hee first suffers his thoughts , to bee busied about those vanities ; next , approoues of them ; and then hastens , to put them in execution : which aduantage , the enemy of mans safety hauing gotten , hee causeth him to iterate , and augment his transgression , vntill his heart growes hardned , and his conscience lose the sence and feeling of sinne . and so it comes to passe , that hee , who made no account of the transitory things of this life , and was touched with the guilt of such , as the world accounts most veniall sinnes ; before he was allured vnto the counsells of the vngodly : hauing walked a little in them ; steps suddenly into the way of sinners . which is a great broad path , that leades downe a steepe hill , vntill ( without the great mercy of god ) he ariue at the seat of the scornfull , or the chaire of obstinate impenitency : and when hee is once so low , and seated there ; the hill of repentance prooues so steep , that hee neuer returnes again ; but there continueth in a desperate estate . hereby then wee are taught , that if wee will bee preserued from the danger of sinne , we must auoyd the custome of sinne ; yea , the first enticements , & least occasions therof ; and not presume vpon our owne strength : for , hee that is content to heare euill counsell , tempts god ; and is not sure , whether he will therfore draw his grace from him , and suffer him to bee deluded by it . concupiscence ; if it be not resisted , will turne to action ; action , to iteration ; and , at last , comes hardnesse of heart : for , he that feeles in himselfe , the euill motions of lust , and can hardly restraine them , hauing no obiects to entice him ; how much lesse , will he bee able to curb them , if hee come , where hee may haue the beauty , and wantonnesse of another , to inflame him ? or , if he could not bridle his affections before he had committed vncleannesse , when hee had more grace , more shame , more denials , and many more stops , to hold him backe , from wickednesse : alas ! why should any man thinke it possible , for him to forsake it , at his owne pleasure , when hee hath put himselfe out of the way of vertue ; and hath neither inward grace , nor outward meanes , to preuent it ? if , when thou hadst two eyes , thou couldst not keep the way , being in it : canst thou hope , hauing neuer an eye left thee ; to find it , when thou art out of it ? no doubtlesse , if wee cannot keepe the sea from ouerflowing vs , when the bankes are whole ; surely , after they are once broken , the breach will encrease , and the flouds will come in , vntill they haue quite ouer-whelmed vs : vnlesse the mercifull hand of a greater power , then our owne , help to recouer vs. a little water will extinguish a cole ; but a flame is not so easily quenched . and therfore , we ought to kill these cockatrices in the egge , and bee wary , not to giue the least aduantage , vnto the infirmities of euill . we haue examples enough to warne vs. dauid was a good , and an extraordinary man ; yet , giuing his eyes too much liberty , the euill counsels of vngodly affections , got by those windowes , into his heart , and drew him on in their walke , vntill they brought him to the way of sinners ; where hee stood a long time , heaping one offence vpon another : and had not god sent a prophet of purpose , to call him out of that way ; as holy a man as he was , he had neuer of himselfe returned , vntill he had taken vp his seat with the scorners . and yet , for all this , wee , euen wee weaklings , dare giue our selues any liberty . we can willingly runne thither , where wee know before , that we shall here see ; nay , bee compelled , to bee partakers of sinne : and notwithstanding , warrant our owne safeties . some , i haue heard say ; that in all companies , they could beare themselues temperately , and among drunkards , escape free , though all their companie failed of that gouernment : but alas , they see not their owne deformities ; for , i haue knowne , that some of them , were euen then distempered , when they sayd so . others , i haue heard , so confident in their owne vertues ; that they haue professed themselues able , to resist the strongest temptations of incontinency : and that , though they were all alone , with the most tempting beauty , and where they had the greatest prouocations to folly ; they could neuerthelesse keep themselues , from any dishonest act . this i haue heard : and beleeue me ; i think such a thing possible , if they rely more on gods grace , then their owne abilities ; and came into this temptation , by accident , without wilfull seeking , or desiring any such occasion . yea , many ( no doubt ) haue escaped such trials . but , if any man depend vpon his owne chastity , and purposely tempt himselfe with opportunities , to doe euill ; hee , walkes the way which god approoues not : and therefore it shall perish ; yea , although hee intended , at the first , no more , but to haue it in his power , to doe euill ; it is a thousand to one , if god giue him not ouer , to be vanquished by that sinne , which hee foolishly presumed to ouercome . whilst ioseph was about his businesse , the allurements of his mistres had no power ouer him : and so , whilst with him , we seek well to employ our selues ; though counsels of vngodlines , be rounded in our eares ; and strange vnlooked-for temptations , with faire opportunities , lay siege against vs : yet they shall not preuaile ; no , not these that seeme mistresses ouer our affections , and powerfull enough to command vs. but , if we leaue to be honestly busied , and , as many of vs young men doe , being idle our selues , seeke out those , who are euery way as idle ; and with vaine discourse , or vnseemly gestures , passe away our precious houres . questionlesse , somtime or other , we shall bee betrayed to commit that , which wee little thought perhaps , to haue beene guilty of ; and grow , after a while , so base , to seeke that thing of the mayd , which wee presumed the mistresse could neither haue commanded , nor wooed vs vnto . nay , i am perswaded ; that ioseph , who hath gotten the title of chaste : if hee would haue left his affaires , and ventured himselfe , as some of vs doe , in effeminate court-ships ; it is to be feated , that the spirit of god would haue left him , as it forsook sampson , or dauid . and then , a meaner woman then his mistresse , might haue wrought him to her will ; and it is a question , whether he would not haue proued the attempter , of hers , or some others chastity . the second obseruation , that wee may take from hence , is this ; that if there bee degrees in sinne , and seuerall steps , that lead vs from the way of blessednesse ; we must not thinke it enough , if we can auoyd some one degree of sinne . nay , it is not sufficient , if we shun all but one : for , he that hath gone but one step backe from the right way ; if hee doe not come backe that one step , he is neuer likely to ariue at happinesse , though hee neuer goe further on in a wrong path . but it is impossible , to stay vpon any one degree of sinning ( without repentance ) and not to step into another : as appeareth in the former obseruation . thirdly , if wee must bee wary , to auoyd the counsels of the vngodly , & the impiety of misbeliefe ; aswel as to shun the way of sinners : which ( as i sayd before ) is the committing of actuall sinnes . then , two sorts of men are hereby warned , to amend themselues , if they euer will intend to bee blessed : the first , are those morall men , that thinke it sufficient , so they can bee counted iust pay-masters , quiet neighbours , honest plaine-dealers , and such as doe no men hurt ; though they neuer know what belongs to god , or religion . the other , are such professors , as suppose ; that if they haue heard diuine seruice , twice euery saboth ; six lectures in a week ; and slubbered ouer their ordinary deuotions : it is no matter , how dishonestly they liue ; how vncharitable , and contentious they be among their neighbours ; nor how irregular they bee in the course of their liues . but , both these ought to know , that god promiseth not any blessednesse to such triflers , as do his seruice by halues ; but vnto them , that hauing both religion , and honesty ; faith , and workes ; neither walke in the counsels of the vngodly : nor stand in the way of sinners . for , all others are in danger , to take vp their seat with the scornfull . thus much , of the blessed mans description , by the negatiue , contained in the first verse of this psalme . on which i wil enlarge my obseruations no further ; but come to the affirmatiue , contained in these words . but his delight , is in the law of the lord , and in his law , doth hee meditate day and nigh . in which affirmatiue , there are three things to bee obserued , by the blessed man ; & they are opposed to those three , which are to be auoyded in the former verse : to the walking in the counsells of the vngodly , is opposed , a delight in the law of the lord : to standing in the way of sinners , is opposed ; the meditation of the diuine word : and , to sitting in the seat of the scornfull , a continuall perseuerance , both day and night , in the true seruice of god. yea , these words haue in them , an excellent antithesis , or contradiction , to the courses of the wicked ; who , employeth al his counsels , endeauours , and actions , in seeking vaine ends , and aduancing his owne wayes : while the iust man , setting at nought , all earthly affaires and delights , in respect of gods will ; is heartily in loue with his word , and continually exercising himselfe , in the serious meditating , teaching , and practice therof . for , the word ieghe , which is interpreted to , meditate , hath reference , aswell to the words and workes , as to the thoughts ( in which sence , it is not vsed in the scriptures only ; but the poet also saith , — meditabor arundine musam . ) and it was well expressed in the word , exercise , in our olde english translation . by the law , is vnderstood , not onely the morall lawes ; for then , blessednesse might haue beene obtained , by working , according to the morall vertues , as the heathen philosophers taught . nor , is here meant the ceremoniall law alone ; nor that , and the morall together onely . for then , the wicked iewes , though they continued in their vnbeleefe , might become partakers of this happinesse . but the law , in this place ( as i told you in my preparation to the psalter , it was sometime to be vnderstood ) signifies the law of god , as it hath at once , respect to all the ages of the church , from adam , vntil the end of the world : and therfore comprehends the law of grace also ; yea , all the doctrine of god , contained in his word . and this law , is called the law of the lord ; or if you will haue it , according to the originall : the law of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; or , ihvh ( if we may expresse the hebrew tetragrammaton in our letters . ) and these characters , some late interpreters read iehouah ; supposing the forme of that word , to imply as much as ; he that is , that was , and that is to come . for , say they ; le , is a signe of the time to come . ieueth ; hee will bee . ho , of the time present . hoveth , hee that is . vah , of the time past . havah , hee was . which wee will not denie to bee a probable , and ingenious conceite : but indeede , the word iehouah , it selfe ; is not confessed to be so much as heard of , to be an hebrew word , among the iewes : neither doth it signifie any thing in that tongue . nor can we haue one testimony , that the hebrew tetragrammaton ; was euer anciently so pronounced . and therefore , vnlesse we had better authority , then probabilities , and vncertaine coniectures , of new gramarians : i see no reason , why we should venter , to put this vnknowne name vpon god. which if it be the right : yet , not so sufficiently warranted , to be truely reuealed vnto vs ; that we may vse it , with the same confidence , wherewith we pronounce the other names of god. as you may see more at large , in the thirteenth chapter , and third section of my preparation to the psalter . but , to teach vs then , that this law ; in which it is here said , the blessed man delighteth ; is not the law of man , but of god ; know that the vnpronounceable hebrew word here vsed ( and insteede of which , the iewes spoke adonaj , or elohim ; the septuagint , and apostles , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : the ancient latine expositors , dominus ; and the authorized english translations , for the most , lord ) is an essentiall and vncommunicable name , of our great , eternall , and euerliuing god ; who is most truely called , hee that is , that was , and that is to come : and therefore , wheresoeuer you find this tetragrammaton , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . you may be assured , that there is to bee vnderstood , eyther one , or all the persons of the sacred trinity . for , whereas the word , adonai , and elohim , are sometime communicated to others ; that is neuer so . and therfore , because the word lord , by which wee ( according to the apostles ) haue exprest it ; may be communicable to men : you shall vnderstand ; that , wheresoeuer in the last english translation , you finde lord , thus in capitall letters : there , is that glorious , and most essentiall name of god , to be vnderstood ; which neuer ought to be applied vnto any other . but ( which i had almost outslipt ) you must note that the holy-ghost , vseth here the word delight ; to shew vs further : to shew vs further : that the deuotions of a blessed man ; are not constrained , or seruile : but rather , proceeding from a true and affectionate pleasure , in the worship of god , with the studie of his word . it must be vnto him , as it was to dauid : more to be desired then fine gold ; and sweeter then honie , or the honie-combe . yea , the excellence of his affection ; is further , and another way manifested ; in that hee is said to meditate thereon , day and night : for , the day and night , in holy scripture , hath a three-fold vnderstanding : temporall ; morrall ; and allegoricall . temporall , is the day which we enioy by the presence of the sunne : the night thereof , is that which is made by the absence of the same . morrally , it is taken for life and death ; prosperitie and aduersity , or such like : and this is also metaphoricall . allegorically , the old law , is called the night ; and the gospell , tearmed the day : and therefore zacharie in his song ; wherein he spake of christ , and the light reuealed vnto mankinde in the new testament , saith ; that the day-spring from on high hath visited vs ; to giue light to them that sit in darkenesse . but saint paul , writing vnto the romanes , concerning the faith of christ iesus ; saith in playner tearmes : that the night was past , and the day was at hand . euen thus many waies , are the day and night to be vnderstood , in the booke of god. but in this place ; they are to be considered , according to all and euery of these . the blessed man ; meditateth on the law of the lord , day and night ; that is : he pondereth all the misteries of iesus christ ; as they were promised , figured , and prophecied of , in the old testament ( which , as the night , shadowed them ouer ) and then beleeueth and confesseth them , as they were fulfilled in the new testament ; which was the day that made them apparant to the whole world : yea , he is continually enclined vnto the study of piety , without intermission ; morning and euening , at noone-day and at mid-night ; both in prosperity and aduersity ; openly and secretly . for , many can bee content , perhaps , to spare some little time in the day , for the meditation of gods word : but there are very few , that will breake a sleepe ; and arise at night , with dauid , to praise god : many can be content , whilest they gayne any outward benefit , or preferrement by their profession ; to be hot and earnest in the study thereof : but few dare abide , the blacke and terrible night of persecution . nay , a little aduersity , or worldly inconuenience , cooles all their zeale . hypocrites by day , that is ; openly in the eyes of the world ; will be very forward , and seeme to be stout professors : but , in the night , that is , secretly , and by themselues ; where none but god is witnesse : they can laugh at their owne dissembling ; and with those people , of whom god speakes by the prophet malachi , they say thus : it is in vaine to serue god ; and what profite is it that wee keepe his commandements ? againe , there be others , that by night , with nicodemus , dare , peraduenture , come to god ; yet by day , are affraid ( or ashamed ) to be seene in a religious mans company . but neyther of these , haue well vnderstood what is ment by meditating gods word day and night : nor are they yet in the way of blessednesse . out of this verse ; i doe obserue these things . first , that there is no true happinesse , without the knowledge of god ; and the continuall meditation of his word . and that those , who are sincerely adicted to his seruice , and the loue of his truth , are in the right way to blessednesse ; howsoeuer atheists , and worldly men , thinke them simple fooles ; and their study lost labour . secondly , i here note ; that he cannot promise to himselfe , the reward of blessednesse ; that frames a religion , or way to serue god , out of his owne braine ; though neuer so strict , or seeming holy : for , it must not be the lawes , or traditions of men ; that , he must meditate , but the law of the lord . lastly , i doe here learne this method , for the right study of diuinity ; and practise of christianity . first , that there must be a loue vnto the heauenly word : secondly , a progresse , or going forward ; in the meditation thereof : and lastly , such a constant perseuerance therein , from time to time , and at all times without limitation ; in so much , that there must bee some part of euery day and night , separated for the seruice of god ; that we may say with dauid : euening , morning , by day , and at midnight , will i pray vnto him . and , he shall be like a tree planted , &c. hauing deliuered in the two former verses , who is a iust and blessed man , both by the negatiue , and affirmatiue ; he now confirmes his former proposition : first , by a similitude , taken from a fruitefull tree , euerlastingly greene : secondly , by the end , and prosperous successe , of all he takes in hand . by which illustration , we may not imagine , that they are compared with any intent to be made equall ( for , the blessed estate of a good man , is farre beyond all earthly comparisons ) but by such knowne things , the holy-ghost applies his demonstrations to meane capacities . and this kinde of teaching , was vsuall with our sauiour ; as appeares by his illustration of faith , and the kingdome of heauen , in likning it vnto a graine of mustard-seede ; or comparing doctrine to leauen , and such like . nor hath it beene neglected among prophane writers : for , a liuely simily , is esteemed among all the poets ( as well ancient as moderne ) to be one of the principall ornaments of their poesie . the elegancy of whose poems , some haue not beene ashamed to preferre , before these vnimitable odes : whereas , were they as learned in these ; as they would seeme to be in the other ( at lest , if they could reade them with the same desire and affection ) they should here finde ; euen , in the literall excellency ; as many rare , and admirable expressions . obserue well this first illustration ; and see in what author you can better it . for , although men may , for many respects , be resembled vnto trees ; by reason of some similitude in their condition ( as thus : euery tree is eyther for building , or fire wood ; and so , all men are eyther prepared to build vp the new ierusalem withall ; or , appointed fewell for hell fire ) yet ; there are certaine choyse trees , which doe more properly serue to figure out the estate of the blessed : as here in this psalme , and by this comparison ; you shall vnderstande . for ; hereby , fiue things are made remarkeable in the vpright mans happinesse . first , he is resembled vnto a tree that is planted . by which , the stability , and certainty of his estate is signified : for , as such a tree ; is , where , by the carefulnesse and diligence of some gardener , or husbandman ; he may be manured , and preferued from the choaking of thornes , and violence of beasts ; whilst the wilde trees of the forrest , are euer in danger of some ruine : so , the iust man , who in the scripture is resembled vnto a palme tree ; hath this sure and blessed hope for his comfort : that god , who first planted him ; will also protect him from being spoyled of his leaues by the stormes of aduersitie ; or ouerturned by the malice of the aduersarie . when it shall come to passe , that ( as christ said ) those plants which his heauenly father hath not planted , should be rooted vp . moreouer , a tree planted ; insteede of that wilde nature which formerly it retayned ; is bettered , and made more fruitefull by a new plantation : and in like manner ; that man , who had else beene naturally apt to bring forth nothing , but the sowre fruits of the flesh ; being planted in the vine-yeard of gods church , by the hand of grace : regenerates , and yeelds forth plentifully , the sweete fruits of the spirit . secondly , it is planted by the springs , or riuers of water ; by which , the blessednesse of the iust man , is further illustrated : for , as that tree , can neither be barren thorough the sterrile drought of the soyle ; nor endangered by the scorching heate of sommer : whose roote is euer moistened , with the nourishing waters of a pleasant streame ; so , the regenerate man , hauing his roote in christ ( where the euer springing fountaines of his grace ; with sweete dewes of mercy , continually cherish it ) euen he , shall alway flourish . for , neither can he be consumed as the wicked are , by the burning fire of gods indignation ; nor made vnprofitable for want of nourishment . to the same effect speakes the prophet ieremy , in his illustration of such a mans happinesse ; by a similitude taken from the like tree . he shall bee ( saith he ) as a tree that is planted by the waters ; and that spreadeth forth her rootes by the riuer , and shall not see when heate commeth : but her leafe shall be greene , and shall not be carefull in the yeere of drouth , neither shall cease from yeelding fruite . by the riuers of water , in this psalme , is allegorically meant ; the word of god , and his sacraments : which , are the means whereby he infuseth into vs , the graces of his spirit ; keepes vs growing in faith ; and nourisheth fruits , to eternall life . thirdly , it giueth fruite in due season : whereby is manifested another propertie of the blessed iustman : by the fruite ( saith our sauiour ) the tree is knowne ; and so is the iust man by his workes : who , in bringing forth his spirituall fruits , may ( not vnfitly ) be resembled to a tree . for , as the tree brings forth fruits for others , rather then for it selfe : so , the vpright man fructifies , and sends forth good workes , and deedes of charitie ; not , thereby to merit ought for himselfe ; but to glorifie god , and to benefit others . which is a noble blessednesse . for , as the apostle saith ; it is a more blessed thing to giue , then to receiue . further ; we haue the pronoune his : to shew vs , that as the tree giueth forth no fruite but his owne , and according to his kinde : so , the righteous , doth the workes proper to a regenerate man ; all the good deedes which he performeth , are done with that which is his owne : and so cherefully ; that they may be called his. yea , he yeeldeth forth good fruits , according to the measure , and qualitie of those gifts which he hath receiued . lastly , the tree giueth forth her fruite in season , or in time : that is ; in her time of fruitfulnesse ; and so ; the vpright man , doth good in due time ; euen vpon the first occasion offered . he is neuer barren , when necessity requires fruit . if in one day , a thousand men neede his comforting hand ; he is euer willing , according to his ability , to giue redresse vnto them all . neyther too soone , nor too late comes his charity : but , like sweete and well ripened fruite , is euer , then ready to be receiued ; when it may be most acceptable to god , timely , in respect of himselfe ; and very profitable to others . but indeede , by the fruit here is principally meant faith , and the confession of saluation by christ : which can neuer be , without workes . and that is it , which our sauiour meant , when hee , said : herein is my father glorified , that you beare much fruit . fourthly , his leafe shall not fade : yet ; the similitude holds very properly , in that the blessed man is resembled vnto a tree , not onely fruitfull , but flourishing also ; and euer adorned with the comely ornament of greene leaues . for , as the palme-tree , whereto the iust man is likened , in the psalme ( and from which tree , it is very likely , this similitude was taken ) is neuer , as pliny saith , without fruit ; and therefore must , consequently , bee alwayes greene : so , the iust man is continually beautified , with all the accomplishments of a christian ; full of holy thoughts , plentifull in profitable words , and seriously exercised in good actions , without wearinesse in well-doing : and to accompany that fruitfulnesse , enioyeth such a perpetuall happines , as growes at no time subiect to any momentary change . what storm soeuer happens , hee is still in a flourishing and prosperous estate : yea , when the vngodly ( like those trees which are altered , according to the disposition of euery season ) must lose , in the winter of their triall , all that vncertaine glory , gotten in the spring-time of their prosperity : euen then ; the happinesse of the righteous is so permanent , as the coldest frost of aduersity , can neuer strip him of his faire leaues : that is : no persecution shall bee able to take from him , the faire liuery of his profession , nor put him , beside the crowne of an immortall glory . fiftly , whatsoeuer he doth , shall prosper : in these words , hee doth ( as it were ) summe vp , and make perfect his expression of happinesse . and the prophet doth it without the metaphor ; for , i haue obserued , that to expresse one and the same-sentence ; partly by the figure , and partly without : is ordinary in the psalmes . yet , the great scholler , and cardinall , bellarmine ; in his comment vpon this psalme , would haue these words ( whatsoeuer hee doth , shall prosper ) to be referred vnto the tree . then , hauing interpreted the hebrew verbe , iasliach ; prosperare faciet , will make to prosper : he gathers from thence , an actiue vertue to bee in the tree ; helping on the ripening of his owne fruits . and , by the application of the similitude , would also note vnto vs ; that , there were an actiue vertue of free will in man , concurring with the diuine grace , to meritorious works . but , by his leaue , it seemes to mee , not so to bee vnderstood ; for , that interpretation , is both harsh in the sence , and contradictory to the opinion of most expositors . yea , one of his owne faction , lorinus , a learned iesuite , writing on this psalme , sayth ; that it ought rather to be vnderstood of the iust man , then of the tree . lyra , a very ancient expositor , hath so taken it also : and so haue the greatest number of most authenticall writers . for which cause ; i rather allow it : but especially , by reason i beleeue it , to be indeed the best , and natural sence of this text ; agreeable to the happy estate of a good man ; and the same blessing , which the scriptures testifie , to haue beene vouchsafed to such as feare god. for , it is sayd of ioseph : the lord made all that he did , to prosper in his hands . but from hence , wee must neither gather , that all those are good men , who prosper , and thriue , in the things of this life ; neither imagine , it is heere promised , that the righteous shall bee without troubles , or hinderances , in their temporall affaires . the meaning rather is : that al things , ( euen those ) wherein they seeme to the world most miserable , should redound to their comfort ; and prosper them in the way to eternall life . according to the saying of s. paul ; all things worke together for good , to them that loue god. dauid also confirmeth the same , out of his owne experience : for , saith he ; it was good for mee , that i was in trouble . and indeede , it is the end which crownes all , and that which makes the vndertaking prosperous , or vnfortunate : not the occurrences , that happen well , or ill , in the proceeding . for , though a commander in the warres finde , that all his determinations proceeded ill , in the ordering of his battles ; and that all his stratagems , turned a while , to his hinderance : yea , though with the losse , of many thousands of his men , and the effusion of much of his owne bloud , he hath endured a terrible , and sharp encounter . yet , if at last , the victory bee on his side , he hath his aime ; and thinks , that his vndertaking prospered in his hands . so , though a christian man hath , in this life , suffered innumerable miseries ; though matters haue succeeded so ill with him , that sorrow vpon sorrow , and mischeefe vpon mischeefe , ouerwhelmed him , and euery thing that he endeauoured , tell out contrary to his expectation ; yet , if at last ( as questionlesse he shall ) he reape the crowne of immortall glory : we may very well say , that whatsoeuer he did , hath prospered . yea , his miseries and infirmities , were for his good , suffered to come vpon him ; euen they also , prospred in his hands ; and were the meanes to make him , a right blessed man. for , you must vnderstand , that there is a two-fold blessednesse ; beatitudo in via , & in regno ; a blessednesse in the way , and in the kingdom . that in the way , is also two-fold ; one , on the right hand ; and the other , on the left : the left-hand happinesse ; is the abundance of temporall prosperities . for , the psalmist hauing reckoned vp many temporall benefits ; concludeth with these words . blessed are the people , that bee so . happinesse on the right hand , is the gift of spirituall graces , bestowed in this life . for , saith our sauiour , blessed are the poore in spirit , the humble ; those that hunger and thirst after righteousnesse , &c. but the last of these blessings ; appertaines onely to the children of god : the other , are indifferently bestowed , both on good and bad . the blessednesse in the kingdome ; is that , which is principally meant in this psalme : and indeede , the most perfect compleat happinesse . the possession of that , wee haue now in hope onely . none , but the sonnes of god , can enioy it , in the other world ( as is aforesayd ) nor , can any man , but those that haue their hearts enlarged , by the holy ghost ; enter into a worthy thought thereof , here . for , as s. paul saith ; it is that , which eye hath not seene , nor eare heard , neither comes it into the heart of man , to conceiue what god hath prepared for them , that loue him . it is so many degrees , beyond the felicity of this life , that the most blessed man is miserable here , in comparison of the happinesse , which hee shall bee crowned with all , after his death . and therfore , if you haue respect to that , which may most properly bee called blessednesse , it must bee loked for in another world ; for , as the poet saith : — dicique beatus ante obitum nemo , supremaque funera debet . we none may blessed call , before their funerall . but , because carnall men , are too too much perswaded , that true felicity may bee enioyed in this life ; i would haue them learne , what is required , to the making vp of a perfect blessednesse . for , they must know , there are three things , which are of the essence of true felicity . the first is , the knowledge of the cheefe good ; this is eternal life , to know the only true god , and him whom thou hast sent , iesus christ , saith s. iohn . secondly , there must be a fruition , and full enioying of that cheefe good , being so knowne . and lastly , a perfect delight , and contentation in that which is enioyed . without euery of which circumstances , there is no perfect happinesse . for , hee that enioyes , and is contented ; without the full knowledge , of the certainty , and worth of that , which he enioyes : hath but a dull vncertaine contentation ; and is depriued of a great part of his felicity . in like manner , hee that knowes what it is to bee happy , and hath it not in possession , is so farre from happinesse ; that he is the more miserable , by the apprehension which he hath , of the great good hee wanteth . but if hee did know , and enioy to ; yet , if hee had not the blessing of a contented minde , it were as much , as if he enioyed nothing . s. augustine hath a speech , much to this purpose , in his first booke , de moribus ecclesiae catholicae : for , saith he , beatus neque ille ( quantum existimo ) dici potest , qui non habet quod amat qualecunque sit ; neque qui habet quod amat , si noxium sit ; neque qui non amat quod habet , etiam si optimum sit . that is : neither , as i thinke , can hee bee sayd , to be blessed , who enioyeth not what hee loueth , whatsoeuer it be ; nor hee , that attaineth to what hee affecteth , if it bee hurtfull ; nor hee , that is not pleased with that , which he possesseth , although it bee the best thing . and hee giueth this reason : nam , & qui appetit quod adipisci non potest cruciatur ; & qui adeptus est , quod appetendum non est , fallitur ; & qui non appetit quod adipiscendum esset ; aegrotat . id est : for , hee which desireth what cannot be attained , is vexed ; hee that hath attained vnto that , which proues not worthy desiring , is deceiued ; and hee which affecteth not , what is indeede worthy the enioying , is sicke ; or faulty in himself . and so , not one of these , can bee blessed : because , neither of their soules is without vexation and misery . for , if it might bee so ; these two contraries , blessednesse , and vnhappinesse ; should dwell together at the same time , in one man : which were impossible . this blessednesse , cannot then , consist in temporall & transitory things . for , though we may haue the knowledge of their vtmost good , & get also the possession of them ; yet , it is impossible , they should giue vs a content , beyond which , nothing is to be desired . for , the soule of man , is of a spirituall nature ; and of so large an apprehension , that the whole world is not able to fill it . though you should feede the boundlesse desire of man , with kingdome vpon kingdome ; hee would neuer finde end of desiring , vntill hee had the possession of the whole world , with all the creatures therein : and though he could compasse that : yet , because the mortalitie of his body , would euer put him in feare , to be depriued therof ; he would neuerthelesse be full of disquiet . nay , were it possible , that feare , might bee taken away also : it would then discontent him , that there were not more worlds , & new things , to couet and possesse . and so , he would bee vnhappy , in the middest of all that happinesse . this , made solomon say ( when he had searched into the nature of all creatures , and sought to please his soule , in whatsoeuer it longed for ) that all things vnder the sunne ( euen knowledge , and those which are accounted the best ) were vanity , and vexation of spirit . and this ▪ if worldly men did better consider , doubtlesse , they would not so much adict themselues to the things of this life : but seeke to haue their soules , rather filled with the knowledge of god ; who is only able to satisfie them , & without whom , they are euer empty , and seeking vp and downe for that , which should fill them . for , the end to which god created the soule of man , was ( as s. augustine saith ) that she might know him ; in knowing , loue him ; and in louing , enioy him : wherein consisteth perfect blessednesse , neuer to be lost againe ; and that , which is principally meant in this psalme . the doctrines , that we may gather from this third verse , are these . first , that if the blessed are planted , & not as naturally growing trees : then , the efficient cause of our saluation , is god. for , it is of his gracious fauour , that we are planted in the vineyard of his church ; otherwise , wee had beene as wilde oliue-trees , growing on the barren mountaines . secondly , in that it is sayd . the blessed is as the tree , planted by the riuers of waters : wee are taught , what the instrumentall causes of our saluatiō are ; euen the word of god , & his blessed sacraments . for , by the springs , or riuers of waters , are those allegorically vnderstood ( as i sayd before ) & in that , they are sayd to be planted ; thereby , wee also gather further , that such as are out of the church , till they bee there seated , by the fountaines of ( life and inoculated into the mysticall body of christ ) are not yet in the state of blessednesse . thirdly , wee may hereby know , whether wee belong to god , or no. for , if wee bee trees of his vineyard , wee cannot but bee sensible , of the sweet graces and operations of his spirit : and shall not be found barren , of those spirituall fruits , which god wil looke for , in their due time . and be assured , that if wee bee vnprofitable ; though wee carry neuer so many faire leaues of hypocrisie , to couer our sterility : we shal one day bee stript of them , and cast into the fire . fourthly and lastly , wee are here taught , not to iudge of men , by their prosperity , or aduersity ; but , howsoeuer their outward affaires succeede , to esteeme them blessed , and happy men , that loue and honour god. and so , i conclude this first part of the psalme , which doth in breefe deliuer thus much : that hee , which would be a blessed man , ought to auoyd all manner of sinne , loue gods word : meditate it , practise it , goe forward in that practise , bring forth fruits of righteousnesse ; and continue vnto the end of his life , in that course . the second part of the psalme . . the vngodly are not so : but are like the chasse , which the winde driueth away . . therefore the vngodly shall not stand in the iudgement , nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous . . for , the lord knoweth the way of the righteous : but the way of the vngodly shall perish . the prophet ; or , rather the holy-ghost , by the mouth of the prophet , hauing in the former part of this psalme ; in an excellent manner , set downe vnto vs the blessed estate of a good christian ; and in diuers particulars discouered , and illustrated his matchlesfe blessednesse ; that we might be thereby drawne to loue and seeke it . doth now , in this other part , briefly ( yet as fully ) acquaint vs with the miserable condition of the vnbeleeuing sinner . euen in these few words : the vngodly are not so . for , they carrie in them a direct antithesis vnto the whole first part of the psalme ; and imply euery whit asmuch , as if the prophet had said : the wicked are such ; as neyther discontinue their walke , in the counsels of the vngodly : nor shunne the way of euill doers ; nor auoide the seate of the scornefull . and therefore , are in no possibility , to be so happy as are the righteous . and this the septuagint , very powerfully expresseth , by doubling the negatiue , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the wicked are nor so , nor so . to wit : nor so holy in their life ; nor so blessed in their end . they are not so studious of gods word , as the righteous ; and therefore he taketh no such knowledge of their waies : they doe not so affect the way of his seruice ; & therefore he suffers their way to perish : they are not so planted ; and therefore not so safe , but in danger to be rooted vp , by the iudgements of god : they are not so situated , where they may be nourished , by the moysture of the riuers of gods grace , conueyed by his word and sacraments , into their hearts ; and therefore , not so flourishing ; but in danger to be withered by the burning heate of his indignation : they are not so fruitfull ; and therefore , likely to vndergoe a curse , with the barren fig-tree . they are in nothing answerable to the condition of the well planted tree , here spoken of : but vngodly men , and hypocrites , for the most part , yeeld no fruit at all . if they bring forth any ; it is not good . and then it is no better then if they were vnfruitfull : for euery tree that bringeth not forth good fruite , shall be hewen downe , and cast into the fire . or though it might , perhaps , for some respects , be called good fruite , which they giue ; then it is none of their owne : for , they doe , like most of the great rich men in these dayes ; who , other while indeede , relieue a few poore soules . but it is with the fruit of other mens labours . yea , they leaue many goodly shewes of charity behinde them ; with that which had beene , with extreme couetousnesse and oppression , torne , as it were , out of the throates of their poore neighbours . or if we should grant that it was their owne fruite they gaue ; yet , it would be found to come out of season , and when there is no great neede of it : whereas a cup of cold water ; giuen vnto a poore man in extremity : comes in better season , then a great deale of vaine liberality at other times . but , if wee should yeeld them this ; that their fruite came in season ; it is in their owne season then : and when is that ? forsooth , now and then ; perhaps at such times , when as the customes of their countrie require publike hospitality . and then ; it is but forc't , sower , and vnsauorie fruite . for , most commonly , for one honest man that shall satisfie his necessity among them ; two russians shall be made drunke . or else their season is , when they may take occasion to make most shew to the world , of the seeming good they doe : like the pharisies , that blew trumpets , when they gaue almes . but indeede , the principall time and season of their vintage is ; when the axe is set vnto the roote of the tree . then ; when the leaues of their youth , and prosperity are fallen off ; the branches quite withered ; the bodie rotten , ready to stinke with putrifaction ; and they in case no more to hoard vp , or keepe it vnto themselues ; then ( if the diuell doe not come before they be aware , and carry them away by the rootes ; as sometime he serueth old trees in the forrest ) it may so fall out , that they leaue a few vnseasonable fruits behind them : which often , in fine painted almeshouses ; make shew of more reliefe , then is halfe performed . nor are the vngodly , in respect of their vnfruitfulnesse , or vntimelinesse in bearing fruite ( onely ) so contrary to the righteous : but euen their leaues , those their faire leaues ; that make them seeme so flourishing , are but the sommer ornaments of prosperity ; and must wither and fall off , in the winter of their triall . yea , nothing they take in hand shall prosper them in the way to true happinesse ; therefore all their vndertakings are in vaine . and as the holy-ghost here saith : it is nothing so with them , as with the godly . thus ; exceeding elegantly , hath the prophet described the misery of the wicked , by opposing it vnto the felicitie of the iust. which he yet maketh more apparant : and , howsoeuer the world esteemes her owne as fortunate men ; he shewes the contrary . seeming also , not contented to set it forth by a similitude , directly contrary to the former ; he leaueth the first metaphor , and resembles them , to the vilest and lightest chaffe : as if else , he should not haue made them contemptible enough , in his expression . and here i could shew , how properly the wicked may , for diuerse reasons , be likened vnto chaffe . as in regard of that lightnesse , which makes them inconstantly carried away , with euery vanity : or in respect of their sterility , with such like . which ( because euery reasonable capacity can apprehend them ) i will omit : & only desire you to take from hence this obseruation . to wit , that the enemies , and oppressors of gods children ; with all other vngodly men ( though they be admired of the world , and seeme mighty and vnmouable in their owne haughty opinions ) are , ( neuertheles indeed ) poore base things ; meere chaffe . nay , the worst and lightest of it : euen that which is scattered euery way with the winde . or worse , if worse may be : for , they are not onely vnsetled , and restlesly driuen too and fro , in their owne vaine practises ; or tumbled vp and downe by the distempered furie of their miserable affections : but their riches , honours , powers , and their very place of being ( as dauid saith ) shall decay , and be no more found . for , the terrible winde of gods wrath , shall puffe all , into euerlasting perdition . yea , gods iudgement will rush vpon them on a suddaine , and inuisibly , as a wind : which shall come they know not from whence ; and carrie them they know not whether . nor shall their strength , eminence , or greatnesse , defend them . but , as the winde makes most hauock among tall cedars , on high mountaines : so , shall their pride and loftinesse , make them more subiect to the tempest of gods indignation . as appeared in pharaoh , nebuchadonezor , herod ; and such other . but some may say ; many vngodly men liue free from all those miseries and crosses here spoken off . truely , it seemes so for a time ; but the greater will be their sorrow at the last . nay , i am perswaded , that euen in this life , and at the best ; they haue so much bitternesse , to make vnsauorie all their delights : as , if we could look into the hearts and consciences , of those that seeme happiest men to the worldward . i beleeue we should discouer so much horror , and disquietnesse ; as would make vs set light by our discontentments . for , many of them , amid their aboundance of wealth and honours ; are more distempered with toyes ; then a constant christian is , with his greatest afflictions . and if trifles will not moue them ; they haue matters of greater consequence to disturbe their rest . one grieues , to see the familie , which he thought to make honourable , by his owne pollicy ; quite rooted out by the improuidence of his children : yea , the miserable catiue , liues to behold his sonnes prodigalitie , consume his vsury ; and yet hath not the power to afford himselfe the benefit of his owne labours , neither to doe one good deede , that may purchase a prayer for him ; vntill it is too late . another , hath labour'd for the applause of the people ; and with vexation of spirit , comes to heare his name made the iust subiect of libels ; and himselfe reputed odious in the common-wealth . one , is sicke , for some disgrace receiued from his prince . a second , grieued with the vnkindenes of those whom he thought his best friends . a third , mad at the pride of his equall . a fourth , ready to hang himselfe for the insolence of his inferiour . a fift , pines with enuying at his superiour . a sixt , sleepes not for desire of preferment . a seauenth , trembles through feare of losing his office . the eighth , hath a wife that is more shame , and discontent vnto him , then all these . and , which is worse then that too ; he knowes not what shall become of him at last . for , sometime he thinkes that men die like beasts , without hope of another life . and then , it grieues him , that he must for euer , leaue the world , which he so much loued . another while , he remembers he hath heard of a god ; and a day of iudgement . which , putteth him into such a desperat feare ; that he is neuer alone , but his heart quakes ; and his guilty conscience so stings & threatens him , with hell and damnation ; that hee sometime wisheth hee were indeede , realy dust , or chaffe ; and that , the winde might scatter him into nothing . oh god! that i were able so to scrue this , into the hearts of worldlings ; as to make their muddy apprehensions , more sensible of their vnhappinesse : and allure them , to seeke for that true and perfect felicitie , which is here promised . but alas ! it is beyond my power . for the whole world ( almost ) hath runne through all the degrees of wickednesse ; and the greatest part , are become benchers , in that damnable society of scorners : with whom , it is impossible to preuaile . nay , my god ; would thou mightst bee pleased ( though it were but so farre , to enable mee with thy spirit ) that the apprehension of these things , might euer continue in my selfe , so feruent , as at sometimes they be . for , by that meanes , i should not onely ; neuer more againe , be carried away by those vanities and infirmities , whereunto youth and the frailty of my condition is prone ; but become also , so highly delighted with the contemplation , and hope of that incomparable blessednesse which is prepared for the louers of thy law : that the worlds minions shold see , i did not meerely in word ; but truely in deede ; neglect , and despise all those things , which they account eyther felicities , or disasters in this life . yea , they should perceiue me , so farre from thinking my selfe a miserable man ; for being in pouerty , slandered , neglected , contemned , tortured , with such like : or , from imagining my selfe a happy man , in the fruition of that vaine fauour , honour , wealth , ease , fame , and respect , which they glorie in ▪ as , they should with enuie be forced to confesse within themselues ; that , by a meanes which the world knew not , i had ariued at such felicitie ; as in respect thereof , their happinesse , was but as dirt , and dung to gold and siluer . and perhaps also when they were in their greatest earthly pompe : it should more vexe them , to behold me ( whom they account miserable ) disdayning those things as triuiall , wherein they place their highest blessednesse ; then it can delight , or content them , to possesse those pleasures or preferments which they enioy . this , oh lord were possible ; if thou wouldst alwaies preserue in thy seruant , the consideration , which at sometime thou vouch safest to bestow vpon me . but i am the meanest of thy children ; and i confesse that these good affections , and apprehensions , which i sometime haue of the blessednesse here promised : doe often ; yea , too often faile in me . and then , i doe not onely shrinke as much as any other , vnder the burthen of temporall afflictions : but my heart is also intangled , with those desires , and preposterous contentments , that vainest world-lings seeke after . which weakenesse ; i both heartily pray thee ( oh god ) to heale in me ; and surely beleeue also , that thou wilt doe it , when it shall be most for thy glory , and my furtherance , in the way of truest blessednesse . the thought whereof ; hath now so highly transported me ; that , i had almost forgotten what i had more to say , touching the infelicity of the wicked . but now i descend againe , to speake of them . therefore the vngodly shall not stand in the iudgement , &c. you haue formerly beene giuen to vnderstand , of the great difference , that is betweene the righteous and the vngodly ; both in their condition , and their reward . now , he shewes that a difference will be betwixt them ; not in this life only : but also in the last day . for , that is the principal iudgement here ment : and spoken of , per antonomasiam , as the arabick interpreter , by these words , in sine , doth plainely denote . they shall not be able to stand in the iudgment , nor in the congregation of the righteous . that is ; they shall not be approued but haue iudgement pronounced against them , to their ouerthrow , at the generall doome . for , so are these words , shall not stand , to bee vnderstood . and the phrase is not onely proper to the hebrewes ; but vsuall among the latines , and vs also . cicero hath , causa cadere ; which , is after the same manner of speaking : and terence , where hee saith , se , vix stetisse ; meanes , that some of his fables were scarse approued of , by the common people . and when , with vs , a man comes to his triall , before a iudge : we often say , hee cannot stand out . or , that , hee will haue a fall ; when we meane , his cause shall not receiue approbation . now , the reason , why the vngodly shall not stand in iudgement , &c. is partly shewed in the former verse . and that is , because they are but as the chaffe ; euen the refuse of man-kind , vaine , light , vnnecessary persons , without fruit , wholly voyd of that worth and weight , which should make them of esteeme in the sight of god. yea , such as cannot bee able to endure his iudgements ; because , they will bee vnto them , as the winde , scattering chaffe . alas ! who would imagine this ( seeing the brauery of this worlds fauorites ) but that the spirit of god hath sayd it ? now , they are so mighty , that they thinke it impossible , to bee mooued . they haue counsells , in which the righteous are not to walke : wayes , wherein they must not stand : iudgements , in which the innocent dare not appeare : and they haue assemblies , and solemne meetings , from which they exclude all good men . but , when the iudgement here spoken of , comes ( for there will come such a day ) the poore dispersed , and despised members of christ , shall bee gathered into one congregation , whereinto no vncleane thing shall enter . nor , shall the vngodly mingle among them , in their assembly ; but bee separated from them , and thrust vnto the left hand of the iudge . and although , here they may appeare powerfull ; make great boast of their authority ; and , perhaps , in our courts of iudgement on earth , be able to stand out , vntill they haue ruined the innocent ( for , in any cause , fauours are to bee had , among the corrupted iudges of this world . ) yet , in the generall doome , when euery man shall appeare naked , without bribes ; and before a iudge , that can neuer be corrupted . alas ! what will those things ? those vain things , profit them , wherein they now glory ? then , those noble tyrants shall be glad , to sneake into corners , and cranies of the earth , to hide themselues from the presence of god. they shall not haue power , to stand among those poore men , ouer whom they haue heretofore tyrannized ; nor bee able to abide the least triall of gods iustice : but , affrighted with the terrible aspect of their angry iudge , and tortured with the horrours of an accusing conscience ; shall be vtterly amazed , deiected , confounded , and with a distracted feare , be glad ( & in vain be glad ) to intreat the hills , that they would fall down , and couer them . that you may be confident , of the terror of this iudgement ; & that , there will be a separation of the wicked , from the congregation of the righteous ( as it is here sayd ) see , what our sauiour speaketh , in the chapter of saint matthewes gospell , to this purpose . but , this place may haue respect to other iudgements . for , beside that great and generall doome ; there is a two-fold iudgement , in this life ; wherein the wicked shall not bee able to stand . one is , the iudgement of themselues ; when their owne conscience shall accuse : and condemning them as guilty , cast them downe headlong into despaire . the other is , when the plagues and iudgements of god are suffered , to lay hold of them in this world , for the example of others . now , in neither of these ; shall they be able to stand out before god. note here , that those hebrew words , which are interpreted in our translation , they shalt not stand , are in the septuagint , and vulgar latine translations , turned thus , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , non resurgunt , that is , they rise not againe . and thence , some haue weakly and ignorantly gathered , that the wicked shall not rise in the flesh , to come and receiue iudgement in the last day . yea , with this opinion , was that learned father , origen , a while deluded . but , it is a great heresie : for , they shall surely bee raised , and summoned to that doome ( as appeareth in many places of holy scripture ) but there indeed , they shal not be able to stand out in their owne iustification , as belonging to the assembly of the righteous . because , when they shall thinke , to excuse themselues ; the king shall turne them forth , with this terrible sentence . goe , yee cursed , into euerlasting fire , which is prepared for the deuill and his angells . hence then i obserue ; that there shall bee a generall doome , wherein both good and bad shall be summoned , before the tribunall seat of god. and that , althogh hypocrites , like tares amongst wheat ( or rarher , like good wheat ) may be suffered , in this life , to shrowd themselues in the church of god , and come into the congregation of the righteous , vnder the name of christians : yet , in the haruest ( that is ) in this iudgement ; hee will seperate them . and the vngodly shall not bee able to stand , in that assembly of the iust ; but , the lord will gather the righteous , which are the wheat ; into his granard : & cast the sinners , which are the chaffe ; into vnquenchable fire . but , that no weake conscience may be driuen into despaire . i desire the reader , not to imagine , that euery man , who hath the pollutions of sin , is in danger of this separation ; for , euery man is so guilty of sinne , that if god should marke all that were amisse , and enter into iudgements with his seruants : none were able to stand in the iudgement . no , not the most righteous ; neither should any flesh be saued in his sight . we must then consider , that there be two sorts of sinners . the one regenerate , who offends vnwillingly ; and falling into transgressions , through infirmity , by repentance , true contrition , and amendment of life , riseth againe ; and seekes forgiuenesse , in his redeemer , iesus christ. the other , vnregenerate ; who , out of wicked impiety , and malicious wilfulnesse , followes without repentance , the study and practice of sinne ; obstinately refusing , or neglecting the grace of christ. and they are such , whose estate is so miserable , to be excluded , from the assembly of the righteous . the other , laying hold on christ , are by faith made righteous in him , and shall be reckoned among the faithfull and happy congregation . for , the lord knoweth the way of the righteous , &c. the reason is here giuen , why the iust man is so much more happy , then the sinner ; and how it comes to passe , that , hee walketh not in the counsells of the vngodly , nor standeth in the way of sinners , nor sitteth in the seat of the scornefull . and why , in the last iudgement , there shall bee a separation made , and a difference put betweene the good and the bad . and it is this , god knoweth the way of the righteous , and the way of the vngodly shall perish . which implyes , that there is a contrariety in their way ▪ and that therfore , they cannot meet in one congregation . but why is it sayd , god knowes the way of the righteous ? doth hee not also know the way of the wicked , you will say ? i answer , yes . for , gods diuine knowledge extends itselfe to all . yet , in this place , the word , knoweth , includes , especially , a regard , or approbation ; and is , as if he should haue sayd , god acknowledgeth , takes care for , regards , or alloweth the way of the righteous : and , because their endeauours and aimes are , to shunne the counsels of the vngodly , and by obedient directing themselues , after the rule of the sacred word , to seeke his glory , with those wayes , that perish not . therefore , this god , of his free grace , keepeth them in the right path ; and by that direct course , conducteth them to the same blessednesse , whereunto hee foreknew it would lead them . and , that this word , knoweth , may be vnderstood , as is aforesayd , to imply a regard , or approbation , appeareth in these ensuing places . psal. . . rom. . . iohn . . and so much may be also prooued by that place of matthew , where christ vseth the contrary speech , to shew the disrespect that hee would haue to the wicked . i neuer knew you ( will he say ) depart from me , yee workers of iniquity . this word , knoweth , may haue respect also to the fore-knowledge of their election . for ( as some vnderstand it ) to that purpose , s. paul vseth it in his second epistle to timothy , chap. . and the . verse . and writing to the romans , he saith . those , whom he did foreknow , he did also predestinate , to be conformed to the image of his sonne . but the way of the vngodly shall perish . and that is ; because , god regardeth not , neither is delighted with their courses . they propose vnto themselues a happinesse ; but come short of it : because , their counsels , endeauours , and all ; are ouerthrown , before they can attaine to the possession therof . and needs must it be so . seeing it is , neither the right means , which they vse ; nor , a true happinesse , which they seeke . for , wher to tends their ayme ? sure , not to gods glory ; nor , to seeke their spirituall wel fare ; nor any greater blessednesse , then the compassing , or enioying of some brutish , or transitory pleasures . which , before it be long , either altogether faile them ; or , instead of a desired happinesse , are a meanes to bring vpon them the curse of some vnexpected miserie , which is euer the period of such paths . so , they at length , perceiue with much discomfort , that their labors are lost , their time mis-spent , & that ( as the prophet here sayth ) their way must perish , and come to nought . in breefe then , i vnderstand these words , the way of the vngodly shall perish : as if the prophet had sayd . the vngodly come short of blessednesse , and shall be excluded from the congregation of the iust ; because , the lord is regardlesse of them ; and so , those vaine wayes and courses , which they follow , shall faile to bring them thither . hence then , wee are taught , how to esteeme the world , with all those titles , honours , and fauours , wherewithall shee allureth vs , to settle our hearts , vpon the painted and vncertaine felicities of this life : and to bee heedfull , that they draw vs not into the way of destruction . and , as the first part of the psalme , ought to win vs , in respect of the felicitie , promised to the way of the righteous : so , the ruine , that is heere threatned , may terrifie vs from the way of sinners . further , wee may hence learne , not to bee deiected , in our miseries , though wee are mercilesly oppressed , by our aduersaries ; nor , be discomfited : because , the world neither pities , nor takes notice , of those many slanders , and secret iniuries , which wee vniustly suffer . for , if god ( as it is here sayd , hee doth ) knoweth , and regardeth , the way of his seruants , wee may be certaine , that he seeth euery affliction in this iourney , and will not leaue our oppressions vnreuenged . we may also hence be taught ; not to take offence at the short prosperity of the wicked ; nor , to be allured with the pleasantnesse of their waies . for , though they bee delightfull to the sence , and goodly broad pathes ; yet they lead to destruction , and , as it is here told vs , they shall perish . thus , according to my abilitie , i haue gone thorow with an exposition vpon this psalme . wherein , though i haue followed no one ; yet , i haue runne the ordinary way , with other expositors . but , because i beleeue with s. augusline , there is no psalme , wherein the author of it , had not respect to christ. i will shew you , how it may bee so aptly applyed vnto him , as you shall easily beleeue ; that , although it may be accommodated to all the saints ; yet , aboue others , the blessed man ( as we say ) per antonomasiam , means christ ; and , that this psalme , was principally intended of that iust one. for , it is a song , or psalme , wherin blessednesse is ascribed , to that thrice godly man , who is no way guilty of any kinde of sinne ; whether it be of transgression , omission , or originall . and who , but he only ; ( or those , who haue receiued it by him ) can be honoured with such innocency ; or capable of so high a dignity , as this true blessednesse : who alone , perfectly fulfilled the law ? and was obedient , euen to the death ? doubtlesse , none . for , all that are so called , are so entitled by him and hee , is that for-euer-blessed man , whose foot neuer walkt , in the crooked way of the vngodly ; nor , stood in the slippery path of sinners . he it was , who in true humilitie , taught the simple truth ; and neglecting the vain dignities of the world , neuer reposed himselfe , in the imperious seat of the scornfull , whith the disdainfull pharisies . he it is , whose delight is in fulfilling the will and law of his father ; and in the accomplishment therof , hee seriously exercised himselfe , both day & night . he , is that flourishing tree , planted by the pure riuers , of water of life ; cleere as crystall , and proceeding from the throne of god : euen that tree , which is planted in the middest of new ierusalem , and hath brought forth the fruit of our saluation , in due season , and in the fulnesse of time : according to the scriptures . this is he , whose leafe shall not fall . that is ; his words shall not fall to the ground , but remaine euer flourishing , and serue to heale the nations ; according to the prophecy of saint iohn . and doubtlesse , whatsoeuer he doth shall prosper . but the wicked are not so : that is ; the iewes and other wicked persecutors of christ ; with such as by faith , put not on his righteousnesse ; are in a quite contrary estate . like chaffe scattered with the wind ; yea , in a miserable , vaine , and vnsetled condition . and therefore , when this our redeemer shall enter into iudgement with the world ; such an antipathie will be betweene him , and vnrighteousnesse ; as they shall not be able to stand before him . but , when the children of his kingdome shall be congregated at his right hand , to partake with him in eternall blisse ; as they haue beene partakers with him , in his graces here : then shall the wicked be shut out of their assemblies ; to be cast into eternall perdition . and of this separation , the reason is ; because the righteous doe follow christ in the way of his gospell ; and walke in the faith which he hath approued . whilst the iewes , and such as are without the church : seeking saluation by the workes of the law , or following some such wrong , or by paths ; their way failes them , and comes vnto an end , when it hath brought them to the left hand of the iudge . where ; they are farthest off from blessednesse . meditations , vpon the first psalme ; in verse . the contents of these meditations . the muse , first sings the heauenly blisse ; and shewes how vaine the earthly is . the wrong way thither , with the right : are here , laid open to your sight . the iust mans , glorious weale it showes . the sinners , matchlesse , endlesse woes . and good , and bad , are both exprest ; that you may learne , and chuse the best . you ; whose ore-weary , restlesse soules desire ; the prime content , to which all creatures tend ; and to that matchlesse blessednesse aspire : which ( though most seeke ) most faile of in the end . lo ; here a heauenly muse points out the way , wherein you safe may runne , and neuer more in those blinde-crooked paths of danger stray ; which haue misled so many heretofore . no prize vnsought , or trifting newes she sings ; but that , for which your many aduentures are : that , which to gaine ; rich , poore-men slaues & kings , doe howerly , watch and labour , sweat and warre . yet most perhaps in vaine ; for , what they get by their endeauour in the common course yeeldes no felicities but counterfeit : and often , driues them on from bad , to worse . yong bloods , are snared with the painted sweetes of lust , or beauty : and beleeue that there , is full contentment . the rich glutton greetes his boundlesse appetite , with curious fare . the worldling , makes inquest for happinesse ; and dreames , to finde it in a trade of gaine : he in his auarice himselfe doth blesse , and as his thirst is , such his blisse doth faine . the happinesse of some , in rich attire , high titles , or vaine-glorious pompe depends ; a louing wife , another doth desire : good-toward children , or vnfained friends . kings , in their awfull thrones of soueraignty ; and vncontrould prerogatiues delight : the courtier , sooths vp them in vanitie ; and thinkes it heauen , to be their fauourite . but they are all deceiu'd ; for , all these be vaine-fruitlesse aymes ; like grasse will beauty fade , lust , will to loathing turne , and then shall he who there sought happinesse , be haples made . a hungry famine , may those creatures wast which glut cram'd epicures : or some disease , may take away the pleasure of the tast . and where is then , the happinesse of these ? fire ; water , theeues or rust , consume the store of richest men ; and he , that but to day had great possessions , is tomorrow poore : or dies ; or sees it , to his foes a pray . gay cloathes , to ragges we haue exchanged seene . foule stinch , and wormes the proudest ruin'd haue . and those ; that dearer then their soules haue beene , haue shar'd their wealth , & laught the to their graue she ; that hath kist , embrac't and sworne to day a thousand vowes of kindenesse in thine arme : when thou art cold , and in a sheete of clay ; shall keepe anothers bed and bosome warme . those princes , that haue largest kingdomes got , are neuer quiet , whilst there doe remaine some other emperies which they haue not : nay , if they might , the next , and next obtaine till they had all . perhaps they would be sad ( if not for some poore toy or humor crost ) that more things were not knowne which might be had : or lest , what they enioyed should be lost . what blisse affords a crowne ; when treasons , war , and nightly cares , disturbes the owners rest ? more sad amid their armed troopes they are , then he that walkes alone with naked brest . though all the meanes , to be secure they take some horror , still appeares their soules to grieue ; and greatnesse , neuer such a guard could make , but sorrowes would get in , and aske no leaue . though , they had all the pleasures of the sence , and ten times doubled their prerogatiue ; though parasites applaude their excellence , and yeelde them adoration while they liue : though they attained to as much , as he who on the iewish throne next dauid sate : had so much wisedome , and could prying be through euery creature , to behold their state . when that were done ; but little hope had they from any thing on earth , content to gather . that great wise prince , made tryall ; and could say : that , to the soule they brought vexation rather . and , when pale death assailes ; the thoughts & feare which trouble poorest men : shall ceaze their soule . their paines , shall be as sharpe as bond mens are ; their flesh shall stinke as much ; and be as foule . yea , er'e their breath forsake them one whole houre , their greatest glorie , may be turn'd to scorne ; but in one age , the rumor of their power may be no more then his , that is vnborne . and then ; alas ! to what poore fortunes brought are those ; whose blisse , on will of these , depends ? such ; as nor do , nor speake , nor scarce thinke ought ; but that , which to their princes humor tends ? for these ; are honours tennants but at will ; which when he list , the giuer may recall : and causelesse ( if he please ) obiect some ill ; to iustifie his dealing , with their fall . and what a miserable state were this , for any , to be deemed happy in ? poore soules awake ; see ; see what trust there is in that , wherewith you haue deluded beene . let wantons , seeke in lust what is not there . let epicures , at feasts for blisse enquire . let misers looke on dust , till dust they are : and wordly men , the worlds vaine loue desire . let kings of earth ; affect an earthly crowne . let courtiers at the court attend their fates . and whilst they catch the bubbles of renowne ; let fooles ; still wonder , at their happy states . but you ; that haue the end of these , descernd , and surer grounds of blessednesse would know : come , heare what of a prophet , i haue learn'd : who , sung this heauenly subiect , long agoe . he taught my muse ; and you , she teacheth how , best beauties , best perfection to imbrace . with angels foode , she will replenish you ; and make you richer , then old adam was . in stead of mens false friendships , and their loue vnperfect , and inconstant , here below : you , shall be deere vnto the saints aboue , and into fellowship with angels grow . where you shall loue , and be belou'd of all ; without ( the least ) distrust , or ielousie : and death , or time , or nought depriue you shall ; but yeeld content ( at full ) eternally . if , with your vanities , you can dispence , and slight those fauors , which each worldling craues ; you shall be fauorites , to that great prince , to whom , earths greatest monarks are but slaues . such wished honours , she shall bring you to , as kings can neither giue ; nor take away . and , that you may not feare , what flesh can do , shall be as free ; and full as great as they . yea , that true blisse , to which all writings tend ; and most are yet to learne : here , know you shall . by knowing , may enioy it in the end ; enioying , be contented there withall : vntill your soules , enriched with that store , shall neuer know desire , or lothing more . but , you must listen with attention then ; and hitherto , your vtmost power enforce : for , 't is not ; 't is not ( oh you sonnes of men ) obtain'd , by euery ordinary coarse . the way to blisse ; is neither made by strength , nor humane policie . though many a tract , makes shew of leading thither ; yet , at length , it turnes another way , and brings to wrack . the pagans , had a thought , some god head should direct them thither ; and in feare they might , misse that good deity , which guide them could : they seru'd too many gods , and lost it quite . the old philosophers ( not knowing this ; that nature , by our fall , was growne corrupt ) by morall vertues , onely sought for blisse : which did , their hoped passage , interrupt . for , when they had done all , which might be by strict morality , to gaine their passe ; and time , their course , vnto an end had brought , wrought , their ayme they mist ; because , christ wanting was . for , though some good they did ; yet , missing him , to sanctifie their vertues , and to take those faults away , which bad escaped them : into this rest , no entrance could they make . the blinded iewes , by ceremonious lawes , and strict obseruing of their ancient guise , haue labour'd for it ; but , vpon some cause , that way was long since chang'd , and from-ward lies by vaine will-worship , others goe . and some , by formall shewes , of zealous sanctitie . by way of their owne merits , many come : and come farre short , of true felicitie . a thousand other , crooked paths there be ; which seeme , to be direct ; yet , lead astray : lest therefore , some of those , miscarry thee , that hast a longing , to the blessed way ; who happy are ; lo , here it shall be showne , and how , thou mayst thy selfe , be such an one . vers . . blessed is the man , that doth not walke in the counsell of the vngodly , nor stand in the way of sinners , nor sit in the seat of the scornfull . first , get thee out of that vngodly way , ( the way of nature ) in which , all the race of adams progeny ; haue gone astray . walke out of it , into the way of grace . to which , there lyeth no hard passage , thence : for , if thou wade , but thorow baptismes ford , and passe the thorny hedge , of penitence : thou straight art guided thither , by the word . yet , take thou heede , when thus thou entred art ; lest that corruption , which doth still remaine : by vaine affections , ill-aduise the heart , to walke with the vngodly , backe againe . cast not thine eyes about , on those gay bayts ; that grow , beside the way of blessednesse : but , shun thou all occasion , that awayts , to draw thee into paths of wickednesse . let not the loue of honour , pleasuré , ease , reuenge , lust , enuy , pride , or auarice : nor any such ill counsellours , as these ; thy feet , vnto an euill course entice . pursue not wordly things , as worldly men , that know not god , or true religion , do : but , giue his honour first respect ; and then , with moderation , seeke the creature to . let no desire , without that compasse stray ; which honesty , and piety hath set . for , if thy thoughts doe euer breake away , and counsels of vngodly longings get . they will not leaue thee ; but , from lust , to lust , allure thee on , in the vngodly path : vntill , they bring thee , to some act vniust . and there , the sinners way beginning hath . oh! if through weaknesse , and attending to vngodly counsels ; thou shalt thither rome : as all indeede ( though all their best they doe ) into the way , of euill doers , come . yet , stand not there ; continue not in sin : but , by repentance , soone returne againe : lest , thou shouldst , by insisting long therin ; affect it , and for euer there remaine . vse , gets a habit ; and the habit got , the title of a sinner , gaineth thee : and sin , in this gradation resteth not , till to a scorner , thy commencement bee . and then beware . for , if degree thou take so far ; and be a doctor of their chaire : the next progression , thou from thence canst make ; is either hell immediate , or dispaire . in thinking ill ; we doe from heauen-ward goe ; in acting it , we further run astray : but , if we to deride religion grow ; there 's hardly hope , that we repent vs may . for , though god can the course of nature turne ; bid aire descend , and earth aboue it rise : quench heat in fire , make frozen water burne ; and in all creatures , change the qualities . yet , that he therfore will ; it followes not . and so ; although he can repentance giue , to such , as haue a wicked habit got : and , in despight of him , and vertue liue . assoone , shall i beleeue ; that desperate churle , who , from a rough steep cliffe , or high tower wall , himselfe a furlong from the top doth burle ; may raise himselfe , in middest of the fall : as that ; the sinner , who , of wilfulnesse , hath cast himselfe downe , from the hold of grace ; can leaue that deep-deep gulfe , of wickednesse , and in the rocke of mercy , get a place . it is a rare-gain'd fauour , when god daignes that vicious liuer grace , at his last breath : who , from no sinne , for loue of good , refraines ; nor , thinkes to aske forgiuenesse , vntill death . but , 't is a miracle , if euer hee shall , in his life , or death , forgiuenesse get ; who knowes , and scornes , the means that profer'd be : for , neuer was it found exampled yet . of these three steps ; oh ! be yee wary then ; to sit , or stand , or walke , doe you forbeare : in seat , or way , or counsell , with those men ; that scorners , sinners , or vngodly are . nor , will this be enough . for , as the swaine , who sitteth downe , when he himselfe hath lost : is no more like , to reach his home againe ; then he , that quite another way doth post . so they , who thinke it is enough , to shun the ordinary path , that sinners tread ; and take no heed , what good is to be done : shall neuer , of true happinesse be sped . or , like as they ; who , without sterne or card , dare seeke an vnknowne coast , for golden ore : may crowne their voyage , with a rich reward ; assoone as those , that vse nor saile , nor oare . right so ; as well may such , as loosely liue , the prize of happinesse attaine vnto : as those ; who hope , they shall at blisse ariue , although not one foot thither-ward , they goe . and therfore listen , my aduise vnto : that you may learne , what you have yet , to doe . vers . . but his delight is in the law of the lord , and in his law doth he meditate , day and night . when gods great mercy , safely brought thee hath ; from all the counsels , waies , & seats of sin : lest thou stray backe againe ; take vp the path that iust against it lies ; and walke therin . keepe on foreright ; let nothing tarry thee : for , non-progression , there ; regression is . but , if thou in continuall motion bee ; ( though slow it doth appeare ) it brings to blisse . to helpe thee on , two sacred scrowles there are ; which may direct thy pilgrimage throughout : they profer'd are , to euery passenger ; and can informe them , where they stand in doubt . the first sure marke , that tels vs we are right , in this blest progresse , and haue quite abhord the way of sinners ; is a true delight , vnto the law , of our eternall lord . whilst that affection holds ; there is no feare , or danger of relapse . no wicked traine , which the vngodly roundeth in thine eare , can moue thee , to partake therein againe . but , lest thy heart deceiue thee ( for mans heart is false , and oft betrayes him to his foe ) make triall of his truth ( if wise thou art ) and i will shew thee , how thou mayst doe so . search , if there be no carnall vaine respect , that drawes on this delight ; or , if to thee those volumes , which thou seemest to affect : be pleasing , as the word of god they bee . try , if thy conscience , will for witnesse come , that thou hast , with a true endeauour , sought to exercise his law ; abroad , at home , by day , by night , in deed , in word , in thought . for , know well this , that by the night and day , it is not onely meant , in weale and woe : or , that thou shouldst , from time to time assay , vntired , in the way of blisse to goe . but , thou with knowledge , must proceed therin . by pondering gods law , both in the night , of his old testament , which veyl'd it in : and in the new ; that day-like gaue it light . first , thou must meditate , how man was made , and ( being made ) a law from god receiu'd : how he transgrest , and fell ; and falling , had that law ( with some new circumstance ) reuiu'd . thou must consider , how the same was writ , first , in the heart by nature ; then in stone : and how , in essence , neuer altring it . of accidents , god added many a one . thou must conceiue ; the prime essentiall part of this great law , was christ : and christ , the end of all those things , which thou inform'd of art ; throughout the booke , before his comming pend . thou must obserue , how euery passage there , doth shadow out that substance ; and foretell , in holy riddles , what did plaine appeare ; when his , so long-expected day befell . then , hauing passed o're the cloudy night , of types , darke figures , hidden prophesies , and deepe aenigma's ; thou must seeke the light , to be instructed in these mysteries . thou , in the day , gods law must meditate . the day of his new testament ; wherein , the morning-star appear'd : and set a date , to that thicke darknesse , which so long had bin . and , when thou seest how all the visions , dreams , and prophesies obscure , discouered are ; by those bright-shining , and thrice-glorious beames , which , at thy sauiours comming did appeare . thou must ( in that faire sun-shine of his grace ) consider , with what infinite respect , god daign'd to pity , thy distressed case : and how much , hee , thy well fare did affect . from poynt , to poynt , thou well consider must ; the law in his new testament declar'd , the law of faith , which makes the sinner iust : and opes the gate , which adams crime had barr'd . theron affix thy heart ; and learne to know , how god , from age to age , this law deriu'd . how , that of moses , did abolisht grow : with , what must be perform'd ; and what beleeu'd . for , those who thus much learne ; & teach , & then continue practise , in a course vpright : may best enstiled be , those happy men ; that meditate gods law , both day and night . if this thou reach ; or , but endeauour well , to that degree of grace , which god shall daine : the worthies of the world , thou shalt excell ; and win the prize , for which they seeke in vaine . yea ; cheare thy soule ; and let nor paine , nor care , nor losse , nor height , nor depth , nor ought at all , the world can tell thee ; make thy soule to feare ; for this ; to blessednesse , conduct thee shall . nay , thou already , therein ; blessed art . and euen , those stormes of troubles , that oppresse , and hem thee round about , on euery part ; shall make more perfect , thy true happinesse . which will be such ; as tongue-tide eloquence , shall be vnable to report thy blisse : yea , so vnthought of , is that excellence , no heart , e're halfe imagin'd , what it is . and , ah ! what pleasures can be more excelling ; then those , that are beyond both thought , & telling ? vers . . and he , shall be like a tree planted by the riuers of waters , that will bring forth his fruit in season , his leafe shall not fade , and whatsoeuer he doth , shall prosper . bvt , sensuall men , must haue a sensuall touch , of what we tell them ; and some obiects view : by which , their reason , may perceiue as much , as , either words , or signes , haue power to shew . for els , although the portion be but small , which they ( at best ) of these things can conceiue ; that little portion will be nought at all . and ( as in vaine ) our labour we may leaue . that ( therfore ) you , some little glympse may see . of that abundance of contentment ; which must wait on those , that this way happy bee : and make them , without want , or lothing , rich . marke well , those euer-green-leafe-bearing trees ; which , in some fruitfull valley , planted are : where ; with their nature , soyle , and clime agrees ; and riuers flow , to moyst them , all the yeare . where , neither summers heat , nor winters cold , nor sterrile drought , nor rotting wet , offends . but where , the aire doth such good temper hold , that floures doe leaues , and fruits still floures attend . for , as those trees , may so much moysture take , as they shall either neede , or can containe ; and nothing misse of , which compleat may make , what to a trees well-being , doth pertaine . so , by the loue of gods eternall law ; mens soules , are set anew . in paradise . where ; from the riuers of gods grace , they draw the nourishments , of true felicities . their state is constant , lasting euermore . and not one true contentment , can be found , in earth , or heauens immesurable store ; but , with that wisht perfection they are crown'd . their soules haue all that full of happinesse , which can in any soule , contained be : as trees , best planted ; haue that fruitfullnesse , which most becomes the nature of a tree . they in the church , gods garden planted are ; where christ , that liuing rock , remaineth still . and , from his side ( the crimson fountaine there ) lifes pretious liquors , plentiously distill . his blessed sacraments and faithfull word , preserues their growth , and makes them fructifie ; till they , doe fruit for euery moneth afford , and beare the leaues , of blest eternity . neuer ; no neuer , can their beauty fall from ripe perfection ; but , as you haue seene a goodly bay-tree flourish : so , they shall be , winter , sommer , spring and autumne greene . and then ; in all things , they shall prosper too ; what er'e betide them ; or what ere they do . vers . . the vngodly are not so : but are like the chaffe which the winde driueth away . bvt , lest that all which hath been said , should faile to make you well conceiue , how much it may redound to euery seuerall mans availe ; to grow approued , in this blessed way . and since , the natures of most men , are such ; as that , the promises of best contents , do seldome halfe preuaile with them so much , as slauish feare , of threatned punishments . know this ; that whatsoeuer mortall wight , the way of life , here taught him , doth refuse : he shall not onely , be depriued quite , of these ; and all those hopes , that he pursues . but , his condition , from the blessed , shall so farre be differing ; that , no strife , vnrest , shame , horror , or misfortune , can befall : but , his dispairing soule , it shall arrest . if you e're noted haue , how far we prize the lightest chaffe , beneath the waighty graine ; how safe the one is kept , how firme it lies ; how vile we count the other , and how vaine . betwixt the worldling , and right blessed man ; such difference is there . for , as euery winde , the sleighted chaffe , doth this , and that way fan ; and no abiding place , will let it finde . so , that vngodly , irreligious crue , who make their heauen on earth ; and scorning these true paths of blessednesse , those toyes pursue , which may their owne proud eye , or belly please : eu'n those ; by puffes of windy vanity , strong-raging passion , and vntamed lust : are hurried , with such strange incertainty , to this , and that , euery act vniust . as , whatsoeuer rest they seeme to take , their life is wholly restlesse ; and no day , no houre , no minute , sleeping , or awake : in any setled peace , continue they . the glutton would be rich ; but is perplext , to thinke , that he must then abate his fare . the miser , would haue honour ; and is vext , to see how costly , courts and greatnesse are . th' ambitious , couets ease ; but findes it mars his high designes : and may his hopes deface . the coward , would haue fame ; but feares the wars : and leachers , doubt diseases , or disgrace . yea , in their hearts , so many strange desires , are often lodg'd , and those so opposite : that , by enioying what one lust requires , they bar themselues , some other wisht delight . but grant , their outward state were setled more , more thriuing , and in losse , and changes lesse : that they haue ease , and honour , with their store ; and to the world-ward , setled happinesse . yet , neither can they wake , nor sleep in peace . their conscience , like a flaming-fire within ; will seare , and scorch , and burne : and neuer cease vntill dispaire , to nestle there begin . or say they scape this to . and whilst they liue , so stupid grow , that in securitie , they senselesse lie ; vntill their soules , it driue into a helplesse , hellish lethargie . yet , which is worse ; far worse , then what is past : ( and makes me tremble , when i call to minde their fearfull cause ) there is a day at last ; in which they pay for all , that is behinde . but , those sad terrours will my muse rehearse , in what she singeth , on the following verse . vers . . therefore the vngodly shall not stand in the iudgement , nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous . oh you ! whom neither gods eternall loue , nor vertues beauty , nor his sacred law ; nor promises of matchlesse blisse , can moue : nor threatned losse therof , preserue in awe . you ; that are neither wooed to repent , your follies , for this lifes vncertainties : nor won , to seeke the way of true content ; by inward feares , nor outward miseries . though none of these , can gaine you to assay , for that high blessednesse , which crownes the good ; nor force you , to forgoe that damned way , which seemeth pleasing , vnto flesh and blood . oh yet ! for that rare priuiledge , which those , who loue gods law , shall haue ; when flaming fire , doth all this massie globe of earth enclose : to rectifie your course , i you require . for know ; there are not onely , in this world , a thousand mischeefes , plagues , heart-stinging cares , and dreadfull iudgements ; ready to be hurld , from heauens high battlements , about your eares : but , after death , there is a time will come , to hasten all , which is delayed here . a day of vengeance , and a day of doome : in which ; all adams of-spring , shall appeare . the dreadfull iudge , in glory will descend ; with his great hoast of heauen , compast round . seas , earth , and hell , shall at his bar attend , with al their prisoners , when the trump doth sound . a hideous bonefire , through the world shall blaze . the roofe of heauen , shall like a parchment scrowle , at his appearing , shrinke ; and with amaze , the dead shall rise ; the liuing , frighted howle . and , neither sex , condition , nor degree ; shall haue respect , or place : but euery one , without distinction , shall in person bee ; before the great almighties iudgement throne . your purest beauties , shall attract no more , that iudges eye ; then foulest vlcers can . he , shall not bribed be , with indian ore : nor moued , by the flattring tongue of man. kings , are in his esteeme no more that day , then slaues : or , poorest wretches on the earth . he , prizeth no man , for his rich aray : nor ought regardeth , noblenesse of birth . in his grand court of iustice ; he admits , no subtill trauers , no demurs , repeales , delayes , iniunctions , neither any writs of error , nor excuses , nor appeales . no bribed fauorites , hath hee to raise , by motions at his bar : on him , attends no groomes , nor kinsmen , that his lordship swayes : to wrest the course of iustice , to their ends . no great man sends his letters to entreat , to change his sentence ; nor a costly fee : that hires him any way to mitigate , what he hath once , resolued to decree . you sons of adam ; you shall doubtlesse come , ( though sleight perhaps my counsell may appeare . to such a iudge ; to such impartiall doome : and finde all true , that i foretell you here . yea ; if you harken not to the command of your creator ; nor , his law delight : you shall not in that iudgement guiltlesse stand . but fall condemned , in the iudges sight . and , when the righteous , are assembled there : with , come you blessed . and at full possesse , ( according to the promise , made them here ) the ioyfull crowne of endlesse happinesse . then , with a curse excluded , shall you goe ; amongst the damned spirits , into hell : shut out from blisse , into a world of woe ; amid those tortures , which no tongue can tell . and when , as many hundred thousand yeares , you haue endur'd ; as there be on the shore , small stones , or sands : the time no shorter weares ; nor will your plagues grow fewer , then before . nay , though you were reseru'd for no more paine , nor other discontentment , then the misse , of that great good , to which the iust attaine : in ( such priuation ) hell enough there is . we see , that when ambitious men haue got respect , and meanes enough , to liue at rest : yet , if they misse some marke , wher at they shot ; they fret , as men without compare vnblest . we see that worldlings ; who , on tempting gold , haue set their thoughts , can ten times better beare the brunt of labour ; hunger , thirst , and cold : then liue well fed , and warme ; with coffers bare . we likewise know ; that louers , barr'd the sight of their deare mistresses ; can ne're receiue content ; nor cause of comfort , or delight : though free from outward paines , or want , they liue . nay rather ; it torments , and greeueth more their vexed soules , then smart of body may : and more , themselues , they thinke insulted ore ; then if , for triall , on the racke they lay . this we haue knowne . and if , priuation can on earth so torture ; where euen torments are imperfect . oh! how much more greeuous than , shall those soules finde it , that must feele it there ? if here ; thou canst not brooke contempt , disgrace ; to be depriu'd of honour , or the view of those false beauties ; wherein thou do'st place contentment here . ah! what will there ensue ? how ? how , wilt thou endure it , wretched elfe ? when thou shalt know , what riches they possesse , who shall be blessed : and perceiue thy selfe debarr'd , for euer , of that happinesse ? when thou eternally , shalt be a scorne ; of thy contentment stript ; of peace , of friends : of all the fellowship of saints , forlorne ; and no companions left , but damned fiends . when thou ; to endlesse darknesse banished , shalt burne with the desire , of seeing him. with whose perfections , angels eyes are fed : and in respect of whom , the sun is dim ? oh! what a passion will torment thy soule ; when thou shalt misse that sweetnesse ? and imbrace , insteed therof ; deformity , as foule , as hell , can put vpon her lothsome face . what wilt thou doe , alas ! when thou must beare all this great horror ; and sharp pangs withall ? for thus ; euen thus , will the vngodly fare : when that great iudgement , ouertake them shall . and it shall adde , vnto their torment to ; what e're they suffer , say , or thinke , or do . vers . . for , the lord knoweth the way of the righteous : but the way of the vngodly shall perish . bvt that no righteous man , deterr'd may be , from labouring , for his blessednesse , through doubt , that the almighty , doth nor mark , nor see : how many painfull steps , he paceth out . and likewise , that no sinner may , vnwarned , his owne vaine way pursue , with false surmize : that god doth ouer-passe , as vndiscerned ; the course he takes ; or winke at villanies . know this , you happy men , that would attaine to perfect blisse . that , howsoe're you seeme obscur'd on earth ; and oft to spend in vaine , your labours , and your liues , without esteeme . there 's not a drop of bloud , a sigh , a teare , an inward smarting , or an outward grone . a sleight vnkindnesse , or a scoffe you beare : but the almighty knowes them , euery one . if you but sweat a little , in this path : he sees it ; and in time , reward it will. not one sad thought , your heart in secret hath : but god both knowes therof , and mindes it still . though you close prisoners were , in strictest thrall , neglected of the world , and seene by none , but such oppressours , as would smother all , which for your praise , or comfort , might bee knowne . though you were mew'd , where none might come to tell , what you haue done , or suffer'd , in this way : and being in some dungeon , forc'd to dwell ; had mourn'd , to death , shut from the sight of day . yea , though your foes should labour , to obscure your good endeauours , with a slandrous fame ; and brand you , with vile actions so impure , that all men thought you , worthy death and shame . yet , god ; whose bright , and all-beholding eyes , viewes present , past , and euery future thing : sees vndeceiu'd ; and whatsoe're he spies , to light , will one day , to your glory bring . he knowes ; & knowing , doth approue your course . and what he doth approue , shall neuer faile . nor man , nor deuill ; policie , nor force : against his power , or knowledge , can preuaile . oh therfore ! droop not , though a thousand stormes , or likelyhoods of ruine , may appeare : for , when dispaire puts on her vgliest forme ; then ; is your most assured safety neere . nor boast , you sinners ; as if you had found a readier course , vnto the truest blisse , then righteous men ; because , your way is crown'd with more vaine honour , then their labour is . nor , let your painted pleasures , gull you so ; to make you dreame , that god deceiu'd will bee . or , that an vnsuspected course you go : because , the world your danger cannot see . for , though a while you prosper , and delude with shewes of happinesse , the blinded eye of fooles ; and the abused multitude , that are in loue , with your gay vanity . yet ; ruine , shame , and desolation shall confound your way . and vpon euery one , that therein walketh , will destruction fall . euen then ; when least ( perhaps ) you thinke theron . though , in the world ; you long haue had the names of honourable , honest , iust , and wise : walkt in a course approu'd , and left your fames to after ages ; in large histories . though you are great ; and orators can hire ; to cloke your foule proceedings , with faire showes ; or , to defame the righteous , here conspire . and make abhorr'd , the path in which he goes . though , at your deaths , with formall pietie , and workes of publike loue , you often do conceale , your rotten hearts hypocrisie : deceiuing so , your selues , and others to . and , at your funerals , haue preacht abrod ; a glorious rumor , of a blessed end : those clouds , can neuer blinde the sight of god. but ruine , shall your wicked course , attend . though you ; the ancient heathens prais'd moralities ; the iewish strictnesse ; the hot zealousnesse of schismaticks haue learn'd : with romes formalities . to trim your way , with shewes of happinesse . and though , the passenger that walks it , carries a lode of pardons : mumbling , as he goes , fiue thousand creedes ; ten thousand ave maries : and , of his owne good merits , addes to those . yet , all will faile him ; yea , there 's many a one , by you , for saints canoniz'd ; whom your path hath thither brought : where , now they lie & grone , beneath the burthen of gods heauy wrath . for , he , approues no meanes of happinesse , or way of seruing him ; but that which he hath taught himselfe : and , it is wickednesse ; another course to seeke , what e're it be . this you haue done , you sinners ; so , for this : your way , and you , shall perish . and while those , whose course you haue derided ; dwell in blisse ; you ; all contentment , shall for euer lose . that ( since you would not vnderstand aright , the path that leads to safety ; whilst you might ) you should , when you are past returning ; know , it was the way , that you despised so . thus ; haue i sung the sum , of what the muse of our great prophet ; in this ode , pursues . the way to blisse . which , as my weaknesse can , i striue to leuell so ; that euery man ; yea , little children , may come walke along : and make it short , and easie , with a song . here , warne i all ; but here , i cannot say enough , to perfect all men , in that way . for , some lacke one thing ; some another misse , to further on , theirvoiage vnto blisse . some , faith ; some , works ; some , loue ; some knowledge want . in some , repentance ; in some , grace , is scant . the greatest part ; defectiue finde , i shall , of most of these ; and many men of all . then , some dispaire ; and some presume as far . some , too secure ; and some , too pensiue are . some , pray not ; and some , praise not god aright . that each man therfore ; he , well furnish might , for this aduenture ; and with meanes diuine , assist him , from his heauenly magazine . to fit their seuerall wants ; he offers you a hundred nine and forty ( in a row ) of such instructions : as , who e're shall please , to weigh their vse , and liue , and walke , by these . my life for theirs ; at length , they shall attaine that happinesse , their soules , desires to gaine . and to assist their weake simplicities , that cannot sute , their owne necessities , in that rich treasurye . my humble muse shall be their guide ; their seruant ; and refuse no paines ( if gods great prouidence permit ) till all these sacred oracles , she fit to their capacities . so , i shall be a help to them : and they may further me , by their good prayers , in that blessed path : whose end , contentment , euerlasting hath . the paraphrase ; wherin the words of the psalme , are wholy retained : and distinguished from the rest , by a change of letter . blessed is the man , that , being in the first estate of innocency , doth not walke from it , after the euill affections of corrupted nature : in the lewd counsels of the vngodlie ; by consenting vnto euill concupiscences , nor stand in the broad way of sinners , acting , and perseuering in euill : nor sit , in the infectious seat of the scornfull ; scoffing vertue , deriding religion ; or , by false doctrines ( and euill examples ) peruerting others . for , hee is such an one ; who , is not carefull onely , to auoyd euill . but , is enclined to good also . his delight is seriously in the law of the lord . and , in his eternall law ( that hee may know , teach , and fulfill it ; in thought , word , and deed ) doth he meditate , vpon all occasions ; and at all times ; euen , day and night , without intermission . in this ; consisteth the meanes of his felicity . and he shall be like a flourishing tree ; which , the diuine prouidence hath planted , by the riuers of waters . for , as such a tree , being nourished by those streames , hath the meanes that will enable it , to bring forth his fruit in due season : so , the blessed man , being planted by the fountaines of grace , flowing from the holy spirit of god ; bringeth forth in due time , the fruits of faith , and good workes , to eternall life . and , in the greatest drought , receiueth such refreshing ; that his leafe shall not fade . a word of his , shall not be in vaine ( though , for the present , it seeme to fall to the ground ) but it shall take effect . and whatsoeuer he doth , shall prosper , at last ; both to his euerlasting glory , and the instruction of others . now , the vngodly ; because , they walke after their owne counsels , are not so blessed : neither , doth any thing they take in hand , so prosper . but , they , are like the chaffe , which the winde driueth away . for , as that is dry , vnfruitfull , and therfore carried about with euery puffe ; so , they wanting the moysture of grace , are therfore ouer-light ; and the spirit of the deuill , the winde of pride , temptations , and euill affections : vnsetledly hurrie them to and fro , without rest . and , by reason of this ; euen because , these vanities carry them from god. therfore , the vngodly shall not be able to stand , as innocent , before him , in the iudgement . whether it be that , which he shall be pleased to inflict on them , in this life : or , at the last day . nor , shall false worshippers , or such sinners ; who haue neglected this meanes of blessednesse : be admitted in the congregation of the righteous , among those , to whom god ( hauing separated them at his right hand ) shall hereafter say : come , yee blessed of my father , &c. and all this , commeth thus to passe . for that , the lord accepteth , knoweth , and alloweth , the vndefiled way of the righteous , and the courses , which they follow , to attaine this blessednesse . but , contrariwise , so abhorreth the way of the vngodly ; that the endeauors , of those reprobates , shall perish , with them , in eternall damnation . the prayer : wherin , the scope of this psalme is considered : and the blessednesse there mentioned , implored of god. oh thou eternall son , of the euer-liuing god. who , art the way of life , the meanes of all true blessednesse , and the onely happy one ; who , continuing in thy integrity , hast both auoyded , all manner of sinne ; and euery way fulfilled the whole law , and will of thy father . thou , oh christ ; who art that tree of life , which brought forth the fruit of our saluation , in due season : and without whom , none can euer haue sure hope , to become happy . grant , oh sweet redeemer ; that by the imputation of thy righteousnesse ; we , who are fallen from our first integrity , may bee regenerated , and made spotlesse againe , in thy sight . sanctifie our polluted hearts , that they may no more wander after , the vaine counsels , of vngodly affections . let them not haue power , to allure vs into the way of sinfull actions . or , if we doe ( through frailty ) at any time , stray from thee , into the trodden path of sinners , which leadeth to destruction ( as wee must acknowledge , we often doe . ) bring vs backe , oh sweet iesu ; and let vs not stand there , vntill we lose the feeling of our sinnes : and forget for euer to returne ; but , let euery slip be attended , with immediate repentance , to whip vs vp againe ; left the iteration of sinne , bring vs at length , to the seat of scorners , and the deniall of thee . keepe vs ; oh keepe vs , from that low ebb of grace ; yea , although we often run far into the way of sinners ; and many times carelesly stand still , when thou callest vs from thence : yet , of all mercies , wee entreat thee , that we neuer bee suffered to stray so wide , from the way of blessednesse : to sin against thy holy spirit . or , to sit downe in that seat of pestilence , which may infect our soules , to eternall death . and , to enable vs the better , to shun such dangers ; we beseech thee , possesse our hearts with thy loue ; and a true delight in thy word . let thy law , day and night , openly and secretly , in aduersity and prosperity , bee our principall study , and practise , all the time of our life . fashion vs , to thine own image ; let thy right hand plant vs , in thine owne vineyard . and , that we may bee , as fruitfullflourishing trees , bringing forth seasonable fruits , to thy glory , and the profit of thy church . let the plentifull riuers of thy grace , water vs ; vntill we grow vp , and become fit to bee replanted , in thy eternall paradise . let our words , as the leaues of a fruitfull tree ; be a continuall ornament vnto vs : seruing also , to heale the wounded consciences of our weake brethren . and although , for a time , thou sufferest vs , to appeare miserable , and vnhappy ; yet , let all things ( euen the afflictions which we haue had ) prosper vs in the way , to euerlasting blessednesse . and , forasmuch , as those , who delight not in thy seruice , are in a miserable condition ; and nothing so happy , as thy children , whatsoeuer they seem to the world . grant , ô lord , that wee ( being warned by thy displeasure against them ) may truly worship thee , & haue euer such a measure of faith , and of thy grace ; as may keep vs setled in our consciences , & quiet , from the fury of those affections , that carry them headlong into endlesse vnrest . and when thou shalt cast that chaffe , into the fire ; purge vs , thy seruants , from corruption ; and lay vs vp , as pure wheat , in thy heauenly granard . heare vs , oh deere redeemer ; and when that dreadfull day commeth , wherein thou shalt summon the whole world to iudgement . let vs not , be thrust amongst those guilty ones , who shall fall , and bee confounded with horrour , at thy presence . but make vs able to stand , in that fearfull doome ; place vs at thy right hand , in that righteous congregation , into which , no vnrepentant sinners shall be admitted . and , when thou shalt turne them off , with that terrible answer ; i know you not . let vs ; oh let vs , bee receiued into thy mercy . and seeing , wee seeke for blessednesse , by that way and meanes onely , which thou hast appoynted : acknowledge it , as thine owne ordinance ; and , though we are a while , the scorne of the world , make vs at length , inheritors of that vnspeakable felicity , which wee shall enioy in thee . so , both in our safeties , and in the destruction of thine enemies also ; shall thy name be glorified , now and for euer . amen . to fill vp the vacant pages of this sheet , here is added , as necessary , to stir the reader vp to these studies ; a metricall paraphrase , vpon the first eight verses , of the chapter of ecclesiastes , beginning thus : remember thy creatour , in the dayes of thy youth , &c. now young-man ; thy creator thinke vpon ; before the prime , of lusty youth be gone . now ; e're at hand , that euill day appeares ; with those vnwelcome and abhorred yeares : when thou ( deiected ) shalt , the world contemne , and greeued say ; i haue no ioy in them . now ; whilst sun , moone , and stars , their light retaine , and no black clouds , doe threat a second raine . before , the keepers of the house doe shrinke . before , with trembling knees , the strong-men sinke . prye . before , the grinders less'ned , quiet lye ; and they grow darke , that through the windowes before , the doores without , fast closed bin , through their base sound , that faintly grinde within . before , the bird to rise , doth summon thee ; and musiques daughters quite abased bee . before , the lofty thing doe thee dismay ; and shuddring feare surprize thee in the way . before the almond put his flowers abrode , the grashopper , become a heauy lode , desires decay , and lothed age thou meet ; or troops of mourners , waiting in the street . oh , doe not thou the time , till then prolong . but minde him , whilst the siluer cord is strong . now ; whilst the golden ewre , vncras'd is found : and at the fountaine-head the pitcher sound . before the wheele , be at the cysterne tore , or dust grow earth , as earth it was before : and , from the bodies quite dissolued frame ; the soule returne to god , from whence it came . thus spake the preacher . and he told vs why : for all ( sayd he ) is vainest vanity . the same , another way paraphrased , according to the signification of the seuerall metaphors . now ; whilst warme bloud , with fresh & kindly heat , doth through each part , with liuely vigor beat : and all thy beauties , in their spring-tide bee ; thinke on thy god , that so created thee . accept this fit aduantage of the time . giue him , the first-lings of thy golden prime . before , thy last vnwelcome dayes , begin to bring those yeeres , thou hast no pleasure in . now ; while thou seest prosperities bright sun , enlightens thee , the way thou hast to run : and gods pure word affords a cheerfull light , to guide thee safely , through blacke errors night . doe not forget , that thou a maker hast , till all the morning of thy life be past . nor waste the time ( from stormes & troubles cleare ) till greefes on greefes ; like clouds on clouds appeare . those hands , that youth a while doth powerfull make ; vnsteddy ( through their feeblenes ) shall shake . those legs , that strongly doe vphold thee , now ; with aches pained , shall beneath thee bow . thy few loose teeth , will cease their food to grinde ; and thy dim eyes , stand in their cazements blinde . thy iawes , their nimble motion quite shall lose . thy lips sunke in , their double wickers close . thy wonted sleepe , thy temples shall forgoe ; and daily raise thee , when the cocke doth crow . thy listning eares , their sense aside shall lay : and euery rub , disturb thee in the way . the siluer haires , thou on thy head shalt haue : wilt shew thee ready ripened for the graue . each trifling thing , shall be a burthen to thee . the vaine desires of youth , shall all forgoe thee . thee ; to his house , shall age with panting breath conduct ; there lodge thee , in the bed of death . and those , who thither , thy attendants were , shall mourning , home returne ; and leaue thee there . oh thou ! that wouldst a needfull comfort finde , in those blacke dayes ; now thy creator minde . before thy nerues their sinewie vigor lacke : and strength , and marrow , leaue thy weakned back , while neither cares , nor sorrowes , craze thy braine : whilst thy sound liuer , fills vp euery vaine . whilst thou art yet in health ; and feel'st thy head , by no heart-breaking pang distempered . ere flesh dissolue to earth ; and spirit bee return'd to him , that first did giue it thee . for then ; this saying will most true appeere : that all is vaine , and nought but vainesse here . glory be to god. amen . correct these faults with thy pen. pag. . lin . . for seemes , read seeme . pag. . lin . . for catalicticall , in some coppies , read cabalisticall . pag. . lin . the last , for whith , read with . pag. . lin . . for righteousnesse , in some coppies , read vnrighteousnesse . pag. . lin . . for thirst , read thrift . the authours preparation to the psalter , somtime mentioned in this booke , is to bee sold at the signe of the golden vnicorne , in pater noster row , by iohn harrison . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e * in epist. ad paulin ▪ de omnibus sacris scripturis . the person speaking in the psalme , & the matters handled in it . the occasion of this psal. vide prepar : to the psalter . cap. . genes . . the vse of this psalme . m the direction letter is heere left out in the verse ; and therfore refer this note to the word , sinners , in the last verse of the fourth stanza . the way of blessednesse , is by most men mistaken . in what things the worldling placeth his happinesse . cor. . rom. . . why the holy ghost vsed this preface . matth. . . tim. . . deut. . . cor. pet. . . psal. . . what manner of expression the holy ghost vseth . the first triade . the vngodly , who they are . isa. . . walking . psal. . . gen. . . . chron. . . councell . gen. . . gen. . . arist. . eth. . iam. . . triade . sinners who they are . to stand , what it meanes . what the way is , psal. . . acts. . . ma. . . eccles. . . who they are that stand in the way of sinners . gen . . ind. . . esay . . . pro. . . gen. . . sam. . . math. . . luke . . iob. . . the . triad . what it is to sit in the seate of the scornefull . scorners who they are . pet. . . mat. . . the chaire or seate of scorners . to fit ; what it meanes . a briefe of what went before . the chaire of pestilence . the doctrines & obseruations arising out of this verse . ob. . the policy of the diuell , to draw vs vnto the counsels of the vngodly , and so forth to destruction . few seeke the things of this world temperately , as they ought . doct. the bold presumption of man. genes . . obser. . obser. . two sorts of men , heee warned to repent . verse . three things obseruable in the second verse . to meditate , what it means . psal. . . psal. . . what is signified by the law. of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the hebrew tetragrammaton , and the word iehovah . reu. . . the meaning of the word delight . psal. . . day & night , what it signifieth . gen. . . luke . . . rom. . . mat. . . ob. . psal. . . verse . mar. . . mat. ▪ . luke . . vide epist. henr. steph. before marlorets commentary vpon the psalmes . fiue things obseruable in this illustration of a godly mans happinesse . he is planted . psal. . math. . . secondly , he is placed by the riuers of water . ierem. . . the riuers of waters , what they meane . thirdly , he is fruitfull , and that in season . acts. . the pronoun his. when , fruit is giuen in season , or in time fruit , what it signifieth . iob . . fourthly he is euer flourishing . plin. lib. . cap. . . whateuer hee doth , prospers . cenes . . a caueat . rom. . . bessednesse , two-fold . luke . . psal. . . matth. . cor. . . what makes perfect blessednesse . ioh. . . cap. . true blessednesse consisteth not in temporall things . eccles. . . doct. . doct. . what the riuers of waters signifie . doct. . doct. . ver. . the dissimilitude that is betweene the wicked , and the righteous . math. . . the worldlings season in which hee brings fruite . math. . . why the wicked are resembled to chaffe . the vnhappynes of worldly men in this life . verse . to stand , what it signifies . matth. . what iudgement the holy ghost meaneth in this psalm . matth. . . obser. matth. . . a caucat . two sorts of sinnes . ver. . iob . . prou. . . matth. . . tim. . . rom. . . obser. . obser. . obser. . reuel . . verse . verse . verse . verse . verse . verse . the tired petitioner to his noble friends who are members of the honourable house of commons wither, george, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing w ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the tired petitioner to his noble friends who are members of the honourable house of commons wither, george, - . england and wales. parliament. house of commons. p. s.n., [london : ] caption title. reproduction of original in the huntington library. eng wither, george, - . a r (wing w ). civilwar no the tired petitioner, to his noble friends, who are members of the honourable house of commons. wither, george b the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - john latta sampled and proofread - john latta text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the tired petitioner , to his noble friends , who are members of the honourable house of commons . sirs , if this paper find you ( who , to me are not so fully knowne , as you should be ) it comes to move , that , my petitions may obtaine your answer without more delay ; lest by attendance ( as my neighbours do ) with my estate , i lose my patience too . for , i have waited , and endur'd so long , that , no result can doe me greater wrong then lingring hopes ; and , were i quite undone , i , possibly , another course might run to be repair'd again , ere i obtaine that benefit , which i , had hope to gaine : or , els , might find some other likely way to fit me for the part i have to play . some say my friends are moe then i do know : and , i am hopefull that it may be so ; for , if kind language , and much complement are signes thereof ; nor christendome , nor kent knowes any man who may himselfe apply unto your house , with better hopes then i : but , if by reall-deeds , it must be known what friends i have , their number small is grown : or , els , their pow'r attaineth not unto those friendly offices they wish to do ; and , peradventure , they obstructed be in their endeavours , by defects in me . it may be 't is observ'd , i want relations , guifts-qualifying , or those commendations that should advance my suites ; and , which do make those active , who , mens causes undertake ; and i halfe think it so : for , e're this day , some one or other had , els , gotten way for my petitions ; or appeared able to make my suites and me considerable ; since , others , who have neither lost , nor spent , nor for the publike , hazzarded or lent life , limb , or money ; ( yea , though they , before , had profitable places ) meet with more successe then i ; and , daily can be heard with expedition , and with good regard . but , ( whatsoe're the other causes are why thus it comes to passe ) this , doth appear , that , they who now are my competitors , have so o'rematched my solicitors , that , if i speed , your house , will prove , to me , a better friend then individuals be . i find , that , many who , a while agoe , appear'd for me , do now ( gradatim ) grow elsewhere ingag'd . i find , that , they begin to reckon , how the place hath valued been ; and , to expostulate , and to admire how , i , to an employment dar'd aspire of trust or worth ; who , am dispoil'd of that , which ( in their judgment ) should secure the state : as if , a known unblamed-conversation were no security ; or , out of fashion : as if , my portion , in the publike hand , might not , aswell , for good-assurance stand , as if it were in mine : or , as if he who , for his country , prodigall could be of all he had , deserv'd not to be thought as trusty , as they are , who , never , ought adventur'd ; nor had ought , but what they got by gaining trust , where they deserv'd it not . if all were weigh'd , admire they rather may that , i my paines dare venture in a way wherein , i have so often sought in vain , those things , which unto me , of right , pertain . they might admire , that i , who have not bin a servant , nor , am known to be , of kin to peer or commoner ; nor have the skill to make a partie ; nor , thereto , a will : that , i who follow suites , as if i thought , that justice , should be neither sold nor bought , or got by importunities ; save , where the judge doth neither god , nor mortal fear : that , i , should ever hope to compasse that , which any other thinkes worth aiming at ; since , cause , perhaps enough , is found , why none thus minded , should presume to think upon a place of profit ; and , conceive to get his hopes , by merit , honesty , or wit : for , i do find that , in this undertaking great rubs are made ( and many other making ) so troublesome to passe , that , i am tir'd : and , had i but that competence acquir'd , which i have lost ; this life , i would not live , for all , the king and parliament could give . one , of your order , told me , at your dore since my last-suite was tendred ( and , before he had perused it ) that , i deserved no favour : ( oh! how strangely have i swerved ! ) but , as , i to his face , made answer , then , so , now , i say , ( and i will say 't agen ) let me receive but justice , and i 'le wave all humane-mercie ; and , yet hope to have a happier condition by the same then that , whereto , i now exposed am . another of them tells me , that , in vain , i seek , what i make suit for , in the maine , whil'st i am in confinement : as if , you could but one blessing , at one time , allow . or els , as if , because i now have had ( like one , of whom the slight'st account is made ) nine months restraint ( and , thereby am become a bond-man , without either formall-doome or , breach of law , ) i , therefore , must expect , my chiefe desire , will find the lesse effect : which seemes to me , as if a man should say , the more he owes , the lesse he means to pay . a third man intimates ; because , he sees i wear not , yet sheeps-leather , or welch-freeze ; ( but , by god's blessing , hitherto have borne my usuall port , to put aside the scorne of knaves and fooles ) that i am not undone sufficiently , to be so thought upon as i desire : but , such as these prolong the publike judgements , and our private wrong , through want of reall feeling what we bear whose plaints they pocket , and whose cries they heare without regard : for , when we most are griev'd , so little of our suffrings is believ'd , as if men had nor heart nor power to think , that ought we ayl'e , till we be dead and stink . a fifth , doth much perswade me to forbeare my present suite ; because he seemes to fear my late bold-numbers have incenst so many , that , i shall hardly find regard from any , when i expect it : which , to be believed , ( where i have hope with grace to be received ) is so abominable ; that , i trust to find their generall-conclusions just , ( though i in person , goods , and reputation , have lately suffered by misinformation : ) for ( thought i otherwise ) i would disdain to them , for grace or justice to complain ; though i were plung'd , into a worse condition , then seems approaching , by my last petition . i cannot fear that they who true-men be , will for true-speaking be displeas'd with me , but , rather , by vouchsafing what i crave be glad the kingdome may occasion have to see their justice , by repairing him , who gave himselfe , to be undone for them : for them , who buy lesse honour , at the price , then may be purchased by this device . but , hitherto , my hopes , do not succeed according to my suffrings , and my need . two monthes , upon one suite , i have bestowne ; upon a former , thrice three monthes , and one ; upon another , foure times three , and nine ; yet , still , some other cause out-justles mine : and , ev'n by favours hitherto obtained , more mischiefes , then advantages , are gained ; because , in th'execution , they have wanted that influence , whereby they first were granted . this , with uncrazed patience i can bear , so long as my desires delay'd appear , by those affaires , which profitable bee unto the publike , though they hinder mee ; since , whilst that thrives , i cannot be bereft of all my hopes , nor comfortlesse be left , but , if i still perceive my suites delay'd , or crost , for private-ends ; i am afraid my greevances , will make my plaints outroare the cries , of all the women at your dore . preserve i would , according to my might , my private-freedomes , with our publike-right ; and , wise-men will consider , that , unlesse they heed , sometime , a single-mans distresse , ( at least in his extreames ) that , one by one , the generality may be undone ; and , that , a bruise upon the smallest-toe may cause the bodies totall overthrow . in me ( although my sufferings are despis'd ) the common-greevance , is epitomis'd ; and , as , this day , the kingdomes cause doth lye distrest between two factions , so do i ; for , what some would have granted for my sake , is crost , for their sakes , who the motion make ; and , that man , by no party groweth strong , who sides not with it , both in right , and wrong . in all things which , undoubtedly appeare , unto my conscience , i , to both adhere ; and , do from neither , purposely dissent , to make a schisme , or nourish discontent . i have in both , professed foes and friends ; in both , i have some hopes , on both , some ends ; but , without all designments upon either , save , how i may unite them , both together , in such a posture , as may free this land from those distructions , that seeme neer at hand ; and , wooe them to be just , in every action , without respect to friend , to foe or faction . who e're , among you , shall thus minded be , whether he seem to love or malice me , whether he be of th'one to'ther side , whether my suites be granted or denide , by his endeavourings ; it shall not wrest my thoughts , for any private interest , to murmur at him ; so , he will befriend my suite so much , to bring it to an end : that , from your labyrinths , i may retire ; and , be again at leisure to enquire what will become of me ; and , what of them , who take the courses , which i most contemn . for , to retreat , and gotten ground to yeeld , is , otherwhile , the meanes to win a field ; and , he that would turne floods another way , must dig his draine , before he builds his bay . heu ; temporum , praevaricati mores ! quis , delegabit misero favores ? quis , auscultabit populi clamores ? vel , quis pensabit pauperum dolores ? nemo , fert opem , viro perituro ; sic erat , est , ac erit in futuro ; vt olim , tamen , in haec verba juro , nec habeo , nec careo , nec curo . nec habeo , quod visus sum habere ; nec careo , quod multi caruêre , nec curo , quamvis devoratus ferè ; nam , deo vero , spem repono , verè . which is in english to this effect . oh! how corrupt this age in manners growes ! who , to the miserable , mercy showes ? who , on the peoples cries , an ear bestowes ? or , who compassionates the poore-mans woes ? to succour the distressed , none appear ; thus 't was , thus 't is ; and thus i 'me like to fare : yet , as of old , this motto , still , i bear ; i neither have , nor want , nor do i care . i have not , what i had a while agoe ; i want not , that , which many others do ; nor care i , though i quite neglected grow ; for , i in god confide , and will do so . a post-script . he , that hath money to procure his ends , needs neither strain his wits , nor tire his friends . he , that hath friends , his matters to contrive , may ( though he hath nor wit , nor money ) live . he , that hath wit , and wants the former two , may live more richly , then he seemes to do . he , that hath two of these , und wants but one , can neither happy be , nor quite undone ▪ he , that hath all of these , might be a king , if he could wish , to be so poore a thing : and , he that is depriv'd of all the three , may be an english-man , for ought i see . finis a timelie cavtion comprehended in thirty seven double trimeters occasioned by a late rumour of an intention, suddenly to adjourn this parliament, and superscribed to those whome it most concernes, september , / by g.w. ... wither, george, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing w ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a timelie cavtion comprehended in thirty seven double trimeters occasioned by a late rumour of an intention, suddenly to adjourn this parliament, and superscribed to those whome it most concernes, september , / by g.w. ... wither, george, - . p. printed by john clowes, london : [ ] reproduction of original in huntington library. caption title. attributed to george wither. cf. nuc pre- . imprint taken from colophon. in verse. eng england and wales. -- parliament. great britain -- history -- puritan revolution, - -- poetry. a r (wing w ). civilwar no a timelie caution comprehended in thirty seven double trimeters, occasioned by a late rumour of an intention, suddenly to adjourn this parli wither, george d the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the d category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a timelie cavtion comprehended in thirty seven double trimeters , occasioned by a late rumour of an intention , suddenly to adjourn this parliament : and superscribed , to those whome it most concernes ; september . . amicj legite ; veridicum credite , veritatem diligite . by g. w. a faithfull servant to this republik . it made a dumbe child speake , to see , his fathers life , in ieopardy : and , such a passion swells in me . to vent it , therefore , leave i crave ; for , dread of sadder things i have , then single murthers , or a grave . i find most men regardless grown , of publicke dangers , and their owne , yet , my conjecture shall be shown , that , when my words are proved trve , it may appear , i some things knew , which might have been of use , to you . birth 's , then unborn , are eight years old , since in aenigmas , one foretold , what , many , do fulfil'd behold ; and at that time , some hints had we , of things , that would attempted be , in fifty two , and fifty three . now harken , therefore , and give creed , to him , who biddeth you take heed , how , other men , and you , proceed ; that , you , together may abide , till we expedients can provide , for what is likely to betide . else , they who seeme to be your friends , may prosecute , for private ends , what , your apparant foe intends ; and , when disperst abroad you are , accomplish that , which many fear , and prove as false as they appear . for , we , who search the depths to finde : of what is secretly design'd , perceive old mischiefs , new refin'd ; which , if no powre the same prevent , will from each other , shortly rent , each member of this parliament . t' is thought , that some are gone away , to that intent ; and , that some stay , to winne the rest , their game to play : so , when you are seduc'd become , to leave your charge , and stragle home , none shall to them be troublesome . it is confessed to be trve , that , of your shippe , there are but few , to whom her pilotage is due ; and , so longe time upon the seas , it hath been tost , that , now , to these there should allowance be of , ease . yet , since the vessell ( bruiz'd and torn ) a tempest , of twelue years hath borne , and promiseth a rich returne ; beare up ; and stoutly persevere : for , your wish'd harbour , now is neere ; and , you , may speedily be there . as paul , said once , to those who saild , with him ( when each mans courage faild , and their endeavours nought availd ) so , say i now ; continve , still , within the shipp and , waite his will : who can your honest hopes fullfill . for , if your selves you shall betake , to that retreat , which some would make ; you hazzard all , unto a wrack : and , where you safetie think to find , they will ●o you prove more unkind , then rocks , or wherlpools , waves , or wind. although yourselves you must renew , before those wishes will ensue , which , your endeavours do pursue ; yet , in your weakness doth remaine , that strength , whereby , god will sustaine , and build up , what he doth ordaine . wee , therefore , justly may suspect , that , they who zealously project , a change ; will find no good effect ; till god hath ripend you , and them , to joyne more seriously with him , in building new jerusalem . or , till a dotage on those things , which brought destruction on our kings , on us , the same correction brings . for , then , of this event be su●● ; disoraer , shall disorder cure , till none remaines , that is impure . be therefore warned , and be wise ; and , what these trimeters advise , do not , disdainfully , despise : nor think , i , from good manners erre , though , i thus venture , to prefer , these lines , for your remembrancer . on your well-being , mine depends ; and , though you are not all my frinds , my love , to all of you extends : and , whil'st i have abiding heere , you , now and then , are like to heare , what i beleive , thinke , hope , and fear . you better know , then i can tell , amid'st what enemies you dwell ; and , what they feare , who wish you well . your prudence also , may surmize , what mischieves , might this land surprize , if , at this juncture , you should rise . not without cause , wee have , of late , provok'd a foe , which to this state , expresseth an unequal'd hate : and ( truth to say ) there could not be , accord twixt us , till they and wee , had meane , each others powre to see . for , selfe esteeme , on tother side , had puft them up , with so much pride , that , till by some euents we tride , what mischievs , from our emnities , vnto each , other , might arise ; we could have had no long-liv'd peace : but , they and wee , shall now perchance , know shortly , what will most advance , our weales ; and foot a better dance : meane-while , it will concern us neer , that , you should keep together , heere , and , in a well-fill'd house appeare . for , such a breach , with such a foe , and , other things , requiring so invite a speedy calling in of those , that longe have absent bin , and , make you , dayly , fit so thin . then , hence depart , not , yet , a way ; nor loose an hower , whilst heere you stay ; but , doe your duties , whilst you may . for , your short time , doth swiftly runn , and many , things are to be done , e're you , with safetie , can be gone . who can be sure ( if you adjorne , he shall not drop in to his vrn , before this parliament returne ? nay , who can tell us , that it shall , return ? or , what sad-thing , to all this nation , may meanewhile befall ? establish therefore , e're you go , some settlement ; that , we may know , what , in immergencies , to do . remember , too , what heretofore , was promis'd ; and , when you give o're , leave no man crying , at your doore . i meane , leave none , who , justly there may make complaint ; or , whom to hear , o● to relieve , oblig'd you are . at least wise , leave them so , that , they acknowledge your compassion may , and , blesse you , when they go away . your mercy , to your foes , extends . do justice , also , to your friends , on whose well-being , yours depends : for , you can neither sit , nor rise in safe or honourable wise , whil'st their complaint , neglected lies . but , who both friends , and foes can please ? or , hope , to bring to passe , with ease , such difficult-effects , as these ? yov may ; for , my good angle sings , the probable accomplishings , of these , and of much harder things . there is a day , now rear at hand , injoyned by your owne command , to crave god's blessing , on this land : and , hee , yet , gives both time , and place , to seek the favour of his face : yea , seemes to offer , his embrace . then , in your hearts , your selves prepare , ( as soone as you this warning heare ) within his presence , to appear . and , as one person , let us all , that day , before his foostoole fall , vpon his holy name , to call . so , hee , shall help , and teach us , too , what to beleeve , what things to do ; how long to stay ; what time to goe ; and , gard our coast , much better , than ▪ our fleets , and our three armies , can , o● , all the strength , and wit , of man . but , t is a hundred , tho , to one , if my advise be thought upon , till opportunities are gone : for though this age doth much approve , of revla tons from above , and , what the spirit seemes to move , yet , most are so in love with lies , and , pride , selfe-ends , and vanities so deafs their eare , so dimms their eyes ; that , such are credited by fewe , who alwayes tell them what is true : and , what this may protend ; judge you . and , judge aright of his intent , who , publick damage to prevent , thus ventures , private detriment : for , they , whom you most ought to fear , as soone as they , this cavtion heare , will either frowne , or carpe , or jeer . and , hope , to pick occasion hence , so to prevaricat the sense , that , some in power , may take offence ; to , bring upon him , back againe , ( like clouds returning after raine ) the troubles , he did late sustaine . but , hee , now forty yeares , and more , dispights , without despaire , hath bore ; and , if he live another score , shall see his foes , as he hath done . drop , yearly , hence , by one and one , till , all , who malice him , are gone . and , as their number groweth lesse , so , shall they , every day increase , who truly seeke , the publick peace : and , he , or his ; and you , or your , shall see oppressions fatall hour , and , jvstice , gaine the soveraigne powr● ▪ lord ! be it thus ; and give thy grace , to all that are in publick place , to joyne in bringing this to pass : uouchsafe them patience , too , to bear , their tryalls ; who , must suffer , here , vntill thy kingdome shall appear . a postcript ▪ t was sayd ( since forth these lines were sent ) the lately rumored intent , of an adiovrne , was not approov'd by many ; nor , in publik , moov'd : and , hee , from whome this caution came , is glad , it was a lying-fame : and , these expressions had forbore , might he have heard so much before . yet , since , just cause , that rumovr gave , of what , in these fewe leaves , you have ; since , also , there be various vses , of all , that providence produces ; some use of these , there may be , too among you , therefore , let them goe . for , when leaves fall from every tree , ev●n , wither'd leaves , in season be ; and , ( at the worst ) will serve the turne , to make dull-fires , more apt to burne . some things , do seeme ; and , are not , so : some , are ; and , thereof , make no showe . london , printed by john clowes , and are to be sould by the booke sellers in westminister-hall , and else-where finis . an exact collection of many wonderful prophecies relating to the government of england &c. since the first year of the reign of king james i to this present time all which have been truly fulfilled and accomplished : also ... foretelling what government is to succeed to make this kingdom happy : with the certain time of the downfal of antichrist throughout the world / written and published ... by p.c. p. c. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing c estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) an exact collection of many wonderful prophecies relating to the government of england &c. since the first year of the reign of king james i to this present time all which have been truly fulfilled and accomplished : also ... foretelling what government is to succeed to make this kingdom happy : with the certain time of the downfal of antichrist throughout the world / written and published ... by p.c. p. c. wither, george, - . [ ], p. printed for thomas salusbury ..., london : [ ?] "withers's prophecie of the downfall of antichrist": p. - . "george withers his prophecie of the downfal of antichrist": p. - . imperfect: print show-through with loss of print. reproduction of original in the university of illinois (urbana-champaign campus). library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng prophecies. antichrist. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion collection of many wonderful prophesies relating to the government of england , &c. since the first year of the reign of king james i to this present time. all which have been truly fulfilled and accomplished . also of many prophesies , yet foretelling what government is to succeed to make this kingdom happy : with the certain time of the downfal of antichrist throughout the world. written and published in the years , , , , , and . with many special remarks on the same , and on the several changes of government . by p. c. m. d. a lover of religion and his country . dedicated to the lords and commons now assembled . london , printed for thomas salusbury at the sign of the temple , near temple-bar . . advertisement . several discourses and characters , addressed to the ladies of the age. wherein the vanities of the modish women are discovered . written at the request of a lady , by a person of honour . printed for thomas salusbury , at the sign of the temple , next to the inner temple-gate in fleet-street , . to the right honourable the lords spiritual and temporal , and the house of commons assembled in this present convention . the following poem containing several remarkable prophesies of what has happened for several ages past , with directions and assurances of what must succeed to make this kingdom happy ; which business being at present under your joint consideration , i thought it expedient to dedicate these lines to your honours ; which , if perused , i doubt not may be both acceptable and useful , and is the only reason that it is published , hoping the success may be according to the earnest desire of a lover of religion and his country . p. c. to the reader . the ensuing prophesies being of great use in this present conjuncture , i thought it not amiss to expose them for the publick benefit , which all true english men desire should be setled under a happy government , without personal interest , and will certainly be effected according to the purport of this poem ; the author having had the said revelations from god so many several years before they were acted , which are past , as also those that succeed , as may appear by the several dates when they were exposed by the said author , and i hope will be now acceptable to all that love their religion and country , and are enemies of antichrist and his adherents . farewel . an exact collection of many wonderful prophesies relating to the government of england , &c. this was printed in the year . and since men wandring in a wood by night , when they shall through a glade behold some light , take thereby courage to walk chearly on , in hope their fears and toyls are nearly gone . i 'le from a cloud flash out a little gleam of lightning , and disclose a little beam ; whereby on you a glimmering shall be cast of what you may attain to at the last . for i will shew you by what pedegree that government to you deriv'd shall be , which will at last the british islands bless with inward peace and outward happiness : it was of late a brief presage of his who oft hath truth foretold , and it is this . when here a a scot shall think his throne to set above the circle of a british king , he shall a b dateless parliament beget , from whence a c dreadful armed brood shall spring . this off-spring shall beget a wild confusion ; confusion shall an d anarchy beget : that anarchy shall bring forth in conclusion a e creature that you have no name for yet . this creature shall conceive a sickly state , which will an f aristocracy produce : the many headed beast , not liking that , to raise democracy shall rather choose . and then democracy's production shall a g moon-calfe be , which some a mole do call ; a false conception of imperfect nature , and of a shapeless and a brutish feature . for these descents shall live and reign together , so acting for a while , that few shall know which of them has the sovereignty , or whether there be among them a supream or no. when they with jars and janglings have defac'd your h triple building , and themselves nigh worn into contempt , they of one cup shall tast , and into their i first elements return . five af them k shall subdue the other five ; and then those five shall , in a doubtful strife each others death so happily contrive , that they shall dye to live a better life ; and out of their corruption rise there shall a l true supream , acknowledged by all : in whom the power of all the five shall be , with unity , made visible in three . prince , people , parliamen , with priests and peers , shall be a while your emulous grandees , make a confused pentarchy some years , and leave off their distinct claims by degrees . and then shall righteousness ascend the throne , then truth and love and peace re-enter shall , then faith and reason shall agree in one , and all the virtues to their council call . and timely out of all these shall arise that kingdom and that happy government , which is the scope of all those prophesies that future truths obscurely represent . but how this done shall be , few men shall see ; for wrought in clouds and darkness it will be : and e're it come to pass to publick view , most of m these following signs must first ensue . a n king shall willingly himself unking , and thereby o grow far greater than before . the p priests their priesthood to contempt shall bring , and piety thereby shall thrive the more . a q parliament it self shall overthrow , and thereby shall a better being gain . the r peers , by setting of themselves below , a more ennobling honour shall obtain . the ſ people for a time shall be enslav'd ; but that shall make them for the future free . by t private loss the publick shall be sav'd . an v army shall , by yeilding , victor be . the x cities wealth her poverty shall cause . the laws corruption shall reform the laws . and y bullocks of the largest northern breed shall fatted be where now scarce sheep can feed . you may perhaps deride what 's here recited , as heretofore you other truths have slighted ; but some of my presage you have beheld already in obscurity fulfill'd : the rest shall in its time appointed come , and sooner than will pleasing be to some . the a last nine signs or symptoms of the ten , which should precede them , shall appear to men of all conditions ; but our author saith , the b first is but in hope , not yet in faith , and may be , or not be ; for so or so that c king shall have his lot as he shall do . if all his sins he heartily repent , god will remit even all his punishment , and him unto his peoples hearts restore , with greater honour than he had before . if he remain impenitent , like saul god from the throne shall cast both him and all his whole descent , and leave him not a man to fill it , though he had a jonathan ▪ if ahab-like his mourning has respects to temporary losses or effects , like ahab then it therewithal shall carry some benefit , which is but temporary . a real penitence , thô somewhat late , the rigour of his doom may much abate , by leaving him a part of what he had . when he a forfeiture of all hath made ; or else by d rooting out those who in sin with him have actually partakers been ; and placing in their steads a e branch of his , whose innocency no way question'd is . this was printed in the year . god hath a controversie with our land ; and in an evil plight affairs do stand : and though we always smart for doing ill , yet us the hand of god afflicteth still ; and many see it not , as many be so wilful , that his hand they will not see . some plainly view the same , but nothing care . some at the sight thereof amazed are , like belteshazar , have a trembling heart , but will not from their wickedness depart . some dream that all things do by chance succeed , and that i prate more of them than i need . but heaven and earth to witness i invoke , that nothing causlesly i here have spoke . if this , o! sickly island , thou believe , and for thy great infirmities shalt grieve , and knowing of thy follies , make confessions , and then bewail thine infinite transgressions , and then amend those errors , god shall then thy manifold distempers cure again , make all thy scarlet sins as white as snow , and cast thy threatned judgment on thy foe . but if thou , fondly thinking thou art well , shalt slight this message which my muse doth tell , and scorn her counsel ; if thou shalt not rue thy former ways , but frowardly persue thy wilful course , then hark what i am bold ( in spite of all thy madness ) to unfold : for i will tell thy fortune , which when they that are unborn shall read another day , they shall believe god's mercy did infuse thy poet's breast with a prophetick muse ; and know that he this author did prefer , to be , from him , this isles remembrancer . — this land shall breed a a nasty generation , unworthy either of the reputation or name of men ; for they , as lice , shall feed even on the body whence they did proceed . there shall moreover swarms of divers flies engendred be in thy prosperities , to be a plague , and still are humming so , as if they meant some weighty work to do ; whenas upon the common stock they spend , and nought perform of what they do pretend . then shall b a darkness follow , far more black than when the light corporeal thou dost lack . for grossest ignorance , oreshadowing all , shall in so thick a darkness thee enthrall , that thou a blockish people shalt be made , still wandring on in a deceiving shade ; mistrusting those that safest paths are shewing , most trusting them who counsel thy undoing ; and aye tormented be with doubts and fears , as one who outcries in dark places hears . nor shall the hand of god from thee return , till he hath also smote thine eldest born ; that is , till he hath taken from thee quite ev'n that whereon thou sett'st thine whole delight ; and filled every house throughout the nation with c deaths unlooked for and lamentation . so great shall be thy ruin and thy shame , that when thy neighbouring kingdoms hear the same , their ears shall tingle ; and when that day comes , in which thy follies must receive their dooms , a day of clouds , a day of gloominess , a day of black despair and heaviness it will appear ; and then thy vanities , thy gold and silver , thy confederacies , and all those reeds , on which thou hast depended , will fail thy trust , and leave thee unbefriended . thy d king , thy priests , and prophets then shall mourn , and peradventure feignedly return , to beg of god to succour them ; but they who will not hearken to his voice to day shall cry unheeded , and he will despise their vows , their prayers , and their sacrifice . a sea of troubles all thy hopes shall swallow ; as wave on wave , so plague on plague shall follow : and every thing that was a blessing to thee shall turn to be a curse to help undo thee . and when thy sin is fully ripe in thee , thy e prince and people then alike shall be ; thou shalt have babes to be thy kings , or worse , those tyrants who by cruelty and force shall take away the antient charters quite from all their subjects , yea , themselves delight in their vexation ; and all those that are made slaves thereby shall murmur , yet not dare to stir against them . by degrees they shall deprive thee of thy patrimonials all ; compel thee , as in other lands this day , for thine own meat and thine own drink to pay ; and at the last begin to exercise upon thy sons all heathenish tyrannies , as just prerogatives : to these intents thy nobles shall become their instruments . for they who had their births f from noble races shall some and some be brought into disgraces ; from offices they shall excluded stand , and all their virtuous offspring from the land shall quite be worn : instead of whom shall rise a g brood advanced by impieties , that seek how they more great and strong may grow , by compassing the publick overthrow . these shall abuse thy kings with tales and lyes , with seeming love and servile flatteries ; they shall persuade them , they have power to make their wills their law , and as they please to take their peoples goods , their children and their lives , ev'n by their just and due prerogatives . when thus much they have made them to believe , then they shall teach them practices to grieve their subjects by , and instruments become , to help the screwing up by some and some of monarchies to tyrannies : they shall abuse religion , honesty , and all to compass their designs they shall devise h strange projects , and with impudence and lyes proceed in setling them ; they shall forget those reverend usages which do befit the majesty of state , and rail and storm , when they pretend disorders to reform in their i high councils ; and where men should have kind admonitions , and reprovings grave , when they offend , they shall be threatned there , and scoft and taunted , thô no cause appear . whatever from thy people they can tear , or borrow , they shall keep , as if it were a prize which had been taken from the foe , and they shall make no conscience what they do to prejudice posterity ; for they , to gain their lusts but for the present day , shall with such love unto themselves endeavour , that thô they know it will undo for ever their own posterity , it shall not make these monsters any better course to take . nay , god shall give them up , for their offences , to such uncomly reprobated senses , and blind them so , that when the ax they see even hewing at the root of their own tree , by their own handy stroaks , they shall not grieve for their approaching fall ; no ; nor believe their fall approacheth , nor assume that heed , which might prevent it , till they fall indeed . mark well , o! britain , what i now shall say , and do not slightly pass these words away ; but be assured , that when god begins to bring this vengeance on thee for thy sins , which hazard will thy total overthrow , thy prophets and thy priests shall slily sow the seeds of that dissention and sedition , which time will ripen for thy said perdition ; but not unless the priests thereto consent : for in those days shall few men innocent be griev'd through any quarter of the land , in which thy k clergy shall not have some hand . thy l cities and thy palaces , wherein most neatness and magnificence hath been , shall heaps of rubbish be . — instead of lyons m tyrants thou shalt breed , who nor of law nor conscience shall take heed ; but on the weak man's portion lay their paw ▪ and make their pleasures to become their law. thy n judges wilfully shall wrest the laws , and , to the ruin of the common cause , shall misinterpret them , in hope of grace from those who might despoil them of their place . yea , that whereto they are obliged both by conscience , by their calling , and their oath , to put in execution , they shall fear , and leave them helpless who oppressed are . this was dedicated to the city of london , in the year . though i have written heretofore in vain , and may do now , yet i will write again , in hope that what , by reason and by rhime , was not effected , may be done in time ; and that although my pains be lost to some , it may not fruitless unto all become . behold that which was coming long ago draws now so near , that none shall need foreshew what at the last will thereupon ensue ; for we without a glass may plainly view such things in kenning , that unless our god to them shall please to put a period ; or make some such diversion as no man conjecture of by any symptome can , an universal plague will on us seize , instead of remedies for our disease . have you not yet discover'd , who be they that cheat you , and for whom this game you play , by your divisions ; and when others find their falshood for you , will you still be blind ? or wink , as careless of the things you heed , till by long winking you grow blind indeed ? cannot you yet discover , through the mist , these jugglings which the o spawn of anti-christ , false priests and lying prophets practise now , to raise themselves and work your overthrow ; nor with what impudence they publish lyes , their bitter jeerings , and their blasphemies , to make new breaches , or to widen those which love and prudency began to close ; and which ere this time closed up had been , had they not cast intempered dirt between ? have you concluded never to retire , in your career , till p all is on a fire ; and you and yours lie sprawling in the plashes of your own blood , and in your city ashes ; and till you see this goodly stately frame , the work of many ages , in a flame ? withers's prophesie of the downfall of antichrist . published anno . that year in which romes long-liv'd emperie shall , from the day in which it was at height , sum up mdclxv and i , in order as these letters do incite , that year , that day , that hour , will put a date to her usurped power , reserving neither top , root , or branch , of that accursed state , nor hand or body , limb , horn , claw or feather ; for here are all the numerals of rome , and cannot make a less or greater sum , without disorder , want , or iteration . nor shall it longer stand , or sooner fall , if i mistake not him , who governs all . two famous numbers are in them contain'd ; the first declares the length of time , wherein the q devil was by providence restrain'd from setting up that mystery of sin. the later is the number of the beast , which , when the let was taken quite away , whereby he was a thousand years supprest , doth number out his kingdom to a day . it is the number of the name or power even of a man , of that mysterious man , by whom that mystery is to this hour continu'd , and by whom it first began . and he that can begin the thousandth year , shall find the ruin of both beasts are near . to search that out , it seems not hard to me , who do believe that when of her chief sin. rome to be guilty did appear to be , her declination did ev'n then begin . and sure of all her sins the greatest crime was crucifying of the lord of life ; and her unjustly persecuting them who tendred saving grace to their belief . then i presume she first to fall began , and that god measur'd , weigh'd , and number'd out , how many backward rounds her wheel should run , before it should the last time run about . thus in those numerals which are her own , joyn'd altogether was her fate writ down . to bring to pass that work there was a let to be remov'd , of no mean consequence , which was removed at the time foreset ; and her new r off-spring hath reign'd ever since . but with exceeding infamy and scorns , the beast which now so powerful seems to some , shall lose his head , and molt away his horns , and to the world a laughing-stock become . then many jugglings hitherto conceal'd , and which , to blind the heedless christian's eye , in seven dark mysteries have long been seal'd , shall to the faithful soul uncover'd lie . that kingdom which the jew did long ago mould out according to his erring brain , and whereof many zealous christians too unwarrantable fancies entertain . that kingdom , whereof now in types we hear , shall to the world essentially appear . be patient therefore , ye that are opprest ; this generation shall not pass away , till some behold the downfal of that beast which yet among us with his tail doth play . then will the lamb of god begin to take the kingdom to himself , and every king , that of his right shall usurpation make , to judgment and destruction he shall bring . no kingling then assume the boldness shall , blasphemously ( for know it is no less ) to style himself the king catholical , as if earths universal globe were his . for thô another hath usurp'd thereon , that title doth belong to christ alone . and 't is no wonder , if the potentates , kings , and the rulers of the world combine by policy to strengthen their estates , and with the beast , with gog and magog joyn . no marvel , if enraged they appear , through jealousies and fears of losing that by which their pride and lust maintained were , and which base fear and flattery first begat . for all those kingdoms , and those emperies , throughout the world , which their beginnings took by human wit , fraud , force , and tyrannies , shall pass away , and vanish into smoke . an ſ army , whereof yet there 's little hope , shall wrest the scepter both from turk and pope . religion , and mere shews of piety , have been so long the mask of base designs ; the great t vicegerents of their deity have made such polititians of divines , and these together have so fool'd and cheated the consciences of persons well enclin'd , that of all freedoms men are nigh defeated , belonging to the body or the mind . yea , they have so mockt god , and on his throne and his prerogative so far encroach , that of his honour being jealous grown , much longer bear he will not such reproach ; but to the saints their liberties restore , and give those kings their portions with the whore. d' ye startle at it , as if i had spoke high treason , or as if what i now say , without a warrant i had undertook to publish , as perhaps you think i may . george withers his prophesie , of the downfall of antichrist . published anno . and if , by storm , they take my life away , which i as little do regard as they ; it in their souls may leave a sting behind it , which will , with torment , make them sometimes mind it . but here i yet remain , and , for a close , in reference to our antichristian foes , i 'le add this corollary by the way , whilst , on his horns , the beast is tossing hay : for if deceiv'd i am not , our disease chiefly proceedeth underhand from these . and though a further-off removed cause , pretending they bescratch us with the paws of other beasts , it plainly may be seen . by whom our troubles have contrived been . i therefore make but a defensive war , with such as mine own adversaries are . and to his captains , as th' assyrian king , once gave command , intend no dart to fling , to be destructive to men , great or small , whose hate to me is only personal ; but as those only , whose hate doth extend to him , and his , on whom i do depend . to act their last scene , which precedes their doom , they now , new vampt , upon the stage are come . and thô , that with the king , as if his friends , they seem to side , they come to other ends ; which he , not yet discerning , in his grace vouchsafes them a considerable place : and of prevailing , they already boast , as if they saw the lamb , and all his host quite overthrown , which me as confident hath made , that god their proud hope will prevent , and overthrow that tyranny outright , by what they think shall raise it to its height . but many tryals must the saints abide , and very much their patience will be try'd , here and elsewhere , before that act is done , which with an antimask is now begun . our friends inhabiting beyond the waters , and who were of our tragedies spectators now twenty years , though they perceive it not , or seem not to perceive it , in that lot , which these have cast for us , designed are , or in what follows next to have a share : for haman's pur's on foot , not only here , but likewise almost every other where ; and these think , that to take them by his gin with some speed , is with us first to begin . but there 's a countermine which will be sprung , will blow up them , and all their mines , e're long . six hundred sixty six draws on apace , and not one day beyond that shall they pass . it is the number of that man of sin , whereto his kingdom hath confined been by him that cannot lye ; and long ago to many that epocha i did shew , from whence his reign begins , and by a light , as i believe , which shines without deceit , it numbers out his reign , as certainly as women reckon the nativity of children in their wombs , which hath success within a very few days , more or less . and of that mystery what heretofore i have exprest , i 'le here express once more , because those notions which may much be needed , cannot be too oft told , nor too well heeded . to former times this mystery was dark , and lay a long while cover'd , like a spark in ashes , lest perhaps what at this time will comfort us , might have discourag'd them , who lived then ; for men rejoyce to hear the day of their deliverance is near . but nothing , save discomfort , could they gain ▪ by knowing tyranny so long should reign . herein i circumstantially perchance may somwhat err , through human ignorance ; but as to that which was essentially to us intended by this mystery , i shall not fail of , which is to presage , that babylon shall fall in this our age. seven numerals the roman empire had , by which of old they computations made ; and in them was their destiny foreshewn , thô to themselves perhaps it was unknown . these placed singly , as they valu'd are , do truly , thô mysteriously , declare , how long that empire , with what sprung therefrom , should last , when to the full height it was come . for mdclx , with v and i , do number up , in chronogrammistry , years sixteen hundred sixty six , and that will be of roman tyrannies the date . no other number , either more or less , if none of these you double or displace , can be by them exprest : if you ask , when this number did begin , i say ev'n then when rome declin'd first from her height of pride , which was when jesus christ was crucifi'd . for at that time her glory did abate ; this number therefore you must calculate from , or about , the known time of christ's passion , not from the first day of his incarnation : a silence ( as it were ) seem'd to have been in heaven , during th' interval between his death and his ascention , as if caus'd , by seeing that done , which had much amaz'd the whole creation , when that they did see the lord of life hang dead upon a tree . the devil probably , at that time too , was at a stand , and knew not what to do ; but soon perceiving , that the snare he wrought was broke , to make another straight he sought : which to prevent ▪ an angel , in a chain , his other pow'rs him suffering to retain , did , for a thousand years , restrain the devil from setting up the mystery of evil , which in paul's time he was at work upon ; but when those thousand years were fully gone , he rais'd it up , and god permitted him . to manage his own engine for a time ; that truth and error might here for a space make tryals of their strength , and that each grace and virtue of the saints , by exercise , improv'd might be to fit them for the prize , prepar'd for those who shall engage with christ , to overcome the dragon and the beast . a thousand years sharp tryals they withstood ; yet then they struggled but with flesh and blood : and for the most part all their combats then were like s t paul's at ephesus , with men resembling beasts : but since iniquity was set up , vailed with a mystery , as in these later times , with greater evils the saints do grasp , for they contend with devils in shape of men , in temporal confusion , made terrible by spiritual delusion . and therefore god allotted unto him , who tyrannizeth now , a shorter time ; and to a certain day his reign did six , which is six hundred sixty years and six : and he who knows on what day it begun , may know the day on which it will be done ; which i believe will visibly appear , in or about the seventeen-hundredth year . and thus much therefore only to foreknow , with how nigh to an end it seemeth now , may make us hopeful , and our faith uphold , as well as if day , year , and hour were told : yea , and it better serves to exercise our constancy , than if 't were otherwise , and , if well heeded , peradventure may keep some upright , who else might fall away , in these back-sliding days , wherein they see the a beast's late deadly wound nigh cur'd to be . they on a sudden are become as jolly , as if they thought it to be cured wholly ; and , to impose their mark , will now begin to be more strict than ever they have been ; so that ere long few men shall live in peace , bear office , or a free estate possess , where they have power , unless they b marked are in hand or forehead with their character . but if that , whereof some imperfect views far off appears , accordingly ensues , there will , to thwart their hopes , a c new star blaze within the west , which will the world amaze , and influences , through the universe , so quickly and prodigiously disperse , that , aided by concurring constellations , it will have some effect upon most nations , and cause such changes which will make a stand in those attempts , which they have now in hand . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e a m. charles i. raised money , viz. ship-money and loan-money , without a parliament . b the long parliament , whom the k. granted to fit until they should put a period to their own sitting . c the army . d k. charles's death . e ol. cromwel l. protector . f when rich. cromwel was deposed , g the committee of safety , where happen'd so great a confusion between lambert , fleetwood hazelrig , lenthal , sir hen. vane , &c. that none knew who was uppermost , all aiming to be chief . h our government of king , lords , and commons . i all to private men again . k five commissioners or generals were appointed by the army for the government thereof ▪ and five by the rump parliament , of which last monk was chief , who acting distinct from the other four , carried the matter , & brought in k. charles the second . l king charles the second his reign . m signs to forerun this happy state. n k. james the second . o an apology follows for this expression . p this is now acting . q the last parliament at oxford . r this is now , when the peers decline the kings interest , and joyn with the people . ſ this has been under the late governments . t the king's loss . v the king's army . x this happened upon the chamber of london being broke , and the charter seized , &c. y improvements by clover seed in the west of england , which was before very barren . a priests , parliaments , 〈◊〉 , peers , people , army , &c. b the king willingly to unking himself . c king james the second . d lord chancellor , judges , &c. e ( i. e. ) of the king 's . notes for div a -e a this is effected since the restauration . b popery in king james the second's reign . c several put to death , both here and in the west , about the duke of monmouth's plot. d in time of the popish plot. e the reign of these two last kings . f as oxford , clarendon , bedford , &c. g as jefferies , &c. h ecclesiastical commission . i the privy council . k oxford , chester , durham , &c. l 〈◊〉 fire of 〈◊〉 city of ●●●don . m mayors and ●●●riffs and ●●●tices in the ●●●ntry . n ●udges . notes for div a -e o popish priests . p 〈…〉 of london . notes for div a -e q the devil bound a thousand years in the revelations . r this beast to reign years . ſ prince of orange's army . t kings . notes for div a -e at the restauration , popery came in . a the wound given by luther and calvin , &c. b the mark of the forehead is by open profession ; the mark in the hand is those who mercenarily will be bribed to be their drudges . c the blazing star in the year , which is the only star that ever appeared in the west . an excellent sonnet: or, the swaines complaint whose cruell doome, it was to love hee knew not whom. to the tune of, bodkins galiard. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) an excellent sonnet: or, the swaines complaint whose cruell doome, it was to love hee knew not whom. to the tune of, bodkins galiard. wither, george, - . sheet ([ ] p.) : ill. for i. wright dwelling in gilt-spurre street neere new-gate, printed at london : [ ?] by george wither. verse - "you gentle nimphs that on the meddowes play,". publication date from stc. in two parts; woodcuts at head of each part. reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng ballads, english -- th century. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion an excellent sonnet : or , the swaines complaint , whose cruell doome , it was to love hee knew not whom . to the tune of , bodkins galiard . you gentle nimphs that on the meddowes play , and oft relate the loves of shepheards young , come sit you downe , if that you please to stay , now may you heare an uncouth passion song : a lad there is , and i am that poore groome , that 's fal'n in love , and cannot tell with whom . oh doe not smile at sorrow as a jest , with others cares good natures moved be : and i should wéepe if you had my unrest , then at my griefe how can you merry be ? ah , where is tender pitty now become ? i am in love , and cannot tell with whom . i that have oft the rarest features view'd , and beauty in her best perfection séene , i that have laugh't at them that love pursu'd , and ever frée from such perfections béene , loe now at last so cruell is my doome , i am in love , and cannot tell with whom . my heart is full nigh bursting with desire , yet cannot tell from whence these longings flow , my brest doth burne , but she that light the fire , i never saw , nor can i come to know : so great a blisse my fortune kéepes me from , that though i dearely love , i know not whom . ere i had twice foure springs renewed séene , the force of beauty i began to probe , and ere i nine yéeres old had fully beene , it taught me how to frame a sound of love , and little thought i this day should have come , before that i to love had found out whom . for on my chin the mossy downe you sée , and in my vaines well heated blood doth gloe , of summers i have séene twice thrée times thrée , and fast my youthfull time away doth goe : that much i feare , i aged shall become , and still complaine , i love i know not whom . oh why had i a heart bestow'd on me , to cherish deare affections so inclin'd , since i am so unh●ppy borne to be , no object for so true a love to find , when i am dead it will be mist of some , yet now i live , i love i know not whom . i to a thousand beauteous nimphs am knowne , a hundred ladies favours doe i sweare , i with as many halfe in love am growne , yet none of them i find can be my deare , me thinkes i have a mistresse yet to come , which makes me sing , i love i know not whom . the second part , to the same tune . there lives no swaine doth stronger passion probe for her , whom most he covets to possesse , then doth my heart that being full of love , knowes not to whom it may the same professe , for he that is despis●d hath sorrow some , but he hath more , that loves , & knowes not whom . knew i my love , as many others doe , to some one object might my thoughts be bent , so they divided , wandring should not goe , untill the soules united force be spent , as he that séekes , and never findes a home , such is my rest , that love , and know not whom . those whom the frownes of jealous friends divide , may live to méet and descant of their woe , and he hath gain'd a lady for his bride , that durst not wooe his maide a while agoe : but oh what ends unto my hopes can come , that am in love , and cannot tell with whom . poore collin grieves that he was late disdain'd , and clores doth for willies absence pine , sad thirthes wéepes for his sicke phebe pain'd , but all their sorrowes cannot equall mine , a greater care on me , alas , is come , i am in love , and cannot tell with whom . narcissus-like did i affect my shade , some shadow yet i had to dote upon , or did i love some image of the dead , whose substance had not breathed long agoe , i might despaire , and so an end would come . but oh i love , and cannot tell with whom . once in a dreame me thought my love i view'd , but never waking could her face behold , and doubtlesse that resemblance was but shew'd , that more my tired heart torment it should . for since that time more griev'd i am become , and more in love , i cannot tell with whom . when on my bed at night to rest i lye , my watchfull eyes with teares bedew my chéekes , and then , oh would it once were day i cry , yet when it comes i am as farre to séeke , for who can tell , though all the earth he rome , or when or where , to finde he knowes not whom . oh if she be amongst the beauteous traines , of all the nimphs that haunt the severall kills , or if you know her ladies of the plaines , or you that have your bowers on the hills , tell , if you can , who will my love become , or i shall die , and never know for whom . printed at london for i. wright dwelling in gilt-spurre street neere new-gate . finis . fidelia. newly corrected and augmented, by george withers of lincolnes inne gentleman wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) fidelia. newly corrected and augmented, by george withers of lincolnes inne gentleman wither, george, - . [ ] p. printed by e[dward] g[riffin] for thomas walkley and are to be sold at his shop at the eagle and childe in brittaines burse, london : . in verse. printer's name from stc. signatures: a-d. the first leaf is blank. with a final colophon leaf; the last leaf is blank. an unauthorized edition (stc). reproduction of the original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion fidelia . newly corrected and augmented , by george withers of lincolnes inne gentleman . london printed by e. g. for thomas walkley , and are to be sold at his shop at the eagle and childe in brittaines burse . . the stationer to the reader . this epistle intituled fidelia , was long since , imprinted to the vse of the author , who by the intreaty of some of his acquaintance was content to bestow it on such as had voluntarily requested it in way of an aduenture . but hauing dispersed many , and remembring how farre it would be from his disposition to lay claime to proffered gratuities , he wholy repented himselfe of what indeed he neuer well approued of , and how iustly soeuer he might haue challenged , more then many would haue lost , yet in steed of being beholding , is resolued , rather to make those that haue receiued any of his bookes a litle beholding to him , in freely forgiuing them their unvrged promises : and forasmuch as he perceiues that it hath delighted some , and is neuer likely to preiudice any , it hath pleased him that i should publish it to my owne benefit , so long as i shall in the imprinting thereof carefully respect his credit , which as i neuer intend to faile of , on my part , so ( hoping you that shall read it , will on your behalfes censure it with as litle ill meaning to him as he had malice towards you in the composing thereof ) i commit it to your discretions , and wish i could as well present you with all he hath bin author of . yours , george norton . an elegiacall epistle of fidelia to her vnconstant friend . the argvment . this elegiacall epistle , being a fragment of some greater poeme , discouers the modest affections of a discreet and constant woman , shadowed vnder the name of fidelia ; wherein you may perceiue the height of their passions , so farre as they seeme to agree with reason , and keepe within such decent bounds as beseemeth their sexe , but further it meddles not . the occasion seemes to proceed from some mutability in her friend ; whose obiections shee here presupposing , confuteth , and in the person of him , iustly vpbraideth all that are subiect to the like change , or ficklenesse in minde . among the rest some more weighty arguments then are ( perhaps ) expected in such a subiect , are briefly , and yet somewhat seriously handled . oft i heard tell , and now for truth i finde , once out of sight , and quickly out of minde . and that it hath beene rightly said of old , loue that 's soon'st hot , is euer soonest cold . or else my teares at this time had not stain'd the spotlesse paper , nor my lines complain'd . i had not now beene forced to haue sent these for the nuncio's of my discontent ; or thus exchanged , so vnhappily , my songs of mirth , to write an elegie . but now i must ; and since i must doe so , let me but craue thou wilt not flout my woe : nor entertaine my sorrowes with a scoffe , but at least read them , er'e thou cast them off . and though thy heart 's too hard to haue compassion , if thou l't not pitty , doe not blame my passion . for well thou know'st ( alas that er'e 't was knowne ) there was a time ( although that time be gone ) i , that for this , scarce dare a beggar bee , presum'd for more to haue commanded thee . yea the day was ( but see how things may change ) when thou and i haue not beene halfe so strange ; but oft embraced with a gentle greeting , and no worse words than turtle . doue , or sweeting . yea had thy meaning , and those vowes of thine , prou'd but as faithfull , and as true as mine , it still had beene so : ( for i doe not faine ) i should reioyce it might be so againe . but sith thy loue growes cold , and thou vnkinde , be not displeas'd i somewhat breath my minde , i am in hope my words may proue a mirror , whereon thou looking , may'st behold thine error . and yet the heauen , and my sad heart doth know , how grieu'd i am , and with what feeling woe my minde is tortured , to thinke that i should be the brand of thy disloyalty : or liue , to be the author of a line , that shall be tainted with a fault of thine ; ( since if that thou but slightly touched be , deepe wounds of griefe , and shame , it strikes in me ) and yet i must ; ill hap compels me to what i nere thought to haue cause to doe . and therefore seeing that some angry fate imposes on me , what i so much hate : or since it is so , that the powers divine me miserable , to such cares assigne ; oh that loues patron , or some sacred muse amongst my passions , would such art infuse , my well-fram'd words , and aiery sighes might proue , the happy blasts to re-inflame thy loue . or at least touch thee with thy fault so neere , that thou mightst see thou wrongd'st , who held thee deere : seeing , confesse the same , and so abhorre it ; abhorring , pitty , and repent thee for it . but ( deare ) i hope that i may call thee so , for thou art deare to me , although a foe ; tell me , is 't true that i doe heare of thee , and by thy absence now , so seemes to bee ? can such abuse be in thy court of loue , false and inconstant now , thou hee shouldst proue ? he that so wofull , and so pensiue sate , vowing his seruice at my feete of late ? art thou that quondam lover , whose sad eye i never saw yet , in my presence dry ? and from whose gentle-seeming tongue i know so many pitty-moving words could flow ? was 't thou so soughtst my loue , so seeking that as if it had beene all th'hadst aymed at ; making me thinke thy passion without staine , and gently quite thee with my loue againe : with this perswasion i so fairely plac'd it , nor time , nor enuie should haue er'e defac'd it ▪ is 't so ? haue i done thus much ? and art thou so over-cloyed with my favours now ? art wearied since with loving , and estranged so far ? is thy affection so much changed , that i of all my hopes must be deceaved , and all good thoughts of thee , be quite bereaved ? then i finde true , which long before this day , i fear'd my selfe , and heard some wiser say ; that there is nought on earth so sweet , that can long relish with the curious taste of man. happy was i ; yea well it was with me , before i came to be bewitch't by thee . i ioy'd the sweet'st content that ever mayd possessed yet ; and truely well-a-paid , made to my selfe alone , as pleasant mirth as euer any virgin did , on earth . the melody i vs'd was free , and such , as that bird makes , whom never hand did touch , but vn-allur'd with fowlers , whistling flies aboue the reach of humane treacheries . and well i do remember , often then could i read or'e the policies of men , discover what vncertainties they were , how they would sigh , looke sad , protest , and sweare , nay faigne to die , when they did never proue the slendrest touch of a right worthy loue : but had chil'd hearts , whose dulnesse vnderstood no more of passion , then they did of good . all which i noted well , and in my minde ( a generall humor amongst women-kinde ) this vow i made ; ( thinking to keepe it than ) that never the faire tongue of any man , nor his complaint , though never so much grieu'd , should moue my heart to liking whil'st i liu'd . but who can say what she shall liue to doe ? i haue beleeu'd , and let in liking too , and that so farre , i cannot yet see how i may so much as hope , to helpe it now ; which makes me thinke , what e're we women say , another minde will come , another day : and that men may to things vnhop't for clime , who watch but opportunity and time. for 't is well knowne , we were not made of clay , or such course , and ill-temper'd stuffe as they , for he that fram'd vs of their flesh , did daigne when 't was at best , to new refine 't againe . which makes vs ever since the kinder creatures , of farre more flexible , and yeelding natures . and as we oft excell in outward parts , so we haue nobler , and more gentle hearts . which you well knowing , daily doe devise how to imprint on them your cruelties . but doe i finde my cause thus bad indeed ? or else on things imaginary feed ? am i the lasse that late so truly iolly , made my selfe merry oft , at others folly ? am i the nymph that cupids fancies blam'd , that was so cold , so hard to be inflam'd ? am i my selfe ? or is my selfe that shee who from this thraldome , or such falshoods free , late own'd mine owne heart , and full merry then , did fore-warne others to beware of men , and could not , hauing taught them what to doe , now learne my selfe , to take heed of you too ? foole that i am ; i feare my guerdon's iust , in that i knew this , and presum'd to trust . and yet ( alas ) for ought that i could tell , one sparke of goodnesse in the world might dwell . and then i thought , if such a thing might be , why might not that one sparke remaine in thee ? for thy faire ou-tside , and thy fairer tongue , promised much although thy yeares were yong . and vertue , wheresoever she be now , seem'd them to sit enthron'd vpon thy brow . yea sure it was ; but whether 't were or no , certaine i am i was perswaded so , which made me loth to thinke that words of fashion could be so fram'd , so over-laid with passion , or sighes so feeling fain'd from any brest ; nay say thou hadst been false in all the rest , yet from thine eye my heart such notice tooke , me thought guile could not faine so sad a looke . but now i 'ue try'd , my bought experience knowes , they are oft worst that make the fairest showes . and howsoe're men faine an outward grieving , 't is neither worth respecting , nor belieuing , for she that doth one to her mercie take , warmes in her bosome but a frozen snake : which heated with her favours , gathers sence , and stings her to the heart in recompence . but tell me why , and for what secret spight you in poore womens miseries delight : for so it seemes ; else why d' yee labour for that , which when 't is obtain'd , you doe ahhor ? or to what end doe you endure such paine to winne our loue , and cast it off againe ? oh that we either your hard hearts could borrow , or else your strengths to helpe vs beare our sorrow ! but we are cause of all this griefe and shame , and we haue none but our owne selues to blame : for still we see your falshoods for our learning , yet neuer can haue power to tak 't for warning ; but as if borne to be deluded by you , we know you trustlesse , and yet still we try you . ( alas ) what wrong was in my power to doe thee ? or what despight haue i e're done vnto thee ? that thou shouldst choose me , aboue all the rest , to be thy scorne , and thus be made a iest . must mens ill natures such true villains proue them , to make them only wrong those most that loue them ? couldst thou finde none in countrey , towne nor court , but onely me , to make thy foole , thy sport ? thou knowst i haue no wanton courses runne , nor seemed easie vnto lewdnesse wonne . and though i cannot boast me of much wit , thou saw'st no signe of fondnesse in me yet . nor did ill nature euer so ore sway me , to flout at any that did woe or pray me . but grant i had beene guilty of abusage , of thee i 'me sure i ner'e deseru'd such vsage . but thou wer 't grieved to behold my smilings , when i was free from loue , and thy beguilings . or to what purpose else , didst thou bestow thy time , and study to delude me so ? hast thou good parts ? and dost thou bend them all to bring those that ner'e hated thee in thrall ? pretheee take heed , although thou yet enioy'st them they 'l be tooke from thee , if thou so imploy'st them . for though i wish not the least harme to thee , i feare , the iust heavens will revenged be . oh! what of mee by this time had become , if my desires with thine had hapt to rome , or i , vnwisely had consented to what ( shamelesse ) once thou didst attempt to doe ? i might haue falne , by those immodest trickes , had not some power beene stronger then my sex. and if i should haue so beene drawne to folly , i saw thee apt enough to be vnholy . or if my weaknesse had beene prone to sinne , i poorely by thy strength had succour'd bin . you men make vs beleeue you doe but try , and that 's your part ( you say ) ours to deny . yet i much feare , if we through frailty stray , there 's few of you within your bounds will stay ; but , maugre all your seeming vertue , bee as ready to forget your selues , as we . i might haue fear'd thy part of loue not strong , when thou didst offer me so base a wrong . and that i after loath'd thee not , did proue in me some extraordinary loue. for sure had any other , but in thought , presum'd vnworthily what thou hast sought , might it appeare , i should doe thus much for him , with a scarce reconeiled hate abhorre him . my yong experience never yet did know whether desire might range so farre , or no , to make true louers carelesly request , what rash enioying makes them most vnblest , or blindly , thorow frailty giue consenting to that , which done brings nothing but repenting . but in my iudgement it doth rather proue that thou art fir'd with lust , then warm'd with loue . and if it be for proofemen so proceed , it shewes a doubt , else what do trials need ? and where is that man living ever knew that false distrust , could be with loue that 's true ? since the meere cause of that vnblam'd effect , such an opinion is , as hates suspect . and yet i will thee , and thy loue excuse , if thou wilt neither me , nor mine abuse . for i l'e suppose thy passion made thee proffer that vnto me , thou to none else wouldst offer . and so , thinke thou ; if i haue thee deni'd , whom i more lou'd then all men else beside . what hope haue they , such favours to obtaine , that never halfe so much respect could gaine ? such was my loue that i did value thee aboue all things below eternitie . nothing on earth vnto my heart was nearer , no joy so prized , nor no jewell dearer . nay : i doe feare i did idolatrize , for which heavens wrath inflicts these miseries , and makes the things which it for blessings sent , to be renewers of my discontent . where was there any of the naiades , the dryades , or the hamadryades ? which of the brittish shires can yeeld againe , a mistresse of the spring , or wood , or plaine ? whose eye enioy'd more sweet contents then mine , till i receiu'd my ouerthrow by thine ? where 's she did more delight in springs and rils ? where 's she that walk'd more groues , or downes , or hils ? or could by such faire artlesse prospects , more adde by conceit , to her contentments store then i ; whilst thou wert true , and with thy gracēs didst giue a pleasing presence to those places ? but now what is ; what was hath ouerthrowne , my rose-deckt allies , now with rue are strowne ; and from those flowers that honied vse to be , i sucke nought now but iuyce to poyson me . for eu'n as she , whose gentle spirit can rise to apprehend loues noble mysteries , spying a precious iewell richly set , shine in some corner of her cabinet , taketh delight at first to gaze vpon the pretty lustre of the sparkling stone , and pleas'd in minde , by that doth seeme to see how vertue shines through base obscuritie ; but prying neerer , seeing it doth proue some relique of her deere deceased loue , which to her sad remembrance doth lay ope , what she most sought , and sees most far from hope : fainting almost beneath her passions weight , and quite forgetfull of her first conceit : looking vpon 't againe , from thence shee borrowes sad melancholy thoughts to feed her sorrowes . so i beholding natures curious bowers , seel'd , strow'd , and trim'd vp with leaues , hearbs , and flowers . walke pleased on a while , and do devize how on each obiect i may moralize , but er'e i pace on many steps , i see there stands a hawthorne that was trim'd by thee : here thou didst once slip off the virgin spraies , to crowne me with a wreath of living bayes . on such a banke , i see how thou didst lye , when viewing of a shady mulbery , the hard mishap thou didst to me discusse of loving thysbe , and yong piramus : and oh ( thinke i ) how pleasing was it then , or would be yet , might he returne agen . but if some neighbouring row do draw me to those arbors , where the shadowes seeme to wooe the weary loue-sicke passenger , to sit and view the beauties nature strowes on it : how faire ( thinke i ) would this sweet place appeare , if he i loue , were sporting with me here ! nay , euery seuerall obiect that i see , doth severally ( me thinks ) remember thee . but the delight i vs'd from it to gather , i now exchange for cares , and seeke them rather . but those whose dull and grosse affections can extend but onely to desire a man , cannot the depth of these rare passions know : for their imaginations flagge too low ; and cause their base conceits do apprehend nothing but that whereto the flesh doth tend ; in loues embraces they nere reach vnto more of content than the brute creatures do . neither can any iudge of this , but such whose braver minds for braver thoughts do touch . and having spirits of a nobler frame , feele the true heat of loues vnquenched flame . they may conceiue aright what smarting sting to their remembrances the place will bring , where they did once enioy , and then doe misse , what to their soules most deere and pretious is . with me 't is so ; for those walkes that once seem'd pleasing , when i of thee was more esteem'd , to me appeare most desolate and lonely , and are the places now of torment onely . where i the highest of contents did borrow , there am i paid it home with treble sorrow . vnto one place i doe remember well , we walkt the eu'nings to heare phylomell : and that seemes now to want the light it had : the shadow of the grou's more dull and sad ▪ as if it were a place but fit for fowles that screech ill ▪ lucke ; as melancholy owles , or fatall rauens , that seld ' boding good , croke their blacke auguries from some darke wood . then if from thence i halfe despairing go , another place begins another wo : for thus vnto my thought it seemes to say , hither thou saw'st him riding once that way ; thither to meete him thou didst nimbly hast thee , yon he alighted , and eu'n there embrac'd thee : which whilst i sighing wish to doe againe , another obiect brings another paine ; for passing by that greene , which ( could it speake ) would tell it saw vs runne at barly-breake ; there i beheld , what on a thin rin'd tree thou hadst engrauen for the loue of mee ; when we two , all alone , in heate of day , with chaste embraces draue swift houres away : then i remember too , vnto my smart , how loath we were , when time compel'd , to part ; how cunningly thy passions thou could'st faine , in taking leaue , and comming backe againe : so oft , vntill ( as seeming to forget we were departing ) downe againe we set ; and freshly in that sweet discourse went on , which now i almost faint to thinke vpon . viewing againe those other walkes , and groues that haue beene witnesses of our chaste loues ; when i behold those trees whose tender skin hath that cut out , which still cuts me within . or come by chance , vnto that pretty rill where thou wouldst sit , & teach the neighboring hill to answer in an eccho vnto those rare problems which thou often didst propose . when i come there ( thinke i ) if these could take that vse of words and speech which we partake , they might vnfold a thousand pleasures then which i shall neuer liue to taste agen : and therevpon remembrance doth so racke my thoughts , with representing what i lacke , that in my minde those clerkes do argue well , which hold priuation the great'st plague of hell . for there 's no torment gripes me halfe so bad , as the remembrance of those ioyes i had . oh hast thou quite forgot , when sitting by the bankes of thame , beholding how the fry play'd on the siluer waues ? there where i first granted to make my fortune thus accurst ; there where thy too-too earnest suite compeld my ouer-soone beleeuing heart to yeeld one fauour first , which then another drew to get another , till ( alas ) i rue that day and houre , thinking i nere should need ( as now ) to grieue for doing such a deed . so freely i my curtesies bestow'd that whose i was vnwarily i show'd , and to my heart such passage made for thee , thou canst not to this day remoued be , and what breast could resist it , having seene how true thy loue had in appearance beene . for i shall ner'e forget , when thou hadst there laid open euery discontent and care , wherewith thou deeply seemd'st to me opprest , when thou ( as much as any could protest ) had'st vow'd and sworne , and yet perceiu'dst no signe of pitty-mouing in this brest of mine : well loue ( said'st thou ) since neither sigh nor vow , nor any seruice may preuaile me now : since neither the recitall of my smart , nor those strong passions that assaile my heart , nor any thing may moue thee to beleefe of these my sufferings , or to grant releefe : since there 's no comfort , nor desert , that may get me so much as hope of what i pray ; sweet loue farewell , farewell faire beauties light , and euery pleasing obiect of the sight : my poore despairing heart here biddeth you , and all content , for euermore adue . then eu'n as thou seemd'st ready to depart ; reaching that hand , which after gaue my heart , ( and thinking this sad farewell did proceed , from a sound brest , but truely mou'd indeed ) i staied thy departing from me so , whilst i stood mute with sorrow , thou for show . and the meane while as i beheld thy looke , my eye th' impression of such pitty tooke , that , with the strength of passion ouercome , a deepe fetch 't sigh my heart came breathing from : whereat thou ( euer wisely vsing this to take aduantage when it offered is ) renewd'st thy sute to me , who did afford consent , in silence first , and then in word . so that for yeelding thou maist thanke thy wit : and yet when euer i remember it , trust me , i muse , and often , wondring , thinke thorough what craney , or what secret chinke that loue vnwares , so like a slye close elfe , did to my heart insinuate it selfe . gallants i had , before thou cam'st to woo , could as much loue , and as well court me too ; and though they had not learned so the fashion , of acting such well-counterfeited passion ; in wit , and person , they did equall thee , and worthier seem'd , vnlesse thou 'lt faithfull bee . yet still vnmou'd , vnconquer'd i remain'd , no , not one thought of loue was entertain'd : nor could they brag of the least fauour to them , saue what meere courtesie enioyn'd to do them . hard was my heart : but would 't had harder bin , and then , perhaps , i had not let thee in , thou tyrant , that art so imperious there , and onely tak'st delight to dominere . but held i out such strong , such oft assailing , and euer kept the honour of preuailing ? was this poore breast from loues allurings free , cruell to all , and gentle vnto thee ? did i vnlocke that strong affections dore , that neuer could be broken ope before , onely to thee ? and at thy intercession so freely giue vp all my hearts possession : that to my selfe i left not one poore veine , nor power , nor will to put thee from 't againe ? did i do this , and all on thy bare vow , and wilt thou thus requite my kindnesse now ? oh that thou either hadst not learn'd to faine , or i had power to cast thee off againe ! how is it that thon art become so rude , and ouer-blinded by ingratitude ? swearst thou so deeply that thou wouldst perseuer , that i might thus be cast away for euer ? well , then t is true that louers periuries , among some men , are thought no iniuries : and that she , onely , hath least cause of griefe , who of your words hath smalst , or , no beliefe . had i the wooer bin , or fondly woon , this had bin more tho , then thou couldst haue don ; but neither being so , what reason is on thy side , that should make thee offer this ? i know , had i beene false , or my faith faild , thou wouldst at womens ficklenesse haue raild : and if in me it had an error bin , in thee shall the same fault be thought no sin ? rather i hold that which is bad in mee , will be a greater blemish vnto thee ; because by nature thou art made more strong , and therefore abler to endure a wrong . but t is our fortune , you 'l haue all the power , onely the care , and burthen must be our . nor can you be content a wrong to do , vnlesse you lay the blame vpon vs too . oh that there were some gentle-minded poet that knew my heart , as well as now i know it ; and would endeare me to his loue so much , to giue the world ( though but ) a slender rouch of that sad passion which now clogs my heart , and shew my truth , and thee how false thou art : that all might know , what is beleeu'd by no man , ther 's ficklenesse in men , and faith in woman . thou sawst i first let pitty in , then liking , and lastly that which was thy onely seeking ; and when i might haue scornd that loue of thine , ( as now vngently thou despisest mine , ) among the inmost angles of my brest : to lodge it by my heart i thought it best : which thou hast stolne too like a thankelesse mate , and left me nothing but a blacke selfe-hate . what canst thou say for this , to stand contending ? what colour hast thou left for thy offending ? that wit , perhaps , hath some excuse in store , or an euasion to escape a sore . but well i know , if thou excuse this treason , it must be by some greater thing then reason . are any of those vertues yet defac'd , on which thy first affection seemed plac'd ? hath any secret foe my true faith wronged , to rob the blisse that to my heart belonged ? what then ? shall i condemned be vnheard , before thou knowest how i may be clear'd ? thou art acquainted with the times condition , know'st it is full of enuy , and suspition , so that the war'est in thought , word , and action , shall be most iniur'd by foule-mouth'd detraction : and therefore thou , me-thinks , should'st wisely pause before thou credit rumors without cause . but i haue gotten such a confidence in thy opinion , of my innocence : it is not that , i know , with-holds thee now : sweet , tell me then ; is it some sacred vow ? hast thou resolued , not to ioyne thy hand with any one in hymens holy band ? thou shouldst haue done it then , when thou wert free , before thou hadst bequeath'd thy selfe to mee . what vow dost deeme more pleasing vnto heauen , then what is by vnfaigned louers giuen ? if any be , yet sure it frowneth at those that are made for contradicting that . but if thou wouldst liue chastely all thy life , that thou maist do , though we be man and wife : or if thou long'st a virgin-death to die , why , if it be thy pleasure , so do i. make me but thine , and i 'le ( contented ) bee a virgin still , yet liue and lie with thee . then let not thy inuenting braine assay to mocke , and still delude me euery way ; but call to minde , how thou hast deeply sworne nor to neglect , nor leaue me thus forlorne . and if thou wilt not be to me as when we first did loue , do but come see me then ; vouchsafe that i may sometime with thee walke , or sit and looke on thee , or heare thee talke ; and i , that most content once aimed at , will thinke there is a world of blisse in that . dost thou suppose that my desires denies with thy affections well to sympathize ? or such peruersnesse hast thou found in me , may make our natures disagreeing be ? thou know'st when thou didst wake i could not sleep and if thou wert but sad , that i should weep . yet euen when the teares my cheeke did staine if thou didst smile , why i could smile againe : i neuer did contrary thee in ought : nay , thou canst tell , i oft haue spake thy thought . waking ; the selfe-same course with thee i runne , and sleeping , oftentimes our dreames were one . the dyall needle , though it sence doth want , still bends to the beloued adamant , lift the one vp , the other vpward tends ; if this fall downe , that presently descends : turne but about the stone , the steele turnes too ; then straight returnes , if but the other do ; and if it stay , with trembling keepes one place , as if it panting long'd for an imbrace . so was 't with me : for if thou merry wer't , that mirth of thine , mou'd ioy within my heart : i sighed too , when thou didst sigh , or frowne ; when thou wer 't sick , thou hast perceiu'd me swoone ; and being sad , haue oft , with forc'd delight , striu'd to giue thee content , beyond my might . when thou wouldst talk , then haue i talk'd with thee , and silent been , when thou wouldst silent be . if thou abroad didst goe , with joy i went ; if home thou lou'dst , at home was my content : yea , what did to my nature disagree , i could make pleasing , cause it pleased thee . but if 't be either my weake sexe , or youth , makes thee misdoubt my vndistained truth , know this ; as none till that vnhappy hower , when i was first made thine , had euer power to moue my heart , by vowes , or teares expence , no more , i sweare , could any creature since . no lookes but thine , though aim'd with passions art , could pierce so deepe to penetrate my hart . no name but thine , was welcome to my eare , no word did i so soone , so gladly heare : nor neuer could my eyes behold or see , what i was since delighted in , but thee . and sure thou wouldst beleeue it to he so , if i could tell , or words might make thee know , how many a wearie night my tumbled bed hath knowne me sleeplesse : what salt teares i 'ue shed , what scalding sighes , the markes of soules opprest , haue hourely breathed from my carefull brest : nor wouldst thou deem those waking sorrowes fain'd if thou might'st see how sleeping i am pain'd . for if sometimes i chance to take a slumber , vnwelcome dreames my broken rest doth cumber , which dreaming makes me start , starting with feares wakes ; and so waking i renew my cares : vntill my eyes ore-tir'd with watch and weeping , drownd in their owne flouds , fall againe to sleeping . oh! that thou couldst but thinke , when last we parted , how much i , grieuing for thy absence , smarted . my very soule fell sicke , my heart to aking , as if they had their last farewels been taking ; or feared by some secret diuination , this thy revolt , and causelesse alteration . didst thou not feele how loth that hand of mine , was to let go the hold it had of thine ? and with what heauy , what vnwilling looke , i leaue of thee , and then of comfort tooke ? i know thou didst ; and though now thus thou doe , i am deceiu'd , but then it grieu'd thee too . then , if i so with loues fell passion vext for thy departure onely was perplext , when i had left to strengthen me some trust , and hope , that thou would'st ne're haue prou'd vniust : what was my torture then and hard endurance , when of thy falshood i receiu'd assurance . alas , my tongue , a while , with griefe was dumbe , and a cold shuddering did my ioynts benumme , amazement seiz'd my thought , and so preuailed , i found me ill , but knew not what i ayled ; nor can i yet tell , since my suffering then was more then could be showne by poets pen ; or well conceiu'd by any other hart then that which in such care hath borne a part . oh me ; how loath was i to haue beleeu'd that to be true , for which so much i grieu'd ? how glady would i haue perswaded bin there had bin no such matter , no such sin . i would haue had my heart thinke that ( i knew to be the very truth ) not to be true . why may not this , thought i , some vision be , some sleeping dreame , or waking phantasie begotten by my ouer-blinded folly , or else engendred through my melancholy ? but finding it so reall ( thought i ) then must i be cast from all my hopes agen ? what are become of all those fading blisses , which late my hope had , and now so much misses ? where is that future fickle happinesse which i so long expected to possesse ? and thought i too ; where are his dying passions , his honied words , his bitter lamentations ? to what end were his sonnets , epigrams , his pretty posies , witty anagrams ? i could not thinke , all that might haue been fain'd , nor any faith , i thought so firme , bin stain'd : nay , i do sure and confidently know : it is not possible it should be so : if that rare art and passion was thine owne , which in my presence thou hast often showne . but since thy change , my much presaging heart is halfe afrai'd , thou some impostor wer 't : or that thou didst but ( player-like addrest ) act that which flow'd from some more gentle brest . thy puft inuention , with worse matter swolne , those thy conceits from better wits hath stolne : or else i know it could not be , that thou shouldst be so ouer-cold as thou art now ; since those , who haue that feelingly their owne , euer possesse more worth conceal'd , then knowne . and if loue euer any mortals touch , to make a braue impression , 't is in such , who sworne loues chaplaines , will not violate that , whereunto themselues they consecrate . but oh you noble brood , on whom the world the slighted burthen of neglect hath hurl'd , ( because your thoughts for higher obiects borne , their groueling humors and affections scorne ) you whom the gods , to heare your straines , will follow , whilst you do court the sisters of apollo . you whom there 's none that 's worthy , can neglect , or any that vnworthy is , affect : do not let those that seeke to doe you shame , bewitch vs with those songs they cannot frame : the noblest of our sexe , and fairest too , doe euer loue and honour such as you . then wrong vs not so much to giue your passion to those that haue it but in imitation : and in their dull breasts neuer feele the power of such deepe thoughts as sweetly moue in your . as well as you , they vs thereby abuse , for ( many times ) when we our louers chuse , where we thinke nature that rich iowell sets which shines in you , we light on counterfets . but see , see whither discontentment beares me , and to what vncoth straines my passion reares me : yet pardon me , i here againe repent , if i haue erred through that discontent . be what thou wilt , be counterfeit or right , be constant , serious , or be vaine , or light , my loue remaines inviolate the same , thou canst be nothing that can quench this flame , but it will burne as long as thou hast breath to keepe it kindled ( if not after death ) ne're was there one more true , then i to thee and though my faith must now despised be , vnpriz'd , vnualued at the lowest rate ; yet this i le tell thee , 't is not all thy state , nor all that better-seeming worth of thine , can buy thee such another loue as mine : liking it may , but oh there 's as much oddes , twixt loue and that , as betweene men and gods : and 't is a purchase not procur'd with treasure , as some fooles think , nor to be gain'd at pleasure . for were it so , and any could assure it , what would not some men part with , to procure it ? but though thou weigh't not , as thou oughtst to doe , thou knowst i loue , and once didst loue me too . then where 's the cause of this dislike in thee ? suruey thy selfe , i hope there 's none in me . yet looke on her from whom thou art estranged ? see ; is my person , or my beauty changed ? once thou didst praise it , prethee view 't agen , and marke if 't be not still the same 't was then : no false uermilion ▪ dye my cheeke distaines , t is the poore blood dispierst through pores & vaines ; which thou hast oft seen through my forehead flushing , to shew no dawby colour hid my blushing : nor neuer shall : vertue , i hope , will saue me , contented with that beauty nature gaue me : or if 't seeme lesse , for that griefes ve●se hath hid it , thou threw'st it on me , 't was not i that did it , and canst againe restore , what may repaire all that 's decay'd , and make me far more faire : which if thou do , i 'le be more wary than to keep 't for thee vnblemisht , what i can ; and cause at best 't will want much of perfection , the rest shall be supply'd with true affection . but i do feare , it is some others riches , whose more aboundance that thy minde bewitches , so that base obiect , that too generall aime , makes thee my lesser fortune to disclaime . fye , canst thou so degenerate in spirit , as to prefer the meanes before the merit ? although i cannot say it is in me , such worth sometimes with pouerty may be to equalize the match she takes vpon her ; tho th' other vaunt of birth , wealth , beauty , honour : and many a one that did for greatnesse wed , would gladly change it for a meaner bed . yet are my fortunes knowne indifferent , not basely meane , but such as may content : and though i yeeld the better to be thine , i may be bold to say thus much , for mine ; that if thou couldst of them and me esteeme , neither thy state , nor birth , would mis-beseeme : or if it did ; how can i help't ( alas ! ) thou , not alone , before knew'st what it was . but i ( although not fearing so to speed ) did also disinable't more than need , and yet thou woo'dst , and wooing didst perseuer , as if thou hadst intended loue for euer : yea , thy account of wealth thou mad'st so small , thou had'st not any question of 't at all ; but hating much that peasant-like condition , did'st seeme displeas'd i held it in suspition , whereby i thinke , if nothing else do thwart vs , it cannot be the want of that will part vs. yea , i do rather doubt indeed , that this the needlesse feare of friends displeasure is ; that is the barre that stops out my delight , and all my hope and joy confoundeth quite . but beares there any in thy heart such sway to shut me thence , and wipe thy loue away ? can there be any friend that hath the power , to disvnite hearts so conioyn'd as our ? e're i would haue so done by thee ; i 'de rather haue parted with one deerer then my father . for though the will of our creator binds each child to learne and know his parents minds , yet sure i am , so iust a deity . commandeth nothing against piety . nor doth that band of duty giue them leaue , to violate their faith , or to deceiue . and though that parents haue authority , to rule their children in minority ; yet they are neuer granted such power on them , that will allow to tyrannize vpon them , or vse them vnder their command so ill , to force them , without reason , to their will. for who hath read in all the sacred writ , of any one compel'd to marriage ( yet ? ) or father so vnkind ( thereto requir'd ) deny'd his child the match that he desir'd , so that be found the lawes did not forbid it ? i thinke those gentler ages no men did it . in those dayes therefore for them to haue bin contracted without licence , had been sin ; since there was more good nature among men , and euery one more truly louing then . but now ( although we stand obliged still to labour for their liking , and good will ) there is no duty whereby they may tye vs from ought which without reason they deny vs : for i do thinke , it is not onely meant , children should aske , but parents should consent : and that they erre , their duty as much breaking , for not consenting , as we not for speaking . " it is no maruaile many matches be " concluded now without their priuitie ; " since they , through greedy auarice misled , " their interest in that haue forfeited . for these respectlesse of all care , do marry hot youthfull may to cold old ianuary . those for some greedy end doe basely tie the sweetest faire to foule deformitie . forcing a loue from where 't was placed late , to re-ingraffe it where it turnes to hate . it seemes no cause of hindrance in their eyes , though manners nor affections sympathize . and two religions by their rules of state , they may in one made body tolerate , as if they did desire that double stemme , should fruitfull beare but nauters like to them . alas , how many numbers of both kindes by that haue euer discontented mindes ! and liue ( though seeming vnto others well ) in the next torments vnto those of hell . how many desprate growne by this their sinne , haue both vndone themselues and all their kinne ? many a one we see it makes to fall with the too-late repenting prodigall . thousands , though else by nature gentler giuen , to act the horridst murthers oft are driuen . and ( which is worse ) there 's many a carelesse elfe , ( vnlesse heauen pitty ) kils and damnes himselfe . oh what hard heart , or what vnpittying eyes , could hold from teares to see those tragedies , parents by their neglect in this , haue hurld vpon the stage of this respectlesse world ? t is not one man , one family , one kinne , no nor one countrey that hath ruin'd bin by such their folly , which the cause hath prou'd , that forraine oft , and civill warres were mou'd by such beginnings many a citie lies now in the dust , whose turrets brau'd the skies : and diuers monarkes by such fortunes crost , haue seene their kingdomes fir'd , and spoil'd and lost . yet all this while , thou seest , i mention not the ruine , shame , and chastity hath got ; for 't is a taske too infinite to tell how many thousands that would haue done well , do by the meánes of this , suffer desires to kindle in their hearts vnlawfull fires : nay , some in whose cold breast ne're flame had bin haue onely for meere vengeance falne to sin . my selfe haue seene , and my heart bled to see 't , a witlesse clowne enioy a match vnmeet . shee was a lasse that had a looke to moue the heart of cold diogenes to loue : her eye was such , whose every glaunce did know to kindle flames vpon the hils of snow ; and by her powerfull peircings could imprint , or sparkle fire into a heart of flint : and yet , vnlesse i much deceiued be , in very thought did hate immodestie : and ( had sh'enioyd the man she could haue lou'd ) might , to this day , haue liued vnreprou'd : but being forc'd , perforce , by seeming friends , with her consent , she her contentment ends . in that compel'd , her selfe to him she gaue , whose bed , she rather could haue wisht her graue ; and since , i heare , what i much feare is true , that she hath bidden shame and fame adue . such are the causes now that parents quite are put beside much of their ancient right : there feare of this , makes children to with-hold from giuing them those dues which else they wold : and these thou see'st are the too-fruitfull ils , which daily spring from their vnbridled wils . yet they , forsooth , will haue it vnderstood , that all their study , is their childrens good . a seeming loue shall couer all they do : when , if the matter were well lok't into , their carefull reach is chiefly to fulfill their owne foule , greedy , and insatiate will : who quite forgetting they were ever yong , would haue the children dote with them on dung . grant , betwixt two , there be true loue , content , birth not mis-seeming , wealth sufficient , equality in yeares , an honest fame , in euery side the person without blame , and they obedient too : what can you gather of loue , or of affection , in that father , that but a little to augment his treasure , ( perhaps , no more but only for his pleasure : ) shall force his child to one he doth abhor , from her he loues , and iustly seeketh for ; compelling him , ( for such mis-fortune grieu'd ) to die with care , that might with ioy haue liu'd ? this you may say is loue , and sweare as well , there 's paines in heauen , and delights in hell ; or that the deuils fury and austerity , proceeds out of his care of our prosperity . would parents ( in this age ) haue vs begin to take by their eyes , our affections in ? or do they thinke we beare them in our fist , that we may still remoue them as they list ? it is impossible it should be thus , for we are rul'd by loue , not loue by vs : and so our power so much ne're reacheth to , to know where we shall loue , vntill we do . and when it comes , hide it a while we may , but 't is not in our strengths to driue't away . either mine owne eye should my chuser be , or i would ne're weare hymens liuery . for who is he so neare my heart doth rest , to know what 't is , that mine approueth best : i haue my selfe beheld those men , whose frame , and outward personages had nought of blame , they had ( what might their good proportion grace ) the much more mouing part , a comely face , with many of those complements , which wee , in common men , of the best breeding , see . they had discourse , and wit enough to carry themselues in fashion , at an ordinary ; gallants they were , lou'd company and sport , wore fauours , and had mistresses in court : and euery way were such that now might seeme worthy of note , respect , and such esteeme ; yet hath my eye more cause of liking seene , where nought perhaps by some hath noted beene : and i haue there found more content , by farre , where some of these perfections wanting are ; yea so much , that their beauties were a blot to them ( me thought ) because he had them not . there some peculiar thing innated is , that beares an vncontrouled sway in this ; and nothing but it selfe knowes how to fit the minde with that which best shall suit with it . then why should parents thrust themselues into what they want warrant for , and power to do ? how is it they are so forgetfull growne , of those conditions , that were once their owne ? do they so dote amidst their wits perfection , to thinke that age and youth hath like affection ! ( when they do see 'mong those of equall yeares , one hateth what another most endeares . ) or do they thinke their wisdomes can invent a thing to giue , that 's greater than content ? no , neither shall they wrap vs in such blindnesse , to make vs thinke the spight they do , a kindnesse . for as i would aduise no child to stray from the least duty that he ought to pay : so would i also haue him wisely know , how much that duty is which he doth owe : that knowing what doth vnto both belong , he may do them their right , himselfe no wrong . for if my parents him i loath should chuse , t is lawfull , yea my duty to refuse : else , how shall i lead so vpright a life , as is enioyned to the man and wife ? since that we see some time there are repentings , eu'n where there are the most , and best contentings . what , though that by our parents first we liue , is not life , misery enough to giue ; which at their births the children doth vndo , vnlesse they adde some other mischiefe to ? cause they gaue being to this flesh of our , must we be therefore slaues vnto their power ? we ne're desir'd it , for how could we tell , not being , but that not to be was well : nor know they whom they profit by it , seeing happy were some , if they had had no being . indeed , had they produc'd vs without sin , had all our duty to haue pleas'd them bin : of the next life , could they assure the state , and both beget vs and regenerate ; there were no reason then we should withstand to vndergoe their tyranou'st command : in hope that either for our hard endurance , we should , at last , haue comfort in assurance : or if in our endeuours we mis-sped , at least feele nothing when we should be dead . but what 's the reason for 't that we shall be inthral'd so much vnto mortality ? our soules on will of any men to tye vnto an euerlasting misery . so farre , perhaps too , from the good of either , we ruine them , our selues , and all together . children owe much , i must confesse , 't is true , and a great debt is to the parents due : yet if they haue not so much power to craue but in their owne defence the liues they gaue : how much lesse then , should they become so cruell as to take from them the high prised iewell of liberty in choice , whereon depends the maine contentment that the heauen here lends ; worth life or wealth , nay far more worth then either , or twenty thousand liues put all together . then howsoeuer some , seuerer bent , may deeme of my opinion , or intent , with that which followes thus conclude i do : ( and i haue reason for 't , and conscience too ) no parent may his child 's iust suite deny on his bare will , without a reason why : nor he so vs'd , be disobedient thought , if vnapprou'd he take the match he sought . so then if that thy faith vncrazed be , thy friends dislike shall be no stop to me : for if their will be not of force to do it , they shall haue no cause else to driue them to it . let them bring all forth that they can alledge , we are both yong , and of the fittest age , if thou dissembledst not , both loue , and both to admit hinderance in our loues were loth . t is preiudiciall vnto none that liues , and gods , and humane law our warrant giues . nor are we much vnequall in degree , perhaps our fortunes somewhat different be . but say that little meanes , which is , were not , the want of wealth may not dissolue this knot . for though some such preposterous courses wend , prescribing to themselues no other end ▪ marr'age was not ordain'd t' enrich men by , vnlesse it were in their posterity . and he that doth for other causes wed , ner'e knowes the true sweetes of a marriage bed : nor shall he by my will , for 't is vnfit he should haue blisse that neuer aym'd at it . though that bewitching gold the rabble blinds , and is the obiect of the vulgar minds : yet those me thinks that graced seeme to bee , with so much good as doth appeare in thee , should scorne , their better ▪ taught desires to tye to that , which fooles do get their honour by . i can like of the wealth i ( must confesse ) yet more i prize the man , though mony-iesse . i am not of their humor yet , that can for title , or estate , affect a man ; or of myselfe , one body deigne to make with him i loath , for his possessions sake . nor wish i euer to haue that minde bred in me , that is in those ; who , when they wed , thinke it enough they do attaine the grace of some new honour , to fare well , take place , weare costly clothes , in others sights agree , or happy in opinion seeme to bee . i weigh not this : for were i sure before of spencers wealth , or our rich suttons store ; had i therewith a man , whom nature lent person enough to giue the eye content : if i no outward due , nor right did want , which the best husbands in appearance grant ▪ nay , though alone we had no priuate iarres , but merry liu'd from all domestick cares ; vnlesse i thought his nature so incline , that it might also sympathize with mine , ( and yeeld such correspondence with my mind , our soules might mutually contentment find , by adding vnto these which went before , some certaine vnexpressed pleasures more , such as exceed the streight and curb'd dimensions ▪ of common minds , and vulgar apprehensions ) i would not care for such a match , but tarry in this estate i am , and neuer marry . such were the sweets i hop'd to haue possest , when fortune should with thee haue made me blest . my heart could hardly thinke of that content to apprehend it without rauishment . each word of thine ( me-thought ) was to my eares more pleasing then that musick , which the spheares ( they say ) do make the gods , when in their chime , their motions diapason with the time . in my conceit , the opening of thy eye , seem'd to giue light to euery obiect by , and shed a kinde of life vnto my shew , in euery thing that was within it view . more ioy i 'ue felt to haue thee but in place , then many doe in the most close embrace of their beloved'st friend , which well doth proue , not to thy body onely tends my loue . but mounting a true height , growes so diuine , it makes my soule to fall in loue with thine . and sure now whatsoer'e thy body do , thy soule loues mine , and oft they visit too . for late i dream'd they went i know not whither , vnlesse to heauen , and there play'd together ; and to this day i nere could know or see , 'twixt them or vs the least antipathy . then what should make thee keepe thy person hence , or leaue to loue , or hold it in suspence ? if to offend thee i vnwares was driuen , is 't such a fault as may not be forgiuen ? or if by frownes of fate i haue beene checke , so that i seeme not worth thy first respect , shall i be therefore blamed and vpbraided , with what could not be holpen , nor auoyded ? t is not my fault : yet cause my fortunes doe , wilt thou be so vnkinde to wrong me too ? not vnto thine , but thee i set my heart , so nought can wipe my loue out while thou art : though thou wert poorer both of house and meat , then he that knowes not where to sleepe or eat : though thou wert sunke into obscuritie , become an abiect in the worlds proud eye , though by peruersnesse of thy fortune crost , thou wert deformed , or some limbe had'st lost , that loue which admiration first begot , pitty would strengthen , that it failed not : yea i should loue thee still , and without blame , as long as thou couldst keepe thy minde the same ; which is of vertues so compact ( i take it ) no mortall change shall haue the power to shake it . this may , and will ( i know ) seeme strange to those that cannot the abyss of loue disclose , nor must they thinke , whom but the out-side moues , euer to apprehend such noble loues , or more coniecture their vnsounded measure , then can we mortals of immortall pleasure . then let not those dull vnconceiuing braines , who shall hereafter come to read these straines , suppose that no loues fire can be so great , because it giues not their cold clime such heat . or thinke m'inuention could haue reached here vnto such thoughts , vnlesse such loue there were . for then they shall but shew their knowledge weake , and iniure me , that feele of what i speake . but now my lines grow tedious , like my wrong , and as i thought that , thou thinkst this too long . or some may deeme , i thrust my selfe into more then beseemeth modesty to do . but of the difference i am not vnwitting , betwixt a peeuish coynes , and things vnfitting : nothing respect i , who pries ore my doing : for here 's no vaine allurements , nor fond wooing , to traine some wanton stranger to my lure ; but with a thought that 's honest , chaste , and pure , i make my cause vnto thy conscience knowne , suing for that which is by right my owne . in which complaint , if thou do hap to finde any such word , as seemes to be vnkinde : mistake me not , it but from passion sprung , and not from an intent to do thee wrong . or if among these doubts my sad thoughts breed , some ( peraduenture ) may be more than need ; they are to let thee know , might we dispute , there 's no obiections but i could refute ; and spight of enuy such defences make , thou shouldst embrace that loue thou dost forsake . then do not ( oh forgetfull man ) now deeme , that 't is ought else then i haue made it seeme . or that i am vnto this passion mou'd , because i cannot else-where be belou'd : or that it is thy state , whose greatnesse knowne , makes me become a sutor for my owne : suppose not so ; for know this day there be some that wooe hard for what i offer thee : and i haue euer yet contented bin with that estate i first was placed in . banish those thoughts , and turne thee to my heart , come once againe , and be what once thou wert . reviue me by those wonted ioyes repairing , that am nigh dead with sorrowes and despairing . so shall the memory of this annoy , but adde more sweetnesse to my future ioy ; yea make me thinke thou meantst not to deny me , but onely wert estranged thus , to try me . and lastly , for that loues sake thou once bar'st me , by that right hand thou gau'st , hat oath thou swar'st me , by all the passions , and ( if any be ) for her deere sake that makes thee iniure me ; i here coniure thee ; no ; intreat and sue , that if these lines do ouer-reach thy view , thou wouldst afford me so much fauour for them ▪ as to accept , or at least not abhorre them . so though thou wholy cloake not thy disdaine , i shall haue somewhat the lesse cause to plaine : or if thou needs must scoffe at this , or me , do 't by thy selfe , that none may witnesse be . not that i feare 't will bring me any blame , onely i 'me loth the world should know my shame . for all that shall this plaint with reason view , will iudge me faithfull , and thee most vntrue . but if obliuion , that thy loue bereft , hath not so much good nature in thee left , but that thou must , as most of you men doe , when you haue conquer'd , tyranize it too : know this before , that it is praiseto no man , to wrong so fraile a creature as a woman , and to insult or'e one , so much made thine , will more be thy disparagement then mine . but oh ( i pray that it portend no harme , ) a chearing heate my chilled senses warmes : iust now i flashing feele into my brest , a sudden comfort , not to be exprest ; which to my thinking , doth againe begin to warme my heart , to let some hope come in ; it tels me , 't is impossible that thou shouldst liue not to be mine ; it whispers how my former feares and doubts haue beene in vaine , and that thou mean'st yet to returne againe . it sayes thy absence from some cause did grow , which , or i should not , or i could not know . it tells me now , that all those proofes , whereby i seem'd assur'd of thy disloyalty , may be but treacherous plots of some base foes , that in thy absence sought our ouerthrowes . which if it proue ; as yet me thinks it may , oh! what a burthen shall i cast away ? what cares shall i lay by ? and to what height towre in my new ascension to delight ? sure er'e the full of it i come to try , i shall eu'n surfet in my ioy , and dye . but such a losse might well be call'd a thriving , since more is got by dying so , then living . come kill me then , my deare , if thou thinke fit ▪ with that which never killed woman yet : or write to me before , so shalt thou giue content more moderate that i may liue : and when i see my staffe of trust vnbroken , i will vnspeake againe what is mis-spoken . what i haue written in dispraise of men , i will recant , and praise as much agen ; in recompence i le adde vnto their stories , encomiastick lines to ymp their glories . and for those wrongs my loue to thee hath done ▪ both i and it vnto thy pitty runne : in whom , if the least guilt thou finde to be , for euer let thy armes imprison me . meane while i 'le try if misery will spare me so much respite , to take truce with care . and patiently await the doubtfull doome , which i expect from thee should shortly come ; much longing that i one way may be sped , and not still linger 'twixt aliue and dead . for i can neither liue yet as i should , because i least enioy of that i would ; nor quiet dye , because ( indeed ) i first would see some better dayes , or know the worst . then hasten deare , if to my end it be , it shall be welcome , cause it comes from thee . if to renew my comfort ought be sent , let me not loose a minute of content . the pretious time is short , and will away ; let vs enioy each other while we may . cares thriue , age creepeth on , men are but shades , ioyes lessen , youth decayes , and beauty fades ; new turnes come on , the old returneth neuer if we let our go past , 't is past for euer . inter eqvitand : palinod . my genius say what thoughts these paintngs moue ? thy thoughts of loue. what flames are these that set my heart on fire ? flames of desire . what are the meanes that these two vnderprop ? thy earnest hope . then yet i 'me happy in my sweete friends choyce . for they in depth of passion may reioyce , whose thoughts and flames and meanes haue such blest scope . they may at once both loue , desire , and hope . but tell what fruit at last my loue shall gaine ? hidden disdaine . what will that hope proue which yet faith keeps faire ? hopelesse despaire . what end will runne my passions out of breath ? vntimely death . oh me ! that passion ioyn'd with faith and loue. should with my fortunes so vngracious proue , that she 'le no fruit , nor hope , nor end bequeath , but cruellest disdaine , despaire , and death . then what new study shall i now apply ? study to dye . how might i end my care , and die content ? care to repent . and what good thoughts may make my end more holy ? thinke on thy folly. well , so i will , and since my fate may giue nothing but discontents whilst here i liue . my studies , cares , and thoughts i 'le all apply to weigh my folly well , repent , and dye . sonnets . hence away thou syren leaue me , pish vnclasp these wanton armes , sugred words can neere deceiue me , though thou proue a thousand charmes . fie , fie , forbeare no common snare can euer my affection chaine , thy sugred baites of loue deceits are all bestowed on me in vaine . i haue else where vowed a dutie , turne away thy tempting eye ; shew not me thy painted beauty , these impostures i defie : my spirit lothes where gawdy clothes , and faigned othes , may loue obtaine , i loue her so whose lookes sweares no , that all thy labour will be vaine . i am no slaue to such as you be , nor shall that soft snowy brest , rowling eye , nor lip of rubie euer rob me of my rest . go , go , display thy beauties ray to some more sonne enamored swaine , thy forced wiles of sighes and smiles are all bestow'd on me in vaine . can he prize the tainted posies that on others brest are worne , which may plucke the virgin roses from the neuer ▪ touched thorne : i can go rest on her sweet brest that is the pride of cinthia's traine , then stay thy tongue , thy mermaids song is , all bestow'd on me in vaine . he is a foole that basely dallies , where each pesant mates with him ; shall i haunt the thronged vallies , when there 's noble hills to clime : no , no , though clownes are scar'd with frownes , i know the best can but disdaine , then those i 'le proue , so will thy loue be all bestow'd on me in vaine . yet i would not daigne embraces with the fairest queenes that be , if another shar'd those graces , which they had bestow'd on me . i le grant that one my loue where none shall come to rob me of my gaine , the fickle heart makes teares and art , and all bestow'd on me in vaine . i do scorne to vow a duty where each lustfull lad may wooe , giue me her whose sunne-like beauty buzzards dare not sore vnto : shee it is affords that blisse , for which i would refuse no paine , but such as you fond fooles adieu , you seeke to captiue me in vaine . shee that 's proud in the beginning , and disdaines each looker on , is a harpie in the winning , but a turtle being woon : what ere betide she 'le neere diuide the fauour shee to one doth daine , but fondlings loues vncertaine proues , all all that trust in them are vaine . there fore-know when i enioy one , and for loue employ my breath , shee i court shall be a coy one , though i purchast with my death . the pleasures there few aime at dare , but if perhaps a louer plaine , shee is not woone nor i vndone , by placing of my loue in vaine . leaue me then thou syren leaue me , take away these charmed armes , craft thou seest can neere deceiue me , i am proofe , 'gainst womens charmes . oft fooles assay to lead astray the heart that constant must remaine , but i the while doe sit and smile , to see them spend their loue in vaine . shall i wasting in despaire die because a womans faire ; or my cheekes make pale with care , 'cause anothers rosie are . be shee fairer then the day , or the flowry meedes of may , if shee be not so to me , what care i how faire shee be . shall my foolish heart be pined , 'cause i see a womans ●●nde , or a well disposed nature , ioyned in a comely feature . be shee kinde or meeker than turtle doue or pelican , if shee be not so to me , what care i how kinde shee be . shall a womans vertues make me to perish for her sake ; or her merits value knowne make me quite forget my owne . be shee with that goodnes blest that may merit name of best , if shee seeme not so to me , what care i how good shee be . cause her fortunes seemes too high , should i play the foole and die ; he that beares a noble minde , if not outward helpe he finde , thinke what with them he would doe , that without them dares to wooe . and vnlesse that minde i see , what care i how great shee be . great , or good , or kinde , or faire , i will nere the more dispaire ; if shee loue me then beleeue i will die ere shee shall greeue if shee slight me when i wooe , i can slight and bid her goe , if shee be not fit for me , what care i how others be . finis . london , printed by e. g. for thomas walkley , and are to be sold at the signe of the eagle & child in britaines burse . . the british appeals, with gods mercifull replies, on the behalfe of the commonwealth of england contained in a brief commemorative poem, composed for a memorial of some of those many signall mercies, lately vouchsafed to this rebublike; especially, for those deliverances upon the appeales of the parliaments, and royall forces at naseby; of the english and sccottish armies neer dunbar in scotland, and for the late surrender of edenburgh-castle, &c. by geo. wither, esquire. wither, george, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing w ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing w estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the british appeals, with gods mercifull replies, on the behalfe of the commonwealth of england contained in a brief commemorative poem, composed for a memorial of some of those many signall mercies, lately vouchsafed to this rebublike; especially, for those deliverances upon the appeales of the parliaments, and royall forces at naseby; of the english and sccottish armies neer dunbar in scotland, and for the late surrender of edenburgh-castle, &c. by geo. wither, esquire. wither, george, - . [ ], p. printed for the author, and are to be sold by nathaniel brooks, at the angel in corn-hill, [london] : . in verse. place of publication from wing. errata at foot of p. . stained, torn and cropped, with some print show-through. reproduction of the original in the british library. eng great britain -- history -- civil war, - -- poetry -- early works to . a r (wing w ). civilwar no the british appeals, with gods mercifull replies, on the behalfe of the commonwealth of england. contained in a brief commemorative poem, co wither, george d the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the d category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - ali jakobson sampled and proofread - ali jakobson text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion british appeals , with gods mercifull replies , on the behalfe of the common-wealth of england . contained in a briefe commemorative poem , composed for a memorial of some of those many signall mercies , lately vouchsafed to this rebublike ; especially , for those deliverances upon the appeales of the parliaments , and royall forces at naseby ; of the english and sccottish armies neer dunbar in scotland , and for the late surrender of edenburgh-castle , &c. by geo. wither , esquire . febr. . . let this poem , entituled the british appeals , &c. be speedily printed . william lenthall , speaker . printed for the author , and are to be sold by nathaniel brooks , at the angel in corn-hill , . bound by j. mackenzie bookbinder to the king to the soveraigne maiesty of the parliament of the english republike , ( by the grace of god ) keepers of the liberties of england ; protectors of the true christian faith , and ( within their territories ) assertors of all the just priviledges of the humane nature , against the usurpations of domestick and forraigne tyrants , &c. and , also , to the right honourable councell of state , established by their authority . the praise of god , and of praise-worthy men ▪ are proper subjects of the poets pen ; and they , of old ( though disesteem'd of late ) had power heroick-titles to create ; or , attributes of honor , to confer where , worth , most eminently , did appear ; and , none , have been more glorious under heaven , then those , which they , deservedly , have given : no , not those high-priz'd attributes , with which the pope his royall-vassalls did enrich : for , this power , they enjoyed , long before popes were ; so shall , when they must be no m●●●● and , of their holinesse , had thus much odd● that , ere they could 〈…〉 such as they were ; and heretofore great kings ambitious were , of their canonizings . but though impostors use to make a shew , with counterfeited jewells , mine , are true ; and this , now being a triumphall-day , expecting all things in their best array , my muse , in her addresses you salutes , with such new-titles , and high attributes , as none have yet ascrib'd ; that , i may shew to others , what i know to be your due . for ( though your justice , and your mercie be the essence of your glorie ) wisemen , see , that , these are accidents which do belong to power ; and , which , may help to make it strong , and , should not be refus'd , when they are brought by other men , and by your selves unsought : nor , will they judged be , to overswell a modest height to him that heedeth well , what is , in petty-states , ascrib'd to them , who are invested with a power-supream . but these , are but a preface to my gift , which , i present , out of a nobler drift , than by these circumstances can appear ; for they meer harbengers , or ushers are unto that trophie wherewith i assay to imp , the publick-duties of this day : and help to magn●fie his glorious name , to whom , your piety devotes the same . y●● , these high titles are not fixed here , to make you great , in your own eyes , appear ; but , honourable , in the sight of those 〈◊〉 whom your just commands you shall impose : 〈…〉 to be viewed as remembrancers , 〈…〉 hat high trust , which god on you con●ers . 〈…〉 to serve sinister ends you take them , 〈…〉 titles of dishonour make them . as largely , and as well , as my weak-wit , ( my leasure and the short time ) would permit , i offer , here , a brief commem'rative , of those things , for which , thanks , this day we give : that , to gods praise , they may be thought upon , when this our short solemnity is done : that , unborn chlidren , may commemorate his mercies in the birth , of this new state , when they shall read , by what throws , rent and torn the mother was , before it could be born : and , that , by knowing , what their freedoms cost , they may not let them carelesly , be lost : or , be unthankfull , as now many are , and , thereby , in that blessing , lose their share . in lofty strains , i do not strive to sing , but , in a plain song , humbly forth to bring such charmes , as profitably may be read , by those , who of my counsell , have most need ; and , such , as may be usefull , to expell those evill spirits which amongst us dwell , to interrupt the setting of that peace , which brings an universall happiness . i owe a thanks to god ; and thanks to you ; and though i cannot pay the half that 's due , where least i owe ; i , truly , have assaid that , of a great debt , somewhat might be paid . despise it not , therefore , though much it lacks of what should be . quench not the smoking flax ; break not the bruised reed . but , acceptation vouchsafe , to this imperfect presentation ; and , as i shall deserve it ; so , let me preserved in your good opinion be . ●an●●ry . . geo. wi●●●● to the vvel-affected of the common-wealth of england . vvhen the late act of parliament came forth , commanding the celebration of a publick thanksgiving , upon the . of january last , for gods manifold mercies to this republick ; and for those especially in the said act expressed : though my own affairs were at that time in their crisis , and my urgent necessities required their immediate prosecution : yet my heart being moved with a strong desire to prepare somewhat ( according to my faculty ) which migh help stir up this nation ▪ to glorifie almighty god for our manifold and great deliverances ; as was piously enjoyned by supreme authority : i resolved to trust him with my own businesse ; and , wholly to set apart the remainder of that moneth to compose a commemorative poem toward the illustration of his extraordinary favours to this common-wealth , in his glorious goings forth with our armies ; and in such other manifestations of his gracious providence , as have conduced to the accomplishing of our just , and reasonable hopes . and , though i have not therein answered what may perhaps be expected in such an undertaking ; yet having done what my ability and the shortnesse of the time ( made shorter by many accidentall obstructions ) would permit ; i hope you will favourably ex●●●● me , in regard it may neverthelesse , be in some 〈…〉 usefull to the better performance of the du●●●● 〈…〉 after the day is past , by bringing to re●●●●● many of those mercies which occasioned that dayes solemnization ; and i presume , it wi will find good acceptation with you , whose eye god hath opened to see his wonderfull loving kindnesse , and , whose hearts are not hardened to the●destruction , or shame , for shutting their eyes , wilfully against the light , which heretofore shined up on them . i have no hope to prevail upon such , as are perverse : for like jannes and jambres , they have obstinately opposed our deliverers , and have 〈◊〉 the egyptians in resisting god . they have sometimes acknowledged his finger in the miracles , wrought for us ; as that people did , and yet persist in then obduracy . they , have seen the rods of power and discipline , turned into , serpents ; and that which was in the hand of lawfull authority , to devour those , which were grasped by impostors . they have seen , as the egyptians did , their lakes , ponds , and rivers , turned into blood : and all their fields , waters , and habitatitations filled with those , which were hieroglyphically signified by frogs , lice , flyes and locusts . god , in like manner , hath proved them , by his judgements , and by plagues , upon their beasts , their fruits , their treasures , their persons , and their hopes of posterity : he hath punished them , as well with a gross darknes , and other privations , as by arming against them , all the elements . they have seen their late king ( for continuing in his hardnesse of heart ) like pharaoh , drowned ( as it were ) in the red sea , even in that sea of blood , which by his wisfullnesse hath overflowed these islands . yea they see those waters which gave passage for his people , to escape their 〈◊〉 ry , stand on both hands ready to swallow 〈◊〉 up ; yet they being more blind and mad 〈…〉 pharaoh and the egyptians ( because , they 〈◊〉 for examples ) the● 〈…〉 purposes , as in despight of god , and will not acknowledge his actings , though they see them ; nor his voice , though they bear it , nor his hand though they feel it : now , if all these things have not softned their hearts ; and if neither the pillar of fire which they see going daily before us , nor the cloud , out of which god looks often very terrbly upon them , can move them to praise god with us , in our publick acknowledgements of his mercies ; i must not think my charmes will operate much upon them : and , therefore , to gods good pleasure , i will leave them , and you , who are better affected , to the enjoyment of his mercies ; whereof i humbly expect and confidently believe to be a partaker . your faithfull , and ancient remembrancer , geo. wither . the british appeales , with gods mercifull replies , on the behalf of the commonwealth of england , &c. the argument . the muse , begins , with filiall fear , to raise a joyfull trophie , here . the differences , doth express 'twixt formall , and true thankfulnesse . brings out those mercies to your view , for which our praisefull thanks are due . warns , all men , timely , to take heed , what , god hath done ; and may succeed , to those , that will not understand the work which he hath now in hand . then after some thanksgiving-songs , informs , what further , yet belongs to thankfulnesse , and open layes th' event , of right and left-hand wayes my soul , in honour of th' eternall king , of judgement , and of mercy now shal sing : of mercies , and of judgements , and , again , of mercies , that they may not be in vain . and that out of my poverty , i may add to the publick offrings of this day , a supplement , to fill up vacant places ; to fill up , extraordinary graces . to make us mindfull , what is further due , to keep sheedfull , what may else ensue , and perfect that , which others have begun , concerning what , the lord of hosts , hath , done . i sing , the breaking of that brazen yoke , which , from our gauled necks , was lately broke ; the gracious verdicts which the court of heaven , to our appellant-combatants , hath given ; the thrusting of the proud out of the throne ; the setting up , of humble men , thereon ; the malice , craft , and wilfulnesse , of those , who were our open , or our secret foes ; and , therewithall , the matchlesse love , of him , who from their tyrannies did us redeem , shall be my song : and i desire it may be set and tuned , unto such a key , as , that , my readers , may perceive , thereby , the usefull power of hallow'd-poesie , in raising , gods neglected mercies , from forgetfulnesse , to shine through times to come . my structure therefore , shall be rather strong , then lofty ; that , it may continue long : and though my weaknesse , may not reach to that , which my intentions have been aiming at ; yet , i am hopefull , that i shall be able , to offer an oblation acceptable : for , god in willingnesse , takes much delight , ( although , it can but set a stone upright , as iacob did ) vouchsafing acceptation , to ev'ry faithfull-offrers free oblation ; and equalling the raising of one stone , eve'n with the temple , of great solomon . i , voices hear , of wondrous things abroad ; of multitudes of mercies , from our god ; mercies , too great , for scorners to believe ; too good , for men unthankfull , to receive : such blessings , as no former age had greater ; such , as no time ensuing shall have better yet , every day almost brings forth new matter of exultation , both by land , and water . good newes , employeth almost every month ; yea , weekly from the east , the west , the south [ come ) ( and thence , from whence 't was said no good can even from the north , glad tidings are brought home . to those , who for their own escapes , have mourn'd , with zions ruines , god , hath back return'd those signal victories , which , you have heard , in publick , by a publick act declar'd ; with their dependent-mercies : now , i 'le add what from my private notions may be had ; o give attentive heed , to what is said ; and let it with doe seriousnesse , be weigh'd : for , i shall mention , ( if time fail me not ) things neither to be sleighted , or forgot . but whence comes this ? alas ! now i am ready to write , i find my shaking hand unsteady . a shivering doth surprise me ; and a fear , as if som apparition , did appear , obstructing my designs , and , to assay the turning of my thoughts , another way . what ails my heart ! that in this uncouth fashion , there strives in me , a contradicting passion ? which like the twins , within rebeccas womb , ●eem to be strugling , which may overcome . why is my heart , ( which hath enough to do , wi●h one at once ) thus overcharg'd with two ? two passions , as destructive to each other , as fire and water , clos●d uptogether : and so divided , that , it hardly knowes , to whether , most reluctancy , it owes . this , is a day of triumph ; wherin , they who , have atchiev'd them , set us trophies may 〈◊〉 ou●ward ioy and such as could not win externalis , may keep holyday within , ●heretofore , they so good husbands were , ●o store up ought , for entertainment there , it is a day , wherein , i ought to sing , a song of praise ; and purposed to bring expressions forth , which might be to this nation , a lengthening out of thanks , and exultation , by making gods free mercies , thought upon , when all this generation , shall be gone : yet , now i should perform , what i decreed ; i , am unable , further to proceed . of glorious victories , the guns , the bells , and this dayes due solemnization tells , to make us with more seriousnesse , to heed gods owning of our armies , at their need ; and those glad tidings , which divulged are , invite to mirth ; yet somewhat , bids me fear ; yea , though my lips are tempting of a smile , mine eyes ( i know not why ) drop tears the while , seeming to tell me with a silent voice , that we with trembling should this day rejoyce : yea , though i feel my heart is truly glad , of what i hear ; it is as truly sad , for what i know , for what i daily see ; for what hath been ; or may hereafter , be . distempred , thus , i very seldom grow ; and , therefore , it , the more affects me , now , with jealousies , and fear , left , somewhat may ere long befall us , to beeloud this day . with me 't was never thus , but when from spain our late unhappy king , return'd again , depraved and made giddy by that cup of poyson , whereof there he took a sup . and , then , i felt these passions . i confesse my joy was then , as great , my fear no lesse ; though neither much appeared to the eye , or to the ear of any stander by . it fareth , now with me , as on that morning which , first , inform'd us , of his safe returning ; for , when the voice of his arrivall came , the city bon-fires , blaz'd into a flame which menaced the clouds ; the clouds powr'd down a floud , as if the city they would drown . the common people , were transported so , ( as 't is their guise ) that wisemen could not know whether they might be thought , exceeding glad , or , rather , to be somewhat less than mad . the earth seem'd joyfull of his safe return ; the heav'ns for something hidden seem'd to mourn . and , as in those , there then appear'd to be a diffring passion , so , it was , with me . though , none more wish'd the kings returning though i was truly glad , to see him come , ( home , and for this safe arivall shewed , then , my joy , as much , as other sober men , yet , joy and sorrow strove in me together , as if they labour'd to supplant each other : and , long time kept me , in a doubtfull pause , of whether his return would give most cause ; and by what hath succeeded , it appears , my joyes were far more causlesse than my fears . the same distempers , are , this day in me , great , are my joyes and hopes , great also , be my griefs and fears : god render them , successe , and consequences , of more happiness , then , followed after that ; and take away th' effects , and causes , of my fears , this day . god , turn all to the best ; and give us grace to cleave to him , what ever come to passe . god , give us will , those achans to remove , which , to the publick peace , destructive prove . god , grant my hopes , hereafter may be truer , the causes of my fear , much lesse , and fewer : and , that , the councells , charles did then neglect , may be received , now with more respect ; left his example , that should make us better , may make us worse , and our damnation greater . for god will not be mockt ; nor will he spare for ever , though a while he doth forbear . where greatest mercie , he , vouchsafes to shew , the greatest of his judgements will ensue . he that improves not , ev'ry gift god gives , ( according to the measure he receives ) shall lose the talent upon him bestown , and into utter darknesse too be thrown . then much more , they who shall gods grace requi● with willfull disobedience or despight : and for that cause , it hath been said , the lord is mercifull , and therefore should be fear'd . this being true , what realms , or nations be obliged more to fear him now , than we ? if , mercies , be inducements to his fear , ( as all men well informed , know they are ) what people , now , inhabits on the earth , that , hath more cause of trembling , in their mirth , or , of more filial dread , when they draw nigh , the holy name , of god to sanctifie ? for whom hath he so many wonders wrought since out of aegypt , jacobs god was brought , as for this isle , if we reflect upon those things aright , which , he for us for us hath don ? and , who can blame me , if i sing with fear , this day , when we consider , what we are ? what , god is ? what , they seemed , who have been , destroyed for our sakes ? what we , have seen done , for us ? by what means , at , what a season ? in what great streights ? how farre , beyond our reasons or our deserts ? ( deserts said i ? nay , when , we had deserved worse than other men ) what passed bondage , we are freed from ? what likely slaveries , for time to come ? and what a heap of blessings we have had ●howr'd down , to make us , in his favour glad ? who , can ? ( these things consider'd ) who i say , can blame me , if , i am afraid , this day , amidst our triumphs ? and aloud should cry , on other men , to fear as much as i ? for such a fear , no portion doth destroy , of ought which is essentiall to our joy : but helps to keep it , from an overcasting , by future clouds , yea makes it everlasting ; rather preventing harm , than harm portending , and , from a dull security , defending . already , i discover , that this fear , which , at the first , destructive did appear , to my design , ( by making up a medley , which , on a day of joy , lookt somewhat sadly ) proves usefull to my purpose , and makes way , to render that , which i intend to say , much more effectuall , than it would have been , unlesse it had been thereby usher'd in . to make impression of a joyfull fear , in those , who shall of gods protections , hear . i feel my spirit on a sudden freed , from all distempers : therefore i le proceed , with what i purpos'd , and enumerate some of those mercies , which we celebrate thi●d●y , in hope to represent them so , that , out of them a filiall fear may flow , so tempring ev'ry reader , that none shall , neither presume , nor by despairing , fall : yea , so to set them forth , i will assay , that , in remembrance , they continue may : that i , who write them , and that they who read them , may with more seriousnesse , hereafter , heed them , more often meditate them , to encrease our joy into a perfect thankfulnesse , and , that , as in a glasse , our eyes may see , how worthlesse , how unthankfull , yet , we be ; how these good things , which , god , in mercy , ga●● to save mens lives , oft send them to their grave , if not to hell : how likewise to improve gods judgements , and , the pledges of his love , to our best benifits , and how to raise , such monuments , and trophies , to his praise , as , answer their intents , who set aside this day , to be , in publick , sanctifi'd . without those ends , the formall observation , of one set-day is but a profanation ; or , meer hypocrisie : it , makes men think they offer incense , when they offer stink : it makes them dream that they have somthing give● to god ; when , they have but affronted heaven : it proves like that peace-offering of the whore , which made her sin more boldly than before ; and to return again , to her offence , with lesse reluctance , and more impudence : to fast a meal or twain , and to put on a sadnesse , for a day , is cheaper done , than , to deny our selves ; or , to supresse , our avarice , or our ambitiousness . to say , the lord be thanked ; or to sing , a song of praises ; is , an easier thing , than to expresse a hearty thankfulnesse , by works of mercie , and of righteousnes : as , giving to the poore , or , taking care of those that under great oppressions are : and , 't is alas ! with us , too frequent , seen , that some who formally dispos'd have been to outward duties , acting joy , and sorrow , this day ( with seeming zeal ) come forth , to morrow , and prosecute their avarice , their pride , ( with whatsoe'r , they seem'd to lay asid● the former day ) and , entertain as bad , if not worse spirits , than , before they had : pursuing wilfully , distructive wayes . what e're the preacher , or , the charmer says . he , that could finde expedients to prevent these prophanations , well his time had spent ; and , thanks might merit , for so having done ; ( although , he peradventure shall have none , ) i , therefore , to that purpose , will assay to set my meditations , for this day , to such a tune , as may have likelihood , of those effects , if rightly understood ; for ( though it move , but two or three , to dance true measures ) my designe it shall advance : and , he , that doth accept a willing heart , more , then the best performances of art , will , perfect his own work , in me , begun , though , that , which i perform , be weakly done . it is not my intention to begin where , gods or'eflowing mercie , first broke in , upon this nation ; for , that , would appear , a work not for a day , or for a year , but , for an age : and , my poor snuffe of light , would leave me , in an everlasting night , e're i could half those mercies overlook , whereof , in few years , i have notice took : nay , in each circumstance , should i display those , onely which , of this thankesgiving-day occasions were : i , might dilate thereon , till three such lives , as i have liv'd were gone . i , therefore , will but offer up a beam , out of the sun ; a drop , out of a stream ; one grain , out of that golden-mine , by which , our god , hath made us , in his favours , rich : or , make a brief collection , at the most , of so much , that , this day , may not be lost ; but give thereby a longer lasting motion to real thankefulness , and true devotion . should i suppose a tripled golden chain , one fold whereof sufficed to contain , these british isles , with all those seas inclos'd , which , may be in a , circle so suppos'd ; and , that , as many links , thereon were found , as there are half-half inches , in that round of land , and water : therewith , should i think , i saw enamel'd , upon ev'ry link , ten hundred thousand mercies ; i , might read all those inscriptions thereon character'd , as possibly , as make a full relation , of , gods proceedings , in our preservation . i , therefore , will but set forth , here , and there , such links of providence , as do appear to most mens view ; that , somewhat may remain still visible , of mercies golden chain : looking , no further back , in my designe , then , to the year six hundred thirty nine beyond a thousand ; and , i will relate but , onely , an epitomy , of what hath been vouchsaf'd since then ; for , by the pa●●● you may conceive , what lyon i could draw : and , if the whole proportion i should lymn , i could not do my work , within the time . about , that year , the tyrant ( who now lies beneath our feet ) with over weening eyes , had view'd himself ; and puffed up with pride , began , to think , of being dei fide ; or , at the least , of being somewhat more then man , or king ; or , then what heretofore he was esteem'd : and , much endeavoured , too , that , we ( if possible ) should think him so . his tripple-kingdom , upon him bestown , for , others ; he , usurped as his own ; inchroching by undue prerogatives , as well , upon his loyal subjects lives , as on their free-born persons , and estates ; with what else , to their liberties relates : nay , upon that , which is more dear then these , ( upon the freedome of our consciences , ) he made assaults ; well knowing , that would bes● procure him ( and secure him ) all the rest : and , how to prosecute it , he , was taught , by them , who knew the way , to what he sought . a councel , he had pick'd up , who might well be called his ; and , with achitophel , be judged peers ; but , that , of him , in wit , they came far short ; and , have not so well , yet , their houses order'd ; nor , secured so their persons , as , he had the hap to do . his flattering priests , and poets , urg'd him on , to what , they found him willing to have done : for , by the first , there seem'd to be infus'd , a conscience fitting him , to be abus'd : and , by the last , he , and his queen became so often represented by the name of heath'nish deities ; that , they , at last , became ( ev'n when their mummeries were past ) like those they represented ; and , did move , within their sphears like , venus , mars , and jove ▪ and , had they onely failed , but , in thus themselves befooling ; gods , delivering us from being vassals , to such mimick-players , had merited our publike thanks , and prayers . for , when the roman-emperours begun to fill the stage , they , vilify'd the throne ; and , those oppressions , quickly follow'd there ; which , on the like beginnings , entred , here . he , being thus transform'd , into a thing , no longer worthy to be call'd a king . ( tho , fairly painted , and well varnish'd over , the wickedness of his designes to cover ) a deep foundation laid , for such a throne , as , he , ambitious was to sit upon ; and , had so couch'd his plots , ( as he suppos'd ) and , so with pow'r and policie , inclos'd , his interest ( ere heed thereof was taken ) that , few believ'd the structure could be shaken ; or , that , a possibility had been , of those events , which we have lately seen : nor were they possible untill , gods hand , did shake the rock , whereon the pile did stand . for , that , secure his actings might become , himself , as well abroad , as here at home , he fortifi'd ; and engineers did keep , to render his designes , as large , as deep ; neglecting little , which by right or wrong , might , in his undertakings , make him strong . with forain princes , and each neighbouring state , ( to whom , himself he might ingratiate ) he secretly comply'd ; ( by whatsoere relations , they might opposites appear . ) at home , himself , he strengthned many ways , with what concerns him , who the tyrant plays : as , by depressing them , who might be foes to his designes ; by , high advancing those who might promote them ; by , disabling much the one , and making of the other rich : by projects , and employments , which might add to them , and , take from others , what they had ; and , by all practices , which might mantain this cursed principle , divide and reign his ends he follow'd , whatsoere it cost , in treasure , or in blood , by others lost . witness , the late inhumane massacre , in ireland : when , in few days murthere● were hundreds of thousands ; and as many mo● , soon after , by abetters thereunto , a massacre , beyond ( without compare ) those , which in sicily and paris were , though both united ; yet , it is believ'd ( upon good grounds ) to be at first , contriv'd by him , or with his knowledge : but of this , there is an hoast , or cloud of witnesses , that , he did palliate , and look thereon without compassion , when the deed was done ; and , hath occasioned that sea of blood , whereby since then these isles have been o'erflow'd ; ev'n by abusing these unhappy nations with vain pretences , and false protestations . yet , much more great , the deluge would have been , had not god's mercy interpos'd between , his cruelty , and us , when , he assayd to tempt the scotish nation to give ayd to his designes ; by promising , to add four english counties , to the bounds they had . when , likewise with the armies , in the north , he tamper'd , bloody mischiefs to bring forth , of●ing them largely ; when , moreover , that was in designment , which , he aymed at , in scotland , where , ( about the self-same time ) a bloody banquet , was prepar'd , by him . before these things ( and , e're we felt those harms which followed ) he , found means to seize our arms ; and by meer power , ingrost into his hand , the stores of powder , throughout all the land . he , likewise had contrived , how , to draw to serve his ends , the masters of the law , by placing , or displacing ; and , thereby , had , almost , fixt , a legal tyranny . by maskings , and loose revellings , at court : he , closely wrought upon the yonger sort of wanton students ; and allur'd thereby , the flower , of all the yong nobilitie and gentry of his kingdoms to encline to him , in whatsoere , he should design . his councel-table , was bespread with snares , to catch , and hamper those , at unawares , who stood for liberty ; his courts , were made both instrumental to the bribing trade , and bawdes , to help advance unjust designes , by false decrees , wrong judgments , mulcts , or fines : for , justice , was afforded , there , to few save such , as to his interests were true : and , most of those ( without attending long ) had what they su'd for , whether , right or wrong . his overgrown prerogative , laid hold on our proprieties ; and , scarcely should ere long , a natural-action to this nation , allow'd have been , without a dispensation , or fine , first paid : no ; not , to eat , or drink , to go , or come ; to speak , or safely think , should we have been permitted ; had not god , to his usurpings , put a period . for , many , to accompt . not for deeds done have called been , or , for bare-words , alone ; but otherwhile , to question , some were brought for those things , also , which , to have in thought they were suspected : yea , such was the rage , of tyranny , that , children under age , for childish words ( spoke without ill intent ) were , not alone , to severe chastisement made lyable ; but , forc'd to suffer , too , that painful death , which wilful traytors do : as ( by a cruel act , of all abhor'd ) appears at sarum , yet , upon record . no marvel then , if neither sope nor fir● nor raking rotten rags , out of the m●●e ; or freedom , in such poor and trivial things , as are tobacco-pipes , and fiddle-strings , could be allowed in this common-weal , without a fine , or patent under seal . his peerage ( some excepted ) was indow'd , with priviledges , but , to make them proud , and fit , them to oppress or to enslave the people , unto him , from whom they have their empty titles . upon some of these he did confer the highest offices , by great sums , purchased ; that , so , they mought by selling dear ( because they dearly bought ) ingaged be , to share in his oppressions ; and , strengthen by in justice , their possessions : to make them still , have need of his protection ; and , ●●eave to him through fear , if not affection . to this intention , they had also share : in those base projects , which injurious were , to publike-right ; and , they employ'd their power to begger , to disgrace , or quite devour , all those , who did not readily befriend , his purpose ; or , else , freely give , or lend , or stand engag'd , to answer his desire , in whatsoe're he pleased to require : and , he , that sought a remedy , by law , for these intrusions , did but onely draw , more mischiefs on himself : for , 't was a flower , slipt from the crown ; and , by the royal power , deriv'd ; that , they should be secur'd , by might , from wrongs receiving , and , from doing right . but , god , for this injustice , now hath broke , that s●●pter : from their heads ; their crowns hath took and , shall destroy all those who will not see , that want of justice , and of mercy , be the signal causes , of those desolations , that fa●● on private-persons , kings , or nations . and , they , who for gods justice , upon these , ( together with , the great deliverances thereby , vouchsafed ) cannot , yet perceive just causes , of the publike thanks we give ; of their concernments , take so little heed , that , to awaken them , i will proceed . the tyrant , had some other instruments , ( to further him , in his unjust intents ) in order to our bondage : among whom , none did more mischievous to us become , ( nor , any , for him , play their prizes better ) then , his proud priests : nor , was he more a debter to any , then to them : and , i dare say , so dearly for it , he , to none did pay . his prelates , and their vnderlings , he bought to serve his ends , ( by giving what they sought and what he had in guift ) or , else perchance , he might in vain , have piped them a dance . instead of preaching christ , they preach'd us down to slavery ; and idoliz'd the crown : then , to require what they had done , for him ; he , fool'd away three royal-crowns , for them : they ( seeming confident he should prevail ) upon his kingly person did intail , divinity ; that , arrogate he might his vsurpations , by a sacred right : he , to retaliate what they bestow'd with temporal possessions , them endow'd : and these by their false doctrines did besot the vulger so ; that , in them it begot , idolatry ; and therein they hold on , their dotage , though their deity is gone : yea , though their idol , quite destroy'd they see , and , dagon-like , without a head to be . to make his clerick engines serviceable . ( yet further ) he , did strongly them enable with pow'r canonical ; which would have brought more mischiefs on us , then most had in thought ; and , such , as might at length , have entrance made for all , that superstition , would have had ; ( althought 't was cloked with a formal zeal , of piety , their purpose to conceal ; ) and , when these preparations , had unhallow'd our churches ; popery , would soon have follow'd : the people , should have been , once more , an ass , for prelates to have ridden as it was ; kings should have been but blocks to help them on , and , emperours , their stirrups wait upon . but , mark gods , justice , and retaliation , to these ; for , it is worth your observation : the prelates , justly , lost their tempralties , for smooth ' ring truth , and preaching vanities . for seizing that , which legally is known , the peoples right , the king hath lost his own : and king and prelates , joyning both together , in tyranny , have ruined each other . thus far , you see gods mercies ; and , thereby may see , his justice , too , with half an eye , and what must have succeeded ere this day , if these , had t●ved their wicked way ; and , we are graceless , if we praise not him , by whom , we had deliverance from them : for , by those hydra's heads , not yet bereft , ( and by that poyson , which is in them left ) it is apparant , we should scarfe have had , a day of rest until our graves were made . on us , by his assistants , he had brought such slavery , that , we had scarcely ought t●● call our own ; or , at the least , left free from those intrusions , which were like to be : yet , worse it would have been ; as , might appear beyond dispute , should i make mention , here , what , i have known , and seen , in preparation , to bring a further bondage ; on this nation . most , are forgetful of what 's past ; and , some by never heeding it , are now become unthankful murmurers , repining at their present contributions , to the state : because , the payments , yet impos'd , are more , by much ( as they conceive ) then heretofore : ( considering , neither what necessities now are ; nor , from whose faults , they do arise . there is , indeed , a very large expence , occasioned to make our just-defence , against the many practices of those who , settlement of peace do still oppose : and by long lasting wars , at sea , and land . ( in several kingdoms ) thereby , to withstand , our present enemies ( and to prevent their future purposes ) vast sums , are spent : but , this , was by constraint ; and , we have hope these issues of expence , will quickly stop ; if we with patience , for a while , could bear with those disbursments which compelled are : and , would consider , at how much more cost , we were , that , all our freedoms might be lost . as , also , what great burthens , it would bring , to readmit a tyrannizing king , with all those swarms of locusts , and of flyes , which are begot , and fed by tyrannies : with what must be exacted to maintain the boundless cravings , of his hungry train . we like the sons of jacob , were opprest ; and , god , is making us , a path to rest , as , he did them , so , he , doth lead us through much hardship , and great difficulties , now : and some of us , like them , ( nay , worse then they ) ev'n almost at the period of our way , would back return ; and , brutishly complain as if our ease , were sharper then our pain . now therefore , i will here insert a note expressing part , of what we have forgot ; that , when our former burthens we review , we may , more thankfully , our peace pursue . we were oppressed by his vain expence , of large revenues , which , for our defence , and for the nations honour , were with him , intrusted ; for , by his consuming them upon vain lusts ; constrain'd we were , to add supplies , oft-times ; for which , returns we had of many new occasions , to increase our burthens , rather then to make them less : and still whatever was on him bestown he took without thanksgiving , as his own . great subsidies , which such like payments gain'd by false pretences ( as by dangers fain'd . or some like that , ) by him , were , also , spent in prosecutions , to the detriment . of all the nation ; and so , all that cost was , thereby ( as to us ) much worse then lost . by many , other wayes , he did inlarge our burthens , and this nation over-charge . by vniversal loans ; with an intent , never , to render back , the money lent. by privy seals ; which , he did seldom pay except , for other borrowings , to make way . by contributions , termed free ; altho , we paid them , whether , we did list , or no . by houshould-compositions , ( for the table , the kitchin , sellar , and the royal stable ) which , of themselves , ( if we consider shall what , officers exacted , therewithall ) might have maintain'd a king , much better than all scotlands royal patrimony can . yet , this too , ( as i finde , by inquisition ) , was taken , by a forced composition . to these , may added be , what he encroach'd by projects , and by offices new broach'd by selling-places , by dround lands , and fenns ; by fines , for cottages of other mens ; by wrong pretended right , to lands conceal'd ; by vlnage , and by cloaths , and drapries seald ; by patents , corporations , fees , and toll ; by sev'ral writs and money by the poll : by coate and , conduct-money ; and , by that for ships , which , was extreamly grumbled at . by tunnage , poundage , customes , both in use , and pretermitted ; to the great abuse of trade and merchants ; who , tho paying of these to be secur'd from pyrates on the seas , vvere left unguarded ; to the frequent spoil , of private men , and weakning of this isle . moreover , out of our estates , he made large profit , by the forfeitures , he had ; by bonds recognizances , and , by suits ; by tenths , by lycences , and by first-fruits , escheats , amercements , mulcts of several sorts , in sev'ral causes ; and in sev'ral courts . by wards , and marriages ; by suing forth of liveries ( which now are nothing worth ) by honorary titles , sould to such as were not thereby honoured so much , as honor was disgrac't ; by great sums paid for corronation-knights ; by coynage , aid ; and , by a multitude of wayes beside , ( too many , hereby , to be specifi'd ) this nation was opprest . all which , though now of their late griefs , forgetful , many grow , ( more notice taking , of what lies upon their backs , at present , then , of what is g●●●e ) vvould , if sum'd up , a greater burthen prove then vve have born , our bondage to remove considering his vast incomes , needlesly vvere wasted , on his lusts ; or , that thereby he might inslave us : whereas , all we spent vvas by constraint , or , that , vve might prevent bell , and the dragons , ravenous designes : and , therefore , whosoe're , thereat repines , doth neither his own welfare , understand , nor , that great work , which god , hath now in hand . but , if our citizens , who have forgot their former pressures ( and , begin to dote upon an idol-majeslie ) would take , more heed ; they doubtless , more esteem would make of gods late mercies ; and , an offring bring to expiate their cursed murmuring . if , they would mind , at what uncertainties , they did possess their goods , and liberties ; what interruptions , formerly they had ; what innovations , as concerning trade : how oft , their charters , upon slight pretence , were questioned , to put them to expence : what presents , they have been constrain'd to give , for favours , which , they never could receive ; what bribes , to get their grievances remov'd ; and how unfruitful , nay-the-less they prov'd ; what scorns , and what disgraces , in time past , on them , have undeservedly been cast ; how oft , when legally , they sought their own , they were abus'd , and into prisons thrown , till they were glad , to quit a long-due-debt , lest , else , a greater mischief they might get . would they remember , their late sad condition . occasion'd , by the cruel inquisition set up at lambeth ; by the merciless starchamber court ; and by th'imperiousness of his court-marshal ; where their innocence , was rack't and tortur'd , by the insolence , of officers ; of clarks ; apparators ; of pursuivants ; and cut-throat messengers . were it remembred more , how they , complain'd , of grievances by their late king sustain'd , and his ill councellors : ( whom we now see not half so worthy , of our blame as he ) they would not in their courage , be so poor ; nor , so unlike , to what they were before . yea , would they but recal , how furiously they acted ( ev'n almost to mutiny ) against the king ; and to th' incouragement of this ( then , highly honour'd ) parliament ; how zealously , horse , money , arms , and plate , they , then , contributed , to vindicate , their nigh-lost liberties ; how oft , they fought , to bring to pass what , now to pass is brought ; and , therewithall , would seriously take heed , that whatsoere did thereupon succeed , beyond their first aym , was , gods work ( not our ) they would confess his justice , with his power , and mercy : for , all these were manifest , when , of his throne , the king , he dispossest ; and took away both crown , and life from him , that , our , and his long-sufferings , did contemn . these things , could they consider somewhat more , they would more thankful be , then heretofore ; and , not so irreligiously persever to murmur , that , god blest their own endeavour ; nor , be so mad , to ayd those , underhand , who , gods , declared purposes , withstand ; lest , their ingratitude , he should repay with greater plagues , then , he hath took away : and , give them , in his anger , such a thing , as they deserve , another , tyrant king . if , likewise , they , who in the country-s●ng thanksgivings backward , ( and with murmuring require gods mercies ) would , by looking back , on what is past , more heedful notice take vvhat , yearly , out of their estates was taken , in lamb , veal , butter , poultery , eggs , and bacon ; in wheat , oats , hay , and such like things as these , ( from which exactions , they are now at ease ) how oft their teemes , and carts , were forced from their husbandries , and harvest-works at home : to their great detriment , for hyre , but small , and , many times , for no reward , at all : how oft , their saddle-horses , as his own , were , by his courtiers . posted up and down as for the publike , upon publike warrants , when , they were , onely , sent on private arrants : how , by the multiplying of his game , oppressed , and inslaved , they became , to their great detriment ; yea , many times , to their undoing , for suspected crimes : and , how , their nimrods ( or chief foresters ) vvith their insulting vnder-officers , compelled many , for their preservations , quite to forsake , their ancient habitations , or leave their fields , or woods , unto the spoyl of vseless beasts , and beastly-men , the while . vvould they , these things consider ; and , that those taxations , which the state doth now impose ; vvith all their late oppressive plunderings , large contributions , and free quarterings , vvere first occasion'd , by his tyranies ; ( or , their own false-hood , or neutralities ) they would not , like the murmuring israelites , render abuse , reproaches , and despights , to their deliverers ; because , a few , among them , to their trust , have prov'd untrue ; and , to their own loss , by their selfishness , defer that peace , which , else , they might possess . nor would they , so unthankfully , desire to their aegyptian thraldom , to retire , and to their garlick ; when there feet , were brought so neer , unto that rest , which , long they fought : muchless , when they had ( as it were ) been fed with manna . and , mirac'lously been led through many streights ( for wonderment , no les● then , israel passed , in the wilderness ) vvould they , by stagg'ring , in a good-proceed , both re-inslave themselves , and all their seed . now , if ( as other voluntary preachers presume to do ) i , may to teach my teachers take boldness : i would seriously advise some , of our clergie , to become more wise : ev'n those , who , by a peevish frowardness , neglect , not onely , that due thankfulness , vvhich is commanded ; but , make others too prevaricate , from what they ought to do ; by slighting what authority injoyns , and prosecuting of their own designes . oh , god! vvhat bold , what strange apostacie is this ? and from a christian ministry , how disagrees it , that they should profess or , teach , or sooth up an vnthankfulness ? and , whence , proceeds it , but from their old vice , of selfishness , or pride , or averice ? vvhich , ( as it hath , well near , already , done ) vvill loose them all , that , they insist upon ; if , they proceed to prosecute those ends vvhich they and their fraternitie intends , god , bears me witness , i envy them not the least advantages which to their lot , by right , pertain ; but , rather , would improve , my vote , ( with real heartiness , and love ) to give them double-honour , and advanc● vvhat is thier due , by sacred ordinance : for they who serve him without by-respects ▪ had never cause to say , that god neglects their service ; though he sometime sends them forth , neither with money , or with money worth : as , every one observes , who taketh heed , how plentifully at all times of need , he them supplies , that , his allowance take with thankfulness , and work , for conscience sake , without capitulating , whether they in pensions , or , in tithes , shall have their pay . what is it angers them ? are they displeas'd , ( though , of their former grievances , now eas'd ) that , they , themselves impow'red do not finde to act the prelates , in another kinde ? and , to succeed them in their vast possessions , which was the chiefe end of their oppositions ? ] are they , again desirous of a king ? how so ? since , they are those , who , first did bring those things to controversie , whereupon , that justice , which they murmur at , was done ? what , can they hope , by bringing back again that power , whereof , they lately did complain ? but , greater mischiess , and a heavier yoke , then that , which from their necks , was lately broke ? considering , what confed'rates , they now have this nation , and themselves , to re-inslave ? are they afraid those tithe-pigs may be lost , vvhich have so many tracts and sermons cost to prove them sacred ? that 's , a needless fear , as , yet ; for , by our laws confirm'd they are : and , till supream power , shall by law revoke them , they , may receive them , as they lately took them : and without question , all such due supplies vvill still vouchsafed be , as many suffice . nor have they cause to murmur , though it may provided , for them be , some other way since , by their scotish discipline , they find their claimed tithes , are seldom paid in kind . is it , their zeal against new-heresies , the ranters tenents , or the blasphemies , vvhereof the scot injuriously avers our state , and army to be favorers , vvhich makes them discontent ? i think not so , vvhat er'e they may pretend : for , they well know , the parliament hath lately made a law , to keep blasphemous libertines in aw ; and to correct their manners , who transgress against the rules of moral righteousness ; and , from our armies frequently they hear , that such , by them severely punish'd are . let them take heed , lest their endeavour flows from causes which may prove much worse then those there mentioned ; ev'n from an interest ▪ pursu'd , to raise the throne of antichrist a new found way : or else , from some vain hope , in every parish to erect a pope . let them take heed , lest er'e they be aware , their carnal policie may them ensnare : for by that power , whereat their parties aim , they seem to be affected with his claim vvho , to gods throne aspires : or else , to that vvhich will produce a double-headed state . or , that , at least , from thence , this may redound ; that , ( if the royallists can cure their wound by what , is now design'd ; they , and their friends the romanists may thereby gain some ends obstructive to our peace ; though totally destructive to their new presbytery ; vvhich they seditiously have preach'd and praid , to build up by their ground-works , lately said . oh! therefore , let them speedily return to their lost path ; for their backslidings , mourn ; observe gods providence , approve his waies , and joyn with us , in singing of his praise . let them stir up their flocks to thankfulness , like others of their calling , who profess the self-same faith ; and help us , to redeem the losses of advantages , and time , occasion'd by their schism ; that , we and they may friendlike walk together in one way , partakers , of that happy peaceful being , which is deferred , by our disagreeing . for , were all well consider'd , all men would , without the least obscurity , behold , what cause we have , to sing gods praise , this day , for taking of our slaveries away : and , in the first place , for removing him , who , wore , unworthily , the diadem , of supreme government . but , least , some , yet , may our fore-past-condition so forget , as to believe , we might have been secur'd , from that , which under kingship we endur'd , by regulating it ( which , i once thought , till , i by providence , was better taught ) let them , with me , take notice , and , well weigh how many hundred years , we did assay this remedy in vain ; and , heretofore spend all our pains , to wash a blackamore . let them look back , and heed , how oft we fought , and by fair-means , and humble prayer , sought a firm establishment , of what , we knew , ( and had oft prov'd ) to be our proper-due : how many charters , and , how many laws , were made , by kings , in favour of our cause : how many curses , and sad imprecations , were laid upon their wilful violations : how many times , their royal words , we had ; how many oaths , and vows , were sworn , and made ; yet , faithlesly , still , broken , afterward , without remorse of conscience , or , regard of god , or men ; and , still , revok'd , as soon as opportunities were fastned on , to prosecute , again , their tyranny . and , let us likewise , heed impartially , how much , our late king , labour'd to make void his free donations ; and , to have destroy'd his own concessions : what dire imprecations he likewise , ventred on ; what protestations , he dared , with a purpose to deceive ; and , with a hope of making us believe , he , meant us well ; when , he did all the while , intend his own-advantage , and , our spoil : improving , still , ( what , er'e , he did pretend ) all our indulgences , to his first end , ev'n to his death : witness , his , laying plots to make a rent , betwixt us , and the scots ; yea , and , among our selves , that very time , in which , we treating were , of peace , with him . hoping , at last , by one device or other , to make us , do his work ▪ and fall together . and , of those juglings , now , the fruits appear , in ireland , scotland , holland , france , and here . what could , we have , expected , from a king , so wilful , and so false , in every thing ? or , from the off-spring , of a generation , so long time , rooted in prevarication ? so long , irreconcileably profest an enemy , to publick interest ? and , claiming , so imperiously , to be , from all the bands of law , and reason , free ? what hopes could we have had , that , we should ever have tam'd this leon , by our best endeavour ? or , any of his whelps ? or , means have found , whereby , they might have been , securely bound , from crushing all our bones ; if , they again , should slip , their collers , or else break their chain ? for my part , i so well found , what he was ; that , though i had large offers of his grace , and studied his chief good ; yet , still i found , his heart so hard , so double , and unfound , ( ev'n to his last breath ) that , i must confess it was gods mercie , and , our happiness that , he so fell ; and , 't will be to the glory of this our nation , in their future story , that , whereas others have clandestinely , by poyson , or by murther , secretly , remov'd their tyrants ; we , with open face ; by publick justice ; in a publick place ; in presence , of his friends , and , in despight of all our foes , and ev'ry opposite , try'd , judg'd , and executed , without fear ; the greatest tyrant , ever reigning here . take then , gamaliels counsel , and submit , to that , which providence , adjudgeth fit should come to pass ; left else , perhaps , you may be found resisters of your god , this day . halt not 'twixt two opinions , as ye do ; but , heed his walkings , and , conform thereto . if , to this government , you do adhere , let , it , by your obedience , now appear : if , you dissent ; make publick your protest , as we have done ; unite your interest , to him , whom you desirous are should reign : and , if you dare , come , and appeal again to god , that , he may quickly send you thither , where , you may perish , or repent together : for , we are confident , the work begun our god , will prosper , still , as he hath done ; and , that when such as you , are in your place , we , shall behold the fulness of his grace . but er'e you grow so mad to run that way , be pleas'd to hear , what i have more to say . what profit will you get at last by that , which you have indiscreetly aimed at , tho it should thrive ; and , you , should hither bring vvith all his rabblement , the scotish king ? should they with all their strength unite together , and like an inundation , flow in hither ; set your fair towns , and villages on fire , ( as you , in probability , desire ) vvhich would be done , ( though you desir'd it not ) if , there to your assistance they had got : if , with a lousie army they should cover your fruitful fields ; spread your fair meadows over vvith their devouring-troops ; your houses fill vvith nasty sluts , and grooms against your will ; making your parlours , and your halls to stink vvith sluttery , like a dunghill , or a sink : if you should see your hardly-gotten-stores , devour'd by loose commanders , and their whores ; their brutish followers rudely take the bread , vvith which , your little-children should be fed , out of their hands ; and keep you so in aw , that you should scarcely dare to lodge in straw , ( although your own ) whilst those bold guests did lie in your soft beds ; and some stand emptie by : should you behold them , proudly domineer , vvhere you this day , both lords , and masters are : should you , who may , in peace enjoy your lives , see your estates , your children , and your wives , incroach'd upon ; the first of them possest by those , who faigned friendship had profest ; the other , ev'n before your face , mis-us'd ; the last , perhaps , immodestly abus'd : and you your self , if that appear dislik'd ) disgracefully , both flouted at , and kickt . should you bel ol ● such things , which ( if they come upon those terms that are desir'd by some ) vvould surely follow ; what should you then gain by that , whereof you seem to be so fain ? think you , the most malignant cavaliers , the worst of papists , and of presbyters ( united in a trinity together ) vvill bring you puritie of worship hither ? or , can the wisest man alive conceive , vvhat linsey-woolsey-stuff the kirk must weave , to make a garment , which will fit and please , a body , made up of such crooks as these ? or frame a discipline that will agree , vvith such dissenting parties as those three ? can you be so imprudent to suppose , that your new feigned friends , and ancient foes , ( disgraced and engrag'd as now they are ) vvith any good intentions will draw near ? or give you precious things , to make you brave ? or better fields and gardens , then you have ? or that your entertainment , whilst they stay , vvill cost you less then what we monthly pay unto our army , which by that expence is yet maintained , for our just defence ? or can you dream ( if at their choice it stand ) that , having found the sweetness of this land , the scots , will be so mad , as thence to go to feed on thistles , and to lie in snow ? or think you , they , had lately , gone away so quietly , but to obtain their pay , to render them more able to come back , when more it might for their advantage make ? do you believe that , they intend to bring their lately crown'd , and new-converted king , to vindicate the justness of our cause ? our ancient freedoms , and our english laws ? or , that , they ( having little of their own , to keep him ) so much cost would have bestown , but , that , they are made hopeful to advance as well their own wealth , as his maintenance from your estates ? can your dull brains , admit , that , he , or his , for ever , will forget , his fathers head ? his own deserv'd disgrace ? and , on what terms , you forc'd him to embrace a loathed covenant , which , he did take , more for a kingdom , then for conscience sake ? or can you be so blinde , as not to see that , all things , which in your possession be , vvill scarce suffice to make full recompence , for damages , and losses , ever since these wars began ; when , he makes computation thereof , and shall demand a reparation ? especially , when all his needy-train , and greedy-party , shall to him complain for satisfaction , of their vast arrears ? losses , and expectations , like to theirs ? believe it , e're that debt , will quite be paid , they , who are yet , of no such thing afraid , vvill finde , that most ( or all of them ) shall be contributers thereto , as well as we , vvho are proscrib'd : and , that , if they are rich , it will not then , consider'd be so much , how they affected stood , as what they have , to satisfie the lusts , of those that crave : and , all they , who are neuters , now , or friends in secret , unto that , which he intends , shall , finde small means , to help distinguish them from those , whom he , for traytors , will condemn . and , their false friends , will then retaliate their former hate , and falshood to this state . oh! left , this come to pass , more thankful be to him , who hath begun , to set you free , from former bondage ; and , from what you may , occasion , by an ill-advised way . observe well , whether that , which god hath wrought , ●or this poor nation , could to pass be brought , 〈◊〉 strength , or wit of men ; had he not been , our helper ; and , assistances brought in . how , had so many , been so oft , by few , defeated else ? how , had the foes they flew and took , so often , more then doubled those , whom , they in open battle , did oppose ? ●ow , else , had we so often saved been 〈◊〉 bringing of one single-vote , between our spoil , and us ? how , having had , a foe 〈◊〉 strong , so craftie ( and , a party too of his , within our bosomes ) had we thus , prevailed , and escap'd , what threatned us ? yea , and , among so , many murmurings ; among so many disencouragings , as we have had ? and , ( which is worse then so ) amidst , a people , not so wise , to know , who , seeks their weal ? how , had we stood so long but , that , god gave us hearts , and made us strong : had i , a memory , and time to spare , but half those evidences to declare , which , of gods providence , my observation hath taken heed of , by the dispensation , of mercies , to this land , since , he begun , 〈◊〉 prosecute , what he for us hath done , 〈◊〉 order to our peace ; you , would behold 〈◊〉 chain of graces , richer , then of gold , pearls , diamonds , and rubies ; and , believe ●o other nations ever did receive , more tokens of his love . could i disclose , 〈◊〉 mischievous and deep designes of those , who laid the first foundation of this war ; 〈◊〉 , how far on , their projects carried were , in england , and in ireland , ere our eyes , observ'd the chief ends of their policies : how , first , the lawyers and ambitious priests , were woo'd and won to serve his interests ; and , active to become , in making void the just proprieties , that we injoy'd , in civil things ; and , render our condition more flavish by inducing superstition . how , next he wrought upon , those hypocrites , who , seeming patrons , of the peoples rights , became , at last to be the worst of those , who to the publike-liberties , are foes . could , i expression make , how , god improv'd , his mercies to this isle when he remov'd strafford , and canterbury ; how , their plot , to ruine us , by ayming at the scot , ( as their first mark ) was made the means of 〈◊〉 which we were hopeless of arriving at , ( by such a far-fetcht compass ) and , brought on what we did never purpose to have done . should i , at full , illustrate here , how , they came , first , to do their own work ; then , took 〈◊〉 to further ours ; and , by meer standing still , enabled us , to do ( against their will ) what they pretended , with no true intents ; as hath been manifested by th' events . such , as their fraudful juggling , in receiving the king neer newark ; thereby , us hereaving : of those advantages , for which we fought : and , for which , we their help had dearly bought . such , as their wresting , that , which they profest four our joynt good , to private-interest ; making the covenant , seem a just occasion , of prosecuting an unjust invasion . such , as their practices when , here they lay like snakes within our bosoms , to betray 〈◊〉 ruine us ; by working upon those , who were too credulous , of their fair-shows , 〈◊〉 piety , and love ; for , whilst they were with kindness , entertain'd amongst us , here , they were but spies and agents to promote their own designes ; and , doubtless , had it not 〈◊〉 god prevented been we had been more 〈◊〉 this by them inslav'd , them heretofore , 〈◊〉 by those actings , which we saw by them pursu'd when they , were weakned from the dream which they pretended , ( and which we did take 〈◊〉 truth , till we , from dreamings did awake ) all men may evidently now perceive what , we , of their intentions may believe . if , i , could make you apprehend the grace , which god vouchsafed when he pleased was to move the king a parliament to call , that should be made destructive unto all his own designes ; permitting , that he should 〈◊〉 his fine-devices , be so fool'd , as to restore , ( of that just-power it had ) 〈◊〉 much , as that , it could not be un-made , without it own assent ; you would believe , that , mercie , was a visible reprieve from our undoing . for , that made the way , to other priviledges which long lay , unheeded , or unpractised ; because , prerogative , had swallowed up the laws , or , seis'd upon the power , by which , we might regain possession , of our ancient-right . but , having , thereby , got that power again , which , we are hopeful , they shall still retain ) they ( for abusing kingship , heretofore ) enacted , that , we should have , kings , no more . should i , sum up , what dangers did appear , and , what , gods open , and close mercies were , when glocester was besieg'd ; when , many thought , they , other habitations must have fought ; and , sent the goods , and treasure , they could spare to amsterdam , to be secured there . vvhen , bristol was resign'd ; and , all the land ( save one poor corner ) in the tyrants hand . when , in the west , one general , began to grow afraid , and from his army ran , when , by another , somthing was was misdone , of no mean consequence , at dennington . when , other chiefs , ( by rambling up and down ) with their brigades , their credits had , or'e thrown : and , did begin to act destructively . to them , whose good success , they did envy . when , they , who for our succour , feign'd to come , conspir'd against us , here , and , then went home to prosecute their mischiefs , . when , the foe , became so strong , and , we , so weak did grow , that , for our re-enforcement , we were fain to take all comers ; and , some to constrain ; in whom , we could but sorily confide . vvhen , in our houses false friends did reside , more to our cost , and to the hazarding of all ; then all , the armies , of the king . vvhen , our first champions ( who did over-ween their own deserts ) swoln bigg with pride , and spleen , jeer'd our new-model'd-army , as if none could do such wond'rous feats , as they had done , vvhen , from the parliament , by shameless lyes , vveekly perpetuated by supplies ) the peoples hearts , were woo'd away , to those , that were , and are , and will be , still their foes ▪ vvhen fury had possessed many so , that , like a sudden torrent , they did flow impetuously , up to the senate-dore ; yea , break in thither , and , there foam , and ro●● should i proceed on further , and , with these make mention of gods great deliverances , when , he at hull , the first and second time , did nullifie a royal stratagem . when likewise , there appear'd a dang'rous rent , 〈◊〉 city , army , and in parliament ; not onely , those dividing from each other , ●ut from themselves , to ruine altogether . when , both the armies unto god appeal'd , as to their soveraign judge , at naasby-field : when , all things , that were dear unto us , lay , upon the doubtful tryal of one day . when god , at brainford , by a poor mans wit , and vallour , ( which none hath consider'd yet ) 〈◊〉 our chief-city . for , had not , he , been , the king , had then surpriz'd it , by design , vvith all our train ( left for him in the way 〈◊〉 hammersmith ) whilst , our commanders lay ●●cure at london ; who , did , little fear , 〈◊〉 great a danger , had been , then so near . 〈◊〉 , should i tell , with every circumstance , god's mercie shewn in our deliverance , vvhen ( after quenching of the gen'ral flame ) ●●fested , with new , mischiefs , we became . vvhen wales revolted ; when , with surrey , kent , and , essex follow'd that bad president . vvhen , scotland ( their confederate ) came in 〈◊〉 second , what their falshood did begin ; 〈◊〉 , after all their great hopes , and vain braggs , were glad , to begg the saving of their craggs . when , our perfideous seamen , did betray their trust ; and with our sea-guard stole away . when , our unfriendly neighbours , looked on , the treason , as well pleas'd with what was done ; 〈◊〉 , did , encrease our hazard , by supplying 〈◊〉 foes wants ; and , by under-hand-complying ▪ vvhen , all our ports , upon the irish coast , ( vvith every inland town ) save two , were lost . vvhen our sick army , likewise , near dunbar inclosed by their adversaries were , vvithout the least , reserve , in their distress ; weak weary , wounded , hungry , harbourless , wet , cold , and straightned so , that in their power ( both by the foes opinion , and by our , ) they seem'd to bee ; till , god look't through the cloud and , then , the lowly , trampled on the proud . and , lastly ; when , surrender up was made of edenborough castle ; which , we had , at such a season as much more then doubles the benefit ; considering , what troubles , ( vvhat dangers ) might have follow'd ; had 〈◊〉 so opportunely , that strong-fortress got : and this great mercie , was the just occasion , of this days meeting and solemnization . vvhen these deliv'rances , and of this kinde , some others , i do fully call to minde ; vvith all the circumstances , too , whereby vve might illustrate every victory , to gods due praise ; and , to th' annihilating of our endeavours ; therewith meditating , vvhat , we have gain'd ; and what it might have cost had any of our hopes , in these , been lost ; ( or , his assistances with-holden been during those straights , which , we were sometimes 〈◊〉 i cannot , but unfainedly confess , his goodness , with a hearty thankfulness ; and , for the honour of his name , assay , to keep , an everlasting holyday . to these considerations , i might add , how many are displeas'd , and almost mad , vvith rage , to see that , still , in their dispignt . god looks upon our thrivings , with delight , 〈◊〉 , still , makes void their malice ; still , unknots , from time to time ) and nullifies their plots . 〈◊〉 constantly , he , leads our armies on vvith victories ; as if , the work were done before they came ; and , left them nothing else 〈◊〉 do ; but , take the pris'ners , and the spoyls . 〈◊〉 strangely . he , in ireland , did begin 〈◊〉 make us room ; when , we had scarce , therein 〈◊〉 of landing , wherein , we might say 〈◊〉 could have been secured , for one day . 〈◊〉 swiftly , he hath prosecuted there , ●vengements , for the bloody massacre , 〈◊〉 our dear brethren ; and , what fair hopes , he vouchsafes , that fully it aveng'd will be . 〈◊〉 great a mercie , t' was that now the scot , 〈◊〉 re-invading us prevented not 〈◊〉 making , in their land the feat of war ; which , they intended should be setled here : 〈◊〉 , what this blessing is , they truely see , 〈◊〉 feel , this day , where , now , both armies be . but , over and above all this , there 's , yet 〈◊〉 mercie , which , if we forget 〈◊〉 mention , to god's praise , we do amiss : 〈◊〉 , much it will avail us ; and , 't is this . 〈◊〉 bloody irish , whose chief interest , depends upon the , ten horns of the beast , and , sea of rome ) have with all diligence , endeavour'd for assistances from thence : 〈◊〉 was there want , in them , of willingness , 〈◊〉 second their desires ; yet , nay-the-less , they have obtained , hitherto , thereby , 〈◊〉 aid , considerable , or supply : 〈◊〉 , god , who , our avenger is become , 〈◊〉 cast on that leviathan of rome , 〈◊〉 chain ; and , fastned in his nostrils too , ●hook which hinders what he fain would do . god , likewise , ever since , our wars begun , ( as if , to finde them work , till his were done ) hath so distracted ev'ry christian king , and ev'ry ▪ commonwealth , near neigh'bouring , with jealousies , and discontents at home ; with wars abroad ; or , with invasions from their forraign foes ; that , what they would have do●● they dar'd not : but , stood , onely , looking on , to see our fall ; to watch , how we did play our game ; and , where , their best advantage lay , what , but a providence , and , such a one , as may ascribed be to god alone , could so have tim'd , and order'd every thing , that , they , advantages to us might bring ? what , denmark would have done , their foe , the swed●●● did , by an act unlooked for , impede . what , france intended , was made also vain , by their domostique jars , and , wars with spain . what , spain , could have been highly pleas'd with●● was hinder'd , both by france , and portugal . the powerful , and wary netherlanders , were grown so jealous , of their own commanders , that , though they were unfreindly , at the first , ( and , countenanc'd our foes , in what they durst ) yet , peradventure , seeing ( or else fearing ) a mischief , over their own heads , appearing ; they , have not put opon us , worse conditions , then , very well became such polititians . but , had not god , in season , took from thence , that rash , and over-much intrusted prince , who had almost inslav'd them ; we , and they , or , both of us , had ( probably ) this day , been much imbroyl'd : and , therefore , they , and we should , for that timely favour , thankful be . the portugal , hath had his bridles too , restraining him , from , what , he fain wuld do 〈◊〉 hollander , and spaniard daily keep 〈◊〉 hands in action , and his eyes from sleep ; 〈◊〉 that which he hath done in opposition , 〈◊〉 us , will but accelerate perdition , 〈◊〉 those whom he secur'd , against our state ; 〈◊〉 bring them , to repent , when 't is too late : 〈◊〉 't will but keep our 〈◊〉 abroad , a while , 〈◊〉 shew the world , gods favour to this isle ; 〈◊〉 make it heed , what work , he hath begun ; 〈◊〉 make them know , that , what is left undone , 〈◊〉 but for triall of their faith , and our ; 〈◊〉 , to illustrate so , his boundless power , 〈◊〉 they may be assured to confess , 〈◊〉 love , his wisdome and his righteousnesse . and for assurance , that , it shall be thus , 〈◊〉 what earnest , god hath given us , 〈◊〉 , we had long time , controverted , here , 〈◊〉 interest ; and made the same appear , 〈◊〉 humble pleadings , and by hearty cries , 〈◊〉 god against our late kings tyrannies ; 〈◊〉 saw no good success : we brought our cause , according to our ancient english lawes ) before him by appeals . and by the sword , 〈◊〉 last decision , which those lawes affoord ) 〈◊〉 the same , to proof ; both parties being , ●●ntented , and in that appeal agreeing . ●orthwith , both drums , and trumpets thereupon , ●unded a charge ; the battells join'd , fell on ; 〈◊〉 , god before whose throne our cause was tri'd , 〈◊〉 victory , gave sentence on our side . this judgement ( not by all , approv'd at first ) ●●me traytors , and some friends would have revers'd , and fought to wave it , as a doubtfull triall ; although throughout the world , without deniall , and throughout all times ) even to this day , 〈…〉 disputes , decided are , this way . but to assure us , that the sentence came from god ; he , hath , again , confirm'd the same by seconding that act of providence , and , making us , victorious , ever since . thereto , therefore , adhering ; we have thrown with confidence , the tyrant from his throne : making him also , pay the forfeiture of life , our present title , to secure . and , therein , not alone our consciences , do warrant us , and , all those witnesses of providence , which have therein appear'd : but , to the world , the same is , likewise , clear'd , by all those pow'rfull kings , and neighbouring states● who , have observed , how god vindicates our cause ; and they have now pronounc'd us free ▪ as we of right , and by gods verdict be . for , their ambassadours , who now reside , with us , our liberty have justifi'd , by their acknowledgements ; and , witnesse bear thereby , to what gods sentence did declare : yea , by their free concession of the same , they make themselves as liable to blame as we ; for , if our nation justly may be counted murtherers ; now so must they : at least , as accessaries to that deed , by which we from our servitude , were freed . if , righteously , our winnings we possesse ; they , are partakers of our righteousnesse , by those acknowledgements ; and , god , shall them reward , for their so justifying him : if they by no sinister actings mar that blessing , whereto , way , it may appear . however ; we , obliged are to praise gods mercie , that we see in our own daye● such blossoms of the fruits , which we expect that , our endeavours have so good effect ; as , that the pow'rfullst princes of all those whom we suspected neuters ( if not foes ) are so convinced as to mediate an amicable juncture , with our state , in time sincerenesse ; or , dissemblers are : which , were an evidence of greater fear , and basenesse , then , we either can detect ; or , shall , without some future cause , suspect . oh! what a blindnesse , what a frowardnesse , doth some of our own nation , yet possess , that , other men can so farre off , discern what , god , hath done for us ; and thereby learn both to be wise in time , and kisse the son before his burning anger is begun , and yet they , still , continue obstinate : grumble at providence , bark at the state , like dogs against the moon , and snarl at all who will not as they do , good things , miscall . it may be , such as these , when they shall see vvhat 's here expressed , will be mad at me : menace , defame and hate , revile , and curse , or , peradventure , mean me , what is worse ) yea , some who wish me well , may think i might have wiser been , than , to provoke despight , or , needlesly , ( as they suppose ) engage against the violence of brutish rage . but , i defie that wisdome , which perswades a private heed , which publick right , invades . 〈◊〉 never yet , an ease , or safety , found 〈◊〉 ought , which to my conscience , gave a wound . already too too many such , now are , vvho either seem ashamed , or , else fear ●o own gods mercies , or , the publick causes , vvithout some reservations , blinds , or pauses , ●o save that interest , which to enjoy , ●n●eas'●●bly , themselves , they may destroy . by this self-love are miseries begun : within this channell , hitherto , they run ; by this , we lose gods love ; by this , we make our courage feeble , and from other ; take● that confidence in us which might engage their faithfullnesse ; and , them to us oblige , with willingnesse , to help establish that , which for the publick-weal , is aimed at . for my part i intend a resolution , to further what we have in prosecution . i see gods mercies , and i understand his purpose , in the works he hath in hand : and therefore , whosoe're displeas'd shall grow , will publish forth , what of his love i know . it is my duty , 't is my proper call ; ( if i have any in this world , at all . ) yea born i was , ( if born i were for ought ) to do the work , which , i to do have fought : and , if my faculty ( such as it is ) was given me for ought , it was for this which i am doing , and i will employ it this way , as long , as i with health enjoy it . what ever , i have publickly profest , was really intended ; not in jest . neither for praise , or profit , or to please , ( except what frailty doth inject of these ) nor out of contradiction unto those who shall dislike it , do i this compose : and , therefore neither , carnall hopes , or fear shall make , me , my known duty , to forbear . for no respect , to parliament or king , or to my self , have im any thing dissemblingly , spoke hitherto my thought ; although much mischief on me it hath brought ▪ and i hope never to be frighted from a 〈◊〉 expression , whatsoever come . but to declare the truth , and speak my mind , as often as , i just occasion find ; ●n spight of all the spitefull world can do , and all the rage of powers infernall too . and whence springs this my confidence ? not from those grounds , whereby , most men , do now become couragious in their actings : nor from our prevailings hitherto : nor from that power we have acquir'd : or those advantages , whereby we are made hopefull to possesse our wished ends : nor trust i to th' events of our endeavours , or our best intents : for , all these things , although they promise fair , may find a change , and leave us in despair : ●n this alone my boldnesse doth consist : ● see gods presence , and his interest , ●n all that 's done : i have a glimmering , too , of that , which he designs e're long , to do , though yet delay'd : and , therefore , whatsoe're ●efalls me , am resolv'd to persevere ●n driving on his work , though i should see as great a change , as may supposed be . yea should i perish in this cause , and knew , when i were dying not one , thereto true ; ● should , even then believe , that , god , alone would finish that , which he hath now begun ; and make his glorie , be the better seen by those obstructions , which will intervene . thus , having added somewhat to prevent the prejudice , which threatens my intent : and sum'd up also , ( as my weaknesse could ) a part of that for which we render should our thanks this day ; i pu●pose to compose some formall odes of thanfullnesse , for those ●●o 〈◊〉 desirous be , when they rejoyce , to witnesse their intentions , by the voice . this , prudent men , thought very pertinent ( and an inseparable complement ) for such a duty : though , fanatick fools , who have nor wit , nor musick in their souls , perceive not , with , what good effects we may use them in our devotions , at this day . gods , prophets , who , knew best what did belong to praises ; did expresse them , oft , in song , and , left them written , as the best records , to memorize , what present time affoords , worth recommending to posterity : or , of safe keeping it in memorie : for , seeing hymnes beget no expectation of ought proceeding from an inspiration , upon emergent cause ; but are a story , expressing , briefly , to th' almighties glory , matter , of fact , ( as that which hath been done , lately for us , or many ages gone , for , others , whose well-being did relate , to us ) those odes continue still in date ; and should sometimes , repeated be , to show what , god hath done ; that , hopefull we might gro● of like protection : and , be comforted by those examples , when our hopes are dead . and necessary 't is , that , those records should be preserved , still , in their first words , that , future times , a certainty may see in those things , which commemorated be . and out of question , ( to the end of dayes ) he , who sincerely sings the , to gods praise , shall feel within him ( being so dispos'd ) that spirit move , by which they were compos'd . therfore , though scorners , & those dull soul'd things whose judgement knows not , whether better 〈◊〉 the nightingall or cuckow , flout me shall , and in contempt , these hymnes my ballads ●●ll ; ● will not be discouraged by these ; from saying , or , from singing , what i please ; but , in an awfull , joyfull strain , begin a song , to usher this dayes praises in . yea , in those forms , which are by them abhor'd ; ● , and my houshold , thus , will praise the lord . sing this as the . psalm . . with aweful joy , and joyful fear , to sanctifie , o lord , this day , before thy foot-stool we appear ; and , our thank-offrings here to pay : which though it be no other thing , then thy free-mercies to confesse ; or , songs , unto thy praise to sing ; vouchsafe acceptance , nay-the-lesse . . within our selves , we are so poor , that , we have nothing of our own , but , what we had from thee , before ; which , by our sins impair'd is grown : for , our wit , beauty , strength , and health , ( the goods of body , and of mind ) our time , our honours , and our wealth , to serve our lusts , have been resign'd . . and , therefore , till thou shalt renew thine image , by our fault defac'd , we , and our offrings , from thy view , deservedly , may forth be cast . there is no musick in our songs , that 's worthy to be heard of thee ; because , our hearts , eyes , ears , and tongues , prophaned , and untuned be . . yet by those favours , heartned on , w●●ch were on us bestown , of late , a hymn , we joyntly have begun , to sing this day , at mercies gate . lord ! those eternall doores unclose , through which thy speciall graces flow ; the cords of our corruption lose , and , let thy spirit on us blow . . then , ev'ry word , we hear , or say , with ev'rything , that 's done , or thought ( in celebrating of this day ) shall do thee honour , as it ought : and , they that study publike harms , or , flout , what we are doing here , shall be so bound up , by these charms , that when they flout us , they shall fear . thus , having by an humble preparation , made , first our way to god , for acceptation of our intended praises ; and , that done , a little meditated thereupon ; or , exercis'd our thoughts , on other notions , which may be pertinent , to these devotions ; we , in a second canto , will relate some heads of that which we commemorate : and , thus , expresse our thankefulnesse to god , in exultations , of a higher mode . sing this as the . psalm . . oh god! how good ! how kind art thou ! what help , what grace , dost thou bestow on us , in our distrest estate ! our tears to triumphs , thou hast turn'd , we now do sing , who lately mourn'd , and , by our foes , were jeered at . when we were weak , poor and forlorn , expos'd to dangers , fears and scorn , our comforter , thou didst become : and , when we dreaded shame of face ; spoils , death , or wounds , joyn'd with disgrace ; those fears , we were deliver'd from . as thou , from base and servile bands , and out of cruel pharoahs hands , thine heritage redeemd'st of old : ev'n so , from those , who fought our harm , thou broughtst us off , with out-stretch'd arm , with signs and wonders manifold . they so , were blinded , lord , by thee , who , might have seen , but vvould not see ; nor hear when they were counsell'd well : and he that fraud , and force imploy'd , to make our lavvs , and freedomes void ; in our own view , like pharoah , fell . this is the day , whereon our yoke of norman bondage , first was broke ; and , england from her chains made free ▪ this is the day , vvhereon the lord , did manumit us by the sword , and , 't is novv signall , by decree . slaves , they deserve to be , therefore , and to be bar'd for evermore , the freedoms of this commonweal , who shall not thankfull , now appear , and vindicate with sword and spear , gods just replies , to our appeal . by thee , our freedoms , lord , vve got ; oh! to our keeping , leave them not : but , still their guardianship retain . and , let not those , vvho under thee , sub●●●ers , of those freedoms be , 〈◊〉 our ●ins , forfeit them , again : on th●se alone , that are unjust or shall be traytours in their trust , to this republike , or to thee , let thy avenging justice fall ; and , on all those who hinder shall , that peace , with truth , may setled be : . write in our hearts , thy sacred law ; and , let no future failings , draw our former cursed bondage back : but , our depraved wills renew , and , to thy service , keep us true ; which , wil our freedoms perfect make . the kingdom , power , and praise be thine as long as moon , and sun shall shine : be , likewise , thou our heritage : and , in this nation , let there be no other king , or god , but thee , what e're they are , who thereat rage . warm'd by these charmes , i do begin to feel another motion , in an higher wheel , inclining my invention , to indite expressions , raised to a loftier height ; that ( if it can be done ) i may awake some other , in my praises to partake . be silent then ; for , i intend a strain , that shall reach heaven , and , eccho , down again such repercussions , hither , through the ayre , as will within our foes beget despaire , of their designes ; and , those , to us , unite in praises , who , in englands peace , delight : sing this as the . psalm , doubling the last strain of the tune . . all you , that present are , come , let our hearts , and tongues , the praise of god declare , in new-thanksgiving songs ; come , let us sing ●trains , that may make the walls to shake , the roofs to ring : still sounding higher , ●ill thereby , we , with angells , be joyn'd in one quire . related , we have heard , what he , for us , hath done ; with how much disregard , our foes , he looks upon : and , we have seen , ●ow , he befriends , when righteous ends pursu'd have been : vve , likewise vievv vvhat will befall , to those that shall their lust pursue . we see , or may behold , that , he our armies leads ; and ( as in times of old ) his banner o're them spreads , and for our sakes , ●hrough threats and spights , through depths and heights , their passage makes , vvhilst , to his praise their foes to nought , are justly brought , in plainer waies . he , made both seas and wind , to them assistance lend ; and , what they had design'd , sun , moon , and clouds befriend . f●rce , he repells ; 〈…〉 them bold , to march where cold , 〈◊〉 hunger dwells : and , when their fear did most abound , they mercy found , and victors were . . to him doth praise belong : for , he did them subdue , who num'rous were , and strong , when we were weak , and few ; and , when our foes came bragging on , and thought all won , they all did lose . still , be it thus ; lord ! alway , so , them overthrow vvho malice us . . his wise-foresight prevents , the politicians wiles : he , crosses their intents , he , at their projects smiles : in his due time , he still unknots , all hidden plots , contriv'd by them : and , in that snare , vvhich , for our feet , they closely set , still caught they are . . vain sons of men , therefore , your bruitish grumbling cease ; pursue false-hopes no more , but follow after peace . more prudent grow ; reform your waies , and sing his praise as now we do : oh! whilst you may in god rejoyce , and hear his voice vvhile 't is to day . . let all men do the same , of whatsoe're degree ; and magnifie his name , as all obliged be . his righteousnesse , 〈◊〉 power and grace , in ev'ry place let all confesse : and lay aside ●heir own deserts , their selfish hearts , their stinking pride . your strength to him submit , you , that have conquests won : wise men ascribe your wit , to him , ev'n him alone . for , he supplies the fool with skill , and , when he will be fools the wise . and , certainly , ●nto to your foes , he , gives the blows by which they die . . rich-men , your precious things bring forth , your thanks to show ; before him , ( oh ye kings ) your heads , and scepters bow ; and , as 't is meet , ●ome from your thrones , and cast your crowns beneath his feet : for , kingdomes all ●o him pertain , and he again resume them shall . . oh! let all things that were , that are , or shall ensue ; ( or , but in thought appear ) the praise , o god , forth-shew ; ●ill times last bound : and , let it run , when time is done , an endlesse round ; where , needs not be privations night , that we true light may better see . . mean time , let not his praise be meerly , in our voice , as if vve thought to raise a trophy , out of noise : but , let us more our thanks expresse , in righteousnesse , then heretofore : els ( this is plain ) false shows we make , and , do but take gods name in vain . these hymns i offer up , to be instead of some short chronicle , for them to read , who have not means to get a larger book , or leisure-time , long tracts to overlook . and many , peradventure , who should els never have heard a word , of what this tells , shall thereby know it , and thence , take occasion to magnifie gods mercies , to this nation . here i had made an end , but that i find another christian duty , which to mind i must present . all these , forepast expressions of gods great mercies , and our fair professions of thankfuinesse , but words , or actions be , which hypocrites may do , as well as we , ( as to the outward man ) and , many times , by them , that service , best performed seems . these , are but offrings of our lips , and tongues , or exercises of the breath , and lungs , in which , we formally may act a part , with little fervor , and without a heart . if we upon inquiry find it thus , in those thanksgivings offred now by us , ●verball , and meer corporall oblation ●ll be to god , but an abomination . we , therefore shall do well , when we have ended ●e publike duties , unto us commended , 〈◊〉 power supreme ) in private , to retire 〈◊〉 to our selves , and of our hearts inquire ●●w things are there , and whether all be so ●earnest , as it ought to be , or no . 〈◊〉 we perceive a failing , let us , then , ●●nfesse it , as becomes repentant men : ●●●d take occasion , thence , to magnifie ●ods love the more , and humbly vilifie ●●r wayes before him , for the favours done , ●ill , then , most thankfully be thought upon , ●hen we consider , that , the grace bestown , ●as not , without our self-desert , alone : ●●t , when we rather merited his wrath . ●ercie , by guileinesse , more lustre hath , ●nd gods commiseration will appear ●●ice greater , when 't is known , how vile we are . oh! let us therefore , take more care to see , ●●th what we are , and , what we ought to be , ●hom , god , hath so much favour'd : let us know , ●●at we our thankfullnesse are bound to show 〈◊〉 well with other members , as with tongues , ●●d , with what , ever else to us belongs . ●●e ought to bring a circumcised ear , ●●ot deaf to truth , or , readier to hear 〈◊〉 false report , then , that which represents ●●he grievances , and wrongs of innocents . 〈◊〉 pitifull , and an impartiall eye , 〈◊〉 look upon , the poore mans miserie , ●nd turn from vanities : well cleansed hands : ●tive , in executing , gods commands : 〈◊〉 , not to bloodshed swift , but , ordered the paths of christian holinesse , to tread ; and ev'ry other member , serving to those duties , which they were ordain'd to do . let ev'ry man consider , what , he was ; what , he at this time is ; unto what place god , hath preferred him : unto what end : what , he hath done ; and , what , he doth intend : whether , to other men , he hath done so , as , he would others , unto him should do . whether his power be faithfully employ'd , to further that , for which it is enjoy'd ; or , to enrich himself . whether , his wealth , his reputation , wisdome , strength , and health , have been improv'd aright ; and , whether , he is really the same , he seems to be , by those externall actings , which expresse his justice , piety , and thankefulnesse . for , 't is not our conformity , to that which is this day , commanded by the state , ( or , other like performances ) alone , that , maketh acceptable what is done . 't is not religion , stew'd into a vapour ; taking , of notes , at sermons , in a paper ; or , giving sixpence , or perhaps , a shilling , wherein , consists a laudable fulfilling of this daies-duty : no , beloved nation , 't is justice , justice ; bowells of compassion ; sincerenesse in your deeds ; truth in your hearts ; and , purifying of your inward parts ; which makes a sacrifice to be approv'd , or sacrificer perfectly belov'd : and , 't is the want of these , that , most estranges from god ; and brings the most destructive chang● which , being true ; all men ( in what they may ) should to perform the duty of this day , be diligent : but most conduce , it shall unto the publike-good , in generall ; that such as have chief power , in either nation should take themselves into examination , and search , what in them wanteth , to expresse a hearty , and unfained thankfulnesse : let , therfore those , on whom , at this time , lies the greatest trust , reflect , a while , their eyes upon themselves ; to make enquirie , whether there be not in their publike-actings , either some falshood , or some failings , which may need a reformation , and a better heed : whether , they have not swallow'd , what may choke themselves , at last ; gods , righteous wrath provoke ; and , frustrate all our former preservations ; our present joys , and future expectations . let them examine , how much , yet , they want of making good their vowed covenant , not in the scottish , but the english sense ) which hath relation to our just defence , and , to that mutuall aid , which , to each other we vow'd ; when , we were thereby joyn'd together . let them examine , whether , they have not that part , of their ingagement , so forgot , as , to desert their friends , in th' executions of their just vow , and , made their prosecutions more mischievous to them , then unto those that , were appa●ently our guilty foes : and , whether , whilst this lot , on them attends , men , may not cheaper , be truth's foes , then friends . let them examine , if there be not some , who to their counsells , and committees come , ●eldome , or never ; but , to set those free from prosecution , who , most guilty be : and , whether , many of them , do not know who , these men are , and often , find it so , much to their grief ; because , they are unable to hinder , what they know unwarrantable . let , them consider , whether , some effects of partiall , and of personall respects , have not oft times , destroy'd an innocent , the just dooms , of the guilty , to prevent : whether , this lord , that kinsman , or their friend ; ( or , he , that can promote their private end ) this lady , with the fair bespotted face ; that gallant , in the suit bedawb'd with lace ; or , seeming converts , who , perhaps , are come to fine , for means , to mischief us , at home ; let them i say , consider whether , these are not receiv'd with more civiliti●s , and , with much more respect , then many are , who , from the first beginning of this war , have served faithfully ; and ever stood firm , in all trialls , for the publike-good . let them examine , whether , they and we , partakers , of one common-justice be , according to our right : or , whether they allow not to themselves , what they deny to some of us , who , have the self-same cause ; and , claim the self-same equity , and laws . let them examine , whether , none of them , seek opportunities , and watch for time how , to surprize their house , to gain a vote , which , in a full court , never had been got ; because , their motions , had been , then , gainsaid , by many , and , their purpose , better weigh'd . let them examine , how , they do pursue their self-denying votes , which , gave a shew of honorable , and of good intentions ; though frustrate , by unlooked for preventions . let them examine , if these common-weals can hope for benefit , by just appeals , against oppressors , who shall office bear , when in supreme authority they are , and while they shall be priviledged so , that , they may judges be ; and parties , too , in those appeals ; and , how , their bribery , or other injuries , can possibly be prov'd ; where , all appellants , against these , shall find so many disadvantages to struggle through ; and while those they impeach , are in a sanctuary , out of reach . let them examine , if the distributions of places , gainfull by their executions , are equally divided ; or , bestown so frequently , for any merit , known , as , for some nigh relation , unto those who get the power , such places to dispose : and , whether , one , may five , or six , deserve , whilst , many of our friends , are like to starve , who , might have been reliev'd ; yea , made our debter ; and , serv'd the common wealth , perhaps much better . let them examine , whether , they , who lent and , freely gave , till all they had , was spent , the publike to secure ; are car'd for , so , as they have been , who , fought our overthrow : whether , they see not many more arise to speak for them , upon emergencies ; to represent their seeming-sad conditions ; to offer , and to second , their petitions ; to get provisoes , pardons , or reprieves , ( and , means to keep their children , and their wives ) then do for those , when their distresse appears , who , freely , spent their bloud , to save our tears . let them examine , whether , some of them do not by their proceedings , both condemn and , help destroy themselves ; when , in their choises of publike-ministers , they give in voices , or names , for by-respects , or kindreds sake ; enabling them , confed'racies to make , for private interest : let them , together take consultation , and examine whether they favour not , among them , such as drive those actings on , whereby , they may contrive the ruine of our cause . let them , moreover , examine , whether , none they can discover who constantly endeavour , to bring in those , who most worthily , depriv'd have been of their late trust ; that , they might them assist in strengthening their corrupted interest : and , whether , an indulgency to these , may not procure some disadvantages to that militia , which , hath been , of late , established , to fortifie the state : and , let them , if they find it to be so , prevent the mischiefe , e're it further go . let them examine , whether , avarice , ambition , malice , pride , or some such vice , hath not been so indulg'd , as , that it may deprive us of the comforts , which this day we have hope : yea , let us all , apart , and , joyntly , seek true peace , with perfect heart . these memorandums , i am bold to add , that , our thanksgivings , may be thereby made more perfect ; and , more acceptable , too , by minding , what , we further have to do : that , by these observations , i may keep my friends , from singing of themselves asleep , in that security , which will destroy the truest sweetnesse , of our present joy : that , we might save supreme authority , from that contempt , that blame , and obloquy , which , may be cast upon it , by our foes , or , by the secret faithlesnesse , of those , who ( by pretending for it ) have much wronged their actings , and our miseries prolonged : ●●d that we may not by our heedlesnesse 〈◊〉 those things , which will mar our happinesse , ●●wle elegies , and roar out lamentations , ●●ead of songs of praise , and exultations , lord ! give thou hereunto , those good events which , may , in somwhat , answer my intents : ●nd , take with acceptation , i , thee pray , ●●is my imperfect , this may weak assay . ●sten thy work , and bring it to conclusion ; ●aw us , out of that chaos-like confusion , 〈◊〉 which we are : as , in our preservation ●ou hast appear'd , so in our restauration 〈◊〉 unity , please , likewise , to appear ; ●●at , peace and truth , may keep their dwellings here . let parliament , and people , from this day , ●●ise thee , by reformation of their way . 〈◊〉 city , countrey , and both poore and rich , ●●deavour with sincerity , as much . ●●t our victorious armie , do the same ; ●●tributing unto thy glorious name 〈◊〉 their prevailings ; persevering , still , 〈◊〉 faithfull executing of thy will , ●●d seeking publick-peace without design ●ought , which may to selfishnesse incline . ●nd , make us all , with as much willingnesse , 〈◊〉 forth thy praises , for the righteousnesse 〈◊〉 thy severest judgements ; as , to sing ●anks , for those blessings , which thy mercies bring . and , my dear countreymen , let me not pray ●●r you in vain : nor sing my songs , this day 〈◊〉 beasts , and rocks , and mountains , to be heard , as they have often been ) without regard : ●●st , i have cause to change my joyfull odes , 〈◊〉 mournfull epicedes , and palinodes . 〈◊〉 ill presaging raven to this nation , ● would not be ( croaking of desolation and sad events ) i , rather with the dove , my winged contemplations , would improve to bring such olive-leaves , as may declare your overflowings , quite abated are : but , all that is allow'd by my commissions , is , only to declare , on what conditions , we may have peace ; and , what events , god hath design'd , both to the right , and left hand path . let me not , therefore , whistle to the wind , and , emptinesse , in my good wishes find . for , why should this day of our visitation be overpassed by this generation ? why do the gentry rage ? why murmur so the brutish common people , as they do ? new vanities , why do they still devise ? themselves befooling every day with lies ? though , every dayes , experience doth declare , how false their hopes and expectations are : if they would learn to love , and to believe , god , thereunto , a blest event should give ; and make them know , and see ( with comfort too ) what , he is doing , and intends to do . but i begin to feel within my breast , a rapture , pressing on to be exprest . oh! hear me therefore , and let none despise to heed it : for i 'le now sing prophecies , which ( whatsoe're you think ) shall be as true , as if a wiser man had told them you . if you shall ( oh ye brittains ) reunite , in love , and , but , according to your might , add your endeavours , chearfully , to do , what grace and reason , will invite you to , your way shall prosper : and , ( my soul for yours ) neither all earthlies nor infernall powers , shall able be to make a future rent , betwixt you ; or to shake that governme●● which god will settle here : but it shall stand ●s long , as there is , either sea or land : ●nd be renown'd among all other nations , ●hroughout the world , and through all generations . this island , then , the darling shall become , ●ot only , of all states in christendome ; ●ut , likewise , of all those within the sound ●f everie wind , that blows within this round . ● shall be made the magazine of all ●hose things on earth , which men do precious call : ●nd , of all vertues , morall and divine , ●hat may be found , where sun and moon do shine : ●or , god shall take delight , to multiply ●is blessings on it , and to beautifie ●ut cities , fields , and persons , with each thing , ●hat honour , ornament or peace may bring . but , if against the light you shut your eyes ; ●ood counsel , if you frowardly despise : 〈◊〉 you from god , shall turn away your heart ; the way of justice , and of truth pervert : 〈◊〉 , timely mercies you neglect to shew ●o those that need ( god , having unto you ●ouchsaf'd so many favours , and , protections , 〈◊〉 your great straights , and manifold afflictions ) ●r , shall abuse the powre or trust bestown , ●o set up vain devices of your own , ●stead of what concerns the throne of christ ; ●r , this free nations , lawfull interest ; ●r , shall maliciously pursue a course , ●hat , leads away , from better things , to worse : ●hen , know your doom , for , here i 'le tell it you , ●nd speak it out , without aenigmaes too . god , with a black-sad cloud shall overcast ●our hopes ; and , on you , breath a sudden blast ●hat will shrink up , ( before you are aware ●ll those fair bloomings , which this day appear ; set back your dialls , nip your forward spring , which promised rich harvest fruits , to bring : and , as his mercies , have exceeding been , so shall his judgements , when they do begin . yea , should you conquer , till , you did not know abroad , or , here at home , one able foe . should all those princes , and those powrfull sta●●● who court you now , prove firm confederates ; or , should you stand possest of all their powrs , of whom , you are , or may be conquerours ; yet , mark well this ( unlesse , we shall with speed , reform some things , which reformation need : and with more courage , with more verity , more self-deniall , and sincerity , witnesse our thankfullnesse ( which , by gods grace , i hope , will in due time , be brought to passe ) a thing , which no man yet , knows what to call , ( or whence 't will come ) our hopes endanger shall yea , such a thing , as is not yet in thought , ( and which most men will sleight and set at nough● when first it shall appear ) will overthrow our glorie , and lay all our honour low , till we repent : but , then , we shall arise from our disgrace again , to be more wise : and they who in their hearts abide sincere , shall see this change , without much harm , or fear ▪ more , i might say , but , my set time is gone . take this , among you ; and , gods will be done , finis . in the last page of the epistle l. .r . setling . p. .l. ●● . r . j● seed . p. .l. . r. either and or . the schollers purgatory discouered in the stationers common-wealth, and discribed in a discourse apologeticall, asvvell for the publike aduantage of the church, the state & vvhole common-vvealth of england, as for the remedy of priuate iniuryes. by geo: vvither. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the schollers purgatory discouered in the stationers common-wealth, and discribed in a discourse apologeticall, asvvell for the publike aduantage of the church, the state & vvhole common-vvealth of england, as for the remedy of priuate iniuryes. by geo: vvither. wither, george, - . [ ], , [ ] p. imprinted [by g. wood] for the honest stationers, [london] : [ ] a defense of wither's patent for his: the hymnes and songs of the church. printer's name and publication date from stc. quires a-d are apparently from one type font and e-i from another, with quire (.)̇⁴ possibly printed at the second press (stc). reproduction of the original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng wither, george, - . -- hymnes and songs of the church -- early works to . stationers' company (london, england) -- early works to . copyright -- england -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - rina kor sampled and proofread - rina kor text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the schollers pvrgatory , discouered in the stationers common-wealth , and discribed in a discourse apologeticall , asvvell for the publike aduantage of the church , the state & , vvhole common-vvealth of england , as for the remedy of priuate iniuryes . by geo : vvither . pro : . . he that answeares his matter before he heare him , it is shame and folly vnto him . suffer him then that he may speake ; and when he hath spoken , mock on , iob. . . imprinted for the honest stationers . the occasion and contents of this apology . the author of this ensuing apology haueing the kings grant , concerning his booke ( called the hymnes & songes of the church ) vniustly & malitiously opposed by the stationers , who vnchristianly vilify & scandalize alsoe , the said booke , to the contempt of his maiesties powre , the hinderance of deuotion , the preiudice of the authors estate , & the disparagment of his best endeauors : he doth here apologize both for his booke & priueledge , shewing the true grounds of their spightfull opposition ▪ discouering the progresse of it , answearing such friuelous obiections as they haue dispersed , & discouering how iniurious alsoe , they are euen to the whole common-wealth in many other particulers . it hath bene offred to the presse , because it was otherwise impossible to divulge the same so vniuersally as they haue spread their scandalls ; and it was directed alsoe to the most reuerend conuocatiō , that the said booke might be corrected or approoued of as the wisdome of that graue assembly shall finde cause : & that the representatiue body of the church of england , beholding a glimpse of the stationers harbarous dispositions in misvsing this author , might from thence take occasion to be informed , what other insolencyes & abuses they are guilty of , both to the disturbance of christian vnity , & to the common preiudice . if the printers hast , shall occasion any slipps , he desires that if his worke be legible he may be ex ▪ cused ▪ soe , doth our author likewise , if in the methode or language , any ouer sight be committed . for , haueing many other employments , and being constrayned to write it in hast ( that it might bee imprinted before this present session of parliament were expired ) there may be somewhat ouerseene perhapps , which needeth pardon . but as it is , he humbly offers to consideration ▪ the said apology ; whose perticulers are these that follow . . first , an induction ; after which the author haueing breefly touched vpon those troubles , imprisonments & expences , which compelled him to make some benifite of his owne books , sheweth why he gott his hymnes confirmed vnto him by his maiesties letters patents , & what honest course he tooke in procuring his grant : pag. , &c. . he sheweth how vniustly & ingratfully the stationers therevpon opposed him ; how vncivelly they abused him ; how vnchristianly they vilified his hymnes , rather as censurers then sellers of bookes : and a little toucheth vpon the particuler vsur pations , in sinuations , insolencyes , auarice , & abuses of bookesellers , pag. , &c. . he declareth why he exercised his muse in diuinity : what reason he had to translate the canonicall hymnes into lyrick verse ; & that some of the cleargy mooned him therevnto ▪ he sheweth alsoe , to what end he composed the spirituall songs for the obseruable tymes : of what nature that booke is , which the stationers oppose : and what they doe in particuler , rayle & obiect against the said booke . pag. , &c. . he proueth by diuerse arguments that the said hymnes are necessary , & not impertinent as the stationers obiect : then toucheth againe vpon the abuses & grosse partiality of the stationers , acquiteth himselfe of seeking his owne profitt ( to the publike preiudice , ) as his aduersaries vntruly affyrme : and demonstrateth his patent to be neither monopoly , as the stationers alleage ( & as some of their patēts are ) but rather a benifite . pag. , &c. . he setteth downe the stationers peremptery claime to all authors labors : refuting a lawyers foolish judgment passed on their behalfes . instanceth in what particulers they vsurpe larger prerogatiues then they will allow the king : and then ( haueing iust occasion ) pointeth at their fraudulent & vnsufferable abusing of the people in their mystery of booke selling . pag. , &c. . he particularizeth în what vnciuell termes the stationers vilifie his hymnes : how vniustly they disparage his expressions : and how impudently they vsually preferr & divulge those pernitious & impertinent things , whereby they themselues may receaue profitt . pag. , &c. . he iustifies his expressions : protesteth with what mind , what preparation , and with what caueats he proceeded in that worke . and there withall mētioneth some of those difficulties which are in such a taske & speaketh somwhat cōcerning the metricall version of dauids psalmes now in vse . pag. , &c. . he maintaines the lawfulnesse of vndertaking a worke of that nature , notwithstanding he is no profest diuine , against those who obiect he hath intruded vpon the diuine calling ; & glanceth at the ignorance and envy of those obiectors . p : , . he discouereth how presumptuously they haue countenanced their detraction and opposition , by pretending that the lo : archb : of cant : andothers are all affected to the said hymnes & grant. and it is made euident that they haue impudently abused the lo : archb : therein . pag. ▪ &c. . he giueth reason ; for his translating and publishing the sōg of salomō ▪ in lyrick verse . setts downe the stationers impious and scurrilous manner of traducing it . expresseth somewhat of that songs comfortable vse , with what may be said in answeare to them who think it ought to be restrained , for feare of being misapplyed . and haueing spoken somewhat concerning his owne proceedings , submitteth all to censure . pag , &c. . he displaies the stationers demeanor toward those who come to aske for his booke . setts forth the quality of those whom they haue drawne to passe their censures against it . shewes how wilfully the kings iniunction , & his pious intent therein hath bene reiected : and what inconueniences are likly to follow their insolencyes , if order be not taken . pag , &c. . he vpholds his hymnes for the obseruable tymes , against the stationers & those whom they haue stirred vp to oppose them : offers them to strictest examination ▪ shewes his christian simplicity in cōposing thē ; that they tend to the glory of god , and the furtherance of vniformity : that they were lawfully authorized : that they are consanant to the word of god , the doctrine of the catholike church , and to all the lawes and ecclesiasticall ordinances of this realme . pag. , &c. . he intimates that it is probable his hymnes are scandalized by none but such as are ill affected to the gouernment of our church . shewes that his prefaces hath vindicated all our solemnities from those imputations of popery , schismaticks hath cast vpon them : toucheth vpon the pious vsefulnesse of the churches discipline : illustrateth their impiety who seeke to disparage or abolish it , and specifieth in what places , & in what ridiculous manner the stationers passe their virdicts vpon his booke . pag. , &c : . he setteth downe how barbarously the stationers seeke to disparage all his hymnes by reason of that for s. georges day : how vnchristianly they misinterpreted his pious & warrantable intētion in composing that hymne ; & therevpon taketh occasiō to speake somewhat of the pious vse of that solemnity ; of the most noble & most christian order of s. george & the patron thereof ; to the honor of that institutiō , & in reproofe of the vulger & ignorant misconceits of his reproouers . pa. . . he humbly intreats that neither his youth , his calling , nor the vniust scandalls of his aduersaries may preiudice what he hath well done : she wes why his writings & actions are exposed to more scandalls then vaniest inventions bring on their authors ; protesteth what it is that made him thus endeauor to maintain his reputation ; & professeth some what of his hopes & resolutiōs . p : . . he displaies the true condition of his aduersaries ▪ by shewing how nere they paralell dauids enimies , & that they haue giuen him iust occasiō to take vp in a litteral sēce almost euery bitter cōplaine wherby the psalmist hath expressed the cruelty of a malitious multitude . p. . he expostulatheth concerning that vnequall dealing the world hath hitherto vsed towards him : and ( taking it a little vnkindly that any of those who ought to cherish men in good employements , should do him iniury by a rash censure ) toucheth vpon some others who together with the stationers haue iniuriously & causelesly detracted from his labors . pag. . . he nominateth many of those perticuler iniuries offred him by the stationers . he describeth alsoe the powre , policy , & true condition of his opposers , with many of those dāgers , disadvātages , & incōueniences which their malice portend ▪ and then shewes both how much he contemneth all they can bring to passe , & how he hopeth to conuert all their hate , mischeefes , & slanders ; to his future profitt & commendation in their despight ▪ pag. . . he giues the reason of his hopes of preuailing ; cōcicture●… gods good purpose in suffring him to be afflicted by these adversaries , & his other troubles ; apologizeth for that ouermuch sharpnesse ▪ which he hath seemed to vse ; & makes it probable , that he hath no vncharitable intentiō in any thing which he hath expressed in this booke . p. . . he renounceth to haue any purpose to disparage or defame either the whole corporation of stationers , or any particuler member thereof , & that no other may abuse this discourse to that end ; he shewes alsoe , how all the reprehensions therein expressed , may be applyed to those only who are guilty , & how euery man that is innocent , or sorry for his ouersight , may , if he himselfe please , be freed from all personall blame or scandall . pag. . . to prevent their malice likwise , who would perhapps apply this discourse to the generall disparagment of the stationers mystery ; he hath added the definition of an honest stationer ; & the true character of his contrary , whom he calleth a meere stationer , & against whom , only , this booke is intended . pag. . . he reconeth vp , some of those many inconueniences which the vniuersities , the state , the whole common-wealth , & the church of god suffers , by the disorders among those whom hee calleth meere stationers ; but reserueth their amplification to another discourse , which he intendeth to publish if there be cause . page . . and lastly ( to shew he ha●…h not aymed at the shame or ruine of any , but at their reformatiō only ) he offers to discouer a profitable remedy for what he hath foūd to be amis●…e ; to the glory of god , the content of the king , the quiet of the state , the honor of learning , & to the credit & profit of the stationers themselues . and these , amōg some other accidentall passages , are the cōtents of this apology , p. . to the most reuerend father in god. the lo : archb : o canterbury &c. and to the reuerend lls. bishops , & others ; in the conuocation house assembled . most reuerent fathers ; notwithstanding i acknowledge my selfe vnworthie , that this reuerend assembly should from their more w●…ighty affaires , turne their eyes , or inclyne their eares to my priuate fortunes : yet if those testimonies , which i haue already giuen of my true affection to the peace & prosperity of that church and common-wealth , of which you are members : or my promise of future indea●…ours , or your owne pious inclinations may deserue ▪ so much for me ▪ i humbly beseech your reuerences , to receiue this following declaration , into your serious and christian considerations , and to ●…ouchsafe respect thereunto , according to the piety becomming this reuerent assembly , and that rule of charity , which commaundeth al men ( without exception ) to be so inclyned towards others , as they desire others should bee affected towards them in the like necessities . for ▪ most reuerend fathers , i am not ashamed to confesse that an extraordinary necessitie hath inuited me to interrupt you in this vnusuall manner . and yet mistake me not , i am not so necessitated , as be in doubt of falling into base want●… or to feare i can bee ouertaken with any inconuenience , from which i could not be deliuered without your commiseration , but perhaps rather , god hath layd his hand on me by some affliction , that i might be constrayned to offer that vnto your considerations for my priuate ease , which i should neuer haue found opportunity to present for the publike good , if oppressions had not prepared me thereunto . cammomile thriues not vnles it be trodden on ; the plate must to the hammer before it wil be in fashion : and such is our naturall corruption , and selfe loue , that till the sparkes touch our own houses , we can sleepe though the citie be on a flame . nay , euen those who are grapes of the mysticall vine iesus christ , must bee crushed in the winepresse , or brused on the tongue , at the least , before they yeald any profitable nourishment . if it be so with me , though my particular smart hath giuen the occasion of this narration , somewhat may ere the conclusion , bee deliuered not impertinent to more generall consideration . and once againe therfore i beseech your patience . about the time of the last conuocation , i composed a little poeme , well knowen throughout this kingdome ; wherin haueing to conscionable purposes , expressed such resolutions , as euery reasonable man should endeauour to entertayne . and hauing as opportunity was offered , glaunced also in generall tearmes at the reproofe of a few thinges of such nature as i feared might disparage or preiudice the common-wealth ; some particulars , not then in season to bee medled withall , were at vnawares so neerely toucht vpon , that i vnhappily fell into the displeasure of the state : and all my apparant good intentions were so mistaken by the aggrauations of some yll affected towards my indeauours , that i was shutt vp from the society of mankind . and as one vnworthy the cōpassion vouchsafed to theeues and murderers , was neither permitted the vse of my penne , the accesse or sight of acquaintance , the allowance vsually afforded other close prisoners , nor meanes to send for necessaries beefitting my present condition . by which meanes i was for many dayes compelled to feed on nothing but the coursest bread , and sometymes lockt vpp foure and twenty howers togeather , without so much as a dropp of water to coole my tongue . and beeing at the same tyme in one of the greatest extremityes of sicknesse that was euer inflicted vpon my body , the helpe both of phisition , and apothecary was vnciuilly denied me . so that if god , had not by resolutions of the minde which he infused into mee , extraordinarily inabled me to wrestle with those , & such other aflictions as i was then exercised withall , i had beene dangerously and euerlastingly ouercome . but , of these vsages i cōplaine not ; for , they are past : & he that made me , made me strong enough to despise them . nor doe i here mention them as accusing the state of iniustice : god forbidd . for i assure my selfe my restraint was iust vntill such tyme as i had acquited my selfe of what was layd to my charg ; yea i assure myselfe the seuerity of my sufferings was vn knowne to that most honorable counsel which ommitted mee ; and that more fauour should haue beene shewed , if meanes had beene afforded mee to complain●… ; because as soone as i had opportunity to iustifie my honest intentions , and to giue reasons for my questionable expressions ▪ i was restored to the common liberty ; ( as i perswade my selfe ) both with the good fauour of the king , and of all those that restrayned mee . for , the greatest faulte which ouer i committed , confessed , or others coulde discouer in those writings ; was this , that they fauoured a little more of honesty then discretion . and verily should euery man publickely 〈◊〉 for his indiscretions as i haue done , our prisons must be made larger then our streetes . the reasō then why i thus begin this discourse with relation of my past indurances , is to sharpen the dulnesse of my oratorie on the remembrance of those things , and to begett in your hearts the more feeling of that christian compun●…tion which they must entertaine before this declaration , that i nowe intend wil be of any force . and least i haue not yet deliuered enough in that kind , to stirre vp your regard , i will ( vnder your fauours ) proceede a little further in the discouery of my outward fortunes , before i propose what principally i doe desire this reuerend ass●…mbly should please to take notise of . may it please you then to vnderstand , that my punishment ended not with my imprisonment . for , before i had lycence to come abroad againe into the world , i was forced to expences so farre beyond my abillity , that ere i could be clearely discharged , i was left many pounds worse then nothing : and to inioy but the name of liberty , was cast into a greater bondage then before . wherevpon , comming abroade againe into the worlde accompanyed thither with those affections which are natural to most men , i was loth ( if it might conueniently be preuented ) either to sinke belowe my ranke , or to liue at the mercy of a creditor . and therefore ( haueing none of those helps , or trades , or shifts , which many others haue to releeue themselues withal ) i hūbly peticioned the kings most excellent maiestie ( not to be supplyed at his charge , or by any proiectment to the oppression of his people ) but that according to the lawes of nature , i might enioy the benifit of some part of myne owne labours , by virtue of his royall priuiledge . for , by an vniust custome ( as most of your reuerences well knowe ) the stationers haue so vsurped vpon the labours of all writers , that when they haue consumed their youth and fortunes in perfiting some laborious worke , those cruell b●…e-masters burne the poore athenian bees for their hony , or else driue them from the best part thereof by their long practiced cunninge . which to preuent , his maiestie vouchsafed my reasonable request , with addition of voluntary fauour , 〈◊〉 mine owne desire . for , before his warrant to master attorny , he gratiously expressed his royall comm●…ndatory allowance of my booke , which i had presented him withall , peticioning his priuiledge for printing thereof . and both in the procur●…ing of it , and in the passing of his graunt , i tooke no other course , then what i haue hitherto vsed , and purpose to vse for euer in all myne affaires : that is ; neither directly , nor indirectly to solicite any man to fauour me , otherwise thē he shal be moued by his owne conscience , and the iustnes of my cause , when i haue made means to discouer the true state thereof to his vnderstanding . nor was this manner of proceeding any hindrance vnto me ; for my graunt neuerthelesse passed his maiesties hand and euery office after ( where many times le ts are cast in the way ) with so much vnusual fauour , and such good wishes , besides expedition , that i was greatly incouraged to ingage my credit almost three hundred poundes further thereupon ; to imprint , and diuoulge my booke , according to his maiesties letters pattents . all which expence , together with my paynefull endeauours , are now in danger to be lost , to the ouerthrow of my new hopes ; and ( which is my greater griefe ) to the hinderance of those my friends , who haue aduentured their goods in my sinking vessell . for , some of the booke-sellers ( who like the siluer smithes of ephesus , preferr their vniust gaine before conscience , or piety ) though their corporation hath much profited , and is daily inriched by my former labors , though they may haue benifit by this in questiō ; though they are not ignorant of the greate troubles , and hinderances i haue receiued by that which did the more aduantage them ; though they are priuie to my large expence in this worke , and howe much it wil be my vndoing to the world-ward , if it succeede not ; though they knowe it fauoured both by his maiestie and those also who are esteemed amonge the most deuout , and learned of the clergie ; though their owne consciences ( whatsoeuer they pretend ) tel them it tendes to the glory of god , and the furtherance of true deuotion , without preiudice to any particuler man ; yea , though i haue orderly proceeded in receiuing the benefit of mine own labours , without taking away the least part , either of their , or of any other mans iust profit : i say , notwithstanding all this , they indeauoured , without all compassion , or honest consideration , not only to procure the ouerthrow of my graunt , and with it ( so farr as in them lyes ) my ruin also , because i would not let them haue the benifit therof at their owne rates : but haue publikly , and vniustly slaundered me , as one that had proiected , and procured a priuiledge to the generall greeuance of the subiect ; which thing i vtterly abhorr . nor haue they thought it sufficient ingratfully to seeke the compassing of their owne ends , by the ruine both of his state and good name , whose former studies haue beene a meanes to helpe the raysing of them ; but they will disparage the kinges power and iudgment , rather then fayle . nay , to shew themselues suparlatiuely dareing to attempt any thinge to further their designes , there be of that generation , ( i beseech your patience , if passion may seeme to carrye me away : t is in the cause of god ) i say there be some of them , who spare not god himself , and his religion : but ( avdax omnia perpeti ) haue blasphemed the sacred expressions of the holy spirit , and vnchristianly vilified that booke which supreame authority hath commaunded to be published for the reuerence and practice of deuotion . and because in doing this , they would not seeme so prophane , as to make their gaine , the cause of their opposition , nor be thought so heathenish as to call out for diana with their types at ephesus , they crye , templvm domini , the temple of the lord ; and craftily cullor their ayme with the cloak of sanctity , and zeale of true religion . yea they are growen so malepert , and arrogant , that being but the pedlers of books , and for the most part ignorant fellowes ( acquainted with nothing concerning them , but their names , and pryses ) they neuerthelesse dare take vpon them the miscensuring of any mans labours though allowed by authority . in this kind , among diuers others , i at this present suffer their inisusag in a high measure . and in me they haue abused the king , the state , and the whole hierarchy ; yea god , and religiō . hauing therfore propoposed their iniuries of other natures , to the consideration of them , vnto whome properly they belong : i am bould to appeale yet hither , that i may obtaine the cēsure of this most reuerend conuocation , concerning those particulers which are most genuine to be determined of in this place i doe protest vnfaynedly , that i will deliuer nothing in my relation , which proceedes from spleene or malice : nor expresse my selfe in more sharpe tearmes , then my consciēce shal witnes charitable , and necessary , to let your reuerences vnderstand the height of those iniurys , that i am to complayne on ; and the liuely character of those fellowes , whose in●…ignityes the whole common-wealth of learning suffers vnder . for they haue by their sly insinuations , and honest pretences so farre screwed themselues into the good opinion of many reuerend , and honorable parsonages , and so strengthened themselues through the abuse of their fauours ; that my fingers will not serue , and therefore pardon me if in a case of necessity , i somtime vse my teeth to plucke those rusty nayles , forth of the faire table of their yll deserued esteeme . neuerthelesse conceiue me not , i pray you , that i goe about to lay a generall ymputation vp ●…n all s●…tioners . for , to disparage the whole profession , were an act neither becomming an honest m●…n to doe , no●… a prudent auditory to suffer . their mystery ( as th●…y not vntruly tearme it ) consists of diuers trades incorporated together : as printers , booke-bin●…s ▪ clas●…makers , bookesellers . &c. and of all these b●… some honest men , who to my knowledg are so greeued being ouer-born by the notorious oppressions and proceedings of the rest , that they haue wished themselues of some other calling . the printers mystery , is ingenious , paynefull , and profitable : the booke-bin●…●…cessary ; the claspemakers vsefull . and in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 r●…tailer of bookes , commonly 〈◊〉 a booke-seller , is a trade , which being wel gouerned ▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…in certaine bounds , might become somewhat seruiceable to the rest . but as it is now ( for the most part abused ) the bookeseller hath not onely made the printer , the binder , and the claspmaker a slaue to him : but hath brought authors , yea the whole common-wealth , and all the liberall sciences into bondage . for he makes all professers of art , labour for his profit , at his owne price , and vtters it to the common-wealth in such fashion , and at those rates , which please himselfe . in-somuch , that i wonder so insupportable , and so impertinent a thing , as a meere book-seller ( considering what the profession is become now ) was euer permitted to grow vp in the commonwealth . for , many of our moderne booke-sellers , are but needelesse excrements , or rather vermine , who beeing ingendred by the sweat of schollers , printers , and book-binders , doe ( as wormes in timber , or like the generation of vipers ) deuour those that bred them . while they did like fleas , but sucke now and then a dropp of the writers blood from him , and skipp off when he found himselfe diseased , it was somwhat tollerable : but since they began to feed on him , like the third plague of aegipt without remoouing , and to lay clayme to each authors labours , as if they had beene purposely brought vpp to studye for their mayntenance . yea , since they take vppon them to publish bookes contriued , altered , and mangled at their owne pleasurs , without consent of the writers : nay and to change the name someyms , both of booke and author ( after they haue been ymprinted ) and all for their owne priuate lucre ; like traders in stuffes , who vnder new names , many tymes shift off their old wares . and yet further also , to disparage , or censure maliciously , both writers , and their labours , and so vsurp vnto themselues the high authority of the church and state. i say these things considered , it is high tyme to seeke a remedie , and a remedy ( i hope ) wil shortly be prouided in due place . in the meane tyme i humbly beseech this reuerend assēbly , to take an assay of thē in my particular cause , and in their manner of dealing with me touching that booke before mentioned , & lately priuiledged by his maiesty . for , they haueing very vnchristianlik traduced both my selfe , and it , i will ( according to my duty ) giue vnto your reuerences , a true account of all my principall proceedings , and intentions , and my reasons against their fayned obiections ; together with what was by authority determyned by that work . and then leaue my selfe , and it , vnto your reuerences , to approue , alter , amend , or condemne , as you shall thinke fytt . wherein i will rest satisfied , although it be to th●… ouerthrowing both of my credit and estate . first then , may it please you to vnderstand , that being from my childhood in loue with the study of diuinity ( though i haue yet , neither knowledge , nor opinion in my selfe worthy of so high a calling ) i ymployed that naturall faculty which god had giuen me vpon such expressions , as sauouring of honesty , and religion , won me the generall good opinyon of honest men . and though i was so young euery way , that , i first began to write , and then to learne ( as the childishnesse , and indiscretions of my poems discouer ) yet they procured me much respect , and applause . which well con sidering on , and weighing my knowne insufficiencies , the slendernesse of my performances , and my little meanes of knowledge , together with what base entertaynment lynes of that nature vsually finde in the world : i began to parswade my selfe , that god had extraordinarily gyuen me this vnlooked for esteeme to some better purpose , then eyther that i should dispyse the same , or glory in it to a vayne end . and that which made me giue most fayth to such an apprehensiō , was this : i obserued , that the good repute which i had attayned vnto , neuer gott me any outward profit , nor euer be fryended mee in the compassing of any thinge for my pleasure . wherevpon , least god should turne his blessing to a curse , and my reputation to my shame , if i sought not what way to ymploy it , vnto his prayse : and obseruing withall , that we make vse of the most excelent expressions of the holy ghost in rude , and barbarous numbers , whilst our own wanton fancies were paynted , & trymed out in the most moouing languag . me thought it fared with vs , as with those agaynst whom the prophet hosea complayned , that dwelt in sieled houses themselues , whilst the temple of god lay wast and therefore seeing no other to vndertake the same , i spent about three yeeres , to prepare my self ▪ for such a i aske , and then proceeded with the translation of the psalmes according to that ability god had giuen me . but before i had halfe ended them i heard that one of much better sufficiency had made a long , and happy progresse into that worke : and therevpon in expectation of his more able performance delayed to proceed with what i had begunne , vntill such tyme as i was informed that the other was by the multiplicity of weighty affayres compelled to giue ouer his laborious attempt . and then ▪ i thought my selfe engaged agayne , to proceede . now , dureing the tyme of intermission as aforesaid , that i might not want an imployment answereable to my first intention i was by some of the clergy ( who i hope were moqued there unto by the spirit of god ) inui●…ed to collect and translate into lyricke-verse ▪ the hymnes dispersed ▪ throughout the canonicall scriptures . which i imbraced with much readynes , & persoi●…d willingly ; adding vnto thē such other par●…ds of holy-writt , creeds and songs , as i conceiued proper and necessary to be sunge . and , because some can well enough allowe an endlesse●… variety of foolish songs and ballads , ●…ēding to the 〈◊〉 of the flesh and the deuill , yet be apt to say , wee 〈◊〉 psalmes , and songes enough in this kind already . and so 〈◊〉 also , as i haué heard others ( who●… presume much on their own fo●…ndnes in 〈◊〉 ) in norāt by demaūd , what the sōgs of mo●…s , deb●…rah , 〈◊〉 & s●…ch like , are perti●…ēt vnto vs. to let those , & 〈◊〉 vnlerned , & ignorant men know , that the holy ghost 〈◊〉 none of the canonicall scriptures tyll these tymes of 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 haue in a short proeme ( ●…ding to the opinion of the true church ) declared : that those scriptures , are euery whitt as vsefull and necessary for vs , as for them in whose tymes , and for whose particuler occasiōs they were first written . and before each hymne , i haue presixed also a briefe preface , to shew in what sence the congregation , or men may priuately , and ought to repeat them . moreouer , hauing with griefe obserued , how the church of england ( lyke iesus christ crucified betwen two theeues ) is traduced , and abused between papists , and schismatiks : the one falsly charging her with want of order , and christian discipline ; the other as vniustly vpbrayding her with popish and superstitious obseruations . and hauing experience , that there are great multitudes of wel affected people , easie to be led aside for company into the later ouersight , through want of some to informe them better , who would with smal ado be conformable , if they had meanes of instruction concerning their particuler mistakings . yea , many of these being wel inclyned towards me ; and i not knowing which way to vse that affection better , then to make it a meanes of increasing christian vnity and devotion . i resolued to publish some what , to stirre vp in them that obedience and reuerence , which they ought to expresse towardes the pious ordinances of the church : and if i lost any mans esteem for so conscionable an attempt ; i assured my self i lost nothing but what was neuer worth the sauing . to that end therefore ( hauing receiued incouragment and taken aduice , from some of the most deuout , and learned of our deuines ) i composed certayne hymnes , and songes , appropriated to the ordynary publike occasions of our congregations , and to those tymes obseruable by commaund of the churche , and by the authority of the state ; that soe god might bee gloryfied in euery solempnity , and those tymes not so much prophaned and contemned , as heretofore . and , because i had heard some teachers in israel professe themselues ignorant concerning the vse of the holy-days obserued in our church , i tooke the more paines ( though not presuming to teach them ) to expresse before the proper song of euery obseruable time or other occasion , their religious vse ; briefly , & in such a manner , as i hope euery reasonable capacity may thereby vnderstand , our churches discipline in that poynt , to be farr from a needles , popish , or superstious tradition . moreouer , that i might not trouble any mans charity or deuotion in the vse of these hymnes , i was as watchful , as possible i could be , to make all my expressions free from bitternesse , or touches of those controuersies , which might giue offence to the weake members of our church . and god so prosper me , as i was and am cleare , from meaning to grieue , offend , or discontent the soules , or consciences of any . thus with a good purpose , i began and finished those hymns and songes , which make vp the booke , called the hymnes and songs of the chvrch . so named , not for that i would haue them accounted part of our lyturgie ( as i haue deliuered to his maiestie in my epistle ) but because they do for the most part , treate of such particulers ▪ as concerne the whole church of god. and this is that booke ▪ for which his maiestie vouchsafed mee the priuiledge before mentioned , and which he pyously & gratiously commaunded to bee annexed to the singing psalmes , that it might be the more generally & the more conueniētly divulg●…d amōg his subiects for their instruction . and indeed , by that means , those poore people ( whose pastors suffer them or cause them to be misinformed concerning that poynt ) shall carry about with them in their most vsesual book , what may at one tyme or other open their vnderstandinges to perceiue their errour . this is that booke , for which i ( was euer worst vsed for my best intentions ) suffer more , then for all my former in discretiōs ; & for which , i haue receiued those afrōts ▪ that may wel be rāked amōg my greatest iniuries ; notwithstanding it had besides the ordinary allowance of authority ▪ the particular approbation , and cōmendation both of the king himselfe , and of many the members of this most reuerend conuocation . yea , this is that booke , for which the common wealth of stationers ( ●… tyrrany vnheard of in former ages ) desire to make me as odious ▪ as if i had ympolyed my whole study to the oppression of this weale publike , or to the subuertiō of religion and for which they haue persued me with such violence and clamor as hath seldome or neuer been exampled in any cause . heare therefore ( i humbly beseech you ) their particuler obiections ; and for his sake ( who hath honoured you with high places , and holy callings ) be you iudges betweene mee and them . for though in regard of my selfe , i should take no more notice of their malicious wronges , then the nightingale in a sommers night , doth of the barking of dogges , & whooping of owles : but sing on without distemper , to the contentment of myne owne soule . yet since their clamorous noise hinders others from heareing the voice of the charmer , and through my sides , wounds the credit of authority , and may parhapps hereafter incourage them presumptuously , for the bringing in of greater inconueniences : i desire their dealing with me , may be taken notice of by this most reuerend assembly . to which end , i haue here sett downe , what they cry out , to the disparagement of me , and my booke , instead of dispersing it abroad according to his maiesties royall commaund . some giue out that my booke containes nothing but a few needles songs : which i composed , and gott priuiledged by patent , meerely for my priuate benifit , to the oppression of the common-wealth . some discourage those that come to buy the booke : other whiles denying that it is to be had , & other while peremptorily protesting against the selling of it , or disgracefully telling such as enquire after the same , that the worke is ridiculous , and that it better be●…itted me to medle with my poetry , then to be ●…ampering with diuinity . with such like other wordes of contempt . other some there be , who dare auerr that my ▪ lords grace of canterbury , with many of the bishopps , and best deuines , doe much dislike and oppose the saide hymnes . others againe buze in the peoples eares that the hymnes for the obseruable tymes are popish , and tending to the maintenance of superstition . and some there be among them , who ( in such terms of ribaldry , as no stewes can goe beyond them ) blasphemingly affirme , that the canticles are obscene , and not fitt to be divulged in song , or verse . yea , many other obiections they make , and cast out diuers aspersions , aswell vpon the author , as on his booke , to bring both into contempt . the maliciousnes , and superfluity of wickednes , appearing in these their euill speakeinges , your reuerences can easily perceiue : neuerthelesse , forasmuch as there lye padds in the straw , which the best iudgements cannot discerne at the first sight . and seeing i haue been openly traduced , as vnbeseemingly intruding vpō the deuine calling , and stand now accused as one that hath hatched and brought forth such thinges for my temporall aduantage , which are offensiue , and scandalous to the church , and consciences of good mē ; which i would not willingly be guilty , of for all the world ( by your patience ) i do hereby giue an account of my action now in question , hopeing that it shal be to the satisfying of this reuerend assemblie , the contentment of such as haue vpon misreport been offended , & to the shame of myne opposers . and i trust also it shall discouer , that although there may be founde indiscretions , or ouersights in my vndertaking , yet i haue deserued fairer vsage , my aduersaries lesse credit , and my studies better entertainement then heretofore they haue found . to keepe my selfe the closer to that which shal bee pertinent to this apology , i wil make these particuler obiections my theames , which i haue repeated : nor will i bring any other authorities to make good my defence , then the true relations , of what hath ben don , and such plaine arguments as mine owne reason shal be able to frame . for , if this discourse come to the veiw of your reuerēces only , you wel enough know , what the recordes of antiquity can afford to these purposes . and if it happen among those only of meane capacity such playne expressions , as i purpose to vse , will acquire most credite among them . and first , whereas they giue out , that my hymnes are needles ; they doe not only thereby contemne , and slight my paynes but lay an imputation of vanity vpon the wisedome of the holy ghost also . for a greate part of them are parcells of the canonicall scriptures : originally songe . and , to say any fragment thereof , were needeles , is in effect , to deminish from gods words , vpon which followes a heauie curse . god deserues euery day to be praysed of vs for deliuering his church , by the ouerthrow of pharoah in the redd sea , as much as he did in the very moment of their deliuerance . and the song of moses then vsed , doth in each particuler , as properly concerne euery christiā congregation , as it did the iewes themselues vpon that occasion . for , gods mercy shewed to v●… in our baptisme , ( and the spirituall ouerthrowe of the deuill , pursuing vs with an host of sinnes , and temptations , ) is in myne opinion more effectually exprest to a spirituall vnderstanding , by apprehending the actions and circumstances of that temporall deliuerance , thē it could be by the power of any words , or by any other ordinary means ; except by contēplating of that most excellēt material obiect , the sacrament of baptisme it selfe , of which the other was but a type . in like manner , all the other canonicall hymnes do admyrablie help towards gods euerlasting mercies , and for illustrating those particuler misteries of our christian fayth , which they did typically and prophetically foreshew . yea , they are part of the propheticall witnes , as the hymnes of the newe testament are patt of the euangelicall witnes , of our interest in christ iesus . and verily , the late neglect of their application , in our christian mysteries , hath not onely much iniured , one of the two great witnesses of our saluation : but giuen occasion also , that many vnsound professors haue corrupted them ; euen to the bringing in of diuers iewish and talmudicall fancies , to the fearefull distraction of weake people . but , were not those hymnes necessary in respect of the variety of their arguments , yet the variety of expression , were somwhat needful , although the matter were the same . for , as the seuerall dressings of one sort of meate , maks it diuersly agreeable to the pallats , and stomackes of men : so the various manner of things de●…uered in holy scripturs , makes them applicable to our vnderstandings ; and what in one kind of deliuery seems harsh , or obscure , in another kind is acceptable , and more easily apprehended . that which is easie to you , is hard parhapps to me : and what may be thought an impropriety to some great iudgments , doth many times most properly insinuate the speakers meaning vnto them of weaker capacityes . in obseruing the seeming differences amonge ▪ interpreters in their trāslatiōs of these words : nassechv bar , ( part of the last verse of the secōd psalme ) i conceiued thereby , that the profitable vse of variety , was very apparant . for , the translation most agreeable to the original hebrew renders the words : oscvlemini filivm . the septuagint , apprehendite disciplinam and saint-hierome , adorate pvre : which beeing all orthodoxe interpretations , and agreeable both to the scope of the psalme , and that which the wordes originally beare , and all standing well together also with the analogie of fayth : this variety made me conceiue in my meditations therevpon , that the holy ghost had deliuered his meaning in these triple equivokes , that they might the more properly ▪ bee accomodated to the seuerall states , and ages of his church . for ( pardon me if i erre ) me thought in saying , oscvlemini filivm ( which was according to the genuin , & most cōmon vnderstāding of y● original words among the hebrewes ) i apprehended that the holy ●…host exhorted his church among the iewes to homage and worshipp that sonne of god , whoe was diuers wais made māifest vnto thē to be their true king. and apprehendite disciplinam , ( being according to that translation , which i am perswaded god himselfe extraordinarily prouided to reueale his truth by vnto the heathen ) i conceiued that the holy ghost perswaded his church among the gentiles . ( who yet knew not christ their kinge ) to imbrace the knowledge of him . and adorate pvre ( beeing the first trans●…ation that in latine the church publikly receiued , and about that tyme the true worship of iesus christ begining to be adulterated ) my mynd gaue me ( that psalme being a manifest prophecie concerning the kingedome of christ to the worlds end ) it might be , that god did by that interpretation perswad those peruerters of his truth to repentance , who should disturbe the peace and quiet of his kingdome in these later tymes . but i stand not so thereupon as if i could not submitt to better iudgments : sure i am this meditation is no way repugnant to the catholike verity ; and howsoeuer it shal be approoued , it serues wel enough to my purpose for demonstratinge , that the variety , or different expressions of sacred things , are not needles , but do afford aduantage vnto those of meane capacityes , if they meditate vpon them with reuerence and humility . if it be but to awaken our dullnes , and take away our wearisomenesse in holy duties , variety is needful . for , flesh and bloud ( as we finde by daily experience ) loaths those things , wherwithal they are naturally best plesed , if they be to frequēt : how much more tedious then will those things be vnto vs , which are perpetually iterated in the same words , being naturally vnpleasing to a carnall eare ? since god in mercie hath prouided and permitted vs meanes to assist our weaknesses , let not such as are strong enough to be without them , condemne the vse of such helpes in those , whoe beeing not so able , must haue their affections weaned by degrees from their childish inclynations . we see the flesh and the deuill , hauing for their seruice thousands of vaine songes , and prophane ballads stored vp in the stationers warhouses , haue neuerthelesse , many muses perpetually ymployed for the composing of new straynes ; and that many hundred pounds are yearely consumed vpon them , to the inriching of those marchants ; to the shame of our profession , to the corruption of youth , and to the building vp of the kingdome of sinne , and satan : as it is well knowne , and obserued by many of good note in this reuerend assembly . yet there haueing been for diuers ages together , but so many hymnes composed , and published , as make in some impressiōs not aboue two sheets and a halfe of paper ( for the reuerence and practice of deuotion vnto the honour of god ) they are censured impertinent ; malitiously exclaymed on ; violentely opposed ; and the author of them seeking for the needefull hyre of his labour , ( but his due , and what strangers should haue been suffered to make thereof ) is publikely accused as a man coueteously hunting after the world , and an iniurious oppressor of the common-wealth . oh god ! how partiall are all men bewitched with selfe-loue , in the prosecution of their base ends ! and how vncharitable in their censunes ! for the stationers haue not onely labored to depriue me of the benefit due to my labours , but also to make me appeare without christianity in my intentions ▪ by affirming that i sought myne owne benyfit onely , in composing my booke of hymns , & in publishing it according to the kinges commaund . my poem●… last deuulged was sayd to haue been written in myne own prayse ▪ & the hymnes for my priuate profit ; i wonder to what purpose , y● next booke i write shal be cōposed . verily , if i be not altogether forgetful of myne owne thoughtes , o●… too apt to beleeue ouerwell of my selfe ( as parhaps i am ) my principall ayme was the glory of god in both those vndertakinges . neuerthelesse , truth is , i am so inclyned to the corruptions of other men , that although i did what i was able , yet was i not altogether soe free from outward hopes ( as i ought to haue been ) in those works . my weake fortunes , my troubles , and the chargablenesse of a studie that bringes with it no outward supplie , put me vnto a kinde of necessity to cast my thoughts a side vnto wo●…ldly respects but i haue siu●…e been sory for it vpon better consideration . and as a iust reward for my too earnest lookeing after vaine ho●… , i doe now accept of my present trouble , that outwardly is like to impouerish me . and the tyme thereof , drawes me the more heedfully to consider it , being iust about that season , wherein i expected to reape some contentment in the fruition of my labors and expences . god graunt this experience may inrich me another way , and settle my hopes vpon more certaine thinges and that those who accuse mee of this imperfection , may examine their owne heartes , and ( if they finde them guilty of the like infirmity ) learne by myne example to confesse their errour . and my prayer shal be , that we both may more directly seeke gods glory in our vndertakings . but why should i be the man more accused , the●… all others , for seekeing after the iust hyre of my labours ? am i the only one guilty of studyinge myne owne profit●… , in the course of my paynefull endeuours for religious ende ? i would to god i were , and that no man liuing saue i , were so wicked , as to make his owne glory , and inriching , the end and scope of his christian diligence . for doubtles , such an vniuersall pietie , would be a powerfull meanes of drawing me to repentance . but i beleeue , there be so fewe , who can with the apostle cleare himselfe herein , that if none might be permitted to throwe at me the stone of reproofe , but only they who are free from this weaknes , i may walke from saint michaels mount in cornwal to douer●… & from thence euē through our mitropolitan churches , to the farthest northeren isles without touch of exception . and whereas they obiect i haue compassed a priveledge to the publike greeuance ; your reuerences shal ceiue how innocent i am from giuing cause of such an imputation , if you please to consider the circumstances of his maiesties grant with his pyous intention , and my carriage in the procuring and execution of it . for , i did not , as some of the stationers haue done , in the name of many , and by pretending the reliefe of the poore ( whome they may be prooued therby to oppresse ) monopolize the principall bookes of sale within this realme ( euen those wherein the whole cōmonwealth haue a inst interest ) which is really one of those monopo●…es that our state abhores . but hauing composed a new booke , which no man could claime a share in , while it remayned myne owne , and in mine owne power to make publike or no ; & proposing the same to his maiestie , briefly and plainely , without pretēce of any by-respect ) i obtayned a free and gratious graunt to make such benifit thereof as vsually heretofore in like cases , his maiestie hath vouchsafed vnto others : yea such as the stationers would haue made of it without a priueledge if so be i had left it in their power . nor can any disaduantage come to the common-wealth thereby , seeing the price is lymited to be such as ▪ themselues sell bookes for , like chargeable of the same kind . besides , no mans trade or ymployment , is therby vsurped vpon , hindred , or taken away : but many are rather sett on worke in seuerall professions , more then before . insomuch that there can be no publike grieuance truely named or probably pretended which that priuiledge is cause of : except it bee a griefe to some fewe idle drones , to behould the laborious lyving vpon the sweate of their owne browes . indeed the booke-sellers do peremptorily challeng an interest in euery mans labour of this kind ; and a worshipfull lawyer was lately pleased on their behalfe to say , that the benifite arisinge from the sale of bookes , was their ancient , and lawfull birthright . but if his masterships iudgement be noe better in other cases , i hope to blesse my selfe from his opinions . for vnlesse he can proue , the author hath sould them his birth-right ( as often he doth , for lesse then a messe of pottage ) he being the elder brother , the right first ( by his owne lawe that he professes ) falleth vnto him . and there are other heires ( but of a collaterall lyne ) the printer , and booke-binder that clayme iust title beefore the booke-seller : at least-wise may in gauilekind be coheires with him ; yea indeed , the meanest of them doubly deserues the better right . but it may bee our learned counseller , was a kentish man , where in some place , the yongest brother inherites by custome of borough english , and so thought perhapps that the like teneur might be peculier vnto the booke-sellers trade . therefore as i am willing , his ignorance should excuse him , so i hope , all authors shal be excused , and and vnblame worthy , if hauing their proper rightes incroched vpon , they seeke repossession by the royall power . to that purpose is my priueledge ; which the sationers haue not onely called in question before the high court of parlament ( whose censure i shall bee ready to abide with good contentment ) but by many clamors , and by a multytud of papers in print also , scandalized the kinges grauntas , an oppression ; and cast vpon me the vniust imputation of a base monopolist : wheras i doubt not but i shal be able to proue that his maiestie hath vouchsafed me nothing , but what was , ivs regale , and in his lawfull power to conferr ; and that i enioy nothing by vertue of the priueledge he graunted me , but what i am honestly capable to receiue . for , yf his maiestie hath not a legall power to confirme vnto me that which is naturally myne own , by what right then , doe they and others enioy priueledges for those books wherein euery mā hath as good property as they ▪ or if his maiesty hath not authority to commaund the addition of a fewe leaues ( for gods glory , and the peoples edification ) to such a booke , as hath allowance from the prerogatiue royall onely ; then , either the stationers are very presumptious , in anexing the singing psalmes and robert wisdomes songs to the bible and booke of common prayer , at their owne pleasures , and for their owne profit : or els their prerogatiue is more absolute then the kings . for , the stationers doe not onely reape the benefit of diuers books by vertue of his maiesties graunts , in such wise as the same is vouchsafed vnto me , but in a farr larger manner , and ( acording as they execut thē ) to the publkie iniury many waies . yea , by the lawes and orders of their corporation , they can and do setle vpon the particuler members thereof , a prpetuall interest in such bookes as are registred by them at their hall , in their seueral names : and are secured in taking the ful benefit of those books , better then any author can be by vertue of the kings grant , notwithstanding their first coppies were purloyned from the true owner , or imprinted without his leaue . moreouer , they annexe additions to bookes formerly imprinted , and increase the pryses of them accordingly , though y● matter be altogither impertinēt . and yet if the king do but conferr vpon some author the sole printing of a tenth part of his owne labours , ( which he might stil haue reserued in his owne power ) or but please ( for the reuerence and practise of deuotion ) to commaund the addition of a fewe leaues to some booke authorized by the state onely : they immediately breake out into an vproare , as if the kinge had dealt vniustly with them ; as if the author had cōmitted sacriledge : and as if the common-wealth had beene ready to sinke vnder the weight of that burthen . good god! how many dung-botes full of fruitles volumnes doe they yearely foyst vpon his maiesties subiectes , by lying titles , insinuations , and disparaging of more profitable books ! how many hundred reames of foolish prophane and sensles ballads do they quarterly disperse abroade ? and howe many thousande poundes doe they yearely picke out of the purses of ignorant people , who refer the choyce of their books to the discreations and honesties of these men ! by that meanes ridding their warehouses from heapes of trasla and refuse , which might els haue layne by the walles till the ratts had eaten it ? how vnconscionably is the subiect by these vsages robbed both of his mony and tyme ? how often in stead of being bettered , are their manners corrupted and their affections drawne away by lewd and wanton poemes ? how vnchristianly is their loyalty somtyme shakē by seditious pamphlets ? yea , how dāgerously is their faith & religiō peruerted by those many hereticall and schismaticall treatises , which they from tyme to time secretly or openly disperse through his maiesties dominyons . how vnfortunate am i ( as some thinke ) that haueing performed a good worke ; doe neuertheles heare it exclaimed vpon as a friuelous labour , and stand accused for oppressing the people ( because a fewe hymnes contayning the prayses of god are commaunded to bee divulged the most conuenient way ) whilst such abuses as these afore mentioned , and many of a higher nature , may be winked at in my accusers : yet , i say rather , how happy am i & how much bound to praise gods mercie , who couers the multitudes of my transgressions and still bringes me into publike question for such actions onely , as shall vpon tryall become myne honor , and to the shame of my traducers . for , i am confident that i shal in due time be deliuered from that , and from all other scandalous imputations which the world hath layd to my charg . and therefore whether it be now or hereafter , i am indifferent ; and place such assurance in gods loue that i can stay his leasure . i procured the kinges graunt ( being the possibility of a temporall blessing ) by moouing for it , where i ought , and as i ought to seeke the same , without entreating any mans furtherāce ; and if it be not in euery perticuler iust and conuenient , that i should enioy the same ; yt shall goe , and i wil venture an vtter vndoeing rather then make vse of any mans friendship to detain it . for , god ( who hath hitherro prouided for me in such a manner as best befitted both my temporall and spirituall condition ) will i knowe , continue his prouident care of me ; while i can haue grace to be thankfull , and retayne the resolution to doe my lawfull endeauour . howsoeuer ( let the worlde conceit of mee as it pleaseth ) i scorne to enioy my lyfe , much more any priueledge to the common preiudice : and am able to demonstrate ( as shall hereafter appeare ) that my booke and the kinges graunt haue beene malitiously traduced without cause . yet , the stationers haue not only scandalized the sayde graunt vniustly , and layde the imputation of impertinencie to the booke of hymnes without cause ; but feareing ( as it seems ) lest their publication would discōuer their false dealing , and gayne me and my labour some good approbation in spight of their mallice ; they haue ( as i sayd before ) practised also , or rather conspired , as much as in them lyes , to hinder the lawful sale of my booke . for , they prouide them not in their shoppes as they are commaunded by authority , nor furnish themselues with those as with other books , notwithstanding they may take them vpon trust , and make profitt of them before payment is required at their hands , being content somewhat to hinder themselues that they may disaduantage me . and to excuse this iniury they giue out , contrary to their owne knowledges , that if they take my bookes from me , none will fetch them out of their handes , which they falsly pretend , meerely to dispariage that which i hope they shall neuer be able to bring out of credit , tyl they haue lost their owne . for , they are daily so much enquired after , that had the booke-sellers preferred them to sale as they would haue done if the coppie had been their owne , twenty thousand might haue been dispersed , long ere this tyme. yea if they had either any loyal respect to the kings pyous commaund ; or loue to the practise of deuotion , or but that humanity which is to be found among infidells ; they might haue deulged a hundred in place of euery ten●… which are yet dispersed . for , though fewe knowe where to get the sayd hymnes , because they are seldome to be had amonge the booke-sellers ; yet thousandes of them haue beene bought vp by gentlemen and others , whoe ( hauing enquired out , with much difficulty , where to finde them ) report to mee howe much i am abused amonge the stationers , and how hardly they cann forbeare from vsing them vnciuilly that come to aske for my booke : with diuers other particular discourtesies . but because those vsages doe demonstrate their owne euill disposition rather then disparage the said booke ; i wil omitt to perticularize those many discourtesies which i am that way offered , and proceed to answere such other obiections as they and their abetters haue framed to bring both my hymnes and me , into contempt . and first , they obiect ( forsooth ) that they are not worthy to be annexed with their psalmes in meeter , in respect of that insufficiency which they haue discouered in my expressions . for , so harsh and improper do my lynes appeare to these iuditious censurers , and their chaplins ; that some compare them to dod the fillkemans late ridiculous translation of the psalmes , which was by authority worthily condemned to the fire . some tearme them in scorne ▪ withers sonnets ; and some , among them , the better to expresse what opinion they haue of their pious vse , are pleased to promise that they wil procure the ●…aring ballett singer with one legg , to sing and self them about the citie ▪ which base speeches proceeding from those skoffing is●…alites , i could well enough brooke in respect of mine owne person ▪ o●… me●…t ▪ for , there is soe much euill , euen in the best of my actions , that contempt is the fayrest reward , which they can iustly challenge : yet , when i call to minde with what christian intentions i was emploie●… 〈◊〉 those hymnes , and howe many howers at ●…ight i spent about them , whilst , it may be ▪ my traducers , were either sleeping out their ty●… , o●… 〈◊〉 employed ▪ when i consider also how●… many 〈◊〉 & religious men haue approoued thē , & how much their pious vse might further the reuerence and practise of deuotion to the prayse of god ; it greeues me that there should bee in this nation any so wicked as to oppose so christian a worke , to so friuelous an end . but , when i remember , by whome , and by what authority that booke was allowed , and commaunded to be made publik ; and withall , what mistery of iniquity it is that hath conspired against the sāe ; me thinkes it is an iniurie not to be tollerated ▪ is it reason , they who liue by bookes , should bee permitted to abuse the authors of their liuelyhood ? or is it seemely that those whoe ( as i sayd before ) are but the pedlers of books , should become their censurers ; and by consequent , both the censurers and deprauers of that authority which allowed them ? if this be tollerated , the fayrest draughts of apelles , shal be daily subiect to the foolish critiscismes of those arrogant coblers ; and the state shall not be able ●…re long to publish any thing , but what they haue a fancie to approoue . for , to this passe it is already come , that whatsoeuer the state dislykes shal be imprinted and devulged by them ( though both absurd and scādalous ) with twice more seriousnes , then any booke lawfully commaunded : but , let it tend to schisme ▪ and they will disperse more vnder-hand in one weeke , then the royall authority shal be able to divulge in a yeare , toward the setling of vnity in the church . i know not what it is which should make my booke of hymnes appeare soe ridiculus vnto the●… ▪ or so vnworthy to be annexed to the english psalm-book , as they pretend . in respect of the matter it cannot iustly be excepted against ▪ for , a great part therof , is canonicall scripture ; and the rest also , is both agreeable therunto in euery perticuler , and consonant to the most approoued discipline of the church of england . soe that ( how sque●…ishly soeuer some of their stomackes brooke it ) they being allowed by authority , are as fitt , i trust , to keepe company ▪ with dauids psalmes , as robert wisdomes tvrk●… and pope ; and those other apocryphall songs and praiers , which , the stationers add to the psalmebooke for their more aduantage : sure i am , that if their additions shal be allowed of by the most voices , yet mine shal be approoued of before those , by the best iudgments . now , as for the manner of expression which i haue vsed , i hope it is such as no iust exception cann be taken therunto ; seeing i haue ( aswel in that which is of my owne inuention , as in the translations ) vsed that simplicity of speech which ( best ) becommeth y● subiect , without affectatiō to those poetical phrases and fancies , which ( being commendable in other things ) would haue obscured the maiesty of those inventions . to this i had so much regard ( especially in my translations of the canonicall hymnes ) that , if i mistake not , i haue as naturally , and as playuely exprest the sence of them , as most prose translations haue done . and if those indifferent men , who know the poesy and power of the english tongue may be my iudges , they will censure my expressions to bee such , as shall neither be obscure to the meanest capacityes , nor contemptible to the best iudgments , but ( obseruing a middle way ) best becomming that purpose , for which they were intended . i did not leape on a suddaine , or irreuerently into this employment ▪ but , haueing consumed almost y● yeares of an apprentishipp , in studies of this kinde , i entred therinto conscionably & in the feare of god : nor haue i proceeded without his assistance , as the difficulties and discouragments which i haue passed through , do witnes vnto me . for , if it be well weighed , how full of short sentences , and suddaine breakings off , those scriptures are ; how frequently , these particles , for , bvt , & such lik , ( which are graceful in the originall text ) will seeme to obscure the dependancy of sense , in the english phrase , if the power of their signification be not heedfully obserued in those places : how ha●…sh the musicke will be , if the chiefe pauses be not ▪ carefully reduced vnto the same place in the lyne throughout the whole hymne , which they haue in the first stanza ; how many differences must be obserued betweene lyricke-verse and that which is composed for reading only : howe the translater is tyed , not to make choise of those fashion stanzaes which are easiest , to expres the matter in , but to keep that with which he first begā : how he is bound , not only to the sence ( according to the liberty vsed in other translationes ) but to the very words , or words of the same power with those vsed in our allowed interpretations : lastly , how prec●…se he must be , when he is forced to expresse any sentence by circumlocution , to labor stil to retayne a relish of the holy phrase in his expressions : i say , if all these circumstances be well considered , ( and how difficult they make it to close vp euery stanza with a period , or some such point that the voice may decently pause there ) i am parswaded a worke of this nature coulde not haue ben persisted in , to this conclusion , by a man haueing somany weaknesses , and discouragments as i haue had ; vnlesse the almighty had beene with mee . nor can i beleeue that the deuill would haue raysed vp soe many malitiously to oppose the same , if it had not tended to gods honor . but sure , no man will grudge the annexing of the booke of hymnes to our metricall psalmes now vsed , in regard of any faultinesse in their expression , yf they consider the meannesse of that translation . for , though some ( of no meane degree ) are very violent for the mayntenance and continuance of their olde version , pleading ( as the papists do for many of their trumperyes ) a long prescription , in steed of better argumentes : yet i know it to be soe much to blame , that no man of vnderstanding can sing many of those psalmes , but with trouble to his deuotion . and i dare vndertake to demonstrate , that they are not onely full of absurdityes , s●…oeloscismes , improprietyes , non-sēce , and impertinent circumlocutions ( to more then twice the length of their originalles in some places ) but that there are in thē many expressiōs also ▪ ●…uite beside if not quite contrary , to the meaning of the text. which i would not thus openly haue declared , but that euen schoole boys perceiue it , though some ( that would be thought wiser ) do ignorantly or wilfully , protest against an alteration of our singing psalmes . excuse me i beseech you , if i seeme a litle too playne in discouering the faultines of that wherof so many are ouerweening : for , i doe it not to disparage the pious endeauours of those whoe tooke paynes in that translation ; but rather , commending their laborious and christian intention , do acknowledg , that ( considering the tymes they liued in , and of what quallity they were ) they made soe worthye an attempt ; as may iustly shame vs whoe came after , to see it no better seconded during all the flourishing tymes which haue followed their troublesome age : especially , seeing howe curiously our language and expressiones are refined in our triuiall discourses . this hath giuen the papist , the atheist and the libertyne occasion to skoffe at our christian exercises , and troubles the deuotion of many a religious man , who being desirous to sing with his vnderstanding in the congregations , doth often ( before he is aware ) loose the sence of the prophet : yea and sometymes fall vpon direct nonsence , among those many impertynent circumlocutions , and independancies which he is ( for rymes sake ) compelled to wander through in that translation . neuerthelesse , some i knowe will be obstinate in defence of their oulde meeter ▪ and i shall seeme to thē , as one that had presumpteously layd an imputation vpon our church , and vnreuerently taxed what her authority had commaunded ; which , i thanke god , i am not guiltye of . for , i well enough knowe ( and your reuerences can witnesse it ) that those metrical psalmes were neuer commaunded to bee vsed in diuine seruice , or in our publike congregations , by any canon or ecclesiastical constitutiō , though many of the vulger be of that opinion : but ( whatsoeuer the stationers do in their tytle page pretend to that purpose ) they being first allowed for priuate deuotion only , ●…ept into publik vse , by toleratiō rather thē commaund . yea , custome hath beene hitherto their cheife authority : and therefore wee may not onely lay open their defects to a good purpose ( without iust blame to our selues or scandal to the church ) but i hope chang them also without offence , when a better translation shal come to light . in the meane time there will be no reason , i am sure , why those shoulde condemne my expressiones while they approoue those measures we haue hitherto made vse of , in our devotions . but , lest the worke should bee able to iustifie it selfe , in spight of their detraction , my aduersarys do picke personall quarrells also : alleaging that i haue vndecently intruded vpon the diuine calling ; and that my performances being but the fruites of a priuate spirit are therfore vayne & vnwarrantable . yea ( yf we may beleeue the stationers ) many zealous ministers haue taxed me for medling with a worke of that nature , affyrming that it was a taske fitter for a diuine then for me : and so bitterly haue many of them ( as i heare ) censured me for it , in their priuate conferences , that i haue good cause to suspect , it was rather enuie , then any thing else which induced most of them to be of that opinion . if it be a worke soe proper to a diuine , that noe man else ought to haue medled with it , i would some of them had taken it in hand , who giue me so little thankes for my labor , that we might haue seene with what spirit they are guided . i wonder what diuine calling hopkins and sternhold had more then i haue , that their metricall psalmes may be allowed of rather then my hymnes . surely , yf to haue been groomes , of the priuie chamber , were sufficient to quallify them ; that profession which i am of , may as wel fitt me for what i haue vndertaken ; whoe haueing first layd the foundation of my studies in one of our famous vniuersityes , haue euer since builded thereon , towards the erecting of such fabricks , as i haue nowe in hand . but , i would gladly know by what rule those men discerne of spirites , who condemne my endeauour as the worke of a priuate spirit . the tyme was , men did iudge the tree by his fruite , but now they will iudge the friute by the tree . if i haue expressed any thing repugnāt to the analogy of y● christian fayth ; or irreuerently opposed the orderly and allowed discipline ; or ●…issented in any poynt from that spirit of verity which breathes through the holy catholicke church ; then let that which i haue done be taxed for the worke of a priuat spirit . or if it may appeare , that i haue vndecently intruded my selfe to intermedle with those mysteryes of our christian sanctuarye , which the god of order hath by his deuine lawe reserued for those whoe haue , according to his ordinance , a speciall calling therunto ; then indeed let me be taxed as deseruing both punishment & reproofe . but , if makeing conscience of my actions , i obserued that seemely distance which may make yt apeare , i intruded not vpon ought appropriated to y● outward ministry ; if , like an honest harted gibeonit i haue but a litle extraordinarily laboured , to howe wood and drawe water , for the spirituall sacrifizes ; if , according to the art of the apothecary , i haue cōposed a sweete perfume to offer vp to god , in such manner as is proper to my owne faculty onely , and then brought yt to those vnto whome the consecration thereof belonges ; if , keeping my owne place , i haue labored for the building vp of gods house as i am bound to do , in offering vp of that which god hath giuen mee , and makeing vse with modestie of those gyfts which were bestowed on me to that purpose : if i say , the case be so , what blame worthy haue i done ? why should those disciples which followe christ in a nearer place , forbid vs ( frō doeing good in his name ) who follow him , farther off ? why shoulde they with ioshuah forbid eldad and medad from prophesying , seeing euery good christian wisheth with moses , that all gods people were prophets , and that he would giue his spirit to them all . if i could haue beleeued that for me to enter into orders would haue made me either the more profitable instrument of gods glory , or caused my labors to haue been the more holie or the more edifyinge ; what had letted me to procure that aduantag ? noe man liuing more honors that calling ( or would think himselfe more honord ) by being admitted therinto , thē i. yea , often haue i been vrged vnto it , & my possibillityes of outward preferments that way , are not y● least . neuertheles , i ā not ōly priuie to much vnworthines , and many insufficiencies in my selfe , iustly disenabling me of that function ; but my mind perswads me also , that god hath appoynted me to serue him in some other course . there are diuers guyftes , and diuersitys of callings ; and by the guift god hath giuē him , euery man may guesse at his calling , as the souldier may know in what part of the battell to range himselfe , by those arms his captayne appoynted him vnto : and that place he ought to make good , vntyll he finde himselfe furnished and authorized for another station . i wil , as the apostle counsells me , striue and coue●… for the best guifts so farr as god shall enable me : but in what place soeuer i make vse of them ( i thinke ) i may be indifferēt . for , euery good guift of god may be employed with aduantage in any vocation , one tyme or other . a common souldier haueing the experience of a commaunder , may by advising and directing his fellowes in familliarity , and by keep●…ing his place with thē as a companion ; fynd opportunity perhaps , to instruct them better in some military discipline , then the office of a captayn will permitt . and soe fares it in the christian warfarr . yea , euen i my selfe haue many tymes found occasion by meanes of my habite and outward fashion of life , to effect some good which i shoulde hardly haue brought to passe by a more strict profession . and as some cheerefull laborer , by carying stones & morter ( by encouraging his fellowes , and giuing now and then a word of direction ) may further the building of a house more then many others , and winn great commendation in that imployment ; who would be rather a let ( if not the ruin of it ) if he should take vpon him to lay the stones ; so , i that haue as a cōmon labourer seriously and some way profitably endeuoured ; presuming into the place of a master workman , may become lesse ●…eruiceable , and peraduenture a trouble to the busines which i thought to further . let it not therefore , i beseech you , be an imputation vnto me , that i haue performed a better worke thē my calling seems to oblige me vnto . for , though some haue taxed mee for medlinge with that which seemes more properly to belong to their profession ; it is odds but they are other while as busie in some employments which would better haue beseemed a man of my quallity , then one of their cote ; and therfore , let vs excuse & forgiue one another . that which i haue done , when it was my owne ; was subiect to any mans censure : but , nowe authority hath consecrated it , and deliuered the same forth for publike vse ; yt is noe more myne , but the worke of authority which they depraue . let al my writings priuatly or publikly dispersed , be examined frō the first epygrā that euer i cōposed , vntyll the publishing of these hymnes now traduced by my aduersaries ; and if there can be found out one lyne sauouring of such a mynde , as may giue cause to suspect i vndertooke that taske , without that true christian ayme which i ought to haue had ; or if the performance it selfe shall make it appeare that i proceeded without due preparation ; or if you can haue any probable testimony that throughout the course of my lyfe , or by any one sāndalous act , i haue giuē that cause of offence as may disparage my studis , or trouble their deuotions to whose vse my hymns are tendered ; let those thinges be layde to my charge , vntyll i find meanes to disprooue or wash away such imputations . sure i am , no man can attempt such a worke with a heart more desireous to be rectified , or more fearefull to offend by a negligent performance ; and therefore if i wanted an outward calling thereunto , ( which this reuerent assēbly may supply ) yet i hope i had that inward calling which is beyond the power of any to conferr . but , obserue the mallice of the stationers ; they are not content to smother my booke as much as may be , by denying to giue it vtterance according as the king hath commaunded , and as by their trade they ought to doe ; or to disparage it , by striuing to make me seeme vnfitting or insufficient for a worke of that nature : but , to countenance their detractions , they pretend , as i sayde before , that the lo : archb : with other of your llos : haue disliked my hymnes , & that my lo : of canterbury would this parlament take order to suppresse them . i cannot but wonder at the bouldnesse and impudence of these fellowes , that dare publish such improbable vntruthes , to the disparagement of honorable personages . for , many of your reuerences haue receiued those hymnes at my hands , and returned me that good respect , which hath been my encouragement ; and i cannot thinke , any possessing those reuerent places , would haue so much forgotten humanity as to haue condemned my labors in such fashi●… as those giue out . it cānot be thought , they censured them vpon the stationers reports ; seeing that were an inexcusable leuity ; and if they examined it , me thinks my paynes , my pyous intention , and the good vse which may be made of that booke , would haue mooued them to counsell me how to amend that which was found amisse , rather then to disparage my whole work , for a few ouersights . can i suppose they who should encourage men in their pyous studies , ( and be glad to see that we are able in any measure to exercise our facultyes towardes the setting forth of gods prayse ) would be so harsh , to giue me hard censures for my paynes ; because , forsooth , i haue not answered their expectations , in some one t●…iuiall poynt ? sure , this were not that tendernesse which might be expected in the fathers of the church ; nor do i beleue that any of your ll●…s : would vse that seuerity towards me : for then , if i had no●… better comfortes then such critescisme affords , those who w●… their tyme altogether in idlenesse , and abuse their facultyes to vainest purposes , are in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…n i. now , that they haue abused my lo : grace of 〈◊〉 , by 〈◊〉 his dislike of my booke , ( to the disparagement thereof ) i shal make yt very apparent . for , his grace tooke notise that my booke was perused and allowed by his maiestie himselfe ; and worthily approued his royall iudgement both in diuinity and poetry , the stationers beeing present : he was informed likewise , concerning euery perticuler circumstance in the grant , and how it was his maiesties pleasure my booke should be anexed to the metricall psalmes ; and thereupon both illustrated the reasonablenesse thereof to the sayd stationers , and gaue them and me incouragment to proceed to composition touching the same : moreouer , the canonical hymnes haueing beene allowed by the lo : bp : of london ( & part of them imprinted for an assay ) i deliuered to my l : archbs : own hands a coppy of them almost fowre yeare agoe ; since when ( about two yeares after ) they , being imprinted altogether , passed without contradiction , euen to the diuvlging of a full impression : and lastly haueing an addition of spirituall songes , for the obseruable tymes , they came forth altogether , authorised as well by the kinges perticuler approbation , as by the common allowance appoynted by the state. yea my lo : of canterbury himselfe , receiued one of those bookes from me vpon michelmas day last , and , giuing me order to alter one word only , hath permitted al the rest to haue free passage without controwle . is it likely then , that my lord will soe iniure the kinges iudgement and his owne , as to disparage in priuate , what they haue publikely allowed ; or secretly combine with the stationers to oppose the kinges royall commaund , in that which he himselfe , hath approoued reasonable ? is it likely his grace would soe dishonor the reuerent authority of his place , as to make the stationers or bookebinders his instruments of suppressing my booke , in such a scandalous fashion ; consideringe what power hee hath giuen him , to take order and reforme in matters of that nature ? or is it likely that his lp : had soe litle compassion and respect , as not to consider what faultinesse might bee in my hymnes , or what inconuenience might arise by my graunt , vntyll i had bestowed ( besides my paynes ) so much cost in printing them , that he might at one blowe , make frustrate my studies , and quite ouerthrowe my estate both together ? whilst there was hope of a composition betweene me and the stationers ▪ the priueledg was no greeuāce , neither was there any fault found with my hymnes ; and is it likly that since our disgreement , mallice and detraction should finde out those escapes , which the eye of authority could not discouer ? is it likely my lo : would ●…e soe partiall as to passe ouer all my paynes , and vnquestionable expressions without regard ; & finding but one place doubtful , ( as easie to bee amended as found fault withall ) that he would haue sought to cast away my whole endeuour for that ouersighte which i was able and ready , with all humility to reforme ? or is it likly he reputed of so litle cōsequēce , what y● king was pleased to peruse & grāt a priueledg for ; that neither his priuate deuotion , nor his publike care , would moue him to consider what good or inconuenience might succeede vpon the publication thereof , vntill the stationers had for their owne endes awakened him ? or if it were considered ; can i thinke he would haue beene silent vntill it might be obiected to my publike disgrace ? it cannot be , but that they haue abused my lds : grace and diuers other reuerend personages in their reports . for , such vsage of me were not answereable to y● reuerēce & pyety of their callings ; & if religious endeuours should euer finde such encouragmentes ; there were more hope of thrift ( to the worldwarde ) by makeing ballades for the company of stationers , then coulde bee by composing of hymns and spirituall songes for the honor of god. i hope no man in authority enuies me the honor of my emploimēt ▪ nor grudges mee that poore profite which my labors may honestly bring in . for , though it bee no●… meane content to a christian , ( whose soule is touched with the vnderstanding of spirituall comfortes ) to bee an instrument of gods glory ; yet , that which i haue attempted , mak●… me in regard of one of you , noe better then the meanest seruant attendinge on the outward ceremonies , is in comparison of him , that hath y● most holy mysteries of the church committed to his dispensation . and as for the benefit likely to arise vnto me frō that i haue done ; i know not what it may proue hereafter , but hitherto i haue bene acquainted with nothing saue the priuation of it ; and haue beene so preposterously rewarded for my best labors , that if all those whoe are thought to censure me , had mett with such discouragments as i haue done ; it is tenn to one , but some of them now ( florishing in eminent places ) had sate as lowe as i doe at this day . but , if it shall please my lo : of canterbury : to pardon them for abusing his name in the disparagement of my hymnes ; i shal also forgiue them . for , beeing warrantable in themselues , no mans authority shal be able to dishonor them : nor cann his eminence excuse them , if they be not iustifyable in their owne nature . i will therefore proceede to answere those two perticulers , which are principally obiected against my booke of hymnes , by the stationers , and their abet●…ers . first ; they impudently giue out , that the song of solomon is not fit to be expressed in lyricke verse : and that my expression thereof , is in some places obscēe . which , as i perswad my selfe , i shal be able to disproue ; & shew that ( vpō due examinatiō ) y● modesty of my version , with the conueniency of publishing that song shall appeare so euident , as will make them ashamed of their mallice and ignorance ▪ who oppose it . for , whatsoeuer i am in my outward appearance , i neither consulted with flesh and bloode nor with myne owne fancy . when i medled with that sacred mistery : and therefore ( seeing there bee those who doe not onely cauill against the publycation of the canticles in lyticke verse , but vnciuelly censure also , with what minde i was employed on that subiect ) i could wish that , before they passe further in their iudgments vpon that booke , or me ; they would a little iudge themselues , & impartially examine their owne hearts , whether it be not spleene or enuy which hath moued them , to carp at my labours . if it had not beene soe , i should haue beene tymely and christianly admonished , rather then so inhumanly traduced , as i haue been , where i was not to make answere for my selfe : yea , i hauing professed so much willingnesse to harken to instruction , some of them would haue thought me worthy the speaking vnto in a matter of that consequence ; and there would haue beene vsed such sweete mildenesse in the reproofe , with such respect of my labor and expences , and such care to haue preserued my credit and christian patience in the remedy of my ouersight , as would haue witnessed from what good spirit it proceeded . and , thus i shall expect to be dealt withall , if : authority shall please to call into question my performances . but , from my traducers what good vsage can i expect , seeing they haue not spared god , but blasphemously termed the expressions of his holy spirit obscene ? for , this some of the most eminent of the stationers haue not blushed in publike to affirme , in the most immodest tearmes ; whereupon many of the inferiors of their fraternity , doe ( insteed of vsing my booke to that christian vse for which it was published ) cary the same about them purposly to disparage it . yea , at their tauerne tiplings , and in all companies whereinto they can thrust themselues , they seeke occasion to posses their hearers , that my book is vnworthy to be receiued among good people : and the place ( which to their vnderstanding is so offensiue ) is in the ninth canticle , where i render , the knitting of the thighes , what the latyne translates , ivnctvrae femorvm . and our english version , the ioints of the thighes . i beseech you , what obscenity is in that , more then in the holy ghosts owne wordes ? to the cleane all thinges are cleane . and i protest before god ( at whose throne i shal be iudged for it , if i lye ) i doe not remēber that i had one immodest thought ( so much as cast into me ) by meanes of any expression in that holy song , during the tyme i was busied thereabout . but , with those cleane thoughtes , i contemplated the louelinesse of gods workemanshipp , in the seuerall parts of the body ; and there withall , soe temperately meditated those passions and passages , which are incident to an honest naturall affection ; that , by contemplating those materiall obiectes , i raysed my vnderstanding to more then vsuall apprehensions of that vnspeakeable loue , which is between the diuine and human nature in generall ; and betweene iesus christ and my owne soule in perticuler . and , as i haue been , more then ordinarily apprehensiue of the contentments & discontentments incident to a naturall loue , ( lymited within the boundes of chastity ) soe ; that heauenly song , hitherto vndiscreetly neglected ( and by the mallice of the deuill iudged dangerous to be made common ) taught me to be much the more affected with those kindnesses , & vnkindnesses , which i felt betwene god and my selfe . yea , so was i mooued thereby , as it cann neither be exprest by me , nor conceiued by those , who haue irreuerent opinions of the meanes god hath prepared to beget those apprehensions in their soules . those that acquire their diuinity , meerly by reading books , will perswade vs , out of some few weake authorityes , perhapps , that the song of solomon is not to be read of yong men ; but by those onely , in whom the carnal affections are quit mortified . which ( the scope of the holyghost being well considered ) is iust as if they should tell vs , fyre were to be made , rather with ashes then with wood . but , he that hath gayned his humble knowledge , both by hearing the church , & obseruing the power which gods word hath showne vpon him , in his own affections ; is perswaded that heauenly poeme was composed & preserued for the pyous vse of al men ; & principally for yong louers , inflamed with a naturall loue : that by their carnall affections they might ascend , & be made capeable of that which is spiritual . so , other allegoryes , are chiefly intended to stirr vp those whoe are subiect to other affections . for , litle would it preuaile with an olde man , whose heart is setled vpon riches , and such like , to illustrat the pleasure he might receiue in his communion with god , by setting before him the mutual contentments enterchanged between two affectionat louers ; seeing those passages are vsually derided by the elder sort . and lesse would it moue that yong man who is delighted in beauty , and the perfections of his belooued , to expresse vnto him the spirituall happinesse , by tytles , treasures , or the profites and pleasures of a vineyarde ; which hee meanely regards . i humbly desire your rrces , that my christian labour in prepareing that song for a more frequent vse , may not be made voyde , or become despised by those who speake euill of that they vnderstand not . the dispisednesse of my person and quallity , may at first appearance , easily drawe a rash censure vpon my actions ( before due consideration ) as it hath often done : and their opinion who oppose the publication of the canticles in lyricke verse , carryes such a formall showe of reuerence to that holy poeme , and hath , at first sight , such a shaddowe of pyous respect ( by reason of the spareing vse which the church hath heretofore seemed to make of those hymnes ) that it may , at a blush , deceiue the vnderstandinges of good and learned men . but if they take leasure to examine the true state of the question , they wil be able to satisfy both themselues and others , against that fruitleesst opinion ; which being mayntayned will open passage agayn or their heresie , who deny vnto the lay people the free vse of holy scripture . those whoe please to obserue with good purpose my generall preface to that song , and my argumentes before each perticuler canto , shall finde how necessary it is to bee presented to an vniuersall consideration ; and perceiue whether i haue spiritually , or carnally meditated thereon , and whether i haue beene guided by the interpretations of the catholike church , or by myne owne fancy . if i haue any way ●…rred , i am hartily sory for yt , and ( humbly desireing pardon ) am ready to giue satisfaction , both by publik acknowledgment , of my ouersight , and in takeinge away , or reforming what is amisse . if i haue don wel ; god forgiue them whose fleshly vnderstandinges haue abused my good intentions ; and i wish them the spirite of true charitye , that they may beecome more capeable of that celestiall loue song . for , the sweete contentmentes which i tasted in contemplateinge the mysteryes therein contayned , were somwhat interrupted , through the care i had of them , whose ignorance , or wilfull blindnesse would depriue both themselues and others of those comfortes . and i pray god those that speake irreuerently of that song , or hinder the publycation thereof ( in such wise as may best rouze vp the spiritual affections ) may repent thēselues thereof , least they come within danger of that curse those are lieable vnto , whoe add , or take away from the booke of god. for , though some foolish verse-haters ( who are wise men in their owne opinions ) haue vndiscreetly passed their censures against translating the canonicall hymnes into our english numbers ; i shall bee able not onely to make proofe , vpon good occasion , that they may be as truely converted into our meeter as into prose ; and that our english measures are capable of expressing them with as much power , and grauity ; but to demonstrat also , that verse was first inuented and vsed altogether in setting forth the prayses of god ▪ and that those thinges which were originally penned in measured word●…s ▪ cannot be so properly nor so vsefully expressed in prose , as in our verse . it would too much ●…nlarge this hasty discourse if i should deliuer heere all i could inferr to that purpose ; or insist vpon all the reasons which i could giue in defence of giuing way to the free vse of the song of solomon in our english meeter . but , vnder correction , and submitting my opiniōs ▪ to your better iudgmēts , i will in briefe , answere some of those reasons which i haue heard brought against the common vse thereof ; that it may appeare i am not altogether without consideration , in what i haue done . the principall causes obiected for restrayning of that song , are three . first , least it should be abused by prophane or indis●…reet people ; secondly , because the iewish rabbines haue restrayned it from their laicty , as vnfit for the vulger ; and lastly , by reason the christian church ( as they thinke ) hath neither by command nor by practise , warranted the same . it is true , that the canticles , may be , and are often abused , ( yea and the rest of the holy scriptures ) euen by those who by restrayning them , seeke to preuent their abuse , as well as by others . but god forbid , that such as would rightly apply them , should be depriued of their most comfortable vse , because sensuall men will turne that grace of god into wantonnesse . by that rule , the vse of most thinges should be taken away : for , many men abuse their liberty in that which is most lawfull : yea , the whole booke of holy scriptures should be sealed vp , because many haue heritically applyed them ; seeing the same may be alleadged for denyinge the vse of both testamentes , which is obiected for restrayning the canticles . the word of god looseth no worth , by any mans abusing of it ; but he that abuseth the same , harmeth himselfe onely , and them whose owne corruptions haue made that the sauour of death vnto thē , which is lyfe in it owne nature : and whose power , if it bee hidden , is hidden to those onely that perish . seeinge we permitt the rest of gods booke to be read of all without exception , and euen this songe in the prose ; why should it be more offensiue in the meeter ? since diuinity and the prayses of god , may be prooued ( as i haue sayd before ) to be the most auncient and most proper subiects of verse . if i haue not exprest the meaning of the originall soe truely , or soe grauely , as the prose hath don ; let it be declared in what pertituler , and i cann amend the ouersight , as easily as it may be found . for , whatsoeuer sence is giuen mee in prose , i can as fully and as playnely expresse , againe in measured words . yea , i doubt not , but i shall be able to iustifie that my metricall version of the canticles , is as proper , as modest , and as perspicuous as most prose translations ; and that those who accuse it of obscenity ( haueing vncleane thoughtes themselues ) doe rather accuse god then me , and blasphemously disparage the wisedome of the holy ghost . but , noe wonder : to the fylthy all thinges are filthy ; euen the purity of god seemes vncleannes to them ; and their preposterous discretion is ashamed of his prudence . but , some obiect it is vnfitting that mystery should be exposed to the viewe and perusall of children ; and i say also that it is as vnseemely the childrens bread should be deuoured of doggs , or that pearles should be cast before swine neuerthelesse these thinges do often fall out soe , without remedy : and pitty it were that bread should be kept altogether from the children , because they somtyme spoyle or play childishly with that , which shoulde feede and norrish them . the story of the incest of that lot , of thamer , & diuers other passages in holy scripture , are more subiect to abuse then the canticles ; yet clildren are permitted to reade them , because we knowe not by what warrant wee may diuide them from the booke of god. the best course therefore , is to instruct them with what mynde to pervse them , or to prefixe such warnings before those places , as i set before my versiō of solomons song . for , there i haue adiured al readers , vnder payne of gods heauy indignation , to be wary with what mind and to what end , they shall make vse of those excellent hymns : which i am perswaded , will be a meanes to make them lesse abused hereafter . the truth is , they cannot be more prophaned by children , then the whole booke of god is by those that peruse it negligently ; nor soe much as the most easie and most vsefull passages thereof , are , by those presumptious libertynes , and scoffing atheists , who make application of them accordinge to their owne humors . for , though an ignorant simplicity , makes children sometyme misunderstand such thinges as they read ▪ or frutlesly passe them ouer , yet they doe not wilfully peruert them to wicked purposes ; and therefore , god doth many times giue such a blessing euen to that which in their childhood they pervsed without vnderstanding , as that many tymes it is a meanes of bringing it the better into memory ( to their great profit and comfort ) in riper yeares . no holy scripture , or canon of our church , hath commaunded the keepeing of this , or that parte of gods booke , from publike vse : and therefore why should any dissallowe free passage to those hymnes in their proper kinde ? seeing noe man knoweth by what portion of his worde , the diuine prouidence shall please to call his children vnto a true vnderstanding of their duties ? who can tell , but that which is restrayned , may be with held from such as woulde receiue needefull comfortes thereby , as well as from those whoe will ▪ abuse it ? one tyme or another , wee may be enlightened by what is for a season obscure vnto vs ; and that sentence which was an occasion of stumbling , may be a meanes of rising againe to more strength being better vnderstood . yea , ( i perswade my selfe ) it is lesse inconuenient , that a thousand carnal men should add to their confusion by the abuse of gods grace , then that one of his children should want any comfort offered in his word . much more might be said to this purpose ; euen so much , that ( if the likelyhood of truth deceiue not ) it would make euery good christian fearefull to oppose the commendable vse of any part of gods word vpon those weake foundations which fleshlie policy hath laide : but this i hope will suffice in this place . and , as for those exceptions made against the kinde of measure which i haue vsed , and some perticuler expressions ; i perceiue they haue been flirted out , either in mallice to mee , or vpon a superficiall viewe , without considering the circumstances , the proprieties of the languages , metaphors , or allegories ; and therefore i regard them not : partlie seeing my version hath had the approbation of better iudgementes ; and partlie , because i knowe it ordinarie among such as those , to cauell at our most approoued translations . whereas some alleage that the iewes permitted not the song of solomon to be read of the vulger ; what is that to vs ? they being heritikes we ought not to be ledd by their example . they were diuided among themselues , concerning that songe ; some receiuing it among the bookes called hagiographa , and some reiecting it . and it may be , those whoe reconned it among the holy writings ; restrayned the common vse thereof by reason of that scandall , those had giuen , who ( accountinge it a prophane writinge ) had foolishly applyed the same , to solomon and kinge pharaohs daughter : or else , because the depth of the mystery made them vnable to accomodate it to the common capacity . or it may be ( which is most probable ) they were moued to restrayne it throughe the mallice of the deuill ; that after tymes following their example , the most excellent mystery therin couched , might be the more obscured from vs of later tymes , vnto whom the reuelation of it would much plainer appeare . and , their negatiue is hard ( if not impossible ) to be prooued , who deny that song to haue at any time beene vsed by the christian congregation in the primatiue ages . for , they practised the singing of psalms , and hymnes , and spirituall songes ; and were at lest counselled ( if not cōmanded ) by saint paul thereto ▪ coll : . why therfore , may we not thinke , that solomons song was one of those which the church then sunge , seeing the holy ghost hath entituled it the song of songs ? if it were then sunge , it is likely they sung it in those languages which were vnderstood . for , saint paul would sing , not with the spirit only , but with the vnderstanding also . and if yt may bee sunge by the congregation , in the vulger tongue , why not in verse , the proper language of song ( and the most moouinge way of expression ) ? but , what necessity is there of examples ; seeing in lawfull thinges , we may make presidentes , when we please , with good commendations ? by what pulike example did we sing dauids psalms in english meeter , before the raigne of king edward the sixth ? or by what commaund of the church do we sing them as they are nowe in vse ? verily , by none : but tyme and christian deuotion hauing first brought forth that practise ( by the prouidence of god ) and custome ripening it ; long tolleratiō hath , in a manner , fully authorized the same . and , if our metricall translation of the psalmes were rectified , and purged from those imperfections and escapes , which the first translators ( worthy to be christianly excused ) vnwillingly committed in that infancy of reformation : there was neuer any one accidentall thing in the outward worshipe of god , more helpefull to deuotion ( or more powerfully stirring up the affections towardes settinge forth his prayse ) then the singinge of psalmes , hymnes , and spirituall songes , in such manner as the reformed churches now vse yt . i cannot beleeue therefore , but that the singing both of dauids psalms and of the song of solomon was practised in all ages of the church since christ , as freely and as frequently , as the strictnes and blindnesse of the tymes would permyt ; though not with soe full and in soe publike a quire as at this present . but , what if the canticles had not beene ordinarily sung in former tymes ? can that prooue the vulger vse of them to be now vnlawfull or inconvenient , more then the vse of y● rest of holy scripture in our mother tongue ; is proued inconuenient , because the blindnes of passed ages causeleslye restrayned it ? may wee not iudge , it was rather through ignorance , and because they had them not prepared to be sung , as now they are ? or might it not be because the tyme was not then come in which a more publike vse thereof would be most necessary ? for , the state of the mysticall body of iesus christ ( from the creation to the last iudgment ) being expressed allegorically in that song , with the seuerall appearances it had , and shall haue in the seuerall peryods of tyme , together with those admyrable loue-passages enterchanged beetweene the diuine and human nature ; we doubtles , whoe liue in the last age of the world , ( and hauing seene by long experience , and successe of thinges , much more of that propheticall song fulfilled , then those who went before vs ) may without disparagement to their knowledges , vnriddle some darke aenigmas , heretofore not vnderstood . and the consumation of the lambes mariage being neere at hand , may the more properly , sing that mariage song of his , to the glory of his name , and our owne spirituall comforts . to that end i fitted the same vnto our english lyre , in measures becomming the nature of the subiect , in a playne and vnaffected phrase : and ( if those whoe vnderstand both the scripture dialect , and the language of an english muse may be my censurers ) in words agreeable to the meāing of the holy text. yea , i haue so well as i was able ( in so fewe lynes ) opened also according to the doctrine of the catholicke church , the allegory of euery perticuler canticle , that god might be the more glorified , and the vnlearned both delighted and profited , in the repetition of those hymns . and thus much i haue deliuered concerning what hath bene obiected touching the song of solomon ; not presuming to leade your opinions towards myne owne endes ; but to declare with what know edge and conscience i haue proceeded therin . and as this testifies i had some vnderstanding of that i went about ; so to giue testimony also , how farr i am from being wilfull , in my owne opinions , i doe in all humility submit my selfe to be rectified by your rrces , in whatsoeuer i haue done or spoken : which ( though offence had beene giuen ; will , i hope ▪ make me somwhat more excusable , then my aduersaryes pretend . howsoeuer ; i cannot dispayre . for yf those ouersightes which i haue vnwillingly committed in that performance , doe bring on me those outward troubles which shall frustrate some of my temporall hopes ; yet i am confident , that those christian affections which gods mercy hath made acceptable in me , shall produce those inward comfortes which will vphould my faith , tyll my contentments are made perfect : and therfore his will be done . i come now to speake of that imputatiō by which the stationers and their abetters haue don my book and me the greatest iniury : and that is in pretending my hymnes for the obseruable tymes , to be furtherances to popery and superstition . when they cannot bring men to dislyke me and that labor of myne , by disparaging the vsefullnesse thereof ; they obiect against the manner or method : when that wil not serue turne , they except against my calling : when that wil not preuaile , they impudently accuse it of obscenity : when that effects not their purpose , they gyue out that it is inclyning to popery : & when none of these courses will aduantage them , they rayle , and send him that enquires for the booke , to goe and seeke yt where he cann . but , the best of their stratagems hath beene by accusing yt of fauouring superstition . for , it hath not onely made many hundreds ( whoe knowe not yet what the booke treates of ) to forbeare the buyeng and perusing of it ; but hath giuen them occasion also , to passe their censures on me in so vnchristian a manner , as if i were an apostate that had fallen from my religyon ; or sought the subuertion of yt , for my outward profitt . wheresoeuer i come , one gyddy brayne or another , offers to fall into disputation with me about my hymnes . yea ; brockers , and costermongers , and tapsters , and pedlers , and sempsters , and fydlers , and feltmakers , and all the brotherhoods of amsterdam , haue scoffingly passed sentence vpon me in their conuenticles , at taphouses and tauernes . so that , insteed of diuvlging my booke that ( according to the kings intēt ) yt might further y● reverence & práctise of deuotion , and confirme in his maiestyes subiectes , obedience to the pyous discipline of our church ; some of the stationers haue by traducing it , giuen ignorant people occasion to speake the more in contempt of those ordinances which they ought reuerently to obey . if these presumptions shall be suffered without rebuke , neither the authority of the church or state will shortly take place , but that onely vvhich makes for the profitt or humor of the stationers ▪ for , some of them dare already tell me to my face , that if the king had not peremptorely commāded the addition of my hymns to the metricall psalmbooke , they would haue the sooner anexed thē ; but by compulsion they will not . and for that cause , one of them ( as hee himselfe affirmed ) hath sold of those bookes , lesse then hee might haue done , in one quarter of a yeare . what is this but to professe wilfull disobedience in contempt of his majestie & his pious iniunctio ? as if he had not powre to command the publication of a few leaues to the glory of god , without crauing their fauors ? for , though it might be objected that i petitioned the sayd hymnes might be added to the metricall psalmes out of a priuate respect , as doubting or foreseeing that the stationers and others vvould feeke the suppressing of them , if they vvere not compoūded withall to their owne liking . yet the kings maiesty had no such ende ; but inioyned the same meerely to this christian purpose , that those hymnes might be the more conueniently dispersed throughout his dominions , for the edifying and instructing of his loyall subiectes : perswading himselfe , that those who haue enioyed so many greate priuiledges by his gratious fauour , would neuer haue opposed that authority by which they fub sist , and by vertue wherof they receiue benefit of such grants as are both of the same & of a higher nature : especially seeing it is probable that none of his louing subjectes , worthy the name of a christiâ , would haue grudged to enlarge his booke the quantity of a fewe leaues ( at the ordinary rate ) to so pyous an ende as those hymnes tend vnto ; considering how many poundes are yearly consumed in triuiall pamphlets and other vayne expences but why should i onely , complayne against the stationers , & the inciuillity of those whom they haue stirred vp to clamor against the hymnes for the solemne dayes , as if i alone suffred in this vproare ? do not your rrces perceaue , that the kings iudgement & authority suffers by it ? nay perceaue you not , that while they seeme to aime at me they strike at you , and seeke to ouerthrow or disparage the allowed discipline of our church ? verily , that is the white which they seeme to shoote at . and there is not one of them , but if he dare stand to his objections before this reuerend assembly , i dare vndertake to prooue him to be little better then a schismatick in his opinions , & an enimie to the govermēt established in the church of england . if vpō the review of my hymnes there may be found either in them , or in their prefaces , any thing repugnant to the catholike verity , or the allowed discipline , i will recant it , make publike acknowledgment of my error , and vndergoe what punishment shal be thought deserued . for i had rather be irrecouerably vndon both in my credit & estate , then to be an occasion of preiudice , or scandall to the church of god. nay let all my labors be made frustrate and my person be deliuered ouer to be subject to the tyrany of the stationers , if my hymnes doe not euidently appeare , vpon serious viewe , to be instrumēts of gods glory ; helpfull to deuotion ; tending to christian conformity , and likely to be a meanes of deliuering our solemnities from being so much traduced and misvnderstood , for reliques of popery , as heretofore . i am thus confident thereof , by reason of that blessing which god hath already giuen : for , notwithstanding that great opposition of the stationers hitherto made , and those vilde imputations which they haue layd on my booke , many haue confessed vnto me that my hymnes for the obseruable tymes and their prefaces , haue made them more reverently affected towards that discipline then formerly they were ; and haue professed , that yt shall for euer hereafter , teach them to be more conscionable in condemning and sleighting the obseruatiō of that which is established in our church : yea , some divines haue modestly acknowledged , that they did not so well consider the piety and vsefulnes of those observations as they haue since done . if i were so greedy of temporall aduantages as the stationers iudge me ; or yf i had meereley proiected my own profit in the course of my studies , without making conscience of religion : i haue had many , more easy and more thriuing waies , offred me then the world is a ware of ; and needed not to haue exprest my selfe in such manner as i haue done in my hymnes ( which i was certaine , before i published them would neuer purchase me good opinion from papist or schifmatick : ) for ( beside other waies of these times which i haue despised ) i haue been offred a larger yearely stipend , and more respective entertaynments , to employ my selfe insetting forth hereticall fancies , then i haue yet probabilitey to hope for , by professing the trueth . yea , i haue been wooed to the professiō of theire wilde & ill grounded opinions , by the sectaries of so many seuerall seperatiōs , that had i listed ( or rather , yf god had not been the more mercyfull vnto me ) i might haue been lieutenant , if not captaine , of some new band of such volunteers , long ere this tyme. but i thanke god , neyther the swelling impostumations of vaineglory , nor the ytchings of singularity ; nor the ticklings of selfe loue , nor the convulsions of enuy , nor the inflamations of reuenge , nor the hunger and thirst of gold , were euer yet so preuayling ouer me , as to mooue me to the prosecution of any thinge against my conscience ; especially , if yt seemed any vvay repugnant to religiō , or the authority of the church . nay , those things which i might iustly and lavvfully haue done to my great advantage , and without reproofe , i haue volūtarily forborne ( euen almost to the ruine of my estate ) for no other end ; but because i feared least the malice of my adversaries should misinterpret my dooings , eyther to the scandall of authority , to the offence of ignorant people , or to the troubling of their devotions , vvho are ignorant of the reasonablenesse , and true purpose of my actions . i therefore beseech your reuerences , that my hymnes for the observable times may be re-examined whether they be not in euery circumstāce agreable to the holy scriptures and discipline of our church : and if there be any passage or expression found among them , scandalously faulty , let it not onely be corrected according to the truth : but let me be commanded also , to make publike acknowledgement of my ouersights : and if authority thinke it expedient , vndergoe some penalty for my default . but if on the contrary ( as i hope it will euidently appeare ) those hymnes and their prefaces shall be approoued much tending to the edification of the people , and helpefull to encrease true deuotion and christian obedience , by explaning the pious and commendable vse of those ecclesiasticall constitutions , which many people haue ignorantly judged vnprofitable , if they shall be found consonant to the diuine word and conformable to the cannons and ordinances of our church : if they haue been lawfully allowed of by those in authority , and may appeare to aduance the practise of piety to gods honour , and to maintaine those rites only , which were agreed vpon , and established by our parliaments , prouinciall synodes , nationall counsels , and the authority of the state and yf , moreouer , those who scandalize & oppose the sayd hymns , may be probably suspected ( yf not prooued ) to haue eyther priuate malice and designes in their opposition , or to be some of those who are trou blesome and ill affected to the gouernment of our church : thē let their vnchristian behauiours towards authoritey , and their vncivell daeling with me , be accordingly considered on . if those observatiōs which our church commandeth were as vnprofitable or superstitions , as some of that ignorant rable seeme to conceaue : yet i hauing followed the steps of authority , & prepared meanes to make those obseruations the more edifying for the common people , methinks i might hope for better things , then to be abused for my labour and expenses . but seeing the church hath by those obseruations , wisely and pyously , so distributed the commemoration of the principall mysteries of religeon , that they may be once throughout euery yeare presented to publike consideration ; since the temporall blessings of euery season are therby the better & the oftner tendred to our thankfull remembrances , as well as those eternall priueledges which we receaue by the incarnation , natiuitie , passion , resurrection , and ascention of our hlessed redeemer , and the perticuler misteries of his holy-saintes and angells : and since i haue by gods assistance found out , & by authoritie divulged those helpes vvhereby the churches pious intent in those ordinances , may be the more vulgerly vnderstood & practised , both to her honour and the glory of god ; vvhy should not i be defēded , against the malitious & irreligeous combinations and practises of my aduersaris ? nay , why am i rather giuen vp into their powre , to be traduced & abused for that , which in the opinion of all good men , ought to haue procured me more esteeme ? so farr am i from insinuating any popish superstitiō among the people , that i haue vindicated all our solemnities f●…om those imputatiōs which ignorant men haue that way , cast vpon them ; by setting downe their primatiue vse , freed frō the corruption of the later ages : and in such manner as they are obserued by the church of england , who imposeth them , not as essentially pertaining to religeon , but as accidentally helpefull towarde the performance of those exercises which are necessary to saluation . for , whosoeuer can propose to himselfe any other warrantable meanes , which in his judgement may be more profitable to his perticuler disposition , to stir him vp , and continue him in the practise of his christian duties : he may ( as i beleeue ) freely make vse of them , and with good commeodation ; prouided ▪ he neyther tye the generality to his private rules , nor presnmptuously neglect or contemne the alowed church discipline , to the dishonor of authority , and the offence of his vveake brethren . because ( in my vnderstanding ) humane traditions & obseruations discreetly established in the church , do ( in our highway to heaven ) resemble those markes which charitable and skilfull seam●…n haue anciently sett vp to discouer dangerous passages , and a safe channell to vnskilfull mariners . if any man suppose himselfe so good a pilot , that by his industry and continuall sounding ▪ he can bring his barke to a safe roade , without heeding the common obseruations : or yf his vessell dravv so little water that by sayling ouer those barrs ( vpon which others most commonly strike ) he can finde a neerer course into the harbour ; hee may steere by his owne compasse . but , if he shall therevpō deface those auncient beacons , which meaner arts-men haue neede of , or seeke to make contemptible those helpes which he himselfe was ( yt may be ) directed and preserued by in his tymes of lesse experience , vvee may justly taxe him of sacriledge and impiety . and the same taxation are they worthy of , who in their pilgrimage to the spirituall canaan dispise and seeke to abolish those generall furtherances , which theire vviser forefathers had prouided , because they haue in their owne imagination ) found out some discipline fitter for their particuler inclinations . let them vse vvhat christian aduantage they can in their priuate practise of pietie ; but let them not measure the church by their cubite , nor judge the profitablenes of her discipline by the abuses or misinterpretatiōs of ignorāt detractors . for , if those who fancie most perfection in their priuate rule of life , had at first wanted those helpes , remembrances , and publique meanes of instructiō , which were tendred them by the church ; they had eyther wandred , perhaps , after vncertaine pathes , or neglected to proceed at all in their spirituall iourney . our holy mother the church , hath many children of diuers tempers and constitutions , and as the maister of a great feast prouideth so , that euery guest may finde some what to agree with his appetite ; so gods church hath established such discipline for her childrē , that euery one may finde that which accordes vvith their capacities and inclinations . as , therefore , it were madnesse , for a guest to rayle at his friēds bāquet , because he saw there many moe varieries thē he listed to seed on ; or some wholesome meates , which his stomack loathed through his owne default : and as it were barbarous inhumanity in him that had learned the way through an obscure desert , by heapes of stone raised by his predecessours , to pull downe those marks because he imagins that he hath foūd a passage vvithout them . so , it is monstrous impiety in them who seeke either to take away or make contemptible , those chaistian helpes whereby others may be assisted , & by which they themselues were at first initiated ; because forsooth they finde a distast through their owne distemper , or a possibillity of doeing well without them ▪ through their owne ouerweening cōceit : and it is the greate mercy of god , if their presumption carry them not into the gyddy and vncertayne pathes of perdition . i wish hartily that those weake members of our church , who are ignorantly offended at her disciplines ( because they knowe not the christian vse of them ) would with more sincerity , take those things into their consideration , & weigh how farr our solemnityes are from that superstitiō wherof their blinde guides accuse them ; how differēt from popish obseruations , & how greate an offence it is to scandalize that authority whereunto they ought to be obediēt in euery thing , not repugning the sacred word . and if they be not hardned in their malice ) i would those stationers also , who by falsly accusing my hymnes of blasphemy and superstition ( haue drawne many of that censorious generation , to help them clamor against what they haue not yet perused ) would make more consciēce of their actions , & not worke vpon the credulity of their customers , to the generall disparagmēt of that booke vvhich they ought rather to haue aduanced . but i feare i vvish an impossibility on the stationers behalfe . for , they haue so long , & so vnciuelly , resisted those himnes vvhich haue been published for helpes to deuotion ; that it may be doubted they will be now ashamed to speake well of them , how profitable soeuer they be approued ▪ nor will yt be much materiall ( i thinke ) ere long , whether those who haue been my detractors , praise or discommend . for , i am persvvaded they will make their dispositions so well knowne after a while , that no man of vnderstanding wil regard vvhat they speake . as yet , their true qualitey is not fully discouered ; & therefore yf any should happen to ouer-heare them at their goose-nest behind saint nicholas shambles ; or vvhen a knot of them hath gotten a cuntrey-chapman , citty-customer , or nevv flovvne academick , to some drincking-schoole , vvithin the compasse of their verge ; yt vvould deceaue a common iudgement to obserue vvhat grauitey , zeale , and learning , some of them vvill consume in rayling vpon my hymnes . one , as if he had been register , or liberary-keeper to all the primitiue churches , vndertakes to tell his auditory , that no such thing had been published in the first yeares after christ : as if that had bene to any purpose . a second , out of his deepe vnderstanding in such language , dares pronounce some of my expressions obsceane . a third , by conuersing with the titles of bookes only ( for their insides he vvas neuer acquainted vvithall ) is become so learned that he ●…yndes himselfe impudent enough to accuse me of blasphemy . a fourth ( iustly suspecting that his owne opinion will add no credit to his foolish invectiues ) belyes some reuerend customer of his . or brings the authority of some of those worshipfull censurers , vvho vpon the stationers bare credite , vse to condemne bookes before they reade them . yea , so shamefully will some of them aver & obiect , whatsoeuer they can imagine vvill disparage my labour ; and vvith such counterfeite shewes of pittying me , and making a religions conscience of their words , that such as know neyther of vs , vvould thinke them the very quintessēce of sincerity , and me some irreligious scribler , vvho cared not vvhat i published for mine ovvne aduantage . but , that whereby they hope to work me farthest out of good opinion , is my hymne for saint georges day . yea , the bare obiecting of that , hath made many ( who passe for wiser men then they prooue ) to condemne the same before tryall . and ( as if that hymne could haue beene to no purpose but to mainetaine a popish and superstitious obseruation ) they rashly make yt an occasion of miscōstering all the rest ; and so malitiously vilify my honoring the solēnity of that day with a hymne , as yf they had been of that dragons confederacie , for whose ouerthrow yt praiseth god. i knovv no cause there is giuen of such dislike . for , i haue ascribed no diuine honor to any creature in that hymne , nor appropriated it to that martyr ignorātly reputed the tutelary saint of this kingdome , and by some heretofore superstitiously inuoked in warlike incounters ; nor haue i sorted the festiuall of saint george among the solemnities appointed by the church , but mentioned the same as an obseruatiō set apart by the state onely ; as are the first dayes of kings raignes . and though my hymne prepared for that solemnitey ▪ is numbred among the hymnes of the congregation , because it is composed as personating many : neuerthelesse , euen that & all the rest , were by me intēded for paterns to assist or direct priuate deuotiōs ▪ rather then to be imposed for sett formes which i thought worthy to be vsed in our publike assemblies . were the obseruation of saint georges feast , as popish an limpertinēt , as some of my traducers ignorantly and irreuerently conceiue : yet since i neither inuented it nor haue power to abolish the same , why should i be blamed , for shewing vvith what meditations it may be the more appleyd to gods glory , and redound to the greater honor and edification of those vvho are attendants on that solemnity ? seeing that place of saint paul which counselleth that vve should direct all our actions to the glory of god , may be my warrant for so do●… ing , without wresting the meaning of the text. for , that hymne together ( with a preface shewing the true vse thereof , & whome we vnderstood by saint george ) i inserted among the rest , for those purposes . first , to giue men occasion of spirituall meditations in their ciuill tryumphs , & to remēber thē to honor god in those solemnities , wherein he hath honored thē , with place & title aboue others . secōdly , that the order of saint george , being one of the most honorable orders of christiā knighthood throughout the world ; instituted to the prayse of god , & ( as i take it ) our highest title of honour , might haue more high esteeme then among some it findeth . and lastly , that such whoe are apte to misdeeme of those thinges whose reasons and true purposes they know not , might be more sparing in their censures , and not conceiue ( as many ignorantly doe ) that our state acknowledgeth any other patron , then that champyon of the holy catholike church , by whome the great dragon and his angels were ouercome . euen those were my christian intentions in publishing that hymne amōg the rest ; which i offer to be censured by your rrces , whether there be iust occasion of scandall giuen thereby to others , or of any such reprooses as my traducers haue bestowed on me . if it be so ; let that hymne bedivorced from the rest in all future impressions . but yf it be otherwise , and that in your opinions it tēdeth rather to gods glory , and the honour of the state ; i doubt not but god and that noble order , ( of whose solemnities i haue declared the right vse ) will deliuer me from that many-headed monster , which hath dragon like persecuted the honorer and interpreter of their mistery . but , saint george being receaued for a martyr , and the order called after that name , being at first founded vpon a very meane occasion ; some are of opinion that there was neyther any such allegory vnderstood , or to be vnderstood , in the story of saint george , as i haue affirmed , nor any thing directly intended to the glory of god in the so lemnization of that day : and vpon this false ground , they improperley conclude , that i haue neyther warrant for shaddowing the true cham pion of the church vnder that name , nor ground for applying that solemnity to so christian a pur pose . that there was george a martyr wee may be leeue , but that euer he slewe a dragon & delivered a lady ( as the vulger story of saint george relates the same ) there is noe probable testimonie : therefore yt hath bene generally vnderstood as an allegoricall expression of the churches deliuerāce from the powre of sathan . and that the title of saint george may bee allegorically imposed vpon our spirituall patron without iust exception , i haue declared in my preface before the hymne of saint george his day , by an argument drawne from the greater . for , the father being by the aevangelist called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that person , doubtles , vvho is inferior touching the māhood may in some respects , be called by the same name without irreuerence . or if this be not sufficient , it may be inferred also by an argument from the lesse . for , if iesus christ be termed a lambe , a lyō , or by the nams of creatures inferior to those , as a doue , a way , a vine , &c , sure vve may then , vvithout exception , entitle him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and giue him such attributes or appellations , as are proper to creatures of a higher nature ; if they may with any warrant of the holy text , serue to expresse him the better to our apprehensions . soe ignorantly deuoute were those tymes in which the order of saint george vvas first instituted , that it may be some mistook our patrō . yet none can peremptorily affirm that it was any created saint whom our fore fathers first chose to bee the gardian of this kingdome , & honored by the name of saint george , much lesse can they affirme that it vvas george the martyr . for , if they had aymed at a creature for their patron , it is likely they would haue chosen one of the blessed patriarcks or apostles , as scotland , spaine , & other nations did ; or one of their owne contry saints , as in ireland and france ; and not haue committed themselues to a stranger-saint who , perhaps , neuer heard of this realme ; and of whose being , or holynesse they haue no certainty . otherwise they were either much distrest for a sainte , or very indifferent to whose patronage they committed themselues . our predicessors desiring a tutelary saint for this kingdome , according to the superstition of their neighboring cuntrys ( as the children of israel longed for a king after the manner of other nations ) it may be , that it pleased god , ( prouiding better then they themselves desired ) to mooue them to make choyce of a name , long since attributed to god himselfe ; which being considered according to that allegoricall story aunciently ascribed therevnto ( & vsually interpreted to meane the champion of the churcb ) could not certainely be applyed to the person of any inferior saint . and so , they honored in their solemnity the true deitie , though it were , perhapps , ( till the light of the gospell begann to shine clearer ) as ignorantly as the athenians did , when they sacrifized therevnto , vpon that alter which they inscribed , to the vnknowne god. for the vulger history of saint george , is in the litterall sence so improbable , so hyperboicall , & so voyd of testimony : and in the allegoricall sence so proper ; so auntiently receaued , so aluding to the victory of saint michael ; & that name of george , aunciently made the patron of soe many christian cuntryes , & honorable orders of kingthood , that i am perswaded it siginfied no lesse person then he that is said to make warr with the dragon in the revelation of saint iohn . but ( whomsoeuer former ages vnderstood by st. george ) the soueraignes of that order who were since the reformation of religeon ( & who by the lawes of that fellovvship are to resolue all doubtfull questions concerning their order ) haue long since ( as i am informed ) declared that by saint george they vnderstand no other patron then he to whose praise i haue directed my hymne . yet some will not allow the solēnities of that day to be esteemed so reverend , nor the order of st. george to be so christian an institution as i account it , by reason of that occasion wherevpō it is said to haue bene first inuēted . as if the almighty prouidēce did neuer turne mens vaine purposes , to become beyond their ovvne meaning the occasion of that which is of great cōsequence . yes verely . when pharohs daughter vvent to fetch but an idle vvalke , shee brought home moses the deliuerer of his brethren : vvhen saul went to seeke asses , he found a kingdome ; & whē agrippa heard st. paul out of curiosity only , he vvas made almost a christian. so , the first founder of that honorable order , did intend a vvhile ( it may be ) to erect some title of honor sutable to his first apprehension . but considering better thereupon , & aduising vvith his graue counsell hovv to establish that vvhich might redound most to his honor ; he raised his purposes farr aboue the first designe , & instituted a new brotherhood of christiā knights ; which he & his nobles entred into , & recōmēded to posterity , to be professed & cōtinued to the praise of god almighty ; the honor of the holy church militāt ; & the encrease & confirmatiō of brotherly loue amōg his peeres : as their records ( & the divine exercices vsed in the church belonging to their order ) do apparantly shew . yea , they voluntarily oblige themselues to the obseruation of so many pious ordinances & resolutions ( vvhich are the conditions of their order ) that it testifies much piety in the first founders , occasioneth much vertuous emulatiō in the princely brotherhood , & is for these reasons become so renouned , that it hath bene desired & receaued , by the greatest kings & princes of christēdome , as one of the most christean , & most honorable orders of kinghthood in the vvorld . and to shew that those things which are worthy on thēselues are not thought any whitt disparaged among wisemen ( because they haue sprung from meane occasion ) the soueraigne & fellowshipp of this excellēt brotherhood ( knowing it no shame to retaine the remebrāce of that which first occasioned this institution ) haue called themselues knights of s. georg & of the garter . yet as if they foresaw alsoe , that some foolish or malitious detractors would from thence take aduātage , to endeauor how they might disparage , their honorable fraternitey , they haue for their impreza these words imbroydered vpon a litle belt or garter ; honi soit qvi maly pense , which they weare as in reproofe & contempt , of all evill & sinister imaginations . i am sorry there should haue bene any necessity of speaking thus much , in defence of that which is so apparantly commendable ; but , since the malice & ignorance of some hath giuen the occasion , i hope , neither the kings majestie the soueraigne of that most honorable order here mētioned , nor any member thereof will take it amise , that out of my zeal to their honor i haue spoken according to my simple vnderstanding in a matter of such consequence . for , while it is permitted , that divine mysteryes & those things which concerne euen to the honor of god almighty , may be defended by the meanest of his servants , when his adversaries haue made them disputable ; i trust it shal be excusable for me , to exprese my good opinion of this mystery of state ( which by some is not so rightly conceaued of as in my iudgmēt it ought to be ) especially seeing we haue had oftē experience that truth & honorable actions , become the more confirmed & the more glorious , by being drawne into question . i haue now delieuered vnto your rrces the reason of those things for which i & my booke of hymnes haue bene abused & miscensured by the stationers ▪ & their confederates ; humbly desiring your fatherhoods , that if you perceaue any good in what i haue said or done , or any hope of makeing me such a one as i desire to approoue my selfe , that you would be pleased to giue your approbation to that which is well ; & instruct me wherein i might be made better . if not for my sake , yet for that truthes sake which you your selues professe , & for the honor of that devotion which ( for ought you knowe ) i haue truly sought to advance let not faulse imputations or the scandalls of the malitious ( which euen the best men were euer subject vnto ) preiudice that among you , which i haue offred vp vnto god ; or loose me any of your good opineons , vntill you shall see more apparant cause to condemne me . for , since god hath bene so mercifull vnto me , to couer all my transgressions in such manner that none cann iustly accuse me of any scandalous matter , in all my life tyme why should men be so cruell , as to seeke my disparagment by my best endeavor ? let not my youth ( or the want of that calling which i dare not vsurpe ) make me or my labors the more contemptable to your wisdomes ; nor let the vniust rumors which the deceaver hath provoked my traducers to divulge , make those meditations seeme vnhallowed , which i haue prepared for the honor of god. for , if the devil had not perceaued them somewhat tending to the almighties praise , doubtles , he & his instruments would haue suffred them to passe as quietly , as those vaine inventions do , which he inspires ; & yt would haue bene no more disparagment to me , to haue bene thought subject to some imperfections , then it is to other men ; nor had my life , my lines , my habit , my vvords , & my very thoughts bene pried into & censured , as they haue bene : which ( liuing were i doe , so much knowne as i am , and the vvorld being so malitious as it is ) might giue occasion to discouer some spotts in a fayrer garment then mine . i protest before the searcher of all hearts , that i am not carefull to make this apology , or to beseech your good opiniō , so much to preserue mine owne personall esteeme , as to prouide that virtue and deuotion might not be hindred or scandalized through me or my deprauers . yet am i neither insensible of my temporall repute , nor so desirous of maintaining it , as if i should droupe without it ; or thought the honor of good studyes might not be preserued without mine . for , i know truth shall prevaile though i perish ; and to the praise of god ( & out of my confidence in his loue ) be it spoken , i am perswaded , for mine owne part , that all the world shall not haue powre to turne me out of that course , which he hath set me into : but rather , make me relish my happinesse the better by their disturbance , & enable me in due time to despise , most perfectly those vaine applauses & encouragments , whereby my weakenesse doth , as yet , require to be otherwhile supported . and , it may be those who shall liue in the next age ( howeuer i am now thought of ) will wonder how the deuill could find out a company shameles enough to oppose and dispaurage me in soe vnchristian a manner , as my adversaries do . for , they haue not only offred me those injuries , afore mentioned , and many other which humanity forbidds ; but exercised their tongues also , so scurrilously ; so vnciuelly , and so vniustly to the disgrace of my personn , that had i not long tyme envred my selfe to the barking of doggs , and the snarling of such beasts , i had bene much out of patience . if i might not be thought to misapply the text , ( as i thinke i should not ) there is scarce one passage in the psalmes of blessed dauid , concerning the cōbinations & practises of a malitious multitude , but i haue had occasiō in a literall sēce to apply the same to my aduersaries for , they haue rewarded me euill for good , and layd things to my charge which i knew not . they haue priuely laid netts to ensnate me without a cause . they haue reviled me all the day long , are madd vpon me , and sworne together against me . like oxen and fatt bulls they haue enclosed me , grind at me like dogs round about the citty ; & when i sound the words of their mouthes as soft as butter , there was warr in their hearts . they hold all together , keepe thēselues close , & marke my stepps ▪ whē they see me , they flatter , speake lyes , & dissēble with their double heart . they are sett on fyre , they haue whett their tōgues like swords ; their teeth are speares & arrows , their lipps speake deceit , & their mouth is full of ●…urfing and bitternesse , they haue persecuted me whē i was smitten , euē in my aduersity they reioyced , & gathered themselues together against me , they whisper and take counsell to my hurt . the drunkards among them haue made songes on me ; yea the very abjects haue assembled & made mowes at me , & so nearely imitated that crew of whom the psalmist complaineth , that if my hymnes vvere as full of that good spirit which inspired david , as my adversaryes seeme to be of that evill spirit which possessed his enimies , my songes might vvell haue passed whithout exception . but , gods will be done , for ; i know he will in the best opportunity , deliuer me from those oppressors . i haue bene hithèrto as a deafe man to all they haue obiected , because i knew it was gods pleasure , that i should be afflicted for the evill which is in my vvorke that he might the more comfort me , for that which his goodnesse hath made good in me . and i had bene longer silent in their reproofe , but that my adversaries haue , perhapps , bene permitted soe much & soe foolishly to prouoke me , that those many iniuryes they haue offred others , might be called into question by this meanes , for the generall good . yea paradventure they haue giuen this occasion , that their owne words might make them fall . whether it be so or not , sure i am to be deliuered from them , when my suffrings are compleat . he that hath showne me troubles will ( as he hath often done ) novv also deliver me . euen he vvill comfort me for those yeares wherein he hath afflicted me ; because i haue placed my hope only on him . yea , he vvill shew me some token for good , that such as haue hated me may be ashamed , & that those vvho loue me may praise his name for my cause ; in vvhich assurance , i vvill rest , expecting my revvard from aboue the sunne . for , i haue vvith salomon obserued and seene that here vnder the sunne the race is not to the svvift , nor the batle to the stronge , nor bread to the vvise , nor riches to men of vnderstanding , nor favor to men of knowledge ; but tyme & chance commeth to them all . eccl. . . and , i hope that your rrces , vvhom as the ambassodors , & true ministers of god i haue euer honored , loued , & obeyed , vvill in vvhat you may be as helpefull in the setling of my ontvvard peace , as your instructions haue bene to beget in me an invvard contentment . that , vvhich hath bene cēsured vndiscreet in my former studyes vvas punished seuerely : let not that also , vvhich the king & authority approoues commendable , be made preiuditiall vnto me . for , vvhich vvay then shall i employ my selfe vvithout disadvantage ? although i grudge not that men addicted to the most vaine exercizes , cann reap profitt & regard ; yet , methinks , it is somevvhat vnequall that he vvho hath bestovved his tyme , his paines , & his fortunes in better studyes , should be altogether denyed his labor for his travell : or vvhich is vvorse , suffer for his good intentions ; & because he hath endeauored more then a hundred , bee abused more then a thousand . i would it were otherwise , for their sakes , vvho haue but begun to tast the comfort & svveetnesse of attempting good things ; that none of those may be discouraged ( through my hard vsage ) vvho haue in the prime of their youth , forborne their pleasures , & forsaken the ordinary pathes of preferment , to prosecute that , vvhich may redound as vvell to the profit of others , as to their ovvne benefite . and i vvould to god , that such as ought to cherish & direct those , vvho desire to spend their tyme & best faculties in the seruice of god , vvould not so enuiously carpe at honest parformances , as many do , vvhen their humor is not fitted in euery perticuler : perhapps alsoe , vvhen those perticulers vvere approoued of , by wisermen . when an archer hath shott , it is aneasy & an ordinary matter for the foolish lookers on , to say he hath mist thus , or thus much of the marke ; but giue them the bovv , & it vvill soone appeare that they are better at finding fault vvith others , then in doing vvell themselues . against such as these ; i haue had some cause to complaine , not only among the stationers , but ( i am sorry i should haue reason to speake it ) some , euen of the cleargy , are that vvay blame vvorthy ; & haue ( as i am credibly informed ) so friuelously & so inuiriously objected against my hymnes ; that their ovvne freinds , & hearers haue discouered that it vvas the author rather then his booke vvhich they affected not . for , al they could say being vrged , to expresse perticuler exceptions , was this , that i was no divine ; and , it hath appeared to the iust disparagment of some among them , that they had neuer so much as handled the booke they disapprooued . whence should this proceed , but from selfe corruption , & the basest enuy ? and what flesh & blood could endure it , with silence ? the most eminent , the most learned , the most devout , & the most approoued of our devines , haue thought it worthy praising god , for to see a man of my quality exercize his faculty that way . some of the most reuerend of them , haue sought me out , & honored me for it , with more respect then i find my selfe vvorthy of ; that they might encourage me in such endeauors . yea the kings most excellent majestie , hath by his priuiate approbation of that booke , & vnder his publike seale , giuen soe princely a testemony of his desire , to credit & cherish in his subjects , exercizes ' of such nature ; that their abuse of me , is not without some iniury to the iudgment & authority of his majestie . surely , he hath not deserued it at their hands : and alas , vvhat cause haue i giuen them , that they should thus deale vvith me ? what labor of thei●…s did i e●…r traduce ? or vvhose good repute at any tyme haue i envied at ? vvhen i haue seene the nakednesse of some among them , i haue couered it . yea , i haue labored to saue the reputation of such as these , vvhere their indiscretions had nigh lost it : and vvill they so recompence me as to conuert my best actions to my reproach ? cann they not be content to be silent , vvhen they are not disposed to approoue , but must they dispraise alsoe , to the encouragment of my other ignorant aduersaries in their opposition ? and , because i haue performed a laborious vvorke , not so exactly , perhapps , as they conceaue it might haue bene ; vvill they make it more my disparagment , then it is to some of them to be employed about nothing ? if in any thing i haue deserued ill , let them not secreetly traduce me , but christianly reprooue me according to the duty of their callings . if i haue deserued nothing , let them advise me hovv to merrit better ; or suffer me to be altogether vnspoken of , as those many thousands are that do●… nothing . if i haue deserued any thing , let t●…m leaue me to the fruite of mine ovvne labor , & if that be not able to reward it selfe vvithout their cost , i vvil suffer the losse . i haue hitherto spent my ovvne tyme & fortunes , in my studyes ; neuer ayming at any of their spirituall promotions , ( no not so much as at a lay prebhend ) for my labor . for , the principall revvard i seeke , is that vvhich euery eye seeth not , & that vvhich those vvho iudge my affections by their ovvne , think me to haue least thought on . as for that outward benifite vvhich the necessityes of this life , & my fraylties vrge me somevvhat to looke after ; it is that little profitt only , vvhich my worke naturally brings vvith it selfe : nor shall i be long discontented , if that alsoe be taken from me . some haue already a strong expectatiō to see me wholy depriued of it ; & some ( kind harts ) could be content to allow me a part thereof , but not so much as they suppose my iust profitt vvould amount vnto . for , ( they say ) that were too great a consideration for so little a vvorke . wherein , they shew their grosse partiality : for , thousands a yeare is not accounted suffieient for some who haue suddainely attained their estates , by vnnecessary or base ( & perhapps , wicked ) employments : yet , they esteeme one hundred too much for him that hath performed a worke honest & profitable to the publike ▪ because he performed it in a shorter tyme then some vvould haue done . neuer thinking how many yeares practise & expences , he had first con●…ed ▪ to make himselfe fit for such an 〈◊〉 neuer considering what he might haue gained , if he had bestowed the same tyme , charge , & industry in other professions ; neuer regarding ●…owlōg he might haue bene vvithout hope of profit , if that had not happened , hovv vncertain●… the fruite may yet prooue , nor hovv many troubles , charges , and hinderances he hath bene heretofore at , without any consideration at all . but , i leaue them to their vniust diuission : let them alot me what they please , & ballance my talent as they list . god will prouide sufficient for me , to whose pleasure i referr the succeffe : & , though i may in this manner speake a little , to shew them i am sensible of their vsage . yet , they shall see i will walke as contentedly , what euer happens , as if i had the fullfilling of all my hopes . i beseech your rrces to pardon me , though my penn hath spirted a little ynke on those last mētioned ; for , next the stationers they haue bene of all others the most iniurious vnto me : and saue that i haue a christian regard , to their calling , and to preserue the patience becomming him that hath exercized himselfe in sacred studies , i had here dropt gall , and made them perceaué that i haue as true feeling of harsh vsages , as other men . but , i do for gods sake spare them , and for your sakes , whom i haue found ready to comfort , assist , and direct me in my good purposes . i do forbeare the stationers alsoe in the mention of many particuler mivsages yet not spoken of ; and in desisting to agrauate what i haue hitherto touched vpon , so farr forth as i haue cause . for , if i should here declare vnto your rrces , by way of illustratiō how many seuerall discourtisies they haue offred me ; hovv they haue resisted the kings grant , since the beginning of our controuersy : hovv they concluded to let me disburse all the mony i could , before they would openly oppose me , that thē my profit being hindered i might be constrained to yeald to their pleasures , or to be ruined in my estate : hovv violently they haue euer since persecuted my purposed hinderance , to my great losse : how willfully they haue misenformed the kings majestie & diuerse honorable personages concerning my grant ( & my procedings ) to procure my damage : hovv vniustly they gaue out among their customers , that my grant was a monopoly , & an exaction to the oppression of the people : hovv impudently & faulsly , they haue verefied , that i had procured that no man might buy a bible , testament , or communion-booke which out my hymnes : how they compelled a fevv of the bookebynders ( whose estates much depend on their fauors ) to present the high court of parliament with diuers vntrue suggestions in the name of fourescore ; when as all except . or , of them , did ( as i haue heard ) reiect the said information as faulse & rediculous : hovv foolishly they haue sought to make me seeme pore in my estate , as if i had aymed at some reputation that way : hovv from day to day , during all this session they haue maintained three or foure of their instruments , to clamor against me at the parliament house dore , in so rude a fashion as vvas neuer exampled in any cause : how farr they haue threatned to engage themselues & their fortunes in my opposition : hovv dishonestly they dare pretend the good of the common vvealth when they haue but priuate ends ; & vvhen they themselves do really oppresse the same , & are ( in a higher nature ) truly guilty of those greeuances , vvhich they faulsely lay vnto my charge : hovv malitiously they haue hindered themselues & their whole company , of an assured benifite , that i might haue the greater losse : hovv they take occasion in all assemblyes to vent as much as they cann to my disparagment ; as if they had projected to make me ( if it vvere possible ) infamous through out the whole kingdome . i say , if i should giue vnto your rrces all these perticulers truly illustrated ; & shew how false i could prooue their informations ; hovv cruell their dealings , hovv base their slanders , hovv absurd their cavills , & hovv much i haue vvith patience endured them vnspoken of ( till this day ) in hope to find them better affected ; you vvould say that god had enabled me beyond the povvre of mine ovvne vveaknesse . and perhapps alsoe , you vvould think it a vvorke of mercy , to helpe deliuer me from their tyranny . but , the amplification of these things , and my answeares to all those obiections vvhich they haue published , i reserue for the high court of parliament ; or for their hearing vvho shal be appointed iudges of the differences betvveene vs. and then , if i shall not appeare vvorthy to be freed frō their oppression , i wil be cōtented still to suffer ; & to giue vp both my labors and priueledges to be the prey of their auarice . in the meane tyme , i vvill defend my selfe and my right as i am able . in vvhich i know , i shall haue much to doe ; seeing those vvhom i am to resist are an aduersary so many wayes armed for my disadvantage , as i could hardly haue found out the like . for , they will not only come against me , in the name of a respected corporation , pretending the good and releefe of a pore multitude ( vvhich i shal be able to proue vnder the hands , of of their owne company they haue made porer then otherwise it vvould haue bene ) but they haue so many other fayre pretences alsoe , such clokes of sincerity , and such vnsuspected insinuations to screwe themselues into good opinion , to his disaduantage vvhom they oppose , that he shall haue need of all his faculties . and , though their cause should appeare faulty : yet , they haue soe plentifull a stock to make it hopefull ; soe many heads to plott euasions ; soe many soliciters to prosecute their designes , such instruments ready to stretch their consciences to serue them ; so many seuerall persons to procure freinds ; such a multitude to lay the shame and blame among ▪ when they do a man any wilfull or apparant iniury ; so much oppertunity ( by meanes of their trade and customers ) to possesse the generality on their behalfes ; such a brood of ingles ( by reason of their many troublesome suites ) in euery court of iustice , and about euery eminent person , ready to serue their turnes ; and so desperately valiant are they in vowing the persecutiō of what they vndertake ( though it were to be maintained by the expence of many thousand p●…unds ) that to graple with them , and come of vnfoiled , were one of hercules his labors . i scarcely sett my foot into any place , whither i vsually resort , but i am told of their foule language against me : i seldome meet that man of my acquaintance , but they haue possest him with somewhat against my grant ; nor come i into that noble-mans lodginge , where they haue not already one of his chamber , or some other near about him , forward to dispute their cause ; and vppon all occasions to possesse their lord with such vntrue suggestions as they dare informe . and questionles they haue other aduātages that my experience among them , hath not yet discouered ; which if god should turne to foolishnes , i doubt they would grow desperate . for , ( as i am told ) one of them vvas not ashamed lately to affirme , that if their ayme succeeded not , it vvould cost some their liues . god blesse the men , and giue them grace to see their distemper before it come to that ; and in tyme to suspect the honoesty of that cause , vvhich vvresteth out such vvords of desperation . for mine owne parte , my conscience is witnesse of such vvarrantablenes in mine , that ( vvhether i sink or swimme in that particuler ) i hope , and am perswaded , it shall make toward my best happinesse . but , i haue gotten ( some vvill say ) such a powrefull and furious aduersary by this quarrell , that i shall fill my life full of troubles & dangers . indeed , i looke to find them perfect enimies ; but ( since i must haue enimies ) they are such soes as i would desire to haue . i expect they vvill proue violent & subtill , but not so violent or subtill , as the deuill , who is euery moment watching to deuour me : and , it may be their malice vvill make me so vigilant ouer my selfe , that i shall the better escape his . i haue heard one that thinking to kill his enimie , gaue him a sleight hurt that cured him of a mortall disease ; and so may they serue me . i was euer as carefull as i could be , of my wayes ; yet , knowing no great foes i had , but such only as were spirituall , i more striued for an inward sincerity , then to make fayre appearances outwardly ; and therefore gaue , perhapps , some occasion now and then , of scandall through my simple freedome : because , haueing no ill purpose , i thought euery looker on , vvould censure as charitably of my actions , as my intentions deserued . but , novv i shall haue remembrancers to prouoke me to more strict circumspection , & betwixt the deuill in secret , & my nevv foes in publike ▪ shal be kept , i hope so watchfull , that myne eye shall not dare looke off from god. nor , my hand fasten it selfe vpon the rotten sta●…e of any humane protection . i will perswade my selfe , that where ere i goe , one of them doggs me : & though it is not the feare of the world for which i make conscience of vvhat i do , yet an outward obiect may sometyme quickē an inward consideration when it is almost asleepe , & i embrace the occasion ▪ they lately threatned the marking of my wayes : & i therefore giue them hearty thankes : for , i neuer since behold one of their fraternity , but it is an alarum to me , & driues me immediately to consider , what i last did , what i am then doing , & what i purpose to goe about . nay , i haue apossiblity of braue aduantages , if their enmity encrease , as it hath done hitherto . there is not an ouersight which i was guilty of since my cradle , nor a folly which i was euer suspected of , nor any forgetfulnesse which i may be prone to fall into ; but i hope they vvill enquire it out & lay it to my charge . that the great accuser may haue the ●…sse to obiect , at the last iudgment . these priueledges will i gaine by it . if they accuse me of ought wherein i am truly faulty ; it shall i trust moue me to a true repentance , begett in me amendment for the tyme to come ; & through the shame of this life , lead me into the glory of the next . if any cry me be obiected whereof i am cleare , i vvill remember that the vvorld hath sometyme praised me more then i diserued , so ( ●…etting her praises & disparagments to ballance one another ) vvill forgiue her , & haue as little to do vvith her , hereafter as i cann . yea , it may be that if my aduersaries vvould once speak out & openly , that which they whisper priuately to to my disgrace , i should thence take occasion not only to acquite my selfe of many imputations , vvhereby i am novv iniured to the scandall of my personn , & the hinderance of some of that good vvith my labors might els effect ; but i shall paraduenture alsoe find oppertunity thereby to to publish that , which vvill teach others vpō what considerations they may keepe their minds quiet , in the like affliction ; and shevv them how to convert all malitious defamations to the shame of their enimies , to the glory of god , to their present consolation , and to their future aduantage for euer . nay if my aduersaries hold on that violence vvhich they now make shevv of , i trust to discouer hereafter , by my constant example , these to be no brauadoes or meere verball florishes ▪ but that there is in my soule a reall knowledge & feeling of what i professe . for , i haue by my selfe mustered my forces ; and i haue considered that i am but one , and they many : i know no man of powre whose assistāce i may challenge by any desert of my owne , whereas their large gratuities haue that way made them strong . i find my naturall bashfullnesse to be such that i could not ( though it were to saue my life ) trouble men in honorable place about my priuate quarrells . for , if they be altogether strangers it seemes to me impudence to solicite them ; if we are but acquainted only , me thinks i should first deserue somewhat . and i hold that he who is worthy the name of my freind will do me what fauor he cann without asking it , assoone as he parceaues i need him . on the contrary ; their audacity is such , that they cann shamelesly importune and scrape to any man , for their aduantage ; euen to those whom they haue abused rather then faile . i haue remembred likewise , that i am scarce able to prouide their due fees required in the prosecution of my cause , whereas they haue large bribes to giue ( if any liued in this age that vvould accept them . ) i haue pondered alsoe , how vnapt my disposition is to vvork vpon dishonest aduantages , and how readily they take all oppertunities to my vvrong . beside these , many other disproportions i discouered in our strenghts vpō my survay ; neuertheles when i had sett downe the nature of my cause , and surveyed vvhat amunition god 〈◊〉 a good conscience had stored vp vvithin me , i made vp my resolution for the cumbate ; and , now i beginn to be acquainted with their skirmishes , the more my dangers appeare , the lesse are my discouragments . yea , i vowe , all their great threats are but as so many handfulls of dust cast into the vvind ; and all the mischeefe the vvhole body of their forces is yet able to bring about , cannot breake me of so much sleepe as on●… flea . for , when according to dauids example i seek to strenghthen my saith with calling to mind gods former protections ; i finde that when i was all alone and vnarmed ( after the manner of the vvorld ) i was deliuered from two afflictions , vvhich ( all circumstances considered ) were as dangerous in appearance ▪ as the beare and lyon which assailed dauid : and i take it for an in●…allable token , that i shall be now alsoe saued from the philistian-like troupe , and their goliah-like champions , who haue railed vpon that which vva●… prepared for the honor of the liueing god : and ( though i am not vsed to their vveapons ) shall be provided of a sling and a stone sufficient enough to encounter their yron speares , and brazen head-peeces , in spight of that targateer in vvhom they trust . and i am perswaded that god hath permitted me to suffer what hath be fallen me by their meanes , not only to punish my synnes , and exercize my faith in him ; but that being a little experienced in dauids afflictions , i might haue somevvhat the more feeling of that which he suffred ( by reason of the combinations of his vvicked aduersaryes ) and ●…oe be made the abler to expresse his passions , and the persecutions of iesus christ and his members , sett forth in his holy psalmes ; which i am preparing for our english lyre . for , i finde aswell by my owne experience , as by the testimony of diuers learned men conuersant in that booke , that it can neuer be relished or vvell vnderstood by any man , vntill he hath passed through the tryall of some extraordinary afflictions . these expressions will to some ( paraduenture ) who are not acquainted with me , and the true state of my cause , seeme impertinent and vnsauory ; but , i knowe their vse & necessity to be such , and haue so vvell examined the warrātablenes●…e of my priuate ends therein , ( and the probablenesse of a profitable successe ) that i am not ashamed to expose them to the vvorld ; nor fearefull of any man●… dislike . nor do i value the taxation of those who shall vpon the view of this condemne me of too much bitternesse in the reprouing and laying open the cruelty of my aduersaryes . for , my conscience is vvitnesse that i haue vsed no termes of sharpenesse but such as i haue example for , out of the cōplaints of the meekest saints of god ; and such as are properly required to describe the true nature of their malice . and i protest before the almighty god , that to my knowledge i haue added nothing in this discourse concerninge them , but what is either true in my owne experience , or so probably declared vnto me , that i haue no cause to suspect the contrary : and so far am i from bearing the least personall malice to any of them , that i dayly pray for them as heartely as for my selfe . yea , that day in vvhich they do me the greatest vnkindnesses , i most earnestly vvish them well ; & do thē feele my spirit striuing against my naturall corruption on their behalfe , more powrefully then at other tymes . and ( vvhateuer they beleeue of me ) god let me not prosper in any affayre of this life , if i vvould not be depriued of my best earthly hopes , rather then do a vvilfull i●…iury , euen to him among them of vvhose particuler malice i haue most experience . which protestation , no man haueing the feare of god dare to pronounce vntruly ; nor cann any man haueing the charity of a good christian , suspect it to be false , being so deliberately declared . or if this asseueration be not enough , my dayly practise and behauior towards them vvill witnesse somevvhat on my befalfe . for , though they haue not only hindered my profit to the value of some hundreds of pounds since our dissention , but vvasted much alsoe of my principall estate ; yet , when i had sufficient authority to haue made my selfe immediatly whole againe , vpon their goods who were prime agents against me ; neuerthelesse , i long forbore to put my powre in execution , and vvhen i vvas compelled to execute it vpon some of them , i returned their goods back againe vpon their owne entreaty , & forgot and forgaue all misvsages without returning so much as a harsh vvord vnto them , or retaining so much as the charges of ceasure ; because , if it had bene possible i vvould haue vvonn them by fayre meanes . yea , vvhen it vvas in my powre to haue procured the committment of some among them , who had showne themselues most spightfull vnto me ; i forbore to aggrauate the matter against them , according to their desert ( euen out of meere charitable compassion ) though i suspected they vvould laugh at me for my labor , as i heard aftervvard they did . which doth ( at least ) probably verify that i haue no malignant or reuengfull inclination toward the personn of any one among them . for , what cann they deuise against me more prouoking then they haue already done ? verely , there is no other cruelty lest , for them to practise , but the torturing of my flesh : & what is that , in respect of vvounding my reputation , which they haue so much endeauored . men of the basest condition vvill dayly hazzard their bodyes for the defence euen of their suparfluous goods , or vpon the giuing of one disgracefull word ; & therefore , it seemes that among some , those are greater iniuries then to vvound & kill . how great wrong do i then beare in my fame , that suffer patiently not only their triuiall imputatiōs , but to be vniustly alsoe , accounted a blasphemer & a profane person ? and am by their meanes depriued , not only of superfluities , but in a manner of all my liuelyhood ? for when those freinds who are engaged for me are satisfied ( to which purpose there is yet i praise god , sufficient set apart ) i vovve in the faith of an honest man , that there vvill not be left me in all the world , to defend me against my aduersaryes , & supply the comon necessityes of nature , so much as vvill feed me one vveeke , vnles i labor for it . which , my enimies are partly enformed of , & do therevpon triumph . but not to my discontentment . for , i do comfort my selfe , to think how sweet it will be to sitt hereafter at some honest labor , and sing those hymnes and songes to the praise of god , for which the vvorld hath taken from me her fauors . nor doth it trouble me to publish thus much of my pouerty , though i knowe it vvill sound disgracefully in the eares of most men . for , i meane to procure no man to hazzard his estate for me , by pretending better possibilities to secure him then i haue ; as others vsually do : nor value i the reputation vvhich comes by vvealth or such like things as may be lost through the malice of others , because i know i shall be the better esteemed of for those toyes , by none but fooles or such ideots as will sooner blush to be found pore , then dishonest . yea , i am assured that among good & wise men , it vvill be no more shame vnto me to be made pore by such meanes as i haue bene , then it is to be made sick by the hand of god : nor cann i think it vvill be more my disgrace to haue vvasted my estate through my studyes , then it is to some other students to haue thereby empaired their healthes . but , some will object that i haue by publishing this apology not only taxed those vvho are guilty of such things as i haue perticularized , but layd a publike imputation alsoe , vpon the whole company of stationers ; & bene so generall in my accusations that the credit euen of those honest men among them , vvill be much endangered . indeed , the good & badd are incorporated together into one body , & so intermixed that it wil be very difficult to shoot at the starlings & misse the pigeons . yet , i haue discharged this among them ( in spight of their threatning the starchamber ) & if novv it be examined where my pelletts fell , you shall find none wounded , but those starlings which haue troubled the douehouse ; & that there is not one innocent doue dispoiled of a feather ▪ i protested in the beginning of this discourse , that i had no purpose to lay any scandall vpon the whole corporation ; & that it may appeare i protested no more then truth , i will here shew you how those stationers against vvhom i haue complained , may be knovvne from such as i desire to except from this accusation . i vvill be bold to averr , that many , ( & the most powrefull of them ) are some of those vvho vsurpe the maniging of the companies affaires ; and that to cullor their malice & priuate coueteousnesse , they do in the name of the corporation & at the common charge prosecute against me ; pretending that it is the cause & good of their vvhole company , for which they stand . neuerthelesse , i do not take the vvhole body of the corporation to be my aduersary , no more then i vvould think the whole citty of london hated me , if the greatest part of the court of aldermen should persue me with malice vpon a priuate quarrell . for , most of those men who are princepally busy against me , vnder the name of the company of stationers , are aboue all others iniurious & scandalous to that company ; as appeares by those petitions which haue bene heretofore preferred both to the kings majestie & the parliament house , by some of their owne fraternity , against the oppressions & vsurpations of their gouernors . those indeed may well be called the scumme ( that is the creame ) of the company . for , if they were throughly churnd , welnigh all the fatnesse of his majesties gratious priueledges giuen to releeue their pore , and for the generall benifite of their corporation , vvould be found in them . and so farr is the maine body of their society from fauoring their courses , or from fearing any disgrace to them by this apology that lately hearing it vvas to be divulged by the name of the stationers commonvvealth ; they did ▪ expect it with much content : in hope it vvould be an occasion to make some vvay to their deliuerance , from those iniuries vvhich they suffer . and verily , if you had heard , as i haue done , how many of the printers , of the bookebynders , and of the yonger bookesellers among them , do complaine against most of their gouernors , and how many matters of great consequence they do probably obiect : you vvould thinke it were vnsufferable , and that it is great pitty there is not some course taken for the strick examination of their abuses , in such manner that those who are oppressed , may come to declare their greeuances vvithout feare of a future disaduantage . for , those against vvhom they vvould complaine , haueing now in their povvre the estates , & employments of such poore men as think themselues oppressed , they dare not openly appeare against them , vntill they perceaue a likely hope of being fully , speedily , and impartially heard ; lest it turne to their vtter vndoing , if they preuaile not . but , what if those aforesaid among the stationers ( who vvould be taken ▪ forsooth ▪ to be the whole corporation ) haue not abused their owne society only , but that trust alsoe vvhich hath bene committed vnto them by the state ? what , if it may be proued that those bookes vvhich they haue taken from others as vnlawfull , haue bene divulged againe by some in office among them for their priuate commodity ? what , if it may appeare they haue solde those bookes vvhich did to their knovvledge cōtaine matter iniurious to the person of the king , and prince ? vvhat , if many of those pamphletts vvhich haue discontented his majestie , troubled the state , & disturbed the people , were dispersed ( nay procured to be ymprinted ) by some of those ? & that their shifting it vpon their seruants , with such like evasions , vvill be found of no truth ? what , if it vvill be justified , that the wardens of their company haue found such bookes imprinting ; taken a vvay part of them ; knevv they vvere vnauthorized and scandalous ; & yet permitted both the presse to go on , and the bookes to be divulged ? what , if they haue dispersed popish and schismaticall bookes more then any others ? what , if those foolish & prophane bookes vvhere vvithall the vvorld is novv filled to the peruerting of youth , and the corrvption of good manners , be manifested to be the coppies that haue enriched many of them ? what if those vvrongs , offred to the vniuersities , and those greeuances vvhich the vvhole common-vvealth suffers ( in being burthened with volumes of trash ▪ in being oppressed in the prizes of bookes and iniured by their vnseruiceable bynding ) may be declared to be altogether by their default ? verely , if i should instance vpon these particulers , what i could ; their foundations would shake , & the vvhole frame of their foolish machinations would be shattred about their eares . but , i spare to proceed further vntill they shall further cōpell me : ( euē for the sakes of their pore vviues & children ) & vvould vvish them to be vvarned by this gentle item , to amend among themselues vvhat is amisse before the strict hand of authority cease them ; lest it be then made apparant to the whole kingdome , that my cheefe persecutors among the stationers , be those who are so vnvvorthy to beare the name of the vvhole company , that they are not so much as good members thereof , but rather , enimies , robbers and defamers of their society , and iniurious to this vvhole commonvvealth . but , doe i lay this to the charge of all those who are the rulers of this corporation ? no verely , not to them alone . for , i beleeue there be some of their cheefes greeued at the peruersenesse of such among them vvho haue bene iniurious to me , & to their society ; and i think they vvould vvillingly remedy all , if the vvilfulnesse of the rest were not more powrefull then their good perswasions ; as one ( not of the meanest of them ) lately confest vnto me . there be alsoe among the inferior sort of bookesellers , ( as my experience hath taught me ) some vvell and some ill affected to my cause : among vvhich multitude , if any man be desirous to distinguish those men from the rest , to whose charge i purpose not to lay the abusing of me , in such manner as is mentioned in this discourse ; by these obseruations following yt may infallably be done . when any man shall come to a stationers shopp to buy a psalmebooke , or any other booke , with which the psalmes of dauid in english meeter are bound vp : if he be proffered that booke with my hymnes therevnto , annexed ( according to the kings command ) or if vvanting it , a reasonable excuse be made ; or a promise to prouide it according to the customers desire : or if vpon the mentioning of me , and that worke of mine , he do neither cauil , nor obiect any thing to the disgrace of that , or me : or if vpon enquiry after this booke , he promise to procure it , or shew some likely cause why it is not to be had , & neither raile , nor grumble , nor looke doggedly on him that demands it , before departure : that man was neuer any of those that abused me . or , if he were , it seemes he is either sorry , or so ashamed he hath wronged me , that he deserues to be forgiuen : & therefore , i vvould not that any thing which he was guilty of to my harme , should be layd to his charge while he continues in that temper ; but my desire is ( if it vvere possible ) that euery man vvho hath heard him abuse me , should rather quite forget that any such vvronges had bene done . for , some haue bene ledd on to iniure me out of meere ignorance ; some , for company sake ; some , because of their dependance vpon such as are my illwillers ; and some , by reason they beleeued ouerwell of those who missedd them : all which , will turne another leafe , as soone as the state of my cause appeareth . but , they vvho haue out of pure malice persecuted me , will not so relent . the deuill owes them a shame , & vvill not suffer them to see vvherevnto their enuy & blind coueteousnesse vvill bring them , before he hath payd them . assooone as euer this booke shewes it selfe abroade , i durst wager the price of it , that you shall finde those fellowes at some tauerne within a flight shot of paules , constulting , quotinge , commenting , and obseruing , vvhat may be collected out of it , to my disaduantage : and , if anger do not put them beside their old custome , it vvill cost them a vvorthy legg of mutton , a capon , and a gallon or twoe of vvine before any matter vvillbe disgested vvorth their expences . next morning ( it is tenn to one els ) they may be found at some lavvyers chamber , to know what cann be pickt out of this apology , to beare an action of slander ; or some such like cullor of prosecuting the law , against me . but , that vvill be to little purpose ; for the booke is so large that if their counsell haue any good practise , he must be fayne to take tyme vntill the next long vacation to read it ouer ; and by that tyme , he vvill haue the same opinō of thē which i expresse . assoone as they com frō counsell ; at some typling house they vvill presently meet againe , to comfort themselues vvith that little hope which the law seemes to promisse . and it may be , thither they vvill send for some of those hyreling authors of theirs , that vse to fashion those pamphletts that suite the seuerall humors and inclinations of the tymes ; or one of those that penns for them such vvorthy storyes , as the dragon of sussex , tom thumbe , and the vveekely newes . from vvhom if they cann procure but the promise of makeing some foolish libell against me ; or to publish an impudent reply to my apology ; it shall not cost him a farthing , if he sitt among them till tvvelue a clock at night ; and perhapps he shall haue somewhat in earnest alsoe , of a better penny . if any man enquire of thē for my booke of hymnes , he shall be sent avvay vvithout it ; and perhapps they vvill passe some scandalous censure therevpon . if this booke be asked after among them , they vvill presently discouer themselues by some bitter language ; and by protesting against it , as a scurrilous and libellous pamphlet : vpon the very nameing of me , their cullor doth vsually change : and if the company and i should haue any meetings together about these matters in question , those vvill discouer themselues from the rest , by their distempered lookes , their contemptible speeches of me , their furious behauiors , & these are the marks , whereby i distinguish those whom i accuse from those whom i cleare . and , here are no personall notions , whereby the person of any perticuler man is vninstly desamed ( for publikely to accuse any one in that kind vntill authority require it , is both vnlawfull & vncharitable ) but these are markes of quality , which if any man haue vpon him ( especially being thus forewarned ) it is his ovvne fault if his disgrace follovv . and i do no greater vvrong in saying he that doth this or thus , is my malitious enimie ; then in affyrming , that he who stealeth is a theefe . but , these rules do but only marke my freinds from my foes among the stationers : because therefore , i haue charged them in generall with some abuses publikely iniurious ; i vvill declare alsoe , how such as are to be approoued blamelesse among them , shal be knowne from the rest ; by expressing the trne definitiō of an honest stationer ; & the liuely charecter of his cōtrary . whom , for difference sake , i call a meere stationer . an honest stationer is he , that exercizeth his mystery ( whether it be in printing , bynding , or selling of bookes ) with more respect to the glory of god , & the publike aduantage , then to his ovvne commodity : & is both an ornament , & a profitable member in a ciuill commonwealth . he is the caterer that gathers together prouision to satisfy the curious appetite of the soule , & is carefull to his powre that whatsoeuer he prouides shal be such as may not poyson or distemper the vnderstanding . and , seeing the state intrusteth him with the disposing of those bookes , which may both profitt & hurt , as they are applyed , ( like a discreet apothecary in selling poysnous druggs ) he obserues by whom , & to vvhat purpose , such bookes are likely to be bought vp , before he will deliuer them out of his hands . if he be a printer , he makes conscience to exemplefy his coppy fayrely , & truly . if he be a booke-bynder ; he is carefull his worke may bee strong & seruiceable . if he be a seller of bookes , he is no meere bookeseller ( that is ) one who selleth meerely ynck & paper bundled vp together for his owne aduantage only ; but he is the chapman of arts , of wisdome , & of much experience for a litle money . he would not publish a booke tending to schisme , or prophānesse ▪ for the greatest gain : & if you see in his shopp , any bookes vaine or impertinēt ; it is not so much to be imputed his fault , as to the vanity of the tymes : for when bookes come forth allowed by authority , he holds it his duty , rather to sell them , then to censure them : yet , he meddles as little as he can , with such as he is truly perswaded are pernitious , or altogether vnprofitable . the reputation of schollers , is a●… deare vnto him as his owne : for , he acknowledgeth , that from them , his mystery had both begining and meanes of continuance . he heartely loues & seekes the prosperity of his ovvne corporation ▪ yet he vvould not iniure the vniuersityes , to advantage it , norbe soe sawcie as to make comparisons betweene them . he loues a good author as his brother , and vvillbe ready to yeeld him the due portion of his labors , vvithout vvrangling . when he comes to be maister or warden of his company , he labors truly to rectify what is amisse ; but fyndes so many peruerseones , and so few of his good mind , that his yeare is out , before he cann bring any remedy to passe . he greeues for those abuses vvhich haue bene offred , to me , & other authors ; but fynding that by speaking on our behalfes he is likely to bring himselfe into an inconuenience vvithout profitt to vs ; he prayes in ●…ilence for amendment , and that god vvould not lay to the charge of the whole corporation , that vvhich but some among them are guilty of . he feares none of those reproofes vvhich are to be found in this booke : for , he knowes himselfe cleare , and is resolued to make sale of it so it come forth vvith allowance from authority . in a vvord , he is such a man that the state ought to cherish him ; schollers to loue him ; good customers to frequent his shopp ; and the vvhole company of stationers to pray for him ; for , it is for the sake of such as he , that they haue subsisted , and prospered thus long . and thus , you haue the true discription of such a stationer as i exempt from my reprofes ; now followes the charecter of him , at whose reformation i haue aymed . a meere stationer is he that imagines he vvas borne altogether for himselfe , and exercizeth his mystery without any respect either to the glory of god , or the publike aduantage . for which cause , he is one of the most pernitious superfluities in a christian gouerment , and may be well termed the deuills seedman ; seeing he is the aptest instrument to sowe schismes , heresies , scandalls , and seditions through the vvorld . what booke soeuer he may haue hope to gaine by , he vvill divulge ; though it contayne matter against his prince , against the state , or blasphemy against god ; and all his excuse wil be ▪ that he knew not it cōprehended any such matter . for ( giue him his right ) he scarcely reads ouer one page of a booke in seauen yeare , except it be some such history as the wise men of gotham ; and that he doth to furnish himselfe with some foolish cōceits to be thought facetious . he prayseth no booke , but vvhat sells well , and that must be his owne coppy too or els he will haue some flirt at it : no matter , though there be no cause ; for , he knowes he shall not be questioned for vvhat hee sayes ; or if he be , his impudence is enough to outface it . what he beleeues is prepared for him , in the next world , i know not ▪ but , for his enriching in this life , he is of so large a faith , that he seemes to beleeue , all creatures and actions of the vvorld , vvere ordayned for no other purpose but to make bookes vpon , to encrease hi●… trade : and if another man , of his small vnderstanding , should heare him plead his owne supposed right vvhere none might contradict ; he would halfe thinke , that all our vniuersityes , and schooles of learning , were erected to no other end , but to breed schollers to study for the enriching of the company of stationers . if an author out of meere necessity , do but procure meanes to make sale of his owne booke , or to peruent the combinations of such as he , by some royall & lawfull priueledge : he presently cryes it downe for a monopoly ; affyrming that men of his profession may go hang themselues , if that be suffred . marry ; authors haue a long tyme preserued a very thankfull generation of them from hanging , if they cannot afford them one booke of ten millions to releeue them vvithall in a case of need : & vvhen that booke was the authors owne alsoe , & no part of the stationers former liuelyhood . this is iust as reasonable a complaint , as if a cōpany of haglers should preferr a bill against the cuntry farmers ▪ for bringing their owne corne & other prouisions to the next markett . he will fawne vpon authors at his first acquintance , & ring them to his hiue , by the promising sounds of some good entertainement ; but assoone as they haue prepared the hony to his hand , he driues the bees to seek another stall . if he be a printer , so his worke haue such appearance of being vvell done , that he may receaue his hyre , he cares not how vnworkmanlike it be parformed ; nor how many faults he lett goe to the authors discredit , & the readers trouble . if his employment be in bynding bookes ; soe they vvill hold together but till his worke maister hath sold them , he desireth not , they should last a weeke longer : for , by that meanes a booke of a crovvne is mard in one moneth , which vvould last a hundred yeares , if it had d. more vvorkmanshipp ; & so , their gaine & employment is encreased to the subiects losse . if he be a seller of bookes ; he makes no conscience what trash he putts off ; nor hovv much he takes , for that vvhich is vvorth nothing . he vvill not stick to belye his authors intentions , or to publish secretly that there is somewhat in his new ymprinted books , against the state , or some honorable personages ; that so , they being questioned his vvare may haue the quicker sale . he makes no scruple to put out the right authors name , & insert another in the second edition of a booke ; and when the impression of some pamphlet lyes vpon his hands , to imprint nevv titles for yt , ( and so take mens moneyes twice or thrice , for the same matter vnder diuerse names ) is no iniury in his opinion . if he gett any vvritten coppy into his powre , likely to be vendible ▪ whether the author be vvilling or no , he vvill publish it ; and it shall be contriued and named alsoe , according to his owne pleasure : vvhich is the reason , so many good bookes come forth imperfect , and vvith foolish titles . nay , he oftentymes giues bookes such names as in his opinion will make them saleable , vvhen there is litle or nothing in the whole volume sutable to such a tytle . if he be none of the assistance of his company he ordinarily rayles on their partiallyty in m●…niging of the kings priveledges or the generall stock ; but , this he doth more in enuy , them in loue to vpright dealing : for , when he comes to those places ( into which his very troublesomnesse sometyme helpes him the sooner ) he makes all vvorse then before , & playes the knaue cum privilegio . he is then bound to pray for the poore , much more then they are , for him ▪ for , they are indeed his benefactors . he will be ready vpon all occasiōs , to boast of the . li : a yeare , which is giuen among their pensioner●… : but , he hath not thankfulnesse enough to tell any man , that it ariseth out of his majesties priviledges bestowed for that purpose , nor how many thousand pounds are yearely made thereof beside . if he once gett to be an officer in the society ; he forgetts to speak in the first personn for euer after ; but ( like a prince ) sayes , we vvill , & wee do this &c. he thinks vpō nothing more then to keepe vnder the inferiors of the corporation , & to drawe the profitt of the kings priveledges to his priuate vse . he stands infeare of nobody ●…ut the archb : of canterbury , the bishop of londō , & the high commission , & loues nobody but himselfe . i cannot deuise what his religion is nor he neither ( i think . ) for , what sector profession soeuer his customer is of , he will furnish him with bookes tending to his opinions . to a papist hee rayles vpon protestants ; to protestants he speakes ill of papists ; & to a browinst , he reuiles them both . yet , i dare say this for him , that he is an enimy to the alteration of religeon in this commonwealth , because he feares it would spoyle their priueledge , for dauids psalmes in english meeter , or hinder the reprinting of many vendible coppyes . marry a tolleration he would hold well with all , soe he might haue but the sole printing of the masse-booke or our ladyes psaltet . he will take vpon him to censure a booke as arrogantly a●… if he had read it ; or were a man of some vnderstanding . he speakes of reuerend doctors , as disdaynfully as of schoole boyes ; and mentiones the vniuersityes with no more respect , then if all their famous colledges were but so many almeshouses maintained out of the stationers hall. when he shall heare me or any other object those abuses , which some of his company haue offred me to my face ; he will vnciuelly giue the lye , & iustify the contrary , as confidently , as if he had bene present at all tymes , & in all places . he is no more pittyfull to a pore man that falls into his powre , then a hungry beare to a lambe . when he spakes of him whom he loues not , it is vsually with as much contempt ( of what quality soeuer the other be of ) as if he were one of the almesmen of his company . if he come among the rest of his fraternity about any cōtrouersy betweene them and others ; he will speake any vntruth that may aduantage his owne side : for , if the matter should require to be iustifyde , he knowes that among many the speaker will hardly be found out , & that when the lye is deuided among them all , there will not fall much shame vpon any one man. he will allow of no priveledges which the kings majestie shall vouchsafe concerning bookes , vnles he may be interested in the best part of the profitt : yea , rather thē those which are bestowed vpō his owne corporatiō shal be disposed of for the benefite of the generallity , according to his majesties intētiō ; he will go neare to do his best to forfeit them altogether : for , he will at any tyme suffer some mischeese himselfe to do another a great spight . he will sweare the peace or good behauior against any one whom he is disposed to trouble , though there be no cause ; and if he may haue but some of his brotherhood to stand among ; he vvill not stick wilfully to misinforme the whole court of aldermen to procure the committment of such pore men as he prosecutes . and this is one of his infallable markes ; if he preuaile in a businesse , or haue but any hope of getting the better ; the tauerne is the temple where he giueth his god praise : thither he presently repayres to offer vp the sacrifize of fooles ; and perhapps is ledd from thence in slate , betweene two supporters ( porters i should haue said ) to his owne howse , where he vtters his stomack to his vvife and famely . he is so extreame guilty , and so fearefull that most of these markes are to be found vpon him , that all his freinds shall neuer perswade him , but this character vvas made by him ; and therefore , he vvill take it to himselfe though he be one vvhom i neuer knew nor heard of . he will condēne the stationer that sells this apology for a faulse brother ; and ( if it be possible to drawe the rest to be so indiscreet ) he will gett the whole company to take this discription as an abuse to their mystery ; but , they wil be better aduis'd . he will bestow both vpon me , and vpon this booke , all the foule termes he cann inuent ; or giue out , perhapps , that it is nothing sutable to that mynd which i haue expresse in my motto : but , let him examine them together , & he shall fynde they disagree not in a word . he will much insist vpō all those bitter reproo●…es vvhich i haue vsed , and be very sensible of them ( noe doubt ) because they touch himselfe : but , those iniuryes which are the cause of them , he vvill neuer mention . he will tell his companions , that they haue boyes in the church-yard , able to answeare all this : and ( it is odes ) but he will carpe al●…oe , at some want of vvitt or learning in these expressions ; as if there needed any great witt , or learning to be vsed , in bidding a dogg come out . these pills may , perhapps , stirr his humors , but they will not purge away one dramm of his corruptions ; for , he is so blinded with coueteousnesse & selfe will , that ( to change his mind ) noyse will preuaile with him , as much as reason : & therefore , this which i haue written , was neuer intented to satisfy him , but others . he truly resembles the ephesian siluersimthes ; & rather then his mystery should decay , would preferr paganisme before christianity , prophane ballads before hymnes praysing god ; & , that which he hath not ability to compasse by reasons , he will attempt by vproares . to conclude , he is a dangerous excrement , worthy to be cutt off , by the state ; to be detested of all schollers ; to be shun'd of all the people ; & deserues to be curst , & expeld out of the company of stationers . for , by the coueteousnesse , cruelty , & vnconscionablenesse of such as he ; a flourishing & well esteemed corporatiō , is in danger to come to ruine , & disgrace . this man , with such as he , are those whom i haue declamed against in this discourse , & no other ; nor will i , that my generall accusations shall , in part , or in the whole be imputed to any man in perticuler ; but to him that shall apply vnto himselfe this character , or haue it prooued to be true vpon him by apparant testimony . for , it shall satisfy me enough ( & it shall do the commonwealth good seruice ) if by this satyricall discription of a bade stationer , and my definition of a good one , those things which are amise may be amended hereafter . and this is an easy and warrantable vvay of correction . for ▪ i do not marke them out by their redd noses , or corpulent paunches ( or such like personall defects ) vvhich they cannot remedy ( as some vvonld haue done ) but by their vices which they ought to giue ouer . what an old poet once said , is yet in force . — — licuit , semperque licebit parcere personis dicere de vitiis . it shall be lavvfull euer ; and hath byn to spare the personns , and to touch the syn . i ha●…e taken that authors vvord , and put his vvarrant often tymes in execution ; and ( though i haue smarted for it ) neuer vvas , nor euer vvill be driuen from this course of proceeding against male factors ; vntill that foresaid author come back and deny his warrant . blame me not , if i seeme bitter to such as these ▪ for , their disease needs it : i haue had meanes to know them perfectly ; & was compelled to search into the very marrow of their mystery : and when through my loue to a carnall rest , i became loth to meddle vvith such a nest of hornets ( but to suffer an inconuenience rather ) they were so ●…oolishly confident , that they stung me to it . and doubtles , it was permitted by the prouidence of god , that their wickednesse might come to light , before it should occasion greater troubles . yea , perhapps , i haue bene trayned vp all my life tyme in afflictions , & haue heretofore suffred cōcerning bookes , partly to experience me in their abuses ; & partly to enable me to beare out the fury of such a powrefull multitude as doth novv oppose me . many men of good sufficiency , do wonder ( as i heare ) what abuses worthy all these words cann be found among the stationers . for , alas think they ; those do but sell bookes to such as come for them ; & are a harmelesse kind of people by whom ( to their vnderstanding ) the cōmonwealth can receaue no great preiudice , in any matter concerning their mystery . but , when they haue read ouer this , it will begett another opinion : if not ; my next discouery shall . for , i cann , yet launce deeper , & make it euident to the capacity of euery common man ; that such as those whom i haue marked out , are they who are the principall dispersers of heresyes , & the prime disturbers of vnity in the church . i cann demonstrate , that they are most tymes occasioners of those grudgings & discontentmēts which do other while distemper the minds of the people . that much trouble to the state , is procured by them ; that they are the likelyest instruments to kindle factions , & stirr vp sedition ; that they haue invoulued and obscured the certaine tenents of our church , amōg such a multitude of the priuate fancies and opinions of vpstart vvriters ; that the common people scarce knovve vvhat principles vvee professe ; and our aduersaryes take aduantage , out of their vnallovved pamphlets , to impute to the church of england , vvhat absurdityes they please . i cann make it euident they haue so pestered their printing houses , & shopps with fruitlesse volumes , that the auncient & renouned authors are almost buried among them as forgotten ; and that they haue so much vvorke to preferr their termely pamphlets , vvhich they prouide to take vp the peoples money , and tyme ; that there is neither of them , left to bestow on a profitable booke : soe they who desire knowledge are still kept ignorant ; their ignorance encreaseth their affectiō to vaine toyes ; their affection makes the stationer to encrease his prouision of such stuffe ; and at last you shall see nothing to be sould amongst vs , but currāto's , beauis of southamptonn or such trumpery . the arts , are already almost lost among the vvritings of mountebanck authors . for , if any one among vs vvould study phisick , the mathamaticks , poetry , or any of the liberall sciences , they haue in their vvarehouses so many volumes of quacksaluing recepts ; of faulse propositions ; and of inartificall ryminngs ( of vvhich last sort they haue some of mine there god forgiue me ) that vnles vve be directed by some artist , we shall spend halfe our age before vve cann find those authors which are vvorth our readings . for , vvhat need the stationer be at the charge of printing the labors of him that is maister of his art , & vvill require that respect which his paine deserueth ? seeing he cann hyre for a matter of shillings , some needy ignoramus to scrible vpon the same subject , and by a large promising title , make it as vendible for an impression or two , as though it had the quintessence of all art ? i cann make it appeare alsoe , that they are the cheefe hinderers of the aduancement of our language , the principall peruerters of good manners ; and the prime causers of all that irreligious prophanenesse vvhich is found among vs. and , i doe foresee , that if they proceed as hitherto they haue done , they will be the ruine of their owne mystery , & bring an invndatiō of barbarisme vpō all his majesties kingdomes , vvhich god diuert . these things haue i discouered ; & with a mind neither malitio●…sly bent to the ruine of the corporatiō of stationers , or desirous of the shame or confusion of any one member thereof : but , ( whatsoeuer some among them conceaue ) i ayme rather at the profitt of the one , & the reformation of the other . and that this may appeare to be true . i vvill in due tyme shevv , that i haue sought as much how to finde a gentle plaster to cure those vl●…rs , as to make a sharpe instrument to search them . for , if i may be heard without preiudice ; i cann declare by what meanes , and how , the corporation of stationers may be hereafter acquited of all those scandalls , that some corrupt members thereof , haue brought vpon it ; how , the repinings and discontentments vvhich are among themselues , may be quieted : how , all my inivryes may be satisfied , to my contentment , without their damage ; and how , all the publike abuses mentioned in this discourse , shall be in some good measure preuented , for euer hereafter : to the kings maiesties great content , to the avoyding of much trouble heretofore occasioned to the state ; to the good likeing of both vniuersityes , to the profit ease & credit of the stationers thēselues ; to the furtherance of christiā peace & v●…ity in the church , to the preuention of many publik and priuate inconueniences , and in a vvord , to the glory of god , and to the honor and benifite , of all his majesties dominions . and now i haue done troubling your rrces for this tyme : though i bent my bow to shoot in my owne defence ; yet i haue stuck my arrowes vpon a publike enimie . now you haue heard me , healpe , or leaue me to my selfe as you shall think fitting : for , i haue in euery circumstance honestly deliuered my conscience ; and i knovv god vvill deliuer me . nec habeo , nec careo , nec curo . withers redivivus, in a small new-years-gift, pro rege & grege, and to his royal highness the prince of orange wherein is a most strange and wonderful plot, lately found out and discovered, and recommended to all the imposing members of the church of england, to be by them acted, as part of their last lent confession : viz. to all roman catholick priests and jesuits of persecuting principles and profession : with the arraignment and tryal of innocent the xith, present pope of rome, refused last lent to be licensed by reason of the matter therein contained / by t.p. t. p. (theophilus philalethes) approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing w a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) withers redivivus, in a small new-years-gift, pro rege & grege, and to his royal highness the prince of orange wherein is a most strange and wonderful plot, lately found out and discovered, and recommended to all the imposing members of the church of england, to be by them acted, as part of their last lent confession : viz. to all roman catholick priests and jesuits of persecuting principles and profession : with the arraignment and tryal of innocent the xith, present pope of rome, refused last lent to be licensed by reason of the matter therein contained / by t.p. t. p. (theophilus philalethes) wither, george, - . [ ], p. [s.n], london : . reproduction of original in huntington library. in verse. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng innocent -- xi, -- pope, - . church of england -- doctrines. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion withers redevivus : in a small new-years-gift , pro rege & grege : and to his royal highness the prince of orange . wherein is a most strange and wonderful plot , lately found out and discovered . and recommended to all the imposing members of the church of england , to be by them acted , as part of their last lent confession . viz. to all roman catholick priests and jesuits of persecuting principles and profession . with the arraignment and tryal of innocent the xi th . present pope of rome . refused last lent to be licensed , by reason of the matter therein contained . by t. p. london , printed in the year , . introductio authoris liber ad lectorem . by liberty great truth will sure prevail , not by an english or a roman flail , let her but speak she 'll make us all strike sail , the states of holland , how much have they got by this most wise , and this true christian plot ? in giving liberty as well to those who are christ's friends , as them who are his foes . permitting tares and wheat ( by them ) to stand vntil the harvest , ( so did christ command ) when other states and kingdoms round about , in this great point have made so great a rout , ( like rageing mad-men who have lost their reason , and cannot speak one wise word in due season . we wish some prelates now would vnderstand that so christ's truth may get the upper hand ) all impositions in god's church are vain , only state tricks , a roman powder trane , to blow up truth , although repent they may when 't is too late , at the great judgment day . this won't then serve , 't was not the church but state which gave dissenters such a broken pate ; when they themselves ( god knows ) with one consent , made penal laws in acts of parliament . for to oppress them , though themselver have got ( to their great shame ) an everlasting blot ; for by such laws , both church and state they have before their time , sent thousands to their grave . nay , some affirm , this cruelty alone brought in those bloudy wars in forty one : heav'n only knows , what now will be their fate , who still shall trust in such a church or state. our worthy prelates none now dares to touch , because great pillars of the christian church . god still preserve them in their present station , who under him are saviours of our nation , join'd with an orange-tree have brought to pass , to make wise men no more to play the ass : the tory men of war are those we blame , which are a blot unto the christian name : these are the men we challenge with our pen , all others are true christian english men , they will not hurt us , these imposers may , and while the sun doth shine , let us make hay . these are the men we now would have to run , like mists and fogs before the rising sun. read now our postscript , there you may find hope , to see , e'er long , the downfall of the pope ; truth hath arraign'd him , at the court of rome , and in short time you may expect his doom ; who if found guilty by his noble peers , they 'll lop him shorter by his head and ears ▪ vale. the epistle dedicatory , to all loyal protestants , and true english men , ( whether conformists or nonconformists ) readers . my worthy friends and country-men , should you ask why we joyn you both together , from you , it is , we must expect fair weather ; true english men are those must do our work , against the pope , the devil , and the turk . ( now is the time for men to shew themselves , whether true christians , or true roman elves ) you need no pressing , you 'll go volanteers against all such as pluck men by the ears for their religions sake ; and such as these we must convince , then we shall be at ease , both in our bodies and estates likewise , who would not venture at so great a prize ; times would not bear last spring our fair intent , to make this publick in the time of lent : though the contents are plain'd upon the square , to all unbiass'd men who truth can bear , as you must own most plainly will appear , when you have viewed both our front and rear , some roman clergy would have been offended at the poor whigs , had they it much commended . the english clergy , neither more nor less , would have been lauth their old sins to confess , ( as you will find herein they ought and must , if to dissenters they will be but just , ) as hoping still to get the upper hand , that then they might ( as formerly ) command . so a great states-man fairly did us tell , 't was not then time to raise so loud a bell : although the plot he then did well approve , wish'd , from his soul , all would but live in love , and that the church of england men would please , so to confess , and give dissenters ease ; then would old england be a christian state , and to the christian turk might give check mate . bid us forbear a while , 't would then be best , when church and state could bear so great a test . now is the time , if we will all agree to center in true christian liberty . our gracious prince hath lead us all the van , let each of us , as a true english man , gird up our loins , and stand up for truth 's side , though we should row against the wind and tide , as we have done for many years by past , though now have hopes we shall prevail at last , his royal banners , we have lately seen , such as wont march with all their colours green , now in their caps have surely got the spleen . let the high tories , if they please , wear red , our hopeful green will make them all turn head , or else we are mistaken in the age , wherein we hope there is a good presage , fall back fall edge , unto this holy war vve are resolv'd , wherein to get a scar , by writing , speaking , pushing of a pike , ( not damming , swearing , vvhoring or the like , ) is greater honour than a dubbed knight shall get at home , if now he will not fight . how will they look , when as they all must come upon their knees , to bid him welcome home ; vvho was our valiant captain , and did lead his souldiers out , to bring them home to bed. not hurdles nor deal boards , though plainly such thousands have had , for not coming to church , but beds of doun , whereon we all shall lye , vvhen as great truth shall found the victory : vvere we but muster-master for one year , to take the names of those that shall appear under the royal standard , to declare for liberty , to have an equal share ; and for their muster , take six pence a piece , our coat of armes might be the golden fleece ; and for defaulters half crowns on the nail , instead of buff , we 'd wear a coat of mail. though we do hope , although we thus do speak , there are but few , that would so hide and sneak . then let us all declare , with master pen , kings over bodies , christ the souls of men ; then will be truly halcion days indeed , vvhen for religion none more here shall bleed ; and since last lent the times are chang'd so much , and fearing not the hogan mogan dutch , vve now have ventur'd on the publick stage , mens heats to cool , their passions to asswage ; and when our blust'ring storms are past and gone , if church-men will confess , our work is done : vve hope they will , and no more run astray , our christian-muse hath shew'd them all the way . and if our downright form shall please them well , ( vve 'll soon ring out the persecuting knell . ) we wish it may , and then our tongues shall ring , god bless our church , god save great james our king. vvho is now rais'd , by god himself to act this great , this noble , and most christian fact. though differing from that church we do profess , so was great cyrus ( as we read ) no less . oh! happy prince , whom god doth chuse ( though late ) to settle all things both in church and state. and he that will not joyn in this decree , let him for ever loose his pedigree by our consent , thousands will vote the same , or else we 'll post them in their wits but lame : we know that you will joyn with one consent , to have it done in the next parliament . trustees for us , and for our prince's good , vvhen they shall once be fairly understood ; and when our antichristian wars shall cease , truth will proclaim an everlasting peace in this our land , and all the world throughout , though to some states will be a fatal rout. the time 's a coming , long it will not be , let them remember but mdcc . vvhich is the period of that time , some fix upon that text , six hundred sixty six . and as we met , now let us part in love , god bless you all , with his grace from above . i am , ( gentlemen , ) your most passionate and most affectionate friend , to love , honour , and serve you , as a true english man , for liberty and property , according to the utmost of his slender ability , theophilus philalethes . postscript . should this pass muster now without controle , and that the romans will not us cajole , but friendly take it , then we will be plain , your bashful poet hath an higher strain now in his hands , and ready for the press , and to be short , it is a fair address unto such men , whose learning and whose parts , makes each of them to write master of arts. our plot therein , and the contents are such , to bring all noncons to the publick church , on such fair terms , that none shall them deny , vvhich do profess true christianity . if this won't please , some dog-stars rule the dice , we may throw cink , but never shall throw sice , we 'll tell you more when we have broke the ice . cink is for them , our chance is two times three , no other point we have to set us free. cink is for penal laws , sice is for none , when we throw six , oh! then the town 's our own : we first would hear how this plot is resented , before our second shall be fairly printed . to the imposing members of the church of england , herein concerned . we may presume , that we shall now be shent , for interrupting you this time of lent ; wherein you spend much of your time , with such as are the members of your english church . we must confess , we are herein to blame , but truth suggested that she knew no shame ; and therefore bid us in our muse proceed , for of such men she never had more need . confessions now at court are alamode , as well as in your churches common road. at this time of the year , which things are good , vvhen once they are but rightly understood ; but when restrained to a certain time , as you and others of the roman line have so long us'd , one time above another , as well the daughter as the antient mother ; and that it should your god above so please at this set time , and give your conscience ease , vve cannot apprehend , and therefore must keep close to truth , and to gods word be just ; vvho bids us , when we sin , then to repent , and not to stay until the time of lent ; before that time should god remove us hence , vvhere should we find the true st. peter's pence : should we then dare to knock at that saints gate vvithout repentance , we should come too late . but since confessions are in vogue so much , as well in yours , as in the roman church : if now you church of england men will please , this time of lent , and give your conscience ease , to make your publick and your free confession , to all those jesuits who do make profession of the same faith as is profess'd at rome , in this prescribed form which now is come unto your hands , although the form be such , as will not please the old right roman church ; yet we will freely give you all remission , without those jesuits , or the pope's commission , which some believe may be as firm and full , as if proclaimed by his roaring bull. turn over leaf , and there you may behold these christian pills , and all inlaid with gold ; which if you take , will do your souls more good , than all the crab-trees in your churches wood : and if they prove too gentle and too kind , we have a stronger potion yet behind ; which some presume , without any more to do , will cure the pope , and church of england too ; and so make way for a more christian state , which shall treat all without a broken pate , ho antichristos then will have check-mate . this purging pill which is more strong and stout , ( deo juvante ) next spring shall come out ; it may be sooner as we now shall find , unto our muse you shall be curst or kind . in the mean while , if what we now have sent unto our prince , and the next parliament , as a small present for the next new year , and they accept it , then we do not fear but king and parliament will both agree , to banish hence all roman trumpery , and all things else as shall offensive be unto god's church , and christian liberty ; which when effected , then our bells shall ring , and all with one consent , aloud shall sing , god save great james our christian faith's defender , who to his subjects will be dear and tender , when they chop off the persecution joynt , and they speak french , and all shall cry non point . postscript . when sturdy storms are gone and past , shall pleasant calms appear , if church-men will confess at last , then rome we need not fear . nunquam sera est ad bonos mores via . the imposing members of the church of england , part of their last lent confession , as then recommended to be made by them , viz. to all roman catholick priests and jesuits , of persecuting principles and profession . i. come , let us sing , god save our king , from all your hopeful crew ; could we once more , but guard our shore from such bold priests as you , oh! then we will , use all our skill , at once to make us free : noncons we 'll court , to spoil your sport , then surely down go ye . ii. and since we find , those men inclin'd , to give us all remission ; this time of lent , before all spent , vve 'll make our fair confession ; and never more , as heretofore , run straying like lost sheep , vvhich do not know , what way to go , nor the right path to keep . iii. vve will begin , with our great sin , vve mean the penal laws , ' gainst those who were , our brethren dear , and for the self same cause as we do own , and have it shown of late to their contents ; therefore we will , no more speak ill of them to parliaments . iv. though for push pins , and such small things , vve were so stiff and stout , like young school-boyes , who fight for toies , and so we got this rout. if we had but , dissentes put vvith us in equal right ; in spite of fate , and all rome's hate , you never could us bite . v. but we were all , both great and small , resolv'd those men to slur , and at the last , riding so fast , vve lost our rippon spur , and by that loss , you did us cross , vvhen we in full carier , and by our lengths , you found our strengths , and cut off all our hair. vi. a milk white steed , true york-shire breed , with resolution brave , did lead you out , with courage stout , despised whigs to save ; and by his art , you got the start of our whole tribe of gad , who now in swarms , pull in their horns , and swear we were all mad. vii . though to our shame , we were to blame , to use those men so gross , vvhen you prevail , your roman flail vvill treat them ten times worse : and therefore they , so often pray to be deliver'd from our english rods , but more by odds , from your boon-fires of rome . viii . an instance brave , of this we have , at our next neighbour's door , vve 'll ask them first , which they will trust , a jesuit or a whore. their answer shall , now serve us all , their verdict we will take ; they say the first , if we shall trust , vvill make our hearts to ake . ix . we say again , could we obtain that power we have lost ; we would no more , run on that score to poor dissenters cost . since we do hear ( what some much fear ) that edict from white-hall ; as most men say , will make them pay both use and principal . x. there 's one of fame , bears his own shame , with much regret we hear ; because his trust , re-fund he must a whisking large arrear . which neither we , nor you could see should ever come to pass : this was a stretch , above our reach , and sure from heaven it was . xi . a judgment just , confess we must , is now come on our heads ; and therefore now , a while must bowe to crosses and to beads . we kiss the rod , but when our god shall take off all his birch ; dissenters shall , no more us call a persecuting church . xii . and we confess , we could you bless , with many happy dayes , in this our land , by his great hand , who now the scepter swayes . if this won't please , to give you ease , but you must rule likewise , we must forbear , such birds to rear , as will pluck out your eyes . xiii . and to be plain , in the last reign , 't was all you did require , but now we see , not liberty , but rule is your desire : if so , take heed , your royal steed do not at last deceive you ; should he once drop , all your fair crop of friends would surely leave you . xiv . then take advice , be not too nice , in what you do demand , to save your bones , and all your stones , is great in this our land : if this you crave , you may it have , by magna charta right ; if you ask more , your roman power , is still working by night . xv. which we in time , must countermine , and now 's the time or never ; should we it miss , your rods in piss will ruine us for ever . we value not , what you can plot , in our great princes reign ; but after here , may one appear , and of king pharaoh's train . xvi . who did not know , nor would he show , to joseph or his race ; what the same line , before his time , had done with so much grace ; like to our king , who the same thing now acts with open face , to those who were , in bondage here , under our jehu race . xvii . therefore we must , not put our trust , in any mortals hand , unless we sure , he could endure , for ever to command . but this no man , in reason can believe it from his heart ; therefore we will , use our best skill , least you should get the start. xviii . and thus you see , how frank and free we are in our confession ; we pray that you , the same will do , you have the king's permission ; who doth declare , so just and fair to all the world , that he will give to all , both great and small , true christian liberty . xix . this act alone , we needs must own unto our prince's praise ; that by this plot , himself hath got the everlasting baies : that when to dust , submit he must his crown but transitory ; his soul then shall , in heav'ns white-hall enjoy eternal glory . xx. and we do hope , your future pope molino's part will take ; as once did this , such rods in piss vvill make you jesuits quake . for surely this , most fatal is to all rome's special fry ; some jesuits here , so much it fear , they curse him bitterly . xxi . and sayes he dotes , like doctor oates , though others are more kind ; vvho swear by pan , that holy man to virtue is inclin'd : should this take root , your cloven foot a short time would discover ; and those that have , been long your slave , to truth will be brought over . xxii . vve wish we may , but see this day . in our great prince's reign ; should he once find , you did him blind , he 'd blow up all your train ; then you your flight , must take by night as some poor creatures do ; vvhen from some hollow tree they flee , and cry , next oars , hoop , hoo. xxiii . yatchs then will be , we do foresee , most excellent bee-hives , to save your drones , and precious stones , as well as all your lives : and happy man , that then but can be first within their sides ; captains look out , be not too stout , take all to save their hides . xxiv . and so farewell , we 'll ring your knell , from off our british isle , when your new plots , by priests and sots , turn cross instead of pile . and may your shams , and base trappans , to worry innocent sheep , with all your train , that pass the main , never more cross the deep . xxv . then we will sing , god save our king , from such a hopefull crew , who never leave , till they deceive both prince and people too . and since we must , to him be just , vvho saith your priests are wise ; our answer 's this , don't take 't amiss , that by saint george he l — s. xxvi . vve know this well , and can you tell , vvithout a doctor 's fee ; vvhatever church , makes use of birch , are fools we plainly see ; to say no more , you have a score to pay as well as we ; and when our cup , we have drank up , your church may drink the lee. vve do advise , you to be wise , confess as we have done , that you no more , will play the whore , and so prevent your doom . a postscript to the aforesaid imposers . so long as hot spurs here shall rule the roast , vve must expect a sharp and biting frost ; until such time as truth shall overcome , though not by trumpets or that beat of drum , vvhich calls the sons of mars unto their arms , hers only are most sweet malodious charms , vvhich so inflames all such as do desire , but to approach unto her sacred fire ; vvhich doth so purge them from their dross and tin , all 's fair without , and all true hearts within ; makes them stout champions in god's righteous cause , to fight against all antichristian laws : their weapons are no musquets , pike or sword , but paper pellets of god's written word , and as rams horns long since did overcome , so shall these bullets shake the walls of rome . that hydra whence some churches long have made , ( as she them taught ) a very gainful trade ; vvhich was , in short , by that accursed fate , truth to defend by knock-down laws of state ; as if not able to defend her right , unless the powers on earth should for her fight ; they left the rule , and brought such notions in , as made them partners in their mothers sin ; but all must fall ( great truth will them discover ) as well the daughters as the antient mother . and when that lady shall be out of date , some men then sure will be asham'd to prate ( as they have done ) at that tantivy rate , for laws establish'd both in church and state. the last is ours , the first it is god's throne , and such as grate so much upon that bone , are rebels more than those of forty one. this we aver , and prove it will beside , when church and state shall be on plain truths side : your church of england owns unto this hour , ( what some deny ) all magistrates a power in matters of religion ; which some say you learn'd from rome , and so went all astray as you have done in many things beside ; ruin'd old england by your shameful pride . the roman church ( 't is true ) have you out-done ; but you have worshipp'd to that rising sun ; as thousands they have felt unto their cost by fines and prisons ( and their lives have lost ) all which did come to pass to that degree , for want of giving christian liberty . as you have twisted church and state together , so your two churches we can hardly sever ; you are so like the one unto the other , we know the daughter by the antient mother . to us no matter which church now prevails , for you have stings ( we find ) in both your tails . if we must suffer for true conscience sake , we value not what church our lives do take ; all one to us , provided we must go , whether by romans or england's old steel bow. only the romans promise now more fair than your church doth , which nothing is but air. what we would have , they joyn with one consent , to have enacted by next parliament : you only say , that you may be so kind to poor dissenters , as you then shall find a convocation shall think fit therein ; which is , in short , a church of england gin , to catch small gudgeons , and thereby delude the easie and too credulous multitude of honest whigs , who hope you 'll now do more than ever you have promis'd heretofore ; though others know your priest craft it is such against all those that come not too your church ; that parliaments themselves will always do , what you , when met , shall then advise them to . so that our freedoms from you first must come , or else inslav'd until the day of doom . this we would have you ponder in your mind , then tell poor whigs how far you will be kind ; they do not know what in their streights to do , believe the papists , or put trust in you ; they promise liberty , you promise none , but call dissenters men of forty one : so that unless that you will promise more , we see no reason why they should come o'er unto your side , but keep their station still , to joyn with those as shall enact their will. they are as far from popery as you , and to the christian church will prove as true ; but when our english papists shall declare , as they have done , some things so just and fair and we not joyn therein to have them acted , you then may tell us we are all distracted . we blame both churches for your sinful itch of persecution , whereby to enrich so many idle drones as you have got within the pale of your foul garden spot . and by that goddess avarice and pride , errors stick close unto both churches side : who would not be a priest , when he can make the god that made him in a wafer cake ? and when so wrought , and to the laicks shown , they all do eat his body , flesh and bone ; that very body which hung on the tree , when crucisied , from death to make us free : if this be true , why stand we in suspence ? let 's haste to rome with our st. peter's pence , which formerly this land paid every year , as a small homage to that holy chair ; and for that whisking sum that is behind , and in arrear , to our dear mother kind let 's prostrate on our knees , and her beseech for to remit , and not to whip our britch ( for playing truant so long from her school , and drawn away by each reformed fool ; who doubtless will , if unto her we pray , and make confession on st. peter's day , and promise then no more to run astray . shew true repentance for the time to come , by our obedience to the church of rome ; and if we see her smiling in her looks , then promise fairly to burn all our books . this thing alone will do that church more good , than smithfield rounds when stain'd with christian blood. ( if now we will but fairly , all come in , vve may have pardon for our greatest sin ) sanguis martyrum mobiles do hate , shows unto them an antichristian state vvho know no better , yet they pl●inly see this cannot be the true christianity , to burn a man alive for doing well , this can't proceed from heav'n , but sure from hell. thanks be to god , our prince is now become a member of christ's church , and not of rome in this one point , which is worth all the rest , and for the same may his dear soul have rest . and after death , may limbus patrum know , only a ficton and a rare show ; a hocus pocus trick of roman elves , to pick mens pockets to enrich themselves . an ignis fatuus , only to delude the great , unthinking , easie multitude , who can't distinguish between wrong and right , between their deeds of darkness and true light ; by fisher-men of rome 't was first invented , and of this net they never yet repented : they have no cause , and therefore never will , the choicest piece of their rare art and skill . so soon as made , old nets they threw away , instead of fishing , learned how to pray . the fisher-men of barkin , had they made but such a net , what a prodigious trade had that town got ; nay , more we will be bold , they might , long since , have pav'd their streets with gold. but they , poor souls ( alas ! ) did never sit in peter's chair , to learn successive wit , which was improv'd so much by them who stood to be successors of that piece of wood ; a sacred piece , no doubt , st. peter's chair wherein he sate at rome , and there did wear his tripple crown , although he ne'er came there . a thing most strange , yet not so strange as true , if you will search among the learned crew of church historians ; 't is a dubious point , enough to put the pope's nose out of joynt ; for they suppose ( and this may end all strife ) he never was at rome in all his life : his mission was unto the jewish race , but to the gentiles paul did preach god's grace but leaving this contest , we 'll tell you how this net was made , and who did speed the plow . these fisher-men , at their first setting out , caught only small fish , seldom got a trout ; but in short time , laying their heads together , they made a net to serve all winds and weather , and ever since , at every haul and throw the caught fat salmons and small gudgeons too , trouts , tenches , pikes , and sharks too of all sizes , whole shoals of whiteings of all rates and prizes , crabs , lobsters , praunes , and cods-heads without number , 't was hard to part each others lot asunder : so many souls sometimes are caught , that they have hardly bags to port that fish away . and when too small , they throw them back again , into that element from whence they came , until such time they are a statute size , then to their nets they are a legal prize . hum quoth pope pius , this will do our feat , when we impose this pius fraud and cheat ; as a great point of the true christian faith , as now their learned authors plainly saith ; this is that limbus patrum they have found , to purge all souls which come with their round : vvho can them blame for building such free schools , to catch some knaves , and to trappan rich fools : from east to west , from north to southern cape , ( like greedy vultures ) to commit a rape upon our senses and our reasons they vvill compass sea and land to get their prey . their sacra fames to the golden ore , makes them love fishing on the indian shore , there is that goddess which they so adore . here we will leave them to give those the lurch , vvho are such fops to trust in such a church . and to conclude ( our muse ) to please you all , she now will storm the roman capital , by an address unto those prelates there , vvhich are the highest , next the roman chair . the cardinals of rome , these are the men she will attack , now with her christian pen ; and if our scaleing ladders do succeed , vve 'll make his hoary head and heart to bleed ; and may the heavenly hoast inspire our pen , that by their aid , these great and mighty men may be so charm'd , as to confess and say they have all erred , and have gone astray . now with this prologue we will mount the stage most noble lords , so learned and so sage , vve humbly pray that you will please to hear , vvhat now great truth shall whisper in your ear. vve here are come , most plainly you to tell , how first the wars betwixt you fell ; and christ's true church by your vsurping popes , from whose great bondage now there is great hopes , that other nations too , as well as we , from that egyptian yoke may be set free. and it was thus , when first they did presume , unto themselves a power to assume over christs church , which he did never give , nor never will , as long as they shall live. and by that power , held with force and strife , made them all rebels to the lord of life , which unto you shall plainly now appear , if but with patience you will lend an ear ; and if you will own scripture and your reason , you 'll find them guilty of most horrid treason : truth doth impeach them , and they all shall have ▪ a noble trial most genteel and brave : you shall be judges both of law and fact , this you must own to be a genteel act , to make their friends both judge and jury too , nothing but truth would venture so to do . these mighty prelates ( now suppos'd in court ) after this manner we will storm their fort. first then they left their only supream head , by willful straying to an harlots bed ; and by their fornication , wine and oyle the nations of the earth they did beguile . then was the war proclaim'd , and did begin then was revealed , the great man of sin , justly so stiled by his coming in. with lying signs and wonders to bewitch most churches since , with his most sinful itch , and setting in gods temple , with his cope , there shews himself your great lord god the pope . if this won't do , the treason for to find , we have a nubes testium yet behind . and if your foreman now shall take his pen into his hand , record but now and then only the heads , of what they all shall swear , their evidence shall be strong and clear , that billa vera , you will quickly find , and how our saviour never left behind such substitutes as now are at the bar , none of christs vicars , but impostors are ; let now your court but call them and command silence a while , and you shall understand . enter witnesses . you roman lords , whom now great truth as such , hath made you judges of your head and church , though from that head you have been rais'd so high , yet on your justice she will now rely , y 〈…〉 as men now much concern'd for those 〈…〉 friends and never were your foes . earth-quakes and fires , pestilence and sword , you hear too much from all those friends abroad , vvhich often are praecursors of ill fate , sometimes to churches , sometimes to a state ; vve wish they may but have their due effect upon all those which god's laws now neglect ; the grand superiors , though they seldom meet , yet when they do , their aspects are not sweet . if this court please to try your present head , ( pope innocent ) who standeth in christ's steed ; as all his predecessors did before , find him but guilty , let him pay their score ; they will be punish'd in the world to come , you may him punish now he 's pope of rome : ( all are vicegerents for the golden fleece , not for lean rabbets , but for all fat geese . as we have sworn , we do declare here first , that this great prelate hath betray'd that trust which he pretends unto , as will appear to this high court , by evidence most clear . christ's precepts were , to teach men by his word , his precepts are to teach men by his sword. christ's precepts were to live an holy life , and when men pleas'd , might take a virtuous wife . his precepts are so chaste as to take none , like to that virtuous pope the lady joan. our blessed lord wash'd his disciples feet , but this great lord , his subjects they must greet his sacred ' toes , in that submissive from , as if to stoop he did abhor and scorn . christ's kingdom was , to rule mens hearts and souls , but in his kingdom he all men cajoles , both in their bodies and their souls likewise , to make them all to him a legal prize . nay , more ( my lords ) he doth depose at pleasure his neighbour princes , to augment his treasure ; absolves their subjects from that faith and trust , they swear to them for to fullfil his lust when as he is but in a rampant fit never did peter such a sin commit , nor never did in such great power sit . his doctrine was to fear god and the king , but his successors they know no such thing ▪ christ's precept was , to let the wheat and tares grow till the harvest , he plucks up the ears of all the wheat that in his corn can find , roots all that up , but leaves the tares behind . christ's precept was to peter ; feed my sheep ; his precepts are , to lay them fast asleep by scorching flames . he sends them under ground ▪ till the last trump shall for their bodies sound . christ's worship was , in spirit and in truth , his worship is trash , trumpery and froth . christ never twisted church and state together , but alwayes did his church from state still sever , as not concerned with the civil sword , to force his subjects to obey his word . ( his souldiers alwayes must be volanteers , or else they are not wheat but musty tares . ) but your great prince , as great as cup and can , have twisted them together in one man. look on him now , and on his hoary pate , there you may read not only church but state. old gregory gray-beard , sice ace of that name , so soon as he unto the popedom came , by his old subtle and great conjuring art , of church and state he then did get the start ; wresting the power from great cesar's hand , so church and state he after did command . this hel-de-brand , or brand of hell by name the greatest blot unto the christian name , the greatest monster and the greatest cheat , that ever hap'ned to the roman seat , of all the popes that ever rul'd before , the nearest type of the true scarlet whore ; nay , some presume he was that strumpet which saint john foresaw the nations did bewitch ; for ever since by his example shown , all his successors have usurp'd christ's throne , and taught their neighbour princes the same trade , christ's power in god's church for to invade . blessed be god that english men now see that our great prince from this great sin is free. pardon ( my lords ) this small digression here , and we 'll procceed to what we more can swear . christ's precepts were unto all men to do as they by others would be done unto ; that golden rule which he did them prescribe to every nation and to every tribe ; but his precepts are of another strain , as thousands to their cost ( though to his shame ) do daily find , which live within his round ; he spareth none , but sends them to lob's pound . instead of giving all their equal right , in doing wrong his soul doth take delight . his quiet subjects round him far and near he persecutes , because they quiet are ; witness molinos and his pen-like crew , if this be justice , pray ( my lords ) judge you , to punish those who are both still and quiet , who would treat men with that course sort of diet , ( vvhich plainly shews with what invet'rate hate that church still bears , to a true christian state. ) god's precepts are to worship him alone , through jesus christ his true and only son. his precepts are to worship many more , thousands of wafers they for gods adore , who are his subjects by his great command , ( good god what worship is in all his land. ) the heathen worship they have quite out-done , in their adoring of the rising sun. that lamp hath light , heat , motion , theirs have none , they may as well fall to a stock or stone ; yet they believe these gods of bread they see before their eyes , to have ubiquity . ten thousand bodies in one place at once , and of their faith herein they greatly bounce , this they affirm , and this they do believe , and pin their faith upon your churches sleeve , although repugnant to all sense and reason , yet to deny it , doth amount to treason by statute law , as plainly did appear , when as your head and church was fixed here . his prayers to all saints is much the same , which ought to be in christ's most holy name , according to that form he did prescribe to every nation and to every tribe , to be observ'd , when they addresses make to the most high , should be for his names sake who died for us , rose again to save , at the last trump , believers from the grave . and after that , would give eternal breath to those who now are faithful until death . nay , his own subjects he deludes so far as to believe , those which but creatures are to be omniscient ; oh! this horrid gin makes him undoubtedly the man of sin ; vvho doth exhalt himself so over all , vvhom all true christians the most high do call , to pray to those , their wisest men can't tell , whether their souls are now in heaven or hell , is such a piece of nonsence and ill fame , to give this bastard child a proper name , we language want , and therefore here must cease wishing your honours everlasting peace . ( although to speak the truth , your head and pope for this alone , he doth deserve a rope . ) and now ( my lords ) to sum up all what 's said , in this great cause , wherein he hath betray'd that only trust which he pretends unto , we ask no favour , only justice do . these are the crimes for which he stands indicted ( pope innocent ) pray let him not be slighted by your high court , but let him justice have , although it be to send him to his grave . we have arraign'd him , you his cause have heard , it lies on your part , when to shave his beard ; great truth doth still repose such trust in you , you shall be grand and petty jury too ; which surely is so fair , all men will judge , that to be try'd by you he will not grudge ; and if you find your head , that scarlet whore , in sacred writ reveal'd , we 'll ask no more , as we do hope you will , then shall we sing anthems , te deum's , to our lord and king , and all st. peter's bells in rome shall ring . should he plead guilty , then we beg this boon , ( in truths behalf ) he may not die so soon as might expected be , for such a crime , for his repentance , pray let him have time ; but when his day of execution comes , sound all your trumpets and beat all your drums , to call together all the armed force you then can make , both of your foot and horse , to guard your city gates , and all your streets , least the enraged mobile you meets , to rescue him out of your cities hands , by their unruly and their head-strong bands ; for education is so mighty strong , they love no changes , whether right or wrong . this by experience england now doth find , he that don't see it , surely is stone blind . were english boyes now on your city ground , they 'd make no bones to race her to the ground . we are afraid , they are so grievous rude , we cannot stop the present multitude , against all those whom now they so much hate , though in their rage meet many a broken pate . heav'ns so protect us from their furious heat , they do not make both prince and people sweat. and so ( my lords ) we 'll take our fair adieu , the issues here , are solely left to you : our proofs are plain , you cannot them withstand , ask your own conscience , that will you command ; this light within , which is on great truth 's side , will you impeach , and all the world beside : consider then , how you are acted now , heav'ns you direct , and so god speed the plow . though innocent and guilty we may swear , so opposite as truth and falshood are : for to be innocent and guilty too , a thing most strange , yet not so strange as true ; and shews to all who are not in a heat , all innocent popes are but a sacred cheat ; and tho' with lambs horns to the world appear , yet wolves and tygers to christ's flock they are . monstrum horrendum we may truly say , to all such popes who have so gone astray ; yet by experience we do daily find some men among us of the self-same mind , who are a limb of the right scarlet whore , so long as penal statutes they adore . good lord forgive them if it be thy will , if not , confound them in their craft and skill , that so christ's church may more and more increase , and truth proclaim an everlasting peace . heav'ns say amen to what we do desire , and save us all from everlasting fire . epilogus aut conclusio . what though the church of england is so high ? what though the kirk of scotland is laid bye ? though the same time she is a crafty spy. what though the church of rome plays , have at all ? what though dissenters cry , no church at all ? were better much , than to have such a church , as leaves all others but themselves i' th' lurch . what though , last spring , two churches lay at stake ? and neither would a saving bargain make : one church did hope to get the vpper hand , the other still would have the sole command : one church , by chance , did get the weather gage , then smoke of gun-shot made the other rage : one would not stoop , the other would not yield , and by consent they both did take the field . they both were sullen , and were both so high , and neither would with our fair muse comply to give her license , though if then they had , for ought they know , times had not been so bad with some of them , yet still we hope to see all things to end in perfect amity . no warlike drums within our streets shall hear , but all our churches orange flowers bear ; all antichristian laws shall be abhor'd , and all with meekness serve the highest lord. a copy of verses long since made , but very proper at this present conjuncture to be perused by some straight-laced men , now of our english nation , viz. i. opinion rules the humane state , and domineers in every land ; shall sea or mountain separate whom god hath joyn'd in nature's band ▪ dwell they far , or dwell they near , they 're all my father's children dear . ii. lend me the bright wings of the morn , that i from hence may take my flight , from cancer unto capricorn , far swifter than the lamp of night . where e'er my winged soul doth fly , all 's fair and lovely in mine eye . iii. features and colours of the hair , these all do meet in harmony ; the black , the brown , the red , the fair , all tinctures of variety . in single simple love alone , these various colours are but one . iv. i' th' flegmatick i sweetness find , the melancholly grave and vvise ; the sanguine merry to my mind , from choler flames of love arise . in single simple love alone , all these complexions are but one . v. the nightingal doth never say ( though he be king of melody ) unto the cuckow or the jay , vvhy sing you not so sweet as i. each tunes his harp in love alone , these various notes are all but one . vi. behold the painful lab'ring hand , and he that keeps the harmless sheep ; the country swain that tills the land , the merchant that doth plough the deep , each doth his work in love alone , one works for all , and all for one . vii . i love with all my heart and soul , the french , the dutch , the english man , the turk , the swede , the dane , the pole , the spaniard , and the african . in this i see , in love alone , all nations reconcil'd are one . viii . vvith open arms , let me imbrace the heathen , christian , turk or jew , the lovely and deformed face , the sober and the jovial crew . in single simple love alone , all forms and features are but one . ix . the protestant is all my joy , the baptist and the monarchy ; the puritan ( though he be coy ) the papist full of charity . in single simple love alone , all these perswasions are but one . x. then sail i with my love as far as china and the indian shore ; from the artick to the antartick star , the tawney and the blackamore . from thence i travel round about , to countries never yet found out . xi . my heart of love is very sick , all nations in the vvorld i woo ; my soul is turning catholick , and so is my religion too . the deity in all doth move , so vniversal is my love. finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e rev. . . britain's remembrancer containing a narration of the plague lately past; a declaration of the mischiefs present; and a prediction of iudgments to come; (if repentance prevent not.) it is dedicated (for the glory of god) to posteritie; and, to these times (if they please) by geo: wither. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) britain's remembrancer containing a narration of the plague lately past; a declaration of the mischiefs present; and a prediction of iudgments to come; (if repentance prevent not.) it is dedicated (for the glory of god) to posteritie; and, to these times (if they please) by geo: wither. wither, george, - . [ ], , - , [ ] leaves imprinted for great britaine, and are to be sold by iohn grismond in ivie-lane, [london] : mdcxxviii. [ ] in verse. with an additional title page, engraved. the imprint date is made with turned c's. place of publication from stc. the first leaf bears verses, "the meaning of the title page". reproduction of the original in cambridge university library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london -- poetry -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - olivia bottum sampled and proofread - olivia bottum text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the meaning of the title page . behold ; and marke ; and mind , ye british nation● , ●his dreadfull vision of my contemplations . before the throne of heav'n , i saw , me thought , t●●s famous island into question brought . w●th better eares then those my body beare , i b●ard impartiall ivstice●o ●o declare god's benefits , our thanklesnesse , and what small heed , his love , or iudgements here begat . i view'd eternall mercie , how she strove g●●'s just deserved vengeance to remove . b●t , so en●rea●t our sinnes , and cry'd so loud , that , at the last , i saw a dismall cloud e●ceeding blacke , as from the sea ascending , and ●●er all this isle it selfe extending : wit● such thicke foggie vapours , that their steames s●e●'d , for a while , to darken mercies heames ▪ wi●●in this fearfull cloud , i did behold all plagues and punishments , that name i could . and with a trembling heart , i fear'd each houre , g●d woul● th●t tempest on this island poure . yet , better hopes appear'd : for , loe , the rayes of mercy pierc'd this cloud , & made such waies q●ite throug● those exhalations , that mine eye 〈◊〉 inscription , thereupon espie ; b●itaines remem●rancer : & , somewhat said , th●se w●●ds ( me thought ) the storme is , yet , delaid , and if ye doe not penitence defer , this clovd is only , a remembrancer . bu● , if ye still affect impiety , expect , e're long , what this m●y ●ignifie . th●● h●ving he●rd a●d seene , i thought , nor fit nor safe it were , for me to smother it : and , th●r●for● , both to others eyes , and eares , have off●ed , here , what unto mine appeares . i●dge ▪ ●s y● pleas● ▪ ye readers , this , or me : tr●th will be truth , how e're it censur'd be , geo : wither ▪ britain 's remembrancer containing a narration of the plagve lately past ; a declaration of the mischiefs present ; and a prediction of ivdgments to come ; ( if repentance prevent not . ) it is dedicated ( for the glory of god ) to posteritie ; and , to these times ( if they please ) by geo : wither . iob . , , , , , . surely , there is a spirit in man ; but the inspiration of the almighty giveth understanding . great men are not alwayes wise , neither doe the aged alway understand judgement . therefore , i say , heare me , and i will shew also my opinion . for , i am full of matter ; and the spirit within mee compelleth me . i will not accept the person of man , neither will i give flattering titles to man. for , i may not give flattering titles , lest my maker take me away suddenly . reade all , or censure not : for ▪ he that answereth a matter before he heare it , it is shame and folly to him . prov . . . imprinted for great britaine , and are to be sold by iohn grismond in ivie-lane . mdcxxviii . to the kings most excellent maiestie . most royall sir : because i doubted who might first peruse , ●hese honest raptures of my sleighted muse ; observing it the quality of most , to passe rash judgements ( taken up ) on trust ▪ and , that according to the wits of those who censure fi●st , the common censure goes : perceiving , too , with what oblique aspect , some glaring comets , on my li●es reflect ; a while i pawsed , whether trust i might my plaine-pace'd measures to their partiall sight , who m●y upon them ( e're you reade them ) seize , and comment on my text , as they shall please , or sl●ight , or scoffe ; such men were knowne to me ; and being loth , they first of all should be my iudges ; here , i off●r to your eye the prime perusall of this poesie . for , minding well what hopes i have of you ; what course , my fortunes urge me to pursue ; what blu●res , good studies by those fooles have got . who sleight desert , because they kn●w it not ; what freedome nature gives to e●'y soule , to speake just things , to kings , without controule ▪ how farre from noble , and from wise they be , who disallow the muses should be free ; how eas'd we are , when we our minds disclose ; what profit from our honest boldnesse flowes ; what resolutions i have made mine owne , and what good cause there is to make them knowne : all this well weighing , with some reasons moe ( which usefull are for none but me to know ) i did not feare these po●ms forth to bring , to bide , at first , the censure of a king. and loe , on milke white paper wings they flye , reade they that lift , when you have laid them by . but , sir ▪ i humbly pray you ; let not fall your doome , till you have read ▪ and read it all : for , he that shall by fragments this peruse , will wrong himselfe , the matter , and the muse. although a tedious worke it may appeare , you shall not wholly lose your labour here . for , though some he●alesse courtiers censure may that on this booke your time we●e cast away , i know it may your spirits recreate , without disturbing your affaires of state ; and with more usefull things acquaint your eares , then twenty hundred thousand tales of theirs . you also know , that well it fits a king , to heare such messages , as now i bring . and , that in doing so , to take some pleasure , great monarchs thought it just to be at leasure : long since , i have elected you to be moecenas , to my muses , and to me . and if my hopes in you shall be ●ere●t me , i have no other hopes in this kind left me ; nor any purpose , whatsoever come , to seeke another patron , in your roome . nor seeke i now , that i from you may gaine , what , other times i covet for my paine . nor for because my heart hath any doubt , that i shall need a friend to beare me out against the fury or the fraud of those , that openly , or secretly , oppose such works ; for , he that me to this doth call , shall save me harmlesse , or i meane to fall . not that i sleight your favour , speake i this ; ( for deare and precious to my soule it is ) but rath●r , that the world may know and se● , how him i trust that hath inspi●ed me . ( though some suppose i may ) i doe not feare , as many would , if in my case they were . i doe not feare the world deprive me can of such a mind , as may become a man ; ( wh●t ever outward m●s●ries be●ide ) for , god will meanes , or for●itude provide . i doe not fe●re ( unl●sse i merit blame ) that any one hath pow'r to worke my shame : since they who ca●sl●sly my name shall spot , reproach themselves ; but , me disparage not . and , sure i am , though many seeke to spight me , that ev'ry dog which barketh cannot bi●e me . i oft have lookt on death , without dismay , when many thousands he hath swept aw●y on ●v'ry side ; and f●om him have not stirr'd one foot , when he most terrible appear'd . i know of want the utmost discontents ; the cruelty of close-imprisonments ; the bitternesse of slanders and disgrace , in private corne●s , and in publike place : i have sustain'd already , whatsoever despight can adde , to wrong a good endeavor ; and , am become so hopelesse of procuring true peace , ( but by a peaceable enduring ) that , what remaines to suffer shall be borne : and , to repine at for●une , i will scorne . i doe not feare the frownes of mighty men , nor in close-prison to be lodg'd agen : for , goods , life , freedome , fame ▪ and such as those , are things which i may often gaine or lose , at others pleasures : and , o're much to prise what man may ta●e , or give , i much despise . i am not fearfull , as ( i heare ) are so●e , what of the times , now present , will become : for , god to prosper them emploring still , i fea●l●sly attend upon his will ; and am assur'd , by many p●esidents , th●t like proce●di●gs will have like events . i doe not feare those criticks of your court , that may ●y goo● intentions misreport ; or s●y it mis●● seemeth me to dare with such bol● language to sal●te your eare : ●or , as i k●ow your g●eatnesse , i have knowne wh●●●●eedomes on the mu●es are bestowne ; and , that th●ir serv●nts should not whine like those w●o a●e your daily o●ators in prose . i f●●●e not any ●●n that would abuse , o●●n her ●a●full sl●ghts affront my muse , because , perhaps , ex●eptions may be tooke aga●nst some passage in the following booke . fo● , she to non● hath purposed abuse , and ▪ therefore , needs nor shel●er , nor excuse . and when she pleaseth , she hath meanes to fray th●se buzzards , that w●uld interrupt her way . she d●res not onely , ho●by-like , make wing at ●or●s and butterflyes ▪ but also spring those fo●les that have beene flowne at yet by none , ev'n those , whom our best hawks turne taile upon . not only at crowes , ravens , dawes , and kites , rookes , owles , or cuckowes , dare she make her flights , at wily magpies , or the lay that vaunts in others plumes ; or , greedy co●morants ; or those , who being of the kastrell-kinde , vnworthily aspire , and fan the winde for a●rie titles ; or , the birds men rate above their value , for their idle prate . at wag-tailes , busie titmise , or such like ; but , with her pounces , them dares also strike that furnish courtly tables . as , our gull ▪ a bird much found among the wo●●hipfull . our dottrells , which are caught by imitation . our woodcocks ▪ sh●●owing out that foolish nation , who hide their he●ds , and t●i●k se●●re th●y be , when they the●selves thei● da●gers ●●e not s●e . o●r strutting peacockes ▪ whose harsh voice do●h show , that some sh●rpe stormy windes will shortly blow . our herneshawes , slicing backward filth on those , whose worths they dare not openly oppose . our traiterous mallards , which are fed and taught , to bring in other wilde-fooles , to be caught . those fowles , that in their over-daring pride , forget th●ir breed , and will be eglifide . our brittish barnacles , that are a dish that can be termed neither flesh nor fish . ev'n these , or any fowle ▪ ●he durst surprise , if they dare crosse her , when to check she flyes . or , if that any one shall doe us wrong , who for our mounting falcons is too strong ; i can unkennell such an eager packe of deep-mouth'd hounds , that they af●aid shall make our sternest beasts of prey , and cunning'st vermine , ev'n from the fox-fur , to the spotted ermine . in plain●r termes ; if any shall oppose my muse , when in a lawfull path she goes , she will not much be startled ; but , goe neare to tell them what they would ●e loth to heare . she 's none of those that spew out railing rimes , against some publike persons of the times , through spleene or envy ; then , for feare , or shame , divulge them to the world without a name ; or hide their heads . nor can those threats ( that fright such libellers ) compell her not to write , vnlesse she please : for , she doth know her warrants , and sends her messengers on lawfull arrants . she u●ters truth ; ev'n that , which well she knowes becomes her ; at this present , to disclose . that call'd she was , to make this declaration ▪ she stands assured ; and of that vocation such testimonies hath , that i despise his judgement who the pow'r thereof denyes : for , yours i doubt not , and if pleas'd you are , for what mans censure living need i care ? no such like pannick fe●re affrigh●eth her , as that which doth her enemies deterre . but , if sh● list , in spight o● all the rage , ( and all the bitter malice of this age ) s●e dares reprove , and vexe the proudst of them , who her , and her endeavors doe contemne ; and set ( who e're they be ) her markes on those who vertue , in her honest course oppose . yea , them sh●e'll make , whom selfe-conceit besots , distrust , that we discry their secret'st plots , and may at pleasure , lay to open view , both what they purpose , and what shall ensue on their vaine projects ; though when they begun the● , they placed many veiles , and maskes , upon them . sir , no such toyes as those doe make me fearfull ▪ nor of their hate or favour am i carefull . for sh●lter ther●fore , this i brought not hither , nor am i hopefull , or desirous either , to compasse any private profit by it , or , to my person any praise , or quiet . for , i can hope for nothing , till i seee , the world , and my deservings b●tter be . and , howsoever i am , now and then , as fool●sh in my hopes as other men ; y●t , at this present , ( and at ev'ry season , in which my oft we●ke eyes of faith and reason vnclosed are ) me thinks , thos● things , in which the world appeares most glorious , and most rich ; are no more worthy of my serious hopes , then ratles , pot guns , or the schoole-boyes tops . if god will give me bre●d but for to day , ( and , but my soule vouchsafe me for a prey ) twixt him and me , there shall be no conditions for worldly honors , or for large possessions : for , ( as long since an hebrew prophet said , when such like times , as these , had much d●smaid his fearfull scribe ) is this a time for me to seek● preferment , or made rich to be ? no , no ▪ for , if these dayes continue such as now they be , each groome will have as much as hath his lord ; and diffrence will be small betwixt the richest , and the poor'st of all . there are enough already , who desire ▪ to ri●hes , and high places to aspire . there be great numbers , who will projects bring you , and bookes , and tales ; and songs , it may be , sing you , for , their owne profit : but , there want of ●hose , that would their honors , or their livings lose , or hazard their preferments , to declare those ●ruths , that worthy of disclosing are . yet , that is all ( dread soveraigne ) i have sought , in tendring you ●hese lines that i have brought . and , that by my example , others may take heart to speake ▪ what they are bound to say . i know , the ods is more ●hen ten to three , that for this boldnesse most will censure me as mad or foolish : and , my best reward will be this comfort , that i boldly dar'd to speake the needfull truth , at suc● a time , in which the bravest vertue seemes a crime . i doe expect this wise-appearing ag● should at the freedome of my poeme rage , and , that some wi●ty scorners should abuse with taunting epithites , my honest muse ; as if she were produce'd by chymistry , of salt and sulphur , without mercury . but , i am proofe against their fl●shy stuffe ; and for their scornings i have scorne enough . i looke our politicians should d●fame my straines ▪ by censuring them to be to blame , o● over busie . but , my seeming folly m●y make some readers strive to be more holy , then heretofore : yea , some who thinke they know ●nough already ; shall more prudent grow by this. and i am w●llin● to be thought a foole , that they more wisedome may be taught . yet , i co●fesse , that lately when i saw this course , did hate , and wants upon me draw , and that , without a second , i was faine the w●ight of a●l my tr●ubles ●o su●taine ; i h●lfe resolv●● , that i would speake no more so plaine , against abuse , as heretofore ; and ( thinking i had ventur'd well ●or one ) did meane to leave ●he world her course to run : nay , from good words ( al●hough it was a paine ) i fully was resolved to refraine . but , when i silence kept , my heart became as hot within me , as a flery flame . yea , like new wine , in vessels wanting vent , my thoughts did swell my brest to be unpent ; a●d , at the last , i empti'd with my quill a veine , which did the following volume fill : supposing by the publike presse to send it , to them ▪ for whose remembrance i intend it . but , they who keepe the passage , back did thrust in b●fore perusall ; and , ( be like ) distrust it , because my name it cary'd , to be such as might upon their friends too neerely touch . for , some of them have said ; that were my writing as true as that of holy iohns inditing , they would not licence it : so fearfull are these guilty times the voice of truth to heare . when therefore , i had this my offring brought , and laid it at their doore ; a while i thought my selfe discharged : but , my conscience said , my worke was lost , and still my vow unpaid , till i had practis'd ev'ry likely way , to tell the message which i had to say . and , since the common way it might not passe , to bring it by your gate , resolv'd i was . my first determining of such a thing , did many severall doubts upon me bring ▪ oné while i doubted , that those fooles who mock at piety , would make a laughing stock of this and me : and say ( with some disdaine ) that i would make my selfe a prophet faine : and puft with selfe conceit , had pe●n'd a story for private ends , and for mine owne vaine glory . or , that with pride and arrogance deluded , i had upon undecent things intruded . another while i doubted some would prate , that these my lines dishono●e● the state , and on the government aspersions laid ▪ as of their warnings oft the iewes have said . sometime i feared , all my words would make but few or none the better heed to take . because i reade , that many a prophet spoke , what , small effect within his life time tooke , except , in aggravating of abuses , and leaving them the more without excuses . sometime againe , i feared lest if you referring this my poem to their view who misconceive it may , ( and trusting them in censuring , who causl●sly condemne men innocent ) might , by that evill chance be wrong'd ; and suff●r for their ignorance . ●hus kings are of●en injur'd : and , some perish in their disl●ke , whom they are ●ound to cherish . i s●w ▪ moreover , that my foes , of late , had so much wronged me in my estat● , by ne●dlesse charge , and causles●e hindring me , from those due profits , which my portion be ; that to recover them , ( and to pursue my law●ull right ) i havē no meanes but you , and your just favour . which , if i should misse , ( by giving to your eare distast in this ) my adversaries would prevaile , i thought , and , my disgrace , and ruine would be wrought . these carnall doubt● ▪ and many other such , against my reason did pr●vaile so much , that i was halfe afraid to venture on in that , which ought with courage to be done . but , whilst i stagger'd , and began to stay , me thought , within me , somewhat thus did say . base coward ; hath god's love so many dayes , to thee appeared ; and so many wayes ? hast thou so often felt , what thou dost know , from nothing , but the pow'r of god can fl●w ? hath he so plai●ly told thee , with what wiles , the foolish world , her selfe , and those beg●iles that harken to her ? hath he made thee see how little harme , her spight can doe to thee ? nay , hath he pleased bin to bring unto thee , great profits , by those injuries men doe thee . and , shall the feare but of a paltry scoffe , from that which he appointeth , beat thee off ? hath he so often kept thee from disgrace , and fed and cloth'd thee , m●erely o● his grace , that thou shouldft now distrust he will deceive thee , and , when he sends thee on his message , leave thee , without those necessaries , which pertaine to those who in his service doe remaine ? hath he no meane● to b●ing thee fit supplies , but such as thine owne wisdome can devise ? hath god destroy'd so many of thy hopes , and dost thou build them still on carnall props ? didst thou so many times , in secret vow affiance in hi● promises ? and , now hast thou no surer helps to trust unt● , then kings and p●inces ? and , as others doe ( who have not thy experience ) dost thou shrink as soone as any outward stay doth sinke ▪ wouldst thou thy god displease , to keepe a friend , perhaps in vaine , for s●me poore temporall end ? is 't now a season ( when the lands transgressions have shaken all ) to settle thy poss●ssions ? when all the i owne about thee is on fire , wouldst thou go build thy straw-clad cottage hyer ? well ; take thy course . yet , know , if thou forbeare what now thy conscience bids thee to declare , thy foolish hope shall faile thee , ne're the lesse ; thy wrongfull suffring shall h●ve no redresse ; thou shalt have greater wants then pinch thee yet ; new sorrowes , and disgraces , thou shalt get in stead of helpe ; and , which is worst of all , a guilty conscience , too , torment thee shall . ●hen , be advised , and proceed to do that lawfull act , thy heart enclines unto ; and , be thou sure , that god will make thee strong against the violence of ev'ry wrong . be stout ; and though all persons through the land , ev'n prince and people both , should thee withstand , their opposition nothing harme thee shall ; but , thou shalt bide them like a brazen wall ; and if thou suffer persecutions flame , thou shalt be but refined in ●he same . such thoughts we●e whisp●r'd in me . and though some m●y think them vaine suggestions , flowing ●rom distemper'd fa●cy ; i dare boldly say , they lye : and , i their motives doe obey . all doubts , and feares ▪ and stops , are broken through , and loe ( dread sov'raigne ) i have brought to you ( in all humil●tie ) my s●lfe and these my honest and my just remembrances : to passe , for those , to whom they appertaine ; or , here for my discharging to remaine . god is already angry ( i 'me afraid ) because this duty i so long delaid . and , stand , or fall , now i have reacht thereto , i would not , for the world , it were to do . good sir , reject it not , although it bring appearances of some fantasticke thing , at first unfolding : for ▪ those mysteries which we most honor , and most highly prise , doe seeme to be but foolishnesse to some . and , when our sin to any height is come , it brings a height of folly , which oft makes that course to seeme uncomely , that god takes for our reproofe , ( and chiefly ) if it cary the shew of any way not ordinary . which ( out of doubt ) is requisite ▪ when sin that 's extraordinary breaketh in . beleeve not those , who reasons will invent , to make this volume seeme impertinent : for , what is more of moment , then a story which mentioneth to god almighties glorie , his iudgements , and his mercies ? and doth show those things that may prevent our overthrow ? sure , nothing is more worthy of regard : and though a foolish tale be sooner heard , yet , in respect thereof , the glorioust things , that stand upon record of earthly kings , appeare to me as vaine , as large discourses of childish may-games , and of hobby-horse● . give eare to none , i pray you , who shall seeke to move , within your highnesse , a dislike to my unusuall boldnesse , or my phrase : for , who doth listen to an honest cause in these regardlesse times , unlesse it be so dr●●t , as if it seem'd to say ; come see what 's here to doe . mens wits are falne asleepe ; a●d , if i doe not some strange rumbling keepe , ( that is not look● for ) they no heed will take , of what i say , how true soe're i speake . i know there be occasion● , times , and causes , which doe r●quire so●t words , and lowly phrases : and , then , l●ke other men , i ●each my muse to sp●ake such language as my neighbours use . but , there ●●e a●so times which will require , that we should wi●h our numbers mingle fire : and , then i vent bold words ; that you , and they who come to heare them , take occasion may to aske or to examine , what 's the matter , my verse speakes tartly , when most writers flatter . for , by that meanes , you may experience'd grow in many things which else you should not know . my ●ines are loyall , though they bold appeare : and thou●h at first , they make some ●eaders feare i want goo● manners ; yet , when they are w●igh'd , it will be foun● that i have nothing said , in manner , or in matter worthy blame , if they alone sh●ll j●dge me for the same , who know t●u● vertues language ; and how free fro● gl●zing termes , her servants use to be . though bold i seeme to some that cowards are , yet , you i hope , sh●ll finde , i neither d●re thin●s that or need●esse be , or desperate ; o● , that ●oo●e to be wondred at among those fooles , who love to heare it said , that they to breake their necks were not afr●id . fo● , as a seaman , when the mast he climbes , is safe enough ▪ thou●h he in danger seemes to some beholders : so , although that path , in which i tread , a shew of peril● hath to those who see not what fast hold i take , my ●tanding will be firme , when theirs doth shake . and , if i fall , i fall not by this act , but , by their malice , who dislike the fact. heed none i pray , that hath so little shame , to say these times are not so much to blame as i have made them seeme : ●or , worse they are then i have yet expressed them , by far ▪ and , much i fear● , that ●hey who most defend them , will make them to be worse , before they mend them . nor doubt you , royall sir , that from the story of your just raigne , or from your future glory , it ought shall derogate , to heare it told , such evills , whilst you raigned , were contrould . for , we doe reade , that kings who pioust were , had wicked subjects . and , beside , you are so late enthroned , that your government could little inso small a time augment their being good or ill : but , you shall gaine the greater glory , if you can restraine ( and keepe from growing worse ) a time , b●come so grossely wicked , and so troublesome . if any other way my verse be wronged , by readers ill advis'd , or evill tongued , vouchsafe to spare your censure , till you heare what ●ust replies to their objections are . or , if that any to disparage this , to yo● , shall of my life report amisse ; reject their scandals ( for your owne deare sake ) and let them no impression on you make . for , evill tongues sometimes will set their stings vnjustly , on the sacred name of kings much more on mine . but , for my owne repute , so carefull am i no● to make this sute , but for my muses honor . for , in all my outward actions , i dare boldly call your strictest lawes to censure me . and what i am to god , it may be guessed at , but rightly knowne , to none but him , and me . and , though from outward scapes i stand not free , yet , let this mess●ge her due merit win : for , gods most holy prophets had their sin . as in a glasse , here may you , by reflection , behold ( without the hazard ●f infection ) the horrid pestilence in her true forme , which in your kingdome did so lately storme ; and is so soone forgotten , that i erre , vnlesse there needeth a remembrancer . hereby , succeeding times , in such like terrors , may learne to see and to prevent some errors . here , understand you may ( withou● false gloze ) what heretofore your people did suppose of you : their hopes before your coronation , and what hat● beene since then their expecta●ion . here , you may partly see , what you of them may hope : what you should cherish or condemne . here , view you may ( before too far they steale ) the sicknesses of church and commonweale : what b●ings upon your person , and ●he state , such ca●e , and so much trouble as of late : what marres your counsels , and what undermines your most approved , and most wise designes : what makes your armes , your vertu●s , & your friends so little helpfull to your pious ends : what makes your fl●ets returne without successe ; what breedeth doubtings and unsetlednesse in weighty matters ▪ and whence discord springs among the people , and twixt them and kings . and , if it well observed be perchance , what seemes to most a trifling circumstance , shall of it selfe informe , or else prepare to signifie those things that weightiest are : for , they who can my muses reach discerne shall find , that what most think doth but concerne my person onely ; may to that conduce , which serves to publike , and to p●ivate use . moreover ▪ this rem●mbrancer doth show , to what th● folly of these times will grow ; and , what in future daies will surely fall if we our courses long continue shall . he , lastly do●h declare the certaine way , by which , ensuing harmes prevent we may ; take off the skars , our passed sins have given , and , make our present peace with earth and heaven . deare sir ; as you your honor do respect for times to come : as you do now affect your present comforts , and those hopes that are the pledges of that crowne , you looke to weare , ( when you must leave that golden crowne of thornes , which paines your head , as much as it a●ornes ) give heed to these remembrances : command them to passe , in spight of such as would withstand them . doe you reforme , according to your pow'rs . in ev'ry quarter of this i le of yours , give w●y to reformation . in the crimes , and many crying sins , of these lewd times , be you no partner , by conniving at their actors ; or , discountenancing that which may disable them to tyrannize ; who will to hide old sinnes , new faults devise . and , doe not for some few reserve that eare , which should the suit of ev'ry subject heare . but , as you have beene , yet , ( and as i trust you shall continue ) be in all things just ; and as upright , as him it may befit , who doth in place of god almighty sit ; that you and yours ▪ may still in safety stand , what plague soever fall upon the land. and , let not my petition be condemn'd , as over bold ; or my advice contemn'd , because a man despised gives the sa●e ; fo● , sel●ome hi●herto , a m●ss●ge came from god , on such occasions , ●ut som● one in outward sh●w , scarce worthy thinking on , was made the messenger . all heav'nly graces are not intail'd on men of highest places : nor is all that which ev'ry prelate sayes , to be beleev'd as gospel● now adayes . god still ( as heretofore ) calls vulgar men to speake his will to princes , now and then : yea , to delude the world , or to deride her arrogant vaine glory , and her p●iee , god checks her oft , by those of whom we see she most of all disdaines reprov'd to be : th●t , so her loftin●sse he may debase , and to the lowly minded shew his grace . it pe●adventu●e may be though● i come with nothing else but gleaning● , gathered from the common rumors , ( which i faine would s●r●w abroad againe , to publ●sh what i know ) but , let me● judge their pleasures : i am free from those poore ends ; and , so still hope to be . in this , i mov'd not , of ●ine own● intent , nor am i , sir , by any mortall sent : more strong is my commission . and , what e're it seemes to those who una●quainted are with gods characters , a●d his privie seale , the times to come shall openly reve●le what these perceive not ; and , it shall be seene , that i have warrantably called b●ene . meane time my cons●ience knowes i have not run with rashnesse into that which i have done ; but , rather that i maugre mine owne will , was rouzed up , and spurred onward still , in this performance ; when my cowardice , my sloth , my pleasures , or my ava●ice , or worldly po●icie● , their b●its did lay , to tempt and draw my heart another way . yea , so untoward was i ●o conforme my will , this uncouth action to performe , that , many times i quite gave off to doe what i ha● vowed , and set hand unto . for , had not god by terror● ▪ wants , distraction● ▪ and crossing all those temporall hopes and actions which i attempted , since i first began this taske : or , if he had not now and than among those lashes , mixed comfortings , and apprehensions of diviner things then flesh and blood informeth ( as , no doubt , this booke will prove to some who reade it out ) i neither should have knowne what i have told , nor dared in these times to be so bold . for , when the world can tempt me for a day , to cast such meditations quite away , ( and plod , as others doe ▪ in her affaires , ) my courage , and my comforts , it impaires . and , if i happen then , to over-looke some passages in this ensuing booke , i wonder at their boldnesse , just as mu●h as he , whose heart had never such a touch : and , till by reading them , new fire i take , my owne expressions , me doe fearfull make . yet , here are poore and slender things , to that which of these times , time comming will relate : fo● though my fortune hath obscured me , y●t in all matters might it fitting be for me to speake my knowledge of those things which to my eare and eye , occasion brings , so many sad rel●tions i could make , that every ho●est re●ders heart would ake ; and think this nation fo●lish , ( if not mad ) o● , that all reason quit● forsooke us had . yea , had i meanes to prove to ev'ry man , what to my owne experience prove i can ; or were it meet , in publike to declare all things which knowne , and unconsidered are ; my muse would make , perhaps ev'n those to grieve , ( and tremble too ) w●o doe nor yet beleeve , nor care to know how desp'rately diseas'd this land is growne . how ever they are pleas'd who have distemper'd it ; to you i trust i● shall not be distastfull , that i must dilate my minde a little , in such wise , that you may see how sicke your kingdome lie● . for , that alone which fits me to disclose , and what 's already knowne to friends and foes my verse discouers . yea what to conceale more h●rmes , then profiteth your commonweale , is here in part comm●moriz'd , to show that we con●ider not the things we know . and , if i shall miscarie for declaring these ne●dfull truths , ( and , for this honest darin● ) a rush i care not . f●r , i 'de rather die alo●e , before th●se dayes of misery that s●eeme to be approaching ( and for saying what ( being beeded ) might procure the staying of universall plagues ) then live and perish with fooles , who doe themselves for slaught●r nourish . i am no statesm●n , neither ( by pretence of having gotten large intelligence ) would i insinuate for more esteeme then i d●serve ; or , to deserve may seeme . but , being set on such a middling height , where i ( by god's permission ) have the sight of many things ( which they shall never see who far above , or far below me be ) what i observe , i ponder , and compare ; and , what i thinke may profit , i declare . i therefore hope , what e're the pe●s●n s●eme , the matter sh●ll procure it selfe est●eme : and , mak● this age to know , there 's majesty in simplest truth ; and such authority as will command regard , though want it shall those glorious garbs which falshood jets withall . i hope to see all vertue shine in you ; and that your good example will renue decaying piety . i likewise hope that these remembrances shall find no stop by your appointment , nor by any pow'r which taketh her authority f●om yaur . for , when it shall be seene , that you give way to publish t●is : your people justly may , ( and will ) affirme , that you are still the same they hoped of you : that you also blame as much as any , what disordered is ; and , that you se●ke to mend what 's found amisse : yea , they that else will storme and vexe to see my lines , thus ●old , w●ll calme and quiet be . however ; i have said , and , i have done ; let what god pleaseth follow thereupon . my heart is fixed ; and i up have taken those resolutions , th●t will stand unshaken , ( i t●ust ) though earth should sinke , and all the spheare : come thundring downe in flames about my eares . which hopes of mine ▪ some will , perchance deride , and fo●le themselves , to see my patience tride by what they can inflict , ( unlesse you stay that rage , to which my verse provoke them may ) but , see your honour be not wron●ed by it , and , l●t them doe their w●rs● ; for i defie it : because i know , what e're the spight of man ▪ aga●nst this poeme , speake or practise can ▪ it shall continue , when all those be rotten , or live with inf●my , or dyeforgotten , who shall oppose it . i moreover know , that , dead , or living , i esteem'd shall grow , for what t●●y blame . that genius tells me this , which never yet perswaded me amisse , and , i beleeve him : else let me become of all as scorn'd , as i am now of some . yea , if they ever drive me to repent , that honest min●e with which i under-wen● this labour ; let the wishes of my foes befall me , and let ev'ry one of those who either heare me nam'd in future ages ▪ or shall p●rceive , i fail'd in my presages , be bold to say , my heart was never ri●ht , but , that i liv'd and di'de an hypocrit● your majesties most loyall subject , and most humble servant , geo : wither ▪ a premonition . stay reader , and take a few lines by way of prevention : for , though in meere temporall en●eavo●● , i observe with solomon , that , the race is not to the sw●ft , nor the battle to the strong , nor bread to the w●se , nor riches to men of understanding nor favo●r to men of skill , but that time and chance commeth to all ; yet , i know every man is to prosecute likely meanes of convenient things . and , though ignorance wax●th so arrogant , and art so envious , that after much paines in some good performance , wee must otherwhile take as much more to prevent misconstructions ( and thinke our selves well rewarded , if at last we may escape ▪ without a mischief● ) ye● , since it is the common lot , i will ●eare i● p●●iently ▪ and seeke to avoyd as many inconvenienc●s as i may . it is impossible to prevent all : for ▪ some out of meere malice practise the disparagement of every labour whereby the glory of god may seeme to bee advanced ; and if on the worke they cannot fasten their detractio●s , then they will , to disable it , vilifie the person of the author . this was the conspiracy of the iewes against ieremy , ( come , ( said they ) let us devise devices against him , let us smi●e him with the tongue , and let us not give beed to any of his words . ) and this way also in so violent a manner have i beene persecuted , as if my disgrace might advance the publike honour . against my motto , though ( as i ●orespake ) it redounded to their owne shame , so raged my adversaries , that not content with my personal troubles , they sought the disparagement of that booke , by a libellous answer the●eunto : wherein , i was used as most writer● of controversies , in these dayes , use each other : to wit , they objected what i never thought , and then made replies to their owne devices ▪ which being finished , was imprinted with an inscription fal●ly cha●ging me , with labouring to stay the publication thereof ; and then also , it was very gloriously fixed on the gate of my lodging , as if it had been some bill of triumph . bu● , it proved a ridiculous pamphlet , and became more losse and disgrace unto the divulgers thereof , then i desired ; and , non● thought th● worse of me o● that booke for those invectives , save they onely , whose commendations would be more dishonor to me , then their dispraise . hereby , therefore , i seeke not so much 〈◊〉 p●even● the like injury to my person , as to remove those occasions of prejudice , which scandalous censures may raise in some other , who might else , perhaps , re●eive the more profit from this remembrancer : and what i will say to that purpose shall bee very briefe . first ( in regard my ayme in this poeme , is chiefly god's glory , and the welfare of this church and commonwealth ) i desire i may no●●e traduced , though i have here and there inserted some lighter expressions , then seeme at first view to become the gravity of the subject : for , ( considering the common vanity , and how tedious matters of most consequence are unto some eares ) it is necessary , and by good authority warrantable , to make use of all indifferent meanes , to worke on humane infirmities , for our hearers profit . secondly , i request that wherein i differ from the vulgar tene●s , i may not rashly bee rep●oved ; but that my affirm●tions , may with all their due circumstances , be first wei●hed : for , otherwhile the●e is just occasion to hyperbolize . and , as he that rectifying a crooked staffe , bends it somewhat on the ●t●er side : so , in many cases , we are constrained to urge that which appeares over much on the right hand , before those who are too ●ar on the left hand , will beleeve they are ought awry . thus did the fathers of the church when they had to doe with some her●tikes , and have beene thereby mis understood ▪ and mis-censured by heedlesse readers . in the same manner have my writings beene abused ; yea , my hearers have beene so hasty , that had i not explained my selfe to be of their opinion , within some few lines after , doubtlesse they would have robbed me of my owne meaning . but , they who well heed what i affirme or deny , will finde ( i hope ) that i keepe a midling path betwixt extreames . if any conceive ( as i heare they doe ) th●● i did unwisely to remaine in london during the great m●r●ality here memorized , ●et them pe●use the third canto , and they shall there see ▪ what mot●ves and what warran● i had for so doing . i think it will satisfie them ; for , so well it satisfied me , that ( whatsoever others may imagine ) i know it had beene better i should háve perished in that sicknesse , then to have had a heart disobedie●t to such motions . if any ●axe me for inse●●ing so many lines concerning my owne thoughts and resolu●ions ; let them conside● what use some readers may make by application to themselves ; by having my inwa●d co●flicts for their examples ; and by seeing also what nec●ssities ●here were for me to strengt●en my selfe both a●ainst the wo●ld , and against my ●wne f●●ilties , ( in my hazardous undert●kings ) by expo●●ul●●ing wi●h my heart , what my conscience could say , for it selfe ▪ let them , i say , consider what in this kinde is cons●derable , and then , perhaps , those personall relations will not seeme imper●inent . if question be made , by what authority , i took on me to write this ilands remembrancer : in the fif●h canto , and in some other places of this book , they sh●ll finde mention of my commission ; and if they be not thereby perswaded , that i have a good authority , it will be through their ignorance ▪ and no ●aul● of mine . those mercies and iudgements of god's which i memorize , are such as this kingdome is generally witnesse of . the sins i reprove , are none but those which were , and are notoriously committed : i have reprehended them ìn such manner , as god's holy word , and the universall law of nature hath warranted in all ages . i have foretold what shall come upon such transgressors , according to the predictions of the prophets . i have assured , upon repentance , those ble●sings which god himselfe hath promised . i have confirmed all my owne resolution● by the divine covenant , and that working of the bl●ssed spirit , which i have a feeling of in my own heart : and , if in these things i be de●eived , i know not who hath power to make me confident of any thing in this life . if any dislike my personating god ( as in the first canto ) let them search , and they shall finde it usuall not onely in christian poems , but also in the holy text. and if we introduce him according to his a●tr●butes , and speaking according to what in his written word he hath already spoken , it may be justified . if my personating mercy and iustice , or my creating of other objects representative , or my method , or my phrase , or any such like , seeme offensive ; my muse ha●h apologized for her selfe , as much as i thinke need●ull , in many places of this booke as occasion is offered , especially in the second , fi●th , and eighth canto's . ●f the poeme seeme too l●rge , or the particulars to be over tediously insisted vpon ; consider , in how many impertinent and t●ifling discourses and actio●s the best of us doe consume f●rre more houres th● the perusall of this ●equires minutes , and yet thinke it no tediousn●sse : and let them call to minde how m●ny huge volumes this age imprints and reades , which are foolish , if not wicked : let them remember also , tha● our whole life is l●ttle enough to be employed in the meditation of what is here recorded . let them be perswaded likewise , that i have not written t●is for those who have no need thereof , or to shew my owne wit or compendiousn●sse , but to wa●ne and instruct the ignorant ; to whom i should mor● oft●n speake in vaine , i● i did not otherwhile by r●pe●itions and circum●ocutions , stir●e up their affections , and beat into their unders●andings , the knowled●e and feeling of those things which i deliver . yea , let them know , that i know those expressions will bee both pleasing and profitable to some , which ▪ they imagine to be needlesse , and supe●abundant ; and that i h●d rather twenty nice criticks should censure mee for a word here and there superfluou● ▪ then that one of those other should want that which might explaine my meanings to their capacities , and so make frustrate all my labour to those who have most need of it , and for whom it was chiefly intended . if you find any thing which may seeme spoken ou● of due time ; blame not mee altogether ; for , it is above two yeares since i laboured to ge● this booke printed ; and it hath cost me more mony , more pains , and much more time to publish it , then to compose it : for , i was faine to imprint every sheet thereof with my owne hand , because i could not get allowance to doe it publikely : so unwilling are we of remembrancers in this kind . if you find ought else that may be doubted of , or for which i may seeme reprovable , or needing advice ; let me christianly and charitably receive intell●gence thereof : and if i make not a reasonable defence , i will humbly acknowledge and give the best satisfaction for my errors , that i am able . so , i commit you to the blessing of god , and ●o the per●●all of this remembrancer , if you please . geo : wither . brittan's remembrancer . canto the first . our author first with god beginnes ; describ●s his anger for our si●nes ; of all his iudgements mus●er makes ; declar●s how mercy under●akes the pleading of this kingdome 's ca●se , to bring g●d's wrath unto apawse ; and ( for the common ●eader ) sutes high things , with lowly attrioutes . then , steps into a praisefull straine of charles his new-beginning reigne ; empl●res that well-suc●e●d be 〈◊〉 , and , for his weale 〈◊〉 ●ercy pr●y . he iusti●e al●o , in●roduces , complaining on our grosse abuses , who proveth so , our si●full nation to merit utter desolation , that all gods plagues had ●s encl●sed , if mercy had not●nterposed . but , after pleading of the case ; with iustice , mercy do●h embrace , who ( that our sinnes may pun●sht be ) to send the pestilence agree ; their oth●r : plagues a while suspending , to prove how that will worke amending . one storm is past , & though some cl●uds appear , a peacefull ayre becalmes our hemispheare . that frighting angell whose devouring blade , among the people such ahavock made , is now departed , and hath tooke from hence his pois'ned arrowes of the pestilence . god smoothes his b●ow ; and lo , we no● obtaine the cheerfull brightnesse of hi●●ace againe . oh , boundlesse mercy ! what a change is this ▪ and what a joy unto my heart 〈◊〉 is ! run quickly mus● ▪ to cary thy oblation ; and , ( twixt that angell , and the congregation ) some swee● perfume to our preserver bu●ne , before that bloody messenger returne . ● let all affaires keepe of● , and give thee way ; for , though my faire●t outward fortunes lay this houre at spoyle , i would not be advis'd ▪ to speake for them , till i had sacrifis'd ; nor will i , to the world , one line allow , till i have made p●●formance of my vo● . most awfull pow'r , by whom hath formed ●in the globe of heav'n and ear●h , and all ●herein ; thou alpha , and omega of my songs , to whom all glory , and all fame belongs ; to thee , thrice holy and almighty king , of iu●g●ment , ●nd of mercy , now i sing . thou hast unclos'd my lips , and i will raise my thankfull v●ice in setting out thy pr●ise : thou hast pr●serv'd thy children in the flame , and we ascribe the glory to thy name : thou saved hast thy people from ●heir crimes ; and , here , i publish unto ●uture times , what i have s●ene . oh! le● my poeme be a sanctified sacrifice to t●ee . acce●t this poore oblation i prefer ▪ these drams of incens● , and these drops of m●r●h , ( which fired in afflictions flame , perfume thy sacred altars ) gratiously assu●e ▪ and give my lines a date to last as long as there are speakers of our en●lish tongue ▪ that children , yet unborne , may reade the story which now i sing , to thy pe●petuall glory . and , harke ye people : harken you , i pray , that were preserv'd with me to see this day ; and listen you that shall be brought upon this stage of action , when our scaene is done : come harken all ; and let no soule refraine to heare ; nor let it heare my words in vaine . for , from the ●laughter-house of deat● , and ●ro● the habitations of the dead i come . i am escaped from the greedy iawes of hell , and from the furious lions pawes ; with sorrowes i have lodged ; and i have experience in the horrors of the grave ; in those discomfor●s which , by day , assaile ; and those black terrors which , by night , prevaile : despaire , with her grim furies , i have seene ; spectator of gods iustice i have beene ; and , passing through gods iudgements , had a sight of those his mercies which are infinite : and here , i tell the world what i observed ▪ for , to this purpose is my soule preserved . that fatall yeare , in which the forward ●pring be●ame an autumne to our peacefull king ; when iames his crowne and scepter did forgoe , that charles ( of whom this kingdome hopeth so ) might shew , when he did weare hir diadem , how worthily we plac'd our hopes on him ▪ yea , when within the compasse of one hou●e , two king both had , and had not , ●gall pow'r ▪ ev'n then , by thames faire banks ▪ i did reside , where her swe●t waters washeth ev'ry tide the spacious verge of that well peopled towne , which with most princely pallaces doth crowne her goodly streame , and at her ports and keyes , take in the wealth of kingdomes and of seas . our soueraigne citie , then i did espie vpon the couch of soft security ; and , how with peace and plenty being fed , she toyed like a wanton , on her bed . i saw her drest in all that rich attire , which doth inflame her lovers with desire ; and how her idle children , ev'ry day , sate downe to eate , and drinke , and rose to play . for , she was growne insensible of cares ; she had almost forgot●en , sighes , and teares ; and all this iland in her cup of pleasure , with her had quaf●ed ( so much out of measure ) till they gr●w drunke together through excesse , and wilde and giddy in their drunkennesse ▪ they h●d almost forgotten him , from whom their ease and their prosperity d●d come . they spent their houres in laughter and in song , and grew regardlesse of the poore mans wro●g . they alwayes clothed went in soft aray ; they fed themselues with dainties , day by day ; and , that no outward meane● of pleasure might be wanting to accomplish their delight , those iollities , wherein they did appeare , were further'd by the season of the yeare . the windes then breathed on them wholsome aire t●e g●oves , th●ir su●●er clothings did repaire ; the frui●full f●eld● wit● f●esh gr●ene gownes were clad , which flor● curiou●ly embroydered had : the pleasant g●rdens their choyce plaints displaid , 〈◊〉 orch●rd with gay blossomes wore arraid ; the winged choristers did sweetly sing , and with choice musicke welcome in the spring : their streets with m●●chlesse bravery did shine ; their parlers many beauties did enshrine ▪ their costly bowres with rarities were hung , and alwayes filled with a merry throng ▪ of nought but sports & triumphs were their dreams wealth , health & honor , were their studied theam●s no noisome plagues , within their gates were found , of grones , their dwellings did but rarely sound ▪ nor was there ●●y storme or danger feared : for , in this hemisphere so bright appeared new charles his waine , that sunlike he did chase all fogs of discontentment from each place , and , all those clouds of griefe , expelled farre , vvhich rose at settin● of our iacob starre . but , oh how ●●●stlesse are those lying showes of happinesse , on which most men repose their greatest confidence ? and from our fight how swiftl● did these pleasures take their flight ▪ for , whether he , who from his heav'nly sphere beholde●h all our though●s and actions here , did with a searching ey● , examine more our cours●● at that present then before : or , whether hee our carelesnesse had cyde , or our hypocrisie , or else our pride , o● our impiety ; or wh●th●r he did in this iland , or this kingdome see our old idolatr●es come creeping in ; or , whether he some new devised sinne descride to sprout among us here ; yea , whether it were some one of these , or all together , or what it was , i know not : but it prov'd . a crying s●●ne ; and so extreamly moov'd ▪ god 's gentleness● that angry he became ; his browes were bended , and his eyes did flame . me thought ● saw it so : and ( though i were afraid within his presence to appeare ) my soule was rais'd above her common station ; where what en●ues i view'd be contemplation . there is ● spacious round which bravely reares her arch above the top of all the spheares , vntill her bright circumference doth rise above the r●ach of mans , or angels eyes ; conveying through the bodies christalline those rayes which on our lower globe doe shine , and , all the great and lesser orbes , doe lye within the compasse of that canopy . in this large roome of state is fixt a throne , from whence the wise creator looks upon his workmanship ; and thence doth heare and see , all sounds , all pl●●es , and all thi●gs that be . here sate the king of gods ; and from about his eye-lids , so much terror sparkled out , that ev'ry circle of the heav'ns it shooke , and all the world did ●remble at his looke ; the prospect of the skie , ●hat earst was cleare , did with a low●ing countenance appeare : the troubled ayre , before his presence ●led ; t●e earth into her bosome ●hrunk her head ; the dee●s did ro●re ; the heights did stand amaz'd ; the moone an● stars upon each other gaz'd ; t●e sun did stand unmoved in his path ; the hoast of heav'n w●s frig●t●d at his wrath ; and with a voice which made all creatures quake , to this effect , the great eternall spake . are we a god ? and is there pow'r in us ta s●artle all our whole creati●n thus ? and yet , are we despis'd , as if these pow'rs were either lesser growne , or none of ours ? are we , that with our ●entles● breath can blow all things to nothing , still abused so ? hath our long suffring hardned so our foes , that now our godhead into question growe● ? n●y ( which is worse ) have we compassion showne , till we are quite neglected of our owne ? is this the land whom we have lov'd so long , and , in our love , elected from among the heathen iles ( and at the first was burl'd into the utmo●t corner of the world ) that we might raise the glory of her name , to equall king domes of the greatest fame ? is this that iland , which our love did place ( within our bosome ) in the safe embrace of great oceanus ? and , garden like did whar●e about ( within her watry dike ) with mighty rocks , and cliffes , whose tops were higher , then any foming billow da●es aspire ? is this the kingdome , which our band h●th made the schoole and shop , of ev'ry art , and trad● ? the cornucopia of all needfull plenties ? the storehouse , and the closset of our dainties ? our iewell house , and palace royall , where the fairest of our loves maintained are ? is this the cou●t●y which our bounty served with store of bread , when many lands were starved ? and whom we have pres●rved from the spoiles of foes abroad , and from domesticke b●oyles ? are theirs the cities , which doe weare the flag of peace , while rochel , heidleb●rg , and prague , and ●ll the christian world engaged are , in some offensive , or defensive warre ? are their 's the cities , to whose fleets were showne , the pathlesse wayes through many seas unknowne ? whose wealthy merchants have encreast their trade from ev'ry port and creek , that we have made ? whose vessel● have , by our protection , gone past both the tropicks , and through every zone , and made their petty villages , become acquainted with more worlds , then ancient rome ? is this that people unto whom we gave , more lovely bodies , then most nations have ? and in whose minds ( of our especiall grace ) we did the best ●pproved temper place ? is this that people , whom we did restore to humane shape , when as the sca●let-whore had with her charmed cup of poisned wine , tran●form'd them into asses , a●es and swine ? did we in pers●cution heare their cries ? t●ke off , the s●●les of blindnesse from t●eir eyes ▪ win●ke at their follies , when they most offended ? forbeare the punishments ●hat were intende● ? from diverse plagues inflicted them release ? make europe stand and wonder at their peace ? yea ▪ save them f●om the malice of their foe , when all were like to perish at a blow ? and , grace and fav●ur undeserved shew , wh●n they their owne dest●●ction did purs●e ? h●ve we , these threesc●re yeares and upwards b●est th●ir kingdomes●rom ●rom those troubles that i●fest most other states ? and ( when their soules had been nigh famisht else ) did we provide a queene , ( a maiden queene ; with vertues masculine ) to nurse them up in holy discipline ? did we provide , when she her cou●se had ●un , a king who favor'd , what her hand begun ? and now another , who doth both re●tore those hopes they lost in him , and promise more ? did we but here , of late , when they had lost their prince ( that now is king ) when they almos● despair'd of his returne , for evermore , when he remained on th' iberian shore ? did we a●cept their vowes ? observe their teares ? com●assionate their jealousies and feares ? and send their darling home , when few did know whereon to build a hope it should be so ? yea , when throughout the world no other pow'r , could such a work have compassed but our ? h●ve we endur'd their frowardnesse so long ? forgiven and forgotten so much wrong ? sought after them , when they ●ad us forsaken ? so of● , their counte●feit repentance taken ? so many times appa●an● made unto them , wha● mischiefes their owne ●oolish projects doe them ? yea , did we freely ▪ sundry blessings daigne vnaskt , which other lands could not obtaine by labors , vowes , and prayers ? and have they thus , for all those benefits requited us ? is that their vowed thankfulnesse ? are these the fruits of all their zealous promises ? is this their piety ? goe , draw together thy forces , vengeance : quickly march them th●●her , with all our armies ; and consume them so , that we ma● never more displeased grow at their unkindnesse ; or be cheated by the fained weepings of hypocrisie . no sooner had he spoken , but , behold , an hoast ( which he doth alway keepe enrold , to execute his wrath ) did straight appeare ▪ and in his awfull pres●nce mustred were . so many troups , did ●ound about him throng , that , all the wo●ld with plagues , was ove●hung : for not a iudgement is there , which hath name , but , thither to attend his will it came . sterne visag'd war ( whose very look doth strike ) came driving on his charret , iehu like ; arm'd and beset with holberts , bills , and glaves , bowes , a●rowes , pikes pole axes , darting staves , guns , balls of fire , and ev'ry thing that furthers the worke of desolation , wounds , and murthers . his prime c●mpanions , the●t and rapine were , with all those vices wh●ch most c●uell are . and at their heeles pursu●d all those bands of raging mischiefes , that afflict the la●ds on which he falls . this is that roring fiend who lawes , and leagues , doth into pieces rend . this is that bloody tyrant , who o're-turnes the goodl'est monument● , and spoiles and b●rnes the fairest dwellings . this , is he that raze● renowned cities , and the strongest places . this is that sacrilegious theefe , who spares nor hospitall nor temple ▪ neither heares the ●uits or cries of ●ged or of young ; nor is regardfull of men we●ke or ●trong . the suckling from his mo●hers brest be snatcheth and braines it in her sight : the wife he c●tcheth ev'n from her husbands bed ▪ and virgins ●rom their lovers armes , his strumpets to become . a sertile soile he makes a wildernesse , and wolves , and beares , and foxes , to possesse those places , wherein arts did once abound ; and where have dwelled nations most ●enown'd ▪ however , he 's an instrument of god's ; and usually , the l●st of all those rod● which on a thankless● kingdome he do●h lay , befo●e he finally remove away the mean●s of grace . next him , came sneaking in leane famine , with ●are bones , and pa●ched skinne ; with deep sunke eyes , with talons over-growne ; with hungry teeth that would have crackt a s●one ; and , close behind her , and at ei●her hand , such troups did wait , as are at her command . the crawling caterpill●rs , wa●●full flye● , the skipping locust ( that in winter dies ) floods , frosts , & mi●●ewes , blastings , windes , & storme● , drough , rav'nous fowles , & vermine , weeds , & worme● ▪ sloth , evill busdandry , and such as those , which make a scarcenesse where most plenty grows . this is that hungry houswife , who first found the searching out for meat f●om under ground ; to dig up roots ; to rellish , well , the taft of stin●ing garlick , and of bitter mast. she taught poore people ●ow to fill their mawes , with bramble-berries , hedge-picks , hips , & hawes ▪ t was she who finding on the sandy shore a ●eape of oisters ( all bedaubed o're ) first sought within those dirty shels for meat , else we had never dar'd of them to eate ; nor thought , nor hoped , that so foule a dish could bring to table such a dainty fish . twa● she that learn'd the spaniards how to dre●●e their frogs ; the frenchman how to cooke a me●se of ●pu●●y mushromes ; germans how to make a dinner or a ●upper on a snake ; italians on the slimy snaile to feed ; our irishme● to live upon a weed that growes in marshes . and i dare to say , that , but for her , we scarce had heard this day of caveär , and twenty such like bables , vvhich gluttony now sets upon our tables . the broyling of old shooes , was her device ; and so w●s eating carrion , rats , and mice . those dainty pallats which could relish no●ght but what was fet farre off , and dearly bought , she so hath d●●●ed , that they could feed on mouldy scraps ; and beg them too for need . this hag , hath townes and cities famished . vvith humane flesh , she hungry men hath ●ed : she fo●c't them hath to suck their horses blood : to feed on pigeons dung ( in stead of food ) and dearly purchase it . yea , some constrained to drinke their vrine , when they drought sustained . nay , this is that un●quall'd cruell-one , vvho urg'd a mother , once , to kill her sonne , and make unnaturally that cursed wombe vvhich gave him being , to be made his tombe . ev'n this is she , god shield us from her cheere , and g●ant her plagueship never settle here . the pestilence , moreover , thither brought her feared forces , and employment sought . this is that nimble fury , wh● did stay her three and twenty thousand in one day ; and in th' assirïan camp , to death did smite , almost two hundred thousand in one night . betwixt an evening and a morning-tide , from ev'ry house a soule she did divide throughout the land of aegypt ; and could mark their eldest-borne , although the nigh● were dar● . in little space , she quite hath overthrown● great cities , and dispeopled many a towne . she from each other makes acqua●ntance run , before that any injuries be don● ; and of t●e po●s'ning - art hath found the height , for , she know●s how to poison by conceit . a mantle wrought with purple spots she wore , embost wi●h many a blaine , and many a sore . she had a raving voice , a frantick lock , a noys●me breath , and in her hand she shooke a venom'd speare , which , where it toucheth , fills the veines with poison , and distracts , and kills . within her regiment are all diseases , and ev'ry torment which the body seizes ; go●ts , collicks , lethargies , and apo●lexies , obstruction , which the spleene , or stomack v●xe● ; the ●ox of ev'ry kinde , ●heumes , aches , stiches , quick-killing pleurisies , and scabs , and itches ; the burning-fever , who deserveth well the place of her lieutenant-colonell ; consumptions , gangreeves , coughes , and squina●cie● , the falling-evill , cramps , and lunacies , ( vvith other such diseases , many moe then i am able by their names to know ) besides those maladies the sea procures , as , sloath-bred scurvies , and mad calentures ; and all those other griefes , and sorrowes , which those sicknesses doe bring on poore and rich . but , of that hoast which here is mentioned , the maine battalion was both rang'd and led by that slye prince , ( ev'n that malicious one ) vvhich in the ayrie region hath his throne . to fu●ther his designes , he brought in lyes , extortion , bribing , fraud , and perjuries ; vvith many thousand stratagems beside , vvhose dangerous effects are often tride . all ravenous beasts , ( or rather those of whom such beasts are emblemes ) in his troups did come : to worke his mis●hiefes ( with amaze and wonder ) he furnisht was ●ith lightnings , winds , & thunder ; prodigious apparitions , and those sights wherewith mens troubled fancies he affrights ; and , thither did ( for soule-assaults ) ●epaire his two black twins , pr●sumpt●on and despaire . attended by those manifold temptations , wherewith he maketh sure the reprobations of all obdurate finners ; whom in wrath our god , deservedly rej●cted hath . these greedy spoilers , hungry for a prey , stood ready , gods commandings to obey : who having view'd their well prepared bands , ( and pointing out his finger to these lands ) said ; goe ye plagues . and ( had he not beene staid ) lay waste , that sinfull realme , he would have said . and yet , it seems , these dreadfull shews were ra●her the threatnings of a wise and loving father , ( to bring his children to a filiall feare ) then such a wrath as doth in fo●s appeare . for , ne●ther chance , nor time , no● new-desert , was interposed on the guilty part : but , god's owne good●ess● brought the means about that stopt our doome , before his words were out . and thus it was . the great almighty one hath evermore attending on his th●one two royall daughters . one of t●em is she that 's called iustice ; and her emblemes be an equall ballance , and a flaming blade , to weigh the good their due , and fright the ●ad : and , both with hand and eye she threatens those , that her uprightnesse , any way oppose . the other for her hierogliphick weares a box of balme , and in her bosome beare● a sucking lambe , ( which meek and ha●mles creature doth somewhat intimate her gen●le nat●re ) betwixt her beauteous brests , a true co●passion erecteth her perpetuall habitation ; and , su●h a lovely sweet aspect hath she , that 's if wrath saw her , wrath in love would be . we call her clemency . she o●ten makes our peace with god , and his displeasure slakes . this princesse , ma●king well with what inte●t her lord would those great armies forth have sent ; and finding , by that wrath she saw in him , what desol●tions would have followed them ; with teares of pitie , to his throne she ran , to kisse and to embrace hi● feet began ; and ( whilst his halfe-spoke sen●ence god delaid ) these words , the faire-well spoken virgin said . deare , ●h deare fa●her ! wherefore frownst thou s● ? what fearfull thing art thou about to doe ? hold ( i beseech thee hold ) thou backe the doome , which from thy lips is now about to come ; and bear ( dread sov'raign ) heare thy handmaid speak a word or two , before thy iustice wreake deserv●d vengeance on that wretched place which hath so fallen from thy wonted grace . loo● father ▪ looke upon me : it is i , thy best-beloved daughter clemencie ▪ t is i whom thou forget●est . i am she who in thy bosome lay , belov'd of thee before all worlds ; and had a sov'raignty o're all thy creatures from eternity . t is i , at whose intreaty thou wert moved to send thine onely sonne , thy best-beloved ( for mans redemption ) to assume the nature , the forme , and frailties , of a finfull creature . t is i that have presu●ed to become a suitor now , to stay thy heavy d●ome : and , why should i be doubtfull to make triall of thy regard , or fearfull of deniall ? in iudgement , thou hast promised , oh lord ! to thi●ke on me ( ev'n in thy w●itten word ) yea , heav'n and e●rth have often heard thee say , thou nev●r woul●●t , for ever , cast away thy loving-mercy ; and , i k●ow , thou mus● and wilt , be found in all thy sayings , just . but , then , to what intents , doe these appeare ? why are thy dreadfull armies mustred he●e ? vvhat fav●ur is it possible to show , vvhere such a rablement as this , shall goe ? vvhy may not pit●e shew her selfe as well vvithin the bottome of the low●st hell as where these revell ? doubtlesse , these rude bands vvill spare nor lawes nor temples in those lands to which thou send them shalt ; but , from each plac● root out ( with ev'●y present meanes of grace ) all outward helps of present knowing thee , if equall to their hate , their pow'r may be . and , what if then their breathlesse fury shall leave some few trifles which are temporall ? for what will they reserve them , but to breed a race of infidels ? a wicked seed , for them to prey upon ? a brood , to whom the blessings left damnation shall become . thou hast upon that iland ( i confesse ) bestowed favours , great and numberlesse . i know that they may justly blush for shame , to heare how grossely they abuse thy name ; yea , th●y now are , and have a long time bin , growne out of measure sinfull in their sin . yet , if thou look upon them , thou shalt see some there , who bend not unto ●aal their knee ; some left , who for thine honour sirme ha●e ●●ood ; some , who have garments washed in the blood of thy unspotted lamb : and some , which beare those marks , that seales of thy free pardon are . oh! let not them enclos'd w●th sinners be , nor swallowed up with such who know not thee . but , for the sakes o● those forb●are thou , rath●r , the tares , untill thy harvest thou shalt gather : so , by those follies which in them abound , thy goodnesse shall the farther be renown'd . if , therefore , thou this kingdome shouldst not spare , because , repleat with sin her dwellings are , what nation is there , or what habitation , that merits not perpetuall reprobation ? where wilt t●ou finde a people , under heav'n , which hath not ev'ry way occasion giv'n of thy displeasure ? or , what man is there that in thy sight could justifi●d appeare , if thou shouldst mark him with a frowning eye ? and , what a pretty nothing , then were i , if no man lived , that amisse had done , for me , to exercise my pity on ? nay , if transg●ession had but finite been , how should thy mercies infinite . be seene ? though on this field ( which thou hast plow'd & sown with purest wheat ) some wicked-ones have throwne their tares , by night ; yet , somewhat it hath borne for which it may be ●ald thy field of corne. thy fence is yet about it ; and there stands a fort , and wine-presse , builded by thy hands . there are thy sacraments , thy word divine , there , is the schoole of christian discipline . there , may the me●nes of grace be kept in s●ore for those who will hereaf●er prise them more . thy poo●e ●fflicted servants ▪ thither may from forraine persecutions flye away ; ●●d sheltred in a storme , there s●f●ly tary , as in a fortresse , or a ●anctuary . but , whither shall they flye when that lyes wast ? where shall thy sacred oracles be plac'd ? or whither with her sonne that woman goe , who by the dragon is pursued so ? i know that if thou please thou canst provid● a place for her , securely to abide , amid the westerne wilderness● ( and where scarce glimmerings of thy favo●rs yet appeare ) by moulding out the heathen salvages to be a people far surpassing these . this , lord , thou couldst effect ▪ and make of them thy people , whom these most of all contemne . and , since this nation , in their weal●●y peace , have sent out colonies , but to en●rease their private gaine : since they faire show●s have made of publishing thy gospell ▪ when the trade for cursed lucre ( as the times reveale ) was chiefest founder of their fained zeale : since they in that , and other things , pretend religion , when t is farthest from their end : thou didst but right , if thou shouldst force their se●d to set●le on some barbarous coast for reed ; and , there , thy truth , to those , with sorrow preach , whom they neglected , in their weale , to teach . but , since it were no more for thee to doe , this land to save , and call ano●her too , then one such worke so compasse ; why i pray shouldst thou remove their candlestick away ? why maist not thou , who all compassion art , thy people , rather , by thy pow'r convert , then quite destroy them ? wherefore shouldst thou no● their errors forth ●f thy remembrance blot , as heretofore ? and alwayes praised be for that abundant love , which is in thee ? why should their foes and thine , with jeering say , now , ●ow we see our long-expected day ▪ why w●lt thou give them cause to domineere ? ev'n those , who love not thee , to laugh , and fleere a● their destruction , who , thy truth profest , ( if not u●fainedly ) in shew , at least . though t●ey have ill-deserv'd , why should the shame of their off●nces fall upon thy name ? and , thy blasphemers ( by thy peoples fall ) assume the ●oldnesse on themselves , to call thy gospel into question ? or , thereby , t●ei● shamelesse falshoods seeke to justifie ? why should the wicked , take occasion from th●se ●lagues , to say ▪ where is their god become ? where is their pow'r , on which they did r●pose ? where is their ●aith ? where are the hopes of those their s●rvices ? oh! for thine owne deare sake , ( however they des●rve ) compassion take . deare sir , have pittie : and , as often , thou hast granted my request , vouchsafe it now . yea , to those many thousands , heretofore , from thy abundance , adde one favour more ▪ by these , and other motives ( breathed from a zealous brest ) the heav'ns are overcome . his love of us , doth so our sampson wound , that , he hath taught us , how he may be bound . yea , holy-writ informeth us , that he , by such like charmings , will compelled be . and , now they so prevailed , that the rage of our great god , they partly did aswage . which , mer●y by his looke , had quickly heeded ; and taking that a●vantage , thus proceeded , oh! what a co●fort is it , to behold ▪ thine eye speak mercy , and thy brow unfold a reconcilement ! now , i seeme to see thy gracious face , to shine againe on me . i finde it is the jealousie of love , ( and no effect of hatred ) which doth mov● thy wronged patience : and , that when thou hides● thy presence in an angry cloud , or chidest , it 〈◊〉 not alwayes in consuming wrath , ( ●o punish , as the faul● deserved hath ) but , that thy frighting iudgements might prevaile , to worke a●endment , when thy love doth faile . that people whom so much thou didst aff●ct , how canst tho● have a purpose to reject , so long as in their co●fines doth remaine that number , which thy vengeance doth restraine ? who can beleeve ●hat thou defra●a'st such cost , to purchase what , thou meanest shall be lost ? or , labour to erect them , didst bestow , for nothing else , but them away ●o throw ? vvhy should i thinke , thy endlesse ▪ goodnesse , had so little care , to save what thou hast made , that sathans hate , shou●d for their desolation , out-worke thy love , in working their salvation ? or , that the boundlesnesse of m●ns transgression , could over-match thine infini●e compassion ? it m●y not be beleeved ; or , that this pre●ended warre , for finall ruine is . since , if in summoning thy iudgement● , now , thou hadst propos'd their u●ter overthrow , thou wouldst not have discovered an assection , ●y still co●tinu●ng them , in thy prote●tion , as yet thou dost : nor ●a●ly s●nd unto them love-tokens , ( as if kindnesse , thou wouldst doe them vvhich they should never know of ) nor , make show os having ●eft them , when t is nothing so thus hav● i seene , on ea●th , a lover use his best-beloved , when she did abuse his true affection . though he seeme unkind● , that her unkindnesse she may thereby find● ; yea , though he faine some outward disrespec●● , yet , in his hea●t , so truly he affects , that , whats●ever good , he can , he does her : by meanes unscene , to her lost vertues , wo●es her : for h●r well-doing , takes a thousand cares : of her ill-doing , hath ten thousand seares : wakes not , but thoughts of her , in waking , keepes ; sleeps not , but dreameth of her , when he sleep●s . not ceasing to end●avour , 〈◊〉 he see some sparkes of lost affection kindled be . and , as her over sights she doth deplore , so , he his love discovers , more and more ; vntill the fire , that was a long tim● bid , breake forth , and flame as high as e're it did . i never knew thee , yet , to rui●ate a wicked kingdom● , or a sinfull state , professing thee ; but , thou didst first withdr●w from those offenders , thy abused law. and , as in christian realmes , the temp'rall sword cuts off no preacher of thy blessed word , ( for any crime committed ) untill he of holy-orders , first degraded be : so , thou ( most frequently ) dost first remove the scales of grace , and pledges of thy love , b●fore thou give up lands into their pow'r , w●o them , and theirs , shall finally devoure : for , till thy holy things , be fetched from th●ir coast , such desolation shall not come . those , they retaine . and , if conclude i shall from hope of any blessing temporall , that yet thou lovest them ( and dost intend their land , with future favours , to befriend ) that king which thou hast now on them bestowne , some token of thy clemency hath showne . for , if man may by good externall signes , conjecture whereunto his heart enclines : if thou , to whom all secrets open be , see'st that in him , which mortalls hope they see ; and hast not mockt that people , sor their sinne , with shewes of things that have not reall bin : ( as lord forbid ) no kingdome hath a prince , whose infant yeares , gave ●etter ●vidence , ●hat with an earthly crowne he should inherit , a plentious portion of thy sacred spirit . none liveth now , on whom the gen'rall eye did so much gaze , and so few scapes espy . f●w private men were in their youth so fr●e from all those vanities , which frequent be in these rude times ( he having meanes to doe his pleasure , and , perhaps , s●rong temptings too ) who seemed of those knowledges , more faine that might informe him , to obey , and raigne ? how well those crossings was he thought to beare , which in the times of his subjection were ? and , with how brave a temper to neglect , to be aveng'd of wrongs and disrespect ? ●hat sonne , did in his fathers life time , show ●●iliall feare and love , united so ? or , which of all thy vice-royes d●dst thou see app●are more zealously devout then ●e ? thou knowest which : but , if they doe not erre who , things by probability , inferre , it might be said , the world had not his peere in all those vertues , that are mention'd here . and should conf●ssed be , ev'n of his soe , they had not flattred who affi●med so : since , what was of his worth , at home conceiv●d , all europe for a verity received . and lo● ; now by thy grace he sitteth on the seat of rule , and in his fathers th●one ; vvho giveth signes of truer love to thee ? or of more conscience , of his charge , the● he ? vvhat monarke , in appearance , better preache●h by good examples , what thy precepts teacheth ? or which of all his reverend prelacy , in shewes of true religious constancie , outgoes or equals him ? oh! if so cleare his vertues prove ▪ as yet they doe appeare , how glorious will they grow ? and , what a light vvill he become , when he ascends the height of his great orbe ? and , oh ! what pitty 't were his minde should ever fall below that spheare of grace which he hath climb'd ! or , that thy love should wanting be , to keepe him still above ! how grievous would it be , that his beginning ( so hopefull , and such l●ve and honour winning ) should faile that expectation , which it hath ? and , make thee shut thy favour up , in wrath ? let not oh god! let not the sins of others nor any fog ( which vertues glorie smothers ) ascending from his frailties , make obscure his rising honor , which yet seemeth pure . if might , in him , be w●nting of that worth which to the publike view is blaz●d sorth , forgive , and perfect him , that he may grow , to be in deed , what he appeares in show . yea , lord ( as farre as humane frailty can permit the sa●e ) make him , ev'n such a man as now that kingdome needs ; and spare that nation for him , which else deserveth desolation . 〈◊〉 if he be what he seemeth ; thou ( i know ) ●ilt save his land from utter overthrow . thou , in the life-time of a p●ous king , wert never yet , accustomed to bring destruction : for , thou shewedst him compassion , who did but once , well act humiliation ; ●v'n wicked ahab ; and within his times thou wouldst not pun●sh ( no no● ) his owne crimes . oh! be as mercifull , as thou hast bin ; and let this king ▪ thy favours triumph in . ●et that exceeding grace already shew'd him , ( ev'n that wherewith thy spirit hath indu'd him ) be pledges of some greater gifts , with whic● thou shalt in future times , his heart enrich . his br●st inflame thou , with a sacred fire ; teach him to aske , and give him his desire : grant him thy wìsdome , and thy righteousnesse , the wrongs of all his people to redresse . let him the widow , and the orphane save , releeving all , that need of succour have : and , let his mountaines , and each lesser hill , hi● humbler dales , with peace , and plenty fill . as he was honor'd in his preservation , so , let him glory still in thy salvation . as he persisteth to relie on thee ; so , let him sure of thy protection be . be thou his onely joy . be thou i pray his triumph on his coronation-●ay . crowne thou his head with purified gold : make st●ong his scepter , ●nd his throne uphold , to be renowned by thy grace divine , as long as either sunne , or moone shall shine . since thou to rule thine isr●el dost appoint him , let thy most holy spirit , lord , anoint him . make thou a league with him , as thou hast done with david , and adopt him for thy sonn● . to thee , thou art my father , let him say , my god , my rocke of safety , and my stay . throghout those lāds , where thou to raign shalt place him with title , of thy first-begotten , grace him . and , let his kingdomes harbor none of them , who shall deny him to be their supreme . so guard , and so enclose him with thine arme , the man of sinne ; may nev●r doe him harme . to him , his adversaries all subject , and , prosper none that him shall disaffect . lead thou his armies , when his warre beginnes ; make thou his peace , when he the battle winnes . let still thy truth , and love , with him abide ; let in thy name , his name be glorifi'd . doe thou the seas into his pow'r d●liver ; make thou his right hand reach beyond the river ; and , plant so strongly on the banks of rhyne , those fruitfull branches of his fathers vine , ( vvhom late the salvage bore ( with tripled pow'r ) hath rooted up , with purpose to devoure ) that they may spread their clusters , far and nigh ; and fill , and top , the germane empery . yea , minde thou , lord , the scorn●s and de●amations , which they have borne among their neighboring nations ▪ and , please to comfort them , and make them glad , according to the sorrowes they have had . to them , so sanctifie their great affliction , that it may bring their vertues to perfection ; and , fit them for some place , in which they shall helpe reare againe , decaying sions wall . oh! keep for them , a favour still in store ; preserve them in thy league , for evermore ; blesse thou that race , which is or shall be given : as lasting make it , as the day●s of heav'n : and , if thy lawes or iudgements , they forsake , or , if thy league , or covenant , they breake , with rods , let them , in mercie , be corrected ; but , never fall , for aye , to be rejected . the like for this new monark , i emplore : in him , encrease thy graces , more , and more . make ●im a blessing , for all christendome : make him , a patterne , for all times to come : make him , in ev'ry happy course persever ; and , let him live , for ever and for ever . his royall robe , he hath but new put on ; and , i my prayers have but new begun . oh let me to thy majestie prefer these few petitions , in particular : and place them where , they may both day and night , stand , evermore , unfolded in thy sight . first , teach him , to consider , how and why , t●ou hast enthron'd him on a seat so high ▪ and , so to think on his great charge ; and trust , as one who knowes he come to reckning m●st : fo● , honors if by thee they be not blest , make wisest men as brutish as a beast . teach him to minde , how great the favour wa● , when thou , of thy meere motion , and thy grace , didst from so many millions chuse out him , to weare this kingdomes fourefold diadem : and , make thy servants , favour'd in his sight ▪ as thou hast made of him , thy favorite . teach him , the fittest meanes to take away ( and let none murmure at his just delay ) those groves , and those hill-altars in the land , which suffred are unt●ll his dayes to stand : and , give him wisedome , wisely to foresee , that wheat from chaffe , may well distinguisht be . for , some will , else , bring truth into suspition , condemne good discipline , for superstition ; and with faire shewes , of piety , beguile , that underhand they may encroach , the while , on gods inheritance ; and from her teare those outward ornam●nts his bride doth weare . oh! let him purge from church and commonweale , those inflammations of corrupted zeale , and indigested humors , which doe spread distempers through the stomacke ; paine the head : and , by prepost'rous courses , raise a storme to rend that body , which it would reforme . let him , his reformations , first begin , like david , with himselfe : and search within the closset of his heart , what he can finde , which may annoy him there , in any kinde : and let him thence expell it , though it were , as deare unto him as his eye-bals are . his houshold , let him next enquire into , and , well informed be , what there they doe ▪ that , so he may expect thy comming-day with heart upright , and in a perfect way . let him in no prophanenesse take del●ght , nor brook a wicked person in his sight . ●e● no blasphemer in his presence tarry ; nor they that falshoods , to and fro , doe carry . l●t him acquai●tance with all such refrain● ; the lowly cherish ; h●ughty mindes restrain● ; enquire for them that vertuou●ly excell , and take in honest men with him to dwell . no such projector , who doth put in vse great injuries , to mend a small abuse ; nor such , who in reforming , doe no other b●t rob one knave , to helpe enrich another ; and prove themselves , when tryall doth befall , to be , perhaps , the veriest k●aves of all . let him be curst with no base officer , who doth before true honor , gold prefer ; and , ●o enrich his ches● , a little more , would in his reputation , make him poore : or with some needlesse treasure , to supply him , lose him more lo●e , then all his lands can buy him . let no man of his daily bread partake , vvho at thy holy boord shall him forsake ; and , lay thou open their dissimul●tion , who shall approve of na●mans tol●ration . k●epe from his counsells , though their wit excels , all hypocrites , and all achitophels . yea , let thy wisdome , hi● discretion blesse , from rehoboams childish wilfulnesse , vvho lef● his ancient princes good directions , ●o follow his young nobles raw projections . or , if ●e like their counsels , and receive them , harme let th●m bring to none but those wh● gave them : and , if to him some dammage they procure , let present losse his future peace procure . make him perceive that humane policy 〈◊〉 h●nd m●id to rel●●ious h●ne●ty ; and that , the man who doth foundation● lay on iustice , ( and proves co●stant in his w●y ) shall mad the politician ; and ●ake vaine his underminings without fear● , or paine . for , as a fowler seldome doth su●prise that wary bird , which can her s●lfe suffise , with what thy ●and provideth in the fi●lds , or , what the ●orrest , for h●r die● yeelds : so , sl●ights of policy ( although , perchance , they seeme , a while , to worke some hinderance ) can disadvantage no●e , but those , who leaving the pathes of vertue , and themselves deceiving with some false hopes ( which were before them laid ) made them the meanes , whereby they were betrayd . make him as precious in his peoples eyes as their owne blood . far higher let them prise his honor then their fortunes ; and let him , be ev'ry way as tender over them . yea , let the mutuall love , betwixt them bred , vnite them as the body , and the head. ●or , such a blessed vnion doth procure more saf●ty then foure kingdomes can assure ; commands mens hearts , their fortunes , and their lives , is chiefe of all his chiefe pre●ogatives ; and shall more comfort , and more profit doe him , then all those frui●lesse claimes can bring unto him ; whereto , perchance , they urge him will , who shall pretend his honor , when they seeke his fall . such men in princes courts were ●ver found , but , thou their l●wd projections wilt confound ; and , when their vaine devise b●ing on them , confusion , w●o thi● r●all truth contemne ; when such men's fool●sh counsels , shall have brought th●se mischiefs o● them which thei● hāds have wrou●●● ( yea , when opprest , with feares and discontent , they shall , too late , perhaps , their course repent ) then , they in heart shall forced be to say , that , what they sleighted was the safest way . blesse him from those , who censure his intents , his counsel● , or his actions by events : an● saw●ily , his iudges dare appeare on ev'ry sla●d'rous rumor they shall hea●e . preserve him from those minions ( who do raise their credits by another mans dispraise ) that machivillian crew , who to endeare their base immerits , fill the royall eare with tales , and false reports , concerning those who their misdoings legally oppose : they , who gr●wne great with rapine , and made strong , with w●alth extorted to the publike wrong , still add ( to cover what misdone hath bin ) new w●ongs ; and make new partners in their sin , in hope their number ●eep them shall unshent : and , silence and condemne the innocent . make him ab●or such apes , and such baboones , as parasi●es , and impudent buffoone● : such , as would make their princes glad with lies : such , as with filthy tales of ribaldries , with ●curvile songs , with unbese●ming j●sts , and stuffe which ev'ry civill ●are detests , abuse kings chambers . let all those who buy their offices ( which is lay simony ) h●ve alwayes his dislike ; and not recover his good esteeme againe , till they give ove● their evill gotten places . let all such who for the seats o● iudgement , do as much , a●peare to him as men who are detected of 〈◊〉 crimes ; and ever be suspected of some corruption : for , it may be thought , that mony must be made of wh●t is bought . let him the causes of abuse discerne ; let him the cure of ev'ry mischi●f● learne ; let him of what he knowe●h , practice make ; let all his people , his example take . give them repentance for their passed crimes ; as●ist them by thy grace , in future times ; and send thy holy-spi●i● through their lands , to keep them in the way of thy commands . so , thou in their devotions wilt ●e p●eas'd , so , all thine anger will be quite appeas'd ; so , king and people , praise thee shall ▪ together ; and , then , thou need'st not send these armies thithe● . thus mercie spake ; & more she would have said ( for , she could everlastingly have praid ) to this effect . but ▪ ivstice having spy'd gods eye to ma●ke , how she seem'd satisfi'd ; ( and looki●g somewh●t sternly , to betoken that mercie in her injury had spoken ) thus interrupted her . faire sister , stay ; and , doe not think to beare my right away with smoo●hed words . thou art an advocate well knowne to be the most importunate that ever pleaded : and , thou hast a trick with these moist eyes , beyond all rhetorick . so that , unlesse i make it still appeare , what grosse offenders all thy clients are , a bill of mine ( how just soe're the case ) would seldome in this great star-chamber passe . no place , no pe●sons , are so dissolute , but if they whine to thee , thou makest sute on their behalfes . thou wert soliciter for king manasses ( that idolater and gotst his pardon . thou hast proctresse bin for ieroboam ( who m●de isr'el sin ) that hand recuring which he did extend , the messenger of god , to apprehend . thou art f●r any who in thee beleeves , though tray●ers , strumpets , murtherers , or th●eves . thou prayd'st for n●neveh ; yea thou hast prayd for sodome ; and my hand had sure beene staid when i consum'd them , if there had beene , then , in five great cities , b●t tenne righteou● men . i never yet could get a verdict past on any sinner , but thou crost it hast , vpon the teast repentance . and if ●ver to serve an execution i endeavor , thou ; still , one meanes or other dost procure , to mi●igate the strictest forfeiture . thee , for delaying iudgements , i prefer ev'n farre before the courts at westminster . and , if i longer these thy deal●ngs beare , thou here wilt use me , as they use me there . for , lat●ly i survey●d it ; and saw their chauncery had halfe devour'd their law. sweet lady call to minde , there is a due pertaining equally to me and you . as nothing without mercie should be done ; so ivstice shoul● not be encroa●ht upon . i claime a daughters part , and i d●sire to keepe min● owne inh●ritance in●ire . i , for your sake , huge armies , often save , when they had , else , beene rotting in the grave . i suffer you to wipe more sinnes away then twice tenne thousand millions in a day . there 's none whom i doe punish for his crimes , b●t i doescarre him first , a thousand times ( at your entreaty ) when , if i had pleased , i might so many times his life have seized . yea , i shoul● none have injur'd ▪ though i had of all the world , long since , a bone-fire made . for , what effects hath your compassi●n wrought ? what offring● , to gods altars , now are brought by my long sparing them ? nay , have they not h●m , and his aw●ull pow'r , the more forgot ? what did i say ? forgot him ? if they had vs'd him and his indulgence but so bad , thou might'st have spoken for them ; and i could have left thy supplications uncontroll'd . but , they have aggravated their neglect , with such base villanies , such disrespect , and such contempt of him , of thee , and mee , that if we beare it , we shall scorned be . they so presumptuous are , that well i know , were but a petty - iustice used so , he would not brooke it : but , so rough appeare , that all the sin-professing houses neare , of reformation would be much in doubt ; and feare they should not buy his ange● out , though they presented him with coyne and wares ; and b●ib'd his clarke , with whom , t is thought he s●ares . i will not the●efore palliate their despight ; i will not be debarred of my right ; i will not make my selfe a publike scorne ; nor will i longer beare what i have borne . here with ( as if she thought it were in vaine , for vengeance , unto mercie to complaine ) she rais'd her eyes ; she fixed them upon the ●hrone of heav'n , and him that sate thereon : then bowed thrice , and , then to her complaint ▪ she ●hus proceeded lik● an an●ry saint great ivdge of all the world just , wise , and holy ; who sin abhorrest , and correctest folly : who drivest all uncleannesse from thy sight , and feared art , ev'n of the most upright : consider well my cause , and let thou not thy ivstice in thy mercie be forgot ▪ as well as this my sister , so am i vnited unto thee essentially before all time ; and there is cause for me to boast thy favour , full as much as she . for , to maintaine thy iustice ( and approve th●t sacred , never violated love thou bearest me ) great monarkies have drunk thy cup of wrath ; and into ruine sunk . for their contempt of me , thou hast rejected the nation , of all nations , most affected . once , thou the globe of earth didst wholly drowne ; from heav'n thou threw●st the sinfull angels down● : and ( which is more ) thy best beloved dy'd , that my displeasure might be satisfi'd . but , l●t no former favour me availe , if now of reason on my side i faile . i n●ver did a vengeance , yet pursue before it was requir'd by double due . i never plagued any in despight , nor in the death of sinners took delight . why therefore thus is my proceeding staid ? and thy just wrath so suddenly alaid ? hath mercy their offences vailed so , that thou beholdest not what faults th●y do ? and wilt thou still continue thy compassion to this unthankfull and forgetfull nation ? what are they , but a most corrupted breed ? a wicked , a perverse , ingratefull seed ? a peopl● for instruction so untoward , so stubborne in their courses , and so ●roward , that , neither t●reats , nor plagues , nor lo●e can mend ●hem , and therefore desolation must attend them . me they have injured , past all ●ompare ; they flout me to my face ; they me out dare ev'n on my iudgement-se●ts ; they truth deny ▪ although they knew , their hear●rs know they lye . they use my titles , and my offices , but as a meanes to rob , or to oppresse the poorer sort : and he that wrong sustaines , is sure of more , if he for right complaines . search thou their streets , their markets , & their courts ; note where the greatest multitude resorts , and if thou finde a man among them , th●re , that hath of truth or iudgement any care , him let thine angell save . but , thou shalt see that nothing else from heele to head they be , but swellings , wounds , and sores : that they are wholly o'regrowne with leprosies of noysome folly ; and that , among them , there abideth none , whose path is right and p●rfect , no not one . their studies , are in che●ting trickes , and shifts . their practice , is to compass bribes , and gifts . their silver is but dross . their wine impure . th●ir finest gold , will not the touch endure . the poore oppresse the poore . the childe ass●mes an el●ers place . the basest groome presu●es b●fore t●e noble . wom●n t●ke on them mens habits and subjection doe contemne . men grow ●ffemin●te . age dotes , youth raves , the begger 's proud . the rich man , basely craves . the neighbour of his neighbour goes in danger ; the brother to the brother growes a stranger . there is no kin , but cousnage . few professe affection , amity , or friendlinesse , but to dec●ive . if men each ●ther greet , with shewes of wondrous friendship , when they meet , they doe but practise kin●ly to betray ; and jeere , and scoffe , when th●y depart away : th●y labour , and they study , ly●s to make : to grow more wicked , serious paines they take : wolves are as mercifull : their dogs as holy : vertue , th●y count a foole : religion , folly . their lawes are but their nets , and ginn●s , to take those whom they hate , and seeke their prey to make : the patronage of ●ruth , no●e standeth for : the way of piety , they doe abhor : they meet u●seene , the harmlesse to ●eceive ▪ they h●tch the cocatrice : they s●ely weave the spiders web ; and , when in bed they a●e , they lye and study pl●ts of mischiefe ●here . and , why thus fares it ? b●t , because they see that ( how unjust soe're their courses b● ) they prosper in t●eir wicked nesse , and ●hrive , whilst th●y who honor thee a●fl●●ted live . if any man reprove their damned way , they persecute , and slander him , and say ; come , let us smite him with our tongue , that he , and his reproofes , may unregarded be . they desp'rately resolve a wicked course ; and , ev'ry day proceed from bad ▪ to wo●se . themselves they sooth in evill : and professe in publike manner , trades of wickednesse ▪ they impudently boast of their transgressions , and madly , glory in their great opp●essions . yea , some so farre have ●ver-gone the devils in shamelesnesse , that they make bragge of evils which they committed not ( as if th●y fear'd that else they had not lewd enough a●p●ar'd ) whereas , they from themselves would strive to flie , if they could s●e their owne defo●mity . for , what remaineth to be termed ill which they are guil●lesse of , in act , or will ? th●y , gall unto the hungry prof●r'd have : they , vine●er unto the thirsty gave : with brutish fiercenesse they themselves aray : vnsatisfied in their lust are they , and neither earth nor heav'n escapes the w●ongs of their injurious and blasph●mous tongue● . with ev'ry member , they dishonor thee , no part of them from wick●dnesse is free : their eyes , are wandring after vanitie , and l●ere about , advantages to spye . their eares are deafe to goodnesse ; but most pro●e to heare a sl●nder told of any one : and h●ve an itching after ev'ry thin● , which , newes of sensualitie , may bring . their braz●n foreheads , without shame appeare : their teeth are sharper then a sword o● speare : their lips , as keenly cut , as razors doe ; and , under them , is add●rs poison too . their mouthes with bitter cu●sings , over-flow : their oily tongues , contention dail● sow : in heart , they falshood before truth , preferre : their throats , are like a gaping sepulcher : foule belchings from their stomacks doe arise , ev'n filthie speeches ; and ranke bl●sphemies . their hands ( their right hands ) lawlesse gifts receive : with bribes , their fingers , they desiled have . their feet , are swift in executing ill , and , run the blood of innocents to spill . they are corrupt in ev'ry facultie ; in vnde●standing , will , and memorie ; yea , th●ir most specious works of pietie are little else , but meere hypocrisie . all stain'd with murthers , thef●s , adulteries , and other unrepented villanies thy house they enter , as if they were cle●re , or , thither came , but to out brave thee there . there , they display their pride : there , they contemne thy messengers ▪ or , sit and censure them . there , they disturbe thy children in their pray'rs , by tatling of impertinent affaires . the many roving lookes , they throw about , doe prove them , far more wanton , than devout . and , say , they bring devotion for a fit : alas ! what pleasure canst thou take in it ? or , what doe they but mocke thee , when they pray , vnlesse their wickednesse they cast away ? what profits it , to kneele sometime an houre ? to fast a day ? to look demure , or soure ? to raise the hands aloft ? the brest to strike ? to shake the head , or hang it bulrush like ? and , all that while to have no thought of thee ; but on base projects , musing , there , to be ? i many such enormities might name , wherein this people have beene much to blame . and , shall they still , thy gentlenesse contemne ? wilt thou forbeare , for this , to punish them ? shall such devotion be regarded more , then if they brought the ●yring of a whore ? or sacrific'd a dog ? nay , though they had of farre fet calamus an offring made , or , incense brought from sheba ; doe they think the smoke of that , shall take away the stink of their corruption ? shall this wicked throng ▪ ( who partners are in ev'rie kind of wrong , and reformation hate ) still spared be because they can a little prate of thee ? make zealous outward shewes ; and preach thy word , whose pow'r they have deny'd ? ( if not abhorr'd : ) let me consume them rather . for , compassion so often hath prevailed for this nation , that , all my threatnings are no whit regarded , thy pittìe is with disrespect rewarded ; thy blowes doe nothing soften them : but , more hard hearted , rather , make them then before . they neither know nor s●eke thee . they scarce daigne so much as thoughts of thee to entertaine . or if they doe ; yet , thou in kindnesse , hast so frequently , their errors over past with gentle stripes ; that they conjecture , now that thou art like to them , and dost allow their wick●d courses . for , is there ( say they ) in god , or sight , or knowledge of our way ? doth he behold , or car● what things we doe ? will he take vengeance ? tush , it is not so . such fables were devis'd in times of old , and of strange judgements , stories have beene told ; but , who hath seene them ? or , when will appeare that day of doome , whereof so oft we heare ? sure never . for the wo●ld doth still remaine the same it was ; and these are feares in vaine . oh! what will this increase unto , if thus thou suffer them to make a scorne of us ? where is thy feare , if thou a master be ? why , ( if a god ) should they not honour thee ? what meanes thy long long-suffring ? and , what way to worke amendment wilt thou next assay ? thou hast already mov'd them to repent , by threats , gifts , precepts , and by punishment . to stop their wi●kednesse , thou flouds , and drought , frosts , f●●es , and tempests , hast upon them brought . distempers , f●ights , and ( many times of late ) distrusts , and hazzards of the publike state. with ev'ry kind of sicknesse , thou hast try'd them ; with pestilence , and famine , mortifi'd them : with slaughters●hou ●hou has● foild them ; and betwix● each plague , thou mercy still hast intermixt ▪ yet ▪ all in vaine . oh! rise , and suffer me on all at once avenged now to be . plucke from thy bosome , thy sure striking hand , and , let it fall so heavy on that land , that , all their follies may their merit have , and , they be put to silence in the grave . permit them not unplagued to persever , blaspheming thus , thy name and thee for ever . but , l●t me ev'ry plague upon them cast , which thou , for such as they , prepared hast . let them perceive , that they have lov'd and served those gods , by whom they cannot be preserved . let me transport from their polluted coast , those holy-things , whereof they vainly boast : and , let not their prophanenesse be protected by that , whi●h they so much have disrespect●d . for , why shouldst thou forbeare this people more then ma●y other nations heretofore ? since they for their example those have had the lesse excusable their faults are made . yea , though their wickednesse were but the same , yet , they are worthy of a greater blame . 〈◊〉 what are they better then the stubborne iewes ? wherein , doe they thy blessings lesse abuse ? what have their temples , of more worth in them then shilo , bethel , or ierusalem , that we should spare their ma●y sleepled towres , not rather making them the ne●sts , and bowres of noysome vermine , and such fatall fowles , as croking ravens , and loud screeching owles ? why shouldst thou not , as low this i le decline , as milke and hony-flowing palestine ? what ●ave they more deserved of thy pittie then sion , thy so much bel●ved cit●y ? or , wherefore should their seed be thought upon more kindely , the● the br●tts of babylon ? why should their common wealth , more prised be , then thos● great monarchies destroy'd b● me in former ages , whose transcendent fate , ●ach time succeeding , hath admired at ? yea , since the world thou didst for s●●ning , drowne , why should such mercy to thi● land be showne ? if thou a piou● king to them ●ast given , what loseth be , if then from thence to heav'n translate him shall ? from earthly crownes , to weare those wreathes of glory that immortall are ? and from a froward people , to have place with angells , and there triumph in thy grace ? if any man be found observing thee , to him what discontentment can it be to view my hand prevailing over those who me in my proceedings did oppose ? and see those tyrants ruin'd , who have long committed violence , and offred wrong to him , and his ? what b●rme hath he i pray , to passe through all that sorrow in one day , and in thy blessed pres●nce to appeare , who else might here have lingred many a yeare ? of what can he complaine , if being borne above the reach of ev'ry future scorne , within thy heav'nly mansion , he possesse a perfect , and an endlesse happinesse ? why may not ivstice glorifie ●hy name , as well as mercy can extoll the same ? why should thy former favours , being lost , oblige thee to defray a future cost on prodigals , and vnthrifts , who had rather live swineherds , than returne to th●e their father ? why may not that reproach d●verted be , which irreligious men will cast on thee although thou spare not hypocrites ; and them who are the causers that thy foes blaspheme ? what disadvantage can their fall effect to thy pure honour ? or , to thine elect , which may not be prevented ( if thou ●lease ) although thou be not mer●ifull to these ? sure , none at all : and , therefore , i will stay my hand no longer ; but breake off delay . thy sword and ballance , are with me in trust ; to punish sin , i know it to be just ; they both arraigned , and condemned are ; my warrant● , in thy written word appea●e : their crimes , for vengeance , loudly crying ●e : thy iudgements , ready mustred are , by ●hee : thine eye doth speake unto me to be gone ; and , loe ; i flye to see thy pleasure done . as when a mother on a sudden hearing her babe to shrieke , ( and some disaster fearing that may befall ●he childe ) starts up and flyes to see the reason of her infants cries : so quick , was ivstice ; & e're now , had brought her work , to something ; and , this land , to nought . ●ut , to prevent her purpose , mercie cast her arme about that angry virgins waste ▪ look'd sadly on her ; hung about her ; kist her , and ( weeping in her bosome ) said , sweet sister , i pray thee , doe not thus impatient grow , nor prosecute deserved vengeance , so . thou art most beautifull ; sincerely just ; most perf●ctly upright in all thou dost ; for which ●h●ne excellency , and p●rfection , i love thee with an excel●ent a●●ection . and though thou frownest ; yet thy frownings be so lovely , that i cannot part ●rom thee . what though some worldlings offer thee disgraces ▪ sh●ll they ( sweet heart ) make loathed my embraces ? shall thou , and i , ( who near●r are then twinnes ) fall out , o● be divorced by their sinnes ? oh never l●t it said , or mutt red be , that we in any thing can disagr●e . for what 's more lo●ely , or more sweet then thi● , that we each other may embrace and kisse ? and by our mutuall workings , and agreeings , bri●g all gods creatures to their perfect beings . belee●e me ( deare ) heav'n doth not comprehend that pleasure , which this pleasure doth transcend : nor is our father better pleas'd in us , then when he sees our armes emwined , thus . for should we jarre , the world would be undone , and heav'n , and earth , into a chaos runne . what profit can it bring , or what content , to see a kingdome miserably rent , with manifold afflictions ? what great good to us redoundeth by the death , or b●ood of any màn ? what honour can we have ? what praise , from those that in the silent gra●e lye raked up in ruines dead and rotten ? or in the land where all things are forgotten ? seeke not thy glory by their overthrow , that are pursued by too strong a f●e , and over-match'd already ; thinke upon the pow'rfull hate of that malicious one. rem●mber they were f●amed of the dust ; and that to cl●y againe returne they must . when they are dead they passe away for ever , ev'n as that vapour which returneth never . oh ; make them not the butt of thy displeasure , nor give them of gods wrath the fullest measure . i grant this realme is sinfull ; but , what hath that realme , or people equalling thy wrath ? t' is honourable , when we stoope below our selves ; that love or favour we may show ▪ or to correct , with purpose to amend : but if with such we foe-like should contend ▪ it would appeare , as if some empery did arme it selfe , to combat with a fly. when we correction , or forgivenesse daigne , we may correct them , or forgive againe : but in destroying quite , our selves we wound , and to our infinitenesse , set a bound ; for ivstice neither mercy can have pl●ce ▪ in subjects , which we totally deface . we must not seeke for purity divine in dust and ashes ; till we first refine from earthly drosse the gold that we desire , by using of the bellowes and the fire . for till we purge it , what ( alas ) is good , or what can holy be in flesh and blood ? who lookes that figs on thistles should be borne , ●r that sweet grapes should grow upon a thorne ? it cannot be . as therefore hereto●ore god promis●d , ( that he would never more contend with man ) let us resolve the same ; and by some other meanes , their wildenesse tam● . keepe , yet a while , this army where it is ▪ and let us try to mend what is amisse , ( as erst we did ) by sending jointly thither , our favours , and corrections , both together : and if they profit not , there is a day in which thine indi●nation shall have way . as when a father , who , in heat of wrath to give a son correction purpos'd hath , enraged is , untill his lovely wife doth interpo●e her selfe with friendly strife ; but ( pleased in the sweetnesse of her speech , who to forgive the child doth him beseech ) doth lay aside his whole displeasure , then , and turne his anger into smiles agen ; so , ivstice was by mercy wrought upon : and she that would with so much haste be gone , forgot her speed ; her louing sister ey'd with calmer lookes ; and thus to her reply'd . thou , and thy charmings have prevail'd upon me , and to abate mine anger thou hast wonne me . i ●herefore will not cast my plagues on all , but on worst livers , onely , let them fall . nay , nay , quoth mercie , thou must favour show to most of them , or thou wilt overthrow the lawes of destiny ; and crost will be what god did from eternity decree . for , some of these have not fulfilled yet their sinnes , nor made their number up complete . some , that are wandring in the wayes of folly , shall be regenerated , and made holy . of them some have morality , that may be helpfull to gods childr●n , in their way ; some , must be left , as were the cana'nites , to exercise the faithfull isr'elites ; yea some , have in their loynes a generation vnborne , which must make up the blessed nation . and till that seed bud forth , those trees must s●and , although they grow but to annoy the land. it seemes ( quoth ivstice ) i must then abide , ( however they off●nd ) unsatisfi'd . vns●tisfi'd ( said mercie ) is it that , sweet sister , which your zeale hath aimed at ? then , looke you there . and with that word , her eye she pla●'d on him , who sits in majesty at gods right hand . behold that lambe ( quoth she ) by him thou fully satisfi'd shalt be . he poore was made , that he their debt might pay ; he base became , to take their shame away ; he entred bond , their freedome to procure ; he dangers try'd , their safeties to assure ; he scorned was , their honor to advance ; he seem'd a foole , to helpe their ignorance ; he sin was made , their errors to conceale ; he wounded was , that he th●ir wounds might heale ; he thirsted , that their thirst might have an end ; he wept , that joy their sorrow might attend ; he lost his blood , that they their blood might save ; he dy'd , that they eternall life might have . nor canst thou any for their sins condemne , ( since he hath over-paid the price for them ) if by partic'lar faith they shall apply that pardon , which he granteth gen'rally . and lest to that whole kingdome thou deny it , for want of application , i apply it . vvhy then ( said ivstice ) i may quite dismisse this hoast of plagues whi●h here assembled is . not so , replyed mercie : for no curse is greater , n●r is any mischiefe worse then want of due correction : and if i shoul● yeeld to that , it were not clemency , but cruell dealing ; and my love no other then is the kindnesse of that cock●ing m●ther , who spares the rod ( out of her pure affection ) and sends unto the gallowes for correction : as if she thought her children apt for learning , if they could take a hanging for a warning ▪ i s●eme to cr●sse thy workings , and thou mine , to those that n●●ther know my wayes , nor thi●e : but , is the motions in a clocke doe tend and move together to one purpos'd end , although their wheeles contrary courses go● , and force the even ballance to and f●o . ev'n so , although it may to some appeare , that our proceedings much repugnant are ; yet in our disagreeings , we agree , and helpfull to our chi●fe desi●ne they be ▪ we therefore , from gods a●my will select one regiment , this people to correct . not his that is the generall : for , he resisteth us if he prevail●ng be . nor famine ; for , ( unlesse permit we shall that she devoure , untill we starve up all ) she most unequally consumes the poore , and makes the rich to be enriched more . nor will we send the sword ; for , that makes way for ev'ry plague to follow ; yea , doth lay all open to confusion ; and bestowes the pow'r of god oft times upon his foes . but , we to punish them , will send from hence , the dreadfull , and impartiall pestilence . for , she doth neither ri●h , nor poore preferre ; the foolish , and the wise , are one to her : nor eloquence , nor beauty , nor complexion , prevailes wi●h her ; nor hatred , nor affection . s●e seizeth all alike ; she visiteth the palace , as the cottage ; and with death , or else with sicknesse , strikes at each degree , vnlesse our supersedeas , granted be . by meanes of her , in any state , or city , thou maist avenge , and i may show my pitty with little noise ; and both at once , ●ulfill our wishes , and accompl●sh all our will. for , where a noysome we●d is seene to sprout , she shall , at thy appointment , weed it out . or if a plant , or bud , or flow'r we see , that 's ripe for heav'n , and may impaired be by standing longer ; we the same will gather , to m●ke a precious posie for our father . and , as t●ou hast thy purpose , by their fall . or smart , whom she or wound , or slaught●r shall : right so have i : for , if they wicked are whom she removes ; th● better sh●ll they fare , whose conversations truly honest be ; and from oppression live the longer free . if righteous men this iudgements ●rey become , it is appointed to secure them from some greater plague , which must ( perhaps ) be sent to scourge this kingdome , ere it will repent ; or ( peradventure ) that my hand may take them from earth , the citizens of heav'n to make them : and some , who never e●se on god had thought , shall , ( by her whip ) unto his love be brought . this pleased well , and ivstic● did agree with mercy , that it should all●wed be : and , for the swift ●ulfilling of their minde , the pestilence , by warrant , was assi●n'd great brittan to invade ; and limited where to begin the plague ; how far to spread ; how many she should wound ; how many slay ; how many grieve ; how many fright away ; how long abide ; and when her terme was done , on what conditions ( then ) she must be gone . moreover lest her stroke should not amend u● , gods hoast of plagues had warrant to attend us ; that if the pestilence could not prevaile , another might our wicked land assaile ; and then another , till we did repent , or were consumed in our chastisement . the prince of darknes , ( though he could not gaine permission , fully to unloose his chaine ) his usuall pow'r obtain'd to worke despite on some offenders , and to use the sleight of lying-wonders : or by strong temptation to seize upon the sonnes of reprobation : yea many times to buffet ( for correction ) ev'n those that have the seales of gods electio● . dear●h was commanded , that ( to make us feare a scarceness● ) she should scatter here , and the●e , a floud , or tempest ; and at sometime bring a droughty sum●er , or a frosty spring , or mel-dewes , to remember us , from whom the blessings of a plenteous yeare doe come . warre , ( who had quite forgotten us almost ) injoyned was to sit upon our coast ; to saile about our shore , to view our forts , to visit all our havens , and our ports : and with her dreadfull sounds , to rouze and keepe this kingdome , f●om securities dead sleepe . but was commanded , not to seize a hoofe of what w●s ours , till god hath made a proofe how mollifi'd our stony hearts will be ; what fruits of true repentance he shall see ; what change will be effected in this land , by his correcting us with his owne hand ; and what oblations of true thankes , and love , we render will upon this plagues remove . wherein , if we doe faile his expectation , we shall be made a miserable nation . the sea that now doth close us , like a wall , shall be a sea o● terror ; and it shall let in our foes upon us , or with ●louds o're-flow our borders , and devoure our goods . our wealthy traffiques , and that forraine trade , ( whereby so proud , and wanton we are made ) cut off shall be , and faile in ev'ry coast. our num'rous fle●ts ( whereof so much we boast , ( and , in whole pow'r and mu●titude , i feare ou● trust , and hopes too much reposed are ) by stormes , and piracies , that shall pursue them , or want of meanes , and trading to renue them , shall waste away unheeded ; till we see our ha●mes beyond our meanes of curing be . our h●uses shall by strangers be possessed ; our goodly temples , which , ( as yet ) are blessed with gods t●ue worship , shall be raz'd , or bu●ned , or into dennes of theevery be turned . throughout those champain fields , & forrests , where we hunted for our pleasure ; we by feare shall hunted be : and made a prey for them whom we ( perhaps ) did most of all contemne . our people , ( on whose numbers we presume ) shall by degrees be less●ned , and consume . our nation ( late renowned through the world ) shall be unvalu'd , as old rubbish , hu●l●d in some by-corner , and quite round about us our foes , our neighbo●s , & our friends shal flout us . o●r peace , sh●ll make us but effeminate . our riches , and our plentifull estate , shall but enrich our enemies ; and we ( that of our king so glad , and hopefull be ) shall ( for our sinnes , perchance ) be quite d●prived o● those great comforts , which we have conceived . for , e●●he● god may give an ●ll successe to his be●t counsells , for our f●owardnesse ; or leave us some dist●ustings in our heart , to make us censure in an evill pa●t his gracious purposes ; or give a pow'r to some ill-willers of his peace , and our , to sow the seeds of discord , and divide our heart● , which now so lovingly are ty'd : or let some politician wo●ke upon his goodnesse ; and so cunningly goe on , that he shall n●ver finde , how he , and his are injured , till all things are amisse : which god forbid ; yea , grant ( o lord ) that i in these su●posals may not prophecie ; as ( out of doubt i shall ) if any sin ( that may procure it ) we continue in . yea , though our projects may a while possesse our hearts with flatt'●ing hopes of good successe ; th●ugh in aff●ires of vvarre , and in our fights we thrive a while , as did the benj●mites ; although a league with baalam we began ; and ●erodach the sonne of baladan had sent us presents ; and though he shall seeme to have our health and welfa●e in esteeme ; though to his lords the treasures we declare , which in gods temple here among us are : yea , though we g●ve those holy things , to buy his love , and babylonish amity : it should but linger us along , till they ( who seeke our overthrow ) their snares doe lay ▪ vntill they have enlarg'd their growing pow'rs , and by their policy , befooled ours ; or , till our sinnes , or our securities have ma●e us objects for their tyrannies , and , there enthrall'd us , where long since were hung on willow trees , untuned , and unstrung , the harpes of syon ; and where men contemne the heav'nly sonnets of ierusalem . ev'n this shall be our lot , and worse then this , if we continue still to doe amisse , or bring not forth the fruits of penitence , when god hath scourg'd us by the pestilen●● . but , if that stirre us to repenting shall , he will not onely back againe recall that raging plague , to which he gave such pow'● within our peopled cities to devoure : but , he will also on this realme bestow new benefits , for entertaining so , with lowlinesse , his fatherly correction ; and yeelding him our filiall affection . then , ev'ry one beneath his vine shall si● without disturbance ; and with pleasure eate the profit of his labours . men shall goe in ●afety through ●he kingdome , to , and fro . their lands they shall enjoy in peace ; and weare the warmest fleeces , that their flockes do beare . no sonnes of belial , shall from them divert their princes favour ( in the smallest part ) nor shall seditions lovers draw from him their loyalties , by misinforming them ; but god that blessed union shall maintaine , which ought 'twixt king and people to remain● . he , then , will multiply the fruits encrease ; prese●ve our plenty , sanctifie our peace : and guide by land and sea , our preparations of l●wfull warre , to seize upon those nations that are our foes , and his . which , that he may vouchsafe unto us ; let us ev'ry day produce of thankfulnesse some new effect : let us observe ( with ev'ry due respect ) the progresse of that plague sent lately hither ; how clemency & ivstice came togeth●r ; relating to each other what we saw to kindle love , or keepe our soules in awe ; and so record it , that ( should we be rotten ) it may be still p●eserved unforgotten . for , that we might his honour forth declare , we bo●h created , and preserved were . to such a purpose , i doe thus employ that scorned faculty , which i enjoy ; and ( for the compa●●ing of my intention ) have offr●d up the best of my invention ; and what that is ( to those , who doe regard such paines ) the following cantoes have declar'd behold ( o lord ) my purposes from heav'n , accept of me the gift that thou hast given . permit not those , who spite or malice me , to interrupt my m●se in praising t●ee . let none of those , who finde that i neglect the way to wealth , which th●y ●oo much affect , conceive , that i my time have spent in vaine , because their studies yeeld them greater gaine ; let them perceive , though this endevour brings nor riches , honours , nor esteeme of kings ; but rather wasts my fortunes , and doth more increase my charge , and troubles , then before ; let them ( i say ) conceive , and also know , that i am highly pleas'd , it should be so ; and would not change the bless●ng of my fate with those , whom they doe hold more fortunate . and let not that , which i have here comprised ▪ become ( through my unworthinesse ) despised ; but grant it such a moderate respect , th●t i may see my labours take effect for their enc●uragements , who shall apply to such goode●ds , their gift of poësie ; and let all those , who shall peruse my story ▪ receive some profit , and give thee , the glory . the second canto . our muse defends her lowly stile ; and ( having flowne aside a while ) tells , how the plague first entred here ▪ what meanes to stay it practis'd were . some vulg●r tenets are disputed ; some rectified , some refuted . she from the nature , and the cause , of that disease , conclusions drawes ; declareth how it runnes and creepes , and what un●ertaine paths it keepes : how long strict orders usefull stood ; the fruit of christian neighbourhood ; and many other things , be●wixt these mentioned , are intermixt . she sh●we●h ( also ) meanes assured by which , this mischiefe may be cured ; how to apply that meanes ; how those who use it , should themselves compose ; how violent the plague did grow ; who from it might , or might not goe ; how much t' was feared ; how men fled ; how ill , in flying , many sped ; and lastly ( as occasion moves ) she grieves , she counsells , and reproves . let no fantastique reader now condemne out homely muse , for stooping u●to them , in plaine expressions , and in words , that show we love not , in affected paths , to goe . for , to be understood , is language used ; and speech to other ends as much abused ▪ lines , therefore , over-darke , or over-trimm'd , are like a picture with a visour limm'd ; or like poma●ders of a curious sent , within a painted box that hath no vent ; or like peach-kernels , which , ( to get them forth ) require more cracking , then the fruit is worth . let no man guesse , my measures framed be , that wiser men , my little wit may see ; or that i doe not hold the matter good , which is not more admir'd then understood : for , chiefly , such a subject i desire , and such a plaine expression , to acquire , that ev'ry one my meaning may discerne ; and they be taught , that have most need to learne . it is the usefull matter of my rim●s shall make them live . wo●ds alter as the times : and soonest ●heir fantastique rhetoriques , who trim their poesies with schooleboy-tricks . that , which this age affects , as grave , and wise , th● fo●lowing generation may despise . green●s phr●se , and ●●llie's language were in fashion , and had among the wits much c●mmendation ; but now , another garbe of speech , with us is pri●'d ; and thei●s is thought ridi●ulous ; as ours ( perchance ) will be , whē time ( who changeth things changea●l● ) the present phrase estrangeth . let no m●n therefore dreame , i will bestow my precious time in what will vary so ; since that , which , with most ease i shall produce , may have ( for ought i know ) the longest use . let no man thinke , i 'le racke my memory for pen and-inkehorne-termes , to finifie my blunt invention ; trimming it , as they who make rich clothes but for saint george his day ; when they may be●ter ●heape a suite provide , to fit that feast , and many dayes beside . nor l●t unlearned censurers suppose our muse a course unwarrantable ●oes , in framing objects representative , which may imprint ▪ or in the soule revive , true feelings of that wrath or love , which we in god almighty , by faiths eyes doe see . for , though his holy spirit , when he will , can easily the soule● of mortals fill with heav'nly knowledges , by wayes unseene ; yet , he himselfe hath sometime pleased beene by ou●ward object● to employ the senses , in reaching to the soule some excellencies conceal'd before . yea , many times he suites his deity in our poore attributes ; and ( that our weaknesse he may work upon ) our usuall speech , and passions , he puts on ▪ if so ; then we , that have no other way our hidden apprehensions to conuey from man to man , but by the qu●int creation of some ideaes in our contemplation ; that so the senses may become inclin'd to give some information to the mind : then we ( i say ) whose fluid memories would else let goe our ayrie fantasies , may such a libe●●y with warrant use . and i ( no doubt ) my selfe may well excuse , if other while things bodilesse i cloath with mortall bodies ; and doe give them both our speeches , and our gestures ▪ fo● , by this a dull affection often quickned is . nor thus to doe , are poets onely moved but , these are straines pro●heticall , approved . to say , that god is angry ; or that he will of our wickednesse avenged be ; moves little : but , to paint his fury , so that men the dreadfulnesse thereof may know , as if they s●w it : or his love to make so pleading of our cause , as if it spake ( within our hearing ) with such earnestnesse , as friends would plead for friends in their distress● ; doth much incite the reader to attention , and rouseth up the dullest apprehension . me thinks , i doe , ( as with mine eye ) behold the reall sight of all that i have told : yea , that which i my selfe described here , doth touch mine heart with re●ere●ce , and fea●e . i have perpetuall visions of that rout of plagues , and iud●emen●s , which doe rove about to punish us . and , from that dreadfull hoast i see ( me thinkes ) how to invade our coast , the plague march'd hither , like a regiment that is for services of moment sent from some great armie . and , when i can bend my troubled spirits truly to attend gods iudgements , and his mercies , as they goe their daily progresse ; i can reach unto much pleasing thoughts ; and oftentimes foresee , what his intents , and their even●● will be : for , when mans heart is filled with his feare , the secrets of the lord to him appeare . oh! what rich treasures doth my soule possesse , when i doe contemplate the blessednesse , the wisedome ▪ and the way of god most high ? how farre above my selfe rais'd up am i ? how little want i , ●ha● the world can give ? what heights ascend i ? what huge depths i dive ? how much contemne i dangers here below ? how c●rtaine of gods favours can i grow ? and wi●h what sweetn●sse is my brest inspired , when ( by the heat of contemplation fired ) i sit lock'd up within a lonely roome , whe●e nothing to disturbe my thoughts may come ; and where may enter neither sight , nor notion of any thing , but what may ●●irre devotion ? sure , were it not , that i am cloth'd about with flesh , that doth compell me to come out ; or , knew i not the christian mans estate extend●d ●urther , t●en to contemplate ; or saw not them unthankfully precise , who gods externall blessings quite despise ; or fear'd i not ▪ i never should have union with god , unlesse i were in some communion of saints on earth ; whom i might sharers make of those sweet thoughts of him , which i pa●take ; or , if i doubted not , i might with lot , vpon the daughters of my b●aine begot , commit some spirituall incest , had i none to spend the seed of my full soule upon : or , if i found it not unnaturall , to leape out of the world , till god did call ; and that fantastique wayes of selfe-contenting are but the certaine paths to selfe-tormenting ; if all these things i knew not ; i could bide shut up , untill my flesh we●e mummy-si'd ; and ( though the world should woo me ) would disd●in ( for ever ) to unclose my doore againe . for though ( when i come sorth ) i lose agen my ●aptures ; and have thoughts like other men ; because my nat'rall f●ailties , and the fog of earthly vanities , my soule doth clog : yea , though i can as hardly keepe those firings vnquench'd abroad , which are ( in my retirings inflamed in me ; ) as a naked man retaine that heat upon a ●ountaine can , which in a close warme chamber he retaineth : ye● ( for my comfort ) somewhat still remaineth : and in my recollections i possesse more happinesse , then i can well expresse . i view contentments , which i cannot measure ; i have some tastings of immortall pleasure ; i g●immerings have of hid●en mysteries ; my ●ou●e on glorious things doth fix her eyes : and though some whited walls ( who did attempt to bring my muse and me , unto contempt ) endevour still ( with shewes of pietie ) my best-approved paines to v●l●fie : i can with scorne of their base envy , raise my thoughts above their ignorant dispraise : and pitty their dull sottishnesse , who prize their shadowes better , then real●ties . for i have search'd their folly , and espy'd that they have drown'd their wisdome in their prid● ▪ yea , by their partiall dealings , i now see they judge mens merits , as their titles be : and i have gotten those brave things in chase , that shall advantage me , by my disgrace . when , therefore , by my selfe i am enclosed , and for an heavn'ly rapture , well disposed ; i doe not grudge mine enemies to spue their flanders on my name ; or to pursue my labours with reproach ; nor prey to make on all my fortunes : but all well can take . i doe not then repine , although i see that fooles ennobled , knaves enriched be , and honest men unheeded : but i bide as pleased , as i am at whitsontide , to see faire nymphs in country townes rejected , and sluttish milkmaids by the clownes elected for ladies of the may. and if i chance where any of those hobby horses prance ; i can in sport , or courtesie , bestow those termes upon them , which i doe not owe. for when on contemplations wings i flye , i then o're-looke the highest vanity . i see how base those fooleries do● show , which are a●mired , while i creepe below : and by the brightnesse of a two-fold light ( re●●ecting from gods word to cleare my sight ) faiths objects to her eyes , much plainer are , then those which to my outward ●●ght appeare . my towring soule is winged up , as if she over-flew the top of tenariffe , or some far higher mountaine ; where we may all actions of this lower world survey . i am above the touch of malice borne ; i am beyond the reach of ●v'ry scorne ; and could — but what mean i ? this seems a ●●rai● impertinent ▪ sweet muse , come downe againe ; soare not so high . for in these lofty flights the fooles below , doe thinke our eagles , kites . the world , to flout such raptures now is prone ; i will enjoy them ( therefore ) al● alone : of their unhallow'd censuring take heed , and in my former purpose , thus proceed : when ( as you heard before ) the court of heav'n commission to the pestilence had given to scourge our sinnes , and signed her direction● ▪ she tooke vp all her boxes of infections , her carbuncles , her sores , her spots , her blaines , and ev'ry other thing which appertaines to her contagious practices ; and all her followers she did about her call ; appoint them to their places , and their times , d●rect them to the persons , and the crimes they should correct , and how they should advanc● her maine designement in each circumstance . then , on she marched ; not as doth a foe proclaiming warre , before he strikes the blow ; but like an enemy , who doth surprise vpon the fi●st advantage he espies . for ( passing through the streets of many a towne disguised like a fever ) she , ( unknowne ) stole into london ; and did lu●ke about the well fill'd suburbs ; spread●ng there ( no doubt ) inf●ction unperceiv'd , in many a place before the blea●e ey'd searchers , knew her face ; and since they knew her , they have bribed beene a thous●nd times , to let h●r passe unseene . but at the length , she was discover'd at a frenchmans house without the b●shopsgate . to intimate ( perhap● ) that such as be our spirituall wats●men , should the more foresee that they with d●scipline made strong the ward , which god appointed hath for them to g●ard ; and chiefly , at this present , to have care , lest now , while we , and france un●ted are in bodily commerce ; they bring unto us those plagues which may eternally undoe us . for , such like pestilences soone begin ; and ( ere we be aware ) will enter in , vnlesse our bishops , both betimes , and late , be diligent and watchfull at their gate . as soone , as e're the women-spyes descry'd , this foe about the city to reside ; there was a loud all-arme . the countrimen began to wish themselves at home agen . the citizens were gen'rally appal●'d ; the senators themselves to counsell call'd ; and all ( who might advise in such a case ) assembled in their common meeting place ; where , what discretion publikely was used ; what was admitted of , and what refused ; what policies , and stratagems invented ; that mischiefes , comming on , might be prevented , i cannot say : for i had never wit , nor wealth enough , to sit in counsell , yet . b●● if to judge of things it lawfull were by ●hei● events ; the propositions there were such as these . most thought the surest play to save their persons , was , to runne away ; but lest some higher pow'r might then forbid it , they did not pu●lish that , b●fore they did it . some urged , that the scav●nger should keepe the s●reet● more cleane , and oft the channell sweep ; some thought it fit , ( and these no harme did thinke ) that ev'ry morning we should eate , and drinke . some ( to allay the heat ) did hold it meet to sprinkle water often in the street . some did a little further nat'●allize , and these unto the ayre would sacrifize ( in evening fires ) pure f●ankincense or myrrhe , sweet herbes , or odorif'rous iuniper ; or ( for default of those ) pitch , rosin , tarre ▪ and such perfumings as lesse costly are . for if the heart and liver of a fish ( burnt by yo●ng tobit in a chafind●●h ) a spirit from his chamber could expell ▪ they hoped these might purge ill ayres , as well : some others ( not contented herewi●hall ) did into consultation also call the p●iests of ae●culapius , and apollo ; and held it fit their grave advice to follow : nor without cause . for , from the wise physitia● we best sha●l know this enemies condition . and some there were of those , who did advise not onely to assume those remedies which art prescrib'd ▪ but also therewithall observed what was m●taphy●●call . yea , some s●ncerely , and religiously vpon the soules infection had an eye , as well as on the bo●ies : and th●se went the surest way that sicknesse to prevent . but there were others , who derided these , and talked heath'nish●y of this disease . they prated much of humours , incl●nations ▪ conjunction , planetary constellations ; of nat'rall causes , unbeleeved fictions ; impostures , fables , and meere contradictions in th●t phil●sophy , which they professe : vvhich fill'd mens mindes with much unsetlednesse . yet in their disagreeings , they agree'd on that which might their common profit breed ▪ one had a rare perfume of speciall note ; another had a precious antidote , vvhich at constantinople had been tride vvhen there two thousand on a day have di'de . a third , prefert'd a mixture in a bag , of whose large vertues he did largely brag , and said , the same they doe in plague times , weare at rome , ( and so i think when he was there . ) a fourth , by diets , safety did assure . a fifth , by drinkes , the pestilence would cure . a sixth of cordials , and elixars prates ; and some of treacles , and of mithridates . to offer up a portion of the blood ( to save the rest ) for some , it seemed good . for other some to purge : for all to take such meanes as might their purses heavie make . they to the rich prescrib'd preservatives on costly termes : and , to prolong the lives of poorer men , their consciences abated the value much : for , health , to them was rated at some few handfuls of that herbe or grasse , which to be gotten ▪ for the gathering was . this being knowne , the senators dismisse those men ; and by advice it ordered is , that some instructions shall be published , to further what was gravely counselled . moreover , that their discipline might cary some likenesse to proceedings military , a band of ha●be●●s , mustred was , to guard the people from the plague , in ev'ry ward . and , if they found , by serious inquisition , ( or , had but any probable suspition ) where lodg'd it was ( although but for a night ) that host , exiled was from publike sight ; close pris'ner him they kept bo●h night and day , as one that els● their citie might betray . and , to compell that his unwelcome guest should keepe wi●hin ; his doo●e was crost , and blest : and many vvatchmen , strengthned by command , did round about his dwelling , armed stand . i doe not thus expresse , or mention this , as if i thought those orders were amisse : but , that i might , hereby , the better show what miseries , attended on this foe ; and , that this malady , on us did ce●ze , with circumstances , worse then the disease . my muse inspires not me so foolishly , that i all naturall causes doe deny . i doe not thinke , but to this pest●lence , the constellations , by their influence might somewhat adde : and that corrupted ayre , might helpe our healthy being to impaire . i hold , that diets , meats , complexions , passions , with such as these , and all their mitigations , may helpe or hinder much in such diseases as we endeavor shall ; and as god pleases . nor doe i flout the wisedome , or the paine of those who s●ught this mi●chiefe to restraine : nor blame i their much diligence , or care ; but praise it ; and could wish it doubled were ; w●●h som● such observ●tion● , as would make their practices , the mor● successe to t●ke ; and that their naturall meanes had hallowed bin , with so much fait● , and penitence ▪ for sin , as might hav● brought more workes of piety , to san●tifie their outward poluy fo● those dull n●turalists , who think , this foe , doth by meere nat'●all causes ▪ come o● goe , are much deceiv'd ▪ yea , in their he●rts , they say , there is no god , how ●ver gl●ze they may : and as their cogitation● are unholy , so is their seeming wisedome ▪ sottish folly . they are the base conjunctions , and aspects of sin , that this our climate , so infects ; and neither constellations , nor the weather : for , then we had beene po●s'ned all together , by this contagion ; and had breath'd the longer or shorter while , as nature had beene stronger , or weaker in us nothing had beene free , but birds and beasts had dy'd as well a● we ; and this disease had seiz'd on ev'ry creature or more or lesse , as it partakes our nature : it was no n●ysome ayre , no ●ewre , or stinke , which brought this death , as most among us thinke , for , then those places where ill smells abound , had more infectious at that time beene found , then we perceive they were ; yea , this disease , on ev'ry person delicate , would seize , without exception . and where savours ill still bide , the plague should there continue still : then , if they brought the same , they sure feed it , and , keepe it alwayes there , as well as breed it . which god ●orbid ; and ●each us to discerne his providence , and what thereby to learne . vaine thoughts have also they , who credit can that , this infirmity , at first , began , by meanes of populousnesse . for , were it so ; some courts and allies , many yeares agoe , had beene infected : and , th●se places , where throng'd up together , greatest numbers are ; from visitation , had not free remained , when open streets , and borroughs have complained ▪ and , let them not beleeve their fallacy , because great cities , have most frequently , this fearfull sicknesse , or , afflicted be , when little townes and villages , are free . for , as there is in great and popular places , more sin , and more abundance of gods graces : so , it is just ▪ that thither should be sent the greater measure of his chastisement , that so , their eminen●e , might shew abroad , as well the iustice , as the love of god ; whose iudgements being laid on townes obscure , might small respect , and lesse effect procure . as ignorant as these , i reckon those , who this disease , infectious doe suppose to ev'ry one : and , them , who credit not that sicknesse , by infection may be got : for , these opinions can have no defence ; since both will false be found , in common sense . for , if we say , this plague infects not any , how commeth it , we daily see so many consum'd beneath one roofe in little space ? how comes it , that it creeps from place to place , so orderly , as oftentimes we see , in some close lane o● street ? how may it be that twenty villages ( far distant from infected places ) tainted should become within some few dayes after their arriving who in contageous places had their living ? none being there , before they came , infected , nor any such disease neare-hand suspected ? how comes all this , unlesse the malad●e , hath in it selfe , as had the l●prosie , a spreading nature , and envenom'd that which of her poison can participate ? beleeve it ; as the violet , or rose , ( with pure and pleasing sweetnesse ) where it grow●s perfumes the aire , and sendeth odours out , which keepe a certaine distance there-about ; and , more or lesse , affect the passers-by , as they have more or lesse capacity in smelling them ; or , as the calmed aire , is either , more or lesse , corrupt or faire : right so , this plague , ev'n naturally affects a space of aire about it ; and infects , ( at such or such a distance ) ev'ry one , as he hath weaknesses , to worke upon : unlesse , that her malignitie be staid by naturall meanes , or powre divine alaid . and yet , a false position make they shall who thence infer , the plague infecteth all , who breathe her tainted aire . for , how did they escape it ●hen , who long time , night and day in places of infection were detain'd ? and in the bosome of this pest●emain'd ●emain'd , ev'n whe●e they often had their eares and eyes , affronted , by the sad aspect , and cries , of death and dying men ? how scaped he that in the church , obliged was to be among infectious people ; and to speake till tired were his lungs ; and spirits weake ? ev'n when the peoples , thronging , and their heat did vapour up their breathings , and their sweat for him to swallow ? what preserv'd the clarkes , the sextens , searchers , keepers , and those sharks , the shamelesse bearers ? ( who were nigh become , a rout too bad , to picke out hangmen , from ? ) how scap't the surgeon , that oft puts his head within the steame of an infectious bed ▪ and , ev'ry day doth handle , search , and dresse , those biles , that over-flow with rottennesse ? or ( which is more ) how scapt those babes , the pest , that were not only weake , but suckt the brest of mothers deadly sicke , when they did weare those noisome blaines , that most infectious are ? this often chanceth . yea , this hath beene seene when on the ve●y brest , the sore hath beene . nay , i have heard ( by credible relation ) that neare to stra●ford-bow , this visitation , a little infant was preserv'd alive , who sucked on the dying brests of five . how this may be i know not ; if i shall conclude with some , this plague hath powre on al● nor can i finde a reason how it stinted , or how our totall ruine was prevented . for , when it was at height ; and when appear'd , most causes , that infection should be fear'd ; then , no man was confined , as before : no bill , or crosse , was fixt on any doore ; we visited the sicke ; we shunned neither the place nor person ; but met all together . yet then , and ( let us marke it ) not till then , this plague , her fury did abate agen ; and constantly abate , though most refused to keepe such orders , as at first were used . which manifest●th well , that ( howsoe're malignant in it selfe , the ●est appeare ) gods hand restraines it ; many a man protecting immediately : some , mediately directing to such , or such a meanes of preservation , that they might honour him in their salvation ▪ and , as he striketh some , that men might feare his iustice : so , he other some doth spare , that they might love his mercies ; and perceive that he can at his pleasure take , and leave . for , if god saved none ; some athe'st , would not make doubt , perhaps , to publish that he could not ; and , scarce one man would be so neighbourly , to helpe his brother in this malady . which charity to further ( and to shew how safely , men their callings may pursue in ev'ry danger ) we have had , this yeare , of gods great providence , faire token , here . for , 't is observ'd , that he hath few destroy'd who were in this mortality employ'd about those offices , which have to us ( in common sense ) appear'd most dangerous . few sextons , and few surgeons have miscari'd , who in their callings at this want have tary'd . and of those market-folks ▪ who at our need brought in provisions , this weake place to feed , i cannot heare of one , who did become infected ; or , who brought infection home . ev'n in that parish where i did abi●e ; and where , nigh halfe a thousand , weekly dy'd ) not one of all that number perished , that were the common bearers of the dead . but , though from midnight , till the break of day , they did infectious ca●kasses convay from sickly dwellings , to those pits of death , which breathed out a most contagious breath , with life and health , their service , god rewarded ; ev'n though the most of them nought else regarded , but that base gaine which might their want supply , or feed them in some wicked vanity . how then , can we , that of this favour heare , from any lawfull action flye through feare ? or doubt of gods protection , when we make a dangerous attempt , for conscience sake ? and know , beside , that what we ●●rive to do , we are both called , and oblig'd unto ? moreover , since the latter sort here named , are ( for the greater part ) in life defamed ; such , who their needfull offices abused ; such , who nor outward meanes , nor inward used ; to keep their healths ( but , grew the bolder in the practices of ev'ry kind of sin ) such , whom gods iudgements stupified more , and made far harder hearted , then before . since those ( i say ) of such condition were , and yet preserved in their callings , here : for what good use i pray can we suppose those men were so preserved ; but that those who truly seeke gods glory in their stay , might have the more assurance in their way ? and know , that if to such god please to give this mortall life , they shall much rather live ; or else ( which is far better ) if they dye , obtaine a life , with immortality . some wiseman-woud-be , now , perhaps , will prate that this is claphamnisme : and , that the state ( in her good policies to stop the breach of this g●eat plague ) is wrong'd by what i teach ? but , rather they injurious are to me who so affirme ; and vaine their cavils be . for , though to shew the powre divine the more , our muse declares , by what is gone before , that gods owne hand , our citie did preserve , when we scarce mea●es , or order , did observe . let no man gather thence , that we maintaine , all mean●s ▪ or civill orders to be vaine . for , of selfe-murther that man guiltie dies , who , meanes of health doth wilfully despise . yea , doubtl●sse , there belongs a curse to them , that orderly proceedings doe contemne . and , whereas we our orders did transgresse , it was necessitie , not wilfulnesse , that u●ged it ; because , our common woe , did far●● beyond the powre o● o●d●r , goe . at rising of the ●loud we made a bay ; but , at the height , it carri'd all away . in humane policie , we s●w no hope . but , as the stones and timbers whi●h doe stop a breach at first ; when all is drowned o're , doe nothing else , but make the waters rore : so , when our sicknesse , and our poverty , had greater wants than we could well supply , strict orders did but more enrage our griefe , and , hinder in accomplishing releefe . had ev'ry house beene lockt which we suppos'd to stand infected , few had beene unclos'd , yea , our fi●st orders had we still observ'd , the healthie housholds would not halfe have serv'd to keepe the sicke . and who should then have heeded our private cares ? or got us that we needed ? as long as from each other , we ref●ain'd , we greater sorrowes ev'ry day sustain'd : yea , whilst for none , but for ou● selves we car'd , our brethren perisht , and the worse we far'd . this made us from our policies appeale , and meete in love , each others wounds to he●le . this , made vs from our civill orders flie , to make more practise of our charitie . and hereunto , pe●haps , compell'd were we , by meere necessitie , to l●t us see experiments , of that unmatched good , which flowe●h from a christian neighbourh●od ▪ and learne what publike , and what pr●vate case it bringeth in a g●nerall dise●se : and how it may a common-wealth sustaine when carnall wisdome , and selfe-love are vaine ▪ o● , we perchance from vulgar helpes were driven , lest overmuch assurance might be given to outward meanes : or , lest we us'd them so , as if gods powre were chained thereunto . o● else , it was permitted , to d●clare that fruitlesse all our best endevours are . without his blessing : that , no creatures have a vertue to preserve till he will save : that , his immediate powre must countermand , when any plague hath got an upper hand : and , that , such mercy showne in s●ch distresse , might binde us to the greater thankfulnesse . but , lest what here precedeth hath not showne my purpose fully ; be it also knowne , that to restraine , or spurre the pestilence , there is both supernat'rall providence and causes naturall . the first of these can worke without the later , if it please . the later cannot any thing effect , but , as the former shall the same direct . and , though in ev'ry sicknesse , thus it is , yet , such hid properties are found in this , such oppositions in the naturall causes , such knots , and riddles ; that it much amazes the naturall man : because he seldome findes ( as he perceives in griefes of other kindes ) the causes and effects agree together ; for , there is much uncertainty in either . on some , this plague doth steale insensib●y , their muddy nature , stirring secretly to their destruction . some , it striketh so , as if a mortall hand had with a blow arrested them ; and on their flesh hath seene a palmes impression , to appearance , beene . one m●n is faint , weake , sickly , full of feare , and drawes his breath where st●ongst infections are , yet scapes with life . another man is young , light-hearted , healthy , stout , well-temper'd , strong , and lives in wholesome ayre , yet gets a fit of this land cale●ture , and dies of it . some are tormented by it , till we s●e their veines and sinewes almost broken be , the very soule distracted , sense bereft , and scarce the smallest hope of scaping le●t , yet soone recover . othersome , againe fall suddenly ; or feele so little paine when they are seized , that they breathlesse lye , e're any dying symptomes , we ●spy . on some , an endlesse drowsinesse doth creep● : some others , cannot get one winke of sleepe . this , useth ev'ry day preservatives , yet dies : another taketh none , yet lives . ev'n thus vncertainly this sicknesse playes ; spares , wounds , and killeth , many sev'rall wayes . from this experience , let us not conclude , as many doe among the multitude , who misconceiving ( to no small offence ) the doctrine of eternall providence , ( who from the truth of sober knowledge wandring , and gods decrees , and iustice also slandring ) doe so necessitate the fate of man , that , whatsoever he endevour can , his paines is lost ; and that foredoom'd , he must at this or that set moment turne to dust : and that no industry , no innocence , no wilfull carelesnesse , or foule offence , n●r any humane actions helpfull be to life or death , but meerly gods de●ree . ev'n such there be . and , howsoever they preach faith , or workes , in show , yet , th●y denay the pow'r of both ; and secretly maintaine , ( by consequence at least ) that meanes are vaine . for , they affirme that ev'ry thing men doe , they are by god predestinated to before all worlds ; so , that our pow'r , or will , affecteth ; not effecteth good , or ill ; and that we are by doome inevi●able in ev'ry kind of action made unable . which tenet , seemeth rather to arise from those , who write of heathnish des●inies , then from a christian. for , though true it be , that , god almighty , all things doth foresee , and order so , and so dispose of things , that , to perfection his owne worke he brings , in spight of satan , and of every deed that may from his malignant brood proceed : yet , they have actions naturally their owne , which god permits . he likewise hath bestowne on us that are his children , grace , and powres , good actions to performe , which we call ours by gods free gift . moreover , he doth please to promise blisse , or threaten plagues , for these , according to their natures ; that each one may heed the be●ter , what is to be done : be stirred up to put good workes in use , or else be left at last without excuse . for ▪ though i am assured we possesse , by nature , no inherent righteousnesse ; i , naithelesse beleeve that ev'ry one ( whose being , first , from adams loines begun ) received since our universall fall one talent , at the least , to worke withall , with so much powre of working also , that we may and should with god cooperate . as adam all men did of life deprive ; ev'n so by christ , were all men made alive : yea , ev'n as moses did not let remaine one hoofe in aegypt which did appe●taine to isr'ell ; so beleeve i that not one ▪ was left unransom'd by gods only sonne : but that all through the sea of bloud d●d come , as well those other who doe wander from truths path in this lifes wildernesse ; as they who come within the land of promise may . and , though like him , who impudently , laid injustice to his masters charge , and said ; he reaped where he sow'd not , though , i say ; there want not some among us , at this day , who like to him , doe most unthankfully this grace of god in iesvs christ deny ; ( affirming , that he some injoynes unto much more , than he did give them power to ) our maker unto ev'ry soule that lives , so much by vertue of christs passion gives , that whosoever falleth , fal●s not by anothers , but his owne iniquitie ; and , by his actuall crimes , makes unforgiven that debt originall which was made even by his redeemer , who , that , backe will have , ( if we abuse it ) which at first he gave . who ev'r wants powre to doe what god doth bid , lost in himselfe , that pow●e as adam did : yet , we that have it , neither had that powre , no● keepe it can , by any strength of our ; but by his holy spi●it , who hath taught that path of life wherein to walke we ought . and , this is such a mystery , that some which thinke they s●e , are blinde therein become ▪ our guiltie soules and bodies were bereft of all good faculties , and had not left so much as will , much lesse the powre to doe what soule or b●d●es health conduced to . their guilt christ from them tooke ; and by his might depraved nature so much sets to right , that unto ev'ry soule , he gives the will which adam had , of chusing good or ill . and then both life and death , he doth propose before them so , that either may be chose . to them , whom in his church he doth afford to live past child-hood , he doth by his word ( and by no other meanes ) this tender make . with infants , and with heathens , he may take some other course . but , surely , when , or how he that effects ; concernes not us to know . when god doth make this tender ( which is then when he doth please , and no man knoweth when ) if any soule by sathans guile doth chuse , what gods good spirit moves her to refuse , she , then , to put in action doth begin the haynous and impardonable sin against the holy ghost ( which f●arfull crime is made apparant to the world , in time , or more or lesse , by outward actions here , as god shall please to let the same appeare ) and , after this refusall , ev'ry thing , which doth encrease of grace , to others , bring , doth make her grow more senselesse of her state , or else enrage , or make her desperate . and , her freewill , in adam lost before , is lost againe , by her , for evermore . but , if she chuseth as the spirit move●h , the lord , this soule , without repenting loveth ; in her , preserving such affections still , and such a portion of her first freewill , that though the frailties of her flesh doe seeme to choake them often , in the worlds esteeme ; ( and sometime in her owne ) yet she for ever doth in her motion towards god persever , till she arive in him . nor doth she cease of pious workes , her number to encrease : but labours for assurance in election , by reaching ev'ry day at more perfection . an● , far is it from god to take away the guerdon of our faith ; or to denay what he did by his covenant , ordaine , to be the wages of our christian paine : or to command us what should profit nought ; or , to neglect the workes that we have wrought . for , since god heeds those things that are so small , as birds alightings , and as haires that fall ; makes use of ev'ry circumstance , and chai●es ( to further those maine ends which he ordaines ) ten thousand little trifling things together ; not one omitting , none displacing neither , which may be pertinent his ends to fu●ther , or to effect them , in their timely order . how could so fond a crotchet be devised , that god our serioust actions hath despised ? or , that by his foreknowledge , or decree , our deeds should all annihilated be ? or , that he should so oft incite us to what he had giv'n to man , no pow'r to doe ? i dare not venture upon their distractions , who search the order of eternall actions ; nor doe i further seeke what god foreknowes , then he within his word revealed showes ; nor will i ever strive to pry into his hidden couns●lls , as too many doe : but their unwarrantable paths eschewing , and , gods disclosed purposes pursuing , search onely for the knowledge of those things which an effecting of his pleasure brings . since , if i follow them , it cannot be that he would purpose any harme to me ; or in his secret counsell ought ordaine to make his publi●e will to be in vaine . for , though , when abram , isa'k thought to kill , god's hidden purpose , and revealed will did seeme to crosse each other ( and when he did threaten niniveh destroy'd should be ) yet , they appeare not opposite to those whose faith , such holy secrets can disclose . or were it so ; from acts particular none should conclusions generall inferre . god neuer said , as yet , that i could heare , man , such a day shall perish , howsoe're by faithfull workes for safety he endeauour . but , all his promises and threatnings , euer were made conditionall ; and haue fore-spoken our life , or death , as they are kept , or broken . nor is this any barre , or contradiction to gods free grace ; or to his firme election , or never-ending loue. nor helpes it those who , perseverance of the saints , oppose : but , rather , maketh all those doctrines good . yea , being rightly weigh'd and understood , gods iustice , and his mercy it unites , whom mens blind cavills haue made opposites . god knew the doome , and date of adams crime , yet , he did fore-expresse no certaine time ; but , speaking of it , spake indefinitely , and said , that d●y thou sinnest , thou shalt dye . and sure , of all mens deaths ( who e're gaine saies ) it is their sinne that setteth downe the daies . for , till transgression forfeited our breath , there was no peremptory day of death . and , in affirming , where gods word is mute , it is presumption , to be absolute . doe this , saith god , and liue ; doe that and perish . yet some , whose overfights too many cherish , dare contradict it ; and affirme that wee good , bad , dead , liuing , damned , saued be eu'n from eternity , without respects , to any causes , or to their effects . and these imply , that ( whatsoe're we doe , or leaue vndone ) god fore-appoints us to a certaine doome ; which we shall striue in vaine , with all our strength , to shunne ▪ or to obtaine . and wherefore then did god his gospell send ? why doth his word exhort vs to amend ? why doth he ●id vs , this , or that to shunne ? why hath he charged some things to be done ? if he no power hath giuen , or else by fate disableth all men to cooperate ? and leaues them neither good nor ill to doe but what he fore-decreed long agoe ? why threats he stripes ? why promiseth reward ? if there be no compassion , no regard , nor meed for what is done . and what i pray is all religion , if these truth doe say ? i know god reprobates ▪ and doth foresee before all worlds , who reprobates will be . but , none he forceth to be so accurst , saue those who haue his grace rejected first ▪ and vnto those , indeed , he powre denies to worke his will , because they did despise his profered love ; and just it is in him , to make them blinde , who did the light contemne . he doth eternally abhorre the crime ; but he the persons reprobates in time . and none doth chuse , or personally reject ( what ever some conceive ) but with respect vnto his covenant ; which hath implide something to be perform'd on either side . for , were it so , that god hath fore-decreed what should befall unto us without heed to any covenant ; and bar'd salvation , by an eternall doome of r●probation , ( in such like manner as the fantasies of some ( not well advisedly ) devise ) what compasse we by striving therewithall ▪ why spend we time , in rising up to fall ? why linger we to act so many crimes ? to suffer over griefe so many times ? and live so many sev'rall deaths to taste , to be nor worse , nor better at the last ? or wherefore have we prayed , since we know what must be , must be , though we pray not so ? i might be thought o're bitter , if as they i should interrogate , who sharply say ; why doe not these , who this opinion hold , goe hang themselves before that they are old ? or in their gardens , timon like , erect faire gibbets for the schollers of their sect ? what tends their life unto ? why should not they refuse to eate and drinke ; and , wisely , say , " god , for our end , a certaine day hath set , " which we shall reach , although we taste no meat . why doe they shun a danger in the street , since they shall live their time , what e're they meet ? if they to any place , desire to goe , why trouble they their feet to helpe thereto ? since they are sure , that if decreed it were they should come thither , they their paines may spare ? if thus i should have said , some men would deeme me to be more bitter then did well beseeme me : for , i confesse that on the quick they grated , who in this manner have expostulated . and i forbeare it . yet , this generation hath some who need this tart expostulation ; with whom loud noises more prevaile by far , then doe those proofes , that faiths and reasons are . i know to these objections , most replies ; i know their strength , and where their weaknesse lies ; i know what holy scriptures , men mistake , which proofes of their assertions seeme to make : i know , how they their arguments mis-lay , from that of esau , and the potters clay : i know what times and termes they misconceive , and wherewithall themselves they doe deceive . i know with what nick-names of heresie , some readers will for this my muse belye ; and that nor they , who call'd armini●ns be , nor they who reprehend them , will with me be friends for this ; for neither those nor these am i desirous to offend or please . but to uphold the truth , which is bely'd ▪ injuriously by most of either side . i know their spight , their vineger , their gall ; i know what spirit most are led withall who spread the doctrines which i have reproved , and know such reason nev●r to be moved , with favour to them that i dare to say , it is the nearest and the straightest way to all prophanenesse . it the b●idle gives to ●arnall liberties , and makes the lives and hearts of many men so voyd of care : from hence distractions ; hence despairings are . hence mischiefes ; hence selfe murthers doe arise ; hence is it that such multitudes despise good discipline : yea , this contemned makes the life of fai●h , if once it rooting takes : disableth pious practices outright ▪ and where it roots , destroyes religion quite . let no man then admit into his thought , that god almighty hath decreed ought which on his iustice may infringement bring , or on his mercy in the smallest thing : or that his wisedome any thing ordaines without the meanes which thereunto pertaines : or thinke , because our sinne he doth permit that therefore he necessitateth it : or that he wills those errours he foresees , as he the workes of righteousnesse decrees : or , that our humane actions cyphe●s are : or , that within this world there ever were or shall , those persons be , whom god will call vnto account , untill he giue them shall , at least , one talent , which may serue vnto the working of that worke he bids them doe . let no man dreame these dreames ; nor censure this , till he hath well consider'd what that is which i deliuer . for in this darke way , our learnedst clerkes doe sometimes runne astray . nor let them thinke that i concurre with all , who in appearance hold this tenet shall : or that i differ from all men that may in termes dissent from what i seeme to say . for they that in expression disagree in one well-meaning , oft united be . and either ( if that they in loue contend ) shall then at length , obtaine their wished end . oh! labour this , all you that would be thought gods glo●y in your studies to haue sought ; that though offences come , they may not moue disunion ; but gods worthy ones approve . and let us with a true sobriety , so heed his actions of eternitie , that we may see in them a boundlesnesse , beyond our humane wisdome to expresse ; leave quarrelling about his waies unknowne , and take more heed here after to our owne . for , though god pleaseth , other while , to use our vulgar termes , some notions to infuse of his eternall workings , and apply his deeds that way , to our capacity , disclosing them unto us one by one , as if at severall times they had beene done , ( be●ause our shallownesse no meanes can find to entertaine them in their proper kinde ) and though ( respecting us who temp'ral be ) wee say , that god almighty doth fores●e , foreknow us , and pr●destinate ; yet sure , his essence no such termes can well endure in proper sense ; because with him , no doome , word , thought , or act , is passed , or to come . but all things present . yea , all times , and all those things which wee by severall names doe call , our birth● , our lives , our deaths , and our saluations , our free-el●ctions , and pr●d●stinations , are all at once with god , without foreseeing ; eu'n all in one-eternall-present-being . which few observing , many men have thought that gods et●rnall actions should be wrought like ours in time , which is , as if they should endeavour how the world they might enfold within a nut-shell . and while thus men strive ( according to their fancies ) to contrive an order in gods workings , they mistake them blasphemously , and orderlesse doe make them . yea , to define his actions , they neglect that part which is their duty to effect ; themselves and others losing in a path which neither profit , end , nor safety hath ; and , by disputing what from us is hidden , disturb the doing that which god hath bidden : i have digrest enough ; and some there are who think , perhaps , that i have gone too farre . yet , let it not be judg'd impertinent , that i have so pursu'd this argument . for , want of minding what is here rehearsed , hath often times the pestilence dispersed . yea , some who fondly said , that ev'ry man shall live his time decreed , do what he can ; and that each one at his fixt houre shall dye , 'gainst which he seeks in vaine , a remedy : ev'n these , made much good means of health neglected ▪ much wise and wholsome counsell be rejected ; and caused , oft , in this our common wo , that death was brought and caried , to and fro . but , lest in chasing them , i run astray ; i le prosecute againe my purpos'd way . the pestilence doth show her selfe inclin'd so variously , she cannot be defin'd . she neither certaine forme , nor habit wears , but , partly metaphysicall appears , and partly naturall . she oft may cary her progresse on , by meanes that 's ordinary ; but , rarely doth begin , or end her arrant , save by an extraordinary warrant . it doth infect , and it infecteth not . it is an arrow which is often shot by gods owne hand , from his far-striking bow ▪ without the help of any meanes below . it is gods angel , which to death can smite , miraculously , an army in a night . it is a rationall disease , which can pick , with discretion , here and there a man ; and passe o're those , who either marked are for mercy ; or , a greater plague to beare . we see , it suting hath to natures lawes , a nat'rall motion , and a nat'rall cause ; for , as a fire among great buildings throwne , burnes ●imber , melteth metall , cracketh stone , defaceth statues , makes moist places dry , the vaults below to sweat , the tyles to flye and manifests his force , in sev'rall kindes , according to the objects which he findes : so , hath the pestilence a nat'rall pow'r to ha●den , fright , end●nger , or devou●e , ( and divers other changes to procu●e ) as she doth find a sev'rall temp'rature in mind or body , fitting the rejection . or for the entertainment of infection . these things consider'd . they who shall desire to scape from this contagion , must acquire a double ward ▪ for , doubtlesse , there is none that can resist it with one guard alone . in times of danger , vainly we presume vpon our iv'●y boxes of perfume . to little purpose , we defend our noses , with wormwood , rue , or with our radeliffe posies of tarred ropes . small warrant for our lives , are all such bodily preservatives , as cordiall waters , gums , herbes , plants , and rootes , our simple or compounded antidotes . our boezar-stone ; our med'cines chymicall ; or , that high-p●ized iewell wherewithall , for horne of v●icorne , men cheated are : or , those unhallowed charmes , which many weare . for , these are far unable to withstand the vigour of his incorporeall hand , who strikes for sinne , unlesse to these wee adde a plaister which of better things is made . yea nature failes , unlesse adjoyne wee doe , a med'cine metaphisicall thereto . moreover , fruitlesly devout are they , and that they seeke to god they falsely say , who wilfully neglect , or else contemne , that outward meanes , which nature offers them , and god provides , to cure , or to prevent , the mischiefe of diseases pestilent . for , since wee fram'd of soules and bodies are , god pleased is , that wee should have a care to both of them ; and labour how to finde , what appertaines to either , in his kinde . he therefore , who desireth a defence against this arrow of the pestilence ; a compleat armour must from god procure , and still be arm'd , his person to secure . he must put on the helmet of salvation , and shoe his feet with holy preparation . a bel● of truth must for his loines be sought ; his brest-plate must of righteousnesse be wrought . the shield of faith , his target must become , the darts of sathan to secure him from . gods word must be the sword upon his thigh , his praiers , like continuall shot must flie ; and he should keepe for ever his abode , within the shadow of almighty god. or else the workeman looseth all his paine ; and he that watcheth , wake●h but in vaine . he also must expell out of the soule , that filthinesse of sinne , which makes it foule . he must avoid the crimes he lived in ; his physi●ke must be rue ( ev'n rue for sinne ) of herb of grace , a cordiall he must make ; the bitter cup of true repentance take ; the diet of sobriety assume ; his house with workes of charitie perfume ; and watch , that from his heart in secrecie , arise no savours of hypocrisie . he must beleeve , god so doth love him , that his everlasting good , is aimed at in all he suffers ; and , that , god doth know , and marke his nature , and his temper so , as that he will impose nor more , nor lesse , than shall be needfull for his happinesse . for , such a faith , will keepe h●m still content , still lowly , under ev'ry cha●tisement ; still thankfull , whatsoever doth befall ; and blessings make , of what we plagues doe call . he must , moreover with a holy feare , in all his christian duties pe●severe ; still watchfull , and at no time daring ought which may from god divert him in a thought : ( so neere as possibly , the powre of man , so great a diligence endeavour can . ) for , round about him are a thousand feares , a thousand dangers , and ten thousand snares , and , as a traveller , who for his bridges , to passe deepe waters , having nought but ridges of narrow timbers , dares not cast his eye from off the plancke , nor set his foot a wrie ; ●ecause beneath him , he beholds a streame , that runnes , and roares , and gapes to swallow him : so , he that must an hourely passage make , through such like plagues , as this whereof i speake , ( and many dangers waiting on him hath , to catch him , if he slip his narrow path ) had need be carefull that he never stray , nor swarve in any thing beside the way . let , therefore , ev'ry man desire , at least ▪ this pow'r ; that his desirings may be blest , with such pe●formances as he shall need , or , have his will accepted for the deed. and , let him to his calling ever stand : for , whosoe're doth leave that place unmann'd wherein god set him ; ●orfeits that reward ( and is d●prived of that angell guard ) of which his muse doth prophesie , who sayes , we shall pr●s●rved be in all our wayes . far is it from my nature , to reprove with proud insultings , those whom feare did move to step aside : for , good and pious men give way to nat'rall frailties now and then ; and , we whom god emboldned now to stay , hereafter , from lesse frights may run away . yea , sure i am , that if it doe not flow from love , and pity , that their s●apes we show , god may , and will ( our folly to deride ) make them dare stand , where we shall seare to bide . and therefore , hoping none amisse will take what i have writ for truth and con●●ience sake ; ( that men in times to come might looke into this duty , and be heedfull what they doe ) i will affirme , th●t ev'ry one hath erred , who in his lawfull calling , was deterred so much , as in ●his danger to forsake it : and , though a trifling matter many make it , i know , the most apparant showes of terror are not excuse enough for such an error . for , that we should not in such cases dread the greatest perils : god hath promised , that if we keepe ou● wayes , and him obse●ve , he will not onely , from this plague preserve ; but , cause us w●thout ha●me to walke among , ev'n adders , drago●s , lyons old and yong : by which pernicious creatures , and untamed , is ev'●y danger meant ●hat can be named . these things we must obse●ve , if we will hope gods extraordinary blow to stop ; and other circumstances must attend those meanes . but , they so nat'rally depend on what precedes ; that in well doing one , vve cannot leave the other part undone . such were those holy med'cines , which prevented the plague , at niniveh , when she repented ; such isr'el used , and it saved them ; such kept the plague out of ierusalem ; and when the bloody angell came , had pow'r to stop him in araunab's threshing floore . thus hezekiah was preserv'd ; thus david was from the very same contagion saved : and if unfainedly we pra●tise thus , he doth of safety also warrant us . yea ( through this meanes ) we shall be fortifi'd vvith such a coat of proofe , as will abide that murth'ring arrow which in darkn●sse flyes , from god● owne bow , unseene of mortall eyes . and when we thus have done , attempt we may to stop the shaft , that flyes abroad by day ; i meane the nat'rall sicknesse , whi●h doth smite by meanes , that is appar●nt to the sight . for , as god striketh , oft , immediate blowes by some immediate way : right so he showes a nat'rall cure to those , whom he doth please to warrant from the naturall diseas● ▪ thus , he for hezekiah's health revealed that plaister , wherewithall his griefe was healed , thus from this plague have many beene secured , and many saved , who the stroke endured . here i could shew , what med●cines may be tooke to cure or to prevent the outward stroke ; to qualifie the aire , what might be used ; what diet should be taken , what refused ; what symptomes doe attend on this disease ; what good , or ill , from labour , or from ease too much , or over-little , may be got : but , to proceed in this presume i not , for , to prescribe externall med'cines , here to ev'ry man , too hard a taske it were ; since they must often chang'd and mixed , ●e , as we the sicknesse changeable doe see , and as we finde the measure of infection , the parties age , his temper , or complection . to those i the●efore will commit this part , who are allow'd professors of that art ; advising all , that none their aid refuse , nor out of season , their assistance use . for , if , before our peace with god be made , we ( seeking outward meanes ) a cure have had ; that meanes shall be the meanes our death to ●et : that cure shall onely cure us , to beget another plague : unlesse we have repented our solly , and the mis●hiefe , so , prevented . yea such , as take that course , doe sugar o're strong poy●ons , and skin up a festring sore ; because those med'cines , and that watchfuln●sse ( from which they did expect a good succes●e ) not being with repentance sanctifi'd , nor ( in their place ) with faithfulnesse apply'd , corruptd grow ; make what was evill , worse ; and ( in the stead of blessings ) bring a curse . this reason proves , for , since it is from sin whence all our griefes , and sicknesses have bin : we shall as vainly strive th' effects to stay , till we the causes first remove away , as if we went about to draine a river , before to stop the springs we did endeavor . and , as we neither should o're much r●ly on outward helpes ; nor take disorderly the meanes of health ; ●ight so , beware we must that we doe never use it with distrust . for as , in seeking safety , most men use preposterous courses ( whence much harme ensues ) or else ( when likely med'●ines they have got ) presume so farre , on what availe●h not , without gods blessing ; that , from him they take his due , and of his creatures , idols make : so , some there be so fearfull , that their feare corrupts their blood , where no infections were ; begets that plague within them which they shun ; and makes it follow , when they from it run . no place , or counsell can of rest ●ss●re them ; no meanes their hope of safety can procure them : but still they are distemper'd ; ever taking new courses , and new med'cines alwayes making . of all they meet ( if any meet they dare ) for some receipt , their fi●st enquiries are . what e're he be that tells them , that , or this prevents the plague ; it straightwayes practis'd is . they swallow downe hot wa●●rs , sirrups , drinks , choake up their chambers wit● perfumes , & stinks ; with rue , and wormwood cram their bowels up , with phisicke breake their fa●ts , and dine , and su● : yet , still d●spaire , as if that world of sluffe ( which they devoured ) were not halfe enough . and , this their terror , doth to me appeare , a greater plague , then that which they doe feare . mistake me not ; i doe not here condemne the christian , and the filiall feare of them , that are ( with holy dread ) employ'd about such meanes , as wo●keth true salvation out . nor blame it , when a moderate feare doth make alarums in us , reason to awake . for , while our feare preserves a moderation , it is a very necessary passion , and stands for centinell , to bid us arme , when any foe doth seeme to menace harme . nor doe i checke that nat'rall feare , which from the knowledge of our weaknesses doth come : for , want of that , is meere stupidity ; and such , can neither feele a misery , nor ta●te gods mercies , with more profit , than the brutish creatures wanting reason , can ; who , of their paines , or pleasures , nought retaine much longer , then it doth in act remaine . i count not each man valiant , who dares die , or venture on a mischiefe desperately , when , either heat of youth , or wine , or passion shall whet him on , before consideration : for , thus a beast will doe , and hath ( no doubt ) as much foresight in what he goes about ; as those blinde bayards , who couragious be in perills , whose events they doe not see . nor will i any man a coward call , although i see him tremble , and looke pale in dangerous attempts ▪ unlesse he slacke his just resolves , by basely stepping backe . for , as the greater part of men w● find to laugh and blush , by nature , much enclin'd : so , many have a nat'rall inclination , to trembling , palenesse , or some other passion , which , no philosophy can take away , nor any humane wit , or strength , allay : and if their apprehension proveth better then other mens ; their passions are the greater ▪ because their searching wits finde pe●ills out , whereof the dullard ( never having doubt ) hath boldly ventur'd on them , and out-dar'd , wh●t being heede● , him to death had scar'd . give me the man , that with a quaking arme vvalkes with a stedfast mind through greatest harm ; and though his flesh doth tremble , makes it stand to execute what reason doth command . give me the soule , that knowingly descries all dangers , and all possibilities of outward p●rills ; and yet doth persever in ev'ry lawfull action , howsoever . give me that heart , which in it selfe doth warre vvith many frailties ( who li●e traytors are in some besieged fort ) and hath to doe vvith outward foes , and inward terrors too ; yet of himselfe , and them , a conquest makes , and still proceeds in what he undertakes . for , this is double - valour ; and such men ( althoug● they are mis-censur'd now , and then ) enjoy those mindes that best composed are ; in lawfull quarrells are without compare ; and ( when the coward , hoodwink'd goes to fight ) dare cha●ge their sternest foes with open sight . let no man therefore glory , or make boast of courage , when they feele their dread is lost , or thinke themseles the safer , when they finde their feare is gone , whilst perill slayes behinde ; especially , when they besieg'd appeare , with such like pl●gues , as this , we treat of here . for that endangers , rather then secureth ; since custome , or else ignorance procu●eth that bru●ish ●earlesnesse : and , where we see such hardinesse , gods judgements fruitlesse be . there is required , yet , one caveat more to perfect that , which hath beene said before ; ev'n this ; that we grow watchfull , lest the while we trust in god , we doe our selves beguile with fruitlesse confidence , and on his grace ( beyond his warrant ) our assurance place . for , many thousands wondrous forward are in gods large promises to claime a ●hare ; who , those conditions never mused on , which he doth ground his covenant upon . and as the iewes ( from whom they take example ) bragg'd of their outward worship , and their temple , as if gods league extended unto all , who could themselves , the sonnes of iacob , call , without respecting their partic'lar way : so , we have some among us , that will say , they trust in god , and that , in this infection , they full assurance have of his protection : because they formally his truth professe ; performe externall workes of holinesse ; or visibly , with such , partakers are , with whom the pledges of gods love appeare . but , they that on these ou●ward workes rely , without true faith , and true sincerity ; commit those guilded sinnes , whose glosse will weare , and leave their na●urall corruptions bare : yea they , of their professions , idols make ; and , will the covenant of god ●istake , vntill in his conveyances , they see what duties , on their par●s , required be . god promis●th ( indeed ) all such to save , who in his holy church their dwelling have ; and th●t he will vouchsafe them his de●ence from dangers of the noysome pestilence : but they must love him , and inuoke him , then , or else the bargaine is unmade agen . thus much inferres the psalmist , in that ode , which p●ophecies the saving grace of god. those , therefore , too too much on them assume , yea , ( foolishly ) of mercy they presume , who boast of gods protection , and yet tread those paths , which to a sure destruction lead . i doe not meane , when any man mis●does through frailty , or unwillingly mis-goes : but when , with liking , and without remorse , he wilfully pursues a wicked course . for , such , their confidence on god , bely , depending on their owne security ; and cannot see those dangers they are in , because ●heir consciences have seared bin . how many thousands in the grave are laid , who , in their life-times , impudently said they should be safe in god ? yet never tooke his counsell , nor one vanity forsooke for love of him ? how many have i heard presumptuously affirme , they never fear'd the danger of gods arrowes ? though they flew at n●one , at midnight , and so many slew in ev'ry street ? yea , shamelesly professe their trust in god , to cause their fearlesnesse , yet , nothing for the love of him ●ndevour ? how boldly have i seene them to pe●sever in ev'ry ●in , when gods fierce angell stood , ev'n just before them , all embru'd in blood ; and slaught'ring r●ūd about thē neighbors , brothers their friends ▪ their kinsmē , children , fathers , mothers , and some of ev'ry sort ? nay , i have heard of such , who were not any jot afear'd to ba●gaine for their lust , in times to come , vvithin the compasse of the selfe-same roome , vvhere ( at that instant ) they beheld their wives lye newly dead ; or lab'ring for their lives . they waste gods creatures in luxurious diet ; consume their times in wantonnesse , and riot ; they feasts , and merriments , in tavernes keepe , vvhilst others in the temples , fast , and weepe ; th●y p●rsecute their brethren , and the poore ; pe●forme no good ; forbeare no sin the more ; and live so carelesly , as if they thought , that , when the greatest wickednesse they wrought , it prov'd , their trust in god to be the greater ; and , that lewd works , shew'd forth their faith the better ; or else that god the more obligement had , because he was so good , and they so bad ▪ ev'n such there are . and these make boastings will , of ●rust in god , yet such continue still . alas , it is but vaine to say lord , lord , or to professe a confidence in word , where lively faith appeares not : for , god granteth protections unto none , but whom he planteth within his vineyard ; wherein growes no tree , but in some measure , it will fruitfull be ; or ●lse , a storme shall come , which down will shake it , with whatsoever , carnall props , we s●ake it . no high-presuming cedars , nor stiffe oakes , are those whom god exempteth from the strokes of his tempestuous wrath : but , that which bendeth to ev'ry blast , which he in iudgement sendeth , as doth a bruised , or low-stooping reed , which , by the bowing , is from breaking free'd . yea those , who really within the shade of his defence , have their abidings made ; those onely , may depend on his protection , amid the ragings of this hot infection . and who are these , but such , as ( when they see the threa●ned plague ) afraid , and humbled be ? such , as through hearty love , ashamed grow , that they so good a god displeased so : such , as are sory for their passed crimes , and truly purpose , in all future times a better life : such , who , for conscience sake ( and not through servile feare ) themselves betake to pious exercises : such , who strive to mortifie their lusts , and how to live as worthy their free-calling : such , as they , who ev'ry houre , doe labour , watch , and pray ▪ their duties to performe ; and dare not peepe abroad at morning , or at ev'ning sleepe , till they the sacrifice of thankes have paid , for favours past ; and begg'd for future aid . such , as on gods owne pleasure can rely , and , in his faith resolved are to dye . such , as have charity ; and working are their safeties with continuall joy , and fear● ▪ ev'n such as these , securely may repose when twenty thousand dangers them enclose . on these , gods angells wait ▪ and these they shall from stumbling keepe , when many millions fall ▪ from ev'ry kinde of harme they shall be free , and sleepe , where feares , and mischiefes thickest be : yea , though that seize them , which the plague we cal , it shall to them become no plague at all ; but rather be their furth'rance , to acquire that perfect happinesse , which they desire . let no man , therefore , in this visitation tye god unto the temp'rall preservation ; or be discouraged , if he shall please to exercise him under this disease , supposing , he inflicteth it on none ( as some fooles thinke ) but reprobates alone . for he did hezekiah thereby strike ▪ he , by th●s malady , or some such like , afflicted holy david , his elected ; whose reprobation is of none suspected . and though just men from temporall infection shall finde more certainty of gods protection , then others doe : yet sure , that pestilence ( from which god promis'd absolute defence ) is not that sicknesse which the body slayes ; but that , which death unto the soule conveyes . our ●●rthly griefes , to heav'nly joyes doe rear● , and why should any man or grudge or feare a mortall wound , so he might gaine thereby a body cloth'd with immortalitie ? or why should we repine , in missing that , which ( to our dammage ) we had aymed at ; when god doth give us more then we desired ; ●nd lifts us higher , then our hopes aspired ? to him due praises , rather , let us give , whose love to us , is better , then to live . but , i have said enough to this effect , and if , what i have spoken , have re●pec● , we shall ( i hope ) hereafter well dis●erne , what , by this iudgement , we are bound to learne ▪ how much to trust ; how much to hope , or feare ; what outward meanes , or inward helpes there are , vvhereby , this heavy plague may be prevented ▪ or entertained , with a brest contented . so few ( as yet ) have thus prepared bin , that now of late it quickly rushed in in spite of all our halberds , and our watches . and as a flame ( which in a tempest , catches on some full barne ) is blowne about the village , and fi●eth , here , the hopefull fruits of tillage ; a cottage there ; on th' other side the way a well-●ill'd stable , or a rick● of hay ; another yo● ; close by , doth menace harme ev'n to the church ; forthwith consume ● farme ; some dwellings ( now , and then ) doth overgoe ▪ anon la●es waste a dozen in a row ; and still increase , goe forward , and returne , vntill the towne in ev'ry quarter burne : so rag'd the pestilence . and , as we see those wo●kmen , who , repai●ing breaches b● in thame , or trent , at first the banks doe raise ▪ shut clos● the sluce● , strengthen up the bay's , and l●bour seriously with much good hope , vvhile they perceive but some few gaps to stop : but , when they see the flood prevailing more , ( ten breaches made , for ●v'ry one before ) and all endeavors faile ; they worke forsake , leaving the waters their owne cours● to take : so , when this floud began ▪ we had ● thought to keepe it backe ; and to that purpose w●ought : but , when we saw it rise beyond our pow'r , vve gave it way at pleasure to devoure . at first , the publique officers did show their skill in curbing this encroaching foe , not sparing to be prodigall of paine , the spreadings of infection to restraine ; and ev'ry private family beside , against this danger did for armes provide ▪ their yards , and halls , were smoked with perfume , to stop the stinkes , which thither might presume . their chambers furnisht were with antidotes , with viols , boxes , glasses , gallipots , all filled with munition of defence ( as they suppos'd ) against the pestilence . some did in meats their meanes of safety thinke ; some epicures did arme themselves with drinke ; some , foolishly did build up monstrous hope● vpon the smoking of tobacco shops ; ( but this disease , without a conscience making of their presuming on tobacco taking , came thither too , and frequently did cary good-fellowes from their smoaking sanctuary . ) some , one , and some another course devised ▪ yet , ev'ry day more places were surprised . which , when we saw , and how it overcast all temp'rall force ; we thought upon ( at last ) the helpe of god : and then we did repaire to crave his ayd in fasting , and in prayer , then some , through servile terror ; some , for fashio● , and some , out of a true humiliation , emplored ayd from heav'n ; and show'd in teare● their hope , their true repentance , and their feares : but , whether god did for a while contemn● ou● suit , because we gave not eare to him , when first he call'd : or , whether he thought fit , ( that we the longer might remember it ) to fright us somewhat more : or whether we brought not such hearty penitence , as he expected from us : or appointed were some further tryalls of our faith to beare : sure , some such cause there was ; and for that cause , god did not onely seeme to make a pause in answ'ring our petition ; but , to chide more sharply , and to throw it quite aside . for with a doubled , and redoubled stroke the plague went on ; and , in ( among us ) broke with such unequall'd fury , and such rage ; as brittan never felt in any age . with some at ev'ry turning she did meet . of ev'ry alley , ev'ry lane and street she got possession : and we had no way , or passage , but she there , in ambush , lay . through nookes , & corners , she pursu'd the chase , there was no barring her from any place : for in the publique fields in wait she laid ; and into private gardens was convaid . sometime , she did among our garments hide ; and , so , disperse among us ( unespy'd ) her st●ong infections . otherwhile ( unseene ) a servant , friend , or child betraid hath beene , to bring it home ; and men were fearfull growne to tarie , or converse , among their owne . friends fled each other ▪ kinsmen stood aloofe ▪ the sonne , to come withi● his f●thers roofe presumed not ; the mother was constrain'd to let her child depart unentertain'd . the love , betwixt the husband , and the wife , was oft neglected , for the love of life ; and many a ●ne their promise falsifi'd , who vow'd , that nought but death should thē divide . some , to frequent the markets were afraid ; and some to feed on what was thence purvay'd . for on young pigs such purple spots were s●ene , as markes of de●th on plague-sicke men have been ▪ and it appeared that our suburbe-hogs were little better , then our cats , and dogs ▪ men knew not , whither they might safely come , nor where to make appointments , nor with whom . nay , many shunn'd g●ds-house , and much did feare so farre to trust him , as to meet him there . in briefe , the plague did such distruction threat , and feares , and perils were become so great , that most mens hearts did faile ; and they to flight b●●ooke themselves , with all the speed they might : not onely they , who private persons were , but , such as did the publique titles beare . the maior startled , and some say was gone : but , when his charge he truly thought upon , it settled him ; and he at helme did ' bide vntill his roome was orderly supply'd . and ( let me doe him right ) it since appeared , that , with go●d diligence his course he steered . for , on hi● backe were many burthens laid ; the count●y of provisions us denay'd ; the greater part with sicknesse waxed froward ; much want did make the poorer sort untoward ; that when i call to minde his heavy taske , and little helpe ; me thinkes it praise doth aske . most of his gowned - brethren him forsooke , and to their country bow'rs themselves be●ooke ; where , how they pray'd , or what they sent by gift , to feed the poore ; i leave it to the shr●ft of their owne consciences ; which best can tell , what things they have performed ill , or well . physitians were afraid , as well as these , and neither galen , nor hippocrates could yeeld them any warrant for delay ; and therefore ( with the first ) they went away . some leaches of the soule , ( who should have staid ) were much ( nay somewhat over-much ) afraid , and had forgotten so , how to apply thei● heav'nly cordi●ls of divinty , against the feare of ●eath ; that when most dangers beset their flocks ; they left ●hem unto strangers . nay ▪ some there were , who did among us teach , that men should flie ; & that , which they did preach , they taught the people by example too . pray god , in oth●r things th●y may do so . few staid , of any calling or degree , vvho to their country-●riends might welcome be ; or , of themselves were able to provide a place of harbour , where they might abide . yea some , ( to scape uncertaine death ) did flie into the iawes of certaine beggery , by leaving of their callings ; and are flowne so far , and high a flight out of this towne , on borrow'd-feathers ; that their neighbour● feare , they never more will in their shops appeare . those of our wanton gentry , that could brooke no ayre , but londons ; london quite forsooke ; and all that crew of spend-thrifts , whom ( untill this pl●gue did fright them ) nor star-chamber bill , nor strictest proclamation , could compell vpon their owne inheritance to dwell ; were now , among their racked tenants faine to seeke for shelter ; and to ayre againe th●se mu●●● roomes , which ●heir more thrifty sire● kept warme and sweet with hospitable fires . god grant , that where they come , they may do good , among their tenants , by their neighbourhood . of some we hopefull are , they will be such ; and of some others we doe feare as much , that by their presence they will plague them more , then by their willing absence heretofore . in many a mile you scarce could find a shed , or hovell , but it was inhabited , ( sometime with double families ) and stalls and barnes were trimmed up in stead of halls . those burgesses , that walk'd in gownes , and furs , had got them coats , and swords , and boots , & spurs ; and , till you saw them ride , you would have sworne , that , they , for horsemen , might have serv'd the turn . those dames , who ( out of daintinesse , and pride ) the rusticke plainnesse did ( erewhile ) deride , ( and , at a better lodging , fob , would cry ) beneath a homely roofe were glad to lye ; and fawne on ev'ry child , and ev'ry groome , that , so they might the welcomer become . those , who in all their life-time never went so far , as is the nearest part of kent : those , who did never travell , till of late , halfe way to pancridge from the city gate : those , who might thinke , the sun did rise at bow , and set at acton , for ought they did know : and dreame , young partridge sucke not , but are sed as lambes , and rabbets , which of eggs are bred : ev'n some of these have journeyes ventur'd on five miles by land ( as farre as edmunton . ) some hazarded themselves from lyon-k●y almost as far as erith downe by sea : some row'd against the streame , and stragled out a● far as h●un●low-heath , or thereabout : some climbed high-gate-hill , and there they ●ee the world so large , that they amazed be ; yea some are gone so farre , that they doe kno● ere this , how wheat is made , and malt doth grow . oh , how they trudg'd , and busled up and downe , to get themselves a furlong out of towne . and how they were becumbred , to provide , that had about a m●le or two to ride . but when whole housholds further off were sent , you would have thought the master of it , meant to furnish forth some navy , and that he had got his neighbours venturers to be . for all the neare acquaintance thereabout , by lending somewhat holpe to set them out . what hiring was there of our hackney iades ? wh●t scouring up of old , and rusty blades ? what running to and fro was there to borrow a safegard , or a cl●●ke , untill the morrow ? what shift made iack for girths ? what shift made gillian to get her neighbors footstoole , & her pillian , which are not yet ●etu●n'd ? how great a pother to furnish , and unfurnish one another in this great voyage did there then appeare ? and what a time was that for bankrupts here ? those who had thought ( by night ) to steale away , did unsuspected shut up shop by day ; and ( if good lucke it in conclusion prove ) two dangers were escap'd at one remove : some hired palfr●yes for a day , or twaine , but rode so far , they came not backe againe . some dealed by their neighbours , as the iewes at their departure did th' aegyptians use : and some , ( with what was of their owne , content ) tooke up their luggage , and away they went. and had you heard how loud the coaches rūbled ; ●eheld how carres , and cart● together jumbled ; s●ene how the wayes with people ●hronged were ; the bands of foot , the troupes of ho●semen there ; what multitudes away by land were sent ; how many thousands fo●th by water went ; and how the weal●h of london thence was borne ; you would have wondred ; and ( almost ) have sworne the citie had beene leaving her foundation , and seeking out another situation ; or , that some enemy with dreadfull pow'r , was comming to besiege , and to devoure . oh ; foolish people , though i justly might authorize thus my muse●o ●o mock your flight , and still to flout your foll●es : yet , compassion shall end it in a kinde expostulat●on . why with such childish terror did you try to run from him , from whom you cannot flye ? why left you so the place of your abode , not hasting rather to goe meet your god with true repentance , who for ever hath a mercy for us in his greatest wrath ? why did you not your lawfull callings keepe ? but straggle from you● folds like wandring sheepe ▪ that had no shepheard ? and , oh , why , i pray ▪ you shepheards , have you caused them to stray ? your neighbours why forsooke you in distresse ? why did you leave your brethren comfortlesse ? when god did call for mourning , why so fast did you to seeke for mirth , and pleasures , hast ? and take away from other , when you fled , what , in their need , should them have comforted ? if death be dreadfull , stay , and learne to die ; for , death affects to follow those that flie . had you not ●one , you might for ever after have said , that sorrow profits more then laugh●er . you should have known that death hath limits here , and loosed was , where he did bound appeare : that many were prese●ved in th● flame , and many burnt , that came not nigh the same . yea , some of you , be●ore from hence you went , had , of these truths , got some experiment . what ●olly then , or frenzy you bewitches , to leave your houses , and goe dye in ditches ? forgoe the comfort , which your ci●ie yeelds , to venture for a lodging in the fields ? or ( which is worse ) to tràvell farre , and finde those prove ungentle , whom you hoped , kinde ? a plague so bitter , that might plagues be chuse● i would be plague-sicke , rather then so used . did you suppose the pestilence would spare none here , nor come to seaze on any there ? all perish'd not , that did behinde you stay ; nor did you all escape , who fled away . for , god your passages had so beset , that hee with many thousands of you me● . in kent , and ( all along ) on essex side a troupe of c●uell fevers did reside : and ro●nd about , on ev'ry other coast , of severall country - agues lay an hoa●t . and , most of them , who had this place forsooke , were eyther slaine by them , or pris'ners tooke . sometime the pestilence her selfe ●ad bin before them in their lodging , at their inne ; and hath arrested them upon the bed , brought many sicke away , and meny dead . sometime ( againe ) she after them hath gone , and when ( perchance ) she was not thought upo● : among their friends , and in their merriment , hath seiz'd them , to their greater discontent . she divers apprehended on the way , who to so many mischiefes were a prey ; that poorest beggers found more pitty here , and lesser griefe , then richer men had there . i doe not meane concerning that neglect , that barbarous , unmanly disrespect their bodies had among the clownish crew , when from the tainted flesh the spirits flew . for , if their carcasses they did contemne , what harme , or what disease was that to them ? what paine , or torment was it , if that they ( like carrion ) in the fields , unburied lay ? what felt they , being ●ragged like a log , or hurl'd into a saw-pit like a dog ? what disadvantage could that doctor have , who ( learnedly ) was drawne into his grave by na●ed men ? since those things doe disgrace the living rather , and doe wrong the place th●t suffers , or allowes that barb'rousnesse to shame the christian faith , which they professe . alas ; my heart as little can bemone a mangled carcasse , as a broken stone ▪ it is a living body , and the paines , which i conceive a broken heart sustaines , that moveth me : their griefe , in life-time was , and , whilst they liv'd , their sorrowes did surpasse these fained ones , as death , and loathed care , by life , and true content , excelled are . some , who forsooke faire houses , large , and high ; could scarcely get a shed to keepe them dry ; and such , who many bed● , and lodgings had , to lye on straw without the doores were glad . some over-tyr'd with wea●inesse , and he●t , could not , for money , purchase drink , or meat ; but cruelly of succour were deny'd , till , through their faintnesse , they grew sick & dy'd . some , who in london had beene waited on with many servants , we●e enclos'd alone in solitary places ; where they m●ght find leasure , to repent them of their flight . and , when they had supplyes at any need , the bringers did ( like those that lyons feed ) ev'n throw it at them ; or else some where set it , where ( after their departures ) they might fet it . and many a one ( no helper to attend him ) was left to live , or dye , as god should friend him . some , who unwisely did their homes forsake , that triall of the country they might make ; have brought their lives to miserable ends before they could arive among their friends . some , having reach'd the places they desir'd , ( with no meane difficulty , weake , and tyr'd ) have missed welcome , where they sought reliefe ; and , strucken by unkindnesse , dy'd with griefe ▪ the sickly wife , could no ●ssistance have to bring her husbands body to the grave . but was compelled , with a grieved heart , to act the parsons , and the sextons part . and he , that wanted strength ●o beare away his mate , who dead within his presence lay ; vvas faine to let the stinking body lye , till he in death should beare him company . ah me ; what tongue can tell th● many woes , the passions , and the many griefes of those ? what m●rtall pen is able to expresse th●ir great temptations in that lonelinesse ? what heart can thinke , how many a grieuous feare to those distressed people may appeare , who are with such afflictions over-tak●n ? of ev'ry cr●ature in the world forsaken ? without a comforter left all alone , where to themselves they must themselves bemone , without a remedy ? and where none may or know , or pitty , what they ●eele , or say . me thinkes to muse on those who suffer'd thus , should bring to minde the mercy shewed us , and make our pennes and voyces to expresse the love of god , with hearty thankfulnesse . for when no sor●owes of mine owne i had , the very thought of those hath made me sad . and were it not that god hath given me some trya●ls of those com●orting● , which hee for men in their extremities provides , and from the knowledges of others hides : or felt i not , how prevalent gods pow'r appeares in us , when there is none of our : what liberty hee giue 's , when wee doe fall within the compasse of an outward thrall : and what contentments he bestowes on them , whom others doe neglect , or else contemne : yea , had i not beleeued him who sayes , that god doth knowledge take of all our wayes ; that he observes each rubb within our path , with ev'ry secret sorrow , which it hath ; that he is neares● then , when we bemone his absence , an● suppose him furthest gone ; and often in us dwels , when those abroad ( with most ins●lting ) say ; where is their god ? had this beene hidden from me : i had here for ev'ry line i writ , dropt downe a teare ; and in a floud of sorrowes drench'd mine eyes , when first i mused on these miseries ▪ but i have knowne them , to my great content ▪ and felt so oft , w●at comforts god hath lent , when of all outward helpes we are dep●ived ; that ( could the same of all men be beleeved ) it would be thought , true pleasures w●re possessed of none , but men forsaken , and distressed . how ever ; though such mercy god bestowes , and brings men comfort in their greatest woes ; let none of us presume , ( as some have done ) without our circle , foolishly to runne ; nor leave our proper station , that we may goe seeke our fortunes in an uncouth way . conceive me right ; i doe not here deny , or call in doubt the lawfuln●sse , to flye : nor am i of their counsell , who despise all such as fled : nor , judge i too precise those , w●o the person , or the place avoid , which is with any noysomnesse annoy'd . for , when the causes of remove , are just , we then may flye the plague ; nay , then we must ; since , those who will not , ( in such cases ) goe , tempt god , and faile in what they ought ●o doe . if that a king , or prince , should live within a city much infected , it were sin . for he ( no doubt ) hath some vice-gerent there who , in his absence , may supply his care : or , if that place were certaine of decay by his departure ; yet he might not stay . the reason is ; there many thousands are o● townes , and cities , that in him have share . who , would conceive , it were unjustly done , that he should venter all their wealth in one. and make great kingdomes hazards to endure , the welfare of one city to procure . so , counsellers of state , and he , whose charge extends throughout the common wealth at large , vvith ev'ry other magistrate beside , ( except his pow'r to s●me one place be ty'd ) must shun the plague ; because that such , as he , sworne servants to the whole weale-publique be . and since the safest physicke and defence for children , in the times of pestilence , is to remove them : they unwisely do , vvho , having wealth , and f●iends to send them to , neglect the meanes , by being over nice ; or grudging at the charge , through avarice . moreover they , whose calling seemes to lye vvithin two sev'rall places , equally , ( till some plaine causes hinder ) may be fre● to live where safety best appeares to be : vnlesse their secret conscience doe gaine-say ; and who can judge of that , but god , and they ? yea , men , on divers good occasions mo , may from the places of infection goe . for there be times of stay , and times of going , vvhich , ev'ry one ( that is discreet ) well knowing , doth censure no partic'lar man , at all : but calling unto mind , that blessed paul vvas once ev'n in a basket forth convay'd from his pursuers ; yet no iotafraid ( at other seasons ) to continue there , vvhere bloody pe●secutions hottest were . and if my words have done my meaning right , my muse denyes not , but alloweth flight : provided alwayes , that men doe not flie from casuall plagues , to plagues with certainty : from those with whom the bands of charity , of duty , friendship , or affinity , or of their calling , doth requi●e a stay . provided also , when they part away , that as god blest them hath , they somewhat ●●nde , to comfort those , who must abide behinde ; and , that they trust not to their flight , as tho , that , of it selfe could save : but , ra●her know , and use it as the gracious meanes of him , who saves ; and , not as that which saved them . let the● consider likewise , that the sin was partly theirs , which did the plague begin ; and , in their absence ( with a christian feare ) make sute for those , who must the burthen beare , from which they scape : yea , let them all confesse their sins with penitenc● and humblenesse ; avoiding ev'ry pleasure , where they live , which out of minde , their brethrens cares may drive ; lest god pursue them whither they are fled ; there ●eize upon them to their greater dread ; or from them take away all due correction , which plague were greater then this great infe●tion . for , when his iudgements , god , in wrath , removes , his mercy , then , the greater iudgement proves . there be , i know , some people gone away , who mi●ding our afflictions , night and day , have much bewayled our distressed case , and sent up earnest prayers fo● this place : for , of their piety good fruits are seene , and , by their hands , the poore refresht have beene . these , from this den of slaughter , were ( no doubt ) by gods especiall favour called out , who , for their sakes , i hope , those townes will spare , to which , for sh●lter , they es●aped are , as he did zoar. and i wish they may obtaine their lives , and safeties for a prey . but , there be some ; ( and would to god , that some were but a little one ) who parted from our city walls , as if they had not gone with vengeance at their heeles ; or waited on by feares and dangers ; but , so finifi'd , as if their meaning was , to shew their pride in country churches , for a weeke or twaine , ride out like co●kneies , and come home againe : the sorrowes of their brethren they forgot ; in holy duties they delighted not : in drunken meetings they their leasure spent ; in idle visits ; foolish merriment : and , to their country-friends they caried downe those sinnes that are too common in this towne . vvhich ( if they practise there , as here we doe ) vvill bring their wages , also , thither too . these giddy runnawayes , are they that were beginne●s of that great unmanly feare , vvhich did first author of disorder prove . these , caused that improvident remove , vvhich did both wrong the welfare of the citi● , distract the country , make it voyd of pitie ; and , give occasion of those tales which fame hath now dispersed , to our common shame . for , if their flight had timely beene provided , ( vvith conscience and discretion truly guided ) th●i● profit here at home had beene the greater , and ▪ f●iends abroad , had entertain'd ●hem better . and , yet i take small pleasure to excuse t●ose pesants , who so grosly did abuse t●eir manhood and religion , in denying t●e dues of charity , to people dying . for , though their folly might their fall deserve , yet we our christian pitie should preserve , our brother in extremities releeving ; not adding sorrowes to encrease his grieving , nor taking notice of his evill deed● , so much , as of that comfort which he needs : till , he r●freshed by a friendly ●and , his errors , by our love , may understand . and , sure , there was a meanes to succour stranger● in their distresse , and to escape the dangers of that infection , ( which so much was feared ) had vnderstand●ngs eye be●ne better cleared ; and , that selfe-love , and avarice , removed , which kept good path● unseene , and unapproved . but , since that easie knowledge hath beene hid , by wilfull blindnesse , well enough i did , if , here , i ( satyrizing ) should expresse the countries folly , and fo●getfulness● . and yet , i will not write , to their disgraces , what of some persons , and particular places hath rumor'd beene : lest i should spirt a blot so blacke , as that it would not be forgot in future ages ; but , make times-to-come , suspect , they had deny'd their christendome . for , shou●d our muse ( who , if she list thereto , cares not who frownes , or frets , at what we doe ) should she put on that straine of bitternesse , with which their cruelty we could expresse : should we in our description of their feare , cause all their indiscretion to appeare : should we illustrate here , the true relation● , of what hath past in many corporations ; what uproares in some townes have raised beene , when londoners , approaching them , were seene : how master maior was straightway flockt about ; how they to counsell went to keepe them out ; how they their watches doubled , as if some had brought them newes that spinola would come : and what ridiculous actions past among them ; some few , perhaps , wold think th●t we did wrōg thē ; and , they would subjects be of scorne , and laughter , for ●ll their evill willers , ever after . or , should we tell what propable suspition appear'd , sometime , of wisedome and discretion , in goodman constable ; when , in a standing , to wind-ward from the rode ( & there commanding browne bills , and halberts ) he examined such travellers , as from the city fled : and ( at the very lookes of them affrighted ) sent feeble women , weary and benighted , ( without or meat or drink ) to try the field● what charity , their better nature yeelds . if this we told , it might goe hard ▪ when we should apprehended in their watches , be . or , should we shew , what polici●s did pleas● the wisdome of some rustick iustices ; describe that wondrous witty stratagem which for a while was practised by them to starve the plague ; how christianly they sought that no provisions hither might be brought ; should we produce their orders , which of late were put in u●e , and wisemen laughed at : or , publish to the world what we have heard of their demeanors , when they were afeard : how they were fool'd by some of them that fled : what course was taken to interre their dead : how ▪ he who for that worke could hired be , was f●r his labour , chained to a tree a full month after : how , they forced some from their sweet wholsome houses forth to come ; and ( being sick and weake ) to make their bed within a palt●y new erected shed , compos'd of clods ; which neere some common-side their charitable worships did provide : or , should i on some other matters touch vvhich i have heard ; it would enlarge too much this booke : and some of those , perhaps , perplex , vvhom i desire to counsell , not to vex . but , i from aggravations will forbeare , and , those their oversights , at this time , spare . for , some ( although most others did not so ) thei● love and christian piety did show , in counselling , in cherishing , in giving , and , in the wisest manner of releeving . beside ; i love the count●y , as i pitie the sorrowes and afflictions of the citie . and ( since they both are guilty ) being loth to side with either ; i the faults of both have shewed , so , that neither i abu●e . now , they that like it may ; the rest may chuse . the third canto . the house of movrning , which most ●eare , ( and flye so much ) is praised here . it showes that outward ioyes and care , nor m●erly good , nor evill , are ; but things indiff'rent ; which the wise nor over-praise , nor under-prize . the strife within our authors brest about his stay , is next exprest . then doth it orderly recite what reason argu'd for his flight : what faith alleaged , to reprove the motives urging his remove : what armes for him , she did prepare , to bide the shock of death , and feare : what proofe she to his conscience made , that , he a lawfull calling had , in midst of this great plague to tary , by warrant-extraordinary : what , thereupon he did conclude : what ioy , and confidence ensu'd : how much this favour he doth prise , above earths glorioust vanities : how he his time desires to spend : and so , this canto hath an end . how childish is the world ! and what a path her throng of braine-sick lovers trodden hath ! like brutish herds they troupe along together , both led , and leading on , they know not whither . much hoping , where no ground of hope appeares , much fearing , where indeed , there are no feares . in those things pleased , which t●ue mirth destroy : for that thing grieved which procureth ioy : most shunning , what might bring most gain unto thē ; and seeking most , for what would most undoo them . how few are so cl●are-sighted , a● to see what pleasures mi●gled with afflictions be ? or what conten●ments doe concealed lye ▪ behinde the seeming dangers which they flye ? how few have , by experience , unde●stood that god hath sent their troubles for their good ? how few consider , to what fearfull ends , the faire smooth way , of easefull pleasure tends ? and , therefore , oh ! how few adventure dare where mournings , rather then where laughters are ? though god himselfe prefer the house of griese , before vaine mirth ; and pleasures of this life hath termed thornes , that choke the heav'nly seed : yet few of us have taken so much heed of what the sacred volume doth record , ( and , flesh and blood ) distrusteth so the word of his fi●me truth ) that blindly we pursue our owne vaine counsels , and his tract●schew ●schew . 't is therefore doubtfull , it would vaine appeare , if i should labour to discover here , how many secret pleasures i have seene while in the ce●s o● mourning i have beene . and , what contentments god bestowed hath , when i have walkt the solitary path of disrespect ; ( ass●ulted by those feares , which oft affront us in this vale of tea●es ) o● what prevailing hopes i have possessed , when i , beyond all hope , have seem'd oppressed . for , vulgar men , doe such expressions hold to be but idle paradoxes , told by those , who grown distemper'd , through some gri●f vent melancholy passions , past beleefe . and as our vpland pesants , from the shores beholding how the sea swels , fomes , and rores , iud●e foolishly , that ●v'ry seaman raves , who talkes of mirth and safety on the waves : so , they will fondly passe their doome on me , who strangers to the seas o● sorrow be . but , though the world allow not what i say , yet , that the love of god , proclaime i may ; that , i may justifie him in his word ; that for mine owne availe i may reco●d what i have seene : and that experience might encrease my hopes , and hope put feare to flight , in future suffrings : here i testifie , ( and heav'n is witnesse , i affirme no lye ) my soule did never feele more ravishment , nor ever tasted of more true content , then when my heart , nigh broke with secret paine , hath borne as much as e're it could sustaine ; and strugled with my passions , till it had attained to be excellently sad . yea , when i teares have powred out , where none was witnesse of my griefe but god alone , he hath infused pleasures into me , which seldome can in publike tast●d be . such griefe is comforts mother . and i mow oft times with mirth , what i in teares did sow . before my eyes were d●yed ; i have had more cause of singing then of being sad . the lampe in darkest places gives most light ; and truest ioyes arise from sorrowes night . my cares ar● blessed thistl●s , unto me , w●ich wholesome are , although the● bitter be : and though their leaves with prick● be overgrowne ▪ ( which paine me ) yet their flowres are full of down , wher●on my head lyes easie when i sleepe : and i am never saddest when i weepe . yet , long it was before i could attaine this mystery : nor doth it appertaine to all . for , ev'n as sarah had not leave within her body isack to conceive , ( vvhich laughter signifies ) untill in her those customes ●ailed which in women are : so , in our soules , true ioyes are not conceived , till we by some afflictions ar● bereaved of carnall appetites , and cease from su●h vaine pleasures as affect us overmuch . to little purpose doe they looke for these conc●ptions , who are evermore at ease . such comforts are of those but rarely found , vvhose wheele of fortune never runneth round ▪ no soule can apprehend what maketh glad the grieved heart , but his that griefe hath had , and various interchanges : nor can he vvho knowes the joyes that in such sorrowes be as these i meane , a true contentment take in any merriment , this world can make : ( no not in all her pleasures ) if among her sweets , there should be sharpnesse wanting long . for ( being fearfull that his bodies rest the soules true peace might secretly molest ) his mirth would make him dull : his being jolly ( as worldlings are ) would make him melancholy : and ( if no other cause be thought upon ) would g●ieve , because the sense of griefe were gone . whilst i have gallopt on in that career , which youth , in freedome , so affecteth here ; and had the most delightfull blandishment , my youth could yeed me for my hearts content : when i in handsome robes have beene araid , ( my tailor , and my mercer being paid ) when daily i on change of dainties fed ; lodg'd , night by night , upon an easie bed , in lordly chambers ; and had therewithall attendants forwarder then i to call , who brought me all ●hings need●ull : when at hand ▪ hounds , hawkes , and horses were at my command : when chuse i did my walks , ●n hills , in vallies , in grove● , neere springs , or in sweet garden allies ▪ repo●ing either in a naturall shade , or in neat a●bors , which by art were made : when i m●ght have ●equir'd without deniall , the lut● , the organ , or deepe-sounding viol● , to cheere my spirits ; with what else beside was pleasant : when my friends did this provide without my cost or labour : nay , when all those pleasures i have shared , which be●all in praises , or kinde welcommings , among my dearest friends ; my soule retain'd nor long nor perfect rest , in those imperfect things : but , often droupt amid their promisings , grew dull , and si●kly : and , contrariwise hath pleased beene in want , ●and miseries . fo● , when long time , ev'n all alone they laid me , where ev'ry outward comfort was denayd me ▪ to many cares and wants unknowne obtruded ; from fellowship of all mankinde excluded ; expos'd to slandrous censures , and disgrace ; subjected to contempts , and usage base ; with tortures threatned , and what those attends ; by greatmen frown'd on ; blamed of my friends ; in●ulted on by foes ; and almost brought to that for which their malice chi●fly sought : ev'n then , my spirits mounted to their height , and my contentment slew her highest flight . in those di●easings , i more joy received , then can from all things mortall be conceived . in that contemn'd estate , so much was cleared my reasons eye ; and god so bright appeared to my dim-sighed faith ; that , lo , he turned my griefes to triumphs yea , me thought , i scorned to labour for assistance from abroad , or beg for any favour , but from god. i fear'd not that which others thought i feared ; nor felt i paine , in that which sharpe appeared : but , had such inward quiet in my brest , till outward ease made way to my unrest ; that , all my troubles seemed but a toy . yea , my affliction so encreast my ioy , that more i doubted losse of my content , by losing of my close imprisonment , then ever i can feare the bodies thrall , or any mischiefe which attend it shall . for , as if some antipathy●rose ●rose betwixt the pleasures of the world , and those enjoyed then ; i found t●ue ioyes begin to issue ou● , as they were entring i● . ti●l others brought me hopes of my release , i scarcely held it worth my hopefulnesse . i had no frighting dreame ; no waking care : i tooke no thought for meat , nor what to weare ; i sleighted frownes , and i despis'd the threat of such as threatned , were they meane or great ▪ i laught at dreadfull rumors , and disdained of any suffrings to have then complained , i valued not a jot the vulgar doome , nor what men prat●d might of me b●come . i mind●d no such trifles , wherewith you , and i , and others , are oft busied now : but , being , as it were exiled , then , from living in the world , with other men , twixt god , and mine owne conscien●e , to and fro , my thoughts , in a quotidian walke , did go . with contemplations , i was then inspired , beseeming one that wholly was retyred . i thought , like him , that was to live al●●e ; i did like him , that had to doe with none . and , of all outward actions left the care vnto the world , and those who lived there , nor hath god onely pleased beene to show what comforts from a p●ivate griefe may flow , but , that a new experience might be taught me , he to the house of publike-s●rrow brought me in this late pestilence ▪ and , there i saw such inward joy commixt with outward awe ; things bitter with such sweetnesses allaid ; such pleasures , into sorrowes cup convaid ; such fi●me - assurance , in the greatest dangers ; such f●endlines , when others friends were strangers ; such f●eedome in restraint ; such ●ase in paine ; such life in death , and ev'ry feare so vaine , ( which outwardly affrights ) that pleasures court would halfe be robbed of her large resort , ( and stand lesse visited , ) if men could see what profits in the cels of sorrow be . for , he that knew what wisdome there is had , would say that mirth were foolish , laughter mad : that ●ase perpetu●ll bringeth endlesse paine : that carnall joy arives at hope in vaine : that , from all outw●rd perils●o ●o be free , m●y prove most per●llous ▪ that , h●alth may be the d●adl'est sicknesse : that , our pleasures are but pit-f●ll● ▪ our se●urity a snare ; and , that sometimes those things to which we run , may bane us more , then those we s●eke ●o shun . i found it so . and , in my blamed slay , ( whilst others f●om the plague made haste away ) i gained some renewings of that ●es● ▪ whereof i h●d beene formerly possest . it forced foll● , further to depart : it brought gods me●cies nearer to my heart : brave combats in my soule did then begin , which i tooke courage from , and pleasure in . new trialls of my frailty did befall ; and , of gods love , i had new p●oo●es withall . in all my discontentments , such con●ents , and of gods wo●kings , such experiments vouchsafed were ; that crowned should i live , with all those glorious wreathes that king● can g●ve , and had by them obtain'd each happin●sse , which wo●ldlings in their greatnesse do● possesse ; i would not sell the comfort of my s●ay for that , and all which those imagine may . nor doe i over-prise the same , altho , the ignoran●e of some will think i doe : for , it hath left within me , ever since , of gods firme love , so strong a confidence , that , whatsoever accidents betide , i hope to stand the better fortifi'd whilst here i live : and that no time to come can send me to a place , so perilsome , that i shall feare it , or , to undergoe the dreadfull'st perills man can fall into ; if that my calling doe oblige me to it , or god , in iustice , m●ke me undergoe it . in other cases , i expect no mo●e , but , rather , lesse imboldning then be●ore . for , he that any dangerous taske assumes , wi●hout good warrant , fo●lishly presum●s ; tempts god ; and justly perisheth , unlesse the ve●le of mercy hide his wilfulnesse . yea , they who over desp'rately have dar'd bold things at first ; at last have basely fear'd , re●enting their foole-hardinesse ▪ in vaine , when hope was lost , of turning ba●k againe . for , though from dang●r● , griefes , and miseries , far greater comforts oftentimes arise , then from prospe●ity ( if we attend god● pleasure , and accept what he doth send ) y●t , o● themselves , nor paines , nor pleasures can felicitate ; nor is the wit of man so perfect , that precisely he doth know his owne just temper , or his nature so , as to appoint himselfe , what will be needing of weale , or woe , ( nought wanting , or exceeding ) and therefore , as some man hath by affecting ease , wealth , or temp'rall fame , ( without respecting gods pleasure ) often perished by that which his unbounded will ha●h reached at ; so , they who shall that ●ase or wealth contemne ( which god by law●ull meanes doth offer them ) and they , who shall unthankfully refuse , of any outward ble●sing , meanes to use , ( through discontent , selfe trust , or wilfull pride ) when they might honestly those meanes provide ▪ ev'n both of these are g●ilty of offence , against the wise ete●nall providence : and are in danger to be l●ft of god , in those misleading p●ths which th●y have trod . these things i mused ; and in heart revolved a thousand more , before i was resolved to keepe in london , where m●n draw no breath but that which menaced the b●dies death . and , seeing ▪ many have condemn'd the fact . as an unwar●antabl● , foolish act : since , i● may teach them to forbeare to give their verdict , till they evidence receive : since , thus to mention it , a m●ane● may be , to build againe the like resolves in me when ●uture perill so requireth it ; and when , perhaps , this minde , i may forget : yea , since the manner of it , may , perchance , deliver others from some ignorance , and help their christian res●lutions out , when they are thrall'd with carnall feare , or doubt : ev'n for these causes , ( and to glorifie the pow'r of god in this my victory ) i will relate what reason● m●de me stay : what ●opes they were , which drove my feares away : and , with what circumstances , i obtained that knowledg , which my shaking faith maintained . when i perceiv'd the pestilence to rage in ev'ry street , nor sparing sex , nor age ; how from their city-hive , like bees in may , the fearfull citizens did swarme away : how fast our gentry hasted to be gone : how often i was urg'd and call'd upon , to beare them company : what safeties were by absence promist ; what great terrors here my death did m●nace : how , by timely flight i might behold my country with delight : how nothing could be gotten by ●y stay , but wants , and new afflictions ev'ry day : with such like disadvantages , which brought , a hundred other musings to my t●oug●t . they made it seeme , a while , well wor●h reproving , to stay , a minute , longer from removing ▪ but , then my conscience also did begin to draw such pow'rfull moti●es , from within ▪ and , to propose before my understanding such reasons , my departure countermanding , as made me stagger , and new doubts to make , what course it best behoved me to take . at first , i thought by counsell from the wise , to build up my resolves , and to advise by their opinions what i ●hould pursue ; but , of the gravest i perceiv'd so few who could advise them●elves ; that i grew more divided by their counsels , then before . i saw such foolishnesse , and such distractions , appeare among them in their words and actions ; that i perceiv'd they had enough to doe , their owne particulars to looke unto . then , guided by example would i be ; but , that i quickly found no rule ●or me ; for , they who in opinion do consent , oft differ , in ●he active president . and some , who have a tongue the truth to say , have wanted grace to walke the safest way . beside , mens actions , which indiffe●ent are , may foolish , wise , or bad , or good appeare , as their unknowne occasions are who doe them ; and , small respect is to be had unto them , by way of p●esident , till we can finde their outward motives , and their secret minde ▪ this heeding ; and still waxing more molested , with diff●ring thoughts , and reasons undisgested , i knew no better way , then to repaire for counsell unto god , ●y humble pray'r ; beseeching his direction , how to take that course , which for his glory ▪ most should make . and he ( i think ) was please● to suggest , that if i askt my conscience what was bes● , his word and spirit would informe her so , that she should shew me what was best to do . then , from the noise of other mens perswasions , ( from selfe-c●nceit , and from those vaine occasions , which bring disturbances ) i did retire , gods pleasure , of my conscience , to enq●ire . who , finding in my brest a strong contention twixt fai●h and reason ; and , how their dissention was fi●st to be composed ( that i might the sooner understand the t●uth aright ) she call'd a court within me ; s●mmon'd thither those pow'rs , and all those faculties together , which tena●ts a●e in chiefe u●to the soule : their faulty inclinations did controule : and , that she might not without profit chide , some ill advis●d courses rectifi'd . then will'd she faith and reason to debate their cause at large : and , that which they , of late , had urg'd confusedly within my brest , she will'd them , into method , to digest : that so , my iudgement might the better see , to whether part i should enclined be they both o●e●'d . and , reason ( who suppos'd delay bred danger ) hastily compos'd those many strong perswasions , wherewithall she did my person from the city call ; before my conscience , them in order laid , and ( as halfe angry ) thus me thought she said . what meanest thou , thus fondly , out of season , to shew thy boldnesse in contempt of reason ? why art thou alwayes these mad courses taking ? thy lines , and actions , paradoxes making ? why thus pursu'st thou what to ruine tends , to glad thy foes , and discontent thy friends ? by making wilde adventures , to the blame of thy blinde faith , and my perpetuall sh●me ? is 't not enough , that by thy little caring to humor fooles , and by thy over daring to ●eard proud vices , thou h●st lately cros● thy way to riches , and preferment lost ? is 't not enough , that when thou dost become the scorne of foole● , thou wert delivered from a m●●ked hate , ev'n in that day , and place , which malice had assign'd for thy disgr●ce ? and sawst the shame of that unjust i●tention alight on him who plotted that invention ? is 't not enough , that thou escape● hast through many wants and perils und●sgrac'd , when thy advent'rous muse drew downe upon thee those troubles which were like to have undone thee ? suffice not these , unlesse thou now assay a needlesse act ? and foole thy life away by tempting heav'n , in wilfull staying there , where , in thy face grim death doth alway stare ? looke what thou d●st , and w●ll obse●ve ●hine errors , for , thou art round about , enclos'd with terrors . and if thou be not stupid thou maist see that there is cause thou shouldst affrighted be . dost thou not smell the vapours of the gr●ve ? dost thou not heare thy plague-sicke neighbours rave ? dost thou not tast infection in the aire ? dost thou not view sad objects of despaire ? dost thou not f●ele thy vitall pow'rs assailed ? dost thou not finde thy spirits often quail●d ? or with thy judgement hast thou lost thy sense , that thou dost make no greater speed from hence ? marke there , how fast with corpses they do throng ▪ see yonder , how the shadowes , passe along . behold , just now , a man before thee dies : behinde thy back , another breathlesse lies . that bell , now ringing , soundeth out the knell of him , whom thou didst leave , last ev'ning , well . lo , he that for his life , lyes gasping , there , is one of those who thy companions were this very morning . and , see , see , the man that 's talking to thee , looketh pale , and wan , is sick to death ; and , if thou doe not run for helpe , will die before his tale be done . yet , art thou no● afraid ? i prethee , tell why mightst thou not have beene that man as well ? though he this minute hath prevented thee , why maist not thou , the next that followes be ? why shouldst not thou as quick●y drop away , since , fl●sh and blood thou art , as fra●l as they ? what can thy speedy dissolution hinder , since thy complexion is as apt as tinder to take that flame ? and , if it seize thee must , what art thou better , then a heap of dust ? there is no constitution , sex , degree , or age of man , from this contagion free . nor canst thou get an antidote to fit for all infection , though , perhaps , thy wit could learne thy temper so , as not to wrong● thy health , by things too weak , or over strong . for , men oft change th● temper they should hold , are sometime hot ; sometime againe are cold ▪ one while are sprightly , otherwhile are dull ; are now too empty , and anon too full : that , t is a doubtfull , and a curious act , to adde a just proportion , and substract ( in using outward meanes of pres●rvation ) according to the bo●ies variation . and , many , therein failing , lose their lives , by wrong , or misapply'd preservatives . thou shalt have , therefore , but uncertaine hopes from druggists , or apothecary shops . to warrantize thy health ▪ if thou on those in staying here , thy confidence repose . and sure , thou neither harbor'st such a thought , that , thou of any better s●uffe art wrought then other men : nor trustest unto charmes , to keepe off this disease from doing harmes : for , those unhallowed med'cines , and i●pure , breed greater plagues , then those they seeme to cure . nor art thou , of that brotherhood , which sees the booke of gods particular decrees ; and gypsie like ( by heathnish palmistry , or by the lines of phisiognomy ) conjectures dareth not alone to give , who of this plague shall dye , or who shall live : but also wicke●ly , presumes to t●ll which man shall goe to heav'n , and which to hell : of these i know thou art not . for , as yet i hope thou hast not so forgone thy wit : to credit their illuding p●ophanations , which are but fantosmes of illuminations begot in these late ages ( by misch●nce ) betwixt much pride , and zealous ignorance . thou dost not think thy merits greater are then other mens , that god thy l●f● should spare . nor canst thou hope thy safety to poss●sse , for that thy follies or thy sinnes are lesse . since if thou hadst but one time beene mis-led , thy life for that one time were so●fei●ed . and , this disease , with outward ma●ks , doth strike . the righteous , and the wicked , both alike . then , since thou art a sinner , and art sure , that sinne did first this pestilence procure : since thou maist also justly say with griefe , that , thou of all transgressors art the chiefe : since thy offences some of those have bin , which h●lpe to bring this great infection in : nay ; since it may be ( if thou search thy heart ) that thou a principall among them art , who from the ship must ionas-like be throwne , before this tempest will be over blowne ▪ why doth it not thy guil●y soule dismay , and make thee hasten more to flye away ? it may be thou dost vainly hope for fame , by doing this . oh! what availes the same , when thou art raked up quite void of sense , among the slaughters of the pestilence ? what will it profit when thou sleep'st in clay , some ▪ few should praise , and some lament thy stay ? some heed it not ? some make a mocke thereat ? some deeme thee foolish , others d●sperate ? some , judge thy tarying might for trifles be ? some , for thy best intention slander thee ? or with base trash thy breathlesse muse bely● ▪ or , mis-report thy dying , if thou dye ? for , if thou chance to perish in this place , these wayes , and other meanes to thy disgrace , thy foes will finde ▪ and in thy fall contented , accomplish what , thy life might have prevented . but say to scape alive thy lott it be ; a troupe of other perils wait on thee . thou know'st not what extremities may fall , nor how thy heart may struggle therewithall . such poverty upon this towne may seize , e're god asswage the rage of this disease , that meanes may saile thee ; and before supply thy friends can send thee , thou maist famisht lye : for they who now affect thee , and with whom thou shal● , perhaps , to live resolv'd become , ev'n they may perish in this pest , and leave thee to strangers whose affections will deceive thee : in time of health , but slenderly befriend thee : in sicknesse , to a lonely roome commend thee : make spoile of what is thine , and senslesse be of helping , and of all regard of thee . and then it will , perchance , afflict thy mind that thou unto thy selfe wert so unkinde , as to neglect th●t wholesome country ayre ▪ whereto thy friends invited thy repaire . thou maist remember , when it is too late , those pleasures , and that happy healthy state thou mightst have had : a●d wi●h how much respect thou shouldst have liv'd with those that thee affect ; a comfort to thy parents , who with feare , d●e sorrow for thy needl●sse lingring here : for , them thou leavest , an● some friends beside , ( to live , 'twixt hope and feare , unsatisfi'd by this thy doing ) whom thou dost abuse , if that which may d●scomfort them thou chuse . and , when they shall thy wilfulnesse condemne , with what good reasons wil● thou answer them ? thy dwelling is not here ; nor is thy stay compelled by affaires that urge it may . thou hast nor publike neither private charge ; but , maist in any place , goe walke at large . the wo●ld conceiveth not the least suspition , that thou art either surgeon , or physitian , ( whose art may stand this place in any s●eed ; ) or that thy friends will thy attendance need . for thou canst neither broths nor caudles make , nor drenches good enough for horse to take . thou hast no calling , that may warrantize this boldnesse : neither can thy wit devise how thou will answer god , f●r daring thu● an act so needlesse , and so perillous . consider well , that there are paines in death ; consider , that when thou ha●t lost thy breath , thy flesh , the deare companion of thy soule , shall be rejected as uncleane , and foule , and , lodge within a grave , contemn'd and vile , which might have liv'd esteemed , yet a while . consider , that thou hast not an estate of being , which is base or desperate ; but such , as few on earth possesse a better , though each one , that hath ought , enjoyes a greater . consider , that thou dost endanger now the blessing of long life . consider , how thou mightst have lived to a larger measure of riches , of preferment , or of pleasure ; and profited thy country , whereunto thy death , or sicknesse , will no service do . nay , if thou now miscarry , where will be those honest hopes which late possessed thee ? to ●hose thy studies who an end shall adde , which but a while agoe , beginning had ? and , being left unfinisht , make the paine and houres , upon them spent , to be in vaine ? with somewhat thou endued art , whereby thou ma●st thy blessed maker glorifie ; thy selfe advantage , and a joy become to such as well affect thee ; and 'gainst whom ( if thus thy selfe thou separate ) thou shalt commit a most inexpiable fault . oh! the●efore , i beseech thee , wary be , to thinke what service god requires of thee : think , what thou w●st thy selfe ; and call to mind , that some wel-wille●s thou maist leave behinde , whose hopes thou should'st not wilfully bereave , ( whose loves thou should'st not unrequited leave ) by hazarding thy life , which is a debt to their deservings . for , thou know'st not , yet , how that may grieve thy soule , or fill thy head with troubled sancies , o● thy dying-bed . i cannot make d●scovery , by all my faculties , and po●'rs rationall , what worke tho● maist imagine should be done t●at's worthy of the hazard thou dost run . nor can , as yet , my understanding reach ( what hope soever faith may please to pre●ch ) to those felicities ; which after death her supernaturall doctrines promiseth . nor finde i suc● assurances , a● may preserve thee unaffrighted in thy stay . for when within my naturall scale i place those arguments , and promises of grace , which faith alledgeth ; they so ayrie prove , that they my ballance very little move . yea , such transcendent things declareth she ▪ as they me thinks should so distemper thee , that doubts and terrors rather should possesse thy soule , then hopes of reall ●appinesse ; since what in death , or after death shall come , are things , that nature is estranged from . fly therefore , this great perill . seeke a place where thou maist plead more safely of thy case : and , since thy god , with reason , thee doth blesse , now , most thou need'st it , be not reasonlesse . all this ( and what the ca●nall wit of man object , in such an undertaking can ) did r●ason urge , to make my stay appeare an act imp●ovident , and full of feare : and what her seeming rightfull c●use advances , was utt'red with such dreadfull ci●cumstances , that she did hal●e pe●swade me to confesse , my resolution would be foolishnesse . but , when my r●ason had no more to speake , my faith began : & though her st●ength was weak , ( because my ●railties had enfeebled her ) yet , then i felt her with more vigour stir , then in lesse perills . for , she blew aside those fogs whe●ewith my heart was t●rrifi'd : made cleare my iudgement : and ( as having wa●gh'd the speech f●regoing ) thus , me thought , she said . how wise is reason in an ethnicke schoole , and , in divine proceedings , what a foole ? how many likely things she mus●er can , to startle and amaze a naturall man , w●ich , when i am advis'd withall , are found but pannick feares , and terrors without ground ! and yet , how often doth blinde ignoranc● , above my reach her shallownesse advance ? or else of madnesse , wickedly condemne my wisdome , and my safest paths contemne ? yet be not thou ( my soule ) deceived by the foolishnesse of humane sophistry . but , since by thy afflictions , thou hast got exp●rience , which the world attaineth not ; give heed to me , and i will make thee know those things which carnall reason cannot show . yea make thee by my pow'r more certaine be of that which mortals can nor heare nor see , then of the plainest objects that appeare vnto the sense of corp'rall eye or eare : and though my promise , or my counsell seeme to vulgar iudgements , but of meane esteeme , i le so enable the● those seares to bide , w●erewi●h the worldly-wise are terrifi'd ; and , teach thee such contentednesse to gaine , though in deaths gloomy shades thou dost remaine : that , thou ( without all doubtings ) shalt perceive , thou shouldst not this afflicted citie leave . and flesh and blood , with wonder , shall confess● that faith hath pow'r to teach men fearlesnesse , i● perils ; which do make their hearts to ake , who scoffe at her , and part with reason take . it cannot be denyed that this place yeelds dread enough , to make the boldest face to put a palenesse on , unlesse the minde be over much to sen●●esnesse enclinde : because , we nat'rally abhor to see such loathed objects of mortality . ' t●s also true , that there is no defence to guard the body from this pes●ilence , within the compasse of mans pow●r or wit : nor can thy merit so prevaile with it , but that ( for ought thou knowest ) thou maist f●ll the growing number of death● weekly - bill . and what of that ? whìlst i befriend thee shall , ca● such a common danger thee apal● ? shall that , which heath'nish men , and women beare , ( yea tender infants ) without shewes of feare , amate thy spirit ? shall the drawing nigh of that , from which thou has● no meanes to ●●ye , ( and which thou walkest toward , ev'ry day , ( with seeming stou●nesse ) fright thee now away ? is death so busie grow●e in london streets , that h● with no man in th● country me●ts ? beleeve●● thou , the number he hath slaine hath added any thing unto the paine ? or , hast thou lately apprehended more deaths fearfull gast lin●sse , then heretofore , that in this time of tryall thou shouldst finde thy soule to slavish cowardice enclinde ? death is that path , which ev'ry man must tread ; a●d , whe● thou shalt d●scend among the dead , thou go'st but thither where thy fathers be , and whither , all that live shall follow thee . death is that haven , where t●y barke shall cas● her hopefull anchor , and lye moored fast , exempted from those furious windes and seas ▪ vvhich in thy heav'nly voyage , thee diseas● . death i● th● iaile-deliv'ry of ●he soule : thy joyfull yeare of iubilee : thy goale : the day that ends thy sorrowes , and thy sins ; and that , wherein , best happinesse begins . a lawfull act , then wherefore shouldst thou feare to prosecute ; although thy death it were ? full oft , have i enabled thee to bide the brunt of dreadf●ll stormes , unterrifide ▪ and , when thy dastard reason ( not espying that heav'nly game , at which thy faith was flying ) di●heartned grew ; i did thy body free from ev'ry p●rill which enclosed thee : so working , that those thin●s thy praise became , which malice had projected for thy shame ; and , common reason , who suppos'd thee mad , did blush to see how little wi● she had . yet , now againe , how f●olishly she tryes to cast new fogs b●fore thy iudgements eyes ? ●hat childish bug-bea●es hath she mus●red ●ere , to scar t●y senses with a causelesse f●are ? of those loath'd objects wherefore doth she tell , which v●x the sight , the hearing , and the smell ? since , when the utmost of it shall be said , all is but death ; which can but strike thee dead . and when that 's done , thou shalt ( by me revived ) enjoy a better life then thou has● lived . if those hobgoblin terrors of the grave , ( wherewith meere nat'rall men affrighted have their troubled soules ) deterre thee from that path , whereto the will of god injoined hath ; to thee ( oh ! soule ) how dreadfull would it be if warre , with all her feares enclosed thee ? nay , if such common terrors thee amaze , how wouldst thou quake , if in a generall blaze , the world should flame about thee ? ( as it may , perhaps , before thou see another day ) sure , if these scar-crowes do det●rre thee so , thou scarce wilt welcome ( as thou oughtst to do ) that moment when it comes ; nor so rejoyce , as they , who long to heare the bridegroomes voice . here therefore stay , and practise to inure thy soule to tryalls ; that thou maist endure all chang●s , which in after times may come : and wait with gladnesse , for the day of doome . seeke here , by holy dread , to purge away those crimes which heape up terrors for that day . endure the scorching of this gentle fire ▪ to purifie thy heart from vaine desire . learne here , the death of righteous men to dye ; that thou maist live with such eternally . h●re , exercise thy faith , and watch , and pray , that when thy body shall be mixt with clay the frigh●full trumpet , whose amazing sound shall startle h●ll , and shake earths massie round . may make thee leape with gladnesse from thy grave , and no sad horrors in thy conscience have . what canst thou hope to purchase here below , that thou shouldst life unwillingly for goe ? since , there is nothing which thou canst possesse , whose sweetnesse is not marr'd with bitternesse : nor any thing so safe , but that it may , to th●e , become a mischiefe , many a way ? if honourable thou mightst live to grow , that honor may effect thy overthrow . and ( as it makes of others ) make of thee a thing as blockish , as bruit creatures be ▪ if rich ; those riches may thy life betray ; choake up thy vertues , and then flye aw●y . if pleasure follow thee ; that pleasing vaine may bring thy soule to everlasting paine : yea , that which most thou longest to e●joy , may all the pleasures of thy life destroy . seeke therefore true co●t●n●ment where it lies , and feare not ev'ry b●bies fantasies . if life thou love ; death is that entring in where life which is eternall doth begin . there , what thou most desirest is enjoy'd ; and , death it selfe , by dying is destroy'd . though length of life , a blessing be confest , yet , length of dayes in sorrow is not best . although the saylor , sea-roome doth require , to reach the harbour is his chiefe desire : and , though 't is well our debts may be delay'd , yet , we are best at ease when they are paid . if ●itle● , thou aspire unto : death brings the faithfull , to become immortall kings : whose glorie passeth earth●y pomp , as far as phoebus doth outshine the morning-star . desirest thou a pleasant healthfull dwelling ? by death thou gain'st a country so excelling ; that , plenty of all us●full things is there , and all ●hose objects that delightfull are . a golden pavement thou sh●lt walke upon ; and lodge in buildings wall'd with precious stone . if in rich garmen●s to be cloath'd thou seeke , the persian mon●rks never had the like : for , puritie it selfe thy robe shall be ; and like the stars , thy crowne shall s●ine on thee . hast thou enjoyed those companions here , vvhose love and fellowship delightfull are ? thou shalt , when thou from sight of those art gone , of that high order be installed one , vvhich never did false brother entertaine ; vvhereof , ev'n god himselfe is soveraigne : and in whose company thou shalt possesse all perfect , deare , and lasting friendlinesse . yea , there ev'n those whom thou on earth hast lo●ed ●n●●se time ( with such love as is approved ) thou shalt enjoy againe : and not alon● their friendship ; but the love of ev'ry one of those blest men and women , who both were , and are , and shall be , till our iudge appeare . hath any mortall beauty pleas'd thee so , that , from her presence thou ●rt loath to goe ? thou shalt in stead of those poore imperfections , vvh●r●on thou setlest here unsure affections ▪ the fountaine of all beauties , come to see ( wi●hin his lovely bosome lodged be ) and know ( when thou on him hast fixt thine eye● ) that , all earths beauties are deformities . to these , and happinesses , greater far then by the heart of man conceived are , death maketh passage . and , how grim soe're he may to those that stand aloo●● appeare ; yet , if thou bide unmoved in thy place , till he within his armes doe thee embrace ; thou sh●lt perceive that who so timely dieth , enjoyes contentments which this life denyeth . thy feare of painfulnesse in death is vain● ; in death is eas● ; in life , alone , is paine . man makes it ●readfull by his owne inventions ▪ by causelesse doubts , and groundlesse apprehensions . but , when it comes , it brings of paine , no more then sleepe , to him that restlesse was before . thy soules departur● , from the flesh , doth maze , and thee afflicteth more then there is cause : for , of his sting , thy saviou● , death despoiled : and , feares , and dangers from the grave exiled . thou losest not try body when it dyes ; nor doth it perish , though it putrifies . for , when the time appointed , it hath laine , it shall be raised from the dust againe , and , in the s●ead of this corrupted one , thy soule , a glorious body shall put on . but hadst thou not a faith which might procure the● such comforts , and such life in death assure thee : or , though thou shouldst , by dying , be possest of nothing else , but of a senselesse rest : me thinkes thy ●arnall reason should , for that , perswade thee rather to be desperate , and stay , and seeke for death , e'●e languish in perpetuall sorrowes , such as thine have bi● . for , if to god-ward , ●oy thou foelest not , what comfort to the world-ward ●ast thou got , which may desirous make thee to delay , or linger out thy life another day ? 't is true that god hath given thee a share i● all thos● pleasures , that good pleasures are ; and ( to the giver● glory be i● spoken ) h●e hath bestow'd on thee as many a ●ok●n of his abundant love , as he bestowes on any , with so sew external sh●wes . for ev'n of outward things he doth impart as much as fits the place in which thou art ; with full as many pleasures as may serve , thy patience , in thy suff●ings , to preserve : and , when for rest , and plenties , thou art fitter , i know , he will not make thy cup so bitt●r . but if thou live for outwar'd pleasures meerly ; by living thou dost buy them over dearly . for ( if thy peace in god were s●t aside ) so many wayes thou hast beene crucifi'd , that some would think thy fortune ( if they had it ) most bitter ; though most sweet thy hopes have made it . h●re , but a pilgrimage thou dost possesse , i● wandring , and perpetuall restlesnesse . like travellers , in sunshine and in raine , both d●y and wet , and dry and wet againe . with rest , each morning , well refresh● and merry ▪ a●d , ev'ry ev'ning , full of griefe , and weary . to vanity , in bondage thou dost lie , still beaten with new stormes of misery ; and , in a path to which thou art a stranger , assaulted with variety of danger . his face , sometime , is hid , whence comforts flow , and , men and devills , seek thy overthrow . sin multiplies upon thee , ev'ry day : thy vitall pow'rs , will more and more decay : wealth , honor , friends , and what thou best dost love , doth leave , deceive thee , or thy torment prove ; mans very body burthens him ; and brings vnto itselfe a thousand torturings ▪ thy heart , with many thinkings is perplext : yea , by thine owne affections thou art vext : and ( though by overcomming them at last , thy soule hath comfort when the fight is past , ) thou hast perpetuall conflicts , which requir● continuall watchfulnesse : for , no desire or nat'rall passion , ever did molest the heart of man , that strives not in thy brest . in ev'ry pleasure , somewhat lurks to scar thee ▪ in ev'ry profit , somewhat to ensnare thee : whole armies of afflictions swarme about thee , some fight within thee ; some assaile without thee : and , that which thou conceivest shall releeve thee , becommeth oft another meanes to gri●ve thee . yea , thine owne thoughts , thy spe●ches , and thine actions , occasion discontentments , and distraction : and all the portion which thou dost inherit , yeelds nought , but perturbations of the spirit . in childhood , all thy pleasures were but toyes ; in heat of youth , as fruitlesse were thy joyes : thy riper yeares , do nought but ripen care : and , imperfections , thy perfections are : if old thou grow , thy griefes will aged be ▪ and , sicknesse , till thou dye , wil live in thee . thy life 's a warfare , which must quite be done , e're dangers vanish , or the field be won . it is a voyage full of wearinesse , till thou thy wished harbor dost possesse : and , thou of no externall ioy canst b●ast , that may not e're thy dying day be lost . but , truth to say , what thing dost thou possesse , which others thi●ke to be a happinesse ? the world allowes thee little that is hers , and ●hee to very small esteeme prefers . among her minions : but , in ev'ry place endeavors to affront thee with disgrace ; d●prives thee of thy labours , and bestowes on parasites , on foo●es , and on thy foes , thy due : and with a spightfull enviousnesse , thy best approved studies doth suppresse . behold , ●●rothy masq●e , an idle song , the witlesse jesting of a scurrilous tongue , th● capring dancer , and the foining fencer , the bold buffoone , the slye intelligencer ; those fool●sh raving fellowes , whose delights are wholly fixed on their curs and kites ▪ the termly pamphlet●rs , whose dedications doe sooth and claw the times abominations : ev'n such ●ike things as these can purchase grace , and quickly compasse pension , ●ift , or place ; when , thy more honest labours are abused , contemned , sleighted , or at best refused . if such a one as these forenam'd , resort to set abroach his qualities in court , he findes respect , and as an usefull man , his faculty , some place afford him , can . he soone hath entertainment . or if not , yet , something may sor his availe be got . a base invention , that scarce merit may the reputation of a puppet-play , so●e spangled courtier , or some foolish lord ▪ admires , affects , and of his ow●e accord prefers it to the prince , or to the king , as an ingenious , or much usefull thing . and ( ten to one ) if then the author can but humor well his lordship , or his man ( that rules his honors wisdome ) it may gaine him some such like lord as that to en●ertaine him , for his c●mpanion ; y●a , the privy purse may open to him : and , be fareth worse then many a foole hath done , unl●sse e're long ▪ he purchaseth to be enro●l'd among the best deservers ; and arise to be superior to a better man then be . twixt these and thee what distances appeare ? and , twixt your fortunes what a space is there ▪ when thou hadst f●nished a worke divine , ( as much for others profit , as for thine ) thou scarcely found'st a man , to make thee way thy present , at thy soveraigne● fee● to lay . and when thou didst ▪ no sooner laid he by what tendred was , but some in●urious eye did quickly take thereof a partiall view , and with detracting censures thee pursue . yea , those meere ignorants , whose courtly wi● can judge of nothing , but how cloathes doe fit ; how congees should be acted ; how their boy obs●rve them should ; or some such weighty ●oy : those shreds of complement , patcht up for things to fill vast roomes in palaces of kings , ( as antiques doe in hangin●● ) more for show ▪ then any profit , which from them c●n flow . ●v'n those ( scarce worth our laughing at ) have pa●● their doomes on that which thou presented hast ; as if they understood it : and , as those , ●y chance did censure , so the censure goes . if these , or any such like mountebanks , by slavish fawning , or by pickin● thanks ; by ho●eliest services , ( or worse ) by cheating ; extorting from the poore , or by defeating men hone●●ly disposed , ( or , by any of those ill meanes , whereof this age hath many ) can , out of heggery , their fortunes reare ▪ to hundreds , or to thousands by the yeare : they thinke themselves abus'd , if any grutch o● m●rmur , as if they had got too much . but , though thou from thy childhood wert employ'd in painf●ll studies , and hadst not enjoy'd so much externall profit , as would pay the charges of thy troubles , for a day : ( nay , rather , hindrance hadst , and punishment , for that , which gave most honest men content ) yet ( marke their dealing ) when but hope there was of gaine to thee ( which never came to passe ) and though that gaine were lesse then traders can allow sometimes unto a iourney-man : yea though it were to no mans prejudice ; ( ●ut many profiting ) and did arise by thine owne labours : that small yearly summ● expected for , nought , yet , but losse doth come ) was grumbled at ; as if it had beene more then any ever gained heretofore ; and would the common-weale have prejudised , had none , thereof , to frustrate thee , de●ised . some , therefore ( whose maliciousnesse is yet vnanswer'd for ) themselves against thee set ; and , by the dammage of their owne estate , have labour'd , thee and thine to ruinate . some others , as injuriously , as they , laid causelesse nets , to snarle thee in thy way : and have procured , for thy best intents , reproofes , contempts , and close imprisonments ; ( as rigo●ous as ever were inflicted , of those th●t for high treason stood convicted ) yea , that which might an honest wealth have won thee , ●as that , whereby they sought to have undone thee . foule scandals , thy best actions have attended . and ( as if on thine infamy depended the kingdomes glory ) pamphlets false and base , yea , publike ma●ques , and playes , to thy disgrace , were set abroach ; till justly they became , to those that made , and favour'd them , a shame . in rimes , and libels , they have done thee wrongs ; thou hast beene mention'd in their drunken songs , who nothing worse unto thy charge could lay , but , that , thou didst not seeme so bad as they . meere strangers , who are quite unknowne of thee , ( although they see not what thy manners be ) take pleasure to traduce thee , and to draw those things in question , which they never saw . nay , at their publike meetings , few forbeare to speake that s●andall , which they thinke , or heare ▪ ev'n since this plague began , and whi●st thy hand recording was that iudgement on this land ; thou art inform'd , that , westward from this place ( some scores of miles ) a generall rumor w●● both of thy biding here , and of thy death . and , they who said , thou hadst expir'd thy breath , ( supposing , as it seemes ) it could not be that god from this disease would shelter thee ) reported also , that , of grace forsaken , and , by the sin of drunkennesse o'retaken , thou brok●st thy neck . it may be those men thought , that when the plague●hy ●hy life to end bad brought , they sh●uld have added som●what , to have slaine the life of good report , which might remaine . nor was that ayme quite void . for , ( though of all grosse sins , the staine of t●at , least b●ur thee shall ) some straight beleev'd what malice did surmise ; condemn'd thy vertues , for hypocrisies . made guilty all thy lines of evill ends ▪ vs'd thee , as iob was used by his friends ▪ did on thy life un●hristian censures passe ▪ affirm'd , thy death had showed what it was ; and , many a one that heard it , shall not know vntill his dying day , it was not so . but , then they shall perceive , that most of that is false , which men of others use to prate . but , wonder it is none , that thou among some strangers , in thy fame hast suffred wrong : for , ●o , thy neighbours ( though they privy be to no such act as may difparage thee , but unto many rather , which in show , appeared from a christian minde to flow ) ev'n they , in private whisp'rings , many times have taxed thee as guilty of those crimes thou never perpetratedst , but dost more abhor them , then do mizers to be poore . and from th●se blots the more thy life is free , the more is theirs defilde , by slaundring th●e . in wicked places ( where yet n●ver came thy foo● ) some ac●ed follies in thy name : that others present , knowing not thy face , might spread abroad of thee , to thy disgrace , vvhat others did . and , such a mischiefe , none but perfect malice , could have thought upon . thy very prayers , and thy charities have ●●cked beene , and judg'd hypocrisies . when thou wert be●● employed , thou wert s●re the b●sest imputations to endure . when thy intentions ha●e beene most sincere , mens misconstructions alwayes ha●shest were ; and , when thy piou●● action thou hadst wrought , then ▪ they the greatest mischiefe on thee brought . the best , and most approved of those laies , by thee composed for thy makers praise ; have lately greatly multipli'd thy f●es , and , not procur'd alone the spight of those whom brutish ignorance bes●ts among the misconceiving and ill●terate throng : but ▪ they who on the seats of iudgement sate , thee , and those labours have inveighed at . the learned , who should wiser men have beene , did censure that which they had never seene . ev'n they , w●o make faire shewes of sancti●y , ( god grant , it be not with hypocrisi● ) with spightfulnesse , that scarce can matched be , have shamefully tr●duced that , and thee . nay , of the clergy , some ( and of the chiefe ) have with unseemly f●ry , post beleefe , so undervalu'd , and so vilifi'd those labors ( which the tryall will abide , when their proud spleene is wasted ) that , unlesse god had , in mercy , curb'd their furiousnesse , ( and by his might abated , in some measure , that pow'r of acting their impe●ious pleasure ) their place , and that opinion they had gained , of knowledge , and sincerity unfained , had long ere this , no doubt , made so contemn'd those lines , and thee ; that thou hadst beene condemn'd vvithout a triall . and so true a feeling hadst gain'd ere now , of base and partiall dealing , that , disconten●●ight then have urg'd thy stay , in hope this plague , would th●t , have tooke away : but , thou by others , hast receiv'd the ●●ings of malice ▪ otherwayes , in other things . those men , whose over-grosse and open crime● , are justly taxed in thi●●●onest ●imes , have by the generall notice of thy name , sought how to bring thee to a generall shame , by raising causelesse rumors to be blowne through ev'ry quarter where thy lines are knowne . for , there 's no place without an enuious ●are , and slan●rous tongues be ready ev'ry where , to cast , with willingnesse , disgrace on those , of whom , some good report , beforehand , goes . and since thou canst not answer ev'ry man , as he that 's knowne in some few townships , can ; the falsest rumors men divulge of thee , doe soone become a common fame to be . moreover ( that lesse cause there may appeare , why thou shouldst life desire , or dying feare ) the most affected thing this world containes , hath tor●ur'd thee with most heart-breaking paines . for , they whom thou hast loved : they to whom thou didst obliged many wayes become : yea ●hey who knew thy faithfulnesse ; ev'n they , have made their outward kindnesses the way to make thee most ingratefull seeme to be , yea , they have heaped more disgrace on thee , more griefes , and disadvantages , then all thy foes together , bring upon thee shall . and long pursued have , to thy vexation their courses with harsh trickes of ag●ravation ; yet still pretending love : which makes the curse , of this affliction twenty times the worse . i will ●ot say that thou affl●cted art in this ( by them ) without thy owne desert : for who perceives in all how he offends ? or thinks , that god correction causelesse sends ? nor will i say this injury proceeds , fromany malice . for , perhaps , it breeds from their distemper'd love . and god to show some needfullsecret ( which thou best maist know by this experiment ) a while doth please , to make thy late contentments thy disease . thy first acquaintan●e , who did many a yeare enjoy thy fellowship ( and glad appeare to seeme thy friends ) have wearied out their love , by length of time ; and strangers now doe prove . thou also seest , thy new acquaintance be worne out as fast as gotten . for , to thee most come , for nothing but to satisfie their idle fruitlesse curiositie : and , having seene , and found thee but a man , their friendship ended , just as it began . nay , they who all thy course of life have seene , and ( in appearanc● ) have perswaded beene , so well of thy uprightnesse , as if no●ght could move in them , of thee , one ●vill thought : these , by a little absence , or the sound of some untrue relation ( wanting ground ) doe all their good opinion some●ime change ; suspect thy mann●rs , and themselves ●strange , so unexpecte●ly ▪ and without cause , that what to judge of them it makes thee pause ▪ for they that vertuous are , but in the show , doe soone suspect , that all men else , are so . th●se things are very bitter unto such whose hearts are sensible to ev'ry touch of kindnesse , and unkindnesse ; and they make life tedious , where they deepe impr●ssion take . but , many other griefes thy soule doe grinde ; and thou by them , art pained in a kinde so diff●ring from the common sense of others , ( although thy patience much distemper smothers ) that reason might me thinkes contented be , thou shouldst pursue thy death to set thee free . i spe●ke not this , as if thou didst repin● at these , or any other lots of thine : nor to discourage thee , be●ause the world so little of her grace on thee hath hurl'd . for , i would have thee scorne her love ; and know that whe●her sh● will favour th●e or no , i wil● , in thy due season , make thee rise to honor , by that way which me● despise : ev'n to those honors , which are greater then the greatest that conferred are , by men . and , this i mention , in reproach of them whose pride , thy humble mufings , doth contemn● : and ●o remember thee , how vaine it were , to seeke for life , where such harsh dealings are . and , as i would not have thee wish to live ●or love of any thing , this world can give : so , i am loath her troubles should have pow'r to make thee seeke to shorten life an houre . but rather in contempt of all her spight , to lengthen it , untill pale envie quite consume her selfe ; and thou at last be sent from hence , victorious , crowned with content . i therefore , here , perswade thee not to stay ▪ that vainly thou mightst foole thy life away : or , that some poore applauses may be got ; or , for such trifling ends as profit not ; and , whereof , reason her di●like infers : for , my opinion jumps in that , with hers . i doe not counsell thee to cast aside that care ▪ which teacheth wisely to provide for wholsome antidotes : or to observe such courses , a● are likely to preserve thy body sound : nor is it my intent , thou shouldst employ , by way of complemen● , thy time in visiting infected friends ; when to their comfortings it little tends . nor am i pleas'd in him that so presumes , or such a franticke foolishnesse assumes , as desperately to thrust himselfe among the noisome brea●hings of a sickly thro●g , when such a danger nothing may availe : and , where the meanes of lif● will surely faile . nor would i now betray thee to thy sin ; or worke thy losses , that thy foes may win ; or make thee tempt thy god ; or grieve thy friends ▪ or barre thy labors of their wished ends : nor can●●t thou thinke thy rea●on well hath said , to cast such stumbling-blockes , as she hath laid : for , just and comely things , i doe advise ; and , seeke not mischiefes , but their remedies . a carnall wisedome sayes she seeth not what knowledge and assurance may be got of those eternall things , that objects are of chr●stian hope . but , wherefore shouldst thou feare what ●lesh and blood blasphemously hath said ? since , into thee already are convaid ●●th notions , and the reall sense of that which they , who would not see , doe stumble at ? meere humane reason cannot ●each to know of many thousand creatures here below , the s●cret natures : doe not wonder thou , that few celestiall things perceive she can : but call to minde , that to be fl●shly wise , is to be foolish in truths mysteries . give god the praise , who hath on thee bes●owne a better apprehension then thine 〈◊〉 . remember still , to cherish this beleefe ; let prayer daily fet thy faith releefe : and be assur'd that i advise thee best , what e're thy carnall reason shall suggest . if thou suppose that thou hast ought begun , which may thy coun●ry profit , being done , or honor god : proceed thou in his name , with cheerfulnesse , and finish up the same . for god will either give thee life to doe it , ( if cause the●e be ) or call another to it of better gifts ▪ and , if thou grudge at this , thou seekest thine owne honor , more then his : and , though a pious purpose thou pretend , thy holy shew●s have some unholy end . say , thou among the m●ltitude must fall ; say , they that hate thee , thereof triumph ●hall ; or others ( out of levity ) contemne thy course ; or thee unj●stly should condemne , as reason pleads ? what prejudice to thee wo●ld this be more , then s●ch mens pra●ses be ? what harme is this to thee wh●n ●hou art gone ? and hast no se●se of any wrong that 's done ? what needst thou care , if all the wo●ld suppose to hell thou sinkest ; if thy spi●it it goes the way to heav'n ? and in that narrow path a ●lessed being , unperceived hath ? pursue brave actions , as a christian ought , and , care not thou what shall of them be thought : ( except to rouze up other men it be , by making them perceive what rouzed thee ) when thou dost walke uprightly , walke thou on , and scorne to looke aside , who looks thereon : for ▪ he 's a foole ( if not an hypocrite ) that in well-doing feeleth no delight , vntill some witnesse of his deeds he know , or feele some praises his proud sai●es to blow , nay , he that cannot in a vertuous deed , ( wherein , his conscience , warrants to proceed ) persist without returning , though he should , of all the world together , be controul'd ; or , if he thought it not a favour too that god would call him such a worke to doe ; ( yea though that for his paines , he should become abhorr'd of all men ▪ t●ll the day of doome ) ev'n such a man is farre below that height , to which by perfect vertue climbe he might ; and lose he doth , by feares that are in vaine , the bravest honor that his faith can gaine . thy reason sayes , that thou a sinner art ; and , thereupon doth urge thee to depart . but wherefore should the guilt of sin ●ffright f●●m staying , rather then from taking flight ? for , if thou shalt remove away from hence , thy guilt retaining , by impenitence , god hath not so his plagues confined hither , but that they may pursue thee any whither . and whereas here , the danger , and the feare , encompassing this place , might so deterre , so mollifie , and awe thy heart within thee ; so move , and to amend thy life , so win thee , that god shall clense thy soule of ev'ry staine ; and reconcile thee to himselfe againe : perhaps , the wicked vaine securit● , that will attend thee whither thou shalt flye , may m●ke the measure of thy sinnes compleater , thy comforts fewer ; t●y afflictions greater ; when least thou fearest , most of all disease thee ; and keepe off this , that some worse thing may seize thee : and , though thy reason urge thee to beeleve , thy friends may wronged be , or too much gri●ve , by this adventure : i , thy faith , assure thee , that if my motives may to stay procure thee , ( for such good purposes as i propose ) thy god shall pay thy friends what ere they lose ; make some ( by fearing what thy dangers are ) of their owne wayes to take the greater care : k●epe others ( by preserving of them sad ) more watchfull , that might else lesse heed have had ▪ and , sti●re up thee for them , and them for thee , so zealous in continuall vowes to be , as w●ll ( perchance ) worse perils drive away , then those , which are so feared , in thy stay . oh! god , how many soules , by fleeing hence scape this , and catch a deadlier pestilence ! how many hearts whom feare doth somewhat strike with sorrowes , which begins repentance-like , ( and might by staying here , accomplish that , which ev'ry true beleever aimeth at ) will fall from those beginnings , by their flight , and lose the feeling of gods iudgement● , quite ? how many ! by wr●ng seeking to prevent , their heav'nly fathers loving chastisement , incor●igible in their lives will grow ? and bring themselves to utter overthrow ? and oh ! what multitudes , by staying here , shall change their dread , into a filiall feare ? their feare to love , and love , and laud thee too , for sending that , which they abhorred so ! like them , who in the deeps employed be , here , thou the wondrous works of god shalt see . that thou maist tell ●he world what he hath done ; and sing the praise of that almighty-one to this , and future a●es . and ▪ for what did he thy soule and body first create ? for what redeeme thee ? for what end infuse that fa●ulty , which thou dost call thy muse ? for what , but for his honor , to declare thos● iudgements and his mercies which will h●re be showne unto thee ? and to sing the story of wh●t thine eye beholdeth to his glory ? for , if not here , then where ? or if not now , then , at what other time expectest thou so faire an oprortunity , to shew with how much readinesse thou couldst be●tow thy life , and all thy faculties , on him ( and , for his servic● ) who bestowed them ? what nobl●r subject can the wo●ld afford , for thee , or for the muses to record , then will those iudgements , and those mercies be ▪ which god will in this place disclose to thee ? if reason seeke some purpose in thy stay , me thinks , this purpose please thy reason may : for , though those men who love their owne vaine praise , have little care of their creators waies , and finde small pleasingnesse in those relations , which are compos'd of such like observations ; yet , all the glorioust acts of greatest kings , a●e triviall , worthlesse , base , and foolish things ▪ respecting these . and , though some nicer wits scarce think that such a subject well befits their artfull muses . yet , twixt this and that whereon they love to plod and meditate , there 's much more diff'rence , then betweene their laie● and those which they doe most of all dispraise : and they who live ( the time ) i hope shall see , these poems , much , more prized then they be : yea , though it may appeare to common reason , an act impertinent , and out of season , for such an end as this to make thy stay : let not her carnall sophismes thee dismay . for sin●e thou seest a vaine historian dares his person to adventure in the warres , that he ( for fame , or hire ) may w●i●e a story of wha● is done to his commanders glory : this action , wherefore shouldst thou startle from , as if thy iudgement it would mis-become ? if just it be , our safeties to contemne , in such a case ( if that be good in him ) how much more just , is thy adventure , then who sin●●t the praise of god , and not o● men ? how mu●h more safely walkest thou , then they ? how much more glory , and how much more pay , can thy great captaine give thee ? and how small should be thy feare ? if thou should'st feare at all . nor to thy god , or to thy selfe alone , will acceptable services be done by sta●ing here : but , peradventure some that living are , and some , in time to come , may reap advantage by it , and confesse , that thou wert borne for them ; and didst possesse and use thy life , not for thy selfe alone , but ●hat to others profit might be done . the gen'rall notice which men take of thee , will make thy actions more observed be then those of twenty others , who doe seeme in their small circuits , men of great esteeme : and , when hereafter it is knowne abroad , to what good purposes thou mad'st abode in this afflicted city : on what ground , thy blamed resolution thou dost found : how sensible thou wert of ev'ry seare , and of each perill thou adventredst here : how many friends thou ●adst to flye ●nto : how much elsewhere thou migh●st have found to do ; what censures thou shouldst hazzard , in t●y stay : vv●at pleasures wooed th●e to come aw●y : how , thy continuing here was not by chance by discontent , or humorous ignorance : how , no compulsion , no perswading friend , no office , hope o● gaine , or such like end nec●ssitated thee . yea , when by such , vvho are to feare e●slaved ●vermuch , all this is heeded well ; and when men shall consider it , comparing therewithall , vvhat causes moved thee ; what meditation confirm'd thy stay ; what kinde of conversation thou daily practisedst ; and what good use they may from th● experiments produce ; it will perchance occasion some to learne those things , which yet they doe not well discerne : help , in good resolutions , some to arme : some weake ones in temptations much confirme : to some become a meanes to make them see that men despised , may enabled be , by faith , to keepe their place undaunted there , where men of better seeming gifts doe f●are . and peradventure thou maist compasse that which likeher men in vaine have aymed at ▪ for , though it may be said this place hath store by calling and by gifts , adapted more for such a taske ; and that there may be some , that have no warrant for departing from th●se noysome streets , who well enough may take this pain●s ; and thereof thee excused make . yet , shall not that ●xcuse thee . for , all they have callings , which employ them wholly may ▪ yea , they whose wits are ●bler , think not on that worke , perchance ▪ as needfull to be done . or if they doe , perhaps , they may expire before they have performed it ; or tire . and though they should make perfit their designes : yet their obs●urity , may barre their lines from taking that effect , which if thou write , thy being far more knowne , accomplish might . for , fame prevailes with many ( now adaies ) and , if uncout●'d , unkist ( as chaucer saies . ) or grant that many had the same attempted , ( and men of note ) yet wert thou not exempted . for , best it is , when such like things as these confirmed are by many witnesses . beside , if those assurances which thou shalt publish ( and thy ●aith shall well allow ) affirmed were by none but such as they who might not from this place depart aw●y without much losse , or blame : meere naturall men might have contemned all those counsels , then , and all those just reproofes , that may , by thee , or any other man objected be , against their flavish feares : and may reply , that no man staid , but he that could not flye : or that none durst become a voluntary , in such a fire , for conscience sake ▪ to tarie : and , that no mortall man had pow'r obtain'd to bide such brunts , till outwardly constrain'd . whereas thy free abiding here , will move much better thoughts : thy constancy approve ; procure the more beleefe to thy relations ; the more effectuall make thy good perswasions : and stop th●ir mo●thes , who might some other w●y thy paine● have wrong'd , had ought proc●r'd thy stay . oh! f●r , far be it , that lust , ava●ce , the strong d●●●empers of some hat●f●ll vice , a stupid mel●ncholy or the tumors of some wilde passion , or fantasti●ke humor● , should fixe more stoutnesse in the heart of man , then temperate , an● pious knowledge can . far be it , that old women , for their pay , or sextons for as little b●re , as they , we in the w●lks of death should walking see without all f●are ; yet , they deterred be , who boast of knowl●dge ; and have sung , and said , that though in deaths black shadowes they w●re lai● ▪ they would without dism●y continue th●re ; because gods rod , and staffe , their keepers are . oh! let not this be so : and be it far from proving true ; that they who studious are of wisdome , and of piety , should shrinke , where he , whose head peece is but arm'd with drinke ▪ sits fearlesse : or , that vse , or custome shall embolden more , then christian faith , and all the morall ve●tues : or , that thou shouldst yeeld to carn●ll reason , and forgoe the field . moe arguments i could , as yet , expresse , to prove thy staying hath much usefulnesse : as that it were unkindnesse to forsake those persons here , who comfort in thee take . for , some professe already , that th●y bide , by thy example , greatly fortifi'd , ( in their compelled stay ) by seeing thee so willingly , the●r griefes companion be . y●a , many a one , observing thee to stay , confesseth , he doth shame to flye away . thereby , those resolutions they have got , which very lately they embraced not ; and might , perhaps , if now thou shouldst depar● ▪ become afraid , because thou fearfull art . me thinks , it is unmanlinesse to flie from those , in woe , whom in prosperity thou lovedst : yea , t is basenesse , not to share in ●v'ry sorrow which thy f●iends d●e beare , as well as in their pleasures , if they be such friends , as some of thine doe seeme to thee . here , thou hast long continu'd . on the bread of dainties , in this city thou hast fed . here , thou hast laught and sung ; and here thou hast thy youthfull yeares , in many f●llies past ; abus'd thy christian-liberty , and trod that maze , which brings forgetfulnesse of god. here , thy example , some corrupted hath ; here , thou hast moved thy creators wrath : here , thou hast sinned ; and thy sinnes they were , which holpe to bring this plague now raging here . here , therefore , doe thou fast : here , doe thou mourne , and , into sighes , and teares , thy laughter turne . h●re , yeeld ●hy selfe to prison , till thou see at this assize , how god will deale by thee : ev'n here , the time redeeme thou : here , restore b● good examples , th●se whom heretofore thou hast offended : here , t●y selfe apply gods just incensed wrath to pacifie . here , joyne in true repen●ance , to remove ●hat storme which now descendeth from above . and the● , or live or dye ▪ this place , to thee a place of refuge , and of ●oy shall be . nor sin , nor death , nor h●ll , no● any thing sh●ll d●scontentment , fea●e , or perill bring which to thy soule or body , shall become a disadvantage ; but helpe save thee from destruction : ioyes , as yet , unfelt , procure : in all temptation , mak● thy minde secure : discover plainly how thy reason failed ; and , make thee blesse the time , thy faith prevailed . but , thou dost w●nt a calling ( reason cries ) thy staying in this place to warrantize . and , that untill thereof tho● dost obtaine the full assurance , all my speech is vaine . indeed , the glorioust worke we can begin , vnlesse god call us to it , is a sin . and ther●fore , ev'ry man should seeke to k●ow what , god , and what vaine ●ancy cals him to . for , pride ▪ and over-weening arrogance , the devill , or a zealous ignorance , suggests false warrants ; and allureth men to dangerous adventures , now and then : yea , maketh some , from god● commands to fall , and take employments at the devils call . to judge thy calling , then , learne this of me , that , some vocations ordinar● be , some extraordinary if thou take an ordinary calling , thou must make the common entrance , which that pow'r doth give within whose iurisdiction thou dost l●ve : else ( whatsoever cause thou dost pretend ) it is intrusion : and , thou shalt offend . if thou conceivest thou some calling hast in extraordinary ; see it past by gods allowance , from gods holy writ ▪ before such time as thou accept of it . and , then , beware that nothing force thee back , or , make thee in thine office to be slacke . in briefe ; a calling extraordinary , to justifie it selfe , these markes must carie ; and , if it faile of ●hem , but in the least , thy conscience is deluded in the r●st . gods glory will be aymed at , in chiefe : it will be grounded on a true beleefe : it doth not gods revealed will oppose : no step that erres f●om charity it goes : it seeketh not , what cannot be enjoy'd : it makes no ordinary calling void : some cause not frequent must invite thereto : and ( to accomplish what thou hast to doe ) some gift , that 's proper for it , must be given , and then , thou hast thy calling seal'd from h●aven . approve thy selfe by these , and thou shalt see , that , god , no doub● , hath truly called thee . to this adventure . for , thy h●art intends his praise in this , above all other ends . thou dost bele●ve , that ( whether live or dye ) thy st●y shall somewhat adde , to glorifie thy blessed maker ; and that something shall to thine , and others profits , here , befall . thy iudgement , to thy conscience nou●ht discloseth , wherein it gods revealed will opposeth : it well agrees with charity , and tryes to compasse no impossibilities . nor binders it , nor calls it th●e from ought which is more necessary to be wrought . a cause not ordinary now requires thy presence here ; and , god himselfe inspires thy b●est with resolutions that agree to such an a●tion . gi●ts , which none but he can give , he gives thee ; such , as are by nature , not found in any sub●oelestiall creature , but , me●rly of his grace ● and , such , as none can counterfeit , by all that may be done . and , whence are all th●se musiags here exprest ? wh●nce come these combatings within thy brest twixt m● and reason ? who is it that makes thy heart so fearlesse , now such horror shakes the soules of others ? what embolden can the frightfull spirit of a naturall man , in such apparant dangers to abide ? and yet , his reason nothing from him hide , that seemeth to be dreadfull ; neither leave him such aymes , or s●ch like passions to deceive him , as harden others ? who , but he , that giveth each p●rfit gift , these gifts to thee deriveth ? and sure he nought bestowes , but therewithall he sends occasions that employ is shall . few officers shall w●nt a doubtfulnesse that they their places doubtfully possesse , if this be doubtfull ; whether god ( or no ) hath called thee to what i bid thee doe . for , outward callings , most men doe , or may intrude upon , by some sinister way : by symony , by bribe●y , by spoiles , by open violence , or secret wiles . and therefore ( though the se●les of kings they gaine to strengthen what unduly they obtaine ) some doubting of their callings may be had to god ward , though such doubts be rarely made . but , for thy calling thou commission hast so firme ; and it so many seales hath past , that nothing should induce thee to suspect thy wa●rant , or distrust a good effect . god , from thy cradle , seemes to have ordain'd thee to such a purpose : for , he yearly train'd thee through sev'rall cares , and perils , so inure thy heart , to what he meant thou shouldst endure : else why shouldst thou ( whose actions honest were to man ward , though to god ward foule they are ) be more for that afflicted , which doth seeme ( to some ) a worke deserving good esteeme , then are a multitude in these our times , convicted of the most notorious crimes ? why , at thy very birth , did he infuse thy soule with na●urall helpes to forme thy muse , which is a faculty not lent to many , nor by meere art attained to , of any ? to thee , why gave he knowledge , such a way as others l●se it by ? and why i pray did he bestow upon thee so much fame for those few childish lines that thou didst frame in thy minority ▪ why did he then ( when scarce a man ) enroule thy name with men ? and make thee to be prais'd and priz'd before those men whose yeares , and sciences are more ? what was there in thy poems ? what in thee , that seem'd not worthy of contempt to be , much more then of applause ? and what hast thou from scorne to save thee , but gods mercy now ? beleeve it , he divulgeth not thy name for thine owne honor : but to make the same a meanes of spreading his . from p●rills past he sav'd not thee , for any worth thou hast , but , to declare his mercies at this season , he moves this plea betwixt thy faith and reason , not to be passed over , as in vaine ; but , in thy brest true courage to maintaine . thy muse he gave thee , not to exercise her pow'r in b●se and fruitlesse vanities , or to be silenc'd : but , to magnifie the wondrous workings of his majesty . and , as the seales of kings authorize those to whom they doe their offices dispose , so , these are signes which force enough doe cary to seale this calling extraordinary : and , they who sleight the same will in some measure incur the king of heavens high displeasure . mor● might be said ( hereof to make a proofe ) but , more to say , were more then is enough . of this , no further , therefore , i 'le dispute ; but , bid thee stay , thy place to execute . when faith had made this pleading in my brest my reason was perswaded to protest her full assent , to what she first gainsaid , which , that it might be constantly obey'd , my conscience , in her court , did soone decree ; and , all my thoughts were then at peace in me . from that time forward , neither friend , nor foe , could startle me in what i meant to doe . no vaine desires within me did controul● my purpose : no distrusts did fright my soule : nor seemed it , so dangerous , to stay , as ( knowing what i ●new ) to flye away . for , though these arguments , and such as these , can never fit in all mens consciences , the just meridian ( seeing , variations , in manifold respects , make alterations ) yet , mine they suted with ; and may , and shall be some way usefull , to my readers all . i wisht it so : for , i was then inspired with love to all ▪ and all mens weale desired . me thought , i pitied those , who should not see what god within this place did show to me : and should have grieved to have beene constrained , within the city , not to have remained . for by my selfe , when i to censure b●ought my present lott ; it pleas'd me : and , me thought , that , go● vouch●afed to employ me so , and furnish me for what i was to doe , with such a healthfull body , and a minde to act his will so readily enclin'd ; it seem'd more comfort , and more honour far , then if a mona●kes favorite i were , or might for temporall respects become the noblest person of all christendome . a●● , if i shall not still this minde embrace , a dog halfe hanged is in better case . for , when that favour i doe value lesse , i shall grow senselesse of all happinesse . oh! god , how great a blessing , then , didst thou confer upon me ? and what g●ace allow ! oh! what am i , and what my parentage ? that thou of all the children of this age didst chuse ou● m● , so highly to prefer , as of thy acts , to be a register ? and g●ve me fortitude and resolution , to stay , and view thy iudgements execution ? that , i should live to see thy angell here , ev'n in his grea●est dreadfulnesse appeare ? that , when a thousand fell before my face , and at my right hand ( in as little space ) ten thousand more , i should be still prot●cted from that contagious blast , whi●h them infected ! that , when of arrowes thou d●dst shoot a flight so thick by day , and such a storme by night of pois●ned shaft ▪ i , then , should walke among the sharpest of them ; and yet passe along vnharm'd ▪ and that i should behold the path which thou dost pace in thy hot burning wrath , ( yet not consume to ashes ) what a wonder to me it seemes , when thereupon i ponder ! how great a grace it was , whose tongue can say , that i who am but breathing dust and clay , should waking ( and in all my senses , well ) walke downe the grave almost as low as hell , yet come againe unscar●ed ? and have leave to live and tell what there i did perceive ! yea come ( as from the dead ) againe to show the faithlesse wo●ld what terrors a●e below ! ( and justifie , that though a man be sent ev'n from the grave to move men to repent , no faith would in those hearers be begot , who moses and the prophets credit not . ) how great a mercy was it , that when i was thought in dangers , and in griefes to lye , that , for my shepheard i had thee my god ? and in the p●th of best contentments trod ? that i , on sweetest pleasures banqueted , when other men did eate afflictions bread ? that , i had perfect joyes ev'n in my teares ? assured ●afety in my greatest foares ? a thousand ●omforts , whereof they who lived in better-seeming states , w●●e quite deprived ? and much content , which they will never know , who keep those paths in which the vulgar go . what ma●●hlesse benefits were these ! & whence canst thou , that gav'st them , have thy recompence , but from thy self● ▪ or who but ●hou alone can give me heart enough to thinke ●pon these gr●ces as i o●●ht ? oh! therefore , daigne to make my brest suffici●nt to containe that measure of due thankfulnesse , which may accepted be , for what i cannot pay . and , suffer not my frailties , or my sin to hide againe , what thou dost now begin to make me see ; but grant to me thy grace , for ever , to behold thy cheerf●ll face . nor oile , nor corne , nor wine can glad me so : nor shall their brutish lovers ever know what joyes within my brest begotten be , when thy pleas'd countenance doth shine on me . let those who of great kings affections boast , ( and for ●heir ●avours are engaged most ) those , who possesse ( their starveling soules to please ) sweet gardens , groves , and cu●ious palaces , rich iewels , large revenues , princely stiles , the flatteries of lords , and female smiles , the pleasures of the chamber , and the fields , all those which dainty fare , or musique yeelds , the city or the court ; and all tha● stuffe of which their hearts can never have enough : let these , and those who their desires approve , with such entising objects fall in love : let them pursue their fancies , till they finde what so●rowes and disgraces come behinde : and let the●●urfet on them , till they see by tride experience , w●at their fruit will be . i never shall ●nvy their happinesse ; nor cove● their high for●unes to possesse , if thou p●eserve m● still in thy protection , and cheere my spi●it by thin● eyes reflection ▪ for then i shall not feare the scornes of such ▪ my ●ares , 〈◊〉 shall never grieve me much : i shall not 〈◊〉 to ●rouch and sue to them , who thee , and me , and ve●tue shall contem●e ▪ i shall nor shrinke nor startle , when i heare those evill tidings , which men daily feare . not leave my standing , though that in the roome of this great pestilence , a warre should come . or ( which were wo●se ) anot●er fiery-triall , to ●orce us , of thy truth to mak● denyall . and , in these fearfull times , no temporall blisse would seeme a greater priviledge then this , to those , who now with trembling soules , expect what our proceedings will at last ●ffect . yea , they , perhaps , who now are stupifi'd , will praise my lot , whē they their chance have try'd . but ( though ev'n all men living should despise the comfort of it ) i the same will prise . i praise thee for it , lord , and here emplore . that i may praise thee for it , evermore : th●t these expressions of thy love to me , may helpfull also to thy praises be in other men : and ( if it may be so ) in other times , and other places too : and , that the shewing how i did compose the wa●re which twixt my faith and re●son ros● , m●y teach some others how they should debate such doubts within themselves ; and arbitrate ( within their co●rt of conscience ) what is fit to be concluded , and so practise it . for , why so largely , i have this exprest , that , was not , of my p●rposes , the least . i beg moreover , that i may pursue to utter that which i have yet to shew . and , that nor sloth , nor want , nor any let , m●y to these po●●es their last period set , till i have made my readers to conceive , that this was undertaken by thy leave ▪ and , that my censurers may come to say , there was an usefull purpose in my stay : or shew me what they did ; or , what i might have done to better uses in my flight . 〈◊〉 i lastly , crave ( which is , i trust , begun ) that , i ●he way of thy commands may run , the remnant of my talent , and my dayes , employing in good actions , to thy praise : that , i , for ever , may those paths refuse which may unhallow , or pervert my muse : and that , when this is done , i may not fall through pride or sloth ; as if this act were all : but , humbly strive such other wo●kes to doe , as thou r●quir'st , and i was borne unto . yea fu●nish me with ev'ry thing by which i best may se●ve thee , and i shall be rich . this beg i , lord ; and nothing else i crave , for , more then that , were lesse then nought to have : i beg of thee , nor fame , nor mortall praise , nor carnall pleasures , nor yet length of dayes , nor honors , nor vaine wealth , but , just what may the charges of my pilgrimage defray . oh grant me ●his ; and heare me when i call : for , if thou stand not by me , i shall fall . the fourth canto . our muse , in this fourth canto , writes of melancholy thoughts , and sights : wha● changes were in ●very place ; what ruines in a little space : how trades , and how provisions fail'd ; how ●orrow thriv'd , how death prevail'd ; and , how in 〈◊〉 he did ri●e ▪ with all his horrors , by his side . to london , then , she doth declar● how suting her afflictions were to former sinnes : what good and bad effects , this plague produced had : w●at friendly champions , and what foes for us did fight , or us oppose : and , how the greatest plague of all on poore artificers , did fall . then , from the fields , new griefe she takes , and , usefull meditations makes : relates , how flowly vengeance came , how , god forewarn'd us of the same : what other plagues to this were joyned : and , here and there are interlined vpbraidings , warnings , exhortations , and , pertinent expostulations . when conscience had allowed my commission , for staying , & declar'd on what condition ; i did not onely feele my heart consent to entertaine it , with a full content , but also , found my selfe prepared so to execute the worke i had to do , that without paine ( me thought ) i was employ'd , and all my passions to good use enjoy'd . for , though god fre●d my soule from slavish feare , ye● , so much awe he still preserved there , as kept within my hea●t some naturall sense oft is displeasure , and of penitence he gave me ioyes , yet left some griefe withall , lest i into security might fall ; or ▪ lose the fellow-feeling of that paine , whereo● , i heard my neighbours to complaine . he lent me health : yet , ev'ry day some twitches of pangs unusuall ; many qualme● , and stitches of short continuance , my poore heart assailed , that i might heed the more what others ayled . he kept me hopefull : and yet , now and then , his rods ( wherewith ▪ in love , he scourgeth men ) did make me smart ; lest else i might assume the liberty of wantons , and presume . my ordinary meanes was made their prey , who seeke my spoile , and lately tooke away . yet , me with plenties , daily did he feed , and i did nothing wan● , which i could need , which god vouchsafed to assure to me , that when unusuall workes required be ; he will ( e're we shall want what 's necessary ) supply us by a meanes , not ordinary . by many other signes , unmention'd here , gods love , and providence , did so appeare , and so me thought ingage me , to remove what ever to his work a let might prove ; that ( so farre forth as my fraile natu●e could admit , and things convenient suffer would ) my owne affaires aside , a while i threw , and bent my selfe , with heedfulnesse , to view what , worth my notice , in thi● plague i saw , o● , what good uses i from thence might draw . but , ●arre i needed not to pace about , nor long enquire to finde such objects out . for , ev'ry place with sorrowes then abounded , and ev'ry way the cryes of mourning sounded . yea ▪ day by day , successively till night , and from the evening till the morning light , were sc●e●es of griefe , with strange variety ▪ knit up , in one continuing tragedy . no sooner wak'd i , but twice twenty knels , and many sadly-sounding passing-bels , did greet mine eare , and by their heavy towles , to me gave notice , that some early soules departed whilst i slept : that other some were drawing onward to their longest home ; and , seemingly , presag'd , that many a one should bid the world good-night , e're it were noon● . one while the mournfull tenor , in her tones did yeeld a sound as if in deepe fo● grones , she did bewaile the sorrow which attends the separation of those loving friends , the soule and body . other while , agen , me thought , it call'd on me , and other men to pray , that god would view th●m with compassiō ▪ and give them comfortable separation . ( for , we should with a fellow-feeling , share in ev'ry sorrow , which our brethren beare ) sometime my fancy tuned so the bell ▪ as if her towlings did the story tell of my mortality , and call me from this life , by oft , and loudly sounding , come . so long the solitary nights did last , that i had leasure my accounts to cast ; and think upon , and over-think those things , which darknesse , lonelinesse , and sorrow brings to their consideration , who doe know , from whence they came , and whither they must go . my chamber entertain'd me all alone , and in the roomes adjoyning lodged none . yet , through the darksome silent night did flye sometime an uncouth noise ; sometime a cry , and sometime mournfull callings pierc'd my roome , which came , i neither knew from whence , nor whom . and , oft betwixt awaking and asleepe , their voices who did talke ▪ or pray , or weepe , vnto my listning eares a passage found , and troubled me , by their uncertaine sound . for , though the sounds themselves no terror we●e ▪ nor came from any thing that i could feare ; yet , they b●ed musings ; and those musings bred conjecturings , in my halfe sleepi●g head : by those conjectures into minde w●re broug●t some reall things , before quite out of thought ; they , divers fancies to my soule did shew , which m● still further , and still further drew to follow them ; till they did thoughts procure which humane frailty cannot long endure : ev'n such , as when i fully was awake , did make my heart to tremble , and to a●e . and , when such frailties have disheartned men ▪ oh! god , how busie is the devill then ? i know in part his malice , and the wayes and times , and those occasions which he layes to worke upon our weaknesse ; and there is scarce any which doth shew him like to t●is . i partly also know by what d●g●ees he worketh it ; how he doth gaine or leese hi● labours ; and some sense i have procu●'d , what p●ngs are by the soule that while endur'd . for , though my god , in mercy , hath indu'd my soule with knowledge , and with fortitud● in such a measure , that i doe not feare ( distractedly ) those tortures which appeare in solitary da●kness● : yet , some part of this , and of all frailties in my heart continues he ; that so i might confesse his mercies with continuall thankfulnesse , and , somewhat ( ●vermore ) about me beare , which unto me my frail●ies may declare . yea ( thou●h without distemper , now it be ) so much of those grim feares are shewed me , which terrifi'd my childhood , and which mak● the hea●ts of a●ed men , sometimes to quake ▪ that i am s●nsible of their estate ; and can their case the more compassionate , who on their beds of ●eath doe pained lye , exil'd from com●ort , and f●om company , when dreadfull fancies doe their soules af●ight ▪ begotten by the melancholy nig●t . glad was i , when i saw the sun appeare , ( and with his rayes to blesse our hemi●phere ) that from the tumbled bed i might arise , and with more lightsomnesse refresh mine eyes : or with some good companion● , ●ead , or pray , to passe , the better , my s●d thoughts away : for , though such ●houghts oft us●full are , and good ▪ yet , knowing well , i was but flesh and blood , i also knew mans naturall condition must have in joyes , and griefes , an intermission , lest too much joy should fill the heart with folly , or , too much griefe breed dangerous melancholy . but , when the morning came , i● little shewed , save light , to see discomfortings renewed : for , if i staid within , i heard relations of nought but dying pang● , and lamentations . if in the stre●ts i did my footing set , with many sad disasters there i met . and , objects of mortali●y and feare , i saw in great abundance ev'ry where . here , one man stagger'd by , w●th visage pale : there , lean'd another , grunting on a stall . a third , halfe dead , lay gasping for his grave ; a fourth did out at window call , and rave ; yonn came the bearers , sweating from the pit , to fetch more bodies to replenish it . a little further off , one sits , and showes the spots , which he deaths tokens doth suppose , ( e're such they be ) and , makes them so indeed ; which had beene signes of heal●h , by taking heed . for , those round-purple-spot● , which most have thoght deaths fatall tokens ( where they forth are b●ought , ) may prove life tokens , if that ought be done , to helpe the worke , which natur● h●th begun . whereas , that feare , which their opinion brings who threaten death ; the want of cordiall things ( to helpe remove that poison from the heart , which nature hath expelled thence in part ) and then , the sickm●ns liberty of having cold drinks , and what his appetite is craving , brings backe againe those humours pestilent , which by the vitall pow'rs had fo●th beene sent . so by recharging him that was before nigh spent , the fainting combatant gives o're : and he that cheerfully did raise his head , is often , in a moment , strucken dead . fea●e also helps it forward . yea , the terror occasion'd , by their fond and common error , who tell the sick● , that markt for death they be , ( when those bl●w spots upon their flesh they see ) ev'n that hath murthred thousands , who might here have lived , ●lse , among us , many a yeare . for , if the surgeons , or the searchers , know those markes , which for the markes of death do goe , from common-spots , or purples , ( which we must confesse , or else all kinde of spots d●str●st ) then , such as we death-tokens call , were seene on some , that have long since , recover'd beene . before i learned this , i fixt mine eyes on many a private mans calamities , and saw the streets ( wherein a while agoe we s●arce could passe , the people fill'd them so ) appeare nigh desolate ; yea , quite forlorne and for their wonted visitant● to mourne . much peopled westminster , where late , i saw , so many rev'rend iudges of the law , with clients , and with suitors hemmed round : where courts and palaces did so abound with bus●nesses : and , wh●re , together met our thrones of iustice , and our mercy-seat ; that place , was then frequented , as you see some villages on holy-dayes will be when halfe the towneship , and the hamlets nigh are met to revell , at some parish , by . perhaps , the wronging of the orphans cause , denying , or perverting of the lawes there practised , did set this plague abr●eding , and sent the terme from westminster to reading . her goodly church and chappell , did appeare like some poore minster which hath twice a yeare foure visitants : and , her great hall , wherein so great a randevow had lately ●in , did look like those old structure● , where long since me● say , king arthur kept his residence . the parliament had left her , to goe see if they could learne at oxford to agree ; or if that ayre were better ●or the health and safety of our english common-wealt● . but there , some did so counsell , and so vrge the body politike to take a purge , to purifie the parts that seemed foule : some others did that motion so ●on●roule , and plead so much for cordialls , and for that which strengthen might the sinnewes of the state , that all the time , the labour , and the cost , which had bestowed beene , was wholly lost . and , here , the empty house of parliament did l●oke as if i● had beene disco●t●nt , or griev'd ( me thought ) that oxford should not be more pro●perous , yet ; nor c●uld i any see res●rt to com●ort her : but , there did i behold two traytors hea●s , which perching high , did shew their teeth , as if they had beene grinning at those affli●tious which are now beginning . yea , their wide ●ye holes , star'd , me thought , as th● they lookt ●o see that house now overthrow it selfe , which they with powder up had blowne , had god , their snares , and them , not overthrowne . white hall , where not three months before ▪ i spi'd great britaine in the height of all her pride , and , france with her contending , which could most outbrave old rome and persi● , in their cost on robes and feasts : ev'n that lay solitary , as doth a quite-forsaken monast●ry in some lone forrest ; and we could not passe to many places , but through weeds and grasse . perhaps , the sinnes , of late , committed ●here , occasions of such desolation were . pray god , there be not others , in the state , that will make all , a● last , be desolate . the stra●d , that goo●ly thorow-fare between● the court and city ( and where i have seene well nigh a million pa●sing in one day ) is now , almost , an unfrequented way : and peradventure , for those impudencies , those riots , and those other foule offences , which in that place were frequent , when it had so great resort ; ●t is now justly made to stand unvisited ▪ god grant it may repent ▪ lest longer , and another way it stand unpeopled , or some others use those blessings , which the owners now abuse . the city-houses of our english p●eres , now smoakt as seldome , as in other yeares their country-palaces : and , they perchance much better know then doth my ignorance , why so it came to passe . but , wish i shall that they their wayes to minde would better call ; le●t both their country ▪ and their city-piles , be smoaking seene , and burning , many miles . the innes of court i entred ; and i saw each roome so desolate , as if the law had out-law'd all her students ; or that there some fear'd arrestings , whe●e no sergeants were . most dreame , that this great fright was thither sent not purposely , but came by accident ; and so , but little use is taken from gods iudgements , to amend the times to come . yet , i dare say , it was a warning given ev'n by appointment : and decreed in heaven : to s●gnifie , that if our lawyers will in their abusive wayes continue still , the cause of their profession quite fo●getting ▪ and to their practices no limits setting , till they ( as hereto●ore the clergy were ) are moe in number then the land can beare . their goodly palaces shall spew them forth , as excrements that have nor use nor worth ; and , be disposed of , as now they s●e , the priories , and monasteries be . it griev'd me to behold this wofull change , and places so well knowne , appeare so strange . but , oh poore london ! when i lookt on thee , remembring therewithall , thy jollity erewhile ; and how soone after i did meet with griefe and sad complaints in ev'●y street ▪ when i did minde how throng●d thy ga●es have bin and then perceiv'd so few past out or in . when i consider'd that abundant store of wealth , which thou discover'dst heretofore : and , looking on thy many empty stalls , beheld thy shops set up their wooden-wals ▪ me ●hought , thou should●t not be that london , w●ich appear'd of late so populous , and rich ; but , some large burrough ; either falling from her height ; or , not unto her greatnesse come . if to thy port i walkt ; it mov'd remorse , to see how gr●atly , trade and intercourse decayed there ; and what depopulations , were made in thy late peopled habitations . thy royall change , which was the randevow wherein all nations met , the whole world through , within whose princely walls we heard the sound of ev'ry language spoke on earths vast round ; and where we could have known what had bin done in ev'ry forraine coast below the sun : that place , the city-merchant , and the stranger avoyded as a place of certaine danger : and feared ( as it seemes ) they might have had some bargain ther , that would have spoild their trade thy large cath●drall , whose decaying frame thou leavest unrepaired to thy shame , had scarce a walker in her middle i le ; and , ev'ry ma●ble of tha● ancient pile , did often drop , and seeme to shed forth teares , for thy late ruine , though thou sleightest hers . the time hath been , that once a day , from thence , we could have ●●d a large intelligence of most occurences , that publique were . y●a , many times we had ▪ relations there , of things , who●e foolish actors never thought their deeds to open scanni●g should be brought . there , heard we oft made publique by report , what s●●resi●s were whisper'd in the court. the closet-cou●sels , and the chamber work , which many thinke in privacy doth lurke . there heard we what those lords , and ladies were , who m●t disguised , ●hey know when , and where . the●e ●eard we what they did , and what they said ; and many foolish plots were there bew●ai● : there , heard we reasons , why such men were made gre●t lords and knights , who no deserving had , in common view : and how gre●t pr●nces eyes are dazled ●nd abus'd wi●h fallacies . th●re heard we for what g●f●s most doctors rise , and gaine the church●s●ighest ●ighest dignities . the truest causes also there we●e knowne , why men advanced are , or pulled down . why officers are changed , or displaced ; why some confined are and some di●graced ; and w●at amo●g the wise , those men doe seeme , that are great stat●smen , in their owne es●eeme . th●re we have heard , what princ●s have intended , when they to doe s●me other thing p●e●ended . what policies ▪ and projects , men pursue ▪ with publique aymes , and with a pious s●ew . why from the counsell one is turned out ; what makes another counterfeit the gout , and many other mysteries beside , whith hardly can the mentioning abide . but those athenian merc●antmen were gone , who made exchange of newes ; and few or none to heare or make reports remained there . yea they who scarce a day ( as if they were of pauls the walking statues ) staid from thence since london felt the last great pestilence , ev'n they were gone ; and those void iles d●d look as if some properties had them ●orsooke . our theaters , our tavernes , tennis-courts , and gaming houses whither great resorts were w●nt to come ; then , seldome were frequented : not that such vanities we much repented ; but , lest those places , which had follies taught us , might some reward , unlooked for , have brought us . where we with pestilences of the ●oule each other had polluted and made foule , our bodies were infected ; and our breat●s , vvhich had endanger'd our e●ernall de●t●s , ( in former times ) by uttring heresies , by ●candals , and by basest flatteries , or wanton speeches ; put●ifide the ayre , the blood ev'n at the fountaine did impaire , to coole our lust ▪ and they that were the bliss●● of some ▪ mens lives , did poison them with kisses . the ma●kets which a while before did yeeld what ayre , se●s , riv●rs , garden , wood , or field , to furnish them afforded ; no● had nought , but what some few in secret thither brought . for ( as a foresaid ) it was ordred so , that none should with p●ov●sions , come or goe . so , like a towne beleaguer'd thou didst fare , in some respect● : and , but that god had care by m●king others feele necessities which forced them to minister supplies ; thou hadst beene famisht , or beene faine to b●ing provisions in by way of forraging : and then their foolishnesse , had brought upon those men , two mischiefes , who did feare but one . hereafter ther●fore , practise well to use those plenties thou didst he●etofore abuse ; lest god , ●gaine bereave thee of thy sto●e , and never so enlarge his bounty more . for , to co●rect thy surfets , and excesse , thy sleighting of the poore , thy thanklesnesse , and such like sinnes ; god wo●thily rest●ained those plenties which thy pride and lust maintained . thy dwellings , f●om whose windowes i have se●n a thousand ladies , that might queenes have beene for bravery , and beauty : and , some far more faire then they that fam'd in legends are . those s●ood unpeopled , as those ●ouse● doe which sprights , and fairies doe reso●t unto . none to their closed wicke●s made repai●e ; their empty gasemen●s gaped wide for ayre ; and where once foot clot●es and ca●oches were attending ; now stood coffi●s , and a biere . yea coffins oftner past by ev'ry doore , th●n coaches , and caroches , heretofo●e ▪ to see a country lady , or a knight among us then , had beene a● rare a sigh● as was that elephant which came from spaine , o● some great monster spewd out of the maine . if by mischance the people in the street , a courtier , or a gentleman did meet , they with as much amazement him did view , as if they had beheld the wand●ing ●ew . and , many , seeing me to keepe this place , did looke as if they much bewaild my cas● , and h●l●e belee'vd that i was doomed hither , that ( since close-prison , halfe a yeare together , nor private wrongs , nor publique dis-respect , could breake my heart , nor much the same deject ) this plague might kill me , which is come to whip those faults which her●tofore my pen did strip . but here i walkt in safety to behold what changes , for instructio● , see i could . and , as i wandred on , my eye did meet , those halfe built pageants whi●h , a thwa●t the street , did those triumphant arches counterfeit , which heretofore in ancient rome were fet , when their victorious generalls had thither the spoile of mighty kingdomes b●ought together . the loyall citizens ( ●lthough they lost the glory of their well-intended cost ) e●ected those great structures to renowne the new receiving o● the sov'raigne crowne by hopefull charles ( whose royall exaltation , make thou oh ! god , propitious to this nation . ) but when those works , imperfect , i beheld , they di● new c●uses of sad musings yeeld , portending ruine . and , did seeme , me thought , in honor of deaths trophees to be wroug●t ; much rather , then from purposes to ●pring which aymed at the honor of a king. for , their unpolisht forme , did make them fit for d●●efull showes : yea , death on them did sit . his captives passed under ev●●y arch ; among them , as in triumph he did march ; through ev'ry street , upon mens backs were borne his conquests . his b●ack live●ies were wo●ne ▪ in ev'ry house almost . hi● spoyles were brought to ev'ry temple . many vaults were frau●ht with his new prizes and his followers grew to such a multitude , that halfe our eugh , and all our cypresse t●ees , could ha●dly lend him a branch for ev'ry one who did attend him . my fancy did present to me that houre a glimpse of death ev'n in his greatest power . me thought i saw him , in a charret ride , with all his grim companions by his side . such as oblivion , and corruption be . not halfe a step before him , ●ode these t●ree , ( on monsters backt ) paine , horror , and despaire : whose fury , had not faith , and hope , and pray'r , prevented , through gods m●rcy none had ever escap'd destruction by their best endevour . for , next to death , came iudgement : after whom , hell w●th devou●ing lawes , did gaping come , to swallow all : but , she at one di● snap , who now , for many , hath made way to scape . death's carr , with many chaines , & ropes , & strings , and , by a mu●titude of severall th●ngs , as pleasures , passions , cares , and such as they , vvas drawne along upon a beaten way , new gravell'd with old bones : and , sin did seeme to be the formost beast of all the teeme : and , sicknesse to be that whi●h haled next the charret wheele ; for , none i s●w betwixt . time led the way ; and , iustice did appea●e , to sit before , and play the chariote●r . for since our sin to p●ll on death begun , the whip of iustice makes the charret run . there was of trumpets , and of drums the sound ; but in loud cries , and roarings it was drown'd . sad el●gies , and songs of lamentation were howled out ; but , moved no compassion . skulls , coffi●s , spades , and mattocks placed were about the charret . crawling wormes were there and whatsoever else might signifie deaths nature , and weak mans mortalitie . before the cha●ret , such a multitude of ev'●y nation in the world i view'd , that neither could my eye so farre perceive , as they were th●onging ; nor my heart conceive their countlesse number . for , all those that were since abel dy'd , he drove before him there . and ▪ of those thousands , dying long agoe , some here and there , among them , i did know , whose vertues them in death distinguished ( in spight of death ) from others of the dead . i saw them stand , me thought , as you shall see high spreading oakes , which in ●el'd copses be , o're-top the shrubs ; and , where scarce two are found of growth , within ten thousand ro● of ground . o● those who dy'd within the age before this yeare , i sc●rce distinguished a score from beasts , and fowles , & fishes . for , death makes so little difference twixt the flesh he takes , that , into dust alike he ●urnes it all . and ▪ if no vertue make distinction sh●ll , those men who did of much in lifetime boast , shall dying in the common heap be lost . but , of tho●e captives which my fantasie presented to my apprehensions eye to grace this mon●r●es triump● ; most i heeded those t●oups , which next before the carr proceeded , ev'n those which in the circuit of this yeare , the prey of death within our iland were : it was an army royall , which bec●me a king , and loe , king iames did lead the same . the duke of richmond , and his onely brother the duke of lenox , seconded each other . next ●hem , in this attendance follow'd on that noble sco● , the marquis hammilton , sou●hampton , su●folke , oxford , nottingham , and holdernesse , their earledomes leaving , came to wait upon this triumph . there i saw some rev'rend bishops , and some men of law , as winchester , and hubbard , and i know not who else ▪ for to their memories i owe not so much as here to name them : nor doe i vpon me take to mention punctually their order of departing , nor to sweare that all of these fell just within the yeare . for of the time if somewhat i doe misse , the matter sure , not much materiall is . some barons and some viscounts , saw i too ▪ zouch , bacon , chichester , and others moe , whose titles i forg●t . there fol●ow'd then some officers of note ; some aldermen ; great store of knights , and bu●gesses , with whom a couple marcht , that had the shcriff●dome of london that sad yeare : the one of which in piety and vertue dy'd so rich , ( if his surviving fame may ●e beleeved ) that for his losse the city much hath grieved . to be an honor to him , here , therefore i fixe the name of crisp , which name he bore : and i am hopefull it shall none offend , the muses doe this right unto their friend . some others also of great state and place , to me no● knowne by office , name , nor face , made up the concou●se . but , the common rabble to number or distingu●sh , none was able . for , rich and poore , men , women , old and yong , so fast and so confusedly did throng ; by strokes of death , so markt , so gastly wounded , so thrust together , and so much confounded among that glut of people , which from hence were sent among them , by the pestilence , that possible it was not , to descry or who or what they were who passed by . yet , now and then , me thought , i had the view of some who much resembled those i knew . and ▪ faine i would the favour have pro●u●ed to keepe their names from being quite obscured among the multitude . but , they were gone before the meanes could well be thought upon . and passe they must for aye , unknowne of me : for , this was but a waking dreame , i see . these fancies ▪ melancholy often bred : yea , many such like pageants in my head my working apprehension did beget , according to those objects which i met . some , full of comfort , able to relieve the heart wh●m dread●ull thoughts did over-grieve . some full of horror ▪ such as they have had ( it i mistake nor ) th●t grow desp'rate mad . some , like to their illusions , who in s●ead of being humbled in this place of dread ▪ are puffed up by their deliverance : and being full of dangerous a●rogance , abuse t●eir soules , with vaine imaginations , ill-grounded hopes , suggested revelations , and such like toyes , which in their hearts arise from their owne pride , and sathans fallacies . some , such as these i had ; and other some , which cannot be by words expressed from my troubled heart . and , if i had not got gods hand , to help untie the●r gordian-k●ot ; his presence , my bold reas'nings to controule ; to curb my passion ; to informe my soule ; my faith to strengthen ; doubtings to abate ; and so to comfort , ●nd to arbitrate , that i m●ght see i was of him beloved , ( though me with many sec●et ●eares he proved ) su●e , in my selfe , some hell i had invented , wher endless thoughts , & doubts , had me tormented . but , god those depths hath show'd me , that i might see ●hat we cary in our selves to fright our selves withall and what a hell of feare is in our ve●y soules , till he be there . ev'n when i had the b●ight●●sse of the day , to chase my melancholy thoughts away , i was to musings troublesome disposed , as well as when the da●knesse me enclosed ; th●t , by experiments , w●ich reall are , those horrors which to others oft appeare ( and are not demonstrable ) might in part be felt in me , to mollifie my heart ; to stir up hearty thankfuln●sse ; and make my soule , in him the greater pleasure take . for frō those prospects , & those thoughts that g●ieve me , i , those ext●actions make that much releeve me . and when my inward combatings a●e past , it give●h to my joyes the sweeter tast . but leaving th●s , i will againe returne to that for which the people soonest mourne . i lookt along the streets 〈◊〉 chiefest trade ; and , there , perpetuall holiday they made . they that one day in sev'n could not forbeare from trading ; had not one in halfe a yeare . and , all which some had fro● their childhood got , the charges of their flight defrayed not . to m●ke the greedy cormorant regard the sabbath more , and of ill gaines affear'd . false wa●es , fal●e oathes , false measures , and false weights , false promises , a●d ●alsified lights , were punisht with false hopes , false joyes , false fears , false servants , and false frien●s , to them , and theirs . the● who of late their neighbours did contemne , had not a neig●bour le●t to comfort them , w●en neighbourhood was need●ull such as were selfe-love●s , by th●mselves remained here ; and w●nted those contentments , which arise , fro● christian love , and mutuall amities . mo●t trades were tradefaln , & few merchāts thriv'd , save those men , who by death and sicknesse , liv'd . the sextons , searchers , they that corpses ca●ie , the herb-wife , drugg●st , and apothecarie , phy●itians , surgeons , nurses , co●●in-makers , bold mounteb●nckes , and shamelesse undertakers , to cure the pe●t in all ; these , rich become : and what we pray to be delivered from was their advantage . yea , the worst of these grew stout , and fat , and proud by this disease . so●e , vented refuse w●res , at three times more , than what is best , was prized at before . some set upon their labours such high rates ▪ as passed reason : so , they whose estates 〈◊〉 faile of reaching to a price so high , were faine to perish without remedy . some , wolvishly , did prey upon the quick , some , theevishly , purloyned from the sick . some robb'd the dead of sheets , some , of a grave , that there another guest may lodging have : yea , custome had so hardned most of them , that they gods iudgements wholly did contemne . they , so hard-hearted , and so stupid grew , so dreadlesly their course they did pursue , yea so they flouted , and such jests did make at that , for which each christian heart did ake , that greater were the plague their mind to have , then of the pestilence to lye and rave . now muse i not at what thucidides reporteth of such wicked men as these , when athens was depopulated nigh by such a pestilence . nor wonder i , that when the plague did this time sixty yeare oppresse the towne of lyons , that some there were said to ravish women , ev'n when death was drawing from the● their last gaspe o● breath . and when infectious b●aines on them th●y saw , which ●ight have kept their lustfull flesh in awe . for man once hardned in impenitence , is left unto a reprobated sense . till god shall s●nct●fie i● , weale , nor woe , can make us feare him as we ought to doe . his love made wanton is●'●l●purne ●purne at him ; his plagues made phar'oh , his sharpst rod contemn : and as the sun from dunghils , and from sinks , produceth nothing but ranck weeds , and s●inks ; yet makes a garden of well-tilled ground , with wholesome fruits , and fragrant flowres abound : or , as in bruising , one thing senteth well , another yeelds a loathsome , stifling smell ; so , plagues and blessings , their effect● declare , according as their sev'rall objects are . indeed , my young experience never saw , so much security , and so much awe dwell both together in one place , as here in this mortality , there did appeare . i am perswaded , time and place was never in which afflicted men did more endevor by teares , vowes , prayers and true penitence , to paci●●e gods wra●h for ●heir offence . nor ever was it seene , i think , before , that men in wickedness● presumed more . here you should meet a man with bleared eyes , bewailing our encreasing miseries ; another there ▪ quite reeling drunk ▪ o● spewing , and by renewed sins , o●r woes renewing there sate a peece of sh●melesnesse , whose flaring attires and looks , did show a monstrou● daring : for , in the postures of true impu●ence , she seem'd as if she woo●d the pestilence yonn talkt a couple , ma●ter worth your hearing : hard by , were others , telling lyes , or sw●aring . some st●eets had ch●rches full of people , weeping : some others , tavernes had , rude-revell keepin● : within some houses psalmes and hymnes wer sung : w●th raylings , and loud scouldings , others rung . more c●arity , did never , yet , appeare : nor more maliciousnesse , then we had here . true piety was ominentl● knowne ; h●po●risie as evidently showne . more avarice , mor● gapers for the wealth o● such as dy'd ; no former times of health afforded us ; nor men of larger heart , ●hings need●ull for their brethren , to impart . their masters goods , some servants lewdly spent , in nightly feastings , foolish merriment , and lewd uncleannesse . o●her some againe , did such an honest carefulnesse ●etaine , that their endeavo●s had a good successe , and , man , and master m●t with joyfulnesse . yea , good and evill , penitence and sin did here so d●ive each other out and in ; that in observing it , i saw , me thought , in sight of heav'n , a d●ead●ull comb●t fought concerning this whole iland , which yet lyes , to be gods purchas● , or the devil● prise . vice wounded v●rtue ; vertue o' t co●peld the strongest vices to forsake the field . distrust rais'd up a storme , to drive ●way sure-helpe , our ship , which at hopes anchor la● ; and brought supplies with ev'ry winde and tyde , whereby this land was fed and fo●tifi●d . the fort of faith , was plaid on by d●spai●e : but then the gun-shot o● continuall-pray'r ( well aym'd ●t heav'n ) devotion so did ply , that , he dismounts the foes artillery . the spirit and the flesh together strive , and , oft each other into perill drive . presumption , huge high scaling ladders , r●ared , and then the taking of our fort was feared . but awfull reverence did him oppo●● , and with humilities de●pe trench enclose the platforme of that fortresse , from whose towres we fight with principalities , and pow'rs . suggestion lay pur due by contemplation , and sought to disadvantage m●ditation . the regiment of prudence was assailed , by head-strong ignorance , who much prevailed where temperance was quarter'd , there i saw excesse and riot , both together draw their troups against her : and , i some espy'd to yeeld , and overcome on either side ▪ the place that v●liant fortitude made good , faint-heartednesse ( though out of sight he stood ) did cowardly oppose , and courses take , which otherwhile his constancy did shake . for carnall policy her engineer , had closely suncke a mine which had gone neere to blow all up . but providence divine did soone prevent it by a counter-mine . yet morall-iustice ( though a court o● gu●rd was plac'd , and oft r●leeved in her ward ) had much adoe to m●ke a strong defence against her foes . for , fraud , and violence , respect of persons , feare , hate , perjury , faire-speaking , and corrupting brib●ry , did wound her much ; though she did often take avengement ; and o● some , examples make . some vices , there , i saw themselves disguise like vertues , that their foes they might surprise ; as doe the dunkirks , when aboord to lay our ships , an english flag they do display . pride went for come●●nesse : profuse excesse , for hospitality : base drunkennesse was call'd good fello●ship : blunt rashnesse came attyr'd li●e valour : sloth had got the name of quietnesse : accursed avarice , was term'd good husbandry . meere cowardice appear'd like prudent warinesse , and might have passed for a very valiant wight . yea , ev'ry vice , to gaine his purpose , had so●e ma●kes o● vertue-like disguise● made ▪ and , many times , such hellish plo●s were laid , th●t divers morall vertues were gainsaid , defam'd , pursu'd , and wounded by their owne ; whose glory had no● else beene overthrowne . ●ust-de●ling hath beene tooke for cruelty : pure-love for lust : upright integri●y for cu●ning falsh●od : yea , divinest graces have beene at variance brought in divers cases , ( by wicked stratagems ) that vaine inventions , m●ght frustrate pious workes , and good intentions . to furthe● stri●e , great quarrels broached are , twixt faith and workes . there is another j●r begun erewhile , betwixt no worse a pai●e , then preachin● , and her blessed sister pray'r . god grant they m●y agree ; for , i ●e're knew a quiet church , but where they kept one pew . faith and repentance also are , of late , about their birth-rig●t fallen at d●bate . but by the church-bookes it appeares to me their bir●hs and their conceptions mention'd be without such nice regard to their precedings , as some have urged in their needlesse pleadings . and , so it pleas'd the father , sonne and spirit : because that law by which they shall inherit the promist meed ; doth never question move , how soone or late , but how sincere they prove . moreover , in this ●attell i espy'd some ambodexters , fight on either side . the moralist , who all religion wants ; church-papists ; time-observing protestants . all double-dealers ▪ hypocrites , and such base neutrals , who have scandalized much , and much endanger'd those who doe contend this ●le , from desolation , to defend . beside these former combatants , which fought against or for us ; i perceiv'd , me thovght , both good and evill angels fi●hting too , the one , to help ; the other , ha●me to doe . and though thi● battell yet appeareth not to common view , so cru●ll nor so hot as i conceive it : yet it will appeare to all in time , with comfort , or with feare . for , s●ill , and ev'ry day , those enemies stand a●m'd and watc●ing opportunities to seiz● us ; and will seize us , if th●s● times shall make complete the measure of our crimes ; or our continuing ●ollies drive away our ange●l g●ard , which doth our ●all delay . oh st●y them lord ! and make that side the stro●ger , for whom this lan● sh●ll yet be sp●●ed longer . and let us , my dea●e c●untrimen , with speed , of that which so conce●neth us , take h●●d . obse●ve , thou famoust city of this l●nd , how h●avily on thee god layes his hand . the very rumor of this plague did make the fa●th●st dwellers of this i le to shak● : and such a sent of d●ath they seem'd to c●ry , who in o● nea●e about thy climat● tary , that , from the mount to ba●w●ck they were hated , or shunn'd , as persons excommunicated . ●nd three weekes ayring on old sarum plaine , woul●●●arce a lodging for a brother gaine . yea , mark , ma●k london , and confesse with me , that god ●at● justly thus afflicted thee , and that in ev'ry point this plague hath bin according to the nature of thy sin . in thy prosperity , such was thy pride , that thou the countries plainn●sse didst deride . thy wanton children would oft straggle out , at honest husban●men to jeere and flou● . their homely garments , did offend thine eyes : they did their rurall dia●ect● despise ▪ their games and merriments ( which for them , be as commendable , as are thine for thee ) thou laughedst at : their gestures , and their fashions , their very diet , an● their habitations were sported at : yea , those ingratefull things , did scoffe them for their hearty welcomings ; and taught ev'n those that had been country-born the wholesome places of their birth to scorne . and , see , now see , those thanklesse ones are faine to seeke their fathers thatched roofes againe ; and , aske those good old women blessing , whom they did not see , since they did rich become ; and never would have seene , perhaps , unlesse this plague had whipped their ingratefulnesse . yea , thine owne naturall children have beene glad to scrape acquaintance where no friends they had ; to praise a homely , and a sm●ky shed ; a darke low parlour , an unea●●e bed ; an ill drest di●t ; yea , perchance , commend a chu●lish landlord , for an honest friend ; yet be contented bo●h to pray and pay , that they may leave obtaine with him to stay . and peradventure , some of those who plaid the scoffers hereto●ore , were fully pai● . th●n , citizens were sha●k● , and prey'd upon , in recompence of wrong● before time done to silly countrim●n ; and were defeated of ●ha● , whereof , some rusticks , they had cheated . moreover , for the countries imitations of thy fantastick , vaine , and fruitlesse fashions , ( of thy apparell , and of thy excess● in feasts , in games , in lust , in idlenesse ; with such abominations ) some of those who came from thee , shall doubtlesly dispose to ev'ry shire a viall of that wrath , which thy transgression long deserved hath : that , thou and they , who sinners were together , may rods be made to punish one another ; and give each other bitterness● to sup , as you have joyntly quaft of pleasures cup. as to and fro i walked , that i might on ev'ry ruthfull object fix my sight , vpon those golgatha's i cast mine eye , where all the comm●n people buried lye . lie buried did i say ? i should have said , where c●rkasses to bury graves were laid . lord ! what a sight was there ? & what strong smells ascended from among death's loathsome cells ? you scarce could make a little infants bed in all those plots , but you should pare a head , an arme , a shoulder , or a leg away , o● one or other who there buried lay . one grave did often many scores enclose of men and women : and , it may be those that could not in two parishes agree , now in one little roome at quiet be . yonn lay a heape of skulls ; another there ; here , halfe unburied did a corpse appeare . close by , you might have seene a brace of feet that had kickt off the rotten winding-sheet . a little further saw we othersome , thrust out th●ir armes for want of elbow roome . a locke of womans hayre ; a dead mans face vncover'd ; and a gastly sight it was . oh! here , here v●ew'd i what the gl●ries be of pamper'd flesh : here plainly did i see how grim those ●eauties will e're long appeare , which we so dote on , and so cove● , here . here was enough to coole the hottest flame of lawlesse lust . here , was enough to tame the ma●st ambition . and , all they that goe vnbetter'd from such objects ; worse doe grow . from hence ( fo● here was no abiding long ) our allies and our lanes , i walkt among , where those artificers their dwel●ings had , by whom our idle traders rich are made . the plague rav'd there indeed . for , who were they whom th●t contagion fastest swept away but those whose d●ily lab'●ing hands did feed their honest families ? and greatly steed this place by their mechanick industries ? these are the swarmes of bees , w●ose painfull thighes bring wax unto this hive ; and from whose bones the honey drops , that feedeth many drones . these are the bulwarks of this ●enselesse towne , and when this wall of bones is overthrowne , our stately dwellings , now both faire and tall , will quickly , of themselves , to ruine fall . of these , and of t●eir housholds , dai●y dy'd twice more then did of all sorts else beside ; and hungry poverty ( without reliefes ) did much inrag● and multipliply their griefes . the rich could flye ; or , if they staid , they had such meanes that their disease the lesse was made ▪ yea , those poore aged folkes that make a show of greatest need , did boldly come and goe , to aske mens almes ▪ or what their parish granted ; an● nothing at this time those people wanted , but thankfulnesse ▪ lesse malice to ea●h other ; a●d grace to live more quietly together . their bodies , d●y'd with age , were seldome struck by this disease ▪ their neighbours notic● took of all their wants . among them , were not many that had ●ull fam●lies . or if that any of these had children sick ; some good supplies were sent them from the generall charities . moreover , common beggers are a nation not alwayes keeping in one habitation . they can remove as time occasion brings : they have their progresses as well as king ; and most of these , when hence the rich did goe , remov'd themselves into the country too . the rest about our streets did ask their bread , and never in their lives , were fuller fed . but , those good people mentioned before , who , till their worke did faile them , fed the poore as well as others ; and maintained had great families , by ●ome laborious trade : ev'● those di● suffer most . for , neither having provision left them , nor the face o● craving ; nor meanes of labour : first , to pawne they sent their brasse and pewter : t●en , their bedding went. their garments next ▪ or stuffe of best esteeme : at length , ev'n that which should the rest redeeme , their working instruments . when that was gone , their lease was pawned , if it might be done . and peradventure , at the last of all , these things were sold outright for sums but small ▪ or else quite forfeited . for , here were they who made of these poore soules , a gainfull prey . and as one plague had on the li●e a pow'r , so did these other plagues , their goods devoure . when all was gone , afflicted they became with secret griefes , with poverty , and shame . and , wanting cheerfull minds , and due refection , were seized on , the soone● , by infection : for , hearts halfe broke , and housholds fa●●isht neare ▪ are quickly spent , when visited they are . the carefull master , though it would have saved a servants life , to get him what he craved , no kinde of med'cine able was to give him ; nay scarce with bread and water to relieve him ▪ the tender hearted mother , hath for meat oft heard her dearest child , in vaine , intreat ; and had or foure or five on point of dying at once , for drink to ease their torment , crying . the loving husband sitting by her side , to save whose life he gladly would have dy'd , vnable was out of his whole estate , to purchase her a dram of mithridate ; one messe of cordiall broth , or such like thing , although it might prevent her perishing . sometime , at such a need , abroad they came , to aske for helpe ; but , then , the feare of shame , of scorne , or of deni●ll , them with-held to put in practice , what their want compell'd . vpon an evening ( when the wa●ning light was that which could be call'd nor day nor night ) i met with one of these , who on me cast a ●ut●full eye : and a● he by me past , me thought , i heard him , softly , somewhat say , as if that he for some reliefe did pray : whereat ( he seeming in good cloth●s to be ) i staid , and askt him , if he spake to me . he bashfully replyed ; that , indeed he was asham'd to speake aloud , what need did make him softly mutter ▪ somewhat more he would have spoken , but his tongu● forbore to tell the re●t ; b●cause his eyes did see their teares had ( almost ) drawne fo●th tears frō me , and that my hand was ready to bestow that helpe which my poore fortunes could allow ▪ nor his , nor all me●s tongues , coul● mo●e relate , then i my selfe conceiv'd of hi● estate . me thou●ht , i saw , as if i had beene there , what w●nts in his , and such mens houses were ; how empty , and how naked it became ▪ how nasty , poverty h●d made the same ▪ me thou●ht i saw , how sick● his wife mightlye ; me thought i heard his halfe sta●v'd children cry ; me thou●●t i felt , with what a broken heart he lookt upon t●em , e're he could depart to try , i● ( by gods ●avour ) he could meet with any meanes of comfort in the street . and , lord my god , thou know'st , that , when alone the griefes of such as these , i mused on ; my pitie i with watry eye● have showne , and more bewail'd their sorrowes , then my owne ▪ but , since those dewes are vaine that ●ruitlesse be ; and since the share that is allotted me ▪ of this worlds heritage , will not ●uffice to bring relie●e to these mens miseries ; oh! let my teares ( ye ri●h men ) make your ground with fruits of charity the more abound . let me intreat you , tha● , when god shall bring vpon this place , another visiting , you would remember , some reliefe to send to those , who on t●eir labours doe depend , and have not got their impudence of ●ace , who idlely beg their bread from place to place . god , you the s●ewards of his g●ods doth make , and how you use them , he accou●t will take . it will not be enough , that you have paid the publique taxes on your houses laid ; or that ▪ you , now and then , doe send a summe to be disposed , to you know not whom : but , you yo●r selves , must , by your selves alone , those neighbour● , o● acqu●intance think upon , who likeliest are in such a time of need , to want of t●at , whe●ein you do exceed : and , if you know of none , enquire them out ; or leave some honest neigbour thereabout , to be your alm'ner ( when the towne you leave ) that , yo● , and they , a blessing may receive ▪ for , if that ev'ry weal●hy man w●uld find but one , or two , to cherish in this kind : gods wrat● would much the better be appeased , and we should of our plagues be sooner eased as i request the richer men to take this pious course ; a suit , i likewise m●ke that our inferiour tradesmen , would not so abuse their times of profit , as they doe . for , most of those doe live at rates as high , as all their gaines ( at utmost ) will supply . yea , many times they mount above t●e tops of present fortunes , and ensuing hopes : that , if a sicknesse , or unlook'd for crosse , or want of trade , or any slender losse , but for a yeare , a qu●rter , or a terme , befalls them : it soone maketh so infirme their over-strain'd estates ; that almes are neede● , ere any failin●s are by others heeded . of these , and other things i notions gained , whilst in our sickly citie i remained ; and much i contemplated what i saw , some profitable uses thence to draw . but , feeling that my thought● nigh 〈◊〉 were , with over-musing on those objects there : i thought to walke abroad into the ●●eld , to take those comforts , which f●esh ayre doth yeeld ; and , to revive my heart , which heavy grew , with what the streets did offer to my view ; but little ease i found ; for , there mine eye● discover'd sorrow in a new disguise : and in so many shapes , himselfe he shewed , that , still my passion was afresh renewed . her● , dead upon the roade , a man did lye , that was ( an houre before ) as well , as 〈◊〉 ▪ there , sate another , who did thither come in health , but had not strength to beare him home . yonn , spraul'd a third , so sicke , he did not know fro● whence he came , nor whither he should goe . a little further off , a fourth did creepe into a ditch , and there his obit keepe . abo●t the fields ran one , who being fled ( in spite of his attendance ) from his bed , lookt like a lunatique from bedlem broken ; and , though of health he had no hopefull token ; yet , t●at he ailed ought , he would not yeeld , till death had , stru● him dead upon the field . this way , a str●nger by hi● host expel●ed , that way , a servant ( shut from where he dwelled ) came weakly stagg'ring fo●th , and ( crush'd beneath diseases , and unkindnes●e ) sought for death ; which soone was f●●nd and glad was he , they say , who for his death-●ed gain'd a cock of hay at this crosse pa●h , were bearers fetching home a neighbour , who in health did thither come : close by , were others digging up the ground , to hide a stranger whom they dead had found . before me , went with corpses , many a one ; behinde , as many mo did ●ollow on , vvith runnin● sores , one begg'd at yonder gate : at next lanes end , another lazar sate . some halted , as if wounded in the wars ; some held their necks awry , some shew'd their scars ▪ some , met i weeping , for the losse of friends ; some others , for their swift approching ends ; and ev'ry thing with sorrow was affected , on whatsoe're it was mine eye reflected . the prospect , which was wont to greet mine eye with showes of pleasure in variety , ( and lookt , as if it cheerfully did smile , vpon the bordring villages , ere while . ) had no such pleasingnesse as heretofore , for ev'ry place , a mask of sorrow wore . the walks are unfrequented , and the path late trodden bare , a grassie carpet hath . i could not see ( of all t●ose gallants ) one that visited hide-par●e , and mary-borne . none w●ndred through the pastures , up and downe ▪ but , as about some pe●ty country towne : nor could i view in many summers dayes , one man of note to ride upon our wayes . lord , w●at a d●ff●rence did●t thou put betweene that summer , and the rest that i have seene ! how didst thou change our fi●lds ! and what a face of sadnesse , didst thou set upon each place ! yet oh ! how few remember it , or feele the touches of it , on their hearts of s●eele ! and when our banisht ●●i●h thou didst renew , who did returne to thee the praises due ? what others apprehended , they know best ; but if it could be fully here exp●e●● what of that alteration i conceiv'd ▪ when of their pleasures , god our fields bereav'd ; it would much mo●e be minded : for they had nought in them , but what moved to be sad . not many weekes , before , it was not so . but , ●leasures , had their passage to and fro . which way so●ver from our gates i went , i lately did behold with much content , the fields bestrow'd with people all about : some paceing homeward , ●nd some passing out . some , by the bancks of ●hame their pleasure taking ; some , sulli-bibs , among the milk-maids , making ; with musique , some upon the waters , rowing ; some , to t●e next adjoyning hamlets going ; and hogsdone , islington , and tethnam-court , for cakes and creame ▪ had then no small resort . some , sate and woo'd their love●s in the shadowes ; some , straggled to and fro athwart the meadowes ; some , in discourse , their houres , away did passe ; some , playd the toyish w●ntons on the grasse ; some , of religion ; some of bus'nesse talked ; some coached were ▪ some horsed ; and some walked . here citizens ; there students , many a one ; here ●wo together ; and , yonn one alone . of nymphs and ladies . i have often ey'd a thousand walking at one evening tide ; as many gentleman : and yong and old of meaner sort , as many ▪ ten times told . and , when i did from some high towre survey the rod●s , and paths , which round below me lay , obser●ing how each passage thronged was w●●h men and cattell , which both wayes did passe ; how many petty path● , both far and neare , with rowes of people sti●l suppl●ed were ; what infinite provision still came in , and what abundance hath exported bin ; me thought this populous city and the trade which we from ev'ry coast about her had , was well resembled by an a●t-h●ll , which ( in some old forrest ) is made lar●e , and ●ich by those laborious creatures , who have thither brought all their wealth , and coloni●s together . for , as their peopled borrough ha●h resort from ev'ry quarter , by a severall port , and from each gate thereof a great rode hath that branches into many a little path ; and , as those negroes doe not on●ly fill each great and lesser t●act unto th●ir hill , but , also , spread them●elves out of those wayes , among the grasse , the leaves , and bushy sprayes : ev'n s● , ●he people here , did come and goe through our large rodes ; disperse themselves into a thousand passages ; and , often stray o're neighbouring pastures , in a pathlesse way . this , formerly i saw ; and , on that station , where this i markt ; i had this contemplation . how happy were this people , did they know what rest , our god upon them did bestow ! on us , what show●es of blessings hath he rained , which he from other cities hath restrained ? and , from how many mischiefes hath be freed us ▪ which ●all on those that in good workes exceed us ▪ here lurke no ravenous beasts to make a prey on those fat c●ttell which these fields o're-lay . within our gro●es no cruell out-lawes hide , that in the blood of passengers are dy'd . our lambs , unworry'd , lye abroad , benighted ; by day , our virgins walke the fields unfrighted . no neighbouring country doth our food forestall ; no convoyes need to come and g●e withall ; no forraine prince can sudd●●ly appall us , for seas doe mote us , and huge rocks doe wall us . no rotten fennes doe make our ayre unsound ; no foe , doth with a trench enclose us round . we neither tumults have by night or d●y , nor rude unruly garisons in pay . no taxes , yet , our land doth over-load : our children are not prest for warres abroad . from spanish inquisitions we ar● free ; ( god grant that we , for ever , so may be ) we are compeld to no idolatries ; our people doe not in rebellions rise : no sactious spirits much disturbe the state ; no plagues , our dwellings , yet , dep●pulate . no rots or murraines have our cattell kild : our barnes and store-house● , with fruits are fild : on ev'r● thr●sh●ld , store o● children play ; our breeding cattell fill both street and way . and , were we thankefull unto him that gave them , there are no blessings , but we here might have them . see , how like bees upon a summer-eve , ( when their young nymphes have ove●-fill'd the hive ) they swarme about the city , sporting so , as if a winter gale would never blow . how little d●e they dreame , how many times , while ●hey deserved ruine for their crimes , god , naitheless● , hath shewed mercies on them , and s●opt those plagues that comming were upon them ! how seldome is it thought , the pow'r of him , ●hose love they much forg●t ( if not contemne ) might heape upon t●em all t●ose fea●full things , which he upon our neig●bouring nations brings . for , in a moment , he could s●mmon hither his iudgements , and inflict them , all together . ev'n all . b●t , one of those which he hath brought on other cities , would enough be thought . if in displeas●re ●e should call from thence where now it r●ves , the slaugh●ring pest●lence , or else the famine ▪ what a change ●ere that , to them that are so healthy , ●nd so fat ? how desolate , in lesse t●en halfe a yeare , might all our lodgin●s and o●r streets appeare ? how unfrequented would that randevow be m●de , in which , we throng , and just ●e now ? how lonely would these walk●s and fi●lds be found , wherein i s●e the people s● abound ? or , should ●e w●istle for his armed bands , ( which now are wasting ●ther christian lands ) to put in action on our commick stage the tragedies of vvar , and bru●●sh rage : what lamentations then here would be made , and calling unto minde , what peace we had ? should we in ev'ry house ▪ at boord and bed have so●ldiers and rude captaines bille●ed , that would command , and swagger as if they had all the towneship ( where they lodge ) in pay , to w●it upon their pleas●res ; and should see our owne defenders , our devourers be . should we behold these fields ( now full of sport ) cut out with t●enches ; there , a warlike fort ; another here ; a sconce not farre from that ; a new rais'd mount , or some fire-spitting cat , from which the foes our actions might survey , and ma●e their b●llets on our houses play . should we behold our dwellings beaten downe ; our temples batter'd ; turrets over throwne ; our seats of pleasure b●rning from afarre ; heare , from without , the thundring voice of war ▪ within , the shriekes of children , or the cry of women , strucke with feares , or famisht nigh . should we behold , what painfully we got , possest by those that seeke to cut our thr●at ; our children slaine befor● us , on the ground ; our selves pierc't through with some deep mortall wound ; and see ( ●v'n there ) where we have wantonniz'd , our beau●eous wives , by some sterne troup surpriz'd , and ravisht in our view . or ( which is worse ) when we have seen all this , be forc't perforce to live ; and live their slaves that shall possesse our wives , and all our ou●ward happinesse ; and , then , want also , that pure word of grace to comfort us , which yet adornes this place . should such a destiny ( as god d●fend ) this people , and this place , thought i , attend . ( for , this may be ; and ev'ry day we heare that other nations doe this burthen b●are ) should we who now for pleasure walke the field , be saine to search what weeds the pastures yeeld to feed us ; and peake hungerly about , some roots , or hawes , or berries to finde out , to keepe from starving ; and not gaine a food so meane , without the hazard of our blood : should some contagious sicknesse , nois●me make this place , wherein , such pleas●re now we take : should in these places , whither we repaire our bodies to refresh with wholesome ayre , those blastings or serenes upon us fall , which other places are anoy'd withall . should from the wife the husband be divorc'd , or from the parent should the child be forc'd , while here they walk● , and perish by the sword : or , should here be a famine of the word , on which would follow , to our griefe and shame , a thousand other plagues which i could name . should th●se things be ; then w●at our blessings are it would by such a curse too soone appeare . then , fe●le we should , what comforts might arise from those great mercie● , which we now despise , or think not on . yea , so we might enjoy but part of that which now we mis-employ , we thi●ke it would , a greater happinesse , then , yet we finde in all we now possesse . we then should know how much we have b●ene blest in our long time of plenty ▪ health , and rest : how sweet it is that we may to and fro without restraint , or feare , or danger goe ; how much we owe to him that hath so long our granards filled , and our gates made strong ; permitting us to walke for our delight about our fields , whilst others march to fight ; and s●ffring us to least , whilst others fast , or , of the bread of sowre affliction tast . as heretofore the peopled fields i walked , to this effect , my thoughts within me talked ; and though all present objects gave cont●nt , my heart did such ideaes represent of iudgements likely to be cast upon so great a city , and a sinfull one ; that much i feared , i should live to see , some such afflictions , as here mention'd be . and loe , ( though yet , i hope , not in his wrath ) god , part of that i fear'd , inflicted hath : a warning war he hath begun to wage against the crying sinnes of this our age , and of this place : and in a gentle wise pour'd out a taste of those calamities which other feele at large : that , we should mourn● for our transgressions , and to him retu●ne . vouchsafe , oh ! god , that soone returne we may , lest thou , in anger , sweepe us all away . if we observed , well , what god hath done , and in what manner , he with us begun ; how he forewarn'd us of those plagues , which he vouchsafed david should a chus●r be : ( and how , ev'n he himselfe , in mercy chused , to keepe us from what david had refused ) we should perceive , that our most loving god at first did threaten , with a fathers rod. a little while before this pestilence , of his just wrath we had in●elligence by divers tokens ▪ which we did contemne , o● , at the best , but little heeded them . the spring before this plague , one jerke we had by war , which made no little number sad , by calling many from their ease ; by taking some husbands from their wives , & childless making some parents : which permitted was to show us in part , what sha●pe corrections god did owe us . and make us minde , that this unhallow'd place is thus long spared meerly of his grace . else , to awake us with some touch of that which he hath brought on many a forraine state. for , that he might but touch us , he did call no armies hither , to affl●ct us all . but , as a generall in time of war , when all his troupes of somewhat guilty are ; on them the fo●tune of the lot doth try , that some as warnings to the rest may dye : ev'n so , the god of armies , in like case , pickt , here and there a man , f●om ev'ry place , to meet the sword : that , ev'ry place might learne , his mercies , and his iustice to discerne , and , leave off sinne ; which , if we breake not from , his plague● , and terrors all , w●ll shortly come . if any shall object , we lost in these but some corrupted blood , which did disease the common body : let them under●tand , that it portends hot fevers in the land , when suc● phl●botomy is needfull thought : and , that , good blood , as well as what is nought , is lost at ev'ry op●ni●g of a veine . the foot was prickt , and we did feele no paine ; the next blood letting may be in the arme , where lyes our s●rength ▪ god shend us frō the harm of such like surgery ; unlesse we see the signe be better then it seemes to be . god scar'd us , lately , also , by a dearth , and for the peoples faults did curse the earth . the winter last before the pes● began , throughout some no●●herne shires a famine ranne , that starved some ; and other some were faine , their hungry appetites to entertaine with swine , and sheep , and horses , which have dy'd by chance : for , better coul● they not provide . some others on boild nettles gladly fed , or else had oft gone supperlesse to bed . and this was much , considering the soile and o●dinary plenties of this i le . nay , since the si●knesse , we small hope● p●ssessed , of ●hat , wherewith , this ki●g●om , god hath blessed . for , when earths wombe did big with plenty grow , when her large bosome , and full brests , did show such signe● of faire encrease , that hope of more was never in our life-times , heretofore : a later frost , our early blossomes cropt ; the heav'ns , upon our labour● , leannesse dropt ; an● such perpetu●ll showres , and flouds we had , that o● a famine , we were fearfull made , and scarce had any hope ( in common reason ) of harvest either in , or out of season . yet , he wi●h-held that plague . the sky grew cleare ; a kindly weather drove away our f●are ; the floods did sinck ; the mildewes were expell'd ; the bending eares of ●orne , their heads up held ; and harvest came , which fild our granards more , then in the fruitfull'st , of sev'n yeares before . and , doubtlesse ▪ had we gone to meet our god , wi●● true repentance , when this fearfull rod was raised first ; it had away be●ne flung , and not continued in this realme so long . for , as a fath●r , when his dearest chil● growes disobedient , rude , and over-wilde , ●irst warnes ; th●n threatens ; then , the rod doth show ; t●en frownes ; and then doth feare him with a blow . th●● doubles , and redoubles it , untill he makes him grow more plyant to his will , and leave those wanton tricks , which in conclusion may prove th● p●rents g●iefe , and childes confusion . ev'n as this father ; so , our god h●th wrought . vs , by his word of grace , he first besought : t●en ▪ of his wrath , and iustice spake unto us : next , hanging over u● , he plagues did show us . yea , divers months before this vengeance came , the spotted fever did forewarne the same . was made her harbenger ; and in one week sent hu●dreds , in the grave , their bed to seek . which nought prevailing , he did thereupon ( as being loath to strike ) first strike but one . then , two or three : then slaid a while ; and than to smi●e ano●her number he began , and then a greater . neither did god show this mercy , onely , in the publike blow ; but daign'd it , also , in that chastisement , which he to ev'ry man in private sent . to hasten his repent●nce ; first , he smote some one of those he knew , in place remote ; wi●hin a w●eke , another better knowne ; next week a friend ; the next a dearer-one ; a lit●le after that , perhaps , an●ther ; and then a kinsman , or ●n onely brother . which no a●endm●nt working , god did come ( to make him heedfull ) somewhat nearer home : knockt at h●s neighbours house , and took out all or most , who lodg'd on tother side the wall : then called at his doore , and seized on a servant fi●st ; soone afterward , a son ; next night wa● hazarded a daughters life ; and e're that morning c●me , he lost his wife : at last fell sick himselfe , and then repented , or dy'd , or liveth to be worse tormented . thus , as it were by steps , god came upon us , that either love or terror migh● have won us , to seeke our peace . but , yet , so ●ew were warned , ( and this long suffring , so few soules discerned ) that some the nature of this plague beli'd ; the number of the dead , som● strove to hide . on groundles hopes , ●ods iudgmē●s , some deferred . some scofted others , when they were deterred . some rais'd a profit from it . yea , so few conceived what was likely to ensue ; that , when we should like niniveh have fared , for sports , and causelesse triumphs we prepared ▪ of pleasure , in ●xcessive wise , we ●asted . we feasted , when we rather should have f●sted . and when in sack-cloth we should loud have cry'd , ev'n then , we ruffled in our greatest pride . which god ●●rceiving , and that we were growne regardlesse of his smiles , and of his frowne ; he did comm●n● his mercy , to let goe that hand , which did restraine his iustice so . then , catching up a viall of his wrath , ( w●ich he in store for such offenders hath ) he did on thi● our citie , poure it downe . and , as strong poison shed upon the crowne , descendeth to the members , from the head ; and , soone , doth over all the body spread : ev'n so , this noysome plague of pestilence , on our head city falling , did from thence , disperse , and soake throughout this emp●ry , in spight of all our carnall polici● . our want of penitency , to allay gods wrath , and stop his anger in the way , enflamed and exasperated so this f●end , that he did thousands over-throw in ●ome few minuts : and ▪ the greedy grave devou'd , as if it none alive would save . death lurkt at ev'ry angle of the s●eet , and did a●rest whom ever he did meet . there scarcely was that house or lodging found , in which he did not either slay or wound . in ev'ry roome his murthers acted he , our close●s nay our temples were not free from his attemptings ; no not while men pray'd , could his unb●idled fury be delay'd . in sundry families the●e was not one whom his rude hand did take compassion on : nay many times he did not spare the last , vntill the buriall of the first was past . for , e're the bearers back againe could come , the rest were r●ady ●or their graves at home . nor bad nor good , nor rich nor poore did scape him , nor foole nor w●seman , an excuse could shape him : he shunned not the yo●g man in the sadle , nor him that lay and cryed in the cradle . so dreadfull was his looke , so sterne and grim , that many dy'd through very feare of him . for , to mens fancies he did oft ap●ea●e in shapes which so exceedi●d gastly were , that flesh and blood , unable was , to brooke , the horror of his all a●●righting look . ev'n in that house , whose roofe did cover me , of this , a sad ●xperiment had we : for , there , a plague-sick● man ( at least ) conceiued that death a shape assuming , he perceiued deform'd and vgly ; where at lou● he cryes , oh! hi●e me , hide me , ●rom his dreadfull ey●s . looke , oh ! looke there he comes : now by the ●ed he stands ; now at the f●●t ; now at the head . oh! draw , draw , draw the curtaine , si●s i pray , that his grim loo●e no more b●hold i may . to this ●ffect , and such like wo●ds he spake , but that their hea●ers hearts they more did sh●●e . then , rested he a while , and by and by vp starting , with a lamentable cry , ran to a couch , whereon his wife ( w●o waking two nights b●fore had beene ) some ●est was taking ; there , kneeling downe , & both his hands up rearing , as if his eye had seene pale death appearing to st●ike his wife ; good sir , said he , forbeare to kill or h●m● that poore yong woman there : for god's sake doe not strike her ; for you s●e she 's great w●th child . lo , you have wounded me in twenty places ; and i doe not c●re how me you mischi●fe , so that her you spare . ev'n this , and more then i to minde can call , he acted with a looke so tragic●ll , tha● , all by standers ▪ might have ●hou●ht ▪ his eyes saw reall objects , and no fantasies . to others , death , no doubt , himselfe convaid in other formes ; and other pageants plaid . whilst in her armes the mother thought she kept her infant saf● ; death stole him when she slept . sometime he took the mothers life away , and left the little babe , to lye and play with her cold paps , and childish game to make about those eyes , that never mo●e shall wake . som●times whē friends were talking , he did force the one to leave unfinisht his discourse . sometimes , their morning meetings he hath thwarted , who thought not they for ever had beene parted , the night before . and , many a lovely bride , he hath defloured by the bridegroomes side . at ev'ry hand , lay one or other dying ; on ev'ry part , were men and women crying , one for a husband ; for a friend another ; one for a sister , wife , or onely brother : some children for their parents mone were making ▪ some , for the losse of servants care were taking ; some parents for a childe ; and some againe ●or losse of all their children did complaine . the mother dared not to close her eyes , through feare that while she sleepes , her baby dyes . wives trusted not t●eir husbands out of doore , lest they might back againe returne no more . and in their absence if they did but heare one knock or call in hast , they quak'd through feare , that some unluckly messenger had brought the newes of those mis●hances they forethought . and if ( with care and griefe o're-tyr'd ) they slept , they dream'd of ghosts , & graves , & sh●iekt , & wept . he that o're night went healthy to his b●d , lookt ▪ e're the morning , to be sicke , or dead . he that rose iusty , at the rising sunne , grew faint , and breathlesse , e're the day was done and , he that for his friend , this day did sorrow , lay close besid● him in a grave the morrow . some men amidst their pleasures were diseased ▪ some , in the very act of sin were seized : some , hence were taken laughing , and some singing : some , as they others to their graves were bringing , yea , so impartiall was this kind of death , and so extreamly venemous his breath , that they who did not in this place expire , where saved , like the children in the fire ▪ it may be that to some it will appeare , my muse hath onely poetized here ; and that i fa●n'd expressions doe rehearse , as most of those that use to wri●e in verse : but , in this poeme i pursue the story of reall truth , without an allegory : and many yet surviving witnesse may , that i come short of what i more might say . but , what i can i utter ; and i touch this mournfull string , so often , and so much , as in this book i doe ; that i might show to them that of these griefes forg●●full gro● , what sorrowes and what dangers ●hey have had ; that all of us more thankefull may be made : and if to any these things doe appeare or tedious , or impertine●t ; i feare that most of them are they , who take no pleasure , for good and usefull things to be at l●isure . and more delight in poems worded out , th●● those that are gods works employ'd about . me thinkes , i cannot speake enough of that which i have seene ; nor full enough relate what i declare ; but 〈◊〉 it seemes to me i leave out somewhat that should utt'red be . for , though in most , the sense thereof be gone , it was god's iudgement , and a fearfull one . and , london , what availed then thy pride , thy pleasures , and thy wealth so multiply'd ? or , then , oh ! what advantage didst thou get by those vaine thi●gs , whereon thy heart is set ? how many sev'rall plagues did god prevent , befo●e this iudgement was upon thee sent ? how many loving ●avours had he done thee , before so roughly he did seize upon thee ? and , that thou mightst his purposes discover , how long togethe● , did he send thee over the weekly newes , of those great desolations , which he infl●cts on many ot●er nations ? how often did he send , e're this befell , his prophets , of his iudgements●o ●o foretell ? how many thousand preac●ers hath he sent , with teares , to pray , and woo thee ●o repent ? to ●ell t●ee , that thy pride , and thy exc●sse , thy lusts , thy surfets , and thy drunkennesse , thine idlenesse , thy great impieties , thy much prophanenes●e , thy hypocrifies , and other vanities , would bring at last those pl●gues wher● of thou now some feeling hast ▪ how did thy pastors to repent conjure thee ? how st●ongly did gods ministers assure thee that all thy love , thy labour , and thy cost besto●'d on carnall pleasures , would be lost ? that , t●ou hereafter ●houldst become ashamed of that whereof thy comforts thou hadst framed ; and that those evills would at length befall from which no mortall hand reprieve thee shall . ' thou canst not but acknowledge these things were ev'n ev'ry moment , rounded in thine care ; and that thy sonnes of thunder did presage what , for thy sinnes , should be thine heritage . yet , thou to heare their message didst refuse . and , as the stubborne unbeleeving iewes , despised all those prophets , who foreshew'd the times of their approaching servitude , yea , punisht them , as troublers of the land , and such as weakned much the peoples hand : so , thou accountedst of thy teachers , then , but as a crew of busie-headed men , who causlesly , thy quietnesse distu●bing , had for their saucinesse , deserved curbing . but with amazement , now thou dost behold , that they have no uncertainties foretold . for , god in this one single plague , comprised those other iudgements , all , epitomized ; which for thy ruine he at large will send , if this be not enough to work his end . observe this pestilence , and thou shalt see , that as there may be some one sin in thee with other great transgressions interlaced , so , divers plagues in this great plague were placed , it shew'd thee ( in some fashion ) their dist●esses , whom war , in a besieged fort oppresses : for , lo , thou wert deprived of all trade , as if t●y foes blockt up thy river had . and , though no armed host thy wall surrounded , yet ( which was worse ) thou by thy friends wert bounded : for , wha●soever person passed f●om thy ports , upon an enemy did come . and none more cruell to thy children proved , then some of thine , who from thy pl●gues removed . confusion , and d●sorder , threatn●d thee , ( on which attendeth all the pl●gues that be ) for , most of thy grave senate , who did beare thy names of office , far departed were , to other places ; leaving thee , nigh spent and languishing for want of government . yea , they that were thy trust , and thy deligh● , in times of health , did then ●orsake thee quite ; to teach us , that those men , and vanities , which have our hearts , in our prosperities , will in affliction be the first who leave us ; and , when we most expect , then most deceive us . oh! whither then ; oh ! whither were they gone , who , thy admired beauty doted on ? where did thy lovers in those dayes appeare , who did so court thee , and so often sweare affection to thee ? whither were they fled , whom thou hast oft with sweetest junkets fed ? and they , whom thou so many yeares , at ease , didst lodge within thy fairest pal●ces ? where london , were thy skarlet fathers hou●'d , who in thy glory , were to thee espous'd ? what were become of all thy children , whi●h w●re nursed at thy brest , made great , and rich by thy good-huswifry ? and whom we see in thy prosperity so hugg'd of thee ? where were thy rev'r●nd pastors , who had pay to feed thy flocks , and for thy sinne to p●ay ? ( i must confesse ) the meanest , and some few of better sort , were in affection true , and gave thee comfort . but , oh ! where were those , those greater ones , on whom thy hand bestowes the largest portions ? those , who have profest a zealous care of thee , above the rest ? those , who ( as i conceive ) had undertaken a charge that should not then have beene forsaken ? those many silken-doctors , who did here in shining satten casso●ks late appeare ? they who ( till now , a thing scarce heard of ever ) do flaunt it in their velv●● , plush , and beaver . and they , whom thou didst honor far above those meane ones , who , then , shewed thee most love ? where were they ? & , where were thy lawyers too that he●etofore , did make so much adoe within thy courts of iustice ? pre●hee , where were those physitians , who so forward were to give thee physick , when thou neededst l●sse , and wert but sicke , of ease , and wantonnesse ? where did their foot-cloth● wait ? whe●e couldst thou call for their assistance ? what became of all their diets , and receipts ? and why did they in that necessity depart away ? where lurckt those poe●asters , who were wont to pen thy mummeries , and vainly hunt for base reward , by soothing up the crimes of our grand epicures , in lofty rimes ; and doe before each others poems raise the huitlesse trophees of a truthlesse praise ? da●'d none of all those matchlesse wits to tary this b●unt ? that his experienc'd muse might cary this newes to after times ; and move compassion , by his all-moving straines of lamentation ? what , none bu● me ? me onely leave they to it , to whom they s●ame to yeeld the name of poet ? well ▪ if they ever had a minde to weare the lawreat wre●th , they might have got it ●ere : for though that my performance may be bad , a braver subject , muses never had . where were thy t●oups of ro●ers ? where were they who in thy chambers did t●e wantons play ? provoking god almighty , down● to cast those plagues from which they fled away so fast ? yea , wh●ther were tho●e nothings , all retir'd , of whom thou wer● , of late , so much desir'd ? alas ! was there not any of all these who staid to comfort thee , in this disease ? did all depart away ? and , being gone , leave thee to beare thy sorrowes all alone ? left they upon thy tally all that sin , which had by them and thee , committed bin ? yes , yes , they left thee : ev'n all ●hese : and they so left thee , london , when they went away , that thy afflictions they did aggravate , and make more bitter thy deplored fat● . a dearth mixt also in this p●st was found , for they who did in riches most abound , ( and should have holpen to relieue the poore ) departing hence , diminished thy store . to other borroughes they themselves betooke : their sick distressed brethren , they fo●sook● , and , lest on those th●t would be hospitable , a b●rthen which to beare they were unable . those few , of worth , who did in thee remaine , had multitudes of beggers to sustaine ; and , from the country ( as before i said ) the sending of supply was long delaid . there was a famine also , which exceeded this other ; though the same by few was heeded . we had not so much scarcity of bread , as of that food wherewith our soules are fed . for , of our pastors ( in the greatest dangers ) som● left us to the charity of strangers . and , many soules , whom they were bound to cherish depriv'd of timely sustenance , did perish . who could have thought , this vineyard , heretofore so fruitfull ; and wherein the salvage bore of turky rooted not : and whose thick fence hath long time kept , the bulls of bashan thence ; should then ( ev'n in the vintage t●me ) be found so bare of what , so lately did abound ? and , then ( a thing worth note ) when ev'ry field and meanest villages did plenties yeeld ? indeed , not long before , we surfeted , and plaid the wantons with our heav'nly bread . our appetite was cloy'd ; and we grew dainty , and either loath'd , or murmur'd at our plenty . yea , many of us , when at will we had it , by private cookeries , unwholsome made it . for which , and for our base unthankfulnesse , our portion and allowance waxed lesse : and , we who ( like fond children ) would not eat , vnlesse , this man , or that man carv'd our meat , then ( like poore folks , that of meere almes do live ) were glad to take of any that would give ▪ the laborers were few ; the harvest large : and of the best of those that had the ch●rge to sp●ead god● ●able ▪ so●e g●ew faint and tired by th●i● perpetu●ll trav●ile : some expired their p●infull soul ●s , and freely sacrifiz'd thems●lves for us , t●at we might be suffiz'd . among which ●ap●y number i doe ●lesse the memory of learned mak●r●●sse , and zealous eton , who●e l●rge ●●ng●●g●tions , bemoan'd their losse with h●a●ty l●me●●ations . and worthily : for , ●hey di● labour here wi●h cheerfuln●sse and in their c●lli●gs were so truly diligent w●i●st vigour lasted , that they then li●e blood , yea ●hei● spi●its wasted ; and ev'n unslackt the very ne●ves and powres of their owne soules , to helpe enable ou●s . to bury , nigh a hundred in a day , to church , to ●arry , study , preach and pray ; to make b● times ; at ni●h● late watch to keepe ; to be distu●b'd at midnight from their sleepe ; to visit him that on his death-bed lyes ; oft to communicate ; more oft baptize ; and daily ( and all day ) to be in action , as were those two , to give due satisfaction to their great flocks ; mo●e laborers there needed ; and their consumed strengths , it much exceeded . but they are now at re●● : their w●ke is done , their fight is finished : th●i● g●ale is won : and , though no troph●e i to them can raise , save , this poore withe●'d wreath of mortall praise ; their master ( to reward their faithfulnesse ) for them rese●ved crownes of happinesse ; because , unto his houshold , they the bread of life , in season , have distribute● . nor was the ●ood of life diminisht more by such mens want alone , then heretofore . but , to our discontent , we also had our d●e allowances the sho●ter made ev'n by command . fo● , some ( i know not why ) had ●alsely mis in●orm'd autho●ity , that o●r promiscu●us meetings , at the fast , increast the plague : which wa● beleev'd in hast . and being urg'd , pe●haps , with such fane shewe● of reason , as ●onj●cture cou●d in●u●e ; ( the matt●r ●ei●g aggrav●ted too , with suc●●ntruth● , as t●ave●l to and fro ) the publike p●eaching on the fasting day , was , in an evill season , tooke aw●y . for , when the flesh was fed , and soule deprived of two repasts , whi●h weekly we received , prophanenesse , and hard-hea●tednesse began to get new rooting in the mind of man. we miss●● those good helpes , and those examples which had beene prea●hed to us in our temples . the poore did want full qui●kly , to their griefe , those almes the fast b●ought out for their reliefe . and , when with prayers , preaching did not goe , our cold devotions , did far colder grow . vvhat instrument of mischiefe might he be vvho caused that ? and , what a ●oole was he ! if wensday-sermons holpe infect ; i pray vvhat kept us safer on the sabbath day ? since most fast then till noone without refection ? or , what at funeralls , did stop infection ? good god! in thy affai●es , how vaine ( to me ) doth carnall policy appeare to be ? how apt is flesh and blood to run a course , which makes the soules condition , worse and wo●se ? to vent●re on eternall death how toward ! and in a temporall danger what a cowa●d ! su●e , had not such a ●roject , had a scope beyond the reaching of the d●vils hope , and be●n too damnable for any on● to be his procurator thereupon ; some w●●l● have made the motion that we might have liv'd ●xclu●ed from our churches quite : and , that ●ill ●od his hand should please ●o stay , none ●hould in publ●ke , either preach , or pray . ' twa● well the weekly number of the dead , by gods meere m●rcy , was diminished , before t●e prohibition of the fast : the fi●nd had els● , for evermore , di●g●ac't that discipline : and carnall pol●cy h●d so insulted o're divinity , that , in succeeding ages , men unholy , would thence have proved , such devotion , folly. but , god prevented it , that we should take go●d n●tice of it ; and good uses make : and i have mention'd it , that here i may god's wis●dome and man's foolishnesse display . oh ▪ let us to our fasts againe returne ; let us , for our omissions truly mourne ; and not capitulate with god , as tho he , first his rod out of his hand should throw , he●e we would come unto him : for , if thus a son of ou●s should beare himselfe to us , it would our●ire exasperate the more ; and make the fault seem greater then before . why should we in an action that is just the mercy of our gracious god distrust ? or , unto any place be loath to go , where god is to be heard , or spoken to , through feare of that which may be caught at home and in a thousand places where we come ? our sinnes and plagues were publike : so should wee in pray'rs , and teares , and almes , and fastings be . ●or , that s●rong d●vill which hath tortur'd thus our generall body , is not cast from us by single ex●rcismos : neither ●hall our p●iv●cies advantage us at all , except in what conduces to the health of private men , or of their private weal●h . if we in close retirements ( by our feare ) at ma●kets , or where worse assemblies are , infected grow : the devill , by and by with us perswadeth , either to belye the church , our constant fasting , or some one good wo●ke , or pious action we have done . ( as visiting the sick , in ti●e of need , or any other such like christian deed ) for , he those practices doth greatly spight , and , to disparage them hath much delight : because he sees , that such as are inclinde to pious meanes , will soone by triall finde , good hopes to thrive beyond their expectations ; their knowledge , foole his cunning machinations ; their faiths grow strong ; temptations weak appeare ; their joy most perfect , where most sorrowes are ; and know , that when the lord of hoasts is armed , with all his iudgements , that , he least is harmed , who , bold through love , selfe-trust quite f●om him throws and , runs with cōfidence to meet his blows . let no man then be fearfull to repair● vnto the house of preaching , or of pray'r ; or , any whither else , those works to doe , which he by conscience is obliged to : no , though the devill in the passage lay , or strow'd most ●earfull dangers in the way . for , if in such a case , our death we t●ke , our death , shall for our best advantage ●ake . yet , let none thinke i this opinion cary , that ev'ry church , will be a sanct●a●y , to all ●hat come for , sure , if any dare without devotion ▪ in gods house appeare , to them , that pl●ce , more pe●ill threaten● , then , a chamber thronged with infected men . some fainted in the church , as others did within their houses ( where themselves they hid ) yet not so o●ten . for ▪ though some did please to blame the church for spreading this disease , no places were more harmlesse . none did we beh●ld more healthy , or to sc●pe more free from this infection , then those persons , whom we saw most often , to gods worship come . nor were there any houses more infected then theirs , who most th● hous● of god neglected . i spe●ke not this by rumor : for , ev'n thither resorted i , where thronged were together the greatest multitudes : and day by day i sate ▪ where all the croud i could survay . yet , i nor man , nor childe , nor woman saw , to finke , looke pal● , or from their place withdraw ▪ and , d●ubtlesse , if such faintings there had beene , as many prated of ; i some had seene . which , since i did not see , i wish ag●ine , none would at such a time , gods house refraine , except in congregations not their owne , and w●ere in●ection feared is , or knowne : or in their owne assembly , where disorder committed wilfully , the pest may further . or , when their bodie 's weak●ne● , or the aire their ●afet●es may ●ome other wa●es impaire . excepting to ( ●n ●imes of visitation , when they a●e ma●kt with ma●kes of separation , as rising , bl●●es , or so●es . o , newly f●om the ●●mpany of such like pe●sons , come . or , whensoe●er they or do● , or may suppose themselves infectio●s any way . these ( as t●e ●epers did , by mose law ) from publike congregations should withdraw , for , sure , if any such themselves intrude to mixe among a h●althy multitude , ( though p●ayers or devotions they pretend , or whatsoever o●her pious end ) their foolish practise is vnwarrantable ; yea , their condition so uncharitable , that i abhorre it : and bel●eve that for so doing , god their prayers doth abhor●e : and , here , ( although it may impertinent by some be thought ) i canno● chuse but vent , how i dislike , ou● so much liked fashion of b●riall , where the publike congregation are bound to meet : and then ▪ especially , when of ●nfectious griefes great number● dye . i know both custom● , and opinion , have so rooted thi● , that i my breath may save in reprehending it . yet , when i must be tak●n hence , and turne againe to dust , let nought but earth and heav'n my carkasse cover , and neither church nor chappell roof● me over ; nor any other buildings , saving those that on●ly serve , such reliques to enclose . for , though i doe ingenuously confesse , w● should to shew our christian hopefulnesse of rising from the dead , lodge decently their flesh , who in christs faith p●ofesse to dye : and , that churchyards , or plots distinguisht from the vulgar use , doe best of all become that purpose . yet , i know the common guise of bur'ing in the church , did first arise from ancient superstition ; and to gaine some outward profit , to the priestly tr●ine . for , many simple men were made conceive that if ( when they were d●ad ) they might have leave to rest within those plots of hallowed ground , which either church or chappell did surround ▪ no wicked spirit should permittance have , to trouble or abuse them , in the grave : whereas ( which yet old fooles beleeve they do● ) they might else rise , and walke at midnight too about their streets , and houses , or crosse wayes ; till some masse-monger them at quiet lay●s : and then it was suppos'd , how much the nigher they lay unto their altar , or their choïre , by so much more the safer they should rest ; which ●●ought no petty summes to dagons chest : thence was it , that our churches , first of all , were glaz'd with scutchions like a heralds hall ; and that this age in them depainted sees so many vaine and lying pedigrees . thence comes it th●t we now adayes behold some chancels filled up with rotten , old , and foolish monuments . from hence we see so many puppet images to be on ev'ry wall within our oratories : so many ep●taphs , and lying stories , of men deceast ▪ and , thence the guise was gotten , to let so many banners dropping rotten deforme our pillars ; and withdraw our ●yes from picus objects to those vanities . if any man desirous be to lye within a monument , when he shall dye : let ●v'ry noble family erect without their cities some faire architect , within the compasse of whose roofed wall there may be founded some good hospitall or build●ngs for the law●ull r●●reation o● youth , and for the honor of the nation . and of that name or kin , w●en any dyes , there lay their bones ; or to their memories erect there tables . and , let them tha● had such minds , and fortunes , to the structure ad●e . yea thith●r ( if they please ) let them transl●te their ancestors . but , i have spoke too late , those time●●re past in which our noble ones were able to ●rect such piles of stones as might be emin●nt . our kingly race had by the s●ven●h h●n●y such a place erected for them , so magnificent , that to this land it is an ornament . ●et them th●t cannot reach the cost of these , raise cawsies , bridge● , and make docks , and keyes for publike use : which with as little cost as now upon th●ir pedling tombe , is lost , should make them live farre longer in their fames ; for ▪ we would ●hose entitle by their names . all they that love their country , ●ow they know which way they may their money best b●stow , ( ●o memorize their friends , with profiting the publike ) will consider of this thing and build them tombes where we may praise the work ▪ not in a church obscure , unseene to lurke , where few shall view them ; and where most who shall be●old them , take no heed of them at all . if some good patriot woul● begin the fashion , it ●ig●● allu●e , perhaps , to imitation . and if it were not gr●edinesse of gaine am●ng church-officers , whi●h did maintaine such custom●s w● should som●what more forbeare to lay so ●any sti●king bod●es there where god we s●●ke ( and him should seeke to finde , with ●urity of body , and of m●nde ) indeed our s●●ne , alone pollutes ; and y●t an ou●ward decen●y is a●so fit . was 't well , that in the church ( where throngs and beat did mak● us in the croud to pant and sweat ) ev●n in the midst of our devotions too , men should , as oft it pleased t●em to doe , thrust in ( where we could hard●y stand in e●se ) with f●ure or five strong sm●lling carkasses ? was'● fit , so many gr●ves , at such a season should g●●e and brea●h upon us ? was it reason ▪ that heaps of ru●bish , c●ffin-boards , ●nd stones ▪ late bu●y'● bodies , and halfe● 〈◊〉 bones , god's templ● should poll●te ? a●d make it far more loath some , then most charnell●ouses ●ouses are ? was 't fitting that to gaine their griping fees , they should endang●r multitudes to leese their lives , or healths ? or , that they should fulfill a fool●sh motion in a dead mans will , by wronging o● the living ? god ●orbid it should ●e reason ; and yet , thus they did . thus did they ? yea , far worse : f●r should i tell at what high rates , some churchmen , here , did sell their burying grounds : what feet they did exact : h●w readers , clarkes , and sextons did compact , to racke the de●d : to what a goodly summe their large church-duties ( in some cases ) come : what must ●e p●id for bearers , though m●n have their friends to helpe convey them to the grave : what for the b●lls , though not a bell b● rung : what , for their mourning clothes , though none be hung v●on them but their owne : what pay did passe for f●n●rall s●rmons , where no sermon was : and , what was oft extorted ( without shame ) to give him leave ●o preach , who f●e●ly came : if her● ( i say ) i should discover ●hat i might , of t●ese things m●n●ioned , rel●●e , those men who die , that charges they may s●ve , would f●are they might be legger●d in the grave : for , more ●o take th●● lodging ha●●●eene spent , then would h●ve bought a pret●y tenement . thus , a● one matter drew another on , my muse hath diuers things discourst upon to many sund●y purposes : but , what i chiefly in this can●o aimed at vvas , to prese●ue in mind an awfull sense of what we suf●red in this pestile●ce : vvhat we deserved ; and how variously , gods iustice , this one cors●ve d●d apply , to eate out all corruptions , which be spotted our soules , and h●d ere this our bodies rotted . i might as well have memorized here , how diversly god's merci●s did appeare , amid his iudgements : ●ow he comforted , vvhen outwa●d com●o●t failed : how he sed , vvhen oile and meale w●re wasted : how he gaue their lives to them , whose feet were in the graue . vvhat patience ▪ what high fortitude he granted , and , how he still supplyed what we want●d . i might commemorate , a world of grace bestow'd in this affliction , on this place , both common , and in private . many a vow ( of theirs , who will , i feare , forget it now ) was daily heard . ten thousand suits were daigned ; repri●ves , for soules condemned were obtained ▪ frie●ds prayd for friends ; the parents for the lives of their deare children ▪ husbands for their wives ; wives for their husbands beg'd with teares & passiō , and , god with pitie heard their lamentation . in friends , in servants , in the temporall wealth , in life , in death , in sicknesses , and health , god manifested mercy . some did finde a friend , to whom till then , none had beene kind . some , had their servants better'd , for them , there , by gods correction . some , left wealthy were by dying kindred , who the day before were like to beg their bread from doore to doore , some , by their timely deaths were taken from such present paines , or from such woes to come , that they are happy . vnto some , from heav'n , the blessing of a longer life was giv'n , that they might call ●o minde their youthfull times repent omissions , and committed crimes ; amend their courses , and be warisome that they displeas'd not god , in ●imes to come . againe , some others by their sicknesses , and by the feares they had in this disease , grew awfull of gods iudgements ; and withi● their harts , good motions were , wher none had bin ▪ ev'n in their hearts who fear'd nor god nor devill , nor guilt of sin , nor punishment for ●vill . and , some had health continu'd , that they might gods praise ex●oll , and in his love delight . should i declare , in what unusuall wise god op'ned here their soules dimsighted eye● , who blinded were before ; how nig● they reacht to highest mysteries : what things they preacht ev'n to their neighbours , and their family , before their soules did from their bodies flye ; or , should i tell , but what young children here did speake , to take from e●der folke their feare o● sicknesses and death ; what they exprest o● heav'nly blisse , and of this worlds unrest ; what faith they had ; what strange illuminations ; what strong assurances of their salvations ; and with what proper termes , and boldnesse they beyond their yeares , such things did open lay , it would amaze our naturallists , and raise a goo●ly trophee to our m●kers praise . but , this for me were too ▪ too large a task , and many yeares and volumes it would aske , should i in these particula●s record the never ending mercies of the lord. for , he that would his meanest act recite , attempts ●o measure what is infin●te . that story therefore , in particular to med●le with i pu●pose to defer till in the kingdome of eternity my soule in honor of his majesty shall halelu●ah●ing ●ing ; and over-looke with hallow'd eyes , that great eternall booke , which in a moment to my view shall bring each passed , present , and each future thing , and there my soule shall read , and see revealed what is not by the lambe , as yet , un●ealed . meane while i le cry hosannah , and for all his love to me , and mercies generall , his three times holy , and thrice blessed name i p●aise , and vow for aye to praise the same . the fifth canto . the author justifies againe his method , and his low●y straine . next , having formerly made knowne the common feares , he tels his owne . shewes with what thoughts he was diseased , when first the plague his lodging seized : of what god's iustice him accused ; vpon what doubts , or hopes , he mus●d ; on what , and how , he did resolve ; and who from death , did him absolve . the plagues encrease , he then expresseth : the mercies of the lord confesseth : emplores that he himselfe may never forget them , but , be thanke●ull ever : then , mounting con●emplations wings , ascends to high and usefull things . from thence his muse is called downe ▪ to make great britaines errors knowne : wherein , he doth confesse a sailing ; and ( his infirmities bewailing ) is fitted and resolv'd anew , his purpos'd message to pursue : and , having fi●st anticipated , his arrant is , in pa●t , rel●ted . perhaps , the nicer cri●ickes of these times , when they sh●ll sl●ightly view my lowly rimes , ( not to an end , these poems fully reading , nor their occasion , nor my aymes , well h●eding ) may taxe my muse that she at random flyes ; for want of method , makes tautelogies ; and commeth off , and on , in such a fashion , that ▪ oft she ●a●les their curious expectation . it is enough to me , that i doe know what they commend , and what they disallow . and let it be enough to them , that i am pleas'd to make such faults for them to spy . for i intend the method which i use ▪ and , if they doe not like it , they may c●use . they who in their composures , keep the fashion of elder times , and write by imitation ; whole quaint inventions must be trimd and trickt , with curious dressings , from old authers pickt ; and whose maine workes , are little ●l●e , but either old scattred peeces , finely glew'd together ; or , some concealed structures of the braine , found our ( where long obscured they have laine ) and new attir'd : these , must ( and well they may ) their poesies in formall garbes aray , their naturall defects by art to hide ; and , make their old new-straines the test abide . these , doe not much amisse , if they assume some ●stridge feath●rs , or the peacockes plume to strut withall : nor had i greatly h●eded that course of theirs , if they had not proceeded to c●nsure mine . my muse no wh●t envies that they from all their he●thnish po●sies have skumm'd the creame & to themselves ( for that ) the s●ile of prince of poets a●●ogate . for , plautus , horace , perseus , ●uvenal , yea greece and romes best muses , we may call their tr●b●taries ; since from them c●me in those treasures which their princely titles win . sometime , as well as they i play the bee : but , like the silkeworme , it best pleaseth me to spin out mine owne bowells , and prepare them for those , who thinke it not a shame to weare them . my matter , with my method , is mine owne ; and i doe plucke my flow'rs as they are blowne . a maiden when she walkes a●road to gather some herbs to strow the dwellings of her father , ( or fragrant flow'rs to deck her wedding bowre , or make a nosegay for her paramour ) she comes into the garden , and first seizeth the flow'rs which first she sees , or what she pl●aseth ; then runs to those whom use or memory , presenteth to her thought , or to her eye : as toward them she ●asteth , she doth finde some others , which were wholly out of mind● , ev'n till that very moment : while she makes her prise of those , she notice likewise takes of herbs unknowne before , that lurking lay among the pleasant plants within her way : she crops off these , of those she taketh none , makes use of some , and le ts as good alone ; here plucks the cowslips , roses of the prime , there , lavander , sweet marj●r●m , and thyne , yon● iuly●low'rs , or the damask rose , or sweet-breath'd violet , that hidden growes ▪ then some againe forenam'd ( if need she thinks ) then daisies , and then marigolds , and pincks : then herbs anew , then flow'rs afresh doth pull , of ev'ry fort , untill her lap is full . and otherwhile , before that worke be done , to kill a caterpiller she doth run , or catch a butterfly ; which varies from that purpose whereabout she first did come . so , from the muses gardens , when i meane those flow'r● of usefull po●sie to gleane , whi●h being well united may content my christian friends ; or with a pleasing sent perfume gods house , or beautifie , or cheere my soule , which else would rude , and sad appeare ▪ when this i meane ; i paint out ev'ry tho●ght , as to my heart i feele it to be brought : i t●eat of things , as cause conduces to them , and as occasions , unto me , doe show them . some●imes , i ●rom the matter seeme to goe , for purposes , which none but i may know sometime , an usefull flow'r i may forget ; anon , into my nosegay , i doe set some other twice ; becau●e , perchance , the place affo●ds it better use , or better g●ace . a● one conceit i seriously pursue , that , brings perhaps another to my view , and that another ; and that , many a one , which if in m●thods allies i had gone , ha● , peradventure , ●lse remain'd unseene ; and , in my gar●and might have missed beene . e're i my pen assume , i feele the motions of doing somewhat , and have gen'rall notions o● what i purpose : but , mogul doth know as well as i , what path my mus● will goe . what , in particular , i shall expresse , i know not ( as i hope for hap●inesse ) and though my matter , when i first begin , will hardly fill one p●ge ; yet being in , me thinks , if neither faintnesse , friends ▪ nor night , disturbed me , for ever i could wri●e . vpon an in●tant i oft feele my brest with infinite variety possest ; and such a troup of things together throngs , within my braine ; that , had ● twenty tongues i shou●d ( wh●lst i assai● to utter it ) twice more , then i could mention , quite forget . a hundred masings , which i meane to say , before i can expresse them , slip away ; which to recall , although i much endever , oft passe out of my memory , for ever ; and cary forth ( ev'n to the wo●lds ●arre end ) some other thoughts , which did on them depend . whilst i my pen am dipping downe in inke , that 's lost which next to tell you i did thinke ; and , somewhat instantly doth follow on , which till that present , i ne're thought upon . this , fo●ceth me those methods to forgoe , which others in their poems fancy so . this makes me ●i●th to my concep●ions give , as fast as they the●r beings doe receive . left whilst i for the common midwife●ary ●ary , the fl●tting is●ue of my braine miscary . and , howsoe're they please to censu●e me , who but stepfathers to their poemes be ; this , is that way of uttrance that e●ch muse makes practice of , whom nature●o●h ●o●h infu●e : and , warrant from th●ir naturall strai●es do●h fet ▪ whom artifi●iall poets counterfeit . these a●e true raptures ; ●h●irs are imitations , or , rather , of old rap●u●es ▪ new translations . thi● method long agoe , old moses used , when god ●is hymne of ●raise , to h●m in●used . thus , solomon hi● song of songs , compased : and , when thy sin●er , ●s●●el , was disposed to praise the lord or sp●a●e ●nto his god , o● ven● his passiens in a mou●●●u●l ode , in thi● contemned wi●e , from him did flow , those heav'nly raptur●s which we honor so . as god's good spirit cary'd him along , so vary'd he , the m●tter of ea●h song . now prayes ; straight praiseth ; instantly l●menteth ; then halfe d●spaires ; is by and by contented ; the pe●son of the changeth ; oft ●epeate●h one sentence ; and one su●t oft iter●teth . which manner of expression , s●emes to some so methodlesse , and so to wander from a certainty , in what he did intend , that they his well-knit raptures discommend , as broken and di● jointed ; when , indeed , from ignorance ( or from their little heed to such exp●essions , and such mysteries ) their cau●elesse disesteeme , did first a●ise . yea , ignorance , not knowing what they meant , when such an uncouth p●th the muses w●nt ; was wont ( long since ) to call our soule-rapt straines , poetick furíes : and that name remaines . yet , this old tr●ct i follow ; this i use ; and , this no true-borne poe● ▪ can refuse . my scope , i ever keepe , in all my layes ; which is , to please , and profit , to gods praise : but , in one path , or in one pace to ride , it is not fi● a p●●● should be ty'd . sometime he must be grave ; lest else , the wi●e the m●tter , or the m●●ner , may despise . sometime he must en●evor to be plaine , lest all that he d●●ivers be in vaine : another wh●le , he parables must use , and ●iddl●s , lest some should the truth abuse , and th●y that are the nymrods of the times grow mad , in slead of leaving oft their crimes . sometime he must be pleasing , le●t he may drive all his frow●rd re●ders quite away . sometimes he must have bu●er stroine● , to keepe t●e sullen reader f●om a drow●ie sleepe ; and whip those wantons , from an evill course , that , without wa●ning , would be dai●y worse . sometimes againe , he must be somewhat merry , lest fooles , of good instruction , should be weary . yea , he to all men all things should become , that he , of many , might a●vantage some . this , m●kes me chang● the person , and the style , and vary from the matter , other while . thi● , makes me mix● smal things , and great together ; here , i am grave ; there , play i with a fea●her . one page , doth make some reader halfe beleeve , that i am angry : in the next , i give the c●ilde an aple . in one leaf● , i ch●de ; i somewhat in another doe provide , to helpe excuse those ●railties i ●eproved : and those excus●s , are in place ●emoved , from such reproofes ; left following on too nigh , th● che●k , might without heed , be p●ssed by . this course b●c●me● the muses . this doth save our ●ines from just reproofe , when tyrants rave at our free numbers : and when fooles condemne our straine● , because they understand not them . such po●fie is right : and , therefore ▪ they who study matter , ●nd what words to say , doe falsly arrogate to be inspired ; since , when they boast their soules are this way fired , it is but wine , or passion ma●es them rave : and thence the muses their disgraces have . most times , when i compose , i watch , and fast . i cannot find my spirits , when i taste of meats and drinks ; nor can i write a line , sometime , should i but take one draught of wine . men say , it makes a poet , and doth warme his braine , and him with strong invention arme . no m●●vell then , that most doe reckon me for none , who of this age the poets be ; and ▪ that so ●nviously at me they strike , for they and i are not inspir'd alike . in such like workes as these , if i should fill my head , my muse would have an empty qu●ll ; and ▪ that w●ich to expresse she then presumes , would smother'd be , with vapourings and fumes . but , when those write ; thēselves they first make mery with claret , with canary , or with sherry . and these are sure the deities which make a sensuall eare , of them , best liking take . when such as they reprove a sinfull state , or would those great enormities relate , wherein their times offend ; they may be brough● to question for it ; and it may be thought their sple●ne , revenge , or envy , did incite their braines to hammer , what their pens did write , because they did premeditate , and straine their faculties , their projects to attaine . but , when a man one subject purposing , sits downe to write it , and another thing ( vnthought upon before ) qu●te thrusteth out that matter which at fi●st he went about : when he remembers , that nor spight , nor spleene , no● envy , hath his primus motor beene : when he perceives , nor dangers , nor disgrac● can fright him , when such raptures are in place : when he doth find , that with much ease & pleasure he utters what exceeds the common measure of his owne gifts : ●nd that ( although his rimes are none of those strong lines that catch the times ) they from the v●rtuous , good respect can draw , and keepe the proudest vitious-men in awe : what should he thinke , but that the pow'r of god ins●ireth him , to show his will abroad ? what nee● he feare , but , most undantedly , make use of his inspired facultie ? no arrogance it were , if he , or i , should say that god our pe●s had spoken by , to those we live among , since , we might say , he speak●s by all his creatures , ev'ry ●ay : yea , since in elder times it came to pass● , that he declar'd his pleasure by an ●sse . what should we do but speak , when we are willed ? what can we doe but speake when we are filled ? while wicked men we do● remaine among , with david , w● a while may curb the tongue ; but , burne it will within us , ti●l we speake , and forth , at last , some thundring voice will breake ▪ and what should then our hearers doe , but learne their errors , by our poems , to disce●ne ? why should they raile at u● , who neither fea●e then fury , nor for all their threatnings care ? why doe they , childishly , our lines condemne , that strike but at their sollies , not at them ? why , so unjustly still , are we pursued , who shew them ho●v their falls may be eschewed ? and why doe they by seeking of our shame , encrease our glor●es , and themselves defame ? whence comes all this , but from that sot●i●hnesse which doth most people of this age possesse ? but , let these questions passe ; lest by degrees , they draw us on , untill our ma●ke we leese . thus far my muse hath wilfully digrest , and of he● purpose , now she vents the ●est . when divers weeks together ● had wasted in vi●wing th●se afflictions others tasted ; when day by day , ● long had walkt abroad , beholding how the scou●ging hand of god , afflict●d other men , and how , each morning my going out , and ●ow my b●ck ●etu●ning , was ev'ry night in safety ; i be●an gods care and my unworthinesse to scan . and , 't was , me thought , a favour , w●ich required to be both much acknowledg'd , and ●dmi●ed ; that ( when so many houses , ●v'ry day , were visited ) t●e place wherein i lay stood free so long ; co●sidering we were many , and , then , ●esorted to , as much as any . but , th●re was somewhat needfull to be knowne , which no mans griefe could 〈◊〉 me but mine own . and , that i migh● thereof in●ormed be , god sent at last his iudgements home to me . y●a , peradventure , in my soule he saw some ●ailings of my former filiall awe ; some thanklesnesse ; some inward pride of heart ; or over-ween●ng of mine owne desert , arising from the mercifull protection w●ic● he vouchsafed me from this in●●ction ; and t●erefore sent as my reme●bra●cer , his dread●ull , and his bloody messenger to t●ke his lodging , where my lodgings were ; and put his rage in execu●ion there . for , in upon us , that contagion broke , five soules out of our gate , it quickly tooke , and left ●nother wounded ; that i might conceive my danger , and gods love , a●ight . it fell about the time in which their sum who weekly died , to the full was come : then , when infection to such height was growne , that many dropped on a sudden downe in ev'ry street : yea , when some fooles did tell the lying fables of the falling-b●ll at westminster ; and how that then did flye no bird through londons ayre which did not dye . ev'n then it was . and , though some few did please , by such like tales , and strange hyperboles , to overstraine the stories of our so●row : they did but needlesly their fictions borrow to set it forth . nay , their false rumors made our woes appeare lesse great , then those we had . till now , i made th● smart o● othe●s knowne : the griefes i next will tell you , are mine owne . at fi●st , i stood as one who f●om a towre ▪ beholding how the swo●d doth such ●evo●●e ( who in the streets beneath him fig●ti●g be ) accounts himselfe from danger to be free . but , at the last , i fared , as it fares with such , whose foes have made , at unawares , a breach upon their bulw●rke ; and i stood no meane assaults , to make my standing stood . for , both within me , and without me , too , i had enough , and full enough to doe . no sooner to my chamber was i gone , but , i was follow'd straight , and set upon by strong assailants , who did much intrude , and much disease me , by their multitude . my reason , who to faith did lately stoop , revolted , and brought on a mighty troup of trayt'rous arguments , whereby she thought , on this my disadvantage , to have wrought . temptations , slye - suggestions , feare , and doubt , did undermine , and close me , round about . my conscience did begin to be afraid my faith had beene a false one ; who betraid my soule to death : and ( whether then it were the pow'r of strong i●fection , or else feare , occasion'd by those combatings within , or both together ) i did then begin to finde my body weakned more and more , and felt those pangs , till then unfel● before . ev'n many dayes together , so it fared : and sure , if superstition could have scared my better setled heart , there hapned that , which i had fear'd , and somewhat startled at : and ( though i never outwardly complained to any one , of that which i sustained ) that week , in which our house was visited , and made complete the number of her dead ; i had a sleeplesse night ; in which with heat opprest , i purged out ( in stead of swear ) round-rud●y-spots ( and , that , no little store ) which on my brest , and shoulders , long i wore . perhaps , it was the pestilence , which then so ma●ked me ▪ and i , as other men , by her had beene devour'd , had i not through gods great mercy , my free pardon got . which , how , and on what termes , the same i gain'd , i●e now declare . for , though they seeme but fain'd ▪ or melancholy thoughts , which here i tell ; yet , sure , to smother them , i did not well . for , some , perhaps will thinke ( as well as i ) that none should sleightly passe such musings by : and some ( who at first viewing will surmise , that in these things i meerly poetise ) vvill find , perchance , in times that shall ensue , expe●imentall proofe , that all is true ; should d●rk●esse , where her visage , danger , showes , ( ●t such a disadvantage ) them enclose . vvhen all alone i lay , and apprehended , how many mischiefes my poo●e soule attended ; i plainly saw ( ●hough not with ca●nall eyes ) god's dreadfull angell , ready to su●prise my trembling soule ; and ev'ry hideo●s feare , vvhich can to any naturall man appeare , ( in such a case , to aggrava●e his terror ) approacht , with ev'ry circumstance of horror . i ●aw the muster of each passed evill , and all my youthfull follies , by the devill brought in against me , marshall'd ▪ and prepared , to fight the battell which i long had feared . and such a mult●tude of them sur●ounded my conscience , that i was almost con●ounded . a thousand sinnes appear'd which were forgot , and which i till that moment minded not , since first committed ; and more ugly far they seem'd , then when they perp●trated were . yea many things whereof i bragg'd , and thought that i , in doing them , some good h●d wrought , declar'd themselves against me ; and i found that they did give my soule the deepest wound . vvhen these had quite enclosed me , i saw the tables , and the volumes of the law ▪ to me laid open : and i was , me thought , befo●e the presence of god's iustice brought , vvho from her eye did frownes upon me dart , and se●med , thus to speake unto my heart . ( oh! readers marke it well ; fo● to this d●ome , o● to a worse then this , you all must come . suppose thou not , vaine man , thou dost possesse this lif● till now , for thine owne righteousnesse , or that thou merit●st mo●e grace to have then they who now are sent to fill the grave : lo , here , thy foe hath brought of thy offences an army , and so many evidences of thy corruption ; that , plead what thou wilt of merit in thy ●elfe , th●y prove a guilt so hainous , that thy soule thou canst not free : yet other sinfull thoughts of thine i see . i search thy heart , and ●● discover there deceits , which cannot to thy selfe appeare ▪ i know thy many secret imperfections , i know thy passions , and t●y vaine affections ; and , that performances thou hast not made according to those favo●rs thou hast b●d . vaineglory , profit , or some carnall end , thy best endeavor alw●yes did attend ; and , as distrusting , god would thee beguile , an arme of fl●sh thou se●kest otherwhile : not as the second , but the chiefest cause : which from the glory of thy god withdrawes . mine eye doth see what arrogance and pride thou dost among thy f●irest vertues hide ; and , what impieties , thou shouldst have done , had i not stopt the course thou though●st to run . of●●●mes , when others vices , thou hast showne , thou hast forgotten to repent thine owne . and , many times , thy ta●t reproofes have beene the fruits , not of thy vertue , but of spleene . thy wanton lus●s ( b●t that i did restraine their f●ry , when thou w●uldst have slackt the reine ) had horne thee he●dlon to those deeds ●f shame , with which thy evill willers blur thy name . shouldst thou have done the best that thou wert able , thy services had beene unprofitable : but , thou scarce h●lfe thy talent hast employ'd ; and , that small good thou didst , is nigh destroy'd , by giving some occasion , needlesly , of questio●ing thy true sincerity . god of● hath hid thy frailties , and thy sinne , which being knowne , would thy d●sgrace have bin . the show of wit and vertue , thou hast had , he , to the world more eminent hath made , then theirs , who wiser , and much better are , though outward helpes , and fortunes , wanting were ▪ and , though thy knowledge , and thy former layes , among your formall wizzards got no praise , yet what they co●nted foolishnesse , became a greater honor to thy sleighted name , then they obtained : and , that grace ( i see ) begot more pride , then thankefulnesse in thee : and , i was faine , to let some scandals flye , to teach unto thee , more h●mility . in all thy wants , thou still hast beene relieved ; from heav'n thou comfort hadst , whē thou w●rt grieved ▪ when princes threatned , thou wert fearlesse made ; in all thy dangers , thou a guard hast had ; in closest prison , thou best freedome gainedst ; in great contempts , thou most esteeme obtainedst ; when , most thy fo●s did labour to undoe thee , they brought most honour , and most profit to thee . yea , still when thy destruction was expected , then , god , thy peace beyond thy hope , effected . and , in the stead of praising him for this , thou robdst him of much honour that was his . tho● w●rt content , to heare the vulgar say , thy spirit , and thine innocence made way to ●●y escape . whereas , thy ●ons●ience kn●w thou wert a ●oward , till god ●id ●n●ue thy heart with fortitude , and f●●ely gave thee that innocency which from harme d●d save thee . when god thy na●e div●lg'd for some good end , ( which his w●se p●ovidence a●d soreintend ) thou took'st the glory of it for thi●●●wne , and , justly , therefore thy so being knowne , hath beene a m●●n●s whereby t●y fo●● h●ve sent their sc●ndal f●r●her , then they else ha● went. as soon● as , god from trouble ●id release thee , ( o● , but w●th ●●pes of ou●w●rd things possesse thee ) some fruitlesse thoughts d●d quit● thy heart estrange , and after such vaine project●ake ●ake thee range , that he was o●t compeld to put thee ●rom those blessi●g● , which 〈◊〉 to thy lips were come ; lest , being then unseas'na●ly received , thou mightst of better thing● have beene ●ere●●ved ▪ f●w men so nigh g●eat hopes attained ●ver ▪ with such small fortunes and w●thout en●eavor , as thou hast done ▪ and f●we● ha●e beene crost ▪ that way ( which thou h●s● been● ) in what was lost ; that see and kn●w thou mightst , such losse and gaine , he sent ; and , that he neither sent in vaine . yea , that those evils which thou h●dst in thought , should scape the being into action brough● , ill ●ong●es w●●e stirred to prevent the f●ct , by blazing what was never yet in act : bu● , might have beene , perhaps ▪ had not that er●ed thy heart ▪ whereby t●y foes would thee h●ve harmed . thou to refresh thy soule h●st pleas●res had , and tho● by their abuse , hast f●●bl●r ma●e h●r use●●ll f●culties . thou hast ●nj●yed youth , strength , an● health ; and ▪ them hast mis employed . thy god hath made thee gracious in their eyes , whose good esteeme , thy soule doth highly prise ; and ( of ill purpose though il● not condem●e thy love , or meaning , to thy selfe or them ) thou hast full often stole their hearts away , ev'n from themselves ; and made thine owne a prey to many passions ▪ which did sometimes bring vpon your s●lves , a mutuall torturing : because you did not in your loves propose those ends , for which , affection , god bestowes . but , spent your houres ( that should have beene employ'd to learne and teach how you should have enjoy'd gods love ) that flame , to kindle , in each other ▪ wherein , you might have perished together . thou aggravated hast thy pard'ned crimes , and , it●rated them , a thousand times . ev'n yet , thou dost renew them ev'ry day ; and when for mercy thou dost come to pray , thou meri●est confusion , through that folly , which makes thy prayers to become unholy . nay , at this time , and in this very place , where god in iudgement stands before thy face , thou oft forgetst the danger thou art in ; forgetst gods mercy , and dost hourely sin . thou dost neglect thy time , and trifle out those dayes , that should have beene employ'd about the service of th● maker . thou dost give thy selfe that liberty , as if to live or dye , were at thy choice ▪ and that at pleasure , thou mightst pursue his worke ; and at thy leasu●● . thy talent thou mis-spendst ; and here , as though to looke upon gods iudgements were enough for thee to doe ; thou dost with negligence performe thy vowes ; which adde to thy offence . and loe , for these thy faults , and many moe ; whereof thy conscience thee doth guilty know , my spotted-hound hath seized thee : from whom , that thou with life shouldst ●eene have to come , what canst thou say ▪ i could not make reply ; for , feare , and guilt , and that dread majesty which i had apprehended , tooke away my speach ; and not a word had i to say . but mer●y who came arme in arme along with iusti●e , and about her alwayes hung ; did looke , me thought , upon me with an eye so truly pitifull , that instantly my heart was cheer'd , and ( mercy prompting her ) such words , or thoughts as these she did p●efer . t is true most awfull iustice , that my sin hath greater then thine accusations bin ▪ the most refined actions of my soule , are in thy presence , horrible and foule . and if thou take account of what is done , i cannot of ten thousand answer one . as soone as i am cl●●sed from my sinne , to saile my selfe anew ▪ i doe begin . i to my vomit , like a dog , retire , and like a sow , to wall●w in t●e mire . i have within my soule , distempers , passions ; and hourely am besieg'd with strong temptations . my flesh is weake , except it be to sin ; my ●pirit faints , when i the goale should winne . my will●ff●cteth ●ff●cteth most , what is most vaine ; my memory doth ●vill best retaine . that little good ● would , i cannot doe ; those evil● i detest , i fall into . the vapours whi●h from earthly things arise , too often veile heav'ns glories f●om min● eyes . and i , who can sometimes by contemplation , advance my soule above the common station , ( the world contemning ) do● sometime● agen lye groveling on the ground with other men : my faith doth faile ; my mounting wings are clipt ; of all my braveries i quite ●●n stript ▪ my hopes are hid ; my sins doe me defile ; and in my owne esteeme , ●y soule is vile . i will acknowledge all my aherrations , according to their utmost a gravations ; and here consesse , that i deserve th●refore the losse of mercies love for evermore ; which were a greater plague , then to abide all torments here , and all hell plagues beside . but , i repent my sinne : loe , i abhore it , and , with my heart , am truly sory for it . i feare thine anger , ( but , to feare the love of mercy could be lost , would in me prove a greater horror ) and no slavish dread , but loving feare , this griefe in me hath bred . it paines my soule , that i who have conceived such pleas●re in thy favours , and received such to ens of thy love , from day to day , should passe a moment of my time away in any va●i●y ; or live to be one minutes space without a thought of thee . but , more i grieve , that i should more ●ransgresse then many doe , whom thou hast favour'd lesse . although i am a sinner ▪ yet i vow , i doe not in my soule my sinnes allow ; but , i d●t●st them , and oft p●ay , and strive , that , i accord●n● to thy law may live . ( at least i thinke i doe ) and hopefull am , my love to thee is true , though much to blame . in me there how rely rise ( against my will ) those lusts which i should mortifie and kill : and as i am enabled , i doe smite as well the fat , as leane amalekite . but , if i have a sin that is become my ag●g ; or as deare as absolom , i wish a samuel , or a loab may destroy it e're my soule it shall betray . for , if my heart hath not it selfe deceived , it would , wi●h willingnesse , be quite bereaved of what it most affects ( yea , sacrifice that which is dear●r then my hands , or e●es ) e're cher●sh , wittingly , w●thin my bre●● , a thought , which thy uprightn●sse doth detest . thou knowest , that i take no pleasure in that act which i doe feare to be a sin : much lesse if i doe k●ow i● so : and , this doth bitt●r make it , when i doe amisse . though in my wayes my walkings , now and then , appeare irregular to other men ; ( and other while may shewes of evill make ) because from thence offences others take , yet , thought i not , it lesse offended thee to use it , then unus'd to let it be , i would not tread once more in such a path , to save my life , and all the joy it hath . but , should it cost my life i canno● tell if ( in some actions ) i doe ill or well . for , many times , when i doe se●ke to shun a plash , into a whirlepoole i doe run . the wolfe i flye , and loe , a lyon frights me ; i shun the lyon , and a viper bites me . a scandall followes , if i take my course ; if i divert it , there 〈◊〉 a worse . if i persist in that which i intend , it giveth some occasion to offend : if i forgoe it ; my owne knowled esayes i fin , and scandall give some other wayes . i find not in my actions , or affections that thing that is not full of imperfections . i cannot doe a good or pious act but there is somewhat evill in the fact , or in the manner ; and it either ●ends to this mans d●mmage , or that man offends , whatever i resolve upon , i finde it doth not fully satisfie my minde . i am so straitned , that i know not whence to finde the meanes of shunning an offence ; and , if deare mercy , thou assist me not , my fairest act will prove my foulest blot . the wo●ld , our fri●nd● , our passion , or our feare , hath so intangled us , at unaware , with manifold engagements ; and so drawes and win●es us , by degrees , into that maze of endlesse wandrings ; that it leads us to that sin , sometimes , wh●ch we abhor to doe : and , otherwhile so strangely giddifies the reason , and the soules best faculties ; that ( as i said before ) we doe not know what in our selves to b●ke , or disallow . yea , we such turnings and crosse wayes doe finde , that of● , our guides ( as well as we ) ●e blinde . the spi●it and the flesh have their delight , in things , so diverse , and so opposite ; and , such a law of sinne doth still abide with●n our members ; that , we swarve aside doe what we can : and , while we helpe the one , to what seemes needfull , th' ot●●● is undone . if by the spirits motion , i proc●ed to compasse what i thinke my soule may need , my body wants the while ; and i am faine to leave my course , that her i may sustaine : l●ft my engagements , or necessities , might my well meant endeavor scandalize . if i but feed my body , that it may assist my spirit in some lawfull way ; it straight growes wanton : if i fast , it makes my spirit faint in what she undertakes : and , if i keepe a meane ; meane fruits are they , ( and little worth ) which then produce i may . if in a christi●n love some houres i spend to be a comfort to some female friend , who needs my counfell : i doe cause , ●he while , another with hot jealousies , to boyle : nor know i how my selfe excuse i may vnlesse anothers weaknesse i display . which if i doe not , or some lye invent , they censure me unkinde , or impudent . i can nor doe , nor speake , nor thinke that thing ; but , still , some inconvenience it will ●ring ; or , some occasion of anevill , be to me , or others ; or to them , and me . and from the body of this death , by whom but , by my saviour , can i freed become ? oh! therefore , sweet redeemer , succour lend me , and , from these bogs , and s●ares of sin , defend me ▪ deare god , assist in these perplexities , which from our fraile condition doe arise . s●t straight , i pray thee , lord , ●he crookednesse oferring nature ; and these faults redresse . so out of frame , is ev●ry thing , in me , that , i can hope for cure , from none , but thee . to thee i ther●fore kneele ; to thee i pray ; to thee my soule complaineth ; ev'ry day : doe thou but say , be whole ; or be thou cleane ; and , i shall soone be pure , and sound , agen . the will thou gav●st me , to affect thy will , though it continue not so perfect still , a● when thou first bestow'dst the same ; accept it , ev'n such as my polluted vessell kept it . for ▪ though it wounded be , through many fights continu'd with my carnall appetites : yet , i● my h●arts desire to me be knowne , thy pleasure i preferre before min● ow●e . if i could chuse , i would not guil●y be of any ●ct di●pl●asing unto thee . in all my life , i would not sp●●ke a word , but , th●t which to thy lik●ng might accord . i woul● not thinke a thought but w●at might fhow , that f●om thy spirit , all ●y ●usings flow . i would nor hate , nor love , nor hope , nor feare , but as unto thy praise it usefull were . i would not have a joy within my heart , of which thou should●t not be the greater part . nor would i live or dye , or happy be in life or death ; but ( lord ) to honour thee . oh! let this will ( which is the precious seed of thine o●●e love ) be taken for the deed . assist thou m● against the potent evill of my great foes , the world , the flesh , the devill . renew my fainting pow'rs , my heart revive ; refresh my spirits , and my soule relieve . lord draw me , by the cords of thy affection , and i shall fall in love with thy perfection . vnloose my chaines , and i shall then be free ; convert me , and converted i shall be . yea , to my soule ( oh god! ) and to my senses display thy beautie and thy exc●●lencies so plaine , that i may have them still in sight ; and thou shalt ever be my sole delight . the world though she should into pieces teare me with troubles ; from thy love should never scare me ; nor ●ble be to tempt me from one duty to ●he , with all her pleasure and her beauty . behold ; i came to seeke thee , lord ; ev'n here , where , to attend thy presence most men feare . though here i saw the pestilence withstand me , i stand to know what worke thou wouldst command me . from all the pleasures of the world , and from h●r hopes of safety , i am b●●her come where thou art angry : and to see thy frowne am at thy feet , with terror , fallen downe . yet , hence i would not flye ( although i might ) to gaine the chiefest of this worlds delight , till i perceive thou bidd●st me goe away ; and , then , for twenty wo●lds , i would not stay . i came as heartily as fl●sh and blood could come ( that hath in it so little good ) to doe thee service : and , if dye i must ▪ loe , here i am ; and , i pronounce thee just . although thou sl●y me yet my soule well knowes thou lov●st me : and i le trust in thee repose . though in my selfe i feele i am polluted ; i finde a better righteousnesse imputed then i have lost . thy blessed love doth fill me with joyes , that will rev●ve me , though thou kill me . my sins are great ; ●ut thy compassion's greater . i ha●e thy quittance , though i am thy debtor . and , though my temp'rall hopes may be destroid ▪ yet , i have those , that never shall be void . thus , to the lord , my soule i powred out , when i with d●ngers wa● enclos'd about ; and though i was a sinner , this appeased his wrath in ch●ist , a●d my g●iev'd soule was eased ▪ he graciously accepted , in good part , this poore oblation of an humbled heart . his mercy se●l'd my pardon ; and i shook the pestilence ( which hold upon me tooke ) from off my shoulder , without sense of harme , as paul did shake the viper from his arme . that weeke , moreover , god beg●n to slack his bow , and call his bloody angell backe ; vvho by degrees retyr'd , as he came on . for , weeke by weeke , untill it f●ll to none , the number which the pestilence did kill , vvas constantly , and much abated still . vvhen we were fleating on that inundation , at first we sent a carnall lamentation ; vvhich like the raven ( ●rom noahs arke ) did flye , and found nor rest ▪ nor hope of remedy . then sent we d●ve-like mournings : but th●●● feet a while could with no resting places mee● then forth againe we sent them , out from ●ence vving'd with mo●e charity , and penitence . and then , they brought an olive-b●anch of peace , vvhich made us hopefull of this floods decrease . the lord did favour to this kingdome daigne , and , brought from thrall , his iacob , back againe . his peoples crimes he freely did release ; his ir● abated ; his hot rage did cease . his praise had in our land a dwelling place ; and mercy there , with iustice did embrace . and 't was a grace to be considered , that a disease , so generally spred , ( and so contagious ) in few weeks should from so many thousands , to a cypher come . that our infectious beds , and roomes , and stuffe ▪ ( vvhich in all likelyhood had beene enough to keepe the plague among us , till it had our cities , and our townes unpeopled made , should from their noy●omnesse , so soone be ●r●ed ▪ is out of doubt a matter worth our heed . yea , t is a mer●y ( though most mind it not ) vvhich in this land should never be forgot : that from an enemy so dangerous , so great a city and so populous should in three months be purified so , that all men might with safety , come and goe . for , e're the following winter was expired , the citizens were to their homes retired : the terme from reading , was recalled hither , from ev'ry quarter , clients came together ; new trading was begun ; another brood soone fild the houses which unpeopled ●●ood ; our gentry , tooke up their old rendevow ; and such a concourse through our streets did flow , that ev'ry place was fill'd : and , of all those , ( those many thousands ) who their lives did lose ( but some ●ew mon●hs before ) no want was found , the people ev'ry where did so abound . to thee oh lord , to thee oh lord ! be praise : for , thou dost wound and cure , strike down and raise thou kill'st , and mak'st alive : thou frownst at night , and , thou art pleased e're the morning light . vvhen we offend thee , thou a while dost leave us ▪ vvhen we repent , thou dost againe receive us . to ruine thou deliver'st us ; and then , r●turne againe ( thou saift ) ye sonnes of men . for , in thy wisedome thou considered hast ▪ that man is like a bubble , or a blast : a heape of dust , a tuft of wither'd grasse , a fading f●owre , that soone away doth passe : a moment fled , which never shall retire ; or smoaking flaxe , that quickly loseth fire . an idle ●reame , which nothing doth betoken ; a bruised reed , which may with ease be broken : and therefore ●ost in iudgement , mercy minde , yea , in thy greatest anger thou art kinde . as is the space twixt heav'n a●d ea●th , above , so large , to those that feare thee , is thy love . as far ●s doth from È●st , the west●eside ●eside , so f●r thou d●st from us our sins divide . such a● a father to his childe doth beare , s●●h love is thine , to those who thee do feare . t●y iustice thou fro●●ge to age declarest ; but , such as love thee , thou for ever sparest . i thou but turne away from us , thy face , loe , we are breath●esse in a moments space . thy looke doth us with life againe endue , and all our losses instantly renew . as oft as we rebell , thou dost forgive us ; and though into dist●esse , sometime , thou drive us ; yet , alwa●es in our sorrowes we were eyed , and thou didst please to heare us when we cried . with t●●rst and hunger faint , some stray'd aside , to seeke a place where safe they might abide . with , worse then bands of iron , they were chained , and in the gloomy sh●des of d●ath detained . with h●●● and ●ick●esse ▪ they dejected were ; and to deliver them ; no helpe was there . their wickedness● when they were plagued for , their soules th● sweetest mor●●ls did abhor . they for their follies , did afflicted lye , and , to the gates of death approached nigh . their soules within them were nigh dead with feare ; yea , they distracted , and amazed were . but , when to thee they called , they were eased , and out of all their troubles quite released . thou sent'st abroad thy word , and they were healed ; thy wr●t of indignation was repealed frō out of death's black shades t●ey were reprieved ; and in their sorrowes and their paines relieved from east and west , from north & south , and from their sev'rall wandrings , thou shalt call them home ▪ in ev'ry quarter of the realme thou soughtst ●hem ; yea to their city back againe thou broughtst them : and there ( now ) joy●u●l , and in health they be ; from all their feares , and all their dangers free . oh ▪ would that men this love would think upon , and tell their seed what wonders thou hast done : would they , oblations , of thanksgiving , bringing , thy works would praise , and publish them , in singing . oh! would they were so wise that they might lea●ne thine infinite compassion to discerne ; and that they would assist me to declare , how grea● thy iudgements and thy mercies are ! though none can of thy favours make relation , nor fully utter all thy commendation ; yet , let us doe our best , that we may raise a thankfull trophee to thy boundlesse praise . let us , whom thou hast saved , thee con●esse . and to our utmost pow'r t●y goodnesse blesse . let us proclaime thy bounties , in the street , and , preach thee where ou● congregations meet . let us in private , at noone , morne , and night , and in all pl●ces , in thy praise delight . let prince , and priest , and people , old , and yong , the rich , the poore , the feeble , and the strong , men , angels , and all creatures that have name , vnite their pow'rs , to publish out thy fame . but , howsoever , others may endevor , let me oh ! god , let me oh god! persever to magnifie thy glory . let nor day , nor any morne , or evening , passe away , in which i shall not to remembrance bring thy iudgements ; and of thy great mercy , sing . let , never whilst i live , my heart forget those dangers , and that strong entangled net , in which my soule was hamper'd . let me see ( when , in this world , i shall best pleased be ) my dangers such appearing as they were , when me , they ●ound about enclosed here : yea , when , o'rewhelm'd , with terrors , i did call , like ionas , from the belly of the whale , and was deliver'd . lord , remember thou , that with unfainednesse , i beg thee , now , to keepe me alwayes mind●ull of thy love . and , if herea●ter , i forgetfull prove ; let this unfainednesse which thou dost give , an earnest be , of what i shall receive in time to come refresh my cooled zeale , and let thy spirit , thy hid love reveale . let nor the fawning world , nor cunning devill , nor wanton flesh , incite my heart to evill . let not my wand●ing eyes , be tempted by those objects that a●lure to vanity ; nor let my eares be charmed by their tongues , wh● to betray me , chant out syren-songs . let me nor taste a pleasure , nor obtaine that carnall rest , whereof i am so faine ▪ till it shall make me plainly to perceive thy love ▪ and teach me , foolish paths , to leave . let me be still in want ; and ever striving with some affl●ctions ( whilst that i am living ) till they for better fortunes , better me : and , then , let into rest , my entrance be . from yeare to yeare , ( as thou hast yearly done ) new sorrowes , and new trials bring thou on my stubborne heart , till thou hast softned it , and ▪ made it , for thy service , truly fi● : bu● , give me hopes , and daily comforts too , to strengthen me , as thou hast us'd to doe . and , that , in iustice , mercy may appeare , inflict ( oh lord ! ) no more then i can beare . i feele ( and tremble that i feele it thus ) my flesh hath f●ailties which are dangerous , to mine owne safety : and as soone as thou shalt quite remove the feares that seize me now ; my sense of thee , and those good thoughts ( i doubt ) may faile within me , or be rooted out . some l●st may quēch them , or some care may choke them , vaine ho●●s may vaile thē or new-thoughts revoke thē ; the wisdome of the world , or of the devill , or , some suggestion , in my selfe , that 's evill , may urge , perhaps , that it is melancholy , whic● fills me no● ; that superstitious folly begot this awfulnesse ; that ●his disease did accid●nt●lly , our c●t● seize ; and , that 't is vaine to muse so much upon those times or trou●les , that are past and gone . oh! rather , then it should in me be so , some other house of sorrow send me to ; and keepe me , lord , perpetuall pris'ner there , till all such dangers overpassed are . nor weale nor woe i crave , but part of either , as with my tem●er best agrees together . for , joy without ●hy grace , is griefes encreasing , and wealth is poverty , without thy blessing . but if by passing this life 's p●rging fires , thou shalt so purifie my hearts desires , that without perill to my hopes of heav'n , a temp'rall rest may at the last be giv'n ; vouchsafe it lord , ev'n for the good of them who my best resolutions , yet , condemne . let the● discerne , thou blessings hast provided , for that , which they unjustly have derided . thou her●tofo●e didst heare thy servant call , and mad'st me free when i was close in thrall . oh! to those ●o●tals make me not a scorne , who to my sham● my glory seeke to turne : but let it in thy time to them appeare , that thou didst me e●ect , and me wilt heare . let them perceive ( though they my lott disdaine ) the promise of this life doth appertaine to me as unto them . and for their sakes whose weaknesse , otherwhile , of●ences takes at my perpetuall scandals ; let their eye behold the ●urne of my cap●ivity ; and know tha● i have walked in a path , which , in this life time , some smooth paces hath . b●t , nought repine i , though this boone thou grant not . for , that which thou to me deny'st i want not . i know thy wisedome knowes what best will fit me : i know thy pow'r enough those things to get me : i know thy love is large enough to me : i know thy pleasure should my pleasure be : thy will be done , and hallowed be thy name , although it be through my perpetuall shame . whilst on such meditations i was fe●ding my pleased soule ( and gods great goodnes heeding ) that i might fill her with contemplating on him , from whom all happinesse doth spring : a suddaine rapture did my muse prepare for higher thi●gs then she did lately dare . me thought , i saw gods iu●tice and his love installed on one throne in heav'n above . i had imperfect fights , and glimmering notions , concerning some of their parti●●lar motions , about this orbe . i much perceiv'd , me thought , o those their wondrous works which they had w●ough● in former dayes . and , as within a glasse , some things i saw , which they will bring to passe in future times . by helpe of gods great booke , ( which for my ephimerides i tooke ) i had proc●r'd a large intelligence of iustice and of mercies influence . there , learned i theseverall aspects , and , of those st●ries the severall effects : w●ile in co●juncti●n those two lights i saw ; the best alt●o●o●ers could never draw from all the pl●n●t●ry constellations ( ev'n 〈◊〉 ●heir best ) such heav'nly consolations . i co●●d conjectu●e of their wo●ke divine , in s●xtile , or in qu●drine , or in trine ; and what pro●igious plagues the world should fright if their asp●ct were wholly opposite . some things , by calculation i discerned , which this our british latitude concerned ; and most of them not much impertinent for all mer●dians through earths continent . i saw of weale and woe the many ranges : i saw the restlesse wheele of mortall changes : i saw how cities , common-wealths , and men , did rise and fall , and ●ise and fall agen . i saw the reason , why all times and states , have such vicissitudes , and various fates . i saw what doth occasion war , and peace ; what causeth dearth , and what doth bring encrease . i saw what hardens , and what mollifies ; and whence all blessings , and all plagues arise ▪ i saw how sins are linked in together as in a chai●● ; how one doth cause another ; and how to ev'ry linke throughout the chaine , are fixt those plagues which to that crime pertaine ▪ i saw un●eal'd , that hellish mystery , of carnall and meere wor●dly ●olicy , whereby the devill fooles this generation , and brings on christendome such molestation . i saw ( as plaine , as ever i did see the sun at none ) what damned projects be veild o're with piety , and holy zeale : and how , a christian ath'isme now doth steale vpon this age . forgive me that i saw a christian ath'isme ; for , ev'n to betray christ iesus , christ and iesus , those two names , are oft usurped ; and it us defames . i saw , why some abuse their holy calling , and why so many stars from heav'n are falling . i had a licence given me , to come where i might see the dev●ls tiring-roome , and , all the maskes , the visards , and disguises , which he to murther , cheat , or rob , devises . and weares himselfe , or lends false-hearted brothers therewith to foole themselves , or cozen others . here lay a box of zeale prof●ssing eyes , which serve for acting of hypocrisies . hard by , another , full of double-hearts , for those who play the amb●dexters parts . there , stood a ch●st of counterfeited graces ; another , full of honest-seeming faces . yo●n , hung a suit , which , had some traytor got , he might have pass●d for a patriot . close by , were pr●ss● fuls of such suits , as they doe wea●e ( in ev'ry kingdome at this day ) who passe for statesmen ; when , god knowes , they be as far from that , as knaves from loving me . there , hung those masking-suits , in which the popes , and cardinals , pursue their carnall hopes . there , were those fo●mall garbs , wherein false friends disguise themselves , for some unfaithfull ends . faire counterfeits for bishops saw i there , so like their habits that are most sincere , ( and so be●ainted ) that if they were set vpon the back of our arch counterfeit , he could not be distinguisht from the best o● all those prelates , that have christ profest . there , view'd i all those juggling sleights with which men worke false miracles ; and , so , betwitch deluded soules there , saw i all the trick● and fa●tosmes wherewithall our schismaticks abuse themselves and others . there ( with ruth ) i saw false-doctrines , t●imm'd about with truth ; fac'd out , with fathers ; pee●'d , and neatly dea●ned , with sentences , and sayings , of the learned . yea , with gods holy scriptures , interweaved , so cunningly , as w●uld have nigh deceived ev'n hi● elect : ( and , many a one , alas , of these , for christian verities doth passe . ) i saw moreover , with what robes of light , the king of darknesse doth his person dight ▪ to make it angel like ; and how he scrues himselfe among our musings , to abuse our understandings ; how he layes his hooks ▪ and baits , at sermons , and in godly-books ; ( although the authors had , in their invention , a pious meaning , and a good intention ) i saw what venome he doth hurle into our heert'est prayers , and those works we doe in purest charity : and how he strives to poison us in our preservatives . when all these m●skings , and a thousand moe , my apprehensions eye had lookt into : from thence my con●emplation rais'd my thought , and , to a higher station i was brought . there , i beheld what ruine and confusion , was of these m●mmeries , the sad conclusion . there , ●aw i what catastroph●s attend those vanities , wherein ou● times we spend : how god still counterworks ▪ and overthrowes the projects of the devill , and our fo●s . and , tell i could ( ●ut that it would be prated , i some propheti●k spirit arrogated ) strange newes to those m●n● eares , who have not learned what nay , by m●litation , be dis●erned ▪ yet , all th●●● conce●v● i cannot write : nor would i though i co●ld : for , so i might throw pearles to swi●n ; of whom i may be torne ▪ be t●ampled in the m●re , and ma●e a scorne . nay , tell m● sel●e i d●re not , what i spy , when i have ●●oughts of most transcendency ; lest pride possesse me , and should cast me downe , as far below , as i on high hav● flowne : for , when we nearest unto heav'n do so●re , ( till we are there ) our perils are the more ; since , there is wicked●esse which we doe call the wickednesse that is spi●itu●ll in he●v'nly places and as we doe know the●e is a light●ing which dot● oft●n goe quite thr●ugh t●e body , to the vitall pa●t , and kill the very spirits at the h●art , y●t never harme the fl●sh ; becau●● it m●y through v'ry por●us member make it way w●thout impr●ssi●n ▪ so , from our offences , th● devill doth extract some q●●ntess●●ses ▪ which we may rightly nam● , the spiri● of 〈◊〉 ▪ and , til● ou● thoughts have sublimat●d bin , they a●e too grosse for that to worke upon . but , when ●uc● sublimations are begun , he do●h infuse his ●hym●ca●l receipt , and , ●ither w●●k● precipita●●on , st●a●ght , o● m●kes those v●●tues , which pure gold were thogh● when they shall come to triall , worse then nought ▪ i saw this danger ( as my soule did flye to god ward ) and the devills chymistry , i lear●●d how to frust●ate ; by assuming h●mil●●y ▪ and shunning high presuming . i , of those lovel● g●ace● , got the view , which te●ch us how such peril● to eschew . i learned there , how th●y m●g●t be p●ocured ; how the● continu●nce might be still secured ; and , in my pow'● i● is not to expr●sse , how i was fi●l'd with h●pes of happinesse . my thoughts ( yet ) climbed higher and perceive● a ●l●mpse o● thin●s ●h●t ca●not be ●onc●ived . the love of god ; the ioyes that are ●o co●e ; a●d many fights ●hat long were h●dden from my blinded soule . this , set my heart ●n fire to climbe a lit●le , and a little high●● ; till i was up so high , that i did see the world , but like an atome , under me . me thought , it was not worth my looking on ; much lesse , the setting of my love upon . my soule did strive to mixe her selfe among the cherubins , and in their angell-song to beare a part ; and , secrets to unskreene , that cannot by our mortall eyes be seene . and , i would gladly thither have ascended , whe●e joyes are perfect , and all woes are ended . as thus i mounted ; by degrees i felt my strength to faile me , and my wings to melt : my flesh waxt faint ; my objects grew too pure , for my grosse understanding to endure . a kind of shuddring did my heart surprise , like that which comes when sudden thoughts arise . i far'd like him , who sleeping , dreames of store , and waking , finds himselfe exceeding poore . a pow'r unseene , did hold upon me take , and , to my soule , to this effect it spake . " i say it was gods spirit ; if you doubt " i arrogate , come heare the matter out : " for , who the speaker is , that will disclose : " and , if 't were he , his flocke , his language knowes . despaire not soule ( it said ) though thou art faine to sinke from these , to common thoughts againe . nor murmur thou , that yet thou must not rise to thy wisht height . god's favo●r will suffise for that which wants ; and these high thoughts are giv'n in earnest of chat part of thine in heav'n , which by t●y royall master is prepared ; and , in thy time allotted , shall be shared . st●ive to ascend ; but straine not over long , thy cl●mbing spirits , lest thou doe them wrong . the flesh is heavy , though the soule be light ▪ and , heav'n is seldome reached at one flight . mount high ; but , mount not higher then thy bound ; lest thou be loft , and all that thou hast found . search deepe ; but search no deeper then thy pow'r ; lest some infernall depth may thee devoure . obse●ve thy makers glory by reflection ; but , gaze not overmuch at his perfection ; lest that great lustre blinde thee . take thou heed , lest while thou thinkst thou homeward dost proceed , thou quite be loft : for , though these flights do raise thy soule with pleasure , they are dangerous waye● . when higher then the vulgar pitch she towres she meets with principalities , and pow'rs , who wrestle with her , that she may not rise ▪ or tempt her on , by curiosities , to lead the mind astray , untill it wanders among the windings of unsafe meanders . then doth it whirle about , to see things hidden ; pryes after secresies that are forbidden ; and by a path , which tends to heav'n , in show , arivéth , unaware , at hell below . take heedof this ▪ the way to heav'n is steep ; yet , e're thou climbe it , thou must often creep . the worke appointed thee , is yet unended , and , gods good pleasure must be still attended ev'n in this world , untill he cal● thee thence . his kingdome must be got by vi●lence . thou must with many frailties , yet , contend , before thy christian warfare hath an end . the world is brewing yet another cup of bitternesse , for thee to swallow up . thou hast from heav'n an arrand yet to doe , which ( if god hinder not ) will call thee to more troubles , and more hatred bring upon thee , then all thy former messages have won thee . and be thou sure , the devill will devise al● sl●nders , and all wicked infamies that may dispa●age thee : or ●ruitlesse make , that use ●ll wo●ke which thou dost unde●take . thou must prepare t●ine eares to ●eare the noise ▪ of causelesse thre●tnings , or the foolish voic● of ignor●nt ●epr●vers ▪ ●nd expect the secret c●●sures of ea●h g●ddy sect. thou must provide thy selfe , to hea●e great lords talke , withou●●eason , big impe●ious wo●ds . thou must contented be to make repai●e ( if need require ) before the scorn●rs chaire , to heare t●em jeere , and flout , and take in hand to scoffe at what ●hey do● not understand . or say , perhaps , that of t●y selfe thou mak'st some goodly thing ; or th●t thou undertak'st above thy calling ; or u●warranted : not heeding from who●e mouth it hath bin sed , " gods wisdome oft elects , what m●n despise ; " and foolish things , to foole the worldly wise . but ●ea●e thou n●t . for , he that in all places , and from all dangers , wants , and all disgraces , hath hi●herto preserv'd the● ; will secure thy safety now . that hand which did procure release from thy clo●e thraldomes , and maintained thy hea●t content , while thou went so restrained ; will be the same for ever : and , like stubble , consume ; or , like the weakest water-bubbl● . dissolve t●e force of ev'ry machination ▪ whereby the world shall seek thy molestation . thoug● thou in knowledg● ar● a child , as yet ; and , seemest not by outward calling fi● for such a taske : yet , doe not thou disable what god shall please to say is warrantable . his word , remaineth s●ill in date , which sayes , that , on the children of the later dayes , he would poure out a measure of his spirit ; and , thou the●eof a portion shalt inherit . though thou d●spised art ; yet god by thee shall bring to passe a worke which strange will be to most beholders ; and , no doubt , it shall occasion some to stand , and some to fall . for , men to ruine doom'd , will misconceive it ; and , they that shall have safety , will receive it . thy god ha●h toucht thy tongue , and tipt thy pen ; and , t●erefore , feare not thou the face of men , lest ●e destroy thee . for , this day to stand 'gainst princes , priests , and people of this land , thou a●t appointed : and they shall in vaine contend . for , thou the conquest shalt obtaine . al●hough that viperous brood upon thee lights , whose pois'ned tongue with killing slander smites ; and , though the ba●barous people of this i le , doe thereupon adjudge thee , for a while , a man so wicked ▪ that ( although thou hast the sea of troubles , without ship wrack , past ) gods vengeance will not suffer thee to live the life of honest fame : let that not grieve thy heart a whit . f●r , though their eyes doe see reproaches , which like vipers , hanging be , vpon thy flesh ; th●y shall perceive e're long , that thou ( unharmed ) them away hast flung . and they who did exp●ct to see thee fall , for thy firme standing , p●aise gods mercy shall . against oppression , he will ●afe maintaine thee , ev'n god , who oft did his protection daigne thee ; and tooke thy part against all those , that sought how they thy muse , to silence , might have brought . he , that preserv'd thee from this plague , will save thee : for , he thy life ev'n of meere mercy , gave thee , to serve him with thou knowst thou art a brand , snatcht from the flaming fire , by gods owne hand ; and that to him thou owest , all thou art , and all thy faculties , in ev'●y part . take heed , therefore , that nothing thou refuse to utter , which he prompts unto thy muse. be constant : and , elihu-like , beware that thou accept not persons ; nor declare with glozing ●i●les , that which thou shalt say ; left god may take thee suddenly away : but , publish that which he of thee requires , in termes , and words , as he the same inspires . for , to this realme and city thou art sent , to warne , that of their follies they repent ; to shew for what omissions , and offences , god sendeth famines , wars , and pestilences ; and to pronounce what other plagues will come , if their transgressions they depart not from . indeed , of priests and prophets , store have they , and , some of them are like enough to s●y ; when came the spirit of the lord to thee , from us , who no such dangers can foresee as thou pretendest ? these are they that share the pleasures of the time , with such as are the lands perdition . these are they which tye soft pillowes to mens elbowes ; and still cry peace , peace ; ev'n when perd●tion , hanging over the peoples heads , they plainly m●y discover . but , they that are true priests of god among them , and his true prophets , think not , he doth wrong thē , if he doe chuse a heardman : nor will such ●nvy the same ( or at the blessing grutch ) i● all were prophets , and god pleased were to make that gift to ev'ry man appeare . though gods own presence , had made moses wise ; yet . iethro's counsell would he not despise . he , whom the angell fed , did also eat ev'n when the ravers came to bring him meat : and , all that of their spirit partners be , will heare what 's good , though published by thee . behold ; this thanklesse p●ople ( from whose land god hath but newly tooke his heavy hand ) forget already what his mercy hath vouchsafed ; and his late enflamed wrath . s●e , how they flocke together , to pursue new mis●hiefes , and old follies to renew . their evill courses , they afresh begin ; and , ev'n those very purposes of sin , whose p●osecution this great plague hath staid , to finish now they are no whit afraid . those discords which they , many times , pretended , amid their feares , should christian●y be ended , ( if god would spare them ) are againe revived ; and divers new malicious plots contrived . those lusts , of which th●y seemed much ashamed ; those vanities , for w●●ch themselves they blamed ; those bargains , whic● their conscience did perswade were wicked ; & o●●od abhorred made them ; ( thē , that pride ; that slo●● ; that envy ; that excesse ; that c●uelty ; t●at i●religiousnesse ; yea , all that wickednesse pur●ude before , ( and which they fai●●● so truly to deplore ) returnes with intere●t ; and they contemne good things ; as if the plague had hardned them . like phar'oh , they repented while the rod was laid upon them . but , as soone as god removed it ; their mindes they changed too ; and would not let their evill customes goe . goe therefore instantly , goe draw the map of that great plague from which they did eseape : set thou before their eyes , as in a glasse , how great gods mercy , and their danger was . lay open their grosse crimes , that they may see how hatefull , and how infinite they be . declare what mischiefes their enormities have caused ; and will daily cause to rise . pronounce those iudgements which gods holy word doth for the wages of their crimes record . and ( as the blessed spirit shall enable , thy muse ; and , show thee what is warrantable ) tell boldly , what will on their wayes attend , vnlesse their lives and courses they ●mend . d●lay it not ; and let no worke of thine ; no goodly-seeming hope , or faire designe , ( how promising soeve● ) draw thee from this taske , untill unto an end it come . for , no affaire of thine shall finde successe , till thou hast finisht this great businesse . if any man that is thy friend , or foe , shall this deride ; and say it is not so ; but , that thy fancy onely eggeth on thy muse : or , that to doe , or leave undone this worke , were much alike . if any ●ay thou maist proceed herein , with such delay , as , vulgarly , dis●retion thinketh fit : or , as thy common bus'nesse will permit . nay , if thou meet , as thou maist me●t with some , who like a prophet , unto thee will come ; and ( as the man of g●d seduced was , who told in bethel what should come to passe concerning ieroboams altar there ) perswading thee , those thoughts delusions are : that , selfe-conceit , or pride , hath made thee dreame that thou art bound to prosecute this theame : beleeve them not . for , if that man of god here mentioned , did feele so sha●pe a rod , when his delay was but to eate and drinke ; ( perchance through hunger ) and when he did think a prophet sent by god , had licenc'd him : take heed thou doe not this advice contemne . for , since this motion urgeth nought that 's ill , nor contradicteth gods revealed will ; but rather helpes effect it : since he moves it so nat'rally , that thine owne soule approves it to be his act ; beware how thou suspect it , or how thou shalt be carelesse to effect it . let not a worldly wisedome , ( nor the scoffe of any ) from this motive drive thee off . take heed the feare of dangers , not the losse of carnall hopes , thy purpose , herein , crosse . take heed , that ionas-l●ke , thou be not bent to tharsus ▪ when thou knowst that thou art sent to niniveh . for , all thy doubts , and feare , will be as causelesse , as his doubtings were : and be thou sure , that wheresoe're thou be , a tempest and a whale shall follow thee . my heart receiv'd this message ; did allow it came from god ; and made a solemne vow ▪ it would not entertaine a serious thought of any worldly thing , till that were brought to full perfection : no , although it might endanger losing my best fortune quite . but , oh i how fraile is man ? and how unable in any goodnesse to continue stable ? how subtile is the devill ? and what b●its , and undermining policies and sleights , hath he to coozen us ? my soule was raised so high , e'rewhile , that i admir'd and praised my blest estate : and thought , with d●vid , then , my heart sh●ll never be r●mov'd age● . but , see , how soone , if god withdraw his eye ▪ we fall to hell , that up to heav●n did flye . i would have sworne ( when in my con●emplation , i was ascended to t●at lofty station , so lately mention'd ) that i should h●ve scorn'd the goodl'est prize the devill could have subo●n'd to tempt me by . i thought , if god had said , doe this ; that ( though the world had all beene laid to be my wages , if i should delay the doing of the same ▪ but halfe a day ) 〈…〉 ●●ve rather cho●e to have forsaken my life : then so to have beene overtaken . yet , lo● ; so craftily a bait was laid ; s●●h showes of goo●nesse ▪ thereinto convaid ▪ 〈◊〉 meanes of hel●e to piety , pretended ; ●o me so seem'd it , to be re●ommended by god himselfe ; and , such necessity app●ar'd of taking opportunity as th●n it off●ed was , that i suspected i had ●one ill , the same to have neglected . n●y , to my vnderstanding , true disc●etion , and , all the wisdome of this generation , did ●o concur together to betray my h●a●t ; that i did foolishly delay the tas● enjoy'd . yea , what i had bgun , ( proceed●d in ) and pu●pos'd should be do●● before my best affaires ; ev'n that i threw aside ; and other hopes i did pursue . i brake my vow , and i was led awry for that which was mor● light then vanity ; and so my hopes my judgement did beguil● , that , i supposed all was well th● while . most , also , th●ught me wi●ely to ha●e done , and , ●uch a fortune to have lighted on ; that o●h●rs , of my happinesse , began to talke ; and reckon me a prosp●rous man. but , many scandals , passions , and vexations , much hindrance , and a wo●ld of perturba●ions , pursued me ; to let me unde●stand , that i had taken some wrong ●ct in hand . for , though like ionas , i resolv'd not quite from gods commands to make a stubbo●ne slight ; yet w●nt i to his worke the fu●thest way ▪ and , travell'd , as mine owne occasions lay . which he perceiving , s●nt a storme that c●est me ; mad● shipwracke of my hopes ; my labou● les● me ; bef●ol'd my wisdom● ; of ●uch joy bere●t me ; within the sea of many troubles lest me ; and , what with speed and ease i ●ight have done at first ▪ hath long with paine beene lingred on . yea , when the ha●v●st of my g●eat r●pute was looked for ( and most expected fruit ) it proved chaffe ; and , plainly i perceived , that god had suffred me to be d●ceived ; to warne me , that hereafter , i should never ▪ omit , for any reason what●oever , his motions ; nor with holy vowes d●spense : b●t worke his pl●●sure , with all diligence . which after i had heeded , i descry'd by what , and whither , i was drawne aside ▪ i plainly saw , that what i then had sought w●th hope of comfort , would my woe have wrough● ▪ i f●und that likely to have beene to me a curse , which promised my blisse to be . i prai●ed god , as for a savour done , that he did lose m● , what i might have won : and what the world did think me hapl●sse in , i ●ound a gracious blessing to have bin . i s●w my fault ; i saw , in vaine i sought to worke my will , till ● god 's will had wrought . i saw that while the furthest way i went , gods mercy did my foolishnesse prevent : yea , made it ( by his providence divine ) a great advantage to his owne designe . and , for my negligence when i had mourned , to my propos●d labour , i r●turned . i begg'd of god ●hat he would give me grace , to be more constant in a godly race . i did beseech him to bestow againe those apprehensions , which my hopes in vaine had made me lose : and that , for my demerit ▪ he would not q●ench in me his holy spirit : but , gran● me pow'r to prosecute my story , and utter forth his message , to his ●lory . my su●e was heard : i got wh●t i desired : my soule , with m●tter , was anew inspired . m● eyes were clear'd ; my heart was new enlarged : bold resolu●ions h●d all f●ares discharged : and , that which was d●sclosed unto me , doth appertaine , g●eat britaine , unto the● ▪ come heare me the●efore ; for , howe're thou t●ke it ▪ my conscience bids me , and i meane to speake it . within thy pow'r thou hast me ; and what e're shall good and right in thine owne ey●s appeare , thou maist inflict upon me : but , this kn●w , that what i shall declare , god bids me show ; and that , if i for this , have harme , or shame ; my god shall at thy hands require the sam● . oh! let not my requests in vaine be made ; nor to thy former sinnes , another adde . and , my sweet country , and deare co●ntrimen , let not these overflowings of my pen distastfull be ; as if their spring had beene ▪ but either from the gall , or from the spleene . let not this ages false int●rpr●ter , ( which makes both iudgement and affection erre ) corrupt my text , by their false commentary , to make your good opinions to miscary . for , though in me ( as in all flesh and blood ) m●ch error hinders from that perfect good which i ●ffect : y●t i his meed may claime , who makes gods glory , and your weale his ayme ; and , begs but of his words a pa●ient hearing ; and , from your follies a discreet forbea●ing . if there be truth , and reason , in the m●ss●ge , let not my person hinder my ambass●ge . if god shall in his mercy pleased be , to make a factor for his praise of me ; let none the poorenesse of my gifts de●ide , since he to no ●xternall meanes is ty'd . despise not what i speake , for what i am ; vnlesse you find the mat●er be to blame . for , god by babes and sucklings , oft , reve●l●s , what from the wisest worldlings he conceales . both heav'n and earth , to witnesse here i c●ll , i dar'd not speake what now i utter shall , vnlesse i thought , that god did me inspire ; and would this duty at my hands require . nor dar'd i to be silent , though i kn●w that ev'ry m●n had vowed ●o pursue my so●le to d●ath ; because m● conscience takes a●kn●wl●dgement , that god w●thin me speakes . i doe not this , for that i se●selesse am , ( oh! englan● ) of thy infamy or shame : for , thy dishonor doth concerne me nearly ; and thee my he●rt affect●th far more dearly , then cow●rds doe their lives . i would dist●ll my blood ( as inke is drained from my quill ) ev'n drop by drop ; or else , at once , le● all gush forth , to save thy honor from a fall . i aime not at a vaine or fruitlesse glory , b● d●ring : for , i know the mortall story of all the glorioust actions , that are under the heav'ns large curt●in , are but nine daies wō●er . and that the most deserving workes we doe , m●y ruin● us , and helpe disgrace us too . i doe it not that i may wealthy grow : for , i the worlds rewards already know ●n such attempts . experience i have g●ined , what poore preferments this way are ob●ained . my former strain●s ( which did but way prepare for that , which i hereaft●r should declare ) r●ceived evermore the worst reward , as they grew better worthy of regard . a●● ( if god let not ) as these are my best , m● troubles , will for them , exceed the rest . t is odds , but that the wilfull generation , f●● who● i write this large anticipation , ( ●o stay their censur● ) will scarce reade so f●r , a● hitherto , where th●se preventions are : b●t , here , and there , picke out some tart relations , w●●hout observing of those moderations that follow or precede them . else , perchance their brazen and herculcan ignorance will strongly keepe that vnderstanding from them , whereby the pow'r of reason might o'recome them . some also , peradventur● , will ●orget , how , when i formerly was round beset w●th many troubles , i did still despise the r●ging fury of mine enemies . yea some , no doubt , will have a minde to see what kinde of pow'r , there is in them , or me ; and whilst such men there are , he thinks amisse , who thinkes to thrive by such a course as this . t is not from envy of their lott , who grow great men , or wealthy , whence these lines doe flow ▪ for , i rejoi●e in each mans happinesse , th●t to go●s praise , good fortunes doth poss●sse : and they that know my person , witnesse can , my lookes assure , i am no envious man. it i● not malice that hath wrought upon my passi●ns : for , i vow , i malice none . no line or word of this which now i write , proceeds from r●ncor , or unchristian spight . when i have wrong received , if i say wher●in ; what harme doe i in th●t i p●ay ? 't were much if when we inju●y susta●ne , we neither may have helpe , nor ye● complaine . 't were hard , if knowing i had many foes , i might not say so , lest some should suppose what names they bear . to no man this wil show thē , but , unto ●uch as doe already know them . nor ▪ when i mention wrongs , doe i intend their shame who doe them ; but some better end . for , they that yet are enemies of mine , may prove go●s friends , and to my good encline . i wis● them well , what e're they wish to me ; and of their harm● wou●d no procurer be . in gen'rall termes , i point out those that orre ; with none i meddle in particular : for , knaves and honest men a●e so alike , in many things , that i amisse may strike . i finde the faults ; let others finde the men . i no man judge ; let no man judge me then . my m●se●ath ●ath not usurped this commission : no● arrogateth to mine owne condition , more excellence then others : but , i shar● a part in those rep●oofes that others b●a●e . i doe not thinke mine owne a spotlesse eye , because it faults in others can ●spye . i never thought it was enough for me , a criticke in my neighbours faults to be , vnlesse i m●rkt mine owne : which here i doe ▪ and ch●ck the wo●lds and m●n● owne errors too . i meane t● winke at n●n● ; at none i ayme ; to heed or friend● or foes ▪ i doe disclaime . my bow i● bent , and i must sho●t a flight ▪ of shafts , that wil●●n d●ver● places light . perhaps some o● them my best friends may wound ▪ vpo● my self● , som● o●he●s m●y rebound . s●●e ( shot alo●t ) may ●●ar the kites that flye a●ove th● clouds , themselves to eaglifie . some p●er●e t●e●r s●des , who thoght they had bin got b●●ond th● re●ching of my winge● shot . a●● some who thou●ht th●y h●d concealed beene , m●y fe●le my ar●ow●● , wh●re they lurke unseene . ligh● w●ere they w●ll the car●'s already tooke : si●c● none but he tha●'s guilty can b● strooke . hist thou fo●got , oh ! britain● , ( and so soone ) ●hy lates afflictions , and gods graci●us boone ? as soone as e're thy necke unflacked feeles the curbing reine , dost thou let flye thy heeles ? shall nor gods iustic● , nor his matchlesse love ▪ thy flinty nature to repentance move ? but wilt thou still in crooked paths persever , and of thy vanities repent thee never ? oh! looke about thee ; yea , looke backe , and see what wondrous things thy god hath done for thee . thou wert in future times , an uncouth place ▪ that had of wildnesse the deformed face . thou wert long time , the seat of desolation , and when thou had●t but slender reputation , god lookt upon thee , with the first of all those gentiles , whom in mercy he did call . of his beloved vineyards , thou wert one ; and s●●uate like that , once plac'd upon the fruitfulst hill. god , for thy fence prepared a naturall wall , by ●is owne hands uprear●d . he tooke away that stony heartednesse , which did thy heathnish children first possesse ; and hath beene pleased , many times , since th●n , to gather out those flinty hearted men , who by a bloody persecuting hand , did harme thy tender sapling● in thy land. he plucked out of thee the stinki●g weeds of sin and superst●tion ; that the seeds of truth and hol●ne●se might here be sowne , where wickednesse the so●le had overgrowne . the choicest plants ( of that vine-mys●icall , his onely-sonne ) he planted thee withall . the stately watch towre of his p●ovidence compleatly furnished , for thy defence , in thee was builded up ; and did appeare to many other kingdomes , far and neare : and on the lofty turrets of the same he set his flags , and ensignes of his name , whose beautious colours being wide displaid , did make thy adversaries all afraid . within thy borders , hath his love divine the wine-presse , of a christian discipline erected ; and in ev'ry season given ( to make thee fruitful ) dewes & showrs from heav'n . yea thou hast had , since food of life grew scanty , not barely seven , but seventy yeares of plenty . what grace soever might repeated be that god for isr'el did , he did for thee . he from a thraldome , worse then they sustained , while in th' aegyptian bond●ge they remain●d , did bring thy children thorough baptismes flood , and drowne thy fo●s , within a sea of blood. thy coast unto a large extent he stretcheth , for , ev'n from sea to sea it compasse fetcheth ▪ thy land with milke and hony over-flowes . in thee all pleasure , and all plenty growes . god kept thee as the apple of an eye ; and , as when eglets are first taught to flye , their dam about th●m hovers ; so , thy god , doth over thee , display his wings abroad . a land of hils and dales thou wert created ; and in a clime , so pro●itable , seated , th●t whereas many other lands are faine to water all their seeds , and plants , with paine , thou fav'st that labour : for , the dewes yeeld matter to ch●ere thy gardens , and the clouds bring water . faire woods & groves , do yet adorn thy mountain● ; thou a●t a land of rivers , and of● ountaines : springs hot and cold , and fresh , and salt , there be ▪ and , some that cure diseased folk in thee . thee , both in towne and field , the lord hath blest ; thy people and thy cattell are encreast . blest wert thou in thy going forth to war ; and blessed also thy returnings were . he blest thee in thy store , and in thy basket : thine owne request he gave , when thou didst ask it : he evermore hath timely fauours done thee : throughout the yeare his eye hath beene upon thee : he carefull was , what perills might betide thee ; and heedfull all things needfull to provide thee : in grasse , and corne , and fruits , thou dost excell : thy horse are strong , thine oxen labour well : the udders of thy kine grow large with milke : thy sheep yeeld fleeces , like the persian silk : thy stones are iron , and ●hy hills are big with minerals , which from their wombs we dig : thy soile is neither over moist , nor dry : the sun n●r keeps too far nor comes too nigh : thy ayre doth few contag●ous vapours breed : nor doth it , oft , in heat , or cold exceed . still , for thy sins , thou hadst thy due corrections ; and , foundst compassion in thy great afflictions . his prophets and his preachers god hath sent in ev'ry age , to move thee to repent ; and , them thou smot'st , and murtherd'st , now & thē ; yet , gave he not to other hu●bandmen his wronged vineyard : but , doth yet a●tend , in expectation , when thou wilt amend . he , over all thy foes , the conquest gave thee : he did from wrōg , by neighb'ring nations , save thee : and , they to feare and honor thee were moved , because they saw thee , of thy god , beloved . thou hadst a deborah bestow'd upon thee , who freed thee from thy foes , and glory won thee , in spight of sisera : for , god did please to make the stars , the clouds , the winds , and se●s , to fight thy batt●ls . when her turne w●s gone . he raised up another solomon , with●n thy borders to ●stablish peace , who to thy glories added an increase . thou wert as often warn'd , and punished ; as much besought ; as largely promised , as iudah was . thy church that lately seemed like barren hannah ( and was disesteemed of proud peninnah ) in a spirituall breed , doth most of syons daughters , now exceed : and thou hast viewed many of thy sonnes , to sit and governe , on earths glorious thrones . the iewish commonw●alth was n●ver daigned more great deliverances then thou hast gained . nor was their helpe vouchsaf'd in better season ; as eighty eight , and our great powder-●reason , can witnesse well . for , then thy preservation was wrought by god ( to all mens admi●ation ) ev'n when hels iawes , on thee , were like to ●lose ; and when , for humane aide to interpose , there scarce was meanes , or time . all which was done that thou gods love mightst think the more upon . moreover , that no meanes might passe un●ride , which god did for the iewes of old provide ; to thee he also sends his onely sonne : not , as to them , a poore con●emned one , ( that , seeing him , they might not him perceive , and hea●ing him , no knowledge of him have ) not as a weakling , or illi●e●a●e : or meane , or in a persecuted ●late : or one whose person , beauty , and ●●mpl●xion , in th●m , had nothing stirring up affection ; nor as a man that worthy seem'd of scorne , of mocks , of whips , and of a crowne of tho●ne : he came not so to thee for , thou hadst ●hen despis'd and crucified him agen , as well as they : yea , thou perchance , hadst more despighted him , then others heretofore . but , in a glorious wise to thee he came : with pow'r , with approb●tion , and with fame . his fishermen ( that heretofore did seeme to iewes and gentiles , of so meane esteeme ) had won whole count●ies from idol●try , and made them to confesse his sov'raignty ▪ he comes to thee with honor , like a king : he did into ( the church ) his kingdome , bring a setled government . he had assw●ged that iewish and that ethnick spight , which raged at his first comming . emperours became his viceroyes ; and did governe in his nam● . thou sawst fulfilled , many things ( of old ) both by his pr●phets and himselfe , foretold ; which did confirme him , that messiah , whom thou shouldst receive . his doctrines well become his purity : and , witnessed is he by martyrs and confessors , him to be whom thou should'st heare . and ( this hath greater made thy favours , then that grace the iewes have had ) their threats , th●ir punishments , their ignorances , thei● pe●tinacy , and deliverances , their fallings , risings , and relapses , are recorded , that by them thou mightst beware . thou knowst what desolation they are in , in recompence of their despightfull s●n , the murther of their brother : yea , like cain , thou seest , that , yet , they vagabonds remaine . thou hear'st , their fruitfull land hath ever since , beene cur● with barrennesse , for their offence : that , w●thout king , priest , prophet , or good order , they through the wo●ld have wandred for their murther nigh sixteene hundred yeares : and that al●ho they be abhorred , wheresoe're they goe , they have upon them , still , the marke of caine , which will prevent their being wh●lly staine ; lest ( as the blessed psalmist hath foretold ) the people of the lord ▪ forget it should . yet , nor their good examples ▪ nor their fall , nor all their blessings , nor their sorrow●s all , have better'd thee : but , thou continu'st in their obstinacies , and in all their s●n . like them thou murmur'st , if god , but to try thee , some blessing , for a little time deny thee , so , thou dost wanton it , as soone as e're , in any suffring , he thy voice doth hear● . so , thou gods wholsome counsell dost despise , to follow thi●e owne foolish policies . so , thou dost mixe thy selfe with other n●tions , and , learne to practise their abominations . so , on those broken reeds thou dost rely , which will deceive , in thy necessity . so , thou dost stop thine cares ( to thine owne harme ) although the charmer ne're so wisely charme . that which thy prophets teach , and well advise ; iust so , thou dost neglect ; just so , despise : yea , though from time to time , thou seest the path which ●hou dost follow , ill successes hath : though thou hast found , that they who did fore●ell thy course was foolish , did forewarne thee well : though thou dost finde , no rest , nor peace , in that , which thou art yet unwisely ayming at : and , though thy truest lovers , ev'ry day , doe counsell thee , and for thy safety pray ; thou runn●st headlong , still , thy wilfull cou●se , and vaxest ev'ry moment , worse and worse . thy eyes are blinded , and thou canst not see ; thy heart is hard , and will not softned be . to thy best friends thou shewst thy selfe a foe , as if , thou rip'ned wert , for overthrow : and , till god please to turne thy heart againe , all , that speake truth to thee , shall speake in vaine . whence doe thy troubles , and thy losses come , but , from thy carnall policies , and from thine owne vaine projects , which thou dost pursue , by courses , that will still thy cares renew ? what gaine thy children , by their of● alliance with babels issue , or by their affiance , but mungrell off-springs ; which will ready be , to stir up everlasting strifes in thee ? though thou hast heard , the midianites doe give their daughters to no end , but to deceive ; and that the people who to moloch pray , wi●l for their idoll , cast their sonnes away : though thou hast heard what plagues ensu'd upon the wivings of the wise king solomon ; and knowest that by god , forbid it was , a bullocke should be yoaked with an asse : though thou hast seene that their ●ffiniti●s are ev'n , among themselves , poore slender ties ; and such as they doe nought at all respect , vnlesse they serve their p●ojects to ●ffect : yet , in their course , thy children doe proceed , and sow gods garden with a mixed s●ed : o● which , unlesse they t●uly doe repent , and s●eke , by carefell tillage to prevent , what may ensue thereon ( as yet they may ) thy land will suffer for 't , another day . t●y guiltinesse ( oh ! britaine ) makes thee feare , and often troubled where no terrors are . thy faith hath fail'd thee , and thou didst not see those armies , which have round encl●sed thee for thy protection . for , had they beene heeded , thou no aegyptian succours should'st have needed . if thou coul●'●t walke within a constant p●th , this iland should not feare iberi●'s wrath . it should be needlesse for thee , to pro●ure alliances , that cannot long ●ndure . thou shouldst not care ( but , as t●ey christian● be ) what kings on earth , were friends , or foes to thee . no pow'r abroad , should make thy children tremble ; nor home-bred faction cause thee to dissemble : but , being safe in god , thou shouldst contemne the greatest dangers , and get praise by them ▪ oh! call to minde , the times now past away ▪ those , which our fathers , yet , remember may ; and let thine elders tell thee ( for they know ) how strong in gods protection thou didst grow . what ●antedst thou , when thou we●t all alone ? when thou hadst nothing to rely upon , but gods meere mercy ? and such grace bestowne , that thou couldst use those pow'rs that were thine owne ? when blest eliza wore but half thy crown , and , almost all the world , on her did frowne ; when romes proud bishop ; and , of christendome the pow'●fulst monarck , did her foes become . when ●he had no alliance , to make strong her party : but , wa● hatefull growne , among the neighb'ring princes ; for her casting by the yoake of ●abylonish tyranny . when she within her kingdome had a swarme of hornets , which did howrly threaten harme both to her state and person . vvhen their pow'● and fury , w●● more likely to devoure , then at this present it appeares to be . vvhen her owne court ●rom traytors was not free , vvhen she had irish rebels to co●rect ; opp●essed netherlanders to protect ; and france to umpire in : ev'n when all these , and other troubles did her state disease . vvhat glory , wealth , and safety ha●● t●ou got , that she , amid those d●ngers , purchast no● ? religion in her dayes did still en●re●se ; at home she had bo●h plentiousne●se and peace ; abroad , ●he was renow●'d : she did not paus● in execut●ng o● her whol●●ome lawes , through feare o● any malecontents at home ; or any threatnings from the sea of rome . she triple geri●ns forces did con●emne ; her neighbours sought h●r ayd ; she sought not thē . she aw'd the west : she from the sp●nish coast did rend their golden-fl●eces ; and she crost their hopefull'st aimes . they could not unde●mine he● counsells ; nor by any slye designe , defea● her forces : fr●nce was prudent then , and would not stir the w●ath of en●lish●e● : for , they p●eserv'd their honor , by pr●serving their trust in god ; and coastan p●●hs observin● . then , to affront us , did no d●●chman dare , nor , in ou● voyages presume to sh●re , but , with our favour . vve had ●ame by land ; o●r pow'rfull navies did the seas command . to ours , the strongest fleets did strike their sailes ; they , that now bark ; then , d●r'd not w●g their tailes ▪ yea , ●hough our lyons not so many were , our strongest fo● , to ●ouze them , sto●d in feare . no sonne of thine presumed , then , to be so trai●erous unto thy god , and thee , as to allow a popish liberty : much lesse to move , ●or that impiety , in publick hearing . no man sought to sell , for any summe , the peace of israel : no no● within ou● ir●sh●onfin●s ●onfin●s ; tho it somewhat urgent seem'd to have it so : because that peace●●ll pow'r thou hadst not got , which now thou hast : nor , then , the neighb'ring scot so firme unto thy state ; nor so engaged to tame that nation , if a war it waged . thy patriots perc●iv'd , that to begin with ireland , would become the meanes to win great britaine to the romish yoake anew ; and , give the spaniard courage , to pursue his great designe upon the british nations . they saw what civill broyles their tolerations have bred in france . for , if within her wombe , rebecca could not but diseas'd ●ecome , ( whilst she , at once , two sons did nourish there , which fathers of unlike religions w●re ) they ●hought , that if one kingdome should admit two such concepti●ns , to grow ●ipe in it , they ●ould , by daily struggling with each other , afflict the body o● their nat'ral● mother ; and , cause an endlesse warfare , untill one were setled in possession , all alone . thou didst not then , within t●y bounds afford an altar b●th to baal ▪ and to the lord. what thou resolv'dst , was put in execution ; thy zeale was chill'd with no irresolution . no haltings were appa●a●● . no disunion did hazard ( though it troubled ) thy communion : and , though thy many follies brought afflictions , ( which , of tho●e errors , were the due corrections ) yet , was thy faith in god , l●sse violated : apparant evils not so p●lliated : propha●enesse , not so patroniz'd , as now : nor didst thou such impieties allow . but , th●u art changed from what once thou w●r● ; thy worse hath ouercom● thy better part . vpon thin● owne distempe●s thou art ●ost : thy confidence in god is almost l●st . and , thence it comes , that though thou dost ab●und in many blessings ▪ thou art needy found . this makes transgressions to encrease upon thee ; they bring new troubles , and new dangers on thee ; these make thee feare ; thy terror causes thee impatient of thy feared harmes to be : impatience makes thee so unfit to stay gods l●asure ; that , thou ru●n'st another way , and seek'st for helpe in thine owne fantasies , in fleshly leagues , and humane policies . those courses overwhelme thee with new sins : from them , another b●ood of pl●gues begins , whi●● doth not mollifie , but more obdure thy ●linty brest : and will at last p●ocure thy to●all overthrow ; unlesse thou climbe the hill of hea●ty penitence , in time . growne fat with case , & wealth , thou hast forsook thy god ; and many crooked courses tooke . god , who did thee so love , and so esteeme ; who did create thee , and thy life redeeme ; thou hast fo●gotten : yea , r●jected him , and , sought those gods , thy father did contemne his counsells , and his law , thou hast despised ; na● , unto devi●ls , thou has● sac●ificed ; and , them and t●ine owne ●ust● , preferd before his honour , whom ●hou shou●dst have prized more . the corne , and oil● & wine which thou enjoyedst as tokens of his love , thou mis●imployedst . the jewel● he vouchsa●ed to adorne thee , ( for his own pleasure ) thou on those th●t scorn thee bestowst agai●e ▪ the beautie which he gave , that he the more delight in the● might have ▪ thou ba●ely p●ostitutest unto those that a●e thy lust●ull woo●rs , and his foes ▪ thy vines like ●●ose of sodom are become , ev'n like those plants , that are derived from gommorrah's vineyard ; and their clusters all ar● sowre ; or else , more bitter , far , then gall . thy wi●e is dragons poison : yea , thou hast in all thy pleasant things , a lothsome tast . but , thus in grosse , why should i l●nger sp●nd my time , thy wickedness● to reprehend ? since thou art impudent , and hast the face , to make of the●e upbraidings my disgrace ? in my next canto's therefore , i le prefer of thy transgr●ssions a perticvler , so du●y urg'd ; that none shall justly say i utter what i should not open lay : or th●● my verse doth brand t●ee with a crime , whereof their liues not witnesse all this time . observe it ; and if ought i mention here , n●t fitly ●poken t● the publike ●are ; o● if , but in a word , i wrong thee shall ; me to the most impartiall c●nsure call ▪ l●t my good purp●s●s be punisht more , and pittied ▪ also lesse then heretofore . l●t me of all thy chil●ren be reviled ; fro● thy most pleasa●t bord●rs live exiled : and n●ver be recall'd . but , if i tell what thy best lovers shall app●ove of well . i● truth i utter ; and such truth as is to be discl●s'd : then ma●ke what 's found amisse . amend thine errors ▪ le● thy folly cease . love him , that loves unfainedly thy peace . at least , despight him not . but , if thou doe , yet he will serve thee still , and love th●e too : thy w●l●are rather then his owne prefer : and , leave this bo●ke for thy remembrancer . the sixth canto . the poet ( wei●hing w●ll his war●ant ) goes on with his enjoyned arrant . i●partially he doth relate this iland● good and bad estate . what s●v'rall sinnes in her have place ; how grosse they are ; how they ●ncr●ase , he also t●ls : and , then he sn●w●s that nor the gentiles , nor the iewes , we●e ch●ck'd , or pl●gu●d for any crimes , which are not reigning in th●se times . n●xt ●hat , he boldly doth reprove ●he course in which ou● nobles●ove ●ove ; derides their folly , blames th●ir sin , and warnes what dan●ers we are in . ou● g●ntry then he repr●hends ; their foolish humours dis●●n m●nds ; and ( having brought them to their sights ) vpon the guilty clergy lig●ts ; on lawyers that abuse the lawes , on officers , and on the cause of most corruptions : last of all on some enormities doth fall which are in court and city found ; and runs this canto , there , aground . bvt , am i well a●vis'd ? and doe i know from whence , & from what spirit this doth flow ? doe i remember what , and who i am , that i this famous monarchy should blame ? am i assur'd no ill-suggesting spirit ( in hatred of thine honou●able merit ) seduceth me ( oh britaine ) that i might become an instrument of his despight ? have i considered of what esteeme thou art ? how great thy piety doth seeme ? what glorious titles , and trans●endent stiles thou ●ast obtain'd above all other isles ? what attributes unto thy selfe thou givest ? what of thine owne perfections thou beleevest ? and what thy fl●ttri●g priests and prophets say o● thy admired happ●nesse this day ? yes , yes ; all this i ponder'd , and i know what g●o● or evill ●rom this act may flow . i am not ignorant , th●t thou hast beene among the n●●ghb'ring countries as a queene , among ●er ladies ▪ fo●mes of government , o● lawes , or custom●s through earths continent , a●e no●e ●eceived that more pious be , or mo●e upright then those t●at are in thee . among fai●e sions daughter● , none doth sit m●●e frée f●om blemishes ( the● t●ou art yet ) in points of ch●istian doctrine ( though there are some , who that simplenesse begin to marre ) no people doth retaine a dis●ipline more ap●sto●●c●ll , ●hen some of thine . no church that 's visible , hath kept more pure the grounds of faith , nor countenanced fewer of romes innumerable superstiti●●s ; of usel●sse , ●r of burdensome tr●ditions , then thou ha●t lately done . i feele thou hast some warmth yet left . as yet , so brazen-fac'd thou ●rt not growne , but that thou dost despise notorious c●imes , and open heresies ; because the hidden leaven of t●y sin to sowre the lumpe , is ( yet ) but new put in . i●le doe thee right , and give thee all thy due , before thy follies further i pu●sue . i know that thou with patience heretofore ( ev'n like the church at ephesus ) hast bo●e thy christian labours ; t●at , thou hast been moved against offenders ; that , thou such hast proved , who fa●sely did ●ffirme themselves to be apostles ; and , strong ●aith was found in thee . yea , ●hou didst long those heresies resist , which god abhorreth ; and ●idst th●m detest . i know ▪ that like the smyrnian congregation thou h●st through pove●ty and tribulation , got heav'nl● riches : neither didst thou feare , when they , who of the church of satan were , blasphem'd the t●uth , and did themselves professe true isra'lites , when they were nothing lesse . i know , that when ●hy lott it was to dwell like pergamus , ev'n where the throne of hell erected was ( and in their bloody raigne , by whom so many martyrs here were slaine ) thou didst not then the faith of christ deny , not from professing of his gospel flye . i know , that thyatira-like thy love , and t●y devotion did unfained prove ; and that thy piety , and righteousnesse , did ( for a season ) more and more encrease . i know , thy goodnesse i● not quite bereft , but that ( like sardis ) thou some names hast left that walke with christ , from all pollution free , in those white garments that unspotted be . i know , that like the church of philadelph , thou hast a little strength within thy sel●e : gods word , and holy sacraments yet are ( as pledges of his love ) preserved here . an● i doe know , that , sin●e thou heretofore didst love the truth ; god will his grace restore , on thy repentance ; and in all temp●ation become thy sole-sufficient preservation ; yea make all them , who now false boasters be of true religion , to subscribe to thee ; confesse he loves thee ; and to thee hath given that ci●ies title , th●t came downe from heaven . but , much is , yet , amiss● ; and ( to prev●nt thy ruine ) i advise thee to r●pent . remember ( oh ! remember th●u ) from when●e thou fallen ●rt ; and seeke by penitence to ●se againe . thy former works renew ; thy lately practis'd wi●kednesse esc●ew ; what th●u hast lost , ●nde●vor to regaine , hold ●ast that faith which yet thou dost retai●e ; awake , and use thine utmost pow'rs , to cherish those graces , which in thee are like to perish . o● ! doe it speedil● , whilst he doth knock tha● ope● th● doo●e , which no man can unlock , and shuts , where none doth open : yea ( lest he come suddenly , and take away from thee thy pretious candlesticke ) renew thy zeale ; and unto him thy sinne , betimes , reveale . marke , to the churches , what the sp●rit saith ; and purchase thou of christ ( by lively faith ) to make thee rich , gold t●yed in the fire . to hide thy filthy nakednesse , desire the pure white ●●yment of his righteousnesse . thy former sight , tha● thou maist reposs●sse , his eye salve take : the conquest strive to get , that of the hidden manna thou maist eate ; and g●ine the stone inscribed with a name , which none can know , but he that wea●es the same ▪ for , i must tell thee , thou art run astray , and ( like a whorish wife ) hast cast away thy old affection : thy fi●st-love is gone , an● other friends thy heart hath doted on . thou ●st not halse that zeale , which thou hast bore to thy redeemers honor heretofore ; that simplenesse , thou h●st not in thy workes ; put , base d●ss●m●ling in thine actions lurkes . some doctrines also are in thee profest , without ●eproofe , which god doth much detest . thou dost let goe unpunished in thee , those persons that notorious sinners be , and impudently wicked : thou mak'st light of their misdeeds , in vertuous mens despight . thou hast conniv'd at those , who in the land have with an high , and an imperious hand ( like iezabel ) oppressed , and bereav'n thou poore mans portion , in contempt of heav'n . thou hast blasphemers , who d●e falsely say , that they are catholiques , ( and none but they ) yet , if they heeded what their words imply , their owne distinction giv●s themselves the lye. the babylonish strumpet thou ( as yet ) within ●●y territories dost permit ▪ who doth s●duce gods people , and thy n●●ions ; and make them drunken with her fornications . tho hast those hypocrites that make a show of zeal●●s hearts , when they are nothing so . t●ou hast those b●alamites ▪ that in the way of weake prof●ss●rs , stumbling blocks doe lay : and pra●tise cunning slei●ht● o● policy , to bring thee b●●ke unto idolatry . to trouble and di●tract thee ▪ they invent st●ange qu●stions , dou●tfull , and impertinent . by needlesse provings , by their vaine confuting● , by over nice distinctions , and disp●ting● , and by their multitudes of windy notions , they have so in●orrupted thy devotions , so over whelm'd thy fait● ; so tired out thy knowledge , ( with still running round about ) that there is left but lit●le care in thee , how much decayed thy good manners b● . indeed , of thy lost vertues , there 's a fame remaining still ; and thou hast yet a name to be alive ; but , some doe greatly feare that thou art either d●●d ▪ or very neare . though laodicea like thou proudly vauntest , that rich thou art , and that thou nothing want●st : though thou art h●ppy in thine owne esteeme , and dost to thine owne s●lfe quick-sighted seeme : yet , were thy iudgement cleared , thou wouldst finde that thou art wretched , naked , poore , and blinde . thou dost almost that lukewarme temper hold , which neither can be termed hot , nor cold . thy wi●kednesse is ( well neere ) growne as ripe , as hers , that served for thy prototype . nay , gods great volume mentions not a sin , wherewith or place , o● person , taxt hath bin , but thou hast practis'd it ; and of thine owne host added others , to those times unknowne . with our first parents , there are some in thee ▪ who ●trive to eate of gods forbidd●n tree ; and have upon them such an itch to know those t●ing● which he v●uchsafeth not to show : that , from their eyes true wis●dome it hath hid , and m●re en●ang r'd them , then ad●m did . thou hast a brood of cainites , that envi●s their bre●hrens better pleasing sacrifice ; and pe●secut●s , and slanders , ( what it may ) all those that walke not in their wi●ked way : and th●rst with greedinesse to shed t●eir blood , who seeke their safeties , and effect their good . there be , am●ng thee , some just like that race , who ( being made the so●nes of god , by g●ace ) did with mans female issue fall in love ; and these beget a mungrell brood , that prove the giants of their times ; and , those , that will the measure of the worlds misdeeds fulfill . they ( as those carelesse people did , on whom an universall deluge once did come ) eate , drinke , and take their pleasure , without care , how many or how great their follies are . and , though a iudgement on their head is pour'd , they will not heed it , till they are devour'd . as soone as any pla●ue from us is gone , we build and plant , and in our sins run on : or when ( with noah ) blessings we have had , ( in st●ad of being in gods favour glad ) we doe in some vaine mi●th bewray our folly ; i● drunken feastings , or in games unholy . since out of beastly sodom they were got , thy children have among themselves ( like lot ) committed much uncleannesse ; whence proceeds a race , which discord in thy borders breeds . like laban , many wickedly detaine the workmans hire ; and make unlawfull gaine from their owne children . some ( with isma●l ) are bitter mockers ; some ( with esau ) sell their heav'nly birth-rights : & for what d' yee think ? for worse then porridge ▪ ev'n for smoake and slinke . we hav● a● m●g●ty hunters ( now adayes ) as nimrod , and as wilfull in their wayes . som● , of their brethren merchandizes make , li●e iacobs sonnes , and money for them take . with simeon , and with levi ; some , pretend religio●s cause ; when for some other end they doe proj●ct : and , m●●kes of holy zeale doe often bloody cruelties conceale . for wives , for wealth ▪ and for our vai●e d●lights , we change religio● , like the sichemites ▪ we have those iudges , who will ( iudah-like ) their brother , for his fault severely strike ; deride , taunt , censure , and without compassion , to death condemne him , for the same transgression which they are far more guilty o● then he : and , those the plague-sores of this iland be . we have in either sex , of those that are as wicked as the wife of potiphar . ev'n those , who so wil slander , and accuse ; if any to obey their lust refuse . like er and on●n , we have wicked heires , who rather would consume themselves , and theirs , in fruitlesse ▪ vanities , then part from ought by which their brothers welfare might be wrought ▪ with phar'oh , we gods judgements do contemn ▪ and grow the bolder , and the worse by them . when he most plagued us , we most presumed ; and sinned most , when we were most consumed . nor ●lood , nor frogs , nor loathsome lice , nor flyes , nor murraines , biles , nor botches can suffice to make our nations their bad lives reforme ; nor locusts , nor the leafe-devouring worme ; nor horrid darknesse , liable to sense , nor haile , nor thunders , nor the pestilence ; nor bringing us to sp●ings that bitter are ; nor sweetning those things that unsav'ry were ; nor strange deliv'rances by sea and land ; nor gods protecting us with his owne hand ; nor q●ailes , nor manna , ( blessings which be rare ) nor favou●s which more ordinary are : no , nor gods dreadfull anger , nor his love , can our hard hearts unto repentance move ; but , we ( l●ke aegyp● ) in rebellion be , and , full as faithlesse as the iewes , are we ▪ among us , we have wealthy men , who may w●ole groves dispend ; yet on the sabbath day they 'll gather sticks . ev'n to the devill , some with no lesse worthy sacrifices come , then sons and daughters . for , what lesse do they who them in wedlocke wickedly betray to open hereticks ? or , they that make their mar'ages , fo● wealth , and hor●ors sake , without affection ? and ( i pray ) what lesse doe they , who force their children to professe vnlawfull trades ? there be among us , living , too many , that , ev'n whilst the law is giving , do● set up golden-calves . such men are they , who in the church , or on gods holiday , are plodding on the world ; whil●t they should bend their eares to god , and on his will attend . we have ( our best proceedings to withstand ) a iannes , and ●amb●es in t●e land , who ( by their ●orceries ) continue shall some people of this m●narchy in ●hrall : vntill a plague ( like ae●ypts●owsinesse ●owsinesse ) shall make them god almightie , pow'r confesse . young vadab● and a●●h●es , we have some , that with strange fires unto go●s altars come : t●●ir dull devotions kindled are with sticks , and wither'd leaves of humane rhetoricks ; they offer up to god , their vaine orations , compos'd of cli●bings , and adnominations ; which he abhor●es ; with all that frothy stuffe , of which this age hat● more then thrice enough . our b●ethren by extortion we oppresse : true st●ange● , ( nay , our kin ) are harbou●lesse ; and those o●fences we have patrons for , which many heathen p●ople did abhor . with miriam and with laron , we have such , who at their 〈…〉 preferment grutch ; hot spirits , trouble●om● to civill states ; like c●rah●nd ●nd his rude confederates . these a●gue mach for p●p'lar p●rities , and raile upo● all civill di●●iti●s ; but ▪ when they can attaine the● , none speake louder in their de●ence ; nor are there any prouder . we gallants have mo●e imp●dent , then e're , yong z●nri , and his caz●i did appeare : and doubtl●sse we have 〈◊〉 who ●●ve hidden some babylonish things which are forbidden . for all the land much troubled we may see ; and many thinke , it shall not quiet be , till they be found . reveale thou their transgressions , o lord ! and be thou prais'd in their confessions . we have , this day , amongst us , many a bramble , that , like abimelech , knowes how to scramble abov● their owne deservings : and ( though base vnworthy ●hrubs ) durst arrogate a place more eminent , then dares the noblest plant , whereof the mountaine libanus doth vaunt . by others vert●es these ascend on high , and raise themselves to such authority , that our most noble cedars are o're-topt ; our pleasant figtrees , are b●scratcht and dropt ▪ our vines are shadow'd , and unfruitfull made ; our olives robbed of that oile they had ; yea , all our forrest and our garden trees , by their ambition , fruit , or honour , leese . thou nourisht hast , and fondly doted on those cunning dalilahs , who having won thy good respect , doe practise how to spye wherein the chiefest of our strength doth lye ; that ( having by their flatt'ries lull'd asleepe those watchmēs eyes that should our fortress keep ) they may ( unheeded ) steal our pow'r away , and to our greatest foes our lives betray . here want not such as michah , who with ease can make a new religion when they please ; coine ●ormes of worship proper to their sect ; a private church among themselves erect ; make priests at their owne pleasure ; furnish them ev'n with their owne new-fangled teraphim ; and preach abroad for good divin●ty , the tumours of their windy fantasie : nay , some of them far stranger things can doe ; for , they can make their gods , and eate them too . there be of us , as wilfull favourites of wicked men , as were the benjami●es ; and , rather then we will deliver ●hem to feele the stroke of iustice , who contemne the wayes of goodnesse ; we will h●zardize our peace , our fame , and our posterities . we have those prophets , who ( with balam ) know gods pleasure , and what way they ought to goe : and , yet , will for preferment doe their best , that they his plaine revealed will may wrest . and though they are , perhaps , asham'd to say their minds in publique , closely they 'll betray the lords inheritance ; and scripture proofe inferre for all things to their owne behoofe . if of the pop'lar faction these become , and thinke some gaine may be atchieved from that side ; gods word they will produce for those that would disloyally their king oppose : if by the prince advantage may be had , then , god himselfe an instrum●nt is made to warrantize their claimes ; an● , tyranny , sh●ll pr●ved be a lawfull m●narchy . as rash as iephth● , in our vowes are we ; as ehu●s gift , such oft our presents be . in ent●rtainments , some like iael are ; and , in their complements may well compare w●th bloody ioa● : for , they make their table become a snare : and ( when most serviceable they doe appeare ) unheeded , they unsheath so●e fat●ll instru●ent , t●at wounds to death . like old indulgent eli , some connive at all the sins , in which the●r children live : nay , glory in their lewdnesse ; and maintaine in them those follies , which they should restraine ; till their owne shame , and their undoing followes , and their wilde brood be tamed at the gallowes . nor were the sonnes of eli , heretofore more wanton at the tabernacle doore , then some young priests of ours ; whom to correct , the fathers of our church so much neglect , that if they long connive as they have done , the glory of our isr'el will be gone . like those philistians , whose advice it was to fixe god's arke , and dagon , in one place , we have too many ; and , they cannot see , why god and baal in one , should not agree . but , when they raise their i●ol in these lands , lord , let it fall , and lose both head and hands . we are as cur●ous as the b●thsh●mites , and long as much to see forbidden sights : like those of ekron , we professe to know the truest go● , and whence our troubles grow : yet , are so stupid , that we sleight his grace , and , send him from us , to another place . yea , like the gadarens , we for our sw●ne , would banish christ , and sleight his love divine : wi●h saul , we doe neglect what should be done ▪ and sacrifice , when god requireth none . fat sheepe and oxen were prefer before o●edience to the lord ; and follow more our wills then his . when god saith kill , we spare , and where he bi●s , be kinde , we cruell are . no love , no kindnesse , no sincerity , no tokens of unfained piety can stay our furies , or divert our mind . when we are once maliciously enclin'd . goliah like , gods army some contemne ; with r●bsh●k●h , some others doe blaspheme ; some curse ( w●th shimei ) gods best beloved ; as causelesly , to ●rieve them they are moved , and are of gaine as greedy . for , if they have but an us●●sse groome escap'd away , ( o● lost a beast ) for such a petty prise , they will not stick their l●ves to haza●dize . vve have those michols , which will scoffe & flou● at such as are mo●● zealously devout . we have those dog-like doegs in our courts , that gladly heare and utte● all reports , to disadvanta●e them , whose wayes a●e pure , and cannot their impieties endure . vve have those nabals , upon whom all cost , all curtefies , and kindnesses a●e lost . we have ( like vzzah ) those that dare to touch gods holy arke . nay , we have worse then such , ev'n those that rob it ; and themselves adorne with iewels , from the san●tuary torne . with david , some have thought their sins to hide ▪ and , their adulteries , in murther dy'd . officiou● knaves ( like ziba ) we have some , vvho by their masters falls , to gre●tnesse come ; and ( though they did men inno●ent betray ) vvithout reproving , they doe passe away . vve have those wicked a●mons , who defile their sisters . and , to lay a cunning wile for helping their companions to a drab , vve have more subtile bauds then ●onadab . those disobedient absoloms there be among us ●ere●t at wish and seeke to see their parents dea●hs ; like him they can conceale their ends , till they ( by faire dissembling ) steale mens hea●ts away ; and then abuse them so , that all seemes just and honest which they doe . vve have achitophels , that are a● wise against gods honor , projects to devise , as if the delphian oracle were sought : but , still in their owne pit-fals they are caught . for , he that honest purposes doth blesse , conve●ts their wisedome into foolishnesse . vve have with solomon ( though none so wise ) men wonne by women to idolatries . vvith ieroboam , we have those who strive a settled temp'rall fortune to contrive by ruining religion ; and to win an outward peace , by tolerating sin : not heeding , that a greatnesse so procur'd , hath seldome to a third descent endur'd . to serve an idoll we like him proceed , although gods messengers reprove the deed . and though our arme be wither'd , for our sin , our obstinacies we continue in . vve want not re●oboams counsellors , vvhose unexperienc'd policy prefers h●rsh courses , rather then a calme proceeding ; vvhen times are troublesome , & dangers breeding . vve have ( with ahab ) those who covet so their neighbours vineyard , that they f●llen grow , and can nor eate , nor sleepe , till they may plot , how their ungodly longings may be got : and we have iezabels enough , to further their claimes by slanders , perjury , and murther . nor want such elders , and such nobles here , as those that citizens with naboth were . for should ( as god forbid ) our hopefull king , desire to compasse any lawlesse thing , or seeke his loyall subjects to bereave of what their ancestors to them did leave : we have of those ( i doubt ) that would effect it according to their pow'r : nay , project it , and urge him , and perswade him , that ( of right ) he overthrow their lawfull freedomes might . we have of those ( i feare ) that would command a fast ( like iez●bels ) throughout the land , and underneath a maske of piety , proceed to practise any villany , which might advance their greatnesse : and , i doubt some priests would helpe to set the project out . yea , we those iud●es , and those elders have , that if a man his neighbours vineyard crave , he need not , for his purpose , name the king , or letters from the royall signet bring to move the same : nor were it necessary that ( to corrupt them ) he epistles cary from some g●eat lords . for , if he can but make the tongues of golden angels for him speake ; or get some one , on his behalfe to write , that is but servant to a favourite ; the deed is done : and they will feele no sense of others griefes ▪ or o● their owne offence . we have such prophets a● zidkiah was , who are no whit asham'd , in publique place , to speake fal●e messages ; and those to smite , tha● in gods name have spoken what is right . we have gehezies ; fellowes that will take vnlawfull bribes ▪ ev'n those who sale doe make of what their maste●s should have , gratis , done ; and force out fees , where they can challenge none . gehezies did i call this crew ? i fea●e i wrong the leper : for his brib'ri●s were put petty pillages , to those rich preyes , on which some one of these his fingers layes . he askt , and had a willing gratulation , from one both rich , and of another nation : ●ut , these extor● , compel● , and stil● serue vnjust demandings , as a lawfull due . from friends , from strangers , from both poore & rich their fingers to be scraping have an itch . for making their poore suitor , wait and pray , ( when they might have dispatcht him ) he must pay . for surly speeches , and for proud neglect , they must be humoured with all respect . when to their ●lient , they a w●ong have done , he must not seeme to know or think ●hereon ; but , faine all noble thoughts of them to have , or , in some other persons call them knave ▪ and bribe them still , in hope they may be won , yet , at the last , be cheated and undone . we have among us , men as very fooles as na'man was ; who thinke damascus pooles a● good as iordan : and ( like him ) at home some serve one god ; and when to court they come , professe another . we have those that be as trustlesse of gods promises , as he , who in samar●a●s gate was trodden on : these may behold the favours which are done to faithfull men ; but , till they can beleeve , they shall not taste what blessings those receive . here be like haz'el , those who seeme to hate all tyrannizing , in their low estate ; yet , being once promoted , throw aside all pity ; and all piety deride . yea , that which forme●ly they did condemne , ( as vilifying , and debasing them , below a dogs condition ) they allow , vvhen to their height of ●reatnesse once they grow . ( if none yet live ) we had in former time , ev'n those that guilty were of zimries c●ime . most officers like iehu , doe begin good reformation , at first entring in ; their violent zeale doth seeme to say , come see , how just in our proceedings we will be . but , oft they prove mee●e hypocrites , who having acquired meane● to colour their deceiving , surpasse the worst ; and by degrees proceed , till they appeare the men they were indeed . like wicked haman ; some , unlesse they may insult and trample on poore mordecai , are so distemper'd by their haughty minde , that they nor pleasure , nor contentment finde , in honours , riches , or in any blessing , which they already have in t●eir possessing : but , will pursue , and ruine , if they can , vvhole kingdomes , for their malice to one man. as p●oud are we as nebuch●dnezar : in feastings , as profuse as bal●hazar , and as prop●ane as he . vve sometime seeke the god of ●kron , abaziah like . like amiziah ( an informing priest of bethel ) we have those that will resist gods messengers ; and would not heare them bring into the court or chappell of the king ▪ the sound of that reproo●e or punishment , vvhich to pronounce among us th●y we●e sent : and , these , perhaps , wh●n they my arrand see , vvill prove as busie as that priest with me . but , if they doe ( as amos sa●d to him ) although i be no prophet , nor of them that are the sonnes of prophets ; god doth know he called me to thi● ( which now i doe ) from viler actions , then from gathering fruit , or foll'wing herds : and i will make pursuit of what he b●ds me ; though o●pos'd i stand , by all the priests and prelates in the land. and if they contradict , what well is done their heads , at last , the sh●me shall light upon . some ●ourtiers now , like daniels foes , there are , that wi●l object as things piacular , the truest piety ; and s●eke to bring ev'n those to be suspected of the ki●g , who strive most loyally , to keepe his name in honor ; and his kingdome without blame . as iudah had ( in zephaniahs times ) her priests of baal ; the name of chemarims ; those , who the heav'nly army did adore ; those also , who by god , and mal●●om , swore ; and multitudes among them , who did weare fantastick habits : so , we harbor here some shavelings yet ; some romish superstitions ; to saints we offer up some vaine petitions ; equivocating oathes we often take ; and , we our selves , in our apparell , make deformed , by a skittish imitation of ev'ry new-found guise , in ev'ry nation . i doe not think ( nor have i ever thought ) that in it selfe it is materiall ought , what shaped robes i weare : nor do i hold that any fashion , whether new or old , doth so much handsome or disfigure any , as it may seeme to do , perchance , to many . it is the time , or else their mindes , that weare such clothes , which make them good or bad appear . those fooles who bring new fashions first ; and they that hast to follow them ( and thinke it gay and generous ) are those unworthy ones , that bring such folly , shame , and cost upon 's . but , when those garbes grow generall ; then , we that first abhorred them , compelled be to take them up : lest our old clothes be thought new fashions from some forrain kingdomes brought : or , lest we shoul●d by some be thought to erre , in being over nice , and singular . most other people , both at home , and here , doe in their habits , like themselves appeare : but , wheresoe're we come , we change our shapes , and , in our gestures , are all n●tions apes . true gravity , we so are fallen from , and , so absurdly blockish are become ; that , strangers jeere us , to behold how soone we get the garbe of ev'ry fond baboon . yea , they are proud , to see that we condemne ou● o●ne attires , by imitating them . and i doe blush to thinke , that our whole nation should of it selfe admit a transformation , so suddenly ( as oftentimes we see ) to imitate the guise of two or three . but , so it is : and at this present ti●e , our female gentry is so frenchifi'd ; that we have scarce a gentlewoman now , in clothes , more handsome bodied then a cow. those women who e're while were goodly creatures , proportion having , and ( me thought ) sweet features ; doe looke as triple-bodi'd gerion did , when they in their mis shapen gownes are hid : for , either arme , in such a mould is cast , as makes it full as fulsome as their waste . their necks stand sneaking out , before those rustes , which lie behind their backs with wide mouth'd puss as doth a peeled ewes , whose fleece unshorne , was from about her neck with brambles torne . their flaring cu●les about their shag-shorne browes , doe , of the fairest lady , make a blouse . those demy-skarfes , they wreathe about their chaps , ( which may be comely to some● eyes , perhaps ) doe make them seeme as antick-like to me , as hag● , that sent to fright yong children be . and i am sory , that a foolish pride should make our beauties their perfections hide in such a masking suit . and that a few fantastick women , so great numbers drew to follow their new-fangles ; and besot their judgements , by that fashion newly got . for , not meane wits alone ; but , of the wisest ; ( nay , of the most religious , and precisest ) there are great multitudes befool'd in this : and , she , that of that guise their patterne is , ( perhaps ) derides their ficklenesse . for she is from their minde , and from their folly free . nought , but her count●y fashion , she hath worne : and , that which them deformes , do●h her adorne . yea , they have either missed o● her dresse : or else she gives it much more lovelinesse , for to my eye there is some excellence which puts t'wixt her and th●m much difference ▪ and this opinion is not mine alone : for ▪ so much hath beene said by many a one . oh! shew the sweetnesse of your disposition , in hearing me , and granting my petition . lay off your strange attires , that we may know if you be englishwomen , yea or no. your monstrous habit , each true britaine lothes ; and , were your bodies formed like your clothes , ( which , god in iustice , may effect , perchance ) you might go seek your fortunes out in france , from whence your new prop●rt●on hither came : for , we shall never truly love the same . because , if other men have thoughts like mine , it would appeare to be some fatall signe , to see our women leave th●ir native fashion , and , turne themselves into another nation . but , let these females goe i hope that she who shall be mine ( if any such the●e be ) what ever accident or change be●alls , will still retaine her english na●urals . more bl●me then this might in this kind be laid on women : but , unwillingly i said what here is uttred . and , if they had bin in those attires that i have seen them in , i had not on this over-sight reflected ; but , left them to be counsell'd and directed by their neare friends or husbands . yet , ala● ! we have of them , whose levity doth pass the ●icklenesse of these : and , they alone are oft the cause , that th●se have so misgone . nor ever did this folly more appeare , then now it doth ; ●v'n in this very yeare , where●n the pestilence devoured so : and , as that plague de●reased , this did grow . but , in trans●ressions , how we parallell the times before , i will proceed to tell . high-priest have we , who send ou● spies to watch t●e preachers of gods word ; and pick , and catch advantages against th●m . some of us are like the silver-smiths at ephesus , and , for their private lucre will contend against the truth , and heresies defend . we , demas like , have those apostataes , who , for the world , forsake the christian cause . and , some there be , that with diotrophes , affect preheminence in these our dayes . some , like the scribes and pharises do rinse the cup without ; but , have no care to clense the loathsome inside . some , have arrogated such holinesse , that they are separated from others , as a spotlesse congregation , that is without all blame , or prophanation . some , like to those , their brethren d●s●espect : and , lo●dly titles over-much affect , as did the iewish rabbies . some , as they on others backs uneasie burthens lay : which they themselves , to cary do refuse . the orphane , and the widow , some abuse , by shewes of piety . and , we have some , in tything anniseed , and mint , become exceeding zealous : yet , have neither care nor conscience , in those things that waighty are . vve have our sev'rall brotherhoods of those , vvho seriously do sea and land enclose , ( and practise , by a multitude of sleights ) to win unto their sects new p●oselites : not out of love to truth , or charity , but ra●her to advance their heresie . vvho ever all their crotchets doth embrace , is instantly become the child of grace , ( in their opinions ) whatsoever he in other points , or in his manners be . bu● whosoe're he be that shall despise , one branch of any toy , which they devise , is judg'd a reprobate . yea , though in all the grounds of faith , and in his works he shall appeare unblemished ; they will contemne his judgement ; and traduce and censure him . yea , some of those there be who have des●ride a tricke to know who are unsanctifide ; though they have all the ma●kes of holin●sse . nay , some a●e not ashamed to confesse , to know what persons those hid ma●ks do beare , w●ich knowne to no men but their wearers are . like ananias , and saphira , here are they that holy brethren do● appeare , yet want sin●erity . and , i could tell y● of multitudes , who meerly for their belly , doe follow christ. with herod , we have such who heare m●n gladly , till those crimes they touch which are their darlings : but , then mad they grow , and what they truly are , they truly show . like dives , we have those that ev'ry day are fed with dainties ; cloth'd with rich aray , and , full as mercilesse unto the poore , that lye uncloth'd , and hungry at the doore . we have a rattle-brain'd and wilfull crew , that with a purblinde zeale the truth pursue : and would be found , were not their pow'● so small , more bloody , and more violent th●n paul , before his name wa● c●anged : for , they teare that robe , whereof they doe profe●se a care . we have those nobles , who with felix , can confesse the inn●cency of a m●n accus'd before them ; and , yet leave him bound , if ought to their advant●ge may r●dound . we have of those that parcell christians be , as king ●grippa . othersome have we that walke for company , th●y care not whither ; and , some that sleight religion alt●gether . nor want we those , that while th●y christ professe , convert his graces into wantonness● . we are almost as wicked as old rome : of heresi●s we are as full become , as amsterdam . nay , many men have we , that can of three or ●oure profession● be , ( ev'n all at once ) although that ev'ry sect each other doth directly contradict . we have an elimas , who doth apply his cunning to pervert the depu●y : like simon magus , we have merchants here , that were baptized ; and yet without feare , dare buy and sell those things that holy be ; and which , by gods donation , s●ould be f●ee . nay , in the gall of bitternesse they lye , more deepe then he , fr●m whom their symony deriveth name : for , he , in shew , repenting , did crave the churches prayers for preventing of his deserving : whereas , these devise quaint arguments ▪ their sin to patronize ; or make it lesse . else , by equivocation , or , by ●heir tricke of m●ntall reservation , they hide thei● fault : and ( that the s●n they doe may grow compl●at ) themselves they perjure too . there be , that mammon , for their god , adore : that make christs members , members of a whore : and stained be with those offences all , wher●of the gentiles were accus'd , by paul. we all are guilty of much fraud , debate , imp●ety , uncleannesse , envy , hate , backbiting , stealing , pride , maliciousnesse , dissembling , murther , lying , spightfulnesse , truce breaking , disobedience , ignorance , implacability , bold arrogance , want of affections naturall , excesse , inhumane cruelty , ungratefulnesse : blaspheming , swearing ; and innumerable transgressions more , of ●hat ungodly rable : and , some ( when god almighty poured hath vpon their heads the viols of his wrath ) in stead of penitence , encrease the score of their offences ; and , blaspheme the more . nay , that we may be partners of thei● guilt , that have the blood of gods anointed spilt , with pilate and the iewes , we have , againe , the lord of life , both crucifi'd , an● slaine . thou hast , oh britaine , ev'ry thing misdone , that ashur , moab , ammon , babylon , or any kingdome hath transgressed in , which unto piety a foe hath bin . of whatsoever isr'el was detected , for whatsoever iudah was corrected , thou maist be taxed ; for , among thy nation● are daily practis'd their abominations . their tricks thou hast , to hinder and oppresse , those men who tell thee of thy wickednesse . right so thou dost debase ; so slander them : right so , their just reproofes thou dost contemne : and , though their words are daily verifide , yet , thou dost alwayes wilfully deride their admoni●ions ; and , passe all things by , as falling on thee but by casualty . i doe beleeve , and know , that , yet , in thee some obadiahs , and some ezraes be . some courtiers , and some nobles yet remaine , which doe their true nobility retaine : but , most of them their dignity have lost ; and can of nought but painted scuch●ons boast . as did of theirs , the iewish prophet say , thy princes doe procrassinate the day or thy calamity ; and will not heare , o● that affliction which approacheth neare : but , of iniquity they climbe the seat ; and , by extortion make their house● great . their palaces , they seele and trim with gold , gods temples being ruinously old . on beds ( more pretious then of ivory ) they stretch themselves , and live luxuriously . the pasture lambes , and wainlings of the stall , suffice not them ; but they make prey of all . which liveth in the wood , or in the field ; or which the land , the sea , or ayre doth yeeld . their lushious wines in pretious bowles they quaff● ▪ while ioseph is afflicted , they doe laugh ; and sing unto the violl , wanton straines , while syon in captivity remaines . they have but little care of gods commands ; they breake his yoake , and cast away his bands . thy men in honour , without knowledge be , like beasts that perish ; and , dishonour th●e . some have aspired to their present heights of wealth and greatnesse , by ignoble sleights : of others houses , they have got possession , and , furnished their chambe●s , by oppression . their wives and children , waste in brave attire , the poore mans portion , and the workmans hire . their credits they have pawned , to main●aine their luxury , their pride , or gaming vaine . and , by their honors●ave ●ave so falsly sworne . that men their idoll , and their oath do scorne . some , have so blushlesse and so shamelesse beene , to let their coach , and foot-cloth horse , be seene at common strumpets doores : their favorites , ( and they , in whom their noblenesse delights ) a●e gamesters , ●oarers , persons dissolute , and such ; for unto them such best do sute . to bold fac'd rimers , iesters , or to those who make their lordships laugh with foolish prose ; to fence●s , fidlers , tumblers , and to such , w●o any way t●eir sensuall humors touch , their hands are prodigall ; and these obtaine rich favours to requite their idle paine . their tongues , to speak on their behalfe are free ; when question'd for the foulest c●imes they be . ( ev'n fellonies and murthe●s ) but a●e mutes in vertuous causes , and in honest suits . when wise and painful men , have spent their wealth , their strength consumed , or impair'd their health , in profitable works ; and to reveale such ●hings as might advance the publike weale ; their labours ( for the most ) are over-past with●ut encouragement ; sometimes , disgrac●d by arrogant impostors ; who arise to greatn●ss● , by discrediting the wise ; or broaching such good projects for their owne , which were by those mens industry made knowne , whom they have ruined . for , what were some ( that now to places eminent are come ) before they got aloft on others wines , but poore unworthy , and ignoble things ? nay , what ( as yet ) appeare they ( unto those whose good experience their true value knowes ) but gild●d ignorance ? who having got the shadowes of the substance they have not , doe passe for men of worth , in their esteeming , whom they have cheated , by a cunning seeming . admit but some of the●e into such place , vvhich may afford them priviledge or grace , to speak before their prince ; and you shall heare their tongues to run , as if their knowledge were a● great as solomons ; and that of all the pl●nts , ev'n from the hysope of the wall , vnto the cedar , they could tell the nature ; and knew the qualities of ev'●y creature . they , pro●eus like , will any thing appeare ; a sea-man , ship-wright , or an engin●ere , or what soe're they list : and having bought of some poore artists ; or ( some worse way ) wrought their project from them , that they may be showne , as if the quaint invention were their owne : ( and , having gotten also termes of art , to help them in the acting of their part ) to such opinion of themselves they rise , that men of soundest knowledge they despise ; deride experience ; and , ev'n to their face , the skill of most approved men disgrace . m●ke these men counsellors , and though till then they knew not halfe so much as common men , nor had the meanes of knowing any thing , but how to ride a horse , or take the ring , or hunt , or hawk , or caper : yet ( behold a wonder ) in a moment they grow old in state affaires ; and nothing doth concerne or peace o● war , which they have need to learne . if any question be , before these , made , of merchandise ; the skilfull'st in the trade are fooles to them ; and t is an arrogance to offer to instruct their ignorance . if armes be treated of , there 's no man knowes by practice , that which th●se men can disclose by contemplation . and though they have seene no other warres but those at mile end greene , or tutle-fields ; great mars himselfe , of these may learne to be a souldier , if he please . if any thing concerning navigation , be tendred to a grave consideration , these either dare affirme , or to deny what all the masters of the trinity oppos● them in ; and nov●ces would make of h●wkings , frob●sh●r , and f●mous dr●ke , were they now living . and , y●t such a● they , the wreathes of honor soonest beare away . with empty names , and titles , b●ing ●lowne above themselves , they are unweildy growne ; an● g●●ater in their pride , and in their traine , then their consume● fortunes will maintaine . which doth compell them , by unworthy wayes , to seeke the patching up of their decayes : and , still in their p●ofusenesse they proceed , as if thei● pro●●gality should breed new fortunes ; and , were like those wells that fill , and grow the purer , by exhausting still . in feasts , apparell , furniture , and things of such like nature , m●ny christian kings , to equall them shall finde it much to doe : but , them they cannot very far outgoe , vnlesse they meane to draine their fountaines dry , with fooles , in prodigality , to vye . hence comes it , that the rents and royalties of kings and princes , which did well suffice in former times , to keep in comely port an honour'd , and an hospitable cou●t , ( yea , and an army if occasion were ) can hardly now the charge of houshold beare ▪ for , they must either in their large expe●ce , come short of that p●ofuse magnificence among thei● vassals : o● else waste away the price of many lordsh●ps , to defray the cost of one vaine supper ; and , from this , with other such like things , growes all am●sse . for , one exc●sse another still produces ; one foole out-vies his fellow fooles abuses ; vnt●ll their wealth , and hop●s , and reputation , be wasted in a witn●sse emulation : not heeding what is taught them in the fable , that when a toad hath sweld while he i●●ble , an oxe is bigger , and with ease can smite his pride to nothing when it is at heig●t . this over la●ge profusenesse , they are faine by many evill cou●ses to maintaine : by bribery , by g●iping , by the sale of iustice yea of consci●nce , and of all that may be sold for mony . from hence springs deceiving , and mis-leading of good kings . this makes their treasuries to ebbe so low ; this , makes their subjects discontented grow ; this , makes the me●chant , and the tradesman , break ; this , makes the arme of iustice grow so weake ; by this , are states unjointed , by degrees ; by this , their honour and their love they leese ; and , that confusion in upon them steales , which ruines nations , kings , and commonweales . from hence are all those rascall suits derived , by which the common dammage is contrived : hence , they ( who by the publike desolation would raise themselves ) pretend the●reformation they purpose not : and , by their faire pr●tences to ●ure old griev●n●es , breed new off●nces . hence comes it , that to keep ●hemselves on hie , they sell their country , and p●sterity to slave●y and bondage ; ca●ing nought ▪ so they have rest , how dearly it be bought . this , makes the gr●nts of kings ●ecome so tickle , an● o●ders , and de●rees of state , s● si●kle , t●at no man knowes when he hath ought procured , how he , of w●at he hath may be assu●ed ; for , in a righteous cause , though be proceed , a●d hav● it ●atified and decreed , by all authority that may be gained ; a sleight suggesti●n ( without reason f●ined ) may ●●u●tr●t● make the royall-confirmation , o● k●●p him in an endl●sse exp●ctation , till he be quite undone . and , if his foes have weal●h ▪ ( though no good reasons to oppose his rig●tfull cause ) he may be whe●l'd ●bout , with o●ders , tha● will ●●tch him in and out , till he be tyr'd : and , neith●r side is sure o● conq●est , till the other can p●ocure no brib● to give . vvhich is m●re wicked far , then thos● injustices which practis'd are in heathen kingdomes : since , when any t●ere , for iustice or injusti●e b●ibed are ; a man ●h●ll hav● his bargaine . and in this more just they be then many a christian is . for , when some here a●e forced for their owne to give great fines , they afterward a●e throwne from their possessions if another come to buy injustice with a larger sum . o● ! what a madnesse is it , for one day on earth , to foole eternity away ? to sell both soule and body for meere toyes ; and r●all comfort● , for deceiving joyes ? to build the●r house with morter , which will bu●ne the timber , and the structure overturne ? perchance before the finishing be done , but ( doubtlesse ) e're the third descent be gone ? what folly is it for a man to waste at one vaine triumph ( which an houre doth last ) mo●e then the portion , ten and ten times told which all his predecessors leave him could ; that , to his prejudice it may be knowne , how hastily a ri●h man he is growne ? what meaneth he , who doth consume upon one banquet , wh●t a towne of garison might live a yeare withall ; to heare it spoken , that so much cost was but a certaine token of his corruption ? and that all the store he wasts , was got by making ot●ers poore ? or that t●e greatnesse of his new gain'd glory , is of the common wrong● a reall story ? who prai●eth him for this ? or who doth call him honorable , wise , o● l●berall . for those expences ; but ●he rascall rable of coxcombs , and of g●lls , that haunt his table ? what honour is it ? or what can it please , to be the lord of many palaces ? to have their cambers , and their galleries adorned with most precious ●arities ? to feed , and cloath , and patronize a number of parasites , and of buffoones , to cum●er their w●lks and lodgings ? to have ev'ry day th●ir servants following them in rich aray ? rich stuffes , with rich embroyderies to bury , to ride on princely charets ? or to hurry in gilt caroches ? or o● pampered steeds , ( from turky fetcht , or from the barbary breeds ) to p●aance about the streets to show their pride ? or with vaine titles to be magnifi'd ? what pleasure is all this , when they sh●ll heare , how loud the clamou● sounds in ev'ry eare , of their oppressions , ●rau●s , and cruelties ? and how the people curse their tyrannies ? their state , and their ambition to maintaine ; how many , oh ! how many to complaine conftrained are ? alas ! how m●ny a one have their proud followers tyranniz'd upon ? and of their servants , what great numbers too , doe these by thir ambitiousnesse undoe ? the faces of the poorer sort they grinde ; the bread of orphanes ( who the while are pin●e ) they feed upon . the people they have sold for old-worne shooes ● on altars they lay hold ; and , of each holy thing they m●ke their prey , whereon their sac●ilegiou● hands they lay . the portion of their brethren they devoure ; a●d , by us●rping an unl●wfull pow'r , they save each other harmlesse from the lawes ; and overthrow the poore complainants cause . their neighbours , often , and t●eir nearest friends , ( to who● they daigne respect but for their ends ) are so engaged to uphold their pride , that they their foolish heads are faine to hide . som● tradesme● , for their vaine credulity , ( in trusting to their h●nors ) now doe lye imprison'd for their aptn●sse to beleeve : and , what they suffer , or how m●ch they grieve , their lordships care not : for ( except their owne ) of all mens troubles they are sens●lesse growne . their houses , and their lodgings , ev'ry day ▪ are full of suitors , who as humbly pray fo● what 's their owne , as if that they were some who to entreat for charity were come : and oft are answer'd with such harsh replyes , for their compelled impo●tunities , as if it were an impudence or wrong , to aske the debt which had beene ●ue so long . the baker and the butcher , sometime serve great men with bread and flesh untill they sta●ve themselves almost : and , if they doubt they shall be quite undone before it so befall ▪ they oft a●e glad to lose the summe that 's due , through feare that for their own if they should sue , ( in stead of recompence ) receive they might some evill turne , their boldnesse to requite . for , some are growne so base , that now and than their costermonger ▪ yea their butterman , and herbw●fe is halfe begger'd and undone , by suffring them upon their scores to run . oh! with what faces can these tyrants ride along the streets , in such a h●ight of pride , as oft they doe , when they are lookt upon by those poore tradesmen whom they have undone ? what j●y have they to see , or to be s●ene in those gay feathers , which have plucked beene from others wings ; whose nakedn●sse appeares to cry aloud for iustice , in gods eares ? and what a plague is fallen on that l●nd where such as these have places of command ? where t●ese are chose for statesmen , what protecti● is vertue like to finde ? what due correction hath vice where such controule ? or what is he can looke for iustice , where such iudges be ? would i could say , oh ! britaine , thou hast none of these or else might name thee such a one , as lawfully , as i might boldly do it , for thy advantage , were i called to it . but , that authority which i have got , checks faults alone , with persons meddles not . thy ancient vertues are not wholy lost , in all thy families . yet , ●or the most , as are thy princes , now , thy gentry be ▪ according to the height of their degree . they spend their youth in lust and idlenesse ; in impudent p●ophanenesse , and excesse ; in foolish complements ; in thriftl●sse games ; and in oblivion do interre their names : through want of knowledge , and that reall worth which sets the lustre of true gentry forth . the ma●kes of gentle-blood , and that which praise did thereunto acquire , in fo●mer dayes , were iustice , temp'rance , courage , prude●cy , true courtsie , meeknesse , liberality , and such as these . their ex●rcises were those which the mind or body might prepare for ve●tuous practices : as leaping , runn●ng , to handle armes , to shoot , to shew their cunning in m●naging great horse ; in studiousnesse of piety , and of the sciences . which we terme liberall . but now , alas ! th● gentry , britaine , is not as it was . to be a gentlem●n , is now , to we●re fant●stick habits , horrid oaths to swe●re ; to w●ifte tobacco ; to be drunk , and game ; to do a villany , and boast the s●me . to dare the pox ; to talk with impudence ▪ how oft they had it , without griefe or sense , of their misdoings ; no●hin● to pro●esse or p●acti●e , but to live 〈◊〉 ; to quarre●l ; to be in●ole●t , and proud ; to che●t , and brag , and lye , and speak aloud in stea● of ●p●aking reason : to p●esume abov● his wo●th ; unwise●y to ●o●sume hi● p●t●imony ; fast and loose to play ; to borrow ▪ ●ithout purposing to pay ; to spend their time in ●●uitless● visi●ations , in beastly and p●ophane communications ; in telling and in liftning a●ter newes ; in viewing idle sights , or haunting stewes ; with such like exe●cises : as if they were made to flutter all their time away like butterflyes , and lived , pu●posely , for nothing , but to eate , and drink , and dye . their noblest mark , is di●ting a brace ofhandsome nags , to run a ●quitting race . or keep●ng of a cast of norway kites , to show them yearly halfe a dozen flights ; or else , the feeding of a stinking pack of yelping hounds ; that when discourse they lack , they m●y whole d●yes together , pra●e a story , in which so●e dogs , or hauks , or horses g●ory ●s m●gnifi'd ; and him they c●unt a clowne , that in their folly is no partner growne . oh! wou●d these lines had po'wr to make thē see , how fooli●h and absurd their cou●ses be : and that my muses now could reach the straine , might win them nobler t●oughts to ente●ta●ne . but , mine will h●rdly prove such charmes , i feare ; for , at t●e very root we rotten are ; and , where our maladies their cure should have , t●e dangerou● infections we receive . our nurseries of arts are not so pure , but th●t in them our bane we may pr●cu●e . our inne of court have lost their good repute , by ha●boring of persons ●issolute . the ●chooles of law are sanctuaries made for out-lawes , and where once our gentry had that nurture which enobled them ; now , ther● by lewd examples , which too frequent are , o● , by too great a liberty , we gaine a habit in ●ll courses tha● are vaine . a●d most of those , of whom the world beleeves most good ( among them ) are but civill theeves . for , lawyers , and some officers , in thee , ( which ministers of iustice seem● to be ) have made t●e courts and offices , whereby we should of wrongs receive a remedy ; to prove to us things more uneasie , far , then those , for which their just complainings are . so costly b● their wilde interpretations of lawes and customes ; and such variation● are found in their opinions , that few know when they up●ightly , or in safety goe . if any common ba●reter will please by suits u●just his neighbors to disease ; the plea may be mai●tained , though that all his allegations prove untrue they shall : or manifest , ●y d●u●tlesse demonstration , he pu●pos●d nou●ht but wilfull molesfation . for , lawy●rs will defend and plead the cause , which to their knowledge doth oppose both iawes and conscience too ; as if they did contemne his threatnings that pronounced woe to them , who justifie the w●cked in their fin ; or him gainsay which hath not faulty bin . ev'n in our court of co●science , some things are vnconscionable . for , if any here be causlesly compl●●n'd on well is he if uncondemn●d in the ●uit he be . for , this defen●ant h●th small r●medy , save that , an● patie●ce , for his injury . his causl●sse trou●l●s , and his large expence , hath no req●it●ll save his innocence . for , if all they that are u●ju●tly grieved , by h●●ing co●ts o● suits ●●ould be re●●ved ; or if the plaintiffe should his b●ll ave●re vpon his oath , as ev'ry answerer confirmes his an●wer , m●ny ● brawling k●ive w●uld then be quiet , and that court would have far lesse employment : yea , and we●e it not their trave●ses did knit againe the knot , w●ich answers upon o●th , almost unty , suits would not h●lfe so long unended lye . this , many offi●ers doe seeme to feare ; and th●refore ( as if courts erected were to m●ke them rich , by n●urishing contention ; much rat●er then to co●passe the prevention of wrongs and discord ) they continue still , t●at cou●se w●ich brings most grists unto their mil. if i would m●ke a libell , it should be by way of suit : f●r , i did never see a scurrilous rime or pamphlet , so compact o● sl●n●ers ( nor so cunningly derract ) as doe their than-lesse bils , and their replies , who seeke , th●t way , mens names to scandalize . they dare p●etend ( as if with warranty ) those things of which no probability was ever seene . for , thou●h they prove it no● , they kno● the very mention of a blot doth leave a sta●n● ; ●nd , that aspersions laid sup●osedly , are often so ●●nvaid , and so disperst ; a●d in disperting , will such new additions g●the● to th●m s●●ll ; that , at th● last ( althoug● most fal●e they were ) for t●uths , they told and heard , of ma●y , are . but , their i●tergatorie ▪ have a tricke beyond all other l●b●dings , to stick an infamy on any : for , in those , o●●ll which they will causl●sly suppose w●thin their bils ; they may the qu●st●on move , to whoms●ever t●ey preten●● sh●ll prove wh●t they object and , t●ough no p●oofe be broght , n●y , thoug● it never came within his thought , that is complai●'d a●ainst ▪ to doe or say those things which they object against him may : yet , he th●t is examined , or he that ●eads what matters question'd of him be ; suspects , perhaps , ( although he nothing knew con●erning them ) that ev'ry thing is true w●ich their intergat●ries doe imply . for , why thinks ●e ( that meaneth honestly ) should propositions of these things be made , if they no likelihood of being ●ad ? or w●o ( suppose●h he ) hath so abhord a mind , as to suggest , and on ●e●ord to leave aspersions ( o● deserving blame ) o● him , that no way merited the same ? yet , this is frequent : and this li●elling much profit to th●ir common wealth doth bring , who gaine by others losses . and , there 's none o● whom this mischiefe m●y not ●all upon . for ●ne example ●f suc● g●osse abuse , my selfe i can , and justly may , p●oduce . for , sitting lately in a roome alone , my owne occa●●ons meditating on : two men , who talking at the doore had bin , ( and , as appeared , knowing me within ) ma●e entrance and besought me both to heare , ( and witnesse ) what they had agreed on th●re . i heard them ; and , i purposed to do as they requi●ed , being call'd thereto . but , mark what ●ollow'd . twelve months after that th● one of these ( not well content with what his b●rgaine wa● ; and knowing , i alone cou'd re●tifi● wh●t they a●reed upon ) did i● this k●vish c●nn●ng wise project to make my wi●nesse take the lesse effect . forsooth , ●e m●k●s me pa●ty in the cause ; a pitifull complaining bill he drawes ; wherein his le●rned counsell did devise such combinations , and conspiraci●s , such plots , such pra●tices ▪ and such large tal●s , of premises , of bargai●i●gs ▪ of sales , and such like heathrish ●●uffe : and his pretence , was wo●ded out with so much impudence ; t●at , surely , whosoever came to see that peece o● ch●uncery , supposed me a very cheating rascall : or , tha● i ( at least ) was privy to some knavery ; whereas he knew , who then did so abuse me , i blamelesse was of w●at he did accuse me . yea , then so farre was i from any plot , or purpos'd wrong ; that i had quite forgot both man and ma●ter : and , but for his bill , had beene ( i thinke ) unmin●full of them sti●l . a wrong like this , if any please , he may inflict upon me ev'ry other day , with safe impunity . for , such as he , intituled am●●i curiae be : and , many thousand fees would quite be lost , were they ▪ in such like suits , to beare the cost . if i should here disclose what i have seene , the p●actice of some lawyers to have beene ; what cunning in convey●nces they use , how strangely their profession they abuse ▪ and what a glory to them●elves they take , wh●n they an evill cause to thrive can make : or , should i he●e character their delayes , their errors , their demurs , their many w●yes of hindring iustice ; their impertinent and costly ted●ous formes ; their impudent extorting from their clients doubl● fees ; for motions , which they willingly d●e leese : how they doe move by halfes ; how they mistake ( of purpose ) for themselves , new wo●k to make ; how oft their orders have by procrea●ion , made up , almost , the hundreth generation ; what double-tongu'd ●eports , for double fees , are gotten by cor●upted referrees ; ( who when the truth is plaine , can coine a doubt to bring againe the fals●st cause about ) how sense lesse of mens losses , griefes , or paine , they are in all things which concerne their game ; to what expences they their clients bring ; how they doe ride them in an endlesse ring , and prey upon them : or , if here i should disclose as evidently as i ●ould , how full of wicked bribes , their closets be ; what brutish cruelti●● mine eyes did see ; how many honest causes i have knowne , for want of prosecution , overthrowne ; because our tedious f●rmes of triall , stretch much further then the clients purse can reach . how many miles poore men are forc'd to come , for trifling suits , w●ich might have end at home ; but that our higher co●rts more seek encrease of t●eir base profits , then of blessed ●eace . sh●uld i relate , wi●h what strange tyrannies some officers their places exercise ; what par●iality they shew ; what pride ▪ how they insul● on men ; how they d●ride ; how big they speak ; how scur●ilous ●hey be , in taunting and reviling men more free from vice , then they themselves : or ▪ should i tell how little tendernesse doth seeme to dwell vvithin their bosomes , when they do oppresse the needy w●dow , and the fatherl●ss● : if all these things i should insist upon , and so describe them , as they might be done ; the wo●ld would know that all those injuries , for which the law appointeth remedies , are oft lesse grievous to the common weale , then most , w●o most pretend her sores to heale : and that as little help from them she sees , as when she sets her cats to keep her cheese . for , some of them are trusty in their kind , and so , some trusty lawy●rs she may find : yea , those ●here be , that in these evill dayes , like rubies mixt with peble● , send forth rayes of christian p●eties ; which do declare , that some remaine who yet an honor are to that prof●ssion ; and all those are free from being t●xt , or blamed here by me . the rest shall beare their shame ; for , they were bor● to be our plague ; and they shall be my scorne : their torments ●o afflict both night and day , an● there are few such tortu●ers as they . fo● , of those wrongs which we by them sust●ine , we scarcel● a●e pe●mitted to complaine . nor will this ●land better dayes be●old , so long as offices are boug●t and sold. nor shall i ever think that a●y one , much cares , what right or injury be done , that buyes or sels an office ; chiefly he , who chaffe●s that where seats of iudgement be . fo● order s●ke , to ●hese my knee i bend ; or , i to give them titles can descend , and ev'●y outward reverence ; that so the pla●e they beare , con●emne● may not grow : yet , nobler far he seemeth in mine eyes , who , by a due election , doth arise to be but heardma● in some country borrough , then all those lordlings who have passed thorough the greatest office● , by giving pay ; or by some other unapproved way . when mē were sou●ht , that office they might beat and had it gratis ▪ they such persons were , whose wo●t● , whose vertue● , and whose noblenesse , bro●gh● ho●or to t●e seats they did po●sesse . with faithfulnesse , their du●ies they discharged , no ancient fee unjustly was enlarged ; or n●w extorted ; neither did they take the poore mans money , when he mone did mak● : for , by an easie entrance they were able ( when need required ) to be charitable . their just expences , also , to provide ; and to sust●ine a comely port b●side . but , since men sought out offices ; and thought of their owne merits , better then they ough● , ( int●uding , without modesty , to sit vpon that seat , ●or which they were u●fit ) since men expe●ienced ( by serving long in some inferior places ) ha● such wrong , tha● ignorant impostors got possession o● what pertaines to them , by due su●cession : yea-since to sac●ed calling● men are chose by th●m , that should not of such ●hin●s dispose ; what can e're long expected be , u●lesse it be an overflow of barbarous●esse ? since each base fellow ( who , perhaps , by steal●h , by fraud , or by extortion , scrape●-up wealth ) may pu●cha●e , by his evill gotten pel●e , a place o● honor , to ens●once hims●lfe , and fortifie his wickednesse withall ; what hope of good proceedings follow shall ? since needy , worthlesse , base , & shamel●s grooms , may se●ue their persons into noble roomes , by meanes ignoble ; no man must exp●ct from such a cause , to draw a good effect ; or , that he honor gets , who in such times to any honorable title climbs . he'● but a theefe , that in at window comes ; the buyer sells , and sells ●or greater sums ; by bribery , he bribery defend● , of unjust mammon he do●h make him friends , to nourish pride ; or else to make up that , w●ereby possession of his pl●ce he gat ; without compassion , he doth grieve , oppresse , and rack the widow , and the fatherlesse : all places ▪ and all things t●at appertaine to ev'ry place , he put● to sale , for gaine : yea , most men of each other , now , m●ke sale : of th●ir owne liberties , of lives , and all . great offi●ers pretending to the gift 〈◊〉 some inferiour places , make a shift ●o save the giving , and , so dearly sell that their poore underlings they oft compell to serve without allowance ; or to raise their maint●nance , by some unlawfull wayes : vvhich they must co●ntenance ; or else contrive that others at such doing● may connive . vvhereby those places held disg●acefull be , vvhich , otherwi●e , from scandall , had bin free . vvhy then reproach we such with odious names , since they that are the author● of then shames , ( and those to whom base te●me● do appertaine ) are their great mast●rs , who make wicked gaine of what should ●reely be bestow'd on those to whom they ought such places to di●pose ? from them , and their corruption , doth arise the multitudes of base enormities that swarme among our petty officers . it is a sum ●f mony that prefe●s to ev'ry place ; and that makes knaves , and sharks , of sergeants , waiters , and of vnder-clarks . this maketh registers , in ev'ry court , and other ministers , so much extort : this makes them seek out knots , demurs , delayes , and practise many unapproved wayes , to make up that which ●oolishly they paid : yet , in the grave , thei● heads , perhaps , are laid ere halfe recover'd be : and oft their wives , ( vvhose portion bought those places for their lives ) are le●t , with many ch●ldren , to a lot vnpitied , as they others pitied not . for , many a one of these , although you see their wives and children in apparell be as costly as a lords ( that yea●ly may dispend as g●eat a sum , as these did pay for their new offices ) engaged are to vsurers , for twice the better share of ●heir large fines : and , sometime they undoe themselues , their kindred , and their neighbours too . hence comes it , that receivers , bailifes , reeves , and other such , are worse then common theeves ; and ●ack and pill so boldly ; and from hence it flowes , that few suppress their insolence : ev'n from their base corruption , who do thrive by such mens losse ; and not alone connive at their misdoings , but , oft patronize them , and from just censures an escape devise them . for they that else would furze and brambles burn● , will cherish them , where they may save their co●ne . thus , britaine , most of them have used thee , whose offices , by purchase , gotten be . these , and a multitude of other crimes , they cause , and act , and suffer in these times : and are so insolent in what they doe , that they dare practise , and defend it too , without remorse of mind , or seeming sense of being guilty of the least offence . nor come thy priests or prophets much behind the worst of these : but , passe them in their kind . for , though a learned clergy thou possessest , and ev'ry day in knowledge much increasest : although i do beleeve thou hast in thee those guides whose wayes are from reproofe as free as are the best on earth : yet , thou hast more that are perverted , now , then heretofore . of late , thou heaps of teach●rs gotten hast , resembling empty vapours , or a blast that breathes no comfort . what god never ment they publish fo●th ; and come e're they are sent . thy peoples hurts , t●ey cure with sugred speech ; w●●n there 's no peace at all , of peace they preach ; thou pu●bl●nd watchmen hast , and some that see , as blindly walke , as they that blindest be . dumb dog● thou hast , who spend their time in sleep ; and , some who barke , but to affright the sheepe . like hungry curres , some alwayes gurmandize ; yet nothing can their greedin●sse s●ffice . they follow their owne wills , and their owne waies they hunt for their owne profit , their owne praise . they tread the p●ths where common sinne●s wal●e ; amongst themselves , they most prophanely talk ; and , at the tavernes meet , and sit and ●will strong drinke , and wine ▪ untill their guts they fill . in taking gifts , and compassing promotion , they shew more zeale , and practice more devotion then in their holy callings . they delight in flatterie● ; and the fawningst parasite in all t●e cou●ts of europe , cannot prate more heathnishly , nor more ●nsinuate then some of th●m . the blessed sacraments and holy word , are us'd as inst●uments to compasse th●t , for them , which they projected ; and oft polluted are , and of● negl●cted . their sacred orders , are abus'd and made to serve them for an office , or a trade , to be in●iched by ; and to that end the preaching of the gospel , they intend . they come not ●y the doore into the fold ; things holy , they hav● often ●oug●t and sold ; conspiraci●s they m●ke in matters fowle ; they prey vpon the body and the soule ; and , fat and rich , and mighty to become , they daub and plaister with untemper'd ●ome . with lies , and faire pretences they beguile ; and violate the law of god , the while . his altars they prophane , they sla●ve his flocke ; they make religion but a mocking-flocke ; and , by examples horrible and vile , cause other men , gods temples to defile . there is no avarice which theirs exceeds ; no malice which a mischiefe sooner breeds : no pride so sutly as their clergy-pride , except among the beggers , when they ride . they , who but few yeares past , would h●lfe have broke thei● kindreds , to have purchas'd them a cloake ; and in poore threed bare cassocks sought to preach beneath an vnder-curate ; or to teach the chil●ren of some farmers , for their meat : and seem'd scarce worthy so much grace to get , vntill by counte●f●it humility , ( by fawni●g mixt with importunity , and g●lt with fained zeale ) they wr●ught on some ; to bring their wandring feet into their home . ev'n some of these , so well have acted out their part● , of seeming honest and devout ; that ( either like to micahs priest , by leaving their patrons ; and their hopefull trust dec●iving : or , some su●h likely wayes ) they have acquired a ●i●her st●tion , then th●y first desired . they have so quaintly humour'd , and so pleased t●● present times ; that , they have proudly s●ized supremest places : and , now , over peere their heads by whom , they fi●st a●vanced were . and v●ry profit●ble , sure it is , to heed them , since their met●mo●●●●s●s . for , if thou mark , how stately now they beare their lofty heads ; how insolent they are ; how pitilesse to suters they become ; with what contempt poore men be rated from their angry presence ; what imperious lords their docto●ships are grown ; what haughty words they thunder forth ; what antichristian state they take upon them ; how extreame ingrate and inhumane they prove ( ev'n unto those by whom , they from the dunghill first ●rose ) wer 't well observ'd how strangely they contemne their ancient friends ; and twixt themselves , & them , what distances they set ; or , to their kin how harsh and evill natur'd they have bin ; ( except to those , that having meanes to rise as well as they , their folly do despise . ) wer 't knowne , what selfe opinion they have got of their owne worths ; how they themselves besot with arrogance ; how peevish , and unquiet they be in their attendance , and their diet ; in small or trifling matters how severe ; in those which of the greatest moment are , how carelesse growne : how envious of the grace o● gifts bestow'd on those , in meaner place . were notice also taken , with what straine of p●ide and loftinesse , they entertaine their brethren of the clergy , when they are by any summons called to appeare ●efore th●ir lordships ; with what pope like phrase they seek to terrifie , and to amaze their humble suppliants , with what balde conceits t●ey v●nt their humors , that the crew which waits to claw and sooth such follyes , may begin ( in ●tead of some applause ) to fleere , and grin . how tar●ly they can chide , and raile , and play , and jest on those , who but the other day did equall them in tempr'all dign●ties ; and are more worthy , though less high they rise . were these things heeded , and some passages which name i could , as worthy note as th●se ; a man would har●ly think , that these had beene those priests , who but a while before were seene so be●gerly , and so expos'd to scorne ; but , that , they had ( at least ) beene prelates borne . none could have thought that these mē had bin they who lately did so bitterly invey against the pride episcopall ; and plained , to see themselves so sleighted , and disdained of their superiors : no man would ●ave thought these had bin poore mens children , who had nought to give them nurture ; or , that they , bereft of all their friends , were to the parish left . none would beleeve , almost , that any such should from so little , rise to have so mu●h in such a calling ; and so wo●thlesse be in their condition : for , it seemes to ●e , they little con●cience make of that prof●ssion , whereby they have those glories in possession : since then ( me thinks ) so ●ar they would not swerve from his pure word , whom they pretend to serve . oh! pray that god would mak● thos● watchmen see what blots and errors in their c●urses be . and , that , by good example they may teach , what they by word , unto the people preach : for , by their actions ▪ many overthrow the growth of that , which they themselves did sow . or by their failing , or their falling f●●m a christan zeale , make others cold ●ec●me . and , some of these are those , of whom christ sayes , we should embrace their words , but not their wayes . but , many a one will neither say nor doe , what we may follow , or give heed vnto . yea , we have now among us many a one , ( that could have spoken well ) whose voice is gone , by growing over fat with double cures : and pampring up themselves like epicures . how many doctors have we , who before they were advanced , from conditions poore , were glad and willing twice each sabbath day , to preach , and all the publike pray'rs to say ? yea , without any show of being weary , the sacraments to give ; to wed , to bury , and , often in the week , those works to do , which by their calling they were bound unto ? of those how many in these dayes are seene , th●t having to promotion raised beene , are well nigh silenc'd , now performing neither of all those duties , for whole months together ? of these , how many lately have i knowne , so proud ( or else perhaps so lazy growne ) to cast upon their hirelings all that care , and al that pains , which they themselves should bear ? vouchsafing not so much as once a day , ( though they are present ) publike pray'rs to say ; or preach ; or , of the dutie● to be done , to ease their curate , in performing one ? but ( sitting as meere strangers , or as he who thought such works , for him too meane to be ) take ease and state upon t●em ; more i wis , then either needfull or beseeming is . indeed ( when they are any way engaged by publike studies , weak , or sick , or aged ) sometime to ease themselves , deserves no blame : but having no excuse , it is their shame . how unbeseeming is it , to behold our doctors , who nor crazy are , nor old , nor any way disabled , save through sloth , or through their pride ( or else perchance through both ) to leave that charge to some inferior one , which is too worthy , to be undergone by him that 's worth'est , in respect of all those dignities , the world afford them shall ? why should the adding of a new degree , or la●ger meanes ( which no additions be to their essentiall wor●h ) make wise men seeme so highly praised , in their owne esteeme , as to debase that worke , for whose meere sake , gods mercy them so eminent did make ? for , if it were not so , why do they more neglect those duties now , then heretofore ? why , in performing them , respect they so the times , and persons , as we see they do ? at solemne feas●s , or in those places where most honorable personages are , why do they preach more often ? why baptize , and wed , and bury , where their living lies , the richer fort , and let the poore alone ; if what they do , for conscience sake be done ? ala● ! preferment , and the being rich , doth choak up vertues , and the mind bewitch , the daughter sleights the mother . for , devotion brought forth by painfull travell , faire promotion ; and lo , no sooner is preferment borne , but , proud she growes , and doth her mother scorne . they who d●d much sor little ; now , possessing a great abundance , do requite the blessing with doing lesse , in stead of doing more ; and , marre with pride , what paine did plant before . the greater favours we from god receive , the greater thankfulnesse we should conceive . yea , when that he advanceth us most high , we should expresse the more humility ; and think , that ev'n the meanest circumstances belonging to his holy ordinances , could not with reverence enough be done , when we have all our worthinesse put on . and , doubtlesse , when to god most high we raise our hands , in offring up his publike praise , the man ( in my opinion ) fitteth best that work ; who seemes more worthy then the rest . and , whosoever should that act eschew , ( except just cause within himselfe he knew ) i know ( how high soe're his place hath bin ) his calling is dishonored therein : or , if to be assistant he doth shun , when any priestly work is to be done , where he hath cure : for , into others roomes , to make intrusion , no man it becomes . god grant those men humility , and care , who otherwise , in this , affected are ; and show o●r clergie what uncomelinesse appeares in this . for , some herein transgresse by other mens examples ; and indeed , some other men , by want of taking heed of what they doe ; who having weigh'd the fact , will never put the same , againe , in act . lord waken these ; and , humble those , i pray , whom pride , or vanity have led astray . and oh ! ye house of levi , warning take ye ; lest god , for times to come , examples make ye , as he that clergie , your example made , whose monstrous pride , the age before you , had so great a fall . oh! minde it , and be more regardfull of your charge then heretofore : lest they that spight the churches dignities , ( and of her dowry seek to make a prize ) for your ambitious pride , occasion take , on gods inheritance , their pr●y to make . so will our clergie , which is yet respected , be scorn'd , become as poore , and as neglected , as in those countries , where their former pride hath made their calling to be vilifide . oh! leave , oh ! leave your haughtinesse betimes , your avarice , your envy , and those crimes , that are observ'd among you ; left for them god shake the wall of our ierusalem . for , heav'n and earth for me shall testifie , that this my muse in nothing doth belye . your manners ; but that you are mo●e then stain'd , with ev'ry fault whereof i have complain'd . and as it was their priests and prophets sin that brought the deluge of those troubles in , which overwhelm'd the iewish commonweale : so , if with us the lord severely deale , your sinnes and errors will enlarge the rent , through which the mortall arrow shall be sent , that deepest wounds . oh! god defend us from such judgements ; or , if thou be pleas'd they come , vpon our sinfull bodies strike the blow ; and keepe us from a spirituall overthrow . excuse me worthy prelats ; and all you whom god with la●ge preferments doth endue , and raise to honor , out of low degrees , because ingrafted in your hearts he sees such inward vertues , and such outward graces , as doe become your high and holy places ; excuse me if in ought deliver'd here , injurious to your worths i may appeare : for , not a line of these reproving straines , to you or any one of your pertaines ; nor need you cure , if any shall apply , these tart reproofes , to blur your callings by : because you know , that none are this way harmed , who are by true and reall vertues armed . because you also know , that some have shamed your pl●ces by such ●●imes as i have named . i know you will not frowne , though i did say , that some of christs disciples would betray their master to his foes . since this no more redounds to your disgrace , then heretofore it did to his apostles , that he said how he by one of them should be betraid . none taxe you shall , by meanes of this , but heady and hairebrain'd fooles , that are your foes already ; nor would i for the world unloose my tongue , to do the vertuous , or your calling wrong . let no man gather hence , my muse envies the clergie , or the reverend dignities to them pertaining ; or dislike to see great prelates raised up from low degr●e : for , them i honor most , who from a race of meane esteeme , have gain'd an honor'd place , by true desert . and ( might i be as able as willing ) i would make more honorable their holy callings ; and for ever close their greedy mouths , and bind the hands of those who speak , or act , what might infringe their due , who in those places good examples shew . i know , among our bishops , there are some , who make their outward honors to become a meanes to keep religion , and their calling , from being vilified , and from falling into contempt : of s●iles account th●y make not , for their owne glory : to themselves they take not their lordly attributes ; but to adorne their office , and to keep the same from scorne . some such there are : and for the sakes of such it is , that yet our clergie hath so much of that esteeme which our forefathers left them ; and that these greedy times have not bereft them of those endowments which were granted here when kings the churches nursing fathers were . from these reprooses , let such therefore be free ; and fall the blame on those that faulty be . but , as the shepherds have deserv'd the strokes of gods displeasu●e ; so their wanton flocks the same have merited ; and , blame there lyes on all conditions , and fraternities . i woul● not speake what might offend the throne of iustice ; or the king that fits thereon . from all taxation let him scape as free as he is innocent ; yea let him be vntouched : and , let ev'ry vertuous peere , be free from all , that shall be spoken here : for , i will ayme at none , but whom it shall become an honest muse to chide withall . in this , beleeve me readers . for , i pray forgive my bluntnesse . and i dare to say the court is fraught with bribery , with hate , with envie , lust , ambition , and debate ; with fawnings , with fantasticke imitation , with ●hamefull sloth , and base diffimulation . true vertue 's almost quite exiled ●hence , and vice with vice , for chiefe preheminence m●intaineth w●rs . the mo●t profuse excesse , and avarice , one bo●ome oft possesse : the greater pa●t are of a mushroome breed , spring up upon a sudden , without seed , or plant , or graft , and , often , in one day , ( yea som●time in a moment ) swept away . with lyes , they seeke their sover●igne to delight ; and act their impudences in his sight . they flay the people , an● their flesh they teare ev'n from the bones ; as doth a greedy beare . they cannot broo● the mention of their error ; they drive out of their mindes the day of ter●or . deep pits , to hide their mischiefes in , they m●ke ; and think th●t god no heed of them will take . they live upon the commons ; and yet grow more fat , then others in enclosures do and , that which followes t●eir encreasing pow'r , is but to be devoured , or devoure . their wealth consists of projects : their esteeme is that which they to one another seeme . their honors are bare titles ; and , that state which they themselves do fancy and create . their ze●le is wilfulnesse . their faith is such as reason breeds ; and , most times , not so much . their hope is something , but i know not what . their charity is nothing ; or else that which i should call selfe-love . their strength i● in opinion ▪ and in ablenesse to sin . their wisdome , and their policy , ( if we may guesse at things that undiscerned be ) is to resolve on nothi●g : so , the foe shall never compasse their designes to know . their courtesie ( if men will be content to think it may consist in complement ) is wondro●s great . their valour is in oaths . their greatest glory doth depend on cloaths ; in which they are so vaine , that ev'ry morne ( almost ) a new attire by some is worne , of sev'rall stuffes or fashions : and they dresse their bodies , with such tedious curiousnesse , and , such a multitude of hands there are to tr●m them ( and their trappings to prepare ) that halfe so many , of good workmen , may erect a house , e're they themselves aray . of honesty they scarce the name afford : for , should i terme one , there , an honest lord ; it might be thought as clownish , so to do , as it were fal●e , perhaps , to call him so . gods holy sabbaths , most among them , there , observe not much ; except it be to weare their finest clothes . the bus'nesses , that may , and should be done upon some other day , are then debated on , as frequently , as those affaires which by necessity are urg'd upon them . and , all sorts of men ( when they should serve their god ) are forced then to wait upon the world ; to whom god gave sixe dayes ; for ev'ry one which he should have . nor , thereby , many other mens unrests occasi●n they alone ; but , ev'n their beasts are then disquieted ; and cannot have that right , which both gods lawes , & natures , gave ▪ sometime , they to remove , that day , prepare ; yea ▪ then begun , sometimes ; removalls are ; and in the court , more carters , we may see employ'd that day , then through the kingdome be . on sun●ayes far more coaches rumble thither , then doe in some three other dayes together : and , seldome have they leisure for a play , o● maske , except upon gods holy-day . i doe not think we are obliged to a iewish sabbath , as great numbers do : but sure i am , from piety we swarve , vnlesse a christian-one we do observe . and , though to them no fault it may appeare , who on such evenings do but only heare or ( for their honest recreation ) view the action of some enterlude , or shew ; yet , needs it must be knowne , to some of these , that to prepare for such performances , to many persons must occasions be of sabb●th-bre●king in a high degree . in whom this fault most lyes , as yet , my muse descrieth not : bu● , sure i may excuse the king : and if but halfe ●o forward were those clergy men that have his royall ●are , to cause him such enormities to see ; as they are thought in other thing● to be which lesse concerne them ; he would soone fo●bid those customes ; and as nehemiah did , more hallow'd make the sabbath . nay if none o● them , whose wisdome he d●pendeth on , in this have mis-inform'd him ; he will prov● o●r nehemiah , and this fault remove , when he hath warm'd his thro●e : for we have hope that all our breaches he e're long shall stop . but leaving him , i 'le finish the repo●t which fits the greater number in the co●rt . religion they have some , but many care not i●●he●e the use or mention of it were not : some others have divided it betweene our gracious sov'raigne , and his royall queene ; and , till in one religion they agree , they stand resolv'd , that they will neuters be . oh! make betwixt them , lord , a blessed vnion , and , us partakers of thy blest communion . our cities are as wicked as the court ; of he● transgressions they come nothing short : but , rather passe them ; if a man might say that infinites admit exceeding may . and , london , thou thy sisters all hast passed , in all the faults , whereby they have transgressed : to thee alo●e , my speech i therefore bend , and will in ●hine their follies reprehend . i know that thou hast m●ny soules in th●e , who truly zealous of gods glory be : yea , thousands that by prayers and repenting , doe seeke thy peace , and labour the preventing of thy perdition ; and , though they indure scoffes , t●unts ▪ and injuries , from thy impure and faithless● children ●yea , though such as are thy shame , and m●rk● gods heavie wrath to beare , contemne and malice those , and use their pow'r those innocents to ruin● and devoure : yet , they are those who keep away gods wrath ; and for whose sakes be ●o long spar'd thee hath . they make that pl●asing number , who restraine those flames of sulphure , that consum'd the plaine which now the lake asphaltis overflowes . and when ( from out of thee ) god calls for those , thou feele it shalt ; and , not unlike become those asian churches , which departed from their ancient love ▪ and are the loathsome den of satyrs , faries , and of beasts uncleane . a place for zim , and iim ; a nest for owles , night ravens , vultures , and ill-boding fowles . and , then , in ev'ry house ( as heretofore , when popish-darknesse spred this kingdome o're ) men shall be frighted with strange dreadfull noises ; deformed visions , and hobgoblin voices . i know , good-works in ●hee are to be found ; and that , above the rest , thou dost abound in publike charities . i know thou hast all cities , in this kingdome , over-past in plentifully preaching of gods word ; and , that thou bountifully dost afford large voluntary pensions to that end . ( yea , somewhat else i might in thee commend . ) but , if thou take a note of thy transgr●ssions ▪ if thou at thy assises , at thy sessions , or , at thy other courts , observe , or heare , how many horrid crimes detected are ; how many filthy and abhorred things , god there discloses , and to iudgement brings ; and if thou think , withall , how many m●● committed are , which few do come to know . or heededst thou how few , and worthlesse , all those works appeare , which thou dost vertues call ▪ what would they seeme , compared to thy sin ? or to those favours , which have heaped bin , by god , upon thee ? doth he owe thee ought , or hast thou done him services for nought ? oh! london , hath he not advanced thee the mistris , and the soveraigne to be of all the townes , and cities of this i le ? hath he not rais'd thee many a goodly pile ? art not thou plac'd above , and they below ? continuing blessings doth he not bestow ? and many priviledges , yet , deny'd to all the burroughs of the land beside ? behold , thou hast the principallest trade , and all their merchants are thy chapmen made : thou art the royall chamber of the king ; whose residence doth wealth and honor bring to magnifie thy greatnesse . kept in thee his parliaments , and courts of iustice be . among the famoust cities under heaven , god hath to few a situation given for pleasure , health , and profit , well united , to thee compar'd ▪ yea , god did seeme delighted in thee to make his dwelling ( ev'n among thy temples ) by maintaining here so long his harbengers , and ledgers , to provide fit mansions , for his graces to reside . thy god , to be thy hu●band , thou hast had ; and , wer 't by him a fruitfull mother made , so plenti●ull in child●en ; that , they play like swarmes of bees , about their hives , in may. no place in europe , hath been so supply'd with soule and bodies food ; or , fortifi'd by garisons , forts , bulwarks , and munition , as thou art hitherto ( by gods tuition ) without such charge or trouble . and the day will come , wherein , if any man shal● say what peace thou hadst ; and , in what plenty ●ere thy children lived ( without want or feare ) it will not be beleeved , that a nation so blest , could suffer such an alteration . for , as ( by seas ) from ev'ry other part of earths vast circuit , thou enclosed art : so , from the sudden comming of invasions , and from the many troubles and occasions of wars and wants , which in the world , we see ; divided , also , these doe seeme to be . such is thy blest condition ; and , although thou hast , about thee , of all things enough , that may thy pleasure , or thy need suffice ; yet , all the dainties and the rarities , the world affords , are yearely hither sent , from ev'ry quarter , of earths continent . oyles , wines , and fruits , that good & pleasant are , swimme hither through the straights of gibraltar . cold norway , ( or the parts adjoyning ) g●eets thy river with materialls for thy fleets . america doth oft renew thy store with suger , drugs , with gold and silver ore ; with ambergreece ; with woods that sweetly smell ; and other things , that please thy ●ancy well . ormus , with pearle thy beauties doth adorne , the silkes of persia , in thy st●eets are worne . from divers parts of africa , ( and from cham's linage there ) white ivorie doth come ; and apes and fe●thers . china , where they printed , and used guns , ere we those arts invented , ( if fryers be not lyers ) doth impart the f●uits of their inventions , and their art , to thy inhabitants . ra●e stones o● price , sweet smelling gummes , and odoriferous spice , are broug●t unto thee ma●y thousand miles ; ev'n from ●he easterne indies , and their iles. this shewes gods bounty : and of his compassion thou lately hadst , ( ev'n by thy preservation , in thy g●eat plagues remove ; and by his pitty vouchs●fed otherwaies , unto thy city ) such evidence : that all men may confesse he did respect thee , with much tendernesse . what should i mention more , since , to recount god● benefits would doubtlessly amount to many volumes ? and sure none is able to number that which is ina●merable ? this may suffice ( for this time ) to expresse his bounty , and thy great unthankfulnesse . for , what h●st thou returned him , ●or these . and all those ●lessings , which his love doth please to showre upon thee ? what hast thou repay'd for all the charges which he hath defraid , ( in fencing , planting , and manuring thee ) that worthy , such a husbandman , may be ? thou hast faire-seeming grapes , i must confesse , but , they are sowre , and full of rottennesse . thou mak'st great sh●w of charitable works ; but , that hypocrisie within them lurks , which marrs their acceptation . thou hast built some churches ; yet , art tainted by the guilt of sacriledge : and , those thy gifts that eary the pioust showes have ●earce beene voluntary . great numbers , in thy hospitalls are fed , and lodg'd , and cured : but , the men are dead who founded them ; and few doe bring supply to such good works , till they are sick , or dye . thou entertainest proachers , but they must speake pleasing things ; or else away are thrust . thou hast of pastors , some who shewes do make of so much conscience , that they will forsake their livings rather then it shall be said they le weare a surplesse : yet , some are afraid , that most of these , doe cunningly conceale much pride or avario● beneath their zeale , and that their suff●ing of a silencing , doth much more liberty or profit bring , then two good pers●nages : and that , thereby , good meaning folke are brought to beggery . thou hast redeem'd some captives ; but , it was with sparingnesse , and hardly brought to passe . thou plantest colonies ; but , thou dost dra●ne the nourishment away , that should maintaine and settle them . god grant some be not gl●d to flye ( for this ) to them , that should have had more helpe from thee , and in farre countri●s peris● , because those plants they did no better nourish . much know thy people ; but ( alas ) they do as if good life belong'd not thereunto . strict gospellers thou hast , that can professe religion , with much for●all holinesse : but they , like zodoms apples , prove within as loathsome , as their ou●sides ●aire have bin . yea , they ( against their brethren ) oft are found in hate , and pois'nous malice to abound . good orders , lawes , and customes thou hast many ; but , very seldome exercisest any , except for private gaine ; or to acquire some vengeance , which thou dost , perhaps desire . thou hast judiciall courts , wherein i ( heeding their lawes ) saw promises of just proceeding : but , marking well their formes , they seemed , rather , devices for thine officers , to gather rich fortunes by ; then to afford redresse for those , whom their oppressors doe oppresse . thou hast a magistracy , to maintaine the peace of honest men ; and , to restraine the rage of wickednesse : but , loe ; ev'n some of those are patrons of mis-rule become ; disturbing quiet men , and thriving by befriending sin ; else i have heard a lye . yea , some are famed , to encrease their living , by cunning rig●ur , mixed with conniving : deceiving honest people , by strict shewes of punishing of those whom they excuse . for when by doing iustice they compell a wicked man beyond their bounds to dwell , ( some thi●k ) their griefe , and losse , it doth augment , as much as losing of a tenement . thou hast correction-houses ; but , thou mende●t not many , whom to chasten thou p●etendest : for , thither they are oftner ●ent to ease thee of them , or of their pilfrings , which disease thee ; then out of christian purposes , to force such vagrant people to a better course : and , therefore are thy suburbs pestred now , with beggers ; yea , for that , so large doth g●ow the number of thy vagrant rogues , and cheaters , that they begin to imitate their betters , in government , and method : and , are growne to have both lawes , and language , of ●heir owne . thy children yeeld some good conformity to rules and precepts of morality : but , most observe good orders , to enjoy their owne state safe , and to prevent annoy that might be●ide themselves ; much ●ather , then in true obedience unto god , or men . within thy corporation , i likewise have notice taken of societies , which be●re a goodly shew of ordering thy sev'rall trades : and i in many a thing theire use commend : yet , some of them , to me , grosse monopolies , doe appeare to be . which do in secret , with some open shewes of publike good , the publike weale abuse . nor would it be a●isse , if some things were m●re free , which by their meanes restrained are : or if the state would better looke unto those injuries , which many of them do . fo● , when these bodies politick oppresse , their pow'r doth make the wrong without redresse ▪ their purses , and continuance , may o'rebea●e the righ●full'st cause ( if so they pleased are ) the friends , and oft , the very noise they 'll make , ( because a multitude ) much hold doth take for their advantages ; although the cause be both against good consci●nce , and the lawes . nay , should the common●weal●h her s●lfe , oppose these corporations , for some wrong that flowes from their proceedings ; it would scarce obtaine that pow'r which could these petty-weales restraine . for , having gaine or losse , accrewing by their claime , which doth concern thē , far more nigh , then that , oft seemes to touch those men , who stand to take the kingdomes gen'rall cause in hand , it makes them t● pursue it , more then they ; more patrons to procure , more bribes to pay ; and , at the last , to conquer ▪ by that course , which makes the better cause to seeme the worse . this brings to mind same wrongs that i have had , and what a●count of honest suits is made , if once a greedy foolish multitude vpon the right of any doth intrude . but , left by thinking on it , mixe i may my private harmes , with what i meant to say for publike ends : here breathe i will a space , vntill my present thoughts i can displace . forgive me , lord , if i have guilty beene in this my worke , of any private spleene . my musings h●llow thou ; confirme thy love : infuse me with thy spirit from above , with better things then flesh and blood discernes ; inspire me with each ve●tue which concernes the finishing of what i undertake : make profitable all that i shall speake . and , to thy name some honor let it be , although it should both shame and ruine me . the seventh canto . first , of himsel●e he somewhat speakes : then , of the cities errors , makes a larger scrowle , and , therewith●ll inserts abuses generall . he sh●wes ( by reason of her sin ) what misery this land is in ; what ill successe , and what dishonor , is , for her follies , come upon her , in forraigne parts , and here at home : how senselesse , also , she 's become : what sev'rall wayes against this land , god hath of late stretcht out his hand . and , how the blame for what 's amisse , from one to th'o●her shift●d is . by many symptomes , he declares how sicke this commonweale appeares ; disputes ●he late distemper bred , be●wixt the body and the head : and layes the blame , whe●e lye i● should ; yet , therein , proves not over-bold . t●en aymes he at some imperfections in burgesses , and their election● ; and , briefly pointeth at the way by which our cure effect we may . when i ( whose lawfully emboldned muse the faults and errors of her time pursues ) have by some slips , or frailties of mine owne , alaid that flame , which gods good sp'rit hath blown ; or when such heat within me , waxeth lesse by fainting , through a nat'rall wea●inesse ; or , by that willing , or constrained pause , whereof my friends , or bu●●nesses , are cause : at such a time , when i perusall m●ke of these beginnings ; and , strict notice take what here is dared ; i oft find , as then , such feares in me , as move in other men . and , being flesh and blood , as fraile as they , i stagger in my best approved way . e're i thus farre proceeded , i was tyr'd , ev'n in this present worke ( although inspir'd with all that zeale thereto , which you may see in some fore-going leaves , exprest by me ) my heart was oft assail'd ; and i , almost , my best confirmed resolutions lost . yea , twice , at least , since i this taske assaid , it hath by false suggestions beene delaid : and , many painfull strivings are within me , when from this worke , temptation fights to win me . lord ! ( thinks my heart ) somtimes , what means my soule to make me in this desp'rate wise controule those carelesse times ? have i done well or no , with nests of angry waspes to meddle so ? hath he , or wit , or common sense , that stirs , a f●oward beare ? or playes with testy curs ? will any think me capable of reason , thus bold to be at such a dangerous season ? nay , will not all account me mad to vent such lines as these ? adventuring to be shent , and be undone , perhaps , to no more end , then that whereto my labor seemes to tend ? doe i conceive the times , or manners , be amended ought , by what is said by me ? am i , that have , my selfe , unwisely done , a fitting man , to hurle this heavy stone at other sinners ? what may many say , but that in this i raile , or else doe play the witlesse furie ? it hath brought me losse , ( thinke i ) already ; and will surely crosse the setling those affaires of mine , which are nigh rip'ned , with much paine , expence , and care . and then the world , and my necessities , begin to tempt me , by such fallacies , that i halfe yeeld . how wilt thou live , or pay where thou engaged art ? they seeme to say . by what , or whence , thy wants wilt thou supply , if thou for this imprisoned shouldst lye , divided from thy friend● ? or , on the bed of sicknesse , shouldst by god be visited ? nay , though thou nothing wantest ; yet thou ha●t so universally thy censure past , on all offenders , ( and it will so vexe in private , and so openly perplex great multitudes , so many sev'r●ll wayes ) that , it will make thee hated , all thy dayes . where dost thou live , or whi●her canst thou goe , but there thou art assured of a foe ? the city , and the court , thou hast controld , with commons , and with nobles thou art bold ; vnconscionable lawyers here are checkt . thou dost some faults of clergy-men detect , with so much evidence , that be thou sure of all the mischiefe which they can procure ; and that , not one of them thy friend will be who from those imputations is not free . all they that are notoriously , transgressors , all schismaticks , and all our false professors will bitterly oppose thee . and no spight is like the malice of an hypocrite . in briefe ( excepting those that are sincere in life and doctrine ) no man will appeare as thy partakers : and , what are those ●ew . to that great army , which will thee pursue ? if this deject me not , another thought is by another way upon me brought● it whispers to me , that these li●es will wake de●raction ; and that she revenge will take , for interrupting and reprouing sinne , that in security would faine have bin . nor , is that now unpractiz'd : for , there be a world of dogges already ba●ting me . hypocrisie ▪ and envy doe combine , with guil●y malice , how to undermine my good repute , ( that by a dis-respect of me , my words may take the lesse effect ) they compasse me about , they watch my wayes , and marke my speeches ( as good david sayes ) that if but sparkes of error , they can see , they blow them may , till flames they seeme to be . let but a foolish word , slip out among my c●mmon t●lkings , ( for alas ' whose tongue doth never erre ▪ ) they straight to censure take it , and , such a piece of wickednesse they make it ; that , should on them a judgement ●o severe from god be past ( or by the world ) i feare it would so heavy on their pe●sons come ; that they would think the same a cruell doome . if they but see me doe what they suppose may tend to folly , ( though my maker knowes the deed suspected , is as far from fin , as that which i am best employed in ) they instantly a rash conclusion draw ; and speake their dreame , as well as what they saw . they fancy in their owne corrupted thought , what may at such a time , or place , be wrought , by evill minded folks : and , thereupon , conclude the very same by me was done . then they ●elate it : and though nought were seene which might indeed a likelihood have beene of such an act ; they , by themselves devise to fashion out faire probabili●ies of what they speake : and , by the devils aid , acts innocent , sometimes are so betray'd ; so mis reported by the spight o● those whose wickednesse , perhaps , i did oppose ▪ yea , blamelesse circumstances , otherwhile , are so mistaken ; and do so beguile with shewes of proving and confirming , that which was conceived by prejudicate and false opinion ; that , it makes them ●old , to think their fained slander may be told , with good beleefe : then to divulge about their lyes ( of me ) they search companions out . and as they are of sundry minds who raise such scandals ; so , they vent them divers wayes . if of the sort they be , whose open sin , hath in my poems reprehended bin ; or such as they , who dai●y guilty be of doing that , wherewith they flander me : then , in despight , or to extenuate their owne offences ; thus , of me they prate . this man ( say they ) that strips & whips the times and , doth so thunder in his rayling rymes , ( against the faults of others ) is no lesse ingul●ed in the sinck of wickednesse then he that 's worst . his dalilah hath he , and his beloved sinnes , as well as we . he such a place frequenteth ; he hath beene met there , and there : him , we have daily seene with such or such a one , at such a season : doe so , and so ; for which we know no reason : thus he is thought to be , and thus to doe : yea , some of them will impudently to , affirme they saw , what they but misconceived ; if they doe find their slanders vnbeleeved . and when they speake such things , they neither care to whom , nor when , nor yet how false they are . if they be such who meerely out of spight , or envy , to disparage me , delight ; ( as doe some poetasters ) they forbeare to speake downeright ( because they doe not dare ) and utter parables . they , knavishly , their f●lshoods to some truths , doe closely ty , to get beleefe . things proper unto me , they mixe with attributes that cannot be to me apply'd , that so they may evade , when question of their purposes is made . they speake but halfe their matter out ; and leave the rest , for those that heare them to conceive what they shall please : but , first disclose they will enough to make their best coniectures ill . with words ironicall , they doe revile me : the valiant poet , they in scorne doe stile me . the chronomastix ; and when taxt they are that me they meant , their meanings they forswea● . when these applauded wits , have at the po● some novice , or some new admirer got of their strong-lines ( which warmed by the heat , of sack , or claret , they , perhaps repeat ) t were worth your sight , to see how soone the fire of bacchus , their large braine pans doth inspire . with mimmick straines : and how they shuffle i● selfe-praises ; and how grossely they begin occasions , that they may enthrall your eare with some new-pe●ee of theirs , which you shall heare perforce ; yet heare it with so much adoe , that you must thinke you have a fauour to . for with as many tedious circumstances as doth some capring foole before he dances , ( or singer , which must tyred be with wooing , to doe what willingly , he would be doing ) they doe begin to read , or to rehearse some fragments of their new created verse , with such a gesture , and in such a tone , as if great tamberlaine upon his thro●e , were utt'ring a majesticall oration , to strike his hearers dead with admiration . which oft so works upon their auditory , that , to the great aduancement of their glory , they lade them with applauses , and with drinke till they themselves ▪ the kings of poets thinke . to which opinion , when once rais'd they be , then shall t●e draw●● , or the tapster see their nat'rall humor , which ( if true some say ) is better worthy seeing , then a play. among the rest , 't is odds , but e're they goe , the poets must be summon'd in a row to bide their drunken censure ; which doth shame those few they praise , much more then those they blame . among the rest , it chanceth , some by-stander by naming me their catalogue doth slander . if then a man of fashion he appeare , who undertakes my name to mention there , the man ( say these ) may passe ; but , such as he ( by us ) no poets are esteem'd to be . a haz the way of making pretty rimes , to fit the apprehension of the times ; and , him for that , the multitude doth favour : but , in his lines , there is but little savour of reading , or antiquity . thus far they go , if they perceive their hearers are indifferently affected . and if they do find them jealous of my fame , they 'll say , most fawningly , sometime those wo●ds of me ( in way of praise ) that i should blush to be within their hearing . yet , they 'll interpose some jestings , now and then ; or , in the close , induce , by way of merriment , some cause to bring their good opinions to a pause . affirming , that though drunkard i am none , yet , i reputed am a wanton-one : by some such way their ●pleen they 'll satisfie . but , if no friend of mine appeareth by , so freely , then , they vomit all their gall , that they scarce make me any thing at all . and some , who neither knew them well , nor me , have thought me baser then the basest be . some others , by their malice , thought i had some worth in me , which them so envious made ; and came to know me ; and when me they knew , they told me this , which i have told to you . some other , shew at large , they wish my shame , but to their libels will not set their name , for feare of danger . and though such can gaine no prudent man ( at first ) to entertaine their fatherlesse reports : yet , sure they are , the world hath knaves and fooles enow , to heare the falsest tales ; and that , when far they go , the best suspect , and oft beleeve them too . there be some other , who ( out of a light vaine hum●ur ) love to heare , and to recite mens personall defects ( without intent of doing right or wrong in what they vent ) they speak at randome , whatsoe're is new , not much regarding whether false or true ; and , do but serve to beare the tale about , and blow the fire , which else would smother ou● . there is another brood of these detractors , who in traducing me , are common actors : and , they are such who cunningly conceale their hate and envy with a holy zeale : they , whose religion , and whose honest●es consist in judging those infirmities that are in others . if these men espy some little atomes in their brothers eye ▪ they straight as busily do heave at them , as if the smallest were a mighty beame . their lying suppositions must be took for verities ; or ●lse they will not brook a word you speak : nay ( if you do misdoubt their ●ensures ) from the church they thrust you out . they charity pretend ; and , though they are well pleas'd when they have something to declare vvhich may disgrace another , they will seeme , to have his reputation in esteeme . as loth to speake ; they 'le bring it round about ; and thus ( or some such way ) divulge it out . now verily it gri●ves our very hearts , the man whom god hath blessed with such parts , should walke in such unsancti●●ed wayes . and then , they white me over with some prayse to make the spots the blacker which they meane to spirt upon me , from their mouths uncleane . and though those tales they build their censures on vvere first receiv'd from some such wicked one vvhom they in other matters doe distrust , yet is their criticisme so unjust , that in disgracing me , their words they le take ▪ and , ●lso , of themselves , conjectures make to justifie their scandal● ; that they may the su●er be , their staines on me to lay . thus by the seeming sanctity of those , my good intention ( in these poems ) growe● more frustrate , then by all the rage of them ▪ vvho , with an open impudence , contemne my best designes . these , strike me deeper than the wounds of twenty thousand others can : ye● , by their meanes the w●rke th●t i have wrought ( vvith such a minde , as th●t it might have brought more good repute , then many others get ) serves but to make me seeme a counterfeit : yea , all my doings which are most upright they judge as actions of an hyp●crite , vvhich is the worst of sinners . and in this ▪ if they have plac't their bitter doomes amisse , vvhat sinne is theirs ? or , when can greater wrong , be done at any , live he nev'r so long ? thou knowst oh ! god ( for thou all hearts dost know ) that though through frailty , of● astray i goe ; and , otherwhile may tread that doubtfull path of which the world a wrong opinion hath ; that neither i allow of any sinne vvithi● my selfe , nor would continue in the ●mallest error , if i knew the same . thou knowst that what hath caus'd my greatest blame among some censurers ; is that by which i am indeed , become most truly rich : and that it also maketh me reforme my wayes the better ; and those workes performe to which thou callest , with fa●re greater ease . and i am likewise hopefull , thou wilt please to blesse my cou●ses . for , thou lord hast knowne ▪ ( in that rough track , through which my feet have gone : ) how griev'd i am , when i misled have been , or in my actions , if ought hath beene se●ne of●ensive unto others thou dost view my path ; and with what mind i doe pu●sue the way i goe ▪ thou knowest lord , that i have oft refrain'd the christian liberty i might have tooke ; left many that are weake might of my lawfull freedome , evill speake . thou knowest this ; and i am certain to th●t pleases thee which in thy feare , i doe . by these , and such like mischiefes which i see this wicked wo●ld hath power to bring on me , i oft wax doubtfull ; and sometime i shrinke ev'n from those just im●loyments , which i thinke god calls me to and then i halfe desire i might into obscurity retire from whence i came ; and be discharged quite from this great warfare , wherein , yet , i fight . for , many heavy waights on me are thrown by these engagements ( to the world unknown ) yea private combats there are fought in me , so many , and so dangerous they be , that oft my hopes are almost driven from me , and , dull despaire would surely overcome me , were god not alwayes ready to defend me , and , as mine faileth , his own pow'r to lend me ▪ but , when my selfe o'recharged i do find ; when flesh and blood begin to shrink behind ; and when i see my foes have mustred all their force against me : i start up , and call a better ayd then mine own vertue gives me ; and , by his holy spirit , god relieves me : he makes me strong , in each good undertaking ; a●d answers all the doubts my heart is making , in ●his , and all good purposes , whereby i have been hopefull him to glorifie . he warrants me i have no cause to feare these lines the fruits of thoughts distempred are , though some shall judge them such ; since he whose mouth doth speak the words of sobernes and truth , may seem to those , who thought judicious are , as mad , as paul , to festus , did appeare . he hath assured me , i cannot run this honest way , a course to be undone . he doth perswade me , that if i grow poore by doing well ; my wealth shall be the more . he sayes , that if his glory i have sought , ( and for no wicked purpose closely wrought ) i shall no mischiefe , nor displeasure have ; nor any losse , by which i shall not save . he makes me ce●taine that my former paine , and this endeavor , some effect shall gaine ; although it compasse not that reformation , which i desire to see in this our nation . for though their present evills be not staid from growing worse , by that which i have said ; it shall to other times a warning give , and aggravate their faults who now do live ; if , having such a plaine remembrancer , their ( called for ) repentance they defer . he bids me know , that though i am not sainted , so much , as of all sin to live untainted , yet ▪ to oppose each vice , as i am able , ( in word and deed ) it will be warrantable ; and , that , to strike at sin , t' will all become , though persons may be touched but of some . he tells me , that ( although the world shall please to terme it railing , when such messages are utt●ed forth ) it cannot bring me shame , to call g●osse sinners by their proper name ; and , that gods blessed saints have done as much , who aid the fol●ies of their ages tou●h . he wills me that on him i should depend ; and , not distrust that while he me doth s●nd about his bus●nesse , he will suffer mine to be unprosperous , or my soule to pine . since unto him that for his glory strives , the promise of all needfull things he gives . he strengthens me , and gives me satisfaction against all envie , malice , or detraction : sayes , that a guiltlesse conscience needs not care how bitter or foule ▪ mouthed others are : perswades me , that if my repute be needfull to honor him ; he will , himselfe , be heedfull to keepe it faire : else , glorifi● his name the more , perhaps , by bringing me to shame . and , so the name of god i glorifie , i pleased am , though i have infamy . by these , and many other such like things which god ( i trust ) to my remembrance brings , my fainting soule is cheered , when she droupes ; these , raise againe my courage when it stoupes : and though illusions these appeare , to some , yet , to approve of them a tim● will come ; and , when that day of tryall , on shall draw , ( which i attend for , both with joy and awe ) it shall be knowne , whose heart was most upright ▪ or mine , or theirs , that in my harme delight : for , then their iustice which a vaile yet weares . will shine like phoebus when no cloud appeares . thereof ( just now ) i have an earnest given : these musings drew it ( for me ) downe frō heaven : i feele them warme my heart , and fetch againe my chilled blood , to run in ev'ry veine . they rouze my spirits , and my drouping soule they so revive , that now i could controll an hoast of kings . for , now ( ju●t now ) the glowing , of their kind ●eat , i find more strongly growing : iust now i feele in me their operation , to urge me forward to the consummation of what my fo●mer canto's have beg●n : and , go● assi●ting that shall no● be done to thee oh london , i directed last my just reproofe ; and i will back●a●d cast an eye on thee againe : for , off i brake my speech before my mind i fully spake . i have not vented yet , what i could say of many sinnes abounding at this day ; as , thy intemp'rancy , and thy excesse in food and rayment , thy loose drunkenesse ; thy multitudes of beggers , which encrease for want of orders , in thy times of peace . thy sloth , lust , avarice , and all that rabble of vices , and of things abominable which in each corner of thy streets appeare , as if they justly tollerated were . i toucht not thy corrupted officers , i have not mentioned thy senators , nor have i showne as yet what scandall growes to thee , and unto thine , by some of those ; how partiall , nor how ignorant they be , how prejudiciall many times to thee , and to thy publike weale , for private gaine ▪ how cowardly thy customes they maintaine ▪ how ●eadily thy freedomes they betray ( if their promotions , it ought further may , or spare their purses ) this , i have not showne , for , what belongs thereto , is better knowne to others then to me . yet , much hath beene of them reported ; and i much have seene of their condition , which deserveth blam● ▪ nor doe i greatly wonder at the same ▪ but i , much rather marvell that in thee so many prudent senators there be ; since , very few of all thy double dozen for courage , wit or honesty are chosen . wealth makes an alderman ( however got ) if he be pleased to accept the lot. in hope to gaine his fine , thou wilt adventer to let the most ignoble fellow enter that is but rich ; and worthy men forgoe , who to thy government , might ho●or doe . thou seldome carest how he did become so●●ch , if he but harrow up the sum th●t makes him capable of such a place ; nor heedest thou , a jot , how base he was . no honest occupations i contemne , nor their professors ; but i honor them , though of the lowest order ; if i find they have not lost the vertues of the mind , in those meane callings ; and , have sought as much in knowledge , as in mony , to be rich : yea , those ( when from poore fortunes they ascend , to wealth ) to honor also i commend . but , is it possible , that man whose minde to serve his mammon only , was enclin'd ; or is it possible , the man that had by birth and breeding , nothing but a trade to get experience by ; ( and , that perchance ●ome handicraft , which furthers ignorance in usefull knowledge ) or , that they who scrape and scratch together an unweildy heape of needlesse riches , by penurious fare ; by sparing●esse , in what they should not spare : or , which is worse , by cruellest extortion ; by robbing others of their lawfull portion , by rapine , guile , and such impieties ; is 't possible ( i say ) when these m●n rise to weare thy skarlet-robe ; that they will be or honor , or advantage unto thee ? if those black aeth●ops , if those leopards , change their spots , or colour , i shall think it strange : if ever they regard what weights be throwne vpon thy back , so they may ease their owne : or for thine honor stand ( who have no sense of any thing ▪ but saving , and expence ) i shall beleve that wolves will tend our sheep , and greedy kites , young chickens harmlesse keep . i might have mention made of that report which is divulged of thy orphanes court : of those perpetuall iurors , which for pay attend judiciall trials day by day : of those ingrossers who thy trades abuse ; of those who make thy freedomes and thy dues a dammage to thee : and of other some , who other wayes injurious are become , i might have spoke ; and would ; but that i hear● they do already sound in ev'ry eare . truth is , the spreading leprosie of sin , into thy very wals have eaten in , and will not thence be scraped out ( i feare ) as long as there be stones , or morter there . thy vineyard brings not forth wilde grapes alone , in lieu of all thy god bestow'd thereon ; but , also , of it selfe prevents his curse , and hath produced what is ten times worse : thornes , bryers , nettles , hemlock , and such weeds as choke all pleasant plants , and fruitfull seeds . no place , no person , calling , nor degree , nor sex , nor age , is from corruption free . within thy chambers lodgeth wantonnesse ; vpon thy boards is heaped all excesse : with vomitings , they oft o'reflowed are ; and , from uncleannesses no roome is cleare . thy hals are daily filled with a rable that stand and sweare about a shove-groat table . within thy parlours , i can little see , but visiting of mistris-idle-be . within thy wardrobes , pride layes up her store ▪ vpon thy couches , sloth dot● lye and snore . within thy pleading-courts , are shameles railings , and , of upright proceeding , many failings . thy churches ( be it spoke without offence ) are full of rudenesse , and irreverence . thou usest in thy shops●alse ●alse weights and lying ; vnpitied at thy dores , the poore a●e crying . within thy closs●ts , mischiefes are invented ; thy theaters a●e usu●lly frequented wit● perso●s dissolute : disparag'd are sometimes , the most de●erving actions , there . there , see you may uncomely p●esentations , and often heare unchristian p●ophanations . yea , ev'●y corne● , ev'ry street , and p●th an overf●●w of sinne , and folly hath . am●ng thy feasts , are surfetting● uncleane ; vaine curiosities , and songs obsceane . thy merry m●etings the procurers be of most disor●ers that are found in thee : there , lawlesse games are used ; there , are broched vile sl●nders ; and , good men are there reproched . there , they that a●e not good , are oft made worse by lewd examples ▪ or prophane discourse . and , few contentions have occasion'd bin , but , at such meetings , they did first beg●n . thy aged-folke are froward , avaritious , selfe willed , and imprudently ambitious . the yonger fort , are ●eadstro●g , rash , and haughty , thy children are forgetfull of their duty . the men imperiously their power abuse , and counsell from their helpers doe refuse . thy women ▪ too much dote on vaine attire● , and are incon●tant in their owne desires . the magistrates doe bad examples give , and , as men borne but for themselves they live . of persons , they retaine too much respect : their places , for their credits , they affect ( o● for their gaine ) but n●t for conscience sake ▪ inferior officers , doe also take the selfe-same courses : and ( in what they doe ) are parti●ll , cruell and unfaithfull to . few single-persons live in chastity ; in mariage , there is much disloyalty . perpe●uall suites , and quarrels i doe see among those neig●bour● , that sh●●●d loving be : no malice is like that which i have knowne , twixt brothers , when dissention hath beene sowne . their p●actices , who friend●hip doe p●ofesse ( in my op●nion ) promise nothing lesse : for , all their form all kindnesse , oft is spent in visitings , and fruitlesse complement . and , all t●ey seeke ( for ought that i perceive ) is , how they one another may deceive in friendly terme● ; or , how to doe as they who act the parts o● friendship in a play. thy richmen , doe idolatry commit with m●mmon , and gods benefi●s fo●get . am●ng the poore are many wicked t●ings ; impaciency , ungodly murmurings , theft , scolding fightings , cursings , taleing , lies ; and though they live by others charities , n● people will pursue each other so with malice and d●spig●t as they will doe . at d●ores and windowes , strumpets impudent d●e si● ; and wanton gestures there invent to woo , by their allu●ìng provocations , vaine men to drinke their cup of fo●ni●ations . t●y suburbs , are the coverts , and the den w●●rein are sh●ltred many beasts uncleane . thy tavernes , are the places where most soule and hainous things are done , without controule . there ▪ d●ink they healths , till health is drunk away ; and , nought ashamed are to let the day be w●●nesse of their drunken vomitings , brawles , ●eelings , ravings , and such brutish things : nay , to consume the day in drunkennesse , a●d all the night , is nothing now , unlesse t●e hoboyes , cornets , drum and trumpet sound , to tell the neighbours how the healths go round . and when , acco●ding to their heathnish fashions , they offer up their devillish drink-obla●●ons , what do they better then idolatries , and festivals , to bacchus solemnize ? in thee ( beside thy proper faults ) are found those also which are common , and abound throughout thy kingdomes . and ev'n thou , and they have beene companions in one evill way . we all , as in one teeme , have drawne on sin ; gods promises and threatnings mockt have bin ; the lust mans righteousnesse we have bely'd ; and , sinners , in their sins , have justifi'd . of good and evill , we exchange the name ; and , that , which to remember , is our shame , or should with griefe repented be ; ev'n that we tell with laughter ; and make jests thereat . gods iudgements work not on us ; we are scourged ; and yet , unto amendment are not urged . we break the sabbath-dayes , and we despise the churches pow'r , and her solemnities . her holy-times to us are wearisome ; and in our hearts , we wish the morrow come , that we might freely buy and sell againe . those messengers we soonest entertaine , that of strong drink , and wine , do prophe●ie ; and , truth is not so welcome as a ●ye . we sooth our neighbours in their sinfulnesse : and ( that their secrets , and their nakednesse we may discover ) we the wine bestow ; then , work upon then to their overthrow . vpon our lusts , the precioust things we spend ; and unto god the lame and blind we send . we rob him of his tythes , and his oblations , our publike fasts , are publike prophanation● : for , ev'n our pray'rs , our fasts , our almes , and all , are oft for show , and hypocriticall : and used more , our safeties to provide , then that our maker may be glorifi'd . our hearts against gods prophets hardned are ▪ and what they preach or threat , we little care . the land , throughout , because of othes doth mourn ; we stagger in our paths ; and to returne to aegypt ready seeme ; unlesse god grant ( ●t our first longing ) ev'ry toy we want . the blood of innocents hath spilled been vpon our skirts ; most filthy things are seen within our vessels ; and , yet , some of us presume to say ( ev'n to our brethren ) thus ; stand off , for we more holy are then ye . and , these like smoak within gods nostrils be ▪ we stumble at noone day : and as the blind , we groap , uncertainly , the wall to find ▪ with death , and hell , a bargaine we have made ▪ and , nothing for our hopes , but lies have had . if any morall verues do appeare ; with some unsavorinesse they leaven'd are . if any do a kindnesse to his brother , it is in policy to get another : or else , with some upbraiding , or vaine boast , whereby the comfort of the deed is lost . if ought be spoken to anothers praise , it is some p●ofit to our selves to raise . if comfort to the grieued be p●etended , the grieved party is as ill bef●iended as iob : for , what we doe is but for fashion ; without good meaning , wisdome , or compassion . if we instruct , we doe it but to show that we much more then other men doe know . if we our brethrens errors doe reprov● ▪ it is not as it ought to be , in love : but , with such bitternesse as plaine doth shew , we more the person , then the vice pursue . we cann●t give an alme● , but we must sound a trumpet : neither wall a rod of ground for publike use : nor set a pane of glass● in some church-window , where it needlesse wa● ; nor trimme a pulpit , nor erect a stile ; nor mend a foot path , though but halfe a mile ; nor , by the highway side , set up a stone to get a horsebacke ; but we fixe thereon our names , or somewhere leave upon record , what befactors we have beene ( good lord ) for such hypocrisies , and sinnes a● these on other places , doth gods judgements seize : for these , thy pastors oft have warned thee ; for these , they said thou shouldst afflicted be : and , at this present , veng●nce is begun ; thoug● ignorant thou seeme of what is done . for these offences , god did now of late make all thy fairest lo●gings desolate . for them , the pestilence continues yet , a●d we with scabs , and sores , and blames are smit . for them , thou of thy braveries uncloth'd , wert in thy greatest sorrow , left and loth'd , for them , a famine lately did begin . for them , have goodly habitations bin consum'd by fire . for this , the goods of some a prey to seas , and pyrats are become . for them , thy tradings faile , that were enlarged ; and thou sor single gaine , art double charged . for them , the sword ( that such a while hath hung sheath'd up ) is newly drawne , and will ere long devoure thy sons and daughters ; if there be no more repentance then yet seemes in thee : yee throughout all this iland , it will rage and lay it wast before another age . for , not our ●ities onely tainted are with sinnes contagion ; but ev'n ev'ry where this land is so diseas'd , that many doubt ( before it mend ) some blood must issue out . there is not any towneship , village , borrough , or petty hamlet , all this kingdome thorough , but merits ( in proportion ) as much blame , as any city of the greatest fame . the simple seeming peasants of the land , ( who for their names do make their sh●epmark● stāl and have not so much cle●k●hip , as to sp●ll ) can play the subtil● cheating knaves , as well as m●ny cu●ning sophisters ; and cogge , and lie , and prate of law , and pettifogge as craftily ( som●times ) as ma●y a one who , divers yeares hath studied littleton . yea , they who never had the wit to learne those knowledges which honesty concerne ; have witty craft e●ough to entertaine or plot a bargaine for unlawfull gaine . they persecute each other ▪ they envy their neighbours welfare , and prosperity ; they drive each other from their tenements ; and are the causes of inhauncing rents , by over-bidding ( for their neighbours land ) those fines the land-lords purpos'd to demand ; yet stand their farmes already rackt so high , that ●hey have begger'd halfe their tenantry . in divers townes they have decayed tillage ; depopulated many a goodly village ; yea , joyned field to field , till for the poore no place is yeelded , nor employment more : and , where were housholds , lately , many a one , a shepheard and his dog , now dwell alone . to make of griping vsury their trade , among the rich , no scruple now is made in any place : for , ev'ry country village , hath now some vsury , as well as tillage . yea , they that lending most of all detest , though but for tollerated interest , do nathelesse take those annuities , which often prove the biting'st vsuries . by nature , mony no encrease doth bring : most , therefore , think it a prodigeous thing that mony put to lone , should bring in gaine . yet some of these , by practice do maintaine as monstrous usuries , and nought at all are tou●hed in their conscience therewithall . in usury of cattell , or of leases , we may disburse our mony for encreases more biting far , then those he dares to take , who by meere lending , doth advantage make . as mony nat'rally produceth nought , so , by the earth small profit forth is brought vntill both cost and labour we bestow , for little , else , but thornes and weeds will grow . the landlord , therefore , here i dare aver , to be no lesse a griping vsurer then is the mony-master , if he break the rule of christian charity , and take more profit then his tenant can affo●d ; and such as these are hated of the lord. of vsurers , there are some other sorts , who keep no certaine place : but , both in courts ▪ in cities , and in country townes they dwell , and in the trick of griping they excell . there be of these , that vse for silence take . some others , an usurious profi● make of their authorities ; and do advance their wealth , by giving others countenance . their cariages , their neighbours fetch , and bring ; they have their seed-time and their harvesting , dispatcht almost for nothing : such as these , are many of our country iustices . some , by another engine profit catch : they must be pray'd and payed for dispatch . yea , cla●kes , and many other officers , are greater , and more hatefull vsurers , then they that most a●e hated for that crime ▪ since these do often for a little time ( which they delay unjustly ) take what may of no meane sum , the annuall interest pay . these men are cruell . and , yet worse by far , most treasurers , and their pay-m●sters are . for , that which due unto us doth remaine , they do not only overlong detaine . but , oft , of ev'ry hundred , twenty take , e're payment of our owne , to us , they make . they must have bribes ; their wives must have caro●hes or ho●se , or jewells ; after which encroches their servant also , for some other dues ( as they p●etend ) which if we doe refuse to pay unto them , twise as much we leese . this tricke inricheth also ●eferres in chancery , and in some other courts and this or makes , or marreth most reports , this , is that common cheat , and meanes by which meane officers , so speedily grow rich , although they give large incomes . by this way their wives doe on a sudden grow so gay , that were but kitchin-maid● few yeares before . yea , many in the blood of orphanes poore , have dide their gownes in scarlet by such courses , and cloth'd , & fed themselves , with widdowes cu●ses . but , these destroyers , make not spoyle of all ▪ for , ●ull as many into ruinefall by complement , and foolish emulating their neighbours ; otherwhile , by imitating the city fashions . yea , by these , and some such other wayes , are many men become so wėake in their estates ; that most of those who live in fashion , and make handsome showes of being rich , would prove ( i am afraid ) far worse then nothing , if their debts were paid . this floweth from our pride , or from excesse ; and this is cause of other wickednesse ▪ but , in our iland , one thing i have seene , which ( though it hath not much observed beene to be a fault ) will make a large addition to fill the measure of this lands transgression . and much i am afraid , that all in vaine i shall of this impiety complaine . for , avarice , who nought will give away , whereon her griple fingers she can lay , pleads for it : yea , and custome hath so long confirm'd it , that , it is a lawfull wrong ▪ i doe not meane the laities retaining of tithes , or lands unto the church pertaining . for , though i would not build my house with ought ▪ which from the sanctuary had been● c●ught , to gaine the world , y●t , i may doe amisse to judge of others consciences in this . it is the barbarous usage , wherewith we doe entertaine those men that shipwra●kt be , which here i meane : for , many people have lesse mercy then the tempest , and the wave . that vessell , which the rocks had pitty on , the cruelty of man doth seize upon ; and him that is oppressed , quite bereaves of what the quicksand und●voured leaves . when some poore ship upon the billowes tost , is driven by a storme upon the coast , with rudder lost , with t●cklings rent and torne , with maine-mast split , and fore-mast overborne ; and reeles and rowles , and takes in water so that all the mariners through feare forgoe their crazie charge , some swimming to the shoare● on peeces of the decke , or broken oares . some on an empty chest ; some holding fast o● splinters of a yard , or of a mast ; now riding on the waves ; straight sinking downe ▪ now hoping life , anon afraid to drowne ; pu● off , and on ; yet lab'ring to attaine the land , in hope more pitty there to gaine : i● this poore plight , when they ( with much adoe ) a dryer ●lement have ●ea●ht unto , and , wet and tyred ( both on feet and hands ) come creeping , or else staggering on the sands ▪ the neighb'ring people ( who in this are far more s●lvage , then most barbarous nations are ) in stead of bringing comfort and reliefe , add new afflictions to their former griefe , by taking that small meanes which is reserved to keep them living , when their life 's prese●ved . fo● , those remaining fragments of the●r store , which god , sometimes , in pity sends ashore to help n●w cloath and feed them , till there come some friends to aid them ; or supplies from home ; ev'n spoile of those they mak● : and of th● prey ●o greedy are ; that often when these may mens lives preserve , they leave them to their chance , in hope their death , their profit will advance . and , if that b●uised - bark which they fo●sook ( to save their lives ) upon some ouze hath strook , or on some shelve ; from whence , by timely aid , the goods to land may safely be convaid . or if ( as chance it may ) the hull be saved , yet , thereof , is the owner qui●e bereaved . for , by a brutish custome ( which , i know , nor co●sci●nce , nor good reason doth allow ) some officer who farmes the royalties within that place , doth make thereof a prize . else , he that owns the land whereon it fals , doth seize it : and , his right , the same he calls . pa●l did a peop●e , ev'n at malta , find , ( although a barb'rous iland ) far more kind . men wrackt , they comforted ; but we bereave them of those remainders which the sea doth leave them ; except some living thing abiding be aboard the ship. for , then the same is fr●e from being pr●v'd a wrack ( we say ) though that which there surviveth , be some dog , o● cat : a goodly matter , surely , whereupon poore men should be reli●ved , or undone . some dw●llers , also , on those borders , where such wofull sights , too often viewed are , rejoyce to see them ; yea , some people say , that , for such mischiefes , they both watch and pray ; with curs●s , banning the● , who set up lights , to guide the seaman in dark stormy nights . and ( though they ●eek it with a devillish mind ) gods-good , they call , what on the shore th●y find . gods-gift , in●eed it is , which unto them do●h from the seas , without an owner swim : yet , when the master of it shall be knowne ▪ god 's gift it is not ; but a bai● , that 's throwne to catch the soules of those , who seek to raise their fortunes on distressed mens decayes . no marvell , while such cruelties are found ( vpon the coast ) the sea o'reflowes her bound . no marvell , she so often , here and there , doth from their fields so many furlongs teare . no marvell she , sometime , their cattle drownes , and , sweeps away the rich●s of their townes : or , of those people , otherwhile , devoures so many housholds , in a few sho●t houres : for , since they grieved others , in distresse , the sea , to them , is justly mercilesse . of many other things , complaine i could , which th●ough this kingdome , i amisse , behold : but , should i now an inven●ory make of each abuse , whereof i notice take in all professions ; sure , it would goe neare , to finde my readers , reading for a yeare . i feare , our gen'●all body f●reth so , as , in the● sicknesse , they often do who feele not their disease , when they are nigh ( without good help ) upon the point to dye . they would not be distu●b'd ; but , vex and fret , at those who do prepare them wholsome meat , or needfull physick : and , perhaps , with me my country , also , will displeased be . but , for unjust displeasure , 't is no matter ; as faith●ull friends ( to sick men ) will not slatter , nor humor them in any such disease ; no more will i be fearfull to displease a sickly people , when i truly know , i do that work my conscience calls me to . i tell thee therefore , britaine , thou art sick ; thy sins have made thee so ; and thou art like to perish in them , if thou physick take not , and , for thy safety , good provision make not . if thou nor feelest , nor wilt ●redit give to what is spoken : mark thou , and beleeve the symptomes of it . for , they will declare so truly , how ( at this time ) thou dost far● , that they who are not reasonlesse , shall see and say ( in times to come ) i loved thee . behold , ev'n at this day , throughout the land , most manu-factories are at a stand ; and , of those engines , some main wheeles are broke , though where they faulty be , small heed be took . thy mer●hants , by whose trade great profit comes ( and , to the kings exchequer , royall sums ) those m●rcuries , by whose industrious paine . thou di●st becom● the mistresse of the maine , and art maintain'd with ships , which are the walls , by which thy temp'rall gr●atnesse , ●t●●ds , or falls . ev'n they , begin to sinke , for want of trade , and through those boo●ies which of them are m●de . their ship● without advantage are employ'd ; and if the wars , or time , had them destroy'd which are in being ; they have ( to augment or fill the number ) no encouragement . the present muster of thy shipping , failes of what it was , in many scores of failes , not long ●ime since : and , thy next neigh'bring nation growes rich in thy decaying navigation . yea , some suspect , that of our publike trade ( for private profit ) sale to them is made . indeed , ●ost office●s , if so they may enlarge thei● profits , for the present day ; or gaine , or save the king , but for a yeare , some tho●●and● , do suppose they much endeare their service to the state : when ( 't is well knowne to us abroad ) the gaine is most their owne : and that , before two ages more be spent , the waies by which their incomes they augment , will cost this kingdome , for each ounce of gold so got , hundred , if their courses hold . it is by them , the prince becommeth poore . and ( thou●h they would be thought ( forsooth ) much more then all his other subjects , to maintaine the dues belonging to a soveraigne ) they rob him more , then all men else beside : they lose him ten times more then they provide . they make him needy first ; and then they grieve , and begger them , that should his wants relieve . the vulgar cit●z●ns do much complaine for want of tra●e sufficient to maintaine their families ; and , many , lately broken , are of that poverty a certaine token . that famous and that wealthy merchandize , which from our clothings , and our wooll● arise , is much decay'd . for work , the poore man prayes : the clothier hath not mony ; and he layes the blame upon the merchant ; who doth sweare , his ships and goods , so often stayed are , and times so giddy , and so little got ( with so much perill ) that he dareth not to make adventures , as 〈◊〉 e●st hath done ▪ and , so , to ruine all is like to run . for , from their voyages so oft have some beene hindred ( or have beene so long from home in fruitfulesse services ) that it hath brought rich owners , and their vessels , unto nought . some others , also find it , to maintaine their , shi●s so costly , ( without hope of gaine ) that to repaire them they do stand in feare it may undoe them , e're things better'd are ; that ( might their men be safe ) they do protest ▪ they know not , if to sink , or swi● were best . the winds and seas , that here●ofore ha●e borne us good will ; have prov'd our foes , and 〈◊〉 & torne u● . our mariners are like to run away to serve our foes , for want of work ▪ and pay . those places , and those portion● , which belong to mens deserts ; and should to make them strong , and to encourage them , conferred be ; are otherwise d●spos●d of : and w● see the most deserving men are in disgraces ▪ or else neglected ; or else , in their places impoverished ( or else disheart●●● so ) t●at some men will not ; and some cannot do their country that good service which they might . and , if this hold , we lose our honor quite . by those adventures , which are just and free to ev'ry nation , where good patriots be , thy sons , to fetch thee wealth , and honour home , would prodigall of goods and lives become ; by private cost , augment the publike store , and by encr●ase of shipping guard thy shore ; if they might freely seek , and keep that lot , which by their cost and valour might be got . but , men that are of courage , and of worth , disdaine their goods and lives to hazard forth , on servile termes ; or , to be prey'd upon when they returne , by some ignoble drone : and , by this meanes , oh thou unhappy i le , thy ●oes grow strong , & thou grow'st weak the while . i do protest , i see not that condition of man , that hath a fortune in fruition , that is not perilsome ; but , he that 's borne the mischiefes of this present life to scorne . nor from the highest to the low'st degree , doth any man well pleased seeme to be . the king complaines of want : his servants say , they stand ingag'd in more then they can pay : and they who in their person service do him , want much of that which should oblige them to him . the charge of war , still more and more doth grow ; the customes faile as trading falleth low : there 's new occasion ev'ry day of spending , and much more borr'wing , then good means of lending . 't is said , some royall rents to sale were profer'd ; that iewels of the crowne to pawne were offer'd : tha● church revennues , for the present need , sequestred are ( to stand a while in stead of temp'ralties ) and ▪ some themselves perswade , that , they shall now be lay possessions made . but , god forbid : for he that shall bereave the church of her inhe●itance , doth leave a curse upon his children ; which will stay vn●●ll his whole descent be wo●ne away . to help thy wants , ( so great it seemes they prove ) there be of those who did not blush to move religion might be set to ●ale ; and that we might promiscuous worships tollerate . the common people murmur of oppressions ; of being robbed of their due possessions ; of impudent abuses , done by those who should redresse them : ev'ry winde that blowes , brings tidings of ill luck ; yet , still men feare there 's worse untold , then that which they do hear● . for , we have lying newes authorised so long ; and falshoods , have so many spread ; that , when of that a true report is told whereof a firme beleefe receive we should , we cannot credit it : and , this , perchance , may to our safety be some hinderance . if in our selves , we feele not what 's amisse , observe we , by ●eflection , what it is . the germane emp'rour , and two king● , that be as rich and pow'rfull , ev'ry way as he , are foes pro●essed ; and they bend their pow'r , our countries , and our nation to devoure : and , while to fight gods battel●men do faine ▪ the kingdome of the devill they maint●ine . our friends , and our consederates ; for us , engag'd in undertakings dangerous . have suffred losse ; and yet , in hazard are by an unequall and injurious war. some , who possesse an vnion with our land , do work their owne advantage underh●●d , to our disgrace and losses . other some , are neuters yet , who will our foes become , and with our enemies the spoile divide , if any ill adventur● shall betide . that princely branch of our most royall stem , made poore by the bohemian diadem , ( but , rich in her owne vertues , and that trea●●re of heav'nly graces , which in plenteous measure gods bounty gave her ) that illustrious d●me , ( to whom i owe , ev'n more then all i am ) lives banisht , ( oh ! the mischieves of this age ) and quite excluded from her heritage . her lord , and all those deare and hopefull peeces , drawne off by them ; the nephewes , and the neeces of our dread sov'raigne , are as pilgrims , faine within a forraine country to remaine . our costly treaties , do but crossely speed . our new alliance , proves a broken reed . our fo●raine enterprizes , full of charge , do serve but others glories to enlarge . our mighty navies strongly furnisht ou● , have lost their pains , in what they went about . one little towne keeps all our ports in feare ; vpon the seas , our coasters scared are ; and , we that bore the trident of the seas ; we , who of l●te , with smaller fleets , then these which now we set aflote , did once constraine the carraks , and the argofies of spaine to strike their sailes : we , that have aw'd the deeps , and ev'ry foreland , through the world , that peeps above the seas : yea , we that from each shore , whereon the brinish waves of neptune rore , have brought rich trophees of our valours home , now , back with neither spoiles , nor honors , come . god , with our fleets , and armies , doth not so go forth of late , as he did use to doe . but , divers yeares together , as of●ended , his arme ag●●nst our forces h●th extended ▪ that hopefull voyage , w●ich brave rawleigh made , to prosecute tho●e golden hopes he had , was overthrowne , and , ( to enlarge the cost ) in him , we more in wit , th●n mony lost . for , to resist us , god himselfe did stand : and , st●ll against us , he extends his hand . vpon a●geir we had a faire designe , that much extracted from our silver mine , but ▪ nothing prosper'd , which was then projected , nor was there ought , but losse and shame effected ; for , god preserv'd our enemies from harme : and , still , against us , stretcheth he his arme . when in virginia we had n●rsed long our colonies , and hoped they were strong ▪ and , almost able to subsist alone : by n●ked people they were set upon , and , sore endanger'd : for , on us ▪ fo● ill , god laid his hand ; and layes it on us still . auxiliary forces , forth we se●t ; ( or , voluntarily from us they went ) to settle on bohemiahs fatall throne , him , whom that land had cast her choice upon . but , there our men were wasted : and in steed of iacobs staffe , we proved egypts-reed : for , god against our pow'rs his pow'r did set ; and , he his band doth raise against us , ●et . we made new leavies , and marcht up the rhine , to guard the country of the palatine ; but , all in vaine . for , nothing did we there , except prolong the miseries of war. god , would not that deliver'd they should be by people that so wicked are as we . but , scourged them and us , in bitter wise ; and , still , his heavy hand upon us lies . then , mustred we ambassadors together ; we sent them oft , and almost ev'ry whither ; but , by our treaties we acquired nought : nay , many disadvantages they brought ; for , then , our foes for battle did prepare , when we of peace together treating were . yea , god hath caus'd the h●rme that they have done us ; and , still , his hand li●s heavily upon us . the fortune of the war we tride againe by mansfield ; which did ●●kewise prove in vaine . to denmark also we did send supplies , and there , moreover , sick and bleeding lies o●r honor . and , yet still , against our land the lord of hosts hath stret●hed out his hand . throughout the easterne indies where we had a wealthy and an honorable trade , a petty nation , doth now baffle , dare us , and , out of trading , hope e're long to weare us . our glorious fleet , that lately braved cales , of her exploits affords not many tales . another ▪ and another too , since then , was put to sea , and driven home agen all shaken and be●atter'd . some , the wind sent back , and frustrate made what was design'd . some others , were by other lets delay'd , and , made to faile , in that which they assail'd : for , god with this our nation was offended ; and , yet , his hand against us 〈◊〉 extended . another n●vie , worthy greater note , then all of these forenamed , now doth flo●e vpon the seas : and such a fame it beares , that all the neighb●ring kingdome● it deters . for , land and sea it threatens : and we heare before the i le of ree , at rode they are , where they of brave atchievements hopefull grow . i wish , and i do pray it may be so as they desi●e , if god be ●l●as'd therein . but , much i feare , that we have guilty bin of somewhat unrepented yet , that will make all our undertakings prosper ill , till we are humbled more . for , god hath laine his heavy hand upon us , long in vaine . and , though our hearts with foolish hopes we fill , his arme , against us , forth he stretcheth still . or else it could not be our forces great , so many times should suffer a d●feat . ●or when a lesser fleet was sent to do a mischi●fe , it had pow'r enough thereto . but let us take a little further heed ; how ill our hopes in forraine parts succeed . the french and germane churches , in w●ose ca●e , and in whose persecutions we do share ; have beene afflicted in a grievous wise , and still a heavy but then on them lyes . gods foes , and theirs , and ours , have cras●ily combined in a strong confederacy the tents of edom , and the ishma'lites , the seed of agar ▪ and the m●abites , with ashur , and the sons of lot conspire ; with gebal , ammon , amalek , and tyre . yea , gog and magog ; close and open foes , e●'n all those armies which gods truth oppose , ( and by the names , here mention●d , figur'd were ) confederated , and resolved are , to prey upon us . come , now come , ●ay they , let 's root their nation , and their name away . and , if our god be silent over-long , their strength encreasing , will encrease the wrong his church endures : our cause will be o'rethrowne , and , they will take gods houses for their owne . if yet , thou dost not feele thy sickly case , nor in these forraine glasses view thy face , look home agen ; and i will shew thee there moe things , that worthy notice will appeare . there , thou shalt find distr●ction in the state ; the commons , and some nobles , at debate ; the court it selfe disturbed with disunions ; some following others ; some their owne opinions ; some striving , ●rom their seats , their mates to thrust ; few knowing in who●e friendship they may trust . there see thou shalt most seeking the disgraces of o●hers ; and in all their fellowes places men so experienc'd , that they leave to do those duties , they themselves are call'd unto . there , thou shalt see such foolish imitations ; such complements ; such grosse ●issimulations ; such ●ractices ; such projects , and devices ; contriving o● such foolish paradises ; such doing and undoing , what is done ; that , 't will be matter worthy musing on ▪ those offices , and those high seats of state , ( est●em'd mo●t honorable ) are of late become so sk●ttish ; or the men that get them , such artl●sse riders , that they cannot sit th●m . when liv'd , at once , so many , who did c●ry , ( and left disgrac'd ) the st●les of s●cretary , of chamberlaine , chiefe-iustice , treasurer , of lord high keeper , and lord chancel●r ? of these , and other ●itles , when was s●ene such chopping and such changing , as hath beene in later yeares ? sure , something is amisse , that such uncertainty among us is . those pers●nages , whose words were heretofore as oracles ; are credited no more then cheaters are . their hand & seale doth stand for nothing , if no other come in band . so void are some advanced to high place , of common understanding , and of grace , that neither shame , nor losse , which doth befall to other men , can move them ought at all . but , as men markt for venge●nce , or else sent for thy dishonor , and thy punishment , they dare proceed t● practise ev'ry sin for which thei● predecessors shent have bin . nay , some who for corruption were remov'd to give those place , mi●ht well have beene approv'd respecting them ; if all the peoples cries , from just occa●ion may be thought to rise . yea ▪ they have just●fi●d , and honor done them , who went before , in having overgone them in doing wrongs . and , in those wrongs they do , they are so p●actised , and hardned to , that no examples , or faire warning shall ta●e place ( 't is thought ) till they have ruin'd all . some offices are growne so over large for those who undertake them , to discharge , else , they that have them , so unable are , or of their duties have so little care , th●t suiters poo●e have many times attended whole months together , e're they were befriended , so much , ●o have their humble suits perused . yet , these , as if they had not else abused the common-wealth enough , do often add to those employments which before they had , new offices ; and take so much upon their feeble shoulders , that no good is done . if thou observest mens communication , thou heare it shalt so full of desperation , as if they feared god had us forsaken , and , to some other place himselfe ●etaken . but , thou , indeed , his covenant hast b●oke ; his word distrusted ; his commands forsook ; and , aid from egypt , and from ashur sought , whose tru●●lesse f●iendship will availe thee nought . nay , some there be , that in these dayes of evill , advise to make atonements with the devill . for , they doe little better who would call the turk● , to helpe maintaine the churches wall . yea , they who make that foe our ayd ●ecome , do save a hou●e , by firing ch●istendome . the land appeares , as if ●t rip●ning were for desolation : and ev'n ev'ry where most ●en are growne so p●odigally vaine ; so greedily pursue they pre●en● gaine ; and , from this pleasant kingdome have so rent her woods , her grov●s , and ev'ry ornament , ( with●ut all care of pla●ting , or renewing for their posterities , in times ensuing ) as if they either thought , or did foresee , that when they dy'd ▪ the world would ended be ▪ or that , before the following generations , this land should be possest by other nations . we have not pow'r their counsell to receive , who for our safeties best advisement give : for , in themselves , such basenesse most retaine , that , all are thought to ayme at private gaine . and doubtlesse we have many mountebanks , who arrogate the profit and the thanks of others labours ; or else seek to crosse their good designes , to their disgrace and losse . yea , such extreame corruptions ev'ry where in men of ev'ry quality appeare , that whatsoever reasons may be rendred , to prove that by some courses which are tendred , ( to be proceeded in ) the common peace or profit might in future times encrease , and be advanc'd , a million by the yeare : yet , if but any p●ivate persons feare it may some income● f●om their ch●sts withdraw , for which they neither conscience have nor law : these men ( if they attempt it , and be able to give a bribe that may be valuable in any measure ) quite shall overthrow that good designment : and not onely so , but these and they that were their instruments shall purchase him who that designe invents , ( for his reward ) both infamy and hate ▪ and make themselves appeare unto the state good patriots ; who ( being sifted well ) are scarce so honest men as go to hell . rapt by a sp●rituall vision , i have seene the thin and crasie wall , that stands betweene our fight , and their concealed practices , who have the place of elders in these dayes : and spying there a hole , i dig●'d into their se●resies ; to see what works they doe . w●ere ( not without gods warrant , and his ayd ) most foule abominations i su●vaid . i saw their chambers of imagery , and all those objects of idolatry to which they bow , upon the wals depainted : i saw t●ose toyes ado●ed and besainted : i saw what strange devo●ions there they use ; how they in private do the world abuse ▪ and from their censers seemed to arise a cloud which dimm'd the sacrificers ey●s . there ( oh ! good god ) how many did i see , who zealous prelats do appeare to be ? how many statesmen , and how many a one that ou● high s●ats of iudgement si●s upon ? how many who ●igh● honest men appeare ? in outward show how many draw●ng neere vnto their graves ? how many learned men ? how many , that will stoutly now and then m●int●ine an honest cause , to some g●od end , ( for ought we k●ow ) when they no good ●ntend how many ill-disposed men ( oh ! god ) who otherwise aff●cted seeme abroad , beh●ld i there in secret prostituting th●mselves to breathlesse idols , and imputing great pow'r unto them ? and how base are those sometime i● private , who make goodly showes of noblest thoughts ? some , to the rising-sun directly kneele ; s●me , fix their eyes upon the moone , which from his beams receives her light : some , stand devoted to the works of night : some , deifie their ●ride , and some their lust : in ca●nall policy , some put their trust : some ( as a goddesse ) v●ngean●e do emplore : v●●ighteous mammon , othersome adore : with worldly honor , some idolatrize ; some other , to their nets do sacrifise : to pleasure , many offer their estates ; h●ms●lfe to en●y , one man dedicates : another makes vaineglories altars fume , till all his pa●rimony he consume : a third , to sloth and idlenesse doth bow . before excesse ▪ a fourth doth fall as low : yea , horses , dogs , and hanks ; ev'n beasts and fowl●s , are idols of their love . nor hath their soules id●lat●iz'd with brutish things alone , but , ev'n with gold , and silver , wood , and stone . nor have they only of such things as these , ( that reall be ) set up vaine images within their hearts ; but , they goe● further , far , and worship fictions , which the likenesse are of nought in heav'n , ea●th , sea , or in the waters below the earth ; but , meere fantasticke matters . and , that by such l●ke gods , as are their treasure , their honor , their preferment , and their pleasure , they may be happy made ; what things i pray , to shew their zeale ( suppose you ) offer they ? ev'n those , respecting which , these gods are vile . for , they do give unto them , otherwhile , their naturall rest and sleep ; sometime their heal●h ▪ sometime what 's due to god they take by stealth , to waste upon their mawmets ; and of these , one ostred is , another to appease . their beautious daughters some of them have given to moloch : other some their wives have driven to passe the fire : great numbers make oblations of all their friends , to those abominations . to serve them , some , their country set to sale ; her love , her wealth , her honor , peace , and all . yea some , ev'n their owne lives to losse expose , ( their consciences , and soules ) for love of those ; and ( lest unto a reprobated sense ) with gods and natures lawes they can dispence● of these , a vision did appeare to me : iudge readers , whe●her true or false it be . if no such doings be , my word● contemne , and let this vision passe but for a dreame . if really thou find it to be so , then think oh ! britaine , what thou haft to do . but , thinke it seriously : for , things that are in foulest plight , wi●l often f●ire appeare . bel●eve not all that shall reported be ; but , prove and search ; and trust what thou dost see . the land is over-spred with wickednesse ; y●t , no man will himselfe in fault confesse . men daily talke how bad the times are growne , yet , few men see an error of their owne . the country is distressed many wayes , and on the cities pride , the blame it layes . the city finds her trading salleth short , and thinks the cause thereof is in the court , the court complaines , and railes as much agen , against the farmer , and the citizen . our parliaments imputed have of late , our troubles to some errors in the state. the state off●nded is , and discontent with some proceedings in the parliament . our court divin●s , protest the lawyers stand so much upon the customes of the land , ( the lawes and ancient freedomes , which belong vnto the commons ) that , the king they wrong . the people vow , the prelats flatter so to get preferment , that they will undo both church and common-wealth ; & some conceive , if we their state-divinity beleeve , it will of ev'ry priviledge bereave us , and no more law , but will and pleasure leave us . and , as the iewes , to save their place , and name , did that , which losse of both of them became : so , thought it is , th●t if our prelats fall , the way , they seek to stand , effect it shall . the followers of arminius some revile , as troublers of the churches of this i le . some think the doubts & questions they have moved shal make the truth more known , & more approved . the papist sayes , that we afflicted are , because their superstitions banisht were . som● protestants beleeve we fare the worse for fav'ring them ; and that they bring a curse vpon the la●d . some others , do accuse the separatists , and those men who refuse vnto this churches orders to conforme . they , on the other side , as much do storme against our discipline and hierarchy , as parts of antichristian-heresie . and though we all are nought ; yet , we do all each other censure , persecute , miscall , and so c●ndemne ; as if we had no such infirmities , as we in others touch . but , as her vertue may be ne're the more , who first , in scoulding , calls her neighbour whore , so , he that soone●t check abuses can , ( at all times ) proveth not the holiest man. ev'n i , that in whole volumes , do complaine against those faults , which in my times do raigne ; may be a villane , when all that is done , if other signes of goodnesse i have none . but , why speak i of symptomes , when all see thy sicknesse , to be evident on thee ? thou hast a fearfull trembling at thy heart , and , a quotidian fever shakes each part . thine eyes do see thy flesh doth fall away ; the lovely colour of thy cheeks decay . thy veines grow empty , which did lately swell ; those parts are naked , that were clothed well : those limbs are weakned , that e're while were strong ; and into gronings thou hast chang'd thy song . yea , thou maist feele ( unlesse that sense be dead ) a paine betweene thy body , and thy h●ad . the staves of god , of which we read it spoken by zachary ▪ are bruized , if not broken . the staffe of bands ( or vnion ) hath some cracks : and , that of beautie now so little lacks of being shiv●r'd ; tha● thou art almost the scorne of christendome : and hast nigh lost thy form●r glory . neither art thou ●oly despised and dishonor'd , by thy folly ; but in those mischiefes which thy sin● procure , thy prince a disadvantage doth endure . his ver●ues are repulsed from that height o● honour , whereunto ascend they might , wert thou lesse wicked . he , whom as our eyes we seemed ( as but yesterday ) to prize ; he , for whose absence we so much complained , and wept , and pray'd , and vow'd , whilst he remain●d divided from u● : and at ●hose returne we did so many ●iles to ashes burne : ev'n he , hath not received that content from us , which he expected , and we meant . some spirit of dissention loos●d hath bin ; some sparks of discord have beene hurled in , and blowne among us ; so that he and wee not so well pleased in each other be as both desire . and should this flame encrease , god knowes how much it would offend our peace . thy body , england , representative , vnable was prevention to contrive for such a mischiefe ; neither dare men say ( although they could ) on whom the blame to lay . some , doe accuse the parliament ; some blame another facti●n ; and , i doubtfull am , some rashly taxe the king : but , to provide a iudge , by whom such parties may be tride , who knowes ( i pray ? ) or what is he that can such points as these , without reproving scan ? nay , where is he , from faction or from feare so free , that ( though he knew it needfull were ) he da●es pre●ume in any publike wise , so much as mention such state-mysteries ? yet , sure , ●hey must be mention'd ; and they may , by those who know good reason , and the way of so unfolding them , that no offence be given ; whatsoe're be taken ●hence . and therefore , though such men who cannot see what calling at this present warrants me , or , by what spirit i am urged to those actions which i undertake to do ; though such conjecture may , that i presume too far , and on my selfe too much assume , ( beyond my place ) yet , in ●y selfe secure , i 'le put my selfe their censure to endure ; and all that perill , which the●e coward times suppose may follow my truth-speaking rime● . direct thou so , oh god! my hand by thine , that i in this may draw an eaven line . for , no advice from carnall wits i crave : nor any counsellor , but thee , to have . my prince and country ▪ though perhaps i be not much to them ; a●e both most deare to me . and may i perish , if to save my life i woul● betwixt that couple nourish strife . or if for one of them i that would say , which might from toth●rs due take ought away . if god direct me not , i may do ill in this performance ; but , i know , to will and to desire their welfare , is from heaven ( ev'n by his grace ) to me already given . i may perchance in what i best intend , have neither king nor people to my friend ; yet will i speake my mind to profit them , though both should , for my labour me condemne . for , from all other ends and hopes i 'me free , s●●e those , which in an honest man should be . if that which profits e●th●r i propose , they both shall gaine , and neither party lose . but , if that harme shall by my words be done ▪ i 'le weigh them so , it shall be mine alone . my censure i will give in things , which none have da●'d to passe a publike iudgement on . come , marke me , you who thinke i now begin to tread a path which i shall stumble in : and , if you see , what justly you may che●k ; trip up my heeles , and make me breake my neck● although we heed not ▪ or else will not see , those maladies which daily growing be ; i find ( and i doe much compassionate what i behold ) a rupture in the state , of this great body . lamed are the feet ; the legs , that sho●ld support her , scarcely meet , for that gr●at structure which upon them stands ▪ the sine●● are enfeebled ; and , the hands vnfit for action ; deafned are her eares , and what concerne● her most , she hardly heares . her eyes ( which are her wa●chmen ) are become halfe blind ▪ her tongue is almost waxen dumb : it cannot speak the truth for her owne wealth : her nose , that should distinguish , for her health ▪ twixt things that wholsome , and unwholsome were , hath lost that faculty : her pulses are vncertaine : her digestion is not good ; and , that hath filled her with tainted blood : her iudgement , and her common-sense so failes , that she ▪ her selfe perceives not what she ayles : her spleene is stop● ; and , ●hose obstructions make bad fumings , which have caus'd her head to ake . and he ( alas ) is bound about the crowne with cares , that make him bow his forehead dow●e . thou art this body , england , and thy head is our dread sov'raigne . the distemper bred betwixt you two , from one of you doth flow ; and which it is , i purpose here to show . be bold to heare me readers ; for , in season i speake ; and here 's not fellony , nor treason . in this that followes ; to have pow'r or aime to touch the lords anointed , i disclaime . i have no warrant ; neither know i ought , to reprehend him for , although i mought . and , they of my upright●●sse judge amisse , who think i flatter , in affirming this . for , as my princes fault● i may not blaze ▪ so , i am also bound ( as there is cause ) to justifie what vertues i doe heare to be in him , or , see in him appeare . the gen'rall faults of others , mine owne eyes have seene ; and that 's enough to warrantize a generall reproofe : but never , yet , in him beheld i , what did unbefit hi● pe●son or his place : much have i seene , that , rather , hath an honor to him beene . and , whatsoe're shall mutter'd be of ●ome , there reignes not any king in christendome , of whom there was divulg'd a better fame ; or , whom a royall throne so well became . and , what is lately done , to blot the story of his desert ? or to deface his glory ? or wherewithall can any tongue tradu●e his actions , which admitteth not excuse ? what if his people have expected more ( from hopes , by them conceived heretofore ) then yet succeeds ? what can from thence redound to prove his vertues or his wayes unsound ? why may not this effect arise from them that so suspect , much rather then from him ? as god long since unto those iewes did say , ( who judged him unequall in his way ) so say i england ; is thy sov'raignes path vnequall ? or is 't rather thine which hath such indirectnesse ? wherefore may not all which is amisse , by thine owne fault befall ? why may not ( england ) a diseasednesse ( occasioned by thy unrighteousnesse ) make him unpleasing in his course to thee , whom thou hast praised ? and whose graces be the same they were ? thou knowest many a one , in bodily diseases , thus hath done . those meats and drinks , that are both sweet & pure , they can nor truly rellish , nor endure . we seldome see the bodies torment bred by ought which first ariseth in the head ; but , oftentimes we feele both head and eyes diseas'd by fumes which from the body rise . and though downe from the head there may distill some humour , otherwhile , which maketh ●ll the lower parts ; yet , that first vapor'd from those crudities and noysome fumes whi●h come from ●ll digestion ; or , from stoppages which are in our inferior passages . 't is thus in nat'rall bodies ; an● the like may be observ'd in bodies p●litick . the head and body both are evill pleas'd , when any part of eithe● is diseas'd : but , their distempers , wo●se or easier are sustained , as their fi●st occasions were . when lungs or liver doth defective grow by ought within it selfe , it paines not so the head , as when from thence doth also fall those ●hew●●es and humors , that by tickling shall occasion coughs and strainings , to distend the passages , as if each part would rend . nor is the stomack so distempered , by any hurt or bruise upon the head , ( by its owne fault receiv'd ) as when it ake●h , through fumings , which from parts below it taketh . so fares it with a people and their king. ev'n all their e●rors , griefes and cares doe bring vpon each other so , that what the one misdoeth in , doth b●ing some smart upon the other party ▪ but , they shall not be afflicted with it , both in one degree . for , if the princes oversight or sin , of any publike plague first cause hath bin , the greatest mischiefe will at last be his . and , if the subjects have so done amisse , that vengeance followes it , the king may g●ieve ; but , they shall be consumed , i beleeve : and , that for each ones personall defect the greatest harme will on himselfe reflect : what then to be performed is remaining , but , that we leave repining , and complaining on one another , and our labours bend , our selves , as much as may be , to amend ? let ev'ry one examine well his way , and , for himselfe , and for all others pray . for , this is far more likely to redresse the present mischiefes , then o●r frowardnesse . the party that hath innocency , shall be sure to stand , though all about him fall . and , if we all perve●sly wicked prove , we sh●ll have all , one judgement from above . if in thy king ( oh britaine ) ought amisse appeares to be ; 'twixt god and him it is . of him he shall be judged . what to thee pertaineth it , his censurer to be ? if thou shalt suffer with him ; thy offence deserv'd it ; and nought else ●ut penitence becomes thy practice ; neither shall there ought that 's wrong , by other meanes , to right be brought . thy generall voice , but newly , did confesse in him much vertue , and much hopefulnesse ; and , he so late assum'd his diadem , that there hath scarce beene time enough for him those evils to performe , that may in●erre a generall mischiefe . neither , do i heare of ought , as yet , which thou to him canst lay , but that he doth to thee thy will den●y . or with a gentle stoutnesse claime , and strive , for what he thinks his just prerogative . and why , i prethee , may not all this flow from some corruptions which in thee do grow without his fault ? why may not , for thy crimes some instruments of sathan , in these times , be suffred to obscure from him a while the truth of things ? and his beleefe beguile , with vert'uos showes , discreet and good pretences , to plague and punish thee for thy offences ? why may not god ( and justly too ) permit some sycophant , or cunning hypocrite , for thy hypocrisies , to steale away his heart from thee ? and goodly colours lay on projects which may cause him to undo thee , and think that he no wrong hath done unto thee ? nay , wherefore may not some thy king advise , to that which seems to wrong thy liberties , yet in themselves be honest men , and just , who have abused been by those they trust ? thy wickednesse deserves it : and that he who in himselfe is good , should bring to thee no profit by his goodnesse , but augment thy sorrowes , till thy follies thou repent ? for , what is in it selfe from evill free , is evill made , to those that evill be . why may it not be possible , that thou demandedst what he might not well allow without dishonor . or , if all were right which thou requiredst ; yet the manner might distast him ? or , who certaine is , but some ( pretending publike grievances ) might come with private spleene and m●lice , to pursue those faults in others , which their conscience knew that they themselves were guilty of ; and had no peace with god by true repentance mnde ? if so it were , i doe admire the lesse that thy petitions had a● ill successe . if any single man hath ought misdone , it is so little while since he begun his being to receive ; that , in respect o● thine , his errors could small harme effect . but , t●ou hast heap'd up sin for many yeares ; and , thy exceeding guiltinesse appeares , with so much evidence , that ev'ry man of some particular faul●s accuse thee can ; and , openly r●prove thee , to thy face , for evils , done in ev'ry time , and place . then , blame not him , if god hath falsifi'd some hopes , of late , or to thy griefe , denide that refo●mation , which thou didst require ; and add●d ( in the stead of thy desire ) new grievances . nor too too bitterly pursue those errors of infirmity , which were by others , heretofore commi●●ed : but , let all past offences be remitted . if thou perceive but hope of reformation , goe offer up to god , for thy oblation , a true forgivenesse of their injuries , who heretofore have wrong'd thy liberties . and , do not this in policy ( altho the times now present may require it so : ) but , so forgive , as by the god of heaven thou dost desire thy sins may be forgiven : for , by thy faults , dishonor'd more is he , then thou by ●hei●s that have offended thee . and if to them thou t●ue compassion showest , god will not urge , perhaps , the debt thou ow●st . of reformation thou dost show great zeale ; but , some corruption maist thou not conceale that mars the bl●ssing ? a●● thou ●ure thou hast no just occasion given to distast thy king ? doe thy complainings all , intend the publike welfare , without private end ? and , in preferring them , didst thou commit no errors ; nor no decencies forget ? i will not say thou didst ; but i do feare , that they who wisest are , in some things erre ▪ forgive me thou high court of parliament , if i shall utter what will discontent thy disunited members , who have sate in former times , grave matters to debate . for , though i will not arrogate the wit to teach so great a counsell what is fit ; nor censure any act which thou hast done , when all thy parts have joyned been in one . yet , i will take upon me to reprove their private errors , who in courses move repugnant to thy iustice ; and oft be the cause of much dishonour unto thee . for , none ( thogh thou art wise ) can wrōg thee ought to think , that thou hast members may be taught . and , as in pitched battels , when by-standers do apprehend mistakings in commanders , ( as oft they do ) 't were better they should say what they observe , then let them lose the day : so also ( though i may be thought too bold ) 't were fitter my experience should be told , then that a publike mischiefe should ensue , and i , in times to come , my silence ●ue . for , some ( no doubt ) will well approve the same , though other some will think i was to blame : yea , that which i will speak shall help , perchance , ( in times to come ) thine honor to advance : for , i will speak no more then what is due , and , what my conscience bids my pen to shew . thou art an honor'd counsell : but upon thee such blots are cast , and so much wrong is done thee , ( by some , who sca●cely nat'rall members be ) that , as this kingdome represents in thee her body ; so , thou dost become likewise a representment of her vanities . yea , when at first , to be , thou dost begin , thou art conceived , and made up in sin . for , to thy ho●se of commons , whither none thou shouldst admit , excepting , such a one whose life or knowledge that respect may draw , which doth become the maker of a law ; too oft el●cted are , in stead of those , the rich , and them that make the gre●test showes of youthful gallantry ; and , otherwhile , the very'st humorists of all this i le . when choice was of thy members to be made , th●ir ent●ances , but little signe have had of prosperous ends : for , they that should have past a f●ee election , have their voices cast by force , constraint , or for some by-respect , on those , whom others , for their ends elect . there be in court , and bord●ing round about thy burroughs , many wiser men , no doubt , then some that in elections have their voice ; and , by their ayd , there is sometime a choice of good and able men : yet , best it were , that all men le●t to their just freedomes were . for , they to whom the providence of heaven , the right of chusing burgesses hath given ; are also by that providence ( how wise or foolish e're they seeme in others eyes ) in making of their choices so directed , as best may serve to make his will e●tected . and , though the same shall just as well be done by meanes of them who lawlesse courses run , yet , not for their advantage , to the best , who from their proper motions such things wrest . why did the king from his prerogative , to any place a priviledge derive , but , that they might enjoy them ? and , i pray , what conscienc● tyes the people to obey those lawes or acts , in parl'ament concluded , by those that have by force or fraud intruded ? what reason is it that a stranger should entreat me to commit my best freehold , to be dispos'd of , by some one , whom he shall ( for i know not what ) commend to me ? what man but he that modes●y doth want , can be so impudently arrogant , to sue by f●iend● , or lett●rs , pl●ce to take in such a counsell ▪ yea , and lawes to make ? as if , because he hath a little pelfe , he ther●fore might some solon think himselfe , or some licurgus ? or , as if he thought the common-wealth would surely come to nought , vnlesse his knowledge , or his vertues , were elected , to be exercised there . whereas ( god knowes ) too many do aspire to such employments , either through desire to shew their wits ; to gaine some vaine repute , themselves , or friends to furthe● in some sute ; to keep off creditors ; or else , perchance , to entertaine their curious igno●ance with mysteries of state. beleeve it , those whose modesty forbids them to expose themselves to be elected , i think far more apt for such employments then they are that seeke them : a●d 't is fittest that in all such places , men should sit till they do call ( of their owne will ) to whom the choice pertaines ▪ for , those god sends ; and unto them he daignes fit graces for the worke . the other , hast ( mov'd by their owne ambition ) to be plac'd in that great couns●ll , with a mind corrupt ; which doth dishonor oft , and interrupt their best p●oceed●ngs . and from hence it is , so many things among us are amisse . hence is it , so much time is spent about the searching of undue elections out . hence is it , that in stead of persons grave , such numbers of our burgesses we have in those assembl●es , who come ●uffling ●n with habits which have far more fitting bin for theat●rs ; then for the reverent and sacred presence of a parliament . thence is it that so many children are elected to have place and voices there ; yea chosen counsellers , when hardly past their tutors rod : beleeve me , this is hast . although it might excused be , if some youngmen should thither for experience come : it is not tollerable , nathelesse , that many should admitted be : much lesse those no●age youths , to whom our lawes deny a pow'r in things that smaller trust imply . hence is it that sometime the very noises arising from the multitude of voices , foiles reason . this maintaineth also factions , and makes in plainest ma●ters great distractions . t●is , to those meetings much disturbance bring , and doth occasion many foolish things . thence is it , also , we admit of those , in making lawes , who either do oppose proceedings legall ; or , protections g●ve to them that in contempt as outlawes live ▪ i hold it not amisse , that they who spend their time the publike bus'nesse ●o attend , should have their servants from arestings free , whilst they themselves in those employments be ; nor is it worthy blame , if they protect poore debtors , who endeavoring to ef●ect their creditors contents ( as they are able ) and using time ( in courses warrantable ) for such a purpose ; or else to prefer complaints against some vile extortioner : or to such ends . but , when they doe by dozen● ( to ev'ry p●odigall , that cheats and cozen● ) vouchsafe protections ; yea , to those that are meere strangers too ; it worth reproving were : and , them who do it , i suppose unfit in places of lawgiver● there to sit . m●reover , an election out of order , doth other inconvenie●t matters further , not mention'd yet . the party that is chose by suit , or ill-got favour , seldome goes against his chusers , if it chance that ought in opposition unto them be brought : whereas ▪ in such a case , each man is bound to be as if new risen from the ground he should not know his father , nor the son of his owne body : no nor any one o● all his neere acquaintance , or his kin ; nor any that his friend or foe hath bin . but , fixe his eye upon the cause alone , and , do as that requireth to be done . had this beene practis'd , many a good conclusion had follow'd more then did . yea , much confusion , much needlesse cost and pains , had beene prevented ; and , many had not gone so di●contented to their owne homes , when they with hearts o'regrieved , besought the parli●ment , to be relieved . for , if the●r causes ( which but right had bin ) their trials had receiv'd , as they came in ; if no man might , by savour of a friend , prefer new suits , b●fore all those have end which entred are before ; poore sui●ers might have hope of sooner compassing their right . yea , spare much cost , and many months attending , to b●ing their endlesse bus'nesse to an ending . for then , what day , or week , or month , at least , they should be heard , it partly might be gu●st . but p●ivate friendship showne at such a season , to work meere private ends , opposeth reason . it doth put off and on ; and so employ one friend , anothers friendship to destroy , ( and , so delayeth him in his just suit , who is of such acquaintance destitute ) that , many a one whose cause deserv'd regard , is quite undone , before he can be heard . fo● , to attend three sessions on a row , with lawyers often feed , the cause to show , ( perhaps , a ●undred miles , or two , from home , with witnesses which on his charge do come as far as he ) may make a rich man poore , and , homeward , beg his bread from doore to doore . there also were ( and they who came unsent , are likely to be they that now are meant ) vnwise , and undiscreet ones , mixt among ou● parliaments , who did those meetings wrong ▪ by controverting of religion there , and moving questions that improper are to that assembly . for , there is provided a synode , whe●ein ought to be decided such matters ; and what they determine shall , th● parli●ment may ratifie ; and call , and censure those , who either shall proceed to crosse or vilifie what is dec●eed . but , we may blush to see , how much amisse some stretch the parliamentall pow'r in this . how , they doe cause the weake offence to take ▪ and , say our parliaments religions make ; how much the due proceedings hindred are , by spending time in such like mat●ers , there , to that high courts disturbance ; and how muc● the common-wealth is damnifi'd by such impertinent , and over-busie wits , who know not what the parliament befits , and what the synod . but , mistake not me , i doe not think the parliament should be restrained so , as not to shew her care that true religion be maintained here . far be it from my heart : i wish they should religion to their utmost pow'r uphold : but , my de●ire is also , that ●●ey further the church affaires , in their owne place and order : and that they would be pleas'd ( as hitherto they g●avely were accustomed to doe ) to check their busie novices , who breed much scandall when unwisely they proceed . for , though some threaten fearfull things to those who dare a parliamentall p●w'r enclose within a bound : yea , though some talking things 〈◊〉 , as if they might make and unmake kings ; coine new religions ; yea , and gods , for need ; yet , i shall never entertaine their creed , nor feare , when good occasion i have got , to say what may be done , or what may not . for , they who make that pow'r or more or lesse then ought to be , doe equally transgresse . this , many members , a● some former sitting , not heeding , or else ove●much fo●getting , have scandaliz'd that meeting ; and made bold to run a great way fu●ther then they should in their discourse ( if not when they have sate , where they did matters publikely debate . yea , 't is the property of most of those , who by their owne procurement have beene chose for knights or burgesses , to stand it out more boldly ▪ and more obstinately slout , for some fond custome , then for what befitteth his iustice who in such a counsell sitteth . of these they be , whose indiscretions bring so many discontentments to the king , through want of more exp●rience , or sound reason ; or by t●eir urging matters out of season : and , such as these you easily may know from wiser men . for , thus themselves they show . if while a session lasteth you shall chance to meet them , where themselves they do advance in some discourse ; assure your selves ye may , by their perpetu●ll ta●ling , which are they . for , they ingr●sse the talke , w●ere e're th●y come , and speak , as if their lips nought flowed from but apothegmes ; or , as if each cause they undertook should passe among the lawes . and , what another sayes , th●y'll ●o condemne . as i● a whole committee spake in them . in my poore judgement it doth much concerne our parliament● , that those their members learne mo●e silence : for , no sooner come they out ▪ but ev'rywhere they p●ate , and spread about the secrets of the house ; and blast them so by their rank breathings , e're they ripe can grow ▪ that oft they perish , or are shaken from the tree , before the gathering time is come . in this , our peeres i have not quite excused ▪ nor said , that no ill customes they have used in this great meeting : for , the best have some blameworthy things ( no doubt ) if all should com● to bide the censure : and , among the rest , the voice by p●oxi ▪ hold i not the least . for , unto me , it doth unfit appeare , to give my voice , untill the cause i heare . who knowes the hearts of other men so wel● ▪ or , of their judgements , who the depth can tell , so punctually , that ( whatsoever shall proposed be ) he trust them should in all ? our owne affaires ( though wisdome sayeth nay ) to other men we absolutely m●y refer to be determin'd on : but , that which doth concerne the gen●rall estate ▪ it were injustice , and a thing unfit , to others , at adventure , to ●ommit . for , most selfe-lovers are ; and we do know ▪ that many p●blike inju●ies may flow from this one root ; i will not say they do , although i think i might affirme that too . thi● custome seemeth ancient : and ( if tol● the truth may be ) as evill as ti● old : and ▪ from what cause soe're it first did flow , it wa● n●t fr●m the firs● beginning so nor , should old presidents ( growne out of season ) be follow'd , for their age , by m●n of reason : nor will this custome last , p●rchance , when they who may remove it , well the same shall weigh● . for , i perce●ve it usefu●l to no end , but indirect proceedings to bef●iend . and , they whose courses are m●st indirect , are they that will such ●ustomes most prot●ct . if this ▪ and other errors yet unnamed , had well beene heeded : some had more bin blamed , some lesse : some highly praised , who have seemed vnactive mem●●rs , and beene disest●emed . yea , thou hadst ●●lt most grievances amended ●'re this ; and many troubles had beene ended . but now ( what faults soe're concurring be in others ) those defects that were in thee oh! england , were sufficient to procure those perturbations thou dost yet endure . thy ove●-soone fo●getfulnesse of that g●eat pestilence affli●ting thee of late ; thy thanklesnesse for gods admired ceasing that strong contagion ▪ and the new encreasing of thy transgressions , since his mercy daigned ; deserveth mo●e then thou hast yet sustained . yea , that which thou wert overseene in there , w●ere thy assembli●s cong●egated were to ●ectifi● thy selfe ; ev'n th●t , alas ! suffi●ient to deserve these t●oubles was . and therefore , w●ensoe're thy soveraigne shall be pleased , for thy helpe againe to call in such a publike meeting ; let , in god , thy knights and ●urgesses ( now spred ab●oad ) collect●d be : and , let not any f●om thy b●rroughes , by und●e election come ▪ let lords and ladies letters , to such ends move none ▪ but only , witnesse who are friends to base corruption . let their suits be scorn'd , and , no respect unto them be retu●n'd . le● ev'ry one of those that shall be sent to represent thy body ; represent thy true repentance . let them lay aside prejudicate opinion● , faction , pride ; and ( to their utmost ) in t●emselves restraine , all those enormities which they retaine : that , setting to their owne desires , a law , they may the more enabled be to draw a rule for others . let all they that come to serve the publike , leave such thoughts at home as meerly private are : for , in them lu●ks an enmitie to all good publike works . let none propose in such a congregation , what is not first prepar'd by consulta●ion , for otherwhile , their pretious houres are spent about a needlesse tr●fling argument : and , oft , from matters of least moment spring those disagreeings which great harme ●o bring . what their forefathers unto them did leave , let them not suffer any to bereave their children of . for , they m●y that deny ev'n to th●ir king , provided , loyally they do it , in ●esi●ting his demands by legall pleading● ; not by force of hands . it ●s as naboths vineyard ; and , to live he merits not , who doth repine to give his life to save it : yea , accu●st is be that would not zealous in those causes be . let them , therefore their ancient rights maintain , by all just meanes : and let them yeeld againe , the royall dues . for , those things prosper not , which are , amisse , ●●om god , or cesar got . all wrongs shall be revenged : but none brings such vengeance , as the wrong to god , and kings . if but in word alone ( nay , but in thought ) we have against our prince committed ought which is disloyall , hid it shall no● lye , but , be revealed by a winged-spy . let ▪ therefore , all just freedomes of the land , that can be proved , ●orth in publike stand ; and not in old records ( halfe smother'd lye ) in danger to be lost by casualty ; or else embezel'd ; or , by wormes and dust to be devoured : or , by those we trust . let us not whisper them , as men that feare the claiming of their due , high treason w●re . nor let us ( as we doe ) in co●ners prate , as if the sov'raigne power , or the state encroacht injuriously ; and so defame the government : disgrace the royall name ; and nourish , by degrees , an evill spirit , that us of all our peace will dis-inherit . but , let us , if we see our ancient right inf●inged ; bring our grievances to light , speak loyally , and orderly , and plaine , those things which for our owne we can maintaine : so , kings the truth perceiving ; and their ends who did abuse their trust , will make amends ●or all our suffrings : giv● our foes their doome ; and make us more secure for times to come . but , bring not , when ye come to plead with kings , ( against their claimes ) some bare conjectu●ings : for , what thou hast no ce●taine evidence to be thy right : the right is in the prince . it is a royalty , to mona●ks due , but , if for any freedome , ye can shew a law enacted ; or , a custome old , or presidents , that have not beene controld ( as often as produced ) ye may lay your clai●e ; and keep it , ev'ry lawfull way . each president , and every demand which doth from time to time opposed stand , concludeth nothing this , let ●ach man heed , and with a conscionable awe p●oceed in such affai●es let pure humility , true piety , true love , and charity , be brought along and , when all these ●e bring , then goe with l●yalty and m●et your king , in his and your affaire● without mistrust : and then ( as certainly as god is just ) in ev'ry due req●est ye shall prevaile , o● , gaine some g●eat advantage , if ye faile . desire of god to teach and guide you so , that in this narrow path you straight may go . if you would have a king be just to you , be ye upright , and to his honor true . yeeld first to him , i● ev'ry fit demand , and , long capitulating do not stand , on what you may determinate with speed . because perhaps , delay may danger breed . af●ord him his requests , unto you● pow'rs ; be his the fault , if he denieth yours ; or if miscounselled he shall re●u●re what shall his weale oppu●ne , or your desire . goe cast your selves before him with submission ; present him with petition on petition . with one accord , and with a fea●lesse face , informe him how much hindrance , or disgrace , or danger to the land there may accrue , if he your loyall counsell shall eschew . for , god because his lawes we disobey , vs at our soveraignes feet doth meane to lay , to humble us a while . if we repent , to all our loyall suits he will assent . if otherwise ; god will give up this land , our lives and freedomes all into his hand . go offer , while to offer you are free ; and what you give him , shall peace-offrings be ; if that which for atonement you provide , with love and penitence be sanctifide . the world ag●inst our state doth now conspire ; intestine dangers also , doe require that we in concord should united be , and to supply the kingdomes wants agree . lest while we st●ive , and fondly froward grow , we be surprised by our common foe . vnwise is he that in a dangerous place doth stay to wash a spot out of his face , when outlawes he approaching heares , that may his body wound , or take his head away . if i should heare a lyon neare me roare , i 'de arme my selfe , though i with wounds were sore , and what i had not leasure then to cure , would seek to heale , when i of life were sure . in times of trouble all must look for crosses ; and they must ●eare , who cannot shift their losses ▪ there may be smart by what we s●ffer shall ; but , better smart , then not to be at all . when i do think a blow my head may harme , i 'le ward it off although it break mine arme ; for , though my arme be lost , yet i may l●ve ; but , on my head , a blow my death may give . i am not so besotted , as to think , we ought to give the wanton pall at drink , vntill the head be giddy , ( left it may bring all the body head●ong to decay ) nor praise i them that are so over-wise , to spare what shall be need●ull to suffise the gen'rall want ( although to needlesse ends , some private h●nd , the publike wealth dispends ) this , only , is the scope of my petition , that all be done with love , and with discretion . for , we must understand , that m●ny things which are not just in us , are just in kings ; and , that it is a kind ●f trait ' rousnesse , to give them more then due , as well as lesse . they , who deny the king free pow'r to do what his republikes weale conduceth to , because some law ga●nsayes ; ev'n those deprive their sov'raigne of a due prerogative ; since , for the common good , it just may be , that some injustice may be done to me , or any few . moreover , men that say kings may do more , then of true right they may , and that no law doth bound them ; make a king and him that is a tyrant , all one thing . in my opinion , these men are like those who in sweet meats , a poison do enclose that kils a twelvemonths after . t is as tho we should affirme , that god may evill do if so he please . it is a needlesse pow'r that serves for nothing , but to help devoure the owner . yea , it is as if we ●hould prepare our f●iend all instruments we could , wherewith if he should sick , or foolish grow , he might have meanes himselfe to overthrow . and they who to themselves this pow'r do take , do silken halters , and gilt ponyards make for their owne throa●s : or , nero-like to kill themselves , with poisons , golden viols fill . for , though a ri●hteous king will never stray from what is just ( though none with hold him may ) because he to himselfe becomes a l●w ; yet , vicious princes , thence , occas●on draw to perpetrate that act which them d●prives , o● kingdomes , lives , and all prerogatives . and they that were as wise as solomon , or as vpright as david , being gone , may leave a son or grandchild , as did they whose wilfulnesse shall cast t●n tribes away . and , then , their trait●rous couns●ll curse he will , who told him , he had pow'r of doing ill . for , though such couns●llors may think they doe their sov'raignes honor , and much pleasure too , in over straining their prerogatives ; yet are they to their honor , states and lives , egregious tra●tors ; since a plot they lay , whereby thei● princes shall themselves betray to th●ir owne follies ( if they vicious grow ) yea , by this meanes they l●nd a pois●ned blow to king , and realme ; which while the traitors live , will ea●e to some impos●ume seeme to give , or cure a wart , upon the body bred , and , fester to the heart when they are dead . abhor ye these ; and do not favour th●se that would their king mor● n●rrowly enclose th●n shall be honora●le , or befits his majesty that as god's viceroy fits . when he compelled by necessities , requireth of his people due supplies . they must be had : although some oversight , forepast , may make it seeme to wrong the right and freedomes of the land ▪ we are not bound to keep a priviled●e , that shall confound both us and all our l●berties . they have no blame , tha● yeeld up what they cannot save without a greater losse : nay , wise is he that serves on● day , to be for ever free . your wisdomes may , at ease , a course invent to ple●se the king yet make no president to future tim●s , from whence there shall arise infringement of our lawfull liberties ; or to our cause reproach : an● , to be taught you need not , ●f together you were brought , according to the freedome of e●ection : for , no man then would need my poore direction . but , th●re shall full be some th●t will in●rude , and i for their instruction , am thus rude . some cry , the land is poore , and cannot give . t is poore indeed : and yet i do beleeve few kingdomes are so rich . ●is poore become , respecting that innumerable sum o● our arrear'd repen●ance , yet u●paid . t is poore , if all our vertue should be weigh'd with what is wanting : or , if we compare ou● worthies , living now , with such as were . t is poore , if we on those r●fl●ct our eyes , on whom the labour of this k●n●dome lies : those people , whom our great and wealthy ones have rackt , opprest , and eaten to the bones , to fatten and ado●ne their carkesses ; the land ( i must confesse ) is poore in these . nay , if we should consider , what a rate the richer sort among us liveth at ; how many needlesse wayes they do enlarge ( without all temperance ) their yearly charge : and how each one his humor to enjoy , doth emulate his friend in ev'ry toy . or , were it heeded well , how out of measure some wast their fortunes on a wicked pleasure ; ev'n ( otherwhile ) for that which for a bubble of mirth , doth bring them halfe an ages trouble : or , were it well observ'd what beggeries , what shifts , what basenesse , what necessities , this brings on those that richest men are thought : what costly suits and troubles it hath brought ; and how indebted and ingag●d they stand to one another quite throughout the land. these things , i say , consider●d , well we may affirme this realme is beggerly : and say the rich are poore . but , he this i le belies who taxeth it of other poverties . yes , he or blinded is , or maketh l●sse ( to gods dishonor ) out of wilfulnesse , his matchlesse bounty . what one kingdome , yeelds th●ough europe , in barnes , granards , stalls , and fields , of cattell and of corne , in ev'ry kind , more plenty , then among us , yet we find ? where do their gardens or their orchards beare , more fruits , for food or physi●● then are here ? our sheep , fine wools enough afford us do , to cloath ou●selves , and other nations too . and , by their golden fleeces bring in sums as la●ge , as any that from india comes . our b●es do gathe● honey from our flowers ; our meads are fruitfull by our aprill showers . within the land rich minerals do lie ; our ayre hath fowle , in great variety . in stately pallaces , we doe abound ; with many townes ▪ our hills and dales are crown'd : in woods , and groves , this kingdome hath excelled , ( and , some yet stand though most of thē are felled ) faire ports we have ▪ sweet rivers , and the sea● surrounding us ; and wealth comes in by these . our fruitfull waters fish enough doth yeeld to feed us , though we had nor grove , nor field . yea did we riot lesse , and labour more , our fish alone , would feed us all at shore . if yet , this kin●dome needy seeme to be , goe looke upon her cities , and there see and marke , their costly piles , their precious wares , what choice , and store of rarities appeares within their magazines . observe their state ; their clothes , their jewels , furniture and plate ; and tell me , if they doe not signifie that there is farre more pride , then poverty . gold , silver , pearles and diamonds doe glare and glitter in your eye-sight , ev'ry where . himselfe disgrac't the meanest cobler thinks , vnlesse his beere and wine in plate he drinkes , and eates in silver . yea , the poorest ones must of that mettall have their bowles or spoones : on every thing , almost , pure gold is spilt . the meanest instruments are hatcht , or gilt . their servants , in their garments are as gay , as if that all the week● were holy day . their feastings are abundant , and their pleasure , maintained is not , with a little treasure . but , cities are the treasuries you 'l say , wherein the kingdomes riches up we lay survey the country then , and tell me where the rusticke villages replenisht are with such faire booties . other kingdomes have their cities , peradventure rich and brave , but in their scattered villages , we see that few or none , save peasants dwelling be , possessing nor good house , nor houshold stuffe , nor comely clothes , nor wholesome food enough . our farmes are stor'd with usefull implements enough to purchase all the tenements , and lands in many forraigne realms , that are as large as this our cou●try doth appeare . of yron , and of brasse enough have we to buy their gold . our pewter should not be exchanged for their fi●v●r ; if all were summ'd up , that 's found with ev'ry cottager : nay , there be many houses in this land that in remote obscurity doe stand , which to the foe would yeeld a richer prize then many townships which they might surprize on other shores : and yet , some doe not shame with poverty , this iland to defame . war threatens us ; and we of want complaine , not knowing how our safeties to maintaine : yet we doe nothing want that may conduce in warre or peace , to serve a needfull use . armes , victualls , men , and money we have store ; yet , still , we falsly cry that we are poore . we are so greedy , that we will not spare , to save the hogge , one farthing worth of tarre . gods blessings we so long time have abused that now we know not how they should be used . or else we thinke each other so unjust , that no man knows with whom the meanes to tru●t . oh! pray to god , to take away the cause of these distempers ; and to breake the maze in which we wander . for , like those we fare , who sitting at a banquet , starved are . if we had peace with god , and could agree , this kingdome which so needy seemes to be , might with her superfluities maintaine far greater armies , then the king of spaine , with all his indies . we might begger him , and make all who feare him , to contemne his winning projects ; if we had but eyes to see and take the course that open lies . it is his gold encreasing his ambition , which to the christian world will bring perdition : and if prevention longer we delay , ( or if we doe not find a better way then yet is trod ) the current of his pow'r will grow so strong , that it will all devoure . for , w●ere a streame runs broad , and swift , to stop his fury there , i see but little hope . materials both for war and peace , must come to him from divers quarters ; for at home his country yeelds him little . but the yeare as it renewes , with us , reneweth here our food and rayment ; and though no supplies come in , a staple of commodities our iland is , which both in war and peace will still be in request , and still encrease . let therefore those who on t●e continent doe feare him , use their utmost to prevent his greatnesse there ; and let our sea-gi●t ile ( forbearing on land forces for a while , to spend their strength ) intirely bend their pow'r , ( as in preceding times ) the seas to scoure : for , with more profit , and a lesser charge , that shall our lost advantages enla●ge , and , make his armies , which are now so strong , draw ba●k , decay , and mutiny , e're long . were we resolv'd our course this way to bend , of our maine stock we needed not to sp●nd one moitie . for , halfe of what is lost , within this kingdome ( sav'd ) would quit that cost , let all , according to the port they beare , forbeare but one vaine feast in ev'ry yeare : let ev'ry houshold , for the publike wealth , ( which also would advance the bodies health ) fast but one meale a week , and separate the price thereof , for service of the state : or spare from their full boards of fl●sh or fish , the dressing , or the sawce , but of one dish : le● us but lay one lace or gard the lesse vpon our clokes ; or save the co●●l●nesse in our ap●arell , which we well might spare , yet , no defect upon the same appeare : let us ●ese●ve but halfe the ●ithe of those ●xpences trifled ou● in gam●s and showes ; which do not only needl●sse charge encrease , but still the kingd●me full of idlen●sse : o● these , and many other such expences , ( which wast our wealth , and multiply offences ) i● we but part would give ; perhaps , that cost would save our lives , and all , from being lost . tobacco ( which the age that went before , nor knew , nor needed ) doth expend us more then would maintaine an army : for , few think how much there is consum'd in smoake and stink . pride is so c●stly , that if ev'ry girle should give t●e worth but of one lace or purle , which trims her crosse cloth , it would sailes provide ●or halfe the ships which now at plimouth ride h●d we but ev'ry forfeiture that 's due , ●●om those of our notorious drunken crue ; or , ●f the value were together got , although but of their twentieth needlesse pot , i am perswaded it aflote would set a greater fleet then we have armed yet . the very oaths which we may daily heare , ( the men , the women , and the children sweare ) if thundred forth together ; would rore louder , ●hen all our cannons : and , great shot and powder , much more then would at ●ea and land suffise , might purchas● be , by halfe the penalties which might be justly taken ; if we had r●g●rd to execute the l●wes we made . god grant that of his honor , and of what conce●nes the gen'rall safety of the state , we m●y mo●e zealous grow ; and that some course may stop that mischiefe , which ye● wax●th worse . and th●t f●om this , or from some better light , the meanes of ●eformation tak● we might : of which i hopefull am , and that e're long , our commonwealth shall sing a sweete● song . when such ● time i see i shall be sure t●es● lines , oh ! england , will thy love procure ; and , i who for thy weale this paines bestow , shall find more favour then 〈◊〉 for now ▪ yea , then shall i t●at yet have beene desp●s'd , ●ewa●led dye ; o● , li●e much better priz'd . but not till then : no● shall i live to v●ew thy sorrowes ended , ● thou do not ●ue thy sins with speed ▪ oh! the 〈…〉 he to turne ●o god , ●hat he may t●rne to thee . b●s●●ch him , england , to unclose thine eyes , and let thee see in what thy sicknesse lies . ●mplore thou him to mollifie thy heart , thy children from their f●llies to divert , and , break tho●● chaines of ignorance and sin ▪ which at th●s present thou ly'st fetterd in . endeavor to be friends with god againe : and , he will all thy furious foes restrain● . thy faulty members , who doe now disturb thy peace ; he either will remove or curb . those g●ces thou perceivedst heretofore adorne thy soveraigne , shall be hid no more by those darke fogs which from ●hy sins do rise , for , god will take the skales from oft th●ne eyes . on thee , his countenance againe ●hall shine ; that thou maist la●d him in a song divine : and , th●y who now lament thy ●ad ●st●te , in hym●es of joy shall praise thy happy fate . the eighth canto . our poet having ●oucht againe wh●t fr●il●ies in hims●lfe remaine , d●cl●res , th●t many plagues doe steale as well on chu●ch , as commonweale : rel●tes wh●t cro●che●s doe possesse some , who religionsn●sse professe : w●at n●ysome ●lants , what tares and weeds , a●e sprung , ●o choake the holy seeds : wh●t fai●ed zeale , and affectation , h●th fool'd this formall generation : and , how from some , great scandall growes , who ●eare the keyes , that bind and loose . next , he delivereth predictions of plague , of sorrowes and afflictions , which on this ●●and will descend , vnl●sse our manners we amend . and , whensoever civill j●rs , or mischiefes , by the rage of wars , oppresse this realme ; his muse doth show ▪ who shall occasion it ; and how . which fearfull iudgement to prevent , he calls upon her to repent : by ●en apparant signes , hath showne , gods patience nigh expir'd is growne : then , for the publike-wea●e , he prayes : then , for himselfe ; and , there he stayes . i doe not wo●der , as i e●st have don● , that when the prophet ionas should have gone to n●niveh , gods word he disobey'd , and would himselfe to tha●sus have convey'd : for , i have now a sense how flesh and blood the motions of the holy ghost withstood , and feele ( me thinks ) how many a likely doubt the devill , and his frailty , found him out he was a man ( thoug● he a prophet were ) in whom no li●tle weaknesse did appeare : and , thus he thought , perchance , what shall i doe ? astrange at●empt my heart is ur●ed to : and , there is somewhat , earnestly incites that i sho●ld hasten to the ninivites , and , preach , that if they alter not their wayes , their time of standing ▪ is but forty dayes , my soule perswadeth god injoynes me to it ; and sle●pe in peace , i cannot ▪ till i doe it : b●t common reason strivet● to rest●aine th● motion , and p●rswade● me tis in vaine . i● saith , i am a sin●er ▪ and so fraile , that , many times , my best endeavors f●ile to rectifie my s●lfe . how shall i then be hopefull of recl●iming other men ? to isr'el ● have threa●ne● many yeares gods judgements : yet , no fruit thereof appearess although the , hav● some knowledg● of the lo●d , and are within his league , they sleight ●is word : what hope then is there , that a he●then nation will prove regardfull of my exhortation ? the stile of prophet , in this land i cary , and such a calling , here , is ordinary ; but , in a forraigne state , what warranty have i , to publ●sh such a prophesie ? how may th● king and people take the same , if i shall in the open streets d●fame so great a city ? and , condemne for sin , a place wherein i never yet have bin ? if i shall say , the lord comm●nded me : then , they perhaps , will answer : what is he ? for , they professe him not . nay , some suspition they may conceive , that i to mo●e sedition am sent among them . or , if otherwise they sh●ll suppose ; how can they but d●s●ise my person , and my counsell , who shall from so f●r a place , som●ere a stranger come , that no man knowe● , or what or who i am , or from what countr● , or from w●om i came ? such thoughts ( belike ) delay'd ▪ and fear'd him so ; and , so the spirit urg'd him still to go for n●niveh ; that nor to goe , nor stay , could he resolve : but , fled another way . from which rebellious course , god fetcht him back with such a vengeance , that he did not lack sufficient proofes , how reason did betray him , and , in his calling ▪ causlesly aff ay him . yea ( mark heav'ns providence ) thou●h io●as went another way , it crost not god's intent , but furthred it . for , doubtl●sse , e're he came to niniveh , the miracle and fame of his deliverance , was s●nt before ; and , made his preaching worke on them the more . now , though i doe nor arrogate , nor dare my selfe ( except in frailties ) to compare with blessed ionas : yet , i may be bold to say , o●r causes a resemblance hold ▪ my heart ( and when that moves , as one averres , it more prevailes then many counsellers ) my heart ( i say ) perswaded me e're while , to reade a warning lecture to this i le . and in such manner moved ; that , to say it came from god , me thinks , be bold i may . yet , my owne nat'rall frailty , and the world , among my ●houghts so many doubtings hurld , that ev'ry step had rubs . i lev●ll'd some in my last canto . yet , i could not come to eaven ground , till i had overtopt some other mountaines which my passage stopt . beware , said reason , how thou u●dertake this hazardous adventure , which to make thou hast resolv'd . for , this wise age denies that god vouchsafed any prop●●sies concerning them ; or , that the application of ought for●told , pertaineth to this nation . she saith , my constancy is no true si●ne that god first moved this intent of mine ▪ since hereti●ks , and t●aytors oft are seene as bold in all their causes to have beene as martyrs be . and , that for what they d●e ▪ they can pretend t●e holy ●p●●it too . and she pe●s●ades , t is likely i shall passe ( at best ) for on● that much deluded was she saye● , more●ver , that if these times be indee● , so wicked , as they seeme to me , i shall in stead of movin● to repent , nought else but stir their fury , and be rent perhaps in pieces , by their hasty ●●age . for , what 's more likely in a wicked age ? when people in their sins grow hardned once , she sayes i may as well goe talke to s●ones , as tell them ought . for , they are in the dark ; and , what they see and heare , they do not ma●k . she urged that the prophets in old times did speak in vaine against the peoples crimes ; and if in them their words bega● no faith , much lesse will such as mine , my re●son saith . she tells me also , that this i le hath store of prophets , and of preachers never more : she sayes that thou●● 〈◊〉 calling none suspect , their paines appeare to take but small ●ffect● : and , if suc● men authorized as they , doe cast their words , without successe , away ; in vaine my muse ( whose wa●rant most contemne ) doth seeke to work more piety in them . a t●ousand things unto the like effect , yea , all and more then any can object , ( who shall peru●e this book ) my reason brought before me , and objected to my thou●ht . and , as a pilgrim ( who occasions hath to take some extraordinary path ) arivall making a●a double way , is doubtfull whether to proceed or stay : so fared i ; i was nigh tired quite , before i could be c●rtaine of the right . yea , twixt my doubts , and all those replies which in my meditations did ari●e ; i so amazed grew , i could not know which way it best befitted me to goe . but , at the last , god brought me thorow all my doubts and feares , as through the storm & wha●● , once ionas came : that so , all they , who are ordained for their good , these lines to heare , the more may profit , when they think upon what straits i passed , e're this work was done : to that intent my frailties i h●ve so insisted on , as in this book i do . yea , i am hopefull also , they that read these lines of mine ( and mark with how much heed and christian awfulnesse , my heart was won to censure and reprove as i have done ) will plainly see , these numbers flow not from fantastick rashnesse ; nor from envy come ▪ nor spring from faction ; neither we 〈◊〉 by their distracted zeale , who ( knowing not what spirit guides them ) often are beguiled with shewes of truth ; and madly have rev●led both good and ill : and whose unsavory rimes defames mens persons more then che●k their crimes . dishonour kings ; their sacred names blaspheme ; and having gain'd some notions in a dreame , or by report ( of what they know not well ) desire their gid●y thoughts abroad to tell : in hope to merit : as in deed they doe , sometime the pillory , and g●llowes too . i trust , i say , these lines will seeme no such ; or , if they doe , truth is ▪ i ●are not mu●h , because i certaine am what pow'● infused those matters , whereupon i now have muzed : and know , that none will these or me condemne , but they whose rage and follies i contemne . yet , that they may be sure i neither care who c●nsures me , nor what their censures are , ( when honest things i doe ) here , somewhat more i 'le adde to what is me●tioned before : and give thee , britaine , a more perfect sight of thy distempers , and thy sickly plight . yea , thou shalt know , i have not seene alone a bodily consumption ste●ling on , and was●ing of thy temporalties ▪ but , that i also have discovere●●f late , a lethar●y upon thy soule to steale : and that as well the church as commonweale doth need a cure . oh! doe not quite neglect the good of both ; but ▪ one ( at least ) respect . though iudahs sicknesses unheeded be , ( although thy t●mporall wounds afflict not thee ) yet ▪ looke on syon : yea , behold and see thy spiritual●ies ▪ how much empair'd they be . the churches pa●●●mony is decay'd ; and many a one is in her spoiles araid : those patrons ( as we terme them in this age ) who of her dowries have the patronage , doe rob and cheat her , many times of all ; and , their donations basely set to sale . those cananites , whom thou pres●rvest here , ( and by thy lawes to be expelled were ) are in thy borders now so multiply'd , that they are thornes and thistles in thy side . they are become a serpent in thy path , which bites unseene ; and nigh unhorsed hath some able riders . on thy places-high thy people do commit idolat●y ▪ and reare strange altars . in thy fields are found those cunning harmfull foxes to abound , that spoile thy vines . and , some i have espy'd , twixt whose oppo●ed t●les , are f●●ebrands ●y'd , which waste thy fruits . thy ha●v●st se●meth fai●e ; but secret blasting● doe so much impai●e and blite the corne ; that when it come● to bread , thy childr●n oft unwholsomly are fed . men use religion as a stalking-horse to catch preferment ; yea , sometime to wor●e and baser uses they employ the same ; like that bold harlot , who quite , 〈…〉 did of her vowes , and her peace of●●ngs make a sinne , lascivious customers to take . yea , some ( resembling him , from whom was cast one devill ) when one sin they ●ave d●splac't ▪ of which the world took notice , sw●ep a●d ●l●nse themselves ( in show ) from a●l thei● other si●s ; yet secretly , let sathan reposs●sse , and foul● them with a seve●-fold wi●kedne●●● . an univ●rsall dulnesse will ●enu● thy senses , if thou doe not soone become more heed●ull of thy state , then thou a●t yet : for , ev'●y pa●t hath ●elt an ague-fit . thy academs , which are the famous places in which all pious knowledges and graces shóuld nourisht be ▪ and whence thy chiefe supply of teachers , com● , ( as f●om a nurse●y ) ev'n those faire ●ountaines are much tainted grown , with doctrines hardly found , which thence are blown through ev'●y quarter . in their schooles are heard vaine ●●ggs and jangling● , worthlesse of regard . the ●very pulpi●s , and their oratories , are stages , whereupon their owne vainglo●ies men often act . yea , many a vaine conceit , is brought in stead of arguments of weight : and ( which is worse ) disorder is so rise among them ; and the weeds of evill life have so o'regrowne those gardens , that ( unlesse good government shall speedily redresse that spreading mischiefe ) it will overtop the plants of syon , and destroy her crop . to be thy shepheards , wolves are stolen in ▪ and , thou hast those who ev'n by day begin to sow their tares among thy purest se●d ; and , with mixt graines thy lands pollution breed . for hire and money ▪ prophesies the prophet : the priest do●h preach , to make a living of it , ev'n meerly for a living ; and , ●ut few th●ir holy charge , for co●science sake pursue : w●ich i by many signes could make apparent , but t●at it is not yet wi●hin my warrant . loq●untur c●rae leves ▪ little cures doe 〈…〉 preach , whilst poverty endures . ing●nt●s s●upent ; but , large livings make our doctor● dumb : condemne not my mistake : for , though i doe the lat●ne sent●nce wrong , that 's true i tell ●ou in the engl●sh●ongue ●ongue . our n●tion , which of l●te prophanenes●e ha●ed , is in that sin almost itali●nated . the scriptures without reverence are used : the ho●y phrase , in jestings ▪ is abused : to flout , or praise , or cu●se , we ●an apply gods holy word , most irrel●giously : instead of emblem●s , moving thoughts divi●e , the filthy pictures of lewd aret●ne , are found in many clossets . foolishlies , prophane and most lasciviou : ele●●es are publike made . yea , those whom heretofore a heathen emperour did so abhor , that he ▪ for them , their wanton author sent to undergoe perpetuall banishm●nt : ev'n these , we reade ; and worse then those , by far , all●wed passe , and unreproved are . nay , their vaine authors often cherisht be : at l●●st , they have the favour to goe free . but , if a graver muse reprove thei● sin , lord , with what hasty zeale they call it in ! how libellous they make it ! and how vile , thou know'st ; and at th●ir fol●y thou dost smile . full war●ly , the politick divi●e , ( who should allow it ) scanneth ev'ry line before it passe ; each phrase he doth su●pect ; although he findeth nothing to be chekt , he feares to licence it and if by chan●e it passe abroad , forthwith doth ignorance mistake or mis●pply ; and false and bade constructions are , of good expressions made . yea , they who on the ●ea●s of iud●emen● fit , are o●t , most ready , to miscensure it . i would they were as fo●ward to disgrace those autho●s , who have filled ev'ry place with fruitlesse volumes . for d●spersed are ev'n qui●e throughout this iland ev'ry yeare , ev'n many thousand reames of scurri●e toyes , songs , rymes and ●allads , whose vaine use destroyes or hinders vertuous knowledge , and d●votion . and this we doe to f●●ther the promotion of our diana . yet , behold , if we to publish some few sheets required be , containing pyous hymns , or christian songs , or ought which to the praise of god belongs : we doe so feare the hindrance of our gaine , that like th' ephesian silver-smiths , we faine a great complaint . as if to have enlarged a little booke , had grievously o're charged the common-weal●h . whereas if it were weigh'd , how much o● late this land is overlaid with ●●iviall volumes : ●r , how much they doe corrupt our manners , and religion too , by that abusive matter they containe ; i should not seeme unjust●y to complain● these times do swarme with pamphlets w●ich be far more dangerou● , then mo●tall poysons are ev'n in thos● bookes , whereby the simple thought to fi●d t●u● knowledg● th●y their bane have caught : for , thence , strong heresies ( there b●ing hid amid some doub●l●sse truths , a while unspid ) steal out among the people , by degrees ; more mis●hi●fe working then each reader sees . and , so , to ruine knowledge ▪ that is made an instrum●nt ; whereby it rais●ng had for ( by their lucre , who the chu●ches peace d●sturb , their p●ivate profit to encre●se ) tho●e doctrines which are unauthori●ed , are so promiscuously divulg'd , and spread , among approved v●rities ; that some are in those lab●rinths amaz'd become : and ▪ such a contradiction is in that wh●ch their confused pamphlets doe relate ; that , common readers , know not which to leave , nor , which the church of england doth receive . and , f●om this mischiefe many others flow , which will , in future tim●s , more ha●mfull grow . this , spins vaine controversies to their length ; by this , most heresies receive their strength . and what distraction it already makes , our grieved mother wofull n●tice take● . in stead of active knowledge , and her fruit ▪ this filleth men with itching● of dispute , and empty words ; whereby are set abroach a thousand quarrells , to the truths reproach . the sectaries , the mun●ey●s , and the apes , the cubs and foxes , which do mar o●r grape● ; the wolves in sheep-skins , and our frantick rable of worship-mongers , are innumerable . and , as the churches quiet they molest , so they each other spightfully infest . we have some papists : some that halfe way goe : some semi-puritans ; some ▪ w●olly ●o ; some anabap●ists ; some , who doe refu●e black puddings ; and good porke ; like a●rant i●wes : some also term'd arminians are among our priests and people , ve●y lately sprung . what most , so call'd , professe , i stand not for : and what some say they teach , i doe abhor ▪ ●ut , what som● other , so misnam'd , beleeve , is that whereto best christians credit give . for , as we see the most reformed man , by libertines , is term'd ● puritan : so ( by our purblinde formalists ) all those who new fantastick crotchets doe oppose , begin to be mis-term'd arminians now . and , hence e're long will greater mischieves grow then most imagine . for , the foolish feare , lest they to be arminians may app●are , or else be termed puritans , will make great multitudes religion quite forsake . and , i am h●lfe perswaded , thi● will on● of those great schismes ( or ea●●hquakes ) cause which 〈◊〉 foretold in his apocalyps ; and they are bl●st , who shall not thereby fall away ▪ some brownists , and some familists have we ; and some , that no man can tell what they be ; nor they themselves . some , seeme so wondrous pur● they no mens conversations can endure , vnlesse they u●e their plaistrings , and appeare in ev'ry formall garbe which th●y sh●l● w●are ▪ the●e be of those who in their words de●y , and hate t●e practice of idol●try , yet make an idol of their form●l● z●ale , and underneath strict holin●ss● , c●nceale a mystery of evill , whi●h dece●ve● them , and , when they think all ●a●e in danger le●ves th●m ▪ their whole religion , some d●e pla●e in hea●i●g : some , in the ou●w●●d action o● fo●b●aring ill deeds ; or in wel doing ▪ though the heart in t●at performance beare ●o ●eall pa●t . some othe●s , of th●i● mo●●ll action , make small conscience : and , affirme that god doth take no notice how in body they transgresse , if him they in th●i● inward man conf●sse : as i● a soule b●loved could reside wit● in a body quite unsanctifi●e . some , not contented in t●e ●ct of sin , are growne ●o impudent , that they begin to justifie th●ms●l●es in wickedn●sse ; or , by quaint ●rguments , to make it lesse : and , by such monsters , to such ends as this , the christian-liberty defamed is . n●w fanglednesse , religion hath o'rethrowne ; and , many as fantastica●l are growne in that as in ●pparell . some , deligh● in nothing more then to be opposite to other men : their zeal they wholly spend the present government to reprehend ; the churches discipline to v●lifie ; and raile , at all , which pleads antiquitie . they love not peace : and therefore have suspition of truth it selfe , if out of persecution : and are so thankleffe , or so heedlesse be of gods great love , in giving such a free and plenteous meanes of publishing his word , that , what his prophets of the iewes record , some verefie in us . much praise is given to that b●inde age , wherein the queene of heav'n was worshipt here . and , f●lsly , we ●xtoll those dayes , as being much more plenti●ull . some , at the frequency of preach●ng gru●ch , and , tyred with it , thinke wee have too much : nay , impudently practise to suppr●sse that exercise , and make our plenty lesse . and , that their d●ings may not want some ●ayre or goodly coulor , they doe call for pray'r , in stead thereof ; as if we could not pray , vntill our preaching we had sent away . as these are foolishly , or lewdly , wise ▪ we have some othe●s wantonly precise . so way wardly dispos'd , amidst our plenty , and through their curiositie , so dainty ; that , very many cannot w●ll dig●st the bread of life , but in their m●nner drest . now will gods manna , or that measure serve which he provides ; but , they cry out they starve , vnlesse they feed upon their owne opinions , ( vvhich are like egypts ga●licke and her oynions ) some like not prayer that 's ext●mporary ▪ s●me love not any t●a● s●t fo●me 〈◊〉 ●ary . some thinke there 's no devotion , but in those that howle , or whine , or snuffle in the no●e ; as i that god vouchsafed all his graces for ●●ined gestures , or for sowre faces . some think not that the man , who gravely teacheth , or hath a sober gesture when he preacheth , or gentle voyce : hath any zeal in him , and the●efore , such like preachers they contemne . yea , th●y suppose that no mans doctrine saves the soule of any one , unlesse he raves , and rores aloud , and flings , and hurleth so as if his armes he quite away would throw ; or over-leap the pulpit ; or els breake it : and this ( if their opinion true may make it ) is to advance their voyces trumpet-like ▪ a● god commands : yea , this ( they say ) doth strike sinne dead . vvhereas , indeed , god seldome goes in whi●lwinds : but is in the voyce of those vvho speake in meeknes . and it is not in the pow'r of ●oyse to shake the walls of sinne : for clamors , ●ntique actions , writhed looke● ▪ and such like mi●●micke rhetoricke none brooke● that hath discretion : neyther doth it move the heart of any , when we so reprove ; ex●ept it be in some contrary motion , which interrupts the hearers good devotion . the well aff●ct●d christian pit●ies it ; it makes prophanest men 〈◊〉 naught to set god● o●dinance . mee●e mor●ll men despise such affectation : much it ter●●ies the ignorant : but very few srom thence rece●ve sound knowledge , or ●ive penitence . some relish nothi●g , but those points th●● are in controversie : some would nothing heare but songs of mercy ; some , del●●h● i● none but sons of th●nder ; and sc●rc● any one is pleas'd in what he heares . nay , of th●i● preachers , m●cha●●●k arroga●e to be their teachers . yea most of us , what 〈◊〉 our pastor sayes , keepe sti●l ●ur owne opinions and our wayes . to heare and know gods word , to some among our nation , seemeth only to belong to clergymen ; and , their implicite faith is built on what the common rumour saith . some others fill'd w●th curiosity affirme that ev'ry sev'rall mystery within gods book included , doth concerne ev'n each particular christian man to learne : whereas they might as well affirme , each guest that is invited to a publike feast , is bound the sev'rall dishes there to heed , and upon ev'ry meat b●fore him feed . nay , some have almost this imagination , that there is hardly hope of their salvation ▪ who speake not hebrew . and , this now adayes , makes foolish women , and young prentises to learn● that holy tongue ▪ in which they grow as cunning as doe those who nothing know , save to be arrogant , and to cont●mne those pastors , who have taken charge of them . the appetite of some growes dull , and ●ailes , vnlesse it m●y be pampered with quailes ; high flying crotchets , which we see d● fill not halfe so m●ny soul●s as they do kill we cannot be content to make our flights , for that which god exposeth to our sights , and search for that which he is pleas'd to show , but , we must also p●y , what god doth know . w●i●h ●as inde●d an a●c●ent fallacy o● sathans ; and the v●●y same whereby he cheated eve. from seeking to disclose beyond our warrant , what god only knowes , proceedeth many erro●s . thence doth come most questi●ns that have troubl●d christendome . yea , searching things conceal'd , hath overthrowne the comfo●table use o● what is knowne . hence flow●s their fruitlesse fond asseveration , who blundred on eternall reprobation , and many groundlesse whimsies have invented , whereby much better muzings are prevented . of reprobation i no doubt have made ; yet , those vaine quarrellings which we have had , concerning her , and her antiquity , ( but that the world hath wise● fooles then i ) appeares to me to bring so little fruits , that i suppose i● fitter for disputes in hell ( amo●g the reprobated ●rue ) then for a church of christia●s to pursue : at least to braule about wi●●●●ch hot rage , as hath poss●●● so●e ●p●rits of this age . for , some have u●g●d this p●●nt of ●e●●obation , as if the chi●●e●● ground-w●●k of salvation depended on ●●●e●ving , just , as they ( deluded by their fancies ) please to say . and , though they n●ver found god● holy wo●d did any mention of the same affo●d , but , as of that which did begin since time ; and with respect to s●me committed crime : they , nathelesse , their strengths together gather , to prove the child is older then the fat●er . and , since that f●tall thr●d , there , finds her spinning , but from of old ; at fa●thest from b●ginning : they reprobation , otherwhile confound with our predestination : which is found no where in all the scripture ▪ to ●e●pect the reprob●tes , but ●nely gods elect. and then they are compeld to p●ove the sense of their dar●e tenet , by an inference ; and to affirme ( ●rom ●eason ) that election eternall , doth infer the like ●ejection . ( as if an action of eternity , were fit to square out shallow reasons , by ) which a●gument because it hath not tak●n true faith , to ground on , may with ease be shaken ▪ their tottering structure , there●ore , up to keep , they into gods fore know●edge boldly peep , beyond his warrant ; searching for decrees and secrets , farther then an angell sees : presuming then , ●s if all things they knew , and had eternity within their view . but , that hath such an infinite extension , beyond their narr●w-bounded comprehension , that , th●●e they wa●●er on , ●ill they are madd : and 〈…〉 lit●le knowledge w●ich they had : fo●●spa● they but m●● men who maintaine the g●●di●-●●●cies of their owne weake braine , for theses of religion , which we must beleeve as they affi●me t●em , or be thrust among the repr●bates ? what lesse , i pray , are they then m●d● , who fool●●heir wits away in wheeling arguments which have no end ? in ●traines which man shall never apprehend ? in seeking what their knowledge do●● exceed ? in vaine disputings , which contentions breed . in strange chymera's , and fantastick notions , that neither stirre us up to good devotions , nor mend our manners ? but our w●yes pervert , distract the iudgment , or puff up ●he heart . if this i may not ●adnes call , or folly , t is ( all the best ) religious-melancholly . what shal we iudg of those who strive to make gods word ( who●e termes and scope they much mistake their proofes for that wh●reof no proofes they are , and sleight these truths , for which the text is clear ▪ what shall we deeme of these , who quite mistaking good authors , ( and their volumes guilty making of what th●y never meant ) do preach and write against those bookes , with rancorous despight , which being well examin'd , say the same which they affirme , and check what they do blame . such men there be , and they great noise haue made by fighting furiously with their owne shade . what may b● thought of them , who likely , ever , in their perverse opinions to persever , take knowledge up on trust : and follow those who leade them on , as wild-ge●●e fly in ●owes ? and when their multitude is waxen great , do then so wilfully prejudicate , become so confid●nt of that they hold , and in their blind assurance , so are bold , that they can brook no tryal● , neither see their oversights , how plaine so ere they be ? but fondly think ( though we beleeve it not ) that they infall●●ilitie h●ve got ? some pious men ; yea , some great doctor● tread , such loabrinths ; and often are misled by holding that which t●ey at fi●st were taught , without due proving all things as they ●ught : and vulgar men are often led awry , by their examples and for company . for , as a trav●ller , that i● to come from some far count●y , through large desarts , h●me ▪ ( not knowing well the way ) is glad to take his course with such who showes of cunning make , and walks along , d●pending s●ill on them , through many a wood , an● over many a streame , t●ll he and they are loft : there to remaine he finds no safety , nor meanes back againe , nor list to leave his company ; because he hopes that nearer homeward still he drawes , and that his guides full sure of passage are , although they cannot well describe it , there . so , when plaine men doe first attempt the way of knowledge , by their guides , they walk as●ray , without distrust ; and when ariv'd they be where many troublesome windin●'s , they do see , and where no certaintie they can b●h●ld , yet , on their leaders knowledge they are bold , o● on their multitude ▪ yea , though they know , and , see them erre , and ●u●ne , and stagger so , ( in da●ksome paths ) that well suppose they may , they rove and wander in an unc●uth way ; yet , still they are unwilling to suspect the wild me of the fathers of their sect. yea , though no satisfaction t●ey can find , though feare , and doubtings ●o affl●ct their mind , they still impute it rat●er to their owne infirmities , or to the depths unknowne of those mysterious points , to mention brought ; but never call in question what is taught : lest being by those teachers terrifide , they might forsaken in d●●p●i●e abide . their doctors , also , fail●ng to d●vise strong arguments , their h●arers to suffice ; this course , to salve their credits , la●e have ●ot ; they say ( forsooth ) faith 's doctrine ●eules not with naturall capac●●ies ; and that the spirit must those men illuminate who shall receive them ▪ and , indeed in this , they doe both say the truth , and say amisse : this is a lesuitish juggling trick , and , if allow'd it be , each lunatick , and ev'ry brain-sick dreamer , by that way , may foist upon us all that he can say . for , though gods holy spirit must create new hearts within us , and regenerate depraved nature , e're it can be able to make our outward hearings profitable ; we must not think that all which fancy saith ( in termes obscure ) are mysteries of faith. nor make the hearers want of pow'r to reach their meanings , to be proofes of what they teach . there is twixt ●en , & that which they are taught , som● naturall proportion ▪ or t is naught ▪ the deepest mystery ●f our profession , is capable of literall expression , as well to r●probates , as men elected ; or else it may of error be suspected yea wicked men a power granted have to understand , although they miscon●eive . and can of d●●kest points make plaine relations , though to themselves they faile in applications . god never yet did bid us take in hand to publish that which none can understand : much lesse affecte●h he a man should mutten rude sounds of that ▪ whose depth he cannot utter ; or in uncertaine termes as many doe , who preach non sense , and oft nonentia too . for those whi●h man to man is bound to show , are such plaine truths , as we by word may know ; which when the hearer can expresse againe , the fruit hath equalled the teachers paine . then , though the soule doth many ●imes conceive ( by faith , and by that word which we receive ) deep mysteries , and that which farre transcends a carnall knowledge : though she a●prehends some glimmerings of those objects , that a●e higher then humane reason ever shall a●pire ; though she hath tastings of th●t blesse●n●s , which mortall tongue could never yet expresse ; and though the soule may have some earn●st g●ven on earth , of what it shall enjoy in heauen ; though god may when he list ( and now and then for cause not ordinary ) to some men vouchsafeth ( for their secret satisfactions ) a few reflections fr●m eternal● actions : t●ough this be so , let no man arrog●te that he such sec●ets can by word relate . for , they are things ▪ of which no voyce can preach ; high flights , to whi●h no mortall wing can reach ; t is gods owne worke , such raptures to convay , to compasse ●h●m there is no other w●y , but by his blessed spirit . and , of tho●e most can we not ; some must we not disclose for , if they onely touch out pri●ate state , they were not sent , that we should them relate ▪ but d●igned that the soule they stren●then might amid the perills of some secret fight ; when men to honor god , or fo● their sinn , the terrors of this life are glun●ed in . and , as it i● reputed of those things . which foolish people thinke some fairy b●ings . so , of euthusiasmes speak i may ; discover them , and straight ●hey flye away . for ▪ thus they fare who boast of revelations , or of the certainty of their salvations , or any ghostly gift , at times or places , which warrant not the mention of such graces : yea , by revealing things which they should hide , they entrance make for over-weening p●ide , and that quite marres the blessing they possest , or , for a while , obscureth it , at best : and yet , if any man shall climbe so high , that they attaine unto a mystery , co●ceiv'd by few ; they may , if they be able , dis●lose it where it may b● profitable , but , they must know , that ( if it be , indeed , of such transcendency , as doth exceed mee●e naturall reaches ) it should be declar'd to none , save unto those who are prepar'd for such conceptions ; and more apt to know them by their owne thoughts , then are our words to show them . else , all they utter will in clouds appeare , and , errors men for truths , away will beare . would this ha● beene observ'd a little more , by some who in our congregations roare of gods unknowne decrees , eternall-callings , of perseverance , and of finall , fallings , and such like mysteries ▪ or else , i would that they their meanings better utter could , ( if well they meant . ) for , though those points afford much comfort and instruction ( as gods word hath mention'd them ) and may applyed be , and opened , when we just occasion see ; yet , as most handle them , who now adayes doe passe for preachers , with a vulgar praise ▪ they profit not : for , this ripe age hath young and forward wits , who by their fluent tongue , and able memories , a way have found to build a house , e're they have laid the ground . with common places , and with notes purloin'd , ( not well applyed , and as ill conjoyn'd ) a garb of preaching these have soone attained , which hath , with many , approbation gained beyond their merit . for , they take in hand those mysteries , they neither understand , nor studied on . and , they have much distracted some hearers , by their doctrines ill compacted : yea , by enquiring out what god fore-sees , and medling much with his unknowne decree● , the churches peace so much disturb'd have they ; so foule and crooked made faiths plainest way ; such scandals rais'd ; and interrupted so . by doubts impertinent , what men should do ; and , their endeavors nullifide , so far , that many of them at a nonplus are . i am not of their minds , who take from this and other things , that are perform'd amisse , o●casion to disparage frequent preaching ; or , to abate our plentiousnesse of teaching : for , of our harvest , lord , i humbly pray , the store of labourers continue may . and , i could also wish , that none were chose to be a seed man , till he truly knowes the wheat from tares ; and is indu'd with reason , and grace , to sow in order , and in season . and that those a●tlesse workmen may be staid , w●o build before foundations they have laid● ▪ lest , when our church well built , suppose we shall , it sink , and overwhelme us in the fall . it pities me to marke what rents appeare within our syon ; and what daubings are to hide the ruines ; and i feare the frame will totter , if we long neglect the same . our watchme● , for the greater pa●t , are growne lesse mindfull of gods honor , t●en their owne : for either almost wholly we omit that worke , or undiscreetly follow it . some , speak the truth , without sincere intention , as they who preach the gospell for contention . some , by their wicked lives do give offence , and harden men in their impenitence . as if nor hell nor heav'n they did beleeve , they riot , game , drink drunk , and whore , and theeve . for avarice , and envy , none are worse ; they are malicious , and blaspheme , and curse , as much as any others . none are more regardlesse of the soule that 's meane and poore ; among their neighbours , none more quarrelsome , or , that more hardly reconcil'd become , then many clergie-men . and as we see they are the best of mon , when good they be ; so , there are none that wander more astray , when they have left a sanctified way . some pastors are too hot ; and some too cold ; and , very few the golden temper hold . some , at the papist with such madnesse fling , as if they could not utter any thing of them too vile ; though ne're so false it were : and , we so used by their iesuits are . some others at the puritan do strike , so furiously , that they are often like to wrong the protestants : for , men impose that name , sometime , upon the best of those . yea , they who are prophane , that name mis-lay on all who make a conscience of their way . some shepheards , on their flocks are go●g'd at full , and sumptuously arayed in their wooll . but , those that are diseas'd , they make not strong ; their sickliest sheepe they seldome come among ; they take no care , the broken up to bind , the sheep that 's lost , they doe not seeke to find ; they let such wander as will run ast●ay ; and , many times their fury so doth f●ay the tender conscience ; that their in●iscretion doth fright their hearers headlong to perdition . gods bounty hath large pastorage provided ; but , they have not his flocks with wisedome guided : for , in the midst of plenty , some be ready to starve in ignorance . some sheep are headdy ; some get the staggers ; some the scab ; and they infect their fellowes . some , the wantons play among the thornes and bryers , which have torne the marks and fleeces , which they should have worn . some straggle from the flock ; and they are straight surpriz'd by wolves , which lye for them in wait . some , sought large feeding , and ran●k pastures got , which prov'd not wholsome ; & they caught the ro● . for , many preach themselves , and fancies broach , that scandall preaching , to the truths reproach . yea , some terme that ( forsooth ) gods word divine , which would halfe shame me , should they terme it mine . and they we see , that longest pray and speak are priz'd of most ( though head nor foot they make ) because the common hearers of this land , think best of that , which least they understand . some , also , by their feet disturb the spring● ; or trample and defile gods pasturings ; and they are either such who make obscure faiths p●inciples ; or , such who●e lives impure prophane their doctrines . other some have we , who ( like the beasts that over gamesome be ) doe push their ●eaker brethren with their hornes ▪ and hunt them from the flock , by wrongs , or scorne . gods horses , also , much neglected are ; and of his sanctuaries , few have care . a barne , or any common house , or roome , is thought as well gods worship to become , as in the churches infancy ; or there , where wants , and wars , and persecutions are . amidst our peace and plenties , we do grutch our oratories should be trimm'd as much as are our vulgar dwellings ; and repine that exercises which are most divine , should with more rites , or ornaments , be done , then when the troublous times afforded none . as if a garden , when the flow'rs are blowne , were still to look as when it first was sowne . to worship so in spirit , we pretend that , in our bodie● , we doe scarcely bend a leg , or move a cap , when there we be , where gods most holy mysteries we see . yea , many seeme so caref●ll to have bin , to let no superstition enter in , that they have , almost , wholly banisht hence , all decency , and pious reverence . the church , by lukewarme-christians , is neglected by brutish athe'sts it is disrespected ; by greedy worldlings , robbed of her fleeces ; by selfe-will'd schismaticks , nigh torne in pieces ; by tyrants , and by infidels opposed ; by her blind guides , to hazard oft exposed ; by hypocrites , injuriously desamed ; and , by the fr●ilties of the best , oft shamed . a pow'r ecclesiasticall is granted to them , full often , who those minds have wanted becomming such authority : and they play fast and loose , ev'n with the churches key . they censure and absolve , as best shall make for their advantage ; not for consc●ence sake . as they shall please , they punish or connive ; and , by the peoples follies they do thrive . of evill customes , many are we see insinuated , and so strict are we to keep them , that we sottishly deny to leave them , for what more would edifie : and we so much do innovations feare , that needfull reformations no●e appeare . we have prophan●d ev'ry holy thing ; ev'n out most christian ●●asts , which are to bring god● mercies to our thou●●t ; and memorize of saving-grace , the sacred mysteri●s : some have ev●n those gain-sayed ; and , in that have evill spoken , of they know not what . some others keep them ; but , as heathnishly , as feasts of bacchus ; and impiety is then so rife , that god is rarely nam'd or thought upon , except to be blasphem'd . by these , and other wayes , the ●hurch doth lose much honor , to the glory of her so●s , and our great sham● and losse : for , her decayes shall be this realmes disprofit , and dispraise . god hath a controversie with our la●d ; and , in an evill plight affaires do stand . already we doe smart for doing ill ; yet , us the hand of god afflicteth still , and many see not ; as many be so wilfull , that his hand they will not see . some , plainly view the same , but nothing care : some , at the sight thereof amazed are like balthazar ; and have a trembling heart , yet , will not from their vanities depart . about such matters , other some are loth their thoughts to busie ( meerely out of sloth ) like him , who rather would in hazard put his life , then rise from bed the doore to shut . some , dreame that all things doe by chance succeed , and that i prate more of them then i need . bu● , heav●● and earth , to witnesse i invoke , that , causlesly , i nothing here have spoke . if this , oh sickly iland , thou beleeve , and for thy great infirmity shalt grieve , and , grieving of thy follies make confessions ; and so confesse thine infinite transgressions , that thou amend those errors : god shall then thy manifold distempers cure agen ; make all thy skarlet sins as white as snow , and cast his threatned judgement on thy foe . but , if thou ( fondly thinking thou a●t well ) shalt sleight this message , which my muse doth tell , and scorne her counsell ; if thou shalt not rue thy former wayes ; but , frowa●dly pursue thy wilfull course : then , harke what i am bold , ( in spight of all thy madnesse ) to unfold . for , i will tell thy fortune ; which , when they that are unborne , shall read , another day ; they will beleeve gods mercy did in●●se thy poets brest with a prophetick muse. and know , that he this author did prefer , to be from him , this iles remembranc●r . if thou , i say , oh britaine ! shalt retaine thy crying sinnes , thou dost presume in vaine , of gods protection . if thou stop thine eare , or burne this rowle , in which recorded are thy just inditements ; it shall written be with new additions , deeply stampt on thee with such characters , that no time shall race their fatall image , from thy scarred face . though haughtily thou dost thy selfe dispos● , becau●e the sea thy borders doth enclose . although upon the rocks thy neast is plac'd ; though thou among the stars thy dwelling hast ; though thou encrease thy ships ; and unto that which is thine owne , with king iehosophat , ioyne ahabs forces . though thou watch and ward , and all thy ports and havens strongly guard ; although thou multiply thy inland forces , and muster up large troups of men and horses ▪ though like an eagle , thou thy wings display'st , and ( high thy selfe advancing ) p●oudly say'st ; i sit aloft , and am so high , that none can ●etch me from the place i rest upon . yea , though thou no advantages didst want , of which the glorioust emperies did vaunt ; yet , sure , thou shalt be humbled and brought low ; ev'n then , perhaps , when least thou fear'st it so . till thou repent , provisions which are made for thy defence , or others to invade , shall be in vaine ; and still , the greater cost thou shalt bestow , the honor that is lost shall be the greater ; and thy wasted strength , be sick of a consumption , at the length . thy treaties , which for peace or profit be , shall neither peace , nor profit , bring to thee . or , if thy counsels prosper for a while , god will permit it , onely to beguile thy foolishnesse ; and tempt thee on , to run some courses , that will bring his iudgement on . yea , all thy winnings shall but fewell be , to feed those follies that now spring in thee ; and make ( with vengeance ) those the more enrag'● who shall for thy correction be engag'd . what ever threatned in gods book ha●h bin , against a wicked people for their sin , shall come on thee : his hand shall be for ill , on ev'ry mountaine , and high-raised hill. thy lofty cedars , and thy sturdy oake● , shall feele the fury of his thunder-stroakes . vpon thy ships , thy havens , and thy ports , vpon thy armes , thy armies , and thy forts , vpon thy pleasures and commodities , thy crafts mechanick , and thy merchandize ; on all the fruits , and cattell in thy fields , on what the ayre , or what the water yeelds , on prince , and people ; on both weak , and strong ▪ on priest , and prophet ; on both old , and yong ; yea , on ea●h person , place , and ev'ry thing , the plague it hath deserved god shall bring . what ever thou dost hope , he frustrate shall ; and , make what e're thou fearest , on thee fall . this pleasant soyle , wherein such plenty growes , and where both milke and honey overflowes , shall for thy peoples wickednesse be made a land as barren , as what never had such plenties in it . god shall drive away thy pleasant fowles , and all those fish that play within thy waters ; and for whose great store some other nations would have prais'd him more . those rivers , that have made thy vallies rich , sh●ll be like sh●ames of ever-bu●ning pitch . thy dust , ●s br●mstone ; fields as hard and dry as i●on is ; the fi●mament , on high , ( ●●ke b●ass● ) shall yeeld thee neither raine nor dew , the ●ope of wasted blessings to renew . a leann●ss● , shall thy fatnesse quite devoure ; thy wheat shall in the place of wholsome flowre , yeeld nought but bran . in stead of grasse and corne , thou shalt in times of harvest , reap the thorne , the thistle , and the b●yar . of their shadowes thy gr●ves shall robbed be . thy flowry medowe● shall sterile waxe . there shall be seldome seene sheep on thy downes ; or shepherds on the greene . thy walks , thy gardens , and each pleasant plot , shall be as those where men inhabit not . thy villages , where goodly dwellings are , shall stand as if they unfr●quented were . thy c●ies , and thy palaces , wherein most neatnesse and magnificence hath bin , shall heaps of rubbish be ; and ( as in those demolisht abbies , wherein dawes , and crowes , now make their nests ) the bramble , and the nettle , shall in their halls , and parlou●s , root , and set●le . thy princes houses , and thy wealthy ports , now fill'd with men of all degrees and sorts , shall no inhabitants in them retaine , but some p●ore fisherman , or country swaine , who of thy glories , when the marks they see , shall wonder wha● those mighty ruines be ; as now they doe , who old foundations find , of townes and cities , perisht out o● mind . the places where much people meetings had , ●hall vermine holes , and dens for beasts be made . or wal●s for sprights , who from those uncouth room● shall fright the passenger , which that way comes . in stead of mirth and l●ughter , lamentation shall there abide : and , loathsome desolation , in stead of company . where once was heard sweet melody , men shall be made afeard with hideous cries , and howlings of despaire . thy very climate , and thy temp'rate ayre , shall lose their wholsomnesse , for thy offences ; and breed hot fevers , murraines , pestilences , and all diseases . they that now are trained in ease , and with soft pleasures entertained ; in stead o● idle games , and wanton dances , shall practise how to handle guns , and launces : and be compell'd to leave their friends embraces , to end their lives in divers uncouth places ; or else , thy face , with their owne blood defile ▪ in hope to keep themselves , and thee , from spoile . thy beautious women ( whose great pride is more then theirs , whom esay blamed heretofore ) in stead of paintings , and of costly sents , of glittering gems , and pretious ornaments , shall weare deformity about their faces ; and , being rob'd of all their tempting graces , feele wants , diseases , and all such like things , which to a wanton lover lothing brings . thy god , shall for thy overflowing vices , scourge thee with scorpions , serpents , cockatrices , and other such ; whose tailes with stings are armed , that neither can be plucked forth , nor charmed . thou shalt not be suffiz'd when thou art fed ; nor shalt thou suffer scarcity of bread and temp'rall food alone ; but , of that meat , whereof the faithfull soule desires to eate . that curse of ravenous beasts , which god hath said , vpon a wicked kingdome shall be la●d , he will inflict on thee . for , though there be no tygers lyons , wolves , or beares in thee , by beastly minded men ( that shall be farre more c●uell then those bloody spoilers are ) thou shalt be torne : for , each man shall assay his fellow to devoure as lawfull prey . in stead of lyons , tyrants thou shalt breed , who nor of conscience , nor of law take heed ; but , on the weak mans portion lay their paw , and , make their ple●sures , to become their law. in stead of tigers , men of no compassion , a furious , and a wilfull generation , shall fill thy borders . theeves , and outlawes vile , shall hunt the wayes , and haunt the woods for spoile ▪ as beares , and wolves . a subtile cheating crew ( that will with tricks and cousnages pursue the simpler sort ) shall here encrease their breed ▪ and , in their subtleties the fox exceed . that hoggish herd , which alwayes rooting are within the ground , and never upward reare their grunting snouts ; nor fix their eyes on heav'n ▪ to look from whence their daily food is giv'n : those filthy swinish livers , who desire to feed on draffe , and wallow in the mire ; those , who affect ranke pudles , more then springs ; to trample and despise most precious things ; the holy to prophane ; gods herbs of grace to nouzle up ; his vineyard to deface ; and such like harmes to doe : these spoile thy fields , marre worse , then those wilde bores the desart yeelds . if thou remaine impenitent , thou art like egypt ; and , so stony is thy heart . for w●ich obduratenesse , those plagves will all descend on th●e , wh●ch did on egypt fall blood , frog● , and lice , great swarms of uncou●h flies , th' infectious m●rraine , whereof cat●le dyes ; boiles , scab● , and bl●ine ; fierce h●il , & thunder-storm● ; the ●ocust , and all fruit devouring wormes . grosse darknesse , and the death or those that be thy darlings ; all those plagues shall fall on thee , according as the letter doth imply , or , as in mystick sense th●y signifie . thy purest rivers god shal●●u●ne to blood ; with ev'ry lake , that hath beene swe●t and good . ev'n in thy nostrils he shall make it stinke ▪ for , nothing shall thy people eate or drinke ▪ vntill their owne , or others blood it cost ; or , put their lives in hazard to be lost . most loathsome frogs ; that is , a race impure ▪ of base condition , and of birth obscure . ( ev'n in unwholsome fens , and ditches , bred ) shall with a clownish rudenesse over-spread thy pleasant'st fields ; thy fairest roomes possesse ; and make unwholsome ( by their sluttishnesse ) thy kneading troughs , thy ovens , and that meat , whereof thy people , and thy princes eat . this hatefull brood , shall climbe to croak and sing , within the lodging chambers of the king. yea , there make practice of those naturall notes , which issue from their evill-sounding throats : to wit , vaine brags , revilings , ribaldries , vile slanders , and unchristian blasphemies . the land shall breed a nasty generation , vnworthy either of the reputation or name of men . for , they as lice shall feed ev'n on the body whence they did proceed ; till poverty , and sloven●y , and sloth , have quite disgrac'd them , and consum'd them , both ▪ there shall , moreover , swarmes of divers flies , engendred be in thy prosperities , to be a plague : the flesh flye shall corrupt thy savory meats ; musketoes inte●rupt the weary traveller ; thou shalt have drones , dor●s , hornets , wasps , and such l●ke angry-ones , who represent that sw●rme whose buzzing tongues ( like stings ) are used in their neighbours wrongs ▪ and , still are flying , and still humm●ng so , as if they meant some weighty wo●ks to do , when as , upon the common stock they spend ; and nought performe of that which they p●etend . thy butter-flies shall plague thee too ; ev'n those , who waste their lands and rents , in gawdy clothe● , or idle flutterings ; and then spawne their seed , vpon thy goodly'st flow'rs , and he●bs to feed . as beasts destroyed by the murraine be , so , they that are of beastly life in thee , by lewd example shall infect each other ; and in their foule diseases ●ot toge●her . on all thy people , of what so●t soe're , shall scabs , and biles , and running sores appeare , the fruits of their corruption . yea , wi●h paines ( within their conscience , and with scars and blaines of outward infamy ) ●hey shall be grieved ; and , in their to●tures perish , unreli●ved . tempestuous stormes , upon this i le shall fall , hot thunder-bolts , and haile-stones therewi●hall ; men ▪ either too too ho● , or too too cold ; or else lukewarme . but , few or none sha●l hold a rightfull temper : and , these meteors will thy borders with a thousand mischieves fill . the locust also and the palmer wro●es , shall prey on what escapeth f●om the stormes : not they alone , which on the grass● do breed ; bu● , also , they who fro● the ●it proceed which hath no bottome : and , when any thing doth by the dew of heav'n begin to spring , they shall devoure the same , till they have left thee , nor leafe nor blossome ; but , of all bereft thee . then , shall a darknesse follow , far more black , then when the light corporeall thou dost lack . for , grossest ignorance , o'reshadowing all , shall in so thick a darknesse thee inthrall , that , thou a blockish people shalt be made , s●ill wandring o● in a d●ceiving shade ; mistrusting those that saf●st paths are showing ; most trusting them , who counsell thy undoing ; and aye ●ormented be with doub●s and feares , as one that o●tcries , in darke places heares . nor shall the hand of god from thee returne , till he hath also smo●e thine eldest-b●rne . that is , till he hath taken from thee qu●te , ev'n that whereon thou se●●t thy whole delight ; and filled ev'ry house throughout this nation , with deaths unlooked for , and lamentation . so great shall be thy ruine , and thy shame , that when the neighb'ring kingdomes hear the same their eares shall tin●le . and when that day comes , in which thy follies must re●eive their doom●s ; a day of clouds , a day of gloomin●sse , a day of black despaire , and heavinesse , it will appeare . and , then thy vanitie● , thy gold , thy silver , thy confederacies , and all those reeds on which thou hast depended ; will faile thy trust , and leave thee unbefriended . thy king , thy priest , & prophets , then shal mourn ; and , peradventure , f●inedly ●e●u●ne to beg of god to succou● them : but , they who will not ha●k●●●his voice to day , shall c●y unh●ede● : and he will despise their v●wes , thei● prayers , and their sacrifice : a sea of troubles , all thy hopes shall swallow : as waves o●● wav●s , so plague on plague shall follow : and , ev'●y thing that was a blessing to thee , shall turne to be a curse , and helpe undo thee . thy sov'raignes have to th●e thy fathers bin ; by meanes of them hath peace been● k●pt within thy sea-gi●t limits : they , thy weale befriended , the blessed faith they stoutly h●ve defended : and , thou hast cause of goodly hopes in him , who hath , of late , put on thy diadem . but know , that ( till thou shalt repent ) no part belongs to thee of what is his desert . his princely vertues , to his owne availe , shall profit much : but , they to thee shall faile . to thee his clemency shall seeme severe , his favours all , shall injuries appeare ; and when thy sin is fully ●ipe in thee , thy prince and people , then , alike shall be . thou shalt have babes to be thy kings ; or worse ▪ those tyrants who by cruelty and force shall take away thy ancient freedomes quite , from all their subjects ; yea ▪ themselves deligh● in their vexations : and , all those that are made slaves thereby , shall murmur , yet not dare to stir against them . by degrees , they shall deprive thee of thy patrimonies all ; compell thee ( as in other lands , this day ) for thin● owne meat , and thine owne drink to pay . and , at the last , begin to exercise vpon thy sonnes , all heathnish tyrannies , as just prerogatives . to these intents , thy nobles shall become their instruments . for , they who had their bi●th from noble races , shall ( some and some ) be brought into disgraces : from offices they shall excluded stand : and all their vertuous off-spring , from the land , shall quite be worne : in stead of whom shall rise a brood advanced by impieties , by flattery , by purchase , and by that which ev'ry truly-noble one doth hate . from stems obscure , and out of meane professions ▪ they shall ascend and mount by their ambitions , to seats of iustice ; and those names to beare , which honor'd most within these kingdomes are ▪ and being thither got , shall make more strong their new-built greatnesse , by encreasing wrong : to those , will some of these themselves unite , who by their births to lordly stiles have right ; but , viciously confuming their estate , did from their fathers worths degenerate . by this confederacy , their nobler bloods shall countenance the others ill got goods ; the others wealth againe , shall keep from scorne their beggery , who have beene nobly borne : and , both together , being else unable , ( in their ill course to make their standing stable ) shall seek how they more great , and strong , may grow by compassing the publike over-throw . they shall abuse thy kings , with tales , and lyes ; with seeming love , and servile flatteries . they shall perswade them they have pow'r to make their wils , their law ▪ and as they please to take their peoples goods , their children , and their lives , ev'n by their just and due prerogatives . when thus much they have made them to beleeve , then , they shall teach them practices to grieve their subjects by ; and , instruments become to helpe the screwing up , by some and some , of monarchies●o ●o tyrannies . they shall abuse religion , honesty , and all , to compasse their designes . they shall devise strange projects ; and with impudence , and lyes , proceed in setling them . they shall forget those reverent usages , which do befit the majesty of state ; and raile , and storme , when they pretend disorders to reforme . in their high counsels , and where men should have kind admonitions , and reprovings grave , when they offend ; they shall be threatned there , or scoft , or taunted , though no cause appeare . it is unseemly for a iudge to sit and exercise a jibing schoole-boyes wit vpon their trades , or names , who stand before their judgement se●ts : but , who doth not abhor to heare it , when a magistrate objects , birth , poverty , or personall defects in an upbraiding wise ? or , who with me derides it not , when in out courts we see those men , whose bodies are both old and weake , ( forgetting gr●ve and usefull things to speake ) vent giant● words ▪ and bristle up , as tho their very breath could armies overthrow ▪ whereas ( poore we●klings ) were there in their place● no more authority , then in their faces , their persons , or their language , all their chasing ▪ and threatning , nothi●● would effect but laughing . for , unto me big looks , and crying hoh , as dreadfull seemes , as when a child cryes boh to fright his nurse : yea , such a bug beare fashion effecteth nought but scornfull indignation . but in those times ( which neare● are then some suppose perhaps ) such rhetorick will come to be in use ; and arguments of reason , and just proceedings , will be out of season . their wisdome shall be folly ; and , goe nigh to bring contempt on their authority . their counsell-table shall a snare be made , and those 'gainst whom they no just matter had ▪ at first appearance , shall be urg'd to say some word or other , e're they part away , which will betray their innocence to blame , and bring upon them detriment and shame : yea , many times ( as david hath of old , concerning such oppressors , well foretold ) to humble crouchings , and to fained showes , descend they shall , to worke mens ove●throwes ▪ and , what their subtlety doth faile to gaine ▪ they shall by rigour , and by force obtaine . what ever from thy people they can teare , or borrow , they shall keep , as if it were a prize which had beene taken from the foe : and , th●y shall make no conscience what they do to prejud●ce posterity . for , they to gaine their lust , but for the present day , shall with such love unto themselves endeavor , that ( though they knew it would undoe for ever their owne posterity ) it shall not make those mo●●ters any better course to take . nay , god shall give them up for their offences , to such uncom●ly reprobated senses : and , blinde them so , that ( when the a●e they see ev'n hewing at the root of their owne tree , by their owne handy strokes ) they shall not griev● for their approaching fall : no , nor beleeve their fall approacheth ; nor assume that heed which might prevent it , till they fall indeed . thy princes , brittain , in those dayes , will b● like roaring lyons , making prey of thee . god shall deliv●r thee into their hand , and they shall act their pleasure in the land ▪ as once his prophet threatned to that nation ▪ which doth exemplifie thy desolation . thy kings ( as thou hast wallowed in excesse ) shall take delight in drinke , and wantonnesse . and , those whom thou dost call thy noble-o●es shall to the very marrow , gnaw thy bones . thy lawyers wilfully shall wrest thy lawes ▪ and ( to the ruine of the common cause ) shall mis-interpret them , in hop● of grace from those , who may dispoile them of their place ▪ yea , that whereto they are obliged , both by conscience , by their calling , and their oat● to put in execution ; they shall feare , and , leave them helplesse , who oppressed are . thy prelats in the spoyle of thee shall share ; thy priests , as light shall be , as those that are the meanest persons . all their prophecies ▪ or preachings , shall be heresies and lyes . the word of truth in them shall not remaine , their lips no wholsome knowledge shall retaine ▪ and all his outward meanes of saving grace , thy god shall cary to another place . mark well oh brittain ! what i now shall say , and doe not sleightly passe these words away ; but , be assured that when god beginnes , to bring that vengeance on thee , for thy sinnes , which hazzard will thy totall overthrow , thy prophets , and thy priests shall sliely sow the seeds of t●at dissention , and sedition , which time will ●ipen for thy sad perdition . ev'n they , who forme●ly , were of thy peace the happy instruments , shall then increase thy troubles most . and ▪ ●v'n as when the iewes gods truth-presaging prophets did abuse , he suffred those who preached in hi● name , such falshoods as the chiefest cause became of their destruction : so if thou go on to make a scorne ( as thou hast o●ten done ) of them who seeke thy wel are , hee will send false prophets , that shall bring thee to thine end , by saying all things thou wouldst have them say : and lulling thee asleep in thine owne way . if any brain-sick fellow , whom the devill seduceth to inflict on thee some evill , shall coyne false doctrines , or perswade thee to some foolish course that will , at length , undoe the common-weal : his counsell thou shalt follow ; then , cover'd with his bait , a hooke shalt swallow to rend thine entrailes : and thine ignorance shall , also for that mischiefe , him advance . but if that any lover of thy weale , inspir'd with truth , and with an honest zeale , shall tell thee ought pertaining to thy good , his messag●s shall stiffly be withstood : that seer shall be charged not to see ; his word shall sleighted as a po●sherd be ; his life shall ●e traduced , to disgrace his counsell● ; or , his errant to debase : in stead of recompence , he shall be sure , imprisonments , or threatnings to procure ▪ and , peradventure ( as those prophets were , who did among the iew●sh peers declare their states en●r●ities ) h●s good intention may be so wrong●d , th●t he , by some invention , may lose his li●e , wit● publ●ke shame and hate , as one that i● a trouble● o●●he state. but , not unl●sse ●he ●riest thereto consent : for in tho●e ●aye● shall ●●w men innocent be g●iev'd ( t●r●●●h any qu●●ter of the land ) in which thy c●e●g●e●hall ●hall not have some hand . if ever in thy 〈◊〉 , ( as god ●orbid ) the blood of t●in● owne children shall be shed by civill discord , they sha●l blow the flame , that will become thy ruine , and thy shame . and thus it shall be kindled . when the times , are nigh at worst ▪ and thy encreasing crimes almost compleat ; the devill shall begin to bring strange crotchets , and opinions in among thy teachers ; which will breed disunion ▪ and interrupt the visible communion of thy establisht church and , in the steed of zealous pastors , ( who gods flock did feed ) there shall arise within thee , by degrees , a clergy , ●hat shall more desire to fleece , then feed the flock . a clergy it shall be , divided in it selfe : and they shall thee divide among them , into sev'rall factions , which rend thee will , and fill thee with distractions ▪ they all in outward seeming shall pretend gods glory , and to have one pious end : but , under colour of sincere devotion , their study shall be temporall promotion ▪ which will among themselves strange quarrels make wherein thy other children shall partake . as to the persons , or the cause , they stand affected , even quite throughout the land. one part of these will for preferment strive , by lifting up the king's prerogative above it selfe . they shall perswade him to much more then law or conscience bids him do ▪ and say , god warrants it . his holy lawes they shall pervert , to justifie their cause ; and , impudently wrest , to prove their ends , what god , to better purposes , intends . they shall not blush to say , that ev'ry king ▪ may doe like solomon , in ev'ry ●hing , as if they had his warrant : and shall dare ascrib● to monarchs , rights that proper are to none but christ ; and mixe their flatteries , with no lesse grosse and wicked blasphemies , then heathens did : yea , make their kings beleeve , that whomsoever they oppresse or grieve , it is no wrong ; nor fit for men oppressed , to seeke by their owne lawes to be red●essed . such counsell shall thy princes then provoke , to cast upon thee rehoboams yoake . and , they not caring , or not taking heed how ill that ill-advised king did speed , shall m●ltiply thy causes of distraction . for , then , will of thy priests , the other faction bestir themselves . they will in outward showes , those whom i last have mentioned , oppose . but , in thy ruine ▪ they will both agree , as in one center , though far oft they b● in their diameter . with lowly zeale , an envious ▪ pride they s●ily shall conceale ▪ and , as the former to thy kings will teach meere tyranny : so shall these other preach rebellion to the people ▪ and shall straine the word of god , sedition to maintaine . they shall not feare to say , that if thy king become a tyrant , thou maist also fling obedience off ; or f●om his crowne divorce him ▪ or , by the ter●or of drawne swords enforce him . which false divinitie , shall to the devill send many soules and bring on thee much evill . oh! be thou therefore watchfull ; and when e're these lambs with dragons voyces doe appea●e , repent thy sinne , or t●ke it for a token , that some great bulwark● of thy peace is broken , which must be ●oone repair'd or els , all the greatnes o● thy glory , downe will fall . take heed of those false prop●ets , w●o will strive betwixt thy prince and people to cont●ive a disagreement . and , what euer come , thy due allegeance never sta●t thou from . for ( their oppressions though we may withstand by pleading lawes , or customes ) not a hand must move against them , save the hand of god ▪ who makes a king , a bulwark , or a rod , as pleaseth him . oh! take ye therefore heed yee people , and yee kings ( that shall succeed ) of these impostors . of the last beware yee subjects : for , their doctrines hellish are . and though they promise liberty and peace , your thraldome , and your troubles they 'll increase . shun oh ! yee kings the first ; for , they advise what will your crownes and honors prejudice . when you doe thinke their prophecies befriend you , they doe but unto ramoth-gilead send you , where you shall perish ; and poore micahs word , though lesse esteem'd more safety will afford ▪ they will abuse your piety , and all your vertues . to their wicked ends they shall apply the sacred story ; or what ever may seeme to further their unjust endevor . ev'n what the son of hann●h told the iewes , should be their scourge ( because they did refuse the sov'raignty of god , and were so vaine to aske a king which over th●m might raigne a● heathen princes did ) that curse they shall affirme to be a law monarchiall which god himselfe established to stand throu●hout all ages , and in ev'ry land . which is as good divinity , as they have also taught , who doe not blush to say that kings may have both wives and concubines ; and , by that rule whereby these great divines shall prove their tene● , i dare undertake ( if ●ound it hold ) that i like proofe will m●k● of any iewish custome , and devise authority for all absurdities . but , false it is . for , might all kings ●t pleasure ( as by the right of royaltie ) make ceasure of ●ny mans possessions : why i pray did ahab grieve , that naboth said him nay ? why made ●e not this answer thereunto , ( if what the proph●t said some kings would do , we●e justly to ●e done ) thy vineyard's mine ; and , at my pleasure , naboth , all that 's thine assume i may . why , like a turky-chick , did he so foolishly ●row sullen sick , and get poss●ssion by a wicked fact of what might have beene his by royall act ? thus god is pleas'd , to humble and to raise : thus , he by sev'rall names , and sev'rall wayes , the world doth govern . yea , thus , ev'n in one nation , and in one state , he makes much alteration in formes of governme●t ; oft changing that which is but acc●dentall to a state. and , such his iustice , and his wisdome is , that he preserveth by the meanes of this , those things which doe essentially pertaine to that great power , which over all doth raigne . nor is he pleased thu● it should be done in states that meerely civill are alone ▪ but , also , in the churches governments , allowes the change of outward accidents . yea , they to whom he gives the oversights of some particular church , may change old rites , the customes , formes , or titles , as occasions are off●ed them ; or , as the times , or nations , require a change : provided so , that they take nothing which essentiall is , away ; nor adde what shall repugne or prejudice gods lawes , his kin●dome , or the liberties of them that ar● his people . for , in what hath any church a pow●r , if not in tha● which is indifferent ? or , in what i pray will men the c●urch authority obey , if not in such like things ? o● , who should be the iudge what is indifferent , if not she ? a private spirit knowes what be●t agrees with his owne fancy ; but the church best se● what fit● t●e congregation . from what gives offence to one ▪ anothe● man receives much comfort : and , his conscienc● edifies , by disciplines , which many doe despise ▪ a parish is a little diocesse ; and , as of cities , townes , and villages , a b●shoprick consists : so , that doth rise by ●ythings , hamlets , and by families . and lit●le diffrence would be in the same , ( excepting in the la●genesse and the name ) i● their opinions were allow'd of all , who savour not the stile epis●opall : fo● , ev'ry priest would then usurp the same aut●ority , wher●of o● some hate the name . yea , many a one would then his parish make a little popedome , and upon him take ( con●ide●ing his mean● pow'r ) as much as h● that v●ive●s●ll bishop claimes to be : and , prove more p●oud , and troublesome , then they against whose lordlinesse they now inveigh . this therefore is my rule ; that government ( what e're it be ) in which to me god ●ent my birth and breeding ; that , untill my end , i will obey , and to my pow'r d●fend . yea , though it tyrannize , i will denay no more obedience , then by law i may : ev'n by those lawes and customes which do stand in force , and unrepealed in that land. what right another had , e're i was borne , or how , or for what sinne , gods hand hath torne his kingdome from him , i will never care ; let them go answer that who subjects were , ( when lost it was ) and had that meanes , and calling , and yeares , which might prevented have his falling . or should another country take me home as one of hers ; when thither i did come i would nor seek , nor wish to innovate the titles , or the custome● of that state , to what some other countries better thought : but , leave such things to those to whom i ought . and , there , if any faction shall constraine that i one pa●t must take , i will maintaine what bore the sov'raignty when i came thither ; and , i and that will stand and fall together . the same obedience , also , keep i shall . to governments ecclesiasticall where e're i come ; if nothing they command which doth gods word , ess●ntially , withstand : or , indirectly , or directly , thwart his glory , or the purity pervert of ch●istian principles ; nor further strife , nor c●use , nor countenance an evill life . the hye●archy , here , i will obey , and reverence , while i in england stay . in sco●land if i liv'd , i would deny no due respect to their presbyterie . g●neva should i visit , i would there 〈◊〉 my selfe to what their customes were . yea , wheresoe'●e i am , i will suppose the spirit in that church much better knowe● what best that place befitteth , then i do : and , i will live conformed thereunto , in ev'ry thing that 's me●rly politick , and injures not the doctrines catholick . to ev'ry temp'rall pow'r i 'le be the same , by whatsoever cognizance , or name , m●n please to call it . if i should be sent to poland , where a mixed government establisht is ; i would not t●ll them , there , that any other custome better were . were i in switzerland , i would maintaine ●●mocrity ; and , think to make it plaine , that for these times , those can●ons , and that nation . there could not be a better domination . in venice , far before a monarchy i would p●efer an aristocratie . in spái●e , and france , and in great britaine here , i hold no governments more perfect are then monarchies . and , if gods will should be , bene●th a tyrant to envassaile me , i would p●rswade my selfe , that heavy yoake were best , for some respects ; and , to the stroke ev'n of an i●on mace would subject be , in body ▪ with a minde that should be free from his inforcement , ( ●f he did withstand , or bid me what gods law doth countermand . ) there is , i know , a middle-way that lyes ev'n just betwixt the two extremities , which to sedition , and to faction tend . to find which tract , my whole desire i bend ; and wish it follow'd more . for , if we tread that harm●●sse path , we cannot be mis-led ; nor sham'd , though blam'd we be . to ev'ry man i faine wou●d give his due ; and all i can i doe endeavor it . i would not wrong my country ; neither take what doth belong to cesar : nor infringe , or prejudice , the vniversall churches liberties ; nor for her outward discipline prefer or censure , any church particular ; or any state , but as befit it may , his muse , which nought but needfull truths doth say . nor have i any purpose to withdraw obedience , or respect from any law that 's positive ; or , to dishearten from those customes , which a christian state become . if such divinity , as this were true , the queen● should not have needed to pursue poore naboth , as she did ; or , so contrive his death ; since by the kings prerogative , she might have got his vineyard . nor would god have scourg'd that murther with so keene a rod , o● ahab , had he asked but his due . for , he did neither plot , nor yet pursue the murther ; nor ( for ought that we can tell ) had knowledge of the deed of iezabel . till god reveal'd it by the prophet to him . nor is it said , that naboth wrong did do him , or disrespect ; in that he did not yeeld , ●o sell , or give , or to exchange his field . the iewish commonwealth did so instate , that , their possessions none could alienate , but for a time ; who ever , for his mony , or in exchange , desir'd their patrimony . and ▪ doubtlesse , we offend , who at this day those freedomes give , or lose , or sell away , which were in common right possest of old , by our forefathers ; and , continue should to all their after-commers . for , altho we may dispose of what pertaines unto our persons : yet , those dues which former ages have left unto us for our heritages , ( and whereunto , the child that borne must be , hath ev'ry whit as good a right as we ) those dues we should preserve with all our might , by pleading of our just and ancient right , in humble wise ; if so the sov'raigne state our freedomes shall attempt to violate . but , when by peacefull meanes we cannot save it , we to the pleasure of the king must leave it , and unto god our iudge : for all the pow'r in us , consists in saying , this is our . a king is for a blessing , or a ●urfe : and therefore though a f●ole he were , or worse , a tyrant , or ●n ethnick ) no man may so much as in their p●ivate clossets , pray against his person ; though they may petition against the wickednesse of his condition . nor , is this ●uffrance due to those alone , who ●●bject are unto a monarchs throne , but , from all those who either subjects are to mixed governments , or popular . for , though irregularities appeare in ev'ry state ; because but men they are whom god exalts to ●ule : yet , it is he by whom all governments ordained be . and ev'ry government ( although the name be different ) is in effect the same . in monarchies , the counsell ( as it were an aristocracy ) one while doth beare the sway of all ▪ and though they name the king ▪ yet , him they over-rule in ev'●y thing . sometime a●●ine , the pop●lar voice we see , doth awe the counsell , when in them there be some pop'lar spirits . aristocracies are otherwhile the same with monarchies . for , one great man among them gets the pow'r , from all the rest , and like an emperour , doth act his pleasure . and we know t is common . to have some foolish favorite , or woman , to governe him . so , in a pop'lar state , affaires are manag'd by the selfe same fate ; and , either one or moe , away do steale the peoples hearts , and sway the commonweale . thus god is pleas'd , to humble and to raise : thus , he by sev'rall names , and sev'rall wayes , the world doth govern . yea , thus ▪ ev'n in one nation , and in one state , he makes much alteration in formes of governmen● ; oft changing that which is but accedentall to a state. and , such his iustice , and his wisdome is , that he preserveth by the meanes of this , those things which doe essentially pertaine to that great power , which over all doth raigne . nor is he pleased thus it should be done in states that meerely civill are alone ; but , also , in the churches governments , allowes the change of outward accident● . yea , they to whom he gives the oversights of some particular church , may change old rites , the customes , formes , or titles , as occasions are offred them ; or , as the times or nations , require a change : provided so , that they take nothing which essentiall is , away ; nor adde what shall repugne or prejudice gods lawes , his kin●dome , or the liberties of them that are his people . for , in what hath any church a pow●r , if not in ●hat which is indifferent ? or , in what i pray will men the church authority obey , if not in such like things ? o● , who should be the iudg● what is indifferent , if not she ? a private spirit knowes what be●● agrees with his owne fancy ; but the church best se● what fit● the congregation . from what gives offence to one ; another man receives much comfort : and , his conscience edifies , by disciplines , which many doe despise ▪ nor h●ve i any thought to scandalize , or speake amisse of principalities ; or , to traduce mens persons : but , i fall on errors of mens lives in generall , and , on those great abuses , which i see to blemish ev'ry calling and degree . of dignitie● and persons , i observe all me●nes i can , their honors to preserv● , when i reprove their faults . and , ev'n as he that hunteth foxes , where lambes feeding be , may fright that harmlesse flock , and suffer blame of some by-standers , ( knowing not his game ) when from his dog● , those innocents are free , and none but their devoure●s bitten be . so , though my reprehensions , often are mistook by foolish readers ; they are far from repr●hending those , or taxing that which is unfitting for my shooting at . i speake those things which will advantage rather then harme : and hence this blinded age may gath●r m●ch light . this little volume doth relate nought else but what is like to be our fate ; if sin encrease ; and what in former times did fall on other nations for their crimes , i utter what our welfare may encrease , and helpe confirme us in a happy peace ; which they will never compasse , who p●●sue to speake what 's pleasing , rather then what 's true . how ever , here my thoughts deliv'red be : let god as he shall please , deliver me . and if what here is mention'd , thou dost he●● ( oh britaine ! ) in those times that sh●ll succeed , it may prevent much losse , and make thee shun those mischiefes , whereby kingdomes are undone . but , to thy other sins , if thou shalt adde rebellions ( as false prophets will perswade ) which likely are to follow , when thou shalt in thy profession of religion halt : then , will thy kings and people scourge each other , for their offences , till both fall together : by weakning of your pow'rs , to make them way , who seeke and look for that unhappy day . then , shall disorder ev'ry where abound , and neither just nor pious man be found . the best shall be a bryer or a thorne , by whom their neighbours shall be scratcht & to●●e . thy princes shall to nothing condiscend for any merit just , or pious end ; but either for encreasing of their treasure , or for accomplishing their wilfull pleasure : and un●o what they ●ell or daigne for meed , there shall be given little trust or heed . for , that which by their words confirme they shall , ( the royall seales uniting therewithall ) a toy shall frustr●te ; and a gift shall make their strictest o●ders no effect to take . the iudge , without a bribe , no cause shall end : no man shall trust his bro●her , or his friend : the parents and the children shall despi●e and hate , and spoile each other : she that lies within her husbands bosome , shall betray him : they who thy people should protect , shal stay them : the aged ●hall reg●r●ed be of none : the poore shall by the rich be trodden on : such grievo●s inf●olencies , everywhere shall acted be ; that good and bad shall feare in thee to dwell ; and , men discreet shall h●te to be a ruler , or a magistrate ; when they behold ( without impenitence ) so much injustice , and such violence . and , when thy wickednesse this height shall gain , to which ( no doubt ) it will e're long attaine ▪ if thou proceed : then , from the bow that 's bent ( and halfe way dr●wne already ) shall be ●ent a mortall arrow ; and it pierce thee shall quite through the head , the liver , and the gall . the lord shall call , and whistle from af●rre , for those thy enemies that fiercest are : for those thou fearest most ; and they shall from their coun●ries , like a whi●le wind hither come . they shall nor sleep , nor stumble , nor untie their garments , till within thy fields they lye . sharp shall their arrowes be , and strong their bow . their faces shall as full of horror show as doth a lions . like a bolt of thunder , their troups of horse shall come , & tread thee und●r their iron feet . thy foes shall eate thy bread , and with thy flocks both clothed be , and fed . thy dwellers , they shall cary from their owne , to countries which their fathers have not known● ▪ and , thither shall such mischiefes them pursue , that they who seeke the pit-fall to eschew , shall in a snare be taken . if they shall escape the sword , a serpent in the wall to death shall sting them : yea ( although they hap to shun a hundred plagues ) they shall not scape ; but , with new dangers , still be cha●'d about , vntill that they are wholly rooted out . the plowman , then , shall be afraid to sow ; artificers their labour shall forgoe ▪ the merchant man shall crosse the seas no more ▪ ( except to flye and seeke some other shore ) thy ablest-m●n shall faint : thy wise-ones , then , shall know themselves to be but foolish men . and th●y who built and plant●d by oppression , shall leave their gettings to the foes possession . yea , god wil scourge thee , england , ●even times more with seven times greater plagues then heretofore . then , thy allies their friendship shall withdraw ; and , they that of thy greatnesse stood in awe , shall say ( in scorne ) is this the valiant nation , that had throughout the world such reputation , by victories upon the shore ? are these that people , which were masters of the s●as , and grew so mighty ? yea that petty nation , that were not worthy of thy indignation , shall mock thee too ; and all thy former fame , forgot shall be , or mention'd to thy shame . mark how gods pl●gues were doubled on the i●ew● when they his milde corrections did abuse : marke what , a● last upon their land h● sent ; and , look thou for the se●e same punishment , if them thou imitatest . i or their sin , at fi●st , but eight yeares bondage they were in . their wick●dn●sse grew more ; and god did then , to eglon , make them sl●ves , ●ight yeares and ten . they dis●beying , still , the god of heaven ; their yeares of servitude were twenty seven , to iabin and to midian . then , prevailed philistia fo●ty yea●es ; and , when that failed , to make ●hem of their evill wayes rep●nt , there was , among themselves , a fatall rent ; and , they oft scourg'd each other . still , they trod the selfe same path ; and , then the hand o● god brought ashu● on them ; and , did make them beare his heavy yo●ke , untill the seventie●h yeare . and last of all the rom●ne empire came , which from their country rooted out their name . that foolish project which they did embrace , to keep them in possession o● their place , did lose it . and , like cain , that vagrant nation , hath now remain'd in fearfull desolation nigh sixteene hundred yeares : and , ( whatsoe're some l●tely dreame ) in vaine , they look for he●e a temp'rall kingdome . for , as long agoe their psalmist said ; no prophet doth foresh●w this ●hraldomes end . nor shall it end untill the gentiles their just number doe fulfill : which is unlike to be untill th●t houre ▪ in which there shall be no more temporall pow'r , or temporall k●ngdome . therefore ▪ gather them ( oh lord ▪ ) unto thy new ierusalem , in t●y due time . for , ye● , unto that p●ace they have a promi●t right , by thy meere grace . to those who shall repent , thy firme electiòn continues in this t●mpo●all rejection . oh! ●hew thy mercy in their desol●●ion , that thou maist honor'd be in th●ir salvation . yea , teach us also , by their fearfull fal , to hea●ken to thy voice , when th●u do●t ca●l ; ( lest thou in anger , unto us protest , that we ●h●ll never come into thy rest ) for , we ●ave follow'd them in all their sin : su●● , and so m●●y , have our warnings bin : an● ▪ 〈◊〉 thou st●●l prolong not thy compassion ▪ to us belongs the selfe same desolation . and it will ●ho●tly come ▪ with all those terror● t●at were on them inflicted , for their errors . then , woe shall be to th●m , th●● hereto●ore by joy●●●g house to hou●● , 〈◊〉 the poore ▪ and field have into field incorporated , vntill th●ir tow●esh●ps were depopulated . for , desolate their dwelling shall be made : ev'n in their blood the lord shall bathe his blade : and they that have by avarice , and wiles , erected pallaces and costly piles ; shall think , the stones and timbers , in the wall , aloud , to god , for vengeance on them call . then , woe sh●ll be to them who early rise to eate , and drinke , and play , and wanton●ize ; still adding sin to sin : for , they the paine of cold , and thirst , and hunger , shall sustaine ; and be the servile slaves of them that are their foes ; as to their lusts they captives were . then ▪ wo to them who d●rknesse more have lov'd then l●ght ; and good advice h●ve d●s●pprov'd : for , they shall wander in a crooked pa●● , which neit●er light ▪ nor end , nor c●m●ort hath and , when for guides , and couns●ll they do cry , not one sh●●l pity them , who p●sseth by . then , wo to them that have corrupted ●in , to justifie the wicked in his sin ; or , for a bribe , the righteous to condemne : for , fl●mes ( as on the chaffe ) sha●l seize on them : their bodies to the dun●hill shall be cast ; their flowre shall turne to dust ; their flock shal wast ▪ and all the glorious t●●les they have wo●ne , shall but encrease their infamy and scorne . then , wo to them that have beene rais'd aloft by good mens ruines ; and by laying soft and easie pillowes , under great mens armes , to make them pleas'd in their alluring charmes . then , wo to them , who being growne a●raid of some nigh perill , sought unlawfull aid ; and , setting gods protection quite aside , vpon their owne inventions have rely'd . for , god their fo●lish hopes will bring to nought ; on them , their feared mischiefe sh●ll be brought ▪ and , all their wit and strengt● , shall not suffi●e , to heave that sorrow off , which on them lies . yea , then , oh britaine ! woe to ev'ry one , that hath without repentance evill don● : for , those who doe n●r heed , no● beare in mind his visitings , gods reaching hand will find ; and they with howling cries and lamentation , shall sue and seeke , in vaine , for his compassion . because they car●lesse of his m●rcies were , till in consuming wrath he did ●ppea●e . but , still , we set far off that evi●l day ; in dull security we passe away our pretious time ; and with v●ine hopes and toyes , build up a trust which ●v'ry puffe destroyes . and therefore , still when healing is expected , new and unlookt for troubles are effected . we gather armies , and we fleets prepare ; and , then , both strong and safe we think we are . but , when we look for victories , and glory , what followes , but events that make us sory ? and t is gods mercy that we turne our faces with so few losses , and no more disgraces . for , what are most of those whom we commend such act●ons to ; and whom we forth do send to fight those battels , which the lords we call , but , such as never fight for him at all ? whom dost thou make thy captaines , and dispos● such offices unto , but unto those ( some few excepted ) who procure by friends ▪ command and pay , to serve their private ends ? their la●guage , and their practices decla●e , that entertained by gods foe they were . their whoring , swearing , and their drunkennesse , do far more plainly to the world expresse what generall they doe belong unto , then all their feath●rs and their ensignes doe . these , by their unrep●nted sins , betray thy cause . by these , the honor , and the day is lost : and when thou hopest tha● thy trouble shall have an end , thy danger waxeth double . we wisht for parlia●ents ; and them we made our god : ●or , all t●e hope that many had to remedy the publike discontent , was by t●e wisdome of a parli●ment . well ; parliaments we had ; and what in being , succeedeth ye● , but greater disag●●eing , with g●eater gri●va●ces then heretof●re ? and reason good : for , we depended more on outward meanes , then on gods will that sends all punishments ; and all afflictions ●nds . beleeve it should our parliaments a●ree in ev'ry motion : should our sov'raigne be so gracious , as to condiscend to all which for his weale and ours , propose we s●all ; ev'n that agr●●ment , till our sins we leave , shall make us but secure ; a●d helpe to weave a snare , by whose fine threds we shall be caught , before we see the mischie●e that is wrought . whilst we by parliam●nts do chiefly se●k meere temp'rall ends , the king shall do the like : yea , till in them we mutually agree to helpe each other ; and unfained be in lab'ring for a christian reformation ; each meeting shall b●get a new vexation . this iland hath some sense of what she ayles , and very much , these evill times bewayles : but , not so much our sinnes doe we lament , or mourne that god for them is discontent , as that the pla●ues they bring disturb our pleasures , encrease our dangers , and ●x●aust our treasure● . and , for these causes , now and then we ●ast , and pray , as long as halfe a day doth last . for , if the sunne doe but a li●tle cleare that cloud , from which a tempest we doe fear● ▪ what kind of g●iefe we took , we plainly shew by those rejoycings which thereon ensue : for , in the stead of such du● thankfu●ness● , as christian zeale obligeth to expresse ; to pleasure ( not to god ) we sacrifize ; renue our sins ; revive our vanities ; and , all our vowed gratitude expi●es , in games , in guns , in bels , in healths , or fires ▪ we faine would be at peace ; but few men go that way , ●s y●t , whereby it may be so . we have not that h●mility which must effect it : we ●re f●l●e , and cannot trust each other ▪ no nor god with true confessions : which shewes that we abhor not our transgression● ▪ it proves , t●at ●f our errors , we in heart repent not , neither purpose to depart f●om any f●lly 〈◊〉 or all they that are sincerely penitent ▪ doe nothing feare so much as t●●ir owne ●uil● ; nor seeke to gain● oug●t more , then to be reconc●l'd againe : and , they that ar●●hus minded , never can be long unreconcil'd to god , or man. when we should ●●oop , we most our selves exalt ; and ( though we be ) would no● be thought in fault . nay , tho●gh we faulty be , ●nd thought , & known , and proved so ; and ●ce that we are th●owne by our apparant erro●s , into straits , from which we cannot g●t by all our sleights : yet , still ou●selves we vau●t and justifie , and struggle , ●ill the sn●re we faster ●ye . we sin , and we to boast it have no shame , yet s●●rme when othe●s doe our follies name : and rather then we will so much as say we did amisse ( though that might wipe away the staine of all ) i think that some of us so wil●ull are , so proud , and mischievous , that we ours●lves w●uld ruine , and our nation , to keep our shadow of a reputation . oh! if we are thus headstrong , t is unlike we any part of our proud sailes will strike till they have sunke our vessell in the sea , or by th● furious winde● , are torne away . t were better ▪ tho , we did confesse our wound , then hide it till our s●ate grew more unsound . t were better we some wealth , or office lost , then keep them , till our lives , and all , it cost : and therefore , let us wisely be advised , befo●e we by a tempest be surprised . downe first with our top-gallants and our flags ; in stormes ▪ the skilfull'st pilots make no brags . let us ( if that be not enough ) l●t f●ll our misne-yeard , and strike our top-sailes all . if this we find be not enough to doe ▪ strike fote-saile , sprit-saile , yea and main-saile too . and , rather then our ship should sink or rend ; let 's over board , ●oods , mast , and tackling send . save but the hull , the master , and the men ; and we may l●ve to scoure the seas agen . beleeve it england , howsoever some ( who should fo●esee thy plagues before they come ) end●vor to perswade thee that thou hast a hopefull time ▪ and that the wo●st is past . yet i dare bol●ly tell thee , thou hast nigh worne out gods patience by impiety . and , that unlesse the same we doe r●nue by penitence , our folly we shall rue . but , what am i , that me thou should'st beleeve ? or , unto what i tell thee , ●redit give ? it may be this adul●rous genera●ion expecteth tokens of her desolation ; and therefore i will give them signes of that which they are almost now arived at . not signes , so mysticall as most of those which did t●e ruine of the iewes●isclose ●isclose ; but , signes as evident as are ●he day . for , know ye britanies ▪ that what god did say ierusalems destruction should foresh●w , he spake to ev'ry state that should ensue . and , tha● he nought of her , or to her sp●ke , for hers alone , but also for our sake . one signe that gods long-suffring we have tired , and that ●is patience is almost expired , is this ; that many iudgements he hath sent , and still remov'd them e're we did repent . for , god ( ev'n by his holinesse ) did sweare , ( saith amos ) such a nation ●e will teare with brye●s , and with fish hookes rend away the whole posterity of such as they . cl●ane teeth ( saith god ) i gave them ; and with bread in many places , them i scantly fed ; and yet they sought me not : then i restrained the dewes of heav'n ; upon this field i rained , and not on that ; yea , to one city came some two or three , to quench their thirsty ●lame ; yet , to ret●rne to me , no care they tooke : with blastings then , and mildewes , i them strook ; and mixt among their fruits the palmer-worme ; yet , they their lives did not a jot reforme : then did i send the pest●lence ( said he ) devoured by the sword , ●heir youngmen be ; their horse are slaine , and up to heaven ascends their stinke ; yet i discover no amends . the selfe same things thy god in thee hath done , oh en●land ! yet , here followes thereupon so small amendment , that they are a signe to thee ; and their sharp iudgement , will be thine . the second tohen which doth fore declare when cities , states , and realmes , declining are , ev'n christ himselfe hath left us : for , ( saith he ) when desolation shall approaching be , of wars , and warlike rumors ye shall heare ; rare signes and tokens will in heaven appeare ; downe from the firmament the stars sh●ll fall ; the hearts of many men , then , saile th●m shall ; there will be many scandals and offences ; great earth quakes , schismes , dearths , and pestilences ; realme , realme ; and nation , nation shall oppose ; the nearest friends , shall be the greates● foes . against the church shall many tyrannize ; deceivers , and false prophets , shall arise ; in ev'ry place shall wicked●esse abound ; and , charity shall very cold be found . this , christ himselfe did prophecy : and we are doubtlesse blind , unlesse con●est it be , that at this houre , upon this kingdome here , these ma●ks of desolation viewed are . how often have we s●ene prodig●ous lights , o'resp●ead ●he f●ce of heav'n in moonlesse nigh●s ? how many dreadfull met●ors have there beene in this ou● climate , lately heard and seene ? who knoweth nor that but a while agoe a blazing star did threat , if not foreshow gods iudgements ? in what age , tofore , did here so many , who did saints and stars appeare , fall ( as it were ) from heav'n ? or who hath heard of greater earth-quakes , then have lately scar'd these quarters of the world ? how oft , the touch of famine have we had ? but , when so much devou●ed by the pestilence were we , as in this present yeare our people be ? of wars , and martiall rumors , never more wer● heard within these confines heretofore ; when were all kingdomes , and all nations through the world , so opposite as they are now ? we know no country , whether nigh or far , but is engag'd , or threatned with some war. all places , either present woes bewaile ; or else things feared make mens hearts to faile . false prophets ▪ and deceivers we have many ; we scarcely find integrity in any : the name of christ , begins in ev'ry place to suffer persecution ●nd disgrace ; and , we the greatest jeopardies are in , among our neighbours , and our nearest kin . strange heresies do ev'●ywhere encrease , distur●ing sion , and exiling peace . impietie doth multiply . true love growes cold . and , if these tokens doe not prove our fall drawes on , unlesse we doe amend : i know not when our folly shall have end . a third apparant signe which doth d●clare when some devouring pl●gue approacheth neere , is when a nation doth anew begin to let idolatry to enter in ; and openly , or secre●ly give place to heresie , where truth establisht was : or when like ieroboam , to possesse an outward profit , or a temporall peace , they either change religions , or devise a worship which doth mixe idolatries with truth . for this , ev'n for this very crime , the king of ashur , in h●shea's time led isr●el captive . and , both from the sight of god ; and from the house of david quite , they were c●t off for ever , and d●d neither serve god nor idols ; but ev'n both toge●her ; in such a mixt religion as is that which some among us , now , have aymed at . marke , england ; and i prethee marke it well , if this offence which ruin'd israel , on thee appeare nor : and , if so it be , amend ; or looke for what it threatens thee . the fourth true token which do●h fore expresse the ruine of a land ●or wickednesse , is when the p●iests and magistrates begin , to grow ext●eamly impudent in fin . this signe , the prophet micah●iveth ●iveth us ; and he ( not i ) to you cryes loudly thus : heare , oh ye house of iacob , and all ye that princes of the house of is●ael be : ye iustice hate ; and ye pervert what 's good ; ye build the wal● of sion up with blood ; ierusalem with sin , ye up have rear'd , your iudges passe their censures for reward ; your priests doe preach for hire , your prophets doe like them ▪ and prop●ecy for mony too . and , for this cause shall sion mount ( saith he ) ev'n like a plowed field become to be ; and like a forre●t hill where b●shes grow ▪ the city of ierusalem shall show . change but the names , oh britain , and that token of desolation , unto the● is spoken . for , what this day thy priests and princes are ▪ their actions , and the peoples cries declare . a fifth sure evidence that god among thy ruines will en●omb thy fame e're long , ( if thou repent not ) is ev'n this , that thou dost ev'ry day the more ungodly grow , by how much more the blessed meanes of grace doth multiply it selfe in ev'ry place . god sends unto thee many learned preachers , apostles , pastors , and all kind of teachers ; his visions , and his prophecies upon thee he multiplies . and ( that he might have won thee to more sincerity ) on all occasions , by counsell , by entreatie , and perswasions , he hath advis'd , allured , and besought thee : with precept upon precept , he hath taught thee ; by line on line ; by miracle ; by reason ; in ev'ry place ; in season , out of season ; by little and by little ; and by much ( sometime ) at once : yet is thy nature such , that still thou waxest worse ; and in the roome of pleasant grapes , more thistles daily come : and , thou that art so ●aughty , and so proud , for this , shal● vanish like an empty cloud ; and , as a lion , leopard , or a beare , thy god , for this , shall thee in pieces teare . if thou suppose my muse did this devise , goe take it from hosea's prophesies the sixth undoubted signall when the last good dayes of sinfull realmes are almost past ▪ is when the people neere to god shall draw in word , to make profession of his law : and , by their tongues his prai●es forth declare ; yet , in their hearts from him continue far . to such a land , their de●●iny displaye● isaiah : for even thus the prophet sayes : god will produce a marvell in that state , and doe a worke that men shall wonder at ; the wisdome of their wisest counsellor , shall perish , and their prudent men shall erre . on their deepe counsels , sorrow shall attend ; their secret plots shall have a dismall end ; their giddy projects which they have devised , shall as the potters clay be quite despised . like carmel , lebanon shall seeme ; and he like lebanon , shall make mount carmel be . their pleasant fields like desarts shall appeare ; and , there shall gardens be , where desarts are . god keep ( thou brittish ile ) this plague from thee ▪ for , signes thereof upon thy body be . thou of the purest worship mak'st profession ; yet , waxest more impure in thy condition . thou boastest of the knowledge of gods word , yet , there unto in manners to accord thou dost refuse . thou makest protestation of pietie ; yet hatest reformation . yea ▪ when thy tongue doth sing of praise divine , t●y heart doth plot some temporall designe . and , some of those , who in this wise are holy , begin to shew their wisedome will be folly . ●or , when from sight their snares they deepest hide , by god almighties eyes they are espide . the seaventh symptome of a dreadfull blow , ( if not of a perpe●uall overthrow ) is when a slumb●ing spirit doth surprize a nation ; and hath closed up their ey●s : or when the prophets and the seers are so cloud●d , that plaine truths do not appeare : or when the visions evidently seene are passed by , as if they had not beene : or when , to nations who can reade , god gives his booke ; and thereof doth unseale the leaves , and bids them reade the same , which they to do deny ; or ●lead unablen●sse thereto . black signes are th●se . for if that book to them , still darke ; or as a book unsealed seeme ; or , if they heed no more what here is said , then they that have the booke , and cannot reade ; the iudgements , last repeated , are the doome , that shall on such a stupid nation come . this signe is come on us ; for , loe , unsealed gods book is now among us ▪ and revealed are all the mysteries which doe concerne the children of this present age to learne . so well hath he instructed this our land , that we not only reade , but understand the secrets of his word . the prophecies of his chiefe seers , are before our eyes , vnveiled : true interpretations a●e made , and many proper applications ev'n to our selves ; yet is ou● hea●t so blind , that what we know and see , we do not mind . we heare , and speake , and much adoe we keepe ; but we as sens●lesse are as men asleep what th●n we doe . yea , wh●le that we are talking , what sna●es are in the way where we are wal●ing , we heed not what we say , b●t passe along ; and many times , ●re fast ●●snar'd among those mi●●hiefes , and those faults we did condemne , before our tongues have left to mention th●m . for our negl●ct of god in ●ormer times , ( or for some present unrep●nted crimes ) a slumbring spirit●o ●o p●ssesseth us , that our estate is wondrous d●ngerous . we s●e and heare , and tell to one anoth●r our perils , yet we headlong hast together to wilfull ruine : and are growne so mad , that when our friends a better course perswade , or seeke to st●p us ( when they s●e we run that way in which we cannot ruine shun ) we persecute those men with all our soule , that we may damn our s●lves without controule . the eight plaine signe , by which i understand that some devouring mischiefe is at hand , is that maliciousnesse which i doe see among ●rsfessors of one faith , to be . we that have b●t one father , and one mother , doe persecute , and torture one another . so ho●ly , we oppose not antichrist , as we our fellow brethren doe resist . the protestant , the protestant defies ; and , we our selves , our selves doe scandalize . our church we have exposed to more scorne ; and her fai●e seamlesse vestment rent , and torne , by our owne fury , more then by their spight who are to us directly opposite . to save an aple , we the tree destroy ; and , quarrels make for ev'ry needlesse toy : from us , if any brother differ shall but in a crotcher , we upon him fall as eagerly , and with as bitter hate ▪ as if we knew him for a reprobate . and , what event all this doth signifie , saint paul ( by way of caveat ) do●h imply . take heed ( s●ith he ) lest while ye bite ●ach other , you , o● your selves , consumed be ●ogether . another s●gne which cau●eth me to feare that our confusion is approaching neere , are those disunions whi●h i have espide , in church and commonwealth , this pr●sent tide . we cannot hide th●se rents ; for they doe gape , so wide , that some their iaw●s can hardly scape . would god , the way to close them up we knew , else , what they threaten , time will shortly shew : for , all men know , a city or a land , within it selfe d●vided , ca●n●t stand ▪ the last black signe that here i will repeat , ( which doth to kingdomes desolation threat ) is when the hand of god almighty brings the pe●ple , into bondage , to their kin●s . i say , when their owne k●ng shall take delight , those whom he should protect , to rob , and smite . when they who fed the sheep ▪ the sheep shall kill , and eate them ; and suppose they doe no ill . when god gives up a nation unto those that are their neighbours , that they may , as foes , devoure them . when ( oh england ! ) thou shalt see this come to pa●se , a signe it is to thee that god is angry ; and a certaine token that into pieces thou shalt quite be broken : i● not by so ra●ne strength , by force at home ; a●d , that thy greater torment will become . this vengeance , and this fearfull preparation , of bringing ruine on a sinfull n●tion , ( if they remaine impenitent ) the lord doth menace ; and , by zachary●ecord ●ecord , to make us wise . oh! let us therefore learne ▪ what now is comming on us , to discerne . for , ( well considered if all thing● were ) from this captivity we seeme not farre . it now already seeme● to be proj●ct●d ; nay , little wants of being quite effected . for , they that are our sheph●●rds , now , are they that fleece us , and endevor to betray our lives and freedomes . those g●eat men that be our nei●hbours ( and can claime no more then we ) would sell us : and , att●mpt to gaine a pow'r , whe●eby they may , at pleasure , us d●voure : and , h●d not we a king , as loth to make his people slaves , as from hims●lfe to take his lawfull right ; ( or , were there not some lett vnheeded , which is unremov●d yet ) e're this ( and justly too ) the hand of heaven into perpetuall bondage us had given . and , if we do not more gods will regard , that mischiefe is but for a time deferr'd , our king is just and mercifull ; and th● some may ( with loyall , and a gilded s●ow of pious equity ) a while ●ssay to lead his judgement in his youth astray ; yet , god ( i hope ) will keep him so , that he shall still be just , ( though we ungodly be ) and , make him in the fitteft houre expresse his royall iudgement , and his right●ousnesse : but , if god should from us ( as god forbid ) take him , as once he good iosiah did , he also will ( unlesse we mend ) perchance , in times to come , a shepheard here advance , who shall not plead for what his youngmen say is just ; but , take the same , perforce , away . an ido●l shep●eard , who shall neither care to find or seek , for those that strayed are ; nor guard the lamb● ; nor cure what hath a wound ; nor cherish those that fi●me to him are found ; but , take the fat , and rob them of their fleeces ; and eate their flesh ; and b●eak their bones in peeces . more signes i migh● , as yet , commemorate , to shew gods pa●●ence is nig● out of date . but , these are signes enough ▪ an● so apparant , that twenty more w●ll give no better warrant to what i speake . yet , if these ●●lse appeare , that 's one signe more , our fall approacheth neere . be mind●ull , therefore , while it is to day ; and , let no good occasion slip away . now rend your hearts , ye britains , wash & rinse them from all corruption : from all evill clense them . goe offer up the pleasing sacrifice of righ●eousnesse : from folly turne your eyes . seeke peace , and follow it , with strict pursuit : relieve the needy ; iudgement execute : refresh the weary ; right the fatherlesse : the strangers , and the widowes wants redresse : give praise to god ; depend with lowly faith , o● him ; and what his holy spirit saith : r●member what a price thy ransome cost ; and , now redeeme the time that thou hast lost . returne , ret●●ne thou ( oh back-sliding nation ) and , let thy teares prevent thy desolation . as yet , thou maist returne ; for , gods embrace is open ●or thee , if thou hast the grace , to give it meeting ▪ yet , repentance may prevent the mischiefes of that evill day , which here is menace'd : yet , thou maist have peace , and by dis●reet endeavo●ing , enc●ease each outward grace , and ev'ry inward thing ▪ w●i●h will additions to thy comfo●t bring . if this thou doe ; these fea●full threatnings all , ( repea●ed h●re ) to mercies change he shall . we cannot say , it will excuse thee f●om all cha●●isement ; or that no blow shall come . for , peradv●nt●re , thou so long hast bin vnpe●i●ent , that some loud-cring sin hath wak'd that v●ngeance , which upon thy crimes mu●t fall ( as once in ier●mi●hs 〈◊〉 ) without pr●vention ; to ex●mplifie gods hate of sin to all posterity . but , sure we are , that if he doth not stay h●● threa●ned hand , the stroke that he doth lay will fall the lighter ; and become a bl●ssing , thy future joyes , and vertues more encreafing ▪ then all that larg● prosperity and rest which thou , so long tog●ther , hast possest . god ( wi●h a wr●ters ●●ke horne ) one hath sent , to set a marke on th●m that shall repent ; and bids him promi●e in his n●me , that they who shall ( recantin● ) leave their evill way , and in th●ir heart● , bewaile the grievous crimes , and miserie● of sion , in their times ; that they shall be secure , and s●●ed ●rom the hand of these d●stroye●s ▪ which must come : or else by their dest●ucti●n find a way to that repairing which will ne●re d●cay . yea thou , oh britaine ! if thou couldst reforme thy manners , might'st expell the dreadfull storme now threatned ; and thy foes ( who triumph would , the ruine of thy glory to behold ▪ and jeere thee when thou fallest ) soone s●all see thy god returning , and avenging thee on their insultings : yea , with angry blowes he would effect their shamefull overth●owes . or turne their hearts . for when from sin men cease , god makes their enemies , and them , at peace . moreover , thou shalt have in thy poss●ssing , each inward grace ▪ and ev'ry ou●ward blessing ; thy fruit●ull h●rds shall in ●ich pastures feed ; thy soile shall plentiously encrease thy seed ; thy flock , shall neither shepherds want nor meat ; cleane provander , thy stabled beast shall ●at● ; there shall be rivers in thy dales ; and fountaines vpon the tops of all thy noblest moun●aines : the moone shall cast upon thee beames as bright as now the sunne ; and with a sevenfold l●ght the sun shall bl●sse thee ▪ he that reignes in thee , to all his p●ople reconcil'd shall be ; and they shall find themselves no whit deceived , in those good hopes which are of him conceived : but he , ( and they , wh● shall his throne possesse when he is gone ) shall reigne in righteousnesse ; and be more carefull of thy weale ( by far ) then parents of their childrens p●ofits are thy magistra●e● , with wisdome shall proceed in all that shall be cou●ell'd or decreed . as harbours , w●en it blowes tempestuously ; as rivers , unto places over-d●y ; as shadowes a●e to men opprest with heat ; as to a hungry stomac● , wholsom● meat ; to thee , so welcom● , and as much con●enting , thy nobles will become , on thy repenting . thy priests shal preach true doctrine in thy teples ; and make it fruitfull by their good examples . thy god , with righteousnesse shall them aray , and heare and answer them , when they do pray . thy eyes , that much are blinded , shall be cleare ; thy ea●es that yet are deafned , then shall heare ; thy tongue , that s●āmers now , shall then sp●ak plain ; thy heart shall perfect understanding gaine ; the preaching of the gospell shall encrease ; thy god shall make thy comforts and thy peace , to flow as doth a river ; they who plant , the blessing of their labour shall not want ; thy poorest people shall at full be fed ; the meek , shall of no ty●a●t stand in dread ; thou shalt have grace and knowledge , to avoid those things , whereby thy r●st may be annoid ; t●ou shalt poss●sse thy wished bl●ssings all ; and , god shall heare thee still before thou call . but , as a chime , wh●se ●rets disord red grow , can never cause it selfe in t●ne to goe , nor chime at all , untill some cunning hand doth make the same againe in order stand : or , as the clock , whose plummers are not weight , strike● sometimes one for three , and sixe for eight ; so fareth it with men and kingdomes all , when once from their integrity they fall . they may their motion●urry ●urry out of frame , but have no pow'r to r●ctifie the same that curious hand which first those pieces wrought , must mend them still ; or they will still be nought . to thee i therefore now my speech convert , thou famous artist , who creator art of heav'n and ea●th , and of those goodly spheares , that now have whirled many thousand yeares , ( and shall untill thy pleasure ●ives it ending ) in their perpetuall motion , without mending . oh! be thou pleased , by thy pow'rfull hand , to set in order this depraved land. our whole foundation , lord , is out of course ; and ev'ry thing still groweth worse and wor●e ; the way that leads quite from thee , we have tooke ; thy covenant , and all thy lawes are b●oke ; in mischiefes , and in folly , is our pleasure ; our crying sins have almost fill'd their measure ; yet , ev'ry day we adde a new transgressi●n , and still abuse thy favour and compassion . our governors , our prelats , and our nobles , have by their sins encrease , encreast our trou●les . our priests , and all the people , have misgone ; all kind of evill deeds , we all have done . we have not lived as those meanes of ●race require , which thou hast gra●ted to this place : but ●ather wo●se then many who have had less● helpes then we , of being better made . no nation under heav'n so lewd hath bin , that had so m●ny w●rnings for their sin , and such perpetuall callings on , as we , to leave our wickednesse , and turne to thee . yet , we in stead of turning , further went ; and when thy mercies and thy plagues were sent to pull us backe ; they seldome wrought our stay , or moved to repentance one whole day . no blessing ▪ no affliction , hath a pow'r to move compunction i● us , for one houre , vnlesse thou worke it . all that i can speake ( and all that i have spoken ) till thou breake and mollifie the heart , will fruitlesse be , not onely in my hearers , but in me . i● thou p●epare not way for more esteeme all these remembrances will foolish seeme . nay these , in stead of moving to repent , will indignation move and discontent ; which will mens ha●dned hearts obdurate more , and make their fault much greater then before . vnlesse thou give a ●lessing , i may strive as well to make a marble stone alive , as to effect my p●rpo●e : yea , all this like wholesome counsell to a mad man is , and , i for my good meaning shall be torne in pieces , or exposed be to scorne . ●or , they against thy word doe stop their eare ; and , wilde in disobedience , will not heare . in this , we all confesse ourselves to blame , and that we therefore have deserved shame . yea , lord we doe acknowledge , that for this there noth●ng else to us pertaining is , ( respecting our owne worth ) but desolation , and finall ●ooting ou● , without compassion . but gracious god , though such our merit be , yet , ●ercy f●ll pertaineth unto thee . to thee the act of pard'ning and forgiving , as much belongs ( oh father everliving ) as plagues to us : and it were better far our sinnes had lesse then their deservings are , then that thy clemency should be outgone , by al● the wickednesse that can be done . as well as theirs whose lives now left them have , thou ca●st command those bodies from the gr●ve , who slink , and putrifie , and buried be in their corruption . such , oh lord ! are we . oh! call us from this grave ; and shew thy pow'r vpon this much polluted land of our , which is not only sick of works unholy , but almost dead and buried in her folly . forgive us all our slips , our negl●gences , our sins of knowledge , and our ignorances ; our daring wickednesse ; our bl●ody crimes ; and all the faults of past and p●esent times . permit not thy just wrath to burne for ●ver ; in thy displeasure doe not still persever ; but , call us from that pit of death , and sin , and from that path of hell which we are in . remember , that this vineyard hath a vine , which had her planting by that hand of thine . remember , when from egypt thou remov'dst it , with what entire affection , then , thou lov'dst it . how thou didst weed and dresse it heretofore ; how thou didst fence it from the forrest bore ; and think ▪ how sweet a vintage then it brought , when thy first worke upon her thou hadst wrought ▪ remember , that without thy daily care , the choicest plants , soone wilde and fruitlesse are ; and , that as long as thou dost prune and dresse , the sowrest vine sh●ll bring a sweet ●ncrease . r●member , also lord , how still that foe , w●● fi●st pu●sued us ▪ doth seek to sow his ●ares among thy wheat ; and to his pow'r , b●eak down● thy fence , and trample , and devoure the seeds of grace , as soone as they doe sprout ; and is to● strong , for us to keep him out . o● ! let not him prevaile , such harme to do us , as he desires , but , lord , re●urne unto us . returne in mer●y . though thou find us slack to come our selves , f●tch , draw , and pull us back from our owne courses , by thy grace divine , and set , and keep us , in each way of thine . we from our foes have saved beene by thee ; and in thy love , oh lord ! triumphed we . but now behold , disgrac'd thou throw'st us by , and we before our adversaries flye . a● us our neighb●ring nations laugh and jeere , and , us they ●co●ne , whom late we made to feare . oh god a●ise , reject us not for aye ; no longer hide from us thy face away : but , come , oh come with speed to give u●aid , and let us not be lost though we have straid . vouchsafe that ev'ry one in his degree , the secret errors of his life may see ; and , in his l●wfull calling ▪ all his dayes , pe●forme his christian duty , to thy praise ▪ give peace this troublous age ; for , perilous the times are growne , and no man fights for us but thou oh god! nor do we seek or crave , that any other champion we may have . nay give us troubles , if thy will be ●o , that we may have thy strength to beare them too ; and in affliction thee more glorifie , then heretofore in our prosperity . for when thy countenance on us did shine , those lands th●t boasted of their corne and wìne , had not that joy which thou di●st then inspire , when we were boyld and fryde in blood and fire . oh! give againe that joy , although it cost us our lives . restore thou what our sin hath lost us thy church , in these dominions lord preserve in purity : and teach us thee to serve ●n holinesse and righteousnesse , untill we shall the number of our dayes fulfill . defend these kingdomes from all overthrowes , ●y forraine enemies , or home-bred foes . our king with ev'●y grace and vertue blesse , which may thine honour and his owne encrease . inflame our nobl●s with mo●e love and zeale , to thy true spouse , and to this common w●ale . inspire our ●lergie in their severall places , with knowledge , and all sanct●●ying g●aces ; that by their liv●s and doct●ines they may reare th●se part● of syon , which decayed are . awake ●his peo●le , give them soules that may beleeve thy word , and thy commands obey . the plagues deserv'd already , save them from . more wa●ch●ull make them , in all times to come . for blessings past . let hearty thanks be given . for present ones , let sacrifice to heav'n be daily offred up . for what is needing ( or may be usefull in the time succeeding ) let faithfull prayers to thy throne be sent , with hearts and ●ands upright and innocent : and let all this the better fu●thred be , through these rem●mbrances , now b●ough● by me . for which high favour ▪ and emboldning thus my spirit , in a time so dangerous ; for chusing me , that am so despi●able , to be employed in this honorable and great employment ▪ ( which i more ●steeme , then to be crowned with a diadem ) for thy enabling me in this embassage ; for bringing to conclusion this my message ; for sparing of my l●fe , when thousands dy'd , before , behind me , and on ev'ry side ; for saving of me m●ny a time since then , when i had fo●feited my soule agen ; for all those griefes and poverties , by which i am in better things made great , and rich , then all that wealth and honor brings man to , wherewith the wo●ld doth keepe so much adoe : for all which thou to me on earth hast given ; for all , w●i●h doth concerne my hopes of heaven ; for these , and those innumerable graces , vouchsafed me , at sundry times , and places , ( vn●hought upon ) unsained praise i render : and , for a living s●crifice , i tender to thee ( oh god ) my body , soule , and all , which mine i may , by thy donation , call . accept it blessed maker , for his sake who did ●his offring acceptable m●ke , by giving up himselfe . oh! looke thou no● vpon those blem●shes which i have got by naturall corruption ; or by those polluted acts which f●om that ulcer flowes . according to my ●kill , i have enroll'd thy merci●s ; and thy iustice i have told . i have not h●d thy workings in my brest ; but a● i could , their pow'r i have exprest . among our great assemblies , to declare thy will and pleasure , loe , i doe not f●a●e : and th●ugh by princes i am checkt and blamed ▪ to sp●ake ●he truth , i am no whit ashamed . oh! ●hew thou , lord , thy mercy so to me , and l●t thy ●ove and truth , my guardians be . forgive me all the foll●es of my youth ; my f●ul●y deeds ; the errors of my mo●th ; the wandrings o● my hea●t , and ev'ry one of those good workes that i have lest undone . forgive me all wherein i did amisse , since thou ●mployd'st me in performing this : my d●ublings of thy calling ●e unto it ; my f●are● , which oft di●heartned me to doe it ; my sloth , my negligences , my evasions , and my defe●ring it , on vaine occasions , when i had vowed that no wo●ke of mine , should take me up , till i had finisht thine . lord , pardon this ; and let no future sin , nor what already hath committed bin , prophane this w●rke ; or cause the same to be the lesse effectuall to this land , or me . but to my selfe ( oh lord ) and others , let it so moving be , that we may ne're fo●get it . let nor the evill , nor the good effect it takes , or puffe me up , or me deject : or make me thinke that i the better am , because i tell how others a●e to bl●ame : but , let it keep me in a christian feare , still humbly heedfull what my actions are . let all those observations i have had , of others er●or● , be occasions made to min● me of mine owne . and , lest i erre , let ev'ry man be my remembrancer ; with so much charity , as i have sought to b●ing their duties more into their thought . and , i● in any sin i linger long ▪ without repentance ; lord , let ev'ry tongue that n●m●s me , check me for it : and , to me b●come , what i to ●thers faine would be . oh! let me not be like those busie broomes , which having clensed many nasty roomes , doe make themselves the fouller : but sweet father , let me be like the preci●us diamond rather , which doth by polishing another stone , the better shape and lustre , set upon h●s owne rou●h body . let my life be such , as that mans ought to be , who knoweth much of thy good pleasure . and , most awfull god , let none of tho●e , who sp●ead of me abroad vnjust reports , the dev●lls pu●pose gaine , by making these my warning● prove in vaine to those that heare them : but let such disgraces , reflect with shame , upon their authors fac●s , till they repe●t . and let their scandall se●ve within my hea●t true me●k●●sse to preserve ; and that humili●y , which else , perchance , vaine glory , ot some naturall arrogance might ove●throw , if i should think upon ( with carnal thoghts ) some good my lines have done restrai●e , moreover , them who out of pride , or igno●ance , this labour shall deride . make them perceive , who shall prefer a story composed ●or some temporall friends glory , before those poems which thy works declare , that vaine and witlesse their opinions a●e : and if by thee i was appointed , lord , thy iudgements and thy mercies to record , ( as here i do ) set thou thy mark on those , who shall despightfully the same oppose : and let it p●●likely be seene of all , till of their malice they repent them shall . as i my conscience have disch●rged here , without concealing ought for love , or feare ; from furious men let me preserved be , and from the scorne of ●ooles deliver me ▪ vouchsafe at length some com●orting refection , according to the yeares of my affliction . on me , for good , some to●en please to show , that they who see it , may thy bounty know ; rejoyce , with fellow-fe●ling of the s●me , and joyne with me , in praising of thy name . and lest ( oh lord ! ) some weake ones may despise my word● , because of ●uch necessities , as they h●ve b●ou●ht upon me , by their spight , who ●o my s●udie h●ve beene opposite : oh! give me that which may suffic●ent be , to make them know that i have served thee . and that my labours are by thee regarded , although they seeme not outwardly rewarded . those honors , or that wealth , i doe not crave , which they affect , who most end●vored have to please the world. i onely aske to gaine but food and rayment , lord , for all my paine ; and that the ●launders , and the poverties , wherewith my patience thou shalt exercise , make not these lines , or me , become a scorne , nor leave me to the world-ward , quite forlorne . yet , in preferring of this humble suit , i make not my request so absolute , as that i will capitula●e , or tye ●o such conditions , thy d●ead majesty . for , if to honour bu● an eart●ly prince my muse had sung ▪ it had beene impudence to p●ompt his bounty ; or , to doubt he might forget to doe my honest labours right . doe therefore as thou pleasest : only give thy servant grace contentedly to live , and to be ●hankfull , wha●soever shall in thi● my weary pil●rimage befall . such thing● thou dost command me to require , with earnest , and an absolute desire : with which i come : beseeching i may finde thy love continue , though none else be kinde ; that blessednesse ete●nall i may get , though all i lose on earth , to compasse it ; and that , at last , when my accompt is eaven , my payment may be summon'd up in heaven . lord , this will p●ease me : call me quickly thithe● , and pay me there my wages all together : not that which mine by merit seemes to be ; but , what by thy meere ●race is due to me . the conclusion . so now ( though not so fally as i ●●ght ) my vow is paid ; and to an end is brought t●is worke , for which god pleas'd my life to spare , whe● thousand● round about me slaughtred were . n●w , live or dye i care rot : for i see but little useful●esse , or need of me . because no●e knowes what god may call him to ; i will not say precisely what i 'le doe : but , in ●his kind of muzing , to endeavor , or he employ'd againe , i purpose never . for , if this ●rofit not , it will be vaine for me to strike upon this st●in● againe ▪ if these doe not prevaile , i shall suppose , words are not wanting here so much as blowes ▪ and that the filthy will be filthy s●ill , till th●y the measure of their sin f●lfill : or , that god wil● to f●ee us from pollution , put some ●●●sall plague in execution . whi●●●o prevent , to him i 'le humbly pray , and , whilst i live , ende●vor what i may my cou●t●ies welfare ; se●king meanes to finde , to spen● for her availe , my dayes behinde ; and lab●ring so , my talent to employ , that i may come in●o my masters joy . and , though ( when all is done which i am able ) my service will be but unprofitable : yet , still i will be doing , that , wh●n he shall come , i be not idle found to be . if any blame what is or shall be done ; my conscience k●oweth i would injure none ; and that i doe not meddle further , than becommeth me that am a priva●e man , though otherwise it seeme to those who weigh not wh●n private men may spe●ke , and when th●y may not . the buildin● of a towne we doe preserre vnto the mason and the carpenter ; but , when it is on fire , we care no● who doth come to quench it , so the same he doe . and , thoug● in setled times , the statutes awe the ruder sort , sometime there 's martiall law. t is true indeed , that ordinary times , and those that are but ordinary crimes , may by the commo● iustice be amended , and shoul● not be by others repre●ended ; except it be in termes , respecting all states ▪ persons , times , and sin in g●nerall . yet ( as king david sayes ) if overthrowne foundations be ; what then amisse i● done , by honest men , if god to sh●w our fall , shall some , in extraordinary , call ? we now have those that neither stand in awe of ordinary magistrate , or law. nay , law is made a mockage , and a scorne , and , they who have appointed beene , and sworne to j●dge us by ●he lawes , deny their pow'r , except , when they may serv● them to devoure . we now have sinners , who are got above the reach of men appoin●ed to reprove in ordinary course . yea , sins have we , which brook not , toucht , or mentioned to be : no not so much as pray'd against , through feare of ●ngring those that their wel willers ●re . and , this ●reat impudency daily growes so str●ng that all our freedome● we shall lose , and natures lawes e're long will all be brok●n , if none shou●d speake ; and therefore i have spok●n . and ●f for this i may not live as fr●e as i was borne ( and as i ought to be ) i hope to dye , doe malice what it can , an ho●est and a constant englishman , whose fall shall be no ble●ish to his name ; but , in●am● to those , who caus●d the same . but , s●ffer this ( will politicians dreame ) an● , such a president will hearten them to libellize , who wanting grace , and re●son , d●vulge t●eir sharp-fang'd poems out of season : and they who write for nothing but to show their spleens , or that the world may come to know their facul●y , mens persons m●y abuse , and brave it thus , their boldnesse to excuse . but , wh●t is this to me ? ( if others will because i have done well , be doing ill ) let them and those , whom thereby they offend , about that matter , by themselves contend . t is fit for so●er men their swo●ds to weare , altho●gh by drunkard th●y abus●d are . which freedome i ▪ have claim●d , and us'd you see ; and from the claime will never bea●en be . in ev'ry worke ▪ some passage will d●scover to k●ow●ng men , what was the ch●ef●st mo●ver : which ●hey who have the spirit of d●scerning , should marke ; for , t is a matte worth the learning . and , when they find an autho● should be shent , let him receive his worthy chastisement . but , when his paines deserveth a rew●rd , affl●ct him not , though him you nought regard . a libeller is impudently bold , when he hath times , or patrons to uphold his biting straines ; and soone is he descry'd ; for ●e , to strike all faults , is t●rrifi'd : and feares what perills may his act attend , if none ●e knowes save god to be his friend . but , they who have my minde , will be so far from feare to write , although you doe not spare to punish me , that they will write the more ; make up the summe that ●anteth on my score ; and , reprehensions forth so loud will thunder , that at your follies time● to come will wonder . for , outward hopes , have not my tongue unloo●'d , nor can my mouth by outw●rd feares be clos'd . what i have done is done : and i am ●as●d , and ●lad , how ever others will be pleas'd . let t●em who shall p●ruse it , praise , or lau●h , revile or s●●ffe , or threat , or sweare , or chase , all 's one to me ; so i within be still , without me , let men keepe what noise they will , for , sure i am , though th●y my flesh confound , the soule , i seeke to save , shall still be sound ▪ and this i know , that nor the br●t●sh rages of ●his ●ow p●esent , or succeeding ages , shall root this poeme out ; but , that to all ensuing times , the same continue shall , to be perused in this land , as long as here they sh●ll retaine the english tongue : or , while there shall be errors , and offences , disorders , discords , plagues , or pestilences . and , if our evills we depar● not from , before the d●y of our destruction come , this book shall to the times that follow show , what sin● they were which caus●d our overthrow : and testifie to others ( for their learnin● ) that vengeance did not seize us without warning . if they who know the state of this our land , can justly say that her affaires doe stand in such a posture as was ordinary ; or , th●t these times the face d●e seeme to cary which t●ey have had : or , if th●y see not here , more wants , more doubts , and ter●ors , then therewere : or , if ●his message ( whatsoe're succedeth ) be more ( or more insisted on ) t●en needeth : or , if it giveth any just suspition that thence may spring o●casions of sedition ; nay if th●t ●ll my rea●●rs may not g●ther good mot●ves thence , to 〈◊〉 ●edition , rather ▪ and such like me●nes of r●●●ifying that which is , or may be har●full to the state : let me be strictly ques●●on●d , an● blamed , and conf●r'd too ; as one ●hat hath defamed or inj●red his country . or , if they who sh●ll per●se this booke , can truly say , that i have caused this remembrancer to spe●ke l●ke ev'ry v●lgar messenger ; if any c●rcumstance ca● prove , i bend my purposes to wo●ke my private end ; or , that i persons scandalize , o● fl●tter ; or that i in the manner , or the matter , resembl● s●ch a pamphl●ter , as feares the losing of his lib●rties , or eares : o● , that i speak● like them who railing come , they neither ●●re at what , nor yet at whom , so they may raile ; or , if i have not sh●wed my messages from such a spirit flowed , as is well knowne unto him , and whereby he can def●nd them , with good warrantly : if these , or ought like th●se things may be said , ( to prove the part of an impostor plaid ) let him who thinks he can unmask me , strive to do it , and as he shall doe , b●leeve . but if they find ( which doubtlesse they shall find ) who view this poeme with a single minde ) that i have here delivered thing● exceeding my me●ne ▪ of knowledge , or my he●ps of breeding , so far , as that my readers cannot chuse b●t know some pow'r divine d●d them infuse : if they shall find , by my confessions h●re , that i am subject to the selfe same feare which others feele ; and yet have dare● more in some respects , then others heretofore : if they ●erceive , that i did oft desire thro●gh frailty , from this action to retire ; a●d , that i had a supernat●●●ll w●ll , my naturall desi●es resisting st●ll , an● forcing me , ev'n in my owne despight , that ●atter of this volume to en●ite : if they perceive , as well per●eiue they may , that i had ma●y lets within my way , so cumbersome , as made the ●ork a●peare scarce possible ▪ to him that w●lling were ; and , how god made such hindrances become more helpfull at the last , then troubl●some . if they observe , how wh●n my fortunes all at hazard lay ( and were to stand or fall according to their wils , who may , with me , for this , if god forbid not a●●●y be ) that i , though many did the same condemne , did ( this to finish ) quite give ever them , which then i might have setled ; had i thought gods kingdome ought not first to have been sought . if they did know how we●l i know the rage , the sottishnesse , and malice of this age ; how little conscience some doe make to kill , oppresse , or ruinate , to get their will ; or what small meanes , or hope of friends i have , my body from their violence to save : if these , and such like things as these were heeded , all these preventions should not now have needed : for , they would see , this had not beene effected , vnlesse gods hand had strengthned and directed ▪ and they who else my person may contemne , would feare , that they in me would injure him . i know , some please to say , that thus i vent bold words ; because i seeke imprisonment : as if to me thereby there might arise a profit , by conceal'd g●atuities . thus many schismaticks indeed have done , and honest men and women prey'd upon , to charities abuse : but , god doth know that yet , with me it never hath beene so : but that my heart both scor●es and h●tes to be so false and base , as these d●e ●ensure me . i doe , and will confesse unto the praise of him , who unto me my friends did raise , that when i did , in thrall oppressed grow , with wants , which none but g●d and i did know ; and was mew'd up so close , that to no friend , i might a prayer , or petitio● send , but unto god : he mov'd the hearts of some to se●d me su●cour : and , i vow , to whom , except to him , i should my thanks repay , ( for much there●f ) i know not to thi● day . it was enough to show me , that god will in all extreames , provide things nee●full s●ill . and decently , and well did it suffice in my restraint , for all nec●ssities . but , what soe're some thinke , i brought not forth into the world with we , one farthing worth above my charge : but , there just eaven made of all which from gods bountious hand i had . for , what was more then serv'd to set me free , i gave to others , as he gave to me . which , not in boast , i mention ; but , i speake the truth , that this the more effect may take . a foo●●sh policie in me it were ( for such a base uncertain●y as here objected is ) to venture as i doe the ●●sse of th●t which i had rea●ht unto f●re now : had this beene left , to settle that which doth concerne my ●emp●rall estate . the king hath showne me favour : at this houre , i doe not know that ●an , of name , or pow'r whose person i envy , or disaffect , or whom of any malice i suspe●t to me o● mine : with me they all are friends , that w●re at odds ; and to attaine my ends in my ●ff●ires , i never had a day so probable as now , if i would stay this message : and perchance , this bring me shall in all my outward ho●es unto a fall ; yet , this shall first be told , that you may see , my hopes are greater , then my feares can be ; and that it may be knowne , i d●e disclaime those ends , at which most thinke i basely aime . these arguments , as such like words as may anticipate , i here , beforehand , say ; not that i thinke it possible , by them to change their mindes that will this booke contemne , for , t is not in the pow'r of argument , or words , to make the wilfull provident . it lieth not in honest prot●stations to overthrow malicious combinations ; no nor in miracles , till god shall please ( who of all hearts doth keepe the locks and keyes , to shut and open them ▪ ) for they that heard and liv'd to see fulfil'd , what was declar'd by ieremy against ierusalem ; his counsell they did nathelesse contemne , when he their slight to aegypt did oppose ; and so became of their owne overthrowes the wilfull cause . nay , when our saviour spake to iudas , and that band which came to take his person ; to the ground those men he strooke ev'n with his voice : and , on the crosse , he shooke the ea●th , and rent the temple with his cry ; yet , that and all the rest was passed by of most beholders , a if they had beene vnsensible of what was heard and seene . i therefore , these preventions doe insert , to aggravate the hardnesse of their heart who shall be obstinate . and here declare what may be said or done , e're done they are ; that all may know , when such things come to passe nought fals on me , but what expected was ; and that the better working this may have on those who shall gods messages receive ●y this remembrancer . for , god hath sent , though i ( unworthy ) am his instrument . him , unadvisedly compos'd i not , nor was he by a miracle begot . to fit him for this purpose ; i have thrice imprisonment endur'd : close-prison twice . much trouble i have past which thence ensu'd ; through wants and slaunders not a few i s●ru'd ; and , being guarded by gods providence , i lately walked through the pestilen●e , and saw , and felt , what nature doth abhor , to harden me , and to prepare me for this worke. and therefore he , who thinkes he shall wit● his big lookes or speeches me appall , must look more grim then death ; more ugly , far , then vizards , or the shapes of devils are ; breathe ranker poison then a plague fill'd grave ; and stamp , and rore , and teare , and stare , and rave , more dreadfully , and louder then a man infected with six pestilences can : else ; i ( to play with terrors being borne ) shall laugh both him and all he doth , to scorne . and , though i may , perchance ( as did the best of all ●ods children when they were opprest ) sometime bewaile my suffrings , or declare that i doe feele them when their waight i beare ; yet murmur will i not , at what is laid vpon me , neither seeke to flesh for aid . by what 's here done , may trouble come upon me ; but , not performing it , had quite undone me : since , i through feare of what the world may doe , neglected had , what god had call'd me to . for , of his calling me , the , meanes and wayes wh●reby my weaknesse he to this did raise , vnquestionable evidence doe give . and , they who doe not , yet , the same beleeve , will think the same , perhaps , when they shall see themselves enclosed with new plagues to be . thus i beleeving , a●d considering , what fearlesnesse this act therewith doth bring , ( with what assurances , i doe possesse ) me thinks it were a matchlesse wickednesse to disobey . yea sure , i more in that wrong'd god , then i shall seeme to wrong the state ▪ in uttring what some few are loth to heare . how ever divers thinke ; this is my feare . yea , to my soule , so horrible a thing the wilfull disobeying that great king appeared hath ; that , n●ver should i sleepe in peace againe , if i did silence keepe . and therefore , neither all the royall graces of kings ; nor gifts , nor honourable places , should stop my mouth . nor would i smother this , though twenty kings had sworne that i should kis●e the gallowes for it : lest my conscience should torment me more , then all men living could . yea , though this minde were but my ignorance , or fancy ( as it will be thought , perchance ) yet , since this fancy may present to me as hideous feares , as things that reall be , i 'le hazard rather twenty deaths to dye , then to be tortur'd by my fantasie . for , i had rather in a dungeon dwell five yeares ; then in my soule to seele a hell five minutes : and , so god will be my friend , i shall not care how many i offend . and , yet , ( now i remember ) troubled is my heart a little , for one thing amisse which i have done . this m●ssenger hath bin long time kept out ; and i did thrust him in without a licence ; lest he comming late , might shew you a commission out of date . i could excuse the fact , and lay the crime vpon the much disorder of the time : for , most men know , that in a watch or clock● when it is out of order once or broke , the wheeles that are unfaul●●e move awry as well as they in whom the faults doe lye . but , that you may not thinke i doe professe against the state , as wholly mercilesse , or that i thinke it nothing to misdoe against good order , though compelld th●●eto ; for this i aske forgivenesse ; and submit my selfe to them , who shall in judgement sit vpon the fact . for which if i obtaine my pardon , i shall humbly entertaine their favours with my thankefullest respects , and , hope this message will have good effects . if otherwise i finde ; my body shall be ready to subject it selfe to all their strictest penalties : and when i am enough affl●cted for what is to blame in this , or me : i know , god will release by body , or my soule , againe in peace . to him alone , for patronage , i run : lord , let thy pleasure , and thy will be done . the glory be to god. the faults escaped in the printing , wee had not such meanes to prevent as we desired ; nor could we conveniently collect them , by reason of our hast , of hazard , and other interruptions : wee therefore leave them to be amended , censured , and winked at , according to the readers courtesie or discretion . a memorandum to london occasioned by the pestilence there begun this present year mdclxv, and humbly offered to the lord mayor, aldermen and commonality of the said city / by george wither ; thereto is by him added, a warning-piece to london, discharged out of a loophole in the tower, upon meditating the deplorable fier, which consumed the house of an eminent citizen, with all the persons and goods therein, at the beginning of most joyful festival in december ; also, a single sacrifice offered to almighty god, by the same author in his lonely confinement, for prevention of the dearth-feared, and probably portended, by immoderate raines in june and july, , morever, in regard may have reported and believed this author to be dead, we have annexed his epitaph, made by himself upon that occasion. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a memorandum to london occasioned by the pestilence there begun this present year mdclxv, and humbly offered to the lord mayor, aldermen and commonality of the said city / by george wither ; thereto is by him added, a warning-piece to london, discharged out of a loophole in the tower, upon meditating the deplorable fier, which consumed the house of an eminent citizen, with all the persons and goods therein, at the beginning of most joyful festival in december ; also, a single sacrifice offered to almighty god, by the same author in his lonely confinement, for prevention of the dearth-feared, and probably portended, by immoderate raines in june and july, , morever, in regard may have reported and believed this author to be dead, we have annexed his epitaph, made by himself upon that occasion. wither, george, - . [ ], p. s.n.], [london : . reproduction of original in huntington library. in verse. errata: p. . created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng plague -- england -- london -- poetry. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a memorandum to london , occasioned by the pestilence there begun this present year mdclxv , and humbly offered to the lord maior , aldermen and commonalty of the said city . by george wither . thereto is by him added , a warning-piece to london , discharged out of a loophole in the tower , upon meditating the deplorable fier , which consumed the house of an eminent citizen , with all the persons and goods therein , at the beginning of our most joyful festival , in december , . also , a single sacrifice offered to almighty god , by the same author in his lonely confinement , for prevention of the dearth-feared , and probably portended , by immoderate raines in june and july , . quia legit haec , &c. who read such lines as these ? how few men , do they please ? moreover , in regard many have reported and believed this author to be dead ; we have annexed his epitaph , made by himself upon that occasion . imprinted in the year , mdclxv . a seasonable memorandum humbly tendred to the city of london , the lord maior , aldermen , and the whole commonalty thereof , by occasion of the pestilence , begun this year , mdclxv . by their old remembrancer , george wither . the psalmist , when he saw truths foes grow strong a while resolved to withhold his tongue ev'n from good words ; ( as i have often done ) but , in his heart , new-musings then begun to muster so , that , he was forc'd to break his resolution , and his thoughts to speak . so fares it now with me ; and i must do that which my mover hath inclin'd me to : vouchsafe it hearing , and god be my speed , for , it concerns you , and deserves good heed . this , now commencing , is the fourtieth year , since first , the greatest plague that raged here , within our time , was sent for our correction , to scourge us , with a pestilent infection , that , god's intention , being timely heeded we , by repentance , might have superseded those following judgments , which have ever since inflicted been , for our impenitence ; and , are still multiplying , as if from god's quiver , sharper arrows were to come . that year , i having lived , till the sun had thrice twelve times , quite through the zodiack run , consider'd i had spun out half that time within your walls , and might be one of them for whose transgressions , that sharp visitation came to destroy , or work a reformation ; and , thereupon ( without constraint ) intended to wait on god , where i had him offended ; that , if to spare my life , vouchsafe he should , i might as truly serve him as i could , by heeding both his actings , and our own ; and making those things unto others known , which i should then observe , might best promote his honour ; and from being quite forgot , keep that upon record , ( though to our shame ) which might hereafter , glorifie his name . during that plague , not one night , all the while , remov'd i thence , the distance of one mile , or shuned either person , place , or sight , which , me , experimentally then might acquaint with any thing , whereby to learn my duty , or what would my work concern ; by which means , i found reason to confess ( as job in his probation did profess ) that i , who heard of god , but by the ear , before that time , then ; saw him as it were ; and , had some things , likewise , to me reveal'd which were from many wiser men conceal'd ; so that i both foresaw , and then foretold what many thousands did fulfil'd behold soon after : yea , moreover , some of them who , many years , my cautions did contemn , ( and scofft at my predictions ) justifi'd that , which in times past , they did much deride . but , in their old waies , most men did proceed as if they took a very little heed , of any thing , past , present , or to come , which might preserve peace , or prevent their doom . what i then saw , and foresaw would befall , i did record , in that which i did call britans remembrancer ; and have not been regardless , what transactions , here were seen during tho●● fourty years of provocation , wherein , god's spirit , by this generation hath greeved been . of that large premonition , at least four thousands at the first impression were publisht through these islands , to prevent what seem'd at hand ; and , to the same intent in several modes , at several times before this present day , five times as many more premonitory hints , whereon ensue as mean effects , except among those few for whose sake ( next his sons ) god , yet hath pity on these three nations , and on this great city , though they have prosecuted and opprest ▪ those , in whose weal their welfare doth consist . but , this comes not within the creed of many nor can be possibly believ'd of any , whom pride , self-love , and ignorance bewitches either with dotage upon pleasures , riches , or power exorbitant ; because no grace can get admittance , where those fill the place , for , these , are part of those things where withall the devil tempted christ ; and they who fall by not resisting him in that temptation are drawn , at last , to yeeld him adoration ( though peradventure they perceive it not ) and , when he that advantage once hath got ; it is not in the power of any one to dispossess him , bud of god alone . judgements and mercies , in the common mode move not without th' immediate hand of god , or , some impulses extraordinary when from his dictates , wilfully they vary . the most convincing truths , make them but madder ; they , to the wisest charmer like the adder , still stop their ears ; and them he works upon no more , then if he sung unto a stone . this renders these more brutish then a beast by whom christ is but formally profest : for , beasts will shun the dangers that pursue them ; meet those who feed them , when their meat they shew them ; know their preservers , yea return them too , requitals , in their kind , for what they do : whereas besotted men , ev'n when they may perceive themselves beleagured ev'ry way with mischiefs ; although plainly they may see that their endeavours unsuccesful be in spight of all their policy or power , and , god , avengments threatning every hour by p●o●●gies , and by events , that from no mortall hand , to cross their hopes can come , they either look on them as casualties , or , them not to concern , in any wise : then , with full sailes , run head long on that rock which is in view ; at their good counsel mock , who tell them lovingly , how to avoyd that , whereby , they shall else be quite destroyd , if they proceed ; or , cast an anchor where , they , now in hope of preservation are : and , if these be not madmen , there are none in bedlam , where we hear is many a one . ev'n as a nice and wanton appetite , longs after kickshaws , and takes more delight in dishes made up of they know not what , and not so wholsome , as plain solid meat ; so , most men , with expressions are best pleas'd from whence , one sentence , hardly can be squeas'd which well consider'd , any way conduces to civil manners or to pious uses , though you should strain out all , that every word for caution , or instruction , might afford . to all such true phanaticks , this will seem , to be perhaps , of very small esteem , because , it speaks plain sense , and is not deckt and trim'd up with such gawds as they expect . yet this , & th●se strains which they much dispise . may be a means to make some fools more wise . god promis'd to his servants long ago , he would upon their children shed forth so his holy spirit , in the later ages , that they should be inspired with presages of things to come ; and ( to his name be praise ) this we have seen accomplisht in our daies . strange visions have appear'd , truths are foretold , by men and women too , both young and old , which ( though to carnal men vain dreams they seem ) with such as know god , they have more esteem , and will appear to be his dispensations ; as proper also , to these generations , as those , which were dispenc'd in ages past , unto the jews at first ; or , at the last , when , as phanatik , and ridiculous , their prophets to them seem'd , as ours to us . for , oft by their inspirer , they were moved to speak and act , what was by few approved ; sometimes , to personate , what was abhord , or seem'd not with good manners to accord , ev'n in their judgements , who appeared then the wisest and the most religious men ; especially , when god impos'd on some , things to be signal of what was to come . but , all his dispensations heretofore , and now in use ( or whatsoever more , shall be hereafter ) scarcely will suffice to make us , in these doting ages wise . god , hath omitted nothing to recal us or , to prevent that , which may else befal us ; for every year , and upon each occasion that did occur ( to cause a perturbation or breach into our peace ) he moved some so zealous of our welfare to become , that they their own peace have oft hazarded , ( and lost it too ) by things endevoured for our avail ; yea , though their pains and cost , as to themselves ) was likely to be lost persu'd their aime , sometimes , by general precautions , which did much concern us all ; and , otherwhile , by memorizing that which in particular seem'd to relate to persons or to places , as it best might bring advance to publick interest : forewarnings have by god vouchsafed been to you by others , ( as they cause have seen ) who seem'd to come with more authority and trusted with credentials , whereof , i unworthy am ; but , whatsoever they or i appear , that , which i have for you prepared by gods help , i offer now , in hope , it will be heeded somewhat more then that , which hath been tendred heretofore . this year his former judgements god repeats . and , once again , your sinful city threats with pestilence . he , over us doth shake a dreadful rod , wherein i notice take of three sharp twiggs ; and he above knows whether they shall be singly felt or all together , because , he onely knows what will be done to stay that , which already is begun , and keep out those two , which your city threat , but , have not yet got entrance through the gate . london , i fear , unless thou take more heed in what course thou hereafter dost proceed ( although that god's long-suffering towards thee continues yet ) at once , with all the three thou shalt be scourg'd : for mockt , god will not be . i am resolved therefore , whatsoever may be the consequent of my endeaver , now to proceed in what he moves me to , and , i in duty am oblig'd to do ; because , though my good will you should abuse . your faults , my negligence would not excuse , who , look for my reward ( if any due ) from him , whose work i do , and not from you . my first memorials , in their title page hold forth an emblematical presage , besides much thereby verbally exprest ( relating to the plague which doth infest your city now ) which worth the observation may be , in every such like visitation , and might have had , if heeded , good effects ( which have been lost by manifold neglects ) and still may , were things better thought upon which thereby , are advised to be done . but here , to adde that , will spend too much time , and therefore , i referring you to them , that , now will prosecute , which more then reason perswadeth me , is at this day in season . your city , i have lov'd and honored , and , no less now , then heretofore i did , for , god hath made it , the most honour'd place that is within these isles , or ever was ; he hath inrolled , and renown'd her name among the cities of the greatest fame , that either are , or were below the sun since men to dwell in cities first begun . large pledges , he upon her hath bestown of his especial love ; some favour shown vouchsaf'd to few of them ; and such a measure hath stored up in her , of his hid treasure , and intermixt , from time to time , so often mercies and judgements , hardned hearts to soften ; so in long-suffering , also doth persevere ( though we are at this day , grown worse then ever that i perceive in her a seed and root , which to his glory shall bring forth good fruit in his due time ; and this inclineth me to send these memorandums now to thee , intending in thy sickness , here to stay once more , when thy false-lovers fly away ; and in , or near , thy borders , to remain till god restores thee unto health again ; or , till by being quite deserted here , i shall be forc'd to seek my bread elsewhere ; of which i dreadless am : for , i depend upon that powerful , and most faithful friend who hath preserv'd me often since my birth , from worse things then war , pestilence , & dearth . physitians , and all else , who ere they are that , of sick persons undertake the care , do challenge and ought also to assume ( though them , it may be it will misbecome at other times ) a freedom to speak so and , and as occasion moves them thereunto , to act what 's pertinent to their disease in way of cure , although it may displease . i may , and do , as justly challenge now ( since neighbour like i mean to watch with you ) like liberty ; and will be bold to tell that which i know will help to make you well , although , therewith displeas'd , you froward be , harsh words for my good will return to me , and rage like those , who seem to loose their wits when they are in their pestilential fits : for , i shall sober be , though somewhat sad , to see those , whom i would keep tame grow mad . and you i hope , what er'e shall now be said will patient be , when well my words are weigh'd . consider well ( for now high time it is , that you and all men should consider this ) i say , consider how you have improved god's mercy since his ●udgments were removed ; how , that provoking sinfulness abates , and , that abhomination which god hates : nay well consider if it be not more abhominable , then it was before . i fear it much , and ev'ry day this fear increaseth by what i do see and hear ; for , since i knew the world ( which i have known and heeded , till an old man i am grown ) i never heard this nation so defam'd as now of late ; and sins not to be nam'd by modest men , with so much impudence so often acted with so little sence of manhood , nor with such impunity by persons of no vulgar quality both old and young men , high , low , rich and poor , out acted have transgressors heretofore ; children are left so loose to speak and do what their corruption doth incline them to , ( and ill example teach ) that if their course continue long , we shall at last grow worse then sodom and gomorrah ; which god knows i do not mention ( as some may suppose ) to scandalize this city or this nation but to provoke them to a reformation . to that intent , ( so far forth as it shall concern this city ) speedily let all who are in power , with prudence and in love the strength of their authority improve them to indulge and keep from violence , whose conversations are without offence ; and , by their executing of the law in purity , strive to keep those in awe who either shall malitiously transgress ( by an infringment of the publick peace ) or wilfully commit , abet or teach what , of the moral law may be a breach . that nothing may by you be done unto another , which you would not have him do to you , if in his case ; search what you find , that may on you be charged , in that kind , and heartily repent it . that , moreover you may faults , which will else lye hid , discover ; consider , whether you have not with gladness insulted over men opprest with sadness . afflictions heaped up , upon afflictions , or , added cruelty to due corrections , by seeking more to satisfie your lust , or vengeance , then to execute what 's just for justice sake ; or else , to please their foes , condemned innocents , their lives to lose . your waies examine , & search out what crimes you have of late , more then in former times been guilty of : as , whether you have been or not , defiled with that scarlet sin , which in times past your city did abhor , as being a peculiar heretofore of that malignant city , where the whore bestrides the beast : be heedful also , whether it be not partly , or else altogether his work , to be in cruelties delighted ; to see meek , honest , harmless men dispighted for conscience sake ; inhumanly exil'd husbands from wives , the parent from the child imprison'd to the loosing of their lives their little children , their beloved wives , and their whole families expos'd thereby to that unspeakable extremity of wants and sufferings , which no flesh and blood can bear , without immediate help from god. whose will is thereby wilfully withstood . and why all this ? not for transgressing laws of god or nature , but alone , because these could not condiscend the world to please by an infringment of their consciences . heed what this may deserve ; if you desire to stop the plague begun ; lest else the fire which may be kindled in your habitations , do quite consume them ev'n to their foundations . for , god , of his prerogatives is jealous to vindicate all those he will be zealous who suffer for his sake , although perchance they may be blamable through ignorance , or other , humane frailties ; for , where he sees faith and love , their sins he will not see . as for their persecutors , though he may his just avengments , for a while delay , the patience of his people he doth mind , and , they who shew no mercy , none shall find . examine , whether since you made your peace with god , the renovation and increase of wilful sins deserved not renewing of plagues removed , and of worse ensuing . it is not without cause , that god now hath such complicated judgements , in his wrath on thee and thine inflicted , when grown great in hopes , thou thoughtst thy happiness compleat : nor is it hidden from thee altogether for what sin , god sends this , or that plague hither . in truth , all plagues are due unto each sin when with impenitence , persisted in , yet , frequently the rod's wherewith we are corrected , shew forth in particuler what we offended in . for superstition was gideons family brought to perdition ; king davids pride , made manifest in him by numbring of the people ) brought on them a pestilence : god visited the earth for wilful breach of covenants , with dearth ; and ( as to zedikiah and to saul it did for that provoking sin befal ) the chief offenders and their children too , stand liable to death for sinning so . oppression , cruelty and idolizing the creature ( or things of our own devising ) have been chastiz'd with servitude and fear , and , when will-worshipings imposed are on others , with inhumane violence , injustice acted with such impudence as jezabels and ahabs , rarely shall such , scape from that , which did to them befal . but , when that hipocrites , by lying hid as annanias and saphira did , ( till god discover'd them ) may possibly obscure the grouth of infant piety ; when they , who truths foundations overthrow , when , her malitious persecutors , grow so mighty , that the saints unable are to calm them , or their furious rage to bear ; or , when prophaness and abhominations like sodoms , wholly hath corrupted nations or cities , till there shall appear in men nor will nor power , them to reclaim agen ; god , in such cases , to himself alone assumes the punnishing of what 's misdone and very frequently doth punish too , in such a mode as mortals cannot do : sometimes , by sudden death , when they are in their jollity , or in the act of sin ; sometimes , by sicknesses that long endure , whereof no man can find the cause or cure ; sometimes , by that , which ( till their provocation of god ) had been a means of preservation ; sometimes , they of their lives have been bereaven by lightning , or by thunderbolts from heaven ; and , otherwhile ( struck with d●spaireful fears ) are made to be self-executioners . this gives a hint of that which more affords then fully is expressed by my words to make it plain ; but either thou , no doubt or , some for thee , will search and find it out ; or , by the the searching after it , discern somewhat , which thee as nerely will concern . take heed of neighbours , and familiar friends , who fawn upon thee for their own base ends , and love thee not , ( though they respect profess by many shews of hearty friendliness ) for , some of them , already cause have bin of adding much both to thy plagues and sin . but , specially , of thine own self take heed for , thence thy greatest dangers will proceed . consider therefore , by thy self alone , what thou omitted hast , and what misdone ; whether thy folly , falsehood , fickleness , apostacy from what thou didst profess , falling from thy first love , by mis-advice ; thy luxury , thy sordid avarice , or , some vain hopes , deserv'd not deprivation of that , whereof , thou hadst an expectation ; heed whether , to have cured , or prevented one plague , thy self thou hast not complemented into a score ; ( at least , to stop one curse , indanger'd drawing on thee many worse . ) observe , if ever beggery and p●ide ; did both together , upon one horse ride so frequently as now , through every street , or walk so often on the self-same feet ; and , whether mischiefs which at present fall on some , will not at last extend to all . mind well what thou art doing ; what is done ; what is designed , but not yet begun , for what thou both with words and sword hast pleaded ; what , thou hast most affected , or most dreaded , what thereon follow'd , or might have succeeded ; what factions thou hast favor'd , and what still wouldst favour , were thy power like thy will. london , if seriously thou ponderst this thou wilt perceive that what succeeds amiss flowes chiefly from thy self ; and how can those be friends to any who are their own foes ? thy chiefs , care not how others they inslave , so , they themselves from servitude may save , yet , these in fine , by that which doth befal become to be the basest slaves of all , ev'n bondslaves to their lusts , and to the devil by getting an habitual love of evil . they hunt for honour , but , their ●iery title will adde to them , less honour then a little . they covet to be rich ; but wealth shall more increse those wants and lusts , that make them poor . in policy and powre , their trust is plac't yet , they become dispised fools at last . yea , we have seen those whom wealth , wit , and powre supported , sink down breathless in one hour , that , we may know , there is an unseen hand which oft strikes those , who without fear , may stand of humane justice , and beyond the reach of mortals : that , therefore , which this may teach let all those heed , who , yet much heed it not : and , let them ( by whom this is oft forgot ) remember ther 's an all beholding eie , which ev'ry secret purpose can espie ; and , angels alwaies ready at command . to execute what no powre can withstand ; and such , as will for no bribe or respect , the prosecution of their charge neglect . let likewise , those who most oppressed are be taught hereby , still patiently to bear the cross impos'd for trial of their faith : ( what ever , their oppressor doth or saith ) in perseverance , let them still attend on god with meekness , till their trials end , and leave all carnal weapons , to their use who , must be ruined by their abuse . i do presume , among you many are who , to this wholesome principle adhere , and , that if into practise carried on it shall both supersede the plague begun and ev'ry other feared plague prevent if timely they their other sins repent . for god , will winck at many faults in those who love , and leave revenge to his dispose ; yea , oftentimes experience we have had that , worse it makes things which before were bad , when through impatience we in our own mode , attempt to do , what must be done by god. or , our suffering shall prolong ( at lest ) by our self-actings , when we do our best . this pestilence , which now is brought in hither , i am assur'd , proceeds not altogether from causes meerly natural , but comes to execute god's just deserved dooms , from his immediate hand ; and will therefore , those medcines need , which must do somewhat more to cure , or stay it from proceeding on , then can be , by joint art and nature done . if you desire a soveraign antidote the best i know ( if you neglect it not ) is metaphorically call'd herb-grace , and will be very useful in this case ; some , term it rue , because t will not begin to operate , until we rue our sin . take rue and reasons then , which signifie repentance and discretion ; these apply as you find cause ; which , if you do , and fast from things that were offensive in times past , keep from thenceforth a constant wholesome diet , and in your hearts endeavour to be quiet , my life for yours , god will your souls deliver from ev'ry hurtful arrow in his quiver . nor this , nor any plague shall you anoy , although as to the flesh , it should destroy , for , that can adde to mans loss or grief vvhose expectation is a better life . god , to this pestilence hath joyned war , and famine , seems not from us to be far ; vvhich , if it now shall come will make the trouble vve feel already , to be more then double , because , our fellow feeling is no more of what they suffer , whome these times make poor ▪ for , such are our deportments , as if neither s●o●d , pestilence and dearth , put altogether were no more , but an army which did stand arayed , to be at our own command , to execute our pleasures upon those , ( although our friends ) whom we repute our foes . and therefore , have rejoyced when they seiz'd on them , with whom we highly were displeas'd . when , unto us , ill grounded hopes appear whereby , of mercies we presuming are ; we are frollick , as if god did see our gross h●pocrisies , no more then we . but , let men heed well whether , to acquire the sequels which they naturally desire is to insult when god corrects their foes , or , censure his intents concerning those whom he afflicts ; as if for wrong to them it rather were , then for offending him : or , as if sins to others onely known , were more considerable then their own . there is observ'd , much arragance and folly in some of thy relations ; from which wholly thou for the time past canst not cleared be ; therefore to keep from future scandal free , and also , for thy credits reputation take these memento's to consideration . consider , if it sober men befits to sing with jollity about the streets vain triumph-songs , when war is but begun as when a final victory is won ; since t is well known , that many who at first have thrived best , at last have thrived worst ; and , that god justly suffereth sometime , ( for causes which are onely known to him ) those , more then once , before their foes to fall , whose cause he best approveth ; and who shall be conquerors at last : and that , where guilt is equal , he lets blood be often spilt , and war prolongs or maketh peace twixt them who disagree , as they make peace with him . therefore , when you are underneath the rod , remember , you are in the hands of god. when he hath crown'd your hopes with good success , demean your selves with christian lowliness : for , when his mercies much inlarged are . he doth expect a joyful filial fear : this , labour to preserve , lest else , the lack thereof , may bring reversed judgments back . consider , whether ships , arms , men and horse , with policy united unto force , can prosper to th' advancement of their end , who , upon those things , or themselves depend : who , all their opposites as much dispise as if their armies were but gnats and flies , think to subdue them with jeers , mocks & taunts , puff up each other , with braggs , shameless vaunts , and lies devised by their foolish makers to keep from fainting cowardly partakers , whose consciences accusing them of guilt , ( because , their hopefulst refuges are built on quicksands ) they become heart-sick with fear , as oft as any evil news they hear ; and , on earth slight report of good success , insteed of pious and meek thankfulness , run to the taverns ( which are much more free to all , then pious meeting places be ) there , heathen like , nay rather more uncivil , offer up drink oblations to the devil . and , to chear up each others drooping souls sing songs between their glasses and their bowls ; or intermix reports of what was won or lost , though that was never said or done . such sacrificers , may find some effect in part , according to what they expect , but neither for their faith or righteousness ; nor will our hopes , longlasting be , unless use , of the common means for our defence , be sanctified by true confidence in god , and we with his known will comply , bearing what ere betides us patiently ; improve each favour and deliverance , to somewhat which his glory may advance ; and whereby , they who are opprest and grieved may some way charitably be relieved : for , it is no beseeming thank-oblation for mercies , when a city or a nation shall solemnize it with but little else , save gunshot , bonfires ▪ jangling of the bells , or , making others of their joys partakers , onely , in smoke and stinck , of squibs & crackers ; or gathering rude throngs of men and boys , to make about those flames a barbrous noise , which must be fed with fewel forc'd from some who had none left to make a fire at home ; then drink healths to each other in the street untill they cannot stand upon their feet , or else loose their own healths : what thus to do can wise men think it will amount unto but meer dispight of god , contempt of grace , and , throwing ( as it were ) durt in his face for , benefits receiv'd ; though they make shew as if they had return'd him all his due , when , they but please themselves , by doing that whereby they sing their own magnificat ? what can be deemed a just recompence for such ingratitude , for an offence so foul , so capital , but that insteed of future blessings , curses should succeed ? london , heed this , and if thou wittingly of such prophaness and impiety art guilty now , or hast been heretofore , repent it , and henceforth , do so no more . but , herein , some will more concerned be then thou art , yet , i mention this to thee with some hope , that , they will the less contem what 's written here , because , not writ to them . much more i have to adde , which i forbear lest , i by adding more then thou canst bear with patience , may destroy what i design for this whole nations welfare and for thine , by so displeasing thee , with what i write that , thou slight all whereto , i thee invite : for , though thy flattrers make thee to believe , thou art in better case , then i conceive , thy best friends know , that thine own provocations , imprudency in some of thy relations , ( ev'n of thy watchmen ) who should cures provide for thy distempers , are so giddifi'd , and , that their eies , their ears , yea and their brains ( with every faculty which appertains to thy weal ) are obstructed so , by fumings from their self-seekings , & their , high presumings , that thou art , by what these inthee have wrought into an dangerous consumption brought ; for , thy decay of trade , much hath increast their poverty who thereby are distrest : thy hands and feet whose labour heretofore supplyd thy wants , now , can do little more , because , thy ablest members , by whom these employd have been , partake of their disease : and ; such confusions daily do begin to multiply , and farther to break in , that , i am at a stand , what more to say or , what on thy behalf , i ought to pray . yet , one expedient , i now think upon whereby , it may be , somewhat will be done for they availe , if thou shalt not omit ( as god inables ) to endeavour it . and therefore , let that which i next express be read , and minded with due heedfulness . in thee , are at this day , the chief well-springs , of all those good , and of those evil things which throughout these three nations are disperst ; and of the later , were the stream reverst or dam'd up at the fountain ; and , the first set freely open here , it would become a rivolet of waters , flowing from that river , which through new-jrrusalem his currant hath , still issuing out of him who , of those living waters is the head vvhich through all nations will at last be spread . and london , three times happy , shalt thou be if this blest fountain may break forth in thee , to sweeten ev'ry cistern in these lands , vvhich now , brimful of stincking water stands , and breed all these infections in our clime , vvhich are so baneful ●o us , at this time . there is a possibility of this if we our parts do , as god hath done his ; or , but endeavour to co operate . with him , as he enables us , in that which he requires ( thereto vouchsaving still assistance to our deeds , and to our will. ) by this compliance , that new heaven and earth vvhich is expected , would ere long come forth ; and righteousness , then from thy habitations as amply flow out , thorow all these nations as wickedness doth now ; or heretofore it did , when ill examples made it more . this change , more happiness would hither bring then , when in triumph thou broughtst in the king , and of rejoicing , give more cause by much , then we shall have when we do beat the dutch , and are from dread of that delivered too , vvhich some suspect the french intend to do ; yea , and from what , more dangers threats then either of those two singly , or both joyn'd together : ev'n from those , which are possible to come from factiousness , and male contents at home , but this joy will encrease , and all our fears abate , when men do more incline their ears to what 's proclaimed by those trumpeters vvhom god reserved , to make proclamation of that , which most concerns this generation ; and , when the influences of god's graces by supreme persons , and by powerful places shall not obstructed be , as we have seen of late , and as they very long have been , by antichristian wiles ; and those through whom they are more dangerous to us become , because their formal piety makes showes to be for him , whom , chiefly they oppose . thou art abused by misinformations , not thou alone , but likewise these three nations by those mintmasters of untruths and lies , who cheat the whole world with fallacies , yea , much dis-serviced , dishonor'd too , is he , to whom , they yet pretend to do good services ; and they by their deceits , have him reduced unto may streights which will destroy him , ere he is aware , unless , god shall unsnarle him from their snare ; and , in what misbefals , thou wilt have share . to take my counsel , then , think it no shame , ( although , a poorer man then he i am who sav'd a city ; for , a mouse may gnaw that snare asunder , which , nor lions paw nor teeth can break . go , quickly , quickly lay your skarlet gowns , and your gold chains away ; fast , watch and pray ; do as king david did ; ( when he the pestolential angel spide ) of somewhat , unto god an offring make which is thine own ; that he a gift may take made acceptable , by , and in his son , to stay the plague ; which newly is begun . shut up your selves awhile , and throw aside your factiousness , your malice and your pride ; lust , avarice , and them with ev'ry sinn whereby the wrath of god provok'd hath been . fall down before his feet with humbleness , your misdeeds , with true penitence confess , especially , those crying sins , whereby you often have insenst his majesty . among which , no crime can offend him more then when you shall ( as cain did heretofore ) destroy your bretheren , because , to god they dare not sacrifice in such a mode , as they believe he neither doth command nor takes , with good acceptance , from their hand . your priviledges , they do not invade by violence ; but , lovingly perswade to what they do believe , promoteth best gods glory , and the publick interest . be thou as charitable unto them ; leave that to god alone , which unto him alone belongs , when he into the land hath cast his seed , permit the crop to stand till harvest ; pluck not that away , which looks like wheat , though it may prove but ray but , weed out that alone , which ev'ry one knows hurtful to the corn , and will be none . thus , having way prepar'd to make your peace , with god ; in faith and love emplore his grace . this being done ; the next work , which to do thou art , as i believe , oblig'd unto , is to improve the powre thou hast in him who over all these island is supream , and with whom ; thou dost in more favour stand then any other city of this land , whilst his esteem of thee , doth seem to last ( and ere fit opportunities are past ) unto his royal throne make thy address , emplore him , with deliberate advice , to hear and heed that , without prejudice which may in season , offred be by them who fear god , and both love and honour him , with an intent to serve him faithfully , without selfends in ev'ry thing whereby their services shall really consist with god's , with his , and with their interest , for whose sake , he originally gave all those prerogatives that princes have . for , though men so unbiassed , may dare to speak some truths which all men cannot bear , ( when cause requires ) they will with moderation so heed what tendeth to the preservation of common peace , and of the dignity belonging to his royal majesty , ( whom god hath honor'd by restoring him unto his predecessors diadem ) that , neither he , nor they , nor i , nor you . shall have cause , to dislike what will ensue . if you believe this , and endeavour so to prosecute it , as you , may yet do , who knows , what he , who hath the hearts of kings ( and the disposing of all other things vvithin his powre ) will do , although this may proposed seem , in a dispised way . t is an adventer ▪ which though partly lost vvill bring in some return , that 's worth the cost : and those streights ( if well heeded ) wherein he this city , and all these three kindoms be adventrers needs , and somewhat to be done vvhereof , no likelihood is yet begun . for , that which must draw order from confusions , to our destractions , timely , put conclusions , and , so , divine and civil pow'rs unite that , neither , may infring each other right , effected cannot be , by hauty words , by policy , or temporary swords , nor by that formal sanctity with which the grand impostors of this world bewitch deluded souls ( that all things may become subjected to their arbitarry doome ) but by such instruments and by such waies , as those , by which christ did begin to raise his kingdom at the first ; and by which here it shall continue untill he appear with that powre , which shall batter & beat down , more idol temples then were overthrown . since his first coming ; and , root out all those idolatries , which out of them arose ; together with the thrones of all those kings , that are partakers in such worshippings . and made drunk with her cup who rides the beast ; the subjects of his kingdom , have opprest , and shall oppress them without penitence , for provocations , by that great offence . more might be said , but , this shall now suffice ; " god make us all unto salvation wise , " preserve us in his love , so knit together " that we in his love may preserve each other ; and , that all we can think , or say , or do may now , and in the close , conduce unto the glorifying of his holy name though to our selves , it may occasion shame . amen . a further ingagement . many years after that grand pestilence , in , during which i wrote my book called britans remembrancer , and after publication thereof ; some eminent persons , having respect thereunto ; endeavoured of their own accord , ( without my seeking ) that the office of their city remembrancer , then void , might have been conferred upon me ; which motion , though it took not effect , was by me as thankfully taken as it was by them lovingly intended . had it been successful , i should then perhaps have been more obliged upon outward considerations , then i am now , to continue my abode here during this visitation , then i was in that aforementioned . nevertheless , i yet resolve to partake with this city in god's dispensation , at this time also , unless i shall be constrained by necessity , to seek place of abode , and means of subsistance elsewhere . yet , i have little external incouragement thereto ; for , to mee , it appears by many symtoms , that some here , are malitiously affected towards me , ( who have no disaffection to any person ) as appears in particular , by their declaring already , that my house is infected with the pestilence and shut up ; whereas ( god be praised ) not so much as one hath been there sick of any disease , since that plague last begun ; nor is it , to my knowledge , near my habitation . what was designed by the publishers of that report , i cannot imagine , unless it were because , they knowing , i had no means of livelihood left ( save what was supplied by the charity of my christian friends onely ) they hoped , i being deserted of all , might be the sooner exposed to destruction ; as i hear some are , whose condition is more to be considered and pitied , if it be so . but this troubles me not in respect of my self ; for , god cannot be kept from me , who is my onely all-sufficient refuge and protection : and if this pestilence , and famine , also , visite my dwelling , ( into which her sister poverty is already come ) they shall be welcome ; for , they are angels of god , and it is better to fall into his hands , then into the hands of men . written in june . a warning-piece to london , discharged out of a loophole in the tower during the authors close imprisonment there . it was meditated upon the deplorable consuming of an eminent citizen with his whole family , in the night , by a sad and suddain fire , at the beginning of our most joyful festival , in decemb. . the author conceived , that it would better stir up the hearts of some , by being sung , then read : therefore , he composed it in lyrick verse , fitted to the tune of the lamentation , at the end of the singing psalms , if the last strain of that tune shall be repeated with the two last lines in every stanza . wake london wake , fast , watch , and pray , well heed likewise this warning-song ; to eat and drink , rise up and play , hath been thy daily practise long : oh! from henceforth , remember more , thy brethren , whom oppressors grieve ; refresh the sick , relieve the poor ; for none without good works believe . if hardly sav'd the righteous are ah! how shall wilful sinners fare ? . the rich man , heedlesly discerns the near approaching day of wrath , to fill his warehouse and his barne , is all the present care he hath . at large , he preparation makes for offerings to his belly god , till justice an occasion takes to mixe those offrings with his blood ; when fools in folly most delight , they , often , loose their souls that night . . our love is cold , nigh ripe our sin , and , in their march , god's judgments be ; at his own house they do begin ; then , from them , who shall now be free ? to make us thereof take more heed , one house they singled out of late , and , in a bright flame-colour'd weed , upon the top thereof they sate and when to sleep they laid their heads , consum'd her dwellers in their beds . . why should not each man to whose ear this news was in the morning brought , upon himself reflect with fear , thus , thereon musing , in his thought ? lord , this unlook'd for stroke of thine , hath often been deserved by me ; this sad mishap might have been mine this night , had it so pleased thee ; but , ( praised be thy holy name ) here , yet alive , and safe i am . . oh with what terrors , were they stroke how sadly were they discompos'd , to find themselves when they awoke with stifling fumes , and flames inclos'd it made their terror much the more , if to remembrance they did call what they had done , awhile before , and , what so quickly did befal . more dreadful it appears to me , then dungeons , racks , and halters be . . thus will they fare , when his last doome to pass on sinners , christ appears ; thus , in a moment , he will come , when least the world his coming fears . thus whether then her heedless heart is either sleeping or awake , surprized with a suddain start , they shall with horrid terrors quake , when they behold with sad amaze , all things about them in a blaze . . unless my thoughts misdictate me , a secret judgment , in this act , may doubtlesly discerned be to shew god's hand was in the fact . for , though his waies are in the dark , forth from the cloud , a flashing breaks to shew us , ( if we such things mark ) his purpose , by the course he takes . in darkness he hath perfect light , and all mens deeds are in his sight . . but , though this judgment be severe , let not us who escape it , ween them , greater sinners then we are ; but , judg what our deserts have been . christ doom'd not those whom p●●at slew as more to blame , then other men , though with their blood he did imbrew , that , which they sacrifized then ; and of those persons judg'd as well , on whom the towre of silo fell . . hereof , small sense have carnal men ; this , for sad news , at noon they tell , return unto their sins agen , and sleep next night at brink of hell : that , which concerns their safety most , as quickly slips out of their mind as letters written in the dust , blown out with ev'ry puff of wind . of others harms , how senseless grown are they , who do not mind their own ? . this came to pass within thy walls that , thou mightst thereof take good heed , mind , who thereby upon thee calls , and think , what further may succeed : it was not from those places far , where much to be , thou dost delight , that thou shouldst heed thy dealing there ; and , it befel there in the night , that , thou , a stricter watch maist keep : for sathan wakes when men do sleep . . hereof , likewise , let heed be took , that , when thy heart was most supine , this judgment , in upon thee broke , amidst thy musick , mirth and wine ; and , that , unless for sin thou mourn , relieve and comfort men distrest , thy feasts , to fastings god will turn , and , smite thee when thou fearst it least . when sodom sinned without shame , down thereon , fire and brimstone came . . the drowned world , was warn'd of old of what would in short time befal , by words and doeeds it was foretold , yet unregarded still by all . they married and in marriage gave , did eat and drink , as we do now , did so , the wrath of god outbrave , and , as we , liv'd they car'd not how : but , lo , when in least awe they stood , out break the deeps , in came the flood . thou , london , whosoe re doth weep , dost , on thy viol , play and sing ; thy children ▪ daily revel keep , ev'n when their passing bells do ring . themselves on costly beds they streach , regarding not how joseph fares ; to them , who of repentance preach they listen , but with adders ears . and , well he speeds , who shall be heard , if mischiefs be not his reward . in sixteen hundred ten and one , i , notice took of publick crimes , with mine own faults , i first begun ; observ'd the changes of the times : and , what god had on me bestown employed for the common good ; therein , i sought to find mine own , which , was so oft misunderstood , that i , for being so employd , have been three times , nigh quite destroyd . . in sixteen hundred twenty five , when thou wert sick , i watcht by thee ; then , did my first forewarning give , and , this perhaps , my last must be . for , now , my tools away are took , some things half wrought , some but begun ; quite being rob'd of alll my stock , concludes my work , before t is done ; and that flesh rugg , by me yet worn , may soon drop off , or , off be torn . . here , i yet live , where , what me grieves , but few of thine , have heeded much ; nor mayors , aldermen , or sheriffs or any noble , great or rich ; but , in long-suffrings being old , ( if not relived by the poor ) by sickness , hunger , or by cold death had ere now , unlockt my door . lest thou as much neglected be , think more on god , though less on me . . my publick warnings , are supprest , as once , was jeremiahs roll ; which god , will when he sees it best , revive , with an inlarged skroll : meanwhile , by stifled musings tir'd , the flames within me closly pent , like powder in granado's fir'd , do tear my heart , through want of vent , and crack my earthen vessel more then all my suffrings heretofore . . within thy west and eastern jail . now twice ten months confind i 've lain , denied both relief , and bail , which law allows , and rogues obtain : to tell , what others did , or said , is thought in me a grand misdeed , though being of their harms afraid , i did but bid my friends take heed : if this be falls for words well ment , woe to ill deeds , with ill intent . . alas ! how apt are we to fear , or fancy danger , where is none ? yet how unapt , how loth to hear , what may prevent a certain one ? except propounded in their mode , who , in their own conceit are wise , the counsels both of men and god they , either frustrate , or dispise : which being well weigh'd , is a signe , that , to destruction they decline . . seaven daies before the late sad night , thy praetor , seized in my hands what god inclined me to write , for timely warnings to these lands ; so , that , which to their weal conduc'd , hath hitherto been fruitless made ; and , i more strictly have been us'd , though , i before , hard measure had . but , god , by whom it was begun , will gard me , till my work is done . . no more seems now within my powre , but , down to lie , beneath my lode , attending my redemption hour , with patient waiting on my god. yet , there is hope , that prayers may to what is feared stoppage put ; and , since , to heaven ther 's open way , ( though from the world , i close am shut ) as jonas did ( when in a whale ; close prisoner kept ) to god i le call . . correct us lord , but not in wrath , purge rather , what misdone hath been , by any temporary death , then by correcting sin with sin , for all the blood that hath been spilt , let us , who think our selves most clear , in private , search out our own guilt , and , wherein else , we faulty are , that , by a self-condemning doom , we may escape the wrath to come . preserve thy church , lord , bless the king and , seeing thou hast him restor'd , him , out of all his troubles bring , and , make his will , with thine , accord , that under his protection here , we , without faction , hate or strife , ( in all uprightness , without fear ) may live a sanctified life , and , he indulge the conscience tender , as best becomes , the faiths defender . thus , on what lately did befal , i sung my musings , to the wall , which gave thereto , as much regard as most will , when abroad t is heard : for , little have such lines as these , which may a carnal pallat please . the wanton huggs a wanton strain , the miser , that which treats of gain ; ambitious men give most applause to that , which their , ambition claws ; in lies and follies , fools delight , and , if this ever come to sight , it will by none , be relish'd well save those , with whom the graces dwell . the more precautions are in season . ( the more agreeable to reason ) their rage it will the more increase , who are inclined to oppress ; and , if i die not in this place , it will be meerly of god's grace , to make it known , the rage of man , is bounded , do the worst he can . these musings , and some other too , escap'd surprize , with much ado , and , that whereof i was bereft me , for awhile , in sadness left ; yet , much more sorrowful am grown for others sakes , then for mine own , because , the world so misbefriends , what to her own well being tends . god , never any place bereaves of saving means , till him it leaves , nor is their any man quite lost , till he resists the holy ghost . he , helpless leaves no willing one in acting what he would have done ; but , when to selfness , man adheres then , as he worketh , so he fares god , gives first motion to each wheol , in motion also , keeps it still , if he with him compliance feel , else let 's it go which way it will. thus he will do , and thus hath done , ev'n ever since the world begun . that , men his works and mind might mark , he preach'd by noah and his ark , and , to prevent their threatned doom allow'd them six●one years to come . that , sodom timely might repent , he , lot to be exemplar sent ; when balam misaffected was he made a preacher of his ass ; and by a whale , he jonas sent to bid the ninevites repent , who , more thereto inclined were though heathens , then most christians are . what did to israels weal belong , he gave by moses in a song , that , when records could not be had , they , thereof mindful might be made . when their transgressions were nigh full , to babel they were sent to school ; since which time , they still growing worse ( till they incur'd cains dreadful curse , for shedding of their brothers blood , who died zealous of their good ) them , out of their good land , god hurl'd , to rovee like him about the world ; depriv'd ( now sixteen hundred years ) of prophets and remembrancers : and , in this mode , with ev'ry nation god deals , e're final reprobation . lord ! from their wandrings call them home ; into thy fold , back let them come . we got advantage by their fall let it increase by their recall , since they , and we in ev'ry sin , have paralels , a long time been , let our joint force , henceforth be spent to move each other to repent , that , they and we may in that place , become partakers of thy grace , where jews and gentiles shall be saved , by our redeemer , and thy david , by wiser men , in times of old , much was exprest , which i have told , and , they have both in prose and rimes , forewarnings given in their times ; declar'd in season , how god deals with wicked realms and common-weals . our own records likewise declare god's frequent dispensations here ; how constantly , avenging wrath in ev'ry age pursued , hath the greatest tyrants in their turns , though sometimes , he their doom adjourns , but , that , no just excuse will be either , to other men , or me , if we shall negligently do what , god inclines our hearts unto , and may , now , or in future daies advance mans welfare , and praise . for , on us lieth obligations , to bring forth in our generations , vvhat needful seems to be exprest ; in such a manner also drest as best that ages temper fits in which we live , and best begets a timely heed , in those to whome vve serviceable would become : yea , we to them must hand it too ; else , lamely , we our duties do . thus , i according to my powre have done , and therefore kiss the towre from whence , i send this warning-shot by ammunition hardly got . london , as moses gave a song to be israels memento , i give this to thee ; to shew , that ( though the world doth me deprive of what was hers ) i somewhat have to give which i by god's free grace , may call mine own , and , is not needlesly on thee bestown . but , e're some change , the means thereof bereave , now , both of friends and foes , i le take my leave ; adue my foes ; for often , by event , you did me good , though none to me you ment . to pray for you , i know , i am your debter , and , therefore so i do ; god , make you better , and so to mark and mind what he intends , that , we may in his love , henceforth be friends . my friends , farewel ; and no whit grieved be though you should me no more in babel see , for , at the holy lambe , we fafe shall meet , e're long , in new jerusalems high street . written in the towre . the meek , and humble to advise i write ; but not to teach the wise . you must not therefore , here expect , such strains as these times best affect for , you may have enough of those by others writ , in verse and prose . a single sacrifice , humbly , offred to almighty god , by the author during his lonely confinement in the towre , to mediate his gratious preventing the dearth feared , and probably portended , by immoderate rains in june and july , . that he with tools might for this work be fitted , his jailer , and his keeper , he outwitted ; for , t was his greatest suffring , to be pent from means , to give such meditations vent . sin , like the ocean ( but , not so well bounded ) these islands hath on ev'ry side surronded , and , many breaches , lately made it hath which to the furious tempests of god's wrath exposeth us ( ev'n quite throughout these lands ) so , that , hills , dales , and all in danger stands . the air , whose cloudy brow , upon us lowrs , dissolves it self , into destructive showrs , to move us unto tears of penitence by feeling that , whereof we have no sense . for , they , who are most sensible of spoyl ( by rains or droughts ) of corn , and wine and oyl , feel not in heart , the least remorce for sin ; but , when they should bewail it , laugh and grin . they , who are very froward , and repine if they loose but their monk● or their swine , ( and , sometimes vex them selves till they are sick , for losses , not amounting to a chick ) and can with many bitter tears , bemone small suffrings , for their greatest sins shed none . in mine own person , i much need not fear such temporary plagues , as threatned are by rain or winds , by cold , or scortching wether , by suddain floods , or fires ; for , i have neither estate to lose , nor hope of getting ought which , by such things ▪ may be in hazard brought ; and , am at present , with my daily bread , by his own hand , miraculously fed , whose all-sufficiency , should me sustain though all the world were to be drown'd again . external things , are little pertinent to my chief fafety , or my best content : for , should a famine ; me of life bereave death would be more advantage then to live a life like mine : and as i have been us'd , a speedy death , is rather to be thus'd . yet , whilst , i may be serviceable made to him , from whom , this life at first i had , i am content to live till it expires , although it were in stormes , in floods or fires ; and , likewise , am so sensible of that which to the common welfare doth relate , that up to god a prayer i le prefer to crave prevention of what many fear : for , though i am not suffred to present a prayer to king , lord , or parlement ; here to god's throne i free access have got , and he doth hear me when men hear me not : of which assured , in this loneliness , my self to him , i humbly thus address . almighty and most merciful creater , of heaven and earth , of fire , of aire and water , with whatsoe're , consists of forme or matter , of all invisible , or to be seen , of all that is or shall be , or hath been , felt , heard or understood ( excepting sin , at whose birth all privations did begin . ) thou , by whose wisdom all the whole creation , is ordred , and hath still a preservation , make acceptable in thy sight , i pray , what i shall meditate or write this day and , let not my requests be flong away , though we have often forfeited again that grace , which we did heretofore obtain , and liable to all thy plagues remain . we must confess , that in these last three years , thou hast abated many of our fears , for thine own sake , and for the sakes of them , whom thy blaspheamers and their foes contemn . awhile ago , we were surpriz'd with dread of hunger , and the scarcety of bread , by such distemper'd seasons , as foreshew'd that chastisement which here , is now renew'd ; and , was remov'd , ere many had much sense , of what some felt , or of their own offence . once , we were frighted with such sicknesses as seem'd forerunners of the worst disease ; and , till this hour , a brutish discord , keeps us in daily hazard , that the sword will be again unsheath'd : yea , though we are preserved still , from what we justly fear , and that , thy patience might be more disern'd , have year , by year , been gratiously forewarn'd ( by signes and wonders probably foreshewing , the sad events , that seem to be pursuing . our crying sins ) yet , we do ne're the less , continue still in our obduratness . though , much instruction , likewise , we have had , examples , premonitions , publick made , and extraordinary dispensations , to draw us , from our wilful aborrations , we so increase them , that , it renders me , exceeding fearful to petition thee , those ●emporary judgments to withdraw whereof , we at this present , stand in aw , lest they , whom no good counsel mollifies thy justice and thy mercy quite dispise ; and fall into that reprobated sause , which brings unchangeable impenitence : for , that , the consequence hath often proved , when plagues before repentance were removed . the fields were lately cloth'd beyond our hope with an appearance of a fruitful crop , which moisture by unseasonable showrs , so evidently , by degrees , devours that , most men are afraid the teeming earth insteed of plenty , wil produce a dearth ; and , they among us , who do most neglect removal of the cause , most dread th' effect . yet , humane pitty , me doth so incline to make the common fear , a part of mine , that , though i am not likely much to gain or loose thereby , whether it shine or rain , i , ( as i am a man ) well pleas'd could be thy peoples votes , might be vouchsaf'd by thee . to that intent , i meekly do assay to mediate ; but , now i come to pray , that spirit whose assistance is expected , withdraws , as if my suite would be rejected ; so , that i know not how to speak or write , what gain thy gratious acceptation might though , fear , my prayers may be turn'd to sin , considering , what postures we are in . for , who , the pleading of their cause dares own , on whom , a righteous king doth justly frown ? they being rebels too , in whom appears no penitence , but onely slavish fears ? who , conscientiously , can pray for them who persevere all justice to contemn ? who turn away their eies , when thou forth sendst foretokens , of what thou for sin intendst ? who hide them too , so far forth as they may from other men ; or , ( if that fails ) assay to misinterpret them , when they do see the things nor hid , nor disapprov'd can be ? who , can with faith , thy grace for them implore , who , are unmerciful unto the poor ? who , daily to thy burning wrath add fewel ? who , both to others , and themselves are cruel ? who , their afflicted brethren to dispaiers expose ? close up their ears against their prayers ? and most injuriouslys with those men deal ? who , most endeavour , to advance their weal ; yea , for whose sakes it is , that they are not destroy'd like sodom , when thou caldst forth lot ? who , are so far , from striving to be better , that still , to hide one sin , they act a greater , till they on one another heap so many that they have little shame , or sense any ; although their impudent abhominations have their infection spread , through all these nations ? lord ! who , on their behalf , can mediate for any of those blessings which relate unto their temporary weal alone , who , of their brethrens welfare , care have none ? who , do employ their powre , but to oppress ? turn all thy graces into wantonness ? fling , as it were defiance aginst heaven ? and , though by thee , they freely were forgiven innumerable debts , ( and likewise are by thee inrich'd more then before they were ) take ne're the less , their fellows by the throat , vvho owing them not much more then a groat , forbearance crave , and at their feet do fall , with , promise , when they can , to pay them all ? vvhat can such look for ; but to be bereaven of that grace , whereby they were once forgiven their debts ; or think deserv'd but , to be laid in chains , till ev'ry farthing shall be paid ? vvho , can to thee be advocate for those vvho , both to truth and righteousness , are foes , though they profess both ? who , though ever learning , can never get the knowledg & discerning of what pertains to thy essential truth , because , they being all ear , or all mouth , neither hear willingly , or speak of ought vvhereby they may to stedfastness be brought ? but rather itch to hear , and speak , and do that , which their own self-will doth prompt them to ; and , was infus'd into them by false teachers , whom they suppose to be the foundest preachers , vvhen they confirm them , in what doth belong to their will-worship , be it right or wrong ; and keep up those diana's , which were made their goddesses , but to uphold their trade ? these , twixt beleivers , do contests maintain for trifles , which tend more to their own gain then godlines , or those means to increase which may conduce to setlement of peace , in christian charity , and righteousness . all , i ( with hope to speed ) can pray for such is , that they may not love the world too much ; or , by hypocrisie , and lip professions , ( to get themselves a share in her possessions ) obstruct the blessed work of reformation by factions , to the final extirpation of all those dispensations , which have yet some use ; and which , whilst thou dost them permit , they to advance thy glory may improve : and , by sincerely seeking truth in love , so exercise thy graces , whilst those last , that , they will perfect be , when their times past . my god , for these , to this effect i may and , do ( i know ) with thy allowance pray ; because , i hope , t is no malitious pride which hath to selfness , drawn their hearts aside . but , as for them , who have inclinde their ears so long time , to ungodly counsellers , so persevered , in the sinners way , and , therein with delight , so long made stay that , to the scorners chair advanc'd they are , resolving with themselves to settle there ; the dictates of thy holy ghost contemn , absolve the wicked , innocents condemn , term evil , good , the best things evil call , ( or , make twixt them no difference at all ) ascribe thy attributes unto the devil and his vicegerent ; make thee , of all evil prime author ; thee , detrude out of thy throne to set their idol , and themselves thereon ; pervert the lawful use of ev'ry creature , till their depraving the whole humane nature for vengeance calls , and as it were , inforces thy justice to turn blessings into curses ; what can be spoke for these , to save them from thy judgments here , or in the world to come ? i cannot , lord , thy mercy comprehend , nor know how far their malice doth extend , such things , are knowable to thee alone ; therefore , concerning these , thy will be done . the best of us have gone astray so far , in provocations , that , perhaps here are now , very many in the state of those for whom , we are forbid to interpose our mediations betwixt them and thee , as touching judgments , that now threanned be : such , ev'n among thy people heretofore , made thee forbid a prophet to implore withholding of those plagues , which at that time , were threatned to be hurled down on them . yea then , though thy choice worthies should have pleaded . that , thy decree might have been superseaded , thou didst resolve , their suite should not be heard for any , save themselves , with good regard . when sins grow ripe , and scandalous become , they seldom scape a temporary doome , though thou vouchsafest mercy , as to david whereby , the souls that sinned , shall be saved , lord , though that growth , our guilt attaineth hath , alway remember mercy , in thy wrath . some such like barr , and prohibition now , from thee is issued forth , for ought i know . alas ! if so ; what possibly can we endeavour , till it shall reversed be ? or else dispens'd with ? i can never pray with confidence , for what suspect i may is not precarious : and , as qualifi'd we are , things grantable may be deni'd , at least , so long time , as that shall be wanting which makes their chief condition of their granting ▪ t is not a slavish terror ( without love and faithful penitence ) that will remove the plagues that lie upon us ; or prevent a threatned judgment , when 't is imminent . t is not wil worshippings , though much applauded , by their approvers , and by them begawded with superstitious dressings , that can please thy majesty , and thy just wrath appease : t is not our formal whinings , or orations , or , our confessions , or our deprecations , or , bablings with the tongue , without a heart that , will thy threatned judgments quite divert , till thou hast done thy work which is in hand , or , till we more conform to thy command ; whereto , perhaps , that , which we fear , may more conduce , then that , which we to scape implore . for , few do conscience of their duties make much longer , then the rod is on their back . yet , somewhat , makes me hopeful , that thou hast against what i would ask , no sentence past ; and , fain would i obtain from thee , this day , a publick blessing , e're i go away , which might in some degree , abate the dread whereby , now , many are distempered . to thee , thy children for a blessing cry upon those fruits , which drench'd in waters lie ; and ( though unworthy ) jacob like , i am resolv'd with thee , to wrestle for the same . let , not my lord , be wrath , that i go on to prosecute the suite i have begun ; for , i with filial fear approach thy throne . direct us , how in this , and such like cases , we may make acceptable our addresses , lest , we grow overwhelmed with dispairs , or , come with over peremptory prayers : for , somewhat thou , at all times , hast to grant to comfort those , who consolation want , when they are sensible of their condition , and come before thee with unfaind contrition . yea , though , when we are outwardly distrest , we may not absolutely make request for what seems needful ; yet , when we resigne in all our sutes , our own will unto thine , our wants ( if in particular deni'd ) are with a fatherlike respect suppli'd some other way , by mercifully granting a better thing , then that , which we thought wanting . for , thou , till he himself shall bar the door , excludest no mans prayre , who doth implore in faith and charity , that , which may tend to give him , a well-being without end . of this , experiment i oft have had , and , me thou confident thereof hast made . this creed , thou hast been pleas'd to teach me , lord , both by thy holy spirit , and thy word , confirming my experience day by day , that , i to other men declare it may , as i in duty , am oblig'd to do , when thou my heart inclinest thereunto . and , by thy favour , now proceed i can in that , which , when these musings i began , i neither able was to prosecute , as i intended ; or commence my sute , in terms , which i could think fit to present to thee ; or , to my self , could give content . but , now the bars remov'd and i can make a shift to stammer , what i could not speak . by thy assistance likewise , i believe that , what i now shall pray for , thou wilt give ; ev'n ev'ry thing ( implicitly at least ) which shall in this my prayer be exprest : i , therefore , in thy sight , now spread abrode my private meditations , in this mode ; and hope , it shall be spread , where many may and their amen to that , for which i pray : and , that their joyning in this my oblation , will gain us all shares in thy acceptation . oh! i should then sing , with a joyful heart lord , let thy servant , now , in peace depart . that everlasting gospel make more known , by which , thy love eternal is forth shown to all mankind ; and which , a glorious throng of angels , publish'd in a joyful song , ( unto the glory of thy blessed name ) when first thy son aray'd with flesh became ; that , all the world may know , the same goodwill which thereby was exprest , continues still : and , that , desire to know both good and evil , proceeded from our selves , and from the devil , but , not from thee , who , didst intend salvation to adam , and to all his generation ; not reprobating any of his race save such as wilfully dispis'd thy grace , and , justly , caused the product of that which , thou didst never prenecessitate . thy love to all mankinde , compels me oft ( though for it , i maligned am , and scoft ) to preach it to the world , that , men may more mind it with thankfulness , then heretofore . i know this truth is own'd , ev'n among those vvho , unto thee are yet , apparent foes ; and , that , hath hindreth many to embrace the doctrine of thy universal grace , because , they are not heedful , that , unless these held some truths with that unrighteousness vvhich they maintain , not many would believe that mistery , by which they do deceive . but , to prevent their wiles , unclose their eies , vvho cannot yet perceive their fallacies ; and let it be made manifest to them vvho do not wilfully the means contemn , vvhich , thou vouchsafed unto all men hast , and alwaies wilt , at first , or at the last . let that large mercy , our hearts work upon , more then thy judgments hitherto have done ; to which intention , let thy saints improve that influence which thy eternal love hath shed on them , to work throughout this nation by love and gentleness , a reformation ; which will be then more speedy , and sincere ▪ then that , which is compel'd , & wrought by fear . preserve that pretious seed , sown in this land ; now , many ages past , by thine own hand ; it hath been often watred by the blood of thy elect ; hath many storms withstood , and took such root , that , now it doth extend by sev'ral branches , to the worlds far end . permit it not to suffer diminution either by calms , or storms of persecution . let not the lofty cedars over-top it , the wild-swine root it up , or tame-beast crop it ; nor weeds or brambles ( among which it grows ) starve it , or choak it ; nor the greedy crows devour it ; nor the swarms of locusts , which in smoke , ascended from th' infernal ditch ; but , let it , when appearing most opprest , palm-like most thrive , and be the more increast , till th' earth it fills ; and till up-rooted be all plants , that were not planted there by thee . this , i first pray for lord , because possessing hereof , doth lay the ground of ev●ry blessing . correct thou not these nations in thy wrath , but , in that measure , which shews mercy hath an intrest in thy justice . let them hold the same proportion which they did of old , in thy severest chastisements ; that , neither both good and evil , be destroy'd together , nor , their hopes thereby vacated , by whom there is a kingdom look'd for , yet to come . five wicked cities might have spared been , had twice five , righteous men been found therein : yea , thou ( although in them there was but one ) defer'dst their dreadful doom till he was gone . lord , i hope , here are many thousands yet . on whom thy seal , on whom thy mark is set . who trust in thee , whose faith doth not yet fail ; who , their own , and the nations guilt bewaile : for their sakes , lay aside thy wrath again ; let thy sun shine , and let thy clouds drop rain both on the just and unjust , as thou hast been pleased to vouchsafe in ages past ; that , spring and summer , seed and harvest-times untill the world shall end , may in all climes be from each other still distinguished , as long ago , by thee was promised . at this time also , to this sinful nation , extend thy wonted favour & compassion , by blowing hence those clouds , whose frequent showrs spoil not alone grass herbs and pleasant flowers , but , threaten also , to destroy those crops , whereby the painful husband-man hath hopes to be rewarded for his toil and cost ; yea , let this isle , which now despairs almost , of such a blessing , be secured from that famine , which we are afraid will come . both of our earthly , and thy heavenly bread , preserve the means , that therewith being fed , in soul and body ; we may for the same in flesh and spirit magnifie thy name ▪ till christ shall come . continue in this place , the special pledges , of thy special grace , close up those rents , which malice hath made wide ; unite by love , those whom self-will and pride have dis-united : for , thy love was that which made thee at the first , this world create ; and , 't is the same essential love ( by thee in thy elect made active ) which must free the world again , from that confus'd estate whereto 't is brought by envy and by hate . to that end , let thy spirit , ( unto whom all dispensations , till thy son shall come committed are ) the hearts of men incline to be obedient ●o that discipline , in ev'ry form , which they believe to be to them injoyned by thy word and thee ; and , that accept of , which they shall profess and practise with unbiast consciences . make thy elect to stand out all the shocks , of tyranny , like never moved rocks ; and give them prudence , to discern the wiles , whereby , their antichristian foe beguiles unstable hearts ; and please to pardon that wherein through frailty , they shall deviate . indow them withall sanctified graces that may enable in their several places to do the honor : and , lord , let the pride of their oppressors , break so , and devide their power and counsels , that , they may at length be ruined , by their own wit , and strength . behold , the many troubles of this nation , with mercy , and vouchsafe it thy salvation . make haste to our deliverance oh lord , and , succour us according to thy word . let them be turned backward , and with shame confounded , who blaspheme thy holy name ; who , with their own inventions do defile thy ordinances , and pursue the spoil of those who seek thy face . let them who cry aha , aha , and say insultingly , so we would have it , when thy people are opprest , be caught at last , in their own snare , that , they who love thy truth , may to thy praise rejoyce in thy salvation all their dayes . but , gracious lord , beside that wasting rain , which makes this nation with much fear complain and brings me now to thee ; there is a flood portending inundations too , of blood , ev'n blood of innocents , for whose prevention to be petitioner i have intention . a portion of thy word , concerning cain to me , a mystery seems to contain implying somewhat which relates to those who were , and shall unto thy saints be foes throughout all times ; and doth relate , likewise , to them , who offer thee that sacrifice in which thou most delight'st : for , ever since that day , will-worshippers have took offence at their oblations ; and proceeded on in that , which he so long ago begun . cain was the first that persecuted them who in their worship differed from him ; and , i collect thence , that , ev'n from that hour thou didst subject them to the temp'ral power of all those persecutors , of whom , he became the type , whoever they should be . and , as i understand that hystory , therein is couched the whole mystery of that iniquity , which now is grown almost full ripe , and shall be overthrown in thy appointed time ; but , not till then , nor by the weapons or the hands of men : for , thou hast markt them to be saved from destroying , till their fatal hour is come . and i conceive likewise by what thou hast in that memorial to the world exprest , thou wilt avenge it , on all , who withstand their persons , with a life-destroying-hand , though they are murdrers ; & , that , this suctjection tends to thy glory , and the saints perfection ; whereof , some of them , take so little heed , that of precautions they may have some need . this hath inclin'd me , conscientiously to shun opposing them destructively in whom there is a visiability of sov'raign power , although tyrannical ; untill that some way , it grow doubtful shall to whom it appertains ; as , here of late , when it was thought , thou didst that power translate to other hands , and when he , who bereft them thereof , to an anarchy , us left . and , thou , who knowst my heart , knowst i did never to pull down , or to set up thrones endeaver : but , only , to preserve the common peace , complide with that , which did the throne possesse , till thou restor'dst him , who was driv'n hence , and , to whom , true , i have been ever since . now , also , to preserve , still , as i ought , that peace , whose preservation , i then sought ; i do implore thee , on behalf of him who wears this day , the supream diadem , that , from those evil counsellors , he may deliver'd be , who do , or shall assay , to bring him to a wilful resolution , of being partner in that persecution which they intend : and that , in all temptations ( and maugre all severest provocations ) thy saints , may be preserved from contriving and acting , what may tend to the depriving them of their lives or power , who e're they be , on whom that power shall be confer'd by thee . and , grace vouchsafe them , alwayes to persist in that obedience , which may manifest that , conscientiously they may submit to what thou hast ordain'd , or shall permit for their probation ; till the fewd and war 'twixt good and evil , at a period are : and , that , upon thy will they may attend untill that good and evil , hath an end , which had form us proceeding , and gives place to that eternal goodnesse , which is , was and shall be , when all evil heretofore in being , shall a being have no more . meanwhile confer all means , whereby both they and he , may walk on , in a peaceful way . thy judgment to the king vouchsafe to give that , he , and we in righteousness may live : that , he may to the prisoners and the poor , shew mercy ; to the wrong'd , their dues restore ; and be as kind and merciful to them , who are opprest , as thou hast been to him : that , our high mountains may produce thy peace , and little hills , the fruits of righteousness ; for , whether high or low , all shall receive such measure , as to other men they give . i know this will be done , even by the drops of mercy , which to keep alive my hopes , are in this place , to me derived from thy bounty , to fore-shew , a shower will come that shall refresh both me , and those , at full , who , at this time , each others case condole . be pleased to confirm this my belief , redouble still , our courage as our grief shall be augmented : and although among thy foes , our bodies perish in the throng ; by those external judgments , which we shall occasion to be epidemical , inflict them , rather then permit thy name to be exposed to reproachful shame , by suffering wickedness with proud despight , to violate thy justice in thy sight ; or , wantonize with grace , till it becomes the saddest of all temporary dooms : for , common mys●ries less grievous are unto thy saints , though they in them have share , then all their private sufferings , when they see their insolence who sleighted them and thee , so winked at , as if thou either wouldst not , avenge thy self upon them , or else could not . thy souldiers will be pleas'd amid thy foes to die , e're any honor thou shouldst lose , since death by them , needs never to be fear'd , who know with what life , thou wilt them reward . let dagons temple then , be overthrown though sampson die , in pulling of it down : for all thy souldiers , seek their glorifying in conquering , although it be by dying . our general , in person , led the van that way , when he his glorious conquest wan , bereft death of his deadly sting , thereby , and , over hell , triumphed gloriously . preserve those , in thy truth by faith and love , whom thou shalt please in these last times to prove by fiery tryals : so , what e're wind blows , whether , it rains or shines , or hails or snows ; whether thou shak'st the heavens or the earth , or both ; whether , war , pestilence , or dearth shall visite this deprayed generation , thine , shall be free from inward pertubation , and sing , a blessed requiem to their soul , when their oppressors gnash their teeth and howl . to that salvation which thou dost design for thy elect , preserve thou , me and mine ; and , in our several passages thereto , whether , the way in which we are to go be either rough or smooth , or short or long , keep us content ; and let our faith be strong although the flesh is weak . let our afflictions and , our prosperities ; with benedictions so sanctified be throughout our dayes , that , thou mayst in our lives & deaths have praise a large petititon ( whereof now bereft ) before thy face , long since ingrost i left , whereby , i thee besought to this effect , for my posterity ; and to direct and keep them in thy ways : lord , though to me the words are lost , they are not so to thee ; my spoilers , cannot hide them from thine eyes , nor wilt thou , my requests therein despise . rememember those , by whom we have been fed , when we were by the world depriv'd of brea● vouchsafe thou , for their charitableness , they , never want a friend in their distress ; or comforts , when on their sick beds they lie , or , freedom , though on outward bands they die : mind them , when i of them forgetful grow ; know them , though i their persons may not know ; their alms-deeds , which they labour to conceal , let thy son , before all the world reveal ; and , what for me or mine , in these my prayers , i have desired , grant to them and theirs . my foes have some way been my benefactors , ( though , therein , they against their wills were actors for , that , which to afflict me they design , adds more to their vexation , then to mine ; and , that , whereby , they thought me to have harmed , against all future mischiefs , me hath armed . in which respect , without dissimulations , they , are to me , an object of compassion , and , i beseech thee , so their hearts to turn that , for their sins , they heartily may mourn . to operate in them a preparation , to prosecute the means of their salvation , their , too much loving of themselves abate ▪ which hath inclin'd them other men to hate , and more to punish them , who reprehend , their sins , then those , who , against thee offend . bereave them of that wealth , in which they trust , and spend , in giving fewel to their lust ; that power exorbitant , make to be less , which doth but pride , and tyranny increase ; lest they may make themselves the slaves of sin , and to be devils , who might gods have been , forgive them their offences against thee , when for them , truly penitent they be : for , all their wrongs to me i can forgive as i from thee forgiveness would receive . this charity of mine to them , is thine ; thou , thereunto my heart dost now incline ; then , surely , if thou hast a love for those who hate thee , yea whilst they continue foes , thou wilt on them bestow all i can crave , if they contemn not , that which they might have , and , who , can then , be hopeless of thy grace , who , in true faith , and love shall seek thy face ? oh hear me , in what to their welfare tends , for all in general , both foes and friends , ( to whom , christs ransom shall not bounded be , more by their own fault , then by thy decree ; and who against themselves , shut not that gate which thou to all mankind , hast open set . ) make us true lovers , as we ought to be , and , we shall be beloved still of thee . incline us charitably to regard the poor mans prayers and ours shall be heard . make us upright , and then shall rich and poor , more advantageous be then heretofore unto themselves ; and they who hate each other , shall love , and live in amity together . none , then shall make a prayer , to enjoy in private , what weal - publick , may destroy . but , all our suits , ( as in destructive rains or droughts ) shall be prefer'd for what pertains unto the common good ; and very many be benefitted , without harm to any . i shall , moreover , be permitted then , to do thee service with my tongue and pen , and , thou , with other blessings , wilt send hi her what i now pray for , seasonable weather . lord ! should these meditations be despis'd , or , ( as some have been lately ) here surpriz'd , and smother'd ; i beseech thee , let them not by thee , be dis-regarded or forgot ; nor that , which yet remains to be exprest , be stifled any longer in my brest : for , that , hath been more torment to my mind , then to my body , to be here confin'd . but , each branch only grant of these requests as with thine own good pleasure best consists , and , that in chief , which hath preferred been to work in us , repentance of all sin ; lest else , when from one judgment we are freed , another , and another still succeed , till e're from all our fear● , thou us deliver , we feel the sharpest arrows in thy quiver . though all alone , the world hath shut me here , and , from her self , exil'd me , as it were , she , being part of that great work divine , in which there is aswel a share of mine as hers : ( and , though no sense she seems to have of what i suffer in this living grave ) i have a fellow-feeling of her fears , as by those private musings it appears , which often , heretofore i have exprest , on her behalf , and now , by this request ; which god ( i know ) for his own sake hath heard , although my prayer merits no regard . the last great rainy-day , i first begun these meditations ; and , e're they were done , the clouds were blown away , the sun appear'd , the face of heaven was from thick vapours clear'd , and , he , who lately mustred them together , continues , yet , a seasonable weather that will renew the hopes ( if it holds on ) which this year promised , when it begun . for , ( to the blessed name of god be praise ) the earth begins her face again to raise , out of her watry bed , chear'd by those rayes whose absence made her many weeks of days sit melancholly , and aside to throw , those dressings , wherewith she is trimmed now . this , doth to me , appear to be a sign that , to compassion , god doth sti●● incline , and , will , once more make proof what reformation shall be endeavour'd after this probation . oh! in some measure , let this grace effect that , which be justly , may from us expect , lest worse befall : for , god will not be mockt ; the doors of heaven , are not yet so fast lockt , but , that , he suddainly may send again , not only such another wasting rain , ( or in the stead thereof a scorching drouth and make the tongue , cleave to the parched mouth ▪ ) but fire and brimstone too , if he so please ; whereas , now , whilst his mercy doth appease his wrath a little hearty penitence , improv'd may keep some other plague from hence , and , for one sin that truly is repented , three may removed be , or else prevented . meditated and composed during the authors close confinement in the tower , july . . psalm . . oh! that men would praise the lord for his goodness , and for his wondrous works to the children of men . the whole psalm is very pertinent to stir up to a due consideration and practise of this duty . june , . a precaution relating to the time present . two years are past , since what precedes was writ when here , excessive rains occasion'd it . the present drougth , now makes us as much fear , a dearth may probably conclude this year : for want of timely moisture , in the spring , hath in the bud , ni●t many a growing thing ; and that defect continuing to this day , starves herbs , and turns the standing grass to hay . the winter corn , as yet , prick up their ears ; but , to decay , the summer crop appears ; and both ( if god prevent not ) may consume before our usual harvest time is come . as , when to cure , or give their patients ease , ( who long have suffred by a strong disease ) a good physitian first applies for cures his best known helps in such distempratures , that f●iling , tries another ; and that done , doth then , through ev'ry course of physick run , repeats it often too ; and as events occasion it , makes new experiments : ev'n so , hath god proceeded with this nation , to bring us to a timely reformation ; yet , our habitual wickedness is such , that , nothing works upon us very much , except it be the quite contrary way : for , when we should repent , and fast and pray , we feast and triumph : when we should release the prisoner , we the freeman do oppress . when we the poor and needy should relieve , the rich we begger , and the poor we grieve . when princes should put mourning garments on , each vassal is arayed like a don. the meanest pinnaces weare silken sailes , and like the peacock spread their gaudy tailes . yea , in the steed of due humiliations , in publick , here are publick provocations , still multiplied quite throughout the land , ev'n whilst we lie beneath god's heavy hand , and manifestly see , both ev'ry blessing withdrawing , and plagues ev'ry day increasing . he therefore justly may , if so he pleases , do , like physitians , when they find diseases to , be incurable . they then permit , such patients to take what course they think fit ; leave them to any emperick , who will pretend to that wherein he hath no skill ; send them to epsom , or the tunbridge water , or , that at lewsham ( to which t is no matter ) or to that country air , where first they drew their breaths , to try what thereon will ensue . thither , if god sends after them a blessing , t is more then they deserve , and worth confessing : for , t is of his meer grace ; and , this , sometimes he doth vouchsafe ere men repent their crimes . such mercies none can sound , much less express ; for they are infinitely fathomless . and if they work not , in a timely day , god's will be done , is all , that i dare pray . the authors epitaph . composed by himself , upon a common fame of his being dead and buried . it hath a short preface prefixed , and an epilogue added after it , for a copartment to set it off . the preface . rumors of things that shall be , are begun sometimes , before they actually are done , that , we thereby forewarned , may prepare to entertain them , when in act they are ; and , four times , at the least , ( though yet i am surviving it ) my death hath been by fame divulged so , that some , no credit give to those men who affirm that i yet live . at this time also , a report doth goe that , i was lately dead and buried too : perhaps , not without being fore-design'd that i , in prison might be hunger-pin'd : for , having nothing left , that was mine own , or ought allow'd , save what should be bestown , by their compassion , who have me preserved from being in my close confinement starved , i might have dy'd indeed through want of bread , had all my friends believed me to be dead . it may have likewise , an ill consequent , if , i shall be releast ; which , to prevent i have compos'd this following epitaph , thus prefaced , with this short paragraph , and , sent it to my friends , that , they may know i live , and live in hope , that what i owe to them , repaid ( in life or death ) shall be , by god , although , not probably by me . that , also , what this epitaph expresseth may mind me of my duty , till life ceaseth ; and , be by others , with some profit read , both whilst , that i am living , and when dead . the epitaph . by way of epitaph , thus sed george whither , when fame voic'd him dead . if , i did scape the dooms of those , whose heads and limbs , fed rats and crows , ( and , was not thrown into the fire or water , when breath did exspire ) then , here , ( or somewhere else ) my bones , lie raked up , with earth and stones . their burial place , you shall do well to learn from those men who can tell , and in what mode inter'd they were ; for , i do neither know nor care , or , what was either sung , or said , by others , when i there was laid ; nor any whit , suspitious am that , they shall be expos'd to shame nor fear i troubling of their rest , by those who living men molest , because , how e're the world shall please to use them , they shall be at ease , when that , which her despight intends to me , shall ceaze on her own friends as it befel to some , of late , if that be true , which fame doth prate . my life was nor too long , nor short , nor , without good and ill report ; and , profited , as many waies i was by scandals , as by praise . great foes i had , and very many , friends too , a few , as kinde as any and , seldome felt their earthly hell , who love , and are not lov'd as well : for , that , whereof they had sharp sense , i knew , but , by intelligence . a wife i had , as fit for me as any one a live could be ; yea , as if , god , out of each other had made us , to be joyn'd together . and , whilst she lives , what ere is sed of my death , i am but half dead . beside the issue of my brain , i had six children , whereof twain did live , when we divided were , and , i , alive was buried here . when , portious , i had none to give god gave them ( as i , did believe he would ) a means , whereby to live : which is here mention'd , to this end , that others , may on him depend . i priz'd no honours , bought or sold , nor wish'd for youth , when i was old , but , what each age , place , and degree , might best become , best pleased me . i coveted nor ease , nor wealth ( no , not enjoyment of my health ) ought further , then it had relation to gods praise ; and my souls salvation . when i seem'd rich , i wanted more then e're i did when deemed poor ; and , when in body , most confind , enjoy'd most freedom in my mind . i was not factious or seditious , though thereof , many were suspitious , because , i humor'd not the times , in follies , and destructive crimes . in things , that good or evil were , i had abundantly my share ; and , never wish'd to change my lot for what another man had got , or , that , in any time or place , my birth had been , save where it was so wise i was not to be mad though much opprest ; or , to be sad when my relations did conceive i had exceeding cause to grieve : for , god , in season , still supplide those needful things the world denide , disposing ev'ry thing , so well to my content , what ere befel , that , thankful praise to him was due ; and , will be , for what shall ensue . i sold not honesty , to buy a formal garbe of sanctity ; nor to hate any was inclin'd , because , they were not of my mind ; nor fear'd to publish truths in season , though termed heresie or treason , but , spake , what i conceiv'd might tend to benefit both foe and friend ; and , if in love , they seem'd sincere , with their infirmities , could bear . i practis'd what i did believe , and pinned upon no mans sleeve , my faith or conscience ; for , ther 's none judgd , by what other men have done . my sins were great , and numerous grown ; my righteousness , was not mine own , yet , more prevail'd by grace divine , then if it had been wholly mine . i loved all men , feared none except my self , and god alone ; and , when i knew him , did not make esteem of ought , but for his sake . on him , in life time i depended , by death are all my troubles ended , and , i shall live again , ev'n here , when my redeemer , doth appear , which ( by what i have seen and heard ) i know , will not be long defer'd ; nor that raign , here on earth , among his saints , which they have look'd for long . but , that , which we shall then behold , may better be believ'd then told ; because , we may presume as well to put the sea into a shell , as to demonstrate , unto men ▪ of flesh and blood , what will be then . nor oft , nor much desire had i , long time to live , or soon to die ; but , did the work i had to do , as i enabled was thereto ; then , whether it seem'd good or ill , left that , and all things , to gods will ; and , when this mind is not in me , that , i am dead , assured be . do reader , what i have well done ; what i have err'd in , learn to shun ; and , when i must no more appear , let this , be thy remembrancer . the epilogue . this , i perceive will take up too much room , within a church , or , on a chappel tombe ; and , peradventure , need a larger stone then my estate will buy to write it on : i le therefore , let it wander on betwixt the two poles , till it finds where to be fixt : for , though it seems brought forth before the time , it may , whilst it continues in this clime , some way advantage me , by bringing that into my minde , which i might else forget , that , whilst i live , i might conform thereto so far forth , as i am oblig'd to do . moreover , i shall know , ( when this is read ) what will be said of me when i am dead ; which , that man cannot hear , who shall not have an epitaph , till he is in his grave . some part thereof , may likewise useful seem to others , who my words , now disesteem : for , through the spatious earth , i know not ought , that is , or may be said ▪ or done , or thought , but , hath a tendance , if we heed it will , either to what is good or what is ill : a single haire , or fluttring of a bird , may providentially , sometimes afford hints , or precautions , to incline us , to what we ought to observe , beleive , or do . this , also will be , as it were , to some a messenger , who from the dead is come , to preach what is agreeable to reason , ( although it be a preachment out of season ) but , now , both dead and living preachers too , are sleighted , whatsoe're they say or do . and , if such predicants found no regard , where moses and the prophets were not heard , what , probably , from those can be expected who christ and his apostles , have neglected ? yet , from dead letters , and from men deceast there comes ( from what in lifetime they exprest ) a voice sometimes , to which men will incline , a willing ear ; and so , there will from mine . a petitionary meditation on the behalf of f. s. the authors much honoured and charitable , friend then visited by a languishing sickness . in my contemplatings , verse , is to me what david's harp , to him , was wont to be ; and , ( on occasions offered ) unto god ) i , often , make addresses , in this mode . lord , thou didst raise me friends , when few or none i had , whom i could much depend upon ; and , none of those , had they not first been thine , could possibly have been a friend of mine , in such a manner , or at such a time as when thy kindness did appear in them : for , such respectiveness , to men that are in my case is at this time , very rare . thereby , they worthily therefore , are grown more precious for thy sake , then for their own ; and , me to them it binds , in bonds more strong , then if their frindship , from themselves had sprung . my god , to thee , for one of those by whom thou hast refreshed me i now am come to offer what my poverty affords ; which ( though it be no more then hearty words ) be pleased to accept , for those proceeds , that were extended unto me in deeds ; and , thereunto , vouchsafe thou to impute that vigour , which i cannot contribute ; since , there is nothing in my best oblation ▪ which of it self , can merit acceptation . on his behalf , whom thou to me hast given , i , here on earth , petition thee in heaven , not for our own deserts , but for his sake , who did for all mankind atonement make ) that ( if it shall be pleasing unto thee ) his crazed health may now renewed be , and , he continue by thy preservation , a faithful servant to this generation , till he those works hath finish'd altogether , for which thou principally sentst him hither ; and , till they who yet want him , less may miss his passage from them , to eternal bliss : for , life , and all that therewith is bestown , he had , as well for their sakes , as his own . thy people thought themselves oblig'd to plead to christ for him , who for them , had but made a synagogue : elias thou didst hear for , her , by whom , refresh'd his bowels were : and , thou hast promised an easie bed , to them , by whom the hungry soul is fed ; whereby i am incourag'd , and inclin'd , to pray for him ; who hath to me been kind , with hope , it shall some good product beget both to thy glory , and his benefit . for , thou hast to the prayers of the poor , an ear as open , now , as heretofore , and grantst the humble sutes of faithful men , aswell , as of thy greatest prophets , then . to thee , i dare not absolutely pray for ought , belonging to the present day , save what that patern warrants , which hath taught to whom , for what , and how to pray we ought . when therefore lord , my frailty shall incline my will , to what repugnant is to thine , ( though i should ask it ) let it be deny'd , and , wants , according to thy will supply'd . the objects , and the subjects , of my prayers are positively , nor hopes fears , or dispaires , or paines , or pleasures ; neither joy nor greif ; no nor a temporary death or life , ( though they concern my self ) except they fall within the verge of that conditionall with which thou bound'st them : for enough there is besides that , grantable , unless amisse we ask it . and soon'st , thou wilt that dispence , when faith assaults thee with most violence . such things as thou hast promis'd , we may crave ; such things in their best season , we shall have , though they are oft deferr'd , till we know better how , by their use , to make the blessings greater : such things , i dare to ask , and persevere in asking them , untill vouchsafd they are ; and , such things , i le now beg of thee , for him whose cause i plead : lord , therefore grant thou them confirm him in that love , whence all things had their beings , when created things were made ; and , which at last , will knit up all in one that was created , when the world begun . contentment give him , with what change soere thou shalt be pleas'd to exercise him here . preserve him in the saving faith of christ , which will secure the blessed interest that , he to all men offers ; and to none denieth , who , to lay fast hold thereon not wilfully , and finally neglects , thou having cur'd his natural defects . grant him true self-denyal : him befriend , with constant perseverance to the end of all his tryals : every sin forgive committed in the flesh , whilst he shall live . enable him , whilst he hath time and place , to make such an improvement of thy grace on him conferred , that , as day by day , sin sprouts up , it may rooted be away . in all , whereby the world , the flesh , or devil may him assault , deliver him from evil , and all distemperatures , that may begin either from things without him , or within . let these petitions , for his consolation be sanctified by christ's mediation , and lie still spread before thee , whilst in life , my friend is sensible of pains and grief . so far forth also , as that , which by me is pray'd for now , shall with thy will agree , let him with faith , in our redeemers name both for himself and me , desire the same . and ( to conclude this prayer ) let all those by whom , thou hast been pleased to dispose ▪ thy manyfold love-tokens unto me , in all , here prayed for , partakers be at ev'ry need ; till thou translatst us thither where , all thine , shall with thee , live still together . amen . errata . page l. . read persecute . p. . l . r. persever . p. . l. . r. war for fear p. . l. . r. our own p. . l. . r. so to p. . l. . r. their fallacies p. . l. . r. harvest time , & p. . l. . god , praise p. . l. . r. through , & for reb. r. rebels p. l. . r. the , for there . p. . l. . thee for the p. . l. . r. on for in . finis . epithalamia: or nuptiall poems vpon the most blessed and happie mariage betweene the high and mightie prince frederick the fifth, count palatine of the rhein, duke of bauier, &c. and the most vertuous, gracious and thrice excellent princesse, elizabeth, sole daughter to our dread soueraigne, iames by the grace of god king of great britaine, france and ireland, defender of the faith, &c. celebrated at white-hall the fourteenth of februarie, . written by george wither. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) epithalamia: or nuptiall poems vpon the most blessed and happie mariage betweene the high and mightie prince frederick the fifth, count palatine of the rhein, duke of bauier, &c. and the most vertuous, gracious and thrice excellent princesse, elizabeth, sole daughter to our dread soueraigne, iames by the grace of god king of great britaine, france and ireland, defender of the faith, &c. celebrated at white-hall the fourteenth of februarie, . written by george wither. wither, george, - . [ ] p. imprinted [by f. kingston] for edward marchant, and are to be sold at his shop ouer against the crosse in pauls church-yeard, at london : [i.e. ] in verse. printer's name from stc. the year is given according to lady day dating. signatures: [a]-d⁴ (-d ). reproduction of the original in the folger shakespeare library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng frederick -- i, -- king of bohemia, - -- poetry -- early works to . elizabeth, -- queen, consort of frederick i, king of bohemia, - -- poetry -- early works to . epithalamia -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - daniel haig sampled and proofread - daniel haig text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion epithalamia : or nvptiall poems vpon the most blessed and happie mariage betweene the high and mightie prince frederick the fifth , count palatine of the rhein , duke of bauier , &c. and the most vertvovs , graciovs and thrice excellent princesse , elizabeth , sole daughter to our dread soueraigne , iames by the grace of god king of great britaine , france and ireland , defender of the faith , &c. celebrated at white-hall the fourteenth of februarie , . written by george wither . at london , imprinted for edward marchant , and are to be sold at his shop ouer against the crosse in pauls church-yeard . . to the all-ver tvovs and thrice excellent princesse , elizabeth , sole davghter to ovr dread soveraigne , iames by the grace of god king of great britane , france and ireland , &c. and wife to the high and mightie prince , frederick the fifth , covnt palatine of the rhein , dvke of bavier , &c. elector and arch-sewer to the sacred roman empire , dvring the vacancie vicar of the same , and knight of the most honorable order of the garter : george wither wisheth all the health , ioyes , honovrs and felicities of this world in this life , and the perfections of eternitie in the world to come . to the christian readers . readers ; for that in my booke of satyricall essayes , i haue been deemed ouer cynicall ; to shew , that i am not wholy inclined to that vaine : but indeed especially , out of the loue which in duty i owe to those incomparable princes , i haue in honor of their royall solemnities , published these short epithalamiaes . by which you may perceaue , ( how euer the world thinke of me ) i am not of such a churlish constitution , but i can afford vertue her deserued honor ; and haue as well an affable looke to encourage honestie ; as a sterne frowne to cast on villanie ; if the times would suffer me , i could be as pleasing as others ; and perhaps ere long i will make you amends for my former rigor ; meane while i commit this vnto your censures ; and bid you farewell . g. w. epithalamion . bright northerne star , and great mineruaes peere , sweet lady of this day : great britans deere . loe thy poore vassall , that was erst so rude , with his most rustick satyrs to intrude , once more like a poore siluan now drawes neare ; and in thy sacred presence dares appeare . oh let not that sweete bowe thy browe be bent , to scarre him with a shaft of discontent . one looke with anger , nay thy gentlest frowne , is twice enough to cast a greater downe . my will is euer , neuer to offend , these that are good ; and what i here entend , your ▪ worth compels me to ; for lately greeu'd , more then can be exprest , or well beleeu'd : minding for euer to abandon sport , and liue exilde from places of resort ; careles of all , i yeelding to security , thought to shut vp my muse in darke obscuritie . and in content , the better to repose , a lonely groue vpon a mountaine chose . east from caer winn , midway twixt arle and dis , true springs , where britans true arcadia is . but ere i entred my entended course , great aeolus began to offer force . * the boysterous king was growne so mad with rage ; that all the earth , was but his furies stage . fyre , ayre , earth , sea , were intermixt in one : yet fyre , through water , earth , and ayre shone . the sea , as if she ment to whelme them vnder , beat on the cliffs , and rag'd more loud then thunder : and whilst the vales she withsalt waues did fill , the ayre show'rd flouds , that drencht our highest hill , and the proud trees , that would no duty know ; lay ouerturned , twenties in a rowe . yea euery man for feare , fell to deuotion ; least the whole ile should haue been drencht in th'oceā . which i peceiuing coniur'd vp my muse , the spirit whose good helpe i sometime vse ; and though i ment to breake her rest no more , i was then faine her ayd for to implore . and by her helpe indeed , i came to know , why , both the ayre , and seas , were troubled so . for hauing vrg'd her , that she would vnfold what cause she knewe : thus much at last she told . of late ( quoth she ) there is by powers diuine ; a match concluded , twixt great thame and rhine . two famous riuers , equall both to nile ▪ the one , the pride of europes greatest ile . th' other disdaining to be closely pent , washes a great part , of the continent . yet with abundance ▪ doth the wants supplie , of the still-thirsting sea , that 's neuer drie . and now , these , being not alone endear'd , to mightie neptune , and his watrie heard : but also to the great , and dreadfull ioue with all his sacred companies aboue , both haue assented by their loues inuiting : to grace ( with their owne presence ) this vniting . ioue cal'd a summons to the worlds great wonder ; t' was that we heard of late , which we thought thunder . a thousand legions he intends to send them : of cherubins and angells , to attend them : and those strong winds , that did such blustring keepe , were but the tritons , sounding in the deepe ; to warne each riuer , pettie streame and spring , their aide vnto their soueraigne to bring . the floods and shewers that came so plenteous downe , and lay entrencht in euery field and towne : were but retainers to the nobler sort , that owe their homage at the watrie court. or else the streames not pleas'd with their owne store , to grace the thames , their mistris borrowed more . exacting for their neighboring dales and hills , but by consent all , naught against their wills . yet now since in this stir , are brought to ground many faire buildings , many hundreds drown'd , and dailie found , of broken ships great store , that lie dismembred vpon euery shore : with diuers other mischeefes knowne to all this is the cause , that those great harmes befall . whilst others things , in redines did make , hells hatefull haggs , from out their prisons brake . and spighting at this hopefull match , began to wreak their wrath , on ayre , earth , sea and man ▪ some hauing shapes of romish shavelings got spewd out their venome : and began to plot : which way to thwart it : others made their way with much distraction thorough land and sea extreamely raging . but almighty ioue perceaues their hate , and enuy from aboue : he 'le checke their fury , and in yrons chain'd , their libertie abus'd , shall be restraind ; hee 'le shut them vp , from comming to molest , the meriments of hymens holy feast . where shall be knit that sacred gordian knot , which in no age to come , shall be forgot . which policie nor force shall nere vnty , but must continue to eternitie . which for the whole worlds good was fore-decreed , with hope expected long ; now come indeed . and of whose future glory , worth , and merit much i could speak , with a prophetick spirit . thus by my muses deare assistance , finding the cause of this disturbance , with more minding my countries welfare , then my owne content : and longing for to see this tales euent . my lonely life i suddainly forsooke , and to the court againe , my iorney tooke . meane while i sawe the furious winds were laid ; the risings of the swelling waters staid . the winter , gan to change in euery thing ; and seem'd to borrow mildnes of the spring . the violet and primerose fresh did growe ; and as in aprill , trimd both cops and rowe . the citie , that i left in mourning clad , drouping ; as if it would haue still bin sad : i found deckt vp ; in robes so neat , and trimme , faire iris , would haue lookt but stale and dimme . in her best cullors ; had she there appeard . the sorrowes of the court i found well cleerd , their wofull habits quite cast off , and tyr'd in such a glorious fashion ; i admir'd . all her cheefe peeres and choisest beauties too in greater pompe , then mortalls vse to doe ; wait as attendants ; iuno's come to see ; because shee heares that this solemnitie exceeds faire hippodamia's , ( where the strife twixt her , minerua , and lame vulcans wife did first arise ) and with her , leads along ; a noble , stately , and a mighty throng . venus , ( attended with her rarest features , sweet louely-smiling , and hart-mouing creatures , the very fairest iewells of her treasure , able to moue the senseles stones to pleasure ▪ ) of all her sweetest saints , hath robd their shrines ; and brings them for the courtiers valentines . nor doth dame pallas , from these tryumphs lurke : her noblest wits , shee freely sets on worke . of late , shee summond them vnto this place , to do your masks and reuells , better grace . here * mars himselfe to , clad in armor bright , hath showne his fury , in a bloudles fight ; and both on land , and water , sternely drest , acted his bloudy stratagems , in iest. which to the people , frighted by their error ; with seeming wounds and death did ad more terror . besides ; to giue , the greater cause of wonder ; ioue did vouchsafe , a ratling peale of thunder , cometts and meteors by the starrs exhald , were from the midle-region lately cald : and to a place appointed , made repaire , to show their firie friscolls in the ayre . people innumerable do resort ; as if all europe here would keepe one court. yea hymen in his safferon-coloured weed ; to celebrate his rites is full agreed . all this i see ; which seeing , makes me borrow , some of their mirth a while , and lay downe sorrow . and yet not this : but rather the delight , my hart doth take in the much hoped sight , of these thy glories , long already due : and this sweet comfort , that my eyes do viewe . thy happy bridegrome ; pr : co : palatine , now thy best friend and truest valentine . vpon whose brow , my mind doth read the story , of mightie fame ; and a true future glorie . me thinks i doe foresee already , how princes , and monarchs , at his stirrop bow . i see him shine in steele . the bloudy feilds already wonne ; and how his proud foe yeelds . god , hath ordaind him happines great store : and yet in nothing , is he happy more then in thy loue , ( faire princesse ) for vnles heauen , like to man , be prone to ficklenes : thy fortunes , must be greater in effect , then time , makes show of , or men can expect . yet , notwithstanding all those goods of fate ; thy mind , shall euer be aboue thy state . for ouer , and beside thy proper merit , our last eliza , grants her noble spirit . to be redoubled on thee ; and your names being both one , shall giue you both one fames ▪ oh blessed thou ! and they to whom thou gui'st , the leaue for to attend thee where thou liu'st . and haples we , that must of force let goe , the matchles treasure , we esteeme of so . but yet , we trust t is for our good , and thine : or els thou shouldst not , chang thy thame for rhyne . we hope , that this will the vniting proue , of countries , and of nations by your loue . and that from out your blessed loynes , shall come ; another terror , to the whore of rome : and such a stout achilles as shall make , her tottering walls , and weake foundation shake . for thetis-like , thy fortunes do require : thy issue should be greater , then his sire . but ( gratious princesse ) now since thus it fares : and god so well for you , and vs , prepares . since he hath daign'd such honors , for to do you and showne himselfe , so fauorable to you . since he hath changd your sorrowes , and your sadnes into such great , and vnexpected gladnes . oh now remember , for to be at leasure sometime to think on him , amidst your pleasure ! let not these glories of the world deceaue you nor her vaine fauors of your selfe bereaue you . consider yet , for all this iollitie , y' are mortall , and must feele mortalitie . and that god can in midst of all your ioyes ▪ quite dash this pompe , and fill you with annoyes , triumphes are fit for princes ; yet we find , they ought not wholy to take vp the mind . nor yet to be let past , as things in vaine , for out of all things , wit will knowledge gaine . musique may teach , of difference in degree , the best tun'd common-weales will framed be . and that he moues , and liues , with greatest grace ; that vnto time , and measure , tyes his pace . then let these things be * emblems , to present . your mind , with a more lasting true content . when you behold the infinite resort , the glory and the splendor , of the court : what wondrous fauors , god doth here bequeath you , how many hundred thousands , are beneath you : and view with admiration your great blisse , then with your selfe you may imagine this . t' is but a blast , or transitorie shade ; which in the turning of a hand , may fade . honors , which you your selfe did neuer winne . and might , ( had god bin pleas'd ) anothers bin . and think , if shaddowes haue such maiestie ; what are the glories of eternitie ? then by this image of a fight on sea , wherein you heard the thundring canons plea ; and saw flames , breaking from their murthering throts ; which in true skirmish , fling resistles shots . your wisdome may ( and will no doubt ) begin ; to cast what perill a poore souldier's in . you will conceaue his miseries and cares , how many dangers , deaths and wounds he shares . then though the most pass't ouer , and neglect them that rethorick , will moue you to respect them . and if hereafter , you should hap to see such mimick apes ; ( that courts disgraces be ) i meane such chamber-combatants ; who neuer weare other helmet , then a hat of beuer. or nere board pinnace but in silken saile , and in the steed of boysterous shirts of maile , goe arm'd in cambrick ? if that such a kite , ( i say ) should scorne an egle in your sight : your wisdome iudge ( by this experience ) can : which hath most worth , hermaphrodite , or man. the nights strange * prospects , made to feede the eyes ; with artfull fyres , mounted in the skies : graced with horred claps of sulphury thunders ; may make you mind , iehouahs greater wonders . nor is there any thing , but you may thence reape inward gaine ; aswell as please the sense . but pardon me ( oh fayrest ) that am bold , my heart thus freely , plainely , to vnfold . what though i knowe , you knew all this before : my loue this showes , and that is something more . do not , my honest seruice here disdaine , i am a faithfull , though an humble swaine . i 'me none of those , that haue the meanes or place ; with showes of cost to do your nuptialls grace : but only master , of my owne desire , am hither come , with others to admire . i am not of these heliconian wits ; whose pleasing straines the courts know humor fits . but a poore rurall sheapheard , that for need : can make sheepe musique , on an oaten reed . yet for my loue ( ile this be bold to boast ) it is as much to you , as his that 's most : which ; since i no way els , can now explaine , if you 'l in midst of all these glories , daigne to lend your eares vnto my muse so long : she shall declare it , in a wedding song . epithalamion . valentine , good morrow to thee , good i wish , though none i doe thee : i would waite vpon thy pleasure , but i cannot be at leasure . for i owe this day , as debter , to ( a thousand times ) thy better , hymen now will haue effected what hath been so long expected : thame thy mistris , now vnwedded ; soone must with a prince be bedded . if thou 'lt see her virgin euer , come , and do it now , or neuer . where art thou , oh faire aurora ? call in uer and lady flora. and you daughters of the morning , in your neat'st , and feat'st , adorning : cleare your fore-heads , and be sprightfull ; that this day may seeme delightfull . all you nimphs , that vse the mountaines , or delight in groues , and fountaines ; shepheardesses , you that dally , either vpon hill or vally ; and you daughters of the bower , that acknowledge vestaes power . oh you sleep too long ; awake yee , see how time doth ouertake yee : hark , the lark is vp and singeth , and the house , with ecchoes ringeth . pretious howers , why neglect yee , whil'st affaires , thus expect yee ? come away , vpon my blessing , the bride-chamber , lies to dressing : strow the waies , with leaues of roses , some make garlands , some make poses , t' is a fauor and 't may ioy you ▪ that your mistris will employ you . where 's * sabrina , with her daughters ; that do sport about her waters ; those that with their locks of amber , haunt the fruitfull hills of camber ; we must haue to fill the number ; all the nimphs of trent and humber . fie ; your hast , is scarce sufficing , for the bride 's awake and rising . enter beauties , and attend her : all your helps ▪ and seruice lend her . with your quaint'st , and new'st deuises : trim your lady , faire thamisis . see shee 's ready : with ioyes greet her , lads , go bid the brid-groome meet her . but from rash approach aduise him , least a too much ioy surprize him . none i ere knew yet , that dared : view an angell , vnprepared . now vnto the church she hies her , enuy bursts , if shee espies her . in her gestures , as she paces , are vnited all the graces : which who sees and hath his senses , loues , inspight of all defences . oh most true maiestick creature . nobles did you note her feature felt you not an inward motion , tempting loue to yeeld deuotion ▪ and as you were eu'n desiring . something check you , for aspiring ▪ that 's hir ueriue which still tameth loose desires : and bad thoughts blameth . for whilst others were vnruly , she obseru'd diana truly : and hath by that meanes , obteyned , guifts of her that none haue gained . yon 's the bridgrome d' yee not spy him ? see how all the ladies eye him . venus his perfection findeth , and no more adonis mindeth : much of him my hart deuineth : on whose brow all vertue shineth . two such creatures nature would not , let one place long keep : she should not : one shee 'le haue , ( she cares not whether ) but our loues can spare her neither . therefore ere we 'le so be spighted ; they in one shall be vnited . natures selfe , is well contented , by that meanes , to be preuented . and behold , they are retired , so conioyn'd , as we desired : hand in hand , not only fixed , but their harts , are intermixed . happy they , and we that see it , for the good of europe be it . and heare heauen my deuotion , make this rhyne and thame an ocean : that it may with might and wonder , whelme the pride of * tyber vnder . now yon * hall their persons shroudeth , whither all this people crowdeth . there they feasted are with plentie , sweet ambrosia is no deinty . groomes quaff nectar : for there 's meeter , yea more costly wines , and sweeter . young men all , for ioy go ring yee , and your merriest carolls sing yee . here 's of dam'zells many choices , let them tune their sweetest voices . fet the muses too , to cheare them : they can rauish , all that heare them . ladyes , t' is their highnesse pleasures , for to see you , foot the measures : louely gestures addeth graces , to your bright , and angell faces . giue your actiue minds the bridle : nothing worse , then to be●dle . uuorthies , your affaires forbeare yee , for the state a while may spare yee : time was ; that you loued sporting , haue you quite forgot your courting ? ioy the hart of cares be guileth : once a yeare apollo smileth . fellow shepheards , how i pray you , can your flocks at this time stay you ? let vs , also hie vs thither , le ts lay all our witts together . and some pastorall inuent them , for to show the loue we ment them . i my selfe though meanest stated , ( and in court now almost hated ) will knit vp my * scourge , and venter in the midst of them to enter : for i know , ther 's no disdaining , where i looke for entertaining . see , me thinks the very season , as if capable of reason ; hath laine by her natiue rigor , the faire sunbeames haue more vigor . they are aeols most endeared : for the ayre 's stilld , and cleared . fawnes , and lambs , and kidds do play , in the honor of this day . the shrill blacke-bird , and the thrushe hops about in euery bush : and among the tender twiggs , chaunt their sweet harmonious ijgs. yea , and mou'd by this example , they doe make each groue a temple : where their time the best way vsing , they their summer loues are chusing . and vnles some churle do wrong them . there 's not an od bird , among them . yet i heard as i was walking , groues and hills by ecchoes talking . reeds , vnto the small brooks whistling ; whilst they danc't , with pretty rushling . then for vs , to sleep t were pitty : since dumb creatures are so witty . but oh titan , thou dost dally , hie thee to thy uesterne vally . let this night one hower borrow ; shee shall pay 't againe , to morrow . and if thou 'lt that fauor do them , send thy sister phaebe to them . but shee 's come , her selfe vnasked : and brings * god 's and heroes masked . none yet saw , or heard in story , such immortall , mortall glorie . view not , without preparation : least you faint , in admiration . say my lords , and speak truth barely , mou'd they not exceeding rarely ? did they not such praises merit , as if flesh had all bin spirit ? true indeed , yet i must tell them , there was one did far excell them . but ( alas ) this is ill dealing , night vnwares away is stealing . their delay , the poore bed wrongeth , that for bride , with bride groome longeth : and aboue all other places , must be blest , with their embraces . reuellers , then now forbeare yee , and vnto your rests prepare yee ▪ let 's a while your absence borrow , sleep to night , and dance to morrow . we could well allow your courting , but t will hinder , better sporting . they are gone ; and night all lonely , leaues the bride with bridegroome only . muse now tell ; ( for thou hast power for to fly thorough wall or tower . ) vvhat contentments their harts cheareth ; and how louely shee appeareth . and yet do not ; tell it no man. rare conceits may so grow common ; do not to the vulgar show them , ( t' is enough that thou dost know them . ) their ill harts , are but the center , where all misconceauings enter . but thou luna that dost lightly , haunt our downes and forrests nightly . thou that fauor'st generation , and art help , to procreation : see their yssue thou so cherish , i may liue , to see it flourish . and you planets in whose power , doth consist , these liues of our ; you that teach vs diuinations , help with all your constellations : for to frame in her a creature , blest in fortune , witt , and feature . lastly ; oh you angells ward them , set your sacred spels to gard them : chase away such feares , or terrors , as not being ; seeme through errors . yea let not a dreames molesting , make them start , when they are resting . but thov chiefly ; most adored ; that shouldst only , be implored . thou to whom my meaning tendeth , whether er'e in show , it bendeth : let them rest to night from sorrow and awake with ioy to morrow . oh , to my request be heedfull , grant them that , and al things needful . let not these , my straines of folly , make true prayer be vnholy , but , if i haue here offended : help , forgiue , and see it mended . daigne me this . and if my muses hastie issue , shee peruses ; make it vnto her seeme gratefull , though to all the vvorld els , hateful . but how er'e , yet soule perseuer , thus to wish her good , for euer . thus ends the day , together with my song ; oh ; may the ioyes thereof continue long . let heauens iust , all-seeing , sacred power ; fauor this happie iubile , of your : and blesse you , in your chast embraces so , we britans , may behold before you goe . the hopefull issue , we shall count so deare and whom , ( vnborne ) his foes already feare . yea i desire , that all your sorrowes may ; neuer be more , then they haue been to day , which hoping ; for acceptance now i sue , and humbly , bid your grace , and court adue . i saw the sight , i came for ; which i know , was more then all , then world beside could show . but if amongst apolloes layes you can , be pleasd , to lend a gentle eare to pan : or thinke your country shepheard , loues as deare , as if he were a courtier , or a peere : then i , that els must to my cell of paine , will ioyfull , tnrne vnto my flocke againe . and there , vnto my fellow sheapheards tell , why you are lou'd ; wherein you doe excell : and when we driue our flocks a field to graze them , so chaunt your praises , that it shall amaze them : and thinke that fate , hath now recald from death , their still-lamented , sweet elizabeth . for though they see the court , but now and then they know desert as well as greater men : and honord fame , in them doth liue or die ; as well , as in the mouth of maiesty . but taking granted , what i here intreat : at heauen for you , my deuotions beat , and though i feare , fate will not suffer me , to do you seruice , where your fortunes be : how ere my skill , hath yet despised seem'd , ( and my vnripened wit , been misesteem'd . ) when all this costly showe , away shall flit , and not one liue , that doth remember it : if enuies trouble , let not to perseuer ; i le find a meanes , to make it knowne for euer . certaine epigrammes concerning mariage . epigram . t is said ; in marriage aboue all the rest the children of a king find comforts least , because without respect of loue , or hate they must , and oft be , ruled by the state : but if contented loue ; religions care ; equalitie in state , and yeares declare a happie match ( as i suppose no lesse ) then rare , and great 's elizaes happinesse . epigram . god was the first that marriage did ordaine , by making one , two ; and two , one againe . epigram . souldier ; of thee i aske , for thou canst best , hauing knowne sorrow , iudge of ioy and rest. what greater blisse , then after all thy harmes , to haue a wife that 's faire , and lawfull thine : and lying prison'd twix't her luory armes ; there tell , what thou hast scapt by powers diuine ? how many , round thee , thou hast murthered seene ; how oft thy soule hath been neere hand expiring , how many times thy flesh hath wounded beene : whilst she thy fortune , and thy worth admiring , with ioy of health ; and pitie of thy paine ; doth weepe , and kisse , and kisse , and weepe againe . epigram . faire helen hauing stain'd her husbands bed , and mortall hatred twix't two kingdomes bred , had still remaining in her ; so much good that heroes , for her , lost their dearest blood : then ; if with all that ill , such worth may last , oh what is she worth , that 's as faire and chast ! epigram . old orpheus , knew a good wiues worth so well , that when his di'd , he followed her to hell : and for her losse , at the elizean groue , he did not onely ghosts , to pitie moue : but the sad poet breath'd his sighes so deepe ; t' is said the diuels could not chuse but weepe . epigram . long did i wonder , and i wondred much , romes church should from her clergie take that due , thought i why should she that contentment grutch ? what , doth shee all with continence indue ? noe ; but why then are they debar'd that state ? is shee become a foe vnto her owne ? doth shee the membèrs of her bodie hate ? or is it for some other cause vnshowne ? oh yes ; they find a womans lips so daintie ; they tie themselues from one ; cause thei le haue twenty . epigram . women , as some men say , vnconstant be , perhaps a few ; and so no doubt are men : nay if their scapes , we could so plainely see , i feare , that soarce there will be one , for ten . men , haue but their owne lusts that tempt to ill ; women haue lusts , and mens allurements to : alas , if their strengths cannot curbe their will ; what should poore women , that are weaker do ? oh they had need , be chast , and looke about them , that striue 'gainst lust within , and knaues without them . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e he here remembers , and describes the 〈…〉 te winter which was so exceeding tempestuous and windy . the reason of the tempestuous winter . the cause of all such dangers , as fell out during the distemperature of the ayre . he noteth the most admirable alteration of the weather a while before these nuptials . the glorious preperation for this solemnity , the state whereof , is here allegorically described . * meaning the sea fight , and the taking of the castle on the water which was most arteficially performed . the fire works he alleadgeth to those exhalations . * he declares what vse is to be made of these showes & triumphes , and what meditations the mind may be occupied about when we behold them . * fire works . notes for div a -e the mariage being on saint valentines day the author showes it by beginning with the salutation of a supposed valentine . * scuerne . * wales . tyber is the riuer which runneth by rome . whithall . simel . in anno ridet appol . * abuses strip and whipt . he noteth the mildnesse of the winter which excepting that the beginning was very windy , was as temperate as the spring . most men are of opinion that this day euery byrd doth chuse her mate for that yeare . by these he meanes the . masques , one of them being presented by the lords , the other by the gentry . to the most honourable the lords and commons in parliament assembled, the humble declaration and petition of major geo. wither wither, george, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing w a). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing w a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) to the most honourable the lords and commons in parliament assembled, the humble declaration and petition of major geo. wither wither, george, - . broadside. s.n., [london? : ] imprint suggested by wing. imperfect: creased and torn with loss of print. reproduction of original in the harvard university library. eng wither, george, - . great britain -- history -- civil war, - . a r (wing w a). civilwar no to the most honourable the lords and commons in parliament assembled, the humble declaration and petition of major geo. wither wither, george c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion to the most honourable the lords and commons in parliament assembled : the humble declaration and petition of major geo. wither . though a prayer of this length , is not usually preferred to your honours , let it neverthelesse appeare , for this once , excusable , in regard , the hardship of bearing , what occasions this tediousnesse , to exercize your patience in hearing , may perhaps , merit the more compassion . your said petitioner , having long and patiently waited when the publike-affaires , would afford leasure to redresse his private-grievances ; and , then , perceiving his many sufferings , to be almost past remedy ; his family nigh destroyed ; his life declining to the grave , and his just expectations every day further off then before ; he began to consider , that , charity to himselfe , being the rule of regulating his love to others , ought not to be infringed ; that workes of justice and mercy , should at no time be neglected , or seem impertinent ; that , a generall-well-being is not possible where particulars and individuals , ( whereof a generality consisteth ) are needlesly exposed to destruction ; and , that , no man is bound , silently , to suffer in , or for , that common-wealth , which is so unequall in her distributions , as not to administer , equally , deserved rewards and punishments , to her own members ; much lesse , when she will find times to heare ; bread to feed ; and bowells to compassionate her malitious destroyers ; and , yet , hath neither leisure , nor food , nor pitie for them , who thought nothing too precious , to be hazzarded for her preservation : and , your said petitioner thereupon intended to expresse his grievances , publikely , at large , and in such manner , as an unsufferable oppression , joyned with desperation of reliefe , might seem to require . but , having somwhat renewed his lost hopes , by discovering symptomes of your removing those obstructions , of justice and mercy , which of late , eclipsed the honour of the parliament , frustrated the endeavours of her best affected members , and oppressed her most faithfull servants ; he hath now changed his purpose ; and humbly offers unto this high court , an occasion of performing an act of justice , and a work of mercy , by imploring your favourable answer to his following declaration and petition ; conceiving , it shall be a thing acceptable to god , honourable to the parliament , and an omen of a generall mercy to this kingdome . motives , to procure his humble suit , he could alledge too many , to be here added ; and , some of them are such , that , out of reverence to the honour of this nation , he will not openly mention them , whilst he hath any hopes of redresse : and , yet , least the concealing of all , may render him , and his necessities , inconsiderable , till his destruction be irrecoverable , he humbly offers these that follow : . that , your said petitioner hath not onely given publike testimonies of his love to this common-wealth , many years before this parliament , or army , appeared against her oppressors ; and hath continued constant to this parliament , ever since it began , notwithstanding many provocations , occasioned by malignant members : but , was the first also , ( though without any particular encouragement ) who , in those , parts where he lived , contributed his goods , and ingaged his person , for the publike-safety : and , that , he having frequent solicitations , and large offers from the contrary party , did neverthelesse proceed , and disburse , voluntarily , out of his owne estate and credit , above . l. in your greatest need ; for which , he must pay interest , untill the principall is discharged ; and , for part of which money ( the same having already been owing above four yeares , he is now a prisoner in the gate-house , to his great charge and disgrace , who was never a prisoner for any debt of his owne . . that , in the beginning of this warre , he was by speciall order , plundered by the kings forces ; and that , the honourable house of commons , being certified , by an inventorie testifying , under the hands of sixteen persons , that this petitioners damages ( as hath been since also averred by severall oaths ) amounted to above . l. did thereupon , by their order , of the . of february , . charitably , authorize your said petitioners repaire the said dammages , out of the estates of his plunderers , and other delinquents . . that , your said petitioner , with humble thankfulnesse , and with due respect to the honour of the parliament , endeavoured to execute the said order ; but , so discountenanced was he therein , delinquents , so impudently befriended , and the said order so sleighted ; that , he could not , thereby , recover halfe so much as the interest of his principall damages , ( as by accompts upon oath , and by inventories of the particulars apprized , by sworne apprizers ; it doth , and may appeare ) and , that , instead of the repaire intended by the said order , he is ingaged into so many troubles and suits , by seeking to execute the same ; that , he who had never before one suit in law , hath now five suits , unjustly occasioned , meerly , by the said order , to his intolerable charge and vexation . . that , by being plundered as aforesaid , he hath now been deprived almost five yeares , both of his stock , and of an imployment : wherey he cleared , and might probably have cleared , for sixteen yeares then to come , above . l. per annum , toward his maintenance , and the advance of his estate , over and above all rents and charges : and , that , by loosing the said stocke and imployment , in your service ; and by the oppressions sustained in seeking reliefe , by meanes of the foresaid order , this petitioner , hath not onely lost so much yearely profit ; but , hath been thereby , compelled also , to borrow almost halfe so much , to maintaine his family , and to pay taxes , house-rent , and duties , during most part of the said time . . that , there is likewise due to this petitioner ( as appeares by his accompts stated in febr. . ) above . l. for arreares , besides other just demands , amounting to . l. more then was certified by the accomptants ; all which ought to have been paid unto him above three yeares now past , and most part of it above foure yeares since , as will appeare by deben●ers , and warrants issued upon them by the late generall essex , and the committee of safety ▪ according to the allowances and payments , then made to others . and there is now justly due to this petitioner , above . l. for arrears , and disbursements , with 〈…〉 the 〈…〉 ( and as well , if not better proved , then most other mens losses ) all which he is the more hopefull to receive , because if it 〈…〉 wittingly , demanded more then is due , he will ask no favour . . ●hat , instead of what was graciously promised to such as had eminently suffered , and of what was charitably intended , by the honourable house of commons , to this petitioner , he hath been many waies injuriously oppressed , yea publikely , and falsly scandalized and misrepresented to the said house , to the occasioning of his being fined in . l. and of his confinement , to this day ( being now almost a yeare and a halfe ) by the unjust report of one then sitting in the said house of commons , and by the concurrence of others , ( of whom some are now departed the kingdome ) who did then condemne the innocent , and justifie the offender , contrary to evidence ; and to the disabling of your said petitioner , to defend himself , who was not only thereupon disgracefully fined , & confined , as aforesaid , for having honestly discharged his duty ; but , so impoverished also , that of above twenty horses ( which he kept constantly , before his ingagement for the publike ) he hath , now , none ; of eighteen houshold servants , he hath but one , which he is likewise unable to maintain ; and , instead of many dishes at a meale , is faine to make many meales of one dish ; which , at this present , also , he can hardly provide : yet , these are not the worst requitalls of his knowne faithfulnesse ; as will appeare hereafter more at large , if there be cause . . that , your said petitioner , having had for many years past , as aforesaid , neitheir stocke nor imployment , whereby to maintaine his family , or defend himselfe , against his powerfull scandalizers and oppressors , was forced ( after he had borrowed , untill he was ashamed to borrow more ) first , to sell , at low prizes , much of his most necessary goods ; and afterward , that , which he would not have left , for ten times the value ; even jewels and plate , given as testimonies of their respect , by the queen of bohemia , the late dutchesse of richmond , and other honourable persons ; and yet , had perhaps perished , if god had not moved a charitable member of the house of commons , to support him , hitherto , beyond hope . . lastly , that , your said petitioner , hath been imprisoned so long , for what the state owes ; and suffered so much , by them , against whom the state ought to protect him ; that , if he be not speedily relieved , he perceives no possibility of feeding his family , one moneth longer ; much lesse , of paying his creditors , or avoiding the inconveniences , whereto hee shall be shortly liable , by not answering or prosecuting , according to the chargeable formalities of law and chancery ; and , whereby , he hath already suffered above . l. damage , through want of wherewith , to prosecute his right , and defend himselfe , as the said formalities , require . in a word , he is totally ruined , meerly by his ingagements for you , and by petitioning and attending , now above foure years , without redresse : his estate is so confused ; his necessities are so many ; his credit so impaired , by being clamor'd on , for trusting to the publike-faith , other mens goods , aswell as his own ; and , his friends have hitherto been so few , or so unable : that , he knowes not which way to turn himself ; nor , by what , he may fully illustrate , his present condition , except by the distractions and confusions of this kingdome , which , are epitomized in his : for , these lines containe not the tithe , of what , he can , and will further alledge , as motives of your commiseration , if there be cause . in consideration , therefore , of what is already expressed ; and in regard your said petitioner hath now been wheeled about , in , and by references , and committees , nigh foure years , as aforesaid , without other effect , save increase of scandalls , cost and troubles , which are likly to out-last the nigh expired terme of his life ; and , whereby he is now disabled to toile any longer in those labyrinths , which have made wiser men giddie , and some of them mad , both to the publike scandall , and their owne destruction ; he humbly beseecheth your honours , to set a period to his troubles ; and not to expose him to those desperate courses , or expressions , which others have imprudently fallen upon , in lesse-sufferable extremities , to the dishonor of the parliament , to the losse of the peoples affections thereunto , the prolonging of the generall calamity , and to the hazzarding of all our happinesse . be pleased , for preventing the ruine of his innocent children ; the making of him a scorne to his foes ; a shame to the nation ; and a burthen to this common-wealth , ( whereto he might perhaps , be some way as serviceable , as many others , who have better thrived , by her undoing ) to vouchsafe him , some part of those great sums , whereof others have shared : yea , for your owne honours sake , be pleased , according to the ancient justice , and clemency , of english parliaments , and the many religious protestations made at the beginning of this , to take , his necessities and faithfulnesse , into your speedy and serious consideration ; and vouchsafe , that the money due to him for his repaires , disbursements , and his arrears ( the price of his blood ) may be forthwith paid ; or , at least , so much thereof , as may discharge his ingagements for the publike ; being about . l. and so much more , also , as may , once again , put him into some imployment , for his subsistance , before , that , which he hath in hope , be quite wasted , by vsury , or his life , by time . and , be likewise pleased , to grant , that , the payment of the remainder , may be secured by an ordinance , with interest for the same , untill the principall shall be discharged ; or else , that in lieu of such interest , some imployment , ( if he be thought worthy or capable of any , in this kingdome ) may be conferred upon him , whereby , without charge to the state , his family may be fed , and his children educated , the meane while , by his owne labours . herein , your wisdome shall do an act of justice , and a work of mercy ; which , as this petitioner is perswaded , shall be improved to a blessing ; redound as much to your honour , as , a free bounty , of greater sums , conferred ; give good contentment to all the well-affected , who shall heare thereof ; enable this petitioner , to perform some future service , not altogether unworthy the desired favour ; and make the whole kingdome hopefull , that , those are , or , shall , suddenly ( according to the generall desire ) be purged out of both houses , who have been the obstructers of justice , and the prolongers of our present miseries . howsoever it shall succeed , your said petitioner will indeavour to rest contented with gods good pleasure ; to wait his leisure , as patiently as he can ; and , to pray for this parliament , as in duty he is bound . vox & lacrimæ anglorum, or, the true english-men's complaints to their representatives in parliament humbly tendred to their serious consideration at their next sitting, february the th, / . wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing w a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : or : ) vox & lacrimæ anglorum, or, the true english-men's complaints to their representatives in parliament humbly tendred to their serious consideration at their next sitting, february the th, / . wither, george, - . p. s.n.], [london : printed in the year . reproductions of original in henry e. huntington library and art gallery. attributed to george wither. cf. nuc pre- . item at reel : incorrectly identified as wing w . created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng great britain -- history -- restoration, - -- poetry. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion vox & lacrimae anglorum : or , the true english — mens complaints , to their representatives in parliament . humbly tendred to their serious consideration at their next sitting , february the th . - . by reason of the multitude of oppressions , they make the oppressed to cry . they cry out , by reason of the arm of the mighty . job . . and in every province whithersoever the kings commandment , and his decree came , there was great mourning , and fasting , and weeping and wayling . esth . . . printed in the year . to the parliament . these lines had kiss'd your hands october last , but were suspended till the time was past ; because we hop'd you were about to do that which this just complaint incites you to ; it is our duty , to put you in mind of that great work which yet doth lag behind : our grief and woes do force us loud to cry , and call on you for speedy remedy ; which was the moving cause of these our tears , that you may know our sufferings and our fears . and providence now having led the way to give it birth ; peruse it well we pray . and do not take it for an old wives story , but know the nations griefs lie here before ye : though in short hints , yet here , as in a map , with ease you 'l see the cause of our mishap . there 's not a free-born english protestant , but sets both hand and heart to this complaint . vox & lacrimae anglorum . renowned partiots , open your eyes , and lend an ear to th' justice of our cries ; as you are english men ( our blood and bones ) know 't is your duty to regard our groans ; on you , next god , our confidence relies , you are the bulwarks of our liberties . within your walls was voted-in our king , for joy whereof our shouts made england sing , and to make him a great and glo●ious prince , both you and we have been at great expence . full five and twenty hundred thousand pound , ( by you enacted ) since hath been paid down , our customs to a vast revenew come ; our fishing-money , no inferiour sum . that old ale-spoiling trade of the excise , doth yearly to a mass of money rise ; besides the additional of royal aid , and chimney-money , which is yearly paid . oft have our heads by polls been sadly shorn , with money from poor servants wages torn . our dunkirk yeelded many a thousand pound , ( t is easier far to sell than gain a town . ) with forc'd benevolence , and other things , enough t' enrich a dozen danish kings , million on million on the nations back , yet we and all our freedoms go to wrack . we hop'd when first these heavy taxes rose , some should be us'd to scare away our foes , or beat them , till ( like gibeonites ) they bring their grandees ready haltred to our king ; or make them buckle , and their points untruss ; as they did when the motto , god with vs. but oh! instead of this , our cruel fate hath made us like a widow , desolate . our houses sadly burnt about our ears , our wives & children sensless made with fears ; our warlike ships , in which our safety lay , unto our daring foes are made a prey . our forts and castles , which should guard our land , just like old nunneries and abbies stand . and long before our inland-towns demur'd , that sea and land alike might be secur'd . our magazines , which did abound with store , like us ( sad english-men ) are very poor . our trade is lost , our merchants are undone , yeomen and farmers , all to ruine run . those that our fatal battels fought , neglected ; and swearing , damme , cowardly rogues protected . our gallant seamen ( once the world did dread ) for want of pay , are metamorphosed : whilst their sad widows & poor orphans weep . whose dear relations perisht in the deep ; and to augment and aggravate their grief , at the pay-office find but cold relief ; many a month are forc'd to wait and stay , to seek the price of blood , dead husbands pay . the sober people , who our trade advanced , throughout our nation quite discountenanced . it grieves our hearts that we should live to see true virtue pnnished , and vice go free . thousands there be that could not hurt a worm , imprisoned were , ' cause they cannot conform . others exil'd , and from relations sent , we know not why , but being innocent . whilst romes black locusts menace us with storms like egypts frogs , about the kingdom swarms . our penal laws are never executed against those vermin , which our land polluted , only to blind and hoodwink us ( alas ) an edict passes to prohibir mass , with such a latitude , as most men say , it 's like its sire , the oath et caetera . but prais'd be god for peace , that 's very clear ; but on what terms th' event will make appear ; we dread lest it should be more to our cost , than when amboyna spicery was lost . they treat with rod in hand , our buttocks bare ; judge what the issues of such treaties are . thus sick , ye worthies , sick our nation lies , and none but god can cure her maladies . those that should chear her in your interval , like dull quack-salvers , make her spirits fail : turn she her wither'd face to whom she will , all that she gets is but a purging pill . if any of her children for her cry , her cruel empricks use phlebotomy . that wholsom physick which should cleanse her blood , they do detain , inflaming what is good . this for a long time hath bad humours bred , which sends up filthy vapours to the head . all wise men judge , if these extreams endure ; 't will period in a mad-brain'd calenture . then , o ye worthies , now for heavens sake , some pitty on your gasping country take . call to account those leeches of the state , who from their trust deeply prevaricate ; who have of english coin exhausted more , than would ten cuer-de-lions home restore . who like perfideous and deceitful elves , ruine the nation to enrich themselves , more ready were our counsels to disclose , then to protect us from our belgian foes . the fleet divided , shews such treachery , that pagans , turks and infidels decry . the states purse cannot but be indigent , when so much money over-sea is sent . no wonder dutchmen cry , thanks clarendine , we are so roundly paid with english coin. if georges mouth be stopt , think they that we have all our eyes bor'd out , and cannot see . our foes of engiish coin have greater store since wars began , than ere they had before . quaint stratagem , for rulers busied be to tye a raw hide to an orange tree ; with resolution , ' cause he 's of that blood , to lift his head above the mogan hood . then both the kiep-skins would be well bestow'd , one honour'd here , t'other as much abroad . these and such projects have procur'd a war , where mortals worry'd were like dog and bear. then money works the wonder , that is sure , the price of dunkirk here may much procure . dunkirk was sold , but why , we do not know , unless t' erect a new seraglio , or be a receptacle unto those , were once intended our invading foes . then let that treacherous abject lump of pride , with all his joynt-confederates beside , be brought to justice , tryed by our laws , and so receive the merits of their cause . who justly now are made the peoples hate . that would not do them justice in the gate . ● we pray your honours choose out a committee to find the instruments that burnt our city ; can one poor sensless frenchmans life repair the losse of britains great imperial chair ? many there were in that vile fact detected , and those that should them punish , them protected . when nero did the like on famous rome , were all her senators and people dumb ? must we be silent , when incompast round with black-mouth'd dogs , that would us all confound ? most hellish plot ! 't was guido faux in grain , hatch'd by the jesuites in france and spain . for which your honours wisely did remember to keep another fifth day of november . when these delinquents up and down the nation you sifted for , then came your prorogation . mean while , though london in her ashes lies , yet out of her shall such a phaenix rise , shall be a scourge and terrour unto those , who for this hundred years have been her foes . perfideous papists ! shall your treachery , think ye , reduce us to idolatry ? blood-thirsty monsters ! we know better things ; not all the pride of your dark-lanthorn kings , nor all your counsels of achitophel , shall make us run your ready road to hell ; blind blockheads , we abhor your rotten whore ; none but the god of jacob we adore . we beg your honours to redeem our trade , which in your intervals is much decay'd ; regaining that , we hope such fruit 't will yeeld , we on our ruins chearfully may build . we pray repeal that law unnatural , that men in question for their conscience call : 't is cruelty , for you to force men to the thing , that they had rather die than do , this is mans all , 't is christ's prerogative , therefore against it 't is in vain to strive . distribute justice with an equal hand unto the peer , as peasant of the land ; many true commoners murder'd of late , yet justice strikes not the assassinate . why should the just cause of the clyent be utterly lost , wanting a double fee ? why partial judges on the benches sit , and juries overaw'd , which is not fit ? why some corrupted , others wanting wit , and why a parliament should suffer it ? why great mens wills should be their only law ; and why they do not call to mind jack straw ? why they do let their reputation rot , and why carnarvan edward is forgot ? why bloodworth would not let that dreadful fire extinguisht be , as good men did desire ? and why lifeguard-men at each gate were set , hindring the people thence their goods to get ? why were our houses levell'd with the ground , that fairly stood about the tower round ? when many thousand families were left without a house , then we must be berest of habitations too with all the rest , and share with those that greatly were distrest . why should our mother-queen exhaust our store , enriching france , and making england poor spending our treasure in a forreign land , which doth not with our nations intrest stand ? therefore in time stay th' bleeding of this vein , lest it our nations vital spirits drain . why england now , as in the dayes of yore , must have an intercessor , madam shore ? why upon her is spent more in a day , than would a deal of publick charge defray ? why second rosamond is made away ? and that remains a riddle to this day . why papists put in places of great trust , and protestants lay by their arms to rust ? why courtiers rant with goods of other mens , and with protections cheat the citizens ? why drunken justices are tolerated , and why the gospel's almost abrogated ? why clergy-men do domineer so high , that should be patterns of humility ? why they do steeple upon steeple set , as if they meant that way to heav'n to get ? who nothing have to prove themselves devout , save only this , that cromwel turn'd them out . why tippits , copes , lawnsleeves & such like geer consume above three millions by the year ? why bell and dragon drones , like boar in sty , eat more than all the painful ministry ? which is one cause the nation is so poor , and when the king will find their privy door ? when daniel shews th' impression of their feet , and gives direction , then hee 'l come to see 't . why englands grand religion now should be a stalking-horse to blind idolatry ? why many thousauds now bow down before it , that in their consciences do much abhor it ? why treachery is us'd by comp●ication , fraud and deceit the all-a-moad in fashion ? why ranting cowards in bust-coats are put , and why they robbers turn , to fill their gut ? why fools in corporations do command , who know nor justice , nor the law o' th land ? why he who brought our necks into this yoke , dreads not the thoughts of feltons fatal stroke ? sure they 'r bewitch'd who think us english men have no more courage left us than a hen. and why that interest is become the least , in the year sixty greater than the rest ? we know no reason , but do all consent , these are the fruits of an ill-government . some think our judgments do run parallel with davids in the dayes of israel . the difference is , he was a man of god ; but ours have been his sore afflicting rod ; to which we turn our naked backs , and say , lord , during thy pleasure , vive le roy. we pray restore our faithful ministers , whom we do own as christ's ambassadors . why are our pulpits pestred with that crew , that took up orders since black bartholmew ; who mysteries of gospel know no more , than that dumb calf that israel did adore . too late for us to you to make our moan , when they have led us to destruction . must all be enemies to king and state , that from the church of england separate ? must all the meetings of the innocent be judg'd unlawful and to prison sent ? 't were better all such edicts you made void , and grant the liberty they once enjoy'd ; confirming that unto them by a law , makes good the royal promise at breda . tread all monopolies into the earth , and make provision that no more get birth . in this a prince's danger chiefly lies , that he is forc'd to see with others eyes : from hence our troubles rose in forty one , when that domestick war at first begun . relieve th' oppressed , set all prisoners free , who for their consciences in durance be . poor debtors who have not wherewith to pay , break off their shackles , let them go their way . and let suborned witnesses appear no more against the innocent to swear . let no more juries that are byassed , selected be to do what they are bid ; who to fulfill mens lusts and cruelty , regard not though the innocent do dye . why should our just laws as a cobweb be , to catch small flies , and let the great go free ? this ●urns true judgment into wormwood gall , doth for the vengeance of th' avenger call . then ease those burdens under which we groan , give liberty its resurrection . let painful husbandry , the child of peace , be now encouraged , since warrs do cease : let not the poor enslaved plow-man crave redress from you , and yet no succour have . 't is too much like a base french stratagem , to make the people poor to govern them . more happy for a prince , when aid he craves , to hav 't from free-born men , than injur'd slaves . we are free-born , we yet are english-men , let 's not like old men boast what we have been ; but make us happy by your gentle rayes , and you shall be the tenour of our praise ; and our posterities with joynt consent , shall call you englands healing parliament ; but if you still will make our bands the stronger , if prisoners must remain in durance longer ; if wandring stars must still by force detrude ( under eclipse ) those of first magnitude ; if prelates still must ov'r our conscience ride , and papists bonfires make on us beside . if he and they ( whose avarice and pride so long have rid our backs , and gall'd our side ) have got so strong an intrest in the state , that their commitment costs so long debate ; until a way be made for his escape to forreign parts , there to negotiate : the edge of justice surely's turn'd aside , to cut the poor ones flesh , and save the hide . if you mens lusts and av'rice gratifie , and yet our empty purse-strings will unty ; you are too free of what nev'r was your own , and know you only make us more to groan , ( asse-like : ) and surely any mortal man , will seek to ease his burden when he can . there 's not an english-man but well hath learn'd , your priviledges are alike concern'd with all our liberties ; that he that doth infringe the one , usurps upon them both . and shall it on your door and tombs be writ , this was that parliament so long did sit , while conscience , liberty , our purse and trade ; , the country , city , ships , and all 's betray'd ? that made an act for building on the vrn , but no inquest who did the city burn ; to feed a palmer-worm , who threw away that publick stock that seamen should defray . since now you have an opportunity , redeem your selves and us from slavery : if not , ( the wheel goes round ) there is no doubt , you 'l also share with those you have turn'd out . vivat lex rex . post-script . if ere you leave us in a lasting-peace , 't is by redressing all our grievances . when rulers stop their ears to th' peoples cryes , those are sad symptoms of catastrophies . in watch , or clock , things made irregular , though ne're so small , make all the work to jar . and in the body natural 't is sound , that if an humour doth therein abound , that the physician must extenuate , and make it with the rest co-operate . so , if in bodies politick there be , not found 'twixt all estates a harmony , they cease not till in tract of time they bring all to confusion , peasant , lord and king. to make some great , and ruine all the rest , in this a commonwealth cannot be blest . and doth it follow hence , great sirs , that we must be made beggars to posteritie . let equity and justice plead our cause , and then refer us to our antient laws . if magna charta must be wholly slighted , we must conclude our rulers are benighted . but needs must we be poor , when it is known we 've had a second pearce of gaveston . your power is sovereign , else we durst not quote his poysonous name , without an antidote . perfideous clarenden ! that potent thief , his prince's blemish , and the peoples grief . who once did scorn to plunder by retail , who stretch'd the state 's purse till the strings did fail . he and his fellow juglers found the knack to plow deep furrows on the nations back . like glaziars , who incite the roaring crew windows to break , that they may make them new . so they pick quarrels with our neighbor nations , then baul at you to peel us with taxations ; which having got , stil more and more they crave , ev'n like the horsleech , or devouring grave . for avarice cannot be satisfi'd , no more than belzebub and 's brother hide . that machiavil we have not yet forgot , who brew'd that wicked , hellish northern plot ; where many gentlemen had ruin'd been , if providence had not stept in between . who then amongst vour selves secure can be , if this be not check'd by authoritie , he was one of that open-handed tribe whose avarice ne're yet refus'd a bribe . what suit of law soev'r before him came , he that produc'd most angels , won the game ; be 't right or wrong , or plaintiff or defendant , should have the cause , if gold were at the end on 't . how did he send , without remorse or fear , thousands brave english to that grave , tangier ? what usage had the scots , thousands can tell , when the late remonstrators did rebel . whilst irish rebels quit their old o hone . poor english protestants take up that tone . empson and dudly's facts compar'd with his , were but nights darkness unto hells abiss . the famous spensers did in type pourtray what should be acted by this beast of prey . earth him , and you shall find within his cell , those mischiefs which no age can parallel ; war , fire and blood , with vast expence of treasure , ruine of englishmen , his chiefest pleasure . in fine , for mischief he was what you will , the perfect epitome of all ill . all good men hate his name ; nay ( which is worse ) three nations doggs him with their heavy curse . as he regarded not the widows tears ; so ye , just heavens , multiply his fears . let cains most dreadful doom soon overtake him , and his companion gout never forsake him . let heavens vengeance light upon his pate , till all our wrongs it doth retaliate ; till he himself to justice doth resign , let all men call him , cursed clarendine . dexterous artist , he with little ease , transplanted dunkirk from beyond the seas , and dropt it near that fatal spot of land , where for him now tyburn doth weeping stand ; the ecchoing ax out of the tow'r doth call , to speed this monster epidemical . but he upon us having plaid his prank , follows his brethren , finch and windebank . thus hide by name , is hide by practice too , yet cannot hide from heav'n , tho hid from you. and being gone , hath left his imps behind , whose only work is , all your eyes to blind , lest tracing him , you find their villany . yet known to few but the all-seeing eye . if any thing of common fame be true , he 's only gone our mischiefs to renew ; and if his practice justifie our fears , hee 'l sets again together by the ears . ambition's of the nature of the devil , alwayes to brood , and hatch , and bring forth evill . if true that maxime be , kings cannot err ; with modesty we may from thence infer . ill thrives that hapless nation then that shows , a silent prince , and chancellor that crows over his equals , over all his peers , over fanaticks , over cavaliers ; he was so absolute , 't was hard to say or he , or charles , whether we must obey . rose from a gentleman , too near the throne ; sought not the nations intrest , but his own . you are our bridle in such tyrants jaws , that would destroy us , and subvert our laws . now hold the beign , now keep the ballance true , find those bandetro's that do lie purdue . if you , like cato , for your country stand , three noble nations are at your command , whilst justice , truth & right ousness do guide you wee 'l be your guard , whatever shal betide you . disarm the papists , and secure our ports , place protestants iu garrisons and forts . why should the french and irish here bear sway , that enemies to england are this day ? let not our magazines remain with those , that burnt our city , and abide our foes ; whose hellish , bloody principles are such , to butcher english-men they think nor much . what safety , peace , or trade can we expect , when these protected are , and you neglect us to secure against such cut-throat dogs , as swarm now in our land , like egypts frogs . what means the flocking of the french so fast , into our bowels thus with arms to hast ? and must our horses , which of value be , be unto france transported , as we see ? are not our forts and castles , all betray'd . when all their stores and guns aside are laid , out of the reach of such as would oppose forreign enemies and domestick foes ? did the dumb child , when at his father's throat he saw a knife ? immediately cry out ? can we be silent , when the train is laid , and fire-works prepared , as 't is said ? look through the vail , and yon will soon espy the romish councils close at work do lie , to undermine you , and religion too : look well about you , lest you do it rue . now is the time to quit your selves like men , now stand up for our liberties , and then , the lawrel wreath and never-fading bayes , shall crown your heads , and we shall sing your praise . is there no balm in gilead ? is there no physician there ? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered ? finis . the shepherds hunting being, certaine eglogs written during the time of the authors imprisonment in the marshalsey. by george vvither, gentleman. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the shepherds hunting being, certaine eglogs written during the time of the authors imprisonment in the marshalsey. by george vvither, gentleman. wither, george, - . [ ] p. printed by thomas snodham for george norton, and are to be sold at the signe of the red-bull, neere temple-barre, london : . in verse. running title reads: the shepheards hunting. in this edition, preface signed: geo. wyther. signatures: a (-a ), b-h (-h ). some print faded. reproduction of the original in harvard university. library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - ben griffin sampled and proofread - ben griffin text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the shepherds hunting : being , certaine eglogs written during the time of the authors imprisonment in the marshalsey . by george vvither , gentleman . london : printed by thomas snodham for george norton , and are to be sold at the signe of the red-bull , neere temple-barre . . to those honovred , noble , and right vertuous friends , my visitants in the marshalsey : and , to all other , my vnknowne favovrites , who eyther piuately , or publiquely wished me well in my imprisonment . noble friends : you whose vertues made me first in loue with vertue : and whose worths , made mee be thought worthy of your loues . i haue now at last ( you see ) by gods assistance and your encouragement , runne through the p●…rgatory of imprisonment : and by the worthy fauour of a iust prince , stand free againe , without the lea●…t touch of deiected basenesse . seeing therefore i was growne beyond my hope so fortunate , ( after acknowledgement of my creators loue , together with the vnequall'd clemency of so gracious a soueraigne ) i was troubled to thinke by what meanes i might expresse my thankfulnesse to so many well-deseruing friends : no way i found to my desire ; neyther yet abilitie to performe when i found it . but at length considering with my selfe what you were , ( that is ) such , who fauour honestie for no second reason but because you your selues are good ; and ayme at no other reward but the witnesse of a sound conscience that you doe well , i found that thankfulnesse would proue the acceptablest present to sute with your dispositions ; and that i imagined could be no way better expressed then in manifesting your courtesies , and giuing consent to your reasonable demands . for the first , i confesse ( with thankes to the disposer of all things , and a true gratef●…ll heart towards you , ) so many were the vnexpected visitations and vnhoped kindnesses receiued both from some among you of my acquaintance , and many other vnknowne well●…illers of my cause , that i was perswaded to entertaine a much better conceit of the time then i lately conceiued , and assured my selfe that vertve had farre more followers then i supposed . somewhat it disturbed mee to behold our ages fauourites , whilst they frowned on my honest enterprises , to take vnto their protections the egregiousts fopperics : yet much more was my contentm●…nt , in that i was respected by so many of you , amongst whom there are some , who can and may as much dis-esteeme these , as they neglect me : nor could i feare their malice or contempt , whilst i enioyed your fauours , who ( howsoeuer you are vnder-valued by fooles for a time ) shall leaue vnto your post●…ritie so noble a memory , that your names shall be reuerenced by kings , when many of these who now flourish with a shew of vsurped greatnesse , shall eyther weare out of beeing , or dispoyled of all their patched reputation , grow contemptible in the eyes of their beloued mistresse the world. your loue. is is that ( enabling mee with patience to endure what is already past ) hath made mee ( also ) carefull better to prepare my selfe for all future misaduentures , by bringing to my consideration , what the passion , of my iust discontentments had almost quite banished from my remembrance . further , to declare my thankefulnesse , in making app●…rant my willing minde to be commanded in any seruices of loue , which you shall thinke fit ( though i want abilitie to performe great matters ) yet i haue according to some of your requests beene contented to giue way to the printing of these eglogues , which thoug●… it to many seeme a sleight matter , yet being well considered of , may proue a strong argument of my readinesse to gi●…e you content in a greater matter : for they being ( as you well kn●…w ) begotten with little care , and preserued with lesse respect , gaue sufficient e●…idence that i meant ( rather then any way to deceiue your trust ) to giue the world occasion of calling my discretion in question , as i now assure my selfe this will : and the sooner , because such expectations ( i perceiue ) there are of i know not what inuentions , as would haue beene frustrated though i had employed the vtmost and very best of my endeuours . notwithstanding , for your sakes , i haue here aduentured once againe to make tryall of the w●…rlds censures : and what hath receiued beeing , from your loues , i here rededicated to your worths , which if your noble dispositions will like well of : or if you will but reasonab●…y respect what your selues drew mee vnto , i shall be nothing displeased at others cauils , but resting my selfe contented with your good opinions , scorne all the rabble of vncharitable detractors : for none i know will maligne it except those , who eyther particularly malice my person , or professe th●…mselues enemies to my former bookes ; who ( sauing those that were incensed on others speeches ) as diuers of you ( according to your protestations ) haue obserued , are eyther open enemies of our church ; men notoriously guilty of some particular abuses therein t●…xt , such malicious crittickes who haue the repute of being indicious , by detracting from others ; or at best such guls , as neuer approue any thing good , or learned , but eyther that which their shallow apprehensions can apply to the soothing of their owne opinions , or what ( indeede rather ) they vnderstand not . trust me , how ill soeuer it hath beene rewarded , my loue to my country is inviolate : my thankefulnesse to you vnfayned , my endeuour to doe euery man good ; all my ayme content with honestie : and this my paines ( if it may be so tearmed ) more to auoid idlenes , then for affectation of praise : an●… if notwithstanding all thir , i must yet , not onel●… rest my selfe content that my innocency hath esc●… ped with strict imprisonment ( to the impayring 〈◊〉 my state , and hinderance of my fortunes ) but al●… be constrayned to see my guiltlesse lines , suffer th●… despight of ill tongues : yet for my further enco●… ragement , let mee entreat the continuance 〈◊〉 your first respect , wherein i shall finde that com for t as will be sufficient to make mee set light an●… so much contemne all the malice of my aduersaries that ready to burst with the venome of their own●… hearts , they shall see my minde enamoured on faire vertues light ascends the limits of their bleared sight , and plac'd aboue their enuy , doth contemne , nay , sit and laugh at their disdaine and them . but noble friends , i make question neyther of yours , nor any honest mans respect , and therefore will no further vrge it , nor trouble your patience : onely this i le say , that you may not thinke ●…e too well conceited of my selfe ; though the time●…ere ●…ere to blame in ill requiting my honest endea●…ours , which in the eyes of the world deserued ●…etter , ●…et somewhat i am assured there was in ●…ee worthy that punishment which when god shall ●…iue mee grace to see and amend , i doubt not but ●…o finde that regard as will be fitting for so much ●…erit as my labours may iustly challenge . meane while , the better to hold my selfe in esteeme with you , and amend the worlds opinion of vertue , i will study to amend my selfe , that i may be yet more worthy to be called your friend , geo. wyther . the first eglogue . argvment . willy leaues his ●…locke a while , ui●…ites 〈◊〉 in exile ; where though prison'●… , he doth finde he 's still free that 's free in minde : and 〈◊〉 trouble no defence is so ●…irme as innocence . r●…t . willy . wi●…y , thou now full tolly tun'st thy reed●… , making the aimphs enamou●…d on thy straines , and whilst thy harmelesse ●…locke vnscar●…d feedes , hast tho contentment , of hills . groues , and plaines : trust me , ●…oy thou and thy muse so speedes in such an age , where so much mischiefe raignes : and to my care it some redresse will be , fortune hath so much grace , to smile on thee . willy . to smile on me ? i nere yet knew her smile , vnlesse 't were when she purpos'd to deceiue me ; many a trayne , and many a painted wile she casts , in hope of freedome to bereaue me : yet now , because she sees i scorne her guile to fawne on sooles , she for my muse doth leaue me , and here of late , her wonted spite doth tend , to worke me care , by frowning on my friend . roget . why then i see her copper-coyne's no starling , 't will not be currant still , for all the guilding , a knaue , or ●…oole must euer be her darling : for they haue mindes to all occasions yeelding : if we get any thing by all our parling it seemes an apple , but it proues a weilding : but let that passe ; sweet shepheard tell me this , for what beloued friend thy sorrow is . willy . wrong me not roget : do'st thou suffer heere , and aske me for what friend it is i greeue ? can i suppose thy loue to me is deere , or this thy ioy for my content beleeue : when thou think'st thy cares touch not me as neere , or that i pinne thy sorrowes at my sleeue ? roget , my faith in thee hath had that trust , i neuer thought to finde thee so vniust . roget . why willy ? willy : prethee do not aske me why , doth it diminish any of thy care , that i in freedome maken melody , and think'st i cannot as well somewhat spare from my delight , to mone thy miscrie ? t is time our loues should these suspects forbeare : thou art that friend ; which thou vnnam'd should'st know , and not haue drawn my loue in question so . roget . forgiue me , and i 'le pardon thy mistake , a●…d so shall this thy gentle-anger cease , ( i neuer of thy loue will question make ) whilst that the number o●… our day●…s encrease , yet to my se●…fe , i much might seeme to take , and something neere vnto presumption prease : to thinke me worthy loue from such a spirit , but that i know thy kindnesse , past my merit . besid●…s ; me thought thou spak'st now of a friend , that se●…m'd more grieu●…us discontents to beare , some things i finde that doe in shew offend , which to my patience little trouble are , and they e're long i hope will haue an end , or though they haue not , much i doe not care : so this it was made me that question moue , and not suspect of honest willies loue . willy . alas , thou art exiled from thy ●…locke , and quite beyond the desarts here confin'd , hast nothing to conuerse with but a rocke , or at least out-lawes in their caues halfe pin'd , and do'●…t thou at thy owne misfortune mocke , making thy selfe to ; to thy selfe vnkinde ? when heretofore we talk'●… we did embrace : but now i scarce can come to see thy face . roget . yet all that , willy , is not worth thy sorrow , for i haue mirth , here thou would'st not beleeue , from de●…pest ca●…es the highest ioyes i borrow : if ought chaunce out this day , may m●…ke me grieue , i 'le learne to mend , or scorne it by to morrow , this barren place yeelds somewhat to relieue : for i haue found sufficient to content me , and more true blisse , then euer freedome lent me . willy . are prisons then growne places of delight ? roget . t is as the conscience of the prisoner is , the very grates are able to affright the guilty man , that knowes his deedes amisse , all outward pleasures are exiled quite , and it is nothing ( of it selfe ) but this : abhorred-loanenesse , darknesse . sadnesse , paines , num'●…-cold , sharp-hunger , scorching thirst & chaines . willy . and these are not●…ing ? roget . — — nothing yet to mee , onel●… my friends restraint is all my paine , and since i truly finde my conscience free from that my loanen●…sse to , i reape some gaine . willy . but graunt in this no discontentment be , it doth thy wished liberty restraine , and to thy soule i thinke there 's nothing nearer , for i could neuer heare thee prize ought dearer . roget . true , i did euer set it at a rate , too deere for any mortal's worth to buy , t is not our greatest shepheard's whole estate , shall purchase from me , my least liberty , but i am subiect to the powers of fate , and to obey them is no slauery : they may do much , but when they haue done all , onely my body they may bring in thrall . and 't is not that ( my willy ) 't is my minde , my minde 's more pretious freedome i so weigh a thousand wayes they may my body binde , in thous●…d 〈◊〉 ▪ ●…ut 〈◊〉 m●… minde ●…etray , and ●…●…ce it is that i 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and beare with 〈◊〉 th●… my 〈◊〉 away : i 'me 〈◊〉 my selfe , a●…d that i 'de rat●…er bee , then to be lord of all th●…e downes in see . willy . no●…ly 〈◊〉 and i doe ioy to hear'●… , for 't is the minde of man indeede that 's all , there 's n●…ught so hard but a ●…rake 〈◊〉 will bea●…'t , and 〈◊〉 men co●…t great 〈◊〉 small , the●…'le looke on ' death and torment , yet not fear 't , because they 〈◊〉 t is rising so to 〈◊〉 : ty●…ants n av boast they to much power are borne , yet he hath more that tyranies can scorne . roget . 't is right , but i no tyranies endure , nor ●… au●… i suffred ought worth name of care . willy . what e're thou'lt call 't , thou may'st , but i am sure , many more pine that much lesse payned are , thy looke me thinks doth say thy meaning 's pure , and by this past i finde what thou do'st da●…e : but i could neuer yet the reason know , why thou ●…rt lodged in this house of woe . roget . nor i by pan , no●… neuer hope to doe , but 〈◊〉 it pleases some ; and i doe gesse ●…tly a cause that moues them there-vnto , which neither will auaile me to expresse , nor thee to heare , and therefore let it goe , we must not say , they doe so , that oppresse : yet i shall ne're to sooth them or the times , iniure my sel●… by bearing others crimes . willy . then now thou may'st speake freely , there 's none heares , but he wh●…m i doe hope thou do'st not doubt . roget . true ; but if dores and walles haue gott●… eares , and closet-whisperings may be spread abou●… : doe not blame him that in such causes feares what in his passion he may blunder out : in such a place , and such strict times as these , where what we speake is tooke as others please . but yet to morrow if thou come this way , i 'le tell thee all my story to the end , t is long , and now i feare thou canst not stay , because thy flocke must watred be and pend , and night begins to muffle vp the day , which to informe thee how alone i spend , i 'le onely sing a sorrie prisoners lay , i f●…m'd this morne , which though it suits not fields , is such as fits me , and sad thraldome yeelds , willy . well , i will set my kit another string , and play vnto it whil'st that thou do'st sing ▪ sonnet . roget . now that my body dead-aliue , bereau'd of comfort lies in thr all . doe thou my soule begin to thriue , and vnto honey , turne this gall : so shall we both through outward woe , the way to inward comfort know . for as that foode my flesh i giue , doth ●…eepe in me this mortall breath : so soules on meditations liue , and shunne thereby immortall ' death : nor art thou euer nearer rest . then when thou find'st me most opprest . ●…irst thinke my soule ; if i haue foes that take a pleasure in my care , and to procure these outward woes , haue thus entrapt me vnaware : thou should'st by much more ●…arefull bee , since greater foes lay waite for thee . then when mew'd vp in grates of steele , minding those ioyes mine cyes doe misse , thou find'st no torment tho●… do'st feele . so 〈◊〉 as priuation is ▪ muse how the damn'd in s●…ames that glow , pine in the losse of ●…lisse they know . thou seest there 's giuen so great might to some that are but clay 〈◊〉 l , their very anger can affright . which if in any thou espie thus thinke of mortall 's frownes stri●…e seare , how dreadfull will gods wrath appeare ? by my late hopes that now are crost , consider those that firmer bee , and make the freedome i haue lo●…t , a meanes that may remember thee had christ not thy redeemer b●…n , what horrid 〈◊〉 thou had'st beene in these iron chaines the bolt's of steele . which other poore offenders grinde , the wants , and cares which they doe feel●… may bring some greater thing to minde for by their 〈◊〉 thou shalt doe we●… , to thinke vpon the paines of hell. or when through me , thou 〈◊〉 a man condemn'd vnto a mortall 〈◊〉 , how sad he lookes , how pale how wan , drawing with feare his panting brea●…h thinke i●… in that such griefe thou see , how sad will , goe yee cuised bee . againe , when he that fear'd to dye ( past hope ) doth see his pardon brought , reade but the ioy that 's in his eye , and then 〈◊〉 it to thy thought : there t●…inke betwixt my heart and thee , how sweet will , come yee blessed , bee thus if thou doe , though closed ●…ere , my bondage i shall deeme the lesse , i neither shall haue cause to feare , nor yet bewa●…le my sad distresse : for whether li●…e , or pine , or dye , we shall haue bl●…sse 〈◊〉 . willy . trust me i see the cage doth some birds good , and if they doe not suffer too much wrong , will teach them sweeter descants then the wood : beleeue 't , i like the subiect of thy song ▪ it shewes thou art in no distempred moode , but cause to heare the residue i long : my sheepe to morrow i will neerer bring , and spend the day to heare thee talke and sing . yet e're we part , roget to me areed , of whō thou learn'dst to make such songs as these , i neuer yet heard any shepheards reede tune in mishap , a straine that more could please , surely thou do'st inuoke at this thy neede . some power , that we neglect in other layes : for here 's a name , and words , that but few swaines haue mention'd at their meting on the plaines . roget . indeede 't is true ; and they are sore to blame , they doe so much neglect it in their songs , for , thence proceedeth such a worthy fame , as is not subiect vnto enuies wrongs : that is the most to be respected name of our true pan , whose worth sit●… on all tongues : and the most auncient shepheards vse to praise in sacred anthemes sung on holy-dayes . he that first taught his musicke such a s●…raine , was that sweet shepheard , who ( vntill a king ) kept she●…pe vpon the honey milkie plaine , that is enritch't by iordans watering ; he in his troubl●…s ca●…'d the bodies paines , by measures rais'd to the s●…ules rauishing : and his sweet numbers onely most deuine , gaue the first being to this song of mine . willy . let his good spiri●… eu'r with thee dw●…ll , that i might heare such mulicke euery day . roget . thanks ; but would now it pleased thee to play . yet sure'tis late thy weather rings his bell , and swaines to folde , or homeward driue away . willy . and yon goes cuddy , therefore fare thou well : i 'le make his sheepe for me a liule s●…ay , and if thou thinke it fit i 'le bring him to , next morning hither . roget . prethee willy doo . finis . the second eglogue . argvment . cvddy tells how all the swaines , pitty roget on the plaines : who requested , doth relate the true cause of his estate , which bro●…e o●…f becau'e ' ●…was long . they begin a three-mans song . willy . cvddy . rog●…t . roget , thy olde friend cuddy here and i , are come to visite thee in these thy bands , whil'st both our floc●…es in an inclosure by doe picke the thinne gra●…se from the fallowed lands . he tells me thy restraint of liberty each one throughout the country vnderstands : and there is not a gentle-natur'd lad , on all these ' downes but for thy sake is sad . cvddy . not thy acquaintance and thy friends alone . pitty thy close restraint , as friends should doe : but some that have but scene thee for thee moane : yea , many that did neuer see thee to . some deem●… thee in a fault , and most in none ; so diuers wayes doe diuers rumours goe : and at all meetings where our shepheards be , now the maine mewes that 's extant is of thee ▪ roget . why , this is somewhat yet : had i but kept sheepe on the mountaiues , till the day of doome , my name should in obscurity haue sl●…pt , in brakes , in briars ▪ shrubbed furze and broome ▪ into the worlds wide care it had not crept , nor in so many mens thoughts found a roome : but what cause of my s●…ffe in●…s doethey know ? good cuddy t●…ll me how doth rumour goe . cvddy . faith 't is vncertaine , some speake this , some that : some dare say nought , yet seeme to thinke a cause , and many a one prating he knowes not what ; comes out with prouerbes and olde auncient sawes , as if he thought thee guiltlesse , and y●…t not : then doth he speake halfe sentences , then pawse : that what the most would say , we may suppose , but what to say the rumour is , none knowe●… . roget . nor care i greatly , for it skills not much , what the vnsteady common-people deemes , his conscience doth not alwaies feele least touch , that blamelesse in the sight of others seemes : my cause is honest , and because 't is such , i holde it so , and not for mens esteemes : if they spea●…e iustly well of me , i 'me glad ; if 〈◊〉 , eu●…ll , it ne're makes me sad . willy . i like that minde , but roget you are quite beside the matter that i long to heare : remember what you promis'd yester-night , youl 'd put vs off with other talke i feare ; thou know'st that honest cuddies heart's vpright , and none but he , except my selfe is neare : come therefore , and betwixt vs two relate the true occasion of thy present state . roget . my friends i will ; you know i am a swaine , that kept a poore flocke here vpon this plaine , who though it seemes , i could doe nothing lesse , can make a song , and woe a shepheardesse , and not alone the fairest where i liue , haue heard me sing , and fauours daign'd to giue : but though i say'●… , the noblest nimph of thame , hath grac'd my verse vnto my greater same . yet being young , and not much see ▪ ing praise , i was not noted out for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , n●…r f●…eding ●…lockes , yea ▪ nowne as others be : for the delight that most 〈◊〉 me was 〈◊〉 foxes , w●…lues , and beasts of pray ▪ that spoi●…e our foulis , and beare our l●…mbs a●…ay : f●…r this as a●…so for the loue i beare vnto m●… country , 〈◊〉 by all ●…are of 〈◊〉 . or of 〈◊〉 , with desire 〈◊〉 to keepe that state i had entire , and like a true gro●… 〈◊〉 man sought to speede my selse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of ra e and choysest 〈◊〉 , whose names and natures ere i further goe , 〈◊〉 you are my friends i 'le let you know . my 〈◊〉 esteemed d 〈◊〉 that i did finde , was by 〈◊〉 of ●…lde 〈◊〉 kinde ; a bra●…e , which if i doe not ayme amisse , for all the world is ●…ust i●…e one o●… his ; she 's named loue , and scarce yet know●…s her duty ; her damme s my l●…d es pretty beagle 〈◊〉 i bred her vp my selfe with wondrous charge , vntill she grew to be exceeding large , and waxt so wanton that i did abhorre it , and put her out amongst my neighbours for it . the next is lust , a hound that 's kept abroad , mongst some of mine acquaintance , but a toad is not more loathsome : 't is a curre will range extreamely , and is euer ●…ull of mange , and cause it is infectious , she 's not wunt to come among the rest , but when they hunt . hate is the third , a hound both despe and long . his sire is true , or else supposed wrong . he 'le haue a snap at all that passe him by , and yet pursues his game most eagerly . vvith him goes eni●…e coupled , a leane curre●… and she 'le hold out hunt we ●…e're so farre , she pineth much , and seedeth little to , yet stands and snarleth at the ●…est that doe . then there 's reuenge , a wondrous deepe-mouth'd dog , so fleet , i 'me faine to hunt him with a clog , y●…t many times he 'le much out-strip his bounds , and hunts not closely with the other hounds , he 'le venter on a lion in his 〈◊〉 curst 〈◊〉 was his damme , and wrong his sire . this choller is a brache , that 's very olde , and spends her mouth too much to haue it holde : she 's very teasty , an vnpleasing curre , that ●…ites the very stones , if they but sturre : or when that ought but her displeasure moues , she 'le bite and snap at any one she loues : but my quicke-sented'st dogge is iealousie , the truest of this breede's in italy : the damme of mine would hardly fill a gloue , it was a ladies little dogge , call'd loue : the sire a poore deformed curre nam'd feare , as shagged and as rough as is a beare , and yet the whelpe turn'd aft●…r neither kinde , for he is very large , and ne're-hand blinde . at the first sight he hath a pretty culler , but doth not seeme so when you view him fuller . a vile suspitious beast , his lookes are bad , and i doe feare in time he will grow mad . to him i couple auarice , still poore , yet she deuoures as much as twenty more : a thousand horse she in her paunch can put , yet whine as if she had an empty gut , and hauiug gorg'd what might a land haue found , she'●…e catch for more , and hide it in the ground . am●…ition is a hound as greedy full , but he for all the daintiest bits doth cull : he scornes to licke vp crummes beneath the table , 〈◊〉 f●…tch't from boa●…ds and shelues if he be ab c , nav , he can climbe if neede be , and for that , with him i hunt the martine and the cat. and yet sometimes in mounting he 's so quicke , he fet●…hes falls , are like to breake his necke . feare is well-mouth'd , but subiect to 〈◊〉 , a stranger cannot make him take a crust . a little thing will soone his courage quaile , and 'twixt his legges he euer claps his taile . vvith him despaire often coupled goes , which by his roaring mouth each hunts-man knowes . none hath a better minde vnto the game , but he giues off , and alwayes seemeth lame . my blo●…d-hound cruelty . as swift as winde , hunts to the death , and neuer comes behinde ; who but she 's strapt and musled to withall , would eate her sellowes , and the pray and all , and yet she car●…s not much for any food , vnlesse it be the purest harmelesse blood . all thes●… are kept abroad at charge of menny , they doe not cost me in a yeare a penny . but there 's two coupling of a midling size , that seldome passe the sight of my owne eyes . hope , on whose head ●…'ue led my life to pawne . compassion , that on euery one will fawne . this would when 't was a whelpe with rabets play , or lambs , and let them goe vnhurt away : nay , now she is of growth , she 'le now and then , catch you a hare , ●…nd let her goe agen . the two last , ioy and sorrow , 't is a wonder , can ne're agree , nor ne're ●…ide fa●…re ●…sunder . ioye 's ●…uer wanton , and no order knowes , she 'le run at larkes , or stand and barke at crowe●… . 〈◊〉 goes by her , and ne'●…e moues his eye , yet both doe s●…rue to helpe make vp the cry : then comes behinde all these t●… beare the base , two 〈◊〉 more of a larger race , such wide mouth'd trollops , that 't would doe you good to heare their loud land ecchoes tea●…e the wood . 〈◊〉 uanity , who by his gaud●… hide , may farre away from all the rest be spide , though huge , yet quick , for he 's now here , now there , nay , looke about you , and he 's euery w●…ere , and euer with the rest , and st ll in chase : right so , inconstancie fills euery place , and y●…t so strange a sickle natur'd hound , look●… for him , and he 's no where to be found , wea●…enesse is no faire dogge vnto the eye , and yet he hath his proper quality : but there 's presumption when he heat hath got , he drownes the thunder , and the canon-shot : and when at start he his full roaring makes , the earth doth tremble , and the heauen shakes . these were my dogges , tenne couple iust in all , whom by the name of sa●…yres i doe call : mad curres they be and i can ne're come night them , but l'me in danger to be bitten by them . much paines i tooke , and spent dayes not a fewe , to make them keepe together , and hunt true : which yet i doe suppose had neuer bin , but that i had a scourge to keepe them in . now when that i this kennell first had got , out of my owne demeanes i hunted not , saue on these downes , or among yonder rockes , after those beas●…s that spoyl'd our parish flockes : nor during that time , was i euer wont , with all my kennell in one day to hunt : nor had done yet , but that this other yeere , some beasts of pray , that haunts the desarts heere did not alone for many nights together deuoure , sometime a lambe , sometime a weather , and so disquiet many a poore mans heard , but that of loosing all they were afeard : yea , i among the rest did sare as bad , or rather worse for the best * ewes i had , ( whose breed should be my meanes of 〈◊〉 & gaine ) were in one euening by these monsters 〈◊〉 : which mischiefe i resolued to repay , or else grow desp'rate , and hunt all away , for in a fury ( such as you shall see hunts-men in missing of their sport will bee ) i vow'd a monster should not lurke about , in all this prouince , but i 'de finde him out , and there-vpon without respect or care , how lame , how full , or how vnfit they were . in hast vnkennell'd all my roaring crew , who were as mad as if my minde they knew , and e're they trayl'd a flight-shot , the fierce curres had rows'd a hart , and through brakes and furres . follow'd at gaze so close that loue and feare got in together , so had surely there quite ouer throwne him , but that hope thrust in 〈◊〉 both , and sau'd the pinching of his skin , whereby he scap't , till coursing ouerthwart , 〈◊〉 came in , and grip'd him to the hart , i hallowed in the resdue to the fail , and for an entrance there i flesh't them all , which hauing done , i dip'd my staffe in blood , and on●…ard led my thunder to the ●…ood , where what they did , i 'le tell you out anon , my keeper calls me , and i must be gon . goe if you please a while , attend your flockes , and when the sunne is ouer yonder rockes , come to this ca●…e againe where i will be , if that my gardian so much fauour me . but e're we part , let each one sing a straine , and then goe turne your sheepe into the plaine wiliy . i am content . cvddy . as well content am i. roget . then will , begin , and we 'le the rest supply . song . willy . shepheard would these gates were ope , thou might'st take with vs thy fortune . roget . no , i 'le make this narrow scope , since my fate doth so importune meanes vnto a wider hope . cvddy . would thy shepheardesse were here . who beleu'd , loues thee so deerely . roget . not for both your flockes i sweare . and the same they yeeld you yearely , would i so much wrong my deare , yet to me , nor to this place , would she now be long a stranger , she would holde it no disgrace , ( 〈◊〉 she 〈◊〉 not more my danger ) where i am to shewber face . willy . shepheard , we would wish no harmes , but something that might co●…tent thee . roget . wish me then within her armes , and that wish will ne're repent me , if your wishes might proue charmes . willy . be thy prison her embrace , be thy ayre her sweetest breathing . cvddy . be thy prospect her fayre face , for each looke a kisse bequeathing , and appoint thy selfe the place . roget . nay pray , hold there , for i should scantly then ; come meet you heere this afternoone agen : but fare you well . since wishes haue no power , let vs depart , and keepe the pointed hours . finis . the third eglogue . argvment . roget set with his three friends , here his hunting story ends ; kind alexis with much ruth , wailes the banish'd shepheards youth : but he slighteth fortunes stings , and in spight of thraldome sings . roget . cvddy . alexis . willy . so now i see y' are shepheards of your word , thus were you wont to promise , and to do . cvddy . more then our promise is we can afford , we come our selues , and bring another to : alexis whom thou know'st well , is no foe who loues thee much , and i doe know that hee would faine a hearer of thy hunting be . rogli . alexis you are welcome , sor you know you cannot be but welcome where i am , you euer were a friend of mine in show : and i haue found you are indeed the same , vpon my first restraint you hither came , and proffered me more tokens of your loue , then it were fit my small deserts should proue . alexis . t' is still your vse to vnderprise your merit , be not so coy to take my proffered loue ; t' will neither vnbeseeme your worth nor spirit , to offer curt●…sie doth thy friend behoue , and which are so , this is a place to proue : then once againe i say , if cause there be , first make a tryall , if thou please , of me . roget . thankes good alexis ; sit downe by me heere , i haue a taske , these shepheards know , to doe ; a tale already told this morne well neere . with which i very fayne would forward go , and am as willing thou shouldst heare it to : but thou canst neuer vnderstand this last , till i haue also told thee what is past . willy . roget it shall not need , for i presum'd , your loues to each were firme , and was so bold , that so much on my selfe i haue assum'd , to make him know what is already told : if i haue done amisse then you may scolde . but in my telling i preuised this , hee knowes not whose , nor to what end it is : roget . well now he may , for here my tale goes on , my eager dogges and i to wood are gon , where beating through the couerts euery hound a seuerall game had in a moment found : i rated them ▪ but they pursu'd their pray , and as it fell ( by happe ) tooke all one way . then i began with quicker speed to sollow , and ●…az'd them on with a more cheerfull hallow , that soone we passed many weary miles , tracing the subtile game through all these wiles . these doubl'd , they redoubled on the sent , still keeping in ●…ull chase where ere they went , vp hilles , downe 〈◊〉 , through bogges , and ouer stretching their 〈◊〉 to the highest strains ( plains , that when some thicket hid them from mine eye , my care was rauish'd with their melody . nor crost we onely ditches , hedges , furrowes , but hamlets . ●…hings , parishes , and burrowes . they followed where so eu'r the game did goe through kitchin , parler , hall , and chamber too , and as they pass'd the city and the court , my prince look'd out , and daign'd to view my sport , which then ( although i suffer for it now ) ( if some say true ) hee liking , did allow ; and so much ( had i had but wi●… to stay ) i might my selfe ( perhaps ) haue heard him say , but i that time , as much as any daring , more for my pleasure then my safety caring ; seeing fresh game from euery loope-hole rise , crossing by thousands still before their eyes . after i rush'd , and following close my hounds some beastes i found lye dead , some full of wounds among the willows , scarce with strength to moue one i found here , another there , whom loue had grip'd to death : and in the selfe-same state , lav one deuour'd by enuy , one by hate , lust had bit some , but i soone past beside them , their festered wounds so stuncke , none could ablde choller hurt diuers , but reuenge kil'd more , feare srighted all , behind him and before : 〈◊〉 droue on a huge and mighty heape , forcing some downe from roc●…es and hils to leape : some into water , some into the fire , so on themselues hee made them wreake his ire : but i remember as i pass'd that way , where the great kin●… and prince of shepheards lay , about the walles were hid some once more knowne , that my fell curre ambition had o'rethrowne . many i heard pursu'd by pitty cry , and oft i say my bloud-hound cruelty , eating her passage euen to the hart , whither once gotten , shee is loath to part . all pl●…'d it well , and made so loud a plea , t' was heard through britan ▪ and beyond the sea ; some rated them , some storm'd , some lik'd the game , some thoght me worthy praise , some worthy blame . but i not fearing th' one , misteeming t'other , both , in shrill hallowes and loud ●…ernings smother : yea , the strong me●…ed and my long-breath'd crew , seeing the 〈◊〉 encreasing in their view , grew the more frolicke , and the courses length gaue better breath , and added to their strength ; which ioue perceiuing , for ioue heard their cryes rumbling amongst the spheares concauities : he mark'd their course and courages encrease , saving , t' were pitty such a chase should cease ; and therewith swore their mouthes should neuer wast but hunt as long 's mortalitie did last . soone did they feele the power of his great gift , and i began to finde their pace more swift : i follow'd , and i rated , but in vaine , striu'd to o'retake , or take them vp againe ; they neuer stay'd since , neither nights nor dayes , but to and fro still runne a thousand wayes : yea often to this place where now i lye , they 'l wheel about to cheere me with their cry ; and one day in good time will vengeance take on some offenders , for their masters sake : for know , my friends , my freedome in this sort for them i lose , and making my selfe sport . willy . vvhy roget , was there any harme in this ? roget . no willy , and i hope yet none there is . willy . how comes this then ? roget . note and i 'le tell thee how . thou know'st that truth and innocency now , if plac'd with meanenesse , suffers more despight then uillanies , accompan'ed with might : but thus it fell , while that my hound pursu'd their noysome pray , and euery field lay strew'd with monsters , hurt and slaine mongst many a beast , some viler , and more subtile then the rest , on whom the bitch cal'd enuy , hap't to light : and as her won●… is , did so surely b●…te , that though she left behind small outward smarts , the wounds were deepe , and wrankled to their harts . then ioyning to some other that of late were very eagerly pursu'd by hate , to fit their purpose hauing taken leasure , did thus conspire to worke me a displeasure . for imitation farre supassing apes , they layd aside their foxe , and wooluish shapes . and shrowded in the skinnes of harmelesle she●…pe into by-wayes , and open-pathes did creepe , where they ( as hardly drawing breath ) did ly , shewing their wounds to euery pas●…r by ; to make them thinke that they were sheepe so foi●…'d and by my dogges in their late hunting spoyl'd . beside some other that enuy'd my game , and for thei●… pastime kept such monsters tame : as you doe know there 's many for their pleasure , keepe foxes , beares , and wolues , as some great treasure : yea , many get their liuing by them to , and so did store of these , i speake of do , vvho seeing that my kennell had affrighted , or ●…urt som●… uermine wherein they delighted , and finding their owne power by much too weake th●…ir malice on my innocence to wreake , swolne with the deepest rancour of despight , some of our greatest shepheards foldes by night they closely entred ; and there hauing stain'd their hands in 〈◊〉 , of me they plain'd , affirming , without shame or honesty , i and my dogges had done it purposely : whereat they stor●…'d , and call'd me to a tryall , where inn●…cence preuails not , nor denyall , but for that 〈◊〉 here in this place i ly , where none so merry as my dogges and i. cvdd●… . beleeue it , here 's a tale will su●…en 〈◊〉 , for 〈◊〉 in another age to tell . wiiiy . and roget shall be thought on with delight , for this hereafter many a winters night , for of this sport another age will ring : yea , nymphes vnborne now , of the same shall sing , when not a beauty on our greenes shall play that hath not heard of rogets hunting day . rog●…t . it may be so , for it that gentle sw●…ine , who wonnes by ta●…y , on the westerne plaine , would make the song , such life his ver●…e can giue , then i doe know my nam●… might euer liue . alexis . but tell me ; are our playnes and nimphes forgot , and canst thou 〈◊〉 in thy trouble be ? rog●…t . can i alexis savst thou ? can i not that am resolu'd to scorne more m●…sery ? aiexis . oh , but thy youth 's yet greene , and young bloud hot , and liberty must n●…eds be sweet to thee , but now most s●…eet whil'st euery bushy 〈◊〉 , and grone and 〈◊〉 , rings of the nightingale . me thinkes when thou remembrest those sweet iayes , which thou would'st lead thy shepheardesse to heare e●…ch euening forth among the leau●… sprayes , the thoght of that should make thy freedom deere ; for now whil'st euer●… nimph on holy-da●…es 〈◊〉 with some 〈◊〉 lad , and maketh cheere , thine sighes for thee , and mew'd vp from resort , will neither play her selfe , nor see their sport . there 's shepheards that were many a morning wont vnto their boyes to leaue the ●…ender heard , and beare thee company when thou didst hunt , cannot their songs thou hast so gladly heard , northy m●…st pleasure make thee thinke vpon 't , but seemes all vayne , now that was once indear'd . it cannot be , for i could make relation , how for lesle cause thou hast been deep in passion . roget . ti●… true : my tender heart was euer yet too cap●…ble of such conoeits as these ; i neuer s●…w that obiect but from it , the passions of my loue , i could encre●…se those things which moue not other men a whi●… , i can , and doe make vse of , if i please : vvhen i am sad , to sadnesse i apply , each bird , and tree , and flower that i passe by . so when i will be merry , i aswell something for mirth from euery thing can draw , from misery , from prisons , nay from hell , and as when to my minde , griefe giues a flaw , best comforts d●…e but make my woes more fell , so when i 'me bent to m●…rth , from mischiefes pawe ( though ceas'd vpon me ) i would something cull , that spight of care should make my ioyes more full . i feele those wants alexis thou doest name , which spight of ●…outh's affections i sustaine ; or else for what is 't i haue gotten fame , and am more knowne then many an elder swaine ? if such desires i had not learn'd to ●…ame , since many pipe much better on this plaine : but tune your reedes , and i will in a song expresse my care , and how i take this wrong . sonnet . i that ere'st-while the worlds sweet ayre did draw , ( grac'd by the farrest euer mortall sawe ; ) now closely pent , with walls of ruth lesse stone , consume my dayes , and nights , and all-alone . when i was wont to sing of shepheards loues , my walkes were fields , and downes , and hilles , and groues , but now ( alas ) so sirict is my hard doome , fields , downes , hils , groues , & al 's but one poore roome . each morne assoone as day-light did appeare , with natures musicke birdes would charme mine eare ; which now ( in●…ead ) of their melodious straines , heare ratling shackles , gyues , and boults , and chaines . but though that all the world's delight forsake me , i haue a mu●…e and s●…e 〈◊〉 musicke make me ; whose a●…y notes inspight of 〈◊〉 cages , shall giue content to me , and afterages , nor doe i passe for all this outward ill . my heart 's the ●…ame , and vnde●…ected still ; and whic●… is more then some in freedome winne ; i hau●… true rest , and peace , and ioy within . and then my minde that s●…ight of prison's free , when er●…e she pleases , any where can be ; shee 's in an houre in france , roome , turky , spaine , in earth , in hell , in heauen , and here againe . yet there 's another comfort in my w●…e , my ca●…se is spread , and all ●…he world doth know my ●…ault's no more but speaking truth and reason , nor debt , nor theft , nor murther , ●…ape , nor treason . nor shall my foes with all their might and power , wi●…e out their s●…ame , nor yet this fame of our which when they ●…inde they shall my fate enuy , till they grow leane , and sicke , and mad , and dy●… . then though my body here in prisonrot , and my poore 〈◊〉 seeme a while forgot , yet when both fame and life haue left those men , my 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and liue agen . so thus 〈◊〉 , i beare afflictions load , but with mo●…e true content then some abroad ; for whil●…st 〈◊〉 thoughts doe feele my scourges sting ▪ in bands i le leap●… , and daunc●… and laugh , and sing . alexis . why now i see thou dioup'st not with thy care , neither exclaim'st thou on thy hunting day , but dost with vnchang'd resolution beare , the heauy burthen of exile away , all that did truly know thee did conceaue , thy actions with thy spirit still agree'd ; their good conceit thou doest no whit bereaue , but showest that thou art still thy selfe indeed . if that thy minde to basenesse now descends , thou 'lt iniure vertue , and deceaue thy friends . willy . alexi●… , he will iniure vertue much , but more his friends , and most of all himselfe , if on that common barre his minde but touch , it wracks his same vpon disgraces shelfe : yet roget , if thou stere but on the course , that in thy iust aduenture is begunne ; no thwarting tide , nor aduerse blast shall force thy barke without the channels bounds to runne , thou art the same thou wert for ought i see , when thou didst freely on the mountaines hunt , in nothing changed yet , vnlesse it be more merrily dispos'd then thou wert wont , still keepe thee thus , so other men shall know , uertue can giue content in midst of woe . and he though mightinesse with frownes doth threat , to be yet innocent is to be great . thriue and farewell . alexis . in this thy trouble florish . cvddy . while those that wish thee ill , fret , pine , and perist●… . finis . to his truely beloued louing friend , mr. vvilliam browne , of the inner temple . the fourth eglogue . argvment . roget here on willy calls , to sing out his pastorals : warrants fame shall orace his rimes , spight of enuy and the times ; and shewes how in care he vses , to take comfort from his muses . roget . willy . prethy willy tell me this , what new accident there is , that thou ( once the blythest lad ) art become so wondrous sad ? and so carelesse of thy quill , as if thou had'st lost thy skill . thou wert wont to charme thy flockes , and among these rudest rockes hast so cheer'd me with thy song , that i haue forgot my wrong . something hath thee surely crost , that thy old wont thou hast lost , tell me , haue i ought mis-said that hath made thee illa-paid ? hath some churle done thee a spight ? dost thou m●…le a lambe to night ? frownes thy fairest shepheards lasse ? or how comes this ill to passe ? is there any discontent worse then this my banishment ? willy . why , doth that so euill seeme that thou nothing worse dost deeme ? shepheard , there full many be , that will change contents with thee . those that choose their walkes at will , on the valley or the hill. or those pleasures boast of can groues or fields may yeeld to man : neuer come to know the rest wherewithall thy minde is blest . many a one that oft resorts to make vp the troope at sports , and in company some while happens to straine sorth a smile : feeles more want , more outward smart and more inward griefe of hart , then this place can bring to thee , while thy minde remaineth free . thou condemn'st my want of mirth , but what find'st thou in this earth , wherein ought may be beleeu'd , worth to make me ioy'd , or grieued ? and yet feele i ( na●…helesse ) part of both i must confesse , sometime i of mirth doe borrow , otherwhile as much of sorrow , but my present state is such , i 'me nor ioy'd , nor greeued much . roget . why hath willy then so long thus forborn●… his wonted song ? wherefore doth he now let fall , his well-tuned pastorall ? and my cares that musicke barre ▪ which i more long after farre , then the liberty i want . willy . that were very much to grant . but doth this hold alway lad , those that sing not must be sad ? did'st thou euer that bird heare sing well , that sings all the yeere ? tom the piper doth not play till he weares his pipe away : there 's a time to slacke the string , and a time to leaue to sing . roget . yea , but no man now is still , that can sing , or tune a quill . now to chant it , were but reason , song and musicke are in season , now ●…n this sweet ●…olly tide , is the earth in all her pride . the faire lady of the may trim'd vp in her best array hath inuited all the swaines , with the lasses of the plaines to attend vpon her sport at the places of resort . corridon ( with his bold rout ) hath already beene about for the elder shepheards dole , and fetch'd in the summer-pole : whilest the rest haue built a bower , to defend them from a shower , se●…l'd so close with boughes all greene , tytan cannot pry betweene . now the darrie wenches dreame of their stra●… berries and creame : and each doth her selfe aduance to be taken in , to dance ▪ euery one that knowes to sing , fits him for his carolling : so doe those that hope for meede , eyther by the pipe or reede , and though i am kept away , i doe heare ( this very day ) many learned groomes doe wend , for the garlands to contend . which a nimph that hight desart , ( long a stranger in this part ) with her owne faire hand hath wrought a rare worke ( they say ) past thought , as appeareth by the name , for she calles them wreathes of fame . she hath set in their due place eu'ry flower that may grace , and among a thousand moe , vvhereof some but serue for show ) she hath woue in daphnes tree , that they may not blasted bee . which with time she edg'd about , least the worke should rau●…ll out . and that it might wither neuer , intermixt it with liue-euer . these are to be shar'd among those that do excell for song : or their passions can rehearse , in the smooth'st and sweetest verse . then for th●…se among the rest , that can play and pipe the best ▪ there 's a kidling with the damme , a fat weathe●… , and a lambe . and for those that leapen farre , wrastle , runne , and throw the barre , there 's appointed guerdons to , he that best the first can doe shall for his re●…ard be paid , with a sheepe-hooke , faire in-laid with fine bone , of a strange beast , that men bring from out the west . for the next , a scrip of red , tassel'd with fine coloured thred . there 's prepared for their need , that in running make most speed , or the cunning measures foot , cups of turned maple-roote , whereupon the skilfull man hath i●…grau'd the loxes of pan : and the last hath for his due a fine napking wrought with blew . then my willy why art thou carelesse of thy merit now ? vvhat dost here with a wight that is shut vp from delight , in a solitary den as not fit to liue with men ? goe my willy get thee gone , leaue me in exile alone . hye thee to that merry throng , and amaze them with thy song , thou art young , yet such a lay neuer grat'd the month of may , as ( if they prouoke thy skill ) thou canst fit vnto thy quill . i with wonder heard thee sing , at our last yeeres reuelling . then i with the rest was free , vvhen vnknowne i noted thee : and perceiu'd the ruder swaines , enuy thy farre sweeter straines . yea , i saw the lasses cling round about thee in a ring : as if each one ●…ealous were , any but her selfe should heare . and i know they yet doe long for the res'due of thy song . haste thee then to sing it forth , take the benefit of worth . and desert will sure bequeath fames faire garland for thy wreath . hye thee willy , hye away . willy . roget rather let me stay , and be desolate with thee , then at those their reuels be , nought such is my skill i wis , as in deed thou deem'st it is . but what ere it be , i must be content , and shall i trust . for a song i doe not pass ▪ mong'st my friends , but what ( alas ) should i haue to doe with them that my musicke doe contemne ? some there are , as well i wot , that the same yet fauour not : yet i cannot well auow , they my car●…ols disallow . but such malice i haue spid , t is as much as if they did . roget . willy , what may those men be are so ill to malice thee ? willy . some are worthy-well esteem'd some without worth are so deem'd ▪ others of so base a spirit , they haue nor esteeme , nor merit . roget . what 's the wrong ? willy . a slight offence , wherewithall i can dispence ; but hereafter for their sake , to my selfe i 'le musicke make . roget . what , because some clowne offends , wilt thou punish all thy friends ? willy . honest roget vnderstand me , those that loue me may command me ▪ but thou know'st i am but young , and the pastorall i sung , is by some suppos'd to be , ( by a straine ) too high for me : so they kindely let me gaine , not my labour for my paine . trust me , i doe wonder why they should me my owne deny . though i 'me young , i scorne to fli●… , on the wings of borrowed wit. i 'le make my owne feathers reare me , whither others cannot beare me . yet i 'le keepe my skill in store , till i 'ue seene some winters mo●… . roget . but in earnest mean'st thou so ? then thou art not wise , i trow . better shall aduise thee pan , for thou dost not rightly than : that 's the ready ●…ay to blot all the credit thou hast got . rather in thy ages prime , get another start of time : and make those that so fond be , ( spight of their owne dulnesse ) see that the sacred muses can make a childe in yeeres , a man. it is knowne what thou canst doe , for it is not long agoe , when that cvddy , thou , and i fach the others skill to try , at saint dunstanes charmed well , ( as some present there can tell ) sang vpon a sudden theame , sitting by the crimson streame . where , if thou didst well or no , yet remaines the song to show . much experience more i 'ue had of thy skill ( thou happy lad ) and would make the world to know it ; but that time will further show it : enuy makes their tongues now runne , more then doubt of what is done , for that needs must be thy owne , or to be some others knowne : but how then wilt suit vnto what thou shalt hereafter do ? or i wonder where is hee , would with that song part to thee : nay , were there so mad a swaine , could such glory'sell for gaine ; phoebus would not haue combin'd , that gift with so base a mind . neuer did the nine impart the sweet secrets of their art vnto any that did scorne we should see their sauors worne , therefore vnto those that say , where they pleas'd to sing a lay , they could doo 't , and will not tho ; this i speake , for this i know : none ere drunke the thespian spring , and knew how , but he did sing . for that once infus'd in man , makes him shew 't , doe what he can , nay those that doe onely sip or but eu'n their fingers dip in that sacred fount ( poore elues ) of that brood will shew themselues ; yea , in hope to get them fame , they will speake though to their shame , let those then at thee repine , that by their wits measure thine , needs those songs must be thine owne , and that one day will be knowne , the same imputation to , i my selfe doe vndergoe : but it will appeare ere long , i 'me abus'd , and thou hast wrong , who at twice ten hast sung more , then some will doe at fourescore . cheere thee ( honest willy ) then , and begin thy song agen . willy . faine i would , but i doe feare when againe my lines they heare , if they yeeld they are my rimes , they will faine some other crimes , and 't is no safe ventring by , where we see detraction ly . for doe what i can , i doubt , she will picke some quarrell out , and i ost haue heard defended , little said , and soone amended . roget . see'st thou not in cleerest dayes oft thick fogges cloud heauens rayes ? and the vapours that doe breath from the earths grosse wombe ●…e eath , seeme they not with their blacke steames , to pollute the sunnes bright beames , and vet vanish into aire . leauing it ( vnblemisht ) faire ? so ( my willy ) shall it be with detractions breath and thee . it shall neuer rise so hie , as to staine thy poesie . as that sunne doth oft exhale , vapours from each rotten vale , poesie so sometime draines , grosse conceits from muddy braines ; mists of enuy , fogs of spight , twixt mens iudgements and her light : but so much her power may doo , that she can dissolue them too . if thy verse do brauely tower , as she makes wing , she gets power . yet the higher she doth sore , shee 's affionted still the more : till she to the high'st hath past , then she rests with fame at last . let nought therefore thee affright , but make forward in thy flight : for if i could match thy rime , to the very starres i 'de clime . there begin againe and flye till i reach'd aeternity . but ( alas ) my muse is slow : for thy pace she flagges too low : yes , the more 's her haplesse fate , her short wings were clipt of late . and poore i , her fortune ruing , am my selfe put vp a muing . but if i my cage can rid , i 'le flye where i neuer did . and though for her sake l'me crost , though my best hopes i haue lost , and knew she would make my trouble , ten times more then ten times double : i would loue and keepe her to , spight of all the world could doe . for though banisht from my flockes , and confin'd within these rockes , here i waste away the light , and consume the sullen night , she doth for my comfort stay , and keepes many cares away . though i misse the flowry fields , with those sweets the spring-tide yeelds , though i may not see those groues , where the shepheards chaunt their loues , and the lasses more excell , then the sweet-voyc'd philomel , though of all those pleasures past , nothing now remaines at last , but remembrance ( poore reliefe ) that more makes , then mends my griefe : she 's my minds companion still , maugre enuies euill will. ( whence she should be driuen to , wer 't in mortals power to do . ) she doth tell me where to borrow comfort in the mid'st of sorrow ; makes the desolatest place to her presence be a grace ; and the blackest discontents be her fairest ornaments . in my former dayes of blisse , her diuine skill taught me this , that from euery thing i saw , i could some inuention draw : and raise pleasure to her height , through the meanest obiects fight , by the murmur of a spring , or the least boughes rusteling . by a dazie whose leaues spred shut when tytan goes to bed , or a shady bush or tree , she could more infuse in mee , then all natures beauties can , in some other wiser man. by her helpe i also now , make this churlish place allow something 's , that may sweeten gladnesse in the very gall of sadnesse . the dull loanesse , the blacke shade , that these hanging vaults haue made , the strange musicke of the waues , beating on these hollow caues . this black den which rockes embosse , ouer-growne with eldest mosse . the rude portals that giue light , more to terror then delight . this my chamber of neglect , wal'd about with disrespect , from all these , and this dull aire , a fit obiect for despaire , shee hath taught me by her might to draw comfort and delight . therefore thou best earthly blisse i will cheris●… thee for this . poesie ; thou sweet'st content that ere heau'n to mortals lent . though they as a trifle leaue thee whose dull thoughts can not conceiue th●… though thou be to them a scorne that to nought but earth are borne : let my life no longer be , then i am in loue with thee . though our wise ones call it madnesse , let me neuer taste of gladnesse if i l●…ue not thy mad'st sits aboue all their greatest ●… its . and though some too seeming holy doe account thy raptures folly : thou dost teach me to contemne what makes knaues and fooles of them . o high power that oft doth carry men aboue , willy . good roget carry i doe feare thou wilt be gon quite aboue my reach anon , the kinde flames of poesy haue now borne thy thoughts so high , that they vp in heauen be and haue quite forgotten mee . call thy selfe to minde againe are these raptures for a swaine , that attends on lowly sheepe and with simple heards doth keepe ? roget . thank●…s my willy , i had runne till that time had log'd the sunne , if thou had'st not made me stay ; but thy pardon heere i pray . lou'd apollo's sacred sire has rais'd vp my spirits higher through the loue of poesy , then indeed they vse to flye . but as i said , i say still , if that i had will●…'s skill enuy nor detractions tongue , should ere make me leaue my song : but i 'de sing it euery day till they pin'd themselues away . bee thou then adui●…'d in this which both ●…ust and fitting is , finish what thou hast begunne or at least still forward runne : 〈◊〉 and thu●…der ill he 'le beare that a blast of winde doth feare : and if w●…rds will thus afray thee , prethee how will deeds dismay thee ? doe not thinke so rathe a song can passe through the vulgar throng , and escape without a touch , or that they can hurt it much : frosts we see d●…e 〈◊〉 that thing which is for●…ard's in the spring : yet at last for all such lets somewhat of the rest 〈◊〉 gets : and i 'me sure that so ●…aist thou , therefore my kinde willy now , s●…nce thy folding time 〈◊〉 on and i see thou mu●…t be gon , t●…ee i earnestly b●…seech to rememb●…r this m●… s●…ech , and some little couns●…ll 〈◊〉 , for thy poore friend rogets sake : and i more of this will 〈◊〉 , if th●…u come next holy-day . finis . to master w. f. of the middle temple . the fift eglogue . argvment . roget here alexis moues , to embrace the muses loues ; ▪ bids him neuer carefull seeme , of anothers disesteeme ▪ since to them it may suffize , that themselues can iustl●… prize . roget . alexis . alexis if thy worth doe not disdaine the humble friendship of a meaner 〈◊〉 or some more needful busines of the day vrge th●…e to be too hasty on thy way ; come ( g●…ntle shepheard ) rest thee here by me , vnder the shadow of this broad-leau'd tree : for though i seeme a stranger , yet mine eye obserues in thee the markes of curtesie : and if my iudgement erre not , noted too more then in those that ●…ore would seeme ●…o doe ; such vertues thy rare modesty doth hide which by their proper luster i ●…spy'd ; and though long mask'●… in silence they haue beene i haue a wisedome through that silence seene : yea , i haue learned knowledge from thy tongue , and heard when thou hast in concealement sung : which me the bolder and more willing made thus to inuit●… thee to this homely shade . and though ( it may be ) thou couldst neu●…r spye such worth in me , i might be knowne thereby , in thee i doe ; for here ●… y neighbouring sheepe vpon the border of these down●… i keepe : where often thou at pastorals and playes , hast grac'd our wakes on sommer holy dayes : and many a ●…ime with thee at this cold spring m●…rl , to heare your learned shepheards sing , saa them disporting in the shady grouc●… , and in chaste sonn●…ts ●…ooe their chaster loues : when i endued with the meanest skill , mongst others haue beene vrg'd to tune my quill , where cause but l●…ttle cunning i had got ) perhaps thou saw'st me , though thou knew'st me not alfxis . yes roget , i doe know thee and thy name , nor is my knowledge grounded all on fame , art not thou hee , that but this other yeere . s●…ard'st all the wolues and foxes in the sheere ? and in a ma●…ch at foot-ball lately try'd ( hauing scarce twenty satyres on thy side ) held'd pla●… : and though assailed , kept'st thy stand gainst all the best-try'd ruffi●…ns in the land ? did'st thou not then in dolesull sonnets mone , when the beloued of great pan was gone ; and at the wedding of faire thame & rhine , sing of their glories to thy valentine ? i know it , and i must confesse that long in one thing i did doe thy nature wrong : for till i markt the aime thy satyres had , i thought them ouerbold and roge●… mad ; but since i did mo●…e neerely on thee looke i soone perceiu'd that i had all mistooke ; i saw that of a cynicke thou mad'st show where since i finde that thou wert nothing so , and that of many thou much blame hadst got when as thy innocence deseru'd it not . but this too good opinion thou hast seem'd to haue of me ( not so to be esteem'd ) preuailes not ought to stay him who doth feare hee rather should reproofes then praises heare t is true , i found thee plaine and honest to , which made me like , then loue as now i doe . and roget though a stranger this i say where i d●…e loue i am not coy to stay . rog●…t . thankes gentle s●…aine that dost so soone vn●…olde what i to thee a●… gladly wo●…ld haue tolde and thus thy wonted curtesie exprest in 〈◊〉 entertaining this request : sure i should 〈◊〉 my o●…ne content or wrong thy loue to stand on complemen●… , who hast acquaintance in one word begunne as well as i could in an age haue done : or by an ou●…rweaning slownesse mar●…e what thy more wisedome hath brought on so farre then sit thou downe and il'●… my minde declare as free●… , as if wee familiars were : and i●… thou wilt but daigne ●…o giue me eare some●…hing thou maist f●…r thy more profit heare , alexis . willingly roget i thy wish obey . rog●…t . then know alexis from that very day when as i saw thee at that shepheards coate vvhere each i thinke o●… other tooke first noate , i meane that pastor who by tauies springs chast shephear●…s louc●… in sweetest numbers sing●… , and with his musicke ( to his greater fame ) hath late made proud the fairest nimph●… of thame . e'ne then mee thought i did espy in the●… some vnperceiu'd and hidden worth to be , which in thy more apparant vertues shin'd and among many i in thought deuin'd , by something my conceit had vnderstood that thou wert markt one of the muses brood , that made me loue thee : and that loue i beare begat a pitty , and that pitty care : 〈◊〉 i had to s●…e good parts conceal'd , care i had how to haue tha●… good r●…ueal'd , since ' 〈◊〉 a f●…u't 〈◊〉 no excuse to possesse much a●…d yet put nought in vs●… : heereon i vow'd ( if 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 eue●… 〈◊〉 the first 〈◊〉 that i would 〈◊〉 to g●…t should be but 〈◊〉 is , that ●…hou 〈◊〉 shew th●… skill , ho●… thou could'st ●…une thy ve●…ses to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : and teach thy muse in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 long , to she●… the art th●…u 〈◊〉 supprest so long : which if my new acquaintance may ob●…aine roget will euer honour this dayes gaine . 〈◊〉 . alas ! my small experienc●… scarce c●…n tell so much as where those 〈◊〉 the muses dwell , nor ( ●…hough my 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 trauels on ) shall i ere reach to drinke of hellicon ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so 〈◊〉 be to taste what 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ames but oue●…-flow in waste , an●… 〈◊〉 parnassus , wher●… it low'st doth lye , i ●…eare my skill would hardly flagge so hye . roget . d spayre not man , the gods haue 〈◊〉 nought so d●…ere that may not be with labour bought , nor need 〈◊〉 paine be great since fate and heauen that ( as a bl●…ssing ) at thy 〈◊〉 haue giuen . alexis . why say they had ? ro●…et . then vse their gifts thou must , or be vngratefull , and so be vniust : f●…r if it cannot tru●…y be deny'd , ingrati●…ude mens benefits doe hide ; then more vng●…atefull must he be by oddes who doth conceale the bounty o●… the g●…ds . roget . that 's true indeed , but enuy haunteth those who seeking fame their hidden skill disclose : where else they might ( obscur'd ) from her espying , escape the blasts and danger of enuying : critickes will censure our best straines of wit , and pu●…blinde ignorance misconster it . all which i●… bad , yet worse then this doth follow , most hate the muses , and contemne apollo . alexis . so let them : why should we their hate esteeme ? is 't not enough we of our selues can deeme ? t is more to their disgrace that we scorne them then vnto vs that they our art contemne ; can we haue better pastime then to see their grosse heads may so much deceiued be , as to allow those d●…ings best where wholly we 〈◊〉 them to their face , and flout their folly : or to behold blacke enuy in her prim●… , die selfe-consum'd whilst we vie liues with time : and in despight of her , more fame attaine th●…n all her malice can wipe out againe ? roget . yea but if i apply'd me to those straines , wh●… should driue forth my flocks vnto the plaines . which whilst the muses rest , and leasure craue , must ●…atering , folding , and attendance haue . for if i leaue with wonted care to cherish those tender heards : both i and they should perish al●…xis . alexis now i see thou dost mistake , there is no meaning thou thy charge forsake ; nor would i wish thee so thy selfe abuse as to neglect thy calling for thy muse : but let these two so of each other borrow , that they may scason mirth , and lessen sorrow . thy flocke will helpe thy charges to desray , thy muse to passe the long and tedious day . or whilst thou ●…un'st sweet measures to thy reed thy sheep to listen will more neere thee feed , the wolues will shun them , birds ●…boue thee sing , and lambkins dance about thee in a ring ; nay which is more : in this thy low estate thou in contentment shalt with monarkes mate : for mighty pan , and ceres to vs grants our fields and flockes shall helpe our outward wants . the muses teach vs songs to put off cares , grac'd with as rare and sweet conceits as theirs : and we can thinke our lasses on the greenes as faire , or fairer , then the fairest queenes ; or what is more then most of them shall doe , wee 'le make their iuster sames last ionger to , hauing our lines by greatest princes grac'd when both their name and memory 's defac'd . therefore alexis though that some disdaine the heauenly musicke of the rurall plaine , what is 't to vs , if they ( or'e seene ) contemne the dainties which were nere ordain'd for them ? and though that there be other some enuy the praises due to sacred poesie , let them disdaine and fret till they are weary , we in our selues haue that shall make vs merry : vvhich he that wants , and had the power to know it , vvould giue his life that he might dye a poet. alexis . a braue perswasion . roget . here thou see'st me pent vvithin the iawes of strict imprisonment ; a forlorne shepheard , voyd of all the meanes , whereon mans common hope in danger leanes : weake in my selfe . exposed to the hate of those whose enuyes are ins●…tiate : shut from my friends , banish'd from all delights , nay worse ; excluded from the sacred rites . here i doe liue ( mongst out-lawes markt for death ) as one vnfit to draw the common breath , where those who to be good did neuer know are barred from the meanes should make them so . i suffer , cause i wish'd my countrey well , and what i more must beare i cannot tell . i 'me sure they giue my body little scope , and would allow my minde as little hope , i wast my meanes , which of it selfe is slender , consume my time ( perhaps my fortunes hinder ) and many crosses haue , which those that can conceaue no wrong that hurts another man will not take note of , though if halfe so much should light on them , or their owne person touch , some that themselues ( i feare ) most worthy thinke with all their helpes would into basenesse shrinke , but spight of hate , and all that spight can doe , i ●…an be patient yet , and merry to ; that s●…nder muse of mine , by which my name , though scarce deseru'd hath gaind a little fame , hath made me vnto such a fortune borne , that all misfortunes i know how to scorne ; yea , midst these bands can sleight the great'st that be as much as their disdaine misteemes of me . this caue whose very presence some affrights i haue oft made to eccho forth delights , and hope to turne , is any iustice be , both shame and care on those that wisht it me : for while the world ranck villanies affords . i will not spare to paint them out in words ; because i thus into these troubles runne , i knew what man could act , e're i begun ; and i 'le fulfill what my muse drawes me to , maugre all iayles , and purgatories to . for whil ▪ st she 〈◊〉 me honest 〈◊〉 about ▪ 〈◊〉 or shee i know will 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…ut : and if by fate 〈◊〉 power of some , must in the worlds eve leaue me ouercome . they shall finde one 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ●…o 〈◊〉 i ●…ow , it cannot ●…eele a 〈◊〉 ouerthrow . this hope and trust that great power did in●…use , that first inspir'd into my brest ●… 〈◊〉 , by whom i doe , and euer will con●… all these ill h●… , my foes desp●… , and them . alexis . thou hast so well ( young roget ) plavd thy part i am almost in loue with that sweet art : and if some power will but 〈◊〉 my song ▪ alexis will not be obscured long . roget . enough kinde pastor : but oh ▪ yonder see two honest shepheards walking h●…ther be , c●…ty and willy , that so dearely loue , who are repayring vnto yonder groue : let 's follow them ▪ for neuer brauer swaines made musicke to their f●…ockes vpon these plaines . they are more worthy , and can better tell what ●…are contents doe with a poet dwell . then whiles our sheep the short sweet grasse do shear , and till the long shade of the hils appeare ▪ wee'l●… heare them sing : for though the one be yong , neuer was any that more sweetly sung . finis . a postscript to the readers . if you haue read this , and receiued any content , i am glad ( though it be not so much as i could wish you , ) if you thinke it idle , why then i see wee are not likely to fall out ; for i am iust of your mindes : yet weigh it well before you runne too farre in your censures , least this proue lesse barren of wit then you of courtesie . it is very true ( i know not by what chance ) that i haue of late beene so highly beholding to opinion , that i wonder how i crept so much into her fauour , and ( if i did thinke it worthy the fearing , ) i should be afraid that shee hauing so vndeseruedly befriended me beyond my hope or expectation , will , vpon as little cause , ere long , againe pick some quarrell against me : and it may be , meanes to make vse of this , which i know must needs come farre short of their expectation , who by their earnest desire of it seem'd to be fore-possest with a farre better conceit then i can beleeue it proues worthy of . so much atleast i doubted , and therefore loath to deceiue the world ( though it often beguile me ) i kept it to my selfe , indeed not dreaming euer to see it published : but now , by the ouermuch perswasion of some friends , i haue beene constrayned to expose it to the generall view . vvhich seeing i haue done , something 's i desire thee to take notice of . first , that i am hee vvho to pleasure my friend , haue fram'd my selfe a content out of that vvhich vvould otherwise discontent me . secondly , that i haue coueted more to effect what i thinke truely honest in it selfe , then by a seeming show of art , to catch the vaine blasts of vncertaine opinion . this that i haue here vvritten , vvas no part of my study , but onely a recreation in imprisonment : and a trifle , neyther in my conceit fitting , not by me intended to be made common ; yet some , and it should seeme esteeming it worthy more respect then i did , tooke paines to copie it out , vnknowne to me , and in my absence got it both authorized and prepared for the presse ; so that if i had not hindred it , last michaelmas-tearme had beene troubled with it . i was much blamed by some friends for withstanding it , to whose request i should more easily haue consented , but that i thought ( as indeed i yet doe ) i should thereby more disparage my selfe , then content them . for i doubt i shall be supposed one of those , who out of their arrogant desire of a little preposterous fame , thrust into the world euery vnseasoned trifle that drops out of their vnsetled braines ; whose basenesse how much i hate , those that know mee can vvitnesse , for if i vvere so affected , i might perhaps present the vvorld with as many seuerall poems as i haue seene yeeres ; and iustly make my selfe appeare to be the author of some things that others haue shamefully vsurped and made vse of as their owne . but i will be content other men should owne some of those issues of the braine , for i would be loth to confesse all that might in that kinde call me father . neyther shall any more of them , by my consent , in hast againe trouble the world , vnlesse i know which vvay to benefit it vvith lesse preiudice to my owne estate . and therefore if any of those lesse serious poems which are already disperst into my friends hands , come amongst you , let not their publication be imputed to mee , nor their lightnesse be any disparagement to vvhat hath beene since more seriously written , seeing it is but such stuffe as riper iudgements haue in their far older yeeres beene much more guilty of . i know an ▪ indifferent critticke may finde many faults as well in the sleightnesse of this present subiect , as in the erring from the true nature of an eglogue : moreouer , it altogether concernes my selfe , vvhich diuers may dislike . but neyther can be done on iust cause : the first hath beene answered already : the last might consider that i vvas there vvhere my owne estate vvas chiefely to be looked vnto , and all the comfort i could minister vnto my selfe little enough . if any man deeme it worthy his reading , i shall be glad : if hee thinke his paynes ill bestow'd , let him blame himselfe for medling with that concerned him not ; i neyther recommended it to him , neyther cared whether he read it or no , because i know those that vvere desirous of it , will esteeme the same as much as i expect they should . but it is not vnlikely , some vvill thinke i haue in diuers places beene more wanton ( as they take it ) then befitteth a satyrist ; yet their seueritie i feare not , because i am assured all that i euer yet did , was free from obseaeuitie : neyther am i so cynicall , but that i thinke a modest expression of such amorous conceits as sure with reason , will yet very well become my yeeres ; in which not to haue feeling of the power of loue , were as great an argument of much stupiditie , as an ouer-sottish affection were of extreame folly . lastly , if you thinke it hath not well answered the title of the shepheards hunting , goe quarrell with the stationer , who bid himselfe god-father , and imposed the name according to his owne liking , and if you , or he , finde any other faults , pray mend them . valete . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e * hopes . the nature of man a learned and usefull tract written in greek by nemesius, surnamed the philosopher; sometime bishop of a city in phœnicia, and one of the most ancient fathers of the church. englished, and divided into sections, with briefs of their principall contents: by geo: wither. on the nature of man. english nemesius, bp. of emesa. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the nature of man a learned and usefull tract written in greek by nemesius, surnamed the philosopher; sometime bishop of a city in phœnicia, and one of the most ancient fathers of the church. englished, and divided into sections, with briefs of their principall contents: by geo: wither. on the nature of man. english nemesius, bp. of emesa. wither, george, - . [ ], , [ ] p. printed by m[iles] f[lesher] for henry taunton in st. dunstans churchyard in fleetstreet, london : . a translation of: peri physeōs anthrōpou. title page printed in red and black. printer's name from stc. the first leaf is blank. only quire a has vertical chain lines. running title reads: of the nature of man. reproduction of the original in the university of illinois (urbana-champaign campus). library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng human beings -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - jonathan blaney sampled and proofread - jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the natvre of man. a learned and usefull tract ▪ written in greek by nemesius , surnamed the philosopher ; sometime bishop of a city in phoenicia , and one of the most ancient fathers of the church . englished , and divided into sections , with briefs of their principall contents : by geo : wither . london : printed by m. f. for henry taunton in st. dunstans churchyard in fleetstreet . . to his most learned and much honoured friend , iohn ●●den esquire . sir , i am not carefull to annexe your other titles : for they are not so much honour to you , as they are honoured by you ; and your bare name sounds more honorably in my judgment , then that which the breath of others can adde unto it . i have made bold therefore ( though without your knowledge ) to send abroad with your name prefixed , this ancient greek father , newly taught to speak english ; that hee may receive your approbation where hee well expresseth his meaning , and your correction hereafter where hee proves defective ; for , i presumed you might by this meanes be provoked to the perusall thereof , notwithstanding your many studies . your candor , and singular humanity , make mee confident in this attempt ; for though my author be a stranger to most moderne students , you ( from whom no such worthie is obscured ) are his familiar acquaintance ; and in whose name could i have more properly brought this auncient among my country-men ( to be entertained with respect ) then in yours , who are the truest lover of antiquities ; and hee , who hath best shewed the right use of them to this age ? i think not you to be any whit honoured by this dedication ; but , ●hat i have rather magnified my selfe in making it an occasion to signifie that i have so noble a friend . yet without all such respects , i have done this , meerely to content my self , in that which i thought could not justly discontent you ; and , to say truth , having a long time loved your person , and honoured your worth , it is now an ease , and a delight to mee , to expresse it by this occasion . and , you have not been pretious to mee without cause : for , i being one of those , who preposterously , begin to write before they learne , you might justly enough have reputed mee worthy of contempt onely , when i was first presented to your acquaintance . neverthelesse , ( perceiving , it may be that the affections of my heart were sound , though the fruits of my braine were defective ) you vouchsafed mee a friendly , and a frequent familiarity : whereby i got opportunities both to rectifiemy judgement , and encrease my vnderstanding in many things . were the same humble affability in those , ( whom a lesse degree of knowledge hath vainly puffed up , to the corrupting of them into that , which is worse then ignorance ) they might have beene more beloved ; and perhaps , more wise men then they are . to amend them & to encourage others to the like vertue , i have testified this of you , and in that , shall perchance , adde somewhat to your honour . i have lately confined my selfe to my rustick habitation , in that part of this kingdome , which is famous for the best of those meats , wherewith the poet martial invited his friend : pallens faba , cum rubenti lardo : yet it hath not made mee so meer a corydon , but that i relish the delicates of the mvses ; and retaine some ambition to be continued in your esteem . and , sir , wheresoever i am , you shall ever be remembred , and beloved of your unfained friend , and true honourer , geo : wither . from my cottage , under the beacon hill neere farnham . may . . a preface to the reader , concerning the author of this book ; touching the contents thereof , and the translation of the same , &c. considering how many professe knowledge , few have attained the right way of it : and , those few are so much employed in labouring to keep the truth from being smothered among the heaps of impertinent volumes ; and compelled to spend so much time in weeding out heresies , and in discovering the fallacies of error , that they cannot so improve themselves and others , as else they might . upon the foundations laid by the prophets , and apostles , many sacred buildings , were with comely uniformity erected by the primitive doctors of the church ; and , in every future generation somewhat was , now and then , added ( by the worthies of their times ) according to the first patterns ; and upon such occasions or necessities , as required the same , to the continuing and enlarging of divine knowledge . but , wee in this last age have blinded the same with confused opinions ; and heaped upon them so many tedious commentaries , so many false glosses , and needlesse treatises ; that students half outrun their course , before they can passe through that rubbish , which obscures from them the directest paths , and fairest monuments of truth . yea , some of our later paper-works are so plaistered , glazed , painted , and sophisticated , according to the vanity of our newfangled-humours : and , othersome , are so durtily slubbered over , sutably to the homelinesse of our moderne-fancies : that the first insinuates a false beleefe , or a superstitious faith , to the disadvantage and dishonour of ancient simplicity : the later , a prophane neglect of all piety & good order . a good meanes ( as i conceive ) to prevent such inconveniences , is to bring into more frequent view , the writings of these ancients who lived so neer to the apostles , that they cannot be justly suspected , as favourers , or parties to the factions of these later ages . for , many of them , are ( if not altogether unknown ) very rarely perused , by reason of the numberlesse novelties , which have wearied the presses , and filled the libraries of europe . or , if an ancient peece , be accidentally discovered in this wildernesse of inventions , ( by our students of the later editions ) they seldome bring it , honestly , to light : but , either mangle it , as they please ; or steale as much of it , as is generally plausible to trim , and stuffe out those volumes , by which they purchase an undue opinion of being learned . the rest , they endevour to rake up againe in obscurity ; that their theft may be hidden : or , ( which is worse ) that those truths which they understand not , ( or favour not ) may be weakned . for this cause , it well became us to revive , now and then , those ancients , whose wisedome is usefull to moderate our controversies . some , have already laboured happily in this way . and , i ( who may well enough be reputed among such as have increased those treatises , which keep more profitable books from being frequently perused ) doe now desire to make some satisfaction for the same : and , to that end , have published in english this tract of nemesius . who was one of the champions of the christian faith , whose labours have been famously profitable in former times . though few are , now adayes , acquainted with him , you shall find him among the most ancient greek fathers : and , this tract of his ( which is pertinent to every member of man-kinde capable of book-knowledge ) was heretofore so wel esteemed , as to have been twice interpreted , out of greek into latine , ( viz. ) by georgius valla placentinus , and nacasius ellebodius , of whose interpretations i have made use . this author was as honourable in his generation , as those that are more voluminous , and more frequently named : for , he was not onely so eminent for his naturall philosophy , as to be called ( by way of excellency ) nemesius the philosopher ; but , so good a moralist also , and so expert in the lawes of the romane empire , that , the most reverend , learned and devout father gregorie nazian : ( among whose poems are verses written to this nemesius ) hath highly magnified him , both for his learning , and uprightnesse : and left it witnessed , likewise , that he was dignified with a presidentship in cappadocia . when those verses were first written to our author , he had not embraced the christian faith. for , hee was by them invited thereunto : and their invitation seemed to have taken so good effect , that he became a happy beleever ; an eminent champion in the christian warfare ; a bishop of a city in phoenicia , about the times of the emperours valens and theodosius . some have doubted whether he were the same nemesius mentioned by gregorie ; onely , because he was a lawyer & a temporall magistrate : but questionlesse hee that was once an infidell , and afterward a beleever , might aswell have been , also , a divine , and a bishop , after he had exercised the functions of a lawyer and a iudge ; seeing it is no new matter , that they should execute a double-calling , who have received a double portion of the spirit . for , in all ages , ( since princes became nursing-fathers of the church ) it hath been usuall for emperours , kings , and other free states , to make use of their gifts , in temporall iudicatures , and in other publike affaires , of whose wisedome , and faithfulnesse , they had experience in ecclesiasticall governments : yea , and it was no strange thing for men of say professions , to be called from common affaires , to assume sacred orders . and ( though some are undiscreetly offended thereat ) it is not onely both convenient and comely , that ecclesiasticall persons ( who neither desire , nor ambitiously affect such employments ) should be , sometime , invited and authorized by their soveraigns , to joyne unto their spirituall charge , an industrious care of the temporall welfare . but it so happeneth otherwhile , also , that this double authority , ( though it double the imployment ) proveth so farre from being over-burthensome , or a hinderance to the due execution of the first single calling , that hee upon whō it is conferred , is thereby the better enabled to mannage both for the generall advantage : and we finde this double calling , to have been so often , so commendably , and so successefully practised in the most flourishing times , both of iewish , and christian commonweales ; that it may be still warrantably imitated , so often as soveraign power shall be pleased therewithall . our nemesius ( whose manifold employments , and gifts of the spirit , have perhaps , occasioned this digression , to some good purpose ) embraced the christian faith , and received his episcopall dignity ( as it seemes by circumstances ) long after his presidentship : for , as by the words of gregorie may be collected , he had given faire testimonies both of his prudence and vprightnesse in that office , before his conversion : and his faithfulnes in the emploiment of that single talent ; first vouchsafed , by the common grace , was rewarded with a large encrease , through the speciall favour of god , as the sequele hath declared . the authors whom he nameth ( none of them having lived since the emperours aforementioned ) are a probable argument of his antiquitie ; and so likewise , is the scope of this treatise , and his manner of handling the same : for , according to this command , when thou art converted , strengthen thy brethren ; the learned converts of the primitive church , endevoured to fortifie their profession ( against the many heathen philosophers who did then oppose it ) by turning the weapons of those enemies of christianity against themselves ; even by fooling their carnall wisedome , in their owne logicall reasonings ; and by the principles of their own philosophie . and in this performance , our author was both faithfull and painefull ; as will appeare by the following tract , worthy to be preserved and perused in all generations . for in what age , will the knowledge of the humane nature bee impertinent , or to what person of that kinde ? nay , what knowledge , save the knowledge of god is more pertinent ? or , how can god be well knowne , by him , that knoweth not himselfe ? it is that knowledge which this booke teacheth ; and in my opinion the ignorance of rightly knowing our owne nature is one maine cause of the many absurdities , and unreasonable controversies which distract these times , yea , the ignorance thereof is a principall cause that so many wickedly blaspheme god , & unthankfully accuse him ( without cause ) of being niggardly towards them in the talents of nature ; and in requiring that of them , which hee hath not given them ability to performe . hence ariseth it also , that some consequently , and some directly make our good god the author of all sinne ; and man , not properly an agent , but a patient only in committing evill . from this ignorance , likewise it proceedeth , that wee neither husband the gifts of nature ( which is gods common grace ) nor endevour as we ought to doe , according to that ability which we have received : whereas , if wee knew what were given into our power , and what not ; i think we should not so often , ( as many of us doe ) foolishly denie our essentiall propertie ; but beleeve and worke , according to sanctified reason . though our originall nature were so depraved by our first parents fall , that wee lost our well-beeing ; yet wee lost not our naturall-beeing , nor those faculties , which made us capable of being renewed by speciall grace , when it should be tendred unto us . though we fell very low , & were in a downfall , in which we should never have left sinking ; and from which wee could never have raised our selves , by any power remaining in our selves ; yet we were not at the lowest by our grand-fathers offence . for , the mercy of god , even iesvs christ , stayed us from falling so low , as we had else tumbled ; and from loosing absolutely our rationality , or any thing essentiall thereunto , by that transgression . yea , though the will , and every other powre of the soul were so maimed and bruized by the first adam , that , like a broken watch , their motions would have been still worse and worse , till they had utterly perished ; and should never have moved rightly of themselves , ( nor by any other meanes ) unless the second adam , had , at least , benefited us without our owne righteousnesse , as much as the first adam harmed us , without our personall sinne : yet , no man lost by the first transgression , so much , as hee may lose by his own fault . by the first sinne , wee lost , indeed , our light , but not our eyes . and therefore , when god sent the light of mankind into the world , hee reprobated those , onely , who rejected it . and why ? not because they saw it not ; but because they loved it not . for , that they saw it , is manifest by that place , which said , it enlightens every one which commeth into the world . yea , the reprobate jews could not deny but that they saw it ; for , our saviour told them , that , if they could have truely denyed to have seene this light , they should not have had their sins imputed unto them : which , ( under correction ) i take to be the meaning of his words . now , if they saw it , wee may truely inferre that they received of his fulnesse , that common grace , and the preservation of every naturall faculty , so far forth , as might have enabled them , to become the sons of god ; whereas , by the neglect of that single talent , they became losers of more then adam lost them ; even to lose the right use of their naturall faculties , and to be of a reprobate sense ; having eyes , that see not : eares , that heare not : and hearts as void of understanding , as the beast that perisheth . and , all this comes to passe through want of considering , what is taught in this book , even for want of knowing what power wee have given us , and how wee are to exercise that power . let no man , therefore , despise this meanes of instruction , nor prejudicately conceive ( because it may have some expressions unsutable to their opinions ) that nature is here magnified above grace , or in any measure equalled thereunto : or , that any power is thereto ascribed , derogating from the free mercy of god. far is it from our authors intention : and for ever , far be it from me , to become an instrument of publishing such doctrines . there is not ( in my judgement ) one syllable in this tract , which tendeth not to the glorifying of god's grace to mankinde . for , whatsoever is ascribed to man , as being primarily in him by nature , is acknowledged to be the gracious gift of god : that which is affirmed to be left in him , since the fall , is confessed to have been justly forfeited , and yet preserved in him , by the free grace of the same god : the good effects of all those faculties , which are affirmed in mans power , were not ( in my understanding ) so much as thought , by this author , ( nor are they so conceived by me ) to be wrought at any time without the continuall assistance of the holy spirit : neither is the naturall power of man , or the excellency of his nature , here set forth for mans owne glory , or that he should arrogate anything to himselfe : but , that god's first and second grace vouchsafed unto us , might the more manifestly appeare . and that it might not be onely said , but made evident , also , that the sinne and unhappinesse of every man , is of himselfe , and not of god : all which is implyed ( though not directly expressed ) by the scope of this booke . they affirme in effect , this blasphemy , that every sinne is god's , ( though in word they professe never so violently against it ) who will not allow that man ( as this treatise declareth ) hath some things naturally in his owne power . for , unlesse that be granted , hee should have as little sinne , as righteousnesse of his owne : and beasts or blocks might as well be reputed righteous , or sinfull , & as justly be termed reasonable-creatures , as men : yea , and many other absurdities are beleeved and occasioned , by the ignorance of that , which is here taught . besides that , which is the maine scope of this booke , divers brief testimonies of ancient truths ( lately suspected of novelty ) are here and there , occasionally inserted ; yea , and to some in these dayes , that which was the prime intention of this discourse is , yet , as pertinent as when it was first written : for , there are not only as many still ignorant of their own nature as heretofore ; but , the same stoicall divinity , here opposed , and confuted , is , in some branches , so largely sprouted up againe , that , they are supposed to be ancient & orthodoxe principles of christianity ; and so are they cryed up by a multitude of modern voices , that few beleeve , antiquity ever mentioned ought in contradiction to what they fancie to be the truth . to make it appeare otherwise , this father of the church speakes now in english , what he spake in greek much above a thousand yeares past : and therefore , though it were true ( which as yet , i beleeve not ) that some of the later times have as learnedly handled the same subject ; yet , because the noblenes of truth , is other while suspected , when her pedigree is obscured , i thought it not in vaine , to help to discover her antiquitie , by the publication of this author . you have him ( if i am not much deceived ) according to his genuine sense , though not every where grammatically interpreted ; for that were but to play the part of a pedant . and because a shew of tediousnes , might make the same lesse profitable , i have not only caused him to speak as briefly and as plainly to the meanest capacities , as i possibly could , ( which is not easie in a subject of this nature ) but to prevent wearisomenes , and render it the more usefull , i have divided the longest chapters , into equall sections ; & before every chapter and section , summed up the principall contents of the same . which will bee easefull unto those who have not leasure to read out long continued discourses ; especially when they have some speedy occasion to collect the testimonies of antiquitie . now that i may every way ( as much as in me lieth ) keep my nemesius from being either misconceived , or misreputed ; i beseech my common readers , to bee very heedfull in the perusall of him , least through want of understanding in themselves , they censure him to be an author not intelligible , ( as it hath pleased them to censure a learned writer now living ) for such halfe witted people , as are neither capable of the mysteries of nature , nor of such tearms , as may properly expresse them , should learne to know , before they presume to censure : which will never bee attained , without humility & some diligence . let them please to be heedfull also , when this author speaks in his own person , and when in the person of others : for , sometime he bringeth in arguments , and continued disputes , out of ethnick philosophers , ( with all their circumstances , to confute their fellowes ; and if it be not well observed when hee so doth , some heathenish proposition , ( interlaced therewith ) may be wrongfully taken for his opinion : and , perhaps also a well meaning expression may bee misunderstood , contrary to the minde of the authour , by a little obscurity in the text , or by want of heeding , how his intention may be discovered in other passages of the same booke . nemesius hath heretofore suffred in this kinde , even by no worse men , then his two latine interpreters ; and one of them hath charged him with being of their opinion , who beleeved the transmigration of soules , whereof hee was no way guilty , as may be made probable , not only by sundry expressions in this tract ; but by those words also , from whence this misconceit arose ; they being interpreted , as i understand them . they are to be found about the beginning of the seaventh section of the second chapter , and speake to this effect . iamblicus ( saith he ) hath affirmed in his booke called monobiblon , that the changing of soules never hapneth from men to unreasonable creatures , nor from unreasonable creatures to men : but from beasts , to beasts , and from men , to men ▪ and in so saying , hee hath not only conjectured very well of platoes opinion , but of the truth it selfe . by these last words , nemesius hath seemed to justifie the opinion , both of iamblicus , & plato , touching transmigration of soules . now this clause i have understood as if it said thus , rather : and in so saying , hee hath not only well guessed , but in my judgement expressed the very truth of platoes opinion . let the learned judge , whether the greek words will not well enough beare this version ( though not in a strict grammaticall sense ) especially since the context proves his opinion concerning the soule to be the same which is generally beleeved among christians , for my part , till i see more cause to suspect the contrary , i shall alway so conceive of it . that which is mentioned by another concerning his opinion touching the soules preexistence before the bodie , is not a matter of faith , or so precisely decided , as that he or we are ( for ought i know ) obliged , to be peremptorily for it , or against it ; and therefore i my self have not yet so much thought upon it as to resolve which way to encline : or what to answer for him . if any man can assure me whether part is without errour , that will i embrace ; and i am perswaded so would nemesius have done , if any man could have proved unto him that his opinion was erroneous , in that point ; which if others beleeve of him , ( as they have no just cause to the contrary ) no more needes to be spoken of this matter . if any be offended that hee argues philosophically , rather then by proofs of scripture , and citeth moses not as a divine prophet , but a wiseman ; let them consider , that hee had such to contest withall , as neither beleeved the scriptures , nor ascribed more unto moses , or any other , then the reasonablenesse of their affections seemed to deserve ; the alledging of scripture , therefore , to such men , had been to cast pearles to swine , and more to the derision , then to the honour of his cause . this course was practiced by the apostles themselves ; to the iewes and beleeving gentiles , they brought the testimony of the prophets : but to unbeleevers , they cited their owne poets , or convinced them by reason . had our author argued with christians , the holy scriptures onely , should have been judges of their controversies : for he himselfe saith , cap. . sect. . to us the doctrine of the divine scriptures are al-sufficient , &c. but against those who embrace not the scriptures ( as wee christians doe ) we must prove by demonstration , &c. in these times , there be many , who though they deny not the letter of the scriptures , yet they doe as bad ( or worse rather ) for they deny the true sense of them , and make interpretations according to their owne lusts and fancies . to these also , the holy scriptures are impertinent proofs , till by some reasonable demonstrations we can make them understand and confesse their true meaning : and some of these have so long , and so violently professed against reason , as unusefull in the consideration of the divine mysteries , that there is little hope either to work upon them by a rationall dispute , or to convince them by divine authority , till god shall forgive their deniall and abuse of his common graces , upon true repentance for the same ; and restore the vnderstanding which is worthily darkned by that sinne : and for enlightning whereof , this treatise , may perhaps become helpfull . other things might bee here declared , to prevent prejudice , and to shew forth the use and profitablenesse of this booke : but lest they make this preface over-large , i wil here conclude , and commit all to gods blessing . geo : wither . percurri librum bunc denaturâ hominis , in quo nihil reperio sanae fidei , aut bonis moribus contrarium . tho : weekes , r. p. episc . lond. cap. domest . nemesivs of the nature of man. cap. . sect . . i. the definition of man : a quaere touching the understanding ; and the opinions of plotinus , apollinarius , aristotle & plato concerning the sovl & body of man. ii. man partaking in somewhat with every creature , is a medium knitting together the whole creation , & a manifestation of the unity of the creator of all things . iii. the agreement , and comely order of god's works , of all which man is the true epitome . good men , ( and of those not a few ) have defined man to consist of an vnderstanding soul and a body ; and so true is this definition , that it may seeme he could not otherwise be , well , defined . yet , when wee terme him an vnderstanding soul , it may appeare doubtfull to some , whether the vnderstanding comming to the soul ( as one distinct thing comes to another ) did beget vnderstanding in the soul ; or , whether the soul doth naturally contain in it self this understanding , as the most excellent part thereof ; and , as being the same to the soul , which the eie is to the body . there be some , ( and of this opinion is plotinus ) who thinking the soul to be one thing , and the body another , doe therfore affirme , that man is composed of these three , a soul , a body , and vnderstanding . of this mind also was apollinarius bishop of laodicea : for , having laid this , as the foundation of his own opinion , he made the rest of his building agreeable to the same groundwork . others there are who divide not the vnderstanding from the soul in this manner ; but suppose rather , that the vnderstanding is a principall of the soules essence . aristotle conjectures that a certain potentiall understanding was made together with man , which might become actuall in time ; and that the understanding which commeth to us from without , ( and whereby we acquire an actuall knowledge ) pertains not to the naturall essence of the soul ; but , assisteth in the knowledge and speculation of things : by which means it comes to passe , that very few , or none , but men addicted to the study of wisdome , are thought capable of this actuall understanding . plato seems to affirm that man consists not of a double essence ; that is to say , joyntly of a soul and a body : but rather , that he is a soul , using ( as it were instrumentally ) such a body : and perhaps by fixing the mind upon that only , which is the most excellent part of man , he seeks to draw us to such a serious consideration of our selves ( and of the divine nature ) as might win us , the better , to pursue vertue , godlinesse , and such good things as are in the soul : or else by perswading that we are ( essentially ) nothing else but soul , hee would , peradventure , allure us to renounce the desires of the body , as things not primarily pertinent to man as man ; but , chiefely belonging to him , as he is a living creature ; and so , by consequence appertaining to him as he is a man , in regard man is a living-creature . and it is indeed confessed ( not much otherwise ) of all men , that the soul is far more to be esteemed then the body : and that the body is but as it were an instrument moved by the soul , as is evident in death . for if thereby the soul be divided from the body it is immediately as much without motion , as a workmans tools when hee hath cast them aside . this is manifest , that man in some things participates with creatures void of life ; and that he is partaker also of life , as those living-creatures be , which are unreasonable : and that he is indowed likewise with understanding , as are creatures reasonable . with inanimate creatures man partakes in this , that he hath a body , and in his mixture of the foure elements . he agrees with plants , not onely in that which is afore-mentioned , but in having also both a nourishing and a feeding-power . his coherence with unreasonable creatures ( over and above all the former particulars ) is , in having a certaine voluntary motion , appetite , anger , and a power enabling him to feele and breathe : for all these are common both to men and unreasonable creatures . furthermore , he communicates with intelligent incorporeall natures , in reasoning , understanding , judging , and in pursuing vertue and a good life , which is the chief end of all vertues . these things considered , man standeth in such a being as comprehends the sensible and intelligible nature . in respect of his bodily powers , and of his bodily substance ( which is subject unto sense ) hee agrees both with living-creatures , and with things void of life . in respect of his reasonable part he communicates with substances which are bodilesse ( or spirituall ) as hath been said before : for , god the creator of all things , hath seemed by little and little so to collect and knit together sundry differing natures , that all created things should become one and indeed , it will be a manifest proofe unto us , that there is but one creator of all things , if we well consider how fitly he hath united the substance of individuall things by their particular parts ; and all the severall species ( thorowout the world ) by an excellent sympathie . for , as in every living creature hee hath joyned the parts insensible with such as have sense in them ( as bones , fatt , haire , ( and other insensible parts ) to the flesh and sinewes ( which are sensible ) compounding the living-creature both of sensible and insensible portions ; and declaring that all these together make but one living-creature : even so he hath joyned one to another , every particular species which was created , by ordering and compounding that agreement and disagreement which is in their natures ; in so much that things inanimate doe not greatly differ from plants which have in them a vegitative and nourishing life ; neither are plants wholy differing from sensible living creatures void of reason ; nor are those unreasonable creatures so alienated in all things from creatures indowed with reason , as that they have no naturall allyance or similitude , whereby they may be linked one to another . for even in stones ( which are inanimate creatures , not having in them , for the most part , so much as a vegitative life ) there is otherwise a certaine power , making them to differ from each other even in their stony properties : but the loadstone seemeth very far to exceed the nature and vertue of other stones , in that it both attracts iron thereunto , and also detaineth it ( being so attracted ) as if it would be nourished thereby . neither doth it exercise this vertue upō one peece of iron alone ; but , by that one peece , linketh fast another , and imparteth his owne power to all other peeces which are contiguous thereunto : yea iron draweth iron , when it is touched by the loadstone . moreover , when the creator passed from plants to living-creatures , he rushed not ( as we may say ) all at once , into things whose nature is to remove from place to place ; and , to such as are indowed with sense : but , he proceeded , rather , by degrees , and by a naturall and most comely progression . for , the shell-fishes called pinnae , and vrticae , are so made as if they were certain plants , having sense in them for , he fastned them in the sea with roots , and covered them also with shells as with bark . and , as therein he made them to participate with plants ; so , he gave them likewise ( in some measure ) the feelingsense , which is common to living-creatures . they agree with plants in being rooted and fixed , and they communicate with living-creatures in their feeling in like manner the sponge ( though it be rooted in the rocks ) is of it self , opened and contracted , according as the passenger approcheth toward it , or departeth frō it . and therefore , wise men have anciently termed such things 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , in english , life-plants , if by a new word i may so name that which is partly a living-creature , and partly a plant. after the fishes called pinnae , he proceeded unto those , which ( being unable to passe far from their station ) doe move onely to and fro within some certaine space , such as are the most part of those , which have shells , and are called the bowels of the earth . he went further , and added ( in the like maner , ) something to every thing in particular ( as to some things more senses ; and to some other , more ability to remove themselves from place to place ; ) and , came next to those unreasonable-creatures which are more-perfect . those , i call more-perfect-creatures , which have obtained all the senses , and , can also remove themselves to places far distant . and when god passed from unreasonable-creatures to man ( a creature indowed with reason ) he did not perfect him in himself , ( and , as it were , all at once ; ) but , first , ingraffed into some other living-creatures , certain naturall wiles , sleights , and devises for the saving of themselves , which , make them seeme to be almost reasonable-creatures : and , having done all this , he , then , brought forth man , which is , indeed , the true reasonable-creature . the same order ( if it bee well considered ) will appeare in the voice , which from the noise of horses & oxen is brought , by little and little , from one plaine simple sound , unto the voices of crowes and nightingales , ( whose voices consisting of many notes , can imitate what they are taught ) and , so , by degrees it is terminated in the articulate voice of man , which is distinct and perfect . furthermore hee made the various expressions of the tongue to depend upon the minde , and upon reason ; ordaining the speech to publish forth the motions of the minde : and , in this wise , by a sweet musicall proportion , hee ( collecting all things together ) incorporated all into one ; aswell , things intelligible , as things visible , and , made man as a meanes thereunto . sect . . i. why man was first made , and why he hath in him somewhat of the nature of all creatures . ii. man is the bounder between visible and intellectuall things , and becomes either an earthly or spirituall man , according as he is inclined to good or evill . a distinction between the goods of the mind and body ; and betweene the life of man as he is man , and as he is meerly a living creature . iii. the opinion of the hebrews touching the mortality and immortality of man. these things considered , moses in expressing the creation of the world , did very properly affirme that man was last made . not only , because all things being made for man , it was most convenient , that all such things ought first to bee provided , which were necessarily pertinent to his use ; and that he who was to have the use of them , should afterward be created : but , in respect both intellectuall and visible substances , were created , it seemed also convenient that one should be made , by whom those two natures should be so united together , that the whole world might become one ; and be in it owne selfe so agreeable , that the same might not bee at variance , or estranged from it selfe . even to this end , was man made such a living-creature , as might joyne together both natures , and ( to summe up all in a word ) therein was manifested the admirable wisdome of the universall creator . now man being placed ( as it were ) in the bounds betweene the reasonable-nature , and that which is irrationall ; if he incline to the bodie , setling the maine part of his affectiō upon corporal things ; he chuseth and embraceth the life of unreasonable-creatures ; and , for that cause , shall be numbred among them , and be called ( as saint paul terms him ) an earthly man , to whom it shall be thus said , earth thou art , and to earth thou shalt returne : yea by this meanes he becomes ( as the psalmist affirms ) like the beast which hath no understanding . but , if he incline rather to the reasonable part , and contemning bodily lusts and pleasures , shall make choice to follow that blessed and divine life which is most agreeable unto man , he shall , then , be accounted a heavenly man , according to that saying ; such as the earth is , such are they that are earthly ; such as the heavenly are , such are they that are heavenly : and indeed that which principally pertaineth unto the reasonable-nature , is to avoid and oppose evill , and love and follow that which is good. of good things some are common both to the soul and to the body ( of which sort the vertues are ) and these have a relation unto the soul , in respect of the use which it maketh of the body , being joyned thereunto . some good things pertaine to the soul only , by it self , ( so that it should not need the help of the body ) as godlinesse , and the contemplation of the nature of things : and therefore so many as are desirous to live the life of man as he is a man , ( and not onely in that he is a living creature ) do apply themselves to vertue and piety . but we will anon shew distinctly what things pertain to vertue , and what to piety , when we come to discourse of the soul and of the body : for , seeing wee doe not yet know what our soul is in respect of the substance thereof , it is not yet convenient for us to treat here , of those things that are wrought by it . the hebrewes affirme that man was made from the beginning , neither altogether mortall , neither wholly immortall , but , as it were , in a state betweene both those natures , to the end that if he did follow the affections of the body , he should be liable to such alterations as belong to the bodie ; but if he did prefer such good things as pertaine to the soul , he should then be honoured with immortalitie for , if god had made man absolutely mortall from the beginning , he would not have condemned him to die after he had offended ; because it had beene a thing needlesse to make him mortall by condemnation , who was mortall before . and on the other side , if he had made man absolutely immortall , hee would not have caused him to stand in need of nourishment ; for , nothing that is immortall needeth bodily nourishment . moreover , it is not to be beleeved , that god would so hastily have repented himself , and made him to be forthwith mortall , who was created absolutely immortall : for it is evident that he did not so in the angels that sinned , but ( according to the nature which they obtained from the beginning ) they remained immortall , undergoing for their offences not the penalty of death , but of some other punishment . it is better therefore , either to be of the first mentioned opinion touching this matter ; or , else , thus to think , that man was indeed created mortall , but , yet , in such wise that if hee were perfected by a vertuous and pious progression , he might become immortall : that is to say , he was made such a one , as had in him a potentiall abilitie to become immortall . sect . . i. our author sheweth why the tree of knowledge of good and evill was forbidden ; & , that it was , at first , expedient for man to be ignorant of his owne nature . ii. man by the transgression , attained that knowledge of himselfe , which diverted him from the way of perfection and immortalitie . iii. the elementarie c●mposition and nourishment of mans bodie : the reasons also why it needed feeding , clothing , curing &c. and why man was made a creature sensible , and capable of arts and sciences , &c. it being inexpedient , rather then any way helpful , for man to know his own nature , before he came to his perfection , god forbad him to taste the tree of knowledge of good and evill : for there were , and doubtlesse as yet there are very great vertues in plants ; but at the first , ( in respect it was in the beginning of the worlds creation ) their vertues being ( before the curse ) pure and void of all mixture , had in them a strong operation ; and it is not therefore strange that there should be ( by gods providence ) the taste of a certain tree , that should have a power given to ingender in our first parents , the knowledge of their own nature . the cause why god would not have man to know his owne nature , before hee had attained to perfection , was this : lest he knowing himself to stand in need of many things , should ( as by the sequell we find it manifest ) labour only to supply the wants of his body , and utterly cast away the care of his soul ; and for this cause did god forbid him to tast of the fruit of knowledge of good and evill . by disobeying this commandement , man attained to the knowledge of himself , but thereby fell from the state of growing to perfection , and busied himself in taking care for such things as the body needed : for ( according to the words of moses ) as soone as he had eaten , he knew that he was naked , and immediately sought about to get a covering for his nakednesse : whereas , till then , god kept him as it were in a traunce , and in such case that hee knew not himself . when hee fell away from the state of growing to perfection , hee fell also from his immortalitie , which by the mercy of his creator he shall recover againe at the last . in the meane time it was granted him that hee should eat flesh ( whereas before his fall , god willed him to bee content with such things only as grew out of the earth , all which hee had provided for him in paradise ) yea the first meanes of growing to perfection being become desperate , it was permitted him to feed as hee would . now , seeing man consisteth of a bodie ( as of one of his parts ) and seeing every ( inferiour compound ) bodie is composed of the foure elements , it is necessary that such things should happen unto him , as the elements are subject unto ; that is to say , cutting , mutation and flowing . by mutation i mean mutation in qualitie ; and i terme it flowing when he is emptied or purged of such things as are in him . for a living creature hath alway his evacuations , both by such pores as are manifestly seene , and by such also as we see not ; whereof i shall speake hereafter . it is necessary therefore , that so much should be taken in again , as was evacuated ; seeing else , the living creature would perish through defect of what should re-enter to supply the want : and ( if the things evacuated be either dry , or moist , or spirits ) it is as necessary that the living creature should have a continuall supply of dry and moist nourishments , and of spirits . the meats and drinks which wee receive , are made of those elements , whereof we also are composed : for every thing is nourished with what is agreeable and like unto it , and ( in diseases ) we are cured with what is contrary ( to the disease . ) there he some of the elements which we sometime receive into our bodies immediately of thēselves ; and sometime use means unto the receiving of them ; as for example , we somtime receive water of it self ; sometime wee use wine and oyle , and all those that are called moist fruits , as means to the receiving of water . for wine is nothing else but a certain water comming from the vine , and so or so qualified . in like manner we partake of fire sometime immediately , as when we are warmed by it ; sometime also by the means of such things as we eate and drink : for all things containe in them some portion of fire , more or lesse . we are in like case partakers of aire : either immediately when we breathe it , and have it spread round about us , or draw it in by our eating and drinking ; or else by meanes of such other things as we receive into us . but as for the earth , we seldome or never receive it immediately , but by certain meanes . for , we eate the corn which commeth of the earth . larks , doves , and partridges feed oftentimes upon the earth ; but man usually feedeth on the earth by the means of feeds , fruits , berries , and by the flesh which proceedeth from things nourished by the earth . and forasmuch as god respecting not onely a decencie , but also the furnishing of us with a very quick sense of feeling , ( in which man exceedeth all other living creatures ) he hath clothed us neither with a tough skin as oxen and other beasts , that have a thicke hide ; neither with large thicke set haire , as goats , hares , and sheepe ; neither with scales , as fishes and serpents ; neither with hard shells , as tortoises and oysters ; neither with a more fleshie bark , as lobsters ; neither with feathers , as birds ; and therefore ( wanting these coverings ) it is necessary wee should have raiment , to supply that in us , which nature hath bestowed on other living creatures . these are the causes why wee stand in need of nourishment and clothing : and not onely for the same ends are our houses become necessary ; but also that wee may escape the violence of wilde beasts , which is none of their least commodities . moreover ( by reason of the distemperature of qualities in the humane body ) physitians and their art are likewise needfull , that thereby ( as often as occasion requires ) those things which are rent asunder , may be fastned againe together for the preservation of health . and whereas the alteration consisteth in the quality , it is necessary that wee bring the state of the body to a just temperature by the contrary quality : for , it is not the physitians purpose ( as some think ) to coole the bodie which hath beene in a heat , but to change it into a temperate estate ; seeing if they should coole it , the disease turneth ( not to health , but ) to the contrary sicknesse . now in regard of arts and sciences , ( and by the necessarie use which we have of such things as they accomplish ) it so commeth to passe that we need the mutuall assistance one of another , and by that need which wee have each of other , many of us assembling together in common , doe thereby the more conveniently bargaine and contract for such things as may serve to supply the necessities of life . this meeting and dwelling together , was anciently termed by the name of a citie ; by the neere neighbourhood whereof , men received aid and profit by each others arts & labours , without the discommodities of long and far travaile . for , man was naturally made to be such a living creature , as should be sociable , & delighted in neighbourhood . and forasmuch as men could not otherwise be so conveniently provided of useful things ; it is evident that the study of arts , and the necessity of traffick were the first occasions of erecting cities . sect . . i. of the two priviledges which man hath obtained above all other creatures , ( viz. ) to be capable of the forgivenes of sinnes , and immortalitie : the justice and mercy of god in vouchsafing the pardon of sinne of man , and denying the same to angels . ii man only is a creature capable of learning arts and sciences : a definition of man , and reasons justifying every branch of that definition . iii. the world was not made for the angels , nor for any other , but man onely . to him was committed the government of the vniverse , with a limitation to use , not abuse the creatures . there are also two priviledges which man hath specially gotten above all other . one is , to obtaine pardon by repentance ; the other is that his body being mortall should be brought to immortalitie . this ( priviledge ) of the body , he getteth by meanes of the soul ; and the priviledge of the soul , by reason of the bodie : yea , among reasonable creatures , man only hath obtained this peculiar , that god vouchsafeth him the pardon of sin upon repentance ; for neither the devils nor the angels are vouchsafed pardon , though they doe repent . hereby the most exact iustice , and admirable mercy , of god is both fully proved and evidently declared : for , good cause is there why pardon should not bee granted to angels , though they doe repent ; because there is nothing in them , which naturally allures or draws them to sin ; and in regard also that they ( of their own nature ) are free from all passions , wants , and pleasures of the body . but man , though hee be indowed with reason , yet hee is also a bodily living creature , and therefore his wants ( in that hee is such a living creature ) together with his passions , do often blinde and captivate his reason . and therefore ( when he returnes againe by repentance , and applies himselfe unto vertue ) he obtaineth mercy and forgivenesse : for as it is proper to the essence of man to have the ability of laughing ( because it agreeth to man only , to all men , and ever to man ) so ( in respect of those things , which proceed from the grace of god ) it is proper unto man above all creatures indued with reason , to bee delivered , by repentance , from the accusation and guiltinesse of all those things wherein he hath formerly transgressed . yea , this grace is given to man onely ; to all men ; and ever to man , during the continuance of his life in this world , and no longer : for after death there is no more forgivenesse . some there bee who give a reason why the angels could no more obtaine pardon by repentance after they had fallen ; and it is this that followes . the fall of angels , was ( as they affirme ) a kind of death unto them ; and god vouchsafed them the tender of a pardon before their utter falling away , when like account was to bee made of them , as is made of men during this life : but because they accepted not the grace offered , they received afterward ( as a just reward ) punishment everlasting without pardon . and hereby it plainly appeares that such as refuse repentance , doe reject that which is a speciall good gift of god , and peculiar to man. this also is one of the things proper and peculiar unto man , that of all other living creatures only the body of man should arise againe after death , and aspire to immortalitie . this priviledge the body gaineth in respect of the immortalitie of the soule ; as likewise the soule obtaineth the other ( that is to say , pardon after repentance ) in respect that the body , is weake and troubled with many passions . it is a thing proper also , to man only , to learn arts and sciences , and to worke according unto such arts : for which cause they who define him , say thus ; man is a living creature , induced with reason , mortall , capable of consideration and science . he is tearmed a living-creature , in that he is a substance having life indued with sense : for , that is the definition of a living-creature . he is said to be indued with reason , that hee may be distinguished from unreasonable-creatures . he is called mortall , to make a difference betwixt him and the reasonable-creatures , that are immortall . and , this clause [ capable of consideration & science ] is added thereunto , because wee come to arts and sciences by learning of them ; having in us naturally a certaine potentiall ability to receive both understanding and arts ; but , not actually attaining them save by study and practise . there be some , who say that this last clause was lately added to the definition ; and , that it had beene good enough without the same , were it not , that some bring in their nymphes , and other petty deities of those kinds , who are said to live long , and yet not to be immortall ; and to distinguish man from those , these words , capable of consideration and science were judged needfull ; because , none of that sort are thought to learne any thing ; but , to know naturally , whatsoever they are said to know . the iewes are of opinion on that the whole world was made for man ( even immediately for his sake ) as oxen with other beasts for tillage , or to bear burthens ; and , as grasse was made for the beasts . for some things were made for their owne sakes ; and some for the sakes of others . all reasonable-creatures were made for their owne sakes : vnreasonable-creatures and things without life , were ordained for others , not for themselves . now , if such things were made in respect of others , let us consider for whom they were , indeed , created . shall wee think they were made for the angels ? doubtlesse , no wise man will say that they were made for their sakes ; because , the things made for the respect or sake of another , must concern either the making , or the continuance , or the recreation of those things for which they were made : for , they are made either in respect of the propagation and succession of their kinde ; or of their nourishment ; or to cover them ; or to cure them , or for their better welfare and rest . now the angels need no such things ; for , they neither have any succession of their kind , neither want clothing , bodily nourishment , nor any thing else : and , if angels have no need of such things , it is then evident that no other nature having place above the angels ; can have need of them ; because by how much higher the place of it is , so much the lesse need hath it of supply or assistance from another . this being so , we must seek out a nature which is indued with reason , and yet needeth such things as are aforementioned ; and what other nature can be found of that sort , if man be passed over ? surely none : and if no other can be discovered , it followeth by good reason that both things void of life , and unreasonable-creatures , were made for the sake of man ; and if they were ordained for him ( as it is evident they were ) then , that was likewise the cause why he was constituted the governor also of those creatures . now , it is the duty of a governour , to use those things which are put under his government , in such manner and measure as need and conveniencie shall require ; and not to abuse them untemperately , or to serve voluptuously his owne delicate appetite . neither ought he to bear himself tyrannously or ungently towards those whom he governes . for , they that so doe ( yea and they that use not mercifully , their unreasonable-cattell ) are therein great offenders ; neither performing the part of a governour , nor of a just man , according to that which is written , the just man hath compassion upon the life of his beast . sect . . i. it is here proved , that neither things without-life , nor the unreasonable . creatures , were made for themselves ; first , by arguments taken from the consideratiō of the nature and use of things without life . ii. it is proved also by considering those creatures , which are void of reason , and which are ( for the most part ) very serviceable to man. iii. and lastly , it is proved by considering those things which seeme to be rather harmfull then profitable to mankind . but some perhaps will say , that nothing was made inrespect of another but every thing in respect of it selfe . therefore , distinguishing first between things inanimate and those that have life , let us observe whether things void of life are likely to have beene created onely for their owne sake . for if those things were made in respect of themselves , how , or upon what should living-creatures feed ? wee see that nature out of the earth produceth food both of fruits , and of plants , to every living-creature , some few excepted , whose feeding is upon flesh ; yea , and those creatures which are nourished by eating flesh , doe feed on such beasts as are sustained by eating the fruits of the earth : for , lions and wolves , feed on lambes , goats , harts , and swine . aegles also , and all sorts of hawkes , devoure partridges , doves , hares , and such like ; which are fed with what springeth out of the ground . moreover , the nature of those fishes which devoure one another , doth not so extend it self to all fishes , that they do generally devoure the flesh of one another ; but it breaketh off in such as eate weeds and such other things as grow in the water . for , if all sorts of fishes had been inclined to eate the flesh of one another , so that no kindes of them could feed on any thing else , but on the flesh of themselves , verily they could not have long continued ( no not for a small time ) but would have beene utterly destroyed , some of them each by other , and the rest for lacke of meat . to the intent then , that it might not so happen , certaine fishes were so made , that they might abstaine from the flesh of the rest , and feed ( if i may so tearme it ) on the grasse of the sea , that , by them , the other sorts of fishes might be preserved . these fishes feed upon weedes ; other fishes feed upon them ; those , againe , are food for other greater fishes . so , by the feeding on such fishes as last of all doe eate the weeds of the sea , ( which come of the slimie waters ) the substance of the rest of the fishes is successively continued . having reasonably demonstrated , that the plants were not created in respect of themselves , but in regard of the nonrishment and nature both of men & of other living-creatures , it will be thereby manifest that such things also , were made in respect of man and other living-creatures , which are meanes and causes of the encrease and preservation of those interiour things : and if that be so , it will be as apparant that the motions of the starres , the firmament , the seasons of the yeare , the showers , and all such like things , were made in respect of those things without life afore-mentioned , and to the end that nourishment being continually administred unto them , the nature of such fruits might be perpetuated , and that men and living-creatures also ( for whom those were ordained ) might bee preserved , by them . it resteth not to consider whether the nature of unreasonable creatures , was made in respect of it selfe , or for man's cause : and sure , it cannot but be very absurd , to affirme that things incapable of understanding , and living only by an instinct of nature ( yea , things groveling toward the earth , and by their very shape declaring their bondage ) should be brought into the world for their owne sake . much might be spoken to prove the contrary , even so much as would spin out this one point to the length of a treatise , if i should handle the same at large , and therefore i will briefly mention in this place , those things onely which are of greatest weight . by seriously considering ( as it were in a glasse or image ) those things which are without us by such things as are within us , we should make a plain demonstration hereof ; yea , and by considering the very substance of the things themselves , which are in question . for , if wee ponder in our minde that part of our selves , which is irrationall , and the parts thereof ( i mean appetite and anger , which are ordained to serve the reasonable-part ) wee shall there see , that reason ruleth , and that the unreasonable-parts , are ruled ; that reason commandeth , and that the other are commanded , and serviceable to such uses , as reason will have them to bee subject unto ; if man preserve that cōdition which doth naturally appertaine unto him . now then , if our part which is reasonable doth beare rule over our unreasonable-parts , which are within us ; seemeth it not much more probable , that our reasonable-part should have dominion over such unreasonable-things as are without us ? and that such things were ordained to serve our necessities ? especially seeing it is according to the law of nature that the unreasonable shold be subject to the reasonable , as hath beene declared by those things which are in our selves ? this may bee further manifested , by considering that divers creatures are made even fit for the necessary services of man. for , oxen and all bearing cattell are naturally fitted for the tillage of the earth , and for bearing of burthens . sundry other beasts of the field also , and many fishes and soules , for dainty feeding , yea , and singing-birds for our delight and recreation . and al-beit all things doe not alwayes serve to such pleasing uses , but that there are some which may seeme rather to harm and destroy man ; it is to be considered that when those things were created , the speciall end of whose creation was at first for man's service ; all other things which might be otherwise usefull were then created also , that in the creation there might bee no defect , or want of such things whereof there might bee afterward any use . neither were such things as are now accounted harmfull , exempted utterly from the profitable fruition of man ; but , he by reason , doth , or may , fruitfully employ to his advantage , even the most venomous things . for , hee useth poisonous creatures to the curing of such harmes as come by those , and other venomous beasts , and to the curing of many infirmities other wayes occasioned . such are the confections called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ( whereof our triacle is one sort ) which reason hath invented , that by their owne power those things might be made to cōquer themselves , and procure health and safety ( as it were ) from conquered enemies . man hath also many other things of great vertue given unto him by his creator , which being contrary to those mischievous things , have in them a power to withstand or qualifie their virulent operations ; to remedy their hurts ; and to defend him from their secret assaults . one thing serveth to one use , other things to other uses , and god hath so provided that all things should bee helpfull for the benefit and preservation of man , yea and some things there be which are serviceable no way else . sect . . i. he sheweth why the creatures are now harmfull to man , seeing all things were at first created for his benefit : exemplary demonstrations intimating how this mischiefe might be remedied . ii. a briefe elogium in praise of the excellent nature and prerogatives of man. iii. this chapter is concluded , with a short exhortation , that a thankfull use be made of the high favours vouchsafed unto man. that which hath beene formerly said touching the harme which man receiveth somtimes from the unreasonable-creatures , hath respect onely to the present condition of mankinde in this life ; for , if we looke back to the first time which was long ago , wee shall finde that none of the irratinall-creatures durst to be offensive unto man ; but , that all of them were subject unto him , faithfully serving and obeying him , so long as he did master his owne passions , and subjected his unreasonable-parts to the part-reasonable . and when hee gave the reines to his owne affections , not subduing them to reason , but suffered himselfe to be over-mastered by the brute desires which were within him ; it was very just , that ( as it hath since hapned ) he should be over-awed by the wilde-beasts , and by such other harmefull things as are without him . for , after man had sinned , then began those beasts to be hurtfull unto him , which had else been serviceable ; as may yet appeare true by those who have lived a supereminent life , and thereby prevented the mischievous assaults of such creatures . of this , daniel and paul are exemplary witnesses : for , neither could the lions finde power to seife the one ; nor the viper to fasten upon the other . these things considered , who is able to commend sufficiently the nobility of this living-creature ? behold , he bindeth together in himself things mortall and immortall ; and knitteth up in one , things reasonable and unreasonable . in his owne nature , hee beareth the image of all creatures , and from thence is rightly called a little world . he is a creature , of whom god hath vouchsafed to take so much regard , that all created-things both present and to come , were for him created . he is that creature also , for whose sake god became man , and who shaking off his corruption , finisheth it in a never-ending immortality . yea , he is that creature , who being made after the image and likenesse of god , raigneth above the heavens , living and becomming cōversant with christ the sonne of god , who sitteth above all power and authority ; and no eloquence may worthily publish forth the manifold preheminences , and advantages which are bestowed on this creature . he passeth over the vast seas ; he rangeth about the wide heavens , by his contemplation , and conceives the motions and the magnitudes of the stars . he enjoyes the commodities both of sea and land : he contemns the furie of wild-beasts , & the strength of the greatest fishes . he is learned in every science , and skilfull in artificiall , workings . hee communicates by writing , with whomsoever he pleaseth , though they be far distant ; and is nothing hindred therein by the absence of his bodie . he foretelleth things to come : he ruleth all , subdueth all , and enjoyeth all things . he talketh with angels , yea , and with god himself . he hath all the creatures within his dominion ; and keeps the devils in subjectiō . he searcheth out the nature of every thing , and is diligently studious in the knowledge of god. he was borne to be the house and temple of the holy-ghost ; and he acquires the fruition of all these priviledges by vertue and piety . but lest it may be thought , of some , that we proceed unskilfully , in setting forth so largely the praises of man ; ( whereas wee should rather have contented our selves to proceed with a discourse touching the nature of man , according to our first purpose ) wee will break off our speech , in this place ; though we are not ignorant , that by setting forth his preheminence and priviledges , we have not improperly prosecuted our intention to declare the nature of man. and , now , seeing it is manifested unto us , of how great nobility we are partakers , and that we are a heavenly plant ; let us not deface or shame our nature , neither let it be truely said that we are unworthy of such gifts : nor let us foolishly deprive our selves of so great power and glory and blessednes , by casting away the fruition of ioyes that shall be everlasting , for the seeming possession of imperfect pleasures , which will endure but a while : but , let us preserve , rather , this nobility of ours , by doing good , by abstaining from evill works , and by a good-zeal , intent or purpose ; for to such endeavours , ( if we seek it by prayer ) god alwaies lendeth his assisting hand . thus much concerning these matters : and now seeing it is the received opinion , that man consisteth of body and soul we will follow the same division ; treating first of the soul , and therein passe by those questions which being over subtile , and difficultly understood , cannot be intelligibly expressed to many capacities . cap. . sect . . i. the severall and different opinions of the ancients concerning the sovl , as whether it be a substance ; whether corporeall , or incorporeall , whether mortall or immortall , &c. ii. the confutation of those who affirme in generall that the sovl is a corporeall-substance . iii. confutations of their particular arguments , who affirme that the sovl is bloud , water , or aire . exceeding great variance is discovered among the old philosophers in their discourses of the soul ; insomuch that almost all of them differ one from another in that matter . democritus and epicurus , and the whole sect of the stoicks doe peremptorily affirme that the sovl is a bodie ; and those very men who affirme the sovl to be a bodie , dissent one from another in declaring the essence of it . the stoicks affirm , that it is a certain blast , hot and fiery . critias holds , that it is bloud . hippon the philosopher , will have it to be water , democritus thinks it is fire ; and his opinion is , that the round formes of indivisible-bodies or atomes being incorporated , by ayre and fire , do make up the soul. heraclitus conceives that the soul of the whole frame of the world is a certaine breathing out of the vapours , from moist things ; and , that the soul which is in living-creatures , doth proceed both from exhalations without themselves , and from exhalations , also , within them ; and being of the same kind , of which they themselves are . againe ( on the contrary part ) there are almost innumerable disagreements among them who say that the soul is not a body , or bodily-substance . some of them affirm that the soul is a substance and immortall ; some , that it is without a bodie , and neither a substance nor immortall . thales , who was the first of that opinion , held that the soul was alwaies in motion , and had that motion from it selfe . pythagoras thought that it was a number moving it selfe . plato affirmed that it was a substance ( to be conceived in mind ) that received motion from it self , according to number and harmony . aristotle taught that it was the first continuall-motion of a bodie-naturall , having in it those instrumentall parts , wherein was possibility of life . dinarchus took it to be an harmony of the foure elements ; not a harmony made of sounds , but as it were a tunable temperature and agreement , of hot & cold , moist & dry things , in the bodie . but , it is without doubt that all the best of these doe agree in this , that the soul is a substance ; aristotle and dinarchus excepted , who affirme that it is no substance at all . besides all these , some were of opiniō that there was but one and the same soul belonging to all things ; which was by smal portions distributed to all particular things ; and , then gathered into it self againe : of which opinion were the manichees and certain others . some likewise imagined the soules were many , and of differing sorts ; some affirmed that there was both one universall , and many particular souls ; and therefore it cannot be , but that my discourse must be drawne to a great length , seeing i am to disprove so many opinions . therefore , to confute in generall all those together , who affirme that the soul is a corporeall essence , it shall be sufficient to alledge that which hath been heretofore delivered to that purpose by numinius the pythagorist , and by amonius the master of plotinus , who thus affirme : all bodies , being by their proper nature mutable , and such as may be utterly dispersed and divided into innumerable parts ( and having nothing remaining in them which may not be changed and dispersed ) have need of something to close them in , to bring them together ; to knit them into one ; and ( as it were ) to hold them fast united : and , this we say is done by the soul . now if the soul be corporeall , ( let it be what body you please ) yea , though it be a body consisting of the most thin and subtile parts , what will you say holds that together , as that knitteth the bodie in one ? for , as we declared before , every bodily thing hath need of some other thing to fasten the parts of it together ; yea the bodie of this soul , that knits together our visible bodie , ( if we should grant the same to be a corporeall soul ) and the next to that also , infinitely , it would still have need of some other thing to knit and fasten its own parts together , untill an incorporeall-essence were found out . if they answer , as the stoicks doe , that , there is a certaine motion pertaining unto bodies , extending both to the inward and outward parts of the body : that the motion tending outward , effects the quantity and the qualities of the body ; and , that the motion tending inward , is cause both of uniting the body and of the essence thereof ; wee will then aske them ( seeing every motion doth proceed from some power ) what kinde of power it is , which that motion hath ? in what consisteth it ? and what gives essence thereunto ? if this power bee a certaine matter ( which the greekes call hylen ) wee will use the same reasons against them , which wee objected before . if they say it is not matter , but a materiall thing , ( for matter and materiall things thus differ ; that which hath matter in it , is called a materiall thing ) wee then aske them , whether that which hath matter in it , be likewise matter , or void of matter ? if they say it is matter , we demand how it can be both materiall and matter ? if they answer , that it is not matter , then they must grant it to be void of matter , and if it be void of matter , wee will easily prove it to be no body ; because , every body hath matter in it . if they alleage that bodies have the three dimensions in them , and that the soul extending it selfe through the whole body , hath in it also the three dimensions , and therefore must necessarily be a body ; wee will then thus answer them ; it is true , that all bodie' 's have in them the three dimensions , but every thing having the three dimensions is not a body . for place , and quality which in themselves have no body , have accidentally , a quantity if they bee in such things as have magnitude . in like maner the soul in respect of it selfe , is utterly void of the dimensions ; but , accidentally it hath dimensions ; because the body ( in which it is ) having in it the three dimensions , wee so conceive it , together with the body , as though the soule also had in it the three dimensions . we argue further , and say thus : every body hath his motion either from without it selfe , or from within . if the motion bee from without it selfe , it must then be void of life : if it be from within it selfe , it must be indued with life : now , it is absurd to say that the soul is either indued with life , or without life ( one of which must necessarily be affirmed , if the soule bee a corporeall substance ) therefore the soule cannot be a corporeal essence . againe , the soul , if it be nourished , it is nourished by that which is void of body ( for , knowledge is the nourishment thereof ) but , no corporeal essence is norished by things bodiless , therefore , the soul cannot be a body . xenocrates thus concluded this argument : if ( said hee ) the soul be not nourished , it cannot be a corporeal-substance ; because , the body of every living-creature must be nourished . thus much in generall , in confutation of all those who generally affirm , that the soul is a bodily thing . now , we will treate particularly against them who are of opinion that the soul is either blood , or breath ; because , when either blood or breath is taken away , the living-creature dyeth . wee will not say ( as some well accounted of have written ) that , part of the soul falleth away when any part of the blood faileth , if the soul be the blood : for , that were but a slender answer . in those things which have every part of like nature with the whole , the part remaining is the same with the whole : whether the water bee much or little , it is every way perfect water . in like maner , gold , silver , and every other thing , whose parts do not essentially differ from each other , are still the same , as is afore said : and even so , that part of blood which remaineth ( of what quantity soever ) may be called the soul ( aswell as the whole quantity ) if the blood be the soul . we , therfore , will rather answer them thus : if that be rightly accounted the soul , upon whose taking away , the death of the living creature ensues ; then , should it needs bee , that flegme , and the two choller 's must be also the soul , seeing , if any one of these faileth , it brings the living-creature to his death . the like falleth out in the liver , in the braine , in the heart , in the stomach , the reines , the entrails , and in many other parts , whereof if you bereave a living-creature , it will immediatly perish . moreover , there are many things without blood , which have life in them , neverthelesse ; as some smooth and gristly fishes ; some also of a softer kind , to wit , sepiae , teuthides , and smyli ( as the greekes call them ) and lobsters , crabs , oysters , and all shel-fish , whether they have hard or soft shells . now if these things have a living-soule in them ( as we know they have ) and yet are void of blood , then it plainely followes that blood cannot bee the soul . against those who say that water is the soule , many things may bee said to disprove their opinion , though water helps to quicken and nourish all things ; and though it bee ( as they say ) impossible to live without water . wee cannot live without nourishment , and therefore if their assertion bee true , wee may aswell affirme that all nourishment in generall , and every particular nourishment is the soul . and whereas they have said that no living-creature can live without water , wee finde the contrary to bee probable ; for it is written of some aegles , and of partridges , that they live without drinke . and why should water be the soul rather then ayre ? seeing it is possible to abstaine from water very long , whereas wee can hardly live a moment without breathing the aire . and yet , neither is aire the soul : for , there are many creatures which live without breathing the aire ; as all insectae ( riveted creatures ) such as bees , wasps , and ants ; as also all bloodlesse creatures , all those which live in the waters , and such as have no lungs . for , none of those things that are without lungs can breath aire . the proposition is true also , if it be converted , there is no creature having lungs , which doth not breath aire . sect . . i. the arguments of cleanthes the stoick ( affirming the soul to bee corporeall ) are here confuted logically and by demonstration . ii. chrysippus ( intending to maintaine the like opinion ) is here , likewise answered , and his fallacies discovered . iii. a confutation of their tenet also , who affirme that the soul is an harmony . seeing certaine reasons of some account , are divulged by cleanthes the stoick , and by chrysippus ( to prove the soul a corporeall . substance ) wee will here deliver somewhat in answer of them ; and it shall be the same which the platonists have thereunto replyed heretofore . cleanthes composeth a syllogisme in this manner ; there is ( saith hee ) a likenesse betweene us and our parents , not in respect of the body onely , but in regard also , of the sovl , as in passions , manners , and affections : now it pertaineth to a body to have in it likenesse and unlikenesse ; and likenesse and unlikenesse cannot belong to things void of bodie ; therefore the soul is a bodily-thing . it is here to be observed , first , that he proveth things universall by things particular ( which is not allowable by the rules of logick . ) next , whereas he saith that likenesse and unlikenesse cannot pertaine to any thing void of bodie , it is false . for wee know that numbers , which have their side-numbers answering in proportion , are like one to another , as the side-numbers to sixe and to foure and twentie . the side-numbers to sixe are two , and three : the side numbers to foure and twenty are foure , and sixe . now , there is like proportion of two in respect of four ; and of three in respect of sixe : for they have a double proportion , each in respect of other ; foure being twice as much as two , and sixe twice as much as three . thus it appears that nūbers are like unto nūbers , & yet numbers are no bodily thing . likewise , figures ( in geometrie ) are like unto figures , so many of them as have both their corners equall , & their sides which inclose their equall-corners , answering one another in proportion : and even the platonists themselves will confesse , that such figures are no bodily-things . moreover , as it is a propriety in the predicament of quantity , that a thing should be equall , or unequall ; so , also , it is a propriety in the predicament of quality , that things should be like , or unlike . now the predicament of quality is an incorporeall thing ; therefore , a thing incorporeall may be like unto another thing , that is incorporeall . cleanthes , thus frameth another argument : no incorporeall thing ( saith he ) can suffer together with a thing corporeall ; neither can a bodily-thing , suffer with such a thing as hath no body ; but , things corporeall , only , may suffer one with another . now it is evident , that if the body be diseased , and wounded , the sovl suffereth grief with it ; the bodie suffereth also with the sovl ; for , when the mind is afflicted by shame , the bodie blusheth , and when the minde feareth , the body looketh pale . therefore the sovl is a corporeall thing . one of his assumptions is false ; and he taketh unto himself that which no man granteth . for whereas he saith , that no incorporeal thing can suffer with a thing having a bodie ; what if this be true onely in the sovl ? this is as if we should argue thus ; no living-creature moves the upper jaw ; but a crocodile moves the upper jaw ; therefore , a crocodile is no living-creature . the major of this proposition is false ; because , in saying , no living-creature moves the upper-jaw , hee taketh as granted that which is denied : for , behold the crocodile both moveth his upper-jaw , and is also a living-creature . the like arguing useth he , who saith , that nothing , void of body , suffereth together with a bodily-thing ; for , he taketh unto himself , in his negation , that which lieth in question . but , if we should grant ( for argument sake ) that no incorporeall-thing , doth suffer together with a thing-corporeall ; yet , that which is inferred thereupon , is not fully confessed , ( to wit ) that the soul suffereth with the body , if it be sick , or wounded : for , it is yet in controversie whether it be the body onely that suffereth pain ; which having taken sense from the soul , leaves the same insensible of sufferings ; or whether the soul be grieved together with the bodie . the former opinion hath hitherto been most generally received among learned men ; and therefore , cleanthes ought not to have made his propositions of things in question ; but , of such onely as are quite out of doubt : for in doing otherwise he in vaine laboureth to demonstrate that , for which he contendeth . and yet ( to make the fashood of his assumption more evident ) it might be proved , that some things void of body , doe suffer together with such things as have body : for , qualities being things-incorporeall , doe suffer with corporeall-things when they are altered : yea , both in the corruption of the body , and in the generation of the same , the quality thereof suffers change and alteration therewith . chrysippus thus argueth . death is a separation of the soul from the bodie : now , nothing void of body is separated from a body ; because , a thing incorporeall cannot be touched ( or laid even along ) by a corporeall-thing : but the soul toucheth , and is equally touched by the body : and is also separated from the same : therefore the soul is a corporeall-essence . among these propositions , this is true , that death is a separation of the soul from the body : but , this , that a thing void of body cannot touch a body , is false , if it be generally spoken ; and true , if it be affirmed of the soul . it is false ; because , a line which is an incorporeall-thing doth evenly touch a corporeall-essence , and is also separated from the same ; as also whitenesse . yet , in the soul it is true ; by reason the soul doth not ( so ) touch the bodie . for , if the soul should ( so ) touch the body , it must needs follow that it must be laid ( as it were ) along by it . and if that be so , then it lieth along by the whole bodie ( that is , by every part of the same ) which is impossible . for , how can a wholebody , lie along by every part of another body ? or , if it should be that the soul so touched the bodie ; then , the whole creature should not have life : for , if it ( so ) touched the same , it would indeed consequently follow , that the soul were a corporeall-essence ; but , then , the thing made alive , should not have life in it , throughout every part of the same . and , contrariwise , if the whole living-creature hath life in it , then the soul neither touches the bodie , neither is it a bodily-thing . but , the whole living-creature hath life in it ; therefore , neither doth the soul touch it ; neither is the soul a bodily-thing ; and , being a thing void of body ; is , neverthelesse , separated from the bodie , ( contrary to the proposition of chrysippus . ) it is manifest , by what hath been hitherto said , that the soul is no corpreall-substance : it now remaines that we prove the same to be a substance . and , because dinarchus defines the soul to be an harmonie ; and simmias , contradicting socrates , affirmes the same ; comparing the soul to an harmonie , and the body to a harp ; we will here set downe the same confutations of them , which we finde in plato's dialogue called phaedon . one of them is taken from what plato had proved by things granted : for , he had demonstrated that when we doe learne , we doe but call to minde things that were ingraffed formerly in us : and therefore , taking this unto him ( as a thing granted ) hee thereupon confirmes his argument in this maner ; if ( saith hee ) the learning of things be nothing else , but the recalling of them to minde ; then , our soule had a being , before it was in the forme of man : now , if it were a harmony , it was not before the body , but came after it , when the body was harmoniously joyned together . such of necessity must the composition bee , as the things are whereof the composition is made : for , composition is a certaine common joyning together of those things , which are compounded , having a harmony in the same : and , it cannot bee otherwise , in reason , but that the harmony must follow , and not precede those things whereof it is compounded . these matters considered , this saying , that the soul is an harmony , is contrary to this other saying , that , the learning of things is the recordation of things : but the opinion concerning recordation ( as is aforesaid ) is true ; even in their judgement who affirme the soul to bee an harmonie ; therefore the soul is not a harmony , according to their owne principle . againe , the soul is a part repugnant to the body ; and is in stead of a ruler , exercising a government over the same . but harmony neither exerciseth any government over the body , neither is any way repugnant thereunto ; therefore , the soul is not an harmony . moreover , one harmony may bee more or lesse harmony then another , according as it is slackned or stretched forth , ( wee meane not to bee understood as if we spoke of the very nature of harmony ; seeing it is impossible there should be intension and remission , in the very nature thereof , ) but wee meane harmony as it consisteth in joyning together of the notes : for , if a shrill and a base-sound , being matched together , shall afterward bee made more slack , there will bee a diversitie in the harmony , by reason of joyning together of the notes , more or lesse reached forth , though they retain the same nature in the greatnesse of the sounds : but one soul is not more or lesse soul then another ; therefore , the soul cannot be a harmony . futhermore , the soul in that it receives contraries succeeding one another , is a substance and a subject : but , harmony is a quality , and in the subject now the predicament of substance is one thing , and the predicament of quality is another ; therefore , the soul and harmony are two distinct things . it is indeed , no absurdity , to say that the soul hath harmony in it ; howsoever , it followeth not that the soul is therefore an harmony : because , though the soul hath vertues in the same , it cannot bee thereupon inferred that the soul is vertue . sect . . i. it is here declared , that the soul is not ( as galen implicitly affirmeth ) a temperature in generall . ii. it is here proved also , that the soul is no particular temperature or quality . iii. and it is likewise demonstrated , that the soul is rather governesse of the temperatures of the body , both ordering them , and subduing the vices , which arise from the bodily-tempers . galen , hath determined nothing peremptorily of the soul ; yea , hee himselfe affirmeth plainly , in his writings of demonstration , that hee hath delivered nothing precisely of the same : but , it may bee collected by some of his expressions , that he could be best pleased to affirme that the soul is a temperature . for , he saith , that the diversitie of manners followes the temperature of the body , and confirmeth his opinion by certaine collections out of hippocrates : wherein , if hee delivered that which hee truly thinketh , then , doubtlesse , hee beleeveth also , that the soul is mortall : not the whole soul , but that onely which is irrationall ; for , hee maketh a doubt concerning the reasonable soul , as his words declare . now , that the temperature of the body cannot be the soul , it may be made evident by these reasons : first , every body , aswell that which hath life in it , as that which is void of life , is made of the temperature of the foure elements ( for , the temperature of these elements make all bodies ) and if the soul bee the temperature of the body , there can be no body with out life : for , if the soul be the temperature , then , every body hath life in it , because every body hath his temperatures . and if every body hath life in it , then there is no body void of life : so , consequently , neither stone , nor timber , nor iron , nor any other thing can be without life . but he did not meane , perhaps , to affirme in generall , that every temperature of the body was the soul ; but rather , that some such , or such a temperature . wee , then , demand what temperature it is which maketh a living-creature , and standeth instead of the soul ? for , let him name what temperature soever hee can devise , we will finde him out the like in things without life . there are ( as hee himselfe hath declared in his booke intituled of the temperaments ) nine temperatures ; eight distempered ; and one in good temper ; by which ( as he likewise affirmeth ) every man is tempered , whose temperature keepeth a meane . but by the other distemperatures other living-creatures are composed ( every one according to the severall kinde thereof ) with a certaine intension and remission , to the more and to the lesse . yea , and all the nine temperatures are found also more or lesse in things void of life ; as he himselfe hath taught , in his booke of simple-medicaments . moreover , if the soul be a temperature , then is the soul subject to alteration ; for , the temperatures are altered according to the diversitie of ages , seasons , and dyets : and , if the soul be altered , then wee have not at all times the same soul ; but , a soule varied according to our temperatures ; sometime the soule of a lion , sometime of a sheepe , and sometime of other creatures , which were absurdly affirmed . againe , our temperature doth not oppose it selfe against any lusts of our bodies , but rather helps to provoke them , or effect them , for , it is that which stirreth up the desires : but , the soul bendeth it selfe against those desires ; therefore our temperature is not the soul . furthermore , the temperature is a quality ; and a qualitie may be in the subject , or absent from it without the destruction of the same subject : now , if our temperature bee our soule , it will then follow ( by the reason afore-mentioned ) that the soule may be separated from the body ( which is the subject thereof ) without the destruction of the same . but , this is universally knowne to be false ; therefore , the soul can be neither temperature nor qualitie . none will imagine it more possible to change that which is of the essence of a living-creature , into the contrary thereof , and yet preserve the living-creature , then , in fire to change the nature of heat into coldnesse , and yet still continue the fire . but it appeareth plainly that our temperature doth alter into the contrary ; ( & that such as galen was are they , who change our temperatures , by their art of physick . therefore the soule ( which is the essence of a living-creature ) cannot be the temperature . neither is the soule a quality of the body : for , the qualities of every body are subject to sense ; but the soule is not subject to sense , but to understanding onely , and therefore it is not a quality . wee know that this good temper of blood and spirits , accompanied with flesh and sinewes , and such other things , is strength . and , that the good temperature of hot and cold , dry and moist things , is health . and that the measurable proportion of the members , with a fresh colour , is cause of the beauty which is in the body . now , if the soul be a certaine harmony , of health , and strength , and beauty ; it must needs follow that man as long as he hath a soule in him , can neither be sick , nor weake , nor deformed . but , wee see by often experience , that even while the living-soule continueth in them , many men are deprived , not only of one , but of all these good temperatures ; insomuch , that the very same man is deformed , and weak , and sick all at once . therefore , the soule is not the good temperature of the bodie . some will aske , perhaps , how it comes to passe , ( if the soule be not the temperature of the body ) that men are vitious or vertuous , according to their naturall constitutions and complexions ▪ and they may demand also , whether these things proceed not frō the tēperature . we answer , that they doe indeed proceed from the bodily temperature : for , as there bee some naturally healthfull , or sickly , by reason of their constitution ; so , othersome , naturally abounding in bitter choller , are froward ; and some other cowardly , or leacherous , ( more or lesse according to their complexions . ) but , there bee some , who overcome these naturall inclinations , and by getting the victory over them , doe evidently manifest , that these temperatures may bee suppressed . now , that which overcommeth is one thing , and that which is overcome is another thing : therefore , the temperature is also one thing , and the soule ( which is the vanquisher and orderer of inclinations proceeding from the temperature ) is another thing , and not the same . the body being an instrument which the soule useth , if it bee well fitted for the same , is a helper unto the soule ; and she the better useth it to her own contentment . but , if it be not every way framed and tempered for the soule 's use , it becommeth her hinderance , and much adoe hath she to strive against the unfitnesse of her instrument . yea , so much , that if shee bee not very wary and diligent in rectifying the same , she her selfe is perverted aswell as the instrument ; even as a musitian misseth of true musick , when his harp is out of tune . the soule therefore must be carefull of the body , and make it a fit instrument for her selfe : which may be done by ordering it according to reason , and by accustoming the same to good manners ; as in harmony , otherwhile slackning , and sometime winding up , according as necessity requires : by the neglect whereof , shee her selfe , may else ( as it often happeneth ) become as faultie , and as perverse as her instrument . sect . . i. the sovl is not a perpetuall motion as aristotle affirmes : hee shewes what 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is , and the defects of aristoles judgement concerning the sovl. ii. the body hath not in it selfe a possibility to live , before the sovl commeth unto it , as aristole hath also affirmed . iii. the sovl is neither unmovable of it selfe , nor accidentally moved , nor bred in the body ; as the fore said philosopher hath delivered . aristotle affirming that the soule is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a perpetuall motion , is neverthelesse to bee accounted among them , who say that the soul is a quality . but , first , let me make it appeare what aristotle meaneth by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ( which is to say ) a perpetuall motion . he divideth a substance into three parts : the first is matter ( which is as it were the subject ) and this matter is in it selfe nothing , but a generating power , out of which another thing may bee formed . the second part of the essence , is forme , ( or speciall kinde ) by which the matter is brought unto a certaine forme . the third part , consisteth both of matter and forme united together , and endued with life : the matter being a thing in possibility only , and the forme an actuall thing considerable two wayes . that is to say , either as you consider of a science , or of a contemplation according to the science ; as a habit ; or , as working by that habit . it is considerable as a science ; because , in the very substance of the soule there is a kinde ( as wee may call it ) both of sleepe and of waking . this waking is analogically answerable unto contemplation ; and sleepe represents the having of this habit , without any working thereby . the science , is , before working according to that science ; and aristotle calls the forme it selfe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that is , the first continued motion : the working according to this forme , he names 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the second continued motion . as for example : the eye consisteth of a materiall subject , and of a certaine forme . this materiall subject , is in the eye it selfe ; even that which containeth the sight ( i meane the matter of the eye ) and this matter is equivocally called the eye . but the forme and continuall motion of the eye is the operation wherby it seeth : a whelp before he can see though he hath neither of the two motions aforementioned , hath yet , an aptnesse to receive such a motion : even in such maner we must conceive of it in the soul . when sight commeth to the welp it perfects the eye ; and when the soul commeth unto the body , it perfects the living-creature . so then , in a perfect living-creature , neither can the soul bee at any time without the bodie , neither the body without the soul : for , the soul is not the body it selfe ; but , it is the soul of the body : and therefore , it is in the body , yea , and in such a kinde of body : for , it hath not an existence by it self . aristotle first calls the possible ( inferiour ) part of the soul , by the name of the soul , severing the reasonable-part from it , wheras hee should have taken the whole soul of man together , and not have given his judgement of the whole , by a part , much lesse by the weakest part there of . aristotle hath affirmed also , that the body hath an aptnesse to live , even before the soul commeth unto it : for he saith , that the body hath in it selfe a possibility to live . now , the body which hath in it self a possibility to live , must first be actually a body , before it receives that form : for , such a body is a matter void of all qualities . therefore it is impossible that the thing which is not actually it self , should have in it an aptnesse whereby another thing may be made of it . if it be a bodie , and hath in it self , no other being , but in possibility only ; how can that which is a bodie but in possibility , have a possibility of life in it self ? though in other things , it is possible , that a man should have somewhat which he never useth ; yet in the soul it is impossible : for , the soul doth not cease to worke , even in them that are asleep ; but , a man , even in sleeping , is nourished , & groweth . and seeth visions , and breathes , which is the chiefest symptome of life . it is hereby very plain that a thing cannot have the possibility to live , but , it must needs have life actually in it : for , indeed , it is nothing else but life which doth principally form the soul , ( it is planted together with the soul ) and it is in the bodie by participation . if therefore any man shall affirme , that health answereth proportionably to life ; we will reply that in saying so , he tal keth not of the life of the soul but of the body , and so useth a sophisticall reasoning : for , the corporeall-substance doth receive contraries one after another ; but , in the substance , which is the forme , that cannot be possible ; because , if the difference , which is the form , should be altered , the living creature would be altered also . it is not therefore , the substantiall forme , which receiveth contraries ; but the substance which is the subject ; that is to say , the bodily-substance : and therefore also the soul cannot be , by any means , the continued motion of the bodie ; but must be a substance all perfect within it selfe , and incorporeall ; for that it receiveth contraries one after another , ( as vice and vertue ) whereof the very forme , by it self , is not capable . furthermore , aristotle saith , that the soul being a continued-motion , unmoveable of it self , is moved accidentally ; and , that it is not unlikely wee should be moved by an immoveable thing ; because we see by common experience , that beautie being a thing unmoveable doth neverthelesse move us . but , though beautie , which is unmoveable in it self , may move us , ( as hee saith ) yet , the beautie so moving us , is a thing by nature , apt enough to be moved , & not such a thing as is altogether unmoveable . therefore , if the body had any selfe-motion , it had not been any absurdity to say it should be moved of that which was immoveable : but , it is impossible that a thing of it self immoveable , should be moved of that which is also immoveable how then should the body attain unto motion , except it receive it from the soul ? seeing it cannot have any motion from it self ? it appeares , therefore , that when aristotle went about to declare the first breeding of motion , hee shewed us not the first , but the second . for , if he had moved that which of it self is not moved , he had then made the first-motion . but , if ( otherwise ) he move that which is moved of it self , hee discourseth how the second-motion commeth . from whence then is the first motion procured to the bodie ? if he say the elements are moved of themselvess ; in regard some of them are naturally light , & some heavy ; it is not so : for , if levity & weightinesse were kinds of motion ; then , light and heavy things would never leave moving . but , they cease from moving when they have attained their proper place . therefore , lightnesse and heavinesse are not causes of the first-motion , but qualities of the elements . if it were granted ( that lightnesse and heavinesse were causes of the first-motion ) how can the qualities of reasoning , of judging , and of holding opinion , be wrought by heavinesse and lightnesse ? if they be not effects of these ; neither are they effects of the elements ; and if not of the elements , then also not of the bodies . beside , if the soul be moved accidentally , and the bodie of it self ; then should the bodie be moved of it self , although it had no soul ; and if that were possible , then it might be a living-creature without a soul . but , these things are absurd ; and absurd therefore is the former opinion . moreover , it is likewise untruely affirmed , that every thing which is moved naturally , is moved also violently ; and that whatsoever is moved violently , is moved by nature . for , the world being moved naturally , is not moved violently . neither is it true , that such things as are moved naturally , doe rest naturally also : for , the world , and the sunne , and the moone , are naturally moved , and yet cannot rest naturally : in like manner being naturally inclined to a perpetuall motion , they cannot rest naturally : for rest is the destruction of the soul , & of every thing which is given to perpetuall-motion . it is herewith considerable also , that there is as yet no solution made unto that which was objected in the beginning of this chapter , ( viz. ) how the bodie ( whose nature is to be easily dispersed ) can be knit together , ( if it be not by an incorporeall-substance ) . sect . . i. the soul is not a number according to the opinion of pythagoras ; nor as xenocrates understands it . ii. the error of eunomius in adding to his definition of the soul , these words , created ( or ingendred ) in the bodie ; and the absurdity thereupon insuing . iii. the difference betweene the workes of creation , & providence , &c. and the error of apollinarius touching the generation of soules . pythagoras , whose custome it was , by a certaine kind of comparison to liken god , and all other things to numbers , defined the soul , also , to be a number moving it self . him , xenocrates imitated ; not as though the soul were number ; but , for that it is in things numbred ; and in such as are multiplyed ; and , for that it is the soul which discernes things ; and , because , likewise it putteth ( as it were ) upon every thing , certaine formes , and distinctions . ( for , it is the sovle that separates one form from another , and shewes how they differ ; both by the diversity of their formes , and by the multitude of their number ; thereby causing things to be contained in number : and , therefore , betweene the soul and numbers , there is some affinity . ) he himselfe hath born witnesse of the soule that it is moved of it selfe : and , that it is not a number , wee may thus prove ; number , is in the predicament of quantity ; but , the soul is not in the predicament of quantity , but in the predicament of substance ; therfore , the soul is not a number . yea though they would never so faine , that number should bee a substance accounted among things comprehended in understanding , it will bee proved otherwise , as it shall hereafter bee declared . againe , the soul hath all his parts continued one to another ; but , so hath not number ; therefore the soul is not a number . againe , a number is increased by putting more and more unto it , but , the soul taketh no such increase . againe , a number is either even or odd ; but the soul can neither bee termed even nor odd . againe , the soul hath motion of it selfe ; but a number is undoubtedly unmoveable . againe , a number remaining one and the same in nature , is able to alter no quality that belongeth unto numbers : but , the soul remaining one and the same in substance , doth change his qualities , altering from ignorance to knowledge , and from vice to vertue ; therefore ( all these particulars considered ) the sovl is not a number . these were the ancient philosophers opinions concerning the soul . but eunomius defined it to be a svbstance void of body , and created in the body , agreeing therein both with plato and aristotle . for , he took these words , a substance void of body , out of plato ; and these , created in the body , from aristotle : not considering ( though hee was otherwise very quick witted ) that he endeavours to knit those things into one which can by no meanes be united together . for , every thing that is engendred both bodily and in time , is corruptible and mortall . to this the doctrine and judgement of moses is agreeable . for , in describing the creation of things subject unto sense , hee did not therein deliver in expresse words , that the nature of things intelligible were then made . but , some ( though othersome are not of their opinion ) insisting upon conjectures , are of that minde . now if any man suppose that the soul was made after the body ; because it was put into the body , after the same was fashioned , he erreth wide from the truth . for , neither doth moses say , that the soul was at the same time created when it was brought into the body , neither doth any reason perswade thereunto . eunomius therefore , might aswell have said that the soul is mortall , as doth aristotle , and the stoicks , as affirme it is engendred in the body . for , if he will say the soul is an incorporeall essence ; hee should have refused to say that , it was created in the body ; lest hee give men occasion to thinke the soule mortall , and utterly void of reason . beside , it seemes by his opinion , that the world is not yet replenished ; but , is at this present ( as it were ) no more then halfe perfected , and stands every day in want of some additions . for , there are every day added unto it , at the least five times ten thousand intelligible substances . and ( which is most unreasonable ) hee seemeth to beleeve , that when the number of soules is finished , then the whole world shall bee dissolved , and the last not come to light before the day of the generall resurrection . what can be more contrary to reason , then to imagine that the world shall be destroyed , assoone as it is fully furnished ? it were like the play-games of little children so to do . for when they have made any workes or devises upon the sands , they usually tread them out againe as soone as they have done them . now if any shall hereunto reply , that the soules are now made by providence and not by creation ; and that there is no new substance brought into the world ( whensoever any body is replenished with a soule ) nor any other essence , but the same multiplyed , by providence , which was before ; doubtlesse , they know not the difference between creation and providence . for it is the speciall worke of providence to preserve the substance of corruptible living creatures , by breeding them one of another . i meane , here , all such corruptible living-creatures as are bred by generation , and excepting those which are generated by some rotten-matter ; for , the succession of such , is preserved , ( by the same providence ) by generating them of some other putrifaction . but the chiefe operation of creation is , to make things of nothing . if , therfore , the souls bee made one of another : it will also follow , that they are corruptible , like those other creatures , which are made successively one of another , according to their kindes . if contrariwise , the souls be made of nothing ; then their making commeth by creation ; and in so affirming , we deny that place of moses : god ceased from all his workes . but both of these opinions are absurd ; therefore , the soules are not now made . for , that saving of the scripture ; my father worketh , &c. by the judgement even of eunomius himselfe , is to be understood not of the workes of creation , but of providence . apollinarius held opinion that soules were engendred one of another , as bodies are ; and that the soul proceeds by succession from the first man , unto all men descending from him , according to the bodily succession ; therein dissenting both from those who conceive them to have beene from the beginning ( as it were ) stored up ; and from those also who thinke they are daily created . for , in contradiction to these tenets , they affirme , that by them god is set on work with adulterers when they beget children . and they further say that these words of moses , god ceased from all his works , &c. should be untrue , if god continueth to create souls . in answer hereunto , we have already shewed , that all things are mortall which have a successive generation one of another : for , therefore onely they generate and are generated , that the race of corruptible things might be preserved . and therefore , apollinarius , must either deny the successive generation of souls ; or by holding such a generation , he must ( consequently at least ) necessarily affirme that the soul is mortall . whereas hee mentions children borne in adultery ; let us leave that unto the divine providence , whereof we are ignorant . but , if we may presume to conjecture ought of the divine providence , it may be conceived that god very well knowing a child so begotten may be some way profitable , permitteth such a bodie also to be furnished with a soul , as hath been testified unto us by the child which was begotten of david on the wife of vrias . sect . . i. the opinion of the manichees concerning the soul , and the absurdity and contradictions thereof . ii. the judgement of plato touching one generall soul , and many particular souls ; the office of the soul ; and the difference betweene things that live , and living-creatures , is here also declared . iii. of the transmigration of souls according to the various fancies of the grecian philosophers . now , it followes that we examine the opinion of the manichees concerning the soul . for , they say truely , that the soul is a substance , both immortall and incorporeall : but , they adde also , that there is but one onely soul for all things ; and that it is parted , and ( as it were ) peecemeal distributed unto all particular bodies , as well to bodies inanimate , as to those which are indued with life . they affirme likewise that some bodies receive the same in more ample sort , and some in a lesse measure . things indued with life in a larger proportion ; things void of life , in the lesse ; and , heavenly things in the most abundant manner ; and that the particular soules , are portions of that soul which is universall . now , if they had affirmed the soul to have been so divided , as that it had not been divided into parts , but after some such sort as one voice is divided to the eares of many hearers , the error had been the more tolerable . but , their opinion is , that the very substance of the soul is divided into parts ; and ( which is most harsh ) they will have it to be accounted properly among the elements , and to be distributed together with the elements , in the making up of bodily-things ; and for the collecting of them againe into one , when they are dissolved , as water is divided into certain portions , and then mingled again all together . they are of opinion , likewise , that ( after the dissolution of their bodies ) the pure soules , being light , doe ascend unto the light , and that souls which have been defiled by the materiall substance ( in which they resided ) doe passe into the elements , and from the elements depart againe into plants , and living-creatures . and though they do thus mangle the substance of the soul , by their fancies making it in effect both corporeall and subject to perturbations , they say neverthelesse , that it is immortall . but , in these things they contradict themselves : for , first , they say that the souls which have been defiled , doe returne back to the elements , and are mingled and tempered one with another ; and contrariwise , in the passing of soules from body to body , they say that punishments are inflicted on them according to their offences , joyning and separating again the nature of them , ( as occasion serves . ) they hold likewise , that when it is light , shadowes are dispersed ; and when all is covered with clouds , that the shadowes are gathered together ; which cannot possibly come to passe in an intelligible nature . for , if a man should grant that shadowes are dispersed and gathered againe ; we must then count shadowes among things subject unto sense . plato is of opinion that there is both one generall soul , and many particular soules . one soule for the whole world altogether , and other soules for particular things : in such manner , that the whole world is indued with a proper soul of its owne , even with that soul which belongeth unto the whole world ; and so also , that particular things are indued with their proper soules , even with the soul , which is peculiar unto every one of them . the soul ( saith hee ) which pertaineth to the vniverse is stretched forth from the center of the earth to the uttermost limits of the heavens , ( not as though he conceived such a stretching forth as is inclosed in place , but such an extension rather as is conceived in our understanding . ) and hee saith , that this is the soul which turneth about the whole globe , and which holdeth in , and bindeth together all such things as have bodily shape . for ( as hath been already declared all corporeall substances have need of somewhat to hold them together ; and that is done by the soul , which giveth unto every thing the forme . for , every thing that liveth , hath a proper life of his owne , and every thing that is corrupted hath his proper corruption , ( say the platonists . ) so long as it is held , and knit together , they terme it a bodie ; and , when it is dissolved , they say it is corrupted or destroyed . they affirme , also , that all things live ; but , say not that all things are living-creatures . for , they distinguish plants from things inanimate , for that they increase and are nourished by a nourishing and vegitative power . they distinguish the living-creatures , void of reason , from plants , by sense ; and the rationall from the irrationall , by reason . thus , though they affirme generally , that all things live ; yet they distinguish the nature of every living-thing . such things as are utterly void of a sensible life , doe live ( say they ) an habituall life , and are held together by the generall soul of the world , which keeps them in their proper being , and undissolved . this , they hold also to be the soul which governs the world ; and , that , it sends into every particular thing such particular souls , as were before , made for them by the creator . yea , and they say to , that the creator gave unto it certaine lawes , whereby it should order this whole world , ( which lawes they call destinie ) and that the same creator vouchsafed thereunto a sufficient power to supply such things as are necessary for man : whereof wee shall treat more at large in our discourse of destinie . all the greek philosophers who affirme the soul to be immortall , are of opinion that the soul passeth from bodie to bodie : but they differ in setting down of what sort of souls they meane it . some understand it of one sort onely ; that is to say , of the reasonable-soul ; affirming that it passeth into plants , and into the bodies of irrationall-creatures : some of these think this transmigration was but at certaine appointed revolutions of time ; and some of them imagined the time to be casuall and uncertaine . some other understand it , not of one sort of souls onely ; but of the irrationall , as well as of the rationall : and some again , understand it of many sorts of soules , even of so many , as there are divers kinds of living-creatures . the schollers of plato have been somewhat singular in this opinion . for , considering plato said , that the soules of such as were furious , and angry , and given to rapine , were clothed with the bodies of wolves and lions ; and that their souls who spent their lives in wantonnesse , tooke upon them the bodies of asses and such like beasts : some understand him as though hee had meant lions and wolves & asses as the bare words doe signifie . some perceived that he spake figuratively , and by the names of those beasts , understood the conditions or qualities of those creatures . for cronius in his booke intituled of the renewed generation ( for so he termes the transmigration of souls from bodie to body ) will have it understood of none but reasonable-soules : yea and theodorus ( one professing the doctrines of plato ) in his book which affirmeth , that one soul comprehends all the species , is likewise of the same minde ; and so is porphyrie . sect . . i. the singular opinion of iamblicus , touching the trāsmigration of souls . ii. every bodie hath a soul convenient for the same . iii. the brute creatures doe nothing according to reason , but by-naturall instinct ▪ iv. the judgement of galen concerning diversitie of soules , and a recapitulation of the severall things proved and disproved in this chapter , concluding the soule to be both immortall , and incorporeall . but , iamblicus running a contrary race to these men , sayes that wee must understand , that the soul is of the same sort that the living-creature is ; and that there be divers kinds of souls . he hath affirmed in his booke called monobiblon ; that the changing of souls never hapneth from men to unreasonable-creatures , neither from unreasonable-creatures to men , but from beasts to beasts ; and from men to men. and in so saying he hath not only well guessed , but in my judgement expressed the very truth of plato's opinion : as by many other of his arguments may be shewed ; but , especially by these that follow . no one of the motions of reason ( saith he ) manifests it selfe in unreasonable creatures : for , neither arts , nor learning , nor consultations , nor vertues , nor any other thing belonging to an intelligible nature , can bee found in them . and , therefore it is plaine that they have no part of the reasonable-soul . though in infants , which are very young , there is altogether an unreasonable-motion ; yet wee say they have a reasonable-soule ; because , when they come to yeares , they shew forth the workes of reason . but , in the unreasonable-creature , which , at no age , giveth any token of reason , the reasonable-soule would bee superfluous ; because , the force of reason would bee altogether , and at all times , uselesse unto him . all men have agreed unanimously , that god made no superfluous creature ; which being true , it cannot be that a reasonable-soule should be so superfluously bestowed , as to be placed in cattle , and wilde beasts , which cannot exercise the same ; lest it might bee objected as a fault in the creator , to give an unfit soul to the body : for , it is not the part of a good workeman ( or of one who knowes the order and method of working ) so to doe . now , if any shall object , that there is in beasts , a certaine hidden habit of reason , whereby they are moved ; and that their shape makes them uncapable of artificiall workes , as the want of a mans fingers , depriveth him of meanes to practise many arts , wherein he is experienced , it makes nothing to the matter : for , the same absurdity still remaines ; implying that god applyeth souls unto some bodies , which are so unfit , and superfluous , that they are hindered , throughout all the ages , of those creatures , from their operations . beside , they confirme their propositions , by things unknowne , and such as are not confessed : for , who allowes this fancy , that , beasts have in them a motion , according to an hidden habit of reason ? it is therefore better to hold , that a soul convenient for every body , is fitly applyed thereunto : that beasts also have nothing more , according to any hidden habit of reason , then doth outwardly appeare in their naturall and simple actions ; that every sort of unreasonable-creatures is moved likwise according to a proper instinct of their owne , to such uses , and to such workes as they were ordained unto , from the beginning : and , that the shapes of their bodies are likewise very fitly accommodated for such purposes moreover , the creator , because hee would not leave them utterly void of help in their necessities , hath placed in every one of them such an understanding as is naturall , though not reasonable . in some he hath placed a wilinesse representing art , and having a shadow of reason ; partly for their better avoiding of snares and dangers , which may betide them , and partly to make all creatures to be the more naturally knit one to another ; as hath beene said before . now , that the brute-creatures have not the use of reasō in doing these things is evident in this , that every living-creature of one kinde , doth the same things , and all of them in one , and the same manner . their practices differ not in multitude , but in this onely , that some use them , perhaps more , and some lesse ; for all the whole kinde of them , practise the same wiles . every hare doth use the same subtleties , every foxe is alike crafty , and every ape imitates alike . but , it is not so with man ; for , his actions are infinitely various , because , reason being a certaine thing which is free ; and men having also many things in their power , their workings are not one and the same , as it is in every kinde of irrationall creature . for beasts have their motion onely by nature ; and such things as are in a creature naturally , are in all of the same kinde . but , the actions proceeding from reason , are after one sort in one man , after another sort in another , and not necessarily the same in all men . but , if they should say that mans sovl is driven into the bodies of beasts , for a punishment of those faults which i● had committed , when it was formerly in man while he lived : this demonstration of theirs ( contrary to the rules of logick ) proveth former things , by such as come after : for , why should reasonable souls bee cast into the bodies of beasts which were made before man ? can you say they had offended in the body of man before they had entred at all into mans body ? galen , that admirable physitian seemeth to bee of the former opinion , & to suppose that in every severall kinde of living-creature there is a sundry kind of soul : for , in the beginning of the first booke of that tract which he wrote of the use of the parts ; hee sayes thus . though there be many parts of a living-creature , some greater , some lesse , ( and some that cannot be divided into any other kinde ) every one of them is usefull some way to the soul : for , the body , is the instrument of the soul , and the parts of living-creatures , differ much from one another , because there is difference in their souls . againe , somewhat after that in the same book , he addes these words , speaking of an ape . oh , thou that art so witty in finding faults i nature can tell thee that it was convenient a ridiculous shape of body should be given to that beast whose soul was ridiculous . by this it may sufficiently be declared , that galen thought a diversitie of souls was planted in those creatures which were of divers kindes . thus much of these matters . seeing wee have now proved ( even by their owne arguments who have held the contrary ) that the soul is neither a corporeall essence , nor a harmony , nor a temperature , nor any other quality ; it will necessarily follow , that it is a substance incorporeall . all confesse there is a soul ; and if it be neither a body , nor an accident , it is mannest that it is a substance without a body ; and no such thing as cannot stand by it selfe without a subject : for such things may without the destruction of the subject be either in the same , or absent ; but if the soul be separated from the body , that body must of necessity be destroyed . we may use the same reasons to prove the soul immortall : for , if it bee neither a body , whose nature is subject to dissolution and destruction , as is aforesaid ; nor a quality , nor a quantity , nor any thing subject to corruption ; then it must needs bee immortall . there bee many other demonstrations , both in plato , and others , illustrating the immortality of the soul , but they are full of obseurity , and can hardly be understood , or borne away by those who have beene trained up in the same sciences . to us the doctrine of the divine scriptures are al-sufficient , to prove the souls immortality ; & beare a ful credit in themselves , because they were inspired by god. but , against those who embrace not the scriptures , as wee christians doe , wee must prove by demonstration , that the soul is no such thing , as is subject to corruption . if it bee no corruptible thing , it must needs bee incorruptible ; and consequently immortall . and therefore , to that purpose let this be sufficient . cap. . sect . . i. of the uniting of the soul and body , and whether their natures be altered , or confounded by their union . ii. the mystery of the soul and bodie' 's union illustrated by considering things conceivable in understanding , and by a similitude taken from the sun. iii. of the admirable proprieties of the soul ; and how it is properly or improperly said to be in the body , or in place , &c. our purpose is now to enquire , how between the soul and a lifelesse-body there may bee a perfect union : for , the possibility of this thing appeareth somewhat doubtfull ; and , it is much the more doubtfull , it man consist not of these two parts onely , but of understanding also ( as a distinct thing ) which is the opinion of some . but , the greatest doubt of all , ariseth in this respect , that all those things which concurre unto the making of one essence , are joyned all together in the making of that one ; seeing all such things as are united to the making up of another thing , are ( usually ) so altered that they remaine not the same they were before , as it shall plainly be declared in our treatie of the four elements . how then can the bodie being united unto the soul , remaine still a bodie ? or , how can the soul being incorporeall , and having a substance of his owne , be united with the bodie , and become a part of the living-creature , preserving still his owne proper substance , without corruption and confusion ? it seemes to be no way else possible , but that the soul and the body must by their union one with other , either become altered one with the other , or corrupted with each other , as the elements are ; or else , ( to avoid those absurdities ) that they should not be truly united ; but , be so joyned onely as dauncers are in their daunce , or lie one by the other as counters in a summe , or at best be so mixed , as wine and water . but , we have already declared in my treatise upon the soul , that the soul cannot be laid ( as it were ) along by the bodie ; because , if it should be so , that part onely of the body should have life in it , which joyneth neare unto the soule ; and that the part which the soule toucheth not , should be without life . moreover , wee cannot say , that two sundry things placed one beside the other , ( as two pieces of timber , two iron wedges , or such like ) are one and the same thing . and as for such a mixture as is made of wine and water , wee know it corrupts both the one and the other ; for there doth remaine neither pure water , nor pure wine , after such a mixture . yet this mixture of wine and water , is but ( as it were ) a laying of them one beside another , though our senses be not able to apprehend the same , because they are hindred from perceiving it , by the thinnesse of the parts of those things which are mixed . for , the wine and water may be separated againe the one from the other , by a sponge dipped in oyle , or by paper , either of which will suck away the pare water from the wine . but , indeed , it is utterly impossible to separate sensibly one frō the other , those things which are exactly united . if therefore , the parts of man be neither united , nor placed one beside the other , nor mixed together , as aforesaid ; what reason should move us to say , that one living creature is made of these two parts , a soul and a bodie ? it was the consideration hereof , which partly moved plato to imagine that this living-creature did not consist of soule and body ; but , that he was a soule having the use of the body , and to whom the body served as a garment . but , even in affirming that , he occasioned as much doubting ; for , how can the soul bee one with what is but his garment , seeing a coat , is not all one with him that wears it ? but amonius , who was master to plotinus thus dissolved this question : even by affirming that intelligible things have such a nature as may both bee united unto such things as are capable of them ( and after the manner of such things as are corrupted together in their uniting ) and yet remaine as truly without confusion or corruption , when they bee united , as those things do , which are but laid along one by another . it is true that bodily-things being perfectly united together , must of necessity suffer alterations by their union , and be changed in every one of those parts which concurre thereunto ; because , they are thereby changed into other bodies , as are the elements making compound bodies ; or as nourishment , being changed into blood ; or as the blood when it is converted into flesh , and other parts of the bodie . but things intelligible , may bee united , and yet no alteration of the substance thereupon ensue . for , it is not agreeable to the nature of intelligible-things , to bee altered in substance ; but , either it departeth away , or is brought to nothing , and so can admit no alteration . the soul is immortall and therefore cannot bee corrupted , or brought to nothing ; for , then it could not be immortall . it is also life it selfe ; and therefore cannot be changed in the mixture : for , if it should be changed in the union , it should be altered from being life any more ; and what should the soul profit the body if it gave not life thereunto ? all these arguments considered , it must be concluded that the soul is not altered by being united unto the body . having thus proved that the substance of intelligible-things cannot be altered ; it followes necessarily therupon , that as they are not corrupted by their union with other things ; so likewise , the things whereunto they are united remaine uncorrupted ; and that in the union of the sovl and body there is neither any corruption or confusion of the one or of the other . that they are neverthelesse perfectly united , is manifested by this , that either of them partaketh of that which chanceth to the whole living-creature : for , the whole man grieveth as one creature , if any cause of griefe happen to the one part or the other , ( to the soul or to the body . ) and , it is as plaine , that they remaine united without confusion , in that the soule being separated ( after a sort ) from the body when wee bee asleepe ( and leaving the body lying in maner of a dead corps , and only breathing into the same , as it were , certaine vapours of life , least it should utterly perish ) doth worke by it selfe , in dreames , whilest the body sleepeth ; foreseeing things to come , and exercising it selfe meerely in things intelligible . the like hapneth when the minde is very seriously occupied in cōtēplation , & enters into the consideration of intellectuall-things . for , even then the soule endeavours by all possible meanes to bee separated from the body , and to bee alone by it selfe that it may thereby ascend to the knowledge of things . for , being without body , it separates it self from the whole body , as things which are therewithall corrupted ; and yet remaineth uncorrupted as those things also doe wherein there is no confusion : and keeping it selfe one and alone , changeth that wherein it abideth , by the life which is contained in it selfe ; and yet is not changed by the same . for , as the sun , so soon as it appeareth , changes the ayre into light ; so making it light some , and so diffusing it selfe with the ayre , that it is united with the same , and yet not confoūded therewith : even so , the soul being united with the body , remaines without confusion therwith ; differing in this onely , that the sunne being a body , and circumscribed within the compasse of place , is not himselfe in every place where his light is , but ( as fire in the wood , or as the flame in a candle ) is confined to a certaine place . it is not so with the soul . for , being void of all body , and not contained within the limits of any place , it passeth all and whole , through it own whole light , and through the whole body , wherein it is ; neither is any part of it illuminated thereby , wherein it is not fully and wholly present . neither is it in the body as in some bottle or other vessell , nor compassed in by the same ; but the body is rather in the soule , and is thereby held in and fastned together . for , intelligible things ( such as the soul is ) are not hindred by bodily things ; but , enter , and pierce , and passe through every corporeall thing , and cannot possibly bee contained within the circumference of a bodily-place . things intellectuall , have their being in places also intelligible ; yea they are either in themselves , or else in such intellectuall things , as are above themselves . the soul is otherwhile in it selfe ; as , when it reasoneth or considereth of things ; and otherwhile in the understanding ; as , when it conceiveth any thing : and when it is said to bee in the body , it is not said to be there , as in place ; but , to be as it were in a certaine relation to the body ; and to bee present with it in such a sense , as , god is said to be in us . for , wee say that the soul is bound ( as it were ) by a certaine disposition and inclination , as the lover is to his beloved : not bound in place , or as bodies are bound ; but by the habituall bands of affection . and indeed , seeing it hath neither magnitude , nor massinesse , nor parts , how can it be enclosed by a speciall place ? or within what place can that bee contained , which hath no parts ? where place is , there must needs bee a massinesse ; because place is the bound which compasseth another thing ; and hath it being in respect of that which it encloseth . now , if any man shall thereupon conclude , that his soule is in alexandria , and in rome , and in every place ; let him know , that even in so saying , hee includeth a place . for , to be in alexandria , or generally to be here , or there , or any where , pertaineth unto a place ; whereas the soul is no where ( no not in the body ) as in a place ; but habitually ; because , ( as is aforesaid ) it cannot be contained within a place . for this cause , when things intellectuall have any habituall inclination to a place , or to such things as are in place ; wee turne the word from his proper use , and say abusively , that such a thing is there , or there ; by reason of the operation which it there hath ; taking the name of place , for the inclination , or working in a place . and , whereas we should rather say , it there worketh , we say , there it is . sect . . i. of the union of the godhead with the man-hood , how far forth it hath any similitude with the union of the soule and body ; and wherein it is unlike thereunto . ii. arguments taken from porphyrie , confuting himselfe , and others , who deny the possibility of an union betweene the godhead and the man-hood , and a disproofe of the opinion of the eunomians concerning that union . iii. he proceeds to treat of the union of the soule and body ; and shewes that as it was meerely , of gods good pleasure , to unite the godhead to the man-hood ; so it was also agreeable to the nature of god , that this union should be without mixture or confusion . that which is last aforesaid , agrees more plainly and in more speciall manner to that union , which is betweene god the word , and the man-hood ; by which union , the two natures being united , remained neverthelesse without confusion ; and so , also , that the divinity was not comprehended by the humanity : and , yet , this uniting is not altogether such , as is betweene the soul and the body : for , the soul being in the number of multiplied things , suffers ( after a sort ) with the body , in such things as happen thereunto , and by reason of their mutuall necessities , and conversation together , both holds it in , and is also held in , by the same . but , god the word being himselfe nothing altered , by that union , which unites the divinity and humanity together ( nor by that communion which the soule and body have with each other ) imparts his god-head unto them , without participating of their frailties ; and becommeth one with them , still remaining in himselfe the same thing which hee was , before such an uniting . this is a strange and mysterious temperature & uniting : for , hee is tempered with them , and yet he himselfe continues utterly without mixion , without confusion , without corruption , and without change : neither suffering any thing with them ; but , only helping , and furthering them : nor being corrupted nor altered by them ; but , greatly encreasing them , without any diminution in himselfe ; because , hee is altogether without mutation , without confusion , and without possibility of changing . hereof may porphyrie himselfe beare witnesse , who hath moved his tongue against christ ( for , the testimonies of our adversaries are the most undeniable proofes which may be brought against themselves . ) this porphyrie in the second booke of his mixt questions uses these words . it is not , then ( saith he ) to be judged a thing impossible , that some essence should be assumed to the perfiting of another essence , and be part of that essence , perfecting also the same , and yet remaine still in it owne natvre , both being one with that other thing , and yet preserving the vnity of it selfe : yea , and ( which is more then this ) changing those things wherein it is , by the presence thereof , and making it so to worke as it selfe worketh , and yet nothing altered in it selfe . now , porphyrie spake these things of the uniting of the soul and body : and if his reason hold good , in the soul , in regard it is an incorporeall substance , it holds true much rather , in god the word , who is verily without bodie , and also utterly void of composition . and this doth mafestly shut the mouthes of them who endeavour to contradict the uniting of the god-head and the man-hood , as many of the grecians have done ; jeasting , and deriding at it , as impossible , improbable , and absurd , that the divine-nature should be joyned in a temperature and an unity with our mortall-nature ; for , it is here discovered , that they may be opposed in this argument , by the testimony of such as are in most esteeme among themselves . the opinion of some ( especially of the eunomians ) is this , that god the word is united to the body not in substance , but by the powers of either ( nature : ) for it is not ( say these ) their substances which are united and tempered together ; but the powers of the body are tempered with the divine powers . now , they affirme ( according to aristotle ) that the senses are the powers of the body ( meaning of all the body as it containes the instruments thereof ) and therefore , in their judgement , the divine powers being tempered with the senses , is cause of that uniting : but , wee shall never be perswaded to grant unto them that the senses are certaine powers of the body : for , wee have already manifestly declared , what things belong properly to the body , what things to the soul only ; and what to the soul and body both together : and , we therupon concluded , that the senses , which worke by the instruments of the body , are to bee reckoned among those things which are proper to the soul and bodie joyned in one. these things confidered , it is most agreeable to reason , wee should affirme ( according to the nature of incorporeall-things ) and as is aforesaid , that these essences of the soule and body are united without confusion ; and in such maner , that the more divine nature , is nothing impaired by the inferiour nature ; but that onely the inferiour nature is profited by that which is divine . for a nature which is purely incorporeall , can passe without stop thorow all things , whereas nothing hath passage thorow that : by passing through all things , it is united ; and in regard nothing passes through the same , it remaines void of mixture , and without confusion . it is not rightly affirmed therefore ( though many excellent men be of this opinion ) that no reason else can be given , why the union , whereof wee have treated , should bee after such a manner , but , onely , because it pleased god it should so be : for the very nature of the things is cause thereof . we may justly say , that it came to passe meerely by god's good pleasure , and choise , that the son should take a bodie unto himselfe : but , it commeth not meerely of the good pleasure of god ( though it be also his good pleasure it should be so ) but of the proper nature of the godhead , that when it is united , it should not bee confounded with the man-hood . wee will speake nothing of the degrees of soules , nor of their ascending and descending , mentioned by origen . for we finde in holy scriptures nothing warranting the same ; neither are they agreeable to the doctrines commonly received among christians . cap. . sect . . i. of the body , and of the mediate and immediate composition thereof . ii. of those parts of a living-creature , every portion wherof taketh the name of the whole ; and of those parts which take not the name of the whole . iii. man only hath every part belonging to the body of a perfect living-creatvre whereas all others are defective in some of the parts ; and many in the situation of them . rightly may we affirme that every corporeall essence is a composition proceeding from the foure elements , and made up of them . the bodies of living-creatures having blood in them , are cōpacted immediatly of the four humors , blood , flegm , choller , & melancholy : but the bodies of such as are without blood , are made of the other three humours , and of somewhat in them answering proportionably unto blood we call that immediately , when any thing is made of the selfe-same things without any other thing comming between them : as the foure humours are made of the foure elements ; and those things are compounded of the foure humours , which consist of like parts , and are parts also of the body ( that is , things having such parts , every part of which parts , may bee called by the same name which is given unto the whole ; as when every part of the flesh , is called flesh . ) melancholy , is likned to earth , flegme to water ; blood to ayre ; choller to fire ; and , every thing which is compounded of the elements , is either a masse , or moisture , or spirits . aristotle thought that the bodies of living-creatures were made immediately of blood onely ; because the seed is ingendred of blood , and all the parts of a living-creature nourished thereby . but , because it seemed somewhat absurd to imagine that both hardest bones , and the tenderest flesh and fatnesse , should proceed all of one thing ; it pleased hippocrates to affirme that the bodies of living-creatures , were immediately compacted of the foure elements ; the thicke and sollid parts of the more earthly elements , and the soft parts , of such elements as are softest . oftentimes , all the foure humours are found in the blood ; whereof wee have experience in phlebotomy : for , sometime a certaine flegme like whey doth abound in it ; otherwhile melancholy , and sometime , againe , choller . whereupon , it commeth to passe that all men seem in some sort , to agree with one another . now , of the parts of living-creatures ; some parts there be , every portion of which parts hath the same name which is given unto the whole part : othersome there are , which cannot bee called by the same name whereby the whole is called . as for example ; every part of the braine is called braine ; in like maner of the sinewes , of the marrow , of the bones , of the teeth , of the grissells , of the nayles , of the thin muscles that binde the ioynts together , of all the skins ( throughout the body ) of the strings ( which are in the bloody flesh ) of the haires , of the flesh , of the veines , of the arteries , of the pores , of the fat , and of those foure which are in maner of elemēts , yeelding matter out of which the things aforesaid are immediately made , pure blood , flegme , melancholy , and choller . except from these , the muscle , which is compounded of those thinner muscles which knit our joynts together , and of the strings which are of the nature of sinewes . the parts of the body , consisting of portions , whereof every one taketh not the name of the whole ; are these that follow ; viz. the head , the breast , the hands , the feet , and such other members of mans body . for , if you divide the head into severall parts , every part of it is not called a head : but if you divide a sinew into severall portions , every portion of it shall have the denomination of a sinew ; and so shall it be likewise , if you divide ( or subdivide ) a veine or flesh . every whole thing , whose severall parts have not the same name with the whole , is made of such things as impart the name of the whole to the parts , when they are compounded together ; as the head is made of sinewes , and flesh , and bone , and such like , which are called the instrumentall parts . the definition therefore of such things as the greeks call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that is , things which consist of like parts , is thus made ; they are things whose parts are like both to the whole , and to each other ; ( as flesh , braine , &c. ) and by the word like , in this place , we meane the same with the whole ; for a piece of a mans flesh , is as truly flesh as the whole masse . now , every living-creature , hath not all the parts of a body ; but , some of them are defective in one part , and some in others ; for , some lack feet , as fishes , and serpents ; some have no head , as crabs and lobsters , and certaine other water-creatures ; and because they want a head , the seat of their sense is in the breast . some living-creatures have no lungs ; namely , all such as breath no ayre ; some are without a bladder , as birds , and all such as void not urine . and creatures which have thick shells , are destitute of so many members , that some of them , have but few appearances of being living-creatures . there bee also some living-creatures , which although they have such things as are in our bodies , yet seeme to want them . as the stag which seemes to have no choller , because hee hath it not in one place , but so dispersed abroad in his entrailes , that it is no where apparant . but , man hath all the parts of a living-creature ; every part also , perfect ; and all in so goodly order , that it could not possibly have beene better composed . beside their want of some parts , there is likewise among other living-creatures , much difference in the scituation of the parts . for , some have their dugs in the breast ; some , on their bellies ; and some under their thighes : some againe , have two dugs ; some foure ; and some have more . nature hath so provided ( for the most part ) that the number of dugges is answerable to the number of young-ones which every creature brings forth at a time . but let him that would bee more exactly informed of these things , reade the hystory which aristotle hath written of living-creatures . for , it pertaineth not unto the discourse which i now purpose , to treate at large of such things ; but , only to point at them , or , to speak briefly of them . cap. . sect . . i. of the foure elements : of their simple and mixt nature ; of their foure qualities , heat , cold , moisture , and drinesse ; of their contrarieties , and of the meanes of uniting them into one body . ii. of the circular motion , and changeablenesse of the elements one into another ; and a reason why god made them of such a nature . iii. the opinion of aristotle , concerning the nature of the ayre , &c. goe we now on , to the elemēts , which are consequently to be next handled in this treatise . an element of the world , is a most small part in the composition of bodies . they are these foure ; earth , water , ayre , and fire , and if you begin at the lowest , and so passe to the highest body of them , they are placed in such order , as i have named them . the bodies of these elements , are the first bodies , and simple bodies , in respect of other bodies : and every element is of the same kinde , with those things , whose element it is . for , principles ( as matter , forme , and privation ) are not of the same kinde with the things which are made of them : but , an element is necessarily of the same kinde . now , it is manifest that these foure , earth , water , ayre , and fire are the elements ; and it is as evident that the ( foure first ) qualities ( that is to say ) hot , cold , moist , and dry , bee in those elements , in the highest degree , both potentially and actually also . and , yet , there is not one of these elements , which we can discerne by our senses , to bee altogether void of temperature , and mixture with some other element : for indeed , all those which wee are sensible of , are in a sort somewhat counterfeit , and participate each of other , more or lesse ; even when in their mixture , their severall natures continue most apparant . moreover , every one of these elements , hath two coupled qualities , which constitute the species , or nature of it . for , earth is dry and cold ; water is cold and moist ; aire is hot and moist ; and fire is hot and dry . yet , these qualities , by themselves , cannot be elements : for , qualities are void of bodie ; and of things incorporeall , things corporeall cannot be made . neither is it possible , that other bodies should be actually elements , w ch have not actually each of these qualities in the highest degree : for , if those things which have these qualities , more or lesse , should bee elements , there would be an infinite number of elements ; and we should never bee able to discerne the elements of each particular thing : because every thing hath some quality in it , more or lesse . it followes therefore necessarily , that every element is a bodie and a simple-body ; and such a one as hath actually in it , in the highest degree , these qualities , heat , cold , moisture , and drinesse : because , of all qualities , these onely and no other doe make a whole change in the whole substance . whitenesse comming neare unto a body cannot make it white thorow and thorow ( as wee say ) neither can such a change bee wrought by any other thing ; whereas heat or cold , can warme or coole a body , not onely superficially , but quite throughout the same . those elements are accounted contraries , which are directly contrary to one another , in both their qualities . thus water is contrary to fire : for , water is cold and moist ; and fire is hot and dry . in like maner , earth is contrary to aire : for , earth is cold and dry ; and aire is hot and moist . and , forasmuch as things which are so repugnant , could not bee fitly joyned one unto another , without a middle-band ordained to knit them together : the wise creator hath placed water as a meane between the earth and the aire ( which are contraries ) induing it with her two qualities , cold and moist , that being the medium betweene those , which extreamely differ , they might be united thereby : for , by reason of the cold , it agrees naturally with the earth ; and by meanes of moisture , it is fitly joyned unto the aire . againe , in the middle betweene the water and the fire , ( which are also contraries in themselves ) hee hath placed the aire , which by his moist-qualitie doth very well accord with water , and with fire , by the quality of heat . thus , god hath linked every one of them each to other ( as in a chaine ) by placing betweene things contrary , such other things as may both unite the said contraries to themselves , and to such things also , as are bound one to another by them : yea , ( which is an excellent kind of band ) hee hath joyned together every one of the elements , by the one of his qualities to that which went before ; and by the other to that which followed after . for example , the water , being cold and moist , is joyned unto the earth ( which if you beginne at the lowest , and ascend , is next beneath it ) by his coldnesse ; and by his moisture , to the aire which is next above it . the aire likewise by the moistnes of it , is joyned to the water , which is next beneath it ; and by heat , to the fire which is above it . the fire also by the heat thereof , is joyned to the aire which is beneath it ; and by drynesse to the earth ; to which , being the lowest , it declineth it selfe ( as it were in a circular motion . ) the earth by coldnesse , is united to the water ; and by drynesse to the fire , which declineth towards it . for , that the elements , should not have onely an inclination to ascend and descend directly upward and downeward ; but incline also to a circular motion : god bowed them ( as it were ) and made the two extreame elements , fire and earth to turne one toward the other . for , the fire if it lose heat , is no longer fire ; but becommeth earth , as is manifestly proved by thunder-bolts , which being thrown downe and cooled , are converted into stones : for , every thunder-bolt consists of stone and brimstone , the stone is ( as it were ) the brimstone over-baked , ) brimstone is ( as it were ) fire cooled : and no more actually hot , but , having a neare possibility of heat ; and being also , actually dry : for , the elements only , have the qualities actually ; wheras , all other things have them but in possibility , except they come near unto some elements . but , to the end , that neither the elements should faile , nor the bodies which are to be compounded of those elements , the creator did providently devise , that they should be convertible , both one into another ; and also , into compound-bodies : and that the compound-bodies should be againe resolved into their elements . by which meanes , it commeth to passe , that they are continually engendered one of another , and perpetually preserved from being wasted . for , earth being first dissolved into a mirie moistnesse , becommeth water . water being thickned and congealed , becommeth earth . water also , being heated and resolved into vapours , vanisheth into aire . aire being collected and condensed , is turned into water . the same aire being dryed changeth into fire . fire , if it be quenched , and water also if it be evaporated , become aire : for , aire is the quenchings of fire , and the moisture arising from water being heated ; even by both of these is the aire generated : for , experience doth shew us , that whensoever fire is quenched , or water heated , aire is encreased thereby : therefore aire is naturally hot ; and cooled by being scituated so neare unto the water , and the earth ; which coole the lower parts thereof , as the fire heateth also the upper parts of the same . and this hapneth unto the aire by reason of the softnesse thereof ; and the easinesse which it hath to receive impressions , makes it quickly depart from its proper nature , and very apt to be changed . but , aristotle is of opinion that there bee two sorts of aire ; one like unto vapours , and generated by the exhalations of waters : the other , smoakie , and bred out of the fire , when it is quenched . the aire which commeth of smoke , he conceiveth to bee hot ; and that also which proceedeth from vapours , when it is first bred ; but , in continuance of time , that aire ( as he saith ) cooleth , by little and little ; untill it is converted into water . this supposition of aristotles , that the aire is of two sorts , was by him devised , that he might escape some absurdities which he knew not otherwise how to avoid ; and that things which are somewhat high , and farre distant from the earth , might seeme hot , and that such as are very low might seeme colder . sect . . i. of the uniting of the elements into a naturall body ; what maner of composition it is , and why those bodies are againe resolved into elements . ii. plato's opinion concerning the element of earth ; as also , concerning the other three elements . iii. of the division of the elements according to the stoicks : the opinion of aristotle , touching a fifth body , out of which hee thinkes the heavens were made ; and of the contrary opinion of plato . now , all bodies are made by the conjunction of these foure elements , both the bodies of plants , and of living-creatures also : to the composition of which bodies , nature drawes together the purest parts of those elements . these are called by aristotle , naturall bodies ; being compounded , not by heaping of the elements one upon another ; but by tempering all together ( throughout the whole ) so much of every element , as is in the body , in the uniting therof ; and by making of them one certaine bodie , differing from what they were , before that composition . for , they are so united , that impossible it is to sever them , or to see earth by it selfe , or water alone , or ayre , or fire , distinctly from the rest ; because , one intire thing , and a thing differing from the elements , is made by the tempering of all foure of them together ; as a medicine , consisting of foure ingredients , being once made up , is a thing differing from those ingredients . but , yet the composition of a naturall body is not in all things like those artificiall composures : for , the elements do not make the bodies , by the scituation of the thinnest parts , one by another , as it falleth out in a medicine , compounded of foure ingredients ; but , it is effected , rather , by altering themselves , and by uniting of all into one. all bodies are again resolved , also , into these elements ; by which means it commeth to passe , that all the elements remaine continually unwasted , and are kept sufficient for the making of all things , in regard they neither are diminished , nor abound . and from hence arises this generall proposition , that , the generation of one thing is the corruption of another ; and the corruption of one , the generation of another ; not referring ( this perpetuity ) to the soul , as is aforesaid , but to the bodie onely . plato is of opinion that the three other elements are changed one into each other , and that the earth remains altogether without mutation ; as may appeare by his comparing of the firmnesse of figures , consisting of streight-lines , with every element . to the earth he compares the figure called a cube ; because of all other figures that is least moveable . the figure icosaedron , which is hardliest moved of all the rest , ( and consisting of twenty bases ) he likeneth unto water . the pyramide , whose motion is easiest of all the rest , he resembleth to fire . and octaedron , ( the figure consisting of eight bases ) hee compareth unto the aire , whose motion is easier then that of the water , and more hard then fire . by these figures , he endevors to prove demonstratively that the three other elements are changed one into another , but that no change hapneth to the earth : for , ( saith he ) three of these figures , that is to say , the pyramide , the octaedron and the icosaedron , are made of triangles , whose sides are unequall , whereas the cubicall figure is made of triangles , whose sides are equall : now things which are made of triangles whose sides are unequall , being dissolved and meeting together again , may be changed into another ; but , the cubicall-figure being dissolved cannot be changed into any other ; because it is made of equall-sided - triangles , whereof none of the other three can be made . in like manner none of the other figures can be changed into a cube . and , for these reasons it is necessary that the bodies formed of these species , and the species whereof they are formed , should in respect of one another be such as they were . and , yet , the earth remaineth not altogether impassible ; but , is divided by bodies , having thinner parts then it selfe ; being after a manner altered from element to element , and yet not changed into those things which doe divide it : for , when it is recollected againe unto it selfe , it recovereth the state which it formerly had , as appeares by it , in the water . for , if you cast a little earth into the water , and stir it often up and down , that earth dissolves into water ; but , if you leave stirring of the same , the water settles , and the earth sinks to a residence : the like is to be thought of the whole earth : and this is not a changing , but a dissevering of such things as were mingled together . plato affirmes that the earth is also severed by the sharpnesse of the fire , and being so dissolved is elevated and carryed away in the fire : so likewise in the masse of the aire , when aire dissolves it ; and , in the water , when it is dissolved , in the water . moreover , plato mentioneth another division of the elements , affirming every one of them to have three qualities . the fire to have sharpnesse , rarenesse , and motion ; the element which is directly in the extreame thereunto , ( that is to say ) the earth , to have dulnesse , thicknesse , and rest : so , in respect of these qualities , the earth and the fire , be cleane contrary to each other ; whereas , they were not so , by those two qualities , whereof we had formerly spoken . he holdeth likewise , that , by qualities taken from the two extreames , those elements were made which are in the middle betweene these two : for ( saith he ) two qualities ( to wit ) rarenesse and motion , being taken from the fire ; and one ( that is to say ) dulnesse , being assumed from the earth , aire is thereof composed , whose effecting qualities , are rarenesse , motion , and dulnesse . in like manner , two qualities are taken from the earth , namely , dulnesse and thicknesse ; and one from the fire , ( to wit ) motion , whereof proceeds water , which getteth also his forme , by thicknesse , dulnesse , and motion . therefore , the same that sharpnesse is in respect of dulnesse , the same is fire in respect of aire : such as rarenesse is , in respect of thicknesse , such is aire in respect of water . that which motion is , in respect of rest , that water is , in respect of earth . look what fire is , in respect of aire , the like is aire in respect of water . and as aire is in respect of water , so is water in respect of earth . for , it is the nature of things having a plaine thin ground , to bee held together by one medium ; ( that is to say ) by a proportion betweene them ; whereas , firme and sollid bodies are not kept fast together , but , by two mediums . there are , yet other qualities ascribed unto the elements . namely , to the earth and water , weightinesse , whereby they doe naturally incline downeward ; and to aire , and fire , lightnesse , whereby they are naturally given to mount upward . the stoicks have moreover , another way of dividing the elements ; for , some they affirme to be active , and some passive . by active they meane the more stirring elements , such as are the fire and the aire : by passive they understand the duller elements , that is to say , the earth and water . but aristotle , besides these elements , bringeth in a fifth bodie , which he tearmes aethereall ; and this bee fancies to bee a bodie having in it a circular motion ; because , it pleaseth him not to say that the heavens are composed of the foure elements : and he calls the fifth , a body moved circularly ; because , it is ( as he imagines ) caried circularly round about the earth . plato is of another opinion ; and affirmes directly , that the heavens are made of fire , and of earth . his words are these : every bodily shape which is made , must be visible and subject unto touching ; but , nothing can bee visible without some fire in it ; not subject unto touching without some firmenesse ; nor can any thing be firm , without earth : and therupon in the beginning , god caused the body of the whole world to bee composed of earth and fire . now it is not possible that two things alone should bee made to unite and agree well together , without a third , which must be as it were a band betweene them , to bring them both together ; and of all bands , that is the chief which can most perfectly bring into an unity , both it selfe , and such things as are united by the same . and this , the nature of proportion doth best performe . by the band here mentioned , hee intends the two middle-elements , taken according to the proportion , whereof we spake before . sect . . i. the opinion of the hebrewes , and of apollinarius touching the making of the heavens and of the earth . ii. arguments out of hippocrates against thales , anaximenes , and heraclitus , who say that there is but one onely element . iii. the body being an instrument for the soul , is made fit for the operations thereof . the hebrewes , in their opinions concerning the making of the heavens and the earth , differ so much from all others , that but few have conceived thereof as they doe : for they affirme that they were created of no fore existing matter ; according to moses , who said , in the beginning , god made the heaven and the earth . but , apollinarius thinks that god made the heaven and the earth , of the depth of waters . for , moses in his description of the worlds creation , doth not so make mention of the depth of waters , as if it had beene created ; but , in iob these words are to bee found ; he made the depth of waters . therefore , hee affirmed , that all other things were made out of that , as out of a matter common to all . hee doth not say that this depth of waters , was never made ; but , that it was laid downe by the creator , as a foundation , before any other bodily-thing was made , that other things might bee made thereof : for , the very name of depth , declares the infinitenesse of the matter . and indeed , whether it bee this or that way taken , it is not much materiall ; for even by this opinion also , god is confessed the sole creator of all things ; and that hee made every thing of nothing . now , there bee some who say , that there is but one onely element ; either fire , or aire , or water , ( for thales affirmes that fire only ; anaximenes that aire onely ; and heraclitus , with hipparchus metapontinus , that water onely is an element ) against whom it shall be sufficient to alleage what hippocrates hath said in that behalfe . if ( saith he ) man were composed but of one onely thing hee could never feele any griefe ; for , hee being but one thing , nothing could procure paine unto him ; or if hee should feele any griefe , there could be but one thing which might heale him : for , that which feeleth griefe , must needs bee in a mutation with some sense : and , if there bee but one element , there can then bee nothing whereinto the living-creature should be changed : and if it were not altered , but continued setled in the same state , it could not possibly feele paine , though it were never so sensible . he saith further : it is necessary that the thing which any body suffereth should proceed from some other thing : but if there bee but one onely element , there can be no quality , beside the quality of one element , whereby the living-creature may be afflicted : and , if neither can bee changed nor suffer any thing , how can it bee grieved ? after hee had thus declared the impossibility thereof , he supposeth , neverthelesse , the same to be granted ; and thereupon thus inferreth . grant ( saith hee ) it could suffer griefe , and then it will follow , that there is but one thing onely which can cure the same ; but experience hath taught us that there is not one thing only , but many things to cure every disease ; and therefore man cannot be one onely intire thing . it may be further proved , that there are foure elements , by the reason wherewith every one of them endeavoureth to confirme his owne opinion ( who affirme that there is but one onely element . ) for when thales affirmed that water onely was to bee accounted an element , hee endeavoured to shew that all the other three were made of it ; saying that the faeces of it become earth , the thin parts become aire , and that the thinnest parts of that aire are turned into fire . anaximenes , holding opinion that aire onely is an element ; goes about to prove likewise , that all the rest of the elements are made of aire . heraclitus and hipparchus metapontinus affirming that there is no element but fire , use likewise the very same demonstration , to make their argument seeme reasonable . now , it will become evident by the reasons which these men give to justifie their assertion ; that every one of them is an element : for by some it is demonstrated , that all other elements are made of the fire ; by another , that all the rest are made of water ; and by a third that they are all of aire ; which make it plaine that all the elements are changed one into another ( by their generall consent , who otherwise disagree . ) and if they can all bee changed one into another , it will necessarily follow that they must all be elements ; because which of the foure soever shall bee taken , it will appeare that even that is made of some other . the body ( which is composed of these elements ) being an instrument for the soul , is divided together with the powers of the same : for , it was framed to be convenient and fit for them , in such maner , that no power of the soul should be hindered through the bodies defect . and therefore to every power of the soul , there are proper parts of the body assigned , for his operation ; as i will more particularly declare in the following chapters . the soul exercises the part of an artificer ; the bodie is as it were his instrument : it is also the matter wherein the actions are conversant ; and the effect which is wroght thereby , is the action it selfe . the matter is as the woman , the act is that which is conversant about her ; either whoredome , incest , or lawfull copulation . the powers of the soul , are divided into these three ; phantasie , judgement , and memory . cap. . i. of the phantasie , or imagination ; what it is ; by what names expressed ; and by what instruments it worketh . ii. of the seats and nature of the senses ; and why being but foure elements , there are five senses . iii. the definitions of sense , according to plato and others ; and distinctions betweene such faculties in the soul , as are appointed to beare rule ▪ and to obey . expresse we will in the next place , such things as concerne the phantasie or imagination . the faculty of imagining , is a power of that part of the soule which is void of reason , and worketh by those instruments wherein the senses are placed . the thing subject to imagination , is that whereabout our imagination is conversant , and may bee called imaginable , as that which is felt is termed sensible . imagination it selfe ( called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) is a passion of that part of the soul which is irrationall , procured by something which is subject to our imagination . a vaine imagination ( called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) is a void passion in the parts of the soule which are destitute of reason , being procured of no certaine thing whereof an imagination should arise . but , the stoick philosophers doe set downe those foure in this maner ; the imagination it selfe , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; the thing wherby the imagination is moved , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; a voide drawing away of our imagination , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; and that which moveth our imagination to bee vainely drawne away , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . imagination is a passion representing unto us both it selfe , and the thing moving our imagination ; for , when we see some white thing , there is ingendred some passion in the soule by the reception thereof . even as there is some passion begotten in the seats of the sense when it feeleth any thing ; so , there is then something engendred in the soule when it conceiveth any thing ; & it receiveth an image or impression of the thing understood . the fancie or the thing wherby imaginatiō is moved , is , any sensible-thing , which hath caused the imagination ; as it may bee some white thing , or any other object which may move the sovl. the fantastick or void drawing away of our imagination , is a needles ( or causuall ) seducing ( or distracting ) of the imagination , without any certaine thing which may move the same . the fantasme or thing it selfe , whereby wee are idely drawne away , is the very attraction whereby wee are attracted , according to our vain imagination ; which falleth out in those that are mad or melancholy . betweene these opinions there is no difference , but only , in the alteration of some names . the instruments of the imagination , are the former panns of the braine ; the vitall spirits , which are in them ; the sinewes proceeding from the braine ; the nerves moistned by the vitall spirits , and the very frame of the places , wherein the senses are seated . there are five seats for the senses ; but all are properly but one sense , which is the soul it self , who , by the seats of the senses , discernes all such things as fall out in them . it discernes , or taketh knowledge of an earthy nature . by that sense , which is most earthie and bodily , namely the touching : it perceiveth perspicuous ( or bright shining things ) by that sense which is most perspicuous , that is to say , the sight : it judgeth such things as are pertinent to aire by that seat which is ordained for the aire ; for the very substance of the voice is aire , or the smiting of the aire : and it receiveth every tast by a certaine quality of the instrument of the sense of tasting ; which attracts , by its waterish and spongy nature . for it is the nature of every sensible thing , to be discerned by some thing which hath a nature like unto it : and by this reason it should seeme that there being onely foure elements there should bee no more but foure senses . but , because there is a kinde of vapour , and certaine smells which have a middle-nature betweene aire and water ; the parts whereof are somewhat thicker then aire , & thinner then water ( which appeares by them who are sick of a heavinesse in the head , by rhumes , and stoppings ; for they drawing the aire by respiration , have no feeling of the vapour , by reason the fatnesse of the odour is hindered by obstructions , from approaching the sense ) therefore , a fifth-seat of the sense , namely , smelling , was provided by nature , that no such thing as may bee brought unto our knowledge , should be hidden from the sense . yet the sense is not an alteration , but the discerning of alterations : indeed the seats of the sense are altered , and the sense discernes this alteration . now , many times the name of the sense , and of the seats of the sense are confounded . but , sense is an apprehending of those things which are subject to sense : yet this seemeth not to bee the definition of sense it selfe , but of the workings of the sense ; and therefore some define it thus : sense is a certaine intellectual spirit extended from the principall part of the minde , unto the bodily instruments . it is thus also defined : sense is a power of the soule , which taketh hold of sensible things ; and the seat of the sense , is the instrument whereby it layeth hold on such things as are sensible . plato sayes thus ; sense is that wherein the soule and the body communicate together concerning outward things : for , the very power it selfe belongs unto the soule ; but , the instrument pertaines to the body ; and both together take hold of such outward things as may bee offered to imagination . some things in the soul were ordained to serve and be commanded ; othersome to rule and bear sway . the part which hath in it understanding , and knowledge , was ordained to rule . those which appertaine to sense , and to the motions by appetite , as also , our ability of speaking , are made to serve and bee at command : for , our voice , and our motion by appetite , are obedient to reaon , most speedily , and almost in a momēt of time . for , wee will and are moved together , and at once ; so that we need no time to come betweene our will and our motion , as we may see in the moving of our fingers . some naturall things are placed under the command of reason , as those which wee call perturbations . cap. . sect . . i. of the sense of sight , and the opinions of hipparchus , of the geometricians , of epicurus , and aristotle concerning the same . ii. the opinions of plato , and of galen , touching the same sense ; and of the cause of seeing . iii. the opinion of porphyrie also touching that sense . we finde that this word fight hath a divers signification ; for ▪ sometime it signifieth the seat of the sight ; and some time the power of the sense ( it selfe . ) hipparchus affirmes that the beams being shot forth from the eyes , take hold ( as it were ) of outward things with the farthest ends of them ( even as if a man should lay his hand on them ) and presents ( or yeelds ) those things , whereof they have so taken hold , to our sight . but the geometricians describe unto us figures ( which are called cones ) broad at the first and growing to a narrow top , made by the meeting of the eye-beames ▪ in one point . and they hold opinion that the beames of the right-eye , being darted forth to the left-side , and the beames of the left-eye toward the right-side , the figure conos is made by the uniting of them in one ; and that thereby it comes to passe that the sight comprehends many visible things together , at one view ; and then more exactly perceives them , when the beames are met closely one with another . and this is the cause , that oftentimes , when we looke upon the pavement we see not a piece of money lying plainly visible thereupon , though wee settle our eyes upon the same with diligence : for , untill it so fall out , that the beames meet in that very place , where the money lyeth , wee still overlooke the same ; but then , wee presently attaine the sight of it , as if that had beene the beginning of our looking for it in that place . the epicures think that the shapes of such things as appeare unto us , are brought to our eyes . aristotle is of opinion that it is not a bodily shape which appeares , but a certaine quality rather conveyed from things visible , unto the sight , by an alteration of the aire which is round about . plato sayes , that the sight is caused by the meeting of all the severall brightnesses together ( that is to say ) partly by the light of the eyes , which flowing out some part of the way into the aire , which is of like nature with it selfe ; partly by that which is retorted back againe from the bodies which are seene ; and partly by the force of that which is extended out together with the fierynesse of the eye , affecting the aire which comes betweene them ; and easily spreading every way , or turning to any side . galen agreeing with plato , speaketh of the sight ( here and there in some places of his seventh booke of the agreement of parts ) much to this purpose if ( saith hee ) any part or power , or quality of bodies that are visible , should come unto the eye , wee could not know the quantity of the thing seen . for , if a very great mountaine were the object , it were quite contrary to reason , to imagine that the shape of so huge a thing should enter wholly into our eyes : yea , and the spirit belonging to the sight , being darted forth could not bee able to collect together so much vigour , as would bee requisite to comprehend the whole visible object . it remaines therefore that the aire , wherewith we are encompassed , is after a sort such an instrument unto us when we see , as the nerve which belongeth unto the sight is to the body ; and some such thing seemeth to happen to the aire , which encloseth us round : for , the bright shining sun having touched the upper limits of the aire , distributes his power into the whole aire : and the splendor which is caried through the sinewes called the optick nerves which belong unto the sight , hath his essence of the nature of the spirits : this falling into the aire which is dilated round about us , makes an alteration even at the very first injection , and shootes forth very farre : yet so , that it containes it self undispersed , untill it happen upon a reflecting body . for , the aire is such an instrument unto the eye , to discerne visible objects , as the sinew is unto the braine : and look in what case the braine is , in respect of his sinew ; in like case is the eye in respect of the aire , after it is quickned by the bright shining of the sun. now , that it is the nature of the aire , to become like unto those things which enter into it , appeares manifest by this , that whensoever any bright thing , ( be it red or blew , or of the colour of silver ) shall bee conveyed through the aire , when it is light , the colour of the aire will bee changed according to that thing which is caried through the same . but , porphyrie in his book which hee wrote of the senses , affirms , that neither the making of the figure conos , neither any shape , nor any other thing , is cause of our seeing , but only this ; that the soul her selfe meeting with such objects as are visible , doth perceive and know , that all those things which are seene , be contained in her selfe ; because it is she only which holds them together , to their preservation . for , ( as he saith ) whatsoever is in the world , is nothing else , but the soul holding together divers bodies . and it were not untruly said , that the soul commeth to the knowledge of it selfe , by the view of every thing which is in the world ; if his opinion be allowed : for according to his tenet , there is but one soul for all things , even the reasonable-soul . sect . . i. of the proper object of sight , and of such other meanes and circumstances as are usefull in seeing . ii. though colour and shape are onely the proper objects of sight ; yet by cogitation and memory , it commeth to the knowledge of other qualities in the thing seene . iii. of such senses as are conversant about things at a distance ; and in what cases the sight erres , or needs the aide of other senses . the sight seeth by straight lines ; but it feeleth first & principally the colours of things ; and together with thē , discerneth also the body that is coloured , the magnitude , the shape , the place , wherein it is ; the distance , the number , the motion , and the rest thereof ; as like wise , whether it be rough , or smooth , or unequall , or even , or sharpe , or dull , or what element is predominant therin ; and whether it be waterish , or earthy ; moist or dry . yet that which is the proper object of this sense , is colour onely ; for wee no way attaine the knowledge of colours but by our sight : and assoone as wee behold the colour , wee therewithall do immediately perceive also the coloured body ; the place wherein the visible object abideth ; and the distance , which is between the se●r and the thing seene . looke in how many senses wee receive the knowledge of b●dily things ; even in so many wee come to the knowledge of a place , together with the body ; as it is in touching , and tasting : but these two , feele them onely when they are joyned neare unto the body ( except in those things which we shall speake of anon ) whereas the sight , beholds things at a great distance . now in that the sight laies hold of such things , as are visible , when they be far off , it must necessarily follow that it receives a sight only of the distance of things : and it is then only capable of the magnitude of things , when it is able at one view to comprehend the thing which appeareth ; but whensoever the visible body is too large to bee apprehended at one aspect , then the sight needeth memory and cogitation to assist it . for , the sight beholding so great an object by peece-meale ( and not at one whole view ) must necessarily passe from one part thereof to another ; and in that passage , so much onely is apprehended by the proper faculty of the sight , as is present in view ; the rest which was viewed before , is kept by the memory , untill our understanding hath brought together , both that which was before seen and that which is present likewise , in our sight . moreover , sight apprehends the magnitude of bodies two maner of wayes ; sometime by it selfe alone ; and sometime again by the aide of memory and cogitation : but by it selfe alone , it never taketh notice of the number of things visible if they exceed three or foure ; seeing the number of them cannot not be discerned at one attempt ; neither can it lay hold on the motions of things ; neither on figures which have many corners , without it have the helpe of memory and cogitation to assist it . for sight is not able to bring together , five or sixe or seaven , or more , without the helpe of memory ; neither can it bring together figures that have six , eight , or many corners . the motion also that commeth by passing from one great thing , to another , hath in the same , some what preceding , and somewhat following after ; and wheresoever things are found to bee some first , some second , and some third ; there memory onely is the preserver of them together : but these qualities , high and low , equall and unequall , rough and smooth , sharpe and dull , bee communicable both to the touching , and to the sight ; for that they onely can discerne of place ; and yet they stand in some need also of our understanding . for , that thing onely which moves the sense by one only attempt , is wrought by the sense alone ( without the helpe of memory and cogitation : ) but , such things as are felt at divers times are not wrought by the sense onely , but by the aide of memory and cogitation , as is aforesaid . such is the nature of sight , that it can pierce even unto the bottome of transparant things ; and first , and specially of the aire : for it can passe quite through it . secondly , it can passe through water when it is cleare ; insomuch that wee may see fishes swimming in the same : and ; ( though somwhat more hardly ) it passes through earth , being of a glassie or such like transparant nature . yet , this is alwayes to be supposed , that these things must be enlightned , when they become the proper object of sight , without the aide of any other assistant . but let no man bee so deceived , as to imagine that the sight may of it selfe discerne hot things ; because when wee see fire , we know that it is hot ; for if you refer that speech to the first function of sight , you shall finde that when the sight first beheld the fire , it perceived nothing but the shape and colour thereof . after that , wee comming to touch it , and thereby knowing the same to be hot , our memory preserves in us the knowledge which wee first gained by the touch : and ever since ; when wee behold fire ( though wee see nothing in it but the shape and colour ) our understanding by the helpe of memory , conceives the hear of the fire to be in the same , as well as the things which are properly seene . the like may be said of an apple ; for seeing the whole forme thereof consisteth not onely in the colour and the shape , but in the smell also and in the tast ; it followes not that it is the sight onely , whereby we know the same to bee an apple ( because we saw the shape and colour of it ) for , our memory had preserved in our understanding the experience which we had formerly collected from the smell and tast ; and these being added unto that , whereof the eye tooke notice , perfited our knowledge . therefore , when wee thinke an apple made of waxe to be a true apple , it is our understanding which erreth , and not our sight ; for the sight failed not to informe rightly , so much as pertained unto her sense ; when it perceived the true colour and shape of an apple . now , these three senses , sight , hearing , and smelling , are conversant about things at a distance , and such as are not joyned close unto them by means of the aire comming between them . but the tast cannot possibly feele any thing but that whereunto it is nearely joyned ; and the touching taketh part of both : for sometime wee touch things bodily , without any intermedium betweene us and them ; somtime againe , wee touch them with a staffe betwixt us , and the things touched . moreover , the sight hath now and then , want of some other of the senses to witnesse unto it the certainty of that which it perceiveth , when things are artificially wrought to deceive the sight ; as it falleth out in painting : for , it is the painters cunning to deceive the eye , with counterfeit shadowings , either of an embost or hollow ▪ worke , as the nature of the things requires : to the discerning whereof , the sense of touching is especially usefull , and sometime of the tast and smell also ; as appeared in the example of the apple made of wax . yea , and otherwhile ( at no great distance ) the sight it selfe maketh some things appeare unto us to bee that which they are not : for , if a towne which is foure-square bee but a pretty distance from us , it will seeme unto the sight to be round . the sight erres likewise , when wee looke through a thick aire , or through smoake , or some such things as otherwise trouble the sight by the thicknesse thereof . in like maner , when we see things in the water , being stirred ; for in the sea an oare seemeth broken when it is whole . so is it also when wee looke in or through some transparant ▪ bodie ; as looking-glasses , or other glasses and the like things ; or when the visible object is moved swiftly : for , a swift-motion so distempers the sight ; that those things are thereby made appeare to be round which are nothing so , and those to bee fixed , which are moved . the same happeneth , when the minde is busied about other matters ; as when a man ( purposing to meet his friend ) passeth by without heeding him whom hee went to meet , ( though hee met him in the way ) by reason he had his minde busied with other thoughts : but , indeed this is not properly an error of the sight , but of the minde : for , the sight beheld his friend , and gave warning ; but the minde heeded not that which was brought unto it . finally , the sight needeth foure things for the cleare discerning of all visible objects , namely ; a whole and sound seat for that sense ; a proportionable measure of motion ; a fit distance ; and the aire to bee pure and cleare . cap. . i. of the sense of touching ; why the seat of it is in all parts of the body , and why every living-creature enjoyes that sense , whereas many are defective in other of the senses . ii. of the proper objects of this sense ; and of such as it hath in common with other senses . iii. in which of the senses man excelleth ; and in what senses , other creatures excell him . it was by the creator of the world , so ordered , that hee made the seats of all the other senses two-fold , and confined them to a certaine circuit of place in some parts of the body ; for example , hee hath made two eyes , two eares , two passages for the sense scituate in the nostrill ; yea , and hee hath planted in every living-creature , as it were , two tongues . in some they are evidently parted , ( as in serpents ) and in some other , they are joyned and united , as in men : and for this cause , hee made onely two former-pans of the braine , that the sinewes which serve for the senses , being sent downe from either of these braine-pans might make the seats of the senses to be twofold . now , hee made them twofold , in respect of that exceeding tender love which hee bare unto us ; that when the one of them tooke harme , the other which remained might preserve the sense . and yet , though most of the seats of the other senses perish , the living-creature may be alive : but as soone as the sense of touching is extinct , the living-creature doth instantly perish . for onely the sense of touching , among all the rest of the senses is common to all livingcreatures ; and every living-creature is indued therewith ; whereas all of them have not every one of the other senses ; but some have these , and some have others , ( except those which wee call the more perfect creatures , and they indeed have all the senses . ) now , seeing the living-creature loseth life by the losse of this sense ; the creator hath allotted unto the sense of touching , not one part of the body onely ; but almost the whole body of the living-creature : for , except the bones , and the hornes , and the nailes , and the binding-sinewes , and the haires , and certaine other such like things , each part of the body is partaker of the sense of touching thereupon it hath so hapned that the seat of every sense hath two senses in it ; one of such things as are properly the object of every particular sense , and another in respect of the sense of touching : for the sight discerneth colours , and yet is partaker both of hot and cold things ; participating of heat and cold as it is a body , and discerning of colours , as it is the sense of sight . the like may be thought also of the tast , of the smelling , and of the hearing . it may hereupon bee questioned how the touching can bee spred over the whole body , seeing that the senses proceed from the former braine-pans : for indeed the sinewes come downe from the braine , and being dispersed into every part of the body , doe there occasion the sense of touching . and some were of opinion ( because the haire stands up as it were , with a sudden horror , when the foot is casually pricked with a thorne ) that the griefe , or at least , the feeling of the griefe , ascended up unto the brain , and was there felt . which being true , it might then be concluded , that there could bee no griefe in any part of the body , that were wounded , but in the brain only . it were better therefore to make this answer , that the sinewes ( which bee dispersed as aforesaid ) are the braine it selfe . for , they are a certaine portion of the braine , containing in them the vitall spirits , and diffusing them throughout the whole body of the living-creature , in such manner as fire is contained in burning-iron : and wheresoever such a sensible-sinew is planted , it makes the part wherein it is ingraffed to be partaker of sense ; and to be so qualified , that it may feele things . neither were it improperly spoken , to say that not the passion , but rather a certaine partaking of the griefe , and a denunciation of the same is conveyed up to the braine , where all the sinewes have their beginning . now the proper objects of the sense of touching are hot , cold , soft , hard , slimy , stiffe , heavy , and light : for , by touching only , we attaine the knowledge of these things ; whereas these next following are common both to the touching and the sight , ( to wit ) sharp , dull , rough , plaine , dry , moist , thick , thin , high , low , yea , and place it selfe . so likewise is magnitude ( when it can bee comprised within one attempt of the touching ) fogginesse , clearenesse , roundnesse , ( if it be but in small things ) as also the shape of other figures ; yea , and it fooleth likewis the motion of bodies comming neare unto it , being assisted by memory , and understanding . moreover , it is sensible of number , as farre as two or three , but no farther ; and those things must also be of no larger magnitude , then may easily bee comprehended by the touch . and these are better discerned by sight then touching ; as are also such things as bee equall or unequall ( they being of the same kinde with smooth and rough things ) for unequality being mingled with hardnesse , causeth a roughnesse ; and equalnesse added unto thicknesse , maketh a smoothnesse . by that which we have here delivered , it is evident that the senses communicate each with other in many things : and that if one sense erre , the error if it may bee rectified by some other senses ; as wee perceive in pictures : for , the sight beholdeth things as if they stood out from the rest of the peece , as the nose and such other parts of the picture ; but , by the sense of touching , the error of the sight is discovered . as the sight useth at all times the aire for a meanes to behold all things ; so the sense of touching feeleth some things by a staffe ( or other instrument ) as by a meane ; ( to wit ) hard , soft , and moist things . being aided by understanding , and the discourse of reason . in the sense of touching as also in tasting , man excelleth all other living-creatures ; and the beasts excell him , in the other three senses : for there be divers creatures that doe surpasse man in some one of the other three senses ; but a dog excelleth him in every one of these three , hearing , seeing , and smelling , as appeareth by hounds which hunt by foot . the whole body ( as wee said before ) is the seat wherein the sense of touching is placed ; but in man the inside of the hands , and the tops of the fingers , are the principall seats there of , and were appointed by our creator , not onely to lay hold on things ; but to be exact instruments also , serviceable to the sense of touching . and the cause why the skin of them is somewhat thin ; why certaine muscles are laid under them throughout the inside ; and why there groweth no haire on them ( whereof the muscles are cause ) is by reason they should the better feele and take hold on small things . such hands as are hardest , are the more strong to hold things ; and such as are softest are most apt for exact touching . in like maner , the sinewes which are hard , be fittest for motion , and those which are soft , more convenient for feeling ; for the sinewes also are instruments of touching ; yea and the chiefe instruments of that sense . cap. . i. of the tasting ; by what wayes , on what matter , and with what instrument it worketh . ii. the names of the simple qualities pertaining to the tast . iii. of the compound qualities belonging to the same sense , &c. that the sight beholds things by direct lines ; that the senses of hearing and smelling attain the knowledge of their objects , as well divers other wayes , as by direct lines ; and that touching and tasting doe nei-neither by direct lines , nor by any other meanes become sensible of their proper objects , but then onely , when they come neare to such things as are subject to their sense ( except in such cases as are before expressed , ) wee have already declared . the matter whereupon the tast worketh is the humors , or iuices which are tasted . the instruments of tasting , are the tongue ( chiefly the very tip of the tongue ) and the roofe of the mouth : for in these are dispersed the sinewes descending from the braine , and they denounce to the principall part of the soule , what that tast is which they have received . the name of the qualities pertaining to the tast , and which are found in the iuices , are these . sweetnesse , sharpnesse , tartnesse , a binding bitternesse , a bitternesse lesse binding , a quality bringing a bitternesse by drought and heat ; saltnesse ▪ fatnesse : for these are the qualities which tast discerneth ; and it is in respect of these qualities that the water is said to be void of qualities ; because if you tast water , it offers none of these qualities to your sense ; whereas , if you have respect to other qualities , as cold and moisture , they are ingraffed therein . the two bitternesses differ from each other in their being more or lesse astringent . these aforenamed are in a maner all the simple-qualities which belong unto the sense of tasting ; but the compound-qualities , are infinite ; in regard there is a proper tast belonging to every living-creature , and to every plant . there is one tast in swines flesh , another in goats flesh , and when wee would know what flesh it is which commeth to be tasted , we distinguish the same by the quality of the tast , which could not be done except there were a divers quality in every thing that is tasted . now because those things are infinite , and utterly divers one from another , wee cannot comprise or distinguish them under particular tearmes : for even in those things , wherein some one of the simple qualities beareth rule , there is a plaine difference of that which is the object of tast . for , though in dry figs , and in grapes , and in the fruit of the palme , there is one predominant quality , to wit , sweetnesse , yet in every one of them the tast discernes a difference . cap. . i. of the hearing ; of the object of that sense ; of the instruments thereof ; and of such living-creatures as move not their eares . hitherto of the tast . the sense of hearing is employed about voices and sounds ; and in them it discernes the shrilnesse , the basenesse , the softnesse , the harshnesse , and the loudnesse . the instruments thereof are a soft kind of sinews which proceed from the braine ; the forme of the eares ; and chiefly that part of them which is grisly : for the grisles are fitted for sounds and noises . onely man and the ape , are thought to have eares unmoveable , and all other living-creatures to have moveable eares . cap. . of the smelling ; of the instruments thereof ; of the matter whereupon it layes hold ; and of the difference which is betweene the vapours , or fumes , from whence the smell ariseth . every one of those places which are seats of the senses ( as wee have said before ) takes hold of such things as are the proper objects of their senses , by meanes of a certaine likenesse and agreeablenesse which is betweene them and their sensible objects ; and therefore the smelling ( though it be first begunne by the nostrils ) is perfected at the bounds of the former-braine-pans , which having a naturall affinity with vapours , doe the more easily take hold of them . and yet , whereas the braine in all other senses , sends downe sinewes into the seat of each sense to bee serviceable unto the sense therein placed ; it so dealeth not with our sense of smelling ; for the bounds of the braine it selfe , are in stead of the sinewes , and the braine receives immediately such vapours , and fumes , as are yeelded up unto it . of which vapours , the most generall difference is in this , that some of them have a good smell , some an evill sent , and some , that which is neither very good , nor very evill , but in a meane betwixt both . the good smell ariseth from humours exactly concocted : the evill sent , is when they are ill concocted , or not at all ; and the middle smell , is when they are concocted after a midling maner . cap. . of the cogitation ; of the things thereunto pertaining ; and of the instrument whereby it worketh , &c. right briefly , and according to our ability , we have spoken of the imagining faculty of the soule ; of the instruments thereof , and of those things wherein they agree or differ . to the cogitation these particulars are generally pertinent ; the judgement of things , a consent unto them , a refusall of them , and a desire unto them ; but , those which are specially pertinent , are consideration , vertues , knowledges , the reason of arts , deliberation , and choice . this is that part wherby wee attaine the foresight of things to come , in visions or dreames ; and therein onely , the pythagorean philosophers ( following the iewish opinions ) thinke true prophecying consisteth . the instruments of cogitation , are the middle-pan of the braine , and the vitall spirits , which are in it . cap. . i. of the memorative part of the soul , and the definition of memory according to origen and plato . ii. the difference betwixt remembring of things contained in sense and of things contained in understanding ; as also what recordation is . iii. of the instruments of the memory ; and demonstrations evidently shewing where the fountaines of the senses , of the cogitation , and memory are to be found . the seat of memory , which the greekes cal mnemoneuticon , is the cause and storehouse both of memorie and recordation , or remembrance . memory ( as origen saith ) is a certaine appearance left in the minde , by some sense which had wrought actually before . plato taketh it to be a preservation of things both felt and considered : for , the minde takes hold of things which are subject unto sense , by the seats of the sense , and therof is opinion begotten . but , it layeth hold on things intelligible by understanding ; and thence ariseth consideration . and when the minde retaines the prints both of things in opinion , and of those also which are in consideration , we then say , that it remembers them . it is likely that plato doth herein meane , by the name of consideration , not the principall consideration ; but a certaine cogitation : for things contained in sense , are remembred by themselves ; but , things contained in understanding , are accidentally remembred . the remembrance of things thought upon by us , doth remaine in us upon the heed of some appearance which was before in our imagination : and we remember those things which are properly contained in our understanding , in respect that wee have learned them , and heard them ; but as for their substance , wee have no memory thereof . for indeed , the apprehending of things contained in understanding , proceeds not from any preceding imagination ; but commeth to us by learning , and by a naturall notion . if we be said to remember such things as we saw , or heard , or knew heretofore , by some occasion or meanes : this word heretofore ( having relation to the time past ) makes it plaine , that such things as are made and destroyed againe , and such as have their being in time , are comprehended in memory ; and that our memory consisteth of things absent , but is not procured ( or moved ) by those absent things . recordation ( or remembrance ) called by the greekes anamnesis ; is when forgetfulnesse hath interrupted our memory ; for it is a recovering of memory , which was lost , when it failed by forgetfulnesse . memory is lost , either altogether ( and for ever ) or else , for a space onely ; and when it faileth but for a space , we call the recovery thereof remembrance . but there is another kind of recordation , which is not occasioned by the forgetfulness of such things as proceed from sense or understanding ; but from the forgetfulnesse of those things which wee have even by naturall notions . by naturall notions ( or things naturally conceived ) i meane such as every man hath in him without any teacher ; as that there is a god. this plato calleth a recordation of idea's ; and what is meant by idea's i will hereafter shew . such things as appeare unto the imagining part , are from thence conveyed unto the cogitation ; and the cogitation , or discoursing part ( when it hath once apprehended such things & judged of them ) sends them to bee stored up in that part of the soule , wherein memory is resident . the instruments used by the memory , are the hinder braine-pan , called by the greekes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and the vitall spirit there placed . but seeing we have affirmed , that the beginnings and roots of the senses , are the former pans of the braine ; the seat of the cogitation , the middle pan ; and of the memory , the hinder-pan ; it will be necessary for us to prove evidently that these things are so . lest we seeme to give credit to that which hath been spoken , without any reason to be rendred for the same . a plaine demonstration thereof may bee taken from the parts themselves ; for , if by any meanes the former braine-pan be hurt , the senses are much hindred ; but the cogitation remaineth sound . if only the middle-pan be harmed , the cogitation is maymed ; but the seat of sense keepes the senses whole . if any hurt befall both to the former and middle-pan , both sense and cogitation decay . if the hinder-pan be onely disordered , the memory alone perisheth , and neither sense nor cogitation receive harme . but if the former , the middle , and the hinder braine-pans be all together out of order , the party so disturbed is maimed , in sense , in cogitation , and memory , all at once ; and the whole living-creature is in danger of destruction . this is made evident also by many diseases , and accidents which are symptomes of diseases , and especially in frantick men . for in some of them their cogitation onely is hurt , and their senses are preserved whole . such a frantick man , is mentioned by galen , who being in a place wherein a wool-winder was at work by him , rose up , and taking certaine glasse vessels which hee found in the roome , ran to the window , and asked such as passed by , whether they would have such or such glasses cast downe unto them , calling every vessell by the right name : and when they who stood below said they would have it so , hee threw them all downe , one after another . then hee asked them whether they would have the wool-winder throwne downe also ; they ( thinking he had but jested ) replyed yea : whereupon he tooke up the wool-winder and hurled him headlong from a high place . this man had his senses whole enough ; for hee knew which were the glasse-vessels , and which was the wool-winder ; but his cogitation was diseased . others there be , who deluded by a vaine imagination , suppose that they see such things as indeed are not seene ; whereas in other things , they are not without the direction of reason . in such as these , the former braine-pans are only diseased , and the middle-pan uncrased ; for , by those diseases which follow every part , the course of their operation is accordingly hindred ; and the living-creature is hurt in respect of that operation , to the working wherof the part diseased is naturally serviceable . as for example , if the feet bee hurt , our walking is hindered ; for that is the work whereunto the foot serveth . cap. . i. of the reason , from whence we have the denomination of reasonable-creatures . ii. of our speech , and of the severall instruments thereof . here is one division of the powers of the soul , ( together with which , there are some parts of the body likewise divided ) whereunto is added another division , and after another maner ▪ for the reasonable-part of the soule is divided into reason which is unexpressed in us , and that which is uttered by our speech . the reason unexpressed ( or setled in us ) is a motion of the soule engendred in that part of the minde , wherein consisteth our discourse of reason , without any utterance by voice : thereby oftentimes ( although wee say nothing ) wee throughly resolve , and set downe with our selves , the whole reason of a thing ; and otherwhile discourse in our dreames : and it is chiefly in respect thereof that we are called reasonable-creatures ; yea much rather in this respect , then for that which is uttered by our speech . for albeit some are deafe and dumbe from their births , or lose their voices by sicknesse and diseases , yet reasonable-creatures they are , neverthelesse . the utterance of reason is by the voice in the variety of tongues ; and the instruments used in the voice are many ; namely , the muscles which are in the middle of the sides , the breast it selfe , the lungs , the winde-pipe , the throat , ( and in all these , those parts especially which are grisly ) the returning sinews , the cover of the wind-pipe ; yea , and all the muscles which move these parts , are instruments of our speech . the instruments of our various utterance are the mouth : ( for therein the speech is moulded and fashioned ) and the tongue and the wesil-pipe ( which are there in stead of that wherewith wee smite the strings of a lute or such like instrument ) the roofe of the mouth also , which is as the belly of the lute , that receives and gives back the sound . the teeth , and the various openings of the mouth , doe stand in stead of strings : yea , and the nose also doth somewhat further the plainenesse , and the pleasingness of speech , as appeares in those that sing . cap. . i. another division of the soule , being threefold . ii. an eightfold division thereof according to zeno. iii. a fivefold , and twofold division of the soul also according to aristotle . vnto those aforegoing , there is added yet another division of the soule , into the powers , the kindes , and parts thereof ; namely , into a vegitative power , which is the same wherby plants ( and such like ) doe grow ; and this is called also a nourishing , or passive power , secondly into a sensible power ; and thirdly into that whereby it exerciseth reason . zeno the stoick assignes unto the soule eight parts ; the reasonable part is the first and principall : the five senses make up sixe , the faculty of speech the seaventh , and the eighth hee affirmes to bee that power whereby things are ingendred one of another . but panetine the philosopher ( contradicting this opinion ) affirmes that the uttering of our speech is a part of the motion which is in our appetite ; and that the power of ingendring is a part of nature , not of the soule , wherein hee hath said very truly . aristotle in his physicks hath divided the soule into to five parts ; namely , that which is vegitative , sensitive , movable in place , that which belongs to appetite , and that which is intellective . he calls that vegitative , which nourisheth , encreaseth , breedeth , maketh , and formeth bodies ; for under the name of vegitative he comprehends the intire faculty of growing ; calling the whole after the name of that part thereof which is the chiefest therein , and from whence all the other parts of the growing power have their essence . this is aristotles opinion in his physicks ; but in his ethicks he makes but a twofold division of the soule ; that is to say , into parts rationall , and irrationall . of the reasonable-part i have already treated ; now therfore i will speak of that which is unreasonable . cap. . i. of that unreasonable part of the soule which containes the appetite : of concupiscence also ; of anger , and of their severall instruments . ii. of the divers acceptations of this word affection , and the definition of an affection , and of an operation or act . iii. the difference betweene an operation , and an affection or passion , &c. some hold opinion that irrationality , or to be voide of reason is an intire thing by it self , as though there were a soule void of reason , which were not a part of the rationall soule : and for these causes they thinke so ; first , for that it is found alone by it selfe in unreasonable living creatures ; for thereby it seemes unto them to be perfect of it selfe , and no part of the reasonable soule . secondly , they so imagine , because it appeares unto them one of the greatest absurdities which may be , to affirme that a power void of reason should be part of a soule indued with reason . however , aristotle affirmes it to be both a part , and a faculty of the reasonable soule , dividing it in to two parts , ( as i said before ) and calls those two by this one cōmon name , the appetitive-faculty : to which belongs also the motion of our appetite ; for appetite is the beginning of motion , as appeares in every living creature having a desire to something ; for their desire causes them to move forward , according to their appetite . this unreasonable part of the soule doth either disobey , or obey reason : and that part which is obedient unto reason , is divided into two parts , concupiscence , and anger . the instrument of the concupiscence by which it commeth into sense , is the liver . but the instrument of anger is the heart , which being a hard part receives a strong motion , and is ordained for a hard service , and for great resistances ; whereas the liver being a tender entrail , is made the instrument of tender concupiscence . these things are said to be obedient unto reason , because nature hath ordained them to obey reason , and to bee moved , as reason commandeth , in all such men as live answerable to that which nature ( originally ) requires . and these are certaine affections , which constitute our essence , as it hath life in it ; for life cannot bee maintained without these . but whereas this word affection hath divers acceptations , wee must first distinguish the variety of significations which it hath : for either it pertaineth to the body , as when it is sick or ulcerated , in which cases we say it is so or so affected , or else it belongs to the soul , of which we now speake , and wherunto concupiscence and anger doe pertaine . but universally and generally , in respect of the intire living creature consisting of both parts , it is called an affection , and followeth either , in griefe or pleasure . for griefe doth follow our affection , but the very passion or affection it selfe , is not griefe : for if that were true , then wheresoever passion were found , there should be griefe also : but things void of life may be patients and suffer , yet feele no griefe . therefore it is not necessarily consequent , that whensoever wee are affected unto a thing , we should also bee grieved , but then onely when wee feele the thing which hapneth unto us . yea , and that which falleth unto us must bee a thing of such moment likewise , as may bee perceived by our sense . but this is the definition of such affections as are in the soul . an affection is the motion of our power of appetite , subject unto sense , provoked by the appearance of some good or evill . or else it may bee defined thus : an affection is a motion of the soule , void of reason , supposing either some good or some evill thing . affection in generall is by some thus defined ; affection is a motion in one thing , by the commotion of another . the operation ( or action ) is a motion working that which is wrought . and therefore anger is an operation of that part of the soule wherein anger is ; but it is an affection of both parts of the soule ; and beside that , of all our body , when our body by reason of anger is violently drawn thereby to any furious act : for this motion chanced in one thing , by the commotion of another thing , which was the definition of an affection . an operation ( or action ) after another sort , is called an affection ; when it disagreeth from nature ; for the operation is a motion according to nature , but the affection is repugnant unto nature : and therefore , an operation when it is not moved according to nature , is called an affection , whether it bee moved of it selfe , or of some other : as for example , the motion which is from the heart in the pulses , is an operation ; but that unseasonable appetite , subject unto sense , provoked by the appearance of some good or evill . or else it may bee defined thus : an affection is a motion of the soule , void of reason , supposing either some good or some evill thing . affection in generall is by some thus defined ; affection is a motion in one thing , by the commotion of another . the operation ( or action ) is a motion working that which is wrought . and therefore anger is an operation of that part of the soule wherein anger is ; but it is an affection of both parts of the soule ; and beside that , of all our body , when our body by reason of anger is violently drawn thereby to any furious act : for this motion chanced in one thing , by the commotion of another thing , which was the definition of an affection . an operation ( or action ) after another sort , is called an affection ; when it disagreeth from nature ; for the operation is a motion according to nature , but the affection is repugnant unto nature : and therefore , an operation when it is not moved according to nature , is called an affection , whether it bee moved of it selfe , or of some other : as for example , the motion which is from the heart in the pulses , is an operation ; but that unseasonable motion which commeth by feares or feavers , is an affection or passion . for that great panting proceedeth from the heart it selfe unnaturally ; and from thence also commeth naturally the moderate beating of the pulses . therefore it is no marvaile if one and the same thing bee called both an affection and an operation . for in respect they bee certaine motions proceeding from the passible part of the soule , they be a kinde of operations ; but in this respect , that they passe measure , and are not agreeable to nature , they are not operations , but affections . thus you see the motion of that part of the soule which is irrationall , to bee an affection in both significations ; and that neverthelesse , every motion of the passible part is not called a passion ( or affection ) but those which are most vehement , or which ( at least ) proceed so far , that they may bee felt . for , those which are small , and which cannot be felt , are not to be called affections ( or passions ) while they are in that degree ; because there must bee a convenient quantity ( or magnitude ) to make it a passion . and for this reason , that clause ; whose motion is perceived by sense , is annexed to the definition of an affection ; even because small motions , wherunto the sense is not privy , doe not make an affection , as i said before . cap. . i. of the concupiscence , and of pleasure and griefe , which are the two parts , whereinto the same is divided ; and of another fourfold division thereof . ii. of the meanes wherby evill affections are ingendred , and the meanes also how they might bee cured . that part of the soule , which ( as we have said before ) is irrationall , and yet obeyeth reason , is divided into these two ; namely , the concupiscible , and irascible part . the concupiscence is againe divided into pleasure and griefe : for if our concupiscence attaines to that which is desired , it breedeth a pleasure , and if it misseth of the same , it engendreth griefe . this desire may another way be divided into four parts , the cōcupiscence it selfe being one of the foure . for of those things which are ; some be good , some evill , some present , and some expected ; and after this maner , if two bee multiplied , the parts in the division of the concupiscence will be foure : for you shall there find things good , things bad , things present , and things expected . now good expected , is this desire : good when it is present , is pleasure . evill when it is looked for , begetteth feare ; when it is present , it bringeth griefe . if therefore you have respect to good things , therein consisteth pleasure and desire ; but if you respect evill things , of them proceed feare and griefe . and for these considerations , some have divided affection into these foure parts ; desire , pleasure , feare , grief . we call those things good and bad , that are either so indeed , or else reputed to be such . evill affections are ingendred in our minde , by these three things ; evill education , unskilfulnesse ( or ignorance , ) and by an evill constitution of body . for , if wee be not well educated , even from our childhood , so that wee may learne to master our passions in the beginning , wee soone fall into an immoderation almost incurable . by reason of ignorance also , a certaine perverse judgement is fostered in the reasonable part of our soule , which makes us think evill things to be good ; and good things to be evill . and by meanes of an ill complexion ( or constitution ) of body , somewhat is likewise occasioned to our harme ; for they in whom choller abound are inclined to fretfulnesse ; and they who exceed in heat and moisture , are prone to lasciviousnesse . wee must endeavour therefore , to cure an evill custome by enuring our selves to good customes ; we must remove ignorance by learning knowledge ; & we must labour to rectifie the evill constitution of our bodies , by such bodily things , as may so much as is possible help to bring it into a meane temperature ; which may be effected by a good dyet , by exercise , and by physick , if need be . cap. . sect . . i. of the pleasures both of minde and body ; their variety , and different natures . ii. of such pleasures as are to be pursued by good men , and which are properly accounted pleasures . iii. what pleasures ( according to the opinion of plato ) are true or false pleasures : how good pleasures are named ; how defined by some philosophers ; and what defects are in their definition . rightwell may pleasure be divided into corpereall and mentall-pleasures : for , some belong onely to the minde , as to be delighted in knowledge ; or in the contemplation of things . others are called corporeall-pleasures , because they proceed from the conjunction of soul and body , and they are the pleasures which wee have in eating , drinking , carnall-copulation , and the like . there is no pleasure proper to the body alone : for they that seem to be such , are passions rather then pleasures ; as certaine cuttings , and flawings , qualities pertinent to the temperature of the body : for , all pleasure hath sense joyned with it , and ( as we have shewed before ) all sense belongeth to the soule . there be divers kindes of pleasure : some are good , some naught ; some false , some true ; some pertaine to the minde only ; some depend upon knowledge ; some belong to the body , and are judged by the sense . among pleasures tryed by sense , some be naturall , and some not so . to that pleasure which is in drinking , the griefe which commeth by thirst , is opposed ; but to the pleasure which ariseth from contemplation , there is nothing opposite ; and by these things it is manifest that the name of pleasure hath many significations . among those which we call bodily or corporeall pleasures , some are both necessary and naturall ; and without them it is impossible to live ; such are the pleasures which we take in eating and drinking what is competent , and in necessary clothing . some are naturall , but not necessary pleasures , as naturall and legitimate copulation : for though this bee necessary for the preservation of the whole kinde ; yet it is not so necessary to the life of any one man , but that he may live in his virginity without it ; but some pleasures are neither necessary nor naturall ; as drunkennesse , lasciviousnesse , and feeding in excesse . for these neither assist in propagating the succession of our kinde , as lawfull copulation , neither become profitable for the maintenance of our life ; but are ( on the contrary ) harmefull unto us . hee therefore that would live according to the law of god , must pursue those pleasures onely which are both necessary and naturall . but he that will content himself in the second order of vertues , may take in hand both the forementioned pleasures , and therewith such also as are naturall but not necessary ; observing a conveniency in measure , manner , time , and place , the rest hee must by all meanes eschew . those pleasures are generally to be accounted good , which are neither intangled with griefe , nor occasion repentance , nor procure other harme , nor depart from the mean , nor draw us from good workes , nor bring us into bondage . but those are properly pleasures , w ch are in some sort exercised in the consideration of god , and of knowledge and vertue : and these are to bee placed amōg those pleasures which ought earnestly to be pursued , above all the rest which are profitable unto us ; not because they are pertinent unto our being ( or for the continuation of our kinde ) but for that they constitute our well-being , and make us to bee honest , to bee lovers , and beloved of god , and to have the utmost perfection of man ; which perfection consisteth in the soule and vnderstanding . these pleasures are neither the remedies to avoid diseases , as eating , drinking , and those other which doe supply our wants ; neither have they any griefe at all , preceding them , following them , or contrary unto them ; but are pure , immixt , and free from every material composition , because they pertaine onely to the soule . for according to plato's opinion of pleasures , there bee some of them false , and some true . those are false , unto the procuring whereof , sense and a false opinion is needfull ; and such also as have grief annexed unto them . true pleasure is that which pertaines to the soule onely , even the soule by it selfe , together with science , understanding , and prudence ; and such pleasure as is pure without any mixture of griefe , or subsequent repentance at any time . some call such pleasures as ensue upon contemplation , and good actions , not passions , but sweetnesses ; and others call them ioy , as by a proper name . they define pleasure to be a generation into a nature subject unto sense . but this definition seemeth to agree onely to corporeall pleasure : seeing by that pleasure , the wants of our body are supplyed and cured , together with such griefes as we sustained by those wants . for when we be cold or thirsty , wee are delighted in the warmth , and in the drinke , whereby that griefe is cured , which proceeded from cold and thirst . therefore these pleasures are not good naturally or of themselves , but accidentally : for , as to be in health , is good naturally and by it selfe , whereas to be healed , is but an accidentall good , so these pleasures are onely accidentally good ; because they are but remedies for the curing of other things . but the pleasure taken in contemplation is good naturally , and of it selfe ; because it is not used in respect of any want . hereby it is plain , that all pleasure is not ordained to supply wants ; and if this be true , that cannot bee a good definition , which defines pleasure to be a generation into a nature subject unto sense ; for it comprehendeth not all pleasure ; but leaveth out the best , even the pleasure that is in contemplation . sect . . i. a definition of pleasure according to epicurus , and another definition equivolent thereunto . ii. a definition of pleasure according to aristotle . iii. of the sundry sorts of pleasures ; of their operations ; of such as are proper to man as hee is man ; and of such as are common to him , with other living-creatures . epicurus the philosopher defines pleasure to be the taking away of every thing which may grieve a man : and in so defining it he sayes the same thing with him , who affirms it to be a generation into a nature subject unto sense . for hee sayes that our deliverance from that which grieveth us is pleasure : but seeing no generation consists of the same proprieties , with those things which proceed thereof , we must not thinke that the generation of pleasure , is pleasure ; but , some other thing beside pleasure . for the generation it selfe is conversant about ingendring ; but of all things which are begotten , there is nothing which is at once in begetting , and perfectly begotten ; seeing it is evident that the acting and the finishing of an act , are distinct things , perfected by degrees . but that which taketh pleasure is delighted all at once ; therefore pleasure cannot be a generation . furthermore , every generation is a making of things which are not formerly in being ; but pleasure cōcerneth such things as have their being already ; therefore pleasure cannot be a generation . again , generation may bee said to be speedy or slow ; but so is not pleasure said to be . moreover , of good things , some be the habit , some the operation , and some the instruments . the habit , as vertues ; the operation , as the action agreeable to vertue . again , the habit is as the faculty of seeing ; the operation , as the seeing it selfe ; and the instruments whereby wee worke , as the eye , riches , and such like . now all the powers of the soule which are conversant about good or evill things , are the faculties of some habits or other . therefore , if pleasure bee a good thing , and not an evill thing ; these are the onely things in which it can bee conversant . but it cannot bee a habit ; neither is it as a vertue ; for then it could not be so easily changed into griefe , which is contrary thereunto : neither as it is contrary to privation ; seeing it is impossible that a habit , and a privation , should meet in the same subject ; as pleasure and griefe may . for there bee some who take pleasure , and are grieved both at once ; as they who are gently scratched when they itch ; therefore pleasure is not a habit . neither is pleasure an instrument ; for instruments are ordained in respect of other things , not in respect of themselves , now pleasure is not for any other thing , but for it selfe only , and therefore it cannot be an instrument . pleasure must be therefore an operatiō ; & indeed aristotle defines the same to be an operation of a habit that is agreeable unto nature : but by this definition , felicitie should bee pleasure , ( seeing felicitie is such an operation as he defineth ; ) and so his definition is false . therefore aristotle thus correcteth his definition ; pleasure ( saith hee ) is the end of the operations of a living-creature , which are void of incumbrance , and agreeable to nature : so pleasure may bee , as it were , wrapped up , and coexist , together with felicity ; but felicity cannot be pleasure . now every operation is not a motion ; for some operation is practised without motion , such was the operation which god used in the first creation ; for the first mover of all things is unmoveable ; such also is the operation of contemplation , which man useth ; for it is exercised without motion ; because the subject of contemplation is alwayes one and the same ; and the minde of him that contemplates , alwayes firmly setled upon that object of contemplation . if then , the pleasure that is in contemplation ( and which is the greatest , the principall , and the onely true pleasure ) be exercised without motion ; it is plaine that such pleasures as have the fewest motions , are by so much the better , and the greater , as their motions are the fewer . pleasures , together with their operations are diversly distinguished ; for there be so many pleasures , as of their operations : when the operations are good , the pleasures are good also ; and if the operations bee naught , such are the pleasures . that there bee sundry sorts of pleasure in respect of every sense , it is very manifest ; for there be many pleasures both in touching and tasting ; and great diversitie also in the pleasures of the sight , of the hearing , and of the smell : and the purer senses are they which keepe the farthest distance from their objects , which delight them , as the slight , the hearing , and the smell . there bee two sorts of the operations of the minde , the one in practise , the other in contemplation ; and therefore it is evident , that there are two sorts of pleasure which follow these operations ; and that those which follow the contemplation are more pure , then those which follow the practise . the pleasures of the minde ( or understanding ) are proper to man as hee is man ; but they which pertaine to the sense , are common to him with other living-creatures , in respect of his being a living-creature . now seeing it is thus , and that some are delighted with such pleasures , as pertaine to sense , and others with some other pleasures ; those pleasures onely are to be accounted good of their owne nature , which are judged good , not of evill men , but of good men : for in doubtfull matters , every common fellow is not a competent judge ; but he that is both skilfull , and regulateth himselfe according to the rule of ( undepraved ) nature . cap. . i. of griefe , and the severall kindes thereof ; and how farre a good man may be subject thereunto ii. excesse chanceth only in bodily pleasures , not in those which are mentall . all griefe is of one of these kindes ; namely , astonishing griefe , called by the greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , care ; tearmed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , envy and pitty . astonishing griefe , is that which bereaveth us of the use of our voice ; care is a griefe burthenous unto us . envy is a griefe , springing from the wel-fare of other men ; and pitty is a griefe arising from the adversity of others . every griefe is evill in respect of it owne nature ▪ for albeit a good man bee sometime grieved , when hee seeth good men oppressed , or his children or his country spoiled , hee grieveth not for the sorrowes sake , as if it were good in it selfe to grieve ; but for a respect unto other circumstances : hee that is a delighted in contemplation is not moved with such things , because he hath altogether estranged his minde from earthly affaires , and devoted himselfe wholly unto god. and hee that is otherwise a good man , is moved by the circumstance of grief in such a meane , as never brings him into subjection thereunto ; but rather subdues them unto himselfe . if you make the comparison betweene an evill thing , and a good thing , griefe is then contrary unto pleasure , which is used measurably ; but if the comparison be betweene evill and evill , griefe is the contrary to an immoderate pleasure . but these excesses happen onely in the pleasures of the body : for the pleasure which is taken in contemplation , ( even when it is in the highest degree , and hath attained unto perfection ) admits no excesse ; neither is there any griefe set in a contrariety thereunto ; nor doth it serve to cure any preceding griefe . cap. . i. of feare , and the sixe parts thereof ; with their definitions and differences . ii. the cause of feare , and the instrument of that griefe . next griefe ( in generall ) wee will describe feare , which is divided into sixe parts ; sloth , bashfulnesse , shame , amazednesse , carefulnesse , and terror . sloth is when we feare lest we should be compelled to worke . amazednesse is a feare which ariseth in us when some huge and unusuall thing appeareth terror is a trembling , or shuddering , occasioned by some dreadfull object . carefulnesse is when wee feare losing that which we have , or of missing that which we desire ; for by the fear ▪ of these things , wee are brought into a carefull agony . bashfulnesse is the feare of some rebuke or disgrace ; and is a very honest passion . shame is a feare begotten in us upon the remembrance of some evill which we have committed : and where this is found there is remaining some hope of goodnesse and amendment . and this is the difference betwixt bashfulnesse , and shame , he that is ashamed is troubled through feare of such things as hee hath done ; but he that is abashed feares lest some reproach may befall him : but the old writers use the words indifferently , calling shame bashfulnesse ; and bashfulnesse shame . the cause of feare is a cold that generally surprizeth us , by reason our whole heat ( by the sudden apprehension of some thing ) is driven unto the heart , as to the principall part ; even as the people flie to their governours , when they are frighted . the instrument which this griefe useth , is the belly ( or mouth of the stomach ) for there the biting is first felt : and galen in his third book of demonstrations , writeth to this purpose ; when men are grieved ( saith hee ) choller flowes plentifully into the stomach , which causeth a biting ; and that griefe , and biting never ceaseth untill they have vomited out the choller . they feele this biting underneath the gristle which is in the middle of the breast ; which gristle is like a sword , and thereof is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , but the heart lyeth much higher . for the stomach is placed under the midriffe , and the heart above it . the old writers did use also to give the name of the heart to the mouth of the stomach ; as namely , hippocrates ; & thucidides , when hee talketh of the plague . his words be these , and when it came with some strength unto the heart , ( meaning the stomach ) it made it give up ; and there came from it as many purgations of choller , as have been named of the physitians . for , that which is turned up , and forced to vomit , is the mouth of the stomach , and not that bowel which we call the heart . cap. . i. of anger , and of the names and nature of the three severall parts thereof choller , wrath , and fury . ii. the true office and use of anger . such a heating of the blood , about the heart , as is caused by an exhalation of choller troubling the same , is termed anger , and therefore it is named also choller , and wrath : and sometime it is a desire of revenge ; for if we have beene injured , or but suppose our selves injured , we are then angry ; and that passion is usually mixed , both of anger , and of a desire which wee have to be revenged . anger is of three sorts or species . the first is called by the greekes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; for it is but the first heat , or beginning , ( as it were ) of anger , and may be named in english choller , or an angry displeasure . the second is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , so called of the greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which implies a delaying . or tarrying , or a thing-laid up in memory , and meaneth a continuing , or inverterate anger . the last is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , derived of a word signifiing to lye in waite ; and is a revenging anger , waiting opportunities of revenge . anger , is appointed to waite upon reason ; and when any thing is done wherewithall reason may justly be displeased , anger immediately taketh hold thereof ( as shee ought to doe ) if reason , and anger keep their limits and naturall course . cap. . of that irrationall part of the soule , which is not obedient unto reason . let us now speake of that part of the soul , which is not subject unto reason : for having declared that part which is obedient unto reason , wee shall in good order proceed to those faculties which are disobedient thereunto ; namely the faculty of nourishing , of ingendring , and of the pulses . the faculties of nourishing , and ingendring are tearmed naturall ; and the faculty of the pulses , is called vitall . cap. . i. of the nourishing power of the soul , and the foure faculties thereof . ii. of the severall evacuations . iii. of the severall instruments , of nourishment , and of the particular offices of those instruments . all the naturall faculties of the nourishing power , are these foure ; an attractive appetite , a retentive power , a distributing , and an expulsive ( or avoiding facultie : for every part of the living-creature , doth naturally draw unto it selfe such nourishment , as is convenient for the same : when it is attracted , it preserveth it : when the same is kept a due time , it changeth the same into it selfe ; and then expelleth whatsoever proveth to be superfluous . these are the faculties which order the nourishment of the parts of the body ; and by these it groweth to an augmentation both in breadth and height . the wayes or passages , by which all superfluities bee avoided , are , by the belly , by urine , by vomits , by sweats , by the mouth , by the nostrils , by the eares , by the eyes , by breathings out , and by invisible pores , and unknowne passages . all the first evacuations are manifestly preceived , as that excrement called the eare-waxe , by the eares ; the teares and the gumme ( which wee call the spethyme ) by the eyes ; and that moisture also which maketh bleare-eyed : the out-breathings likewise , by which a sowltry heat is evaporated from the heart . but by those which we call unknowne passages , there breathes out ( insensibly ) a moisture over all the body , wherewith many humours are evacuated , from the very depth and drawing together of the arteries ; and they are conveyed through the skin where it is rarified . the instruments of the nourishing faculty , are the mouth , the stomach , the belly , the liver , all the veines , the intrailes , both sorts of choller , and the reines . the mouth prepares the food before-hand for the belly , dividing it into small parts , by the teeth and tongue : for in chewing the tongue is very helpfull in gathering the meat together , and in applying it unto the teeth ; and as the women which grinde corne , thrust the graines unto the milstone with their hands ; so the tongue is as it were a hand to assist in the chewing of our meat . the food being thus wrought before-hand , is conveyed into the belly by the stomach ; which is a place not onely ordained to feele what wee want , but to bee a passage-way also , to convey the meat unto our bellies : for the stomach riseth up when wee eat or drinke , and ( drawing unto it that which we swallow down ) sendeth it into the belly . when the belly hath received the same ; it severs that which is profitable for nourishment , from that which is woody , stony , or unfit for nutriment . that which is good , is there changed into humours ; which are thence caried up to the liver by veines ordained for that purpose , and which are as it were certaine rivulets to convey it thither . these veines are in the liver , in the maner of rootes , drawing thither from the belly , the juyce of our food , even as the roots of plants draw nourishment from the earth : and the belly may bee resembled unto the earth , which ministreth nourishment unto the plants : the veines like rootes , cary the humour from the belly , from the intrailes , and from the great doubleskin , which fastneth our bowels , unto the back , unto the gates and to the bunches of the liver . the liver it selfe may be compared unto the stemme or body of the plant . the veines which issue by divers wayes from the hollow veine , springing from the flatt parts of the liver ; are like springs , and boughts . after the liver hath received the humour from the belly , it both concocts it , and makes it also like unto it selfe : for the liver consisting of such flesh as hath a neare allyance unto blood , easily converts that humour into blood . this blood is cleansed by the spleen , by that bladder which receives the gall ; and by the reines : for the spleene attracts unto it all the dregs of the blood , and is nourished thereby . the bladder ( called the gall ) which receives the choller , drawes unto it selfe , the sharpnesse which remained in the juyce of our food . the reines , doe as it were straine out that thin humour which is like whey , and the sharpnesse also which temaineth in that humour : after all which , the blood becomming pure and good , is distributed for a nourishment unto all other parts of the body , by such veines as are dispersed abroad into every mēber . by this meanes every part of the body drawing blood unto it , retaineth and converteth so much thereof as is proportionable , into it own substance ; the rest it sendeth to the next part , and so to the next , that it may yeeld nourishment unto them . thus , all the body is in every part nourished , and hath growth and continuance by the blood , which is distributed from the liver : and this part is termed irrationall , and said not to bee obedient unto reason ; because that which it performeth , is not executed according to our choice ( or as we our selves will ) but naturally ; and according to it owne nature . cap. . i. of the pulses , and of their offices . ii. of the excellent and usefull disposition of the sinowes , the veines , and arteries ; and of the severall fountaines of these . iii. of the mutuall benefit and assistance also , which these three are to each other . the motion of the pulses is called a vitall power : for , having beginning from the heart ( and especially from the left portion thereof , which is called the place of the spirits ) it distributes unto every part of the body , an ingraffed and a vitall-heat , by meanes of the arteries ; even as the liver distributes food by the veines . if therefore the heart be inflamed above the due measure which nature doth require ; the intire living-creature is forthwith brought into an unnaturall heat : and is in like maner cooled , if the heart be cooled beyond a just proportion ; because the vitall-spirit is dispersed from the heart by the arteries , into every part of the body . for it is ordered in such maner , that ( for the most part ) these three ; the veine , the artery , and the sinew , bee so divided , that they goe all together , proceeding from the three principall parts , which governe the intire living-creature . from the braine , which is the fountaine both of motion and of sense , proceeds the sinew . from the liver , which yeeldeth a beginning to the blood , and the nourishing-faculty , comes the veine , which is the vessell wherein the blood is caried . and from the heart , which is the root of our vitall-faculty , comes the artery , which is that vessell wherein the spirits are conveyed . these three accompany one another , and receive profit and assistance each from other . for the veine administers a certaine nourishment of blood to the sinew , and to the artery . the artery imparts naturall heat , and vitall-spirits to the veine , and therefore it is not possible to finde either an artery altogether voide of a thin kinde of blood : or a veine without spirits , of a vapoury nature . the artery is forcibly opened and contracted againe , with a certain harmony and proportion ; having the beginning of that motion from the heart . and when it is opened , it sucks and draws a thin kinde of blood , from the veines that are neare unto it ; which blood being resolved into exhalations , becommeth a nourishment to the vitall-spirits : when it is closed againe , it empties the sowltry heat which is in it , by certaine invisible pores , throughout the body ; even as the heart sends from it selfe , the sowltry heat which oppresseth it , by evaporations , both at the nostrills , and the mouth . cap. . i. of the propagating , or generating faculty , and how farre the same is in mans power . ii. the instruments of propagation , and their offices . iii. the opinions of aristotle , democritus , and galen ; concerning the seed of the woman . even the faculty of generatiō pertaineth also to that part of the soule , which is not obedient unto reason . for we yeeld seed in our dreame ( or sleepe ) whether we will or no ; and our desire of copulation is so naturall , that the desire is moved in us , even against our wills . but the act it selfe is indeed , and without question , in our owne power , and pertaineth to the minde ; for it is brought to passe by those instruments which are serviceable to the naturall-appetite ; and to abstain from our appetite , or to master the same , was ( by god ) naturally placed in our power , ( and may be so continued , if timely endeavour hath not beene omitted . ) the instruments of a potentiall generation , are first the veines and arteries : for in these the first humor ( that is not fully perfected into seed ) is ingendred , and the blood there changed , even as milke in the dugs . and forasmuch as they were first made of seed , this humour is a nourishment unto those vessels ; and the veines and arteries , doe concoct the blood into a moisture , like unto seed , that they might be nourished thereby : and when they have due nourishment , that serveth for generation which remaineth . for it is first caried up into the head by a large circuit , and from thence brought downe againe , by two veines and two arteries . therefore , if a man cut the veines which are about , or neare the eares , it makes the living-creature unfit for generation . of these veines and arteries , is compacted that folded skin , which riseth like a swollen veine , in the cod , and where this moisture ( comming neare unto the nature of seed ) falleth into either of the testicles . there is one veine , and one artery full of seed : in these it is perfected , and is driven forth by the folded seminall veine , which is behinde the testicles , by a winde . that winde proves that an artery sends it forth ; and that it is caried by a veine , may appeare by those who are overmuch addicted unto venerie : for they that use carnall-copulation overmuch , therby wasting their seed , and that seminall humour , which commeth near unto the nature of seed , ( if they further provoke themselves ) pure blood is then strained from them . women have the same parts which men have : this only is the difference , men have them outwardly , and they inwardly . but aristotle and democritus were of opinion that the seed of the woman , is no way usefull in the generation of children . for they conceive that which proceeds from the woman to bee a sweating of the place , rather then any seed of generation . but galen condemning aristotles opinion , affirmes that women have their seed also , and that the mingling of both seeds together is the cause of conception ; and thereupon ( saith hee ) their accompanying together in that act is termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a copulation . yet he judgeth not the seed of the woman to be so perfect as the mans ; but to be moister , and somewhat lesse concocted , and as it were a nourishment unto the seed of the man. of that seed , those parts are composed which are about the utmost places of the wombe , and which is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ( skin wrapped about the skin wherin the infant lieth ) and ordained for a vessell to receive the superfluities of the childe . in all sorts of living-creatures , the female takes the male when shee may conceive ; and such as are able to conceive at all times ( as hens , doves , and women ) are at all times desirous to accompany the male : but women only accept of the males company when they have conceived ; for all other creatures usually reject the male after conception . as for hens , they are daily trodden , because they do lay almost every day . women , as they bee at their own liberty in other things ; so they are at liberty also to accompany with men after conception ; whereas living-creatures void of reason , are governed not of themselves , but by nature ; admitting such a measure , and such times , as are dictated unto them , by a naturall instinct . cap. . this chapter mentioneth other divisions of the faculties belonging to a living-creature . division is made of those faculties which pertain unto a living-creature in another maner : for it is affirmed that some faculties are mentall , some naturall , and some vitall . they which are mentall are in our owne choice and election ; they which are not in our election , are naturall , and vitall . the faculties belonging unto the minde are two , the motion of appetite , and of sense . to the motion of our appetite , these faculties are appertaining ; progression from place to place , the motion of the whole body , speech and respiration : for it is in our power to doe , or to omit these things . but the naturall , and vitall faculties are not in our power ; for they goe forward , nill we will we ; as the faculty of nourishing , of growing , and of propagation : all which are naturall faculties , and so doth likewise the facultie of the pulses , which is vitall . as for the instruments ( of these faculties ) mentioned by others , wee have already treated of them , wee will therefore speake of the instruments of those things which belong unto our appetite ( or choice ) cap. . i. of the motion proceeding voluntarily from us : of the place where it assumeth beginning ; and the instruments which it useth . ii. the wise providence of the creator , in uniting together things naturall & mentall , &c. the motion which belongeth to our assent ( or choice ) and proceedeth voluntarily from us , taketh beginning from the braine , and from the marrow of the chine , which is it selfe a part of the braine . the instruments thereof are the sinewes that spring from these , the ligaments , and muscles . the composure of these muscles , is flesh , and the strings in the blood ; which are like sinewes and grisles wrapped up together , with sinewie-strings . and some are of opinion , that they are sensible ; because that sense proceedeth from the sinewes , where withall they are folded up . the grisly-end of the muscle is compounded both of a ligament , and of certaine small sinewes ; yet this grisly-end differs from a sinew in this , that every sinew hath sense in it , and is round , and somewhat tender , and assumeth also his beginning from the braine : whereas this grisly end , is more hard , sometime also flat , having likewise his originall from the bone , and is in it selfe void of sense . the hands are an instrument , ordained to lay hold of things , and so convenient for the exercise of arts , above other members , that if the hands , or but the fingers only should be taken away , wee are made unapt for almost every art . and therefore man onely received hands from his creator , because he onely is indued with reason , which makes him capable of arts . the feet are instruments ordained for going ; for by them wee remove and passe from place to place . and man can sit firmely without a prop , because he only makes two right-angles by the bowing of his legs ; the one inward , the other outward . whatsoever things therefore ( in man ) are moved by sinewes , and muscles , belong to the minde ; and hee hath a free liberty in the use of them ; among these ( as we have already shewed ) the senses and the voice are to be accounted ; and therefore this hath beene hitherto a discourse , probably setting forth , as well those things which are mentall , as those which are naturall . for the creator according to his exceeding wise for-sight , hath folded up things mentall with such as are naturall ; and things naturall , with such as appertaine unto the minde . and whereas the avoiding of superfluities belongs to the expulsive faculty ( which is counted one of those that is naturall ) that wee might not behave our selves filthily in avoiding our excrements , without regarding the time , the place , and such other circumstances as are comely ; he hath appointed the muscles to bee as it were porters , to order our evacuations ; and of things which were of themselves meerely naturall , hee hath made them to be mentall , and such as depend upon the rule of the minde . and thereupon , when wee are provoked unto any evacuations , we are able ( if cause bee ) to containe them very often , and very long . certaine sinewes which bee soft and sensible , are sent downe both from the middle-pan , and also from the two former pans of the braine : other sinewes which are harder , and serve us for motion , proceed from that brain-pan , which is in the hinder part of the head , and from the marrow of the back . among these , those are the harder which come from the spinall-marrow : and of them , those are the hardest of all , which proceed from the lowest parts of the marrow of the back : for by how much farther the marrow of the chine descendeth from the braine ; so much the more hard is the chine-marrow of it selfe , and the sinews also which doe spring from the same . and as we have received the senses double ; so the sinewes have a twofold springing also from us . for every joynt of the chine sends forth a couple of sinewes ; one issuing toward the rightside , and another toward the left ; yea , and almost our whole body is divided also into two parts , the one on the right , and the other on the left side . thus likewise are our feet , our hands , the seats of our senses , and other parts divided . cap. . i. of respiration ; of the instrument , of the use , and of the causes of that faculty . ii. of the composure and use of the lungs , and of such other parts as are assisting to respiration . iii. of those parts of a living-creature , which are made for themselves alone ; for others , and for themselves ; or altogether for others . here wee will treat of respiration , which is also a worke belonging to the minde : for by the muscles the breast is opened , which is the principall instrument of respiration . our sighing also , and our thick drawing of breath , when any great sorow happeneth unto us , is an evidence , that the operation hereof belongeth unto the minde . moreover , the variations , and alterings of our breathing , whensoever need requires , are in our power : for if we be grieved in any part serviceable to respiration , or in such parts as are moved by the motion of any of these ; as the midriffe , the liver , the spleene , the stomach , the small-guts , or the lowest-gut , we then breath short and thick . wee breath short , that we may not over-vehemently smite the grieved part ; we breath also thick , that the often breathing may supply what is wanting in the length of our blast . when our leg is wounded , wee set it forth very leisurely in our going ; which is done to the same end , for which we breath short ; and therefore as to goe from place to place belongs unto the minde , so doth also this operation of respiration . but although we should rest and not goe at all it were possible for us to live a long time , whereas it were impossible for us to hold our breath the tenth part of an houre , without death ; because the naturall heat which is in us , would bee choaked up and quite extinct by a sowltry fume . for it is as if a man should cover a fire within a small vessell , having no vent ; which would be immediately stifled and quenched by it owne fume . for this cause it is very necessary that when wee are asleepe , our soul should worke neverthelesse in this part ; because if it should be idle therein ( though for a very small time ) the living-creature would perish : and in this it is againe manifested , how the endeavour of the minde and of nature are knit together . for the minde exerciseth respiration , by an artery which is a naturall instrument ; and it is alwaies in motion , that neither it owne work , nor the work of the other arteries may be intermitted . this not being perceived by some , ( to wit , how the minde and nature joyne together in this worke ) they supposed respiration to bee onely a naturall faculty . three things cause respiration , the use , the power , and the instruments . the use is twofold : one for the preservation of our naturall heat , and the other for the nourishment of the vitall-spirits . the preservation of our naturall heat consisteth both of drawing in , and breathing out of aire , for the drawing of the breath doth not onely coole , but ( in a mediocrity ) stirreth up heat also . the breathing out of the aire , drives away the foggy heat which is about the heart ( whereas nourishment of the vitall-spirits , is respiration onely ) for the heart is dilated abroad , and a certaine portion of aire is attracted thereunto . the power ( which is a cause also of respiration ) is that which it hath from the soule : for it is the minde which moves the instruments of respiration , by meanes of the muscles ( and especially by the breast ) wherewith our lungs , and the sharp arteries ( which are also a part of the lungs ) are moved . for that part of the sharp artery , which is gristly , is the instrument of the voice ; the ligaments thereof which are like skinnes , are instruments of respiration : and that which is composed of both together ( which is the forementioned artery ) is the instrument both of respiration , and of the voice . the lungs therefore are a composition folded up together , and consisting of these foure , a sharp artery , a smooth artery , a veine , and of a spumie flesh ; which flesh doth fill up all the void places of the folded skin , as it were a moist bed , ( or the herbe sleve ) both of the two arteries and of the veine ; so that it becommeth both a seat for them , and a band keeping them together . the flesh of the lungs , doth naturally cōcoct the spirits ; as the liver concocts the humour which commeth from the belly : and as the liver , with his utmost edges or skirts , spreads it selfe about the belly , because it needeth heat , so the lungs inclose even the very middle of the heart ; because it needeth some cooling by respiration . to the sharp artery the gristle of the winde-pipe is immediately joyned , being compounded of three great gristles , whereunto the throat is annexed , and which are continued unto the mouth and nostrils , by both which , we draw the aire that is without us . from the mouth it ascendeth by a bone like unto a sieve , or like a sponge , which is full of holes , that the braine may not be harmed , if there bee any excesse in the qualities of the aire , or if too much winde should enter into it at once . here hath also the creator placed the nose both for smelling and respiration , according as hee hath ordained the tongue , for the voice , for the tasting , and for chewing . thus the most principall parts , serving both for the very being of the living-creature , and for the necessary uses of this life , are divided together with the powers of the minde : and if any thing hath beene formerly omitted , it may bee understood by that which is now expressed . now as it falls out in all other created things , that some are made onely for their own sakes ; some for themselves and others also ; some onely for the sakes of others ; and that some things fall out accidentally , together with such things as are made ; even thus you shall find it to be also in the parts of a living-creature . for all the forenamed instruments , of those three principall things which governe the living-creature , are made for their owne sakes : for those things are especially and principally made which are named according to their proper nature ; and are ingendred in the wōb even of the seed it selfe , as the bones are . but the yellow choller is made both in respect of it selfe , & some other thing ; for it helpeth concoction , stirreth up to the avoiding of excrements , and ( in that respect ) is in some sort , one of the parts that serveth for nourishment . moreover , it ministreth unto the body a certaine heat , as doth our vitall-faculty ; and in respect of all these things , it seemeth to bee made for it owne sake : but in that it purgeth our blood , it seemeth after a sort , to be made in respect of the blood . the spleen also helpeth concoction ; and that not a little : for being tart , and of a sharp astringent nature ; it bindeth the belly by powring out into the same , the avoidance of a black moisture ; yea , it strengtheneth it also ; assisteth concoction , and purgeth the liver : for which causes , that part also seemeth to have beene ordained in respect of the blood . the reines likewise are a purgation for the blood , and a cause of the desire which we have to carnall copulation : for the veines , which ( as we have declared before ) doe fall down into the cods , passe along by the reines ; and from thence carry with them a certaine sharpnesse , which provoketh lust , even as a certaine sharp moisture which is under the skin , procureth an itch . and looke how much the flesh of the stones , is tenderer then the other skin of the body ; by so much the more , ( being tickled by that sharpnesse ) are they stirred up to the ejaculation of seed . these things therefore and such like , are made both for their owne sakes , and also in respect of other things . but the kernels , and the flesh are only ordained in respect of other things . for the kernells doe serve to cary up and underprop the vessels , that they may not be broken when they are lifted up , or stretched forth with any violent motions . and the flesh was made to be a covering to the other parts ; that it might coole the living-creature in the summer , by being as it were , a morning dew thereunto , and that it might in the winter bee as it were a quilt of wooll to the parts of the body . the skin was ordained as a covering , both for the tender flesh , and all those parts that are inward . the flesh is of a nature hardened like a scar , by reason of the aire which compasseth it about , and by meanes of those other bodies wherewithall it is conversant . the bones are an undersetting to the whole body , and especially the chine of the back , which is termed the foundation of a living creature . the nailes are most commonly used to scratch withall , by every living-creature ( which hath nails ) and they are also for sundry particular uses , to divers living-creatures . for they are given to many for a defence ; as to those which have crooked talons ; and they be as it were an instrument to execute anger . many have them both for a weapon of defence , and also for a strengthening to their feet , as horses ; and all such as divide not the hoofe . but nailes are bestowed on men , not onely to scratch themselves withall , and that they might by so doing , disperse the sharp moisture which is under the skin : but that they might also take the firmer hold of small things . for by help of them a very small thing may be taken up ; because their meeting one against another at the very ends of the fingers , enables to the taking of firme hold . the haires grow out accidentally with other things , by the meeting together of such fumy vapours as ascend out of the body ; and yet the creator made not their accidentall generation , without some profitable use ; for they serve both to cover and beautifie living-creatures : they are a covering for goats and sheep ; they are an ornament unto men ; and they are both a covering , and an ornament to lions . cap. . i. of things done voluntarily , and against our will. ii. of the definition of an action ; and of the circumstances which accompany , and follow an action . iii. of the marks both of a voluntary , and involuntary action . i have often made mention of things done voluntarily , and by constraint , of which somwhat must be now expressed , lest errors may be occasioned through want of an exact knowledge of these . but hee that undertaketh to discourse of things done voluntarily and against our will , must in the first place set downe some assured rules , and certaine tokens , wherby it may be well discerned whether the thing done , be ( unquestionably ) voluntary , or against our will. seeing therefore that every voluntarie thing consisteth in some action ; seeing moreover , that all those things which are said to be done against our will , consist in action also ( as shall bee anon declared ) and seeing likewise , some think that the thing which is done against our will , consisteth both in action & passion ; we wil ( before we proceed further ) define what an action is . an action is the actuall doing of any thing with the use of reason . after all actions , there followeth either praise or dispraise . some actions are exercised with pleasure , and some with griefe . some are to bee chosen by the doer , and some are to be avoided . of thē which are to bee chosen , some are at all times to be made choice of ; some at one time rather then at another . the same circumstances are considerable in such actions as are to bee eschewed also ; and this moreover is observable , that some actions are pittied , some pardoned , some hated , and some punished . now then , let these be the markes to discern the things which are willingly done ; namely , that praise or dispraise alwaies follow them ; that they are done with pleasure ; and that the actions are to bee chosen by the doers of them , either at all times , or at those times in which they are done . the notes of involuntary actions are these ; they are vouchsafed pardon ; or they are pittied , or they are done with griefe , and they are not done by our owne choice . these things being thus defined and ordered ; wee will first speake of such things as are done against our will. cap. . i. the definition of an involuntary act . ii. the solution of certaine questions concerning mixt actions , and an advise what is to bee done , when we know not what action to choose . iii. things done by inconstancy , by intemperancy , or anger , are not to be reputed things done against our will. such things as are done against our wil , are either done by constraint , or of ignorance . the beginning of those actions which are done against our will , by force , is without our selves ; that is , some other thing , and not we our selves is the cause thereof : and therefore this is the definition of that thing which is done against our will , by force . it is an action not having the beginning thereof in him which doth it ; and he which is forced thereunto doth nothing to further the same of his owne will. wee meane , in this place , by the beginning , the cause-effecting the thing done . hereupon it may bee questioned , when shipmen cast their lading into the sea , when they are endangered by a tēpest ; ( or when a man is contented to suffer or doe some dishonest thing to save his friend or his country ) whether these actions may be said to bee done against their will , or no. and according to this clause added to the definition ( hee that is forced , doth nothing to further the matter of his owne will ) these actions do seeme to be voluntary ; because to the executing of such things , the actors doe of themselves move their instrumentall parts , even of their owne accord . such is their case who cast their lading into the sea ; and theirs who offer themselves to abide any shame or danger to bring to passe a greater good , as did zeno , who bitt off his owne tongue , and spit it out into the face of dionysius the tyrant , because he would not utter unto him what was to bee kept secret ; or as did anaxarchus the philosopher , who chose to be tormented unto death , by being rowled up together like a wheele , rather then hee would disclose the secret of his friend unto nicareon the tyrant . therefore , generally , when a man either chooseth a lesse evill , through feare of some greater evil ; or , when a man accepts the lesse good , in hope of a greater good , ( which he cannot otherwise attaine according as hee would ) that thing which in such cases he doth or suffereth , is not utterly against his will : for he doth or suffers by his owne advise , and choice ; and such things are to bee made choice of at that time , though they be not to bee chosen of their owne nature . these are mixt actions , partly voluntary , and partly against our will : for , they are voluntary in respect of the circumstances ; but they are involuntary , in regard of the actions themselves ; and were it not for the circūstances , no man would make choice of doing such things . moreover the praise or dispraise which followes such actions , declare them to be voluntary : for neither praise nor dispraise follow such things as are done absolutely by constraint . it is not easie to discerne what things are to be chosen before others , in some difficult cases : but for the most part , wee must choose rather to abide griefe , then commit any shamefull act ; as did both ioseph , and susanna ; and yet this holds not alwayes . for doubtlesse origen fell grossely when he chose to sacrifice unto idols , rather then to undergo that dishonestie which the aethiopians would have put upon him . we see therefore , that the discerning of such things is not easie ; and we finde also , that it is very hard for them that have chosen , to continue in that which they have resolved upon ; because perills to come doe not so amaze or discourage us , as those torments which are presently inflicted . it so happeneth oftentimes , that they who have chosen well , doe depart from their owne choice by persecution ; as it hath happened unto some , who when they should have suffered martyrdome , fell back from their stout and resolute beginnings , by being through tenderness unable to endure the trials , and the torments of adversity , when they were inflicted upon them . let no man imagine therefore , that either an inconstant falling away from a well chosen resolution , or an intemperate lust , or an angry rage , are to bee accounted among such offences as are to bee judged things done against our will ; by reason there is an efficient cause of those actions without our selves : for though the beauty of an harlot made them that saw her to rush into the execution of an intemperate lust ; and though such as are furiously angry , were so provoked thereunto by another man , that the first beginnings therof may bee truly affirmed to have beene without themselves ; yet the actors of such things doe worke by themselves , and by their instrumentall parts : for which cause their actions come not within the definition of things done by constraint ; even in regard they offered unto themselves the occasions , and beginnings of those actions ; and suffered themselves to bee easily incaptivated by passions , through an evill conversation . therefore all they who doe such things , are worthily reprehended , as men voluntarily given to evill : and the evill is manifested to be voluntary , when they delight also in the deed ; because every thing done by constraint , hath griefe annexed thereunto . thus much of things done against our will , by force ; we will now treate of such involuntary actions , as are done through ignorance . cap. . i. of things done against our will , through ignorance ; and of those actions which are , or are not altogether involuntary . ii. the definition and markes of things done quite against our will ; and the difference between things done thorow ignorance , and those which we doe being ignorant . iii. a catalogue of such particulars , the ignorance wherof makes an action to be involuntary . by ignorance many things are done by us , whereof we rejoyce after the deed : as when a man killeth his enemy at unawares ( or against his will ) and yet is glad that he is slaine . these , & such like things , are neither accounted voluntary , nor altogether involuntary . some things also are done through ignorance , for which we grieve after they are done : and those are usually called things done against our will , after the doing wherof we become grieved for the act . and by this it appeares that there be two sorts of things done by ignorance ; the one not volūtary , & the other quite against our will. it is our purpose therefore , to treat at this time of such things as are altogether against our will : because that which wee call not voluntary ( as aforesaid ) may rather be reduced to those things which are voluntary in regard it is mixt of both . for though it hath a beginning by constraint , yet the end is voluntary ; because by the event , that becomes voluntary , which was first against our will. therefore a thing done against our will , is defined in this manner ; that is an involuntary act , which is not only against our wil , but hath also griefe & repentance annexed thereunto . moreover , it is one thing to doe an act through ignorance , and another thing to doe it , being ignorant : for if that thing which caused the ignorance be in our power , we doe it being ignorant ; but not by ignorance . for example , he that is accustomed unto drunkennesse , or to anger , and in his wrath or drunkennesse , committeth an evill ; he hath ( indeed ) drunkennesse , or anger , as a cause of those things which are done by him : but neverthelesse those things were voluntary ( for it was in his power not to have beene drunke ( or so inraged ) and therefore in not suppressing those inordinate appetites , hee himselfe was cause of his own ignorance ; and may in that regard be said to have done that evil being ignorant ; but cannot be truly said to have done it through ignorance : neither is his act to bee accounted as done , by constraint , but voluntarily ; for that cause he who doth commit such things is justly reprehended by good men : even because his drunkennesse ( which occasioned that act ) being voluntary , makes the act which was therby occasioned , to be voluntary also . but we are said to doe things through ignorance , when wee our selves gave no cause of that ignorance ; and when the deed was by chance . as if a man should shoot in an usuall shooting place , & happen to hit and slay his father walking thereabout . it is plaine by that which is aforesaid , that the actions of such a man are not to bee accounted as done against his will , who is ignorant of such things as it behooveth him to know ; or which reputes evill things to bee goo : for this ignorance proceeds from his owne wickednesse ; and as his actions are vitious , so his ignorance also is to be accounted as a vice , for which he is worthy of reprehensiō . and reprehension is due only to those things which are voluntarily done . for the ignorance of generall ( or universall ) things ; or of such as are in choice , is not accounted to bee a thing involuntary ; but the ignorance of particular things onely , is esteemed such : for we may be ignorant of particular things against our will. but of universall things , our ignorance is accounted voluntary ; because such an ignorance cannot bee in us without our owne fault ; except we are madmen , or idiots . this being thus determined , it now resteth to be declared , what those particulars are of which we speake ; and they are the same which the rhetoricians call the parts or circumstāces of things done . ( to wit ) who , whom , what , with what , where , when , in what maner , for what cause , ( to which may bee added according to our english game used for an exercise of wit , what follovved , or the event of that which was done . ) the persons are either he who did it , or he to whom the thing was done ; as if the sonne should smite his father at unawares . the thing done , is the action it selfe ; as if i intended to to give one a little blow on the eare , and thereby struck out his eye . the instrument ; as whē one flings a very stone , and thinkes it but a pommy stone . the place ; as when at the turning of a lane two meet , and one unexpectedly overthrowes the other . the time ; as if in the night a man should kill his friend , supposing him his enemy . the manner ; as if he should give one a small blow , without any great violence , and yet thereby slay him ( for he knew not that one could have dyed by so small a stroke . ) the cause ; as if one should minister a medicine for a cure , which might prove deadly and kill his patient . of all these particulars together , no man can bee ignorant , except hee that is mad ( or a very idiot . ) but whosoever is ignorant of the most of these , or in the principall of them , is accounted to doe things through ignorance . and the principall among such circumstances , are ; wherefore it was done ; and what was done . that is to say ; the cause , and the matter it selfe . cap. . i. of things done voluntarily ; and the definition of such actions . ii. whether things which have a naturall course , as concoction , and the like , may be termed voluntary , &c. iii. they who acknowledge not those actions to be voluntary , which proceed from the passions , doe thereby take away the morall-vertues , &c. of those things which are done by constraint , there being two sorts ; the one done through ignorance , and the other by compulsiō ; the thing which is voluntary , doth on the contrary answer unto these two , and is neither done by compulsion , nor through ignorance . that action is done without compulsion , wherof the beginning was in the doers ; and an action is voide of ignorance , when none of those particular circumstances , are unknown , in which , and by which , the deed consisteth : and therefore wee joyne both together , and thus define it ; that is voluntary , whereof the beginning is in the doer , who knoweth all those particular circumstances , wherein the deed consisteth . it may now be questioned whether naturall things ( as our concoction , and our growth ) bee to be accounted voluntvry : but , wee answer ( as is before shewed ) that such things are neither voluntary , nor of constraint ▪ because both voluntary things , and such as are by constraint , are esteemed among such things as are in our power ; but our concoction , and our growth are not in our power : therefore though wee are ignorant of the particular circumstances ; yet for that they are not in our power , they are neither to bee accounted things voluntary , nor of constraint . but it hath been declared before , that things done of wrath or concupiscence , are voluntary ; for when these passions are moderated , they are commended who so governe them ; and such as offend in them , are for the same reproved , or hated . moreover , pleasure or griefe ensue upon the doing of them ; and the beginnings of these actions also , was in the doers themselves , because they were made able so to have governed their appetites , that they might not have beene lightly transported by them , if they had endeavoured according to their power . by practise and custom such passions may be corrected ; for if it were true , that they were absolutely by constraint , then doubtlesse neither unreasonable-creatures , nor infants , doe any thing voluntarily , ( but by constraint ; because they are moved by their appetite . ) but that is not so , for we see them goe to their food of their owne accord without any compulsion thereunto . it is they themselves which make speed unto it of themselves ; yea , and not of ignorance , aswell as not of compulsion : for , they know their food ; they are glad of it , when they see it ; they presently hast toward it upon sight thereof , as unto a thing knowne ; and are grieved if they misse of the same . by this , a voluntary thing is assuredly knowne from that which is involantary ; even by the delight which followes the obtaining that which is desired ; and by the griefe which followes , if the desire be made frustrate : for even beasts doe voluntarily covet ; yea , and are voluntarily angry also , in regard anger hath some pleasure annexed thereunto . he that will not acknowledg those things to be voluntary , whereunto we are moved by anger , and a vehement appetite ; even he taketh away the morall-vertues ; seeing they consist in a mediocritie in respect of passions . if our passions bee of constraint ; then they also are forced actions which are done according to vertue ; because the doing of them belongeth to our passions . but no man will account that to bee of constraint , which is done by reason , by choice , by our owne motion , by our owne desire , with a knowledge also of the particular circumstances and by having the very beginning of the action in our selves , which are evident proofes that the thing done is voluntary , as hath been formerly declared . and now seeing wee have in many places made mention of our choice , and of such things as are in our power , wee will next discourse of such things as are in our choice . cap. . i. of such things as are in our choice , and what difference there is beewixt them , and things voluntary . ii. choice is neither the concupiscible , nor the irascible appetite , nor will , nor opinion , nor consultation . iii. the definition of choice , and about what it is conversant . of our choice , the question may perhaps bee asked whether it be not all one with that which wee call voluntary ; because every thing done by choice is voluntary . to which we answer , it is not so ; for they are not termini convertibiles , which they should be , if a thing done by our choice , and a thing voluntary were all one . the thing that is voluntary , is larger then that which is by choice ; for all choice is voluntary ; but every thing that is voluntary , is not done by choice ; as appeares in children , and in unreasonable-creatures , who doe many things voluntarily , but not by choice . though our friend commeth upon us unexpectedly , and so well contenteth us with his comming , that we are glad of it , yet we cannot say that it came to passe by our choice : and though hee that casually findes treasure , did willingly enough hit upon it , because it was a profitable booty ; yet he did not deliberately think upon such a thing before , therefore it may be from these things concluded , that a thing voluntary , and our choice is not all one . neither is our appetite and our choice all one . for our appetite is divided into these three , desire , anger , and will. now , that our choice is neither anger , nor the desire of a thing , it is made evident by this , that man doth therein not agree with irrationall-creatures ; whereas he doth agree with beasts in coveting , and in anger : and if in these last mentioned he agree with beasts , and differs from them in having a choice of things ; then it is manifest , that our choice is one thing , and that our desire and our anger are other distinct things . the same is proved by incontinent men , who are overcome by their lust , and prosecute the same contrary to their owne choice and judgements ; for even the incontinent mans judgement disliketh his lust ( & maketh choice of better things ) whereas if his choice and appetite were all one , neither of them would bee contrary unto the other . that choice and will are not all one , may bee proved by this ; that our will doth not agree unto all things , whereunto our choice ( or judgement ) doth assent . for we have a will to be in health , or to be rich ; but to be in health , or to bee rich is not in our choice . our will hath place even in things impossible ; but our choice cōsisteth in those only w ch are in our power . we may say that we would be immortall , but we cannot say , that to bee immortall is at our choice . for our will extendeth unto the end it selfe ; but our choice can reach no further then to the means which are in possibility to attaine that end : and there is betweene them the same proportion which there is betweene the thing subject unto our will , and that thing wherabout we enter into consultation ; for the subject of our will is the end of that which wee would have , and our consultation , is about the meanes , whereby wee may accomplish that end . wee chuse those things onely which may be effected by us ; but our will extendeth unto such things as are not in our power to accomplish ; as when would that such or such a commander should obtain the victory . it is then well enough proved that our choice is neither the concupiscible , nor the irascible appetite , nor our will ; and aswell by the same arguments , as by other also , it may bee made manifest ; that it is not opinion . for opinion extendeth not onely to things which are in our power , but to things eternall . moreover , we say that an opinion is either true or false ; but to say our choice is either true or false , is an absurd saying . opinion concerneth likewise universall things ; but our choice is conversant in particulars : for , our choice is of things to be undergone , ( enjoyed or done ) which are particular things . neither is our choice all one with our consultation : for consultation is an advising about such things as are to be done ( suffered or enjoyed ) and that thing is to bee chosen which in consultation is preferred : yea , our consultation debates of things yet in question , whereas our choice reacheth to that which is already concluded most worthy . wee have hitherto declared what this choice is not ; and we will now shew you what it is . doubtlesse choice is a thing mixt of consultation , judgement , and appetite ; being neither the one nor the other , but a certaine compound of these . for as wee say that a living-creature , is a compound of soul and body ; and neither a body by it selfe , nor a soule alone ; but a thing made up of both together ; even so say wee also of this our choice . it is plaine by the very etymologie therof , that it is a certaine counselling , or consultation , with an approbation of some one thing before the rest ; and that it is not altogether the same with consultation : for we are then onely accounted to have made choice , when one thing is taken before another . and no man preferreth any thing in choice , before he hath consulted , neither accepteth before hee hath judged . and seeing we are not willing to execute or admit of all these things , which wee well approve of ; then that which is preferred after consultation , is in choice ; and contained under our choice , when it taketh an appetite thereunto . hereupon it necessarily followes also , that our choice is conversant in the same thing about which our consultation is imployed . out of all which it may be concluded , that our choice is an appetite , consulting of such things as are in our power ; or a consultation with an appetite unto those things which are in our power . for , when wee chuse , we desire that which was preferred , after our consultation . but seeing wee have said that choice and consultation , are conversant about the self-same things ; we will declare next , what it is , about which this consultation is occupied ; and about what things wee consult . cap. . i. of consultation , and wherein it differs from a question . ii. the definition of consultation , and as illustration thereof , by shewing what things are not proper subjects of consultation . iii. of the proper objects of consultation ; and of such other things as are pertinent thereunto . keeping close unto our chiefe purpose , wee thinke it best ( before we declare about what things wee consult ) to determine wherein a consultation differs from a question . for a consultation and a question is not all one ; though he that consults calls things into question by his consultation ; but they differ very much . for wee seeke and aske , whether or no the sunne be greater than the earth : but no man saith i consult whether the sun bee greater than the earth . a question is more generall , and as it were genus to consultation ; and the nature of it extends further ; for , every consultation is a kinde of questioning ; but every question is not a consultation , as hath been formerly declared . our consideration is conversant sometime in consultation ; as when i consider whether i should goe to sea , or not : and sometime it is conversant in debating things in the mind : as when i consider the liberall sciences ; for it is not proper to say wee consult of the sciences . but the use of these words without distinction , hath made many to ●●re , and to conceive tho● things to bee the same , which are very different . which difference being now discovered , wee will proceed to declare what the things are whereof we consult . we consult then of those things which are in our power ; even of such as may bee brought to passe by us ; and whose event is not manifest : that is , such as may fall out divers wayes . we define it to bee of those things which are in our power , because our consultation is onely of those things which are to be undertakē by us ; which things are in our power : for we doe not consult of that kinde of philosophy , which is called contemplative ; neither of god ; nor of things which fall out of necessity ( by necessity i meane those things which fall out alwayes after one maner , as the circuit of the yeare . ) neither doe we consult of those things which are not alwayes permanent , and yet fall out to bee alwayes alike , as of the rising and setting of the sunne . neither of those things which fall out naturally ; yet not alwayes alike , but so for the most part onely ; as ; that a man of sixty should have gray haires ; or that a man of twenty should begin to have a beard . neither consult wee of those things which chance naturally , but sometimes thus , and sometimes otherwaies , and not after any certaine time or measure ; as of showers , and droughts , and haile : neither is consultation of those things which doe fall out by chance , and seldome , one while more , and another while lesse : for in respect of these things , this clause was added , that the thing ( consulted of ) should be in our power . the definition saith further , that it must bee of things which may be done by vs . because we doe not consult of all men ; neither of every thing , but of those which are in our power to consult of : for we consult not how the common wealth of our enemies may be governed ; nor of them who dwell very far from us , ( albeit this bee a thing which may be consulted of among themselves . ) neither doe we consult of all things that may bee done by us ; nor of all things that are in our power . and therfore these words , which have an uncertain end were added to the definition : for if the thing bee manifest , and confessed , we deliberate no more thereof . neither is there any consultation of such works or actions as are according to science , and art : for , all their principles are determinately knowne , except a few arts which are termed conjecturall , as physick , and the art of exorcising , and of governing . for , we doe not onely consult of these things ; but of such also as are under our hand , and may be executed by us ; they having such an uncertaine end , that the successe may be as well that , as this . but it hath been declared that our consultation is not of the end ; but of things which tend unto the end : for our consultation is not of being rich , but of the meanes how to be rich . to speake all in briefe ; wee doe consult of those things onely which are doubtfull , and may be either so , or not so : and of those things we must also treate , that in our discourse nothing be wāting which may make things evident . those qualities are called faculties , whereby we are enabled to the performance of any thing . for , whatsoever we doe , wee have the faculty of it ; and those things wee cannot performe , whereof the faculty is not in us . therefore our action dependeth upon our faculty , and our faculty upon our essence : yea the action proceedeth from our faculty , and our faculty from our substance , and is in our substance and as i said before , these are three things depending one upon another . the thing able ; the faculty by which it hath ability ; and the thing which is to be done . the thing able to doe it is a substance . the faculty is that whereby wee have ability to doe it . the thing to be done , is that , whose nature may be practised upon , by our faculty . of things that may bee done , some are necessary , & some contingent . those are termed necessary which cannot possibly be hindered ; or those , the contrary whereof is unpossible : and that is contingent , which may bee hindered , or whose contrary may possibly fall out . for example ; it is necessary that a man should breath as long as hee liveth ; for it is impossible a man should live and not breath . it is contingent that there should be raine to day ; for it is possible that this day it should not raine , which is contrary to the other . againe , things contingent are said to fall out sometimes often , sometime seldome , and sometimes indifferently , in this maner or in that . they are frequent , as to have gray haires at three score ; they are seldome , as not to have gray haires at that age : and they are indifferent ; as it is equally in our choice to walke , or not to walke ; or simply to doe any act , or not to doe it . now our consultation is of those things onely which may indifferently come to passe , or not come to passe ; and a thing is said to fall out equally or indifferently , when wee may in like sort , doe as well the contrary thereof as the thing it selfe : for , if we could not doe both equally , wee should not consult thereof . because no man consults either of things confessed , or impossible . for if wee were able to doe but one of those things which are contrary ; that should be received without ambiguity ; and the contrary should not , because impossible . cap. . i. of destiny , and of the absurdities , impieties , and blasphemies which follow their opinion , who ascribe the cause of all things to the motion of the starres , or fatall necessity . ii. of them who affirme that some things are both necessitated by destiny , and yet in mans power . iii. an examination of the opinion afore mentioned . our opinion is that they who ascribe all things which are done , to the motions and constellations of the starres , doe not onely oppose the vulgar notions of humane reason ; but teach also ( in effect ) that all governance in common-weales , are to no purpose . for indeed , lawes are in vaine , and judgements superfluous , because they punish innocent men , without cause . if their opinion bee true , it is also a thing unreasonable to reprehend or praise any man : yea , if every thing come to passe by destiny ( or by an inavoidable decree ) our prayers are foolish , and ineffectuall bablings ; and there is neither place nor use for providence or piety . moreover ( if this were true ) what account is to be made of man ? or what is he more then an instrument serviceable to the motions of the superiour bodies ? seeing , as they affirme , he is moved by the celestiall influences not only to the performance of all bodily actions ; but to every thought also which is in his minde . they that are of this opinion doe generally take away ( together with such things , as should bee left in our power ) the nature likewise , of all contingent things ; and in a manner subvert and destroy the whole world ; making the stars injurious homicides , and cuckold-makers , or at least the causers of all adulteries and murthers . nay god who is the creator of the starres , is ( by this blasphemous opinion ) made to beare the blame of all which is ill done , rather then the starres ; because hee made them such as should necessarily , and inavoidably , bring , and lay evills upon us . thus , their absurditie extends not onely to the subversion of common-weales ; but maketh god also to bee the author of all sinne ; and the cause of all mischiefes : which absurdity & blasphemy is both impossible for them to and intollerable for us to heare . some there be who affirme , that things may bee in our power , and that there may be destiny also . for , some things ( say these ) is given by destiny to every thing that is made , as to the water to coole ; to every plant to beare such fruit as is according to its kinde ; to a stone to sinke downeward ; to fire to mount upwards ; and to living-creatures to accept or to be desirous of things agreeable unto them . and when nothing ( without us , or belonging to destiny ) opposeth it selfe against that which we endeavour ; then it becomes perfectly in our power to proceed ; yea and then ( say these ) we shall assuredly effect it . they who affirme this are chrysippus , philopater , and many other men of great sufficiency and esteem among the stoicks , and all which they have said ( what shew soever it makes of somewhat else ) proves nothing but this ; that all things are done by destiny . for though they have said that our attempts are given unto us by destiny ; and that they are sometimes hindered by destiny , and sometime left at liberty ; yet ( the matter being well observed ) it is plain that all things are done by destiny ; even those things ( for ought they have yet said ) which they would pretend to be in our owne power . and wee will use against them no other arguments , to declare the absurdity of their opinion , then such as they themselves have made use of . as long as the same causes continue , it is necessary ( as they themselves have said ) that the selfe-same events should alwayes fall out ; and it is impossible that a thing should chance sometimes in one maner , and sometimes in another fashion , when that thing is decreeed from eternity how it shall come to passe . if this bee so , as they have said , it is inavoidably necessary , but that the endeavour of a living-creature , should in all respects and altogether fall out in that one maner , which is agreeable to the unchāgeable course of destiny ; because the selfe-same causes ( doe continue and ) beare rule in it . and if our appetite and our endeavour , doth follow fatall necessity ; where then is that thing which ( they say ) is in our power ; seeing the thing that should bee in our power , must be free ? it is free ; if ( notwithstanding the continuance of the same causes ) it bee still in our power , to endeavour , or not to endeavour . but if our very endeavouring of a thing , bee subject unto a fatall necessity ; it is plaine , that even those things which belong to our desire and appetite doe fall out by destiny , although they bee done by us , according to our nature , our desire , and our judgement . for if it were possible that the same thing should not come to passe which did come to passe ( by the course of destiny ) then that proposition of theirs would be false , which affirmes that , as long as the same causes doe continue about any thing , it is necessary that the selfe same effects should ensue . the like shall happen also to unreasonable-creatures , and to things without life : for , if they say our appetite is in our power ; because wee have it of nature , ( and for not other respect ) why should they not say aswell that fire hath burning in its own power ( seeing fire burneth naturally ) according as philopater hath in some sort affirmed in his booke of destiny . these arguments considered , wee may affirme , that those things which we doe ( being compelled thereunto ) by destiny , are not things in our owne power . for wee may as truely say , that the harp , the flute , and all other creatures that are unreasonable , or void of life , have in themselves a power to doe some things that wee doe by the use of them ; which were absurdly affirmed . cap. . i. of their opinion , who say that all was fore-appointed by destiny ; and yet that the effects of destiny are prevented by praiers . ii. a quaere , how prayer only , should bee in our power , when all other things are foredecreed . iii. of the inequality , and injustice , of this fained destiny . from these , wee will proceed to examine the opinion of the aegyptian wise men , who say that the destiny proceeding from the constellations hath true effects ; and yet may be prevented by prayers made for the averting thereof . for they teach that there be certaine meanes ordained whereby men may pacifie the starres , and mitigate their force : and that there are other powers , superiours to them , which are able to change or governe them : and that prayers , and supplications unto the gods for pacification , were devised to that purpose . we will shew you , that in saying thus , they place destiny among contingent things : now contingent things are indefinite ; and indefinite things are unknowne : therefore by these mens opinion , all divination is overthrowne : and that especially which is by casting nativities , whereof they make most account of all other , as of a thing forceably and infallibly true . if they tells us that the events of the figures ( which they set ) are very manifest , and well known to those who are skilfull ; and that god hath hindered the same , when the figure hath not effect according to his proper vertue ; we will reply , that it is absurd to account praier , and the service of the gods only , to be in our power ; and no other thing . for we will make this quare , and aske them how it come to passe , that all other things ( which are to bee done or accepted by men ) should depend upon such or such a constellation , or affection of the starres ; and that prayer onely should bee in our power ? for it is not onely doubtfull whether this thing it selfe be so ; but as doubtfull also , for what cause , and upon what necessity it should be . if there bee an art , and an orderly way whereby men may attaine to those pacifications , which may hinder such things as are effected by destiny : it may be questioned , whether all men may attaine this method , or some few only . if all may aspire unto it , then there is a possibility , by that meanes to give their destiny an utter overthrow , as soone as all have learned that art , which prevents and hinders the effects thereof . if some onely may attaine this meanes , and not others ; we would willingly know what maner of man , and who he is , that shall determine of this thing . for if destiny it self bee the cause , that some serve god , and some do not so ; even that will bee another proofe , that all things are done by destiny , whereas it appeared by their opinion before mentioned , that our praying , and honouring of the gods , is in our power , not only no lesse then destiny ; but much more also . now if it be not destiny but some other thing which is cause thereof , then that thing shall rather be destiny : for all the force of destiny consisteth in this , that we either may or may not obtaine that which we petition for in our prayers . if we may , then is destiny of no force ; and if wee may not prevaile by prayer , then all is subject unto destiny : and it will so fall out , that in some , all things are done by destiny , and that in some other , destiny effecteth nothing at all ( because prayer is prevalent for some and not for others . ) and this is evident , that whosoever determines hereof , he is the chiefe destiny : and so it will be another way declared , that all things are done by destiny ( mediately or immediately ) moreover , ( if truth were in this opinion ) hee which doth distribute things shall be unjust , whether it bee destiny or some other divine power : seeing the way of serving the gods is not equally and worthily distributed . for why should one be judged worthier then another ? seeing all are the instruments of destiny ; and seeing no man doth any thing by a foreintended purpose of his owne : or , rather , seeing there is no man which hath any thing left unto his owne choice ( according to their doctrine . ) for in things which are so done , none is either just or unjust ; and therefore neither worthy , nor unworthy of favour : and whosoever maketh his division unequally ( in things of such nature as these ) to them , whose case is alone , he ( even whosoever he bee ) is unjust . cap. . i. of those who affirme wee have power to chuse what is to be done ; and that the event of our choice depends on destiny . ii. providence and not destiny orders the event of things . iii. the strife betweene reason , and lust is made void , if all things be done by destiny now they who affirme , that the choice of those things which are to bee done , is in our power , and that the event of the things chosen depends on destiny ( which is the opinion even of the wisest of the grecians ) their judgement , is partly right , and in some part erroneous : for , whereas they place in our power the choice of things to be done , and yet allow not the events of the same things , to be altogether at our dispose , they doe very rightly : but in that they attribute them unto destiny , they doe not well ▪ and their error shall easily be discovered . for first they impute imperfection unto destiny , in saying it hath some part , but not all power : and secondly , they erre in making it a sequell to our iudgement , in saying , that the worke of destiny followes our choice . for , if that be so , then destiny seemeth not to move us ; but rather to be moved by us : and then , man is to bee preferred , as having a greater power then destiny ; because he maketh it , by his choice . it is better therefore to say , that providence is causer of the event of things ; because it is wrought rather by providence then destiny ; and seeing it is the property of providence , to distribute unto every one , that which for every one is most expedient . by this meanes also , the event of the things which are chosen , doe fall out sometime in one maner , and sometime in another , according to that which is most expedient . if destiny be ( as the stoicks define it ) a certaine concatenatiō of causes which may not be avoided ; or a fast knitting together of causes which may not bee altered , and brings to every thing ( & conveyes to and fro ) such effects onely , as are according to the motions , and necessity of destiny it selfe ; and not such effects rather , as are most expedient : what will they say then , of such as are blockish , and so foolish that they cannot direct their owne choice ? whether commeth it of destiny or no , that they are such ? if it proceed not of destiny ; then fooles , and blockheads , are without the compasse of destiny ; and if they have their blockishnesse by destiny , then doth it necessarily follow that our choice also is not in our power : for if the lack of choice be contained under destiny ; then it must needs be , that the faculty of chusing , and the thing to be chosen , must be contained under destiny . and so they run backe againe to them who affirm , that all things are done by destiny . the strife likewise , which is betweene reason , and lust in the continent , and incontinent man , is to no purpose , if all things be subject unto destiny : for , if it bee determined by a fatall necessity , that such a thing must be done and that such a thing must not bee done , what use is there of that strife in us ( which is aforementioned ? ) but if it bee not onely fatally determined , that we shall doe such a thing ; but so ordered also , that wee shall doe it thus , or thus ; what else doe they affirme , who are of this opinion , from this , that even our choice is in the number of those things which are subject unto destiny ? for , it is our will and our choice which opposeth our lust , getting the victory in the continent , and which is overcome in the incontinent . and so , that which they first proposed , as their opinion , is overthrowne ; and by that meanes our choice shall in no case bee in our owne power . cap. . i. of plato's opinion concerning destiny ; and how he agrees or dissents from the truth . ii. of the force of prayer , and of the power which the godhead hath over destiny . iii. the opinion of the stoicks touching the destruction , and restauration of the world , when the planets returne to the point , in which they stood at the creation . examine we will in this chapter , the opinion of plato concerning destiny ; for he speakes of a twofold destiny ; one in substance , and another in operation . he calleth destiny in substance , a certaine life , or soule , belonging to the whole world together ; and destiny in operation , a certaine divine law , by an inevitable decree , which hee calleth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a holy decree , that cannot be escaped ; & he saith it was given by the first & highest god , unto the soul of the world , for the universall garnishing of all things ; and for the governing of all things which are made . that which he calleth destiny in operation , he termeth also providence . for whatsoever is done by destiny , is done also by providence ; though ( on the contrary ) all things which are done by providence , are not effected also by destiny . for , this divine law ( which hee saith is both providence and destiny ) comprehends all things in it selfe ; some of purpose , and othersome not of set purpose . it comprehends the chiefe , or antecedent causes ( which are as it were principles ) even of purpose ; as our condescending unto any thing ; our judgement , and our appetite , of desire . but whatsoever followeth like things of necessity , is beside purpose ; and that choice of things , to be done , which is in our power , is of purpose . now after those things be determined , which are in our power ; upon the self-same things ( as it were beside purpose ) follow , saith he , the workes of destiny . as for example ; it is in our power to set saile ; and wee have purposed so to doe ; but saith he , when it is determined that wee will put to sea , other things may follow thereupon , namely , the suffering of shipwrack ; which was not purposed at all . therefore , hee calleth those things beside purpose , which follow , and are consequēt to those things ( that is to say ) to those beginnings , and actions which are purposed by us . so then the principall things , and such as are in our power , bee done of purpose : whereas the things that follow upon them , are beside our purpose ; and not in our power ; but such as necessarily follow . for the affirmes not that things effected by destiny , are determined from eternity ; but they happen afterward , when things which are in our power have gone before . and hereunto agree those cōmon sayings ; that the fault is in the chuser , and god is blamelesse : that , there is none to over-master vertue ; and , that there bee divinations . for all this intends nothing else , but to shew , that our choice , and some actions according to our choice , are in our power ; and that their events , with such things as happen afterward upon thē , should necessarily pertain to destiny . that this is not truely affirmed , appeares by what is formerly expressed . and yet when hee calleth destiny the ordinance and will of god , making all things to bee subject unto providence , he differs not much from the divine scriptures , which teach that providence alone , is the governesse of all things . but he dissenteth farre from them , when he sayes that the events doe necessarily ensue upon those things which are in our power . for wee say that things wrought by providence are effected , not as necessary , but as contingent : because , if they followed of necessity , then the greatest part of our prayers would be in vaine ; and according to his opinion our prayers would bee availeable for nothing , but to procure prosperous beginnings to our actions , or to petition that wee may chuse what is best . for after we have preferred one thing before another , all our praying should be fruitlesse , because all things by his opinion ensue of necessity , which doe afterwards follow . but wee affirme , that prayer is forcible even in respect of those events . and wee say , that it is in the choice of providence , whether wee shall suffer shipwrack or no ( when wee have purposed to set saile ) and that nothing falleth out so necessarily , but that it may either be so , or not so , as god pleaseth . for , he is not concluded under any necessity ; neither is it lawfull to say , that his will is confined by fatall necessity ; seeing he is the creator of necessity it selfe . it is hee who laid that necessity upon the starres , by which they are constrained to keep the same course . it is hee that set bounds unto the sea , and who hath appointed a necessary limitation to universall ▪ and generall things ; which if they will call destiny , because in all respects , and altogether it so falleth out of necessity ; as that in successiō all things which are made should also be destroyed ( and the like ) wee will not much contend about the same ; because we will not contest for the bare names . but god himselfe is not onely without the compasse of all necessity ; but he is also the lord and maker thereof : for , in that he himselfe is the absolute power of all things ; and a nature wherein all power is comprehended ; hee doth nothing as one subjected either to the necessity of nature , or decree of law. but all things are in his hand , to doe , or not to doe ; even those things which were otherwise necessary . and that this might plainely be declared , hee stayed once the courses of the sun , and of the moone , which are moved of necessity , and keep alwayes one constant motion : thereby shewing , that nothing done by necessity doth confine him ; but that according to his power all things are contingent . yet he made such a day but once ( as wee finde it in holy scripture ) that he might onely set forth his power , and not dissolve that strong law which was made by him at the first , that the motion of the starres should bee necessary . so likewise , he did preserve some from death , as enoch , and elias , who were naturally mortall , and liable to corruption ; that by all these things we might perceive his power and his will to be irresistible . but the stoicks have taught , that when the planets have wheeled about unto the same point , both in longitude , and latitude , wherein every one of them stood at the creation , they shall within a certain limitation of time cause all to be set on fire , and destroyed . and then ( as they also affirme ) the world beginning anew , shall be restored unto the state wherein it was before . yea , they say further , that forasmuch as the stars shall have againe the same course ; every thing that was in the former circuit shall come to passe againe without any alteration . socrates shall be as hee was againe , and plato , and every particular man ; having the same friends , and the same citizens ; and that the like things shall befall every one ; yea , that every man shall take in hand the same worke which he formerly wrought ; and that every city , village , and field shall bee brought to the like state againe : and that the whole vniverse shall be restored unto the former condition againe ; not one time onely , but as often as the revolutions of the planets do come about to the same point , which revolutions they thinke shall be infinite and without number . they say also , that the gods are not subject to this corruption ; and that when they have observed one whole revolution , they know by that circuit , all things that shall come to passe in every succeeding round . for , there shall be ( as they dreame ) no new thing ; but every thing which was before , shall bee reacted after one and the same sort , without any alteration in the least thing . and some have said , that from this restauration , the christians tooke occasion to conceive the resurrection : but the were much mistaken ; for the christian verity doth assure us , that the resurrection shall bee perfected but once , and not according to the revolutions of the starres . cap. . i. of freewill . ii. of those who deny freewill ; to what causes they must of necessity ascribe al things ; and what may be inferred thereupon . iii. the many absurdities which will follow , if it be denied that man hath freewill . many are of opinion , that there is nothing at all in our power ; and therefore the discourse of freewill ; namely of that which is in our power , doth first occasion this question ; whether any thing be in our power or no : then a second question , to wit , what those things bee which are in our power ; or wherein freewill consisteth : and thirdly , it gives occasion to inquire , why god our maker , made us with freewill . that we may discourse orderly of these things , we will speake first to the first question ; and prove that there is something in our power , even by the confessions of those who have denied the same . they affirme , that of things which are made or done , either god , or necessity , or destiny , or nature , or fortune , or chance is the cause . but the proper worke of god , is either substance or providence . the work of necessity is in the motion of those things which are alwayes of one sort . the worke of destiny , is in those things which are to be perfected by it of necessity ; for in it , things are effected of necessity . the workes of nature are generation , augmentation , corruption , plants , and living-creatures . the worke of fortune is in things that are very rare , and unexpected . for they define fortune to be the concurrence , and meeting of two causes , which had their beginning from our will and choice , and yet produce in the end somewhat else then was intended by the thing done . as when hee that is digging of a ditch , findes treasure : for neither hee who there laid the treasure , had any purpose it should be so found ; neither had the finder any intent to dig for treasure ; but the purpose of the one was to take it thence when he himself thought fit ; and the intention of the other was to make a ditch ; and there fell out another thing beside those which were purposed by them . the workes of chance are such as befall unreasonable , and inanimate creatures , without nature , or art . now if a man bee neither the cause , nor beginning of his owne actions , under which of these may we containe the things which are done by him ? it is not lawfull , nor comely to ascribe unto god those actions of men which are uncleane , or unjust . neither may we ascribe them to necessity ; because they cannot be truly accounted among those things which continue alwayes after one maner . nor may wee impute them to nature ; for the workes of nature , are living-creatures and plants . nor to fortune , for the actions of men are not rare or unlooked for . nor belong they to chance ; because things casuall belong to inanimate and irrationall creatures . therefore it remaineth undeniable , that the man himself which worketh , & accōplisheth such , or such things , is the beginner of his owne actions , and hath freewill . moreover , if man bee the beginner of no action of his owne , all consultation is superfluous in him ; for to what end is deliberation , if hee have no action in his owne power ? but it must needs be a very absurd thing to affirme that to bee superflous in man , which is best , and most honourable in him . if then he doe consult , he consults about the doing of some thing ; for all deliberation doth concerne the execution of some action . moreover , of whatsoever things the faculty of doing the same , is in our power ; the acting also of those things , and the exercising of that faculty is in our power . but , a faculty to worke according to the vertues , is in our power ; therefore the vertues also , are in our power . now that the faculties to worke according to vertue are in our power , it is very elegantly declared by aristotle where he treateth of the morall vertues . that saith he ; which wee learne by practise , we practise when wee have learned it : for while we learn to master our pleasures , we become temperate ; and when we are temperate , we become the masters of our pleasures . wee may argue also in this maner : it is confessed of all , that practise and the exercise of things are in our power : but practise beareth sway in habits ; for custome is as it were a purchased nature . if then practise rule the habit , and if practise bee in our power , then the habit also must be in our power : yea , and the actions also , whose habits are in our power , ( and which are effected according to those habits ) must bee in our power also ; because the actions are conformable to the habits . hee then which hath the habit of justice , will do just things ; and hee that hath a habit of injurie , will doe injurious things . therefore god hath given us a power to bee just or unjust . our counselling also , and our exhorting of one another , doe declare that there bee some things in our power ; for no man doth exhort us not to bee hungry , or not to thirst , or to flye in the ayre ; because these things are not in our power . therefore it is manifest , that those things whereunto our exhortations doe serve , are in our power . moreover , if nothing be in our power , then our lawes are superfluous ; but every nation useth some lawes naturally , as knowing , that they have power to doe such things as their lawes injoyne : and many nations have ascribed the making of their lawes to the gods ( as the inhabitants of crete , to iupiter ; and the lacedemonians to apollo ) therefore the knowledge that such things are in our power is naturally dispersed amōg all men . the like may be inferred upon the praises , or dispraises which follow those things of which wee make choice of ; and of all those other circumstances ( aforementioned ) which disprove that all things are done by destiny . cap. . i. of such things as are in our power ; and wherein our freewill consisteth . ii. a reproofe aswell of them who conceive that mans freewill extendeth to every thing ; as of those who deny him to have any freewill at all . iii. the beginnings , or choice both of good and evill things , are in our power , but not their events : that so , neither divine providence , nor humane faculties , might bee superfluous . evidently enough appeares it , that some things are in our power , and that wee have some actions at our dispose . it now remains that we declare , what things they are which bee in our power . we say in generall , that all things which wee doe voluntarily be in our power ; because it could not else be truly verified that the things were done voluntarily , which were not in our power : and because generally all those things whereupon ensueth praise or dispraise ; and those also wherein we use exhortation , or law , are in our power ; as is afore declared . but things which are properly in our power ; are all such things as belong unto the minde ; and those whereof we may consult . for our consulting of them doth imply , that it is in our power to execute that which is proposed and consulted of . and wee have declared in the former part of this treatise , that consultation , and deliberation , fall out in such things onely as are contingent : and that such things only are contingent , which may fall out either this way , or that way , or in a contrary manner . it is our minde which maketh choice thereof ; & it is the beginning of our action ; & those are contingent things , which are in our power : to be moved , or not to be moved ; to attempt , or not to attempt ; to desire things unnecessary , or not desire them ; to lie , or speake truth ; to give , or not to give ; to rejoyce in such things as we ought , or not to rejoyce ; and all such other things like unto these , wherein consist the works of vice and vertue : for herein consisteth our free-will . the arts also are accounted among such things as may alike fall out , or not fall out : for , every art brings forth such things as may both be done , and left undone ; and such things also , as have the beginning in the doer , and not in the things themselves , which are done : but neither those things which are eternall ( and in that respect , things of necessity ) neither any other things which are done of necessity , can be said to be done by art. nor is any of those things said to be done by art , which are contingent , and may bee done otherwise , if they have their efficient cause in themselves ; as in living-creatures , and in plants , which are made by nature , not by art. if therefore the efficient cause of things made by art , is without themselves ; then who is cause of the things made by art , but the artificer which made them ? and if the making of them belong unto him , then is he the beginning , and cause of his owne actions . and therefore also , the working according , to art , and vertue , and all actions of mans minde , and of reason , are in mans power : and what actions they are , i have declared already . now the most part of men , supposing that wee are said to have this free-will in every thing which wee doe or possesse , are therefore offended at this opinion ; and not without cause . but , some there be , having more acutenesse , who bringing this text of scripture to refute us ( namely , the wayes of man are not in his own hand ) say thus unto us . good friends , how is the will of man free , seeing his way is not in his owne hands ? and seeing the thoughts of men are so vaine , that they cannot bring to effect those things which they have devised ? many such like things they object , not knowing in what sense , wee speake of freewill . for we affirm not that it is in our power to be rich , or poore , or alwayes in health , or of a strong constitution of nature ; or to rule ; or generally to have those good things , which wee count as instruments to worke things by ; or such as are called the gifts of fortune ; neither doe wee account those to be at our dispose which have their event from providence : but wee affirme those actions onely to be in our power , which are according to vice , or vertue ; as also , our motions or choice of things ; or else such things whereof wee may doe the contrary , aswell as the things themselves . for a certaine will or choice goeth before every action ▪ and not onely the deed , but the affection also is condemned ; as may plainly appeare in that place of the gospell , which saith , he who lookes upon a woman to lust after her , hath committed adultery already w th her in his heart . and we read that iob sacrificed unto god , for such offēces as his children might commit in thought . for indeed the beginning , either of sin , or of doing uprightly is in our will ; whereas the doing of the thing it selfe , is otherwhile permitted by providence , and otherwhile hindered . for , seeing there are some things in our power , and a providence beside ; it is necessary that such things as are done should bee done by them both : because , if they were done by either of them alone , the other should be to no purpose . therefore in regard all actions are mixt , it will sometime happen that they shall be in our power ; another while , that they shall bee as providence alone directeth ; and sometimes againe , both according to providence , and as wee would also . and whereas likewise there is sometimes a generall , and sometimes a particular providence ; it is necessary that the same should fall out in particular things , as it doth in things generall . for if the aire about us bee dry , our bodies are dryed also , though not all alike . and if a mother be given to riotous fare , or a distempered dyet ; even thereby shall her children become distempered in body , and perverse in such things as they attempt . it is plaine therefore , by what hath beene said , that men may fall into a distempered estate of body , either by the generall distēperature of the aire ; or by the dyet of parents ; or when they spoil themselves by their owne voluptuousnesse ; and that they may be distempered sometime by such occasions as take their beginnings from themselves ; in such maner , that providence shall not altogether bee the cause of such things . if then , the soul shall yeeld her selfe to be overswayed by the temperature of the body , and give place to wrath , or lust ; or bee pressed downe by outward things , as poverty ; or lifted up , by riches , or the like : if any evill commeth to the same thereby ; it so hapned thereunto by the selfe-will of that soul. seeing , if shee had not voluntarily yeelded her selfe to those distemperatures , she might have overcome them , and beene in good case . for through well ordering the affections of the minde , by a convenient dyet , and a good conversation , she might have altered that temperature , rather then have beene perverted thereby . this is manifest by the example of such as are in a good condition , and that all such as are not in a good estate , doe sin voluntarily ( and not by constraint : ) and that it is in our power , either to consent , and yeeld our selves unto our bodily distemperatures , or to resist , and overcome them . neverthelesse , there be many who pretend these distemperatures to bee the cause why we doe such or such things ; and so impute their wickednesse , not unto their owne will , but to necessity . and therefore they cōclude ( though very absurdly ) that the vertues also , are not in our power . cap. . i. of the cause why man was made with free will ; and that if it had been otherwise , he had neither beene capable of the contemplative , nor practike faculty , nor been a reasonable creature . ii. of the mutability of men and angels : and of the causes thereof ; and of some inferences thereupon proving freewill . iii. it is not through any naturall defect that men are vicious , but by their owne will : and it is here shewne also , that man without freewill , could neither have any vice nor vertue . somewhat remaines to be declared , wherby it may bee manifest why man had freewill bestowed upon him . we affirme , that immediately , together with reason this freewill entered into us ; and that together with nature , there is ingraffed into created things a mutability , and alteration ; especially in those things which are a subject made of matter . for there is a mutation even in the very beginning of every thing which is made ; and all making proceedeth from an alteration of the materiall subject . this is evident to any man who considerately beholds the plants , and living-creatures , which have their abiding either in the earth , in the water , or in the aire : for there is in all those a continuall mutability . moreover , that our freewill enters into us , together with reason , hath beene made plain enough by those things which we have said , to prove that some thing is in our power ; as will appeare to them who have heeded what was delivered to that purpose . but because the sequell of this treatise , doth for some respects require the same ; perhaps it will not be impertinent to repeat some part of that which was formerly declared . our reason is divided into contemplation , and practise ▪ contemplative reason , is that which concerneth ( universally ) the nature of things , as they bee really ; and active reason , is that whereby wee deliberate of things , and sets downe the right way of putting them into execution . the contemplative part is called the minde ( or the principall part of the soule ) and the active part is termed reason . the one is likewise called wisdome , and the other prudence . now every one that deliberates , doth for this cause deliberate , even for that the choice of such things as are to be done , is in his power ; and to the intent that hee might by deliberation , make choice of that which is most worthy ; and that after he hath so chosen , he might execute the same . it is therefore necessary , that he which deliberates should have power over his owne deeds : for if he have not power over his owne actions ; his consultation will be fruitlesse also unto him . and if these things be so ; it will follow , by a necessary consequence , that wheresoever reason is planted , there is likewise freewill . for either he is no reasonable-creature ; or else , if he be a reasonable-creature , he hath power over the beginnings of his owne actions ; and in having that power , hath also freewill . it hath beene declared also , that things composed of a materiall subject , have a mutability in them ; out of which ( together with what hath been said before ) it may bee inferred , that there must , of necessity , be in man both freewill , and mutability . mutability , because hee is made of matter ; and free-will , because he is indued with reason . whosoever therefore findes fault with god , for that hee did not so make man at the first , that hee might not fall unto vice , but gave him his owne choice : surely , those men are not aware , that they reprove god for making man reasonable , and not rather an unreasonable-creature . for one of these two is unavoidably necessary . either man should have beene made void of reason ; or else being indued with reason , and exercised in action , hee must have in him freewill . yea , and thereupon it followes also of necessity , that every nature endued with reason , hath freewill , and is mutable of his owne nature . but those natures have especially a mutability in them which are made of a materiall subject ; aswell in respect that they were made , as in regard they were made of matter : whereas those natures which were not made of matter ( as the subject ) have mutability in them , but in one respect onely ; namely , in that they were made . moreover , so many of those immateriall natures as were conversant in earthly matters , and intermedled with such inferiour things , as are to bee done , by reason of communicating with men ; by so much they became more mutable then others ( of that immateriall nature ) and so many of them as directed the excellency of their nature , to approach neare unto god , with an inclination to love him ; and to enjoy a blessed estate in the minding and fruition of him ; so bending themselves inward , and unto god only , that they wholly estranged themselves from outward , and materiall things . those ( by that meanes ) became so familiar with contemplation , and with god , that they still remaine without mutation . having a free-will , in that they are indued with reason ; and yet are not now subject unto alteration , for the forementioned causes . and this need not bee wondred at . for even those men also , which give themselves to contemplation , and sequester themselves from the inordinate love , and medling in worldly affaires , doe and may attaine unto an immutable condition , ( and unto an estate of grace , from which there is no falling away . ) now i doe suppose , that this ( with what was formerly said ) hath sufficiently proved , that in the beginning , all the reasonable creatures were created in so excellent a condition , that if they had remained such as they were made , they should have beene void of all vice , and that their vitiousnesse ( who have been corrupted ) came unto them by their owne will. for it so falleth out , that they who remaine in the condition wherein they were placed by their creation , are setled in a most blessed estate . of incorporeall natures , angels alone have beene altered : yet not all of them : but some part ; even so many onely , as creeping doneward departed from that inclination which they had to supreame things , and the contemplation of god. it is made plaine by the things afore proved , that the powers of our will are mutable ; because we are of a mutable nature : and yet no man can blame god , as if hee were the cause that we are evill , in regard the faculties are mutable , which he gave unto us . for vices consist not in our faculties ▪ but in habits ; and our habits depend upon our will ▪ and it is therefore the fault of our will , that we are evill , and not ( originally ) of our nature . but our meaning shall be more plainly understood by this that followes . wee have said hereto fore , that a faculty is a power whereby we are able to put in execution whatsoever we doe . and in all the faculties belonging to our choice , the self-same concerneth both the contraries ( as for example ) there is the same faculty of lying , and of speaking truth ; one and the same faculty of temperance , and wantonnesse . but it cannot bee , that in contrary things there should be the same habit ; as in wantonnesse and temperance ; or in lying , and speaking truth ; because of contrary things , the habits are contrary . for the habit which concernes temperance , belongeth to vertue : but all intemperance is of vice ; and therefore the vices doe not depend upon the faculties , which are in us ; but upon our habits , and our will : and it is not a faculty , which maketh us wantons , or lyars , but our will. for if we would , we might speak the truth , and not lye . seeing then , vice is not a faculty , but a habit ; god is not cause of our naughtinesse , which giveth us the faculty ; but a habit ( is cause thereof ) which being in us , proceedeth from our selves , and by our selves , & for our selves . for if wee would endeavour thereafter , we might instead of an evill-habit , attaine unto the contrary thereof . now a faculty doth herein differ from a habit ; all faculties are naturall , but habits are procured by use . yea ; and here also they differ ; our faculties are in us without teaching , and our habits are gotten by learning , and custome . if therefore the faculties that are in us , be naturall , and without teaching ; and the habits gotten by use and learning ; then it cannot be that our ( originall ) nature should be the cause our wickednesse ; but rather our evill education , whereby wee have gotten an evill habit . for that our habits come unto us by custome , it hath beene already declared ; and that our faculties are in us by nature , it is evident by this ; that all men have the same faculties ( except those which are someway maimed or lame . ) and that the habits are not naturall , is as evident by this , that all have not the same habits ; but some of them habits of one sort , and some of another : whereas things that are naturall , are found in all . cap. . sect . . i. of providence ; and first , that there is a providence , and for what good causes , both jew and christian ought to beleeve it . ii. the same is illustrated to heathen men , by arguments and demonstrations agreeable to their knowledges . iii. proofes thereof , by things also generally confessed . it is already sufficiently proved , that man hath freewill ; as also wherein his freewill consisteth , and for what cause he was created with free-will . now forasmuch as every one who purposeth to murther a man , doth not alwayes put the same in execution ; but sometime fulfilleth his murtherous intent , and sometime not , because his purpose being hindered , hath not effect according thereunto : and wheras we have said that providence is cause therof , & not destiny ; it followeth consequently , after the tract of things which are in our power , that we speak next of providence . we will divide our discourse into three parts ; the first , proving that there is a providence ; the second , shewing what providence is ; and the third , what things belong unto providence . as for the iewes , unlesse they be mad , they cannot be ignorant that there is a providence , knowing the wonders which god wrought in aegypt ; and hearing of those things which hapned unto their fathers in the wildernesse ; wherein most manifest visions of providence appeared more clearly unto them , thē by those things which wee now see with our eyes . and they had also many evidēt proofes that things were done by providence , both in their prophets , and in their babylonish captivity , which leave not any just occasion for them , to be doubtfull of the same . as for the christians ; they have not onely all those things which hapned unto the iews , to preach unto them that there is a providence ; but also that admirable work of providence , above all other most divine , which containeth in it that exceeding great favour towards man , which passeth common beliefe ; i meane , that god should take unto him a body for our sakes . but seeing wee must reason the matter , not with such onely , but also with heathen men . wee will therefore endeavour to prove there is a providence by such other things as are also in credit with them . and that there is a providence , may be proved by those argumēts wherby we prove that there is a god. for concerning the continuance of things ▪ and especially such as are subject to generation , and corruption ; and the scituation , and order of all things that are , being alwayes preserved after one maner ; and the course of the starres nothing altering at any time ; and the circuit of the yeare , and the returne of the season of the yeare ; and the equality both of the night and of the dayes of the yeare , so that either of them is both increased and diminished in the same proportion of time : how might all this continue under so conformable a government , if it had none to rule it by his providence ? moreover , the punishments which follow sin ; or ( which is of more import ) the detecting of murthers , and offences themselves , which are often bewrayed ( when there is no witnesse of the deed ) by some circumstances ; doe shew that there is a providence . both the scriptures of the hebrewes , and the writings of the heathen , are full of stories to this purpose . of this nature is that which is written of susanna : and in prophane bookes , there is a story to the same purpose of ibicus the poet. for , when this poet was murther●d by certaine ruffians , where none were in presence , either to assist him , or beare witnesse of the assault which they made upon him ; he seeing cranes not far from him , cryed out and said , oh yee cranes , be you revengers of this murther . and so it fell out , that when the magistrates of the city where he lived , endeavoured to seeke out the committers of that murther , and could not finde them : the people being assembled together into a common place for that intent ; the cranes flew over them ; whereupon the murtherers espying them , laughed outright , and said , loe , where they flie that should revenge the death of ibicus : which being overheard by one that sate next unto them , and declared to the magistrates , the said murtherers were thereupon examined , and confessed the fact . there be very many of such like things , recorded by ancient writers , which if a man should collect together , would enlarge this treatise to an infinite length . and though all offenders be not descried ; but , that some do quite escape the publike stroke of iustice ; yet let no man for that cause deny that there is a providence . for the providence of god , taketh care of men , ( and brings thē to repētance ) not one way alone ; but after divers and sundry maners . furthermore , the composure , and proportionable knitting together of those bodies , which are subject unto generation , and corruption , and there being kept alwaies alike ( according to their severall kinds ) is not the least argument proving that there is a providence , seeing the great care ( and wisedome ) of divine providence is very manifest in every part of the body ; as they who will take paines to peruse them , may learne out of those many treatises , which are made upon that subject . yea , the varieties which are in the colours of living-creatures , and their keeping alwayes the same comely mixture and proportion , are proofes of a providence . and among such things as are generally confessed by all men , one evident proofe declaring there is a providence , is that universall consent of men in all times , and of all nations , that wee ought to serve god , both by prayers , and oblations . for if there were not a providence to governe the affaires of this world , who would pray ? or to whom should we make our petitions ? moreover , that earnest desire which is in us , to do good unto others ( and which they naturally , and very diligently endeavour , whose mindes are not perverted ) is a plaine demonstration that there is a providence . for having received a benefit which we are not able to recompence , wee are the more desirous to be somway helpfull to them , who are not able to requite us for the same . if providence were taken away , then every man should be permitted to be injurious , according to the power hee hath to doe wrong . there would also be no giving of almes , nor any feare of god among men ; and therewithall vertue and piety would be quite rooted out . for if god had not a provident care of every thing ; neither did punish evill-doers ; nor encourage those that were well-disposed nor defended innocents from oppression ; who would worship god ? or who would serve him , that could be no way profitable unto them ? if there bee no providence , all prophecies , and the fore-knowledge of things , are likewise overthrowne . but even those things which happen out before our eyes , almost every day , are manifestations of the same : for , god often appeareth unto us in our necessities ( by supplying our wants in an unexpected maner ) many have beene cured of their infirmities , by that which hath beene revealed unto them in dreames ; many predictions of things to come have beene truely uttered in all ages . and many who have embrued their hands in innocent blood , or committed such like heynous offences , have been horribly terrified night and day . from the goodnesse of god , his providence may also be inferred ; for hee is the most excellent good ; and as he is good , he is inclined to bee good and beneficiall to others ; and if he be inclined to be beneficiall to others , he is inclinable also , to have a providence over others . what need i speake here of those workes which belong unto the creation ? of their proportion ? of their harmony ? of their scituation ? of their order ? or of the use whereunto every thing serveth in the whole world ? seeing all things may evidently appeare to have beene perfected in such maner , that nothing should have been in good plight , if it had beene otherwise then it is now : and that nothing can well be added , nor any thing be conveniently wanting in any of those things which were made thorowout the world : for , both by wisdome , and providence , all things therein were created in a comely and perfect maner . sect . . i. of the difference betweene providence , and creation ; and of their distinct workes . ii. of the wonderfull providence of god , in the manifold , and unlike visages of men . iii. the same providence is illustrated by the great diversity of colours whereby the severall species of every kind of living-creatures are distinguished . but wee will defer the full explanation hereof , untill we shall have occasion to speake of the creation , lest wee should fall into that oversight whereinto those writers have slipped ; who extoll god's creation instead of his providence ; when his providence was their theme . for though indeed creation gives us an occasion to treat of providence ; yet so great is the difference betwixt them , that they are farre from being one . it is the worke of creation to make well those things which are made ; but it is the part of providence to conserve and take care for such things . and these two are not alwayes altogether in one ; as wee may perceive by those men who are coversant in arts and mysteries . for , some when they have made a thing well , give over there , and take no more care for the thing which they have made ; as carpenters , and painters , and the makers of other handy-craft workes : and some other , doe no more but provide , and take care for the preservation of those things which are under their charge ; as heardmen , and shepheards . these things considered , it will become us , when we treat of creation , to shew that all the things which were made , were exceeding well-made : and to declare when we come to speake of providence , that god was diligent in the preservation of those things which he had well created . by this providence it comes to passe , that men beget men , that beasts are engendred of beasts ; and that every thing springs from his owne , and not from any strange seed . and whosoever shall averre , that every thing ( after it is once made ) proceeds forward as in a certaine race ; he cannot chuse but confesse also , that after a thing is created , there must be alwayes a providence to governe the same . for in that the thing created proceedeth on in a course , it is even thereby manifested , that together with creation , there was laid a foundation of providence , to whom belongs the governing of al things after they are created : and he saith ( in effect ) that he which first made all things , and he which governes them by his providence , when they are made , is but one , and the same god. whosoever beholds the visages of men , to bee so many thousands , and yet to differ so much from each other , as that no one is like any of the other in all respects ; hee cannot chuse but admire the work ; and if he well consider the cause of it , shall easily find that it is divine providence by whom so many different , and distinct features and countenances , were brought forth . for if our visages should be all of the same forme and moulding without any alteration , how great a confusion would there follow ? in how much darknesse and ignorance should man be kept ? none should know his familiar acquaintance , from a stranger , nor be able to discern a wicked enemy from an honest friend ; but all things would be confounded together in one masse , according to the opinion of anaxagoras . moreover , if this had beene so , there had not beene any cause why men should have been forbidden to company with sisters or mothers : neither would many have refrained from theft , rapine , or from offering any open violence or injurie to others , if they could but contrive their present escape : for though afterward they were seene , none should be able to distinguish them from other men . neither could any law be executed ; nor any common wealth well ordered ; neither could fathers or children know each other ; neither could any thing pertaining to humane affairs be well , or orderly affected ; because men should be as it were blinde , not discerning between man and man ; and bee no way helped by their eyes , except it were in discerning the age or quantity . this benefit we gaine by providence , that it prevents these inconveniences and confusions , by making a variety in the visages of men , alwayes , in all places , and at all times . and it is a strong argument also to prove that this providence extendeth unto every particular ; in that every particular man is known one from another , by his portraiture , by his proportion , by his visage , and by his voice . for mans visage is not the onely marke whereby we may discerne him ; but ( as if that were not enough ) providence hath added another distinction for our more advantage ; even the diversity of colours also , to the intent that the weaknesse of our nature might bee assisted divers wayes : and i suppose likewise , that many of those living-creatures , which in their generall kinde , have in appearance but one shape ( and colour ) as dawes and crowes ; yet there may be certaine visible differences , whereby they might bee distinguished by good heed ; and whereby they discerne each other when they should couple together . for though many dawes and crowes bee gathered together in one place ; yet in their coupling , they discerne each other ; and every male and female know their owne mate . but how could they know each other , if every one of them had not some proper distinction in the shape ; which ( though not easily perceived by us ) might be well enough discerned by thē , through a naturall instinct ; they being creatures of one kinde ? lastly , the signes , and oracles , and sooth-sayings , and wonders , which are from above ( for now i direct their discourse to heathen philosophers ) and which ( as they affirme ) doe by their owne force make good the events of such things as are declared by them , have ( no doubt ) their significations , by the vertue of providence ; and have thereby also , a true effect , according to the same significations . cap. . this chapter declares , what providence is ; and that it is necessary & convenient the creator , and ruler of all things should be one. very plainly may it be manifested that there is a providence ; both by arguments already produced , and by others which wee shall have occasion to mention hereafter : wee will now therefore , declare what providence is . providence is a heedfull provision for all things , proceeding from god. some thus define it . providence is the will of god , whereby all created things receive a government fit for them . now if providence be the will of god , it is necessary that all things should be ordered as reasonably , as excellently , and as decently as the nature of the god-head requires ; which is after so good and perfect a maner as that nothing may possibly receive a better order : for neither is it a thing of good cōsequence nor agreeable to decency , that one should make things , and another take the care of their preservation and government ; seeing it were but an argument of weakness to have it so . many types and expressions of that which we have said , are ingraffed in living-creatures : for every thing which breedeth ought , provides food also for the thing bred thereby ; and man provides for all other things also , belonging to the life of him whom hee hath begotten , so far forth as his ability doth extend . and all creatures which make not provision for their young , doe therefore not make it , because their weaknesse is a hinderance thereunto . therefore it is truely declared , that god is he whose providence concerneth all : and that providence is the will of god. cap. . sect . . i. it is here shewed wherein providence consisteth ; plato's opinion concerning the same , and how far his tenet is allowable . ii. the opinions of the stoicks , of democritus , heraclitus , and epicurus , touching providence , and the absurdities insuing . iii. the opinions also of aristotle , euripides , and menander ; and the refutation of them . since we have shewed that there is a providence , and also what it is ; we will now declare , in what things , that providence beareth sway ; whether in things universall , or things particular , or in both . plato affirmes that it hath government both of universall , and particular things ; and he divideth his discourse of providence into three parts . the first he calls the providence of the first and supreamest god , and that this providence is especially over the ideae ( that is , the most beautifull formes of things : ) and in the next place , over the whole world in general , as , over the heavens , the stars , and all generall things ; even over the predicaments of substance , quantity , and quality , with such like : yea , and over all things which are especially contained under those predicaments . his opinion likewise is , that the providence of a second degree of gods , which ( as he conceiveth ) turne about the sphaeres ; hath rule over the ingendring of all the baser living-creatures , & of plants , and of all things which are subject unto generation , and corruption . yea , and aristotle himselfe ascribes the ingendring of such things , to the sun , and unto the zodiack circle . that which according to plato's opinion , is the third providence , hath predominācie over the events and ends of those things which are begun or perfected by us ; as also over the course and condition of mans life ; and over all those naturall and materiall things ; and over such as are called instrument all things , whether they bee good or evill . and the principall agents in this providence , he supposed to bee certaine angells ( or spirits ) ordained to bee alwayes conversant upon the earth , and to have the charge over those things which men doe . but hee affirmes that the second and the third providence also , have their whole essence from the first ; so that all things are in effect , governed by the power of the chiefest god , who ordained the first , the second , and the third , to be employed in the well-ordering , and governing of things . now this is praise worthy in plato , that he referreth all unto god , and affirmes all providence to depend upon his will. but whereas he sayes there is a second providence , committed unto those which turne the heavens about ( as he hath said ) we commend him not in so affirming . for ( if any such were ) that which they performed , is not a worke of providence ; but rather , a worke of necessity , whereunto they were destinated . for , let them be figured how they will , it must necessarily follow , that things must both be done as they were done ; and that they might not be in any other maner then they are . and i have already shewed , that nothing done by providence , is subject unto necessity . now the stoick philosophers ( who defend as an undeniable truth , that there is a destiny , necessitating all things , and that some things are also in our power ) doe leave no place at all for providence ; and indeed they overthrow ( as is before declared ) by affirming there is destiny , so much of their owne opinion , as averrs that things are in our power . democritus , heraclitus , and epicurus , are of opinion that there is no providence either of universall , or of particular things . and epicurus hath expressed his meaning to this purpose . the nature ( saith hee ) which is blessed and incorruptible ; neither is of it selfe troubled with any businesse ; neither occasioneth any other to be troublesomely imployed : and therefore , neither is angry for any thing ; nor favoureth any thing ; because all such like things , doe betoken weaknesse . yea the gods cannot bee angry , in regard anger never chanceth unto any , but when something succeedeth contrary unto their will , which thing cannot at any time happen unto the gods . the opinion of these men is conformable to the principles which are devised by themselves . for , it is no wonder if they hold opinion that there is no providence to governe any thing , who affirme that the world was made by hap-hazzard . for how should those things which had no creator , have any providence to preserve or governe them ? seeing it is plaine that such things must be confusedly caried to & fro , by hap-hazzard , which were made by chance , and at adventure , in the beginning . wee must therefore withstand them in their first opinion , as wee have done already ( and so disprove the same ) that it may be well manifested there is a providence . and for that cause wee will refer the confutation of these men , unto a fitter opportunity ; and proceed to examine the opinion of aristotle ; and others , who say that particular things are not governed by any providence . for aristotle in the sixth booke of his ethicks to nichomachus , hath covertly delivered that particular things are governed by nature onely . for , nature being ( saith he ) divine , and ingraffed in all things which are ingendred , doth naturally administer a way unto each , to chuse which is most expedient for it , and to avoid such things as are hurtfull thereunto . and ( indeed ) every living-creature ( as we have shewed heretofore ) maketh choice of such nourishment , as is agreeable unto it ; earnestly pursuing what is convenient for it ; and naturally knowing what cures are pertinent unto the diseases thereof . euripides , and menander , have in some places affirmed , that the principall parts of the minde , which is in every man , doth by providence governe each man , and no god at all . but the minde is conversant in those things onely which are in our power ; and they are either in actions which may be done , or in the arts , or in contemplation : whereas providence is busied in things which are not in our power ; as to be rich , or to be poore ; to be in health , or to be sick ; wherewith neither the minde , nor nature , ( as aristotle himselfe holdeth opinion ) have any thing to doe , in that sense . for the workes of nature are evident : and if a murtherer bee sometime punished , and sometime let goe without punishment , here is that pertinent either to the minde , or unto nature ( as it is unto providence ? ) except some will affirme that things belonging to nature , and unto the minde , are pertinent unto providence ; and that things which follow upon the choice of the minde , and operations of nature , doe afterward belong unto destiny ; which being granted , all that should bee in our power , would be quite overthrowne . but the matter is not at that point . for ( as hath beene already declared ) every thing belonging unto the minde ( whether it be for practise or contemplation ) is all in our power . neither doe all things which are contained under providence , belong to nature ; though every thing belonging to nature , is governed by providence . for many things wrought by providence , are not the workes of nature ; as i have declared in discovering the murtherer ; neither is nature in all points , the same with providence , though it be ( as indeed it is ) a part of providence . and therefore these men doe ascribe the providence over particular things both to nature , and unto the minde . sect . . i. of their absurd opinion , who affirme that god hath care of universall , but not of particular things . ii. the error of the vulgar , concerning blessednesse ; and of their causelesse , and impious reprehension of gods providence . iii. of the blasphemies which must consequently follow the deniall of gods providence , over particular things . there be some who affirme , that god so provides for the continuance of all things which hee hath created , that nothing shall faile which hee hath made ; and that his providence extends to this thing alone , without regarding particulars , which are left by him to succeed as meer casualty shall bring them about . hereupon ( as they conceive ) it commeth to passe , that so many injuries , so many murthers , and ( in briefe ) that so much wickednesse , and oppression is increased among men : yea , thereupon it commeth ( say they ) to passe , that some of them are punished , some unpunished , and that little or nothing is performed , either according to right reason , or the canons of law. for , how ( as they think ) can it be possible that god hath care of any thing , when as neither law , nor true judgement beareth sway ? but where the contrary hath rather the chief rule ? and where the best men are for the most part wronged , oppressed , and plunged into innumerable afflictions ; while tyrants and wicked men are advanced to offices , to powerfull dignities , to riches , and to all such things as are well esteemed of in this life ? but they who speake in this maner , are not onely ignorant of many other things , that are expressed in our discourse of providence ; but estranged also to the immortality of the soule : for , supposing the soule to bee mortall they shut up all things belonging unto man within the compasse of this life ; and ( judging perversly of those things which are good ) they imagine that such as abound in riches , and beare great sway by the places of authority , and vaunt of other such like temporall ( or materiall ) commodities , are the only blessed and happy men . but of the vertues of the minde ( which exceed by many degrees all bodily and externall things ) they make no account at all . howsoever those commodities are the best , which belong unto the best things . and in that respect , vertue as far surpasseth riches and health , and such like , as the soule is more excellent then the body : and therefore also , vertue aswell alone , as together with other things , makes a man to be blessed . vertue with other things is considered according to a finite amplitude , as a thing of two ells , or the like ; but alone , and by it selfe , it is considerable according to an indefinite circumscription , as a heape . for if from a heape ( which is a thing having an indefinite circumscription ) you may take away two bushels ( which is a finite quantity ) two bushels is indeed taken from the heape : yet that which is left continueth still to be an an heape . in like maner , if from vertue ( considered in its own indefinite amplitude ) you take away all the good things that are bodily or externall ( which are but finite things ) and leave the vertue onely , ( which is an indefinite good ) the blessednesse remaineth still intire ; because vertue , even of it selfe , is perfectly sufficient to blessednesse . and therefore every good man is blessed ( though no externall good be left him ) and every wicked man is miserable , though he hath all those things hapned together , which are called the goods of fortune . the multitude not knowing thus much , doe think that they onely are blessed , who have all things at will , for their bodily delight , and abound in riches ; and they can oft finde fault with providence which governeth our affaires , not with respect unto those things onely which are apparent unto us , but with regard unto those also , which are according to the fore-knowledge of god. for god foreseeing , that it would be expedient for him to bee poore , who is now honest and good , ( and that riches comming fast upō him , would corrupt his minde ) doth keep him in that poverty , which is most convenient for the chiefe good of that man. and in regard god foresaw also , that the rich , man would be grievous to others in the want of riches ( by committing robberies , murthers , and other great outrages ) hee suffered him to enjoy riches . poverty hath been many times profitable also , in making us to beare the losse of our children with more contentednesse ; and in preventing the vexations which might happen by wicked servants ; and perhaps their lives would have beene more bitter to us then their deaths , if our children had lived to bee wicked ; or if wee should have had false and thee-vish servants . we foreseeing nothing that is to come ; but beholding only the things present , cannot judge rightly of that which may fall out ; but unto god all future things are as evident as those which are present . thus much wee have spoken against those who have presumed to blame gods providence ; and against whom this part of scripture may well be applyed , shall the clay say to the potter , why hast thou made me thus ? for it is an arrogance to be abhorred , that he who dares not finde fault with an earthly law-giver , should prescribe lawes to god , and object against the workes of his providence . but we will forbeare to meddle further with such extravagancies , ( or to speake more properly , with such impieties ) and proceed in disproving them , who say , that particular things are not governed by any providence , and yet allow that universall , and generall things , are governed by a providence . for no man can alleadge more then these three causes , to prove that there is no providence of god over particular things . either it must bee because god knoweth not that it is good to take care for such things ; or because he will not ; or because he cannot . but nothing is more estranged from that blessed essence , then ignorance , and unskilfulnesse : for it is knowledge , and science , and wisdome it selfe . nay , there is none among men , so ignorant ( if he be in his wits ) but knowes , that if all particular things should be destroyed , the generall things could not possibly consist ; seeing universall things , are made up of particulars . yea , all the particular things , and the generall things are equall , and converted , & destroyed , and preserved together . if therfore particular things perish , the universall will also perish . and there is no reason why wee should imagine that all singular things could escape destruction , if no care were taken of them from above . now whereas to avoid this objection , they grant that gods providence extendeth to this onely ; that individualls shall bee providently preserved , so far forth as may conduce to the preservation of generall things ; they have said enough ( though they bee not aware thereof ) to prove that there is , also , some providence over individualls . for ( as they themselves have said in effect ) god by preserving the species , preserveth also the kindes . sect . . i. of the unreasonablenesse of their opinion , who thinke that god despiseth to take care of particular things . ii. of gods undeniable ablenesse to governe individualls ; and of the capablenesse which particulars have of the divine providence . iii. mans readinesse to call upon god in suddain extremities ( as it were by naturall instinct ) is an argument of providence . some there be who ( although they confesse that god is not ignorant how to provide for particular things ) doe affirme , that he will not assume the care of them . now every one that will not doe a thing ; either will not doe it , because of sloth , or else for that it is not comely for him so to doe . no man will be so mad as to impute sloth to god ; for sloth is bred of these two ; pleasure , and feare ; and every one that is slothfull , is thereby drawn away by the love of some ease ( or pleasure ) or else discouraged by feare : and to cōceive either of these to be in god , were an impious absurdity . if they that will not be so prophane to lay slothfulnesse to gods charge , shall say it is undecent for god , and unworthy the majesty of so high a blessednesse , to descend so low and unto such vile & smal things ( or to be as it were prophaned by the absurdities , and obscenities of those materiall things which depend upon the will of man ; and that therefore he will not take upon himselfe the government of such matters ) they ( not heeding it ) impute unto god , in so saying , two very faulty things , pride , and impurity . for either the creator despiseth to take on himselfe the government and administration of individualls through haughtiness : ( which is most absurd to affirme ) or else through feare of being defiled , as they speake . and that is no lesse absurd then the other . for if they know the nature of the sunne-beams to be such , that they can exhale naturally all moisture , even from dung-hills when they shine upon them , and that neither the sunne , nor his beames are any whit contaminated , or defiled thereby , but keepe neverthelesse their owne purity : how can they conceive that god should be polluted , by those things which are below ? surely these cannot be the conjectures of men , that have any knowledge of what is pertinent unto the nature of god. for the god-head is untouchable , uncorruptible , not possibly to be contaminated , and above all alteration : but pollution and such like things are the workes of change , and betoken alteration . and how can it bee counted other then most absurd , that an artificer ( of what art soever ) and especially a physitian , taking care of generall things , should heedlesly passe over things particular ? without caring to shew his art in them ( though things of the least consequence ) seeing hee cannot chuse but know that every part standeth in some stead unto the whole ? much more absurd were it for any man to be of opinion ; that god who is the creator of all , should be more unskilfull then an artificer ; and what else can be alleaged , if he be willing , but that hee cannot take the care of particulars ? and what can be affirmed more manifestly repugnant to the nature of god , then to say he is weak , and lacketh ability to doe well ? for two other causes , gods providence is by some judged not to be exercised in particular things . the one is , because the nature of god ( as they thinke ) serveth not thereunto ; the other is , for that they conceive particular things to be incapable of his providence . but that it is agreeable to the nature of god to governe by his providence , they themselves ( who have denied it ) doe implicitly confesse , when they affirme that his providence ruleth universall things ; especially seeing the inferiour things are not able to mount up , unto such as are much above them ; whereas the power of those which are superiour , descendeth even unto the lowest , ( even to things insensible ) for their preservation : yea , all things depend upon the will of god , and draw from thence , their continuance , and well-being . and that the nature of individualls ( though infinitely multiplyed ) is capable of being governed by providence ; it is plaine by those living creatures which are ordered by rule and authority . for , some of them , as bees and ants , and divers others , which being assembled together , are continued under certaine captaines ( or guides ) whom they obediently follow : but this is best perceived if we looke into the government of common-wealths ▪ and the conversation that is amongst men : for it is plaine , that it admits the administration and care , both of lawgivers , and also of subordinate magistrates ; and how can that which is capable of such things , be unfit , to receive an orderly government from the providence of the creator ? this also is no small argument , that there is providence over particular things , even that the knowledge thereof is naturally ingraffed in men : which is evident , when wee are brought to any great extremity ; for wee then slie immediately unto god by prayer , as if without teaching , it were naturally written in our hearts , that help were to be sought of god. nature except it have beene taught , cannot of it selfe lead us unto that , the doing whereof is not according to nature : neither doth it move us to fly thither for assistance , where none is to be had : yet when any great affliction , or feare suddenly oppresseth us ; we cry out unto god before we be aware ; and before we have had time to bethinke our selves what wee have to doe . now , every naturall consequence , is a forcible evidence admitting no contradiction . sect . . i. of the occasion and grounds of their error , who thought there was no providence ruling individualls . ii. how men ought to behave themselves in the search of gods providence , which is beyond their comprehension . iii. of divine permission , and the manifold species thereof . the occasions & ground of their error who say there is no providence over particular things , are these . first , they conceived the soule to bee mortall , and that it perished with the body . and secondly , because these men could not comprehend by their understanding and reason , how there should bee any providence ruling individualls . but that the soule is not mortall , and that all things pertaining unto man , are not shut up within the compasse of this life , it appeareth ( even to heathen men ) both by the opinions of the wisest among the grecians , who taught the transmigration of soules from body to body ; as also by the places which they affirmed to bee allotted out , unto the soules departed , according to their good or evill course in this life ; and by those punishments wherwith soules are ( as they hold ) punished by themselves , for the offences they have committed . for these things , although they be erroneous in other circumstances and respects ; yet in this they are true , and their authors do all agree therein , that the soule remaineth after this life , and shall come to iudgement . but if wee cannot attaine unto the reason of that governance which providence hath over particular things ; which indeed we cannot , as is implyed by this text : how unsearchable are thy judgements , and thy wayes past finding out ! let us not therupon conclude , there is no such providence : for no man ought to affirme there is neither sea , not sand , because he is ignorant of the limits of the sea , and of the number of the sands : seeing by the same rule , they might aswell say that there is neither man , nor any other living-creature , because they know not the number either of the men , or of the living-creatures . particular things are to us infinite : things which are unto us infinite , and also unknowne unto us ; and therefore , though universalls may be ( oftentimes ) comprehended by our understanding , yet individualls are not possibly comprehensible thereby . there is in every man a double difference ; one in respect of other men ; and another in respect of himselfe : yea , there is in every man great differences , and alterations even in respect of himselfe . every day ; as , in the maner of his life ; in his actions , ( or affaires ) in his necessities , in his desires ; and in all things which doe happen , or pertaine unto him . it is not much otherwise with an irrationall-creature ; for according to the manifold necessities , and occasions thereof , it is very speedily caried hither and thither ; and soon altered againe as other opportunities require . these things considered , that providence which is able to keep a continuall course with every one of those infinite and incomprehensible particulars ( which are so differing also , so changeable , and of so many fashions ) must needs be such a providence as is agreeable to all , and every one of those individualls : and extended more infinitely then those things are , whereunto it should reach . and if this providence must be so fit , and so infinite in regard of the infinite difference of individualls : no doubt but the reason and method of this providence is as infinite ; and if it be infinite , it cannot possibly bee comprehended by us . and it becomes not us to deny that gracious providence which governes all things , because our ignorance is unable to comprehend it . for those things which wee suppose to be amisse , are knowne well enough unto the wisdome of the creator , to be well ordered . because wee are ignorant of their occasions , we causelesly judge many things to be imprudently done ; and that which chanceth unto us in other things , by reason of our ignorance , falleth out also in the workes of providence ; for we doe after the same sort cōceive of those things which belong to providence ; receiving by obscure likelihoods , and by conjectures , certaine formes or shadowes of the workes thereof , by such things as we have seene . wee say therefore , that some things are done by gods permission ; and this permission is of many sorts : for he sometime permits that even the just man shall fall into misery , to declare unto others , that vertue which is concealed as in iob. hee doth also permit some absurd things ; that by the act which appeareth to bee absurd , some great and wonderfull matter may bee brought to passe , as the salvation of men by the crosse . hee permits likewise the blessed saints to be afflicted for another end ; as that they might not fall from a sincere conscience , and that the loftinesse of the minde might be abated ; as when s t. paul was buffetted by satan . sometimes also , one man is rejected , and left as desolate for a time ; that others considering his case , might be instructed , and amended thereby . as in the example of lazarus and the rich man ; for , when we see any man afflicted , our hearts are naturally touched therewith , according as menander hath very well expressed : by seeing others feele the rod , we tremble with a fear of god. otherwhile , again , one man is afflicted for the glory of another ; and neither for his owne sin , nor the sinne of his parents : as , he that was blind from his birth , for the glorifying of the son of man. it is permitted also that some should be persecuted , to be a pattern of constancy unto others ; and that when their glory is exalted , others might be incouraged to suffer in the like case , in hope of the glory to come ; and for the blessednesse which is expected after this life ; as in the martyrs , and in those who have yeelded up their lives for their country , for their kinred , or for their masters . sect . . i. one may otherwhile be afflicted for the good of another , without infringing the justice of divine providence . why holy men suffer bitter deaths and persecutions . ii. death , or sufferings are no disadvātages to good men ; neither are the unlawfull actions of the wicked , justifiable , though providence convert thē to good ends . now , if any one thinke it against reason , that one man should be afflicted for the amendment of another ; let him know that this life , is ( not the perfection of mans happinesse ) but a place of wrestlings , and of striving for mastery , in respect of vertue : and the greater the labours and sufferings are , the more glorious crown of glory shall be obtained : because the recompence of rewards , is according to the measure of patience . saint paul was contented to undergoe the manifold afflictions and tribulations which he suffered , that he might obtain the greater , and more perfect crown of a conquerour : ( which he himself confesseth to be more then all our sufferings can merit ) and therefore the works of providence are justly and very decently performed . a man may the better allow this to be so , ( and conceive that god governs all things , so well and so fitly , that the nature of each thing cannot more desire ) if he doe but propose unto himself the beleeving of these two things which are generally confessed among men : namely , that god , onely , is good and wise : for , in that he is good , it is agreeable unto his goodnesse to employ his providence over all things ; and in that he is wise , he hath a regard to performe them wisely and exactly : because , if he used not his providence , he could not be good : and if he did not use it well , hee could not be wise . he therefore , that gives his minde to consider discreetly of these matters , will not misesteem of any thing which is wrought by divine providence ; neither speak evill thereof without due examination : but rather accept of all things , as exceeding well performed : and marvaile at their admirable decency and perfection , though the ignorant multitude judge according to a false appearance : for in conceiving otherwise , wee bring upon our heads ( besides the guilt of blasphemy ) great blame for our sottish presumption . now , in that wee say , all things are done well , wee justifie not the naughtinesse of men , or of such evill works as are in our power to doe , or leave undone ; but , we speak it of the works of providence which are not in our power . for , if any man object and say , how falls it out that holy men are put cruelly to death without desert ? why , if they were unjustly condemned , did not gods just providence hinder those murthers ? and if they deserved to be so put to death , why are not they without blame who caused them to bee slaine ? to this we answer , that the murtherers of such men were injurious in slaying them ; and that they which were so slain , were slain either for their desert , or their profit somtime deservingly , for evills committed by them in secret : and sometimes for their profit : gods providence , thereby preventing either future sins , or worse mischiefes to come ; and in those respects it was good for them that their life should be shortned . thus was it with socrates , and the saints . but , they who slew these men , did not slay them for any such cause ; neither was it lawfully done ; but out of the corruption of their owne minds , and for gain and robbery : for , the act is in mans power ; but what shall follow upon the act , ( as whether we shall be slain or no ) is not as he will : neither is any death evill , except for sinne onely , as is manifest by the death of the saints . but , wicked men , although they die in their beds on a sudden , and without pain , doe neverthelesse die an evill death , which brings them unto an evill buriall : i meane , to bee buried in their sinne ; yet whosoever killeth any man murtherously , doth wickedly in so doing . if hee killeth any one for that which deserveth death ; he is then to be accounted among hangmen and executioners . if it be for the gaining of some profit by them that are slaine , he is to be reputed among cruell and wicked murtherers . the like may be said of them who murther their enemies , or oppresse them by extreame servitude , or use any manner of inhumane cruelty , against them whom they have overcome . they also are as little to be justified , who seeke the inriching of themselves , by extorting other mens goods : for , though it may be expedient for those , from whom they were extorted , that they should be deprived of them ; yet , they which wrested away more then their owne , were unjust , in so so doing . for , they take them out of a covetous desire of those good , and not for that it was expedient for them , whō they dispossessed of such things . glory be to god. finis . mr. geo. withers revived, or, his prophesie of our present calamity, and (except we repent) future misery written by him in the year . wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) mr. geo. withers revived, or, his prophesie of our present calamity, and (except we repent) future misery written by him in the year . wither, george, - . p. printed for william marshall ..., london : . reproduction of original in huntington library. caption title. an extract from the author's britains remembrancer, . in verse. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng great britain -- history -- puritan revolution, - -- poetry. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - ali jakobson sampled and proofread - ali jakobson text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion m r. geo. withers revived : or , his prophesie of our present calamity , and ( except we repent ) future misery . written by him in the year . god hath a controversie with our land , and in an evil plight affairs do stand : already we do smart for doing ill , yet us the hand of god afflicteth still , and many see it not ; as many be so wilful , that his hand they will not see . some plainly view the same , but nothing care ; some at the sight thereof amazed are like belthazar , and have a trembling heart , yet will not from their vanities depart . some dream that all things do by chance succeed , and that i prate more of them than i need : but heaven and earth to witness i invoke , that carelesly i nothing here have spoke . if this , o sickly island , thou believe , and for thy great infirmity shalt grieve , and grieving of thy follies make confessions , and so confess thine infinite transgressions , that thou amend those errors , god shall then thy manifold distempers cure agen ; make all thy scarlet sins as white as snow , and cast thy threatned judgments on thy foe . but if thou ( fondly thinking thou art well ) shalt slight this message , which my muse doth tell , and scorn her counsel ; if thou shalt not rue thy former waies , but frowardly pursue thy wilful course ; then hark what i am bold ( in spight of all thy madness ) to unfold ; for i will tell thy fortune ; which , when they that are unborn shall read another day ; they will believe god's mercy did infuse thy poets breast with a prophetick muse . and know , that he this author did prefer , to be from him , this isles remembrancer . if thou , i say , oh britain , shalt retain thy crying sins , thou dost presume in vain of god's protection : if thou stop thine ear , or burn this rowl , in which recorded are thy just indictments , it shall written be with new additions , deeply stampt on thee with such characters , that no time shall race their fatal image from thy scarred face . though haughtily thou dost thy self dispose ; because the sea thy borders doth inclose ; although thou multiply thy in-land forces , and muster up large troops of men and horses ; though like an eagle thou thy wings display'st , and ( high thy self advancing ) proudly say'st , i sit aloft , and am so high , that none can fetch me from the place i rest upon : yea , though thou no advantages did'st want , of which the gloriest emperies did vaunt ; yet , sure , thou shalt be humbled and brought low , ev'n then , perhaps , when less thou fear'st it so . till thou repent , provisions which are made for thy defence , or others to invade , shall be in vain ; and still , the greater cost thou shalt bestow , the honour that is lost shall be the greater ; and thy wasted strength be sick of a consumption at the length . thy treaties which for peace and profit be , shall neither peace nor profit bring to thee . yea , all thy winnings shall but fewel be , to feed those follies that now spring in thee . on all thy fruits and cattel in the fields , on what the air , or what the water yields , on prince or people , on both weak and strong , on priest and prophet , on both old and young ; yea , on each person , place , and every thing , the plague it hath deserved , god shall bring . a leanness shall thy fatness quite devour ; thy wheat shall in the place of wholsom flower , yield nought but bran. instead of grass and corn , thou shalt in time of harvest reap the thorn , the thistle , and the bryar . of their shadows thy groves shall robbed be . thy flower medows shall steril wax . there shall be seldom seen sheep on the downs , or shepherds on the green. thy walks , thy gardens , and each pleasant plot , shall be as those where men inhabit not . thy villages , where goodly dwellings are , shall stand as if they unfrequented were . thy cities , and thy palaces , wherein most neatness and magnificence hath been , shall heaps of rubbish be , and ( as in those demolish'd abbies , wherein daws and crows now make their nests ) the bramble and the nettle , shall in their halls and parlours root and setle : and moreover , they that now are trained , in ease , and with soft pleasures entertained ; instead of idle games , and wanton dances , shall practice how to handle guns and launces , and be compell'd to leave their friends embraces , to end their lives in divers uncouth places , or else , thy face , with their own blood defile , in hope to keep themselves and thee from spoil . thy purest rivers god shall turn to blood ; with every lake that hath been sweet and good . ev'n in thy nostrils he shall make it stink , for nothing shall thy people eat or drink , until their own , or others blood it cost ; or put their lives in hazard to be lost . most loathsome frogs ; that is a race impure , of base condition , and of birth obscure , this hateful brood shall climb to croke and sing , within the lodging-chambers of the king ; yea , there make practise of those natural notes , which issue from their evil-sounding throats , to wit , vain brags , revilings , ribaldries , vile slanders and unchristian blasphemies . the land shall breed a nasty generation , unworthy either of the reputation or name of men ; for they as lice shall feed , even on the body whence they did proceed ; there shall moreover swarms of divers flies engendred be in thy prosperities , to be a plague : and still are humming so , as if they meant some weighty work to do , when as , upon the common stock they spend ; and nought perform of that which they pretend . then shall a darkness follow , far more black , than when the light corporeal thou dost lack . for , grossest ignorance , o'reshadowing all , shall in so thick a darkness thee inthral , that thou a blockish people shalt be made , still wandring on in a deceiving shade , mistrusting those , that safest paths are showing , most trusting them who counsel thy undoing ; and ay tormented be with doubts and fears , as one that out cries in dark places hears . nor shall the hand of god from thee return , till he hath also smote thy eldest born . that is , till he hath taken from thee quite , ev'n that whereon thou set'st thy whole delight ; and filled ev'ry house throughout thy nation , with deaths unlooked for , and lamentation . so great shall be thy ruine , and thy shame , that when thy neighbouring kingdoms here the same , their ears shall tingle . and when that day comes , in which thy follies must receive their dooms ; a day of clouds , a day of gloominess , a day of black despair and heaviness , it will appear . and then thy vanities , thy gold and silver , thy confed'racies , and all those reeds on which thou hast depended , will fail thy trust , and leave thee unbefriended . thy king , thy priests , and prophets then shall mourn , and peradventure faignedly return to beg of god to succour them : but they who will not hearken to his voice to day , shall cry unheeded ; and he will despise their vows , their prayers , and their sacrifice . a sea of troubles , all thy hopes shall swallow ; as waves on waves , so plague on plague shall follow : and every thing that was a blessing to thee , shall turn to be a curse , and help undo thee . and when thy sin is fully ripe in thee , thy prince and people then alike shall be . thou shalt have babes to be thy kings , or worse , those tyrants who by cruelty and force , shall take away thy ancient freedoms quite , from all their subjects ; yea themselves delight in their vexations : and all those that are made slaves thereby , shall murmur , yet not dare to stir against them . by degrees they shall deprive thee of thy patrimonials all ; compel thee ( as in other lands this day ) for thine own meat , and thine own drink to pay . and at the last began to exercise upon thy sons , all heathenish tyrannies , as just prerogatives . to these intents , thy nobles shall become their instruments ; for they who had their birth from noble races , shall ( some and some ) be brought into disgraces . from offices they shall excluded stand , and all their vertuous off-spring , from their land shall quite be worn : instead of whom shall rise a brood advanced by impieties . that seek how they more great and strong may grow , by compassing the publick overthrow . they shall abuse thy kings with tales and lies ; with seeming love , and servile flatteries ; they shall perswade them they have power to make , their wills their law , and as they please to take their peoples goods , their children and their lives , ev'n by their just and due prerogatives . when thus much they have made them to believe , then they shall teach them practises to grieve their subjects by , and instruments become to help the scruing up by some and some , of monarchies to tyrannies . they shall abuse religion , honesty , and all to compass their designs . they shall devise strange projects ; and with impudence and lies , proceed in setling them . they shall forget those reverent usages which do befit the majesty of state ; and rail , and storm , when they pretend disorders to reform . in their high counsels , and where men should have kind admonitions , and proving grave , when they offend , they shall be threatned there , or scoft , or taunted , though no cause appear . whatever from thy people they can tear or borrow , they shall keep , as if it were a prize which had been taken from the foe , and they shall make no conscience what they do to prejudice posterity : for they to gain their lust , but for the present day , shall with such love unto themselves endeavour , that ( though they know it would undo for ever their own posterity ) it shall not make the monsters any better course to take . nay , god shall give them for their offences , to such uncomely reprobated senses : and blind them so , that ( when the axe they see ev'n hewing at the root of thine own tree , by their own handy-strokes ) they shall not grieve for their approaching fall : no , nor believe their fall approacheth , nor assume that heed , which might prevent it , till they fall indeed . mark well , oh britain ! what i now shall say , and do not slightly pass these words away ; but be assured , that when god begins , to bring that vengeance on thee for thy sins , which hazard will thy total overthrow , thy prophets and thy priests shall sliely sow the seeds of that dissention and sedition , which time will ripen for thy said perdition : but not unless the priests thereto consent , for in those days shall few men innocent be grieved ( through any quarter of the land ) in which thy clergy shall not have some hand . if ever in thy fields ( as god forbid ) the blood of thine own children shall be shed by civil discord , they shall blow thy flame , that will become thy ruin , and thy shame ; and thus it will be kindled , when the times are nigh at worst , and thy increasing crimes , almost compleat ; the devil shall begin , to bring strange crotchets and opinions in among thy teachers , which will breed disunion , and interrupt the visible communion of thy establish't church . and in the stead of zealous pastors ( who gods flock did feed ) there shall arise within thee , by degrees , a clergy , that shall more desire to fleece than feed the flock . a clergy it shall be divided in it self : and they shall thee divide among them , into several factions , which rend thee will , and fill thee with distractions ; they all in outward-seeming shall pretend god's glory , and to have a pious end ; but under colour of sincere devotion , their study shall be temporal promotion ; which will among themselves strong quarrels make , wherein thy other children shall partake . as to the persons , or the cause they stand affected , ev'n quite throughout the land. one part of these will for preferment strive , by lifting up the king's prerogative above it self ; they will perswade him to much more than law , or conscience bids him do ; and say , god warrants it . his holy laws they shall alledge , to justifie their cause ; and impudently wrest , to prove their ends , what god for better purposes intends . they shall not blush to say , that ev'ry king may do like solomon in every thing , as if they had his warrant : and shall dare ascribe to monarchs , rights that proper are to none but christ ; and mix their flatteries with no less gross and wicked blasphemies , than heathens did ; yea , make their king believe , that whomsoever they oppress or grieve it is no wrong ; nor fit for men oppressed to seek by their own laws to be redressed . nay further , to their wicked ends they shall apply the sacred story ; or what ever , may seem to further their unjust endeavour , ev'n what the son of hannah told the jews should be their scourge ( because they did refuse the sov'raignty of god , and were so vain , to ask a king , which over them might raign as heathen princes did ) that curse , they shall affirm to be a law monarchical , which god himself established to stand , throughout all ages , and in every land , which is as good divinity , as they have also taught , who do not blush to say that kings may have both wives and corcubines , and , by that rule whereby these great divines shall prove their tenet , i dare undertake ( if sound it hold ) that i like proof will make of any jewish custom , and devise , authority for all absurdities . but , false it is ; for , might all kings at pleasure ( as by the right of royalty ) make seisure of any mans possessions : why , i pray did ahab grieve , that naboth said him nay ? why made he not this answer thereunto , ( if what the prophet said some kings would do , were justly to be done ) thy vineyard's mine ; and , at my pleasure , naboth , all that 's thine assume i may ; why , like a turky-chick did he so foolishly grow sullen-sick , and get possession by a wicked fast of what might have been his by royal act ? if such divinity as this were true , the queen should not have needed to pursue poor naboth , as she did , or so contrive his death ; since by the king's prerogative she might have got his vineyard . nor would god have scourg'd that murther with so keen a rod on ahab , had he asked but his due : for , he did neither plot , nor yet pursue the murther ; nor ( for ought that we can tell ) had knowledge of the deed of jezabel , till god reveal'd it by the prophet to him . nor is it said , that naboth wrong did do him , or disrespect , in that he did not yield , to sell , or give , or to exchange his field . now if what here mention'd , thou dost heed , ( oh ' britain ! ) in those times that shall succeed , it may prevent much loss , and make thee shun those mischiefs , whereby kingdoms are undone , but , to thy other sins , if thou shalt add rebellions ( as false prophets will perswade ) which likely are to follow , when thou shalt in thy profession of religion halt : then will thy kings and people scourge each other for their offences , till both fall together : by weakning of your powers to make them way , who seek and look for that unhappy day . then shall disorder ev'ry where abound , and neither just nor pious man be found , the best shall be a bryar and a thorn , by whom their neighbour shall be scratcht and torn . thy princes shall to nothing condescend for any merit , just , or pious end ; but either for encreasing of their treasure , or for accomplishing their wilful pleasure : and unto what they fell , or daign for need , there shall be given little trust or ●eed : for , that which by their words confirm they shall ( the royal seals uniting therewithal ) a toy shall frustrate , and a gift shall make their strictest orders no effect to take . the parents , and the children shall despise and hate , and spoil each other : she that lies within her husbands bosom , shall betray him ; they who thy people should protect , shall slay them : the aged shall regarded be of none , the poor shall by the rich be trodden on : such grievous insolencies every where shall acted be , that good and bad shall fear in thee to dwell ; and men discreet shall hate , to be a ruler , or a magistrate ; when they behold ( without impenitence ) so much injustice , and such violence . and when thy wickedness this height shall gain , to which , no doubt , it will e're long attain , if thou proceed : then from the bow that 's bent , ( and half way drawn already ) shall be sent a mortal arrow ; and it pierce thee shall quite through the head , the liver , and the gall. the lord shall call , and whistle from afar , for those thine enemies that fiercest are , for those thou fearest most ; and they shall from their countries , like a whirlwind hither come : they shall not sleep , nor stumble , nor untye their garments , till within thy fields they lie . sharp shall their arrows be , and strong their bow , their faces shall as full of horrour show , as doth a lyons . like a bolt of thunder , their troops of horse shall come and tread thee under their iron feet . thy foes shall eat thy bread , and with thy flocks both cloathed be and fed . thy dwellers they shall carry from their own , to countries which their fathers have not known : and thither shall such mischiefs them pursue , that they who seek the pit-fall to eschew , shall in a snare be taken . if they shall escape the sword , a serpent in the wall to death shall sting them : yea ( although they hap to shun a hundred plagues ) they shall not scape ; but , with new danger still be chas'd about , until that they are wholly rooted out . the plowman then , shall be afraid to sow ; artificers , their labour shall forgo ; the merchant-men shall cross the seas no more , ( except to fly and seek some : other shore ) thy ablest men shall faint , the wise ones then , shall know themselves to be but foolish men . and they who built and planted by oppression , shall leave their gettings to the foes possession . yea , god will scourge thee , england , seven times more , with seven times greater plagues than heretofore . then , thy allies their friendship shall withdraw ; and , they that of thy greatness stood in awe , shall say ( in scorn ) is this the valiant nation , that had throughout the world such reputation , by victories upon the shore ? are these that people that were masters of the seas , and grew so mighty ? yea , that petty nation , that is not worthy of thy indignation , shall mock thee too ; and all thy former fame , forgot shall be , or mention'd to thy shame . then wo to them who darkness more have lov'd than light ; and good advice have disapprov'd : for they shall wander in a crooked path , which neither light , nor end , nor comfort hath . and when for guides and counsel , they do cry , not one shall pity them who passeth by . then wo to them that have corrupted been , to justifie the wicked in his sin ; or , for a bribe the righteous to condemn : for flames ( as on the chaff ) shall seize on them : their bodies to the dunghil shall be cast ; their flower shall turn to dust their flock shall waste , and all the glorious titles they have worn , shall but increase their infamy and scorn . then wo to them that have been rais'd aloft by good mens ruins ; and by laying soft and easie pillows under great mens arms. to make them pleas'd in their alluring charms . we gather armies , and we fleets prepare ; and then ; both strong and safe we think we are . but when we look for victories and glory , what follows , but events that make us sorry ? and 't is gods mercy that we turn our faces with so few losses , and no more disgraces . for what are most of those whom we commend such actions to ; and whom we forth do send to fight those battles which the lords we call , but such as neither fight for him at all ? whom dost thou make thy captains , and dispose such offices unto , but unto those ( some few excepted ) who procure by friends command , and pay to serve their private ends , these by their unrepented sins , betray thy cause ; by these , the honour , and the day is lost : and when thou hopest that thy trouble shall have an end , thy danger waxeth double . we fain would be at peace , but few men go that way , as yet , whereby it may be so . we have not that humility which must effect it : we are false and cannot trust each other , no nor god with true confessions ; which shews that we abhor not our transgressions . it proves , that of our errors we in heart repent not , neither purpose to depart from any folly . for all they that are sincerely penitent , do nothing fear so much as their own guilt , nor seek to gain ought , more than to be reconcil'd again . and they that are thus minded , never can be long unreconcil'd to god or man. believe me england , howsoever some who should foresee thy plagues before they come , endeavour to perswade thee that thou hast a hopeful time , and that the worst is past yet i dare boldly tell thee , thou hast nigh worn out gods patience by impiety . and that unless the same we do renew by patience , our folly we shall rue . and , if we do not more gods will regard , that mischief is but for a time defer'd . be mindful therefore while it is to day ; and let no good occasion slip away . now rend your hearts , ye britains , wash and rinse them from all corruption , from all evil cleanse them , go offer up the pleasing sacrifice of righteousness : from folly turn your eyes . seek peace , and follow it with strict pursute : relieve the needy ; judgment execute ; refresh the weary , right the fatherless : the strangers and the widows wants redress : give praise to god , depend with lowly faith on him , and what his holy spirit saith : remember what a price thy ransom cost , and now redeem the time that thou hast lost . return , return thou ( oh back-sliding nation ) and , let thy tears prevent thy desolation : as yet thou maist return : for gods embrace is open for thee , if thou hast the grace to give it meeting . yet , repentance may prevent the mischiefs of that evil day which here is mention'd : yet , thou maist have peace , and by discreet endeavouring , encrease each outward grace , and ev'ry inward thing , which will additions to thy comfort bring . now grant us peace , o lord ! for perilous the times are grown , and no man fights for us but thou , o god! nor do we seek or crave , that any other champion we have . thy church in these dominions , lord preserve in purity , and teach us thee to serve in holiness and righteousness , until we shall the number of our days fulfil . defend this kingdom from all overthrows , by forraign enemies , or home-bred foes . our king with ev'ry grace and vertue bless , with thine honour , and his own encrease . inflame our nobles with more love and zeal , to thy true spouse , and to this common-weal . inspire our clergy in their several places , with knowledge , and all sanctifying graces ; that by their lives and doctrines they may rear those parts of zion which decayed are . awake these people , give them souls that may believe thy words , and thy commands obey . finis . london , printed for william marshall at the bible in newgate-street , . prince henries obsequies or mournefull elegies vpon his death vvith a supposed inter-locution betweene the ghost of prince henrie and great brittaine. by george wyther. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) prince henries obsequies or mournefull elegies vpon his death vvith a supposed inter-locution betweene the ghost of prince henrie and great brittaine. by george wyther. wither, george, - . [ ] p. printed by ed: allde, for arthur iohnson, at the white horse neere vnto the great north doore of saint paul, london : . in verse. with a title-page woodcut. signatures: a-e⁴. reproduction of the original in the henry e. huntington library and art gallery. title page cropped at foot; imprint partly in facsimile. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng henry frederick, -- prince of wales, - -- death and burial -- poetry -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion prince henries obseqvies or movrnefvll elegies vpon his death : vvith a supposed inter-locution betweene the ghost of prince henrie and great brittaine . by george wyther . london , printed by ed : allde , for arthur iohnson , at the white horse neere vnto the great north doore of saint paul to the whole world in generall and more perticvlarly to the iles of great brittaine and ireland . &c. big-swolne with sighes , & almost drown'd with teares my muse out of a dying traunce vp-reares ; who yet not able to expresse her moanes , in steede of better vtterance , here groanes . and least my close-breast should her health impaire , is come amongst you , for to take the ayre , i neede not name the greefes , that on her seaze , th' are knowne by this , beyond th' antipodes . but to your view some heauy rounds she brings , that you may beare the burthen , when she sings : and that 's but woe : which you so high should straine , that heauens vault might eccho't backe againe , then , though i haue not striued to seeme witty , yet read , and reading note , and noting pitty . what though ther 's others show , in this more art ? i haue as true ; as sorowfull a hart : what though opinion giue me not a name , and i was ne're beholding yet to fame ? fate would ( perhapps ) my muse , as yet vnknowne , should first in sorrowes liuery be showne . then , be the witnes of my discontent , and see , if greefes haue made me eloquent : for here i mourne , for your our publike losse ; and doe my pennance , at the weeping crosse. the most sorrowfull g. w. death ( that by stealth did wound prince h : hart ) is now tane captiue , and doth act the part of one o'recome , by being too too fierce , and lies himselfe dead vnder henries hearse : he therefore now in heauenly tunes doth sing , hell , wher 's thy triumph ? death , where is thy sting ? faults escaped . elegy read henry dead ? line read be in hart , eleg. . line r carryes him . el. ● . l. . r my tongue el. . l. . r hadadrimmon , in the second page of the iterlocution . li. . r with still . line . . r vinnaugh . eleg : . line read walkes . to the right honorable robert lord sidney of penshurst , vicount lisle , lord chamberlaine to the queenes maiestie , and lord gouernour of vlushing , and the castle of ramekins . george vvither presents these elegiak-sonnets , and wisheth double comfort after his two-fold sorrow . anagrams on the name of sir william sidney knight , deceased . gulielmus sidneius en vilis , gelidus sum . * but* ei ' nilluge , sidus sum . beside our great and vniuersall care , ( wherein you one of our chiefe sharers are ) to adde more griefe vnto your griefs begunne , whilst we a father lost , you lost a sonne , whose hapelesse want had more apparant beene , but darkened by the other 't was vnseene , which well perceiuing , loth indeed was i , the memory of one so deare should die : and thereupon i the occasion tooke for to present your honor with this booke , ( vnfained , and true mournefull elegies , and for our henrie , my last obsequies ) that he , which did your sonnes late death obscure , might be the meane to make his fame endure : but this may but renew your former woe : indeed and i , might well haue doubted soe , had not i knowne , that vertue which did place you aboue the common sort , did also grace you with guifts of minde , to make you more excell , and farre more able , passions rage to quell : you can , and may with moderation moane , for all your comfort is not lost with one , children you haue , whose vertues may renew ; the comfort of decaying hopes in you . praised be god , for such great blessngs giuing , and happy you , to haue such comforts liuing . nor doe i thinke it can be rightly sed , you are vnhappy in this one that 's dead : for notwithstanding his first anagram , frights , with * behold , now cold , and vile i am : yet in his last , he seemes more cherefull farre , and ioyes , with * soft , mourne not , i am a starre , oh great preferment : what could he aspire that was more high , or you could more desire ? well , since his soule in heau'n such glory hath , my loue bequeathes his graue , this epitaph . here vnder lies a sidney : and what than ? dost thinke here lies but relicks of a man ? know ; 't is a cabanet did once include , vvit , beavtie , svveetnes , covrt'sey , fortitvde . so let him rest , to memory still deare , till his redeemer in the clowdes appeare the while , accept his vvill , who meaning plaine , doth neither write for praise , nor hope of gaine : and now your teares , and priuate griefe , forbeare , and turne againe , to this our publike care . your honours true honorer george wyther . prince henries obseqvies , or mournefull elegies vpon his death : with a supposed inter-locution betweene the ghost of prince henry and great brittaine . eleg. . now that beloued henries glasse is runne , and the last duties to his body showne , now that his sad-sad obsequies be done , and publike sorowes well-nigh ouer-blowne : now giue me leaue to leaue all ioyes at one , for a dull melancholy lonelines ; to pine my selfe with a selfe-pining mone , and fat my greefe with solitarines . for if it be a comfort in distresse , ( as some thinke ) to haue sharers in our woes , then i desire to be comfortles . my soule in publike greefe no pleasure knowes . yea , i could wish , and for that wish would die , that there were none had cause to greeue , but i. eleg. . for were there none had cause to greeue but i , twoul'd from my sorrowes , many sorrowes take ; and i should moane but for ones misery , where now for thousands , my poore heart doth ake . bide from me ioy then , that still from me bid'st , be present care , that euer present art . hide from me comfort , that at all times hid'st , for i will greeue , with a true-greeuing heart . i le glut my selfe with sorrow for the nonce , vvhat though my muse against it once did say oh beare with my vnbridled passion once , i hope it shall not yet from vertue stray , since greefe ▪ for such a losse , at such a season ; may be past measure , but not out of reason . eleg. . why should i for th' infernall furies hallo ? call vpon darkenes , and the lonely night ? or summon vp minerua , or apollo : to help me dolefull elegies endite ? here needs no mention of the feares of stix , of black cocitus , or such fained stuffe : those may paint out their greefes , with forc't tricks , that haue not in them reall cause enough ; i neede it not , yet for no priuate crosse , droopes my sad soule , nor doe i mourne for fashion , for why ? a generall a publike losse . kindles within me , a right wofull passion . then ( oh alas ) what n●ede hath he to borrow tht's pintch't already with a feeling sorrow ▪ eleg. . first , for thy losse , poore world-diuided i le , my eyes pay greefes drink-offering of teares : and i set by all other thoughts a while , to feede my minde the better on thy cares . i saw , how happie thou wert but of late in thy sweet henries hopes , yea i saw too , how thou didst glory in thy blessed state : which thou indeed hadst cause enough to doe . but , when i saw thee place all thy delight vpon his worth ; and then , when thou didst place it , ( and thy ioy almost mounted to her height ) his haples end so suddainely deface it ; me thought , i felt it goe so neere thy heart , mine ake't too , with a sympathizing smart . eleg. . for thee , great iames , my spouts of sorrow runne , for thee my muse a heauy song doth sing ; that hast lost more , in loosing of thy sonne , then the greeke monarkes conquered persian king. needes must the paines , that doe disturb the head , disease the body throughout euery part ; and therefore i might haue bene lopt as dead , if i had had no feeling of this smart ; but oh i greeue : and yet i greeue the lesse , thy kingly guift so well preuail'd to make him fit for a crowne of endles happines ; and that it was iehouah's hand did take him . who was himselfe a booke for kings to pore on : and might haue been thy 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 eleg : . for our faire queene , my greefe is no lesse mouing , there 's none could ere more iustly boast of childe . for he was kinde , most dutifull , and louing , most full of manly courage , and yet milde . me thinkes i see what heauy discontent , beclowdes her brow , and ouer-shades her eyne : yea i doe feele her louing heart lament , an earnest thought conueyes the greefe to mine . i see shee notes the sadnes of the court , thinks how that here , or there , she saw him last : remembers his sweet speech , his gracefull sport , and such like things to make her passions last : but what meane i ? let greefe my speeches smother , no tongue can tell the sorrowes of the mother . eleg. . nor thine sweet charles , nor thine elizabeth , though one of you haue gaind a princedome by 't : the greefe he hath to haue it by the death of his sole brother , makes his heart deny 't . yet let not sorrowes black obscuring cloud quite couer and eclipse all comforts light : though one faire starre aboue the spheare doth shrowd let not the earth be left in darknes quite . thou charles art now our hope , god grant it be more certaine then our last ; we trust it will : yet we shall haue a louing feare of thee ; the burned childe we see , eu'r dreads fire still . but god loues his ; and rome although thou threat'st he 's like enough for to be charles the great'st . eleg : . then droope not charles to make our greefes the more ; god that to scourge vs , tooke away thy brother , to comfort vs againe , kept thee in store : and now i thinke on 't , fate could doe no other . thy father both a sunne , and phoenix is , prince henry was a sunne and phoenix too , and if his orbe had bene as high as his , his beames had shone as bright's his fathers doe . nature saw this and tooke him quite away , and now dost thou to be a phoenix trye ; well , so thou maist ( no doubt ) another day , but then thy father ( charles ) or thou must die . for 't was decreed when first the world begunne , earth should haue but one phoenix , heauen one sun. eleg : . but shall i not bemoane the sad elector ? yes frederick , i needs must greeue for thee : thou wooest with woe now , but our best protector giues ioyfull ends where hard beginings be . had we no showes to welcome thee to court , no solemne sight , but a sad funerall ? is all our former masking and our sport , transform'd to sighes ? are all things tragicall ! had'st thou bene here at sommer ; or at spring , thou should'st not then haue seene vs drooping thus , but now t is autumne , that spoiles eu'ry thing : vulgarly term'd the fall o th' leafe , with vs. and not amisse ; for well may 't be the fall , that brings downe blossoms , fruit , leaues , tree & all . eleg. . then , stranger prince , if thou neglected seeme , and hast not entertainement to thy state : our loues yet doe not therefore miss-esteeme ; but lay the fault vpon vnhappy fate . thou found'st vs glad of thy arriuall here , and saw'st him , whom we lou'd , ( poore wretched elues ) say : didst thou ere of one more worthy heare ? no , no , and therefore now we hate our selues . we being then of such a gembereft , beare with our passions , and since one is gone , and thou-must haue the halfe of what is left ; oh thinke on vs for good ; when you are gone , and as thou now do'st beare one halfe of 's name ; help beare our greefe , and share thou all his fame . eleg. . see , see , faire princesse , i but nam'd thee yet , meaning thy woes within my brest to smother : but on my thoughts they doe so liuely beat , as if i heard thee sighing , oh my brother : me thinkes i heare thee calling on his name , vvith plaining on his too vngentle fate : and sure , the sisters were well worthy blame , to shew such spight to one that none did hate . i know thou sometime musest on his face , ( faire as a womans ; but more manly faire ) sometime vpon his shape , his speech , and pase , a thousand wayes thy greefes themselues repaire . and oh ! no maruaile , since your sure-pure loues vvere neerer dearer then the turtle doues . eleg. . how often , oh how often did he vowe to grace thy ioyfull look-tfor nuptialls : but oh how wofull , oh how wofull now will they be made through thy sad funerals ! all pleasing parlees that betwixt you two , publike , or priuate , haue exchanged beene , all thou hast heard him promise for to doe , or by him in his life performed seene , calls on remembrance : the sweet name of sister so oft pronounc'd by him seemes to take place , of queene and empresse : now my thoughts doe whisper , those titles one day shall thy vertues grace . if i speake true , for his sweet sake that 's dead , seeke how to raise deiected brittaines head . eleg. . seeke how to raise deiected brittaines head , so shee shall study how to raise vp thine : and now leaue off thy teares in vaine to shed , for why ? to spare them i haue powr'd out mine . pitty thy selfe , and vs , and mournefull rhine , that hides his faire banke vnder flouds of griefe , thy prince , thy duke , thy braue count palatine : t is time his sorrowes should haue some reliefe . he 's come to be another brother to thee , and helpe thy father to another sonne : he vowes thee all the seruice loue can doe thee ; and though acquaintance hath with griefe begunne , t is but to make you haue the better tast of the true blisse you shall enioy at last . elegi . . thy brother 's well and would not change estates , with any prince that raignes beneath the skie : no , not with all the worlds great potentates , his plumes haue borne him to eternitie . he raignes o're saturne now , that raign'd o're him ; he feares no planets dangerous aspect : but doth aboue their constellations clime , and earthly ioyes , and sorrowes both neglect . we saw he had his spring amongst vs here , he saw his summer , but he skipt it ouer : and autumne now hath tane away our deare . the reason 's this , which we may plaine discouer , he shall escape , ( for so iehouah wils ) the stormy winter of ensuing ils . elegi . . i greeue to see the woefull face o th' court , and for each grieued member of the land ; i greiue for those that make these greifes their sport , and cannot their owne euill vnderstand . i also greiue , to see how vices swarme , and vertue as despis'd , grow out of date : how they receiue most hurt , that doe least harme , and how poore honest truth incurreth hate . but more , much more , i grieue that we doe misse the ioy we lately had ; and that he 's gone , whose liuing presence might haue helpt all this : his euerlasting absence makes me mone . yea most i grieue , that brittans hope is fled , and that her darling , braue prince henrie's dead . elegi . . prince henri's dead ! what voice is that we heare ? am i awake , or dreame i , tell me whether ? if this be true ; if this be true , my deare , why doe i stay behind thee , to doe either ? alas my fate compels me , i must bide to share the mischiefes of this present age , i am ordain'd to liue , till i haue tride the very worst , and vtmost of their rage . but then why mourne i not to open view , in sable robes according to the rites ? why is my hat , without a branche of yeugh ? alas my mind , no complement delights , because my griefe that ceremonie lothes , had rather be sad in heart , then seeme in clothes . eleg. thrise happy had i bene , if i had kept within the circuit of some little village , in ignorance of courts and princes slept , manuring of an honest halfe-plough tillage : or else i would i were as young agen , as when eliza our last phoenix dide : my childish yeares had not conceiu'd as then , what t' was to loose a prince so dignifide . but now i know : and what now doth't availe ? alas , whilst others merry , seele no paine , i melancholy , sit alone and waile : thus sweetest profit , yeelds the bitterst gaine . why ? 'cause it came by the forbidden tree : and good things proue not , that ill gotten be . eleg. . when as the first sad rumour fil'd my eare of henries sicknes : an amazing terror struck through my body , with a shuddring feare , vvhich i expounded but my frailties error . for though a quicke-misdoubting of the worst , seem'd to fore-tell my soule , what would ensue : god will forbid , thought i , that such a curst or ill-presaging thought should fall out true : it cannot sincke into imagination , that he , whose future glories we may see to be at least all europes expectation , should in the prime of age dispoiled be ; for if a hope so likely nought auaile vs , it is no wonder if all other faile vs. eleg. . againe , when one had forc't vnto my eare , my prince was dead : although he much protested , i could not with beleefe his sad newes heare : but would haue sworne , and sworne againe , he iested . at such a word , me thought , the towne should sinke , the earth should downe vnto the center cleaue , swallowing all in her hell-gaping chincke , and not so much as sea or iland leaue . some comet , or some monstrous blazing-starre , should haue appear'd , or some strange prodigie , death might haue shownt ' vs though 't had beene a farre that he intended some such tyranny . but god , ( it seemeth ) did thereof dislike , to shew that he will on a sudden strike . eleg : . thus vnbeleeuing ; i did oft enquire of one , of two , of three , and so of many : and still i heard what i did least desire , yet grounded hope , would giue no faith to any . then at the last my heart began to feare , but as i credence to my feares was giuing a voyce of comfort i began to heare : which to my fruitles ioy said henrie's liuing , at that same word , my hope that was forsaking my heart , and yeilding wholy to despaire ; reuiued streight , and better courage taking , her crazed parts , so strongly did repaire , i thought she would haue held it out , but vaine : for oh , ere long , she lost it quite againe . elegi . . but now wy tongue can neuer make relation , what i sustain'd in my last foughten field ; my minde assailed with a three-fold passion , hope , feare , dispaire , could vnto neither yeeld . feare wil'd me , for to vew the skies blacke colour , hope said ; vpon his hopefull vertues looke : dispaire shew'd me an vniuersall dolour , yet fruitles doubt , my hearts possessiion tooke . but when i saw the hearse , then i beleeu'd , and taking breath , thus fell to vowelling , beside , to show i had not causeles greeu'd , i saw a note of his embowelling . there 't was subscrib'd , they found he had no gall , and like enough , for he was sweetnes all . eleg. . oh cruell , and insatiable death ! would none suffice , would none suffice but he ? vvhat pleasure was it more to stop his breath , then for to choke , or kill , or poyson me ? my life for his , with thrice three milions more , vve would haue giuen as a ransome to thee ; but since thou in his losse hast made vs pore , foule tyrant , it shall neuer honor do thee : for thou hast showne thy selfe a spightfull fiend , yea death thou didst enuie his happy state , and therefore thoughtst to bring it to an end ; but see , see whereto god hath turnd thy hate . thou mean'st to marre the blisse he had before : and by thy spight : hast made it ten times more . eleg. . t is true i know , death with an equall spurne , the lofty turret , and lowe cottage beats : and takes impartiall each one in his turne , yea though he bribes , prayes , promises or threats . neither man , bruite , plant , sex , age nor degree preuailes against his dead-sure striking hand : for then , ere we would thus dispoiled be , all these conioyn'd his fury should withstand . but oh ! vnseene he strikes at vnaware , disguised like a murthering iesuite : friends cannot stop him that in presence are ; and which is worse , when he hath done his spight , he carryes them , so farre away from hence , none liues , that 's able for to fetch him thence . eleg. . nor would we now , because we do beleeue his god , to whome indeede he did belong ; to crowne him , where he hath no cause to greeue : tooke him from death , that sought to do him wrong . but were this deare beloued prince of ours liuing in any corner of this all , though kept by romes , and mahomets cheefe powers ; they should not long detaine him there in thrall : we would rake europe rather , plaine the east , dispeople the whole earth before the doome : stampe halfe to pouder , and fier all the rest ; but for to help vp proud aspiring rome , spight of her powder , with our counter-mines , blowe her aboue the alpes , or appenines . elegi . . but what ? shall we goe now dispute with god , and in our heart vpraid him that 's so iust ? let 's pray him rather , to withdrawe his rod , least in his wrath he bruise vs vnto dust . vvhy should we lay his death to fate , or times ? i know there hath no second causes bin , but our high-flying-crying-dying crimes , nay , i can name the chiefest murth'ring sinne : and this it was , how ere it hath bin hid . trust not ( saith dauid ) trust not in a prince : yet we hope 't lesse , in god i le sweare we did , in ielousie he therfore tooke him hence . thus we abuse good things , and through our blindnes haue hurt our selues , and kild our prince with kindnes . elegi . . let all the world come now and share our lot , come europe , asia , affrica , come all : mourne english , irish , brittish , and mourne scot , for his , ( no i mistake it ) for our fall . the proppe of vertue and mankinds delight , hath fled the earth and quite forsaken vs : we had but of his excellence a sight , to make our longings like to tantalus . what seeke you in a man that he enioy'd not ? wer 't either gift of body or of spirit ; nay , which is more , what had he , he employ'd not to help his country , and her loue to merrit ? but see what high preferment vertues bring , he 's of a seruant now become a king. eleg : . but soft , i meane not here to blaze his praise , it is a worke too mighty , and requires many a pen , and many yeares of daies : my humble quill , to no such taske aspires , onely i mourne , with deep-deep-sighing grones , yet could i wish the other might be done ; though all the muses were imploy'd at once , and write as long as helicon would runne , but oh , i feare the spring 's already drie , or else why flagges my lazy muse so lowe ? why vent i such dull-sprighted poesy , surely 't is sunke ; i lye , it is not so : for how i st likely that should want supplies , when all we feed it with our weeping eyes . eleg. may not i liken london now to troy , as she was that same day she lost her hector ? when proud achilles spoil'd her of her ioy ( and triumph't on her losses ) being victor ? may not i liken henrie to that greeke , that hauing a whole world vnto his share , entended other worlds to goe and seeke , oh no ; i may not , they vnworthy are . say , whereto london ? whereto then shall i compare that sweet departed prince , and thee ? of him the king bewail'd by ieremie , and sad megiddon shall thy patterne be . megiddon said i ? rather no gehinnon , for thy greefe's more then that of hadadrinon . eleg. . you that beheld it , when the mornfull traine past by the wall of his forsaken parke , did not the very groue seeme to complaine , with a still murmure , and to looke more darke ? did not those pleasant wals ( oh pleasing then whilst there he ( healthfull ) vsed to resort ) looke like the shades of death , nere some soule den ? and that place there , where once he kept his court , did it not at his parting seeme to sinke ? and all forsake it like a caue of sprights ? did not the earth beneath his chariot shrinke , as grieued for the losse of our delights ? yea his dumb steed , that erst for none would tary , pac'd slow , as if he scarce himselfe could cary . eleg. . but oh ! when it approach't the'mpaled court , where mars himselfe enuid'e his future glory , and whither he in armes did oft resort , my heart conceiued a right tragick story . vvhither great prince , oh whither doest thou goe ! ( me thought the very place thus seem'd to say ) vvhy in black roabes art thou attended so ? doe not , ( oh doe not ) make such hast away . but art thou captiue , and in tryumph too ? oh me ! and worse too , liue-les , breath-lesse , dead . how could the monster death this mischiefe do ? surely the coward took thee in thy bed , for whil'st that thou wert arm'd within my list , he dar'd not meet thee like a martialist . eleg. . alas , who now shall grace my turnaments : or honor me with deeds of chiualrie ? vvhat shall become of all my merriments , my ceremonies , showes of heraldry and other rites ? who , who shall now adorne thy sisters nuptials with so sweet a presence ? vvilt thou forsake vs , leaue vs quite forlorne ; and of all ioy at once make a defeasance ? vvas this the time pickt out by destinie ? farewell deare prince then , since thou wilt be gone , in spight of death goe liue eternally , exempt from sorrow , whil'st we mortalls mone : but this ill happe shall teach me for to feare vvhen wee are ioyful'st , there 's most sorrow nere . elig . then , as he past along you might espie how the grieu'd vulgar that shed many a teare , cast after , an vnwilling parting eye , as loth to loose the sight they held so deare ; vvhen they had lost the figure of thy face then they beheld his robes ; his chariot then ; vvhich being hid , their looke aim'd at the place still longing to behold him once agen , but when he was quite past , and they could find no obiect to employ their sight vpon , sorrow became more busie with the mind , and drew an armie of sad passions on ; vvhich made them so particularly mone , each amongst thousands seem'd as if alone . eleg : . and well might wee of weakest substance melt , vvith tender passion for his timeles end , since ( as it seem'd ) the purer bodies felt some griefe , for this their sweet departed friend ; the sunne wrapt vp in clouds of mournfull black , frown'd as displeas'd , with such a hainous deed , and would haue staid , or turn'd his horses back , if nature had not forc't him on with speed : yea and the heauens wept a pearly dewe , like very teares , not so as if it rain'd . his grand-sires tombes as if the stones did rue our wofull losses ; were with moisture stain'd : yea ( either 't was my easie mind's beliefe ) or all things were disposed vnto griefe . eleg. blacke was white-hall . the windowes that did shine , and double glazed were with beauties bright , vvhich sun-like erst did dimme the gazers eyne , as if that from within them came the light . those to my thinking seemed nothing faire , and were obscur'd with woe , as they had beene hung all with sacke or sable-cloth of haire , griefe was without , and so 't appear'd within , great was the multitude , yet quiet tho as if they were attentiue vnto sorrow : the very winds did then forbeare to blowe , the time of night her stilnes seem'd to borrow , yea all the troupe past slow , as loth to rend the earth that should embrace their lord and friend . eleg. . me thought er'e while i sawe prince henries armes , aduanc't aboue the capitoll of rome , and his keine blade , in spight of steele or charmes , giue many mighty enemies their doome , yea i had many hopes , but now i see they are ordain'd to be anothers taske : yet of the stewards line a branche shall be t' aduance beyond the alpes his plumed caske , then i perhaps , that now tune dole-full layes : amongst their zealous triumphs may presume for to endite some petty captaines praise , meane while i will some other worke assume , or rather since my hope-fulst patron's dead , goe to some desert and there hide my head . eleg. . had he bene but my prince and wanted all those ornaments of vertue that so grac'd him , my loue and life had both bene at his call , for that his fortune had aboue vs plac'd him : but his rare hopefulnes , his flying fame , his knowledge , and his honest pollicie , his courage much admir'd , his very name , his publike loue , and priuate curiesie : ioyn'd with religious fiermnes , might haue mou'd pale enuy to haue prais'd him , and sure he , had he bene of meane birth ; had bin belou'd : for trust me , his sweet parts so rauish't me , that ( if i erre , yet pardon me therefore ) i lou'd him as my prince : as henry more . eleg. . me thought his royall person did fore-tell , a kingly statelines , from all pride cleare : his looke magistick , seemed to compell all men to loue him rather then to feare . and yet though he were eu'ry good mans ioy , and the alonely comfort of his owne , his very name with terror did annoy , his forraigne foes so farre as he was knowne . hell droupt for feare , the turkie mone look't pale , spaine trembled , and the most tempestious sea ( vvhere behemoth the babylonish vvhale , keepes all his bloudy and imperious plea ) vvas swolne with rage , for feare he 'd stop the tide , of her ore-daring and insulting pride . elegi . . for amongst diuers vertues rare to finde , though many i obseru'd , i markt none more then in religion his firme constant minde ; which i notcht deeply on remembrance score . and that made romists for his fortunes sory : when therefore they shall heare of this ill hap , those mints of mischieses will extreamely glory , and it may be 't was by a popish trap . yet boast not babel ; thou insultst in vaine , thou hast not yet obtain'd the victory ; we haue a prince still , and our king doth raigne , so shall his seede , and their posterity . for know ; god that that loues his , & their good tenders vvil neuer leaue his faith , without defenders . eleg. . amidst our sacred sports , that very season , vvhilst for our country and beloued iames : preserued from that hell-bred powder-treason ; vve rung and sung with showtes , and ioyfull flames : me thought vpon the suddaine i espide romes damned fiends , an antique dance beginne : the furies led it that our blisse enui'de , and at our rites the hell-hounds seem'd to grinne how now thought i ! more plots ! and with that thought prince henry ; dead , i plainely hear'd one cry : o lord ( quoth i ) now they haue that they sought , yet let not our gladst-day , our sadst-day die . god seem'd to heare , for he to ease our sorrow , reuiu'd that day , to die againe the morrow . eleg. . but brittaine , brittaine , tell me , o tell me this , vvhat was the reason thy chiefe curse befell so iust vpon the time of thy chiefe blisse ? dost thou not know it ? heare me then , i le tell : thou wert not halfe-halfe thankefull for his care and mercy that so well preserued thee , his owne he neuer did so often spare : yea he thy lord , himselfe hath serued thee , yet laodicea thou , nor hot nor cold secure , and careles dost not yet repent , thou wilt be euer ouer-daring bold : till thou hast vengeance , vpon vengeance hent , but ( oh ) see how hipocrisie doth raigne : i villaine , that am worst , doe first complaine . eleg. . a foule consuming pestilence did waste , and lately spoil'd thee england to thy terror ; but now alas , a greater plague thou hast , because in time thou could'st not see thy error . hard frosts thy fields and gardens haue deflowred , hot summers hath thy fruits consumption bin , fier many places of thee hath deuowred , and all fore-warnings to repent thy sinne . yet still thou didst defer 't and careles sleepe , which heau'n perceuing with black clouds did frown , and into flouds for very anger weepe , yea the salt sea , a part of thee did drowne . shee drown'd a part ( but oh that part was small ) no teares more salt , haue ouer-whelm'd vs all . elegi . . say why was henryes herse so glorious ? and his sad funerall so full of state ? why went he to his tombe as one victorious : seeming as blith , as when he liu'd of late ? what needed all that cerimonious show ? and that dead-liuing image which they bare ? could not rememberance make vs smart enough , vnles we did a fresh renew it there ? vvhat was it , but some antique curious rite , only to feede the vaine beholders eyes to make men in their sorowes more delight , or may we rather on it moralize ? yes , yes , it shew'd that though he wanted breath , yet he should ride in tryumph ouer death . eleg. . how welcome now would our deare henry be , after these greefes were he no more then straid ; and thus deem'd dead , but fye what fantasie , feedes my vaine thought on ? fate hath that denai'd . but since he 's gone , we now can call to minde , his latest words , and whereto they did tend : yea now our blunt capacities can finde , they plainely did prognosticate his end . beside , we finde out prophesies of old , and would perswade our selues t was knowe of yore by skilfull vvyzards : and by them fore-told , but then why found we not so much before ? oh marke this euer , we ne're know our state , nor see our losse befor it be too late . eleg. . from passion thus , to passion could i runne , till i had ouer-runne a world of words , my muse might she be heard would nere haue done , the subiect , matter infruit affords . but ther 's a meane in all ; with too much grieuing we must not of gods prouidence despaire like cursed pagans , or men vnbeleeuing , t is true , the hopes that we haue lost were faire : but we beheld him with an outward eye , and though he in our sight most worthy seem'd , yet god saw more , whose secrets none can spye , and finds another whome we lesse esteem'd : so iesses eldest sonnes had most renowne , but little dauid did obtaine the crowne . eleg. . let vs our trust alone in god repose , since princes faile , and maugre turke or pope , he will prouide one that shall quaile our foes , vve sawe he did it , when we had lesse hope : let 's place our ioyes in him and weepe for sinne , yea let 's in him amend it , and foresee , ( if losse of earthly hope hath grieuous beene ) how great the losse of heauens true ioyes may be : this if we doe god will stretch forth his hand , to stop these plagues he did intend to bring , and powre such blessings on this mournfull land , vve shall for io , haleluiah sing , and our deare iames , if we herein perseuer , shall haue a sonne to grace his throane for euer . an epitaph vpon the most hope-fvll and all-vertvovs , henrie , prince of wales . stay trauailer , and read ; did'st neuer heare in all thy iourneyes any newes nor tales , of a great heros , to the world once deare , they cal'd him henrie the braue prince of wales ? look here , within this little place he lyes , eu'n he that was the vniuersall hope : and almost made this i le idolatrize , see , he 's contented with a litle scope . and as the dane that on southampton strand , his courtiers idle flatteries did chide , ( who tearm'd him both the god of sea and land ) by shewing he could not command the tyde : so this , to mocke vaine hopes , in him began dide ; and here lyes , to shewe he was a man. a svpposed inter-locvtion betweene the spirit of prince henrie , and great brittaine . bri. awake braue prince , thou dost thy country wrong shake off thy slumber , thou hast slept too long , open thy eye-lids and raise vp thy head , thy country and thy friends suppose thee dead . looke vp , looke vp , the daies are growne more short , thy officers prepare to leaue thy court. the staines of sorrow are in euery face , and charles is cald vpon to take thy place . awake i say in time , awake the rather , least melancholy hurt thy royall father . thy weeping mother wailes , and wrings her hands , thy brother , and thy sister mourning stands ; the want ' of that sweet company of thine , inly ●orments the louing prince of rhine : the beauties of the court are sullied or'e , they seeme not cheerefull as they did before . the heauie clergie , in their pulpits mourne , and thy attendants looke like men forlorne . once more ( i say ) sweet prince once more arise , see how the teares haue drowne my watry eyes , all my sweet tunes and former signes of gladnes are turn'd to elegies and songs of sadnes . the trumpet which still grones makes no rebound , and dump is all the cheerefull drum can sound : thy mournfull wales with dolefull rumours rings , and oh guay vrimaugh , oh guay vrimaugh sings : yea ireland too , as iustly sad as we cries loud oh hone , oh hone , my cram a cree . but more romes locusts doe begin to swarme , their courage now with stronger hopes they arme , and taking hold of this thy trans-mutation , thy plot againe to sue for tolleration . yea hell to double this , our sorrowes weight is new contriuing of old eighty-eight . come then and stand against it to defend vs : or else her guile , her plots , or force will end vs. this last-last time sweet prince i bid thee rise , my brittans droup already : each man flies , and if thou saue vs not from our great foes , they quickly will effect our ouerthrowes . oh yet he mooues not vp his liuing head , and now i seare indeed he 's dead . sp. he 's dead . brit. what voice was that , which from the vaulted roof , of my last words did make so plaine a proofe ? what was it seem'd to speake aboue me so , and sayes he 's dead ? wa st eccho , yea or no. sp. no. brit. vvhat is it some dispos'd to flout my mone , appeare : hast thou a body , or hast none ? sp. none . brit. sure some illusion , oh what art ? come hither my princes ghost , or fiend , or neither . sp. neither . brit. indeed his ghost in heauen rests i know , art thou some angel for him , is it so ? sp. so . brit. doe not my reall greefes with visions feed , in earnest speake , art so indeed ? sp. indeed . brit. what power sent thee now into my coast , was it my darling henry's ghost ? sp.'s ghost . brit. th' art welcome then , thy presence ' gratefull is : but tell me , liues he happily in blisse : sp. y's . brit. if so much of thee may be vnderstood , is the intent of this thy comming good ? sp good . brit. say , hath he there the fame that here he had , or doth the place vnto his glory add ? sp. add . brit. may i demand what thy good errants be ? to whome is that he told to thee ? sp. to thee . brit. oh doth he mind me yet , sweet spirit say , what is thy message ? i le obey : sp. obey . brit. i will not to my power one tittle misse , doe but command , and say doe this : sp. doe this . brit. but stay , it seemes that thou hast made thy choice , to speake with eccho's most vnperfect voice : in plainer-wise declare why thou art sent , that i may heare with more content . sp. content . the spirit leaues his eccho and speakes on . spirit . then heare me brittaine , heare me and beleeue thy henries there now where he cannot greeue . he is not subiect to the slye inuasion of any humane , or corrupted passion . for then ; ( although he sorrow now forbeares ) he would haue wept himselfe , to see thy teares . but he ; ( as good saints are ) of ioyes partaker , is ielous of the glory of his maker : and though the saints of rome may take it to them , ( much help to their damnation it will do them ) he will not on his masters right presume nor his smal'st due vnto himselfe assume . and therefore brittaine , in the name of god , and on the paine of his reuengfull rod ; he here coniures thee in thy tribulation , to make to god alone thy inuocation : who tooke him from thee , that but late was liuing , for too much trust , vnto his weaknes giuing . yet cal'st thou on thy prince still ; as if he , could either sauiour or redeemer be : thou tel'st him of the wicked whore of rome , as if that he were iudge to giue her doome . but thou mightst see , were not thy sight so dim thou mak'st meane-while another whore of him : for what i st for a creatures ayde to cry , but spirits whordome ? ( that 's idolatry ) their most vnpleasing breath that so invoke , the passage of iehouah's mercies choke : and therefore if thy sorrowes shall haue end , to god thou must thy whole deuotions bend . then will thy king , that he leaue off to mone god hath tane his , yet left him more then one . and that he hath not so seuerely done , as when he crau'd the hebrewes only sonne , because , beside this little blessed store , there 's yet a possibility of more . goe tell the queene his mother that 's lamenting , there is no cause of that her discontenting . and say there is another in his place , shall doe his louing sisters nuptialls grace . enforme the palatine , his nymph of thame shall giue his glorious rhyne a treble fame , but vnto charles , to whome he leaues his place , let this related be in any case . tell him he may a full possession take of what his brother did so late forsake , but bid him looke what to his place is due , and euery vice in generall eschue : let him consider why he was his brother , and plac't aboue so many thousand other . great honors haue great burthens : if y' are high , the stricter's your account , and the more nigh : let him shunne flatterers at any hand , and euer firmely in religion stand . gird on his sword , call for iehouah's might , keepe a good conscience , fight the lambs great fight , for when his father shall surrender make , the faiths protection he must vnder-take . then charles take heede , for thou shalt heare a-far some cry peace , peace , that haue their hearts on warre . let policie religion obey , but let not policie , religion sway : shut from thy counsells such as haue profest the worship of that antichristian beast . for howsoe're they dawb't with colours trim , their han ds do beare his mark , their heart 's on him , and though they seeme to seeke the commons weale , t is but the monsters deadly wound to heale . bannish all romish statists , do not suppe , of that pide-painted drabbs infectious cuppe , yea vse thy vtmost strength , and all thy power to scatter them that would build babels tower , thou must sometime be iudge of equitie ; and oft suruey e'ne thine owne family : that at thy table none partaker be , that will not at christs boord partake with thee : the lords great day is neere , t is nere at hand , vnto thy combat see thou brauely stand . for him that ouercomes , christ keepes a crowne , and the great'st conquest hath the great'st renowne . be mercifull , and yet in mercie iust : chase from thy court both wantonnesse and lust : disguised fashions from the land casheare , women may women ; and men men appeare . the wide-wide mouth of the blasphemer teares his passage vnto god , through all the spheares , prouoking him , to turne his peace-full word into a bloudy double-edged sword : but cut his tongue , the clapper of damnation , he may fright others with his vlulation . the drunkard , and adulterer , from whence proceeds the cause of dearth and pestilence , punish with losse of substance , and of limbe , he rather maimed vnto heauen may climbe then tumble whole to hell , and by his sin , endanger the whole state he liueth in : downe , downe with pride , and ouerthrowe ambition ; grace true deuotion , root out superstition , loue them that loue the truth , and vertue graces , let honesty , not wealth , obtaine great places , begin but such a course , and so perseuer , thou shalt haue loue here , and true blisse for euer : thus much for thy new prince ; now this to thee , brittaine ; it shall thy charge and dutie be , to tell him now what thou hast heard me say , and when soeuer he commands , obey : so if thou wilt in mind this counsell beare ; vnto thy state haue due regard and care , and without stay vnto amendment hie , thou shalt be deare to those , to whome i fly . brit. oh stay , and doe not leaue me yet alone . spi. my errant's at an end , i must be gone . brit. goe then , but let me aske one word before . spi. my speach now failes , i may discourse no more . brit. yet let me craue thus much , if so i may , by eccho thou reply to what i say . spi. say. brit. first tell me , for his sake thou count'st most deare , is bables fall and iacobs rising neare ? spi. neare . brit. canst thou declare what day that worke shall end , or rather must we yet attend ? spi. attend. brit. some land must yeild a prince , that blow to strike , may i be that same land or no , i' st like ? spi. like . brit. then therefore t is that rome beare vs such spight : is she not not plotting now , to wrong our right : sp. right brit. but from her mischiefes and her hands impure cant'st thou our safe deliuerance assure ? spi. sure . brit. then notwithstanding this late losse befell , and we fear'd much , i trust 't is well . spi. t is well . brit. then fly thou to thy place , if this be true , thou god be prais'd , and griefes adue . spi. adue . a sonnet of death , composed in latin rimes , and paraphrastically translated into the same kind of verse , both , by the former author . heûs heûs , mors percutit , & importuné , quam nu nquam praeterit vllus impuné . abite medici , non est sanabile hoc vulnus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; sed incurabile . harke , harke , death knocks vs vp , with importunitie , ther 's none shall euer make boast of impunitie . the doctor toyles in vaine , mans life 's not durable , no med'cine can preuaile , this wound 's incurable : quid picti dominûm prosunt fauores ? ficti quid hominum iuuant amores ? nec mundi vanit as , nec pompa curiae , potest resistere mortis iniuriae . what will the countenance of lords , or noble-men or idle peoples loue , helpe or auaile thee then ? nor worlds brauerie , nor yet court vanitie , can stay this monsters hand , foe to humanitie . non cur at splendidum , nec venerabile ; nec pectus candidum quamvis amabile : decumbunt principes iniquo vulnere , heu par cit nemini , quin strauit puluere . he knowes no reuerence , nor cares for any state , sweet beauties moue him not , though neu'r so delicate , princes must sto ope to him , he rides on martially , and spares not any man , but strikes impartially . mercede diuitis nil morat cupidi , nec prece pauperit ( si or at ) miseri , et frustra fallere tentas ingenio . surda rethorici mors est eloquio . the rich-mans money-bagges are no perswasion , the beggers wofull cry , stirres vp no passion , he 'le not beguiled be , by any fallacy , nor yeild to rethorick , wit , art , nor policy . aspectu pallida , vultu terribilis ; est tamen valida , mors inuincibilis : et su as tibias ( necest formalis ) vir omnis sequitur , si sit mortalis . his looke's both pale and wan , yet doth it terrifie , he masters any man ( alas what remedy ) he 's nothing curious which way the measures be , but all dance after him , that heare his melodie . at oh ! oh horrida , laetans necando , ruit incognita ; non scimus quando : et statim perdîtur , haec mundigloria vita sic fragilis , sic transitoria . but woe ! of all the rest this seemes most terrible , he comes when we know least , and then , inuisible , then quite there endeth , all worldly prosperitie , such is this lifes estate , such his seueritie . ergo vos incolae , terrarum timidi , este solicits , vos , oh vos miseri ! sic quamuis subita , haec écarnalibus , reddet vos similes , dijs immortalibus . then oh you wretched men , since this is euident , see you more carefull be , oh be more prouident , and when he takes this life , full of incertaintie ; ●ou shall liue euer more to all eternitie . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e * the english ●f his ana●rams . * the english ●f his ana●rams . ●pitaph . notes for div a -e ●aturn rul'd ●n the houre of his derth . iosias . notes for div a -e canutus . majesty in misery, or, an imploration to the king of kings written by his late majesty king charles the first in his durance at carisbrook castle, . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing c estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) majesty in misery, or, an imploration to the king of kings written by his late majesty king charles the first in his durance at carisbrook castle, . charles i, king of england, - . wither, george, - . sheet. [s.n.], london : . in verse. not actually written by charles i, and often wrongly attributed to george wither--nuc pre-l imprints. reproduction of original in the harvard university library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng charles -- i, -- king of england, - -- poetry. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion majesty in misery , or an imploration to the king of kings ; written by his late majesty king charles the first , in his durance at carisbrook castle , . great monarch of the world , from whose arm springs the potency and power of kings , record the royal woe , my sufferings . and teach my tongue , that ever did confine its faculties in truth's seraphick line , to track the treasons of thy foes and mine . nature and law by thy divine decree , the only work of righteous loyalty , with this dim diadem invested me . with it the sacred scepter , purple robe , thy holy unction , and the royal globe , yet i am levell'd with the life of job . the fiercest furies that do daily tread , upon my grief , my gray discrowned head , are those that owe my bounty for their bread. they raise a war , and christen it the cause , whilst sacrilegious persons have applause , plunder and murther are the kingdom 's laws . tyranny bears the title of taxation , revenge and robbery are reformation , oppression gains the name of sequestration . my loyal subject who in this bad season attended me , ( by the law of god and reason ) they dare impeach and punish for high-treason . next at the clergy do their furies frown , pious episcopacy must go down , they will destroy the crozier and crown . church-men are chain'd , and schismaticks are free'd , mechanicks preach , and holy fathers bleed , the crown is crucified with the creed . the church of england does all faction foster , the pulpit is usurpt by each imposter ▪ extempore excludes the pater noster . the presbyter and independent's seed , springs from broad blades to make religion bleed , herod and pontius pilate are agreed . the corner stones misplac'd by every pavier ▪ with such a bloody method and behaviour , their ancestors did crucifie our saviour . my royal consort from whose fruitful womb , so many princes legally have come ▪ is forc'd in pilgrimage to seek a tomb. great britain's heir is forced into france , whilst on his father's head his foes advance , poor child ! he weeps out his inheritance . with my own power my majesty they wound , in the king's name the king himself 's uncrown'd , so doth the dust destroy the diamond . with propositions daily they inchant , my peoples ears , such as due reason daunt , and the almighty will not let me grant . they promise to erect my royal stem , to make me great , t' advance my diadem , if i will first fall down and worship them . but for refusal they devour my thrones , distress my children , and destroy my bones , i fear they 'll force me to make bread of stones . my life they prize at such a slender rate , that in my absence they draw bills of hate , to prove the king a traitor to the state. felons attain more priviledge than i , they are allow'd to answer e'er they die ; 't is death to me to ask the reason why . but sacred saviour with thy words i woo thee to forgive , and not be bitter to such as thou know'st do not know what they do for since they from the lord are so disjoynted , as to contemn the edict he appointed , how can they prize the power of his anointed ? augment my patience , nullifie my hate , preserve my issue , and inspire my mate , yet though we perish , bless this church and state ▪ vota dabant quae bella negarunt . london , printed anno domini . vaticinium votivum or, palæmon's prophetick prayer. lately presented privately to his now majestie in a latin poëm; and here published in english. to which is annexed a paraphrase on paulus grebnerus's prophecie. with several elegies on charls the first. the lord capel. the lord francis villiers. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason e _ ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing w thomason e _ estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; :e [ ]) vaticinium votivum or, palæmon's prophetick prayer. lately presented privately to his now majestie in a latin poëm; and here published in english. to which is annexed a paraphrase on paulus grebnerus's prophecie. with several elegies on charls the first. the lord capel. the lord francis villiers. grebner, paul. wither, george, - . [ ], , [ ], - p. : port. (metal cut) s.n.], [london : trajecti anno caroli martyris primo [ ] wing (cd-rom, ) contains note: 'doubtful attribution'; see also lyle h. kendall, jr., "notes on some works attributed to george wither," the review of english studies, n.s. / (oct., ), - .. in verse. the imprint is false; actual place of publication conjectured by wing. leaves a - are intended to be bound between p. and . "Æternæ memoriæ, et sanctis manibus caroli i" has separate title page dated ; pagination and register are continuous. annotation on thomason copy: "march ". reproduction of the original in the british library. text in english, french, and latin. eng charles -- ii, -- king of england, - -- poetry -- early works to . villiers, francis, - -- poetry -- early works to . capel of hadham, arthur capel, -- baron, ?- -- poetry -- early works to . charles -- i, -- king of england, - -- poetry -- early works to . great britain -- history -- commonwealth and protectorate, - -- prophecies -- early works to . a r (thomason e _ ). civilwar no vaticinium votivum: or, palæmon's prophetick prayer. lately presented privately to his now majestie in a latin poëm; and here published in wither, george c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - john latta sampled and proofread - john latta text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion vaticinium votivum : or , palaemon's prophetick prayer . lately presented privately to his now majestie in a latin poem ; and here published in english . to which is annexed a paraphrase on paulus grebnerus's prophecie . with several elegies on charls the first . the lord capel . the lord francis villiers . trajecti . anno caroli martyris primo . epigramma . regum progenies , cujus diademate nascens fulsit apex triplici , quem tria sceptra colunt : quem tria sceptra colunt te sors tamen invidet illis ; arcétque à patrio gens mal●-fida sinu . macte animis , sic fata jubent quae stamina magni imperii , occultâ sed ratione , trahunt . extorri sic dulichio sua regna videre , non nisi post long as illa dedêre vices : ac variis debet terraeque marisque periclis quicquid ei famae secula longa dabunt . natus maii . ano . . aetatis suae . to his majestie . sir , with truce to your more serious contemplations , my humble muse hath here presumed to re-kiss your highness hands , and once more wait on your noble recreations . when shee received her first admission into your princelie presence , shee was but in the nonage of her minoritie , and indeed in her first coats ; upon these her second addresses to your court , shee hath put on her richer robes of state ; and for her convoie , shee hath made choice of som persons of honor both to attend and bear up her train . with her habit too , shee hath altered her speech ; and shee that the last year courted your majestie in latin onely , hath now varied her tone , and breathed forth her dutie in a double dialect . this ode ( as i may call it ) which was then warbled onely with a single voice , is now set in parts , and tuned in a sweeter symphonie by a select chore and consort of the muses . i hope no jarring or disagreeing notes here will sound harsh in your harmonious ears ; if they should , i shall bee verie sorrie that i have toucht the lyre , and the next lesson shall begin and end in my own recantation . 't is true , i must confess the shrine to which these poems are consecrated , is too magnificent ; and the whole miscellanie of these paper-oblations is too too mean : let them therefore bee burnt , and the flame of them may happily lend mee light enough to see mine own error , and their presumption . in a word ; the whole woof and warp of these fancies is weav'd and wound up in the pious ejaculations of your majesties liege people , the epiphonema of whose pathetick and votive acclamations , is a serious praier for the advance of your sacred majestie , and your glorious inauguration . the popular and spreading sparkles of this zeal , which have kindled beacons and bonefires of devotion in the hearts of your three kingdoms , have in mee begot a sublimer flame of dutie , which hath been both fed and raised by the fuel and fomentation of your princelie favors . in this flame i here humblie offer up the incens of these praiers at the glorious altar of your great name ; and in this better sacrifice of obedience , i most submissively acquiesce sir , the humblest of your majesties most loial , and most sincerely devoted subjects palaemon . — quo non manet observantior alter imperiis rex magne tuis . — serenissimo augustissimóque principi carolo secundo , &c. prooemium . rex sacer auspiciis sceptri felicibus orte ! sola salus populi , deliciúmque dei ! quem figulus magni elegit supremus olympi vas speciale sibi , vas generale suis . magna patris magni soboles ! spes alta britannis , regius augustos cui dedit ortus avos . ipse ego quae vestris suffundam carmina sceptris ? o quae te magno carole digna precer ! vive diu felix ; sis te felicior ; aevi , nulla nec imperii terminet hora tui . exupera meritis augustum , nestora seclis , nervam laude , numam pace , favore titum . in spes cresce novas , quot profert messis aristas , vel quot odoriferas terra refundit opes . cresce , impléque tuis totum virtutibus orbem ; albion auspiciis olbion ipsa tuis . dum tibi multiplices superaddant fata coronas et tibi quot terrae , tot famulentur aquae . au roy de la grand bretaigne . charles ii. ode . dieux , protecteurs de l' innocence , pouués vous encor resister ; a faire bien tost é clatter les foudres de vostre vengeance ? n'aues vous pas assez tenté ; de fléchir par l' impunité ces âmes pleines de malice ? et n'est il pas bien tost saison de faire agir vostre justice puis qu'on foule aux pieds la raison ? . ie scay bien que vostre tonnerre , gronde long temps sur les humains , auant q'uil parte de vos mains pour venir foudroyer la terre : les hauts chesnes sont menacez , premier que d'estre terrassez par les sé coucesses des tempestes ; et je scay que vostre bonté ne frappe q'uà regret nos testes des coups q'uelles ont merité . place this between folio , . . mais lors que des perfides ames , par leurs desseins audacieux , on porté jusque dans les cieux les éclats des civilles flâmes : lors que jusques dans les enfers ils on t esté chercher des fers , afin d'armer leurs barbaries ; devez vous pas , dieux tout-puissans , faire choir ces noires furies aux prieres des innocens ? . desia de buict hyuers les marbres brisent leurs crystaux inconstans . e'desia huit fois le printemps rend leur verte depouïlle aux arbres : depuis que ces caeurs de rocher , qui n'ont que la forme de chair , s'endurcissans dedans leurs crimes ; pillent sans restitution trois peuples , rendus les victimes de leur sanglante ambition . nul sexe , rang , ny privilege , du roy jusques au laboureúr , ná peu décliner la fureur de leur cruanté sacrilege : tous aziles sont violez , mille beaux palais desolez de leur rage portent les marques ; bref , leurs complots noirs & méchans on t lassé le ciseau des parques dedans les villes & les champs . . leur insatiable avarice , s'attacquant mesme aux immortels , de la dépouïlle des autels a presque fait le ciel complice : car déguisant sa lascheté sous un masque de pieté , qui pour le fruit donne l'écorce : elle ensorcelle la raison , et sous cette traitresse amorce abbreuue l'ame de poison . . mais c'est en vain , race maudite , que pour colorer vos desseins , dessous des visages de saints vous cachez un caeur hypocrite : vostre zele malicieux , deuant le tribunal des cieux découure à nud son imposture ; c'est un flot q'uon ne peut calmer ; c'est un feu , duquel la nature ne prend plaisir quà consumer . . puisse enfin ce zele prophane , leur faire auoir le mesme sort du grec , quia paya de sa mort le temple bruslé de diane : que leurs noms demeurent fameux dans la race de nos neueux parla honte de leurs supplices ; et puisse la posterité , considerant leurs precipices , douter s'ils ont jamais esté . . mais non : il faut que ton histoire , charles , ressource de nos maux , pour chef-daeuure de tes trauaux en éternise la memoire : c'est la volonté des destins q'uon voye unjour sur ces mutins ta juste colere assouuie ; et que leur fameux chastiment dedans le recit de ta vie trouue à jamais son monument . . va donc , que le ciel te prospere , contre ces titans inhumains , et consacre tes jeunes mains a vanger le sang de ton pere : o roy ! pour qui tout l'vniuers fait les mesmes veux que mes vers , te souhaittant des jours plus calmes : la rage de ces aquilons ne souffle , q'ua fin que tes palmes croissent mieux sous leurs tourbillons . de regis magnae britanniae caroli i. in insulam vectim secessu , obeunte anno mdcxlvii . dum propè septenum civili in marte decembrem , insula magna , olim pacis alumna , subit : dum petit infando sceptri pia jura tumultu , et ciet iratos in sua * vota deos : impia dum tutas carolo negat anglia sedes : excipit hunc parvo vectis * amica sinu . quid monstri hoc , britones ? sol vester currit in ortum , quaerit & eoäs phoebus anhelus aquas ? anne thyestaeam nova monstra aequantia coenam ipse fugit , radiis ut nocitura suis ? scilicet , & retrò hinc vobis patet omnia ferri , vestráque in adversas currere fata vices . definite infensos moniti jam temnere divos ; sin minùs , aeternâ nocte cavete tegi . ad eundem . postquam s. m. interfuisset in insulae vectis conventûs tempore , circà finem anni mdcxlviii . haud aliter laeto phoebum post nubila spectat lumine jam longo quassa carina noto : quàm me nunc sacrae juvat oscula , carole , dextrae figere ; quàm vultus posse videre tuos . o rex ! venturis pia quem patientia seclis commendat , patriae prodit & esse patrem . nunc quoscunque volet nectat fortuna labores , sors mihi , te viso , nulla nocere potest . upon his maiesties arrival at the isle of wight . let turkie boast of empire ; france of law ; venice of site ; gold , india ; water , spaw . trade and religions , london , amsterdam ; of greatness florence ; or the tartar cam. all these concenter in one spot , one span , the isle of wight , and charls the ile of man . a man whose mind 's above the turkish crest , a king who make's good laws , and keep's them best : a prince who like to well-built venice stand's , in mid'st of waters , yet in sight of lands : whose roial breast 's an india , where 's a mint of golden thoughts ; base ones were ne're coin'd in 't . whose gift ( as waters have a fame ) can heal th' evil , oh would it might the common-weal ! hee trade's not in religions ; yet own 's one profest by most , practis'd by him , or none . fortunate isle ! to thee ill fortune bring's if not the greatest , yet the best of kings . palaemonis vaticinium votivum . altera vix reducem floram spoliaverat aestas , exquo caesareas , superatis fluctibus , arces , discordem fugiens populum divisáque regna , liquerat , ut gallos inviseret inclytus hospes carolus ; & fati consors haec regia proles adstaret carae genitrici , quam mala dudum occultis laetata dolis fortuna , tenebat immeritis trinos jactatam cladibus annos , liligeri excelsas ubi sequana principis arces alluit , & germana dryas nemus incolit altum . . illic dum variis sua princeps otia curis exercet , phoebique artes colit atque dianae , ludicra vel ficti tractat certamina martis , ( quae quum fata dabunt veros convertat in usus , ) dúmque pilae alterno modò tempus fallere jactu , vel saltu juvat aut disco , vel fraena feroci quadrupedi dare , vel circo componere gressus : una magis grandes animos infixa remordet altiùs & toto se volvit pectore cura , quae vetat hunc placidos occurrens carpere somnos , nutantis patriae laesique parentis imago . ergò ubi lenta dies fatorum ex ordine fulsit , quâ populo indicat poenas vindicta rebelli , et patiens nimiùm pietas jubet addere coeptis consiliis jam fessa manum , nè facta ruentis sit rea & ipsa mali , si perstet parcere ferro , flectere quum rigidas nequeat clementia mentes : haud mora , quò sua fata vocant huc tendere cursu . . dum verò amplexu properat discedere matris ille , patrem volvens animo ; discinditur aequis partibus illustris pietas atque haeret utrique . nota tamen patris sors undique tristior urgens , accelerat dubium : sicque impiger advolat oras ad batavûm ; atque ( oculis vix dum lustrata ) relinquit littora , sollicitis ubi dudum nereus undis classem asservabat , grandique immania dorso gestabat , multo sed non sine murmure , monstra quinque & bis septem , terrere valentia phocas : has nuper pia cura dei , de gente rebelli legitimum justo tulit oblatura triumphum principi , ut illa forent successûs omina fausti . his vectus , multo comitatu insignis & armis , carolus alta petit , cedentiáque aequora sulcat . tum vota ad superos multo cum murmure defert , explosóque quatit vicinum sulphure littus machina , coelicolûm cujus vox permeat arces . exciti raucâ tritones aëra conchâ implent , & nymphae choreas circùm agmine ducunt , gratóque exultant pressi sub pondere fluctus . . et sic , heroüm fidâ stipante caterv● , carolus oppositas laeto alite tendit in oras . tum verò britonum , cui semper chara tridentis est & tergemini ponto inclyta gloria sceptri , littore prospiciens , oculis dum vela recedunt et rapit aura rates , haec orsus vota palaemon . . " nereïdum glau●ique cohors , tandem excipe laetas " principis augusti puppes . vos ponite , venti , " insanos fremitus ; arctis vinctique catenis " desinite in pontum rabido saevire flagello , " immanésque agitare iras : pax regnet in undis : " et placidi britonas cingant fausto omine fluctus . " ac veluti sacros quum destinat edere foetus " alcyon , & thetidi pullos committit amicae ; " sit vobis haec festa dies , quâ carolus altum " scandit & ulcisci laesos meditatus honores " et patris & sceptri , gentem & sedare rebellem , " jamdudum optatos pacis parat edere fructus . . o regum soboles ! cui nostra haec carmina surgunt , parce precor magnis tu paulum , carole , curis . sollicitúmque tui carmen dignare faventi lumine , & haec aures mereantur tangere sacras . quae tibi fatidico panduntur apolline vota . i nunc , & zephyro solùm comitante , carinis scinde tuis liquidos illaeso tramite sulcos , subjectúmque patris nunc credas nerea sceptris ; ille tuum nam sternit iter , famuláque ministrat puppibus ipse manu , nociturósque amovet imbres . o quàm se tali dignum laetatur honore , séque oneri supponit ovans , non pube superbus , quippe adeò fuit heroüm queîs claruit argos , thessala quum classis phryxei littora regis diripuit , quamvis multa illos secula jactent , et sint aeternis astrorum nomina fastis inserta , auratâ cum puppe , & vellere rapto . graecia nîl etenim , quâ vindice fulget iason , ficta tenet , veros quod principis aequet honores aeternum noménque mei , quo clarus ab indis splendet ad oceanum cui phoebus lumina condit . . macte igitur , facilémque jovis sperato favorem quò te fata vocant regni , lacerique penates . nascitur ecce novum tibi vellus & altera cholchis : sed famosa magis quàm quâ se graecia jactat : tangit enim tua caussa deos hominésque vicissim , atque decus laesae themidis : dum saevit habenis audaci violátque manu sacra jura britannûm gens fera laxatis ; quam facta immanibus aequent titanum monstris , sua quos audacia fixit et malè tentatum facinus radicibus aetnae , suppliciúmque dedit cyclopum pascere flammas . sic propriâ haec gens mole ruat , cui infanda superbo consilia impulsu tantum suasere furorem ; martis ut in patriam saevos accenderet ignes , utqueministerio regum atria sancta prophano pollueret , vetitásque manu tractaret habenas impiâ , & optaret caput inter nubila condi . . vade ergò , regum ô soboles ! & tuta pererrans neptuni famulos fluctus , jam numine dextro utere ; linque moras , nascentésque erige vires et procerum & populi , quorum spirantia cultum pectora fida tuum mala non infecit erynnis , sed mente intrepidâ tua , carole , fata sequuntur . . certè , aut veridicâ nos lauro fallit apollo , nec valet obscuri secreta aperire futuri ; aut quas eumenidum furialis dextera torsit conjurata faces jamjam vanescere , nigris condere séque antris video , simul atque coruscum fulserit augusti capitis jubar , & tua notas lux optata diu britonum percusserit oras . ac veluti , primos quum titan exerit ignes , et thetidis rubicunda sinus aurora deaurat , littus in oppositum noctis se lumina condunt , praecipitántque fugam : medio vel summus in axe quum stat , & aequalis partitur pensa diei , luminis atque idem vitae dator ; intima rursum lustra colunt umbrásque ferae , lemurésque fugati nocturnaeque striges repetunt feralia tecta : sic simul ac patrium rutilis lustraverit orbem sol novus hic radiis ; vanescent saeva ferarum portenta , illicitas dudum exercentia praedas , atque fugam trepido rapient pede , séque nocentis dira lues erebi taciturnis condet in umbris . o quàm poeniteat sanctum hunc aliquando rebelli sacrilegáque manu sceptri violâsse decorem , atque caput magni sacrum tetigisse parentis ! quum tibi juncta themis , coelo cum vindice , dextram diriget , atque animis sua tandem sontibus addet supplicia , & solvet captivi vincula regis . . non meliùs pietas olim laudata refulsit illa anchisiadae , quum praemonstrante sibyllâ insignis ramo chari & genitoris amore , umbrarum petiitque domos , campósque nitentis elysii , & fecit sibi magnum in secula nomen . sicut enim natum phrygius dum suspicit heros , haec eadem te verba manent : ( quum dextera victrix littoris objecti minitantia claustra recludens , quà jacet oceano vectis non fausta britanno , et regi populos , regem populisque reducet , atque expulsa solo britonum sua gaudia reddet : " venisti tandem ; tuáque exspectata parenti " vicit iter durum pietas ? datur ora tueri " nate tua , & notas audire & reddere voces ? " sic equidem ducebam animo , rebárque futurum " tempora dinumerans : nec me mea cura fefellit . " quas ego te terras & quanta per aequora victum " accipio ? quantis jactatum nate periclis ! " quàm metui nè visa tibi tot regna nocerent ! tu contra : tua me genitor , tua tristis imago saepiùs occurrens , absentem quaerere adegit . stant sale nunc patrio classes mihi : jungere dextram , da genitor , téque amplexu nè subtrahe nostro . . o tu ! supremo cujus mortalia nutu omnia volvuntur ; tu , quo custode monarchis intemerata vigent jura , & quo vindice nunquam magnatum scelus aut populi grassatur inultum : da nato sua vota pio , da jura parenti , assere justitiam , frangat sua poena rebelles ; imperióque olim securâ pace fruenti auratos tu redde dies ; & damna repende ( quae videt invito jam messis septima phoebo , ) hisce bonis , per quae saturnia floruit aetas , ter septem sub patre annis , & prole beatâ natorum , aeternos dum sol volvetur in orbes . nec tibi ni longis saturo , rex inclyte seclis contingat carae dextram disjungere sponsae , quúmque pii nôrint temet monitore nepotes parcere subjectis & debellare superbos , pax aeterna tui firmet fundamina sceptri : carolus & propriâ faciens te prole parentem , pacatum ipse regat patriis virtutibus orbem . . talibus orabat dicturus plura palaemon , ni superis ea cura foret plura addere votis : praeterea , jam fessus equos immergere ponto ardentésque rotas properavit tingere phoebus : et placidi dudum rapuêre errantia venti vela oculis ; tacitâ tenet ergò caetera mente . . tunc quoque nos sequimur paribus te carole votis , dum mala vix aliud nobis fortuna reliquit quàm vota , & purae mentis solamina , musae intermixta jocis , queîs curae arcentur amarae . scilicet esse viae comites nos dura negârunt et nimis adverso volventia stamine lentas improba fata dies : ex quo civilia diris arma furor manibus rapiens , laxavit habenas júsque dedit sceleri , nos ut spoliaret inultos , et raperet varii compendia prima laboris , ( hei mihi ! quanta illis damna exhinc addita damnis ! ) gens fraeni impatiens ; quae te quoque cedere regnis compulit è patriis , variisque in gentibus actum indè novos vindictae animos hausisse coëgit . . ergò ut alcidae primos tentare labores , et britonum marti primas appendere palmas , in sua damna tuam doceant haec monstra juventam ; invitis illas quanquam tua carpere dextris et doleat pietas tali clarescere lauro . palaemonis vaticinium votivum . scarce had the summer with her dounie wing brush't , & lai'd by the wardrope of the spring , when princelie charls with his fair train did pleas t' expose his sacred person to the seas ; trusting to th' mercie of the ocean more then those land-monsters which hee left on shore . and now great france ( in greatness more increa'st , ) court's the arrival of this stately guest ; whose coming there was onely to resign , and offer up his sorrows at the shrine of his dread mother ; who to make her moan and mourning less , did intermix his own . sad queen ! how hath stern step-dame fortune tost , and bandied thee from britain to the coast of france ! where sein displaie's her silver-floods , and grand saint german vannteth her vast woods . . to this calm rendezvouz sad charls repair's with sports to cozen and beguil his cares : somtimes hee hunt's , and with his vocal horn , summon's aurora , and the loitering morn : somtimes hee read's ; and equally impart's his well-divided hours for arms or arts . yet most hee sport's in martial skirmishes , ( wch may b' in earnest when just heaven shall pleas . ) somtimes hee plaie's at tennis ; then again expert in feats of chivalrie , strive's to train the stubborn steed ; and his rough fetlocks bring within the cube and compass of the ring . but ah ! these pastims are too short and brief to flatter sorrow , or to dandle grief . his cares thus crush't , obtrude ; and still abuse his busie fancie , with the whisper'd news of good or bad events , which still relate t' a kingdom's fortune , or a father's fate . yet now since heaven doth call ; hee 's bent to trie the worst of chance , and out-dare destinie , since the designed time , and hovering hours at hand to punish those vsurping powers ; to put a snaffle in the head-strong-jaws of hot-spur-rebels , who have tir'd all waies : wh ' have jaded , spurgall'd pitie ; and let loos her reins ; and made tame mercie of no use . . thus ruminate's sad charls , and float's betwixt dutie and zeal ; unstable and unfix't , touch't with the mutual sens of th' one and other , of a dear father and indulgent mother ; at length the ponderous thoughts of his sire's fate weigh'd down the scales , and ended the debate . then from the frontiers of fair france hee post's , and re-imbarck'd , arrive's on belgia's coasts ; whose continent before hee well survei'd hee left , and in all haste his anchors weigh'd , putting to sea ; where nereus , with a fleet of well-rigg'd-shipping , did his higness greet . a gallant navie ! whose full number might out-brave the boisterous billows , and affright those huge behemoths and vast porpoises , which tole the waters and excise the seas . . these did propitious providence provide , and pre-ordain to bee great charls his guide : whose just desertion of a ship-wrack't caus , buoi'd up and born by usurpation was , som luckie omen of blest charls success , which made his power grow greater , and theirs less . and thus re-ent'ring with his roial train , hee plow's the fertile furrows of the main . and with low-bended-knees , but loftie eies implore's high heaven to bless his enterpize . the cannons clos'd th' amen : and did inlarge their wide-stretch't-organs to report the charge : both rocks and rivers trembled at the stroaks of louder guns ; whose center-shaking-shocks like the cloud-cleaving thunder , seem'd to tear the troubled welkin , and affright the air . the prettie tritons did that daie belabor their well-tun'd-shells , which sounded like som tabor , whiles the whole chore of sea-nymphs did advance and teach the capering surges how to dance . . thus with his princelie fleet whiles hee doth sail near britain's coast , fann'd with a whispering gale , tridented neptune plac't him at the helm , himself doing homage to his three-fold realm . but poor palaemon at his launching plie's his task , and swell's the canvass with his sighs , whose trickling tears fell down like showers of rain , striving to mix fresh water with the main . long in these doleful dumps hee stood for lack of his lov'd soveraign , and at last thus spake . . " o thou whose wonders are seen in the deep " vnbottom'd bowels of the ocean ! keep " and crown his sacred highness with divine " glories ; whose scepter is a type of thine . " o! let th' obseqvious windes , and waves allaie " their surlie looks , and studie to obeie . " o! let all storms bee chain'd up in abstruse " and lonely caverns , and no more break loos , " whiles the whole rabble of black tempests sleep , " lull'd by the warbling musick of the deep . " let this daie's jubilee with peace bee blest " and hush 't , as when halcyon build's her nest : " such bee that daie when great charls doth prepare " t' encounter with rebellion , and repair " the ruines of three kingdoms , to increas " his enemies horror , but his subjects peace . . dread sovereign ! whose verie name give's fire to my dull muse , which stand's but to admire ; and in th' amazement of that zeal doth greet thy sacred highness with unequal feet . pass on in triumph with a prosperous tide , whiles zephyrus is thy pass-port and thy guid : hee , hee 's thy harbinger who swiftlie clear's the coast from tempests when thy pilot steer's ; how doth hee smile , and smooth his chearful brow ballanc't with so divine a weight as thou ! the ship which wafted jason to the shore of colchis , which the vulgar did adore and deïfie so much , that they did prize each planck as trophies to bee fix't i th' skies ; that ship was but a cock-boat to thy sail , or som poor punie whiting to a whale . had hee been fraught with thee , hee ne'r had thought of that vain voiage , and so dearly bought a lock of wool , and better-tutor'd greece , would brag no longer of her phrygian fleece : those pageant-pot-gun-triumphs ( if their storie were true ) were but meer atoms to thy glorie , wch flame 's like heaven's bright blazing lamp through th' whole world , from th' artick to th' antartick pole . . goe then blest mirror of great britain ! go , implore heaven's aid above , whiles here below thy subjects linger , readie with th' expense of their dear blood , to fall in thy defence : fresh trophies court thee ; richer then that old fleece , fetch 't from phrygia , though each lock were gold : thy caus awake's th' whole world , and clamor 's high for vengeance , from a supreme deïtie . angels and men are mov'd ; when devils dare intrench on princes , and usurp the chair of sovereign power ; a fact that cannot hold comparison , unless referr'd to th' old unweildie giants , threatning to unthrone their jove , and scale the castles of the sun ; but as their brainless furie was confin'd and nail'd to aetna ; so let these youths finde the self-same fate ; whose villanies have hurl'd earth from her center , and unhing'd the world . how would two houses pull twelv 'bout their ears , those twelv celestial mansions of the spheres ? whiles stars , nay moon and sun may shine alone , since our new lights have lanthorns of their own . thus have these phaëtons fir'd , and turn'd each town ( heart-burn't before ) t' a conflagration . strange babel-by-blows ! t' untile thrones by a trick of state , and build a common-wealth with brick : dismantling earthlie kingdoms , to prepare mountains i' th moon , and castles in the air . then sail auspicious prince ! and wafted o're the officious waves , review thy native shore ; new string thy nervless subjects ; and impart fivers and arteries to the peoples heart ; resolv'd to hazard all , and to make good thy roial title , sealed in their blood . . and now i grow prophetick 'bove all fiction ; and breathe divinitie in my wish't prediction . black clouds dissolv , and gloomie horror go's back to that cursed chaö s whence shee rose . not daring to creep nearer , or incroach , when charls shall in bright majestie approach . as when great titan charioter to the daie , rideth his circuit in his rich arraie ; the conscious night retire's , and to bewail her guilt the more , put's on a mourning vail . or look as when sol's melting beams pearch't high to their meridian , how the poor herds flie head-long in droves ! as though they were affraid of those pale shadows which their flight hath made ! so may those gobling ghosts , those beasts of prey sneak to their sootie hen-roosts , and with-draw at thy dread-looks : so may those serpents hiss back , countermanded to their first abyss . let them repent that daie , and text it in their fatal rubrick , when they first did sin against their sovereign , daring to conspire and spawn black treason 'gainst thy sacred sire . let them repent , when vengeance and heaven too shall paie their score , and give them what 's their due . . thus did that good anchises son of old by th' authentick sybils oracle grow bold to rescue his blest father , and thence made a strange adventure through the elizian shade ; such was his private pietie , but thy zeal involv's three kingdoms and their publick-weal : each act is sacred , and each aim of thine ▪ center 's in heaven , and thence grow's divine . . o thou great-wonder-working god above ! by whom the machine of th' whole earth doth move ; who rul'st both sword and scepter with a rod , and still'st the mutinous world with thy sole nod : inspire , inspire great charls , and gently shed showers of scepters on our sovereign's head ; that justice may return t' arraign those known loos outlaries thine enemies , and their own : that wee may injoie old saturn's daies of old , to re-convert our iron into gold . with these throng'd blessings was thy father crown'd thrice seven long summers , leaving a renown'd and princelie progenie , which shall secure this throne as long as sun or stars indure . but may thy scepter , and thy regal power brook no corrival , nor competitor ; whiles princes made thy tenants , hold the leas both of their lives and fortunes to the peace of glorious britain ; and preserv'd thus , own their selvs and safeties to thy roial throne . . in this sad plight palemon did implore th' eternal powers , and fain would have said more , but did referr the sequel of his praier to heaven's great mercie , and th' almightie's care : besides sol had unsadled ( for their eas his steeds ) and drench't his chariot in the seas : the fleet was out of sight too , and t' was best for poor palemon to conceal the rest . . yet since wing'd vollies of his wishes may wait on great charls , as convoies to his waie , hee send's them wrapt in sighs ; as griev'd to shew how little hee could paie , how much must ow ; but whiles hee breathe's , hee 'l deprecate those dire accursed band-dogs that have fann'd this fire of civil discords ; letting loos th' unjust reins to licentious murther , and black lust : who welt'ring in their gore , have swam to th' chin in bloodie riot , and seditious sin . and here they have rais'd their crimes by the exile of thy blest presence , from this brittish isle . which last act , when their fate grow's mellow , shall add to their weight , and crush them in the fall . . go then great champion ; go ; make good the storie that cite's alcides , o may thy first glorie bee vow'd to mars : whiles miscreants are thence made the maiden-handsils of thy fatal blade . and though 't is pittie such base blood should stain a roial fauchion ; and but little gain to kill such hedg-hogs . let not this plea sue their pardons , nor debar them of their due : since the griev'd realm doth groan , and groan agen , big with those monsters , in the shape of men : whose violent pangs , and long convulsion-fits have half bereft , and robb'd her of her wits . bee thou then her lucina , bee , and close her womb , expanded through her teeming-throws ; and as they brood still quell , and dissipate the abortive hydra's of an headless state . may men and angels further thy intent in this great work , and wait upon th' event ; since now the season , and the appointed times are near to powr down vengeance on their crimes : and th' hour 's at hand ( if souldiers may divine ) to seek their ruines that have thus sought thine . finis . an advertisement to the reader in reference to the annexed prophecie . reader , this prophecie received from an honorable person , coming so opportunely to my hand , i thought it but dutie to transfer it to the publick view ; not daring to commit so great a sin in the secret concealment of a business of so general a concernment . touching the author , paulus grebnerus , hee was a great astronomer , and a man of surpassing pietie , and known integritie , whose erudition likewise and excellent endowments , have received a publick character from this and other kingdoms . his prophecie here need no panegyrick ; and a farther amplification , by waie of apologie , would prove impertinent where so manie thousands have been so throughly prepossest in the truth of his predictions . in a word , scismaticks ( that speak evil of dignities , and despise prophesies ) may perchance persist still obstinate ; i am sure all royalists will rest here well satisfied . for my part , i shall therefore praie for the conversion of the first , and confirmation of the last ; wishing the one more faith , and the other better fortune . farewel . the prophecie of paulus grebnerus concerning these times . paulus grebnerus was here in england with queen elizabeth , anno . and presented her with a fair manuscript in latine , describing therein the future historie of europe , here and there limming in water-colors som principal passages . dr. nevil , clerk of the closet , beeing in favor with the queen obteined this book of her , and bestowed it on the librarie of trinitie colledg in cambridg , where it hath been published to the view of all persons , till about five or six years ago , by much perusing and ill handling , it was much slurred and defaced . in his predictions hee describeth the troubles of russia , and the election of a swedish king , sigismund by name , to bee king of polonia , by which hee shall irrecoverably lose his own inheritance . that of the swedish race there should bee one gustavus adolphus by name , that should take heart from the distractions of germanie to invade the empire with a small armie ; fight manie battles prosperously , but should at last perish in a pitcht-field . that about that time should reign rex septentrionalis nomine carolus , qui ducet vxorem mariam papipisticam ex quo evadet regum infelicissimus . tunc populus ipsius ditionis eliget sihi alium imperatorem , comitem ; qui durabit in imperio tres annos , aut circiter . at postea idem populus eliget alium imperatorem , equitem , non ejusdem familiae nec dignitatis , cui detrudet omnia sub pedibus suis : durabit aliquantò longiore tempore : & post hunc eliget nullum . post hunc apparebit quidam carolus è carolo descendens , cum immensâ classe in litore ditionis patris sui , & cum auxiliariis danicis , suedicis , hollandicis , francicis prosrernet adversarios suos , & administrabit imperium perfelicissimè , & longè latéque dominabitur , & erit carolo magno major . englished thus . about that time a northern king shall reign , charls by name , who shall take to wife marie of the popish religion ; vvhereupon hee shall bee a most unfortunate prince . then the people of his dominion shall chuse to themselvs another commander [ or governor ] viz. an earl ; whose government shall last three years , or there about . and afterwards the same people shall chuse another commander or [ or governor ] viz. a knight , not of the same familie , nor dignitie , who shall trample all things under his feet : hee shall endure somwhat longer time : and after him they shall chuse none at all . after him shall appear one charls descending from charls , with a mightie navie , on the shore of his father's kingdom ; and with aid from denmark , swedeland , holland , france , shall overthrow his adversaries , and shall govern his kingdom wonderful happily , and shall bear rule far and near : and shall bee greater then charls the great . a short paraphrase on the fore-going prophecie . how well could grebner in those blinde times see ! and in these seeing-times how blinde are wee ? our new-found-lights are lost ; those squint-ei'd-elvs , and purblinde seekers , may now seek themselvs ; who have thus err'd , imagining prediction of sacred prophesie , but som feigned fiction . but wee ( blest grebner ! ) who have still admir'd , and look't upon thee as som soul inspir'd ; will hold thy saws no longer in suspens , wch now w' have reach't with th' opticks of our sens ; since what was once apocalyps , is known the unridled truth of revelation . those two grand champions ( that trode on the neck of nations , and had kingdom 's at their beck ) are both exstinct ; and fame can onely give a bare relation that they once did live . but thou renowned charls , whose matchless fate design'd thee a victim to the people's hate ; ( maugre the malice of thy foes ) wert hurl'd with haleluiahs from the wondring vvorld , a conqueror o're thy doom ; from vvhence vvee may infer , thou onely liv'dst , vvee di'd that daie . and now look back ; look back ; and have recours from whence these streams of mischief had their sours , whiles those promiscuous hodg-podg-powers oppose , like high-swoln floods that river whence they rose . the eagle thus dislodg'd ; a wren-like race of dunghil-dors , soon pierch't-up in his place . and lapwing-libertie e're fleg'd , take's flight , first hath her champion-earl ; the next a knight , whose heavie pressure hath so imp't her wings , shee hath lost by consuls what shee got by kings . and now ( but life's in prophecie ) wee might die , and despair to see thy second light , great charls , who like the bridegroom of the daie , shalt gil'd sad britain with thy glorious raie ; whiles all those shower-shot mushroms , and those new created brats , melt like the morning dew ; and all those ignes fatui shrink and run like exhalations at the rising sun . this is the wish great king , and pious care of those who piece-forth prophecie with their praier ; o may blest grebner bee added to the small prophets ! and prove each line canonical ; whiles what in th' old queen's reign hee did divine , may bee fulfill'd , and ratifi'd in thine : o mai'st thou reign in thy known realms , who art inthron'd alreadie in thy people's heart ! o mai'st thou rule ! and spread thy fame through th'whole earth ; from the artick to t' antartick pole . till the just world with grebner shall maintein thee a mightier monarch then brave charlemain . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text aeternae memoriae , et sanctis manibus . caroli i. nuper magnae britanniae regis pientissimi ; nunc verò angliae proto-martyris-regii gloriosissimi , sacrum . in iniquitatibus illorum gloriam tuam perfecisti . typis excusum anno caroli martyris primo , . aeternae memoriae caroli i. &c. ne jam , roma tuis catilinae crimina chartis devoveas , jactésve tuos ( ô brute ! ) triumphos : major enim quàm quum vidisti haec monstra , britanne disque exosa magis tractatur scena theatro . non patriae furtim ferales subdere taedas conjurata manus tentat , non publica caecis nunc petitur res consiliis , non dira recessus infandum molita nefas jam quaerit erynnis : sed testem te , phoebe vocat , quem caena thyestae crimine velavit quondam polluta minori . caesar enim periit , justè quum roma tyrannos extimuit , veróque nefas culpante senatu , plaudente hîc illegitimo rex caesare major fata subit laetus , themidis faedátque secures : dum non visa priùs populis spectacula praebet turba ferox , regis sacram & scelerata prophanat cervicem proprii sub limina sancta palati ; regis , quo melior nunquam vel justior alter lubrica vesanis admovit fraena britannis . * hîc ubi vicinis quondam responsa legatis ipse dabat , toto spargens oracula mundo insignis triplici diademate , saeva securim dextra parat ; verùm immoto jamjam ultima vultu fata videt , mortémque hostésque in morte triumphans calcat , & intrepidus minitantem despicit ensem : non minus augusto spectandus lumine , coeli mox ut abiturus sacras sublimis ad arces , quàm populo quum jura dabat : sic carolus astra divorúmque domos petit , & * sibi cognita regna : indomitóque tuas animo , themis anglica , leges asserit , & propriae tua praefet jura saluti : sed cadet hoc fulmen nec totum terreat orbem ? legibus ô martyr populóque ! ô victima nostris non benè caesa malis , mundóque ignota priori ! * ovos venturi lugete haec damna nepotes ! quanta etenim tantos placabunt funera manes ? caussa dei , caussa haec regum est : quà lumina condit quáque oritur phoebus , tangent tua fata monarchas carole , dum coelo volvetur lucidus axis . at conjuratae tandem tibi sanguine dextrae litabunt , proprióque cadent tibi victima ferro , dúmque tuo è cinere ut phoenix renovabitur alter ( proxima quem sceptri faciunt tibi jura secundum . ) carolus , atque tuos vindex exsurget in hostes , tota secundabit terrarum machina votis justa ejus conata suis , intérque nepotes heroüm in numero potiorem sera locabit posteritas , tecúmque olim post fata beabit suprema hunc coelique domus , divúmque corona . amen , ô deus ! ( o vindex scelerum regúmque custos ) to the sacred memorie of that late high and mightie monarch , charls the first ; hee who fell jan. . . the princelie proto-martyr of great britain , &c. no more of annals ; let great rome grow mute in quoting catiline , or recording brute ▪ britain now wear's the sock ; the theater 's clean transplanted hither , both in place and scene . no vail nor periwig-vizor ; murther , here without a mask dare's on the stage appear , out-facing even the sun , which oft hath fled , and at less crimes shrunk in his frighted head . rome had som plea ( though shee ne're justifi'd ) those fatal swords by which great caesar di'd . but here a greater far then caesar fall's by a spurious senate and her cannibals . how do that monster-headless-multitude gaze on the beams , and giddily intrude on 's sacred person ! murthering him before the eies of heaven ! and at his own door ! a prince so sweetly pious , rebels must confess 't is they were guiltie , but hee just ! and now behold the scene ! white-hall's decreed the fatal shambles where the lamb must bleed ; white-hall ! from whence hee oft dispers'd and hurl'd his sacred oracles through the peaceful world : there with an uncontrolled courage , ( higher far then that scaffold ) did his soul asspire in glorious elohims , making his last state his haleluiah , or magnificat . thus great augustus falling , did bequeath new edicts to the world , even at his death , such as did screen his memorie from the rust of black oblivion ; and embalm his dust . but thou blest charls , whom historie shall stile the princelie proto-martyr of this isle . fell'st champion of the church ; and did'st make good the realms grand charter sealed in thy blood . and could this dismal shock of thunder light onely on britain's breast ? and not affright the vnivers ? to let us understand , the general dooms-daie of the world 's at hand ? children unborn shall still bewail the time of this sad hour ; and deprecate the crime of those dire regicides , whose blushing guilt , for vengeance crie's loud as that blood th' have spilt . thy caus invoke's just heaven , and doth implore confederate princes to the farthest shore of all the world ; as far as phoebus raie doth guild the zodiack , and proclaim's the daie . and yet should all these fail ; blest charls 't is known thou'st left a princelie progenie of thine own . who ' l expiate thy murther , of resign their own lives too , as offerings at thy shrine . and now see ! see ! another phenix rise ! from the blest ashes of this sacrifice ! a second charls ! who shall in fame asspire , and grow more mightie then his princelie sire . and now , o may th' unanimous world inthrone him soon ! and re-invest him in his own . may hee out-live old nestor's daie and go not hence , but cloathed in a robe of snow ; and then when envious heaven too shall remove his swaie from earth , o may hee reign above ! and meet his sire , wh ' ( having past this flood in robes of scarlet di'd in his own blood ) sit's now a crowned martyr , and hath free title to add a fourth crown to his three . sur la mort de charles i. deffunt roy de la grand bretaigne . sonnet . anglois , est il donc vray que ce pieux monarque que trois peuples ont veu regner si justement , ainsy q'un criminel assiste en jugement ; et puis souffre le coup de la mortelle parque ? est il vray que charon ose amener sa barque , jusques dessus le seuil de ce grand bâstiment qui fut de son palais le plus bel ornement ; et que son sang l'ait teint d'une eternelle marque ? ouy ; mais malaisement chez la posterité , ce recit passeroit pour vne verité , tant de cet attentat les coups sont effroyables : si la foy n'enseignoit un christ persecuté : ou que lon ne s ' ceust pas , que regnersur des * diables est un pas dangereux pour tant de pieté . in martyrium caroli i. epigramma . dum populi curas , rex , per tua damna salutem , jure novo veniunt jam nova regna tibi ; quarta etenim triplici superadditur ista coronae , quòd moriens populo martyr es atque deo. e vivis ereptus iiii. kal. febr. anno aerae christianae , mdcxlix . in caroli i. obitum epigramma . grex erat , & viridi carpebat gramina campo grex felix ; fidus cui modo pastor erat . lex erat , & justae lis omnis subdita legi : lis felix , legis cui modo lator erat . rex erat , & placido rexit moderamine ; pastor et legis-lator ( plangite ) justus obit . nunc sine lege duces ; sed non sine lite furores ; nunc sine pastore est grex , sine rege thronus . omnia , rex , lex , grex , jam sunt pessundata ; terris quid superest ? nisi faex : plebs ferè victa jacet . epigramma historicum de termino hilarii juridico in angliâ intercalato , anno dom. . terminus en hilar i fuit hoc tristissimus anno , purpura regalis tincta cruore togae . in terra retinent spinas diademata regum ; in coelo electis grata corona datur . memoriae sacrum optimi maximi caroli i. great sir , your pardon that my ruder vers dare's with her feet profane your sacred hers ; true grief no manners know's ; and to begin with courtship , were but ceremonious sin . whiles you surviv'd , blest sir , my loial breath still waited on your service ; and since death ( sent by the actors of so black a treason , as puzzles faith , and quite confounds all reason ) hath hurl'd you hence ; you justly sir may call my bodied thoughts to wait your funeral . my dwindling-dwarf-like-fancie swell's not big , nor know's to wear a borrowed periwig of metaphors , nor from parnassus rise to ransack far-fetch't phrases from the skies ; since all those pidling epithites are too brief , great charls , to shew thy glorie , or my grief . go thou grim conqueror ; search thy kingdom through , examine everie vrn and pitcher too ; taste all thy earths , and call at everie grot , even those whose names , rust & the worms have got ; and tell mee if in all thy dark-hous bee snch a prince faln , and prince though faln , as hee . greatness and goodness too , which seldom fall within the compass of the self-same scale , in him were poized , and divinely met ; whose meekness made him good , and mercie great . his meekness , oh ! that inexhausted mine and magazine of moral and divine graces , which like the influence , and the bright beams of the sun , fill'd britain with their light . but why am i thus partial ? when that all his thoughts , words , actions , were angelical ? which like fix't load-stars , did direct most men to sail by th' compass of his life and pen : each pious action was so chaste , and such as held it sin to think , but death to touch ; his mercie such , as if hee did but live to know his subjects failings , and forgive . unheard of love ! which could offences mask and sooner grant their pardon , then they ask ! thus was his life un-pattern'd ! but his death ! oh how the sens which suffocate's my breath curdle's my blood ! and , like swift poison , flie's , in curling flames through all my arteries ! hee di'd by th'barbarous hands of such a frie as fed on furies , and have dreined drie the lerna of all murthers , to new-stock mankinde with spreading crimes ; such as may mock preceding treasons , and the world supplie with a strange mould to cast all future by : all former acts were fictions unto this ; raviliacks too is a parenthesis ; a murther so transcendent , annals shall henceforth grow faithless and apochryphal . but thou blest martyr , who hast here laid down , and chang'd a temporal for a glorious crown ; hast finish't thy great work , and by th' event , attain'd more then they promis'd , but ne'r meant . rest royal sir , rest in your sacred hers while wee embalm your memorie with our vers , and trickling tears , which shall like pearls refine your urn , and serv for diamonds to your shrine . you need no other monument , who have no less then three whole kingdoms for your grave : whiles from the melting marble of their eies is crystalliz'd this epitaph here lie's " honor's rich fountain , the true faith's defender ; " religion , and the law's prop , and extender ; " the purest quintessence of christian zeal , " best father both of church and common-weal ! " virtues rare patern ; wedlocks chastest mirror ; " rebellions and bold treasons , scorn and terror ; " the spotless sacrifice , for the wilde flood " of 's people's loud sins . charls the great , the good . chronostichon decollationis caroli regis , &c. tricesimo die januarii , secunda hora pomeridiana , anno dom. mdcxlviii . ter deno iani labens rex sole cadente carolvs exvtvs solio sceptróqve secvre . charls ! — ah forbear , forbear ! lest mortals prize his name too dearly ; and idolatrize . his name ! our loss ! thrice cursed and forlorn bee that black night , which usher'd in this morn . charls our dread sovereign ! — hold ! lest out-law'd sens bribe , and seduce tame reason to dispens with those celestial powers ; and distrust heaven can behold such treason , and prove just . charls our dread sovereign's murther'd ! — tremble ! and view what convulsions shoulder-shake this land ; court , citie , countrie , nay three kingdoms run to their last stage , and set with him their sun . charls our dread sovereign's murther'd at his gate ! fell fiends ! dire hydra's of a stiff-neck't-state ! strange bodie-politick ! whose members spread , and , monster-like , swell bigger then their head . charls of great britain ! hee ! who was the known king of three realms , lie's murther'd in his own . hee ! hee ! who liv'd , and faith's defender stood ; die'd here to re-baptize it in his blood . no more , no more . fame's trump shall eccho all the rest in dreadful thunder . such a fall great christendom ne're pattern'd ; and 't was strange earth's center reel'd not at this dismal change . the blow struck britain blinde , each well-set limb by dislocation was lop't off in him . and if shee yet live's , shee live's but to condole three bleeding bodies left without a soul . religion put's on black . sad loialtie blushe's and mourn's to see bright majestie butcher'd by such assassinates ; nay both 'gainst god , 'gainst law , allegiance , and their oath . farewel sad isle ! farewel ! thy fatal glorie is summ'd , cast up , and cancell'd in this storie . finis . obsequies on that unexemplar champion of chivalrie , and pattern of true prowess , arthur lord capel . t' is fals astronomie . — nor are wee yet in utter darkness , though the sun bee set ; since thy star-beaming-influence prove's all those rules excentrick , and apocryphal . thou'rt hight'ned by thy fall , and dost now shine with doubled lustre , since thy last decline . bright mirror of our sphere ! who art no less then valor 's wonder ; virtue's master-piece ; filling whole volums with thy fame ; to tell the world thy worth was her own chronicle : to tell the world , those praises in the wars thou'st purchas'd , might bee numbred with the stars ; and had thy well-proportion'd-daies been spun out by thy deeds , thou had'st out-liv'd the sun ; forcing the world's great luminarie t' have his chaös climacterick with thy grave . thus thy renowned meeds like incens hurl'd on flaming altars , have perfum'd the world with such rich odors , that scarce envie knew whether thou wer 't to king or realm most true . let state-chronographers admire , and plead those rites they ow to honor ; when they read thy rare atchievements ; studying to refine the truth of modern historie by thine . carthage bee dumb ! our colchester stand's now corrival with thee , and dare's more then thou ; and all those punick wars , thy walls could boast , have o're and o're been travers'd on her coast . rome's three horatii are pos'd ; our isle hath bred a capel , lucas , and a lisle : whose matchless deed 's have dub'd them with that late and glorious title of triumvirate ; whiles their transcendent merit strut's , and strive's to stand on tip-toe in superlatives . and still there 's somthing more ; for , what was mixt promiscuously in these , in thee was fixt . in thee that pythagorean maxime's true ; and what was stale philosophie , prove's new divinitie , since th' souls of all those nine renowned ones transmigrated in thine . but why do wee adore thee , made immens and far sublim'd above our sphere of sens ? scorning bright obelisques of brass , or stone should rais thy monument , who art thine own . yet should'st thou exspect a shrine on earth , wee must make colchester th' exchequer of thy dust : nor is it more then reason , since 't were pitie to give thee a less church-yard then that citie , t' interr thee in her breaches , and o're-turn her stately bulwarks , to support thine urn ; whil'st the throng'd streets would justle to make room and spread their towrs , as trophies o're thy tomb . but this grand task i recommend to those , who can limm fancies in more lively prose ; whose rhetorick may richly guild this pile , and rais invention to a loftie stile ; such as may conjure horror , and oblige faith-founder'd-zelots to confess that siege , that fatal siege , whose trenches were or'e-spread with mangled trunks and bodies of the dead ; till the discolour'd earth , thus di'd in grain , blush't to behold such shambles of the slain : and the pale furies stood like heartless elvs , trembling , to see men do more then themselvs . the center-shaking-brass grew hot , and spoke in flames of lightning , and in clouds of smoke ; and charon fainted , ferrying souls to hell , when hecatombs of the besiegers fell . amidst these tragick triumphs did'st thou rear thy brave top-gallant , 'bove the reach of fear ; undauntedly exposing thy bold head to shocks of thunder , and thick showrs of lead : those bullets were then tame ; and wee may tax the partial sword that spar'd thee for the ax. the field ( th' asylum of great spirits ) clean is changed here ; the citie is the scene ; the cannon shew'd fair-plaie : but thou wer 't pack't away , not by an ordnance , but an act. the scaffold turn'd a stage : where 't is confest , the last act ( though most bloodie ) prov'd thy best : it prov'd thy solemn coronation , since the yard 's thy palace ; and a glorious prince thy president : who after him art hurl'd to meet thy sovereign in another world . transferr'd from earth to heaven , to remain a fixed star , and wait on charls his wain . obsequies offered up to the memorie of the ever renowned and never to bee forgotten , arthur , lord capel . do ; paddle still in blood , for 't is not strange now if your thirstie dropsi'd blades do range on the whole stock of man ; or that they spread to trunck and boughs , since they have lop't the head : for since the king , who like one general soul , did through each nerv and agile muscle rowl ; and like som publick conduit did dispence to everie vein , both sap and influence ; shine's in his crown of martydom above , guilt and enamel'd with the beams of love ; the cement thus unfix't and slack't , wee must needs languish in to shuffled heaps of dust : and as in bodies , where the head is lop't from off the weeping stem , som spirits drop't from that great magazine , into each part , and left as legacies unto the heart ; contract the joints and hands , then make them spread as if they catch't at the dislodging head ; so after this vast ruin , though the frame of nature were both discompos'd and lame ; yet in this crippled structure , there might bee som starts and leaps , wch flow'd ( brave lord ! ) from thee ; on whom , as som not yet discovered sours , which doth to th' suppled earth fresh sap disburs , and through her veins melt's in a purling rill , th' exspiring king his vigor did distil . and as som sullen vapor which was spun from th' earth's cours wardrobe , by the glaring sun , to som wilde meteors , hover's in the air , and on each cloud shed's its unravel'd hair ; but wanting active heat to waft it higher , doth in dull slime and sluggish mists exspire : so before capel was ( like th' early flower which ruder hands tore from the mangled bower ) rent from his bleeding stalk , wee might perchance , like vapors wing'd with his brave heat , advance above the common-level , yet but now his flames shot-up no new supplie t' allow . wee crumble shall to ruin streight , and run into a wilde precipitation . and as when morning from the azure towers powr's out the daie , and pluck's out th'unfledg'd hours ; the earth unlock's its womb , each flower unweav's its odorous tresses , and untie's its leavs , that so they may bee spangled by that blaze that from the blooming sun's gilt lustre strai's ; so now vvhen hee like a nevv-budded star that stud's the orb 's above , doth from a far point out his beams to us , let their clear light steer us through the perplexed maze of night ; and our benum'd and frozen souls so thavv , hee may both our example bee and lavv ; for though that man 's a vvorld vvithin himself ; in him no passion svvell'd into a shelf to split his even thoughts , no rock of pride did intercept or justle the free tide of vvell-poiz'd actions , and no mountain there was by ambition made , or gulf by fear . his beauteous actions too vvithout did meet , still in such comlie and vvell-ballanc't feet , and vvere so fairly knit , you 'd think they 'd been each one the transcript of his soul within ; no byas his religion vvarp't avvrie into a crooked excentricitie , 't vvas sullied vvith no ends ; hee could not tell hovv to vamp calvin vvith dark machiavel . no widdovvs cooler sighs did fan his cup , hee drank in 's wine no tears of orphans up ; his pregnant fields vvere moist'ned by the skies , not vvet vvith shovvers rain'd from his tenants eies ; and having thus vvith virtue pav'd the track which to his vrn did guid his foot-steps back ; hee , vvhen his full-fledg'd soul cast off her claie , to bathe in tides of never-ebbing daie , did in so soft a calm dismiss his breath , as if 't vvere his espousals , not his death ; and that in his cold shroud hee vvere to meet the portraict onely of his genial sheet . in praematurum obitum baronis capel , et casum mortis-sociorum , vii . id. mart. mdcxlix . tres cecidêre simul , fato non dispare , caussâ quamvis dissimili , a marchio , b baro , c comes ; dispar enim fuit haec ratio , ( licèt omnibus idem supplicium inflixit praecipitata themis ; ) quòd a primus meritas tibi solvit , carole , poenas , immerita ast b alium martyra poena facit : c tertius at dubii quondam damnatus amoris , se tibi nunc * moerens reddere justa putat . illustrissimi herôis domini francisci villiers epicedium . quisquis amicus ades , nec moestos scindere crines , nec pigeat madidas ungue secare genas ; occidit illustris jnvenum fortissimus heros , quem subitò fati carpsit acerba manus ; ille alios tantùm vicit virtutibus omnes , ante alios , quantum pegasus ibat equos . hei mihi ! cur tetricae ruperunt fila sorores ? cur stabat vacuâ tam citò parca colo ? cúrve ferox miles vultus laniare decoros sustinuit ? ferro durior ipse suo ; dulce decus patriae ! cur te temerarius ardor in medios enses , saeváque tela tulit ? sors levis ut solita est rapit optima , praeterit ima , hei mihi tam dubias injicit illa manus ! quam vellem hostiles pro te cecidisse cohortes ; cum duce non tanti tota caterva fuit : tu tamen , heu facinus , turmis jugulatus ab istis , pressisti duram sanguinolentus humum ; nec species , virtúsve tibi , nec profuit aetas ; pro patriâ ( patriae gloria ) magne jaces . semper honos , laudes , & splendida facta manebunt ; nunquam lethaeis ista dabuntur aquis . vos igitur tristes tandem compescite luctus , nec calido madidas imbre rigate genas : qui modò plorâstis , lacrymas teneatis , amici ; non potuit fato nobiliore mori . g. f. obsequies on the untimely death , of the never to bee too much praised and pitied francis lord villiers . hence fond philosophie ! it cannot bee ; the crazie world crawl's t' his last jubilee ; and though the circle of the year hath been a snake in embleme , it can't cast his skin . at least i can't beleev 't ; when everie daie , som stately piece is swallowed up in claie ; when cedars feel the fate of shrubs , and when great peers expire , and tamely die like men . how could'st thou els thus steal away unheard , without a troop of angels for thy guard ? without th' artillerie of the clouds , at this thy great and glorious metempsycosis ? the age is sure forgetful ; or perchance nature her self laie bed-rid in a trance , and those torch-constellations which shine at others herses , were all set in thine ; as if they fell with thee , and fate would have their chaös clymacterick with thy grave . but , why do i epitomize a theme in this small scedule which deserv's a ream ? a theme whose charming magick might inspire a cold carthusian ; and with enthean fire kindle such raptures , as may re-ingage those buskin-bonaerges of our age to personate thee with more lively tread , and in loud language shew the world who 's dead . let brave bellona , who hath lately known thy meeds , proclaim them ; and with war-like tone , high as the sulphur-breathing-brass , inlarge thy spreading triumphs , and report her charge ; shee , shee shall rear thy trophies , and displaie thy matchless chivalrie , on that black daie thou copd'st with destinie , and did'st resign thy temporal-title , for a more divine . nor could thy courage stop , or make a paus , where honor call'd so loud ; and such a caus as might provoke an hermit , and make room with his own flame to meet his martyrdom . armed with these resolvs , encountring fear thou foild'st her quite , whil'st in a brave career thou did'st out-dare the destinies , and tread a loftie measure through whole showres of lead ; ( spight of the furie of th' opposing croud ) cleaving thy waie , like lightning , through a cloud . thus mid'st these tragick triumphs wer't thou hurl'd with loud field-musick from th' affrighted world , a conqueror o're thy doom ; witness that peal and vocal vollie which chim'd forth thy knell ; to tell the world thy merit , maugre fate still , still survive's , and is invulnerate . how large the storie , or how ample ; wee 'l not now remember , since 't was writ with steel and register'd in blood . th' indented face ( though no great volume ) was the common-place , and index of thy valor : everie scar seeming at least som mistick character ; while 's wee admire those marginal notes , and vext , wee cannot comment on so deep a text . but why do i revolv the short-writ-storie of fading youth ; or recollect the glorie of thy blest beautie ( which though once the throne o th' lillie and rose ) was blasted before blown ? prepo'strous fate ! t' anticipate and bring on winter e're thou did'st enjoie thy spring ! to obnubilate thy morning-sun , and shroud thy dawning splendor in a gloomie cloud ! but ah ! complaints are shadows , and too brief to shew the world thy goodness or our grief ; nor can wee circumscribe , or with weak sens define thy merit , which is so immens . alas ! wee knew 't was not the cob-web-shrine of flesh could lodg so bright a soul as thine ; t' was not a cabinet of claie could hold so rich a jewel ; nor the brittle mould of earth contain a seraphin , in all his blest dimensions so angelical . why should wee fondly then repine ; or why thus pitie him , wee rather should envie ? his state transcend's our passions ; nor may wee revers or counterman'd heav'ns grand decree : though wee could weep a deluge to ingross our griefs , and make them ample as his loss . and you blest madam ( mirror of your sex , and wonder of our age ) surceas to vex your soul wth sad remembrance ; whiles you smother and burie quick all comforts in a brother . those diamond-tears you daily shed ( of more account then all those on the indian shore ) are spent in vain ; and you profusely prize his loss , to waste the treasure of your eies . his fame require's no monumental-stone , nor epitaph ; why should you then bemoan his funeral-obsequies , and thus make room i th' tablet of your heart , t' erect his tomb , where you , blest votaress , piously resign your sighs , as incens , offer'd at his shrine . whil'st in the torrent of these tears you swim ; madam , you do bewail your self , not him who soar's above your sorrows ; and sit's in commission , with som blest cherubin , inthron'd in those celestial mansions , where hee shine's like heaven 's bright champion , in his sphere on the martyrdom of his late majestie , &c. com , com , let 's mourn ; all eies , that see this daie , melt into showrs , and weep your selvs awaie : o that each private head could yield a flood of tears , whil'st britain's head stream's out his blood ; could wee paie what his sacred drops might claim , the world must needs bee drowned once again . hands cannot write for trembling ; let our eie supplie the quill , and shed an elegie . tongues cannot speak ; this grief know's no such vent , nothing , but silence , can bee eloquent . words are not here significant ; in this our sighs , our groans bear all the emphasis . dread sir ! what shall wee saie ? hyperbole is not a figure , when it speak's of thee : thy book is our best language ; what to this shall e're bee added , is thy meiösis : thy name 's a text too hard for us : no men can write of it , without thy parts and pen . thy prisons , scorns , reproach , and povertie ( though these were thought too courteous injurie ) how could'st thou bear ? thou meeker moses , how ? was ever lion bit with whelps till now and did not roar ? thou england's david , how did shimei's tongue not move thee ? where 's the man ? where is the king ? charls is all christian . thou never wanted'st subjects , no ; when they rebell'd , thou mad'st thy passions to obeie . had'st thou regain'd thy throne of state by power , thou had'st not then been more a conqueror . but thou , thine own soul's monarch , art above revenge and anger , can'st thou tame thy love ? how could'st thou bear thy queen's divorce ? must shee at once thy wife , and yet thy widdow bee ? where are thy tender babes once princely bred , thy choicest jewels , are they sequestred ? where are thy nobles ? lo , in stead of these base savage villains , and thine enemies : egyptian plague ! 't was onely pharaoh's doom , to see such vermin in his lodging-room . what guards are set , what watches do they keep ? they do not think thee safe , though lock't in sleep . would they confine thy dreams within to dwell , nor let thy fancie pass their centinel ? are thy devotions dangerous ? or do thy praiers want a guard ? these faultie too ? varlets , 't was onely , when they spake for you. but lo a charge is drawn , a daie is set , the silent lamb is brought , the wolves are met . law is arraign'd of treason , peace of war , and justice stand's a prisoner at the bar. this scene was like the passion-tragedie , his saviour's person none could act , but hee . behold what scribes were here , what pharisees ! what bands of souldiers ! what fals witnesses ! here was a priest , and that a chief one ; who durst strike at god , and his vicegerent too . here bradshaw , pilate there : this make's them twain , pilate for fear , bradshaw condemn'd for gain . wretch ! could'st not thou bee rich , till charls was dead ? thou might'st have took the crown , yet spar'd the head . th' hast justifi'd that roman judg ; hee stood and washt in water , thou hast dipt in blood . and where 's the slaughter-hous ? white-hall must bee , lately his palace , now his calvarie . great charls , is this thy dying-place ? and where thou wer 't our king , art thou our martyr there ? thence , thence thy soul took flight ; and there will wee not ceas to mourn , where thou did'st ceas to bee . and thus , blest soul , hee 's gon : a star , whose fall , as no eclips prove's oecumenical . that wretch had skill to sin , whose hand did know how to behead three kingdoms at one blow . england hath lost the influence of her king , no wonder that so backward was her spring . o dismal daie ! but yet how quickly gon ? it must bee short , our sun went down at noon . and now , yee senators , is this the thing so oft declar'd ; is this your glorious king ? did you by oaths your god , and countrie mock , pretend a crown , and yet prepare a block ? did you , that swore you 'd mount charls higher yet , intend the scaffold for his olivet ? was this , hail master ? did you bow the knee that you might murder him with loialtie ? alas ! two deaths ! what crueltie was this ? the ax design'd , you might have spar'd the kiss . london , did'st thou thy prince's life betraie ? what ? could thy sables vent no other waie ? or els did'st thou bemoan his cross ? then , ah ! why would'st thou bee the cursed golgotha ? thou once hadst men , plate , arms , a treasurie to binde thy king , and hast thou none to free ? dull beast ! thou should'st , before thy head did fall , have had at least thy spirits animal . did you , yee nobles , envie charls his crown ? jove beeing fal'n the punie-gods must down : your raies of honor are eclip'st in night , the sun is set , from whence you drew your light . religion vail's her self ; and mourn's that shee is forc'd to own such horrid villanie . the church and state do shake ; that building must exspect to fall , whose prop is turn'd to dust . but ceas from tears . charls is most blest of men ; a god on earth , more then a saint in heav'n . vota phileireni anglici . a lilia cârle , b rosas henrice , & c regna jacobe junxistis ; coeänt lilia , regna , rosae . associata diu maneant , unáque morentur grata , virescentes , lilia , regna , rosae . sit carolus magno major , sit maximus , & quo nomine roma stetit , roma superba ruat . te d lyra mulcet , avétque e leo , observántque f leones , g lilia cúmque rosis te recreare student : una fides , consórsque salus , deus unus iernum , scotum , anglum , wallum , pace vigente beent . consilium phileireni anglici . regi sceptra , deus regi sacraverat enses , * quae regis regi redde , deique deo. vaticinii votivi palaemonis coronis . ver rediît , spiránsque pater per cuncta vigorem cynthius , obliquum jam penè retrogradus orbem exegit ; vicibúsque suis nova pensa revolvens dispulit è coelo nimbos , terráque fugavit squallentes hyemis vultus , austrósque furentes : ex quò jam meliore olim concepta palaemon spe sua vota fovens , animo tua fata recurrit , gens britonum malesana , & te miratur in illis non periisse malis , & adhuc spirantia vitae signa dare , ac propriis nondum occubuisse ruinis . jam propè bis senas variis erroribus actam latonam peragrâsse domos stellantis olympi , flora redux , floraeque suis philomela querelis indivisa comes , torpenti nunciat anglo : ex quo , fatorum non sat benè conscius , oris tunc discedenti batavûm tibi vota palaemon carole justa dedit : sed quamvis justa , supremo res aliter tunc visa jovi qui fata gubernat . quippe ausis nimiùm laxas immisit habenas criminibus , totámque dedit cumulare furorum mensuram sceleri , vindicta ut grandior aequas indicet poenas titanum crimine lapsis . sic visum est : ut quae nimiâ torpedine damni conscia plebs fuerat proprii , mutabile vulgus ( sed nimis heu ! serò tandem ! ) sua fata doleret : sic visum est superis : majori ut carolus astris insereret radio caput immortale coruscans ; quadruplicique inter divos fulgente coronâ martyrii aeternam sacro in diademate palmam necteret , & veros ferret de morte triumphos . sic visum est : ut tu cui jus virtúsque secundum carole jam spes nostra , locum titulúmque dedêre , herculeos primá tentans cum pube labores , dignus avis & patre , tuis scelerata triumphis colla rebellantum calcares , justáque tandem supplicia inferres vindex titanibus istis ; quorum ausis eversa jacent tria regna : prophano quae aggressi ( ceu thessalicis quum dextra gigantum montibus avulsum substravit pelion ossae ) consiliò junxisse simul ; sacrúmque cacumen scandere in his sceptri * violatâ pace britanni , et regum divûmque imâ radice revulsas evertisse domos , atque altitonantis olympi derisisse minas , complêsse & caedibus orbem pacis amatorem , pacisque insignia * sacris gestantem in titulis . ah! quis nam talia fando temperet à lacrymis ? sed tu qui fata gubernas , summe pater , rerúmque gyris moderamine justo ac sapiente praees , quondam haec versurus in usum permittis meliorem : atrox sua poena sequetur ausa nefanda , olim & seros vindicta nepotes abjurare patrum detestarique docebit nomen , & aeternis viventia crimina chartis . talia , sed volvens animo majora , palaemon verba , animi testes , moestas ad tamesis oras , tristior ipse ciens ( nam tunc in tamesis oris luctus eum tenuit , postquam te carole , nobis eripuit violenta manus , caelóque locavit ) cantabat . sed quis valeat cantare dolendo ? dúmque silent nymphae attonitae ? vel arundine motâ ceu cantus imitata syrinx peccâsse veretur ; hispidus obscuro latitat dum glaucus in antro fata gemens britonum : dum sparsae hinc indè napeae in fontes oculos vertunt , dryadúmque choreae in cursus incompositos , & panis amores in luctus abeunt ; dum nereüs ipse tridentem excussum cecidisse timet ; dum stagna profundis penè refusa vadis divisos orbe britannos concutiunt , mersámque videt sub pondere gentem quam magè dilexit terris ille omnibus unam . talia quis valeat calamos inflare videndo ? quis lacrymas cohibere ? istas linque ergò palaemon et batavûm citus adnando te transfer in oras . hic & enim amissi radians ut imago parentis carolus alter adest , cujus spes gloria nostras eriget exoriens , tempestatúmque furentes dispellet nimbos , & reddet gaudia coelo atque solo britonum , postquam satis ira deorum saevierit , dextráque jovis jam fracta revellent pectora vindictam minitantes sontibus ignes . hîc erit & votis locus amplior , hîc & apollo agnataeque novem , tranquillâ pace fruuntur , litora tuta silent illic . dúmque ora tueri principis & sacro dabitur tibi lumine vultûs posse frui tandem meliores fistula cantus exeret , & calamos inflabunt vota , palaemon , tunc magè certa tuos ; seu se se accingere marti ille paret , laesósque patris cum sanguine manes lustrare , ac , vmbris offerre piacula tantis : seu pedibus prostrata ferox audacia , sacram porrigat , illiúsque legat clementia , olivam . ad anglos jam novennali bello civili inter se dissidentes . {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} . tertia ter jam dissidiis civilibus aestas exarsit , nec hydrops spoliis discordia vestris insanam propè rupta sitim satiare valebit , o britones ! certè vos infelicia trojae fata manent , decimum si tandem insanus in annum vos furor hic rapiat , nec saevo parcere ferro pacis amor , divúmque metus , rectique cupido edoceant , propriae metam & posuisse ruinae . una medela tuis superest tantùm , anglia , damnis : da regi sua jura pio , da justa parenti . finis . machine-generated and other supplemental data notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a e- * allnsio ad nomen angl. vot●s . * tunc enim putabatur regis securitati invigilatura , & ab ejus partibus statura . notes for div a e- * white-hall , sive alba aula , regii palatii pars nobilissima , publ. quondam legatorum auditionibus , & praeciputs aulae solennitatibus inserviens , funestissimi spectaculi theatrum & executionis locus deligitur . * ob pietatem seil . insignem ipsique supra exemplum familiatem . * ipsissima ejus verba in secundâ compellatione westmon . i die a martyr for my parliament and people . i stand for the laws of england , and the libertie of my people . * sic prophetico quodam spirtu afflatus aliâ compellatione expressi . that the childe yet unborn may curs the sad events of these violent courses taken against mee . notes for div a e- * il rè d'engelterra rè de los diabolos el rè di francia rè de los asnos , &c. v. notes for div a e- a hamilton , b capel , c holland . capite multati in palatii westmon . areâ publ. a hamilton , b capel , c holland . capite multati in palatii westmon . areâ publ. * sic petrus nutantis fidei poenitentiam egit lacrymis . notes for div a e- a faedere matrimoniali , cum galliâ inito . b foedera tulit domus lancast . & ebor. c scotiae & angliae . d hyberniae . e scotiae . f angliae . g galliae . insignia in scuto regio . notes for div a e- * {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} . notes for div a e- * in binis eâ de re conciliis habitis , vxbridg . & westmon . * beati pacifici . the hymnes and songs of the church diuided into two parts. the first part comprehends the canonicall hymnes, and such parcels of holy scripture as may properly be sung, with some other ancient songs and creeds. the second part consists of spirituall songs, appropriated to the seuerall times and occasions obserueable in the church of england. translated and composed, by g.w. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc a estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the hymnes and songs of the church diuided into two parts. the first part comprehends the canonicall hymnes, and such parcels of holy scripture as may properly be sung, with some other ancient songs and creeds. the second part consists of spirituall songs, appropriated to the seuerall times and occasions obserueable in the church of england. translated and composed, by g.w. wither, george, - . wither, george, - . songs of the old testament. wither, george, - . cantica sacra. gibbons, orlando, - . [ ], , [ ], , [ ] p. : music printed by the assignes of george wither [i.e. john bill] cum priuilegio regis regali, london : [ ] dedication signed: george wither. a revision and expansion of "the songs of the old testament" and "cantica sacra". with tunes by orlando gibbons. printer's name and publication date from stc. this is the only undated edition, and presumably the first (stc). "the authors hymne" begins new pagination on p r. the last leaf bears "to the reader" on recto and errata on verso. reproduction of the original in the bodleian library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng hymns, english -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - rina kor sampled and proofread - rina kor text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the hymnes and songs of the chvrch ; diuided into two parts . the first part comprehends the canonicall hymnes , and such parcels of holy scripture , as may properly be sung , with some other ancient songs and creeds . the second part consists of spirituall songs , appropriated to the seuerall times and occasions obserueable in the church of england . translated and composed , by g. w. london printed by the assignes of george wither . cum priuilegio regis regali . to the high and mighty prince , iames , by the grace of god , king of great britaine , france and ireland , defender of the faith , &c : grace , mercy and peace , through iesus christ our lord. these hymnes ( dread soueraign ) hauing diuers waies receiued life from your maiestie , ( as well as that approbation which the church alloweth ) are now imprinted according to your royall priuiledge , to come abroad vnder your gracious protection . and what i deliuered vnto your princely view at seuerall times , i here present again , incorporated into one volume . the first part wherof , comprehends those canonicall hymnes , which were written , and left for our instruction , by the holy ghost . and those are not onely plainely and briefly expressed in lyrick verse : but by their short prefaces , properly applied also to the churches particular occasions in these times . insomuch , that ( howeuer some neglect them as impertinent ) it is thereby apparant , that they appertaine no lesse to vs , then vnto those , in whose times they were first composed . and ( if the coniecture of many good and learned men deceiue them not ) the later part , containing spirituall songs , appropriated to the seuerall times and occasions obseruable in the church of england ( together with briefe arguments , declaring the purpose of those obseruations ) shall become a meanes both of encreasing knowledge , and christian conformitie within your dominions : which , no doubt , your maiestie wisely foresawe , when you pleased to graunt and command , that these hymnes should be annexed to all psalme-bookes in english meeter . and i hope , you shall thereby encrease both the honour of god , and of your maiestie . for , these hymnes , and the knowledge which they offer , could no other way , with such certainety , and so little inconuenience , be conueied to the common people , as by that meanes which your maiestie hath graciously prouided . and now ( maugre their malice , who labour to disparage & suppresse these helps to deuotion ) they shall , i trust , haue free scope to worke that effect which is desired ; and to which end , i was encouraged to translate and compose them . for , how meanly soeuer some men may thinke of this endeauour ; i trust the successe shall make it appeare , that the spirit of god was the first moouer of the worke . wherin , as i haue endeuored to make my expressions such as may not bee contemptible to men of best vnderstandings : so i haue also labored to sute them to the nature of the subiect , and the common peoples capacities , without regard of catching the vaine blasts of opinion . the same also hath beene the ayme of master orlando gibbons ( your maiesties seruant , and one of the gentlemen of your honourable chappell ) in fitting them with tunes . for , he hath chosen to make his musicke agreeable to the matter , and what the common apprehension can best admit ; rather then to the curious fancies of the time : which path both of vs could more easily haue troden . not caring therfore , what any of those shall censure , who are more apt to controule , then to consider ; i commit this to gods blessing and your fauourable protection : humbly beseeching your maiestie , to accept of these our endeuours ; and praying god to sanctifie both vs and this worke to his glory : wishing also ( most vnfainedly ) euerlasting consolations to your maiestie , for those temporall comforts you haue vouchsafed me , and that felicity here , which may aduance your happinesse in the life to come . amen . your maiesties most loyall subiect , george wither . the first part of the hymnes and songs of the chvrch , containing those which are translated out of the canonicall scripture , together with such other hymnes and creeds , as haue anciently beene sung in the church of england . the preface . plainely false is their supposition , who conc●iue that the hymnes , songs and elegies of the old testament are impert●ment to these later ages of the church . for , neither the actions , nor writings of the auncient israelites , which are recorded by the holy spirit , were permitted to be done , or written for their owne sakes , so much as that they might be profitable to warne and instruct vs of the latter times ; according to saint paul , . cor. . and indeed , so much is not onely testified by that apostle in the place afore recited , and throughout the epistle to the hebrewes ; but the very names of those persons and places , mentioned in these hymnes and songs , doe manifest it , and farre better expresse the nature of that which they mystically point out , then of what they are litterally applied vnto ; as those who will looke into their proper significations shall apparently discouer . that therefore these parcels of holy-scripture ( which are for the most part me●ter in their original tongue ) may be the better remembred , to the glory of god ; and the oftner repeated , to those ends for which they were written . they are here disposed into lyrick-verse ; and doe make the first part of this booke : which booke is called , the hymnes and songs of the church ; not for that i would haue it thought part of the churches liturgie ; but because they are made in the person of all the faithfull , and do ( for the most part ) treat of those things which concerne the whole catholike church . the first song of moses . exod. . this song was composed and sung , to prayse the lord , for the israelites miraculous pas●age through the red-sea , & for their deliuery from those egyptians , who were there drowned . it may ( and should also ) be sung in the christian congregations , or by their particular members , both with respect to the historicall and mysticall sences thereof . historically , in commemoration of that particular deliuerance , which god had so long agoe , and so wondrously vouchsafed to his persecuted and afflicted church . mystically , in acknowledgement of our own powerfull deliuerance from the bondage of those spiri●uall aduersaries , whereof those were the types . for , pharaoh ( signifying vengeance ) typified our great enemie , who with his host of temptations , a●flictions , &c. pursueth vs in our passage to the spirituall canaan . the red-sea represented our baptisme , cor. . . by the dukes and princes of e●om ( mentioned in this song ) are prefigured those powers and friends of the kingdome of dark●nesse , which are , or shall be , molested at the newes of our regeneration . and therefore , this hymne may very properly be vsed after the administration of baptisme . the first song . now shall the praises of the lord be sung ; for , hee a most renowned triumph wonne : both horse and man into the sea he flung : and them together there hath ouerthrowne . the lord is he , whose strength doth make me strong ; and he is my saluation , and my song : my god , for whom i will a house prepare ; my fathers god , whose prayse i will declare . well kno●es the lord , to war what doth pertaine ; the lord-almighty is his glorious name : ●e pharaohs charrets , and his armed traine , amid the sea or'ewhelming , ouercame : those of his army , that were most renoun'd , ●e hath together in the red-sea drown'd ; the deepes , a couering ouer them were throwne , and to the bottome sunke they like a stone . lord , by thy powre thy right hand famous growes : thy right hand , lord , thy foe destroyed hath : thy glory thy opposers ouerthrowes ; and stubble-like , consumes them in thy wrath . a blast but from thy nostrils forth did goe , and vp together did the waters flow ; yea , rowled vp on heapes ; the liquid flood amid the sea , as if congealed , stood . i will pursue them ( their pursuer cri'd ) i will or'etake them , and the spoile enioy : my lust vpon them shal be satisfi'd : with sword vnsheath'd my hand shall them destroy . then from thy breath a gale of winde was sent ; the billowes of the sea quite or'e them went : and they the mighty waters suncke into , eu'n as a weighty peece of lead will do . lord , who like thee among the gods is there ! in holinesse so glorious who may be ! whose prayses so exceeding dreadfull are ! in doing wonders , who can equall thee ! thy glorious right hand thou on high didst reare , and in the earth they quickly swallow'd were . but thou in mercy on-ward hast conua●d thy people , whose redemption thou hast paid . them by thy strength thou hast bin pleas●d to beare unto a holy dwelling place of thine : the nations at report thereof shall feare ; and grieue shall they that dwell in palestine . on edoms princes shall amazement fall : the mighty men of moab tremble shall ; and such as in the land of cana'n dwell shall pine away , of this when they heare tell . they shal be ceazed with a dreadfull feare : sto●e-quiet thy right hand shall make them be ▪ till passed ouer , lord , thy people are ; till those passe ouer , that were bought by thee . for , thou shalt make thē to thy hill repaire , and plant them there ( oh lord ) where thou art heire : eu'n there , where thou thy dwelling hast prepar'd ; that holy place which thine owne hands haue rear'd . the lord shall euer and for euer raigne . ( his soueraignty shall neuer haue an end ) for , when as pharoh did into the maine with charrets and with horsemen downe descend , the lord did backe againe the sea recall , and with those waters ouerwhelm'd them all . but , through the very inmost of the same , the seed of israel safe and dry-shod came . the second song of moses . deut. . this song was giuen by god himselfe , to be taught the iewes , that it might remaine as a witnesse against them when they should forget his benefits . for , it appeares , the diuine wisedome knew , that when the law would be lost , or forgotten , a song might be remembred to posteritie . in this hymne ( heauen and earth being c●lled to witnesse ) the pr●phet makes first a narration of the iewes peruersnes , and then deliuereth prophetically three principall things ; wherein diuers other particulars are considerable . the first is a praediction of the iewes idolatry , with the punishments of it . the second is their h●tred to christ , with their abiection . and the last , is of the calling of the gentiles . we therefore , that haue by f●ith and experience seene the successe of what is herein foretold , ought to sing it often , in remembrance of gods iustice and mercy . and ( seeing we are all apt enough to become as forgetfull of our redeemers fauour as they ) we should by the repetition hereof , seeke so to stirre vp our considerations , that ( as saint paul counselleth ) we might the better meditate the goodnesse and seueritie of god , &c. for , if he hath not spared the naturall branches , let vs take heed , as the same apostle aduiseth . rom. . . song . . sing this as the first song . to what i speake an eare yee heauens lend , and heare , thou earth , what words i vtter wil. like drops of raine , my speeches shall descend , and as the dew , my doctrine shall distill : like to the smaller raine on tender flowres ; and as vpon the grasse the greater showres . for , i the lords great name will publish now ; that so our god may praysed be of you . he is that rocke , whose workes perfection are : for , all his wayes with iudgement guided be . a god of truth , from all wrong-doing cleere : a truely iust , and righteous-one is he ; though they themselues defil'd vnlike his sons . and are a crooked race of froward-ones . oh mad and foolish nation ! why dost thou thy selfe vnto the lord so thanklesse show ? thy father and redeemer is not he ? hath he not made , and now confirm'd thee fast ? oh call to mind the dayes that older be , and weigh the yeares of many ages past . for , if thou aske thy father , he will tell , thy elders also , can informe thee well , how , he ( the high'st ) did adams sonnes diuide , and shares for eu'ry family prouide ; and how the nations bounds he did prepare , in number with the sonnes of israel . for , in his people had the lord his share , and iacob for his part alotted fell : whom finding in a place possest of none , ( a desert va●● , vntilled and vnknowne ) he taught them there ; he led them farre and nigh , and kept them as the apple of his eye . eu'n as an eagle , to prouoke her young . about her nest doth houer here and there , spread forth her wings to traine her birds along , and sometime on her back● her yonglings beare : right so , the lord conducted them alone , when for his aid strange god with him was none . them on the high-lands of the earth he set , where they the plenties of the field might eat . for them he made the rocke with hony flow : he drayned oyle from stones , and them did feed with milke of sh●epe , with butter of the cow , with goats , fat lambs , & rams of bashan breed . the finest of the wheat he made their food ; and of the grape they drunke the purest blood ▪ but , herewithall vnthankfull israel so fat became , he kicked with his heel . growne ●at , and ●ith their grossenesse couerd or'e . their god , their maker , they did soone forsake : their rock of health regarded was no more : but with strange gods him iealous they did make ▪ to moue his wrath , they hatefull things deuiz'd : to diuels in his stead they sacrifiz'd : to gods vnknowne , that new inuented we●e , and such ▪ as their fore-fathers did not feare . they minded not the rocke who them begate , but quite forgot the god , that ●orm'd them hath : which when the l●r● perceiu'd , it made him ●ate his sonnes & daughters , mouing him to wrath . to marke their end , said he , i le hide my face : for , they are faithlesse sonnes , of froward race : my wrath , with what is not a god , they moue , and my displeasure with their follies proue . and i , by those that are no people , yet their ●rathfull ielousie will moue for this ; and by a foolish nation make them fret . for , in my wrath a fire inflamed is ; and down to hell the earth consume it shall , eu'n to the mountains bottoms , fruit and all ▪ in heapes vpon them mischiefes will i throw ; and shoot mine arrowes till i haue no moe . with hunger parched and consum●d with heat , i will enforce them to a bitter end : the teeth of beasts vpon them will i set , and will the poys'nous dust-fed serpent send . the sword without , and feare within , shall s●ay ma●ds , yongmen , babes , and him whose haire is gray ▪ yea , i had vow●d to spread thē here & there , men might forget , that such a people were . but this the foe compe'ld me to delay ; lest tha● their aduersaries ( prouder growne ) should ●when they heard it ) thus presume to say ; this , not the lord , but our high hand hath done . for , in this people no discretion is ; nor can their dulnesse reach to iudge of this . oh had they wisedome this to comprehend ! that so they might bethinke them of their end . how should one make a thousand run away , or two men put ten thousand to the foile ; except their rocke had sold them for a pray , and that the lord had clos'd them vp the while ? for , though our foes thēselues the iudges were , their god they cannot with our god compare : but , they haue vines like those that sodom yeelds , and such as are within gomorrha fields . they beare the grapes of gall vpon their vine : extreamely bitter are their clusters all : yea , made of dragons venom is their wine , and of the cruell aspes , infectious gall . and can this ( euer ) be forgot of me ! or not be sealed where my treasures be ? sure , mine is vengeance ; and i will repay : their feet shall slide at their appointed day . their time of ruine neere at hand is come : those things that shall befall them hast will make . for , then the lord shall giue his people doome , and on his seruants kind compassion take : when he perceiues their strength bereft & gone , and that in prison they are left alone ; where a●e their gods become ? he then shall say ; their rocke on whom affiance they did lay ? who ate the fartest of their sacrifice ? who of their drinke-oblations dranke the wine ? let those vnto their succour now arise , and vnder their protection them enshrine . behold , consider now , that i am he , and that there is no other god with me : i kill and make aliue : i wound , i cure ; and there is none can from my hand assure . for , vp to heau'n on high my hand i reare . and ( as i ●●ue for euer ) this i say ; when i my shining sword to whet prepare , and shall my hand to acting vengeance lay , i will not c●ase till i my foes requite , and am aueng d on all that beare me spite : but , in their blood , ●hich i shall make to flow , will steepe mine arrowes , till they drunken grow . my sword shall eat the flesh and blood of those who shal be either slaine or brought in thra●l , when i begin this vengeance on my foes . sing therefore , wi●h his p●ople , nations all . for , he his seruants blood with blood will pay , and due auengement on his foes will lay . but , to his land compassion he will show ; and on his people mercy shall bestow . the song of deborah and barak . iudges . . this hymne was composed to glorifie god for the great ouerthrow giuen to sisera : who comming armed with many hundred chare●s of iron against the poore oppressed israelites ( when they had not a sword or speare among forty thou●and of them ) was neuerthelesse miraculously discomfited : to shew the vnbeleeuing people , that the lord onely is the god of b●ttles ; and , that he is both able , an● doth often , deliuer his chvrch without the ordinary meanes . by the repetition hereof , we prayse god , in commemorating one of the great deliuerance● heretofore vouchsafed to his church . and in these times of feare and wauering , we may also by this memorable example of god's prouidence , strengthen our faith , which is many times weakned by the outward power , prosperitie , or vaine boastings of the churches aduersaries : who shall ( doubtlesse ) be at last shamefully ruined ( according to the propheticall imprecation concluding this song ) notwithstanding their many likelihoods of preuailing . yea , the● , perhaps , shall that destruction come on them , to gods greater glory , when our estate seemes to be most desperate . song . . sing praises isr'el to the lord , that thee auenged so : when to the fight with free accord , the people forth did go . you kings giue care ; you princes heare , while to the lord i raise my voice aloud , and sing to god , ( the lord of isr'el ) praise . when thou departedst , lord , from seir , when thou leftst edom f●eld , earth shooke , the heauens dropped there , the clouds did water yeeld . lord , at thy sight a trembling fright upon the mountaines fell : eu●n at thy looke mount-sinai shooke , lord god of israel . not long agoe in shamghar's dayes , old anath's valiant sonne ; and late , in iael's time ; the wayes frequented were of none : the passengers were wanderers in crooked paths vnknowne : and none durst dwell through israel , but in a walled towne . untill i deborah arose ( who rose a mother there ) in isr'el when new gods they chose , that fild their gates with warre . and they had there nor shield nor speare in their possession , then ; to arme● for fight ) one israelite , mong forty thousand men . to those that isr'els captaines are my heart doth much incline ; to those , i meane , that willing were : oh lord the prayse be thine . sing ye for this , whose vse it is to ride on asses gray ; all ye that yet in middin sit , or trauell by the way . the place where they their water drew , from archers now is cleare . the 〈◊〉 vprightnesse they shall shew , and ●is iust dealing there . the hamlets all , through isr'el shall his righteousnesse record : and downe vnto the gates shall goe th people of the lord . arise oh deborah arise : ri●e , ri●e , and sing a song . abinoam's sonne , oh barak rise : thy captiues lead along . their prince all , by him made thrall to the suruiuor be . to triumph on the mighty one , the lor● vouchsafed me . a root , from out of ephraim gain'st amalek arose : and ( of the people ) next to him the beniamites were those . from machir ( where good leaders are ) came well experienc't men : and they came downe from zabulon that handle well the pen. along with deborah did goe the lords of isachar ; with isachar , eu'n barak too , was one among them there . he foorth was sent , and marching went on foot the lower-way . for reuben ( where diuisions were● right thought-full hearts had they . the blea●ing of the flockes to heare . oh wherefore didst thou stay r for reuben ( where diuisions were ) right thought-full hearts had they ▪ but , why did they of gilead stay on iordans other side ? and wherefore than , didst thou oh dan , within thy tents abide ? among his harbours , lurking by the seaside , asher lay . but , zabulun and nephthali kept not themselues away . they people are , who fearelesse dare their liues to death expose ; and did not yeeld the hilly-field , though kings did them oppose . with them the cananitish kings at tana'ch fought that day , close by megiddo's water-springs ; yet bore no prize away . for loe , the starres fought in their spheares : gainst sisera fought they . and some ( by force ) the water-course of kishon , swept away . eu'n kishon riuer , which was long a famous torrent knowne . oh thou my soule ! oh thou , the strong , hast brauely trodden downe . their horse ( whose pace so lofty was ) their hoofes with prancing wound ; those of the strong , that kickt and flung , and fiercely beat the ground . a heauy curse on meroz lay : curst be her dwellers all . the angell of the lord doth say , that citie curse you shall . and , therefore , this accursing is : they came not to the fight , to helpe the lord , ( to helpe the lord ) against the men of might . but , blest be iael , heber's spouse the kenite ; blest be she , more then all women are , of those that vse in tents to be . to him did she giue milke , when he did water onely wish ; and butter set for him to eat , upon a lordly dish . she , in her left hand tooke a naile . and rais'd vp in the right a workemans hammer ; wherewithall she sisera did smite . his head she tooke when she had strooke his pierced temples through . he fell withall : and in the fall , he at her feet did bow . he at her feet did bow his head ; fell downe , and life forlooke . meane whil● his longing mother did from out her window looke : thus , c●ying at the lattice grate , why stayes his chariot so from hasting home ? oh! wherefore come his chariot wheeles so slow ? as thus she spake , her ladies wise to her an answere gaue . yea , to herselfe , her selfe replies ; sure , sped ( saith she ) they haue : and all this while they part the spoyle ; a damsell , one or twaie , each homeward beares , and sisera shares a party-colour'd pray . of needle-worke , both sides of it in diuers colours , are : eu'n such as doth his necke befit that vseth spoyles to weare . so lord still so , thy foes or'e throwe : but , who in thee delight , oh! le● them be sunne-like , when he ascendeth in his might . the song of hannah . . sam. . . hannah the wife of elkanah , being bar●en ( and therefore vpbraided ●nd vexed by pe●innah her hu●bands other wife ) prayed vnto the lord for a sonne . and hauing obtained him , glorified god in this song , for deliuering her from the contempt of her aduer●ary . by hannah ( which signifieth grace or gratious ) was the church of christ ●epresented : and by peninnah ( signifying despised or forsaken ) was figured the iewish synagogue . this song therefore , is to be vnderstood as a mysticall prophesie of that abiection of the iewes and calling of the gentiles , which was fulfilled vpon the birth of iesus christ , our true samuel : at whose conception the blessed virgine mary , in her magnificat , acknowledged the verifying of many particulars foretold in this song ; euen almost in the same words . in memoriall therefore of these mysteries , we ought to sing this hymne : to comfort vs also , against the pride and arrogancie of those , who , by reason of their multitudes , shall scorne , and vpbraid the true church , as mother only of a few poore and obscure children . and we may vse it likewise to prayse god for that fruitfulnesse which he hath giuen to our holy mother ; who hath lately had many children aduanced to be kings , and to sit on the most eminent thrones of glory in the earth , according to this propheticall song . song . . now in the lord my heart doth pleasure take : my ho●ne is in the lord aduanced high . and to my foes an answere i will make ; because in his saluation ioy'd am i. like him , there is not any holy-one : and other lord beside him , there is none : nor like our god another god is there . so proudly vaunt not then , as heretofore ; but , let your tongues from henceforth now forbeare ▪ all vaine presuming words , for euermore . for why ? the lord is god who all things knows , and doth each purpose to his end dispose . now broken is their bow , that once were stout : and girt with vigor they that stumbled are . the full , themselues for bread haue hired out : which now they need not do , that hungry were . the barren-wombe , doth seuen children owne : and she , that once had many , weake is growne . the lord doth slay ; and he reuiues the slaine . he to the graue doth bring ; and backe he beares . the lord makes poore ; and rich he makes againe . he throweth downe : and vp on high he reares . he from the dust , and from the dunghill brings the begger , and the poore , to sit with kings . he reares them to inherit glories throne . for why ? the lord' 's the earth's vpholders are : the world hath he erected therevpon . he to the footing of his saints hath care . but , dumb in darknesse , sinners shall remaine : for in their strength , shall men be strong in vain . the lord will to destruction bring them all , ( eu'n eu'ry one ) that shall with him contend . from out of heau'n he thunder on them shall , and iudge the world vnto the farthest end . with strength & power , his king he will supply , and raise the horne of his anointed , high . the lamentation of dauid , ouer saul , and ionathan his sonne , . sam. . ● . in this fune●all elegie dauid bewaileth the death of saul and ionathan : from whence these obseruations may be collected . first , that the slaughter of a valiant prince is an outward blemish , and iust cause of sorrow in the state. secōdly that the insulting of an aduersary is not the least affliction . thirdly , that the mountaines of gilboa are accursed to this day : for , by gilb●● ( which is interpreted slippery or inconstant ) is mystically vnderstood that irresolution or despaire , by which men fall into the power of their spirituall aduersary . fourthly , we hence may learne to commemorate those things which ●re ●ra●e-worthy euen in our enemie . lastly it sheweth vs that wise and good men may tender o●e friend more affectionately then another ; and that it misbeseemes them not to bewaile their death . this is to be ●ung historically for our instruction in the particulars afore mentioned . and may be obserued as a patterne for our funerall poemes . song . . thy beauty , israel , is gone ; slaine in the places high is he : the mighty now are ouerthrowne . oh , thus how commeth it to be ! let not this newes their streets throughout , in gath , or askalon , be told for feare philistia's daughters flout : lest vaunt th'vncircumcized should . on you , hereafter , let no dewe you mountaines of gilboa , fall . let there be neither showers on you , nor fields that breed an offring shall . for , there with shame , away was throwne the target of the strong ( alas ) the shield of saul , eu'n as of one that neu'r with oyle anoynted was . nor from their blood that slaughter'd lay , nor from the fart of strong-men slaine ; came ionathan his bow away , nor drew forth saul his sword in vaine ▪ in life time , they were louely faire ; in death they vndiuided are . more swift then eagles of the ayre , and stronger they , then lyons were . weepe isrel's daughters , weepe for saul , who you with skarlet hath arayd ; who clothed you with pleasures all , and on your garments gold hath layd . how comes it , he that mighty was , the foyle in battell doth sustaine ! thou ionathan , oh thou ( alas ) upon thy places-high wert slaine . and , much distressed is my heart , my brother ionathan , for thee , my very deare-delight thou wert , and wondrous was thy loue to me . so wondrous , it surpassed farre the loue of women ( eu'ry way . ) oh , how the mighty fallen are ! how warlike instruments , decay ! dauids thankesgiuing . . chro. . . king dauid hauing by perswasions and his own● liberall example , stirred vp the people to a bou●tifull beneuolence toward the building of gods house ▪ praysed him for that willing and cheereful free-offrin● ▪ and in this thanksgiuing , we obserue this method . fir●● ▪ he acknowledgeth gods blessednesse , greatnesse , pow●● , glory , victory , maiestie , bountie , with the like : and co●fesseth in generall that honour , riches , strength , wi●● all other good things are at the almighties disposing . secondly , he therefore prayseth the lord ; and acknowledgeth also , that his , and the peoples willingnesse 〈◊〉 giue , came not of themselues ; but was gods ow●● proper gift ( as well as that which they had giuen . ) la●●ly , he prayeth for the continuance of gods blessin● both vpon their purposes and endeauours : and , th●● their beneuolence may be disposed to that end for whic● it was giuen . this song , may be very properly vsed , whensoeuer among vs , there hath beene any free an● liberall contributions to good and pious ends. an● to fit the same the better to such purposes ; the person● ▪ and some few circumstances , are a little changed 〈◊〉 this translation . song . . sing this as the fifth song . oh lord our euerlasting god , blisse , greatnesse , power , & praise is thine . with thee , haue conquests their abode , and glorious maiestie diuine . all things that earth and heau'n afford , thou at thine owne disposing hast . to thee belongs the kingdome , lord , and thou , for head , or'e all art plac●t . thou wealth , and honour dost command , to thee , made subiect all things be : both strength and power , are in thine hand , to be dispos'd as pleaseth thee . and now , to thee our god therefore ; a song of thankfulnesse we frame . ( that what we owe , we may restore ) and glorifie , thy glorious name . but , what , or who are we ( alas ) that we in giuing are so free ! thine own before , our offring'was , and all we haue , we haue from thee . for , we are ghuests , and strangers here , as were our fathers in thy sight : our dayes but shadow-like appeare , and suddenly they take their flight . this offring , lord our god , which thus we for thy name sake haue bestowne , deriued was , from thee , to vs ; and that we giue , is all thine owne . oh god , thou proou'st the heart , we know , and dost affect vprightnesse there . with gladnesse , therefore , we bestow what we haue freely offerd here . still thus ( oh lord our god ) incline their meanings , who thy people be . and euer , let the hearts of thine be thus prepared vnto thee . yea , giue vs perfit hearts , we pray , that we thy p●ecepts erre not from . and grant , our contribution may an honour to thy name become . the prayer of nehemiah . nehem. . . nehemiah , determining ( as the story sheweth ) to moue artaxerxes for the repaire of the citie and house of the lord , first made this prayer . wherein hauing acknowledged the maiestie , iustice , and mercy of god , he confesseth the haynousnes●e of his and his peoples sinnes ; desireth forgiuenesse ; entreateth for the peoples deliuerance from captiuitie ; and requesteth h● may find fauour in the sight of the king his master . now , we who by regeneration are the sonnes of israel ( and such as in a spirituall sence , may be said also , to be dispersed among the heathen , as often ●s we are carried captiue by the heathenish con●upiscences and vanities of the wor●d ) euen we may in a litterall sence make vse of this excellent forme of confession , before our seuerall petitions . and doubtles●e a faithfull vsing o● these the holy ghosts ow●e words ( with remembrance of the h●ppie successe they her●tofore had ) will much strengthen and encrease the hope , confidence , and comfort of him that prayeth . who changing the two last lines onely , may appropriate it to any nec●ssity . for example , if it be to be sung before labour , conclud● it thus ; and be thou pleas'd , o lord ▪ to blesse ; our labours with a good successe if before a iourney , thus ; and lord all dangers keepe vs f●om ; both go●●g foorth , and comming home . if before a battel thus ; and be thou pleased , in the fight , to make vs victors by thy might . if in the time of famine , thus ; and , lord vouchsafe thou , in this need , our soules and bodies both to feed . if before a sermon , &c. thus ; and grant , that we , lord , in thy feare , may to our profit speake and heare . and the like , as occasion requires . song . . sing this as the . song . lord god of heau'n , who onely art the mighty god , and full of feare ; who neuer promise ▪ breaker wert , but euer shewing mercy there where men affection beare to thee , and of thy lawes obseruers be . giue eare , and ope thine eyes , i pray , that heard thy seruan●s suit may be , made in thy presence night and day , for israels seed , that serueth thee : for israels seed , who ( i confesse ) against thee grieuously transgresse . i , and my fathers house did sinne , corrupted all our actions bee : and disrespectiue we haue bin of statutes , iudgements , and decree ; of those , which to retaine so fast , thy seruant moses charg'd thou hast . oh yet , remember thou , i pray , these words , which thou didst heretofore unto thy seruant moses say . if ere ( saidst thou ) they vexe me more , i will disperse them eu'ry where , among the nations here and there . but , if to me they shall conuert , to doe those things my law containe ; though spread to heau'ns extreamest part , i would collect them thence againe , and bring them there to make repose , where i to place my name haue chose . now , these thy people are ( of right ) thy seruants , who to thee belong ; whom thou hast purchas'd by thy might , and by thine arme exceeding strong : oh! let thine eare , lord , i thee pray , attentiue be to what i say . the prayer of thy seruant heare ; oh , heare thy seruants when they pray , ( who willing are thy name to feare ) thy seruant prosper thou to day : and be thou pleas'd to grant that he may fauour'd in thy presence be . the song of king lemuel . prou . . this song is alphabeticall in the originall . it containeth an admirable description of a good wife : and these three things are here principally considerable ; the aduantage her husband receiueth by her ; the commendable vertues she hath in her selfe ; and the reward th●● followes her . her husbands aduantages are these : a quiet heartfree from iealousie or distrust of her ; a ric● estate without oppressing others ; and place of hono●● in the common-wealth . her vertues are , industry , pr●uidence , chearefulnesse , courage , and vnweariednesse in prouiding for , & disposing of her temporall affaires : moreouer continuall loue to her husband ; liberality to the poore ; gouernment of her tongue ; and heedfulnesse to those courses her houshold takes . her reward is this : her husband is confident in her ; she shall haue comfort of her labours ; her posterity shall blesse her ; her husband shall praise her aboue other women : she shall be honoured in life , and haue ioy at her death . it is indeed , an excellent marriage-song , fit to be vsed at the solemnizing of those rites . for it ministreth instruction becomming that occasion . yea perhaps , the musicke of it would stirre vp good affections also ( where vnpleasing discords are now heard ) if it were often sung in priuate families . song . viii . sing this as the sixt song . who findes a woman good and wise , a gemme more worth then pearls hath got ; her husbands heart on her relies : to liue by spoyle he needeth not . his comfort all his life is she . no wrong she willingly will doe : for wooll and flax her searches be : and cheerefull hands she puts thereto . the merchant-ship resembling right , her food she from a farre doth fet . e're day she wakes , that giue she might her maids their taske , her houshold meat . a field she viewes , and that she buyes ; her hand doth plant a vineyard there , her loynes with courage vp she tyes ; her armes with vigor strengthned are . if in her worke she profit feele , by night her candle goes not out : she puts her finger to the wheele , her hand the spindle twirles about . to such as poore and needy are , her hand ( yea , both hands ) reacheth she : the winter none of hers doth feare , for , double cloath d her houshold be . she mantles maketh , wrought by hand ▪ and silke and purple clothing gets : among the rulers of the land ( knowne in the gate ) her husband sits . for sale , fine linnen weaueth she , and ●irdles to th● marchant se●ds : renowne and strength her clothings be , and ioy her later time , attends . she speakes discreetly when she talkes ; the law of grace her tongue hath learn●d : she heeds the way her houshold walkes , and feedeth not on bread vn-eatn●d . her children ris● , and blest her call : her husband thus applaudeth her ; oh! thou hast farre surpast them all , though many daughters thriuing are . deceitfull fauour quickly weares , and beauty suddenly decayes : but , if the lord she truly fear●s that woman well deserueth praise . the fruit her handy worke obtaines , without repining grant her that ; and yeeld her what her labour gaines , to doe her honour in the gate , the song of songs . the preface . svch is the mercy of god , that hee taketh aduantage euen of our naturall affections , to beget in our soules an apprehension of his loue , and of the mysteries which tend to our true happinesse ; so , fitting his diuine expressions to the seuerall inclinations of men , that meanes might be prouided to winne some of all . for , otherwhile hee doth it by comparing the same to the glories of a temporall kingdome , to winne such as are most desirous of honours . sometime hee illustrates it by treasures , gold , and pretious stones , &c. the better to allure such as are tempted with things of that nature . and diuers other wayes also , as appeares throughout the booke of god. but in this song of salomon ( wherein is mystically expressed the mutuall aff●ction betwixt christ and his church , with the chiefe passages therof throughout all ages from abel to the last iudgement ; at which time their blessed marriage shall be fully consūmated ) he doth most mouing●y impart vnto vs , the rau●shing contentments of the diuine-loue ; by comparing it to that delight which is conceaued in the strongest , the commonest , the most pleasing , the most naturall and the most commendable of our affections . and doubtles , it powerfully preuaileth to the enflaming of their spirituall loue , who seeke rightly to vnderstand and apply the mysteries & expressions herein contained . let no man therefore presume to sing , or repeat , in a carnall sense , what is here spiritually intended ; vpon paine of gods heauie indignation . nor let the wisedome of flesh and bloud vainely neglect gods fauour , in offring this for the comfort of such as will rightly apply the same ; because some atheists and sensuall men , shall perhaps turne this grace of god into wa●to●nesse , to their owne condemnation . the first canticle . in this canticle , is first expressed that longing which the whole catholicke church had for the embraces of her redeemer , ( from the time of abel , till his first comming ) with her acknowledgement of his rauishing excellencies ; her desire to be drawne after him ; and her confession of that ioyful happinesse which will arise from his fauours . secondly , the particular church of the gentiles is brought in , intreating an vndespised vn●on with the synagogue of the iewes , both confessing and excusing her blemishes . thirdly , the whole catholike-church is againe introduced , as desiring to be fed and guided by her beloued shepheard . fourthly , her petition is most graciously answered , and she directed to follow the steps of the holy patriarkes and prophets . finally , christ setteth forth the power and rich graces of his spouse , with what other ornaments hee will prepare for her . this canticle w● may sing to the stirring vp of our spirituall loue ; hauing first seriously meditated th●se things : to wit ; that desire we ought to haue in our soules to be ioyned to christ ; the excellencie of his perfections ; the backwardnesse of our humane nature to entertaine his loue ; the deformity and dammage we sustaine till wee be receiued into the communion of saints ; the readinesse of christ to receiue and direct vs ; the pleasure he will take in our loue ; and the prouision he will make for the further beautifying of our soules . song . . come kisse me with those lips of thine ; for , better are thy loues then wine . and , as the powred oyntments be , such is the sauour of thy name : and , for the sweetnesse of the same , the virgins are in loue with thee . begin but thou to draw me on , and th●n , we after thee will run . oh , king , thy chambers bring me to : so , we in thee delight shall finde , and more then ●ine thy loue will minde ; and loue thee as the righteous doe . and daughters of ierusalem , i pray you doe not me contemne , because that blacke i now appeare . for , i as louely am ( i know ) as kedar tents ( appeare in show ) or solomon his curtaines are . though blacke i am , regard it not : it is but sunne-burne i haue got ; whereof my mothers sonnes were cause : their uineyard keeper me they made , ( through enuy which to me they had ) so , mine owne uine neglected was . thou , whom my soule doth best affect , u●●o thy pastures me direct , where thou at noone art stretcht along : for , why should i be stragling spide like her that loues to turne aside , thy fellow●shepheards flockes among ? oh fairest of all woman kinde ! ( if him thou know not where to finde ) goe where the paths of cattell are : their tract of foot-steps stray not from , till to the shepheard tents thou come , and feed thy tender kidlings there . my loue , thou art of greater force , then pharaoh's troupes of cha●ret-hor●e . thy cheekes and necke , made louely be with rowes of stone , and many a chaine : and , we gold-borders will ordaine , beset with siluer studs ▪ for thee . the second canticle . this song seemeth to set forth the mysterie of christ his incarnation , whereby the churches first petition ( mentioned in the former canticle ) is accomplished . and herein , these particulars appeare to be mystically expressed . his birth and repose betweene the two testaments , with his sweet and sanctifying operations . secondly , the churches acknowledgment of her redeemers beauty , innocency , and delightfulnesse ; with how pleasant and incorruptible an habitation , is prepared for those louers ; and what excellent priuiledges she hath by his fauour . thirdly , christ and his church doe ( as two louers ) interchangeably preferre one another before all others , by way of comparison . fourthly , the spouses spirituall loue-sicke passions are expressed . and lastly ( shee hauing declared how shee is enclosed in his embraces ) there is warning giuen that their sweet vnion be not disturbed . this canticle may be properly sung vpon the feast of christs nati●ity , or at any other time ; wee hauing first prepared our selues by a fruitfull meditating the particular mysteries of the song . song . . sing this as the ninth song . while that the king was at repast , my spikenard his perfumings cast ; and twixt my breasts repos'd my deare : my loue , who is as sweet to me as myrrh● or camphire bund●es be , which at engaddi uineyards are . loe , thou art faire ; loe , thou my loue art faire , and eyed like the doue : thou faire , and pleasant art my deare . and loe , our bed with flowers is strow'd : our house is beam●d with cedar-wood ; and of the firre our rafters are . i am the rose that sharon yeelds , the rose and lilly of the fields , and flower of all the dales below . my loue among the daughters showes , as when a sweet and beauteous rose amid her bush of thornes doth grow . among the sonnes , such is my deare , as doth an apple-tree appeare , within a shrubby forrest plac't . i sate me downn beneath his shade , ( whereto a great desire i had ) and sweet his fruit was to my tast . me , to his banquet-house he bare , eu'n where his wine-prouisions are : and there his loue my banner was . with flagons me from fainting stay : with apples comfort me , i pray ; for i am sicke of loue ( alas . ) my head with his left hand he stayd : his right-hand ouer me he layd . and by the harts and roes ( said he ) you daughters of ierusalem stirre not ( for you i charge by them ) nor wake my loue till pleas'd she be . the third canticle . by contemplating this canticle , we may be mystically informed of christs calling his church in the apostles , and of her estate in the beginning of christianity , when he went from place to place ( as a hynde ouer the mountaines ) to further the worke of our redemption ; wooing his disciples ( and in them his church ) to follow him , by shewing his diuinity a little and a little ( as it were ) through the grate , and from behinde the wall of his humanity . moreouer , the spring-like season of the gospell , after the cloudy and winter-like time vnder the law , is here set forth . and then the church hauing petitioned that the curtaines of the ceremoniall law might be so drawne away , as that she may both heare and see her beloued in his vnuailed perfections ; she requesteth also , that the sly enimies of his vineyard may be destroyed . she reioyceth likewise in their mutuall loues ; and prayeth him that whilst the day of grace lasteth , she may on all occasions enioy his speedy consolations . lastly , the church confesseth how blindly she sought christ during the night of the law ; how diligently ( and through what afflictions ) she searched after him ; how at length she found him ; where also , & with what affections she entertayned him : and so concludes , as in the former canticle . it ought therefore to be sung with reuerence , and consideration of the mysteries therein contained . song . xi . sing this as the fift song . i heare my loue : and him i see come leaping by the mountaines there . loe , o're the hillockes trippeth he ; and roe , or stag-like , doth appeare . l●e , from behind the wall he pries : now , at the window-grate is he . now speakes my deare , and saies , arise my loue , my faire , and come with me . loe , winter's past , and com●e the spring , the raine is gone , the weather cleare : the season wooes the birds to sing : and on the earth the flowers appeare . the turtle croweth in our field : young figs the figge-tree downe doth weigh : the blossom'd uines a sauour yeeld , rise loue , my faire , and come away . my doue , that art obscured , where the rockes darke staires doe thee infold : thy voice , ( thy sweet voice ) let me heare , and thee ( that louely sight ) behold . those foxes cubs the uines that marre , goe take vs , whilst the grapes be young : my loues am i ; and mine●s my deare , who feeds the ●illy flowers among . while breake of day , when shades depart , returne my well-beloued one ; eu'n as a roe , or lusty hart , that doth on bether mountaines runne . for him , that to my soule is deare , within my bed , by night i sought : i sought ; but him i found not there ▪ thus therefore , with my selfe i thought : i le rise , and round the citty wend , through lanes , and open waies i 'le goe , that i my soules-delight may finde . so there i sought , and mist him too . the citty-watch , me lighted on ; them askt i for my soules-delight : and somewhat past them being gone , my soules-beloued found i straight . whom there in my embrace i caught : and him forsooke i not , till he into my mothers house i brought , her chamber who conceiued me . you daughters of ie●usalem , surre not ( by field-bred harts and roes ; for you i doe adiute by them ) nor wake my loue till she dispose . the fourth canticle . here , the royall prophet first singeth christ his going forth to preach the gospel ; metaphorically expressing it ( and as it were ) by way of ●dmira●●o● , at the excellent manner thereof . next he mentioneth his couch ( or resting place ) meaning either the church , or else that bed of his humanitie which the holy fathers and pastors of the church ( as her valiant champions ) defended by the sword of gods word , against infidels , heretickes , and all the powers and terrours of the kingdome of darkenesse then he mystically describeth that palace , throne , or abiding place of christ , together with the glorie of it , as well in regard of the precious matter of each seuerall part , as in respect of the forme and ●eautie of the whole fabri●ke . and lastly , he exhort●th 〈◊〉 the faithfull ( vnder the name of the daughters of syon ) to contemplate seriously , the excellent glorie of christ , when ( by his incarnation ) the deitie was espoused to the humanitie . in singing this we are to meditate in what securitie and glorious contentment we shall enioy the embraces of our redeemer ; seeing his bed and place for entertainement of the daughters of ierusalem ( that is the soules of the faithfull ) is so excellently built and furnished , as this allegorie implyeth . song . . sing this as the fift song . what 's he that from the desert , there , doth like those smoaky pillers come , which from the incense , and the myr●he , and , all the merchant-spices fume ? his bed ( which loe is solomons ) threescore stout men about it stand : they are of israels valiant ones ; and all of them with swords in hand . all those are men expert in fight : and each one on his thigh doth weare a sword ; that terrors of the night may be forbid from comming there . king solomon a goodly place with trees of libanon did reare : each piller of it siluer was ; and gold , the bases of them were . with purple couer'd he the same : and all the pauement ( thoroughout . ) oh daughters of ierusalem , for you , which charity is wrought . come syon daughter● , come away : and crowned with his diadem king solomon behold you may . that crowne , his mother set on him , when he a married man was made , and in his heart contentment had . the fift canticle . that louelinesse which is found in the most beautifull body , endowed with the riches of the mind , and adorned with the goods of fortune ( being of all obiects the most powerfull ouer humane affections . ) the holy ghost in this song of songs , hath thereby mystically expressed the churches estate in her seuerall ages : that so it might the better worke into our soules an apprehension both of those excellent perfections christ hath bestowed on his church ; and the better informe vs also of that vnspeakeable affection which he beareth vnto her . and it seemeth ( the metaphors in this allegory being expounded ) that the state of the church in her seueral members is here described ; with her louers affection shewed towards her , about the time of the gospels entrance ; euen when our blessed sauiour was abiding on the earth . but the explanation of each seuerall metaphor will be too large for this place ▪ nor will euery capacity reach vnto the particular application of them . it may suffice therefore , ifsuch do ( by an implicite faith ) sing these mysteries with a general application of them to christ and his church ; beleeuing themselues members of that spouse ; and that iesus christ is he , who in this song professeth an intire affection , not onely to the whole mysticall body of the faithfull , but euen to euery member of it in particular . song . . oh my loue , how comely now , and how beautifull art thou ! thou of doue-like eyes apaire , shining hast within thy haire : and thy loc●● like kidlings be , which from gilead hill we see . like those ewes thy teeth doe show , which in rowes from washing goe ; when among them there is none twinlesse , nor a barren-one . and thy lippes are of a red ; like the rosie-colour'd thread . speach becomming thee thou hast . underneath thy tresses plac't are thy temples ( matchlesse faire ) which o're-shadow'd with thy haire : like pomgranats doe appeare , when they cut asunder are . to that fort , thy necke's compar'd , which with bulwarkes dauid rear'd . where a thousand sheilds are hung ; all the targets of the strong . breasts , thou hast like twinned roes , feeding where the lilly growes . while day breake , and shades are gone , to the mountaines i will ru●ne : to that hill whence myrrh doth come , and to that of libanum . thou my loue , all beauty art , spotlesse-faire in eu'ry part . come my spouse from libanum : come with me from libanum . from amana turne thy sight , shenir's top , and hermons height ; from the dennes of lyons fell , and the hils , where leopards dwell . thou , my sister , thou art shee , of my hart that robbeth me , thou my spo●se ▪ oh thou art shee of my hart that robbeth me , with one of thine eyes aspect , and with one locke of thy necke . sister ▪ and espoused-peere , those thy breasts how faire they are ! better be those dugs of thine then the mo●t deli●ious wine : and , thine oyntment● odours are sweeter then all spices farre . loue , thy lip● drop sweetnesse , so as the combs of hony do . thou hast vnderneath thy tongue , hony mixt with milke among . and thy robes doe sent , as well as the frankincense doth smell . thou , my sister and espous'd , art a garden , fast enclosd ; walled-spring , a fountaine seal'd ; and the plants thy orchard yeeld , are of the pomegranat-tree , with those fruits that pleasant be . camphire , there , with nard doth growe , nard , commixt with crocus too , calamus , and cynamom , with all trees of libanum ; sweetest alo●s and myrrhe , and all spice that pretious are . all the gardens eu'ry where , take their first beginning there . there , the precious fountaine lyes , whence all liuing-waters rise : eu'n all those streames that come running downe from libanum . the sixt canticle . in this canticle is mystically set forth the death and pas●ion of iesus christ ; ●rom whence all the sacramen●s and spirituall graces bestowed on the church tooke their beginning first ; christ desireth that by the blowing of those two contrary winds , the charitable will of god , a●d the malitiou● will of his aduersaries , the worke of our redemption might be wrought . to which purpose the church also addeth her request . secondly , christ sheweth , that hee hath accomplished his own , with the churches desire therein : and ( expressing the fulfilling of his bitter-sweet-passion ) inuiteth all the faithfull to come and take benefite thereof . thirdly , here is wondrous moouingly intimated , both our redeemers watchfulnesse to secure vs ( euen while hee slept in the graue ) and those loue-passages of his , wherwith he came to wooe vs in his humane nature ( as it were a louer knocking and calling at his beloueds window ) in the darke-night of his passion , and vnheeded afflictions . lastly , here is described the churches readinesse to open to her beloued ; with that loue distemperatu●e which appeared in her , when the women and the disciples misled him in the graue ; and when , through feare of the high priests , they were for a time dispoiled of their robe and vaile of faith. this canticle may properly be sung in commemoration of our redeemers suffrings ; and of his spouses feare and sorrow before his resurrection . song . . arise thou north-win●e from the north , and from the south , thou south-winde blowe , upon my garden breathe yee forth , that so my spices ( there that growe , ) from thence abundantly may flowe . and to thy garden come my deare , to eate thy fruites of pleasure there . my sister and espoused-peere , unto my garden i am come ; my spice i gather'd , with my myrrhe , i ate my hony in the combe , and drunke my wine with milke among . come friends and best-belou'd of me ; come eate , and drinke , and merry be . i slept , but yet my heart did wake . it is my loue i knocking heare . it was his voice : and thus he spake ; come open vnto me my deare , my loue , my doue , my spotlesse-peere . for , with the deaw my head is dight : my lockes with droppings of the night . loe , i haue now vndressed me ; why should i clothe me as before ? and since my feet cleane washed be , why should i soyle them any more ? then through the creuice of the dore appear'd the hand of my belou'd ; and towards him , my ●●art was moou'd . i rose vnto my loue to ope , and from my hands distilled myrrhe : pure myrrhe did from my fingers drop , upon the handles of the barre . but then departed was my deare . when by his voice i knew 't was he , my heart was like to faint in me . i sought ; but seene he could not be . i cal●d but heard no answere sound . the citty-watchmen met with me , as they were walking of the round , and gaue me stripes that made a wound : yea , they that watch and ward the wall , eu'n , they haue tooke away my vaile . the seauenth canticle . here is allegorically expressed the maiesty , power , & excellency of christ ; & is the effect of that which was euangelically ●ung of him after his resurr●ction , & ascensiō . first , the bride is introduced ad●uring the faith●●● israelites , that when they haue attained the knowledge of christ her spouse , they should professe and teach him to the rest of their members . secondly , those who lon● to finde him , desire againe of the church , to know the excellencies of that beloued of hers : and ( by doubling the question ) seeme to imply a two-fold excellency . thirdly , the church speedily answeres tho●e tha● enquire after her spouse ; and ( by describing his excellency in his ten principall members ) mystically notif●●eth his ten-fold spirituall perfection : whereupon to insist , were not heere conuenient . lastly , the faithf●● craue the churches direction to helpe her finde him ou● ▪ and receaue her gracious answere to that purpose . song . . sing this as the . song . oh ! ●f him you happen on , who is my beloued-one , daughters of ierusalem ; i adiure you , seriously , to informe him , how that i sicke am growne of loue , for him . fairest of all women , tell how thy louer doth excell , more then other louers doe . thy beloued , what is he more then other louers be , that thou dost adiure vs so ? he , in whom i so delight , is the purest red and white : of tenne thousands chiefe is he . like fine gold , his head doth show , whereon curled lockes doe grow ; and a rauen-blacke they be . like the milky doues that bide by the riuers , he is ey'd : full , and fitly set they are . cheekes like spicy-beds hath he ; or like flowres that fairest be . lips , like lillies , dropping myrrhe . hands , like rings of gold , beset with the pretious chrysolet . belly'd , like white iuorie wrought about with saphir's rich . legs like marble-pillers , which set on golden bases be . fac'd like libanus is he. goodly , as the cedar-tree ; sweetnesse breathing out of him . he is louely , eu'ry where . this my friend is , this my deare , daughters of ierusalem . oh thou fairest ( eu'ry way ) of all women ! whither may thy beloued turned be ? tell vs whither he is gone , who is thy beloued-one , that we seeke him may with thee ? to his garden went my deare , to the beds of spices there ; where he feeds , and lillies gets . i , my loues am , and ( alone ) mine , is my beloued-one , who among the lyllies eates . the eight canticle . herein is contained a continuation of the praises of the bride , and of that ardent affection expressed by her b●loued in the fifth canticle : yet , it is no vnnecessary repetition . for , it seemeth to haue respect to the churches estate , and the passages betweene her and christ in another age ; euen when the gentiles began to be called and vnited vnto the church of the iewes , according to what is desired in the first canticle . and th●refore , shee is here compared to tyrzah and ierusalem for louelinesse . her glorious encrease , her singuler puritie , her extraordinary applause , the splendor of her maiestie , and the powrefulnesse of her authoritie is here also described . moreouer , the feares and hindrances sustained in her first persecutions are here mystically showne . and , lastly , they who through feare or obstinacy are separated from her , are called to returne , in regard of her apparant power . this , we may sing to remember vs of those graces god hath bestowed on his church . to comfort our soules also , with that dearenes●e which christ expres●eth towards her , of whom we are members . and on diuerse other occasions , according as he that vseth it , hath capacitie to vnderstand and apply the same . song . . sing this as the . song . beautifull art thou my deare : thou as louely art , as are tirzah or ierusalem ( as the beautiful'st of them ) and as much thou mak'st afraid , as arm'd troupes with flaggs displaid . turne away those eyes of thine ▪ doe not fixe them so , on mine : for , there beame forth ( from thy sight , ) sweets , that ouercome me quite : and , thy lockes , like kidlings be , which f●om gilead hill we see . like those ewes thy teeth doe show which in rowes from washing goe , when among them there is none twinlesse nor a barren-one . and ( within thy lockes ) thy browes like the cut - pomegranat showes . there are with her sixtie queenes ; there are eighty concubines : and , the dam'sels , they possesse , are in number number-lesse : but , my doue is all alone , and an vndefiled-one . shee 's her mothers only deare ; and , her ioy that her did beare . when the daughters her surueyd , that she blessed was , they said : shee was praysed of the queenes , and among the concubines . who is shee ( when forth shee goes ) that so like the morning showes ? beautifull , as is the moone , purely bright as is the sunne ; and appearing full of dread , like an host with ensignes spread ? to the nut-yard downe went i ; ( and the uales encrease to spie ) to behold the uine-buds come , and to see pomegranats bloome : but , the princes charrets did uexe me so , i nought could heed . turne , oh turne , thou shulamite , turne , oh turne thee to our sight . what i pray is that , which you in the ●hulamite would view , but that ( to appearance ) shee shewes like troupes that armed be ? the ninth canticle . solomon in the first part of this canticle , commending the churches vniuersall beauty in her seuerall parts , is vnderstood to haue respect to that time after the conuersion from paganisme , wherein she was endowed and made louely by the varietie of those offices , states , & degrees , into which her members were for orders sake distinguished ; as well as by the addition of those ●ther graces formally receiued . which states and degrees are here mystically vnderstood by the parts of a beautifull woman : ( as doth excellently appeare , the allegory being particularly expounded . ) the second part of this hymne expres●eth the mutuall interchange of affections betweene the bridegroome and his bride ; and those sweet contentments they enioy in each others loues . lastly , here is set forth both the churches desire to bee freed from those persecutions , which hinder her open , and full fruition of her beloued ; and mention is here made also , of those publike and vndisturbed embraces , which they shall at length enioy . the first part hereof we ought so to sing , that it may remember vs to shunne their blindnesse who discerne not the beauty of order and degrees in the church . the second part puts vs in minde , that she is the treasure●●e both of those graces which cause contentment within our selues , and make vs acceptable to god. by the last part we may apprehend the comfort that will follow , when we desire that the open profession of christ may be granted , meerely for the loue of him . song . . sing this as the ninth song . thou daughter of the royall line , how comely are those feet of thine , when their beseeming shooes they weare ▪ the curious knitting of thy thighes , is like the costly gemi●es of prize , which wrought by skilfull workmen are . thy nauell , is a goblet round , where liquor euermore is found . thy faire and fruitfull belly showes as doth a goodly heape of wheat with lillies round about beset ; and thy two brests like twinned roes . thy necke , like some white towre doth rise . like heshbon fish-pooles , are thine eyes ▪ which neere the gate bath-rabbim lye . thy nose ( which thee doth wel-become ) is like the towre of libanum , that , on damascus hath an eye . thy head like scarlet doth appeare : the hayre ▪ thereof , like purple are : and in those threads the king is bound . oh loue ! how wondrous farre art thou ! how perfect doe thy pleasures show ! and , how thy ioyes in them abound ! thou statur'd art in palme-tree-wise . thy breasts like clusters doe arise . i said , into this palme i 'le goe ; my hold shall on her branches be : and those thy breasts shall be to me like clusters that on uines doe growe . thy nostrils sauour shall aswell as newly-gathered fruits doe smell . thy speech shall also relish so , as purest wine , th●t for my deale is ●itting drin●e , and able were , to cause an old mans lippes to goe . i , my beloued's am ; and , he hath his affection set on me : come well-beloued , come away , into the fields , let 's walke along ; and there the villages among , eu'n in the country we will stay . we to the vines betimes will goe , and see if they doe spring or no ; or , if the tender grapes appeare : we will , moreouer goe , and see , if the pomegranats blossom'd be : and i my loue will giue thee ●here . sweet smels the mandrakes doe afford : and we within our gates , are stor'd , of all things that delightfull be . yea , whether new or olde they are , prepared they be for my deare : and i haue layd them vp for thee . would , as my brother , thou might'st be , that suckt my mothers breast with me : oh would it were no otherwise ! in publike then i thee would meet . and giue thee kisses in the street ; and none there is should thee despise . then i my selfe would for thee come , and bring thee to my mothers home : thou likewise shouldst instruct me there . and wine that is commixt with spice , ( sweet wine of the pomgranat iuyce ) i would for thee to drinke prepare . my head with his left-hand he stayd ; his right-hand ouer me he laid , and ( being so imbrac'd by him ) said he , i charge you , not disease nor wake my loue vntill she please , you daughters of ierusalem . the tenth canticle . in this last part of solomons song , he first singeth that sweet peace , and extraordinary prosperity vouchsafed vnto the church after her great persecutions : and expresseth it by putting the question who she was that came out of the wildernesse leaning on her beloued . secondly , hee introduceth christ putting the humane nature in remembrance , from what estate he had raised it ; and requiring the dearest of our affections in regard of the ardency , vnqu●nc●ablenesse , and inestim●ble value of his loue . thirdly , h●uing remembred the church of the affection due to him , christ teacheth her the charitable care she ought to h●ue of others ; and th●t she being brought into his fauour and protection , should seeke the preferment of her younger sister also ; euen the people who haue not yet the breasts of gods two testaments to nourish their soules . fourthly , the churches true solomon or peace-maker ( meaning iesus christ ) hauing a vineyard in baal-hammon ( that is ) wheresoeuer there are p●●ple ; herein is declared , th● reward of such as are profitably employed in that vineyard . and lastly , the confirmation of christs marriage vpon the hils of spice ( meaning heauen ) is hastned . in singing this canticle , wee ought to meditate what estate god hath raised vs from ; what loue hee hath vouchsafed ; what our charity should be to others ; what we should minde concerning this life ; and what desire we should haue to the comforts of the world to come . song . . who 's this , that leaning on her friend , doth from the wildernesse ascend ? minde how i raised thee , eu'n where thy mother thee conceiu'd , where she that brought th●e forth conceiu'd , beneath an apple-tree . me in thy heart engrauen beare , and seale-like on thy hand●wrist weare : for loue is strong as death . fierce as the graue is iealousie : the coales thereof doe burning lye ; and furious flames it hath . much water , cannot coole loues flame : no floods haue power to quench the same . for loue so high is priz●d ; that , who to buy it would assay , though all his wealth he gaue away , it would be all despis'd . we haue a sister scarcely growne , for she is such a little one , that yet no breasts hath shee . what thing shall we now vndertake , to doe for this our sisters sake , if spoken for shee be ? if , that a wall she doe appeare , we tu●ret● vpon her will reare , and pallaces of plate : and then with boords of cedar-t●ee enclose , and fence her in , will we , if that she be a gate . a wall already built i am : and now my breasts vpon the same doe turret-like arise . since when , as one that findeth rest , ( and , is of setled peace possest ) i seemed in his eyes . a vineyard hath king solomon , this uineyard is at baal-hamon , which he to keepers put : and eu'ry one that therein wrought , a thousand siluer-pieces brought , and gaue him for the fruite . my vineyard which belongs to me , eu'n i my selfe doe ouersee . to thee , oh solomon , a thousand-fold doth appertaine : and , those that keep the same , shall gaine two hundred-fold for one . thou , whose abode the gardens are , ( thy fellowes vnto thee giue eare ) cause me to heare thy voice : and let my loue as swiftly goe , as doth a hart or nimble roe , upon the hils of spice . the first song of esay . esa. . in this song the prophet , singing of christ and hi● vineyard , first sheweth , that notwithstanding his labo● bestowed in fencing and manuring thereof , it brough● forth sowre grapes . secondly , he summoneth thei● consciences whom he couertly vprayded , to be iu●●ges of gods great loue and their vnprofitablene●● thirdly , he showes , both how he intends to de●● with his vineyard , and who they are whom he pointe● out in this parable . now , seeing it hath befallen t●● iewes according to this propheticall hymne , we are 〈◊〉 make a two-fold vse , in singing it . first , thereby 〈◊〉 memorize the mercy and iustice of god ; both wh●●● are manifested in this song : his mercy in forew●●●ning , his iustice in punishing euen his owne peop●● secondly , we are so to medi●ate thereon , that we 〈◊〉 be warned to consider what fauours god hath vouc●safed vs , and what fruits we ought to bring forth ; le● he leaue vs also , to be spoyled of our aduersaries . for in this parable the holy spirit speaketh vnto eue●● congregation who abuseth his fauours . and doub●●lesse , all such ( as it hath fallen out in antioch , laodi●●● and many other particular churches ) shall be depriu● of gods protection , of the dewes of his holy spir●● and of the sweete showres of his word , to be left 〈◊〉 thornes and bryers , the fruite of their owne natura● corruptions . song . . sing this as the . song . a song of him , whom i loue best , and of his vineyard , sing i will. a vineyard , once my loue possest , well-seated on a fruitfull hill : he kept it close-immured still : the earth , from stones he did refine ; and set it with the choisest vine . he in the midst a fort did reare ; i win-presse therein also wrought : but , when he lookt it grapes should beare , those grapes were wilde-ones that it brought . ierusalem , come speake thy thought ; and you of iudah iudges be , betwixt my vineyard here , and me . vnto my uineyard what could more performed be , then i haue done ? yet , looking it should grapes haue bore , saue wilde-ones , it afforded none : but goe to , ( let it now alone ) resolu'd i am to shew you too , what with my vineyard i will do● ▪ the hedge i will remooue from thence , that what so will , deuoure it may : i do one will breake the walled-fence , and through it make a troden way . yea , all of it i wast will lay . to digge or dresse it , none shall care : but , thornes and bryers it shall beare . the clouds i also will compell , that there no raine descend for this . for loe , the house of israel the lord of armies vineyard is : and , iudah is that plant of his ; that pleasant one , who forth hath brought oppression , when he iudgement sought . he , seeking iustice ; found therein , in lieu thereof , a crying●sinne . the . song of esay . esa. . isaiah hauing a little before prophecied of the in●●●nation of iesus christ , and the excellencie of his kingdome , doth in this hymne praise him for his mercy ; and fore●●owes the church also , what her song should be in that day of her redemption . the principall co●ten●s hereof are these : a confession of gods mercy ; a prediction concerning the sacrament of baptisme , and an exhortation to a ioyfull thanksgiuing . this song the church should still sing to the honour of ies●● christ for our redemption . yea , in regard the proph●● ( foreseeing the good cause we should haue to make vse thereof ) hath prophecied it should be the church● hymne , it seemeth not vnproper to be vsed on those dayes which are solemnized in memoriall of our sauiours natiuitie ; or whensoeuer we shall be mooue● to praise god in memorizing the gra●i●us comfo●● promised vs by his prophets , and fulfilled by his owne comming . and to fit the same th● better to that p●●●pose , i haue changed the person , and the time , in th●● translation . song . . lord ▪ i will s●●g to thee , for thou displeased wa st : and yet with-drewest thy wrath from me , and sent me comfort hast . thou art my health , on whom a fearelesse trust , i lay . for thou oh lord , thou art become my strength , my song , my stay. and with reioycing now , sweet waters we conuay forth of those springs , whence life doth flowe : and , thus , we therefore say , oh , sing vnto the lord : his name and workes proclaime : yea , to the people , beare record , that glorious is his name . unto the lord , oh sing ; for , wonders he hath done : and many a renowned thing , which through the earth is knowne ▪ oh sing aloud , all yee , on sion hill that dwell ! for , lo , thy holy-one in thee , is great , oh israel . the third song of esay . esay . esay composed this song to comfort the israelites in their ca●tiuity : to strengthen their patience in affliction : and settle their confidence on the promises of god. first , it remembreth them that gods protection being euery where as auaileable as a defenced citty , they ought alwayes to relye on the firme peace which that affordeth . secondly , he sheweth that the pride of sinne shall be ouerthrowne ; and that the faithfull a●e resolued to fl●e vnto their redeemer , and await his pleasure in their chastis●ments . thirdly , he singeth the vtter desolation of tyrants ; the encrease of the church ; her afflictions ; her deliuerance ; & the resurrection from death through christ. lastly , the faithfull are exhorted to attend patiently on the lord their sauiour , who will come shortly to iudgement , and take account for the blood of his saints . this song is made in the person of the church , and may be sung , to comfort and confirme vs in all our chastisements and persecutions : by bringing to our consideration , the short time of our endurance , and the certainty of our redeemers comming . it may be vsed also to praise god both for his iustice and mercy . song . . sing this as the . song . a citie now we haue obtain'd , where strong defences are : and , god saluation hath ordain'd ▪ for wals , and bulwarkes there . the gates thereof , wide open yee , that such as iustly doe , ( and those that truth 's obseruers be ) may enter thereinto . there , thou in peace wilt keep them sure whose thoughts well grounded be ; in peace , ●hat euer shall endure , because they trusted thee . for euer , therefore , on the lord , without distrust , depend . for , in the lord , th' eternall lord , is strength that hath no end . he makes the loftie citie yeeld , and her proud dwellers bow : he lay●s it leuell with the f●eld , eu●n with the dust below . their feet that are in want and care , their feet thereon shall tread : their way is right that righteous are , and thou their path dost heed . upon thy course of iudgements , we oh lord , attending were : and to record thy name and thee , our soules desirous are . on thee , our minds with strong desire are fixed in the night : and after thee our hearts enquire before the morning light . for , when thy righteous iudgements are upon the earth discern'd ; by those that doe inhabite there , uprightnesse shall be learn'd . yet , sinners for no terrour will iust dealing vnderstand : but in their sinnes continue still . amid the holy-land . to seeke the glory of the lord , they vn-regardfull be . and thy aduanced-hand , oh lord , they will not daigne to see . but they shall see , and see with shame , that beare thy people spight : yea , from thy foes shall come a flame , which will deuoure them quite . then , lord , for vs thou wilt procure , that we in peace may be ; because that eu'ry worke of our , is wrought for vs , by thee . and l●rd our god ▪ though we are brought to other lords in thrall ; of thee alone shall be our thought , upon thy name to call . they are deceast , and neuer shall renewed life obtaine : they dye , and shall not rise at all . to tyrannize againe . for thou didst visit them therefore , and wide disperst them hast ; that so their fame for euermore , may wholly bee defac't . but lord , encreast thy people are , encreast they are by thee ; and thou art glorifi●d as farre , as earths wide limits bee . for lord , in their distresses , when thy rod on them was laid ; they vnto thee did hasten then , and without ceasing praid . as one with child is paind , when as her throwes of bearing bee ; and cries in pangu●s ( before thy face ) oh lord , so fared wee . wee haue conceiu'd , and for a birth of winde haue pained binn . the world 's vnsafe , and still on earth , they thriue that dwell therein . thy dead shall liue and rise againe , with my dead-body shall . oh you , that in the dust remaine , awake and sing you , all ! for , as the deaw doth hearbs renew , that buried seem'd before : so , earth shall through thy heauenly deaw her dead aliue restore . my people to thy chambers fare : shut close the doore to thee ; and stay a while ( a moment there ) till past the fury bee . for lo , the lord doth now arise ; hee commeth from his place , to punish their impieties , who now the world possesse . the earth that blood discouer shall , which is in her conceal'd : and bring to light those murthers all , which yet are vnreueal'd . the praier of hezekiah . esay . . in this praier , hezekiah hauing first acknowledged gods maiestie ●nd almighty powe● , desires him , both to heare & consider his aduersaries blasphemie . then ( to manifest the necessity of his present assistance ) vrgeth the power his foe had obtained ouer such as serued not the true god. and as it seemeth , impo●tunes deliuerance , not so much in regard of his owne safety , as that the blasphemer , and all the world might know the difference betweene the lords power , and the arrogant bragges of men . this song may bee vsed whensoeuer the turke , or any other great aduersary ( preuailing against false worshippers ) shall thereupon growe insolent , and threaten gods church also : as if in despight of him , he had formerly preuailed by his owne strength . for the name of sen●●●herib may be mystically applyed to any such enemy . we may vse this hymne also , against those secret blasphemies , which the deuill whispers vnto our soules ; or , when by temptations hee seekes to driu● vs to despaire , by laying before vs how many others he hath destroied , who seemed to haue beene in as good assurance as wee . for , he is indeede , that mysticall assyrian prince , who hath ouerthrowne who●e countries & nations , with their gods , in whom they trusted . such as are these , temporall power , riches , superstitious worship , carnall wisdome , idols , &c. which being but the works of men ( and yet trusted in as gods ) hee hath power to destroy them . song . . o lord of hoasts and god of israel ! thou , who betweene the cherubins dost dwell ; of all the world thou onely art the king , and heau'n and earth , vnto their form didst bring . lord bow thine eare ; to heare attentiue be . lift vp thine eyes , and daigne oh lord , to set what words sennacherib hath cast abroad ; and his proud message to the liuing god. lord , true it is , that lands and kingdomes all , are to the king of ashur brought in thrall : yea , he their gods , into the fire hath throwne : for , gods they were not ; but of wood & stone . mans worke they were , & men destroi'd them haue . us therefore from his power vouchsafe to saue that all the kingdomes of the world may see that thou art god , that onely thou art hee . hezekiah's thankesgiuing . esa. . . hezekiah hauing beene sicke and recouered , made this song of thankesgiuing ; and setteth forth the mercy of god , by considering these particulars . the time of his age ; the feares of his soule ; the rooting out of his posteritie ; the violence of his disease ; and the forgiuenesse of his sinnes , added to the restoring of his health . then ( seeming to haue entred into a serious consideration of all this ) hee confesseth who are most bound to praise god ; and voweth this deliuerance to euerlasting memorie . this song may be vsed after deliuerance from temporall sicknesse . but in the principall sense , it is a speciall thankesgiuing for that cure which iesus christ wrought vpon the humane nature , being in danger of euerlasting perdition . for hezekiah which signifieth helped of the lord , typ●fieth mankinde labouring vnder the sicknesse of sinne and death . isaiah who brought the medicine that cur'd him , ( and is interpreted ) the saluation of the lord , figured our blessed redeemer , by whom the humane nat●●e is restored ; and whose sending into the world was mystically shewed by the miracle of the sunnes retrogradation . to praise god for that mysterie therefore ( the circumstances being well considered ) this hymne seemeth very proper . and doubtlesse for this cause it was partly preserued for these our times , and ought often and heartily to be sung to that purpose . song . . sing this as the fourth song . when i suppos'd my time was at an end , thus , to my selfe , i did my selfe bemo●●● now to the gates of hell i must descend ; for all the remnant of my yeares are gone . the lord ▪ said i ) where now the liuing be , nor man on earth , shall i for euer see . as when a sheapheard hath remou'd his tent , or as a weauers shuttle slips away ; right so , my dwelling , & my yeares , were spent : and so , my sicknesse did my life decay . each day , ere night , my death expected i ; and eu'ry night , ere morning , thought to dye . for , he so lyon-like my bones did breake , that i scarce thought to liue another day . a noyse i did like cranes or swallowe● make : and as the turtle , i lamenting lay . then with vplifted eye-lids , thus i spake ; oh lord , on me oppressed , mercy take . what shall i say ? he did his promise giue ; and as he promist he performed it . and therefore , i will neuer whilst i liue , those bitter passions of my soule forget : yea , those that liue , & those vnborne , shall know what life and rest thou didst on me bestow . my former pleasures , sorrowes were become : but , in that loue , which to my soule thou hast , the graue , that all deuours , thou kep●st me from ; and didst my errors all behind the● cast . for , nor the graue , nor death can honor thee ; nor hope they for thy truth that buried be . oh! he that liues ; that liues as i doe now : eu'n he it is that shall thy praise declare . thy truth the father to his seed shall showe . and how , thou me , oh lord , hast daing'd to spare . yea lord , for this , i will throughout my dayes make musicke in thy house ; vnto thy praise . the lamentations of ieremie . as vsefull as any part of the old testament , for these present times ( ●igh fallen asleep in security ) are these elegiacall odes : for , they bring many things to our consideration . 〈◊〉 , what wee may and should lament for . secondly , how carefull wee ought to bee of the common-wealths prosperitie ; because , if that goe to ruine , the particular church therein cherished , must needes bee afflicted also ; and gods worship hin●red . thirdly , they teach vs , that the ouerthrow of kingdomes and empires , followes the abuse and n●glect of religion ; and that ( sinne being the onely cause thereof ) wee ought to endure our chastisements without murmuring against god. fourthly , they warne vs , not to abuse gods mercifull long-suffering . fiftly , they perswa●e vs to commiserate and pray for the church , and our brethren in calamitie ; and not to despise them in their humiliations . sixtly , they learne vs not to iudge the truth of professions , by those afflictions god laies vpon particular churches , seeing the iewish religion was the truth ; and those idolaters , who led them into captiuity . seuenthly , they shew vs , that neither the antiquity , strength , fame , or formall sanctitie of any place ( ●onor gods former respect thereunto ) shall priuiledge it from destruction , if it continue in abusing his grace . and lastly , they ( as it were limiting our sorrowes ) mind vs to cast our ●●es on the mercies of god : and to make such vse of his chastisements , as may turne our lamentations into songs of ioy. lament . . this elegie , first bewaileth in generall tearmes , that calamitie and destruction of iudah and ierusalem , which is afte●wards more particularly mentioned . secondly , it makes a confession of their manifold sinnes committed ; and is full of many pa●sionate aud penitentiall complaints , iustifying the lord in his iudgements , and confessing the vanitie of humane consolations . lastly , it containeth a short prayer for gods mercy , and a diuine prediction of those iudgements which will fall on them , by whom his people haue beene afflicted . this elegy may be sung , whensoeuer any generall calamitie falleth on the common-wealth in which we liue ; we hauing first considered and applyed the particular circumstances , as there shall be cause . we may sing it also hystorically , to memorize the iustice of god , and the miserable desolations of iuda and ierusalem , recorded for our example . song . . how sad and solitary now ( alas , ) is that well-peopled citie come to be ! which once so great among the nations was , and oh how widdow-like appeareth she ! she rule of all the prouinces hath had , and now her selfe is tributary made . all night shee maketh such excessiue mone , that downe her cheekes a flood of teares doth flow and yet , among her louers there is none , that consolation doth on her bestow . for they that once her louer did appeare , now turned foes , and faithlesse to her are . now iudah in captiuity complaines , that ( others ) heretofore so much opprest . for her false seruice , shee her selfe remaines among those heathens , where shee findes no rest . and apprehended in a straite , is shee , by those that persecuters of her bee . the very waies of sion doe lament . the gates thereof their lonelinesse deplore : because that no man commeth to frequent her solemne festiualls as heretofore . her priests doe sigh ; her tender virgins bee uncomfortable left , and so is shee . her aduersaries are become her chiefes : on high exalted , those that hate her are : and god hath brought vpon her all those griefes , because so many her transgressions were . her children driuen from her by the foe , before him , into loathed thraldome goe . from sions-daughter ( once without compare ) now all her matchlesse louelinesse is gone . and like those chased harts her princes fare , who seeke for pasture and can finde out none . so ( of their strength depriu'd , and fainting nigh ) before their ab●er foes , they feebly flye . ierusalem now thinkes vpon her crymes ; and calls to minde ( amid her present woes ) the pleasure shee enioy'd in former times , till first shee was surprized by her foes : and how ( when they perceiued her forlorne ) they at her holy sabbaths made a scorne . ierusalems transgressions many were ; and therefore is it shee disdained lies : those , who in former time haue honour'd her ; her basenesse now behold , and her despise : yea , shee her selfe doth sit bewailing this ; and of her selfe her selfe ashamed is . her owne vncleannesse in her skirt shee bore ; not then beleeuing what her end would bee . this great destruction falls on her therefore : and none to helpe or comfort her hath shee . oh , heede thou lord , and pittie thou my woes , for i am triumph't-ouer by my foes . her foe hath touch'd with his polluted hand , her things that sacred were , before her face : and , they whose entrance thou didst countermand , intruded haue into her holy-place : those ; that were not so much approu'd by thee , as , of thy congregation held to be . her people , doe with sighes , and sorrowes , get that little bread which for ●eleefe they haue . and , giue away their precious things for meat , so to procure wherewith their life to saue . oh lord consider this ; and ponder thou , how vile , and how detected i am now . no pitty , in you passengers is there ? your eyes oh somewhat hitherward encline ; and marke , if euer any griefe there were or sorrow that did equall this of mine : this , which the lord on me inflicted hath , upon the day of his incensed wrath . he from aboue , a flame hath hurled downe ; that kindles in my bones preuailing fire . a net , he ouer both my feet hath throwne ; by which , i am compelled to retyre . and he hath made me a ●orsaken-one , to sit , and weepe out all the day alone . the heauy yoke of my transgressions , now , his hand hath wreathed , and vpon me laid ; beneath the same my tyred necke doth bow : and all my strength is totally decay'd . for , me to those , the lord hath giuen o're , whose hands will hold me fast for euermore . the lord hath trampled vnderneath their feet , eu'n all the mighty , in the midst of me . a great assembly he hath caus'd to meet , that all my ablest men might slaughtred be . and iudah's uirgin-daughter treads vpon , as in a wine-presse grapes are trodden on . for this ( alas ) thus weepe i ; and mine eyes , mine eyes drop water thus ; because that he , on whose assistance , my sad soule relies , in my distresse is farre away from me . eu'n while , ( because of my preuailing foe , ) my children are compel'd from me to goe . in vaine hath syon stretched forth her hand ; for , none vnto her succour draweth nigh : because , the lord hath giuen in command , that iacobs foes should round about her lye . and poore ierusalem among them there ; like some def●led woman doth appeare . the lord is iustified , nay-the-lesse , because i did not his commands obay . all nations therefore , heare my heauinesse , and heed it ( for your warning ) you i pray . for , into thraldome ( through my follies ) be my virgins , and my young-men , borne from me . upon my louers i haue cryed out , but , they my groundlesse hopes deceiued all . i for my reu'rend priests enquir'd about ; i , also , did vpon mine elders call : but in the city , vp the ghost they gaue , as they were seeking meat their liues to saue . oh lord , take pitty now on my distresse : for loe my soule distemper'd is in me . my heart is ouercome with heauinesse ; because i haue so much offended thee . thy sword abroad my ruine doth become . and death doth also threaten me at home . and of my sad complaints my foes haue heard : but to afford me comfort there is none . my troubles haue at full to them appear'd ; yet they are ioyfull that thou so hast done . but , thou wilt bring the time set downe by thee ; and then in sorrow they shall equall mee . then , shal those foule offences they haue wrought , before thy presence be remembred all : and whatso'ere my sinnes on me haue brought , ( for their transgressions ) vpon them shall fall . for , so my sighings multiplied be ; that therewithall , my heart is faint in me . lament . . in this elegie , the prophet vseth a very patheticall exordium , the better to awaken the peoples consideration ; and to make them the more sensible of their horrible calamity . which he first illustrateth in generall termes , by comparing their estate to the miserable condition of one fallen from the glory of heauen , to the lowest earth : and in mentioning , their being depriued of that glorious temporall and ecclesiasticall gouernment , which they formerly enioyed . afterwards , he descends to particulars ; as the destruction of their pallaces , forts , temple , walls , and gates : the prophaning of their saboths , feasts , rites , &c. the suspending of their lawes , priests , prophets : the slaughter of young-men , and virgins , olde-men , and children , with the famine and reproches they sustained , &c. all which acknowledging to be the iust iudgements of god , hee aduiseth them not to harken to the delusions of their false prophets , but to returne vnto the lord by teares and hearty repentance . for the vse and application , see what hath beene said , before the former elegie . song . . sing this as the . song . how darke , & how be-clowded ( in his wrath ) the lord hath caused syon to appeare ! how isr'els beauty he obscured hath ! as if throwne downe from heau'n to earth he were . oh! why is his displeasure growne so hot ? and why hath he his footstoole so forgot ? the lord all syons dwellings hath laid wast ; and , in so doing , he no sparing made : for in his anger to the ground he cast , the strongest holds that iudah's-daughter had . them , & their kingdome , he to ground doth send ; and all the princes of it doth suspend . when at the highest his displeasure was , from is●●el all his horne of strength he broke . and from before his aduersaries face , his right-hand ( that restrained him ) he tooke . yea , he in iacob kindled such a flame , as , round about , hath quite consum'd the same . his bow he as an aduersary bent , and by his right-hand he did plainely shew , he drew it with an enemies intent : for all that were the fairest markes he slew . in syons tabernacle this was done ; eu'n there the fire of his displeasure shone . the lord himselfe is he that was the foe , by him is isr●el thus to ruine gone . his palaces , he ouerturned so : and he , his holds of strength hath ouerthrowne : eu'n he it is , from whom it doth arise , that isr●els daughter thus lamenting lies . his tabernacle garden-like that was , the lord with violence hath tooke away . he hath destroyed his assembling-place : and there nor feasts nor sabbaths now haue they : no , not in syon . for in his fierce wrath , he both their king and priests reiected hath . the lord his holy altar doth forgoe ; his sanctuary he hath quite despiz'd . yea , by his meere assistance hath our foe , the bulwarkes of our palaces surpriz'd . and in the lords owne house , rude noyses are as loud , as heretofore his praises were . the lord his thought did purposely encline , the wals of syon should be ouerthrowne . to that intent he stretched forth his ●ine , and drew not backe his hand till they were downe . and so , the turrets with the bruised wall , did both together to destruction fall . her gates in heapes of earth obscured are ; the barres of them in pieces broke hath he : her king , and those that once her princes were , now borne away among the gentiles be . the law is lost , and they no prophet haue , that from the lord a vision doth receiue . in silence , seated on the lowly ground , the senators of syons-daughter are : with ashes , they their careful heads haue crown'd , and mourning sackcloth girded on them weare . yea , on the earth in a distressed-wise , ierusalem●s young uirgins fixe their eyes . and , for because my people suffer this , mine eyes with much lamenting dimmed grow : each part within me out of quiet is . and on the ground my liuer forth i throw ; when as mine eyes with so sad obiects meet ; as babes halfe dead , & sprawling in the street . for , to their mothers called they for meat . oh where shall we haue meat and drinke ! they cry . and in the citie , while they food entreat , they swoune , like them that deadly-wounded lie . and some of them , their soules did breath away , as in the mothers bosome , staru'd they lay . ierusalem ! for thee what can i say ? or vnto what maist thou resembled be ? oh! whereunto that comfort thee i may , thou syon●-daughter , shall i liken thee ? for , as the seas , so great thy breaches are : and to repaire them then ; ah , who is there ! thou , by thy prophets hast deluded bin : and foolish uisions they for thee haue sought . for , they reueiled not , to thee thy sinne , to turne away the thraldome it hath brought . but , lying prophecies they sought for thee ; which of thy sad exile , the causes be . and those , thou daughter of ierusalem that on occasions passe along this way , with clapping hands , and hissings , thee contemn● : and , nodding at thee , thus in scorne they say : is this the citie , men did once behight the flowre of beauty , and the worlds delight ? thy aduersaries , ( euery one of them ) their mouthes haue op'ned at thee , to thy shame . they hisse , and gnash at thee , ierusalem ; we ; we ( say they ) haue quite destroy'd the sam● : this , is that day hath long expected beene ; now commeth it , and we the same haue seene . but , this the lord decreed , and brought to passe , he , to make good that word which once he spake , ( and that which long agoe determin'd was ) hath hurled downe , and did no pitty take . he ; thus hath made thee scorned of thy foe ; and , rais'd the horne of them that hate thee so . oh wall of syons-daughter , cry amaine , eu'n to the lord set forth a hearty cry : downe like a riuer , cause thy teares to raine , and , let them neither day nor night be dry . seeke neither sleepe , thy body to suffice ; nor slumber , for the apples of thine eyes . at night and when the watch is new begun ; then rise , and to the lord almighty cry. before him , let thy heart like water runne ; and lift thou vp to him thy hands , on high . eu'n for those hunger-starued babes of thine , that in the corners of the streets doe pine . and thou oh lord ; oh be thou pleas'd to see , and thinke on whom , thy iudgements thou hast thrown . shal women fed with their own issue be , and children , that a span are scarcely growne ? shall thus , thy priests & prophets , lord , be slaine , as in thy sanctuary they remaine ? nor youth , nor age , is from the slaughter free ; for , in the streets , lye yong , and old , and all . my uirgines and my yong-men , murthered be ; eu'n both , beneath the sword , together fall . thou , in thy day of wrath , such hauock mad'st ; that in deuouring thou no pitty hadst . thou , round about hast call'd my feared foes , as if that summon'd to some feast they were : who in thy day of wrath , did round enclose , and shut me so , that none escaped are . yea , those that hate me , them consumed haue , to whom , i nourishment , and breeding gaue . lament . . here the prophet ieremy , hauing contemplated his owne afflictions with the destruction of iudah and ierusalem , seemeth by that materiall obiect to haue raised his apprehension higher , and by the spirit of prophecy both to foresee the particular suffrings of ies●● christ , and to become sensible also of those great afflictions which the church militant ( his mysticall body ) should be exercised withall . and in this most passionate elegy , either in his own person bewaileth it , or else personates iesus christ , the head of that mysticall body , taking vpon himselfe those punishments ; with that hea●y burthen of gods wrath , and that vnspeakable sorrow which mankinde had otherwise beene ouerwhelmed withall . in briefe , this elegy containes an expression of gods heauy anger for our sinne ; the seuerity and bitternesse of his iudgements ; the greatnesse of his mercies ; the hope and patience of the faithfull in all afflictions ; the vnwillingnesse of god to punish ; the hearty repentance of his people ; and a propheticall imprecation concerning the enemies of the spirituall ierusalem . this may be sung , to mooue and stirre vs vp with a feeling of our redeemers passion : to remember vs of our miserable condition through sinne : to mooue vs to repentance : and to comfort and instruct vs amidd our afflictions . song . . sing this as the . song . i am the man who ( scourged in thy wrath ) haue in all sorrowes throughly tyred beene : into obscurity , he ●ed me hath ; he brought me thither , where no light is seene : and so aduerse himselfe to me he showes , that all the day his hand doth me oppose . my flesh and skinne with age , he tyred out . he bruiz'd my bones , as they had broken bin . he with a wall enclosed me about . with cares and labours he hath shut me in . and me to such a place of darknesse led , as those are in , that befor euer dead . he shut me where i found no passage out , and there my heauy chaines vpon me laid . moreouer , though i loudly cryed out , he tooke no heed at all for what i prayd : my way with hewed stones he stopped hath ▪ and left me wandring in a winding path. he was to me like some way-lying beare . or as a lyon that doth lurke vnseene . my course he hindring , me in pieces teare , till i quite ruin'd , and layd waste had beene . his bowe he bended , and that being bent ▪ i , was the marke at which his arrow went. his arrowes from his quiuer forth he caught , and through my very r●ines he made them passe . eu'n mine owne people set me then at naught ; and , all the day ; their sporting song i was . from him , my fill of bitternesse i had ; and , me , with worm-wood likewise , drunke he mad● ▪ with stones , my teeth he all to peeces brake ; he , dust and ashes ouer me hath strowne ; all rest , he from my weary soule did take , as if , contentment i had neuer none ▪ and then , i cryed ; oh! i am vndone ; all my dependance on the lord is gone . oh minde thou my afflictions , and my care ; my miseries , my worm-wood , and my gall : for , they still fresh in my remembrance are , and downe in me my humbled soule doth fall . i , this forget not ; and when this i minde , some helpe againe , i doe begin to finde . it is thy mercy lord , that we now be ; for , had thy pitty fail'd , not one had liu'd . the faithfulnesse is great , that is in thee , and eu'ry morning it is new reuiu'd . and lord such claime my soule vnto thee lay●● ▪ that shee will euer trust in thee , she sayes . for , thou art kinde to those that waite thy will ; and , to their soules that after thee attend . good therefore is it , that in quiet still , we hope that safety , which thou lord wilt send . and happy he , that timely doth enure , his youthfull necke the burthen to endure . he downe will sit alone , and nothing say ; but , since 't is cast vpon him , beare it out . ( yea , though his mouth vpon the dust they lay ) and while there may be hope , will not mis-dou●● ▪ his cheeke to him that smiteth , offers he ; and is content , though he reuiled be . for , sure is he ( what euer doth befall ) the lord will not forsake for euermore : but that he hauing punisht , pitty shall , because he many mercies hath in store . for , god in plaguing , take no pleasure can ; nor willingly afflicteth any man. the lord delighteth not to trample downe , those men that here on earth enthralled are : or that a righteous man should be o'rethrowne , when he before the highest doth appeare . nor is the lord well-pleased in the sight , when he beholds the wrong , subuert the right . let no man mutter then , as if he thought some things were done in spight of gods decree : for , all things at his word to passe are brought that either for our good , or euill be . why then liues man , such murmurs to begin ? oh! let him rather murmure at his sinne. our owne lewd courses , let vs search and trie , we may to thee againe , oh lord , conuart . to god , that dwelleth in the heau'ns on high , let vs ( oh let vs ) lift both hand and heart . for , we haue sinned ; we rebellious were : and therefore was it , that thou didst not spare . for this ( with wrath o're-shaddow'd ) thou hast chas't , and slaughter made of vs , without remorse . thy selfe obscured with a clowd thou hast ; that so our prayers might haue no recourse . and loe , among the heathen-people , we as out-casts , and off-●cowrings reckon'd be . our aduersaries all ( and eu'ry where ) themselues with open mouth against vs set ; on vs , is fa●ne a terrour , and a snare , where ruine hath with desolation met : and for the daughter of my peoples cares , mine eyes doth cast forth rivulets of teares . mine eyes perpetually were ouerflowne : and yet there is no ceasing of my teares . for , if the lo●d in mercy looke not downe , that from the heau'ns he may behold my cares ; they will not stint . but for my peoples sake , mine eyes will weep vntil my heart doth break . as when a bird is chased too and fro , my foes pursued me , when cause was none . into the dungeon they my life did throw , and there they rowled ouer me a stone . the waters likewise , ouer●low'd me quite : and then , me thought , i perished out-right . yet , on thy name oh lord , i cal'ed there , ( eu'n when in that low dungeon i did lye ) whence thou wert pleased my complaint to heare , not sleighting me , when i did sighing cry . that very day i called , thou drew'st neere , and said'st vnto me , that i should not feare . thou lord , my soule maintainest in her right . my life by thee alone , redeemed was . thou hast oh lord , obserued my despight . uouchsafe thy iudgement also , in my cause . for , all the grudge they beare me , thou hast seen . and all their plots 〈◊〉 haue against me been . thou heard'st what ●landers they against me laid , and all those mischiefes they deuiz'd for me . thou notest what their lips of me haue said ; eu'n what their daily closest whisperings be : and how , when ere they rise , or downe do lye , their song , and subiect of their mirth am i. but lord , thou shalt reward and pay them all , that meed , their actions merit to receiue ▪ thy heauy maiediction ceaze them shall : eu'n this , sad hearts they shall for euer haue . and by thy wrath pursude they shall be driuen , till they are chased out , from vnder heauen . lament . . as in the two first elegies , the prophet here begins by way of exclamation , and most passionately sets forth the cause of his complayning , by a threefold explication . first , by expressing the dignity , sex , & age of the persons miserably perishing in this calamity : as , princes , priests , men , women , and children . secondly , by paralelling their estate with that of bruite creatures ; and their punishment with sodoms . thirdly , by shewing the horrible effects which followed this calamity ; as the nobility being driuen to cloath themselues from the dunghill , and women to feed on their owne children , &c. after this , he sheweth what are the causes of all that misery which hee bewaileth . secondly , declareth the vanity of relying on temporall consolations . thirdly , setteth forth the power and fiercenesse of the churches aduersaries . fourthly , prophecieth that euen christ was to suffer the fury of their malice , befo●● gods wrath could be ap●●●sed . and lastly , assured that the church shall be at length deliuered , and 〈◊〉 enemies rewarded according to their wickednesse . t●● song may be sung to set before our eyes , the seuerity 〈◊〉 gods wrath against sinne , to winne vs to repentan●● and to comfort vs vpon our conuersions . song . . sing this as the . song . how dimme the gold doth now appeare ! ( that gold , which once so brightly shone ) about the citie , here and there , the sanctuary-stones art throwne . the sonnes of syon , late compar'd , to gold , ( the richest in esteeme ) like potsheards , are without regard , and base as earthen vessels seeme . the monsters of the sea haue care the breasts vnto their young to giue : but crueller my people are ; and estridge-like in deserts liue . with thirst the sucklings tongues are dry ; and to their parched roofes they clea●e . for bread young children also cry ; but none at all they can receaue . those that were vs'd to dainty fare , now in the streets halfe starued lye . and they that once did scarlet weare , now dunghill rags about them tye . yea , greater plagues my peoples crime , hath brought on them , then sodoms were . for , that was sunke in little time , and no prolonged death was there . her nazarites , whose whitenesse was more pure then either milke or snow ; whose ruddinesse did rubies passe ; whose veines did like the saphir show : now blacker then the cole are growne ; and in the streets vnknowne are they : their flesh is clung vnto the bone , and like a sticke is dry'd away . such therefore as the sword hath slaine , are farre in better case then those ; who death for want of food sustaine , whilst in the fruitfull field it growes . for when my people were distrest , eu'n women ( that should pittie take ) with their owne hands their children drest , that so their h●nger they might s●ake . the lord accomplisht hath his wrath ; his fierce displeasure forth is powrd ; a fire on sion set he hath , which eu'n her ground-worke hath deuour'd ; when there was neither earthly king ; nor , through the whole world , one of all thought any foe to passe could bring , that thus ierusalem should fall . but this hath happened for the guilt of those that haue her prophets bin , and those her wicked priests , that spilt the blood of innocents therein . along the streets they s●umbling went ; ( the blindnesse of these men was such . ) and , so with bloud they were be-sprent , that no man would their garments touch , depart , depart ; ( ●twas therefore sed ) from these pollutions get ye farre . so , wandring to the heathen , fled , and said , there was no biding there . and them the lord hath now in wrath exilde , and made despi●ed liue : yea , sent their priests and elders hath , where none doth honour to them giue . and , as for vs , our eyes decay'd , with watching vaine releefes , we haue : cause , we expect a nations ayde , that is vnable vs to saue . for , at our heeles so close they be , we dare not in the streetes appeare . our end we therefore , comming see , and know our rooting-out is neare . our persecutors follow on , as swift as aegles of the skie . they o're the mountaines make vs runne ; and in the deserts , for vs lye . yea , they haue christ ( our life ) betray'd , and caus'd him in their pits to fall . ( eu'n him ) beneath whose shade , we sa●● ▪ we liue among the ●eathen shall . o edom , in the land of huz , ( though yet o're vs triumph thou may ) thou shalt receaue this cup from vs ; be drunke , and hurle thy cloaths away . for , when thy punishments for sinnes , accomplished oh syon be ; to visit edom he beginnes ; and publike make her shame , will be . lament . . in this elegie , the prophet prayeth vnto the lord to remember and consider his peoples afflictions , acknowledging before him their miseries , and presenting them vnto him , as destressed orphanes , widdowes , and captiues ( by such humiliation ) ●o winne his compassion . hee mooueth him also , by repetition of the miserable ruine they werefallen into : by the noble possessions and digni●ies they had lost ; by the base condition of those vnder whose tyranny they were brought : and by the generalitie of their calamitie , from which no s●x● , age , nor degree , escaped . then ( ingenuously confessing their sin to be the iust cause of all this ) glorifieth god , and concludeth this petitionary ode , with desiring that he would both giue them grace to repent , and restore them to that peace which they formerly enioyed . this elegiacall song , we may sing vnto god in the behalfe of many particular churches , euen in these times ; especially if we consider that mysticall bondage which the diuell hath brought them into ; and apply these complaints to those spirituall calamities , which haue befallen them for their sinnes . song . . sing this as the fifth song . oh mind thou lord , our sad distresse ▪ behold , and thinke on our reproach . our houses , strangers do possesse ; and on our heritage encroach . our mothers for their husbands grieue , and of our fathers rob●d are we ; yea , money we compel'd to giue for our owne wood and water , be . in persecution we remaine , where endlesse labour tyre vs doth ; and , we to serue for bread are faine , to aegypt and to ashur both . our fathers err●d , and being gone , the burthen of their sinne we beare : eu'n slaues the rule o're vs haue wone ; and none to set vs free is there . for bread our liues we hazard in the perils , which the deserts threat ; and like an ouen is our skinne , both soil●d and parcht for want of meat . in sion wiues defiled were ; deflowred were the virgins young , ( through iudah's cities euery where ) and princes by their hands were hung . her elders disrespected stood : her young-men , they for ● rinding tooke ▪ her children fell beneath the wood , and ma●istrates the gates forsooke . their musicke , young-men haue forborne : reioycing in their hearts is none : to mourning doth our dauncing turne ; and from our head the crowne is gone . alas that euer we did sinne ! for , therefore feeles our heart these cares : for that our eyes haue dimmed beene ; and thus the hill of syon fares . such desolation there is seene , that now the foxes play thereon : but thou for euer lord hast beene ; and without ending is thy chrone ▪ oh , why are we forgotten thus ? so long time wherefore absent art ? conuert thy selfe , oh lord , to vs ; and we to thee shall soone conuart . renue , oh lord , those ages past , in which thy fauour we haue seene . for , we extreamely are debas't , and bitter hath thine anger beene . the prayer of daniel . dan. . . the prophet daniel , in this prayer beseecheth god to be mercifull vnto his people in captiuity ; and these foure things are principally considerable therein . first , an acknowledgement of gods power , iustice , and mercy , with a confession , that from the highest to the lowest they had broken his commandements , and were therfore iustly punished . secondly , it is confessed that as their punishment is that which they deserued ; so it is also the same that was foretold should come vpon thē . thirdly , he beseecheth that god for his owne mercies sake , and the sake of his messias , would ( neuertheles ) ●e merciful vnto them ; aswell in r●g●rd he had heretofore gotten glory by deliuering them ; as in respect they were his owne elected people , and were already become a repro●ch vnto their neighbours this may be sung whensoeuer any of those iudgements are powred out on the common-wealth , which the prophets haue threatned for sinne ; or in our particular afflictions , we hauing first applyed it by our meditations . song . . sing this as the . song . lord god almighty , great , & full of feare , who alwaies art from breach of promise free , and neuer falling to haue mercy there , where they obserue thy lawes and honour thee : we haue transgressed , and amisse haue done ; we disobedient and rebellious were . for , from thy precepts we astray are gone ; and we departed from thy iudgements are . we did thy seruants prophecies withstand , who to our dukes , our kings , and fathers came ; when they to all the people of the land , proclaimed forth their message in thy name . in thee oh lord , all righteousnesse appeares , but publike shame to vs doth appertaine ; eu'n as with them of iudah now it fares , and those that in ierusalem remaine : yea , as to isr'el now it doth befall ; throughout those lands in which they scatt'red be , for that their great transgression , wherewithall they haue transgressed , and offended thee . to vs , our kings , our dukes , and fathers , doth disgrace pertaine ( oh lord ) for angring thee : yet , mercy , lord our god , and pardon both , to thee belong , though we rebellious be . we , did ( indeed ) peruersly disobey thy voyce ( oh lord our god ) & would not heart , to keepe those lawes thou didst before vs lay , by those thy seruants , who thy prophets were . eu'n all that of the race of isra'el be , against thy law , haue grieuously mis-done : and that they might not listen vnto thee , they backward from thy voyce oh lord , are gone . on them therefore , that curse , & oath descended , which in the law of moses written was ; ( the seruant of that god whom we offended ) and now his speeches he hath brought to passe . on vs , and on our iudges , he doth bring that plague , wherewith he threatned vs & them . for , vnder heau'n was neuer such a thing , as now is faine vpon ierusalem . as moses written-law doth beare record , now all this mischiefe vpon them is brought . and yet we prayed not before the lord , that leauing sin , we might his truth be taught . for which respect , the lord in wait hath laid , that he , on vs inflict this mischiefe , might . and sith his holy word we disobeyd . in all his doings he remaines vpright . but now , oh lord our god , who from the land of cruell aegypt , brought thy people hast ; and by the power of thy almighty hand , atchieu'd a name , which to this day doth last : though we haue sinned in committing ill , yet lord by that pure righteousnesse in thee , from thy ierusalem , thy holy-hill , oh! let thy wrathfull anger turned be . for , through the guilt of our displeasing sinne , and for our fathers faults ; ierusalem , ( thy chosen people ) hath despised bin : and are the scorne of all that neighbour them . now therefore to thy seruants pray'r incline : heare thou his suite , oh god , and let thy face , ( eu'n for the lords deare sake ) vouchsafe to shine upon thy ( now forsaken ) holy place . thine eares encline thou ( oh my god ) and heare : lift vp thine eyes , and vs , oh looke vpon ; us , who forsaken with thy citie are ; that citie , where thy name is called on . for , we vpon our selues presume not thus . before thy presence our request to make ▪ for ought that righteous can be found in vs ; but for thy great and tender mercies sake . lord heare ( forgiue oh lord ) & weigh the same ▪ oh lord performe it , and no more deferre , for thine owne sake , my god ; for by thy name , thy citie and thy people called are . the prayer of ionah . ionah . ionah flying from god , and being preserued in a fishes belly , when he was cast into the sea ; made this prayer to praise god for deliuering him in so great an extreamitie . and the principall things remarkeable therein are these . first , the place where he prayed . secondly , th● terrible danger that enclosed him . thirdly , the despaire he was nigh falling into . fourthly , gods mercy , with the prophets timely application thereof , & the comfort it infused into him . fiftly , the occasio●● drawing men into such perills . sixtly , the vowe made vpon his deliuerance , and the reason of that vowe . this buriall of ionas in the fishes belly , and his deliuerance from thence , was a type of the buriall and resurrection of our blessed sauiour , matth. . . this prayer therefore we ought , not only to sing hystorically , to memorize this wondrous worke of god ; but to praise him also for the resurrection of christ , and raising mankinde from that fearefull and bottomlesse gulfe of perdition , wherein it lay swallowed vp , without possibility of redeeming it selfe . song . . sing this as the song . in my distresse to thee i cri●de , oh lord ; and thou wert pleased my complaint to heare : out from the bowels of the graue i roar'd ; and to my voyce thou didst incline thine care : for , i amid the raging sea was cast ; and to the bottome there thou plung●d me hast . the flouds did round about me circles make : thy waues and billowes ouer-flow'd me quite ; and then vnto my selfe ( alas ) i said , i am for euermore depriu'd thy sight : yet once againe thou pleased art , that i should to thy holy temple lift mine eye . eu'n to my soule the waters clos'd me had : o're-swallow'd by the deepes i fast was pent : about my head the weeds a wreath had made : unto the mountaines bottomes downe i went ; and so , that forth againe i could not get , the earth an euerlasting barre had set . then thou , oh lord my god ; then thou wert he , that from corruption didst my life defend . for , when my soule was like to faint in me , thou thither didst into my thought descend . and lord , my prayer thence to thee i sent , which vpward to thy holy temple went. those who beleeue in vaine and foolish lyes , despisers of their owne good safety be . but , i will offer vp the sacrifice of singing praises , with my voyce , to thee . and i will that performe , which vow'd i haue : for , vnto thee belongs it , lord , to saue . the prayer of habakuk . habak . . in this petitiona●y and propheticall hymne , the deliuerer of mankind , is first prayed for . secondly , the glorious maiesty of his comming is described by excellent allegories , and by allusions to former deliuerances , vouchsafed to the iewes . thirdly , here is foretold , the ouerthrowe of antichrist ; who shall be destroyed by the brightnes of our sauiours comming . fourthly , here is set forth the state of the latter times . fiftly , he expresseth the ioy , confidence , and safety of the elect of god , euen amid those terrors that shall awayt vpon their r●deemers cōming . this song is to be sung hystorically , in commemoration of the churches deliuerance by the first comming of iesus christ. and prophetically , to comfort vs concerning that perfect deliuery , as●ured at his second comming . for , though the prophet had some respect to the iewes temporall deliuerance , that hee might comfort the church in those times . yet the holy-ghost had principall regard to the spirituall deliuerance of his spirituall kingdome , the holy catholicke-church . and to her , & her enemies doe the names ( of the churches enemies ) here mentioned , very properly agree . nay , cushan , signifying darke , blacke , or cloudy ; and midian which is interpreted , condemnation , or iudgement ; better suite vnto the nature of those spirituall aduersaries , whom they p●efigured , then to those people who were literally so called . for , none are so fitly tearmed people of darknesse , or of condemnation , as the members of antichrist , and the spirituall babilon . song . . lord , thy answere i did heare , and i grew therewith afear'd . when the times at fullest are , let thy worke be then declar'd . when the time , lord , full doth grow , then in anger , mercy show . god almightie , he came downe ; downe he came from theman-ward : and the matchlesse holy-one , from mount paran forth appear'd , heau'n ore-spreading with his rayes , and earth filling with his praise . sunne-like was his glorious light : from his side there did appeare beaming rayes that shined bright ; and his pow'r he shrowded there : plagues before his face he sent : at his feete hot coales there went ▪ where he stood he measure tooke of the earth , and view●d it well : nations vanisht at his looke ; auncient hils to powder fell : mountaines old cast lower were : for , his waies eternall are . cushan tents i saw diseas'd , and the midian curtaines quake . haue the flouds , lord , thee displeas'd ? did the flouds thee angry make ? was it else the sea that hath thus prouoked thee to wrath ? for , thou rod'st thy horses there , and thy sauing-charrets through : thou didst make thy ●ow appeare ; and thou didst performe thy uowe : yea , thine oath and promise past ( to the tribes ) fulfilled hast . through the earth thou riftes didst make . and the riuers there did flow : mountaines , seeing thee , did shake ; and away the flouds did goe . from the deepe a voyce was heard ; and his hands on high he rear'd . both the sunne and moone made stay , and remoou'd not in their spheares : by thine arrowes light went they , by thy brightly shining speares : thou in wrath the land didst crush , and in rage the nations thresh . for thy peoples safe releefe , with thy christ for ayd wentst thou : thou hast also pierc't the chiefe of the sinfull houshold through ; and displayd them , till made bare from the foot to necke they were . thou , with iauelines of their owne , didst their armies leader strike . for , against me they came downe , to deuoure me , wherle-winde like . and they ioy in nothing more , then vnseene to spoile the poore . through the sea thou madst a way , and didst ride thy horses there , where great heapes of water lay . i , the newes thereof did heare : and the voyce my bowels shooke ; yea , my lips a qui●'ring tooke . rottennesse my bones possest : trembling feare possessed me , i that troublous day might rest . for , when his approches be onward to the people made , his strong troups will them inuade . bloomelesse shall the fig-tree bee : and the vine no fruit shall yeeld : fade shall , then , the oliue tree : meat shall none be , in the field . neither in the fold , or s●all , flocke or heard continue shall . yet , the lord my ioy shall be : and , in him i will delight : in my god that saueth me ; god the lord , my only might , who , my feete so guides , that i hinde-like , pace my places-high . the hymnes of the new-testament . these fiue that next follow , are the hymnes of the new-testament . betweene which , and the songs of the old testament , there is great difference . for , the songs of the old testament were either thank●sgiuings for temporall benefits , typifying and signifying future benefits touching our redemption : or else , hymnes prophetically foreshewing those mysteries which were to be accomplished at the comming of christ. but , these euangelicall songs were composed , not for temporall , but for spirituall things , promised and figured by those temporall benefits , mentioned in the old testament , and perfectly fulfilled in the new. therefore , these euangelicall hymnes are more excellent then such as are meerely propheticall ; in regard , the possession is to be preferred before the hope ; and the end , before the meanes of obtaining it . magnificat . luk. . . the blessed virgin mary being saluted by the angel gabriel , & hauing by the holy-ghost conceiued our redeemer iesus christ in her wombe ; was made fruitfull also , in her soule , by the ouershaddowing of that holy spirit : and thereupon , brought sorth this euangelicall and propheticall hymne . wherein , three things are principally obserueable . first , she praiseth god for his particular mercies and fauour towards her . secondly , she glorifies god for the generall benefit of our redemption . thirdly , she magnifies god for the particular grace vouchsafed vnto the seed of israel , according to what was promised to abraham . this is the first euangelicall song . and was indited by the holy ghost , not only to bee the blessed virgines thanksgiuing ; but to be sung by the whole catholike church ( whom she typically personated ) to praise god for our redemption and exaltation . and therefore , it is worthily inserted into the liturgie , that it may be perpetually , and reuerently sung . song . . sing this as the . song . that magnifi'de the lord may be , my soule now vndertakes ; and in the god that saueth me , my spirit merry-makes . for , he vouchsafed hath to view his handmaides poore degree . and loe , all ages that ensue , shall blessed reckon me . great things for me th' almightie does , and holy is his name : from age to age he mercy showes on such as feare the same . he , by his arme declar'd his might : and this to passe hath brought , that now the proud are put to flight , by what their hearts haue thought . the mighty plucking from their seat ; the poore he placed there : and for the hungrie takes the meate from such , as weal●hy are . but , minding mercy , he hath show'd his seruant isr'el grace : as he to our forefathers vow'd ; to abraham , and his race . benedictus luk. . . zachary the priest , being ( vpon the birth of 〈◊〉 son ) inspired with the knowledge of our 〈◊〉 incarnation ; sung the second euangelicall hymne : in which , two things are especially considerable . first , he blesseth god , because through the comming of christ , all the promises made vnto the patriarkes and prophets were fulfilled , for the saluation of his people . secondly , he declareth the office and dutie of his owne sonne , who was sent before to prepare the way of the lord. this song , the church hath worthily inserted into the liturgie also , and we ought therefore to sing it reuerently in memoriall of our sauiours incarnation ; and to praise god for the fulfilling of his promises , and that euangelicall preparation , which he vouchsafed , by sending his fore●runner . song . . sing this as the . song . blest be the god of israel : for , he has people bought , and in his seruant dauid's house hath great saluation wrought ; as by his prophets , he foretold , since time began to be ; that from our foes we might be safe , and from our haters free . that he might show our fathers grace and beare in minde the same , which by an oath he vow'd vnto our father abraham ; that from our aduersaries freed , we serue him fearelesse might , in righteousnesse , and holinesse , our ●●fe-time in his sight . and ( of the highest ) thee , oh child ! the ●rophet i declare , before the lord his face to goe ; his comming to prepare ; to teach his people , how they shall that safety come to know , which by remission of their sinnes , he doth on them bestowe . for it is through the tender loue of god alone , where by that day-spring hath to visit vs , descended from on high ; to light them who in darkenesse sit , ( and in deaths shade abide ) and in the blessed way of pea●e their wandring feet to guide . t●● song of angels . luk. . . this is the third euangelicall song mentioned in the new testament ; and it was sung by a quire of angels ( at the birth of our blessed sauiour iesus christ ) whose re●o●cing shall be m●de compleat by the redemption of m●nkinde . in this song they first glorifie god ; and then proclaime that happy ●ea●● and ●econciliation which his sons natiuity should bring vnto the world , reioycing therein , and in that vnspeakeable good-wi●● and deare - communion which was thereby established betweene the go head , the manhood , and them. we therefore ought to ioyne with them in this song , and sing it often , to praise god , and quicken faith and charitie in our selues . song . . thus angels sung , and thus sing we ; to god on high all glory be : let him on earth his peace bestowe , and vnto men his fauour show . nunc dimittis . luk. ● . . the fourth euangelicall hymne is this of simeon ; who being in expectation of the comming of the messias ( which according to daniels . weekes was in those dayes to bee accomplished ) it was reuealed vnto him , that he should no●●ye till he had seene christ : and , accordingly he comming into the temple by the spirits instigation ( when he was presented there as the law commanded ) both beheld , and embraced his redeemer . in this song therefore he glorifieth god , for the fulfilling of his promise made vnto him ; and ioyfully confesseth iesus christ before all the people . in repeating this hymne , we ought also to confesse our redeemer . for simeon was , as it were , the churches speaker ; and hath for vs expressed that thankfull ioy , wherewithall wee should be filled , when god enlightens●vs with the knowledge and spirituall vision of our sauiour . song . . sing this as the ● . song . grant now in peace , ( that by thy leaue ) i may depart , oh lord : for , thy saluation seene i haue , according to thy word . that which prepared was by thee , before all peoples sight , thy israels renowne to be , and to the gentiles light . the song of moses and the lambe . reuel . . . the fifth and last song recorded in the new testament is this , called by s. iohn , the song of moses and the lambe ; being indeede the effect of that triumph song , which the saints , and blessed martyrs shal sing vnto the honour of that lambe of god , which taketh away the sinnes of the world , when they haue gotten the victory ouer antichrist . this hy●●e the members of the true church may sing to gods g●●●y , and the encrease of their owne comfort , when they perceiue the power of the almighty any way manifested vpon that aduersarie . it may be repeated also , amid our greatest persecution● , to strengthen our faith , and remember vs , that whatsoeuer we suffer , there will come a day , wherein we shall haue cause to make vse of this hymne with a perfect reioycing . song . . sing this as the . song . oh thou lord , thou god of might ; ( who do'st all things worke aright ) whatsoe're is done by thee , great , and wondrous proues to be : true thy waies are , and direct , holy king of saints elect . and ( oh therefore ) who is there , that of thee retaines no feare ? who is there that shall deny , thy great name to glorifie ▪ for thou , lord , and thou alone : art the perfect holy-one : in thy presence nations all ●hall to adoration fall . for thy iudgement● now appeare unto all men what they are . here end the hymnes of the new testament . the x commandements exod. . although the decalogue be not originally in verse , yet among vs it hath beene heretofore vsually sung : because therefore it may be a meanes to present these precepts somewhat the oftner to remembrance , make them the more frequently repeated , and stirre vp those who sing and heare them , to the better performance of their duties ; they are here also inserted , and fitted to be sung . song . . sing this as the . song . the great almighty spake ; and thus said he ; i am the lord thy god ; and i alone from cruell ae●ypts thraldome set thee free : and other g●ds but me thou shalt haue none . haue mercy lord , and so our hearts encline , that we may keepe this blessed law of thine . thou shalt not make an image , to adore , of ought on earth aboue it , or below : a carued worke thou shalt not ●●w before ; nor any worship on the same ●estowe . for , i thy god , a iealous god am knowne ; and on their seed the fathers sinnes correct ; untill the third , and fourth descent be gone : but them i alwaies loue , that me affect . haue mercy lord , and so our hearts encline , that we may keepe this blessed law of thine . the name of god thou neuer shalt abuse , by swearing , or repeating it in vaine : for , him that doth his name prophanely vse , the lord will as a guiltie-one arraigne . haue mercy lord , and so our hearts encline , that we may kee●e this blessed law of thine . to keepe the sabbath holy , beare in minde . sixe dayes thine owne affaires apply thou to : the seau'nth is gods owne day for rest assign'd , and thou no kinde of worke therein shalt doe . thou , nor thy childe , thy seruants , nor th● beast ; nor he that guest-wise with thee doth abide : for , after sixe dayes labour god did rest : and therefore he that day hath sanctifi'de . haue mercy lord , and so our hearts encline , that we may keepe this blessed law of thine . see , that vnto thy parents thou doe giue such honour , as the childe by dutie owes , that thou a long and blessed life maist liue within the land , the lord thy god bestowes . haue mercy lord , and so our hearts encline , that we may keepe this blessed law of thine . thou shalt be wary , that thou no man slay : thou shalt from all adultery be cleare : thou shalt not steale anothers good away : nor witnesse-false against thy neighbour beare . haue mercie lord , and so our hearts encline , that we may keepe this blessed law of thine . with what is thine remaining well apaid : thou shalt not couer what thy neighbours is , his house , nor wife , his seruant , man , nor maid , his oxe , nor asse , nor any thing of his . thy mercy lord , thy mercy let vs haue , and in our hearts these lawes of thine engraue . the lords prayer . mat. . . the lords prayer hath beene aunciently , and vsually sung also ; and to that purpose was heretofore both translated and paraphras'd in verse ; which way of expression ( howsoeuer some weake iudgements haue condemned it ) doth no whit disparage or mis-beseeme a prayer . for , dauid made many prayers in verse● and , indeede , measured words were first deuised and vsed to expresse the praises of god , and petitions made to him . yea , those are the ancient and proper subiects of poesie , as appeares throughout the sacred writ , & in the first humane antiquities . verse , the●fore , dishonors not diuine subiects ; but those men doe prophane and dishonour verse , who abuse it on vaine and meere prophane expressions . the scope and vse of this prayer is so frequently treated of , that i thinke i shall not need to insist thereon in this place . song . . sing this as the . song . our father which in heauen art ; we sanctifie thy name : thy kingdome come : thy will be done in heau'n and earth the same : giue vs this day our daily bread : and vs forgiue thou so ; as we on them that vs offend , forgiuenesse doe bestow : into temptation lead vs not ; but vs from euill free . for , thine the kingdome , powre , and praise , is , and shall euer be . the apostles creede . the effect and vse of this creed is so generally taught , that this preface need not be enlarged : and as touching the singing and versifying of it , that which is said in the preface to the lords prayer may serue for both . song . . in god the father i beleeue ; who made all creatures by his word ; and true beleefe i likewise haue in iesus christ , his sonne , our lord : who by the holy ghost conceiu'd , was of the uirgine mary borne : who meekely pilat's wrongs recei'ud , and crucified was with scorne . who di'de , and in the graue hath laine : who did the lowest pit descend : who on the third day rose againe , and vp to heauen did ascend . who at his fathers right-hand there , now throaned sits ; and thence shall come , to take his seat of iudgement here ▪ and giue both quicke , and dead their doome . i in the holy ghost beleeue , the holy church-catholike too , ( and that the saints communion haue , ) undoubtedly beleeue i doe . i well assured am likewise , a pardon for my s●nnes to gaine ; and that my flesh from death shall rise , and euerlasting life obtaine . a funerall song . the first stanza of this song is taken out of s. iohn● gospell cap. . ver. . . the second stanza , iob . , , . the third stanza , tim. . . and iob . . the last stanza , reu. . . and in the order of buriall appointed by the church of england , it is appointed to be sung or read , as the minister pleaseth : that therefore it may be the more conueniently vsed either way , according to the churches appointment , it is here turned into lyricke verse . it was ordained to comfort the liuing , by putting them in minde of the resurrection , and of the happinesse of those , who dye in the faith of christ iesus . song . . sing this as the . song . i am the life ( the lord thus saith ) the resurrection is through me ; and whoso'ere in me hath faith , shall liue , yea though now dead he be● and he for euer shall not dye , that liuing doth on me relye . that my redeemer liues i ween , and that at last i rais'd shall be from earth , and , couer'd with my skinne in this my flesh , my god shall see . yea , with these eyes , and these alone , eu'n i my god shall looke vpon . into the world we naked come , and naked backe againe we goe : the lord our wealth receiue we from , and he doth take it from vs too : the lord both wils , and workes the same ; and blessed therefore be his name . from heau'n there came a voyce to me , and this it wil'd me to record ; the dead from henceforth blessed be , the dead that dyeth in the lord : the spirit thus doth likewise say ; for , from their workes at rest are they . the song of the three children . this song hath been anciently vsed in the liturgie of the church , as profitable to the stirring vp of d●uotion , and for the praise of god. for , it earnestly calleth vpon all creatures , to set forth the glory of their creator , euen angels , spirits , and reasonable creatures , with those also that are vnreasonable , and vnsensible . and this speaking to things without life , is not to ●ntimate that they are capable of such like exhortations ; but rather , that vpon consideration of the obedience which beasts , and insensible creatures continue towards god , according to the law imposed at their creation ; men might be prouoked to remember the honour and praise , which they ought to ascribe vnto their almighty creator , as well as all his other creatures . song . . sing this as the . song . oh all you creatures of the lord ; you angels of the god most high ; you heau'ns , with what you doe afford ; and waters all aboue the skie : blesse ye the lord , him praise , adore , and magnifie him euermore . of god you euerlasting powres , sunne , moone , and starres , so bright that show ; you soking deawes , you dropping showres ; and all you winds of god that blow : blesse ye the lord , him praise , adore , and magnifie him euermore . thou fire , and what doth heat containe ; cold winter , and thou summer faire ; you blustering stormes of haile , and raine ; and thou the frost-congealing - ayre : blesse ye the lord , him praise , adore , and magnifie him euermore . oh praise him both you ice and snow ; you nights and dayes , doe you the same , with what or darke or light doth show ; you cloudes , and eu'ry shining flame : blesse ye the lord , him praise , adore , and magnifie him euermore . thou earth , you mountaines , and you hills , and whatsoeuer thereon growes ; you fountaines , riuers , springs , and rills ; you seas , and all that ebbes , or flowes : blesse ye the lord , him praise , adore , and magnifie him euermore . you whales , and all the water yeelds ; you of the feather'd airy-breed ; you beasts and cattell of the fields ; and you that are of humane seed : blesse ye the lord , him praise , adore , and magnifie him euermore . let israel the lord confesse ; so let his priests , that in him trust ; him let his seruants also blesse ; yea , soules and spirits of the iust : blesse ye the lord , him praise , adore , and magnifie him euermore . you blessed saints , his praises tell ▪ and you that are of humble heart , with ananias , misael ; and azarias ( bearing part ) blesse you the lord , him praise adore , and magnifie him euermore . the song of s. ambrose , or te deum . this song , commonly called te deum , or the song of s. ambrose , was repeated at the baptizing of s. augustine : and ( as it is recorded ) was composed at that very time by those two reuerend fathers , answering one another , as it were by immediate inspiration . it is one of the most auncient hymnes of the christian church , excellently praising and confessing the blessed trinitie : and there●ore is daily and worthily made vse of in our liturgie , and reckoned among the sacred hymnes . song . . sing this as the . song . we praise thee god , we knowledge thee , to be the lord , for euermore : and the eternall father we , throughout the earth , doe thee adore : all angels , with all powers within the compasse of the heauens high ; both cherubin , and seraphin , to thee perpetually do cry . oh holy , holy , holy-one ; thou lord , and god of sabbath art ; whose praise , and maiesty alone fils heauen and earth , in eu'ry part : the glorious troupe apostolike ; the prophets worthy company ; the ma●tyrs army-royall eke are those , whom thou art praised by . thou through the holy chur●h art knowne , the father of vnbounded powre : thy worthy , true , and only sonne : the holy ghost the comfortour : of glory thou , oh christ , art king ; the father's sonne , for euermore ; who men from endlesse death to bring , the virgins wombe didst not abhorre . when conquerour of death thou wert , heau'n to the faithfull openedst thou ; and in the fathers glory art at gods right-hand enthroned now : whence we beleeue , that thou shalt come , to iudge vs in the day of wrath . oh , therefore helpe thy seruants , whom thy precious blood redeemed hath . them with those saints doe thou record , that gaine eternall glory may ▪ thine heritage , and people lord , saue , blesse , guide , and advance for aye : by vs thou dayly prais'd hast beene ; and we will praise thee without end . oh , keepe vs , lord , this day from sinne ▪ and let thy mercy vs defend . thy mercy , lord , let vs receiue , as we our trust repose in thee : oh lord , in thee i trusted haue ; confounded neuer let me be . athanasius creede , or quicunque vult . this creed was composed by athanasius ( after the wicked heresie of arrius had spread it selfe through the world ) that so the faith of the catholicke church , concerning the mystery of the blessed trinity , might be the better vnderstood , and professed , to the ouerthrow and preuenting of arrianisme , or the like heresies . and to the same purpose it is appointed to be said or sung vpon certaine dayes of the yeare in the church of england . song . . sing this as the . song . those that will saued be must hold , the true catholike faith , and keepe it wholly , if they would escape eternall death . which faith a trinity adores in one ; and one in three : so , as the substance being one , distinct the persons be . one person of the father is , another of the sonne ; another of the holy-ghost , and yet their godhead one : alike in glory ; and in their eternity as much : for , as the father , both the sonne , and holy-ghost is such . the father vncreate , and so the sonne , and spirit be : the father he is infinite ; the other two as he. the father an eternall is , eternall is the sonne : so is the holy-ghost ; yet , these eternally but one. nor say we there are infinites , or vncreated three . for , there can but one infinite , or vncreated be . so father , sonne , and holy-ghost , all three almighties are ; and yet not three almighties tho , but onely one is there . the father likewise god and lord ; and god and lord the sonne ; and god and lord the holy ghost , yet god and lord but one. for though each person by himselfe , we god and lord confesse : yet christian faith forbids that we three gods or lords professe . the father nor begot , nor made ; begot , ( not made ) the sonne ; made , nor begot , the holy-ghost , but a proceeding-one . one father , not three fathers then ; one onely sonne , not three ; one holy-ghost we doe confesse , and that no moe they be . and lesse , or greater then the rest , this trinity hath none ; but they both coeternall be , and equall eu'ry one . he therefore that will saued be , ( as we haue said before ) must one in three , and three in one , beleeue , and still adore . that iesus christ incarnate was , he must beleeue with this and how that both the sonne of god , and god and man 〈◊〉 is ▪ god , of his fathers substance pure , begot ere time was made : man of his mothers substance borne , when time his fulnesse had . both perfect god , and perfect man , in soule , and flesh , as we : the ●athers equall being god : is man , beneath is ●e . though god & man ; yet but one christ : and ●o dispose it so , the godhead was not turn●d to flesh , but manhood tooke thereto . the substance vn-confus●d ; he one in person doth subsist : as soule and body make one man ; so god , and man is christ : who suffred , and went downe to hell , that we might saued be ; the third day he arose againe , and heau●n ascended he . at god the fathers right-hand , there he 〈◊〉 ; and at the doome , he to adiudge both quicke and dead , from thence againe shall come . then all men with their flesh shall rise , and he account require . well-doers into blisse shall goe , the bad to endlesse f●re . veni creator . th●s is a very a●ci●nt hymne composed in latine 〈◊〉 , and c●mmo●ly called veni cr●ator ; because those are the first words of it . by the cannons of our church it is commanded to be said or sung at the consecration of bishops , and at the ordination of ministers , &c. it is therefore here translated sill●●le for sillable , & in the same kind of measure which it hath in the latine . song . . come holy-ghost , the maker , come ; take in the soules of thine thy place ; thou whom our hearts had being from , oh , fill them with thy heauenly grace . thou art that comfort from aboue , the highest doth by gift impart ; thou ▪ spring of life , a fire of loue , and the annointing spirit art : thou in thy gifts art manifold , gods right-hand finger thou art , lord● the fathers promise made of old ; our tongues enriching by the word . oh! giue our blinded senses light ; shed loue into each heart of our , and grant the ●odies feeble-plight , may be enabled , by thy powre . farre from vs driue away the foe , and let a speedy peace ensue : our leader also be , that so we eu●ry danger may eschew . let vs be taught the blessed creed of ●ather , and of sonne , by thee : and how from both thou dost proceed , that our beleefe it still may be . to thee , the father , and the sonne ; ( whom past , and present times adore ) the one in three , and three in one , all glory be for euermore . here ends the first part of the hymnes , and songs of the church . the second part of the hymnes and songs of the chvrch , appropriated to the seuerall times and occasions , most obseruable in the church of england . every thing hath his season , saith the preacher , eccl. . and saint paul aduiseth , that all things should be done honestly , in order , and to edification . . cor. which counsell the church religeously ●e●ding ( and h●w by obseruation of times , and other circumstances , the memories and capacities of weake people were the better assisted ; ) it was prouided , that there s●ould be an●uall commemorations of the principall mysteries of our redemption : and certaine particular dayes we●e de●●cated to that purpose ; as nigh as might be gessed ( for the most part ) ●pon those very seesons of the yeare , in which the seuerall m●steries were accomplished . and , in●eede , this is not that heath●n●sh or idolatrous heeding of time● , reprehended in isa●ah . nor such a iewish or superstitious obse●uation of dayes , and mouthes , and times , an● yeares , as is reprooued by s paul. gal. . nor a ●●lciation f●r idlenesse , contrary to the fourth commandement : but a christian and warrantable obseruation , profitably ordained , that things might be done in order , that the vnderstanding might be the better ed●fied : that the memory might be the oftner refreshed ; and that the deuotion might be the more stirred vp . it is true ▪ that we ought to watch euery howre : but if the church had not by her authority appointed set dayes and hou●es to keepe vs aw●ke in , some of vs , would h●●●ly wat●h one hower . and therefore , those who haue zeale according to knowledge , doe not only religiously obserue ●he churches appointed times ; but doe by her example voluntarily also appoint vnto themselues certaine dayes , an● howers of the day for christian exercises . neither can any m●n suppose this commendable obseruation of feas●s , ( neither burthensome by multitude , nor superstitious by in●it●tion ) to b● an abridgement of christian liberty , who , as he ought to doe , beleeueth , that the seruice of god is perfect freedome . we perswade not , that one day is more holy then anoth●r in his owne nature : but admonish that those bee reuere●tly and christianly obserued , whi●h are vpon so good ground , and with prudent moderation dedicated to the worship of god. for , it cannot be denied , that euen those who are but coldly aff●cted to the churches ordinances in this kinde , doe neuerthelesse ofte● apprehend the mysterie of christs natiuity and passion , vpon the dayes of commemorating them , much mo●e feelingly th●n at other times ; and that they forget also some other mysteries altogether , vntill they are remembred of them by the distinction , and obseruation of times vsed in the church these things considered ; an● because there be many , w●● through ignorance rather then obstina●y , haue neglected the churches ordinance in this poynt , here are added ( to those songs of the church , which were either taken out of the canonicall scripture , or anciently in vse ) certaine other spirituall songs & hymnes appropriated to those dayes & occasions which are most obseruable throughout the yeare . and before each seuerall hymne is prefixed a breefe preface also to declare their vse , & the purpose of each commemoration . that such , who haue heretofore through ignorance contemned the churches discipline therein , might behaue themselues more reuerently hereafter , and learne not to speake euill of those things they vnderstand not . aduent sunday . the aduent is that for christmas , which iohn baptist was to christ ( ●uen a fore-runner for preparation : ) and it is called the aduent ( which signifieth comming ) because the church did vsually from that time vntill the natiuity commemorate the seueral commings of christ , and instruct the people concerning them . which commings are these ▪ and the like : his conception , by which he came into the virgins wombe : his natiuity , by which he came ( as it were ) further into the world : his comming to preach in his own person : his comming by his ministers : his comming to ierusalem : the comming of the holy ghost : his spirituall cōming which he vouchsafeth into the heart of euery regenerate christian : and finally , that last comming of his , which shall be vnto iudgement , &c. all which commings are comprehended in these three ; his comming to men , into men , and against men ; to men , by his incarnation ; into men , by grace ; against men , to iudgement . song . . sing this as the . song . when iesus christ incarnate was , to be our brother then came he : when into vs he comes by grace , then his beloued spouse are we : when he from heau'n descends agen , to be our iudge returnes he then . and then despaire will those confound , tha● his first commings nought regard ; and those , who till the trumpet sound ▪ consume their leasures vnprepard : curst be those pleasures cry they may , which droue the thought of this away . the iewes abiected yet remaine , that his first aduent heeded not ; and those fiue virgins knockt in vaine , who to prouide them oyle forgot : but safe and blessed those men are , who for his commings doe prepare . o let vs therefore watch and pray , his times of visiting to know , and liue so furnisht , that we may with him vnto his wedding goe : yea , though at midnight he should call , let vs be ready , lampes , and all . and so prouide before that feast , which christ his comming next doth minde , that he to come , and be a guest within our hearts , may pleasure finde ; and we bid welcome with good cheare that comming , which so many feare . oh come , lord iesu , come away ; ( yea , though the world it shall deterre ) oh let thy kingdome come we pray , whose comming most too much deferre : and grant vs thereof such foresight , it come not like a theefe by night . christmas day . this day is worthily dedicated to be obserued , in remembrance of the blessed natiuity of our redeemer iesus christ : at which time it pleased the almighty father , to send his onely be gotten sonne into the world for our sakes ; and by an vnspeakeable vnion to ioyne in one person god and man , without confusion of natures , or possibility of separation . to expresse therefore our thankefulnesse , and the ioy wee ought to haue in this loue of god ; there hath beene anciently , and is yet continued in england ( aboue other countries ) a neighbourly and plenti●ull hospitality in inuiting , an● ( without inuitation ) receiuing vnto our well furnisht tables our tennants , neighbours , friends , and strangers ; to the honour of our nation , and encrease of amity and free-hearted kindnesse among vs. but , most of all , to the refreshing of the bowels of the poore , being the most christian vse of such f●stiuals ▪ which charitable and good english ●ustome hath of late beene seasonably re-aduanced by his maiesties gracious care , in commanding our nobility and gentry to repai●e ( especially at such times ) to their country mansions . song . . a son the night before this blessed morne , a troupe of angels vnto shepheards told , where in a stable hee was poorely borne , whom nor the earth , nor heau'n of heau'ns can hold . through bethlem rung this newes at their returne ; yea , angels sung , that god with vs was borne : and they made mirth , because we should not mourne . chorvs . his loue therefore , oh ! let vs all confesse ; and to the sonnes of men his workes expresse . this fauour christ vouchsafed for our sake : to buy vs throanes he in a manger lay ; our weaknesse tooke , tha● we his strength might take , and was disrob'd that he might vs aray : our flesh he wore , our sinne to weare away : our curse he bore , that we escape it may ; and wep● for vs , that we might sing for aye . his loue therefore , oh ! let vs all confesse ; and to the sonnes of men his workes expresse . song . . another for christmas day . sing this as the . song . a song of ioy vnto the lord we sing , and publish forth the fauours he hath showne : we sing his praise , from whom all ioy doth spring , and tell abroad the wonders he hath done ; for such were neuer since the world begun . his loue therefore , oh ! let vs all confes●e ; and to the sonnes of men his workes expresse . as on this day the sonne of god was borne : the blessed word was then incarnate made ; the lord , to be a seruant held no scorne ; the godhead was with humane nature clad ; and flesh a throne aboue all angels had . his loue therefore , &c. our sinne and sorrows on himselfe ●e tooke , on vs his blisse and goodnesse to bestow : to visite earth , he heau'n a while forsooke : and to aduaunce vs high , descended low ; but with the sinnefull angels dealt not so . his loue therefore , &c. a mayd conceiu'd , whom man had neuer knowne : the fleece was moistned where no raine had been : a virgine she remaines that had a sonne : the bush did flame that still remained greene ; and this befell , when god with vs was seene . his loue therefore , &c. for sinfull men all this to passe was brought , as , long before , the prophets had forespoke : so , he that first our shame and ruine wrought , once bruz●d our heele , but now his head is broke : and he hath made vs whole , who gaue that stroke . his loue therefore , &c. the lambe hath playd deuouring wolues among . the morning starre of iacob doth appeare . from ies●●s roote our tree of life is sprung , and all gods words ( in him ) fulfilled are : yet , we are slacke his prayles to declare . his loue therefore , &c. circumcision , or newyeares-day . the church solemnizeth this day , commonly called newyeares-day , in memoriall of our sauiours circumcision ; that remembring , how when he was but eight d●yes old he began to smart and shed his blood for vs , we might praise him for the same : & that with due thankfulnesse considering how easie a sacrament hee hath left vs ( in sleed of that bloody-one , which the law inioyned ) wee might be prouoked to bring forth the fruites of regeneration . song . . sing this as the song . this day thy flesh , oh christ , did bleed , markt by the circumcision-knife ; ●ecause the law for mans misdeed , requir'd that earnest of thy life . those drops diuin'de that showre of bloud , which in thine agonie began : and that great showre foreshewd the floud , which from thy side the next day ran . then , through that milder sacrament , succeeding this , thy grace inspire ; yea , let thy smart make vs repent , and circumcized hearts desire . for , he that either is baptiz'd , or circumciz'd in flesh alone , is but as an vncircumciz'd , or as an vnbaptized-one . the yeare anew we now begin , and outward guifts receiu'd haue we ; renue vs also lord within , and make vs new-yeares-gifts for thee : yea , let vs with the passed yeare , our old affections cast away ; that we new-creatures may appeare , and to redeeme the time assay . twelfe-day , or the epiphanie . twelfeday , otherwise called the epiphany , or the day of manifestation , is celebrated by the church to the praise of god ; and in memoriall of that blessed and admirable discouery of our sauiours birth , which was vouchsafed vnto the gentiles shortly after it came to passe . for as the shepheards of the iewes were warned thereof , and directed to the place by an angell from heauen . so the magi● of the gentiles receiued the same particular notice of it by a starre in the east , that both iewes and gentiles might be left inexcusable , if they came not to his worship . this day is obserued also in commemoration of our sauiours baptisme , and of his first miracle in canaan , by which he was likewise manifested to be the sonne of god. song . . sing this as the . song . that so thy blessed birth , oh christ , might through the world be spread about , thy starre appeared in the east , whereby the gentiles found thee out ; and offring thee myrrhe ▪ incense , gold , thy three-fold office did vnfold . sweet iesus , let that starre of thine , thy grace , which guides to finde out thee , within our hearts for euer shine , that thou of vs found out mayst be : and thou shalt be our king therefore , our priest , and prophet euermore . teares that from true repentance drop , instead of myrrhe present will wee : for incense we will offer vp our prayers , and praises vnto thee ; and bring for ●old each pious-deed , which doth from sauing-faith proceed . and as those wise-men neuer went , to visite herod any more : so , finding thee , we will repent our courses follow●d heretofore ; and , that we homeward may retire , the way by thee we will enquire . the purification of s. marie the virgin. according to the time appointed in the law of moses , the blessed virgin s. marie reckoned the days of purification , which were to be obserued after the birth of a male childe ; and then , as the law commanded , presented both her sonne , and her appointed offring in the temple . partly therefore in commemoration of that her true obedience to the law ; and partly to memorize that presentation of our redeemer ( which was performed by his blessed mother at her purification ) this anniuersary is worthily obserued . song . . sing this as the . song . no doubt but she that had the grace , thee in her wombe , oh christ , to beare , and did all woman-kinde surpasse , was hallow'd by thy being there ; and where the fruite so holy was , the birth could no pollution cause . yet in obedience to thy law , her purifying-rites were done , that we might learne to stand in awe , how from thine ordinance we runne : for , if we disobedient be , unpuri●●ed soules haue we . oh keepe vs , lord , from thinking vaine , what by thy word thou shalt command , let vs be sparing to complaine , on what we doe not vnderstand ; and guide thy church , that she may still , command according to thy will. uouchsafe , that with one ioynt-consent , we may thy praises euer sing ; preserue thy seamelesse-robe vnrent , for which so many , lots doe fling ; and grant that being purifide from sinne , we may in loue abide . moreouer , as thy mother went , ( that holy and thrice-blessed mayd ) thee in thy temple to present , with perfect humane flesh arrayd : so , let vs offerd vp to thee , replenisht with thy spirit be . yea , let thy church our mother deare , ( within whose wombe new-borne we be ) before thee at her time appeare , to giue her children vp to thee ; and take for purified things her , and that offring which she brings . the first day of lent. the obseruation of lent is a profitable institution of the church , not abridging the christian liberty of meats , but intended for a means to helpe to set the spirit at liberty from the flesh . and therefore this fast consisteth not altogether in a formall forbearance of this or that food , but in a true mortification of the body : for abstinence from flesh onely ( wherein also we ought to be obedient to the higher powers , ) more tendeth to the encrease of plenty and well-ordering things in the common-wealth , then to a spirituall discipline . because it is apparant wee may ouer-pamper our selues as well with what is permitted as with what is forbidden ; this commendable obseruation ( which euery man ought to obserue so farre forth as he shall be able , and his spirituall necessity requires ) was appointed ; partly to commemorate our sauiours miraculous f●sting , whereby he satisfied for the gluttony of our first parents ; and ( at this season ) partly to coole our wanton bloud , which at this time of the yeare is aptest to be e●flamed with euill concupiscences ; and partly also ▪ to prepare vs the better both to meditate the passion of our sauiour , which is alwaies commemorated about the end of lent , and to fit vs to receiue the blessed sacrament of his last supper , to our greater comfort . song . . sing this as the . song . thy wondrous fastin● to record , and our rebellious flesh to tame , a holy fast to thee , oh lord , we haue intended in thy name : oh sanctifie it , we thee pray , that we may thereby honour thee ; and so dispose vs , that it may to our aduantage al●o be . let vs not grudgingly abstaine , nor secretly the gluttons play ; nor openly for glory vaine , thy churches ordinance obay : but let vs fast , as thou hast taught , thy rule obseruing in each part , with such intentions as we ought , and with true singlenesse of heart . so thou shalt our deuotions blesse , and make this holy discipline ; a meanes that longing to suppresse , which keeps our will so crosse to thine : and though our stricktest fastings faile to purchase of themselues thy grace ; yet , they to make for our auaile , ( by thy deseruings ) shall haue place . true fasting helpfull oft hath beene , the wanton flesh to mortifie ; but takes not off the guilt of sinne , nor can we merit ought thereby : it is thine abstinence , or none , which merit fauour for vs must ; for , when our glorioust workes are done , we perish , if in them we trust . the annuntiation of marie . the church hath dedicated this day , to memorize the annuntiation of the blessed virgine s. marie , who was about this time of the yeare saluted by the angell gabriel ; and we ought to sanctifie it with praising god for that vnexpressable mysterie of our sauiours conception , which was the happy newes the holy angell brought vnto his mother . nothing in the world is more worthy to be spoken of then this fauor , and yet nothing more vnspeakeable . song . . sing this as the . song . our hearts , oh blessed god , encline , thy true affection to embrace ; and that humility of thi●● , which for our sakes vouchsafed was , thy goodnesse teach vs to put on , as with our nature thou wert clad ; and so to minde what thou hast done , that we may praise thee , and be glad . for , thou not only held'st it meet , to send an angell from aboue , an humble mayd on earth to greet , and bring the message of thy loue : but laying ( as it were ) aside , those glories none can comprehend , ( nor any mortall eyes abide ) into her wombe thou didst descend . bestow thou also thy respect on our despis'de and lowe degree ; and lord , oh , doe not vs neglect , though worthy of contempt we be : but through thy messengers prepare , and hallow so our hearts we pray , that thou conceaued being there , the fruits of faith bring forth we may . palme-sunday . palme-sunday is so called , by reason it was vpon that day , in which iesus riding to ierusalem ( according to the prophets ) the people strewed the way for him with their garments , and the branches of the palme-tree . and , indeed , it was in a manner the day of proclaiming him king , as the friday following was the day of his coronation . worthily therefore is it commemorated : and many excellent mysteries are thereby brought to remembrance , which , but for this anniuersary , most would forget , and many , perhaps , neuer come to know . song . . sing this as the . song . when iesus to ierusalem , ( and there to suffer ) rode , the people all the way for him with palme and garments strowde : and though he did f●●l meekely ●ide , and poorely on an asse , hosanna to the king they cride , as he along did passe . his glory , and his royall right , eu'n by a powre diuine ) as if in wordly pompes despight , through pouerty did shine ; and though the greater sort did frowne , he exerciz●d his powre , till he himselfe did lay it downe , at his appointed howre . possession of his house he got , the marchants thence expel'd ; and , though the priests were madde thereat , his lectures there he held . oh! how should any be so dull , to doubt who this might bee ? when they did things so wonderfull , and workes so mighty see . lord , when to vs thou drawest nigh , instruct vs thee to know ; and to receiue thee ioyfully , how meane so ere in show : yea , though the rich and worldly-wise , when we thy praises sing , both thee , and vs , therefore despise , be thou approu'd our king. thursday before easter . as vpon this day our blessed sauiour , eating the passeouer with his disciples , instituted the blessed sacrament of his last supper . afterward he washed their feet ; prayed for them , and for the faithfull generation ; instructed them ; confuted them ; warned them of what should come to passe , both concerning themselues , and his owne death and resurrection ; promised to send them a comforter , and expressed many other excellent things for the confirmation of their faith . then departing to a garden , he praying , fell into his most bitter agony , which hauing ouercome , hee was that night betrayed , and forsaken of all his disciples . in commemoration of which passages the church holds this yearely assembly , that our pious affections towards our redeemer may be stirred vp , to his glory , and our comfort . song . . sing this as the . song . a holy sacrament this day to vs thou didst , oh lord , bequeath ; that by the same preserue we may , a blest memoriall of thy death ; whereof , oh , let vs so partake , we may with thee one body make . thy holy-supper being done , ( the last which thou vouchsafedst here ) by thee the feet of eu'ry one of thy disciples washed were ; to which humility of thine , our hauty mindes doe thou encline . the rest of that day thou didst vse , to pray , to comfort , and aduise : none might ( when thou wert gone ) abuse thy friends , or make of them a prize ; yet , when thy pleasure thou hadst said , by one of thine thou wert betrayd . and loe , that night they all did flye , who sate so kindely by thy side ; eu'n he , that for thy loue would dye , with oathes , and curses , thee denide ; which to thy soule more nigh did goe , then all the wrongs thy foes could doe . sweet iesus teach vs to conceiue , how neere vnto thy heart it strooke , when thy beloued thee did leaue , and thou didst backe vpon him looke ; we may hereafter nigh thee keepe , and for our past denials weepe . yea , let each passage of this day . within our hearts be grauen so , that minde them we for euer may and still thy promise trust vnto : so our affections shall to thee , in life , and death vnchanged be . friday before easter . this day we commemorate the vnsufferable passion of iesus christ , our blessed redeemer ; who was at this season of the yeare despightfully crucified by pilate , and the iewes . euery day we ought seriously to thinke vpon it by our selues : but this day we ought to meet about it in the publike assemblies , that wee might prouoke each other to compunction of heart ; to renue the memorie of it ; and to moue those that haue not yet taken notice thereof , to come along with vs to heare the story of his vnmatchlesse sorrow , who for the loue of vs tooke vpon himselfe those punishments which our wickednesse deserned . song . . sing this as the song . you that like heedlesse strangers passe along , as if nought here concerned you to day ; draw nigh , and heare the saddest passion song , that euer you did meet with in your way : so sad a storie ne're was told before , nor shall there be she like for euermore . the greatest king that euer wore a crowne , more then the basest vassaile was abus'de ; the truest louer that was euer knowne , by them he lou'd was most vnkindly vs'de : and ●e that liu'd from all transgressions cleare , was plagu'd for all the sinnes that euer were . eu'n they , in pitty of whose fall he wept , w●ought for his ruine , whilst he sought their good ; and watchet for him , when they should haue slept , that they might quench their malice in his blood : yet ( whē their bonds frō him he could haue thrown ) to saue their liues he daign●d to lose his owne . those , in whose harts compassion should haue been , insulted o●re his poore afflicted soule ; and those that nothing ill in him had seen , ( as guilty ) him accus d of treason soule : nay , him ( that neuer had one idle thought ) they for blaspheming vnto iudgement brought . where , some to aske him vaine demands begin ; and some to make a sport with him deuise : some at his answeres and behauiour grin ; and some doe spit their filth into his eyes : some giue him blowes , some mocke , & some reuile ; and he ( good heart ) sits quiet all the while . oh , that , where such a throng of men should be , no heart was found so gentle to relent ! and that so good and meeke a lambe as he , should be so vs●de , and yet no teare be spent ! sure , when once malice ●●ls the heart of man , nor stone , nor steele can be so hardned than . for , after this , his clothes from him they stript , and then , as if some slaue this lord had beene , with cruell rods and scourges him they whipt , till wounds were ouer all his body seene : in purple clad , and crowned too with thorne , they set him forth , and honor'd him in scorne . and , when they saw him in so sad a plight , as might haue made a flintie heart to bleed , they not a whit recanted at the sight ; but in their hellish fury did proceede : away with him ; away with him they said ; and crucifie him , crucifie him , cryde . a crosse of wood , that huge , and heauy was , upon his bloudy shoulders next they lay ; which onward to his execution-place he carryd , till he fainted in the way : and , when he thither weake and tyred came ; to giue him rest they nayld him to the same . oh! could we but the thousand part relate , of those afflictions , which they made him beare , our hearts with passion would dissolue thereat , and we should sit and weepe for euer here ; nor should we glad againe hereafter be , but that we hope in glory him to see . for , while vpon the crosse he payned hung , and was with soule tormentings also greeu'd ; ( farre more , then can be told by any tongue , or in the hearts of mortals be conceau'd ) those , for whose sake he vnderwent such paine , reioyc'd thereat , and held him in disdaine . one offerd to him vineger , and gall : a second did his pious workes deride : to dicing for his robes did others fall ; and many mockt him when to god he cry'd . yet , he as they his paine still more procur'd , still lou'd , and for their good the more endur'd . but , though his matchlesse loue immortall were , it was a mortall body he had on , that could no more then mortall bodies beare ; their malice therefore did preuaile thereon : and loe , their vtmost furie hauing tri'de , this lambe of god gaue vp the ghost , & dy'de . whose death , though cruell vnrelenting man could view , without bewailing , or affright ; the sunne grew darke , the earth to quake began , the temple-vaile did rend asunder quite : yea , hardest rockes there wi●h in peeces brake , and graues did open , and the dead awake . oh therefore , let vs all that present be , this innocent with moued soules embrace ; for , this was our redeemer , this was he , who thus for our vnkindnesse vsed was : eu'n he , the cursed iewes and pilate slew , is he alone , of whom all this is true . our sinnes of spight were part of those that day , whose cruell whips & thornes did make him smart ; our lusts were those that tyr'de him in the way ; our want of loue was that which pierc't his heart : and still when we forget , or sleight his paine , we crucifie and torture him againe . easter day . this day is solemnized in memoriall of our sauiours blessed resurrection frō the dead ; vpon which ( as the mēbers with their head ) the church began her triumph ouer sinne , death , and the diuell : and hath therefore appointed , that to record this mysterie , and to stirre vp thankfull reioycings in our hearts , there should be an annuall commemoration thereof ; that wee might in charitable feasts and christian glee , expresse the ioy of our hearts to the glory of god , to the comfort of our brethren , to the encrease of charity one towards another , and to the confirmation of a true ioy in our selues . song . . sing this as the . song . this is the day the lord hath made , and therein ioyfull we will be ; for , from the blacke infernall shade , in triumph backe return'de is he : the snares of satan , and of death , he hath victoriously vndone , and fast in chaines he bound them hath , his triumph to attend vpon . the graue , which all men did detest , and held a dungeon full of feare , is now become a bed of rest , and no such terrors find we there . for , iesus christ hath tooke away the horror of that loathed pit ; eu'n euer since that glorious day , in which himselfe came out of it . his mockings , and his bitter smarts , he to our praise and ease doth turne , and all things to our ioy conuarts , which he with heauy heart hath borne : his broken flesh is now our food , his blood he shed , is euer since , that drinke , which doth our soules most good , and that which shall our foulnesse clense . those wo●nds so deepe , and torne so wide , as in a rocke our shelters are ▪ and that they pierced through his side , is made a doue-hole for his deare ; yea , now we know , as was foretolde , his flesh did no corruption le● ; and that hell wanted strength to hold so strong , and one so blest as he. oh let vs praise his name therefore , ( who thus the vpperhand hath woune ) for , we had else , for euermore , beene lost , and vtterly vndon : whereas this fauour dot● allow , that we with boldnesse thus may sing ; oh hell , where is thy conquest now ? and thou ( oh death ) where is thy sting ? ascension day . after iesus christ was risen from the dead , and had many times shewed himselfe vnto his disciples , he was lifted from among them , and they beheld him ●scending vp into heauen , till a cloud tooke him out of their sight : in memory of which ascension , and to praise god for so exalting the humane nature to his owne glory , and our adu●ntage ; the church worthily celebrated this day , and hath commended the obseruation thereof to her children . song . . sing this as the . song . to god , with heart and cheerefull voyce , a triumph-song we sing ; and with true thankefull hearts reioyce , in our almighty king ; yea , to his glory we record , ( who were but dust and clay ) what honour he did vs afford , on his ascending day . the humane nature , which of late , beneath the angels was ; now raised from that meaner state , aboue them hath a place . and at mans feet all creatures bowe , which through the whole world be ; for , at gods right-hand throaned now , in glory sitteth he. our lord , and brother , who hath on such flesh , as this we weare ; before vs vnto heauen is gone , to get vs places there : captiuity was captiu●d then , and he doth from aboue send ghostly presents downe to men , for tokens of his loue . each dore and euerlasting gate , to him hath lifted bin ; and in a glorious wise thereat , our king is entred in . whom if to follow we regard , with ease we safely may ; for he hath all the meanes prepar'd , and made an open way . then follow , follow on a pace , and let vs not forgoe our captaine , till we winne the place , that hee hath scalde vnto : and for his honour , let our voyce a shoute so hearty make , the heau●ns may at our mirth reioyce , and earth , and hell may shake . pentecost , or whitsunday . after our sauiour was ascended , the fiftieth day of his resurrection , and iust at the iewes feast of pentecost , the holy ghost ( our promised comforter ) was sent downe vpon the disciples assembled in ierusalem , appearing in a visible forme , & miraculously filling them with all manner of spirituall gifts , and knowledge , tending to the diuine worke they had in hand : whereby , they being formerly weake , and simple men , were immediately enabled to resist all the powers of the kingdome of darknesse , and to lay those strong foundations , vpon which the catholike church now standeth , both to the glory of god , and our safety . in remembrance therefore of that great miraculous mysterie this day is solemnized . song . . sing this as the . song . exceeding faithfull in thy word , and iust in all thy wayes , we doe acknowledge thee , oh lord , and therefore giue thee praise : for , as thy promise thou didst passe , ( before thou went'st away ) sent downe thy holy-spirit was , at his appoynted day . while thy disciples in thy name , together did retire , the holy ghost vpon them came , in clouen tongues of fire , that in their calling they might bee confirmed from aboue , as thou wert , when hee came on thee , descending like a doue . whereby those men that simple were , and fearefull till that howre . had knowledge at an instant there , and boldnesse arm'd with powre , receiuing gifts so manifold , that ( since the world begun ) a wonder seldome hath beene told , that could exceede this one . now also , blessed spirit , come ; unto our soules appeare . and of thy graces showre thou some on this assembly here : to vs thy doue-like meekenesse ●●nd , that humble wee may bee , and on thy siluer wings ascend , our sauiour christ to see . oh , let thy clouen tongues , wee pray . so rest on vs agen , that both thy truth confesse we may , and teach it other men . moreouer , let thy heauenly ●ire ( enflamed from aboue ) burne vp in vs each vaine desire , and warme our hearts with loue . uouchsafe thou likewise to bestow on vs thy sacred peace , we stronger may in vnion grow , and in debates decrease : which ●●ace though many yet contemne , reformed let them be , that we may ( lord ) haue part in them , and they haue part in thee . trinitie sunday . after arrius , and other heret●●kes had bro●ched their damnable fancies , whereby the faith of many concerning the mysterie of the blessed trinity was s●aken , diuers good men laboured in the rooting out of those p●stilent opinions : and it was agreed vpon by the church , that some particular sunday in the yeare should be dedicated to the memory of the holy trinitie , and called trinitie-sunday , that the name might giue the people ●ccasion to enquire after the mysterie and moreouer , ( that the pastor of each seuerall congregation might be yearely remembred to treat thereof , as necessity required ) certaine portions of the holy scripture , proper to that end , were appointed to be read publikely that day . in some countries they obserued this institution on the sunday next before the aduent ; and in other places the sunday following whitsunday , as in the church of england . song . . sing this as the . song . those , oh , thrise holy three in one , who ●e●ke thy nature to explaine , by rules to humane reason knowne , shall finde their labour all in vaine ; and in a shell they may intend , the sea , as well , to comprehend . what therefore no man can conceaue , let vs not curious be to know ; but , when thou bid●st vs to beleeue , let vs obey , let reason goe : faith's obiects true , and surer bee , then those that reasons eyes doe see . yet , as by looking on the sunne , ( though to his substance we are blinde ) and by the course we see him runne , some notions we of him may finde : so , what thy brightnesse doth conceale , thy word , and workes in part reueale . most glorious essence , we confesse in thee ( whom by our faith we view ) three persons , neither moe nor lesse , whose workings them distinctly shew : and sure we are , those persons three make but one god , and thou art hee . the sunne a motion hath we know , which motion doth beget vs light ; the heat proceedeth from those two , and each doth proper acts delight : the motion drawes out time a line , the heate doth warme , the light doth shine . yet , though this motion ▪ light , and hea●e , distinctly by themselues we take ; each in the other hath his seat , and but one sunne we see they make : for what●o●ere the one will doe , he workes it with the other two . so , in the god-head there is knit a wondrous threefold true-loue-knot , and perfect vnion fastens it , though flesh and blood perceaue it not ; and what each person doth alone , by all the trinity is done . their worke they ioyntly doe pursue , though they their offices diuide ; and each one by himselfe hath due his proper attributes beside : but one in substance they are still , in vertue one , and one in will. eternall all the persons be , and yet ●ternall there●s but one ; so likewise infinite all three , yet infinite but one alone : and neither person aught doth misse , that of the god-heads essence is , in vnity and trinity , thus , oh creator , we adore thy euer-praised deity , and thee confesse for euermore , one father , one begotten sonne , one holy-ghost , in god-head one . sunday in generall . svnday is our naturall appellation , the sabbath the hebrew terme , and the lords day the christian name , whereby we entitle gods seauenth day ; and ( if wilfull affectation be auoyded ) either name is allowable . it is a portion of time sanctified by god , immediately after the worlds creation , and by the diuine law dedicated to be perpetually obserued to the honour of our creator : and though some things accidentally pertinent to the obseruation thereof , haue bee●e changed ; yet that which is essentiall thereunto is for euer immutable our sauiour hath by his resurrection hallowed for vs that which we now obse●ue instead of the iewish sabbath ; which being the day whereon he rested in the graue , the obseruation thereof , and of all other iewish ceremonies was buried with him : because they were to continue but till the accomplishment of those things whereof they were types . this is that day wherein our redeemer began ( as it were ) his eternall rest , after hee had finished the worke of our reparation and conquered death , the last that was to be destroyed . this day we ought therefore to sanctifie , according to gods first institution : not iewishly , that is , by a strict or meere outward abstaining from the seruile workes of the body onely , according to the letter : but christianly ; to wit , in spirit and truth , both inwardly , and outwardly , so recreating our bodies and soules , that wee may with a sanctified pleasure , ( and as much as may be without wearinesse ) spend that day to the glory of god , according to his commād , & the churches direction ; euen to the vse of bodily labours & exercises , whensoeuer ( without respect to sensuall , or couetous ends ) a rectified conscience shall perswade vs , that the honor of god , the charity we owe to our neighbours , or an vnfained necessity requires them to be done . song . . sing this as the . song . six dayes , oh lord , the world to make , and set all creatures in aray , was all the lea●ure thou would'st take , and then did●st rest the seauenth day : that day thou there●ore hallowed hast , and ri●htly , by a law diuine ( which till the end of time shall last ) the seauenth part of time is thine . then , teach vs willingly to giue the tribute of our dayes to thee ; by whom we new bo●h moue , and liue , and haue attain●d to what we be . for , of that rest , which by thy word thou hast beene pleased to enioyne , the profit all is ours ▪ oh l●r● , and but the praise alone is thine . oh , therefore let vs not consent , to rob thee of thy sabbath day ; nor rest with carnall rest content , but sanctifie it all w● may ▪ yea , grant that we from sinnefull strife , and all those workes thou do'st detest , may keepe a sabbath all our life , and enter thy eternall rest . s. andrewes day . the holy church celebrateth this day to glorifie god for that fauour which hee vouchs●fed vnto her by the calling and ministry of blessed andrew his apostle ; and , that by the remembrance of his readinesse to follo● , and preach christ , both the honourable and christian memorial , due to an apostle , might be preserued , and we stirred vp al●o to the imitation of his forwardnesse in our seuerall callings , aduancing gods honour and gospell : in which generall sence euery the meanest christian hath a kinde of apostleship , to build vp ( not only in himselfe , but in others also ) the temple of the liuing god , and to encrease and establish the kingdome of christ. song . . sing this as the . song . as blessed andrew on a day , by fishing did his liuing earne , christ cam● , and called him away , that he to fish for men might learne ; and no delay thereat he made , nor questions fram'd of his intent , but quite forsaking all he had , along with him , that calld , he went. oh , that we could so ready be , to follow christ when he doth call ! and that we could forsake , as he , those n●ts , that we are snar'd withall : or would this fisherman of men , ( who set by all he had so light ) by his obedience shewed then , ( and his example ) winne vs might . but precepts and examples faile , till thou thy grace , lord , adde thereto ; oh grant it , and we shall preuaile , in whatso'ere thou bidd'st vs do : yea , we sha●l then that blisse conceiue , which in thy seruice we may finde ; and for thy sake be glad to leaue our nets , and all we haue behinde . s. thomas day . this day was set apart by the church , that it might be sanctified to the praise of god for his holy apostle s. thomas , by whose preaching the christian generation was multiplyed : and that we might strengthen the beliefe we haue of our sauiours vndeniable resurrection , by taking an yearely occasion to refresh our memories with that part of the euangelicall sto●ie , which mentioneth both this apostles doubting , and the confirmation of his faith by a sensible demonstration . song . . sing this as the . song . when christ was risen from the dead , and thomas of the same was told , he would not credit it , he sed , though he himselfe should him● behold , till he his wounded hands had eyde , and th●ust his fingers in his side . which triall he did vndertake , and christ his frailty did permit , by his distrusting sure to make such others , as might doubt of it : so we had right , and he no wrong ; for by his weaknesse both are strong . oh blessed god , how wise thou art ! and how confoundest thou thy foes ! who their temptations dost conuart , to worke those ends which they oppose : when sathan seekes our faith to shake , the firmer he the same doth make . thus whatso'ere he tempts vs to , his disaduantage let it be ; yea , make those very sinnes we do , the meanes to bring vs nearer thee : yet let vs not to ill consent , though colour'd with a good intent . s. stephens day . stephen was one of the seauen deacons , mentioned acts . and the first martyr of iesus christ ; whose truth hauing powerfully maintained by dispute , he constantly sealed it with his blood . the church therefore hath appointed this anniuersarie in remembrance thereof , that so god might perpetually be glorified for the same ; and the story of his martyrdome the oftne● mentioned , to the encouragement and direction of other men in their trials . song . . sing this as the song . lord , with what zeale did thy first martyr breath thy blessed truth , to such as him withstood ! with what stout mind embraced he his death ! a holy witnesse sealing with his bloud ! the praise is thine , that him so strong did'st make , and blest is he , that dyed for thy sake . unquenched loue in him appear'd to be , when for his murth'rous foes he did entreat : a piercing eye made bright by faith had he ; for he beheld thee in thy glory set ; and so vnmou'd his pa●ience he did keepe , he di●de , as if he had but faine as●eepe . our luke-warme harts with his hot zeale enflame , so constant , and so louing ▪ let vs be ; so let vs liuing glorifie thy name ; so let vs dying ●i●e our eyes on thee : and ●hen the ●leepe of death shall vs o●retake , with him to life eternall vs awake . s. iohn the euangelist . this day is celebrated by the church , to praise god for his blessed euangelist , and beloued disciple saint iohn , who hath beene an admirable instrument of his glorie , and the churches instruction ; for , the mystery of the sacred trinity , and the diuinity of christ , is by him most plainely exprest in his writings , among many other great mysteries and excellent doctrines concerning our redemption ; for which wee are bound particularly to honour god , and worthily stirred vp therevnto by this annuall commemoration . song . . sing this as the . song . teach vs by his example , lord , for whom we honour thee to day , and grant his witnesse of thy word , thy church enlighten euer may : and , as belou'd , oh christ , he was , and therefore leaned on thy breast ; so let vs also in thy grace , and on thy sacred bosome rest . into vs breath that life diuine , whose testimony he intends ; about vs cause thy light to shine , that which no da●knesse comprehends : and let that euer-blessed word , which all things did create of nought , anew create vs now , oh lord , whose ruine sinne hath almost wrought . thy holy faith we doe professe , us to thy fellowship receaue ; our sinnes ●e hartily confesse , thy pardon therefore let vs haue : and , as to vs thy seruant giues , occasion thus to honour thee ▪ so also let our words and liues , as lights and guides , to others be . innocents day . king herod vnderstanding th●t a king of the iewes was borne in bethlem-iuda ; ( & fearing that by him he might be dispossessed ) he murthered all the yong infants of that circuit , in hope among them to haue slaine iesus christ : but he was ●ent into egypt by gods speciall ap●ointment , and so the ty●ants fury prooued vaine . in hono●r therefore of the almighties prouidence , the church celebrateth this day ; to put vs in minde also , how vainely the diuell and his members rage against gods decree ; and , that the cruell slaughter of those poore infants may neuer be forgotten ; which , in a large sense , may be called a marty●dome ; as in the generality of the cause ( being for christ ) & in the passion of the body ▪ though not in the intention of the minde : and so in proper sence doth s. stephen hold still the place of the first captaine of that band. song . . sing this as the . song . that rage whereof the psalme doth say , why are the g●ntiles growne so mad ? appeard in part vpon that day , when herod slaine the infants had ; yet ( as it saith they stormd in vaine ; ( though many innocents they slew ) for , christ they purposd to haue slaine , who all their counsels ouerthrew . thus still vouchsafe thou to res●raine all tyrants , lord , pursuing thee ; thus , let our vast desires be slaine ; that thou maist liuing in vs be : so , whilst we shall enioy our breath , we of thy loue our songs will frame ; and with those innocents , our death shall also glorifie thy name . in type those many di●de for one ; that one for many moe was slaine : and what they felt in act alone , he did in will , and act sustaine . lord grant , that what thou hast decreed . in will , and act , we may fulfill ; and , though we reach not to the deede , from vs , oh god , accept the will. the conuersion of s. paul. saint paul , as appeares , acts . hauing beene a great persecutor of the christian faith before his conuersion , was extraordinarily called to embrace the same profession ; euen as he proceeded in a iourney purposely vndertaken to suppresse the truth : and so , of a woolfe became afterward a pastor , & the most laborious preacher of iesus christ : which mercy of god that we may still remember it to the praise of his name , and our owne comfort , the church hath appointed an yearely commemoration thereof . song . . sing this as the . song . a blest conue●sion , and a strange , was that , when saul a paul became ; and , lord , for making such a change , we praise and glorifie thy name : for whilst he went from place to place , to persecute thy truth and thee ; ( and running to perdition was ) by powerfull grace cal'd backe was hee . when from thy truth we goe astray . ( or wrong it through our blinded zeale ) oh come , and stop vs in the way , and then thy will to vs reu●ale ; that brightnesse shew vs from aboue , which proues the sensuall eye-sight blinde ; and from our eyes those scales remoue , that hinder vs thy way to finde . and as thy blessed seruant paul , when he a conuert once became , exceeded thy apostle● all , in painefull preaching of thy name : so grant that those who haue in sinne exceeded others heretofore , the start of them in faith may winne , loue , serue , and honour thee the more . s. matthias . matthias was the disciple which was chosen in the roo●e of iudas iscariot ; and his anniuersary is commanded to be obserued , that it might giue vs continuall occasion to praise god for his iustice and fauor : for his iustice shewed in discoue●ing , and not sparing iudas the traytou● , abusing his apostleship . for his fauour , declared in elec●ing matthias a faithfull pastor of the church . moreouer , the remembrance of diuers other mysteries are renued by the obseruation of this day . and by taking occasion to reade publikely the storie of iudas his apostacie , men are that day put in minde , to consider what iudgements hang ouer th●ir heads , who shall abuse the diuine callings , &c. song . . when one among the twelue there was , that did thy grace abuse ; thou left●st him , lord , and in his place , did'st iust matthias chuse : so , if a traytour doe remaine within thy church to day ; to grant him true repentance daigne ; or cast him out , we pray . though horned like the lambe he show , or sheepe-like clad he be , let vs his dragon language know , and wooluish nature see ; yea , cause the lo● to fall on those , the charge of thine to take , that shall their actions well dispose , and conscience of them make . let vs moreouer minde his fall , whose roome matthias got ; so to beleeue , and feare withall , that we forsake thee not : for , titles , be they ne're so high , or great , or sacred place , can no mans person sanctifie , without thy speciall grace . saint markes day . saint marke , being one of the foure blessed euangelists , by whose pen the gospell of iesus christ was recorded ; this day is purposely appointed , to praise god for those glad tydings he brought , and that wee might honour him also with such a christian memoriall , as becommeth the ambassadour of so great a king as our redeemer : which ciuill honour , due to the saints of god , it is hoped none will deny them ; nor conceiue such institutions superstitious , or to haue beene purposed to an idolatrous end . song . . sing this as the . song . for those blest pen-men of thy word , who haue thy holy gospel writ , we praise and honour thee , oh lord , and our beleefe we build on it : those happy tydings which it brings , with ioyfull hearts we doe embrace , and prize , aboue all oth●r things , that precious token of thy grace . to purchase what we hope thereby , our vtmost wealth we will bestow ; yea , we our pleasures will denie , and let our liues , and honours goe : and , whomsoe're it commeth from , no other gospel we will heare ; no , though an angel downe should come from heau'n , we would not giue him eare . our resolutions , lord , ar● such , but in performance ●eake are we ; and the deceauers craft is much ; our second therefore , thou must be : so we assuredly shall know , when any doctrines we receaue , if they agreeing be , or no , to those , which we professed haue . s. philip and iacob . this day is celebrated to the honour of god , and the christian memoriall of the two blessed apostles , philip and iacob : at which time the church taketh occasion to offer to our remembrance such mysteries , as christ deliuered vnto them , that wee might the oftner consider them , receiue fu●ther instruction concerning them , and praise god , both for such his fauours , and for those instruments of his glory . song . . sing this as the . song . to thy apostles thou hast taught , what they , oh christ , should do ; and those things which belieue they ought , of thee they learned to : and that which thou to them hast showne , hath beene disposed thus ; they vnto others made it knowne , and those haue tolde it vs. with them we doe confesse and say , ( what shall not be denide ) thou art the truth , the life , the way , and we in thee will bide : by thee the father we haue knowne , whom thou descendedst from ; and vnto him , by thee alone , we haue our hope to come , for , thou to philip didst impart , ( which our beleefe shall be ) that thou within the father art , and , that he is in thee ; and saydst , what euer in thy name we should with faith require , thou wouldst giue eare vnto the same , and grant vs our desire . of thee , oh lord , we therefore craue , ( which thou wilt daigne , we know ) the good beleefe which now we haue , we neuer may forgoe ; and that thy sacred truth , which we thy word haue learned from , from age to age deriu'd may be , untill thy kingdome come . s. barnabas day . this day is solemnized in commemoration of saint barnabas , a faithfull disciple of iesus christ ; and to honour god for the benefit vouchsafed to the church by his ministry : for he was a good man , full of the holy ghost , and of faith , as s. luke testifieth , acts . . he was also by the holy ghosts immediate appointment ( together with paul ) separated for the ministry of the gospell , and confirmed in the apostleship by the laying on of hands . acts . . song . . sing this as the . song . thy gifts and graces manifold , to many men thou , lord , hast lent ; both now , and in the dayes of olde , to teach them faith , and to repent : thy prophets thou didst first ordaine , and they as legats did appeare ; then cam'st thy selfe , and in thy traine , apostles for attendants were . for leg●ir , when thou went●st away , the holy-ghost thou didst appoint ; and here , successions , till this day , remaine of those he did annoynt ; yea , thou hast likewise so ordain●d , that to make good what those haue taught ▪ an army-royall was maintain'd of martyrs , who thy battailes fought . for those , and him for whom we thus are met , to praise thy name to day , we giue thee thankes , as they for vs , that should come after them , did pray ; and by this duty we declare , our faith assures , that they and we , ( in times diuided though we are ) haue one communion still with thee . s. iohn baptist. iohn , called the baptist , was he ( as christ himselfe testifieth ) who was promised to be sent before him to prepare his way , luke . . and by his preaching and baptisme the people were accordingly prepared to receiue him that was to follow . he w●s the true expected elias , and slaine by herod , for reprouing the incest which the said herod committed in taking his brothers wife : that we might praise god therefore for this fore-runner of our sauiour ( and by his example remember to prouide for his entertainement ) the church hath set apart this day . song . . sing this as the . song . because the world might not pretend , it knew not of thy comming-day , thou didst , oh christ , before thee send a cryer , to prepare thy way : thy kingdome was the blisse he brought ▪ repentance was the way he taught . and , that his voice might not alone informe vs what we should belieue , his life declar'd what must be done , if thee we purpose to receiue : his li●e our patterne therefore make , that we the course he tooke , may take . let vs not gad to pleasures court , with fruitlesse toyes to feed the mind ; nor to that wildernesse resort , where reeds are shaken with the wind : but treade the path he trod before , that both a prophet was , and more . clad in repentant cloath of haire , let vs , oh christ , ( to seeke out thee ) to those forsaken - walkes repaire , which of so few frequented be ; and true repentance so intend , that we our courses may amend . let vs hereafter feed vpon the hony of thy word diuine ; let vs the worlds entisement shun , her drugs , and her bewitching wine ; and on our loynes ( so loose that are ) the leather-belt of temp'rance weare . thus from thy cryer let vs learne , for thee , sweet iesus , to prepare , and others of their sinnes to warne , how-euer for the same we fare : so thou to vs , and we to thee shall when thou commest welcome be . s. peters day . we obserue this day to the honor of god , and to the pious memory of his blessed apostle s. peter , that we may be thereby put in minde to be thankfull for those continuing fauours receiued by his ministry ; that pastors also may make him their patterne in discharging the charge christ committeth vnto them ; that by considering his weaknesse wee may all learne not to presume on our owne strength ; and that by his christian example we may be taught to bewaile our escapes with bitter teares of true repentance . song . . sing this as the . song . how watchfull neede we to become , and how deuoutly pray , that thee , oh lord , we fall not from , upon our tryall-day ? for , if thy great apostle said , he would not thee denie , whom he that very night denayd , on what shall we relie ? for of our selues we cannot leaue one pleasure for thy sake ; no , not one vertuous thought conceiue , till vs thou able make : nay , we not onely thee denie , when persecutions be ; but , or forget , or from thee ●lie , when peace attends on thee . oh! let those prayers vs auaile , thou didst for peter daigne , that when our foe shall vs assaile ▪ his labour may be vaine ; yea , cast on vs those powerfull eyes , that mou'd him to lament , we may bemoane with bitter cries our follies , and repent . and grant , that such as him succeed , for pastors of thy fold , thy sheepe , and lambes may guide and feede , as thou appoint'st they should , by his example speaking what they ought in truth to say , and in their liues confirming that they teach them to obay . s. iames his day . this day we praise god for his blessed apostle saint iames , the sonne of zebedeus , who was one of those two that desired of christ they might sit at his right-hand , and at his left , in his kingdome , as the gospell for the d●y declareth : and by occasion of that ignorant petition ( proceeding from their carnall weakenes●e ) christ taught both them , and the rest of the apostles , and all other christians also , what greatnesse best becommeth his followers ; and that we are to taste the cup of his passion , befo●e we can be glorified with him : so this holy apostle did ; for he was slaine by herod , as it is declared in the epistle appointed for the day . song . . sing this as the . song . he that his father had forsooke , and followed christ at his commands , by humane frailty ouertooke , for place and vaine preferment stands . till by his master he was taught , of what he rather should haue care ; how vndiscreetly he had sought , and what his seruants honours are . whereby we finde how much adoe , the best men haue this world to leaue ; how , when they wealth & friends forgoe , ambitious a●mes to them will cleaue : and sure this angell-sinne aspires , in such men chiefly to reside , that haue exilde those bruite desires , which in the vulgar sort abide . to thee oh god , we therefore pray , th● humbl● minde in vs may dwell ; a●d cha●me that fiend of pride away , which would thy graces quite expell : but , of all other th●se men keepe , from this delusion of the ●oe , who are the shepheards of thy sheepe , and should each good example show . for , such as still pursuing be that grea●nesse , which the world respects , their seruile basenesse neither see , nor feele thy spirits rare effects : and doubtlesse , they , who most of all descend to serue both thee , and thine , are those , who in thy kingdome shall in seat● of greatest glory shine . s. bartholomew . this day is consecrated to the honour of god , and the pious memorie of his blessed apostle s. bartholomew , that ( as appeareth in the epistle appoynted for the day ) we might take occasion to praise our redeemer , for those many wonders which were wrought by his apostles , to the great encrease of the christian faith , and open confusion of the churches aduersaries . song . . sing this as the . song . exceeding gracious fauours , lord , to thy apostles hast thou ●howne ; and many wonders by thy word , and in thy name ▪ by them were done : the blind did see , the dumbe could talke , the deafe did heare , the lame did walke : they all diseases tooke away , the dead to life they did restore ; foule spirits dispossessed they , and preach'd the gospell to the poore : the church grew strong , thy faith grew plaine , their foes grew madde , and madde in vaine . oh! let their workes for euer be an honour to thy glorious name ; and by thy powre vouchsafe that we , ( whom sinne makes deafe , blinde , dumbe , & lame ) may heare thy word ▪ and see thy light , and speake thy truth , and walke aright . each deadly sicknesse of the soule , let thy apostles doctrines cure : let them expell those spirits foule , which makes vs loathsome and impure , that we the life of faith may gaine , who long time dead in sinne haue laine . s. mathew . s. mathew , otherwise called leui , was a publican , that is , a custome-gatherer : from which cou●se of life ( being hatefull in those countries ) he was called to the apostleship , and became also one of the foure euangelists . to his religious memorie therefore , and to honou● god ▪ for the fauour vouchsafed ( both to him and vs ) by his ministrie , this day is obserued by the churches authoritie . song . . sing this as the . song . why should vnchristian censures passe on men , or that which they professe ? a publican saint mathew was , yet gods beloued ne're-the-lesse , and was elected one of christs apostles , and euangelists : for , god doth not a whit respect profession , person , or degree ; but maketh choice of his elect , from euery sort of men that be , that none might of his loue despaire , but all men vnto him repaire . for those , oh let vs therefore pray , who seeme vncalled to remaine ; not shunning them , as cast away , gods fauour neuer to obtaine : for some a while neglected are , to stirre in vs more louing care . and for our selues , let vs desire , that we our auarice may shunne , when god our seruice shall require , as this euangelist hath done , and spend the remnant of our dayes , in setting forth our makers praise . s. michael , and all angels . this day we glo●ifie god for the victory s. michael , ●nd his angels obtained ouer the dragon , and his angels : whereby the church is freed from being preuailed against by the furious attempts , or malitious accusations of the deuill . this commemoration is appointed also , to minde vs thankfully to acknowledge gods mercy towards vs , in the daily ministry of his angels , who are said to pitch their tents about his children , and to defend them from the tem●tations and mischieuous practises of euill spirits , watching euery moment for aduantage to destroy them : which , if wee oftner considered , and how there be armies of angels and deuils , night and day fighting for vs , and round about vs , we would become more carefull how wee grieued those good spirits , ( who attend vs for our safety ) to the reioycing of them that seeke our destruction . by s. michael , who was prince of the good angels ( and termed by s iude an arch-angell ) some vnderstand iesus christ : for hee is indeed the principall messenger , or angell of our saluation , and the chiefe of the princes , as holy daniel called him ; yea , to him alone this name michael ( which signifieth , who is like god ) doth most properly appertaine , seeing he onely is the perfect image of his father . song . . sing this as the . song . to praise , oh god , and honour thee , for all thy glorious triumphs wonne , assembled here this day are we , and to declare thy fauours done : thou took'st that great arch-angels part , with whom in heau'n the dragon fought , and that good armies friend thou wert , that cast him , and his angels out : whereby we now in safety are , our dangers all secured from ; for to encrease thy glory here , thy kingdome with great power is come : and we need stand in dread no more , of that enraged fiends despight , who , in thy presence heretofore , accused vs both day and night . in honour of thy blessed name , this hymne of thanks wee therefore sing ; and to thine euerlasting fame , through heau●n thine endlesse praise shall ring : we praise thee for thy proper might , and , lord , for all those angels to , who in thy battels came to fight , or haue beene sent thy will to do . for , many of that glorious troope , to bring vs messages from thee , from heau'n vouchsafed haue to stoope , and clad in humane shape to be ; yea , we beleeue they watch and ward , about our persons euermore , from euill spirit● vs to guard ; and we returne thee praise therefore . s. luke . this day we memorize the benefit the church receiued by the blessed euangelist s. luke , a physitian both for soule and body , and the first ecclesiasticall historiographer : for he was authour , not onely of that gospell which beareth his name ; but also of that booke called the acts of the apostles , and an eye-witnesse of most part of that which hee hath written , remaining a constant companion of s. paul in his tribulations . worthily therefore ought we to honour him with a christian memoriall , and praise god for the grace vouchsafed vs by his meanes . song . . sing this as the . song . if those physitians honour'd be , that doe the bodies health procure ; then worthy double praise is he , who can both soule and body cure . in life time both wayes luke exceld , and those receipts hath also left , which many soule-sicke patients heald , since from the world he was bereft . and to his honour this beside , a blessed witnesse hath declar'd , that constant he did still abide , when others from the truth were scar'd : for which the glory , lord , be thine ; for of thy grace those gifts had he , and thou his actions did'st encline , our profit , and his good to be . by his example therefore , lord , uphold vs , that we fall not from the true profession of thy word , nor by this world be ouercome ; and let his wholesome doctrine heale that leprous sicknesse of the soule , which more and more would on her steale , and make her languish and growe foule . simon and iude , apostles . this day is dedicated to the praise of god , and the pious memory of the two blessed apostles of iesus christ , simon called zelotes , or the cananite , and iude the brother of iames. and in this solemnity we are among other things , principally put in mind of that loue which christ commandeth to be continued among vs , and of that heed we ought to haue vnto our abiding in that state of grace , whereunto god hath called vs , as appeareth in the epistle and gospell appointed for the day . song . . sing this as the . song . no outward marke we haue to know , who thine , oh christ , may be , untill a christian loue doth show , who appertaines to thee : for , knowledge may be reach'd vnto and formall iustice gain'd ▪ but , till each other loue we do , both faith and workes are faign'd . lou● is the summe of those commands , which thou with thine dost leaue ; and for a marke on them it stands , which neuer can deceaue : for when our knowledge folly turnes , when showes no show retaine , and zeale it selfe to nothing burnes ; then loue shall still remaine . by this were thy apostles knit , and ioyned so in one , their true-loue-knot could neuer yet be broken , nor vndone . oh let vs , l●rd , receiued be into that sacred knot , and one become with them and thee , that sinne vndoe vs not . yea , lest when we thy grace possesse , we fall againe away , or turne it into wantonnesse , assist thou vs , we pray : and , that we may the better finde , what heed there should be learn'd , let vs the fall of angels minde , as blessed iude hath warn'd . all-saints day . this day the church hath appointed , that , to the praise of god , and our comfort , we should commemorate that excellent mystery of the communion of saints , ( which is one of the twelue articles of christian beleefe : ) and that ( considering how admirably the diuine wisedome hath knit all his elect into one body for their more perfect enioying , both of his loue , and the loue of one another ) wee might he●e receiue a taste of the pleasure we shall haue in the full fruition of that felicity , and be stirred vp also to such mutuall loue and vnity as ought to be betwixt vs in this life . this is the last saints day in the ecclesiast●ck circuite of the yeare , generally obseruable by the auncient ordinance of the church ; and it seemeth to haue a mystery in it ; shewing , that when the circle of tyme is come about , we shall in one euerlasting holy-day honor that blessed communion and mysticall body , which shall be made perfect , when all those ( whom we haue memorized apart ) are vnited into one ; that is , when the father , the sonne , the holy ghost , the angels , and all the holy elect of god shall be incorporated together into a ioyfull , vnspeakable , and inseparable vnion in the kingdome of heauen ; which the almighty hasten , amen . song . . sing this as the . song . no blisse can so contenting proue ▪ as vniuersall loue to gaine , could we with full requiting loue , all mens affections entertaine : but such a loue , the heart of man , nor well-containe , nor merit can . for though to all we might be deare , ( which cannot in this life befall ) we discontented should appeare , because we had not hearts for all : that we might all men loue , as we beloued would of all men be . for loue in louing ioyes as much , as lo●e for louing to obtaine ; yea , ●oue vnfaign'd is likewise such , it cannot part it selfe in twaine : the riuals friendship soone is gone , and loue diuided loueth none . which causeth that with passions pain'd , so many men on earth we see ; and had not god a meanes ordain'd , this discontent in heau●n would be : for all the saints would iealous proue , of go●s , and of each others loue. but he whose , wisedome hath contriu'd his glory , with their full contents , hath from himselfe to them deriu'd this fauour ( which that strife preuents ) one body all his saints ●e makes , and for his spouse this one he takes . so , each one of them shall obtaine full loue from all , returning to full loue to all of them againe , as members of one body doe : none ●ealous , but all striuing how most loue to others to allow . for , as the soule is all in all , and all through euery member to ; loue in that body mysticall is as the soule , and ●ils it so ; uniting them to god as neare , as to each other they are deare . yea , what they want to entertaine such ouerflowing loue as his , he will supply , and likewise daigne what for his full delight they misse , that he may all his loue employ , and they returne his fill of ioy. the seed of this content was sowne , when god the spatious world did frame , and euer since the same hath growne , to be an honour to his name ; and when his saints are sealed all , this mysterie vnseale he shall . meanewhile ( as we in landskip viewe fields , riuers , cities , woods , & seas , and ( though but little they can shew ) doe therewithall our fancies please ; ) let contemplation maps contriue , to shew vs where we shall arriue . and though our hearts too shallow bee , that blest communion to conceaue , of which we shall in heau'n be free , let vs on earth together cleaue : for those , who keepe in vnion here , shall know by faith what will be there . where all those angels we admir'd , with euery saint since time begun , ( whose sight and loue we haue desir'd ) shall be with vs conioyn'd in one ; and we and they and they and we , to god himselfe espoused be . oh happie wedding ▪ where the guests , the bride and bridegroome shall be one ; where songs , emb●aces , triumphes , feasts , and ioyes of loue are neuer done : but thrice accurst are those that misse their garment when this wedding is . sweet iesus , seal'd , and clad therefore , for that great meeting let vs be , ( where people , tongues , and kinreds , more then can be tolde , attend on thee ) to make those shoutes of ioy and praise , which to thine honour they shall raise . rogation weeke . this is called rogation week● , being so tearmed by a●tiquity ● rogando , from the publike supplications . ●or then the l●tany which is full of humble petitions and e●t●ea●ies , was with solemne procession vsually repeated ; becau●e there be about that se●son , most occasions of pu●●ike prayer , in reg●rd princes goe then forth to batt●ile ; the f●uites and hope of plenty are in the●r 〈◊〉 ; the ay●e is most subiect to contagions & infections ; and there is most labouring and trauail●●g , both by land , and sea also , from that time of the yeare for●a●d . which laud●ble custome ( though it be lately much decayed , and in some countries abused from the right end , and mingled with superstitious ce●emonies ) is in many places orderly retained , according as the church of england approueth it : and wee yearely make vse also of those processions , to keepe knowledge of the t●ue bounds of our seuerall parishes , for auoyding of strife . and those perambulations were yearely appointed likewise , that , viewing gods yearely blessing vpon the ●rasse , the co●ne , ●nd other fruites of the earth , we might be the more prouoked to praise him . song . . sing this as the . song . it was thy pleasure , lord , to say , that whatsoeuer in thy name we pray'd for , as we ought to pray , thou would'st vouchsafe to grant the same . oh , therefore we beseech thee now , to these our prayers , which we make , thy gracious eare in fauour bowe , and grant them for thy mercies sake . let not the seasons of this yeare , ( as they their courses doe obserue ) engender those contagions here , which our transgressions doe deserue : let not the summer wormes impaire those bloomings of the earth we see ; nor blastin●s , or distemper'd ay●e destroy those fruites that hopefull be . domesticke brawles expell thou farre , and be thou pleas●d our coast to guard , the dreadfull ●ounds of in-brought warre , within our confines be not heard : continue also here thy word , and make vs thankefull ( we thee pray ) the pestilence , dearth , and the sword haue beene so long with-held away . and , as we heedfully obserue the certaine limits of our grounds , and outward quiet to preserue , about them walke our yearely rounds : so let vs also haue a care , our soules possessions , lord , to know , that no encroachments on vs there , be gained by our subtill ●oe . what pleasant groues , what goodly fields ! how fruitfull ●ils , and dales haue we ! how sweet an ayre our climate yeelds ! how ●●oar●d with flockes , and heards are we ! how milke ▪ and honey doth o reflowe ! how cleare and wholesome are our springs ! how safe from rauenous beasts we goe ! and oh , how free from poysnous things ! for these , and for our grasse , our corne ; for all that springs from blade , or bo●gh ; for all those blessings that adorne or wood or field this kingdome through : for all of these , thy praise we sing , and humbly ( lord ) entreat thee too , that fruite to thee we forth may bring , as vnto us thy creatures doe . so , in the sweet refreshing shade of thy protection sitting downe , those gracious fauours we haue had , relate we will to thy renowne ; yea , other men , when we are gone , shall for thy mercies honour thee , and famous make what thou hast done , to such as after them shall be . s. george his day . this may be called the court holy-day ; for with vs it is solemnized vpon command , in the court-royall of the maiesty of great britaine onely , or in the families of those knights of the order , who are constrained to b●e absent from the solemnity there held , which is vsually on the day anciently dedicated to george the martyr . neuerthelesse , we beleeue not that it was he whom they anciently chose to be the patron of the fore-named order : for the relation of him who deliuered the lady frō the dragon is onely a christian allegory , inuented to set forth the better the churches deliuerance . iesus christ is the true s. george , and our english ●utelary saint ; euen he that commeth armed vpon the white horse , reu. . the dragon hee ouerthrowes is the beast mentioned in the s●me chapter , and called ( a little before ) the dragon with seauen heads and ten hornes : the lady he deliuers is that woman whom the dragon persecutes , reu. . and to the honour of him i conceiue the most honourable order of s. george to be continued , and this day consecr●ted . nor is there any irreuerence in imposing this name on our redeemer ; for george signifieth a husbandman , which is a name or attribute that euen christ applyed to his father , iohn . . my father ( saith hee ) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , is the george , or the husbandman . and indeed , very properly may this nation call god their george or husbandman : for hee hath ( as it were ) mo●ed this island with the sea , walled it with naturall bulwarkes , built towers in it , planted his truth here , weeded , dressed , and replenished it like a garden ; and , in a word , euery way done the part of a good husbandman thereon . howsoeuer therefore the first occasion of this dayes great solemnity seeme but meane ( as the beginnings of many noble inuentions were ) yet i conceaue that institution to haue beene ordained to weighty and christian purposes : euen to oblige the peeres of this kingdome by the new and strict bands of an honourable order , to imitate their patrons care ouer his vineyard , to remember them , that they are the band-royall , to whom the guard thereof is committed , to stirre vp in them vertuous emulations , and to shew them how to make vse of their temporall dignities to the glorie of god. for , beside many other re●●●end officers , there belongs a prelate also to these sole●nities : and me thinkes , we should not imagine , that the founder of it ( being a christian prince , assisted by a wise and religious counsel ) would haue so prophaned the most excellent dignity of the church , as to make it waite on ceremonies ordained for ostentation , or some other vaine ends . more discreetly they deale who apprehend the contrary , and are not in danger of this sentence ; euill to him that euill thinketh . song . . sing this as the . song . all praise and glorie that we may , ascribe we , lord , to thee , from whom the triumphs of this day , and all our glories be : for of it ●elfe , nor east , nor west , doth honour ebbe or flowe ; but as to thee it seemeth best , preferments to bestowe : thou art , oh christ , that valiant knight , whose order we professe , and that saint george , who oft doth fight for england in distresse : the dragon thou o'rethrew'st is he , that would thy church deuoure , and that faire lady ( ●ord ) is she , thou sauest from his power . thou like a husbandman prepar'd our fields , yea sowne them hast ; and , knight-like with a warlike guard , from spoile enclos'd them fast . oh daigne , that those , who in a band more strict then heretofore , are for this vineyard bound to stand , may watch it now the more : yea grant , since they elected are , new orders to put on , and sacred hirogliphickes weare of thy great conquest wonne , that those ( when they forget ) may tell , why those of them are worne , and inwardly informe as well , as outwardly adorne ; that so their christian-knighthood may no pagan●order seeme ; nor they their meetings passe away , as things of vaine esteeme ; and , that we may our triumphs all to thy renowne apply , who art that saint , on whom we call , when we saint george doe cry . for publike deliuerances . god hath vouchsafed vnto this kingdome many publike deliuerances , which ought neuer to be forgotten ; but rather should be celebrated by vs , as the daies purim by the israelites , hester . . especially that of the fift of nouember ; for the celebration whereof there is a statute enacted : and it is hoped we shall neuer neglect , or be ashamed to praise god for that deliuery , according to prouision made to that purpose . for that , & the like occasions therefore this hymne is composed . song . . sing this as the . song . with isr'el we may truely say , if on our side god had not beene , our foes had made of vs their pray , and we this light had neuer seene : the pit was digg'd , the snare was ●aid , and we with ease had beene betrai'd . but they that hate vs vndertooke a plot they could not bring to passe ; for , he that all doth ouerlooke , preuented what intended was : we found the pit , & scap'd the gin , and saw their makers caught therein . the meanes of helpe was not our owne , but from the lord alone it came ; ( a fauour vndeserued showne ) and therefore let vs praise his name : oh , praise his name ; for it was he , that broke the net , and set vs free . unto his honour let vs sing , and stories of his mercy tell ; with praises let our temples ring , and on our lips thankesgiuing dwell : yea , let vs not his loue forget , while sunne , or moone doth rise or set . let vs redeeme againe the times , let vs begin to liue anew , and not reuiue those hainous crimes , that dangers past so neere vs drew ; lest he that did his hand reuoke , returne it with a double stroke . a true repentance takes delight to minde gods fauours heretofore ; so , when his mercies men recite , it makes a true repentance more : and where those vertues doe encrease , they are the certaine signes of peace . but where encreasing sinnes we see , and to such dulnesse men are growne , that sleighted those protections bee , which god in former time hath showne , it shall betoken to that ●and some desolation neere at hand . our hearts , oh , neuer harden so , nor let thine anger so returne ; but with desire thy will to do , for our offences let vs mourne : and mind to praise ( eu'n teares among ) thy mercies in a ioyfull song . for the communion . wee haue a custome among vs , that , during the time of administring the blessed sacrament of the lords supper , there is some psalme or hymne sung , the better to keepe the thoughts of the communicants from wandring after vaine obiects : this song therefore ( expressing a true thankfulnesse , together with what ought to be our faith concerning that mysterie , in such manner as the vulgar capacity may be capable thereof ) is offered vp to their deuotion , who shall please to receiue it . song . . sing this as the . song . that fauour , lord , which of thy grace we doe receiue to day , is greater then our merit was , and more then praise we may : for , of all things that can be told , that which least comfort hath is more , then e're deserue we could , except it were thy wrath : yet we , not onely haue obtain'd this worlds best gifts of thee ; but thou thy flesh hast also daign'd , our food of life to be : for which , since we no mends can make , ( and thou requir'st no more ) the cup of sauing health we take , and praise thy name therefore . oh teach vs rightly to receiue , what thou dost here bestow ; and learne vs truely to conceiue , what we are bound to know , that such as cannot wade the deepe of thy vnfathom'd word , may by thy grace safe courses keepe along the shallow ford. this mysterie , we must confesse , our reach doth farre exceede , and some of our weake faiths are lesse then graines of mustard-●eed : oh therefore , lord , encrease it so , we fruite may beare to thee , and that implicite faith may grow , explicite faith to be . with hands we see not , as with eyes : eyes thinke not as the heart ; but each retaines what doth suffize , to act his proper part : and in the bodie while it bides , the meanest member shares that blisse , which to the best betides , and as the same it fares : so , if in vnion vnto thee united we remaine , the faith of those that stronger be , the weaker shall sustaine : our christian loue shall that supply , which we in knowledge misse , and humble thoughts shall mount vs hie , eu'n to eternall blisse . oh pardon all those hainous crimes , whereof we guilty are ; to serue thee more in future times , our hearts doe thou prepare ; and make thou gracious in thy sight , both vs , and this we do , that thou therein mayst take delight , and we haue loue thereto . no new oblation we deuise , for sinnes prefer'd to be ; propitiatory sacrifice was made at full by thee : the sacrifice of thankes is that , and all that thou dost craue , and we our s●lues are part of what we sacrificed haue . we doe no grosse realities of flesh in this conceaue ; or , that their proper qualities the ●read or wine doe leaue : yet , in this holy eucharist , we ( by a meanes diuine ) know we are fed with thee , oh christ , receiuing bread and wine . and though the outward elements for signes acknowledg'd be , we cannot say thy sacraments , things onely signall be : because , who e're thereof partakes , in those this powre it hath ; it either them thy members makes , or slaues of sinne and death . nor vnto those doe we encline , ( but from them are estrang'd ) who yeeld the forme of bread and wine , yet thinke the substance chang'd : for we beleeue each element is what it seemes indeed , although that in thy sacrament , therewith on thee we feed . thy real-presence we auowe , and know it so diuine , that carnall reason knowes not how , that presence to define : for , when thy flesh we feed on thus , ( though strange it doe appeare ) both we in thee and thou in vs , eu'n at one instant are . no maruaile many troubled were , this secret to vnfold ; for mysteries faiths obects are , not things at pleasure told . and he that would by reason sound , what faith 's deepe reach conceaues ▪ may both himselfe and them confound , to whom his rules he leaues . let vs therefore our faith erect , on what thy word doth say , and hold their knowledge in suspect , that new foundations lay : for , such full many a grieuous rend within thy church haue left ; and by thy peacefull sacrament , the world of peace bereft : yea , what thy pledge and seale of loue , was first ordain'd to be doth great and hateful quarrels moue , where wrangling spirits be : and many men haue lost their blood , ( who did thy name professe ) because they hardly vnderstood what others would expresse . oh , let vs not hereafter so , about meere words contend , the while our crafty common foe , procures on vs his end : but if in essence we agree , let all with loue assay , a helpe vnto : he weake to bee , and for each other pray . loue is that blessed cymment , lord , which must vs re-vnite ; in bitter speeches , f●re and sword , it neuer tooke delight : the weapons those of malice are , and they themselu●s beguile , who dreame , that such ordained were thy church to reconcile . loue brought vs hither and that loue pers●●ad●s vs to implore , that thou all christians hearts would'st moue , to seeke it more and more ; and that selfe will no more bewitch our minds with foule debate ; nor fill vs with that malice , which disturbes a quiet state : but this especially we craue , that perfect peace may be mong those that disagreed haue , in show of loue to thee ; that they with vs , and we with them , may christian peace retaine , and both in new ierusalem with thee for euer raigne . no longer let ambit●ous ends , blinde zeale , or cankred spight , those churche● keep from being friends , whom loue should fast vnite : but let thy glory shine among those candlestickes , we pray , we may behold what hath so long exil●d thy peace away : that those , who ( heeding not thy word ) expect an earthly powre , and vainly thinke , some temp'rall sword shall antichrist deuoure ; that those may know , thy weapons are no such , as they doe faigne , and that it is no carnall warre , which we must entertaine . confessors , martyrs , preachers strike the blowes , that gaine this field : thanks , prayre , instructions , and the like , those weapons are they weild : long-suffering , patience , prudent-care , must be the court-of-guard ; and faith and innocencie are instead of walles prepard . for these ( no question ) may as well great babel ouerthrow , as ierichoes large bulwarkes fell , when men did rams-hornes blowe : which could wee credit , wee should cease all bloody plots to lay , and to suppose , gods holy peace should come the deuils way . lord , let that flesh , and bloud of thine , which fed vs hath to day , our hearts to thy true-loue encline , and driue ill thoughts away : let vs remember what thou hast for our meere loue endur●de ▪ eu'n , when of vs despis'de thou wast , and we thy death procur'de : and with each other , for thy sake , so truely let vs beare , our patience may vs dearer make , when reconcil'd we are : so , when our courses finisht be , we shall ascend aboue sunne , moone , and starres , to liue with thee , that art the god of loue. ember weeke . the ember weekes are foure fasts , anciently solemnized at the foure principall seasons of the yeare , and by an institu●ion appointed to bee obserued for diuers good purposes . first , to humble our selues by fasting and prayer , that god might , vpon our humiliation , be mooued to grant vs the blessings belonging to those seasons . secondly , that it might please god to strengthen our constitutions , against the distemperatures occasioned by the seuerall humors predominate at those times , to the endangering of our bodily healths . thirdly , that we might be remembred to dedicate a part of euery season to gods glory . and lastly , that there might be a publike fasting and prayers made for those ( according to the apost●es vse ) who by the laying on of hands were to bee confirmed in the ministery of the gospell : for the sunday next after ●hese fasts is the time ordinarily appointed for the ordination of such as are called to those offices . song . . sing this as the . song . thou dost from eu'ry season , lord , to profit vs , aduantage take , and at their fittest times afford thy blessings for thy mercy sake : at winter , summer , fall , or spring , we furnish'd are of eu'ry thing . a part therefore from each of these , with one consent reseru'd haue we , in prayer and fasting to appease that wrath our sinnes haue moou'd in thee , and that thou mayst not for our crimes , destroy the blessings of the times . oh grant , that our deuotions may with true sincerenesse be perform'd , and that our liues , not for a day , but may for euer be reform'd : lest we remaine as fast in sinne , as if we neu'r had fasting byn . our constitution● temper so , those humors , which this season raine , may not haue powre to ouerthrowe that health , which yet we doe retaine : else , through that weaknesse which it brings , lord , make vs strong in better things . and , since thy holy church appoints these times , thy workemen forth to send , and those for pastors now anoynts , who on thy ●olde are to attend ; blesse thou , where they who ( should ordaine ) with pray●e and fasting hands haue laine . oh , blesse them , euer-blessed lord , whom for thy worke the church doth chuse ; instruct them by thy sacred word , and with thy spirit them infuse , that liue , and teach aright they may , and we their teaching well obay , these that follow are thankesgiuings for publike benefites . for seasonable weather . it is our duty to giue god thanks , & praise him , both publikely , and priuately for all his mercies ; especially , for such as tend to the generall good . and therefore the church hath in her lithurgie ordained set formes of thankesgiuing for such ends : in imitation whereof these following hymnes are composed , that we might the oftner , and with more delight exercise this duty , which is most properly done in song : and therby also the formes of thankesgiuing are much the more easily learned of the common people , to be sung of them amid their labours . this , that next followes , is a thankesgiuing for seasonable weather ; ●y meanes whereof we enioying the blessings of the earth , ought at all times to praise god for the same . song . . sing this as the . song . lord , should the sunne , the clowds , the wind , the ayre , and seasons be to vs so froward , and vnkinde , as we are false to thee ; all fruites would quite a way be burn'd , or lye in water drown'd , or blasted be , or ouerturn'd , or chilled on the ground . but , from our duty though we swarue , thou still dost mercy show , and daigne thy creatures to preserue , that men might thankfull grow ; yea , though from day to day we sinne , and thy displeasure gaine , no sooner we to cry beginne , but pitty we obtaine . the weather now thou changed hast , that put vs late to feare , and when our hopes were almost past , then comfort did appeare . the heau'n the earths complaints hath heard ; they reconciled be , and thou such weather hast prepar'd , as we desir'd of thee : for which with lifted hands and eyes , to thee we doe repay the due , and willing sacrifize of giuing thanks to day ; because , such offrings we should not to render thee be slowe ; nor let that mercie be forgot , which thou art pleas'd to showe . for plenty . plenty is the cure of famine , and a blessing which , aboue all other , we labour and trauaile for ; yet , when we haue obtained the same , it makes vs many times so wanton insteed of being thankfull , that wee forget not onely gods mercy in that , but abuse all other benefits . to put vs therefore in minde of our duty , and to expresse the better a continuall thankefulnesse to the almighty , this hymne is composed . song . . sing this as the . song . how oft , and in how many crimes , thee iealous haue we made ? and , blessed god , how many times haue we forgiuenesse had ? if we with teares to bed at night for our transgressions goe , to vs thou dost , by morning-light , some comfort daigne to show . this pleasant land , which for our sinne was lately barren made , her fruitfulnesse doth new begin , and we are therefore glad : we for those creatures thankfull be , which thou bestowest , lord , and for that plenty honour thee , which thou dost now afford . oh , let vs therewith in excesse not wallow like to swine ; nor into gracelesse wantonnesse conuert this grace of thine ; but so reuiue our feebled powres , and so refresh the poore , that thou mayst crowne this land of ours , with plenties euermore . for peace . peace is the nurse of plenty , and the meanes of so many other blessings , both publike and priuate , that god can neuer be sufficiently praised for it ; yet insteed of glorifying him , men most commonly abuse it to the dishonour of god , and their ruine . this hymne therefore is composed , that it may giue occasion to vs more often to meditate gods mercy , & to glorifie his name , who aboue all other nations haue tasted the sweetnesse of this benefit . song . . sing this as the . song . so cause vs , lord , to thinke vpon those blessings we possesse , that what is for our safety done , we truely may confesse : for we , whose fields , in time forepast , most bloody warre did staine , ( whil'st fire and sword doth others wast ) in safety now remaine . no armed troupes the ploughman feares ; no shot our wals o'returne ▪ no temple shakes about our eares ; no village here doth burne ; no father heares his pretty child in vaine for succour cry ; nor husband sees his wife defil'd , whil●st he halfe dead doth lye . deare god , vouchsafe to pitty those , in this distresse that be , they , to protect them from their foes , may haue a friend of thee : for , by thy friendship we obtaine these gladsome peacefull dayes , and ( somewhat to returne againe ) we thus doe sing thy praise . we praise thee for that inward peace , and for that outward rest , wherewith vnto our ioyes encrease , this kingdome thou hast blest : oh , neuer take the same away , but let it still endure ; and grant ( oh lord ) it make vs may more thankefull , not secure . for victory . ovr god is the lord of hosts , and the god of battles : whensoeuer therefore wee haue gotten the vpper hand ouer our enemies , wee ought not to glory in our owne strength , policy , or valour , but to ascribe the glory of it to him only , and returne him publike thankes for making vs victorious ouer our enemies : and this hymne serueth to helpe their deuotion , who are willing to performe that duty . song . . sing this as the . song . we loue thee , lord , we praise thy name , who , by thy great almighty arme , hast kept vs from the spoile , and shame of those , that sought our causelesse harme : thou art our life , or triumph-song , the ioy and comfort of our heart ; to thee all praises doe belong , and thou the lord of armies art . we must confesse it is thy powre , that made vs masters of the field ; thou art our b●lwarke and our towre , our ●ocke of refuge , and our shield : thou taught'st our hands and armes to fight ; with vigour thou did'st gird vs round ; thou mad'st our foes to take their flight , and thou did'st b●ate them to the ground . with fury came our armed foes , to bloud and slaughter fiercely bent , and perils round did vs inclose , by whatsoeuer way we went , that hadst not thou our captaine beene , ( to leade vs on , and off againe ) we on the place had dead beene seene , or mask'd in blood and wounds had laine . this song we therefore sing to thee , and pray , that thou for euermore would'st our protector daigne to be , as at this time ▪ and heretofore ; that thy continuall fauour showne , may cause vs more to thee encline , and make it through the world be knowne , that such as are our foes , are thine . for deliuerance from a publike sicknesse . the pestilence , and other publike sicknesses are those arrowes of the almighty wherewith hee punisheth publike transgressions : this hymne therefore is to praise him , when he shal vnslack the bow which was bent against vs ; and the longer he with-holds his hand , the more constantly ought wee to continue our publike thanksgiuings ; for when we forget to perseuere in praising god for his mercies past , we vsually reuiue those sinnes that will renue his iudgements . song . . sing this as the . song . when thou would'st , lord , afflict a land , or scourge thy people that offend , to put in pra●●ise thy command , thy creatures all on thee attend ; and thou , to execute thy word , hast famine , sicknesse , fire , and sword. and here among vs , for our sinne , a sore disease hath lately raign'd , whose fury so vnstayd hath bin , it could by nothing be restrain'd ; but ouerthrew both weake & strong , and tooke away both old and young . to thee our cries we therefore sent , thy wonted pitty , lord , to proue ; our wicked wayes we did repent , thy visitation to remoue ; and thou thine angell didst command , to stay his wrath-inflicting hand . for which thy loue , in thankfull wise , both hearts and hands to thee we raise , and in the stead of former cries , doe sing thee now a song of praise ; by whom the fauour yet we haue , to scape the neuer-filled graue . for the kings day . the first day of kings raigne , hath beene anciently obserued in most kingdomes : and with vs that custome is worthily retained ; partly , for ciuill ends ; and partly , that the people might assemble together , to praise god for the benefit the common-wealth receiueth by the prince ; to pray for his preseruation also , and to desire a blessing vpon him and his gouernment : to which purpose this song is composed . song . . sing this as the . song . when ( lord ) we call to minde those things , that should be sought of thee , remembring that the hearts of kings at thy disposing be , and how of all those blessings , which are outwardly possest , to make a kingdome safe and rich , good princes are the best ; we thus are mou'd to sing thy praise , for him thou daigned hast , and humbly beg , that all our dayes thy care of vs may last . oh , blesse our king , and let him raigne , in peacefull safety long , the faith's defender to remaine , and sheild the truth from wrong . with awfull loue , and louing dread , let vs obserue him , lord , and , as the members with their head , in christian peace accord : and fill him with such royall care , to cherish vs for this ; as if his heart did feele we are some liuing parts of his . let neither party struggle from that duty should be showne , lest each to other plagues become , and both be ouerthrowne : for , o're a disobedient land thou dost a tyrant set ; and those , that tyrant-like command , haue still with rebels met . oh , neuer let so sad a doome upon these kingdomes fall ; and to assure it may not come ▪ our sinnes forgiue vs all : yea , let the parties innocent some dammage rather share , then , by vnchristian discontent , a double curse to beare . make vs ( that placed are belowe , our callings to apply ) not ouer-curious be to know , what he intends on high : but , teach him iustly to command , us rightly to obay ; so , both shall safe together stand , and doubts shall flie away . when hearts of kings we pry into , our owne we doe beguile , and what we ought our selues to doe , we leaue vndone the while : whereas , if each man would attend the way he hath to liue , and all the rest to thee commend , then all should better thriue . oh , make vs , lord , disposed thus , and our dread soueraigne saue ; blesse vs in him , and him in vs , we both may blessings haue ; that many yeares for him we may this song deuoutly sing , and marke it for a happy day , when he became our king. here endeth the hymnes , and songs of the church . a table of the hymnes and songs , contayned both in the first and second part of this booke ; the first number declaring the song , the second the page . hymnes found in the bookes of moses , and in the other bookes of holy scripture , called hagiographa . song . page . the first song of moses . the second song of moses . the song of deborah , &c. the song of hannah . the lamentation of dauid . dauids thankesgiuing . nehemiahs prayer . the song of lemuel . the song of salomon , diuided into tenne canti●les . the first canticle . the second canticle . the third canticle . the fourth canticle . the fift canticle . the sixt canticle . the seauenth canticle . the eight canticle . the ninth canticle . the tenth canticle . the hymnes found in the bookes of the prophets , with the lamentations of ieremie . the first song of esay . the second song of esay . the third song of esay . the prayer of hezekiah . hezekiahs thankesgiuing . the first lamentation of ieremy . the second lamentation . the third lamentation . the fourth lamentation . the fift lamentation . the prayer of daniel . the prayer of ionah . the prayer of habakuk . the hymnes of the new testament . the song of our lady , or magnificat . the song of zacharie , or benedictus . the song of angels . the song of simeon . the song of the lambe . the rest that make vp the first part are these . the tenne commmandements . the lords prayer . the apostles creed . a funerall song . the song of the three children . the song of s. ambrose . the creed of athanasius . come holy ghost , or veni creator . the second part of the hymnes and songs of the church . spirituall songs , appropriated to those times , in which are commemorated the principall mysteries of christian religion . song . page . the song for aduent . for christmas . another for christmas . for the circumcision . for twelfe-day . for the purification . the first day of len● . the annuntiation . palme-sunday . thursday before easter . good-friday . easter day . ascension day . whitsunday . trinity sunday . sunday . spirituall songs appropriated to the saints dayes , most obseruable throughout the yeare . for s. andrewes day . for s. thomas day . s. steuens day . s. iohn the euangelist . innocents day . the conuersion of s. paul. s ▪ matthias day . s. markes day . s. philip and iacobs day . s. barnabas day . s. iohn baptists day . s. peters day . s. iames day . s. bartholomewes day . s. mathewes day . s. michaels day . s. lukes day . simon and iudes day . all saints day . spirituall songs fitted for other solemnities , and to praise god for publike benefits . for rogation weeke . s. george his day . for publike deliuerances . for the communion . for ember weekes . for seasonable weather . for plenty . for peace . for victory . for deliuerance from publike sicknesse . for the king. the authors hymne . great almighty , god of heauen , honour , praise , and glory be now , and still hereafter giuen , for thy blessings daigned me : who hast granted and prepared , more then can be well declared . by thy mercy thou didst raise me , from below the pits of clay ; thou hast taught my lips to praise thee , where thy loue confesse i may : and those blessed hopes dost leaue me , whereof no man can bereaue me . by thy grace , those passions , troubles , and those wants that me opprest ; haue appear●d as water-bubbles , or as dreames , and things in ieast : for ( thy leisure still attending ) i with pleasure saw their ending . those afflictions , and those terrors , which to others grim appeare , did but shew me where my errors , and my imperfections were : but distrustfull could not make me of thy loue ; nor fright , nor shake me . when in publike to defame me , a designe was brought to passe , on their heads that meant to shame me , their owne malice turned was ; and that day , most grace was showne me , which they thought should haue vndone me . therefore , as thy blessed psalmist , when he saw , his warres had end , ( and his dayes were at the calmest ) psalmes and hymnes of praises pend : so , my rest by thee enioyed , to thy praise i haue employed . yea , remembring what i vowed , when enclos'd from all but thee , i thy presence was allowed , while the world neglected me : this , my muse hath tooke vpon her , that she might aduance thine honour . lord , accept my poore endeauour , and assist thy seruant so , in good studies to perseuer , that more fruitfull he may grow : and become thereby the meeker ; not his owne vaine glory seeker . grant my frailties and my folly , ( and those daily sinnes i doe ; ) may not make this worke vnholy , nor a blemish bring thereto : but , let all my faults committed , with compassion be remitted . those base hopes that would possesse m● ; and , those thoughts of vaine repute , which doe now and then oppresse me , doe not , lord , to me impute : and , though part they will not from me , let them neuer ouercome me . till this present , from obsceannesse , thou , oh lord , hast kept my pen , and my uerse abhorr'd vncleannesse , though it vaine were , now , and then : my loose thoughts it ne're enflamed : but , i thereby them haue tamed . still with-hold me from delighting that , which thine may mis-beseeme ; and from eu'ry kinde of writing , whereby this may loose esteeme , that i may with faith and reason , eu'ry future uolume season . oh , preserue me from committing aught that●s hainously amisse ; from all speeches him vnfitting , that hath beene employ●d on this : yea , as much as may be daigned , keepe my very thoughts vnstained . that these helpes vnto deuotion , may no scandall haue at all , lord , i make to thee this motion , for their sakes that vse them shall : of the world i am not fearefull , nor of mine owne glory carefull . whil'st thy fauours thou dost daigne me , i despise the worlds respect , and most comforts entertaine me , when i suffer most neglect : yea , i then am best rewarded , when i seeme the least regarded . for ( oh ) when i minde my sauiour , and how many a spightfull tongue , sland'red his most pure behauiour , and his pious't workes did wrong : i contented am , and care not , though my life , detraction spare not ▪ therefore , when that i shall blamed , or with cause , or causlesse be ; so thy truth be not defamed , fall what can befall on me : let my fame of none be friended , so thy saints be not offended . that is most my feare ( oh father ) thy assistance therefore send ; and , oh let me perish , rather then thy little ones offend : let my life some honour doe thee , or by death returne me to thee . for , thy praise i wish , and loue it ; and ( oh ) let my end be shame , if for mine owne sake , i couet either life , or death , or fame : so it may be to thy glory , let detraction write my storie . but to thee which way aua●ling , can my shame or honour be ? truth shall euer be preuailing , whatsoe're is thought of me : thou nought loosest through my folly , nor gain'st ought by the most holy . and i know , that whosoeuer hath thy glory in esteeme , will accept this good endeauour , whatsoe're the workeman seeme , let ( oh therefore ) be fulfilled , that which thou ( oh lord ) hast willed . and when i with israels singer , to these songs of faith , shall learne , thy ten-stringed law to finger , and that musicke to discerne : lift me to that angell-quire , whereunto thy saints aspire . finis . to the reader . that such as haue skill and are delighted with musicke , may haue the more varietie , to stirre vp the soone cloyed affections , these hymnes are fitted with many new tunes ; neuerthelesse all ( but some few of them ) may be sung to such tunes as haue beene heretofore in vse ; for the benefit therefore of those who haue no experience in musicke , i haue here set downe which songs they be ; and to what old tunes they may be sung . to the tune of the . . . and of an hundred other psalmes may be sung . song the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . to the tune of the . . . psalmes and the ten commandements , &c. may be sung song the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . to the tune of the . . psalmes & the lords prayer , &c. may be sung , song the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . to the tune of the . psalme may be sung . song the . . . to the tune of the . psalme may bee sung , song the . to the tune of the . psalme may be sung , song the . finis . errata . page , in the title of the song , reade exod. . p. . in the title of the song , reade deut. . pa. . li. reade the pauement of it , li. . reade with charity , pa. . in the direction , for thy , reade vnderneath , pa . li. . for aliue reade to life , pa. . li. . reade to the gentiles , pa. . in the direction , for and reade the , pa. . li. . for confuted reade comforted . three private meditations which being, for the most part, of publick concernment, are therefore published, by their author / george wither. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) three private meditations which being, for the most part, of publick concernment, are therefore published, by their author / george wither. wither, george, - . p. s.n.], [london : . reproduction of original in huntington library. in verse. a private thank-oblation consisting of three hymns -- a sacrifice of praise and prayer -- nil ultra. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng great britain -- history -- restoration, - -- poetry. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion three private meditations which being , for the most part , of publick concernment , are therefore published , by their author geo. wither . the first , is a private thanksgiving , consisting of three hymns , whereby , god is magnified for his mercy vouchsafed in the late ingagement between the english and the dutch , in june . composed after celebrating the publick thanksgiving commanded by the king. the second , is a sacrifice of praise and prayer , by him offered to almighty god , for his providential respect , to him , his wife and children , during his imprisonment in the disgraceful goal of newgate , when left destitute of all ordinary means of subsistance , by being deprived both of his estate and liberty . the third , intituled nil ultra , is a soliloquium , wherein , this author , expresses the improbability , of an effectual proceeding further , to prevent the sins & plagues increasing , by ought , which he can offer to consideration . imprinted in the year , . a private thank-oblation consisting of three hymns , whereby almighty god is magnified for his mercy vouchsafed in the late ingagement between the english and the dutch , in june . after celebration of the publick thanksgiving commanded by the king. the first hymn , is a preparation of the heart , to the duty intended . now , what to god's praise belongs , i will sing in holy songs ; who , shall from his heav'nly quire , with such straines my heart inspire , that , ( though distant ) i , and they therein , joyn together may : for , his influenced grace is not bard , by time or place . . let his raies of light divine , in me , and upon me shine ; let his holy spirit shake drousie flesh , till it shall wake ; touch my lips , unlose my tongue , that his praises may be sung ; for , till rouz'd up , from on high , dark , and dull and dumb am i. . humane words , cannot impart what god speaketh to my heart , nor my faultring tongue declare all his operations there , yet , i am compell'd sometimes , in plain verse , and broken rimes , thus , to stammer out such things , as to me the spirit brings . . to extol what god hath done , here , i mus●ng am alone ; and , do praise him in my heart for what none can claim a part : but , what to his praise belongs ile now sing in vocal songs and , will so his praise declare that , no man shall therein share . the second hymn being an imperfect narrative and confession to gods glory , of what he hath done for us , in the late ingagement ; how little , we have merited the mercies vouchsafed ; and how merciful god hath been to both nations . lord , in a publick meeting , i , this day have joyn'd , a sacrifice of thanks to pay ; and , being warmed at the common fire , ( by what external notions could inspire ) to perfect that which is begun , ( and ought in duty to be done ) i , now withdraw into my heart , to speak to thee , who therein art ; and learn , how , i may to thy praise , so sanctifie my words and wayes , that , henceforth , they may more conduce unto thy glory , then they heretofore could do . oh! let my meditations be made acceptable unto thee . . for victory confer'd , we prais'd thy name ; we hear , our foes have likewise done the same . and doubtless , whosoever lost or won , to thee , are praises due for what is done , yea , no less praise for what is lost , then that , for which we triumph most ; the one our pride may elevate , the other , humble us , for that which was mis-acted , or mis-spoke : for , thou , who heed of both hast took , so graciously , oh lord , hast shar'd betwixt both nations , sweet with bitter , intermixt , that , no man , this day duly keeps , save he , who therein sings and weeps . . for , all transactions , which concern in gross our publick , or our private gain , or loss ( and , which unto our knowledge , fame doth bring ) well-weighd ) gives cause , no less to weep , then sing . the good successes we have had abate some fears to make us glad ; the hopes , which those events do give ( of what we willingly believe ) so high our expectations rear as if , he we were above all fear . but , when we hear the many lamentations for loss of limbs , lives , and belov'd relations , to sadness , all our ioy it turns , and , he , who much rejoyced mourns . . a final conquest is not yet obtain'd ; that , rarely with one victory is gain'd : for , they who loose at first , at last , may win , by mending faults , with which , they did begin . and , they who did at first prevail , find , oftentimes , their hopes to fail because to trustless things they trust , or else , employ to feed their lust , that , which thy majesty intends should strengthen them to better ends . when , therefore most victorious we appear , let us rejoyce , but , with a trembling fear , lest , when the rowling wheel shall turn , we , who rejoice , find cause to mourn . . thou art but little pleas'd ( if ought at all ) to see us triumph , when our foes do fall ; especially , when they ( though ours they be ) are thy known enemies , no more then we . to be our god , we thee profess ; they ( to our knowledge ) do no less . we say , our trust is in thy name , they may as truly , say the same . their sins are many ; we are sure ( or may be ) that , ours are not fewer . we have not yet , our hopes at full enjoy'd ; nor are their expectations quite destroy'd ; to praise thee therefore , we and they , are equally oblig'd this day . . we say , the dutch to us ingrateful be , our conscience tells us , we are so to thee . they with our nation cruelly have dealt ; our inhumanity , thy saints have felt . their avarice , makes them oppress ; ill husbandry and idleness , have made our wayes , as grievous prove , to those , who seek for peace in love . and , we , and they pursue the course most likely , to make bad things worse . then , lord , which off us , justly can expect that , our contests , should have a good effect ? or , that the one should have a place above the other in thy grace ? . had it so pleased thee , thou at first shock , both earthen pitchers , mightst have justly broke ; but they , ( as if they had been made of leather ) are onely bruiz'd by being knockt together : which , in meer love , to us and them , thou didst vouchsafe , to give us time , with more advisement to take heed , what , by contention will succeed ; lest both before their quarrels end , be broke like pots , which none can mend . lord , were there but that mercy , and no more , in that , which we pretend to praise thee for , it merits from this , and that nation , an everlasting thank-oblation . . for , in this mercy , unto both extended , are very many mercies comprehended , so complicated , one within another , and , to thy judgments , linked so together , that , if we could be brought to learn how , they both nations do concern ; to what , each judgment doth direct , what every mercy might effect ; what , we should seek , what we should shun , and , what , ought timely to be done ; the wisest men among us , could not tell whether , those things which us have pleased well , or , that , which grieves us most , shall best thy loving kindness manifest . . the trophies , which most men delight to raise , as testimonies of a thankful praise , for what thou daign'st , are but a medly mirth , of wholsome simples , mixt with coursest earth , or , with such noisome weeds , as grow upon dunghils here below , that , to thy nostrils and thine eyes , offensive fumings vaporize , which do provoke thine anger more , then many errors heretofore : and , that which for thine honor , some pretend , is for their own praise , or a baser end ; either , to satisfie their lust , or , praise false gods in which they trust . . my god , look not severely upon this , or , on ought else , that hath been done amiss ; for , no oblation can from us proceed , which will deserve a favourable heed . some of our offerings , now and then , may beneficial be to men , or , to thy saints on earth extend , if we confer them to that end for which , they seem to be bestown ( and , in their welfare , seek our own : ) but , to advantage thee , the precioust thing , which , we to please , or to appease , can bring , adds nothing ; though thou pleased art , with what comes from a faithful heart . . be mindful still , that we are flesh and blood , whence , nothing can expected be that 's good , till by his cross it shall be mortify'd , who , to redeem it from corruption dy'd . remember whereof we are made ; that ev'n the best of us are bad ; our seeming sanctified joyes , uncomely actions and rude noise , which make thy best beloved sory , instead of adding to thy glory . oh! let hereof , a free unfain'd confession , ( a burnt oblation made by true contrition , and , hallow'd by christs blood ) purge hence , all , that ▪ which gives to thee offence . . the more thou shalt inlarge our wealth and power , our selves , let us lay down so much the lower ; and , rather use them to unite together in love , then in destroying one another . he , in the best mode gives thee praise , who , ordereth aright his wayes ; who , justifies thee in thy will , by thereunto , conforming still ; and brings to thee a contrite heart , ascribing thereto no desert : this is , most gracious god , a sacrifice , which thou didst never ( never wilt ) despise ; and , such a sacrifice , i pray make that , which i present this day . . unfaigned thanks my heart returns to thee , for that , which thou hast done , what e're it be , against , or for us : hearty thanks we owe both for what thou withholdst , and dost bestow . prosperity is no true sign who is a favourite of thine ; nor any one dost thou reject , whom frequently thou dost correct , unless he be more wilful far then fraile , as very many are ; and whether thou dost give us wounds , or heal , it will at last conduce unto our weal , if we , ( but as we may ) persever in contributing our endeaver . . two of thy greatest plagues , on us , now lie ; the third is threatned , and seems very nigh : thy other judgments also scatred are so thick , though these three kindoms evry where , that , by them , very few or none , have scaped being seiz'd upon ; or , being pincht , in what relates unto their person or estates : yet , sin doth most men so besot , as if thy frowns they feared not ; and , are more zealous others to destroy , then , of the meanes their own peace to enjoy ; a madness , which worse plagues procures , then pestilential calentures . . arise oh god , advance thy throne on high ; thy self , let thine own actings glorifie . thy justice and thy mercy so unite that , they may honor thee in all mens sight . rebuke those who delight in war , and , to thy saints injurious are : give peace to those , who peace affect , and , them from all their foes protect , that , righteousness and peace may hither return , and here , still raign together . thy foes , are now become exceeding strong , thy coming , therefore , lord , defer not long . but , i have done : for , thou , with powre art coming , and wilt keep thine hour . . dear god , this petty sacrifice of mine , was took out of a treasury of thine , and , of mine own , i , naught can thereto add , except my heart , which , from thee , too , i had . kept to thy self , now , let that be , and , never left again to me , or wander thither , where it may unto the world be made a prey ; or , by the temptings of the devil , be drawn unto the love of evil ; then , this ( and that , which i have heretofore , to praise thee offer'd ) thee , shal praise much more , then many things , done , heard , and told , in temples , deckt with silk , and gold . the third hymn , proceeds to a thankful illustration of god's deserved praise , by acknowledging his almightiness ; his observing what hath been openly and secretly done in ev'ry part of the world , by both the said nations , and that no praise is justly due to either of us , but shame rather , for ought performed in the said ingagement . most almighty lord of hoasts , high protector of our coasts , who , commandst , as thou dost please , fire and water , earth and seas ; who , lookst down from heav'n , upon all that here on earth is done , and , survey'st her darkest parts , ev'n the crannies of mens hearts . . thou beheldst the prepartions of these wilful neighbring nations ; thou , hast heard what they have spoken , heedest what such words betoken : thou hast search'd out their designs , with what thereto them inclines , and , knowst whether of the two , is the worst , if one be so . . thou , observest what was done ; not in africa alone or , both indies ; but , what was done , likewise , in ev'ry place : why the english and the dutch are divided now so much : what is false , with what is true ; and , to which most blame is due . . thou remembrest , what relations have been long between these nations , what professions to each other , they did make when knit together ; yea , what they profest to thee , which now seems forgot to be , as if they were not such men , or such christions , now , as then . . to prevent what is begun , much , by thee , was timely done ; but , their avarice and pride , them , did more and more divide . to self-will they did adhere like men without wit , or fear ; so , thou leftst them both , to do what they were inclin'd unto . . then , with streamers and with flags , foolish vaunts , and shameless braggs , they weigh'd anchors from the shore , which , by some , was seen no more ; and , with an unchristian rage ' gainst each other did ingage ; fire and water , in that hour , striving which should most devour . . dread of death , that man amazes ; noise , and smoke , and sudden blazes this man blinds , and deafneth so that , he knows not friend from foe . some , are slain by their own tools , wise-men speed as ill as fools ; here , a valiant souldier dies , there , a coward sprawling lies . . loud the thundring guns did roar , sails , and masts , and keels were tore ; ships , were either split , or fir'd ; men , by thousands , there expir'd , this man sinks , and that man swims , some escapd , with loss of limbs , but , to whether best befell , thou alone , oh lord , canst tell . . horrid sights , and sounds without , them assaulted round about , which , in some , did thoughts begin that , rais'd greater frights within ; and , though wounds did grieve them sore that , tormented them much more ; for , their pains , none can declare , who , in spirit wounded are . . this , we know , that thou art just , as is ev'ry thing thou dost : thou , art kind , and lov'st so well , that by woundings , thou dost heal . thou art wise , and actest so , that , we thereby , we wise might grow ; and , by what was lately done , might new mercies be begun . . not to us , lord , for the same , be the praise , but , to thy name : unto us , for what was done , nought belongs , but shame alone . we , were so much terrify'd , that , we knew not what we did , nor yet seem to understand , what work , thou hast now in hand . . this correction was in love , which , if both should so improve as ( if they had grace ) they may by true penitence , this day our , endeavour to be friends , to thine honor , so much tends , that , it would for both these nations , prove the best , of their oblations . . victories , do not belong to an arm of flesh , though strong . 't is nor policy nor force , ships , nor troops of men and horse ; no , nor formal thanks and prayrs , that prevents death or despairs ; but , it is thy powerful arm , that secures from fear and harm . . therefore , praise , for all well done , i ascribe to thee alone : all , that men have brought to pass , merits nothing but disgrace ; and the best that we can do , will but ruine add thereto , if we keep our crooked wayes , or , shall grudge at thy due praise . aresolve , occasioned by somewhat spoken concerning this thank-oblation , and this authors other writings . it may be , many will these hymns contemn , because , they do not relish well to them . they likewise , may inferiour gods offend , because in this oblation , i intend no praise to them , but that , praise should be given to magnifie alone , my god in heaven . the first of these , i leave to their own mode , in offring up oblations unto god : for , if well-pleasing unto him they be , they cannot be distasteful unto me ; and , whatsoever they of me shall say , i may be thereby profited some way . as for the latter , there is little need that , i , to their deserving should take heed : for , prophets , priests , and poets of their own enough they have , to make their merits known . these , to extoll their patrons , can , and may write more , and speak much more , then i dare say , who , ( whatsoe'er advantage thence may flow , ) can praise no man , for what i do not know . these , do as their inspirers , them incline , and , i do , as i am inspir'd by mine . moreover , it becomes not him , who sings a song of praise unto the king of kings , the attributes of men to intermingle with his ( as to those works he worketh single ) that , were to follow their absurd example who worship god and baal within one temple , or chroni●cle the deeds by hero's done , with tales of robin hood , and little john : for these respects , i know men sober-witted will me excuse for what may seem omitted ; and , as for those men , who so prudent are not , whether , they me excuse , or no , i care not . to my dearly beloved children . about twenty years now past though i had then temporal possessions , which i might probly have given and bequeathed , i composed and intended for your legacy , a soliloquie and prayer which i had spread in writing before god on your behalves ; and i believe it shall continue for ever in his view : but , there being but one coppy thereof , both you and i were deprived of that composure , when the book for which i here suffer was taken out of my closet . therefore , being now likely to be so separted from you , how much soever it may concern our temporal or spiritual well-beings , that i may thenceforth perhaps never see you more . i send you this sacrifice of praise and prayer , next following , to be instead of that which is lost ; for it contains in effect somewhat , ( as to the petitionary part ) of that which was spread before god ( as aforesaid ) in a larger scrol . take it into your serious considerations , and lay it up among your evidences ; for it will speak to your advantage , when i can speak no more for you ; when other men who can speak for you , will not ; when many perhaps will speak against you , and when you shall not be able to speak for your selves . god , sanctifie unto you this brief memorandum , and you to his glory , that we may all meet together in him to our everlasting joy . be obedient to your mother , the enjoyment of whose company , will more then recompence the loss of mine ; for god hath endowed her with so much maternal prudence and love , that by her counsel , ( if you despise it not ) your posterity may be continued on the earth untill christ comes to gather together his elect. remember the counsel of your earthly father , that the promise made by your heavenly father to the rechabites may be inlarged to you and your posterities ; for , your and their personal obedience to gods covenant made with all mankind in christ jesu , will be required ( according to that assisting grace which he vouchsafeth ) toward the accomplishing of what i have prayed for concerning you . the blessing of god be with you , and farewell . your affectionate father , geo : wither . newgate feb. . . a sacrifice of praise and prayer offered unto almighty god , by george wither for his gracious providence , in providing for him , his wife and children , during his imprisonment in the disgraceful gaol of newgate , and when left destitute of all ordinary means of subsistance , by being deprived both of his estate and liberty . lord , though my prayers and my praises , be unworthy to be offred up to thee , thus ( as i am obliged ) i assay to adde unto thine honor what i may , by publishing both with my tongue and pen , thy loving kindness to the sons of men ; especially , in those particulars whereby thy kindness unto me appears . prais'd be thy blessed name ; for , thou art speedy in shewing thy compassion to the needy ; and leav'st not any suffrer in despair who , timely seeks thy help by faithful prayer , in patient waiting during his probation , for thy appointed hour of salvation . of this , thy never failing clemency , few men have had more evidence then i , or in all straights , vouchsaf'd more seasnably a needfull , and a competent supply yea though my suffrings have been great & many and , i , in flesh as sensible as any of ev'ry grievance , thou hast by their length improved so my patience and my strength , that , oft such grievances , were not alone as tollerable as if they were none : but , such as also , have my joy increast when i to other men seem'd most opprest . for , though i have compleated now , well-near , in weal and woe , the three and fiftieth year , and six confinements , since i first begun that work , which i thought needful to be done ; thou hast preserv'd me so , and me so armed , against all changes , that , none me hath harmed : which , unto me , a knowledge doth derive of what thou art , that 's more then speculative ; that , what experimentally i speak , in other men , may more impression make , then when i notions only shall declare , that were infus'd into me , through the ear . and 't is not thy least mercy , that of late , thou dost their seeming charity abate , who , thought , they might thereby have tempted to wrong my conscience , and be false to thee , me by smothring , or adulterating that which , to truths vindication may relate : for , when with needful food men bait their hook , the heedless hungry fishes are soon took ; and , whether , we confide in thee or no , whilst we have oil and meal , t is hard to know . nor , i , nor mine , ( though rob'd of all ) ought lack , that 's needful for the belly , or the back . thou hast my wife and children cloth'd and fed , when i could give them neither cloth nor bread ; and , from the earth , when ( in seed branch & root ) i seemed likely to be rooted out , my withred sprouts , were then by the re-planted , where they enjoy the nourishment they wanted : so timely , and in such a manner too , was that vouchsafd , which thou were pleas'd to do , that , for it , my well-wishers prais'd thy name ; and vext thereat , my envious foes become . especially , in that place , where their worst and last despights , were manifested first ; for , there , and in their sight , by whom undone i seem'd to be , that mercy was begun . the families , from whom i was design'd to take my being , thou hast now twice joyn'd , and , their two surnames , being joyn'd together , denominate my grandson , hunt l' wither , who , is in possibility to have earth of his own , wherein to make his grave ; and find a livelyhood whilst here he lives , if he , thy bounty thankfully receives ; ( and , no whit farther shall be trusted in , then that should be , which hath supplyed been instead of what i lost ) for , lord , in thee , ( and , not in what thou giv'st ) our trust should be . my only daughter , when left portionless , and without any likely hopefulness of more then thou didst on her birthday give her ; yea , when i was disabled to relieve her thou didst , ev'n in that great necessity , espouse into a loving family , enobled , by a pedigree , or steem which hath no blemish to disparage them ; or , such wants , as may make the reputation of births , and titles loose their estimation . oh! let thy so uniting them together , make them a mutual blessing to each other ; and , by considring with due thankfulness , what thou hast done for me in my distress , make both my children , and their whole descent with thy good pleasure , at all times content ; that , they to others , good example giving , by their woell-doing , joyn'd with right believing , ( and likewise heeding how thou dost proceed with such as in thy fatherhood confide ) they never may despair , though quite berest of what their earthly fathers might have left : and , from my personal experiments , let them , thereof to minde them , take some hints . for , when i by the world , seem'd quite forsaken and , she , with lands and goods , from me had taken my liberty ; that , what then grieved me might more imbitter'd , and redoubled be by what my children suffred ; when , they had mo means of comfort , and , thereby grew sad : thou , didst for that a remedy provide , by making them , a bridegoome , and a bride ( whilst i imprison'd was within that place which added to my poverty disgrace ) to my good liking , and their own content , without self-seeking , or dispargement . this providential mercy , did appear the more , in that , they likewise married were , ( as i awhile before , presag'd they should ) without such portions , as i lately could have given them , when thou didst me disable not without cause . and , t is considerable that , they kept both their weddings in the sight of those , who them pursude with most despight ; ev'n in my plundred house , and at that time , in which my wife , had not to welcome them a dish or spoon , but what a neighbour lent ; or meat , but what by thee was thither sent . yea , thou hast , when the world deni'd us bread me , and my consort , competently fed . ( e're since , the world depriv'd us of our own ) by them , whose faces are to us unknown ; to evidence , that all thy saints are friends , to him , who on thy providence depends , and to the utmost of his power persevers in just and conscientious endeavers : yea , though corruption so in him prevaileth , that of his duty many waies he faileth . he , hoping those experiments , to some may comfortable in like streights become , thus , for their sakes , in words exprest they be ; for , without words , all things are known to thee . all this consider'd , i obliged am to take unto my self deserved shame , when , therewith i well heed , how oft , by sin , to thy commands , i have rebellious been ; as also , that exceeding graciousness , which thou to me vouchsafest ne'rtheless : and , it begets in me a greater fear , then when thy chastisements upon me are ; for , in correcting me , thou art more mild then is a loving father to his child , when he not only chideth , but intreats , kind language , mixing also , with his threats ; whips him , then kisseth ; and sometimes to see him weep doth shed as many tears as he . lord , for those mercies , graciously afforded , ( well meriting , by me to be recorded ) accept this petty sacrifice of praise , and , make us truly thankful all our dayes , ( not only in our verbal thank-oblations but also , in our lives and conversations ) for , though we cannot golden gifts prefer yet , we may offer frankincense and myrrh ; and from him , who hath not a lamb to give , a dove , thou with acceptance wilt receive . vouchsafe us , in each temporary trial a constant progress with true self-denial ; let not the benefits we have received be underpriz'd , because we were bereaved of those externals , which we have enjoyed , for , their enjoyment might have us destroyed ; yea , those whom thou mak'st poor thou lov'st as much as those , whom thou art pleased to inrich ; and , by thy grace ▪ we may advantage make , of whatsoever thou dost give or take . keep me and mine from that prevarication which turns thy proffer'd grace , to reprobation incline us to desire , and to embrace all means of perseverance in thy grace , and , never let the asking , or the granting , of any necessary gift be wanting . make us to shun and hate , all things , whereby we may offend thy awful majesty ; nor limiting thy mercy , neither slandring thy just decrees , as causes of our wandring : for , no man to be wicked is inforc'd , or left by thee , untill he leaves thee first ; which ▪ all men will confess when from their eyes that scurffe is rub'd , which yet upon them lies . so knit us in one true love knot together by loving thee , and love to one another . that , we in all temptations fast may stand and sathan , nor the world dissolve that band ; for , where love , in the heart keeps residence , diff rence in judgment , gives no more offence then diff'ring faces , although more delight we take in those , who love and judge aright . when we offend , correct us as our father with all thy temporary scourges , rather then suffer sins , by sins to be corrected , ( which is the greatest plague can be inflicted ) and that , we faint not underneath thy rod , with stripes , mix mercy still , my gracious god. i ask nor honors , liberty , nor wealth , nor temporary pleasures no nor health , save , so far only , as hou knowst the use of such things to thine honor may conduce with our eternal safety , and the good of those with whom we have a brotherhood . and , hereto , i will add , but this request ( which comprehends all that can be exprest ) for me and mine . oh! let it lord , be plac●t , where it may stand , as long as time shall last , within thy sight ; and though , nor i , nor they for whom i sue , can merit what i pray , vouchsafe it , for his sake , in whom i have so much confided , as his boone to crave . let us dear god , from whom our children sprung , and , all their off-spring , whether old or young , who , from our loins have being , or shall come into this world , untill the day of doom , by him be so preserved , at whose cost redeem'd we were , that no soul may be lost , or be deprived of thy promises in passing thorow this lifes wilderness , either by adams fault , or our own guilt ; and then , of other things give what thou wilt : for , this i value more , then if i had thy grant , we should all kings and queens be made , possessing in this life the largest measure of temporary honors , wealth , and pleasure . for they are baubles , in respect of that my sanctify'd ambition aimeth at . they who obtain'd most of them , were but slaves who dropt with infamy into their graves ; and oft less misery , to them befalls who get their bread , by robling under stalls ; or , in this world , advanced are no higher then raking dirty rags out of the mire . thus , i in brief , have summ'd up my request ; grant this , and let who pleaseth , take the rest . lord , i know none , who , ever heretofore did in this mode , thy majesty implore ; and , from what he believes of thee it comes , that , so to do , thy servant now presumes . forgive me if this absolute petition extends beyond the bound of my commission ; for , nothing i intend , what ere i crave , save , what thou art well-pleased i should have , whose will i so prefer before mine own in all things ( if to me my heart is known ) that whatsoever may succeed thereon now , or hereafter , let thy will be done . my soul thou hast inclined to belive his promises , who said , ask , and receive ; help then my unbelief : for , if the grant of this petition shall that fulness want which is desir'd ; no want of love in thee occasions it , but , some defects in me ; and , that obstruction , which thereon is cast , shall by thy love removed be at last . he that in faith and love can to this prayer say , for himself , amen , shall nev'r dispaire ; for , it implies , he is no stranger to what , man may hope for , and what , god , will do . newgate feb. . an advertisement . when that private poem , was taken from me ' for which i am now a prisoner , many printed books , writings , and evidences , being my proper goods , were therewith unlawfully taken away ; among which , there was a manuscript in verse , intituled a legacy to my children , consisting ( as i remembember ) of about three or four sheets , wherein , that which is prayed for in the preceeding meditation , in relation to my posterity , was much inlarged with expostulations and petitions thereto pertinent . the restoration thereof , i would acknowledge to be a favour , though it ought not in justice to be detained , because it contains nothing offensive to the civil or spiritual government now established : and this advertisement is inserted , in hope , one of those to whose hand it may come , will be a means of restoring unto me both that manuscript , and an elegy , which was also therewith taken from me . i would likewise be thankful to the restorer . geo. wither . at my house in the savoy , june . was this advertisement added . nil ultra . being a soliloquie , wherein this author , sxpresseth the improbability of an offectual proceeding further , in his endeavours ( to prevent the sins and plegues increasing ) by ought offered to consideration . psalm . . when foundations are destroyed , what can the righteous do ? i , at a non-plus , am this day , and , know not what to think or say , or , what part i am next to play : that , therefore , which i now expresse , whether the mask i misse or hitt , to publick view i will commit , and , leave to god , the giving it in his own time , a good successe . . we neither love his lawes nor him ; those men , whose deeds we did condemn we ( by our imitating them ) have justified in all their works . they , who have seemed self-deniers , in their professing truths , are liers , like lillies look , but scratch like briars ; talk , christian-like , but , live like turks . . some , say i dote ; and that 't is so , i almost am perswaded too , when i consider what i do : for little less then doteth he , who gives them bread , who look for chaffe , casts pearls to swine , who long for draff , and strives to save them , who do laugh when sinking down to hell they be . . examples we have had of old , and , daily , we fulfil'd behold , what , hath been oft , of late foretold ; yet , more and more besotted grow . nor chastisements nor mercy shew'd , though oft withdrawn , and oft renew'd , nor what hath for our sins ensude , can make us heed the things we know . . what can by me , be said or done , to stop them , who still headlong run , to meet the mischieves coming on , and , which already are in view ? since , men will neither see nor hear what is apparant ev'ry where , nor have grace , courage , wit or fear , who can prevent what may ensue ? . how can good sequels be expected , where truth and reason are neglected , and , gross crime , not alone suspected , but , acted also , with shame ? where , men all prophanations dare , in all well-doing , cowards are , and seem to have nor sense , nor care , either of good , or evil fame ? . when , what relates to earth and heav'n , seems of it proper use hereaven , ( and what for common use was given , made , only , for th' abusers sake ) vvhat humane wit , can save them from a sad inevitable doom , vvho , false to other men become , and , pitfalls , for themselves do make ? . vvhen first i did converse with men , they were exceeding wicked then ; but , now seem worse by five in ten : for , till of late , i never heard , that , such abominations were , so impudently acted , here vvithin this clime , as now they are by probable reports , aver'd . . if , justice executed were , if , we were what we would appear , in thought , in deeds and word , sincere , oppressors , and self-seekers fewer ; it might be hoped , that , those few , vvho , to good principles are true , might more successefully pursue vvhat would at last , our weal procure . . but , whilst we see , one crying sin brings ev'ry day , another in , vvence new corruptions do begin , vvhat , can the righteous hope or do ; but , meekly wait on god. ( untill her measure , wickedness doth fill ) submitting all things to his will , and , adding their amen , therero ? . vvhilst we each mangie humour claw turn grand oppressions into law , stand nor of god , or men in awe , and , truths , by violence confute ; vve bring but fewel to that fire , or , breath to blow the flame still higher , vvherein , our hopes will quite expire ; and , prudence then , is justly mute . . for , when god threatens desolations , if men turn due humiliations , to triumphs , and vain recreations ; vvhat , can be justly then expected ? but , changing hopes into despairs , more breaches , instead of repairs , and , that our formal thanks and prayers , should be offensive , and rejected ? . oft , under trust is hatched treason , vvise to be thought , is to want reason , sincerity is out of season , foundations , likewise , are orethrown : to speak the truth is now a crime to look for justice , 't is no time , ( to be a knave , the way to elime ) and , sin , almost full ripe is grown . . my witness , therefore , having born , ( among men in the hope forlorn ) i 'le , all alone , sit down and mourn for that , which cannot be prevented . my lot , i le meekly take with those , vvhom , god , shall unto that expose , vvhich may befall both friends and foes , and , therewith will remain contented . . this , now , is all that can be done ; that , therefore , i resolving on , vvill let the world awhile alone , and , god , therein , to work his wil ? ; i le only take that ammunition , vvhich gives no just cause of suspicion , and ( without seeking their perdition ) let filthy men , be filthy still . . thus far forth , i have trod the maze , vvithout offence to any cause , that 's justifide , by righteous laws ; but , now , no further can proceed : for , so , confusion here abounds , that , good and evil , it confounds , and whirles us in an endless round , which fruitless makes both word and deed . . for , they who dance upon the brinck of hell it self ( and fondly think they are secure because they wink ; ) their open danger cannot see , but , are so vext to hear me tell their heaven borders upon hell ; that , for my wishing of them well , they wish but little good to me . . perhaps too , as the round now goes , they who my good intents oppose , ( and are both mine and their own foes ) may seek to take my life away : if they so do ; when that is done , i shall beyond their reach be gone ; and he who all deeds looks upon , will suddenly , their spight repay . . yet , i shall make no such request , as may not with their we●l consist : i , neither by the sword , or pest , or famine , wish aveng'd to be ; or by ought else , which might destroy the life which here they do enjoy , ( though they that mercy mis-employ ; ) this , rather shall my prayer be . . let god confound their pride , their hate , and all their plots annihilate who shall design to practise that which may to his dishonor tend . let none of those endeavours thrive , whereby ungodly men contrive ; how , they another may deprive of his just freedom , foe , or friend . . this deprecation , doth not reach mens persons , or that love impeach which christian verity doth teach : for , to avenge themselves of wrong , that , giveth liberty to none ; but , to do good for evil done required is of every one , to whom a saintship doth belong . . the publick welfare i prefer before mine own particular ; and this for truth i may aver , who ever shall the same deny ; my countrey , or my sovereign lord , neither by actions , or by word , or by my pen , or by my sword , to self-ends , injured have i. . i have not broke my faith to those who did a trust in me repose , whether they prov'd my friends , or foes , but , did with loyalty submit to do , or suffer under them who exercise ; the power supream , which is at the dispose of him who gives and takes , as he sees fit . . i never did for love or hate act , or design , to innovate the government of church or state , but did my duties in my place ; and when i fear'd , that for our sin an anarchy was creeping in , endeavor'd , when it did begin , how , to preserve the common-peace . . when civil powers were so divided , that then , both fools and wise men sided as interest or conscience guided , i sought not to inlarge the rent ; but , being called aid to bring , to , ( and by ) them , whose counselling had been authoriz'd by the king , i , to perform my duty , went. . retir'd from court and city then , i liv'd among plain countrymen , employing otherwhile , the pen , my private musings to record ; which , i had more desire to do , then that which i was call'd unto , till i was importuned so that , i at last , put on my sword. . to do my best , forth arm'd i came , ( my conscienee warranting the same ) and purpos'd nothing worthy blame , by unjust violence , or guile . for , in sincerity i thought a course we follow'd as we ought , whereby , means might to pass be brought , divided friends to reconcile . but , so divisions them inrag'd , who were in that contest ingag'd , and , such ill consequents presag'd , that , i my troop did soon disband ; and , hopeless i should ought assay successful in a martial war , my sword , and arms quite flung away , and took my pen again in hand . such new adventures this began , that , i appeared to be than betwixt the fire and frying-pan : for , such proceedings i espy'd ; that , they who wi●h the best intent pursu'd the way in which they went ( and ill to neither party meant ) found least respect , on either side . to see what was done well ; or ill , i had just cause , against my will , to be there , an ey-witness still , where grand affairs transacted were . as well the person as the name i knew of most men , who by fame were said to merit praise or blame , and , who did best or worst appear . . self-love , base avarice , and pride , i saw among themselves divide the publick rights , on either side ; their , foes befriending out of season , well-meaning innocents destroying , their power to favour guilt employing , and , often , to a self-destroying , against their friends committing treason . . i saw both god and man offended , much finding fault , but little mended , good life and piety pretended ; but , few whose words and works were one : they who most quarrell'd with each other , in evil so agreed together , that to repose a trust in either , i found but little cause , or none . . the worse men were , they seem'd the better , to serve their ends , and much the fitter to be inriched , and made greater . him who did most indulge their sin , or , to inflame their lust brought fuell , or , were unto their foes most cruel , they kept about them as a jewel ; and , such , their chief esteem did win . . such as had neither grace nor wit , such as job judged men unfit among his shepherds dugs to sit , even such as were , the other day , more worthy of contempt then those who liv'd by picking hips and sloes ( with such food as on hedges grows ) were honor'd ; yea , few more then they . . these having scratcht up wealth and power in court , and city , town , and tower , did act as if our fatal hour were hither making an advance : the mean while , men , here and abroad , at hazzard plaid , in such a mode , ( at hide , at even , and at odd ) as if all things were rul'd by chance . . thereby , my hazzards greater were then those which i had cause to fear , when war most dreadful did appear : for , at what i before had done , one party only , took offence ; but , i have anger , ever since , all parties , who have lost the sence of what they seem to carry on . . this , made me dip my pen in gall , imparrially reproving all without regard what might befal to me , whilst just things i intended : for , alwayes i regarded so their honor , and their profit too ; with whom my muses had to do , that , none have cause to be offended . . it ne'retheless , on me so brought their hate , whose welfare i had sought , that of mine own , they left me nought which might my likely want supply : no place whereon to rest my head , no certainty of daily bread , but , in my old age to be fed and cloathed , by pure charity . . in which strait , god provided so that , i yet live his work to do , well pleased with my portion too ; yea , more then when it larger seem'd ; for , what 's bereaved was but lumber , which did with many cares becumber , and , is not put into the number of things which merit best esteem . . i therefore , whatsoe're befel , to high and low did plainly tell , ( whether they took it ill or well ) such things as i thought needful were ; and oft expressed with my pen , what might minde me and other men , more heed to take , both how , and when , unto our selves , we traytors are . . and , time to come , when i am dead , shall finde , there will be still much need , to tollerate one in my stead , that may persue what i begun . when god so pleaseth , let him come to do him service in my room , and , let the work he calls me from , thrive better , then it yet hath done . . my time is almost wholly past ; and , thinking this may be the last , for a nil ultra here 't is plac't as having no more now to say : but if my life god longer spare , and shall my heart a new prepare , his pleasure further to declare , i 'le take this bounder-stone away . . i sute it thus , unto these times , in that with which most fancies chimes , expressing that in gingling rimes , which i suppose to be in season : else little heed they give thereto ; or , if plain truths observe they do , good meanings are mistaken so , that , safe it is not to speak reason . . things may result sometimes perchance , ev'n from a trifling circumstance , which will be helpful to advance th' effecting of a grand design . once e're elisha would begin to speak , a fidler was call'd in ; of use , that seem'd then to have been for his work ; so , may this for mine . man proposeth , but god disposeth , and his will be done . god save the king. here followeth a brief defence in answer to private objections , lately made against some passages in this authors writings , heretofore published . i am informed by good friends , that among those expressions which i thought pertinent to this generation , i have here and there intermingled that which is distasteful to many who are not therein of my judgement , and that i have thereby lost their good esteem . this i finde experimentally so true , that not a few have neglected me , more to my grief in relation to them , and for their sakes then for mine own , who am not ignorant how i might both have prevented , and may yet repair that loss hereafter . nevertheless , whatsoever i am , or may be thereby exposed unto , my resolution is , neither to desert those principles whereto i conscientiously adhered , until i am convinced of errour ; nor to deceive any man by seeming that which i am not : for , i so abhor to comply for meer outward respects with any person or society , in things which i cannot yet believe are agreeable to gods revealed will , and christian prudence ; and so far also from recanting what i have conscientiously professed , though to my personal disadvantage , tho i lose all my seeming friends yet left , ( who have not love enough to be peaceably minded toward their brethren , who are conformable , according to their understanding , to the whole will of god revealed in his word ) that , as i will neither obstinately resist , or willfully neglect the means of better information ; so i will not recede from the christian liberty due to me , and all other men . many suppose there is no salvation , save in that particular church onely , whereof they are members : but , i do believe , ( as to me it seems implied in the . psalm ) that the city of god extends it self into every part of the world , even into egypt , phylistia , tyre , ethiopia , yea and into babylon also ; and , that under every outward form and dispensation whatsoever , god hath an elect people , who are citizens of syon , though their particular churches , which are , as it were , distinct wards of that spiritual corporation , may have many blemishes , ignorances , errours , and defilements for the present . in many things , we erre all : they , who know most , know but in part ; yea , the apostles long time after they were chosen by our savour , judged not aright of his kingdom , nor were free from being ambitious of a prelatical preheminency , but subject to many misapprehensions ; and some of them seduced for a while , by an anti-christian persecuting spirit ; as many persons in congregational and national churches have ever since been , and zealous without knowledge , in practices and principles tending to that babylonish confusion , which will universally come to an end e're long , though it hath lately begun to be reinforced . true faith cannot be evidenced without good works ; which being imperfect in the best men , we have no such certain mark , whereby unfeigned disciples may be known , as by their being loving to each other , and charitably affected toward all men ; yea , although they are our personal enemies : and this mark of distinguishment christ himself hath left us . upon these and such like considerations , i have been as wary as possibly i could , so to use my christian liberty at all times , and in all places , that i might not offend a weak believer : and , we have so many among us , who dissent from each other , that it makes the performance of that duty very difficultly inoffensive ; and hath put me to more trouble in the flesh , and occasioned more outward inconveniences , by infringing my just private liberty , then many of those sufferings put together , which are very grievous to other men . i dare , and do openly profess , ( tho some think it needless ) my belief and judgement , as oft as i see just occasion is given : yet i do not voluntarily separate my self from any persons or congregations , who are not apparently and maliciously wicked in their lives or doctrines ; but separate from their damnable errors and sins only , as much as i may : yea , my conscience makes me afraid , i may justly offend by not complying in some things indifferent , civil or divine , which are not repugnant to gods revealed word , though not thereby commanded . where i know not any weak brother to be then present , whom i may thereby offend , ( and when i am thereto inclined for no carnal respects ) i can communicate with any professing belief in christ jesus , either in humiliations , thanksgivings , breaking of bread in commemoration of our saviours passion , or in prayer , where nothing is so idolatrously or superstitiously injoyned or practised , that it derogates from the honour of god , or is contrary to the canon of his word , or may in my understanding seem destructive to true piety or morality : for , all other such deficiencies or superfluities , as we may suppose to be in the outward worship of god , do but exercise love , humility , or meekness , and i look upon them where such be , as i do upon mine own failings or performances . whatsoever , where i come , which i find to be so done or spoken , that i may absolutely conform thereunto , without offence to god and mine own conscience , i therein joyn ; and when ought is acted or said , whereto i cannot fully assent , i lift up my heart in secret prayer to god , beseeching him to vouchsafe pardon to me , and them for what is ignorantly offended in ; and to rectifie both mine and their erroneous understandings , who are then present : which practice of mine , if not worthy to be exemplar , i hope deserves , at least , a charitable censure . most of the quarrellings amongst christian professours , are about matters of less moment then tithing mint , and annise , and occasion the neglect of weightier matters , as it will appear , if well heeded ; as also , that most of our contests spring from self-love , though pretended for god ; and tend more to satisfie the ambition and covetousness of men , then to advance his honour or true piety . for , it is evident , that a superintendency over divine rites , and the worship of god , is unduly assumed by many , surreptitiously obtained , and magisterially usurped by som who had no lawful call thereunto ; yea , & viciously exercised ( in my judgment ) by all those who endeavour to compel men ( otherwise then by loving compellations ) either to the omission , or to the use of this or , that discipline or form of prayer , against their consciences . they who think no oblation's accepted of god , but those set forms , or extemporary devotions which they affect , are equally guilty of a superstitious errour : for , both the one and the other , may be compleat or defective , warrantably or unwarrantably exhibited , according as they are performed . extempory prayers are set forms to all who hear them , except to the speakers onely ; and perhaps also , to some of their knowledges , who speak them , the greatest part of those prayers are set forms , and otherwhiles , in that regard the more acceptable : for , that form which the spirit of god hath at any time dictated , never leaves it to be less effectual then it was at first , if it shall at any other time be offered up on the like occasion by those , who with the same devotion , and a true sense of what is wanting , shall faithfully pray for it in the same words . some have affirmed in my hearing , that by declaring my private judgement touching matters controverted , i exposed my self to more sufferings , then were necessarily adventured : yet i do not so believe : for all that i have publickly affirmed in subjects of that nature , whereupon troubles ensued , was by me intended for gods glory and the common good , ( though turned to my personal detriment in appearance ) and they have hitherto , brought upon me no mischief , which god hath not converted to my spiritual advantage ; whereas , many of those things , which my censurers practice and profess , have occasioned uncharitable separations , without any benefit to themselves or others ; yea disturbed their own and the publick tranquility , to the daily enlargeing of breaches , and to the hazzard of an universal irreconcileable discord ; if the probable evil consequents , be not timely prevented , by an amicable declaring what we are perswaded in our own heart , as we finde just occasion ; and by leaving other men to the same liberty , until they shall be as conscientiously inclined to believe otherwise : and then perhaps many will suspect their own discretion as much as now they do mine ; and make it to themselves questionable , who required their former actings or sufferings , at their hands . let this be considered by all those censurers of my open heartedness , to whom this shall come ; and let my friends be many or few , as god pleaseth ; for my trust is in him onely ; his honour is my chief aim ; from him i cannot conceal what i believe ; and from men ( as touching things relating to his service , and the peace of his church ) i will not ; nor dissemble my belief : as it should more appear , if it were always , as free for me to publish my thoughts , as i am to write them , at this present . it is for such respects , questioned by some , what i am as to religion ? and of what society i profess my self to be ; whereto i answer , that i profess my self a catholick christian : mistake me not ; i do not mean a roman catholick , which are terms contradictory to themselves , being so united ; because , the addition of roman to catholick , destroyes that denomination . i am a member of that church which is universal , and of every particular church in those places where i reside , so far forth onely ( and no further ) as it is a member of the church catholick , professing and practising in purity , the faith , doctrine , and discipline thereof . i am not of paul , or apollo's , or cephas , or any society , but as they are of christ jesus ; whom i desire to know ( as paul said he did ) not onely as he was in the flesh , but as he is spiritually to be known also ; and to avoid that dividing into parties , which from the apostles time until this day , hath tended more to the nourishing of discord , and confirming of errors , then to edification in piety and good life . i separate from no church , adhering to the foundations of christianity , not wilfully professing and practising what may be destructive thereto , though there be some defects or corruptions therein . i joyn not in doing or approving what is not approvable in my understanding , yet am as far from a disaffectionate separation on my part , as from separating my self from my self , or a limb from my body , though painful and loath some unto me , by a wound or some disease : for i shall cherish it until it so corrupts and gangreens , that it may destroy my whole body ; and then i shall willingly be rid of it . in like manner , waiting in love upon gods good pleasure toward me and every weak member of christs mystical body , i will endeavour to preserve my self and them in unity , and leave the anathamizing or judging others to him onely , whose members they are , or pretend to be . the title of a catholick christian aforementioned , i affect not out of singularity , but admit of it by way of distinction onely , to answer their questionings , who ask of what religion , or of what church i am : and i profess an absolute adherence to the catholick church onely , because that onely is infallible , and the sanctuary of god upon earth , wherein his mystcries are preserved in purity ; and wherein i may have assurance of salvation by continuing therein . i wave the confining my belief or practice to any one national or congregational society of christians , not out of a factious inclination , or petulent disesteem of any : but having a desire to be instrumental in uniting men dissenting in judgement both unto god , and to each other in love , i conceive that endeavour would be suspected of partiality , and not so effectually prosecuted , if i made my self a party with any one fraternity more then with another : some of whom strain at a gnat , and swallow a cammel ; or so presume of their infallibility , that they exclude all as reprobates , who dissent from them in doctrine or discipline ; having also more affection for those who are zealous in the opinions and formalities which they approve , ( though held in unrighteousness for carnal ends ) then they have for them , who are conscientious professours of the truth in godliness and sincerity , according to their measure of faith and understanding , if they dissent from them but in a crotchet . for these and such like respects i suffer not my self to be bound up with any congregation , as aforesaid ) but so far as the christian liberty , and the exercise of charity towards all men may be preserved : as also the peace and credit of all societies professing jesus christ , so far forth as it ought to be ; for though he may have somewhat to alleadge against them , ( as he had against the seven churches in asia , to whom he wrote by st. john ) they are all in some degree nurses of piety and good manners : and many thousands have had , and have in them , initiations into that which is best approvable . our national church was my first nurse , and i confess with thankfulness , i from thence first drew nourishments , strengthening me towards eternal life ; that i had there also , dry nurses , some of which fed me wholesomely , and some to the endangering my being poisoned or starved . but i have but one spiritual mother , which is the catholick church aforementioned . there are other objections whispered ; some against my late published meditations upon the lords prayer ; some against my tract , entitled , the persecution of the tongue among brethren , a manuscript not yet published ; and some others , which i shall by gods assistance , vindicate as soon as i have leasure , from misapprehensions ; and make it evident , there are many who have heretofore complained of severity in those , by whom they were persecuted for their consciences , who would quickly ( had they power answerable to their will improve it into that persecution , which is the mark of the beast in the forehead , or in the hand . but , having for just cause , added this here , i will conclude for the present , heartily beseeching god , that his peace may be established and continued among his saints for ever . finis . delights for the ingenious, in above fifty select and choice emblems, divine and moral, ancient and modern curiously ingraven upon copper plates : with fifty delightful poems and lots for the more lively illustration of each emblem, whereby instruction and good counsel may be promoted and furthered by an honest and pleasant recreation : to which is prefixed an incomparable poem, entituled majesty in misery, or, an imploration to the king of kings, written by his late majesty k. charles the first, with his own hand, during his captivity in carisbrook castle, in the isle or wight, : with an emblem / collected by r.b., author of the history of the wars of england, remarks of london, and admirable curiosities, &c. r. b., ?- ? approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing c estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) delights for the ingenious, in above fifty select and choice emblems, divine and moral, ancient and modern curiously ingraven upon copper plates : with fifty delightful poems and lots for the more lively illustration of each emblem, whereby instruction and good counsel may be promoted and furthered by an honest and pleasant recreation : to which is prefixed an incomparable poem, entituled majesty in misery, or, an imploration to the king of kings, written by his late majesty k. charles the first, with his own hand, during his captivity in carisbrook castle, in the isle or wight, : with an emblem / collected by r.b., author of the history of the wars of england, remarks of london, and admirable curiosities, &c. r. b., ?- ? charles i, king of england, - . majesty in misery. wither, george, - . [ ], , [ ] p., leaves of plates : ill. printed for nath. crouch ..., london : . added t.p. engraved. attributed to nathaniel crouch by wing. majesty in misery also sometimes attributed to g. wither. cf. nuc pre- . reproduction of original in huntington library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng emblems. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - andrew kuster sampled and proofread - andrew kuster text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion choice emblems divine & moral delights for the ingenious , in above fifty select and choice emblems , divine and moral , ancient and modern . curiously ingraven upon copper plates . with fifty delightful poems and lots for the more lively illustration of each emblem , whereby instruction and good counsel may be promoted and furthered by an honest and pleasant recreation . to which is prefixed an incomparable poem , intituled majesty in misery , or an imploration to the king of kings . written by his late majesty k. charles the first , with his own hand , during his captivity in carisbrook castle , in the isle of wight , . with an emblem . collected by r. b. author of the history of the wars of england , remarks of london , and admirable curiosities , &c. london , printed for nath. crouch , at his shop at the sign of the bell in the poultry . . the author upon the emblem in the frontispiece this book containing emblems , 't was thought fit , a title-page should stand to usher it , that 's emblematicall : and to that end , our author , to the graver did commend a plain invention ; that it might be wrought , according as his fancy had forethought . instead thereof , the workman brought to light , what , here you see ; therein mistaking quite the true design : and so ( with pains , and cost ) the first intended frontispiece , is lost . the author , was as much displeas'd , as he in such adventures is inclin'd to be ; and half resolv'd to cast this piece aside , as nothing worth : but having better ey'd those errors , and confusions , which may there , blame-worthy ( at the first aspect ) appear ; he saw , they fitted many fantasies much better , then what reason can devise ; and that the graver ( by meer chance ) had hit on what , so much transcends the reach of wit , as made it seem , an object of delight , to look on what misfortune brought to light : and here it stands , to try his wit , who lists to pump the secrets , out of cabalists . if any think this page will now declare the meaning of those figures , which are there , they are deceiv'd . for destiny denies the utt'ring of such hidden mysteries . in these respects : first , this containeth nought which ( in a proper sense ) concerneth ought , the present-age : moreover , 't is ordain'd that none must know the secrecies contain'd within this piece ; but they who are so wise to find them out , by their own prudencies ; and he that can unriddle them , to us , shall stiled be , the second oedipus . t is likewise thought expedient , now and then , to make some work , for those all-knowing men , ( to exercise upon ) who think they see the secret-meanings , of all things that be . and lastly , since we find , that some there are , who best affect inventions , which appear beyond their understandings ; this we knew a representment , worthy of their view ; and here we placed it , to be to these , a frontispiece , in any sense they please . to the reader it is probable , that if some books had not been composed pleasantly , and sutable to mean capacities , many persons had not been so delighted in reading , and thereby in time have attained to more useful knowledge . therefore , though i can say no more to disswade from vice , or to incourage men to virtue , than hath already been done by many learned authors , yet these lively emblems may chance to bring that oftner to remembrance , which they have more learnedly expressed , and perhaps by such circumstances as they would not descend unto , may insinuate farther into some understandings then more applauded discourses , by stirring up the affections , winning the attention , or helping the memory . and since the world is grown so very airy that the printing of solid and serious treatises hath many times undone the bookseller , to advance their profits , i was moved to invent somewhat which might be likely to please the populace , and have therefore added lotteries to these emblems , to occasion the more frequent notice of the morals and good counsels tendred in their illustrations ; hoping that some time or other , some persons may draw those lots , which may make them more wise and happy as long as they live . possibly this device may be censured , and reputed as great an indecorum as erecting an alehouse at the church-stile , yet perhaps if the wisest would sometimes take up this book , and without any superstitious conceit make tryal what their lots would remember or give them cause to think on , it might now and then either occasion better proceedings , or prevent worse mischiefs . some games were ever in use ; and i think ever will be ; and for ought i know ever may be without exception ; and i believe this recreation may be as harmless as any , if they be used as they are intended ; for my meaning is not , that any one should use it as an oracle , which can infallibly signify what is divinely allotted , but to serve only for a moral pastime ; and that i may by no means incourage the secret entertainment of such a fancy , i do here previously affirm and declare , that none but children or idiots may be tollerated to be so foolish without being laught at . yet if any shall draw those lots wherein their secret vices are reproved , and some good instructions proposed , which in their own understandings are conducible and pertinent to their welfare , let not such as those pass them over as meer casualties to them , for whatsoever these lots are to others , or in themselves , they ought to be particularly regarded and applied by them to their own concerns . some perhaps will think that this game is purposely invented as a means to reprove mens vices without being suspected to aim at particular persons ; for if any who are notoriously guilty , by drawing these chances shall be so fitted , that those vices be thereby intimated to the by-standers , of which the world knows them guilty , they do therein make their own libels , and may i hope be laught at without blame ; if not , i do here warn all such as are justly suspected of heinous crimes and scandalous conversations , either to forbear these lotteries ; or to excuse me if they be justly shamed by their own act . having thus declared the reason of this invention , and made these anticipations every man hath his own choice whether he will make use of these lotteries or no , he that will is left to his chance , of which how he may make tryal , direction is given at the latter end of this book . b●na agere & maia●●●i regium est . majesty in misery ; or an imploration to the king of kings . written by his late majesty king charles the first with his own hand , during his captivity in carisbrook castle in the isle of wight . . . great monarch of the world , from whose power springs the potency and power of kings , record the royal wo my suffering sings . . and teach my tongue that ever did confine , its faculties in truths seraphick line , to track the treasons of thy foes and mine . . nature and law by thy divine decree , the only root of righteous royaltie , with this dim diadem invested me . . with it , the sacred scepter , purple robe , the holy unction , and the royal globe ; yet i am levelled with the life of job . . the fiercest furies that do daily tread upon my grief , my gray discrowned head , are those that owe my bounty , for their bread. . they raise a war , and christen it , the cause , whilst sacrilegious hands have best applause , plunder and murder are the kingdoms laws . . tyranny bears the title of taxation , revenge and robbery are reformation , oppression gains the name of sequestration . . my loyal subjects who in this bad season , attend me ( by the law of god and reason ) they dare impeach and punish for high treason . . next at the clergy do their furies frown , pious episcopacy must go down , they will destroy the crozier and the crown . . churchmen are chain'd , & schismaticks are freed mechanicks preach , and holy fathers bleed , the crown is crucified with the creed . . the church of england doth all faction foster , the pulpit is usurpt by each impostor , extempore excludes the pater noster . . the presbyter and independent seed , springs with broad blades , to make religion bleed , herod and pontius pilate are agreed . . the corner stone 's misplac'd by every pavier ; with such a bloody method and behaviour , their ancestors did crucify our saviour . . my royal consort from whose fruitful womb , so many princes legally have come , is forc'd in pilgrimage to seek a tomb , . great britains heir is forced into france , whilst on his fathers head his foes advance ; poor child ! he weeps out his inheritance . . with my own power my majesty they wound , in the kings name the king himself 's uncrown'd ; so doth the dust destroy the diamond . . with propositions daily they enchant , my peoples ears , such as do reason daunt , and the almighty will not let me grant. . they promise to erect my royal stem , to make me great , t' advance my diadem , if i will first fall down and worship them . . but for refusal they devour my thrones , distress my children , and destroy my bones , i fear they 'l force me to make bread of stones . . my life they prize at such a slender rate , and in my absence they draw bills of hate , to prove the king a traytor to the state. . felons obtain more priviledg than i , they are allow'd to answer ere they dye , 't is death for me to ask the reason , why . . but sacred saviour , with thy words i woo thee to forgive , and not be bitter to such , as thou know'st , do not know what they do . but since they from their lord are so disjointed , as to contemn those edicts he appointed . how can they prize the power of his anointed ? . augment my patience ; nullify my hate , preserve my issue , and inspire my mate . yet , though we perish , bless this church and state vota dabunt quae bella negarunt . the explanation of the emblem in latin and english . ponderibus genus omne mali , probrique gravatus , vixque ferenda ferens , palma ut depressa , resurgo ac velut undarum fluctus ventique , furorem irati populi rupes immota repello . clarior è tenebris , coelestis stella , corusco , victor & aeternum felici pace triumpho . auro fulgentem rutilo gemmisque micantem , at curis gravidam spernendo calco coronam . spinosam , at ferri facilem , quo spes mea , christi auxilio , nobis non est tractare molestum ; aeternam , fixis fidei , semperque beatam , in coelos oculis specto , nobisque paratam . quod vanum est sperno , quod christi gratia praebet amplecti studium est ; virtutis gloria merces . in english . though clogg'd with weights of miseries , palm-like depress'd i higher rise . and as the unmoved rock out-braves the boistrous winds , and raging waves ; so triumph i , and shine more bright in sad afflictions darksom night . that splendid , but yet toilsom crown , regardlesly i trample down . with joy i take this crown of thorn , though sharp , yet easy to be born . that heavenly crown already mine , i view with eyes of faith divine . i slight vain things ; and do imbrace , glory the just reward of grace . an epitaph upon king charles the first . so falls the stately cedar , while it stood , that was the only glory of the wood. great charles , terrest rial god , celestial man , whose life , like others , though it were a span , yet in that span was comprehended more , than earth hath waters , or the ocean shore . thy heavenly virtues angels should reherse , it is a theam too high for human verse . he that would know thee right then , let him look upon thy rare incomparable book , and read it o're ; and o're which if he do , he 'l find thee king , and priest , and prophet too , and sadly see our loss , and though in vain , with fruitless wishes call thee back again . nor shall oblivion sit upon thy herse , though there were neither monument nor verse . thy suff'rings and thy death let no man name , it was thy glory , but the kingdoms shame . another . stay passenger ; behold and see , the widdow'd grave of majesty . why tremblest not ? here 's that will make the most stupid , soul to shake , here lies intomb'd the sacred dust . of peace and piety , right and just . the blood ( o stait'st thou not to hear ! ) of a blest king 'twixt hope and fear , shed , and hurried hence to be the miracle of misery . the lawgiver amongst his own , sentenc'd by a law unknown ; voted monarchy to death , by the course plebeian breath the soveraign of all comma suffering by a common hand . a prince ( to make the odium more ) martyr'd at his very door . the head cut off ! oh , death to see 't , in obedience to the feet ! and that by justice you must know , if thou hast faith to think it so ; we 'll stir no further than this sacred clay , but let it slumber till the judgment day . of all the kings on earth , it 's not deni'd , here lies the first that for religion dy'd . another . written by the magnanimous james marques of montross with the point of his sword. great , good , and just could i but rate my , grief , and thy so rigid fate . i 'de weep the world to such a strain , that it should deluge once again . but since thy loud-tongu'd blood demands supplies more from briareus hands then argus eyes ; i 'le sing thy elegy with trumpets sounds , and write thy epitaph in blood and wounds , emblem i. finis ab origine pendet . the first emblem illustrated . as soon as we to be begun , we did begin to be undone . when some , in former ages , had a meaning an emblem , of mortality , to make , they form'd an infant , on a deaths-head leaning , and round about , encircled with a snake : the child so pictur'd , was to signify , that from our very birth , our dying springs : the snake , her tail devouring , doth imply the revolution , of all earthly things . for , whatsoever hath beginning , here , begins , immediately , to vary from the same it was ; and , doth at last appear what very few did think it should become . the solid stone doth molder into earth that earth , e're long , to water , rarifies ; that water gives an airy vapour birth , and , thence , a fiery-comet doth arise : that moves , untill it self it so impair , that from a burning-meteor , back again , it sinketh down , and thickens into air ; that air becomes a cloud ; then drops of rain those drops , descending on a rocky ground , there settle into earth , which more and more doth harden , still ; so , running out the round , it grows to be the stone it was before . thus , all things wheel about ; & each beginning made entrance to its own destruction hath . the life of nature entreth in with sinning ; and is , for ever , waited on by death : the life of grace , is form'd by death to sin and , there , doth life-eternal , straight begin . lot . when thou hast changes good or bad , o'rejoy'd thou art , or oversad : as if it seemed very strange , to see the wind or weather change . ●o therefore to remember thee how changeable things mortal be , thou art assisted by this lot , how , let it be no more forgot . emblem ii. quo me vertam nescio . the second emblem illustrated . when vice and virtue youth shall wooe , 't is hard to say which way 't will go . my hopeful friends at thrice five years & three without a guide ( into the world alone ) to seek my fortune , did adventure mee ; and , many hazards , i alighted on . first englands greatest rendevouz i sought , where vice and vertue at the highest sit ; and , thither , both a mind and body brought , for neither of their services unfit . both , woo'd my youth : and , both perswaded so , that ( like the young man in our emblem here ) i stood , and cry'd , ah! which way shall i go ? to me so pleasing both their offers were . vice pleasures best contentments promist me and what the wanton flesh desires to have : quoth vertue , i will wisdom give to thee , and those brave things , w ch noblest minds do crave serve me said vice and thou shalt soon acquire all hose atchievements which my service brings serve me said vertue , and i 'le raise thee higher then vices can , and teach thee better things . whil'st thus they strove to gain me , i espyd grim death attending vice ; and , that her face was but a painted vizard , which did hide the foul'st deformity that ever was . lord , grant me grace for evermore to view her ugliness : and , that i viewing it , her falsehoods and allurements may eschew ; and on fair vertue my affection set ; her beauties contemplate , her love embrace , and by her safe direction , run my race . lot . with mary thou art one of those , by whom the better part is chose : and though thou tempted art astray , continu'st in a lawful way . give god the praise with heart unfeign'd , that he such grace to thee hath deign'd . and rein thy lot where thou shalt see , what hag hath laid a trap for thee . emblem iii. vivitur ingenio , caetera mortis erunt . the third emblem . illustrated . by knowledge only life we gain , all other things to death pertain . how fond are they , who spend their pretious time in still pursuing their deceiving pleasures ? and they , that unto airy titles clime or tire themselves in hording up of treasures ? for , these are death's , who , when with weariness they have acquired most , sweeps all away ; and leaves them , for their labors , to possess nought but a raw-bon'd carcass lapt in clay . of twenty hundred thousands , who this hour vaunt much of those possessions they have got ; of their new purchas'd honours , or , the power , by which , they seem to have advanc't their lot : of this great multitude , there shall not three remain , for any future-age to know ; but perish quite , and quite forgotten be , as beasts , devoured twice ten years ago . thou , therefore , who desir'st for ay to live , and to possess thy labours maugre death , to needful arts and honest actions , give thy span of time , and thy short blast of breath . in holy studies , exercise thy mind ; in works of charity , thy hands imploy ; that knowledge , and that treasure , seek to find , which may enrich thy heart with perfect joy. so though obscured thou appear , a while , despised , poor or born to fortunes low , thy vertue shall acquire a nobler stile , then greatest kings are able to bestow : and , gain thee those possessions , which , nor they , nor time , nor death , have power to take away lot . thou dost overmuch respect , that which will thy harm effect . but some other things there be ; which will more advantage thee . search thy heart and thou shalt there soon discover what they are . yea thine emblem shews thee too what to shun , and what to do . emblem iv. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the fourth emblem illustrated . as to the world i naked came , so naked stript i leave the same . thrice happy is that man whose thoughts do rear his mind above that pitch the worldling flies and by his contemplations , hovers where he views things mortal , with unbleared eyes . what trifles then do villages and towns large fields or flocks of fruitful cattle seem . nay , what poor things are miters , scepters , crowns , and all those glories which men most esteem . though he that hath among them , his delight brave things imagines them ( because they blind with some false lustre his beguiled sight ) ( find . he that 's above them , their mean-worth may lord , to that blessea-station me convey where i may view the world , and view her so , that i her true condition may survey ; and all her imperfections rightly know . remember me , that once there was a day , when thou didst wean me from them with content , ev'n when shut up within those gates i lay through which the plague-inflicting angel went. and , let me still remember , that an hour is hourly coming on , wherein i shall ( though i had all the world within my power ) be naked stript , and turned out of all . but mind me , chiefly , that i never cleave too closely to my self ; and cause thou me not other earthly things alone to leave , but to forsake my self for love of thee : that i may say , now i have all things left , before that i of all things , am bereft . lot . be not angry if i tell , that you love the world too well , for this lot , perhaps you drew ; that such faults you might eschew . mark to what their souls aspire who true blessedness desire ; for if you can do like those , heaven you gain when earth you lose . emblem v. ad scopum , licet aegre , & frustra . the fifth emblem illustrated . a fool in folly taketh pain , although he labour still in vain . a massie mil-stone up a tedious hill , with mighty labour , sisyphus doth roll ; which being rais'd aloft , down-tumbleth , still , to keep imployed his afflicted soul. on him , this tedious labour is impos'd ; and ( though in vain ) it must be still assayd : but , some , by no necessity inclos'd , upon themselves , such needless tasks have laid . yea , knowing not ( or caring not to know ) that they are worn and weary'd out in vain , they madly toil to plung themselves in wo ; and , seek uncertain ease , in certain pain . such fools are they , who dream they can acquire a mind-content , by lab'ring still for more : for , wealth encreasing doth encrease desire , and makes contentment lesser then before . such fools are they , whose hopes do vainly stretch to climb by titles , to a happy height : for , having gotten one ambitious-reach , another comes perpetually in sight . and , their stupidity is nothing less , who dream that flesh and blood may raised be up to the mount of perfect holiness : for ( at our best ) corrupt and vile are we . yet , we are bound by faith , with live , and hope , to roll the stone of good endeavour , still , as near as may be , to perfections top , though back again it tumble down the hill. so ; what our works had never power to do , god's grace , at last , shall freely bring us to , lot . m. doubtless thou art either wooing , or some other business doing , which you shall attempt in vain , or much hazard all your pain . yet if good your meanings are , do not honest means forbear . for where things are well begun , god oft works when man hath done . emblem vi. pedetentim . the sixth emblem illustrated . his pace must wary be and slow , that hath a slippery way to go . a travailer , when he must undertake to seek his passage , o're some frozen lake , with leisure , and with care , he will assay the glassy smoothness of that icy-way , lest he may slip , by walking over-fast ; or , break the crackling pavement , by his hast : and , so ( for want of better taking heed ) incur the mischiefs of unwary-speed . we are all travellers ; and , all of us have many passages , as dangerous , as frozen-lakes ; and slipery-ways , we tread , in which our lives may soon be forfeited , ( with all our hopes of life-eternal , too ) unless , we well consider what we do . there is no private way or publick path but rubs , or holes , or slipp'riness it hath , whereby , we shall with mischiefs meet ; unless we walk it , with a steadfast-wariness . the steps to honour , are on pinacles compos'd of melting snow , and isicles ; and , they who tread not nicely on their tops , shall on a suddain slip from all their hopes . yea , ev'n that way which is both sure and holy , and leads the mind from vanities and folly , is with so many other path-ways crost , as that , by rashness , it may soon be lost ; unless , we well deliberate , upon those tracts , in which our ancestours have gone : and , they who with more haste , then heed , will run , may lose the way , in which they well begun . lot. . in slippery paths you are to go , yea , they are full of danger too . and if you heedful should not grow they 'l hazard much your overthrow . but you the mischief may eschew , if wholsom counsel you pursue ; look therefore , what you may be taught , by that , which this your chance hath brought . emblem vii . pro lege & pro grege . the seventh emblem illustrated . our pelican by bleeding thus , fulfill'd the law , and cured us . look here , and mark ( her sickly birds to feed ) how freely this kind pelican doth bleed . see , how ( when other salves could not be found ) to cure their sorrows , she her self doth wound ; and when this holy emblem thou shalt see , lift up thy soul to him , who dy'd for thee . for this our hieroglyphick would express that pelican , which in the wilderness of this vast world , was left ( as all alone ) our miserable nature to bemone ; and in whose eyes , the tears of pity stood , when he beheld his own unthankful brood his favours and his mercies , then contemn , when with his wings he would have brooded them : and sought their endless peace to have confirm'd , though to procure his ruine , they were arm'd . to be their food , himself he freely gave ; his heart was pierc'd , that he their souls might save , because , they disobey'd the sacred-will , he did the law of righteousness fulfill ; and to that end ( though guiltless he had bin ) was offered , for our universal-sin . let me , oh god! for ever fix mine eyes upon the merit of that sacrifice : let me retain a due commemoration of those dear mercies , and that bloody passion , which here is meant ; and by true faith , still feed upon the drops , this pelican did bleed ; yea , let me firm unto thy law abide , and ever love that flock , for which he dy'd . lot . this present lot concerns full near , not you alone but all men here . for all of us too little heed ; his love who for our sakes did bleed . 't is true , that means he left behind him which better teacheth how to mind him . yet if we both by that , and this , remember him , 't is not amiss . emblem viii . quid si sic ? the eighth emblem illustrated . though he endeavour all he can , an ape will never be a man. what though an apish-pigmy , in attire , his dwarfish body gyant-like , array ? turn brave , & get him stilts to seem the higher ? what would so doing , handsome him i pray ? now , surely , such a mimick sight as that , would with excessive laughter move your spleen , till you had made the little dandiprat , to lye within some auger-hole , unseen . i must confess i cannot chuse but smile , when i perceive , how men that worthless are , piece out their imperfections , to beguile , by making shows , of what they never were . for , in their borrow'd-shapes , i know those men , and ( through their masks ) such insight of them have ; that i can oftentimes disclose ( ev'n then ) how much they favour of the fool or knave . a pigmey spirit , and an earthly-mind , whose look is only fixt on objects vain ; in my esteem , so mean a place doth find , that ev'ry such a one , i much refrain . but , when in honour'd robes i see it put , betrimm'd , as if some thing of worth it were , look big , and on the stilts of greatness , strut from scorning it , i cannot then for bear . for , when to gross unworthiness men add those dues , which to the truest-worth pertain ; t is like an ape , in humane vestments clad , which , when most fine , deserveth most disdain : and more absurd , those men appear to me , then this fantastick-monkey seems to thee . lot . m. thy chance is doubtful and as yet , i know not what to make of it . but this i know a foe thou art ; to what thine emblem , hath in part , expressed by a mimick shape ; or thou they self art such an ape . now which of these pertains to thee , let them that know the judges be . emblem ix . fures privati in nervo , publici in auro . the ninth emblem illustrated . poor thieves in fetters we behold , and great thieves in their chains of gold. if you this emblem , well have look'd upon , although you cannot help it , yet , bemone the worlds black impudence ; and if you can continue ( or become ) an honest man. the poor , and petty pilferers , you see on wheels , on gibbets , and the gallow tree trust up ; when they that far more guilty are , pearl , silk , and costly cloth of tissue , wear . good god! how many hath each land of those , who neither limb , nor life , nor credit lose , ( but , rather live befriended , and applauded ) yet , have of all their livelihoods defrauded the helpless widows , in their great distress ? and of their portions , rob'd the fatherless ? yet , censur'd other 's errours , as if none had cause to say , that they amiss have done ? how many , have assisted to condemn poor souls , for what was never stoln by them ? and persecuted others , for that sin , which they themselves , had more transgressed in ? how many worthless men , are great become , by that , which they have stoln , or cheated from their lords ? or ( by some practices unjust ) from those , by whom they had been put in trust ? how many lawyers , wealthy men are grown , by taking fees for causes overthrown by their defaults ? how many , without fear , do rob the king , and god , yet blameless are ? god knows how many ! would i did so , too , so i had pow'r to make them better do . lot . we hope no person here believes , that you are of those wealthy thieves . who chains of gold and pearl do wear ; and of those thieves that none you are , which wear a rope we plainly see , for you as yet unhanged be . but unto god for mercy cry ; else hang'd you may be e're you die . emblem x. fulcrum tutissimum . the tenth emblem . illustrated . we then have got the surest prop , when heaven alone becomes our hope . i should not care how hard my fortunes were , might still my hopes be such , as now they are , of helps divine ; nor fear , how poor i be , if thoughts , yet present , still may bide in me . for , they have left assurance of such aid , that , i am of no dangers , now afraid . yea , now i see , methinks , what weak and vain supporters i have sought , to help , sustain my fainting heart ; when some injurious hand , would undermine the station where i stand . methinks , i see how scurvy , and how base , it is to scrap for favours , and for grace , to men of earthly minds ; and unto those , who may , perhaps , before to morrow lose their wealth , ( or their abus'd authority ) and stand as much in want of help as i. me thinks , in this new-rapture i do see the hand of god from heaven supporting me , without those rotten-aids , for which i whin'd , when i was of my tother vulgar-mind : and if in some one part of me it lay , i'now , could cut that limb of mine away . still might i keep this mind , there were enough within my self , ( beside that cumbring stuff we seek without ) which , husbanded aright , would make me rich , in all the worlds despight . and i have hopes , that had she quite bereft me , of those few raggs and toys , which yet are left me ; i should on god , alone , so much depend , that , i should need , nor wealth , nor other friend . lot . because her aid makes goodly shows , you on the world your trust repose ; and his dependance you despise , who clearly on heavens help relies . that therefore you may come to see , how pleas'd and safe those men may be . who have no aid but god alone ; this emblem you have lighted on . emblem xi . serva modum . the eleventh emblem illustrated . do not the golden mean exceed in word , in passion , nor in deed . as is the head-strong horse , and blockish mule , ev'n such , without the bridle , and the rule , our nature grows ; and is an mischievous , till grace and reason , come to govern us . the square , and bridle , therefore let us heed , and thereby learn to know , what helps we need ; lest , else , ( they failing , timely , to be had ) quite out of order , we at length , be made . the square , ( which is an useful instrument , to shape for senseless forms ) may represent the law : because mankind , ( which is by nature , almost as dull , as is the senseless-creature , ) is thereby , from the native-rudeness , wrought ; and in the way of honest-living taught . the bridle , ( which invention did contrive , to rule , and guide the creature-sensitive ) may type forth discipline ; which when the law hath school'd the wit , must keep the will in awe . and he that can by these , his passions bound , this emblems meaning , usefully , hath found . lord , let thy sacred law , at all times , be a rule a master , and a glass to me ; ( a bridle , and a light ) that i may , still , both know my duty , and obey thy will. direct my feet ; my hands instruct thou so , that i may neither wander , nor mis-do . my looks , my hearing , and my words confine , to keep still firm , to ev'ry word of thine . on thee , let also my desires attend , and let me hold this temper , till mine end . lot . your wits , your wishes , and your tongue have run the wild-goose chase too long . and ( lest all reason you exceed ) you now of rule , and reins have need . a bridle therefore and a square , chief figures in your emblem are . observe their moral , and alway , be wise and sober as you may . emblem xii . paupertate premor , sublevor ingenio . the twelfth emblem illustrated . my wit got wings , and high had flown , but poverty did keep me down . you little think , what plague it is to be , in plight like him , whom pictur'd here you see . his winged-arm , and his up lifted-eyes , declare , that he hath wit , and will , to rise : the stone , which clogs his other hand , may show that poverty and fortune , keep him low : and 'twixt these two , the body and the mind , such labours , and such great vexations find , that , if you did not such mens wants contemn , you could not chuse but help , or pity them . all ages had ( and this i know hath some ) such men as to this misery , do come : and many of them , at their lot , so grieve , as if they knew , ( or did at least believe ) that , had their wealth suffic'd them to aspire ( to what their wits deserve , and they desire ) the present age , and future ages too , might gain have had , from what they though to do . perhaps i dream'd so once : but , god be prais'd the clog which kept me down , from being rais'd was chain'd so fast , that ( if such dreams i had ) my thoughts , and longings , are not now so mad for , plain i see , that had my fortunes brought such wealth , at first , as my small wit hath sought , i might my self , and others , have undone ; instead of courses , which i thought to run : i find my poverty , for me was fit ; yea , and a blessing , greater than my wit : and whether , now i rich or poor become , t is nor much pleasing , nor much troublesome . lot . thou think'st thy wit had made thee great , had poverty not been some lot . ●ut had thy wealth as ample been , ●s thou didst think thy wit so fine ; instead of thy desired hight , perhaps thou hadst been ruin'd quite . hereafter therefore be content , with whatsoever heaven hath sent . emblem xiii . stultorum adjumenta nocumenta . the thirteenth emblem illustrated . the best good turns that fools can do us . prove disadvantages unto us . a fool , sent forth to fetch the goslings home , when they unto a rivers brink were come , ( through which their passage lay ) conceiv'd a fear , his dames best brood might have been drown'd there ; which , to avoid , he thus did shew his wit , and his good nature , in preventing it . he , underneath his girdle , thrusts their heads , and then the coxcomb through the water wades . here learn , that when a fool his help intend it rather doth a mischief , then befriends ; and think , if there be danger in his love , how harmful his maliciousness may prove : for , from his kindness , though no profit rise , to do thee spight , his malice may suffice . i could not from a prince beseech a boon by suing to his jester or buffoon : nor any fools vain humor sooth or serve , to get my bread , though i were like to starve for to be poor , i should not blush so much , as if a fool should raise me to be rich . lord , though of such a kind my faults may be that sharp affliction still must tutor me , ( and give me due correction in her schools ) yet , oh preserve me from the scorn of fools . those wicked fools , that in their hearts have said there is no god ; and rather give me bread by ravens , lord , or in a lions den , then by the favours of such foolish men : lest , if their dainties i should swallow down , their smile might more undo , me then their frown . lot . thou dost not greatly care by whom thy wealth , or thy preferments come , ●o thou may'st get them , fool or knave , thy prayers , and thy praise may have . because thou dost not fear or dream what disadvantage comes by them ; but by thine emblem , thou may'st see , fools favours mischievous may be . emblem xiv . pueros castigo , virosque . the fourteenth emblem illustrated . behold and mark the picture here , of what keeps man and child in fear . these are the greatest afflictions , most men have , ev'n from their nursing-cradle to their grave : yet , both so needful are , i cannot see , how either of them , may well spared be . the rod is that , which most our childhood fears ; and seems the great'st affliction that it bears : that , which to man-hood , is a plague , as common ( and more unsufferable ) is a woman . yet , blush not ladies ; neither frown , i pray , that thus of women i presume to say ; nor number me , as yet , among your foes ; for , i am more your friend , then you suppose nor smile ye men , as if , from hence , ye had an argument , that woman-kind were bad . the birch , is blameless ( yea , by nature , sweet , and gentle ) till , with stubborn boys , it meet but , then it smarts . so , women , will be kind , until , with froward husbands , they are joyn'd : and then indeed ( perhaps ) like birchen boughs , ( which , else , had been a trimming , to their house ) they sometimes prove , sharp whips , and rods , to them , that wisdom , and instruction do contemn . a woman , was not given for correction ; but , rather for a furtherance to perfection : a precious balm of love , to cure mans grief ; and of his pleasures , to become the chief . if , therefore , she occasion any smart , the blame , he merits , wholly , or in part : for , like sweet honey , she good stomacks , pleases ; but pains the body , subject to diseases . lot . m. the time hath been that of the rod thou wert more fearful then of god. but now unless thou prudent grow , more cause thou hast to fear a shrow . for from the rod now thou art free , a woman shall thy torment be . yet do not thou at her repine ; for all the fault is only thine . emblem xv. concordia insuperabilis . the fifteenth emblem illustrated . where many forces joyned are , unconquerable power is there . an emblem 's meaning , here , i thought to conster ; and this doth rather fashion out a monster , then form an hieroglyphick : but , i had these figures ( as you see them ) ready made by others ; and i mean to morallize their fancies ; not to mend what they devise , yet , peradventure with some vulgar praise , this picture ( though i like it not ) displays the moral , which the motto doth imply ; and thus it may be said to signifie . he , that hath many faculties , or friends , to keep him safe ( or to acquire his ends ) and fits them so ; and keeps them so together , that , still , as readily , they aid each other , as if so many hands , they had been made ; and in one-body , useful being had : that man , by their assistance , may , at length , attain to an unconquerable strength ; and crown his honest hopes , with whatsoever he seeks for , by a warranted endeavour . or , else , it might be said ; that , when we may make our affections , and our sense , obey the will of reason , ( and so well agree , that we may find them , still at peace to be ) they 'l guard us , like so many armed bands ; and safely keep us , whatsoever withstands . if others think this figure , here , infers a better sense ; let those interpreters unriddle it ; and preach it where they please : their meanings may be good , and so are these . lot . if all your powers you should unite in your desires prevail you might ; and sooner should effect your ends if you should muster up your friends . but since your best friends do suspect , that you such policy neglect . your lot presenteth to your view an emblem which instructeth you . emblem xvi . non sceptro sed plectro ducitur . the sixteenth emblem illustrated . a fickle woman wanton grown , prefers a fiddle before a crown . fool ! dost thou hope , thine honours , or thy gold , shall gain thee love ? or , that thou hast her heart , whose hand upon thy tempting bait laies hold ? alas ! fond lover , thou deceived art . she that with wealth , and titles , can be won , or woo'd with vanities , will wav'ring be ; and when her love , thou most dependest on , a fiddle-stick shall win her heart from thee . to youth and musick , venus leaneth most ; and ( though her hand she on the scepter lay ) let greatness of her favours never boast : for , heart and eye are bent another way . and lo , no glorious purchase that man gets , who hath with such poor trifles , woo'd , & won : her footing , on a ball , his mistress sets , which in a moment slips , and she is gone . a woman , meerly with an out-side caught , or tempted with a galliard or a song , will him forsake ( whom she most lovely thought ) for players and for tumblers , ere 't be long . you , then that wish your love should ever last , ( and would enjoy affection without changing ) love where your loves may worthily be plac't ; and keep your own affection , still from ranging . use noble means , your longings to attain ; seek equall minds , and well beseeming years : they are ( at best ) vain fools , whom folly gain ; but , there is bliss , where vertue most endears : and wheresoe'r , affection she procures , in spight of all temptations , it endures . lot . m. if some here present this had got , they would have blushed at their lot , since very fit the same doth prove , for one unconstant in his love. or one that has a frickle mate ; if you enjoy a better state , yet hearken what your lot doth say , lest you hereafter want it may , emblem xvii . non obest virtuti sors . the seventeenth emblem illustrated . though fortune prove true virtues foe , it cannot work her overthrow . unhappy men are they , whose ignorance so slaves them to the fortunes of the time , that they ( attending on the lot of chance ) neglect by vertue , and deserts , to clime . poor heights they be which fortune rears unto ; and fickle is the favour she bestows : to-day , she makes ; to morrow doth undoe ; builds up , and in an instant overthrows . on easie wheels , to wealth and honours high , she winds men oft , before they be aware ; and when they dream of most prosperity , down , headlong , throws them lower then they were . you , then , that seek a more assur'd estate , on good , and honest objects , fix your mind , and follow vertue , that you may a fate exempt from fear of change , or dangers , find . for , he that 's vertuous , whether high or low his fortune seems ( or whether foul or fair his path he finds ) or whether friend or foe , the world doth prove ; regards it not a hair . his loss is gain ; his poverty is wealth ; the worlds contempt , he makes his diadem ; in sickness , he rejoyceth , as in health ; yea , death it self becometh life , to him . he fears no disrespect , no bitter scorn , nor subtile plottings , nor oppressions force ; nay , though the world should topsie-turvie turn it cannot fright him , nor divert his course . above all earthly powers his vertue rears him , and up with eglets wings , to heav'n it bears him . lot . m. this man whatever he may seem , is worthy of an high esteem . though fortune may his person grind , she cannot yet disturb his mind . yea blest and happy should we be , were all of us but such as he . read but his motto which you drew , for that in part the same will shew . emblem xviii . noli altum sapere . the eighteenth emblem illustrated . above thy knowledge do not rise . but with sobriety be wise . exalt thou not thy self , though plac'd thou be , upon the top of that old olive-tree , from whence the nat'rall branches prun'd have bin , that , thou , the better , mightst be grafted in . be not so over-wise , as to presume the gara'ner , for thy goodness , did assume thy small crab olive , to insert it there , where , once , the sweetest-berries growing were . nor let thy pride those few old-boughts contemn which , yet , remain upon their ancient stem ; because , thy new-incorporated sprayes , do more enjoy the suns refreshing raies : but humbled rather and more awful be ; lest he that cut off them do break down thee . be wise , in what may to thy good belong ; but , seek not knowledge , to thy neighbours wrong : be thankful for the grace thou hast receiv'd , but , judge not those , who seem thereof bereav'd ; nor into those forbidden secrets peep . which god-almighty , to himself doth keep . remember what our father adam found , when he for knowledge , sought beyond his bound . for doubtless , ever since , both good and ill are left with knowledge , intermingled still ; and ( if we be not humble , meek , and wary ) we are in daily danger to miscarry . large proves the fruit which on the earth doth lie ; winds break the twig , that 's grafted over-high ; and he that will , beyond his bounds , be wise , becomes a very fool , before he dies . lot . this lot those persons always finds , that have high thoughts , and lofty minds : or such as have an itch to learn , that which doth nothing them concern . or love to peep with daring eyes , into forbidden mysteries . if any one of these thou be ; thine emblem better teacheth thee . emblem xix . tractant fabrilia fabri . the nineteenth emblem illustrated . when each man keeps unto his trade , then all things better will be made . we more should thrive , and err the seldomer , if we were like this honest carpenter , whose emblem , in reproof of those , is made , that love to meddle farther then their trade . but , most are now exceeding cunning grown in ev'ry mans affairs , except their own : yea , coblers think themselves not only able , to censure ; but , to mend apelles table . great-men , sometime , will gravely undertake to teach , how brooms & morter , we should make . their indiscretions , peasants imitate , and boldly meddle with affairs of state. some houswives teach their teachers how to pray , some clarks have shew'd themselves , as wise as they ; and in their callings , as discreet have bin , as if they taught their grandames how to spin : and if these customs last a few more ages , all countries will be nothing else , but stages of evil-acted , and mistaken parts ; or , gallemaufries of imperfect arts. but , i my self ( you 'l say ) have medlings made in things , that are improper to my trade . no ; for , the muses are in all things free ; fit subject of their verse , all creatures be ; and there is nothing nam'd so mean , or great , whereof they have not liberty to treat . both earth and heav'n , are open unto these , and ( when to take more liberty they please ) they worlds , and things , create , which never were ; and when they list they play , and meddle there . lot . if all be true these lots do tell us , thou shouldest be of those prating fellows , who better practised are grown , in others matters then their own . or one that covets to be thought a man that is ignorant of nought . if it be so , thy moral shews thy folly , and from whence it flows . emblem xx. constante fiducia . the twentieth emblem illustrated . they after suffering shall be crown'd , in whom a constant faith is found . mark well this emblem ; and observe you thence the nature of true christian-confidence . her foot is fixed on a squared-stone , which , whether side soe're you turn it on , stands fast ; and is that corner-stone , which props , and firmly knits the structure of our hopes . she , always , bears a cross ; to signifie , that there was never any constancy without her tryals : and that , her perfection shall never be attain'd , without affliction . a cup she hath moreover in her hand ; and by that figure , thou mayst understand , that she hath draughts of comfort , always near her , ( at ev'ry brunt ) to strengthen , and to cheer her . and loe , her head is crown'd ; that , we may see how great , her glories , and rewards , will be . hereby , this vertue 's nature may be known : now , practise how to make the same thine own . discourag'd be not though thou art pursu'd with many wrongs , which cannot be eschew'd , nor yield thou to despairing , though thou hast a cross ( which threatens death ) to be embrac't ; or , though thou be compell'd to swallow up , the very dregs , of sorrows bitter cup : for , whensoever griefs , or torments , pain thee , thou hast the same foundation to sustain thee : the self same cup of comfort , is prepar'd , to give thee strength , when fainting fits are feard . and when thy time of trial , is expired , thou shalt obtain the crown , thou hast desired . lot. . thy fortunes have been very bad , for many sufferings thou hast had ; and tryals too , which are unknown , to any but thy self alone . yet not loss , nor harm nor smart , from constant hopes remove thy heart . for see thine emblem doth foreshew ; a good conclusion will ensue . emblem xxi . furor fit laesa saepius patientia . the st emblem illustrated . who patience tempt beyond its strength , will turn't to fury at the length . although we know not a more patient creature than is the lamb , ( or , of less harmfull nature ) yet , as this emblem shews , when childish wrong hath troubled , and provok'd him overlong , he grows enrag'd ; and makes the wanton boys be glad to leave their sports , and run their ways . thus have i seen it with some children fare , who , when their parents too indulgent were , have urg'd them , till their doting grew to rage , and shut them wholly from their heritage . thus , many times , a foolish man doth lose his faithfull friends , and justly makes them foes . thus , froward husbands , and thus , peevish wives , do fool away the comfort of their lives ; and by abusing of a patient-mate , turn dearest love , into the deadliest hate : for , any wrong may better be excused , than kindness , long , and wilfully abused . but , as an injur'd lamb , provoked , thus , well typifies how much it moveth us , to find our patience wrong'd : so , let us make an emblem of our selves , thereby to take more heed , how god is moved towards them , that , his long-suffering , and his love contemn . for , as we somewhat have of every creature , so , we in us , have somewhat of his nature : or , if it be not said the same to be , his pictures , and his images are we . let , therefore , his long-suffering well be weigh'd , and keep us , to provoke him , still afraid . lot . thou hast provoked overlong ; their patience who neglect the wrong ; and thou dost little seem to heed , what hurt it threats if thou proceed . to thee thy emblem therefore shows , to what abused patience grows . observe it well , and make thy peace , before to fury wrath increase . emblem xxii . in spe & labore transigo vitam . the d emblem illustrated . our days , until our life hath end , in labour and in hopes we spend . as soon as our first parents disobey'd , forth with a curse , for their offence , was laid , inforcing them , and their succeeding race , to get their food , with sweatings of the face . but afterward , this doom to mitigate , ( and ease the miseries of their estate ) god gave them hope , that she might help them bear the burthens of their travail , and their care . a woman with an anchor , and a spade , an emblem of that mystery is made : and this estate , we all continue in , by god's free mercy , and our proper sin. by sin , the labour is on us intail'd ; by grace , it is , that hoping hath not fail'd ; and if in hope , our labours we attend , that curse will prove a blessing , in the end , my lot is hope and labour ; and between these two , my life-time hath prolonged been : yet hitherto , the best of all my pain with most of all my hopes have been in vain ; and to the world-ward , i am like to wast my time in fruitless labours , till the last . however , i have still my hopes as fair as he that hath no temptings to despair ; and change i will not , my last houers for theirs , whose fortune , more desirable appears ; nor cease to hope and labour , though of most , my hope and labour be adjudged lost : for , though i lose the shadow of my pains , the substance of it , still in god remains . lot . in secret thou dost oft complain , that thou hast hop'd and wrought in vain . and think'st thy lot , is far more hard , than what for others is prepar'd . an emblem therefore thou hast got , which shews , it is our common lot , to work and hope , and that thou hast a blessing by it at the last . emblem xxiii . tamen discam . the d emblem illustrated . to learning i a love should have , although one foot were in the grave . here , we an aged man described have , that hath one foot , already , in the grave : and if you mark it ( though the sun decline , and horned cynthia doth begin to shine ) with open book , and with attentive eyes , himself , to compass knowledge , he applies : and though that evening end his last of days , yet , i will study , more to learn , he says . from this , we gather , that , while time doth last , the time of learning , never will be past ; and that , each hour till we our life lay down , still something , touching life is to be known , when he was old , wise cato learned greek : but , we have aged-folks , that are to seek of that , which they have much more cause to learn ; yet , no such mind in them we shall discern . for that , which they should study in their prime , is , oft , deferred till their latter-time : and then , old-age , unfit for learning , makes them , or , else , that common dulness overtakes them , which makes ashamed , that it should be thought , they need , like little-children , to be taught . and so , out of this world , they do return as wise , as in that week , when they were born . god , grant me grace , to spend my life time so , that i my duty still may seek to know ; and that , i never , may so far proceed , to think , that i more knowledge do not need : but , in experience , may continue growing , till i am fill'd with fruits of pious-knowing . lot . by this your emblem we discern , that you are yet of age to learn. and that when elder you shall grow , there will be more for you to know . presume not therefore of your wit ; but strive that you may better it , for of your age we many view , that far more wisdom have then you . emblem xxiv . transitus celerest , & avolamus . the th emblem illustrated . where e're we are the heavens are near , let us but fly and we are there . why , with a trembling faintness , should we fear the face of death ? and fondly linger here , as if we thought the voyage to be gone lay through the shades of styx or acheron ? or , that we either were to travel down to uncouth depths , or up some heights unknown ? or , to some place remote , whose nearest end is farther then earths limits do extend ? it is not by one half that distance , thither where death lets in , as it is any whither : no not by half so far , as to your bed ; or , to that place , where you should rest your head , if on the ground you laid your self ( ev'n there ) where at this moment you abiding are . this emblem shews ( if well you look thereon ) that , from your glass of life , which is to run , there 's but one step to death ; and that you tread at once , among the living , and the dead . in whatsoever land , we live or die , god is the same ; and heav'n is there as nigh as in that place , wherein we most desire our souls , with our last breathing , to expire . which things , well heeding ; let us not delay our journey , when we summon'd are away , ( as those inforced pilgrims use to do , that know not whither , nor , how far they go ) nor let us dream that we in time or place , are far from ending our uncertain race . but , let us fix on heav'n , a faithful eye , and still , be flying thither , till we die . lot . to your long-home you nearer are , than you it may be are aware . yea and more easy is the way , then you perhaps conceive it may . lest therefore death should grim appear , and put you in a causeless fear . or out of minding wholly pass , this chance to you allotted was . emblem xxv . transe at . the twenty fifth emblem illustrated . a sieve of shelter maketh show , but every storm will through it go . some men , when for their actions they procure a likely colour , ( be it ne're so vain ) proceed as if their projects were as sure , as when sound reason did their course maintain : and these not much unlike those children are , who through a storm advent'ring desp'rately , had rather on their heads a sive to bear , then cov'rings , that may serve to keep them dry . for , at a distance that perchance is thought a helpfull shelter ; and yet , proves to those who need the same a toy , which profits nought ; because , each drop of rain quite through it , goes . so they , whose foolish projects , for a while , do promise their projectors hopefull ends , shall find them , in the tryal , to beguile ; and that both shame and want on them attends . such like is their estate who , ( to appear rich men to others ) do , with inward-pain , a gladsome out-ward port desire to bear ; though they at last nor wealth nor credit gain . and such are all those hypocrites , who strive false hearts beneath fair spoken words to hide : for , they o'revail themselves but with a sive , through which , their purposes at length are spied . and then , they either wofully lament their brutish-folly , or so hardened grow in sinning , that they never can repent , nay , jest and scoff at their own overthrow . but no false vail can serve ( when god will smite ) to save a scorner , or an hypocrite . lot . take heed you do not quite forget , that you are dancing in a net. many there are your ways do see , although you think unseen you be . your faults we will no nearer touch , methinks your emblem blabs too much , but if you mend what is amiss , you shall be ne're the worse for this . emblem xxvi . gaudet patientia duris . the twenty sixth emblem illustrated . he that enjoys a quiet mind , can pleasure in affliction find . what means this country peasant , skipping here through prickling thistles with such joyful cheer ? and plucking off their tops , as though for posies he gather'd violets , or toothless roses ? what meaneth it , but only to express how great a joy , well grounded patientness retains in suff'rings ? and what sport she makes , when she her journey through affliction takes ? i oft have said ( and have as oft been thought to speak a paradox , that savours nought of likely truth ) that some afflictions bring a honey bag , which cureth ev'ry sting , ( that wounds the flesh ) by giving to the mind , a pleasing taste of sweetnesses refin'd . nor can it other be , except in those , whose better part , quiet stupifyed grows , by being cauterized in the fires of childish fears , or temporal desires . for , as the valiant ( when the coward swounds ) with gladness lets the surgeon search his wounds ; and though they smart , yet cheerfully indures the plaisters , and the probe , in hope of cures : so , men , assured that afflictions pain comes not for vengeance to them , nor in vain ; but , to prepare , and fit them for the place , to which , they willingly direct their pace ; in troubles , are so far from being sad , that , of their suffering , they are truly glad . what ever others think , i thus believe ; and therefore , joy , when they suppose i grieve . lot . at your afflictions you repine , and in all troubles cry and whine . as if to suffer , brought no joy , but quite did all content destroy . that you may therefore patient grow , and learn this virtues power to know this lot unto your view is brought , peruse and practise what is taught . emblem xxvii . bella in vista , dentro trista . the twentyseventh emblem illustrated . deformity within may be , where outward beauty we do see . look well , i pray , upon this beldam , here , for , in her habit , though she gay appear , you , through her youthful vizard , may espy she 's of an old edition , by her eye : and by her wainscot face , it may be seen , she might your grandams first dry nurse have been . this is an emblem , fitly shaddowing those , who making fair , and honest outward shows , are inwardly deform'd ; and nothing such , as they to be suppos'd , have strived much . they chuse their words , and play well-acted parts , but hide most loathsome projects in their hearts and when you think sweet friendship to embrace , some ugly treason meets you in the face . i hate a bainted brow ; i much dislike a maiden-blush , dawb'd on a furrowed cheek : and i abhor to see old wantons play , and suit themselves , like ladies of the may. but more ( yea , most of all ) my soul despiseth a heart , that in religious forms disguiseth prophane intentions ; and arays in white the coal-black conscience of an hypocrite . take heed of such as these ; and ( if you may ) before you trust them , tract them in their way . observe their footsteps , in their private path : for these ( as 't is believ'd , the devil hath ) have cloven feet ; that is , two ways they go ; one for their ends , and tother for a show . now , you thus warned are , advice embrace ; and trust nor gawdy clothes , nor painted face . lot . fine clothes , fair words , inticing face , with masks of piety and grace , oft cheat you with an outward show , of that which proveth nothing so . therefore your emblems moral read , and ere too far you do proceed . think whom you deal withal to day , who by fair shews deceive you may . emblem xxviii . captivum impune lacessunt . the twenty eighth emblem illustrated . when wicked men confined are , they revel who were kept in fear . a tyrannous , or wicked magistrat , is fitly represented by a cat : for , though the mice , a harmfull vermine be , and cats the remedy ; yet , oft we see , that , by the mice , far less , some house-wives leese , then when they set the cat to keep the cheese . a ravenous cat , will punish in the mouse , the very same offences , in the house , which he himself commits ; yea , for that vice , which was his own ( with praise ) he kills the mice , and spoileth not anothers life alone , ev'n for that very fault which was his own , but feeds , and fattens , in the spoil of them , whom he , without compassion , did condemn . nay worse than so ; he cannot be content , to slaughter them , who are as innocent , as he himself ; but , he must also play , and sport his woful pris'ners lives away ; more torturing them , 'twixt fruitless hopes and fears , than when their bowels , with his teeth he tears : for , by much terrour , and much cruelty , he kills them , ten times over , e're they die . when , such like magistrates have rule obtain'd the best men wish their power might be restrain'd : but , they who shun enormities , through fear , are glad when good-men out of office are . yea whether governours be good or bad , of their displacings wicked-men are glad ; and when they see them brought into disgraces , they boldly play the knaves before their faces . lot . m. thou art , or else thou wert of late , some great or petty magistrate , or fortune thereunto may chance , in time to come thee to advance . but by thine emblem thou maist see , that when restrain'd thy power shall be , offenders will thereof be glad , and scoff the power which thou hast had ; observe it , & be so upright , that thou maist laugh at their despight . emblem xxix . persequar extinctu . the twenty ninth emblem illustrated . true lovers lives in one heart lye , both live , or both together dye . he that shall say he loves , and was again so well-belov'd , that neither he nor she suspects each other , neither needs to gain new proofs , that they in all desires agree ; and yet , shall cool again in their affection , ( and leave to love ) or live till they are lovers the second-time ; it some gross imperfection in one ( if not in both ) of them discovers . it was not love which did between them grow ; but , rather somewhat like unto the same ; which ( having made a fair deceiving show ) obtain'd , a while , that honourable name . for , false affections will together play so lovingly ; and oft , so act those parts which real seem ; that , for a time , they may appear the children of unfeigned-hearts : yea , many-times , true turtles are deceiv'd by counterfeited passions , till their love of her true object finds her self bereav'd ; and after it , is forced to remove : but where true-love begetteth , and enjoys the proper object , which she doth desire , nor time , nor injury the same destroys ; but it continues a perpetual fire . like am'rous thisbe to her pyramus , on all occasions , it continues true : nor night , nor danger , makes it timorous ; but , through all perils , it will him pursue . thus , both in life , in death , in all estates , true lovers will be true associates . lot . some think you love ; 't is true you do , and are as well beloved too . but you ( if we the truth may say ) love not so truly as you may . to make a perfect love there goes , much more than every lover knows , your emblem therefore mind , and then , begin a new to love agen . emblem xxx . nequid nimis . the thirtieth emblem illustrated . since overmuch will overfill , pour out enough ; but do not spill . it is this emblems meaning , to advance the love and practice , of true temperance . for , by this figure ( which doth seem to fill , until the liquor overflow , and spill ) we are , as by example , taught to see how fruitless our intemperancies be : thus by the rule of contrarieties , some vertues , best are shown to vulgar eyes . to see a nastie drunkard , reel and spew , more moves to soberness , than can the view of twenty civil men ; and to behold one prodigal , ( that goodly lands hath sold ) stand torn and louzie , begging at the door , would make intemperance abhorred more , ( and manly soberness , much better , each ) than all that six philosophers can preach : so , by the vessels overflowing , here , true moderation doth more prais'd appear , than by the mean it self : and without sin , that 's pictur'd , which to do , had wicked bit , for , though to vertuous ends ; we do deny the doing-ill , that good may come thereby . from hence , let us be taught , that carefull heed whereby we should both mind and body fee● let us , of our own selves , observe the size ; how much we want , how little will suffize ; and our own longings , rather leave unfill'd , than suffer any portion to be spill'd : for , what we marr , shall to account be laid and , what we wisely spend , shall be repaid lot . if truly temperate thou be , why should this lot be drawn by thee ? perhaps thou either dost exceed , ●n clothes ; or high dost drink or feed . beyond the mean ; if this thou find , or know'st in any other kind . how thou offendest by excess , now leave off thy intemperatness . emblem xxxi . legibus & armis . the thirtieth first emblem illustrated . when law and arms together meet , the world descends to kiss their feet . the picture of a crowned-king , here , stands upon a globe ; and with outstretched hands , holds forth , in view , a law-book , and a sword : which plain and modern figures may afford this meaning ; that a king , who hath regard to courts for pleading , and a court of guard , and at all times , a due respect will carry , to pious laws , and actions military ; shall not be monarch , onely in those lands , that are by birth right under his commands but , also might ( if just occasion were ) make this whole globe of earth , his power to fear advance his favorites ; and bring down all his opposites , below his pedestal . his conquering sword , in forraign realms , he draws as oft , as there is just , or needful cause : at home , in ev'ry province of his lands , at all times , armed are his trained bands . his royal fleets , are terrours to the seas ; at all hours , rigg'd , for useful voyages : and often he his navy doth increase , that wars provisions may prolong his peace . nor , by the tenure of the sword , alone , delighteth he to hold his awful throne , but , likewise , labours mischiefs to prevent , by wholsome laws , and rightful government . for , where the sword commands , without the law , a tyrant keeps the land in slavish awe : and where good laws do want an armed pow'r , rebellious knaves their princes , will devour . lot . m. some urge their princes on to war , and weary of sweet peace soon are some seek to make them dote on peace , till publick danger more increase . as if the world were kept in awe , by nothing else , but preaching law. the moral is ; if such thou art , then act a moderators part . emblem xxxii . spes alit agricolas . the thirty second emblem illustrated . the husbandman doth sow his seeds , and then on hope till harvest feeds . the painful husbandman , with sweaty brows , consumes in labour many a weary day : to break the stubborn earth , he digs and ploughs , and then , the corn , he scatters on the clay : when that is done , he harrows in the seeds , and by a well-cleans'd furrow , lays it dry : he frees it from the worms , the moles , the weeds ; he , on the fences , also hath an eye . and though he see the chilling winter bring snows , flouds , and frosts , his labours to annoy ; though blasting-winds do nip them in the spring and sammers mildews threaten , to destroy : yea , though not only days , but weeks , they a● ( nay , many weeks , and many months beside ) in which he must with pain , prolong his care , yet , constant in his hopes he doth abide . for this respect , hope's emblem , here you , see attends the plough , that men beholding it , may be instructed , or else minded be , what hopes , continuing labours , will befit . though , long thou toyled hast , and long attended about such workings as are necessary ; and oftentimes , ere fully they are ended , shalt find thy pains in danger to miscarry : yet , be not out of hope , nor quite dejected : for , buried seeds will sprout when winter 's gone ; unlikelier things are many times effected ; and god brings help , when men their best have done . yea , they that in good-works their life imploy ; although they sow in tears , shall reap in joy . lot . in many things , the worse thou art , by the despairing , fainting heart . and oft thy labour , and thy cost , for want of hopefulness is lost . thou therefore by thy lot art sent , this indiscretion to prevent , and by the plow-mans hope to see thy fault , and now reform'd to be . emblem xxxiii . puris manibus . the thirty third emblem illustrated . let him that at gods altar stands , in innocency wash his hands . when ( reader ) thou hast first of all survaid that reverend priest which here ingraven stands , in all his holy vestiments array'd , endeavouring for purified-hands ; collect from hence , that , when thou dost appear to offer sacrifice of praise or prayer , thou oughtst the robes of righteousness , to wear , and by repentance , thy defects repair . for , thou , that with polluted hands presum'st before gods altar to present thy face ; or , in the rags of thine own merits com'st , shalt reap displeasure , where thou look'st for grace . then , if thou be of those that would aspire a priest , or prelate , in gods church to be ; be sure , thou first those ornaments acquire , which may be suting to that high degree . intrude not , as perhaps too many do , with gifts unfit , or by an evil mean : desire it with a right intention too ; and seek to keep thy conversation clean . for , they that have assum'd this holy-calling , with hands impure , and hearts unsanctify'd , defame the truth ; give others cause of falling , and scandalize their brethren , too beside : yea , to themselves , their very sacrifice becomes unhallowed ; and their thanks and prayers , the god of purity , doth so despise , that all their hopes , he turneth to despairs : and all their best endeavours , countermands , till they appear with unpolluted hands . lot . whether meerly chance or no , brought this lot , we do not know . but received let it be , as divinely sent to thee . for that merits thy regard , which thine emblem hath declar'd . and the best that are have need such advisements well to heed . emblem xxxiv . fero. the thirty fourth emblem illustrated . be wary whosoe're thou be , for from loves arrows none are free . gallants , beware ; for here 's a wanton wagg , who , having bows and arrows , makes his brag that he hath some unhappy trick to play ; and vows to shoot at all he meets to day . pray be not careless ; for the boy is blind , and sometimes strikes , where most he seemeth kind . this rambling archer spares nor one , nor other : yea , otherwhile , the monkey shoots his mother . though you be little children , come not near ; for , i remember ( though 't be many a year now gone and past , ) that , when i was a lad , my heart , a prick , by this young wanton had , that pain'd me seven years after : nor had i the grace ( thus warn'd ) to escape his waggery ; but many times , ev'n since i was a man , he shot me , oftner then i tell you can : and if i had not been the stronger-hearted , i for my over-daring , might have smarted . you laugh now , as if this were nothing so ; but , if you meet this blinkard with his bow , you may unless you take the better care , receive a wound , before you be aware . i fear him not ; for i have learned how to keep my heart-strings from his arrows now : and so might you , and so might ev'ry one that vain occasions truely seeks to shun . but if you slight my counsels , you may chance to blame at last , your wilful ignorance : for , some , who thought , at first , his wounds but small , have dyed by them , in an hospital . lot . this lot of yours , doth plainly show that in some danger now you go , but wounds by steel , yet fear you not , no pistolling nor canon shot , but rather dread the shafts that fly from some deep wounding wantons eye , your greatest perils are from thence , get therefore armor of defence . emblem xxxv . sapiens dominabitur astris . the thirty fifth emblem illustrated . he over all the stars doth reign , that unto wisdom can attain . i am not of their mind , who think the sun , the moon , the planets , and those glorious lights , which trim the sphaeres , do in their motions run to no more purpose , then to please our sights . nor for distinguishment of nights and days , or of the seasons , and the times , alone , can i suppose the hand of god displays those many stars we nightly gaze upon : for , both by reason , and by common sense we know ( and often feel ) that from above the planets have , on us , an influence ; and that our bodies vary , as they move . moreover , holy writ infers , that these have some such pow'r ; ev'n in those place● wher● it names orion , and the pleiades ; which stars of much inferiour nature are . yet , hence conclude not therefore , that the m●●… is by the stars constrained to obey their influence ; or , so by them inclin'd , that , by no means resist the same we may . for , though they form the bodies temp'rature , ( and though the mind inclineth after that ) by grace , another temper we procure , which guides the motions of supposed fate . the soul of man is nobler then the sphaeres ; and if it gain the place which may be had , not here alone on earth , the rule it bears , but , is the lord of all that god hath made . be wise in him ; and if just cause there be , the sun and moon , shall stand and wait on the● lot. . you seek a lot which proving bad , would peradventure make you sad ; ●t this may please ; for you are taught , ●o mend your fortune , when 't is naught . being armed with such counsel here , that you no destiny need fear ; now if you come to hurt or shame , upon the stars lay not the blame . emblem xxxvi . non te , sed nummos the thirty sixth emblem illustrated . thy seeming lovers false will be , and love thy money more than thee . what may the reason be , so many wed , and miss the blessings of a joyful-bed , but those ungodly , and improper ends , for which , this age most marriages intends ? some love plump-flesh ; and those as kind will be to any gamesome wanton , as to thee . ●ome , dote on honours ; and all such will prize thy person meerly , for thy dignities . ●ome fancy pleasures ; and such flirts as they , with ev'ry hobby-horse , will run away . some ( like this couple in our emblem , here ) woe hard for wealth ; and very kind appear , till they have won their prize : but then the● sho● on what their best affections they bestow . this wealth , is that sweet beauty , which prefer so many to their executioners . this is that rare perfection , for whose sake , the politician doth his marriage make . yea , most of those whom you shall married find were cous'ned , ( or did cousen ) in this kind ; and for some by-respects , they came together , much more , than for the sakes of one another if this concerns thee , now , in any sense ; for thy instruction , take this warning hence if thou hast err'd already , then lament thy passed crime , and bear thy punishment . if thou , as yet , but tempted art to err ; then , let this emblem be thy counseller : for , i have said my mind ; which if thou slight go , and repent it , on thy wedding night . lot . this lot may make us all suspect , that some wrong object you affect . and that where dearness you pretend ; it is not for the noblest end . what mischief from such falshood flows , your emblem very truly shows . and may more happy make your fate ; ●f this advice come not too late . emblem xxxvii . virtute ac studio per orbem fama perpetua comparatur . the thirty seventh emblem illustrated . by studiousness in virtues ways , men gain an universal praise . when emblems of too many parts consist , their author was no choice emblematist , but is like those that waste whole hours , to tell what , in three minutes , might be said as well . yet , when each member is interpreted , out of these vulgar figures , you may read a moral , ( altogether ) not unfit to be remembred , ev'n by men of wit. and if the kernell prove to be of worth , no matter from what shell we drew it forth . the square whereon the globe is placed , here must vertue be ; that globe upon the square , must mean the world ; the figure , in the round , ( which in appearance doth her trumpet sound ) was made for fame ; the book she bears , may show , what breath it is , which makes her trumpet blow : the wreath , inclosing all , was to intend a glorious praise , that never shall have end : and these , in one summ'd up , do seem to say ; that , ( if men study in a vertuous-way ) the trumpet of a never-ceasing fame , shall through the world proclaim their praisefull name . now reader , if large fame , be thy ambition , this emblem doth inform , on what condition she may be gain'd . but , ( herein , me believe ) thy study for meer-praise , will thee deceive : and if thy vertues , be but onely , those for which the vulgar fame , her trumpet blows , thy fame 's a blast ; thy vertues vices be ; thy study's vain , and shame will follow thee lot . thou seek'st for fame and now art shown , for what her trumpet shall be blown . thine emblem also doth declare , what fame they get who virtuous are , for praise alone ; and what reward , for such like studies is prepar'd . peruse it ; and this counsel take , be virtuous for meer virtues sake . emblem xxxviii . deus nobis haec otia fecit . the thirty eighth emblem illustrated . the gospel thankfully imbrace , for god vouchsafed us this grace . this modern emblem , is a mute expressing of gods great mercies , in a modern-blessing ; and gives me , now , just cause to sing his praise , for granting me , my being , in these days . the much-desired messages of heav'n , for which , our fathers would their lives have given , and ( in groves , caves , and mountains , once a year ) were glad , with hazard of their goods to hear ; or , in less bloody times , at their own homes ; to hear , in private , and obscured rooms . lo ; those , those joyful-tydings , we do live , divulg'd , in every village , to perceive ; and that the sounds of gladness eccho may , through all our goodly temples , ev'ry day , this was ( oh god ) thy doing ; unto thee , ascrib'd , for ever , let all praises be . prolong this mercy and vouchsafe the fruit , may to thy labour , on this vine-yard , suit : lest , for our fruitlesness , thy light of grace , thou from our golden candlestick , displace . we do , me thinks , already , lord , begin to wantonize , and let that loathing in , which makes thy manna tastless ; and i fear , that , of those christians , who , more often hear , then practice , what they know , we have too many and , i suspect my self , as much as any . oh! mend me so , that , by amending me , amends in others , may increased be : and , let all graces , which thou hast bestow'd , return thee honour , from whom first they flow'd lot . by this thy lot thou dost appear , to be of those who love to hear the preachers voice ; or else of them , that undervalue or contemn those daily showers of wholesome words , which heaven in these our times affords . now which soe're of these thou be , thine emblem something teacheth thee . emblem xxxix . spernit pericula virtus . the thirty ninth emblem illustrated . an innocent no danger fears , how great soever it appears . when some did seek arion to have drown'd ; he , with a valiant heart , his temples crown'd ; and when to drench him in the seas they meant , he plaid on his molodious instrument ; to shew , that innocence disdained fear , though to be swallow'd in the deeps it were . nor did it perish : for , upon her back a dolphin took him , for his musick 's sake : to intimate that vertue shall prevail with bruitish creatures , if with men it fail . most vain is then their hope , who dream they can make wretched , or undo , an honest-man : for , he whom vertuous innocence adorns , insults o're cruelties ; and peril scorns . yea , that , by which men purpose to undo him , ( in their despight ) shall bring great honours to him arion-like , the malice of the world , hath into seas of troubles often hurl'd deserving men , although no cause they had , but that their words & works sweet musick made of all their outward helps it hath bereft them nor means , nor hopes of comfort have been lef● them , but such , as in the house of mourning are , and what good-conscience can afford them there yet , dolphin-like , their innocence hath rear'd their heads above those dangers that appear'd god hath vouchsaf'd their harmless cause to heed and ev'n in thraldom , so their hearts hath freed that , whil'st they seem'd oppressed & forlorn the joy'd , and sung , and laugh'd the world to scorn lot . you have been wronged many ways , yet patient are , and that 's your praise . your actions also seem'd upright , yet some there are that bear you spight . lest therefore you discourag'd grow , an emblem you have drawn to show , what other innocents have born , and how the envious world to scorn . emblem xl. non uno sternitur ictu . the fortieth emblem illustrated . by many strokes the work is done , which cannot be performed by one . despair not man , in what thou oughtst to do , although thou fail when one attempt is made ; but , add a new-endeavour thereunto , and then another , and another , add : yea , till thy pow'r and life shall quite be spent , persist in seeking what thou shouldst desire ; for , he that falleth from a good intent , deserves not that to which he did aspire . rich treasures are by nature placed deep ; and ere we gain them , we must pierce the rocks : such perils , also , them , as guardians keep , that none can win them without wounds and knocks . moreover , glories , thrones , are so sublime , that whosoever thinks their top to gain , till many thousand weary steps he clime , doth fool himself , by musings which are vain . and yet , there is a path way , which doth lead above the highest things that man can see ; and ( though it be not known to all who tread the common-tract ) it may ascended be . as therefore , none should greater things presume then well becomes their strength ; so none should fear through folly , sloth , or baseness ) to assume such things upon them , which beseeming are since by degrees we many things see wrought , that seem'd impossible to have been done , when they were first conceived in the thought and such as these , we may adventure on . mine arm , i know , in time will fell an oke ; but , i will ne're attempt it , at a stroke . lot . this lot befell thee for the nonce , for if things come not all at once . thou to despairing soon dost run , or leav'st thy work that 's well begun . which to prevent regardful be , of what thine emblem counsels thee . emblem xli . ne tenear . the forty first emblem illustrated . occasions past are sought in vain , but oft , they wheel about again . unwise are they that spend their youthful prime in vanities ; as if they did suppose that men , at pleasure , might redeem the time ; for , they a fair advantage fondly lose . as ill-advis'd be those , who having lost the first occasions , to despairing run : for , time hath revolutions ; and the most , for their affairs , have seasons more then one . nor is their folly small , who much depend on transitory things , as if their power could bring to pass what should not have an end or compass that which time will not devour . the first occasions , therefore , see thou take ( which offered are ) to bring thy hopes about and mind thou , still , what haste away they make before thy swift-pac't hours are quite run out , yet , if an opportunity be past , despair not thou , as they that hopeless be ; since , time may so revolve again , at last , that new-occasions may be offered thee . and see , thou trust not on those fading things , which by thine own endeavours thou acquir'st for , time ( which her own births to ruin brings will spare , nor thee , nor ought which thou desir'st his properties , and uses , what they are , in vain observ'd will be , when he is fled : that , they in season , therefore may appear , our emblem , thus hath him deciphered ; bald save before , and standing on a wheel ; a razor in his hand , a winged heel . lot . much liberty thou hast assum'd , and heretofore too much presum'd . on time , which always rideth post , that for a while some hopes are crost . but see to keep thee from despair , and thy misfortune to repair . mark what to thee thy lot doth tell , and practise what is counsel'd well . emblem xlii . viribus jungenda sapientia . the forty second emblem illustrated . when great attempts are undergone , join strength and wisdom both in one . if ( reader ) thou desirous be to know what by the centaure , seemeth here intended ; what , also by the snake , and by the bow , which in his hand , he beareth alway bended : learn , that this half-a man , and half-a horse , is ancient hieroglyphick , teaching thee , that , wisdom should be joyn'd with outward force , if prosperous we desire our works to be . his upper-part , the shape of man , doth bear ; to teach , that reason must become our guide . the hinder-parts a horses members are ; to show , that we must also strength provide . the serpent , and the bow , doth signifie the same ( or matter to the same effect ) and by two types , one moral to imply , is doubled a fore-warning of neglect . when knowledge wanteth power , despis'd we grow and know but how to aggravate our pain : great strength , will work its own sad overthrow , unless , it guided be with wisdoms rein . therefore , oh god , vouchsafe thou so to marry the gifts of soul and body , both , in me , that , i may still have all things necessary , to work , as i commanded am , by thee . and , let me not possess them , lord , alone , but , also know their use ; and so well know it , that , i may do each duty to be done ; and with upright intentions , always do it . if this be more , then yet obtain i may , my will accept thou , for the deed , i pray . lot . great things to do , thou hast a mind , but power thereto , thou canst not find ; sometimes thy power doth seem to fit , but then thou failest in thy wit. such undertakings therefore chuse , ( if thou thy time wilt not abuse ) as to thy power and wit agree , and then let both imployed be . emblem xliii . in silentio & spe . the forty third emblem illustrated . they that in hope and silence live , the best contentment may atchieve . if thou desire to cherish true content , and in a troublous time that course to take , which may be likely mischiefs to prevent , some use of this our hieroglyphick , make . the fryers habit , seemeth to import , that , thou ( as ancient monks and fryers did ) shouldst live remote , from places of resort , and in retiredness , lye closely hid . the clasped-book , doth warn thee to retain thy thoughts within the compass of thy breast ; and in a quiet silence to remain , untill thy mind may safely be exprest . that anchor doth inform thee , that thou mu●● walk on in hope ; and in thy pilgrimage , bear up ( without despairing or distrust ) those wrongs , and sufferings , which attend thir● ag● for , whensoe're oppression groweth rife , obscureness , is more safe than eminence ; he that then keeps his tongue , may keep his life till times will better favour innocence . truth spoken where untruth is more approved , will but enrage the malice of thy foes ; and , otherwhile , a wicked man is moved to cease from wrong , if no man him oppose . let this our emblem , therefore , counsel thee thy life in safe retiredness , to spend : let in thy breast , thy thoughts reserved be , till thou art laid , where none can thee offend . and whilst most others , give their fancy scope , enjoy thy self , in silence , and in hope . lot . thou hast in publick lived long , and overfreely us'd thy tongue . but if thy safety thou desire , be silent and thy self retire ; and if thou wilt not be undone , possess thy joys and hopes alone . for they that will from harm be free , must quiet and obscured be . emblem xliv : non est mortale quod opto . the forty fourth emblem illustrated . take wing my soul , and mount up higher , for earth fulfils not my desire . when ganymed , himself was purifying , great jupiter , his naked beauty spying , sent forth his eagle ( from below to take him ) a blest inhabitant in heav'n to make him : and there ( as poets feigned ) he doth still , to jove , and other god heads , nectar fill . though this be but a fable , of their feigning , the moral is a real truth , pertaining to ev'ry one ( which harbours a desire above the starry circles , to aspire . ) by ganymed the soul is understood , that 's washed in the purifying flood of sacred baptism ( which doth make her seem both pure and beautiful , in god's esteem . ) the aegle means that heav'nly contemplation , which , after washings of regeneration , lifts up the mind , from things that earthly be , to view those objects , which faith's eyes do see . the nectar , which is filled out , and given to all the blest inhabitants of heaven , are those delights , which ( christ hath said ) they have , when some repentant soul begins to leave her foulness ; by renewing of her birth , and slighting all the pleasures of the earth . i ask not , lord , those blessings to receive , which any man hath pow'r to take , or give ; nor what this world affords ; for i contemn her favours ; and have seen the best of them ; nay , heav'n it self , will unsufficient be , unless thou also give thy self to me . lot . this lot pertaineth unto those , ( but who they be , god only knows ) who to the world have no desire , but up to heavenly things aspire ; no doubt but you in some degree , indu'd with such affections be , and got this emblem , that you might encourag'd be in such a flight . emblem xlv . dum clavum rectum teneam . the forty fifth emblem illustrated . he that his course directly steers , nor storms , nor windy censures fears . we to the sea this world may well compare ; for , ev'ry man which liveth in the same , is as a pilot , to some vessel there , of little size , or else of larger frame . some have the boats of their own life to guide , some , govern petty town ships too beside some of whole families row the barge , ( to those compar'd , which of small barks have charge ) some others rule great provinces ; and they resemble captains of huge argoses : but when of kingdoms , any gain the sway , to generals of fleets we liken these . each hath his proper course to him assign'd , his card , his compass , his due tacklings , too ; and if their business , as they ought they mind , they may accomplish all they have to do . but most men leave the care of their own course , to judge or follow others , in their waies ; and when their follies make their fortunes worse , they curse the destiny , which they should praise . for , waves and winds , and that oft-changing weather , which many blame , as cause of all their losses , ( though they observe it not ) helps bring together those hopes , which their own wisdom often crosses . regard not , therefore much , what those things be , which come , without thy fault , to thwart thy way ; nor , how , rash-lookers-on will censure thee ; but , faithfully , to do thy part , assay : for , if thou shalt not from this counsel vary , let my hopes fail me , if thy hopes miscarry : lot . thy hopes and fears are always such , that they afflict , and pain thee much , because thou giv'st too great a scope , unto thy fear , and to thy hope . for they will vex , or pleasure thee , as they enlarg'd , or curbed be . but see , thine emblem , if thou please , instructs thee how to manage these . emblem xlvi . ubi helena , ibi troja . the forty sixth emblem illustrated . where helen is , there will be war , for death and lust companions are . their foolish humour i could ne're affect , who dare , for any cause , the stews frequent : and thither , where i justly might suspect a strumpet liv'd , as yet , i never went. for , when ( as fools pretend ) they go to seek experience , where more ill then good , they see , they venture for their knowledg , adam like ; and such as his , will their atchievements be . let , therefore those that would loose truls detest , converse with none , but those that modest are ; for , they that can of whoredom make a jest , will entertain it ere they be aware . chast-company , and chast-discourse , doth make the mind more pleased with it , ev'ry day ; and frequent views of wantonness will take the sense and hatred of the vice away . some , i have known , by harlots wiles undone , who , but to see their fashions , first pretended ; and they that went for company , alone , by suddain quarrels , there their dayes have ended . for in the lodgings of a lustfull-woman , immodest impudence hath still her being ; there , fury , fraud , and cruelties are common : and there , is want , and shame , and disagreeing . ev'n beauty , of it self , stirs loose desires , occasioning both jealousies , and fears ; it kindleth in the brest , conceal'd fires , which burn the heart , before the flame appears : and ev'ry day , experienced are we ; that , there where hellen is , troys fate will be . lot . your lot is , very much to blame , or else your person , or your name , hath injur'd been ; or may have wrong , by some loose wanton , cre't be long . therefore ere hence you go away , mark what your emblem here doth say ; perhaps by drawing of this lot , some harms prevention may be got . emblem xlvii . consequitur quodcunque petit . the forty seventh emblem illustrated . who by good means good things would gain , shall never seek nor ask in vain . in vain fair cynthia never taketh pains , nor faints in following her desired game ; and when at any mark her bow she strains , the winged arrow surely hits the same . her picture , therefore , in this place doth shew the nature of their minds who cynthia like , with constancy their purposes pursue , and faint not till they compass what they seek . for , nought more god-like in this world is found then so resolved a man , that nothing may his resolution alter or confound , when any task of worth , he doth assay . nor , is there greater baseness , then those minds , that from an honest purpose can be wrought by threatnings , bribes , smooth-gales or boyst'rous , winds , whatever colour or excuse be brought . you then , that would with pleasure , glory gain , diana like , those modest things require , which truly may beseem you to attain ; and stoutly follow that which you desire : for , changing though the moon to us appear , she holds a firm dependence on the sun ; and by a constant-motion , in her sphaere with him , doth in conjunction often run : so , constant-men , still move their hopes to win but never by a motion-indirect ; nor will they stop the course that they are in , untill they bring their purpose to effect . for , whosoever honest things requires , a promise hath of all that he desires . lot . if any thing you do design , pursue it with a vigorous mind ; and if you hope to gather fruit , be constant in your hopes pursuit . for by your emblem you may find , the stars to you are well inclin'd . provided your attempts be good , for that must still be understood . emblem xlviii . nusquam tuta fides . the forty eighth emblem illustrated . use caution wheresoe're you be . for from deceit no place is free . some write ( but , on what grounds , i cannot tell ) that they , who near unto the deserts dwell , where elephants are found , do notice take , what trees they haunt , their sleeping stocks to make ; that , when they rest against an half-sawn stem it ( falling ) may betray those beasts to them . now , though the part historical , may err , the morall , which this emblem doth inferr , is over true ; and seemeth to imply , the world to be so full of treachery , as that no corner of it , found can be , in which from falshoods engines , we are free . i have observ'd the city , and i find , the citizens , are civil , grave and kind ; yet many are deluded by their shows , and cheated , when they trust in them repose . i have been oft at court ; where i have spent , some idle time , to hear them complement : but i have seen in courtiers such deceit . that for their favours , i could never wait . i do frequent the church ; and i have heard gods judgments , by the preachers , there declar'd , against mens falshoods ; and i gladly hear their zealous prayers , and good counsels there ; but as i live , i find some such as they , will watch to do a mischief , if they may . nay those poor sneaking clowns , who seek their living , as if they knew no manner of deceiving , ev'n those , their wit , can ( this way ) so apply , that they 'l soon cousen wiser men , than i. lot. . some foes for thee do lye in wait , where thou suspectest no deceit . yea many do thy hurt intend , who yet pretend the name of friend . be therefore careful whom you trust , what ways thou walkst and what thou dost , for by thine emblem thou mayst see , that wariness will needful be . emblem xlix . omnis caro foenum . the forty ninth emblem illustrated . all flesh is like the wither'd hay , it springs , and grows , and fades away . this infant , and this little truss of hay , when they are moralized , seem to say , that flesh is but a tuft of morning - grass , both green , and wither'd , ere the day-light pass . and such we truly find it ; for behold , assoon as man is born , he waxeth old , in griefs , in sorrows , or necessities ; and withers ev'ry hour , until he dies : now flourishing as grass , when it is grown , straight perishing , as grass , when it is mown . if we with other things , mans age compare , his life is but a day ( for equall'd are his years with hours : his months will minutes be fit parallels ; and ev'ry breathing we may term a day ) yet , some ev'n at the night of that short day , are dead , and withered quite . before the morning of our lives be done , the flesh oft fades : sometime , it grows till noon : but there 's no mortal flesh , that will abide unparched longer , than till evening-tide . for in it self it always carries that , which helpeth so it self to ruinate ; that though it feel , nor storm , nor scorching flame , an inbred canker , will consume the same . considering well , and well remembring this , account the flesh no better than it is : wrong not thine everlasting soul , to cherish a gourd , which in a moments time will perish . give it the tendance fit for fading crops ; but for hay-harvest , lose not better hopes . lot . thy flesh thou lov'st , as if it were the chiefest object of thy care ; and of such value as may seem , well meriting thy best esteem . but now to banish that conceit , thy lot an emblem brings to sight . which without flattery shews to thee , of what regard it ought to be . emblem l. sic transit gloria mundi . the fiftieth emblem illustrated . even as the smoke doth pass away , so shall all worldly pomp decay . some better arguments , then yet i see , i must perceive ; and better causes , why to those gay things i should addicted be , to which the vulgar their affections tye . i have consider'd scepters , miters , crowns , with each appurtenance to them belonging ; my heart , hath search'd their glories , and renowns , and all the pleasant things about them thronging : my soul , hath truly weigh'd , and took the measure of riches ( which the most have so desir'd ) i have distill'd the quintessence of pleasure , and seen those objects , that are most admir'd . i likewise feel all passions , and affections , that help to cheat the reason , and perswade that those poor vanities have some perfections , whereby their owners , happy might be made . yet when that i have rouzed my understanding , and cleans'd my heart from some of that corruption , which hinders in me reason's free commanding , and shews things without vails or interruption ; then they , methinks , as fruitless do appear , as bubbles ( wherewithall young-children play ) or , as the smoak , which in our emblem , here , now makes a show , and straight consumes away . be pleas'd , oh god , my value may be such of every outward-blessing here below , that i may neither love them overmuch , nor underprise the gifts , thou shalt bestow : but know the use of all these fading smokes : and be refresht , by that which others chokes . lot . in outward pomp thy pleasures are , thy hope of bliss is placed there . and thou this folly wilt not leave , till of content it thee bereave : unless thou timely come to see how vain all earthly glories be an emblem therefore thou hast gain'd , by which this knowledg is obtained . these six following chances or lots have no emblems belonging to them , and therefore you need look no further for them , but make the best of what you have got , these being only added for sport and recreation . . thy lot no answer will bestow to that which thou desir'st to know : nor canst thou here an emblem find which to thy purpose is inclin'd . perhaps it is too late to crave what thou desirest now to have : or but in vain to mention that , which thy ambition aimeth at : then take it not in evil part , that with a blank thou answer'd art . . it proves a blank ; for to what end , should we a serious moral spend . where teachings , warnings and advice , esteemed are of little price . your only purpose is to look upon the pictures of this book ; when more discretion you have got , an emblem shall attend your lot. . these lots are almost five to one above the blanks ; yet thou hast none , if thus thy fortune still proceed ; 't is five to one , if well thou speed . yet if thou dost not much neglect , to do as wisdom shall direct , it is a thousand unto five , but thou in all thy hopes wilt thrive : . you may be glad you drew not that , which in your mind you guessed at . for it so points out that condition , whereof you give a great suspition , that had it such an emblem nam'd , as fits you right you had been sham'd . since then your fault is unreveal'd , amend , and keep it still conceal'd . . you in your secret thoughts despise , to think an emblem should advise , or give you cause to mind or heed , those things whereof you may have need . and therefore when the lot you try'd , an answer-justly was denied . yet ( by your leave ) there are but few , who need good counsel more than you . . the chance which thou obtained hast , of all the chances is the last . and casting up the total sums , we find thy gain to nothing comes . yet if it well be understood , this chance may chance to do thee good . for it foretells what portion shall , to every one at last befall . and warns while something is enjoy'd , that it be always well imploy'd . conclusions . . the glories of our birth and state , are shadows , not substantial things . there is no armour ' gainst our fate , death lays his icy hands on kings . scepter and crown must tumble down , and in the dust be equal laid , with the poor crooked sythe and spade . . some men with swords may reap the field , and plant fresh laurels where they kill . but their strong nerves at length must yield , they tame but one another still . early or late , they stoop to fate : and must give up their murmuring breath , whilst the pale captive creeps to death . . the laurel withers on your brow , then boast no more your mighty deeds . for on deaths purple altar now , see where the victor , victim bleeds . all heads must come , to the cold tomb. only the actions of the just , smell sweet and blossom in the dust . directions for finding the chances in the following lottery . turn about the index , upon the following lottery or figure , without casting your eyes thereupon to observe where it stayeth , till your hand ceaseth to give it motion ; and then look , upon what number it resteth ; then look for the same number among the lots , which having read it directs you to the emblem of the same number likewise ; if the letter m be set before the lot ( as it is in three or four places ) then that lot is proper only to a man , and therefore if it happen to a woman let her take the next chance , whether it be blank or lot. if it be any number above fifty , there being fifty six in all , it is a blank chance , and you may look for your lot at the latter end of the book among the six last chances which are without emblems . the tryal whereof is thus contrived without dice , lest by the familiar use of them they might sometimes occasion expensive and pernicious gaming . but if king , queen , prince , or any one that springs from persons , known to be deriv'd from king , shall seek , for sport sake , hence todraw their lots ; our author says , that he provided not for such as those ; because it were too much for him , to find out fortunes fit for such , who , ( as he thinks ) should rather aid supply for him to mend his evil fortunes by . to them he therefore pleased is to give this noble , and this large prerogative ; that they shall chuse from hence , what lots they please and make them better , if they like not these . all other personages , of high degree , that will profess our authors friends to be , this freedom , likewise have , that till they find a lot , which is agreeing to their mind , they shall have liberty , anew to try their sought for chance : and ev'ry time-apply the morals they disliked , unto those , which are , ill-qualifi'd , among their foes . all others who this game , adventure will , must bear their fortunes , be they good or ill. directions for the lottery . the figure or lottery . this game occasions not the frequent crime of swearing , or mispending of our time , nor loss of money , for the play is short , and every gamester winneth by the sport , we therefore judg , it may as well become , the hall , the parlor , or the dining roem , as chess or tables ; and we think the price will be as low , because it needs no dice . finis . there are lately published eleven very useful , pleasant , and necessary books , all sold by nath. crouch , at the bell in the poultry , near cheapside . i. two journies to jerusalem , containing first , a strange and true account of the travels of two english pilgrims some years since , and what admirable accidents befel them in their journey to jerusalem , grand cairo , alexandria , &c. with the wonderful manner of hatching many thousand chickens at once in ovens . secondly , the travels of fourteen englishmen in . from scandaroon to tripoly , joppa , ramah , jerusalem , bethlehem , iericho , the river jordan , the lake of sodem and gomorrah , and back again to aleppo , by s. b. with the rare antiquities , monuments , and memorable places and things , mentioned in the holy scripture , and an exact description of the old and new jerusalem , to which is added a relation of the great council of the jews assembled in the plains of ajaday in hungaria , . to examine the scriptures concerning christ . by s. b. an englishman there present ; with the notorious delusion of the jews by a counterfeit messiah , or false christ at smyrna in . and the event thereof . lastly , the fatal and final extirpation and destruction of the jews throughout the kingdom of persia , whereby many thousands of all qualities and ages were cut off in . and the remarkable occasion thereof . beautified with pictures . price one shilling . ii. unparallel'd varieties , or the marchless actions and passions of mankind ; displayed in near four hundred notable instances and examples ; discovering the transcendent effects ; . of love , friendship , and gratitude , . of magnanimity , courage and fidelity , . of chastity , temperance and humility ; and on the contrary , the tremendous consequences , . of hatred , revenge and ingratitude , . of cowardice , barbarity and treachery , . of unchastity , intemperance and ambition . imbellished with proper figures . price one shilling . iii. surprising miracles of nature and art , in two parts , containing , . the miracles of nature , or the wonderful signs , and prodigious aspects and appearances in the heavens , earth and sea ; with an account of the most famous comets and other prodigies since the birth of our blessed saviour particularly the dreadful apparitions before the destruction of jerusalem and the temple ; the terrible presages during the wars and desolations in germany , as several suns appearing at once , the water in ponds and conduits turned to blood , and blood rained from heaven ; armies of crows , dogs , and other creatures , fighting and destroying each other . intermixt with remarks on the life of the renowned gustavus adolphus , king of sweden . also a particular description of the five blazing stars seen in england , since . a relation of the burning of mount aetna , with the horrid river of fire and brimstone which issued thence in . burning near towns and villages , with abundance of other unaccountable accidents and productions of all kinds , to . likewise a true account of the groaning board . ii. the miracles of art , describing the most magnificent buildings , and other curious inventions in all ages , as the seven wonders of the world , and many other excellent structures and rarities throughout the earth . beautified with sculptures . price one shilling . iv. extraordinary adventures of several famous men ; with the strange events , and signal mutations and changes in the fortunes of divers illustrious places and persons in all ages ; being an account of a multitude of stupendious revolutions , accidents and observable matters in states , and provinces throughout the whole world . namely , the adventures of christ . columbus , and the manner of his discovery of america , or the new world : the cruelties used by the turks upon the christians at argiers , their manner of selling slaves , &c. the drcadful mutiny in the city of naples in . and how massanello a fisher-boy ruled there for days , with greater power than any king or emperour . an account of several nations destroyed , or driven from their habitations by gnats , moles , pismires , sparrows , locusts , hares , conies , fleas , frogs , mice , grashoppers , serpents , worms , and other inconsiderable creatures ; the tragical deaths of john and cornelius de wit , at the hague in holland . remarks on the life and death of sir w. rawleigh , with his last speech and behaviour on the seaffold ; with pictures . price one shilling . v. admirable curiosities , rarities and wonders in england , scotland , and ireland , or , an account of many remarkable persons and places , and likewise of the battles , sieges , prodigious earthquakes , tempests , inundations , thunders , lighrnings , fires , murders , and other considerable occurrences , and accidents for many hundred years past , and among others , the battle of bosworth , and the miserable death of crook-backt richard . the beheading of the lord cromwel , and the earl of essex , with their last speeches . the rebellion under ket the tanner , and his laws and ordinances in the oak of reformation near norwich . the lady riding naked through coventry together with the natural and artificial rarities in every county in england , with several curious sculptures . price one shilling . vi. vvonderful prodigies of judgment and mercy , discovered in above memorable histories , containing . dreadful judgments upon atheists , blasphemers , perjured villains , &c. as of several forsworn wretches carried away by the devil , and how an horrid blasphemer was turned into a black dog , &c. . the miserable ends of many magicians , witches , conjurers , &c. with divers strange apparitions and illusions of the devil ; . remarkable predictions and presages of approaching death , and how the event has been answerable , . the wicked lives , and woful deaths of several popes , with the manner how king henry . was whipt by the popes order by the monks of canterbury ; and how the queen of bohemia was swallowed up in the earth alive , with all her followers , &c. . fearful judgments upon bloody tyrants , murderers , &c. also how popiel king of poland , ( a cruel tyrant ) his queen and children were devoured by rats ; and how a town near tripoly in barbary , with the men , women , children , beasts , trees , walls , rooms , cats , dogs , mice , and all that belonged to the place were turn'd into perfect stone , ( to be seen at this day ) for the horrid crimes of the inhabitants , &c. . admirable deliverances from imminent dangers , and deplorable distresses at sea and land. lastly , divine goodness to penitents , with the dying thoughts of several famous men , concerning a future state after this life , imbellished with divers pictures . price one shilling . vii . historical remarks and observations of the ancient and present state of london and westminster ; shewing the foundations , walls , gates , towers , bridges , churches , rivers , wards , halls companies , government , courts , hospitals , schools , inns of court , charters , franchises , and priviledges thereof ; with an account of the most remarkable accidents , as to wars , fires , plagues , and other occurrences , for above nine hundred years past , in and about these cities ; and among other particulars , the rebellion of wat tylor , who was slain by the lord mayor in smithfield , and the speech of jack straw at his execution . the murder of king hen. . and likewise of edw. . and his brother , by richard . called crook-back . the insurrection in london in king henry . time , and how men and women went through the city in their shifts , and ropes about their necks to westminster-hall , where they were pardoned by the king ; with several other remarks to the year . and a description of the manner of the tryal of the late lord stafford in westminster-hall ; illustrated with pictures , with the arms of the companies of london , and the time of their incorporating . price one shilling . viii . the fourth edition of the wars in england , scotland and ireland ; being near a third part enlarged with very considerable additions , containing an impartial account of all the battles , seiges and other remarkable transactions , revolutions and accidents which have happened from the beginning of the reign of king charles the first , . to his majesties happy restauration , . and among other particulars , the debates and proceedings in the four first parliaments of king charles . the murder of the duke of buckingham by felton . the tumults at edenburgh in scotland . the insurrection of the apprentices and seamen , and their assaulting of a. b. lauds house at lambeth . remarks on the life of the e. of strafford , and his last speech . the death of archbishop laud , duke hamilton , lord capel , mr. love , dr. hewet , and others . the illegal tryal of king charles . at large , with his last speech , at his suffering . and the most considerable matters which happened till . with pictures of several remarkable accidents . price one shilling , ix . the young mans calling or the whole duty of youth , in a serious and compassionate address to all young persons to remember their creator in the days of their youth . together with remarks upon the lives of several excellent toung persons of both sexes , as well ancient as modern , who have been famous for virtue , and piety in their generations ; namely , on the lives of isaac and joseph in their youth . on the martyrdom of seven sons and their mother ; and of romanus a young nobleman , with the invincible courage of a child of seven years old , who was martyred . on the matyrdom of divers holy virgins and martyrs . on the life of that blessed prince , king edw. . with his ingenious letter to his godfather a. b. cranmer , when but years old , and his last words and prayer . on the life and death of queen jane , as her learned dispute with fecknam a priest , about the sacrament , her letters to her father the duke of suffolk , to her sister , and others . on the life of queen elizabeth in her youth , with her many sufferings and dangers from bloody bonner and gardiner , and her joyfull reception to the crown . on the religious life and death of the most noble and heroick prince henry , eldest son to king james ; and also of the young lord harrington , &c. with curious pictures , illustrating the several histories . price eighteen pence . x. a guide to eternal glory : or , brief directions to all christians how to attain to everlasting salvation : to which are added several other small tracts : as . a short directory for that necessary duty of self-examination , whereby a serious christian may every evening examine himself . . a brief dialogue between a learned divine and a beggar , discovering man's true happiness . . cordial meditations or beams of the spirit , enlivening enlightning and gladding the soul. lastly , divine hymns upon the blessed sacrament of the lord's supper ; with some others . price six pence . xi . excellent contemplations , divine & moral ; written by the magnanimous and truly loyal arthur lord capel , baron of hadham ; together with some account of his life , and his letters to several persons , whilst he was prisoner in the tower , vigorously asserting the royal cause against all the enemies thereof , and earnestly endeavouring to prevent the horrid regicide of k. charles the first : likewise his affectionate letters to his lady the day before his death , and his couragious and heroick behaviour and last speech at his suffering in the palace yard at westminster , march. . . also the speeches and carriages of duke hamilton , and the earl of holland , who suffered with him : with his pious advice to his son the late earl of essex . price one shilling . all eleven sold by nath. crouch , at the bell in the poultry , near cheapside . . finis . the forerunner to a further answer (if need be) to two books lately published against tho. grantham of norwich wherein the spirit and temper of the calvinists is discovered, particularly mr. calvin, mr. finch, and his little præcursor : to which is prefixed, the solid testimony of mr. george wither, against calvinism, the worst of doctrines / by tho. grantham ... grantham, thomas, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the forerunner to a further answer (if need be) to two books lately published against tho. grantham of norwich wherein the spirit and temper of the calvinists is discovered, particularly mr. calvin, mr. finch, and his little præcursor : to which is prefixed, the solid testimony of mr. george wither, against calvinism, the worst of doctrines / by tho. grantham ... grantham, thomas, - . wither, george, - . p. s.n., [london? : ] caption title. place and date of publication suggested by wing. imperfect : stained and slightly faded. reproduction of original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng finch, martin, ?- . -- answer to mr. thomas grantham's book, called, a dialogue between the baptist and the presbyterian. calvinism -- controversial literature. baptists -- apologetic works. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the forerunner to a further answer ( if need be ) to two books lately published against tho. grantham of norwich : wherein the spirit and temper of the calvinists is discovered ; particularly mr. calvin , mr. finch , and his little praecursor . to which is prefixed , the solid testimony of mr. george wither against calvinism , the worst of doctrines . by tho. grantham , preacher of glad tidings to all men in the city of norwich . mr. george wither , a man of great judgment in many things , and a faithful monitor of the english nation for many years ; did , in the year , publish his parallellogrammaton ; wherein he does much perswade to repentance and brotherly-love . and observing some great impediments to both , in p. , &c. he considers the doctrine of the calvinists , in denying universal redemption , to be a very great obstruction thereunto . and thus he declares himself . i will be bold to aver — that the brotherly love and true repentance , whereto i would perswade , will never be effectually attain'd unto by them , which knowingly , premeditately , and wilfully persevere in denying the universal redemption of mankind by jesus christ ; seeing thereon depends god's most glorious attribute ; and in regard it is that for which we are much more obliged to him than all the rest of his creatures , he cannot but be highly displeased with all those who confine the extent of that mercy . i know many in these times ( some of them in other respects very good and learned men ) who think universal redemption to be a new doctrine , terming it arminianism and popery : but it is neither new , nor repugnant ( as is pretended ) to the orthodox doctrine of election and reprobation , and the free grace of god ; nor ascribes ought more to nature by the consequences thereof , than tends to our justifying of god , and to our self-condemnation , if that which he hath given us be not husbanded according as he hath and doth enable . the holy scriptures evidence it to all who rightly understand them . so far is it from being a novelty , ( as ignorant hearers are made to believe ) that it was received and professed for a necessary truth by the churches of god in all ages since christ's birth , and contradicted by very few in the first times of christianity : yea , it was believed many hundreds of years before arminius was born , or popery had any being in the world ; and will be professed , when the opposers and traducers of that verity shall be quite rooted out of the evangelical kingdom — it is the well-counterfeiting of truth and holiness which must compleat the designs of antichrist ; and there is not any one single heresy or wickedness , which doth so secretly , and so mischievously supplant christ ; it undermines the foundation of that structure which open blasphemies above-ground cannot endanger , and hath already sprung a mine to the dividing of lutherans and calvinists , that they will hardly be reconciled until all controversies are at an end . let us therefore consider well what depends upon it ; how much it concerns the glory of god ; how much he is dishonoured by a contrary belief , and how much it detracts from our own privileges and consolations . god's mercy is above all his works . it is the crown and dignity of the king of kings , and the highest of all treasons to clip it . a professed denial of the universality of humane redemption , seems to me a cursed counter-callol , made and sung by devils , in opposition to that blessed nativity-song which was sung by angels at the birth of christ , glory to god on high , on earth peace , and good will to men. for how was god likely to be glorified , peace to be upon earth , and good will to men , manifested by the incarnation of his son , if man's redemption had not been universal ? but so narrowed , that it extended to a very few , and those few also left without assurance they were of that small number , whatsoever they should endeavour , if there should be an exception from the act of grace , as many fancy ? doubtless if it had been so , it would have given occasion rather of howling than of singing , and been rather sad than glad tidings , in regard of that great terror which might have seized upon all mankind , and caused an universal lamentation , when they considered how many millions of millions were certainly exposed to everlasting damnation ; how small a number in possibility to be saved , and how few of their dearly beloved parents , children , and friends might be of these few , for whom christ took upon him humane nature . o horrible and unparallel'd blasphemy ! but , blessed be god's name , it is not so . when the children of israel were redeemed out of their egyptian bondage , which was a type of our ●●●versal redemption , there was not one soul , no not a hoof left behind them ; nor was one soul absolutely excluded from the benefit of christ's incarnation and passion , but they only who by their own defaults , and unrepented sin , should fall away , as they did who perished in the wilderness . for god hath many a time , upon several occasions , pa●sed his word to ascertain the universality of his love to man without personal respects , where personal sins without repentance , have not first made the person uncapable . nay ▪ our incredulity hath put him to his oath to assure every sinner . and if nevertheless we still distrust him , continue in our misbelief of his word and oath , and labour to draw others into the same crime ; it cannot be an ordinary punishment which god will at last inflict for so extraordinary and so high an affront ; it being a sin more hainous than murder , adultery , and all other meer carnal sins put together ; yea , more hainous than those the jews committed by their idolatries , killing the prophets , and crucifying christ in the flesh ; for the last was but a sin against his humanity , and their idolatries but the ascribing some part of that honour to the creatures , which was due to god only : whereas the limiting god's universal grace in christ with the concomitant doctrines , and the consequences thence raised , and the imputing to god an eternal reprobation of the greatest part of mankind , before they had done good or evil ; for those sins also which they blasphemously say he necessitated them to commit , to shew his justice , and manifest his hatred to sin , is a despoiling god of his divine nature , of his goodness , and an ascribing unto him that which belongs only to the devil . o the patience of god! what can be so abominable ? they do not only make reprobation older than the father of it the devil , but make god also the author of his wickedness , in necessitating him to be a devil , and consequently author of all the wickedness committed by all the devils in hell , and all the wicked men upon the earth : which appears to me so horrible an impiety , that i wonder not to see the world so full of plagues and sins , and sins and sinners become such plagues to each other as they are . nor can i believe there will ever be less plagues , where that blasphemy is professed and indulged as orthodox doctrine , until it be repented of . nor shall i marvel if my words be misunderstood , and my good meaning misinterpreted ; if god's word be so mistaken , and his love so ill-rewarded . i know the bitterness and uncharitableness of their spirits , who shall be obstinate in this judgment , yet am neither afraid nor ashamed to declare my conscience therein ; or in whatsoever else i think may concern god's glory , and the peace of my country . thus far mr. geo. wither . th● forerunner to a further answer ( if occasion serve ) to two books lately published against tho. grantham of norwich . briefly shewing the spirit and temper of the calvinists , and particularly of mr. finch and his praecursor , &c. wickedness proceedeth and cometh forth from the wicked , as saith the proverb of the ancients , sam. . . in psal . . ▪ this question is put , shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee , which frameth mischief by a law ? the sense of the place is , no such thing can please god , &c. now of all mischief , sin is the worst , and indeed the cause of all the rest . it must therefore be exceeding evil , for any to make the holy god the ordainer and commander of all the sins of angels and men , and that freely , without any provocation , and infallibly and unchangeably also , that they must even so come to pass as he hath ( not only ) foreseen them , but ordained and commanded them . this is the doctrine which i chiefly opposed in my dialogue . and though i have made this very manifestly appear to be the doctrine of the principal men of the presbyterian and calvinistical perswasion , yet i will here add one passage more out of mr. calvin , inst . l. . c. . sect. . where he boldly tells us , that god doth none otherwise foresee the things that shall come to pass , than because he hath ordained they shall so come to pass . it is vain to move controversy about foreknowledge , where it is certain rather by ordinance and commandment . so then , let the action be never so wicked , he makes it infallibly necessary , by virtue of god's ordinance and commandment . than which i do aver ▪ nothing can be spoken more dishonourable to god , nor more mischievous to men. yea , zanchius is as bold as calvin , for he saith , damus reprobos necessitate p●●candi , eoque & pereundi , ex hac dei ordinatione constringi , atque ita constringi ut nequeant non peccare atque periere : that is , we grant that reprobates are held so fast under god's almighty decree , that they cannot but sin and perish . these i call the worst doctrines in the world. and finding this worst of doctrines to have much prevailed in the city of norwich , i have endeavoured to make the citizens sensible of the danger of it , both by preaching and writing . for which work and labour of love ( and to their souls especially who are most deceived by it ) i have been ill requited by many slanders and reproaches ; and particularly by a very foolish pamphlet , as a forerunner to that book of mr. finch , which he calls , an answer to my dialogue , [ which scurrilous pamphlet was published with his privity and allowance , as i suppose ] in both which , one great design is , to disgrace my person by unseemly epithets , and very false stories ; and particularly for that which i writ against calvin for his rage and cruelty , in procuring one michael servetus to be burnt to death at geneva , anno . concerning which the pamphleteer calls calvin , a renowned man a star of the first magnitude ; and servetus , an infamous wretch ; and my self , a paultry groveling fellow . and mr. finch calls me , a boisterous quarrelsom man , one that hath the spirit of slumber , as a check and punishment to defame such a man as calvin ; and to extol servetus , an antitrinitarian ; and says , i have lost all credit and esteem with all wise and knowing christians . but yet i hope all wise and knowing christians will hear me speak for what is truth , and so for my self also before they condemn me . and , . wherein do i defame calvin ? that he did certainly procure the death of servetus , a very learned man , and of that exact life , that nothing is objected against him , though i doubt he did err in some things ; i sa 〈…〉 at calvin did procure his death ▪ is p 〈…〉 he saith , i freely confess the accuser came out from me , i hope at the least he shall be put to death * . i have not then defamed calvin , unless mr. finch and his little lawyer can justify that cruel action ; as indeed they seem willing so to do , by approving dr. owen his sentence , who tells us , as mr. finch quotes him , p. . that servetus is the only person in the world that he ever heard of , that ever died upon the account of religion , in reference to whom the zeal of them that put him to death may be acquitted . and thus mr. finch , dr. owen , &c. have bathed their hands in the blood of poor michael servetus . behold , and wonder ! and wonder the more , because neither of them ever saw the book which servetus died for , but take their grounds from the pens of his murderers , who would not speak the best of him you may be sure . but , . wherein do i extol servetus ? i said he was a learned and worthy man , and pious , tho mistaken in some things perhaps . and do i not call him pious in conjunction with calvin ? now i conceive that in charity , i may hope many were pious men , who did not rightly understand the mystery of the trinity . yea , i have the charity to think , that calvin was a pious man , and yet i believe and know that he was very erroneous in many things , and that he was acted by cain's spirit , when he procured the death of servetus , who could not deny either the father , son , nor holy spirit , because he held true baptism in the name of all the three ; though i fear his sentiments were not so clear as they ought to have been concerning the unity of these three . and who can say that he so fully knows this great and glorious mystery as he ought to do ? i am far from justifying servetus in his error , yet i think they ought to have spared his life , though they had laid some restraint upon him . . let us hear what learned protestants have said before me , in the case of servetus . . grotius , a man that had but few equals for wisdom and moderation , tells us ; servetus libri non genevae tantum , sed in aliis locis , per calvini diligentiam exusti sunt ; fateor tamen unum me exemplum vidisse libri servetiani , in quo certe ea non reperi quae ei objicit calvinus , vot . pro p●ce , p. . that is , by the diligence of calvin , all the books of servetus were not only burnt at geneva , but in other places . yet i have seen one copy of servetus ' s books , in which truly i do not find the things which calvin does object against him . and saith dr. pierce , ( a learned and able minister of the church of england ) servetus was burnt at geneva for less than being a socinian , and who was not so bad as mr. b. ( a presbyterian ) hath laboured to fancy me . and he tells us also , that oecolampadius ( a learned protestant ) was offended at the barbarity of the sentence . nor find i any thing ( saith he ) pretended against servetus , which was so highly blasphemous , as to make god the author or cause of sin. and how well calvin could tell his own tale , and how diligent he was in being the first informer of his affairs , we may guess by his epistles , , , which he writ to the four helvetian cities for gaining authority to his new device — for , let them say what they please to lessen the guilt of that cruelty , yet they are parties , and must not so easily be heeded as other men who are none . if servetus his books were so blasphemous , why was calvin so diligent in burning up the impression which he should rather have preserved , that posterity might see some competent cause for such a terrible execution ? yet , by the providence of god , one or two of the copies escap'd the flames ; and we are assured , by peerless grotius , that in the copy which he saw , he could not find those things which were objected by mr. calvin ; what melancton wrote , it was meerly on supposition that calvin's narrative was true . thus far the learned pierce , in dislike calvin ' s cruelty against servetus . and by this we may perceive , how little credit there is to be given to dr. owen and mr. finch , or his little praecursor , not one of them having seen the book which they condemn , but receive their information from them that were his murderers . and grant that servetus did err in that great mystery of the trinity , yet must he for this be burnt to death ? why then , dr. owen , mr. finch , and his little lawyer , would make bloody work , even in england , where there are too many who are as erroneous concerning that glorious mystery , as servetus was , ( the more is the pity ) ; for seeing they justify calvin in that bloody act , how can they refuse doing the like , were it in their power , unless they will come short of that zeal which they commend in mr. calvin ? by this print of the foot , we may know the stature of that monster of persecution , which did not the law restrain , would appear in too many professors at this day . i speak what i know by the usage i have met with in this city , both from professors and prophane . . now let us hear how famous mr. calvin was in the judgment of some learned and sober protestants . ( . ) he is thought to err in the mystery of the trinity as well as servetus , though perhaps not so much . these are his words , ( speaking of the three persons , &c. ) if the names have not without cause been invented , we ought to take heed , that in rejecting them , we be not justly blamed of proud presumptuousness . i would to god ( says he ) they were buried indeed , so that this faith were agreed of all men , that the father , son , and holy spirit , are one god ; and yet the father is not the son , nor the holy ghost the son , but distinct by certain properties . institut . l. . c. . sect. . and this his tres proprietates , is objected against him by some of the learned protestants . and i am of opinion , should i write of the blessed trinity as mr. calvin has done , mr. finch and his forerunner would cry out blasphemy . ( . ) he condemns the ancient fathers , because they were not of his mind in the case of irrespective reprobation , but hold , that there was salvation for all men through god's mercy in the gift of his son. he brands them ( saith a learned protestant ) as pelagianising in their opinions . but ( . ) his rudeness of speech was intolerable : he called great and good men by titles unseemly ; as serpent , pest , lossel , fool , knave , devil , filthy dog , impudent hangman , &c. and bucer ( a learned protestant ) calls him , fratricide , a murderer of his brethren . and grotius says , he grew worse and worse ; and that calvin ' s disciples are such themselves in disposition , as they make god to be in their imaginations towards the greater part of mankind . and truly this is too apparent in two of his followers , i mean , the little praecursor and mr. finch , whose study has been to render me very odious , though i am sure they know no evil by me , more ( no nor so much ) as they know by themselves . and yet thus i am represented by them , viz. audacious , impudent , turbulent , impetuous , impertinent , scurrilous , prejudic'd mechanick ; a fool , despicable , wise mr. grantham , a despised man , coxcomb , addle-brain , dull kitching-pate , clown , blunderbuss , dissembling prater , brawler , bellowing , hideous , bleat , thick-skull momus , one decreed to steal , wrangling fellow , dolt , poor fop , soft-pated clod , caviller , brazen-●orehead , inconsiderate fellow , gagling goose , a quarrelsome boisterous man , one that has lost all credit and esteem with all wise and knowing christians that worship the holy trinity ; one , like a woman scolding and quarrelling in the streets , one like an impertinent woman , &c. so that i think these two calvinists have come near the pitch of their master . and such as will not spare mens reputation , are not to be trusted with their lives , any more than mr. calvin . . there is one thing which runs through mr. f's epistle and book , and that is a talk of special discriminating grace . as if god's grace , which he gives to most men , were of little use for them that have it ; yea , of no use at all , in respect of eternal life . all that mr. f. allows that grace to effect for them in the other world , is only to make their punishment less in hell , as you may see in p. . of his answer ; which is a piece of as woful divinity as ever was heard surely . reader , i humbly advise thee to take heed how thou receivest these dictates , and esteem all ( even the least measure of grace from god ) to be a special favour , and such as in its nature and effect ( if it be all that ●e design'd for thee , be it never so little ) will certainly lead thee to heaven , thou being a faithful improver of it , sincerely , though under many infirmities ; and this through his own goodness , in christ jesus our lord , who gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time , tim. . . ( . ) again observe , that these terms , discriminating grace , &c. are not found in the scripture ; nor wisely made use of to render some of god's grace not to be discriminating , ( as they please to phrase it ) . we know god gives more talents to some than he does to others , yet grace is the same in nature and efficacy , if improved , and to leave the receiver under unpardonable guilt if not improved , mat. . and we shall only be accountable for what god gives to each one , and for no more ; nor will he deal in severity , but where his grace hath been contemned . ( . ) consider that very many of those who most talk of discriminating grace , are greatly destitute of that tender love which paul had for them that rejected christ , rom. . , , . & . , , . but are filled with hatred against all that oppose their conceit of irrespective reprobation ; being indeed fierce and of a cruel disposition , full of passion , quickly angry , &c. these things i have found to be true ( god knows it ) among such as pretend very high to discriminating grace more than amongst others : but i fear it will prove but a special discriminating conceit in the end to very many of them . . there is a great talk also , both in his epistle and book , about god's absolute soveraignty . as if because he is so , he might make angels and men on purpose to damn them to everlasting fire , without giving them ( at any time ) any means sufficient to prevent their destruction . to avoid this rock upon which they often split themselves , let us consider , that though god's soveraignty is incomprehensible , yet it is every way better both in its mercy and justice , and in the exercise of both , than any soveraignty that men do receive or exercise under him . now we know , that what prince soever exerts his soveraign power , to impose absolute impossibilities upon his subjects , and death for non-performance , is a very cruel and unrighteous prince in the exercise of that soveraignty . such was pharaoh , exod. . condemned by god and man. o how ill would it become a prince to cut off the feet of many of his subjects , and then gibbet them alive , because they do not run as well as those whose feet he spared ? and yet even thus do these calvinists represent the most merciful soveraign that ever was : for they hold and teach , that god did freely and unchangeably decree , precisely such a number of angels and men , women and infants , to be damned , and that unspeakable time , before there was either angel or man created ; and this , not because god foresaw they would sin , and despise the riches of his goodness ; but he also ordained them that they should commit so many sins , yea , all the sins that they ever shall or can commit , that so he might glorify the soveraignty of his justice ( as they speak ) in such a voluntary and dismal destruction of his creatures . . these things i made evident from the learned calvinists own pens , as alledged against them by their fellow protestants ; and mr. finch is so far from answering them , that he plainly tells you , he will not meddle with any of my quotations , and yet he calls his book an answer to mine . he says also , he will not justify all the phrases of learned and godly men ; and thus he will hold to their opinion , but not to their phrases . hence he likes not dr. collings's using the phrase , as if god did not seriously act , &c. when indeed he makes the case far worse : for tho peter told the jews , god sent christ to them to bless them , in turning every one of them from their iniquities , mr. f. tells you , it was far from peter ' s meaning , p. . and when our saviour bewails israel , for not knowing the things that belonged to their peace ; mr. f. tells us , christ did not weep for their spiritual peace , but to prevent their ruin by the romans ; as if christ did more tender their bodies than their souls : it seems he had ordained the devil should lead them to hell , but for this christ would not weep as a mediator , but he wept as man only for that they should be destroyed by the romans ; and yet , if you sound him to the bottom , it was infallibly and unchangeably decreed by christ as god , that they should be destroyed by the romans , for he holds that god did unchangeably decree whatsoever comes to pass . o unwise expositor ! and thus does he abuse most of the texts which he meddles with , which speak of god's love to mankind universally , as every careful reader may perceive : and very unworthily declares , that god hath many holy ends in affording the preaching of the word to many , upon whom he never purposed nor intended to bestow special and saving grace , p. . and what is this , but to tell the world , that god meerly mocks the greatest part of men to whom the gospel is preached ? for whatever he speaks by the gospel to them , he never intended them any salvation by it . and thus mr. finch , and all such preachers as he is , are meer hypocrites , for they cannot intend any salvation to all they preach unto , but only to a very few ▪ and they know not so much as one of them . nay , so greedily does he fancy that god will absolutely damn the greatest part of mankind ; that he will not spare the poor dying infants , but cast them into hell also ; and his reason is , that as men do kill the young cubs of foxes and wolves , though they never yet did any mischief , so god may , if he please , glorify his justice upon infants , though they die in their infancy ▪ p. , . and thus our gracious god is made more cruel to his off-spring , ( for such is all mankind , acts . . ) than the very wolves and foxes are to their young ones . an● what is now become of that gracious speech of almighty god , psal . . his tender mercies are over all his works ? sure , damned infants have no share at all in his mercy , no not so much as a toad by a thoasand degrees . o ye fools , when will ye be wise ? psal . . . mr. finch quarrels with the title of my book , and says , we read of john the baptist , not of thomas the baptist . but this only shews his weakness ; i speak not of thomas the baptist . i intend by the baptist , all that own the doctrine and baptism of repentance for remission of sins , including john the baptist as the first teacher of that baptism , for the manifestation of christ to israel , and that all men through him might believe , john . , . this doctrine mr. finch and the presbyterians do oppose , both in the extent of this blessed object of faith for all men , by narrowing it up to they know not who , and therefore preach they know not what . and also by sprinkling poor infants ( many times fast asleep ) in opposition to john the baptist , who baptized repentant believers in the river , or where there was much water , mark . . john . . mr. finch also quarrels my office as a messenger of the baptized churches , &c. but of this i have given an account , in my book intituled , christianismus primitivus , to which i refer the inquisitive reader , and remain , norwich , aug. . . a friend and servant to all men , for jesus's sake , tho. grantham . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e the calvinists make god to establish all the mischievous actions of men and devils by an unalterable decree , so as that they must be done of necessity . o horrible ! * libenter fateor ( inquit calvinus de se ) ac prae me fero prodisse accusatorē , spero capitale saltem feret judicium . calv. ep. ad farret . a prophesie written long since for this yeare, wherein prelate-policie is proved to be folly : as also, many notable passages concerning the fall of some great church-men / written by a modern poet. wither, george, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing w a). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing w a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : , : ) a prophesie written long since for this yeare, wherein prelate-policie is proved to be folly : as also, many notable passages concerning the fall of some great church-men / written by a modern poet. wither, george, - . [ ], p. [s.n.], london : . reproduction of original in huntington library. attributed to george wither. cf. nuc pre- . in verse. eng church of england -- clergy. a r (wing w a). civilwar no a prophesie written long since for this yeare, . vvherein prelate-policie is proved to be folly. as also, many notable passages concerni wither, george d the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the d category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - ali jakobson sampled and proofread - ali jakobson text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a prophesie vvritten long since for this yeare , . vvherein prelate-policie is proved to be folly . as also , many notable passages concerning the fall of some great church-men . written by a modern poet . london , printed in the yeare , . a prophesie vvritten long since for this yeare , . i doe not wonder , as i erst have done , that when the prophet ionas should have gone to niniveh , gods word he disobey'd ▪ and would himselfe to tharsus have convey'd : for , i have now a sense how flesh and blood the motions of the holy ghost withstood , and feele ( me thinks ) how many a likely doubt the devill , and his frailty , found him out . he was a man , ( though he a prophet were ) in whom no little weaknesse did appeare : and , thus he thought , perchance , what shall j doe ? a strange attempt my heart is urged to : and , there is somewhat , earnestly incites that i should hasten to the ninivites , and , preach , that if they alter not their waies , their time of standing , 〈◊〉 but forty dayes . my soule perswadeth god injoynes me to it ; and , sleepe in peace , i cannot , till i doe it : but common reason striveth to restraine this motion , and perswadeth me t is vaine . it saith , i am a sinner , and so fraile , that many times , my best endeavors faile to rectifie my selfe . how shall i then be hopefull of reclaiming other men ? to isr'el j have threatned many yeares gods judgements : yet , no fruit thereof appeares although they have some knowledge of the lord , and are within his league , they slight his word : what hope then is there , that a heathen nation will prove regardfull of my exhortation ? the stile of prophet , in this land i carry ; and such a calling , here , is ordinary but , in a forraigne state , what warranty have i , to publish such a prophesie ? how may the king and people take the same , if i shall in the open streets defame so great ae city ? and , condemne for sin , a place wherin i never yet have bin ▪ if i shall say , the lord commanded me ▪ then , they phehaps , will answer : what is he ? for , they professe him no● ▪ nay , some suspition they may conceive , that i to move sedition am sent among them . or , if otherwise they shall suppose ; how can they but despise my person , and my counsell , who shall from so farre a place , so meere a stranger come , that no man knowes , or what , or who i am , or , from what country , or from whom i came ? such thought ( belike ) delay'd and fear'd him so ; and , so the spirit urg'd him still to go for niniveh ; that nor to goe , nor stay , could he resolve ; but , fled another way . from which rebellious course , god fetceth him back with such a vengeance , that he did not lack sufficient proofes , how reason did betray him , and , in his calling , causlesly affray him , yea ( marke heav'ns providence ) though ionas went another way , it crost not god's intent , but furthered it . for , doubtlesse , e ▪ re he came to ninveh , the miracle and fame of his deliverance , was sent before ; and , made his preaching worke on them the more . now , though i doe not arrogate , nor dare my selfe ( except in frailties ) to compare with blessed jonas : yet i may behold to say , our causes a resemblance hold . my heart ( and when that moves , as one averres , it more prevailes then many counsellers , my heart ( i say ) perswaded me e're while , to reade a warning lecture to this i le . and in such manner moved ; that , to say it came from god , me thinks , behold i may . yet , my owne nat'rall frailty , and the world , among my thoughts so many doubtings hurld , that every step had rubs . i levell'd some in my last canto . yet , i could not come to even ground , till i had overtopt some other mountaines which my passage stopt , beware said reason , how thou undertake this hazardous adventure , which to make thou hast resolv'd for , this wise age denies that god vouchsated any prophesies concerning them ▪ or , that the application of ought foretold , pertaineth to this nation . she saith , my constancy is no true signe that god first moved this intent of mine ; since hereticks , and traytors , oft are seene as bold in all their causes to have beene as martyrs be . and , that for what they doe , they can pretend the holy spirit too . and she perswades , t is likely i shall passe ( at best ) for one that much deluded was . she sayes , moreover , that if these times be indeed , so wicked , as they seeme to me , i shall in stead of moving to repent , nought else but stir their fury , and be rent perhaps in pieces , by their hasty rage , for , what 's more likely in a wicked age ? when people in their sins grow hardned once , she saies i may as well goe talke to stones , as tell them ought . for , they are in the dark ; and , what they see and heare , they doe not marke . she urged that the prophets in old times did speake in vaine against the peoples crimes ; and if in them their words begat no faith , much lesse will such as mine , my reaeson saith . she tells me also , that this i le hath store of prophets , and of preachers never more : she sayes , that though their calling none neglect , their paines appeare to take but small effect : and , if such men authorized as they , doe cast their words , without successe , away ; in vaine my muse ( whose warrant most contemne ) doth seeke to worke more piety in them . a thousand things unto the like effect ; yea , all and more then any can object , ( who shall peruse this book ) my reason brought before me , and objected to my thought , and , as a pilgrim ( who occasions hath to take some extraordinary path ) arrivall making at a double way , is doubtfull whether to proceed or stay : so fared i ; i was nigh tired quite , before i could be certaine of the right . yea , twixt my doubtings , and all those replies which in my meditations did arise ; i so amazed grew , i could not know which way it best befitted me to goe ▪ but ▪ at the last , god brought me thorow all my doubts and feares ; as though the storme and whale , once jonas came : that so ▪ all they , who are ordained for their good , these lines to heare , the more may profit , when they think upon what straights i passed , e're this work was done . to that intent my frailties i have so insisted on , as in this book i do . yea , i am hopefull also , they that read these lines of mine ( and mark with how much heed and christian awfulnesse , my heart was won to censure and reprove as i have done ) will plainely see , these numbers flow not from fantastick rashnesse ; nor from enuy come ▪ nor spring from faction ; neither were begot by their distracted zeale , who ( knowing not what spirit guides them ) often are beguiled with shewes of truth ; and madly have reviled both good and ill : and whose unsavory rimes defames mens persons more then check their crimes . dishonour kings ; their sacred names blaspheme ; and having gain'd some notions in a dreame , or by report ( of what they know not well ) desire their giddy thoughts abroad to tell in hope to merit ; as in deed they doe , sometime the pillory , and gallowes too . i trust , i say , these lines will seeme no such ; or , if they doe , truth is , i care not much , because i certaine am what pow'r infused those matters whereupon i now have muzed ▪ and know , that none will these or me condemne , but they whose rage and follies i contemne . yet , that they may be sure i never care who censures me , nor what their censures are , ( when honest things i doe ) here , somewhat more i 'le adde to what is mentioned before ▪ and give thee , britaine , a more perfect sight of thy distempers , and thy sickly plight . yea , thou shalt know , i have not seene alone a bodily consumption stealing on , and wasting of thy temporalties ; but , that i also have discovered of late , a lethargy upon thy soule to steale and that as well the church as commonweale doth neede a cure . oh! doe not quite neglect , the good of both ; but , one ( at least ) respect ▪ though iudahs sicknesses unheeded be , ( although thy temporall wounds afflict not thee ▪ ) yet looke on syon : yea , behold and see thy spiritualties how much impair'd they be ▪ the churches patrimony ●s decay'd ▪ and many a one is in her spoiles draid ●o those patrons ( as we terme them in this age ) who of her dowries have the patronage , doe rob and cheat her , many times of all ; and , their donations basely set to sale . those cananites , whom thou preservest here , ( and by thy lawes to be expelled were ) are in thy borders now so multiply'd , that they are thornes and thistles in thy side . they are become a serpens in thy path , which bites unseene ; and nigh unhorsed hath . some able riders . on thy places-high thy people doe commin idolatry , and reare strange altars . in thy fields are found those cunning harmefull foxes to abound , that spoile thy vines . and , some i have espy'd , twixt whose opposed tales , are firebrands ty'd , which wasts thy fruits . thy harvest seemeth faire ; but secret blastings doe so much impaire and blite the corne : that when it comes to bread , thy children oft unholsomly are fed . men use religion as a stalking-horse to catch preferment ; yea , sometimes to worse and baser uses they employ the same ; like that bold harlot , who quite void of shame , did of her vowes , and of her peace-offerings make a ginn , lascivious customers to take . yea , some ( resembling him , from whom was cast one devill ) when one sin thy have displac't , of which the world tooke notice , sweep and clense themselves ( in show ) from all their other sins ; yet secretly , let sathan repossesse , and foule them with a seven-fold wickednesse . an universall dulnesse will benum thy senses , if thou doe not soone becom more heedefull of thy state , then thou art yet : for , ev'ry part hath felt an ague ▪ fit . thy academs , which are the famous places in which all pious knowledges and graces should nourisht be , and whence thy chiefe supply of teachers , come , ( as from a nursery ) ev'n those faire fountaines are much tainted grown , with doctrine hardly sound , which thence are blown through ev'ry quarter . in their schooles are heard vaine jiggs and janglings , worthlesse of regard . their very pulpits , and their oratories , are stages , whereupon their owne vain glories men often act . yea , many a vaine conceit , is brought in stead of arguments of weight and ( which is worse ) disorder is so rise among them ; and the weedes of evill life have so o'regrowne those gardens , that ( unlesse good government shall speedily redresse that spreading mischiefe ) it will overtop the plants of syon , and destroy her crop . to be thy shepheards , wolves are stolen in ; and thou hast chose who even by day begin to sow their tares among thy purest seed ; and , with mixt craines thy lands pollutions breed . for hire , and money , prophesies the prophet : the priest doth preach to make a living of it , ev'n meerely for a living ; and ▪ but few their holy charge , for conscience sake pursue which i by many signes could make apparent , but that it is not yet within my warrant . loquntur curae leves ; little cures doe make men preach , whilst poverty endures . ingentes stupent ; but , large livings make our doctors dumb : condemne not my mistake for , though i doe the latine sentence wrong , that 's true i tell you in the english tongue . our nation , which of late prophanenesse hated ▪ is in that sin almost italionated . the scriptures without reverence are used : the holy phrase , in jesting , is abused : to flout , or praise , or curses we can apply gods holy word , most irreligiously : in stead of emblemes , moving thoughts divine , the filthy pictures of lewd ar●●●ne , are found in many closets . foolish lies , prophane and most lascivious elegies . are publike made . yea , those whom heretofore a heathen emperour did so abhor , that he , for them , their wanton author sent to undergoe perpetuall banishment : ev'n these , we reade ; and worse then those , by far ▪ allowed passe , and unreproved are . nay , their vaine authors often cherisht be : at least , they have the favour to goe free . but , if a graver muse reprove their sin , lord , with what a hasty zeale they call it in ! how libellous they make it ! and how vile , thou know'st ; and at that folly thou dost smile . full warily , the politick divine , ( who should allow it ) scanneth ev'ry line before it passe ▪ each phrase he doth suspect ; although he findeth nothing to be chekt , he feares to licence it . and if by chance it passe abroad , forthwith doth ignorance mistake or misapply ; and false and bade constructions are , of good expressions made ▪ yea , they who on the fears of iudgement sit , are oft , most ready , to miscensure it . i would they were as forward to disgrace those authors , who have filled ev'ey place with fruitlesse volumes . for dispersed are ev'n quite throughout this land every yeare , ev'n many thousand reames of scurrill toyes , songs , rimes and ballads , whose vaine use destroyes or hinders uertuous knowledge and devotion , and this they doe to further the promotion of our diana ▪ yet , behold , if we to publish some few sheets required be , containing pious hymns , or christian songs . or ought which to the praise of god belongs : we do so feare the hindrance of our gaine , that like th' ephesian silver-smiths , we faine a great complaint . as if to have enlarged a little booke , had grievously o'recharged the common wealth . whereas if it were weigh'd , how much of late this land is ove● aid with triviall volumes or how much they doe corrupt our manners , and religion too , by that abusive matter they containe ? i should not seeme unjustly to complaine . these times doe swat me with pamphlets , which be far more dangerous , then mortall poysons are . ev'n in those bookes , whereby the simple thought to find true ▪ knowledge , they their bane have ought for , thence , strong heresies ( there being hid amid some doubtlesse truths , a while unspid ) steale out among the people , by degees ; more mischiefe working then each reader sees : and , so , to ruine knowledge , that is made an instrument ▪ whereby it rising had . for ( by their lucre , who the churches peace disturb , their private profit to increase ) those doctrines which are unauthorised , are so promiscuously divulg'd ▪ and spread , among approved verities , that some are in those labarinths amaz'd become : and , such a contradiction is in that which their confused pamphlets doe relate ; that , common readers , known not which to leave , nor , which the church of england doth receive . and , from this mischiefe many others flow , which will , in future times , more harmfull grow this , spins vaine controversies to their length ; by this , most heresies receive their strength . and what distraction it already makes , our grieved mother wofull notice takes . in stead of active knowledge , and her fruit ; this filleth men with itching of dispute , and empty words ; wherby are set abroach a thousand quarrells , to the truths reproach . the sectaries , the munkeyes , and the apes , the cubs and foxes , which doe mar our grapes ; the wolves in sheep-skins ▪ and our frantick rable of vvorship-mongers , are innumerable ▪ and , as the churches quiet they molest . so they each other spightfully infest . we have some papists ▪ some that halfe way goe : some semi-puritans ; some wholly so ; some anabaptists ; some who doe refuse black puddings ; and good porke , like arrant iewes : some also term'd arminians are among our priests and people , very lately sprung . what most , so call'd , professe , i stand not for : and what some say they teach , i doe abhor . but , what some other , so misnam'd , beleeve ▪ is that whereto best christians credit give , for , as we see the most reformed man , by libertines , is term'd a puritan : so ( by our purblinde formalist ) all those who new fantasticke crotchets doe oppose , begin to be mis-term'd arminians now , and , hence e're long will greater mischieves grow then most imagine . for , the foolish feare , lest they to be arminians may appeare , or else be termed puritans , will make great multitudes religion quite forsake . and , i am halfe perswaded , this will one of those great schismes ( or earthquakes ) cause which john foretold in his apocalyps ; and they are blest , who shall not thereby fall away . some brownists , and some famalists hove we ; and some , that no man can tell what they be ; nor they themselves . some , seeme so wondrous pure they no mans conversations can endure , vnlesse they use their plaistrings ; and appeare in ev'ry formall garbe which they shall were . there be of those , who in their words deny , and hate the practice of idolary , yet make an idol of their formall zeale , and underneath strict holinesse , conceale a mystery of evill , which deceives them , and , when they thinke all safe , in danger leaves them . their whole religion , some doe place in heating ▪ some , in the outward action of forbearing ill deedes ; or in well doing , though the heart in that performance beare no reall part . some others , of their mor●all actions make ▪ small conscience : and , affirme that god doth take no notize how in body they transgresse , if him in their inward man confesse : as if a soule beloved could reside within a body quite unsanctifide . some not contented in the act of sin . aare growne so impudent , that they begin to joustifie themselves in wickednesse ; or , by quait arguments , to make it lesse : and , by such monsters , to such ends as this , the christians liberty de●amed is . newfanglednesse , religion hath o'rethrowne ; and , many as fantasticall are growne in that , as in apparell . some , delight in nothing more then to be opposite to other men : their zeale they wholy spend the present government to reprehend ; the churches discipline to villifie ; and raile , at all , which pleades antiquitie . they love not peace : and therefore have suspition of truth it selfe , if out of persecution : and are so thankelesse , or so heedlesse be of gods great love , in giving such a free and plenteous meanes of pulishing his word ▪ that , what his prophets of the iewes record , some verefie in us . much praise is given to that blinde age , wherein the queene of heav'n was worship heare . and falsely we extoll those dayes , as being much more plentifull . some , at the frequency of preaching grutch , and , tyred with it , thicke we have too much : nay , impudently practise to suppresse that exercise , and make our plenty lesse . and , that their doing may not want some fayre or goodly coulor , they doe call for pray'r , in stead thereof ; as if we could not pray , vntill our preaching we had sent away . as these are foolishly , or lewdly , wise ; we have some others wantonly precise . so waywardly disps'd , amidst our plenty , and through their curiosity , so dainty , that , very many cannot well digest the bread of life , but in their manner drest . nor will gods manna , or that measure serve , which he provides ; but , they cry out they starve , vnlesse they feed upon their owne opinions , ( which are like egypts garlike and her onions ) some like not prayer that 's extempory ; some not any that set forme noth cary : some thinke there 's no devotion , but in those that howle , or whine , or snuffle in the nose ; as if that god vouchsafed all his graces for fained gestures , or for soure faces . some thinke not that the man , who gravely teacheth ; or hath a sober gesture when he preacheth , or gentle voyce : hath any zeale in him , and therefore , such like preachers they contemne . yea , they suppose that no mans doctrine saves the soule of any one , unlesse he raves , and rores aloud , and flings , and hurleth so as if his armes he quite away would throw ; or over-leap the pulpit ; or else breake it : and this ( if their opinion true may make it ) is to advance their voyces trumpet-like , as god commands : yea this ( they say ) doth strike sinne dead . whereas indeed , god seldome goes in whirlewinds : but is in the voyce of those who speake in meeknesse . and it is not in the pow'r of noyse to shake the walls of sinne : for clamors , antique actions , writhed lookes and such like mimmick rhetoricke none brookes that hath discretion : neither doth it move the heart of any , when we so reprove ; excpt it be in some contrary motion , which interupts the hearts good devotion . the well affected christian pitties it ; it makes prophanest men at naught to set gods ordinance . meere morall men despise such affatection : much it terrifies the ignorant : but very few from thence receive sound knowledge , or true penitence . some relish nothing , but those points that are in controversie : some would nothing heare but songs of mercy , some delight in none but songs of thunder ; and scarce any one ▪ is pleas'd in what he heares . nay of their preachers , mechanicks , arrogate to be the teachers . yea , most of us , what e're our pastor shyes , keepe still our owne opinions and our wayes . to heare and know gods word , to some among our nation , seemeth onely to belong to clergymen ; and , their implicite faith is built on what the common rumour saith . some others fill'd with curiosity affirme that ev'ry sev'rall mystery within gods booke included , doth concrne ev'n each particular christian man to learne : whereas they might as well affirme , each guest that is invited to each feast , is bound the sev'rall dishes there to heed , and upon every meat before him feed ▪ nay , some have almost this imagination , that there is hardly hope of their salvation who speake not hebrew . and , this now adayes , makes foolish women , and young prentises to learne that holy tongue ; in which they grow as cunning as doe those who nothing know , save to be arrogant , and to contemne those pastors , who have taken charge of them . the appetite of some growes dull , and failes , vnlesse it may be pampered with quailes ; high flying crotchets , which we see doe fill not halfe so many soules as they doe kill . we cannot be content to make our flights , for that which god exposeth to our sights , and search for that which he is pleas'd to show , but , we must also pry , what god doth know . which was indeed an ancient fallacy of sathans ; and the very same whereby he cheated eave ▪ from seeking to disclose beyond our warrant , what god onely knowes , proceedeth many errors . thence doth come most questions that have troubled christendome . yea , searching things conceal'd , hath overthrowne the comfortable use of what is knowne . hence flowes their fruitlesse fond asseveration , who blundred on eternall-reprobation , and many groundlesse whimsies have invented , whereby much better musings are prevented . of reprobation i no doubt have made ; yet , those vaine quarrellings which we have had , concerning her , and her antiquity , ( but that the world hath wiser fooles then i ) appeares to me to bring so little fruits , that i suppose it fitter for disputes in hell , ( among the reprobrated crue ) then for for a church of christians to pursue : at least to brawle about with such hot rage , as hath possest some spirits of this age . for , some have urg'd this point of reprobation , as if the chiefest groun-worke of salvation depended on beleeving , just , as they ( deluded by their fancies ) please to say . and , though they never found gods holy word did any mention of the same offord , but , as of that which did begin since time ; and with respect to some comshitted crime : they , neverthelesse , their strengths together guther , to prove the child is older then the father . and , since that fatall thred , there , finds her spinning , but from of ; at farthest from beginning : they reprobation , otherwhile confound with our predestination : which is found no where in all the scripture , to respect the reprobates , but onely gods elect. and then they are compeld to prove the sense of their darke tenet , by an inference ; and to affirme ( from reason ) that election eternall , doth infer the like rejection . ( as if an action of eternity , were fit to square out shallow reasons , by ) which argument because it hath not taken true faith , to ground on , may with ease be shaken . their tottering structure , therefore , up to keepe , they into gods foreknowledge boldly peep , beyond his warrant ; searching for decrees and secrets , farther then an angell sees : presuming then , as if all things they knew , and had eternitie within their view . but , that hath such an infinite extension , beyond their narrow-bounded comprehension , that , there , they wander on , till they are madd : and loose that little knowledge , which they had : for what are they but mad-men who maintaine the giddie fancies of their owne weake braine , for theses of religion , which we must beleeve as they affirme them , or be thrust among the reprobates ? what lesse , i pray , are they then madd , who foole their wits away in wheeling arguments which have no end ? in straines which man shall never apprehend ? in seeking what their knowledge doth exceed ? in vaine disputings , which contentions breed . in strange chymera's , and fantastick notions , that neither stirre us up to good devotions , nor mend our manners ? but our wayes pervert , distract the judgement , or puffe up the heart . if this i may not madnesse call , or folly , t is ( at the best ) religious-melancholly . what shall we judge of those who strive to make gods word ( whose termes and scope they much mistake their proofes for that whereof no proofes they are , and sleight those truths , for which the text is clear : what shall we deeme of those , who quite mistaking good authors , ( and their volumes guiltie making of what they never meant ) doe preach and write against those bookes , with rancorous despight , which being well examin'd , say the same which they affirme , and check what they doe blame . such men there be , and they great noise have made by fighting furiously with their owne shade . what may be thought of them , who likely , ever , in their perverse opinions to persever , take knowledge up on trust . and follow those who leade them on , as wild-geese fly in rowes ▪ and when their multitude is waxen great , doe then so wilfully prejudicate , become so confident of that they hold , and in their blind assurance , so are bold , that they can brook no tryall , neither see their oversights , how plaine so ere they be ? but fondly think ( though we beleeve it not ) that they infallibitie have got ? some pious men ; yea , some great doctors tread , such laborinths ; and often are misled by holding that which they at first were taught , without due proving all things as they ought ; and vulgar men are often led awry , by their examples , and for company . for , as a traveller , that is to come from some far countrey , through large desarts , home ; ( not knowing well the way ) is glad to take his course with such who showes of cunning make , and walkes along , depending still on them , through many a wood , and over many a streame , till he and they are lost : there to remaine he finds no safetie , nor meanes back againe , nor list to leave his company ; because he hopes that nearer homeward still he drawes , and that his guides full sure of passage are , although they cannot well describe it , there . so , when plaine men doe first attempt the way of knowledge , by their guides , they walk astray , without distrust : and when arriv'd they be where many troublesome windings they doe see , and where no certaintie they can behold , yet , on their leaders knowledge they are bold , or on their multitude : yea , though they know , and , see them erre , and turne , and stagger so , ( in darksome paths ) that well suppose they may ▪ they rove and wander in an uncouth way ; yet , still they are unwilling to suspect the wisdome of the fathers of their sect. yea , though no satisfaction they can find , though feares and doubtings doe afflict their mind , they still impute it rather to their owne infirmities , or to the depths unknowne of those mysterious points , to mention brought ; but never call in question what is taught : lest being by those teachers tertifide , they might forsaken in despaire abide . their doctors , also , failing to devise strong arguments , their hearers to suffice ; this course , to salve their credits , late have got ; they say ( forsooth ) faiths doctrine settles not with naturall capacities ; and that the spirit must those men illuminate who shall receive them . and , indeede in this , they doe both say the truth , and say amisse : this is a jesuitish juggling trick , and , if allow'd it be , each lunatick , and ev'ry brain sick dreamer , by that way , may foist upon us all that he can say . for , though gods holy spirit must create new hearts within us , and regenerate depraved nature , e're it can be able to make our outward hearings profitable ; we must not thinke that all which fancy saith ( in termes , obscure ) are mysteries of faith . nor make the hearers want of pow'r to reach their meanings , to be proofes of what they teach . there is twixt men , and that which they are taught ▪ some naturall proportion , or t is naught . the deepest mystery of our profession , is capable of literall expression , as well to reprobates , as men elected ; or else it may of error be suspected . yea wicked men a power granted have to understand , although they misconceive . and can of darkest points make plaine relations , though to themselves they faile in applications . god never yet did bid us take in hand to publish that which none can understand : much lesse affecteth he a man should mutter rude sounds of that , whose depth he cannot utter ; or in uncertaine termes , as many doe , who preach non-sense , and oft non entia too . for those which man to man is bound to show , are such plaine truths , as we by word may know ; which when the hearer can expresse againe , the fruit hath equalled the teachers paine . then , though the soule doth many times conceive ( by faith , and by that word which we receive ) deep mysteries , and that which farre transcends a carnall knowledge : though she apprehends some glimmerings of those objects , that are higher then humane reason ever shall aspire ; though she hath tastings of that blessednes , which mortall tongue could never yet expresse ; and though the soule may have some earnest given on earth , of what it shall enjoy in heaven ; though god may when he list ( and now and then for cause not ordinary ) to some men vouchsafeth ( for their secret satisfactions ) a few reflections from eternall actions : though this be so , let no man arrogate that he such secrets can by word relate : for , they are things , of which no voyce can preach ; high flights , to which no mortall wing can reach ; t is gods owne worke , such raptures to convay , to compasse them there is no other way , but by his blessed spirit . and , of those most can we not ; some must we not disclose . for , if they onely touch our private state , they were not sent , that we should them relate ; but daigned that the soule they strengthen might amid the perills of some secret fight ; when men to honour god , or for their sinne , the terrours of this life are plunged in . and , as it is reputed of those things , which foolish people thinke some fairy brings , so , of enthusiasmes speak i may ; discover them , and straight they fly away . for , thus they fare who boast of revelations . or of the certainty of their salvations , or any ghostly gift , at times or places , which warrant not the mention of such graces : yea , by revealing things which they should hide , they entrance make for over-weening pride : and that quite marres the blessing they possest , or , for a while , obscureth it , at best : and yet , if any man shall climbe so high , that they attaine unto a mystery , conceiv'd by few ; they may , if they be able , disclose it where it may be profitable . but , they must know , that ( if it be , indeed , of such transcendency , as doth exceed meere naturall reaches ) it should be declard to none , save unto those who are prepar'd for such conceptions ; and more apt to know them by their owne thoughts , then are our words to show them . else , all they utter will in clouds appeare , and errors , men , for truths , away will beare . would this had beene observ'd a little more , by some who in our congregations roare of gods unknowne decrees , eternall-callings , of perseverance , and of finall fallings , and such like mysteries . of else , i would that they t●eir meanings better utter could , ( if well they meant . ) for , though those points afford much comfort and instruction ( as gods word hath mention'd them ) and may applyed be , and opened , when we just occasion see ; yet , as most handle them , who now adayes doe passe for preachers , with a vulgar praise , they profit not : for , this ripe age hath young and forward wits , who by their fluent tongue , and able memories , a way have found to build a house , e're they have laid the ground . with common places , and with notes purloin'd , ( not well applyed , and as ill conjoyn'd ) a garb of preaching these have soone attained , which hath , with many , approbation gained beyond their merit . for , they take in hand those mysteries , they neither understand , nor studied on . and , they have much distracted some hearers , by their doctrines ill compacted : yea , by enquiring out what god fore-sees , and medling much with his unknowne decrees , the churches peace so much disturb'd have they ; so foule and crooked made faiths plainest way ; such scandals rais'd ; and interrupted so , by doubts impertinent , what men should doe ; and , their endeavours nullifide , so far , that many of them at a nonplus are . i am not of their minds , who take from this and other things , that are perform'd amisse , occasion to disparage frequent preaching ; or , to abate our plentiousnesse of teaching : for , of our harvest , lord , i humbly pray , the store of labourers continue may . and , i could also wish , that none were chose to be a seed-man , till he truly knowes the wheat from tares ; and is indu'd with reason , and grace , to sow in order , and in season . and that those artlesse workmen may be staid , who build before foundations they have laid : lest , when our church well built , suppose we shall , it sink , and overwhelme us in the fall . it pities me to marke what rents appeare within our sion ; and what daubings are to hide the ruines ; and i feare the frame will totter , if we long neglect the same . our watchmen , for the greater part , are growne lesse mindfull of gods honour , than their owne : for either almost wholly we omit that worke , or undiscreetly follow it . some , speake the truth , without sincere intention , as they who preach the gospell for contention . some , by their wicked lives doe give offence , and harden men in their impenitence . as if nor hell nor heav'n they did beleeve , they ryot , game , drink drunk , and whore , and theeve , for avarice , and envy , none are worse ; they are malicious , and blaspheme , and curse , as much as any others . none are more regardlesse of the soule that 's meane and poore ; among their neighbours , none more quarrelsome , or , that more hardly reconcil'd become , then many clergie-●en . and as we see they are the best of men , when good they be ; so , there are none that wander more astray , when they have left a sanctified way . some pastors are too hot ; and some too cold ; and , very few the golden temper hold . some , at the papist with such madnesse fling , as if they could not utter any thing of them too vile ; though ne're so false it were : and , we so used by their jesuits are . some others at the puritan doe strike , so furiously , that they are often like to wrong the protestants : for , men impose that name , sometime , upon the best of those ; yea , they who are prophane , that name mis-lay on all who make a conscience of their way . some shepheards , on their flocks are gorg'd at full , and sumptuously arayed in their wooll . but , those that are diseas'd , they make not strong ; their sickliest sheepe they seldome come among ; they take no care , the broken up to bind , the sheepe that 's lost , they doe not seeke to find ; they let such wander as will run astray ; and , many times their fury so doth fray the tender conscience ; that their indiscretion doth fright their hearers headlong to perdition . gods bounty hath large pastorage provided ; but , they have not his flocks with wisdome guided : for , in the midst of plenty , some be ready to starve in ignorance . some sheepe are headdy ; some get the staggers ; some the scab ; and they infect their fellowes . some , the wantons play among the thornes and bryers , which have torne the marks and fleeces , which they should have worn . some straggle from the flock ; and they are straight surpriz'd by wolves , which lye for them in wait . some , sought large feeding , and ranck pastures got , which prov'd not wholsome ; & they caught the rot ▪ for , many preach themselves , and fancies broach , that scandall preaching , to the truths reproach . yea , some terme that ( forsooth ) gods word divine , which would halfe shame me , should they terme it mine . and they we see , that longest pray and speake are priz'd of most ( though head nor foot they make ) because the common hearers of this land , think best of that , which least they understand . some , also , by their feet disturb the springs ; or trample and defile gods pasturings ; and they are either such who make obscure faiths principles ; or , such whose lives impure , prophane their doctrines . other some have we , who ( like the beasts that over-gamesome be ) doe push their weaker brethren with their homes ; and hunt them from the flock , by wrongs , or scornes ▪ gods houses , also , much neglected are ; and of his sanctuaries , few have care . a barne , or any common house , or roome , is thought as well gods worship to become , as in the churches infancy ; or there , where wants , and wars , and persecutions are . amidst our peace and plenties , we doe grutch our oratories should be trimm'd as much as are our vulgar dwellings ; and repine that exercises which are most divine , should with more rites , or ornaments , be done , then when the troublous times afforded none . as if a garden , when the flow'rs are blowne , were still to look as when it first was sowne . to worship so in spirit , we pretend that , in our bodies , we doe scarcely bend a leg , or move a cap , when there we be , where gods most holy mysteries we see . yea , many seeme so carefull to have bin , to let no superstition enter in , that they have , almost , wholly banisht hence , all decency , and pious reverence . the church , by lukewarme christians , is neglected , by brutish atho'sts , it is disrespected ; by greedy worldlings , robbed of her fleeces ; by selfe-will'd schismaticks , nigh torne in pieces ; by tyrants , and by infidels opposed ; by her blind guides , to hazard oft exposed ; by hypocrites , injuriously defamed ; and , by the frailties of the best , oft shamed . a pow'r ecclesiasticall is granted to them , full often , who those minds have wanted becomming such authoritie : and they play fast and loose , ev'n with the churches key ▪ they censure and absolve , as best shall make for their advantage ; not for conscience sake . as they shall please , they punish or connive ; and , by the peoples follies they doe thrive . of evill customes , many are we see insinuated , and so strict are we to keep them , that we sottishly deny to leave them , for what more would edifie : and we so much doe innovations feare , that needfull reformations none appeare . we have prophaned ev'ry holy thing ; ev'n our most christian feasts , which are to bring gods mercies to our thought ; and memorize of saving-grace , the sacred mysteries : some have ev'n those gain-sayed ; and , in that have evill spoken , of they know not what . some others keep them ; but , as heathenishly , as feasts of bacchus ; and impietie is then so rife , that god is rarely nam'd or thought upon , except to be blasphem'd . by these , and other wayes , the church doth lose much honour , to the glory of her foes , and our great shame , and losse : for , her decayes shall be this realmes disprofit , and dispraise . god hath a controversie with our land ; and , in an evill plight affaires doe stand . already we doe smart for doing ill ; yet , us the hand of god afflicteth still , and many see it not ; as many be so wilfull , that his hand they will not see . some , plainly view the same , but nothing care : some , at the sight thereof amazed are like balthazar ; and have a trembling heart ; yet , will not from their vanities depart . about such matters , other some are loth their thoughts to busie ( meerely out of sloth ) like him , who rather would in hazard put his life , than rise from bed the doore to shut . some , dreame that all things doe by chance succeed , and that i prate more of them than i need . but , heav'n and earth , to witnesse i invoke , that , causlesly , i nothing here have spoke . if this , oh sickly iland , thou beleeve , and for thy great infirmitie shalt grieve , and , grieving of thy follies make confessions ; and so confesse thine infinite transgressions : that thou amend those errors : god shall then thy manifold distempers cure agen ; make all thy scarlet sins as white as snow , and cast his threatned judgement on thy foe . but , if thou ( fondly thinking thou art well ) shalt sleight this message , which my muse doth tell , and scorne her counsell ; if thou shalt not rue thy former wayes ; but , frowardly pursue thy wilfull course : then , harke what i am bold , ( in spight of all thy madnesse ) to unfold . for , i will tell thy fortune ; which , when they that are unborne , shall read , another day ; they will beleeve gods mercy did infuse thy poets brest with a prophetick muse . and know , that he this author did prefer , to be from him , this iles remembrancer . if thou , i say , oh britaine ! shalt retaine thy crying sinnes , thou dost presume in vaine , of gods protection . if thou stop thine eare , or burne this rowle , in which recorded are thy just inditements ; it shall written be with new additions , deeply stampt on thee with such characters , that no time shall race their fatall image , from thy scarred face . though haughtily thou dost thy selfe dispose ; because the sea thy borders doth enclose . although upon the rocks thy neast is plac'd ; though thou among the stars thy dwelling hast ; though thou encrease thy ships ; and unto that which is thine owne , with king iehosaphat , joyne ahabs forces . though thou watch and ward , and all thy ports and havens strongly guard ; although thou multiply thy inland forces , and muster up large troups of men and horses ; though like an eagle , thou thy wings display'st , and ( high thy selfe advancing ) proudly say'st ; i sit aloft , and am so high , that none can fetch me from the place i rest upon . yea , though thou no advantages didst want , of which the glorioust emperies did vaunt ; yet , sure , thou shalt be humbled and brought low ; ev'n then , perhaps , when least thou fear'st it so . till thou repent , prouisions which are made for thy defence , or others to invade , shall be in vaine ; and still , the greater cost thou shalt bestow , the honour that is lost shall be the greater ; and thy wasted strength , be sick of a consumption , at the length . thy treaties , which for peace or profit be , shall nether peace , nor profit , bring to thee . or , if thy counsels prosper for a while , god will permit it , onely to beguile thy foolishnesse ; and tempt thee on , to run some courses , that will bring his judgements on . yea , all thy winnings shall but fuell be , to feed those follies that now spring in thee ; and make ( with vengeance ) those the more enrag'd who shall for thy correction be engag'd . what ever threatned in gods book hath bin , against a wicked people for their sin , shall come on thee : his hand shall be for ill , on ev'ry mountaine , and high-raised hill . thy loftie cedars , and thy sturdy oakes , shall feele the fury of his thunder-stroakes . upon thy ships , thy havens , and thy ports , upon thy armes , thy armies , and thy forts , upon thy pleasures and commodities , thy crafts mechanick , and thy merchandize ; on all the fruits , and cattell in thy fields , on what the ayre , or what the water yeelds , on prince and people ; on both weak , and strong , on priest , and prophet ; on both old , and yong ; yea , on each person , place , and ev'ry thing , the plague it hath deserved god shall bring . what ever thou dost hope , he frustrate shall ; and , make what e're thou fearest , on thee fall . this pleasant soyle , wherein such plenty growes , and where both milke and honey overflowes , shall for thy peoples wickednesse be made a land as barren , as what never had such plenties in it . god shall drive away thy pleasant fowles , and all those fish that play within thy waters ; and for whose great store some other nations would have prais'd him more . those rivers , that have made thy vallies rich , shall be like streames of ever-burning pitch . thy dust , as brimstone ; fields as hard and dry as iron is ; the firmament , on high , ( like brasse ) shall yeeld thee neither raine nor due . the hope of wasted blessings to renue . a leannesse , shall thy fatnesse quite devoure ; thy wheat shall in the place of wholsome flowre , yeeld nought but bran . in stead of grasse and corne , thou shalt in times of harvest , reap the thorne , the thistle , and the bryar . of their shadowes thy groves shall robbed be . thy flowry medowes shall sterile waxe . there shall be seldome seene sheep on thy downes ; or shepheards on the greene ▪ thy walks , thy gardens , and each pleasant plot , shall be as those where men inhabit not . thy villages , where goodly dwellings are , shall stand as if they unfrequented were . thy cities , and thy palaces , wherein most neatnesse and magnificence hath bin , shall heaps of rubbish be , and ( as in those demolisht abbies , wherein dawes , and crowes , now make their nests ) the bramble , and the nettle , shall in their halls , and parlours , root , and settle . thy princes houses , and thy wealthy ports , now fill'd with men of all degrees and sorts , shall no inhabitants in them retaine , but some poore fisherman , or country swaine , who of thy glories , when the marks they see , shall wonder what those mighty ruines be ▪ as now they doe , who old foundations find , of townes and cities , perisht out of mind . the places where much people meetings had , shall vermine holes , and dens for beasts be made . or walks for sprights , who from those uncouth rooms shall fright the passenger , which that way comes . in stead of mirth and laughter , lamentation shall there abide : and ▪ loathsome desolation ▪ in stead of company . where once was heard sweet melody , men shall be made afeard with hideous cryes , and howlings of despaire . thy very climate , and thy temp'rate ayre , shall lose their wholsomnesse ▪ for thy offences ; and breed hot fevers , murraines , pestilences , and all diseases . they that now are trained in ease , and with soft pleasures entertained ; in stead of idle games , and wanton dances , shall practise how to handle guns , and launces : and be compell'd to leave their friends embraces , to end their lives in divers uncouth places ; or else , thy face , with their owne bloud defile , in hope to keepe themselves , and thee , from spoile . thy beautious women ( whose great pride is more than theirs , whom esay blamed heretofore ) in stead of paintings , and of costly sents , of glittering gems , and precious ornaments , shall weare deformitie about their faces ; and , being rob'd of all their tempting graces , feele wants , diseases , and all such like things , which to a wanton lover lothing brings ▪ thy god , shall for thy overflowing vices , scourge thee with scorpions , serpents , cockatrices , and other such ; whose tailes with stings are armed , that neither can be plucked forth , nor charmed . thou shalt not be suffiz'd when thou art fed ; nor shalt thou suffer scarcitie of bread and temp'rall food alone ; but , of that meat , whereof the faithfull soule desires to eate . that curse of ravenous beasts , which god hath said , vpon a wicked kingdome shall be laid , he will inflict on the . for though there be no tygers , lyons , wolves , or beares in th●e , by beastly minded men ( that shall be farre more cruell then those bloody spoylers are ) thou shalt be torne : for , each man shall assay his fellow to devoure as lawfull prey . in stead of lyons , tyrants thou shalt breed , who nor of conscience , nor of law take heed ; but , on the weake mans portion lay their paw , and , make their pleasures , to become their l●w . in stead of tigers , men of no compassion , a furious , and a wilfull generation , shall fill thy borders . theeves , and outlawes vile , shall hunt the waies , and haunt the woods for spoyle , as beares , and wolves . a subtile cheating crew ( that will with tricks and cousenages pursue the simpler sort ) shall here encrease their breed ; and , in their subtleties the fox exceed . that hoggish herd , which alwaies rooting are within the ground , and never upward reare their grunting snouts ; nor fixe their eyes on heav'n , to looke from whence their daily food is giv'n : those filthy swinish livers , who desire to feede on dra●fe , and wallow in the mire ; those , who affect ranke pudles , more then springs ; to trample and dispise most precious thing ; the holy to prophane ; gods hearbs of grace to nouzle up , his vineyard to deface ; and such like harmes to doe : these shall thy fields , marre worse , then those wild boares the d●sart yeelds . if thou remaine impenitent , thou ar● like egypt ; and so stony is thy heart . for which obduratenesse , those plagues will all descend on thee , which did on egypt fall . blood , frogs , and lice , great swarmes of uncoth flies ▪ th' infectious murraine , whereof cattle dies ; boyles , scabs , & blaines ; fierce haile , & thunder-stormes , the locust , and all fruit devouring wormes . crosse darknesse , and the death of those that be thy darlings ; all those plagues shall fall on thee , according as the letter doth imply , or , as in mystick sense they signifie . thy purest rivers god shall turne to blood ▪ with ev'ry lake , that hath beene sweet and good . ev'n in thy nostrils he shall make it stinke , for ▪ nothing shall thy people eate or drinke , vntill their owne , or others blood it cost ; or , put their lives in hazard to be lost . most loathsome frogs ; that is , a race impure , of base condition , and of birth obscure , ( ev'n in unwholsome fens , and ditches , bred ) shall with a clownish rudenesse over-spread thy pleasant'st fields ; thy fairest roomes possesse ; and make unwholsome ( by their sluttishnesse ) thy kneading troughs , thy ovens , and that meat , whereof thy people , and thy princes eat . this hatefull brood , shall climbe to croake and sing , within in lodging chambers of the king . yea , there make practice of those naturall notes , which issue from their evill-sounding throats : to wit , vaine brags , revilings , ribaldries , vile slanders , and unchristian blasphemies . the land shall breed a nasty generation , vnworthy either of the reputation or name of men . for , they as lice shall feed ev'n on the body whence they did proceed ; till poverty , and sloventy , and sloth , have quite disgrac'd them , and consum'd them both , there shall moreover , swarmes of divers flies , engendred be in thy prosperities , to be a plague : the flesh-flye shall corrupt thy savory meats ; musketoes interrupt the weary traveller ; thou shalt have drones , dores , hornets , waspes , and s ; uch like angry-ones , who represent that swarme whose buzzing tongues ( like stings ) are used in their neighbours wrongs : and , still are flying , and still humming so , as if they meant some weighty worke to do , when as , upon the common stock they spend ; and nought performe of that which they pretend . thy butter-flies shall plague thee too ; ev'n those , who waste their lands and rents , in gaudy clothes , or idle flutterings ; and then spawne their seed , upon thy goodli'st flow'rs , and herbs to feed . as beasts destroyed by the murraine be , so , they th●y that are of beastly life in thee , by lewd example shall infect each other ; and in their foule diseases rot together . on all thy people , or what sort soe're , shall scabs , and bile , and running sores appeare , the fruits of their corruption . yea , with paines ( within their conscience , and with scars and blaines of outward infamy ) they shall be grieved . and , in their tortures perish , unrelieved . tempestuos stormes , upon this i le shall fall , hot thunder-bolts , and haile-stones therewithall ; men either too too hot , or too too cold ; or else luke warme . but , few or none shall hold a rightfull temper : and , these meteors will thy borders with a thousand mischieves fill . the locust also and the palmer wormes , shall prey on what escapeth from the stormes : not they alone , which on the grasse do breed ; but , also , they who from the pit proceed which hath no bottom : and , when any thing doth by the dew of heav'n begin to spring , they shall devoure the same , till they have left thee , nor leafe nor blossome ; but , of all bereft thee , then shall a darkenesse follow , farre more blacke , then when the light coporeall thou dost lacke . for , grossest jgnorance , o'reshadowing all , shall in so thick a darknesse thee inthrall , that thou a blockish people shalt be made , still wandring on in a deceiving shade ; mistrusting those that safest paths are showing , most trusting them , who counsell thy undoing ; and aye tormented be with doubts and feares , as one that outeries , in darke places heares . nor shall the hand of god from thee returne , till he hath also smote thine eldest-borne . that is , till he hath taken from the quite , ev'n that whereon thou setst thy whole delight ; and filled ev'ry house throughout this nation , with deaths unlooked for , and lamentation . so great shall be thy ruine , and thy shame , that when the neighbour kingdomes heare the same their eares shall tingle . and when that day comes , in which thy follies must receive their doomes ; a day of clouds , a day of gloominesse , a day of blacke despaire , and heavinesse , it will appeare . and , then thy vanities , thy gold , thy silver , thy confederacies , and all those reeds on which thou hast depended ; will faile thy trust , and leave thee unbefriended . thy king , thy priests & prophets , then shall mourne ; and , peradventure , fainedly returne to beg of god to succour them : but , they who will not harken to his voyce today , shall cry unheeded : and he will despise their vowes , their prayers , and their sacrifice : a sea of troubles , all thy hopes shall swallow : as waves on waves , so plague on plague shall follow : and , ev'ry thing that was a blessing to thee , shall turne to be a curse , and helpe undoe thee . thy sov'raignes have to thee thy fathers bin ; by meanes of them hath peace beene kept within thy sea-girt limits : they , thy weale befriended , the blessed faith they stoutly have defended : and , thou hast cause of goodly hopes in him , who hath , of late , put on thy diadem . but know , that ( till thou shalt repent ) no part belongs to thee of what is his desert his princely vertues , to his owne availe , shall profit much : but they to thee shall faile . to thee his clemency shall seeme severe , his favours all , shall injuries appeare ; and when thy sinne is fully ripe in thee , thy prince and people , then ▪ alike shall be . thou shalt have babes to be thy kings ; or worse , those tyrants who by cruelty and force shall take away thy ancient freedomes quite , from all their subjects ; yea themselves delight , in their vexations : and , all those that are made slaves thereby , shall murther , yet not dare to stirre against them . by degeers they shall deprive thee of thy patrimonies all ; compell thee ( as in other lands , this day ) for thine owne meat , and thine owne drinke ▪ to pay . and , at the last beginne to exercise upon thy sonnes , all heathnish tyrannies , as just prerogatiues to these intents , thy nobles shall become their instruments . for they who had their birth from noble races , shall ( some and some ) be brought into disgraces from offices they shall excluded stand : and all their vertuous off-spring from the land , shall quite be worne in stead of whom shall rise a brood advanced by impieties , by flattery by purchase , and by that which ev'ry truely-noble one doth hate . from stems obscure , and out of meane professions , they shall ascend and mount by their ambtions , to seats of justice ; and those nam●s to beare ▪ which honor'd most within these kingdomes are . and being thither got , shall make more strong their new-built greatnesse , by encreasing wrong ▪ to those ▪ will some of these themselves unite , who by their births to lordly stil●s have right ; but , viciously consuming their estate , did from their fathers worths degenerate . by this confederacy ▪ their nobler bloods ▪ shall countenance the others ill-got goods ; the others wealth againe shall keepe from scorne their beggery , who have beene nobly borne : and , both together , being else unable , ( in this ill course to make their standing stable ) shall seeke how they more great , & strong , may grow by compassing the publike over-throw . they shall abuse thy kings , with tales , and lies ; with seeming love , and servile flatteries . they shall perswade them they have pow'r to make their wils , their law ; and as they please to take there peoples goods , their children and their lives , ev'n by their just and due prerogatives . when thus much they have made them to beleeve , then they shall teach them practices to grieve their subjects by ; and , instruments become to helpe the screwing up , by some and some , of monarchies to tyrannies . they shall abuse religion , honestie , and all . to compasse their designes . they shall devise strange projects ; and with impudence , and lyes , proceed in setling them . they shall forget those reverent usages , which doe befit the majestie of state ; and raile , and storme , when they pretend disorders to reforme . in their high counsels , and where men should have kind admonitions , and reprovings grave , when they offend , they shall be threatned there , or scoft , or taunted , though no cause appeare . it is unseemly for a judge to sit and exercise a jibing schoole-boyes wit vpon their trades , or names , who stand before their judgement seats : bu● who doth not abhor to heare it , when a magistrate objects , birth , poverty , or personall defects in an upbraiding wise ? or , who with me derides it not , when in our courts we see those men , whose bodies are both old and weake , ( forgetting grave and usefull things to speake ) uent giants words , and bristle up , as tho their very breath could armies overthrow : whereas ( poore weaklings ) were there in their places no more authority , then in their faces , their persons , or their language , all their chasing , and threatning , nothing would effect but laughing . for unto me big looks , and crying ho●● , as dreadfull seemes , as when a child cryes boh to fright his nurse , yea such a bugbeare fashion eff●cteth nought but scornefull indignation . but in those times ( which nearer are then som● suppose perhaps ) such rhetoricke will come to be in use ; and arguments of reason , and just proceeding , will be out of season . their wisedome shall be folly ; and , goe nigh to bring con●empt on their authority . their councell fable shall a snare be made , and those 'gainst whom they no just matter had , at first appearance shall be urg'd to say some word or other , e're they part away , which will betray their innocence to blame , and bring upon them detriment and shame : yea , many times ( as david hath of old , concerning such oppressors well foretold ) to humble crouchings , and to fained showes , descend they shall , to worke mens overthrowes : and what their subtilty doth faile to gaine , they shall by rigour , and by force obtaine . what ever from thy people they can teare , or borrow , they shall keep , as if it were a prize which had beene taken from the foe : and they shall make no conscience what they doe to prejudice posterity . for , they to gaine their lust , but for the present day , shall with such love unto themselves endeavor , that ( though they knew it would undoe for ever their owne posterity ) it shall not make those monsters any better course to take . nay , god shall give them up for their offences , to such uncomely reprobated senses : and blinde them so , that ( when the axe they see ev'n hewing at the root of their owne tree , by their owne handy strokes ) they shall not grieve for their approaching fall : no , nor beleeve their fall approacheth ; nor assume that heed which might prevent it , till they fall indeed . thy princes , brittaine , in those dayes , will be like roaring lyons , making prey of thee . god shall deliver thee into their hand . and they shall act their pleasure in the land ; as one his prophet threatned to that nation , which doth exemplifie thy desolation . thy kings ( as thou hast wallowed in excesse ) shall take delight in drinke , and wantonnesse . and , those who thou dost call thy noble-ones shall to the very marrow , gnaw thy bones . thy lawyers fulfully shall wrest thy lawes , and ( to the ruine of the common cause ) shall mis-interpret them , in hope of grace from those , who may dispoyle them of their place . yea , that whereto they are obliged both by conscience , by their calling , and their oath to put in execution , they shall feare , and , leave them helpelesse , who oppessed are . thy prelates in the spoyle of thee shall share ; thy priests , as light shall be , as those that are the meanest persons . all their prophecies , or preachings , shall be herisies and lies . the word of truth in them shall not remaine , their lips no wholsome knowledge shall retaine , and all his outward meanes of saving grace , thy god shall carry to another place . marke well oh britaine ! what i now shall say , and doe not sleihhtly passe these words away ; but , be assured that when god begins , to bring that vengeance on thee , for thy sinnes , which hazzard will with totall over-throw , thy prophets , and thy priests shall sliely sow the seeds of that dissention and sedition , which time will ripen for thy sad perdition . ev'n they , who formerly , were of thy peace the happy instruments , shall then increase thy troubles most . and , ev'n as when the iewes gods truth-presaging prophets did abuse , he suffered those who preached in his name , such falshoods as the chiefest cause became of their destruction : so if thou go on to make a scorne ( as thou hast often done ) of them who seeke thy welfare , he will send false prophets , that shall bring thee to thine end ▪ by saying all things thou wouldest have them say : and lulling thee asleepe in thine owne way . if any brain-sick fellow , whom the devill seduceth to inflict , on thee some evill , shall coyne false doctrines , or perswade thee to some foolish course that will , at length , undoe the common-weale : ●his counsell thou shalt follow ▪ thou , cover'd with his bait , a hooke shalt swallow to rend thine entrailes : and thine ignorance shall also for that mischiefe , him advance . but if that any love● of thy weale , inspir'd with truth , and with an honest zeale , shall tell thee ought pert●ining to thy good , his messages shall stiffly be withstood : that seer shall be charged not to see ; his word shall sleighted as a potsherd be his l●fe shall be traduced , to disgrace his counsells ; or , his errant to debase : in stead of recompence he shall be sure , imprisonments , or threatnings to procure : and peradventure ( as those prophets were , who did among the iewish peers declare their states enormities ) his good intention , may be so rong'd , that he , by some invention , may loose his life , with publike shame and hate , as one that is a troubler of the state . but not unlesse the priest thereto consent ▪ for in those dayes shall few men innocent be griev'd ( through any quarter of the land ) in which thy clergie shall not have some hand . if ever in the fields ( as god forbid ) the blood of thine owne children shall be shed by civill discord , they shall blow the flame , that will become thy ruine , and thy shame . and thus it shall be kindled . when the times , are nigh at worst ; and thy increasing crimes almost compleat ; the devill shall begin to bring strange crotchets , and opinons in among thy teachers , which will breede disunion , and interrupt the visible communion of thy establisht church . and , in the steed of zealous pastors , ( who gods flock did feed ) there shall arise within thee , by degrees ▪ a clergie , that shall more desire to fleece , then feede the flocke . a clergy it shall be , divided in it selfe : and they shall thee divide among them , into sev'rall factions : which rend thee will , and fill thee with destructions : they all in ourward seeming shall pretend gods glory , and to have one pious end : but , under colour of sincere devotion , their study shall be temporall promotion ; which will among themselves strange quarrels make wherein thy other children shall pe●●take . as to the persons , or the cause , they stand affected , even quite throughout the land . one part of these will for preferment strive , by li●ting up the king's prerogative above it selfe . they shall perswade him to much more then law or conscience bids him do ; and say , god warrants it . his holy law●s they shall pervert , to justifie their cause ; and , impudently wrest , to prove their ends , what god , to better purposes , intends . they shall not blush to say , that ev'ry king , may doe like solomon , in every thing , as if they had his warrant : and shall dare ascribe to monarches , rights that proper are to none but christ ; and mixt their flatteries , with no lesse grosse and wicked blasphemies ▪ then heathens did : yea , make their kings beleeve , that whosoever they oppresse or greive , it is no wrong ; nor fit for men oppressed , to seeke by their owne lawes to be redressed , such councell shall thy princes then provoke , to cast upon thee rehoboams yoake . and , they not caring , or not taking heed how ill that ill-advised king did speed , shall multiply thy causes of distraction . for , then , will of thy priests , the other faction bestir themselves . they will in outward showes , those whom i last have mentioned , oppose . but , in thy ruine , they will both agree , as in one center , though farre off they be in their diameter . with lowly zeale , an envious pride they sl●ly shall conceale : and , as the former to thy kings will teach meere tyranny : so shall these other preach rebellion to the people ; and shall straine the word of god , sedition to maintaine . they shall not feare to say , that if thy king become a tyrant , thou maist also fling obedience off ; or from his crowne divorce him ; or , by the terror of drawne swords enforce him . which false divinity , shall to the devill send many soules , and bring on thee much evill . oh! be thou therefore watchfull ; and when e're these lambs with dragons voyces doe appeare , repent thy sinne , or take it for a token , that some great bulwarke of thy peace is broken , which must be soone repaired ; or else , all the greatnesse of thy glory , downe will fall . take heede of those false prophets , who will strive betwixt thy prince and people to contrive a disagreement . and , what ever come , thy due allegeance never start thou from . for ( their oppressions though we may withstand by pleading lawes , or customes ) not a hand must move against them , save the hand of god , who makes a king , a bulwarke , or a rod , as pleaseth him . oh! take ye therefore heed yee people , and ye kings ( that shall succeed ) of these impostors . of the last beware yee subjects : for , their doctrines hellish are . and though they promise liberty and peace , your thraldome , and your troubles they 'll increase . shun oh ! yee kings the first ; for , they advise what will your crownes and honors prejudice . when you doe thinke their prophecies befriend you , they doe but unto r●moth-gilead send you , where you shall perish ; and poore micahs word , though lesse esteem'd more safety will afford . they will abuse your piety , and all your vertues . for their wicked ends they shall apply the sacred story ; or what ever may seeme to further their unjust endevor . ev'n what the son of hannah told the iewes , should be their scourge ( because they did refuse the sov'raignty of god , and were so vaine to aske a king which over them might raigne as heathen princes did ) that curse they shall affirme to be a law monarchicall which god himselfe established to stand throughout all ages , and in ev'ry land . which is as good divinity , as they have also taught , who doe not blush to say that kings may have both wives and concubines ; and , by that rule whereby these great divines shall prove their tenet , i dare undertake ( if found it hold ) that i like proofe will make of any i●wish custome , and devise authority for all absurdities . but , false it is . for might all kings at pleasure ( as by the right of royaltie ) make seasure of any mans possessions : why i pray did ahab grieve , that naboth said him nay ? why made he not this answer thereunto , ( if what the prophet said some kings would do , were justly to be done ) thy vineyards mine ; and at my pleasure , naboth , all that 's thine assume i may , like a turky-chick , did he so foolishly grow sullen-sick , and get possession by a wicked fact of what might have beene his by royall act ? if such divinity , as this were true , the queene should not have needed to pursue poore naboth , as she did ; or , so contrive his death ; since by the kings prerogative , she might have got his vinyard . nor would god have scourg'd that murther with so keene a rod ▪ on ahab , had he asked but his due . for , he did neither plot , nor yet pursue the murther ; nor ( for ought that we can tell ) had knowledge of the deed of iezabel , till god reveal'd it by the prophet to him , nor is it said , that naboth wrong did do him , or disrespect ; in that he did not yeeld , to sell , or give , or to exchange his field . the iewish commonwealth did so instate , that , their possessions none could alienate , but for a time ; who ever , for his mony , or in exchange , desir'd their patrimony . and , doubtlesse , we offend , who at this day those fredomes give , or lose , or sell away , which were in common right possest of old , by our forefathers ; and , continue should to all their after commers . for , altho we may dispose of what pertaines unto our persons : yet , those dues which former ages have left unto us for our heritages , ( and whereunto , the child that borne must be , hath ev'ry whit as good a right as we ) those dues we should preserve with all our might , by pleading of our just and ancient rgiht , in humble wise , if so the sov'raigne state our freedome shall attempt to violate . but , when by peacefull meanes we cannot save it , we to the pleasure of the king must leave it , and unto god our judge : for all the pow'r in us , consists in saying , this is our . a king is for a blessing , or a curse ; and therefore ( though a foole he were , or worse , a tyrant , or an ethnick ) no man may so much as in their private closets , pray against his person ; though they moy petition against the wickednesse of his condition . nor , is this suffrance due to those alone , who subject are unto a monarchs throne , but , from all those who either subjects are to mixed government , or popular . for , though irregularities appeare in ev'ry state ; because but men they are whom gods exalts to rule : yet , it is he by whom all governments ordained be . and ev'ry goverment ( although the name be different ) is in effect the same . in monarchies , the counsell ( as it were an aristocracy ) one while doth beare the sway of all ; and though they name the king , yet , him they over-rule in ev'ry thing . sometime againe , the pop'lar voice we see , doth awe the counsell , when in them there be some pop'lar spirits ▪ aristocracies are otherwhile the same with monarchies , for , one great man among them gets the pow'r , from all the rest , and like an emperor , doth act his pleasure . and we know t is common to have some foolish favorite ▪ or woman , to governe him . so in a pop'lar state , affaires are manag'd by the selfe same fate ; and either one or more , away doe steale the peoples hearts , and sway the commonweale . thus god is pleas'd , to humble and to raise ▪ thus , he by sev'rall names , and sev'rall waies , the world doth governe . yea , thus , ev'n in one nation , and in one state , he makes much alteration in formes of goverment ; of changing that which is but accidentall to a state . and , such his iustice , and his wisedome is , that he preserveth by the meanes of this , those things which doe essentially pertaine to that great power , which over all doth raigne ▪ nor is he pleased thus it should be done in states that meerely civill are alone ; but , also , in the churches governments , allowes the change of outward accidents . yea , they to whom he gives the oversights of some particular church , may change old rites , the customes , formes , or titles , as occasions are offered them ; or , as the times , or nations , require a change : provided so , that they take nothing which essentiall is , away ; nor adde what shall repugne or prejudice gods lawes , his kingdome , or the liberties of them that are his people . for , in what hath any church a pow'r , if not in that which is indifferent ? or , in what i pray will men the church authority obey , if not in such like things ? or , who should be the iudge what is indifferent , if not she ? a private spirit knowes what best agrees with his owne fancy ; but , the church best sees , what fits the congr●gation . from what gives offence to one , another man receives much comfort : and , his conscience edifies , by disciplines , which many doe despise . a parish is a little diocesse ; and , as of cities , townes , and villages , a bishopricke consists : so , that doth rise by tythings , hamlets , and by families . and little difference would be in the same , ( excepting in the largenesse and the name ) if their opinions were allow'd of all , who favour not the stile episcopall : for , ev'ry priest would then usurpe the same authority , whereof some hate the name . yea , many a one would then his parish make a little popedome , and upon him take ( considering his meane pow'r ) as much as he that vniversall bishop claimes to be : and prove more proud , and troublesome , then they against whose lordlinesse they now inveigh . this therefore is my rule ; that govern●ment ( what e're it be ) in which to me god lent my birth and breeding ; that , untill my end , i will obey , and to my pow'r defend . yea , though it tyrannize , i will denay no more obedience , then by law i may : ev'n by those lawes and customes which doe stand in force , and unrepealed in that land . what right another had , e're i was borne or how , or for what sinne , gods hand hath torne his kingdome from him , i will never care ; let them goe answer that who subjects were , ( when lost it was ) and had that meanes , and calling , and yeares , which might prevented have his falling . or should another country take me home as one of hers ; when thither i did come i would not seek , nor wish to innovate the titles , or the customes of that state , to what some other countries better thought : but , leave such things to those to whom i ought . and , there , if any faction shall constraine that i one part must take , i will maintaine what bore the sov'raignty when i came thither ; and , i and that will stand and fall together . the same obedience , also , keepe i shall , to governments ecclesiasticall where e're i come ; if nothing they command which doth gods word , essentially , withstand : or , indirectly , or directly , thwart his glory , or the purity pervert of christian principles , nor further strife , nor cause , nor countenance an evill life . the hyerarchy , here , i will obey , and reverence , while i in england stay . in scotland if i liv'd , i would deny no due respect to their presbyterie . geneva should i visit , i would there submit my selfe to what their customes were . yea , wheresoe're i am , i will suppose the spirit in that church much better knowes what best that place befitteth , then i do : and , i will live conformed thereunto , in ev'ry thing that 's meerly politick , and injuries not the doctrines catholick . to ev'ry temp'rall pow'r i 'le be the same , by whatsoever cognizance , or name , men please to call it . if i should be sent to poland , where a mixed government establisht is ; i would not tell them , there , that any other custome better were were i in switzerland , i would maintaine democrity ; and , thinke to make it plaine , that for these times , those cantons , and that nation , there could not be a better domination . in venice , far before a monarchy i would prefer an aristocratie . in spaine , and france , and in great britaine here i hold no goverments more perfect are then monarchies . and , if gods will should be , beneath a tyrant to envassaile me , i would perswade my selfe , that heavy yoake were best , for some respects ; and , to the stroke ev'n of an iron mace would subject be , in body ; with a minde that should be free from his inforcement , ( if he did withstand , or bid me what gods law doth countermand . ) there is , i know , a middle-way that lies ev'n just betwixt the two extremities , which to sedition , and to faction tend . to find which tract , my whole desire i bend ; and wish it follow'd more . for , if we tread that harmelesse path , we cannot be mis-led ; nor sham'd , though blam'd we be . to ev'ry man i faine would give his due ; and all i can i doe endeavour it . i would not wrong my country ; neither take what doth belong to cesar : nor infringe , or prejudice , the vnivesall churches liberties ; nor for her outward discipline prefer or censure , any church particular ; or any state , but as befit it may , his muse , which nought but needfull truths doth say . nor have i any purpose to withdraw obedience , or respect from any law that 's positive ; or , to dishearten from those customes , which a christian state become . nor have i any thought to scandalize , or speake a misse of principalities ; or , to traduce mens persons ▪ but , i fall on errors of mens lives in generall , and , on those great abuses , which i see to blemish ev'ry calling and degree of dignities and persons , i observe , all meanes i can , their honours to preserve , when i reprove their faults . and , ev'n as he that hunteth foxes , where lambes feeding be , may fright that harmelesse flock , and suffer blame of some by-standers , ( knowing not his game ) when from his dogs , those innocents are free , and none but their devourers bitten be . so , though my reprehensions , often are mistooke by foolish readers ; they are far from reprehending those , or taxing that which is unfitting for my shooting at . i speake those things which will advantage rather then harme : and hence this blinded age may gather much light . thich little volume doth relate nought else but what is like to be our fate , if sin increase ; and what in former times did fall on other nations for their crimes . i utter what our welfare may increase , and helpe confirme us in a happy peace ; which they will never compasse , who pursue to speake what 's pleasing , rather then what 's true , how ever , here my thoughts deliv'red be : let god , as he shall please , deliver me . and if what here is mention'd , thou dost heed ( oh brittaine ! ) in those times that shall succeed , it may prevent much losse , and make thee shun those mischiefes , whereby kingdomes are undone . but , to thy other sins , if thou shalt adde rebellions ( as false prophets will perswade ) which likely are to follow , when thou shalt in thy profession of religion halt : then , will thy kings and people scourge each other , for their offences , till both fall together : by weakning of your pow'rs , to make them way , who seeke and look for that unhappy day . then , shall disorder ev'ry where abound and neither just nor pious man be found the best shall be a br●er or a thorne , by whom their neighbours shall be scratcht and torne . thy princes shall to nothing condiscend for any merit , just , or pious end ; but either for encreasing of their treasure , or for accomplishing their wilfull pleasure : and unto what they sell or daine for meede , there shall be given little trust or heed . for , that which by their words confirme they shall , ( the royall seales uniting therewithall ) a toy shall frustate ; and a gift shall make their strictest orders no effect to take . the iudge , without a bribe , no cause shall end : no man shall trust his brother , or his friend : the parents and the children shall despise and hate , and spoyle each other : she that lies within her husbands bosom , shall betray him : they who thy people should protect , shall slay them : the aged shall regarded be of none : the poore shall by the rich be troden on : such grievous insolencies , every where shall acted be , that good and bad shall feare in thee to dwell ; and , men discreet shall hate to be a ruler , or a magistrate ; when they behold ( without impenitence ) so much injustice , and such violence . and , when thy wickednesse this height shall gaine , to which ( no doubt ) it will e're long attaine , if thou proceede : then , from the bow that 's bent ( and halfe way drawne already ) shall be sent a mortall arrow : and it pierce thee shall quite through the head , the liver , and the gall . the lord shall call , and whistle from afarre , for those thy enemies that fiercest are : for those thou fearest most ; and they shall from their countries , like a whirlewind hither come , they shall not sleepe , nor stumble , nor untie their garments , till within thy field they lye , sharpe shall their arrowes be , and strong their bow , their faces shall as full of horror show as doth a lions . like a bolt of thunder their troopes of horse shall come , and tread thee under their yron feet . thy foes shall eate thy bread , and with thy flocks both clothed be and fed . thy dwellers , they shall carry from their owne , to countries which their fathers have not knowne . and , thither shall such mischiefes them pursue , that they who seeke the pit-fall to eschew , shall in a snare be taken . if they shall escape the sword , a serpent in the wall to death shall sting them : yea ( although they hap ; to shun a hundred plagues ) they shall not scape ; but , with new dangers , still be chac'd about , vntill that they are wholly rooted out . the plowman , then , shall be afraid to sow ; artificers their labour shall forgoe ; the marchant man shall crosse the seas no more , ( except to flye and seeke some other shore ) thy ablest-men shall faint : thy wise-ones , then shall know themselves to be but foolish men . and they who built and planted by oppression , shall leave their gettings to the foes possession . yea , god will scourge thee , england , seven times more with seven times greater plagues then heretofore , then ▪ thy allies their friendship shall withdraw ; and , they that of thy greatnesse stood in awe , shall say ( in scorne ) is this the valiant nation , that had throughout the world such reputation , by victories upon the shore ? are these that people , which were master of the seas , and grew so mighty ? yea that petty nation , that were not worthy of thy indignation , shall mocke thee too ; and all thy former fame , forgot shall be , or mention'd to thy shame . marke how gods plagues were doubled on the jewes when they his mild corrections did abuse ▪ marke what , at last upon their land he sent ; and , looke thou for the selfe same punishment , if them thou imitatest . i or their sin , at first , but eight yeares bondage they were in . their wickednesse grew more ; and god did then , to eglon , make them slaves , eight yeares and ten they disobeying , still , the god of heaven ; their yeare of servitude were twenty seven , to jabin and to midian . then , prevailed philistia forty yeares ; and , when that failed , to make them of their evill waies repent ; there was ▪ among themselves ▪ a fatall rent ; and , they oft scourg'd each other . still , they trod the selfesame path ; and , then the hand of god brought ashur on them ; and , did make them beare his heavie yoake , untill the seventeenth yeare . and last of all the roman empire came , which from their country rooted out their name that foolish project which they did imbrace , to keep them in possession of their place , did loose it . and , like cain , that vagrant nation , hath now remain'd in fearefull desolation nigh sixteene hundred yeares : and , whatsoe're some lately dreame ) in vaine , they looke for here a temp'rall kingdome . for , as long agoe their psalmist said ; no prophet doth foreshow this thraldoms end . nor shall it end untill the gentiles their just number doe fulfill : which is unlike to be untill that houre , in which there shall be no more temporall pow'r , of temporall kingdome . therefore gather them ( oh lord ! ) unto thy new ierusalem , in thy due time . for , yet unto that place they have a promist right , by thy meere grace . to those who shall repent , thy firme election continues in this temporall rejection . oh! shew thy mercy in their desolation , that thou maist honor'd be in their salvation yea , teach us also , by their fearefull fall , to harken to thy voyce , when thou dost call ; ( lest thou in anger , unto us protest , that we shall never come into thy rest ) for , we have follow'd them in all their sin : such , and so many , have our warnings bin : and if thou still prolong not thy compassion , to us belongs the selfesame desolation . and it will shortly come , with all those terrors that we on them inflicted , for their errors . then , woe shall be to them that heretofore by joyning house , to house expell'd the poore ; and field have into field incoporated , vntill their township were depopulated . for , desolate their dwelling shall be made : ev'n in their blood the lord shall bathe his blade : and they that have by avarice , and wiles , erected pallaces and costly piles ; shall thinke , the stones and timbers in the wall , aloud , to god , for vengeance on them call . then , woe shall be to them who early rise to eate and drinke , and play , and wantonnize ; still adding sin to sin : for , they the paine of cold , and thirst , and hunger , shall sustaine ; and be the servile slaves of them that are their foes , as to their lusts they captives were . then woe to them who darkenesse more have lov'd then light ; and good advice have disapprov'd : for , they shall wander in a crooked path , which neither light , nor end , nor comfort hath . and , when for guides , and counsell they doe cry ▪ not one shall pitty them , who passeth by . then , woe to them that have corrupted bin ▪ to justifie the wicked in his sinne ; or , for a bribe , the righteous to condemne : for , flames ( as on the chaffe ) shall seize on them : their bodies to the dunghill shall be cast : their flowre shall turne to dust ; their stock shall wast , and all the glorious titles they have worne , shall but increase their infamy and scorne , then woe to them that have beene rais'd aloft by good mens ruines ; and by laying soft and easie pillowes , under great mens armes , to make them pleas'd in their alluring charmes . then , woe to them who being growne afraid of some nigh perill , sought unlawfull aid ; and , setting gods protection quite aside , vpon their owne inventions have rely'd . for , god their foolish hopes will bring to nought ; on them , their feared mischiefe shall be brought ; and , all their wit and strength , shall not suffice , to have their sorrow off , which on them lies . yea , then , oh britaine ! woe to ev'ry one , that hath without repentance evill done : for , those who doe not heed , nor beare in mind his visitings , gods reaching hand will find ; and they with howling cries and lamentation , shall sue and seeke , in vaine , for his compassion . because they carelesse of his mercies were , till in consumming wrath he did appeare ▪ but , still , we set far off that evill day ; in dull security we passe away our pretious time ; and with vaine hopes and toyes , build up a trust which ev'ry puffe destroyes . and therefore , still when healing is expected , new and unlookt for troubles are effected . we gather armies , and we fleets prepare ; and , then ▪ both strong and safe we thinke we are . but , when we looke for victories , and glory , what followes , but events that make us sory ? and t is gods mercy that we turne our faces with so few losses , and no more disgraces . for , what are most of those whom we commend such actions to ; and whom we forth do send to fight those battles , which the lords we call , but , such as never fight for him at all ? whom dost thou make thy captaines , and dispose such offices unto , but unto those ( some few excepted ) who procure by friends , command and pay , to serve their private ends ? their language , and their practices declare , that entertained by gods foe they were . their whoring , swearing , and their drunkennesse , do far more plainely to the world expresse what generall they doe belong unto , then all their feathers and their ensignes doe . these by their unrepented sinnes , betray thy cause . by these , the honour , and the day is lost : and when thou hopest that thy trouble ▪ shall have and end , thy danger waxeth double . we wisht for parliaments ; and them we made our cod : for , all the hope that many had to remedy the publicke discontent , was by the wisedome of a parliament . well ; parliaments we had ; and what in beeing , suceedeth yet , but greater disagreeing , with greater grievances then heretofore ? and reason good : for , we depended more on outward meanes , then on gods will that sends all punishments ; and all afflictions ends . beleeve it , should our parliaments agree in ev'ry motion : should our sov'raigne be so gracious , as to condiscend to all which for his weale and ours , propose we shall ; ev'n that agreement , till our sins we leave , shall make us but secure ; and helpe to weave a snare , by whose fine threads we shall be caught , before we see the mischiefe that is wrought . whilst we by parliament doe chiefly seeke mere temp'rall ends , the king shall doe the like : yea , till in them we mutually agree to helpe each other ; and unfained be in lab'ring for a christian reformation ; each meeting shall beget a new vexation . this iland hath hath some sense of what she ayle and very much , these evill times bewailes : but , not so much our sins doe we lament , or mourne , that god for them is discontent , as that the plagues they being disturb our pleasures , encrease our dangers , and exhaust our treasures . and , for these causes , now and then we fast , and pray , as long as halfe a day doth last . for , if the sunne doe hut a little cleare that cloud , from which a tempest we doe feare , what kind of griefe we tooke , we plainely shew by those rejoycings which thereon ensue : for , in the stead of such due thankefulnesse , as christian zeale obligeth to expresse ; to pleasure ( not to god ) we sacrifice ; renew our sinne ; revive our vanities ; and , all our vowed gratitude expires , in games , in guns , in bels , in healths , or fires . we faine would be at peace ; but few men go that way , as yet , whereby it may be so . we have not that humility which must effect it : we are false , and cannot trust each other ; no nor god with true confessions : which shewes that we abhor not our transgressions . it proves , that of our errors , we in heart repent not , neither purpose to depart from any folly . for all they that are sincerely penitent , doe nothing feare so much as their owne guilt ; nor seeke to gaine ought more , then to be reconcil'd againe : and they that are thus minded ▪ never can be long unreconcil'd to god , or man . when we should stoope , we most our selves exalt and ( though we be ) would not be thought in fault . nay , though we faulty be , and though and knowne , and proved so , and see that we are thro●●e by our apparent errors , into straits , from which we cannot get by all our sleights yet , still our selves we vaunt and justifie , and struggle , till the snare we faster tye . we sin , and we to boast it have no ●●●ame , yet storme when others doe our follies name : and rather then we will so much as say we did amisse ( though that might wipe away the staine of all ) i thinke that some of us so wilfull are , so proud , and mischievous , that we our selves , would ruine , and our nation , to keepe our shadow of a reputation . oh! if we are thus headstrong t is unlike we any part of our proud sailes will strike till they have suncke our vessell in the sea , or by the furious windes , are torne away . t were better , tho , we did confesse our wound , then hide it till our state grew more unsound . t were better we some wealth , or office lost , then keepe them , till our lives , and all , it cost ▪ and therefore , let us wisely be advised , before we by a tempest be surprised . downe first with our top-gallants , and our flags ; in stormes the skilfull'st pilots make no brags . let us ( if that be not enough ) let fall our misn●-yeard , and strike our top-sailes all . if this we finde be not enough to doe , strike fote-saile , sprit-saile yea and main-saile too . and , rather then our ship should sink or rend ; let 's over-board , goods , mast and tackling send . save but the hull , the master , and the men ; and we may live to scoure the seas agen . beleeve it england , howsoever some ( who should foresee thy plagues before they come ) endeavour to perswade thee that thou hast a hopefull time , and that the worst is past . yet i dare boldly tell thee , thou hast nigh worne out gods patience by impiety . and , that unlesse the same we doe renue by penitence , our folly we shall rue . but , what am i , that me thou should'st beleeve ? or , unto what i tell thee , credit give ? it may be this adultrous generation expecteth tokens of her desolation ; and therefore i will give them signes of that which they are now almost arrived at . not signes , so mysticall as most of those which did the ruine of the iewes disclose ; but , signes as evident as are the day . for , know ye britaines , that what god did say ierusalems destruction should foreshew , he spake to ev'ry state that should ensue . and , that he nought of her , or to her spake . for hers alone , but also for our sake . one signe that gods long-suffering we have tired , and that his patience is almost expired . is this ; that many judgements he hath sent . and still remov'd them e're we did repent . for , god ( ev'n by his holinesse ) did sweare , ( saith amos ) such a nation he will teare with bryers , and with fish hookes rend away the whole posterity of such as they . cleane teeth ( saith god ) i gave them ; and with bread in many places , them i scantly fed ; and yet they sought me not : then i restrained the dewes of heav'n ; upon this field i rained , and not on that ; yea , to one city came some two or three , to quench their thirsty flame ; yet , to returne to me , no care they tooke ; with blastings then , and mildewes , i them strooke ; and mixt among their fruits the palmer-worme ; yet , they their lives did not a jot reforme : then did i send the pestilence ( said he ) devoured by the sword , their young men be ; their horse are slaine , and up to heaven ascends their stinke ; yet i discover no amends the selfe same things thy god in thee hath done ▪ oh england ! yet , here followes thereupon so small amendment , that they are a signe to thee ; and their sharpe judgement , will be thine . the second token which doth fore-declare when cities states , and realmes , declining are ▪ ev'n christ himselfe hath left us : for , ( saith he ) when desolation shall approaching be , of wars , and warlike rumours ye shall heare ; rare signes and tokens will in heaven appeare ; downe from the firmament the starres shall fall ; the hearts of many men , then , faile them shall ; there will be many scandals and offences ; great earthquakes , schismes , dearths , and pestilences , realme , realme ; and nation , nation shall oppose ; the nearest friends , shall be the greatest foes . against the church shall many tyrannize ; deceivers , and false prophets , shall arise ; in ev'ry place shall wickednesse abound ; and , charity shall very cold be befound . this christ himselfe did prophecy : and we are doubtlesse blind , unlesse confest it be , that at this houre , upon this kingdome here , these markes of desolation viewed are . how often have we seene prodigious lights , o'respread the face of heav'n in moonlesse nights ? how many dreadfull meteors , have there beene in this our climate , lately heard and seene ? who knoweth not that but a while agoe a blazing-star did threat , if not foreshow gods judgements ▪ in what age , tofore did heare so many , who did saints and stars appeare , fall ( as it were ) from heav'n ? or who hath heard of greater earth-quakes ▪ then hath lately scar'd these quarters of the world ? how oft , the touch of famine have we had ? but , when so much devoured by the pestilence were we , as in this present yeare our people be ? of wars , and martiall rumors , never more were heard within these confines heretofore ; when were all kingdomes , and all nations through the world , so opposite as they are now ▪ we know no country , whether nigh or far , but is engag'd , or threatned with some war . all places , either present woes bewaile ; or else things feared make mens hearts to faile . false prophets , and deceivers we have many ; we scarcely finde integrity in any : the name of christ , beginnes in ev'ry place to suffer persecution and disgrace ; and , we the greatest jeopardies are in , among our neighbours , and our nearest kin . strange heresies doe ev'ry where encrease , disturbing sion , and exiling peace . impiety doth multiply . true love growes cold . and , if these tokens doe not prove our fall drawes on , unlesse we doe amend : i know not when our folly shall have end . a third apparant signe which doth declare when some devouring plague approacheth neere , is when a nation doth anew begin to let idolatry to enter in ; and openly , or secretly give place to heresie , where truth establisht was : or when like jeroboam , to possesse an outward profit , or a temporall peace , they either change religions , or devise a worship which doth mixe idolatries with truth . for this , ev'n for this very crime , the king of ashur , in hosea's time led isr'el captive and , both from the sight of god ; and from the house of david quite , they were cut off for ever , and did neither serve god nor idols ; but ev'n both together ; in such a mixt religion as is-that which some among us , now , have aymed at . marke england ; and i prethee marke it well , if this offence which ruin'd israel , on thee appeare not : and , if so it be , amend ; or looke for what it threatens thee . the fourth true token which doth fore-expresse the ruine of a land for wickednesse , is when the priests ▪ and magistrates begin , to grow extreamly impudent in sin . this signe , the prophet micah giveth us ; and he ( not i ) to you cryes loudly thus : heaere , o ye house of jacob , and all ye that princes of the house of israel be : ye justice hate ; and ye pervert what 's good ; ye build the wals of sion up with bloud ; jerusalem with sin , ye up have rear'd , your judges passe their censures for reward ; your priests doe preach for hire , your prophets doe like them ; and prophecy for money too . and , for this cause shall sion mount ( saith he ) ev'n like a plowed field become to be ; and like a forrest hill where bushes grow . the citie of jerusalem shall show . change but the names , oh britain , and that token of desolation , unto thee is spoken . for , what this day thy priests and princes are , their actions , and the peoples cryes declare . a fifth sure evidence that god among thy ruines will entomb thy same e're long , ( if thou repent not ) is ev'n this , that thou dost ev'ry day the more ungodly grow , by how much more the blessed meanes of grace doth multiply it selfe in ev'ry place . god sends unto thee many learned preachers , apostles , pastors , and all kind of teachers ; his visions , and his prophecies upon thee he multiplies . and ( that he might have won thee to more sinceritie ) on all occasions , by counsell , by entreatie , and perswasions , he hath advis'd , allured , and befought thee : with precept upon precept , he hath taught thee ; by line on line ; by miracle ; by reason ; in ev'ry place ; in season , out of season ; by little and by little ; and by much ( sometime ) at once : yet is thy nature such , that still thou waxest worse ; and in the roome of pleasant grapes , more thistles daily come : and , thou that art so haughty , and so proud , for this , shalt vanish like an empty cloud ; and , as a lion , leopard , or a beare , thy god , for this , shall thee in pieces teare . if thou suppose my muse did this devise , goe take it from hosea's prophesies the sixth undoubted signall when the last good dayes of sinfull realmes are almost past , is when the people neere to god shall draw in word , to make profession of his law : and by their tongues his praises forth declare ; yet , in their hearts from him continue far . to such a land , their destiny displayes isaiah : for even thus the prophet sayes : god will produce ae marvell in that state and doe a worke that men shall wonder at ; the wisedome of their wisest counsellor , shall perish , and their prudent men shall erre . on their deepe counsels , sorrow shall attend ; their secret plots shall have a dismall end ; their giddy projects which they have devised , shall as the potters clay be quite despised . like carmel , lebanon shall seeme ; and he like lebanon , shall make mount carmel be . their pleasant fields like desarts shall appeare ; and , there shall gardens be , where desarts are . god keepe ( thou brittish ile ) this plague from thee ; for , signes thereof upon thy body be . thou of the purest worship mak'st profession ; yet , waxest more impure in thy condition . thou boastest of the knowledge of gods word , yet , thereunto in manners to accord thou dost refuse . thou makest protestation of pietie ; yet hatest reformation . yea , when thy tongue doth sing of praise divine , thy heart doth plot some temporall designe . and , some of those , who in this wise are holy , begin to shew their wisedome will be folly . for , when from sight their snares they deepest hide . by god almighties eyes they are espide . the seventh symptome of a dreadfull blow , ( if not a perpetuall overthrow ) is when a slumbring spirit doth surprize a nation ; and hath closed up their eyes : or when the prophets and the seers are so clouded , that plaine truths doe not appeare : or when the visions evidently seene are passed by , as if they had not beene : or when to nations who can reade , god gives his booke ; and thereof doth unseale the leaves , and bids them reade the same , which they to do deny ▪ or pleade unablenesse thereto . blacke signes are these . for if that booke to them , still darke ; or as a book unsealed seeme ; or , if they heede no more what here is said , then they that have the books ▪ and cannot reade ; the iudgements , last repeated , are the doome , that shall on such a stupid nation come . this signe is come on us , for , loe , unsealed gods booke is now amongst us , and revealed are all the mysteries which doe concerne the children of this present age to learne . so well hath he instructed this our land , that we not onely reade , but understand the secrets of his word . the prophecies of his chiefe seers , are before our eyes , vnveiled ▪ true interpretations are made , and many proper applications ev'n to ourselves , yet is our heart so blind , that what we know and see we doe not mind . we heare , and speake , and much adoe we keepe ▪ but we as senselesse are as men asleepe . what then we doe . yea , while that we are talking , what snares are in the way where we are walking , we heed not what we say , but passe along ; and , many times , are fast insnar'd among those mischiefes , and those faults we did condemne , before our tongues have left to mention them . for our neglect of god in former times , ( or for some present unrepented crimes ) a slumbring spirit so possesseth us , that our estate is wondrous dangerous . we see and heare , and tell to one another our perils , yet we headlong haste together to wilfull ruine : and are growne so mad , that when our friends a better course perswade , or seek to stop us ( when they see we run that way in which we cannot ruine shun ) we persecute those men with all our soule , that we may damn our selves without controule . the eight plaine signe , by which i understand that some devouring mischiefe is at hand , is that maliciousnesse which i doe see among professors of one faith to be . we that have but one father , and one mother , doe persecute , and torture one another . so hotly , we oppose not antichrist , as we our fellow-brethren doe resist . the protestant , the protestant defies ; and , we our selves , our selves doe scandalize . our church we have exposed to more scorne ; and her faire seamlesse vest●ent rent , and come , by our owne fury , more then by their spight who are to us directly opposite . to save an apple , we the tree destroy ; and , quarrels make for ev'ry needlesse toy : from us , if any brother differ shall but in a crochet , we upon him fall as eagerly , and with as bitter hate , as if we knew him for a reprobate . and , what ever all this doth signifie , saint paul ( by way of caveat ) doth imply . take heed ( saith he ) lest while ye bite each other , you , of your selves , consumed be together . another signe which causeth me to feare that our confusion is approaching neere , are those disunions which i have espide , in church , and common-wealth , this present tide . we cannot hide these rents ; for they doe gape , so wide , that some their jawes can hardly scape . would god , the way to close them up we knew , else , what they threaten , time will shortly shew ; for , all men know , a citie or a land , within it selfe divided , cannot stand . the last blacke signe that here i will repeat , ( which doth to kingdomes desolation threat ) is when the hand of god almighty brings the people , into bondage , to their kings . i say , when their owne king shall take delight , those whom he should protect , to rob , and smite . when they who fed the sheep , the sheep shall kill , and eate them ; and suppose they doe no ill . when god gives up a nation unto those that are their neighbours , that they may , as foes , devoure them . when ( oh england ! ) thou shalt see this come to passe , a signe it is to thee that god is angry ; and a certaine token that into pieces thou shalt quite be broken : if not by forraine strength , by force at home ; and , that thy greater torment will become . this vengeance , and this fearefull preparation , of bringing ruine on a sinfull nation , ( if they remaine impenitent ) the lord doth menace ; and , by zachary record , to make us wise . oh! let us therefore learne , what now is comming on us , to discerne . for , ( well considered if all things were ) from this captivity we seeme not farre . it now already seemes to be projected ; nay , little wants of being quite effected . for , they that are our shepheards , now , are they that fleece us , and endevor to betray our lives and freedomes . those great men that be our neighbours ( and can claime no more then we ) would sell us : and , attempt to gaine a pow'r , whereby they may , at pleasure , us devoure : and had not we a king , as loth to make his people slaves , as from himselfe to take his lawfull right ; ( or , were there not some lett vnheeded , which is unremoved yet ) e're this ( and justly too ) the hand of heaven into perpetuall bondage us had given . and , if we doe not more gods will regard , that mischiefe is but for a time deferr'd . our king is just and mercifull ; and tho some may ( with loyall , and a gilded show of pious equity ) a while assay to leade his judgement in his youth astray ; yet , god ( i hope ) will keepe him so , that he shall still be just , ( though we ungodly be ) and make him in the fittest houre expresse his royall iudgement , and his righteousnesse . but , if god should from us ( as god forbid ) take him , as once he good josiah did , he also will ( unlesse we mend ) perchance , in times to come , a shepheard here advance , who shall not plead for what his young men say is just ; but , take the same , perforce , away . an idoll shepheard , who shall neither care to find or seek , for those that strayed are ; nor guard the lambs ; nor cure what hath a wound ; nor cherish those that firme to him are found ; but , take the fat , and rob them of their fleeces ; and eate their flesh ; and break their bones in peeces . more signes i might , as yet , commemorate , to shew gods patience is nigh out of date . but , these are signes enough , and so apparant , that twenty more will give no better warrant to what i speake . yet , if these false appeare , that 's one signe more , our fall approacheth neere . be mindfull , therefore , while it is to day ; and , let no good occasion slip away . now rend your hearts , ye britaines , wash & rinse them from all corruption : from all evill clense them . goe offer up the pleasing sacrifice of righteousnesse : from folly turne your eyes . seeke peace , and follow it , with strict pursuit : relieve the needy ; judgement execute : refresh the weary ; right the fatherlesse : the strangers , and the widowes wants redresse : give praise to god ; depend with lowly faith , on him ; and what his holy spirit saith : remember what a price thy ransome cost ; and , now redeeme the time that thou hast lost . returne , returne thou ( oh back sliding nation ) and , let thy teares prevent thy desolation . as yet , thou maist returne ; for , gods embrace is open for thee , if thou hast the grace , to give it meeting . yet , repentance may prevent the mischiefes of that evill day , which here is menac'd : yet , thou maist have peace , and by discreet endeavouring , encrease each outward grace , and ev'ry inward thing , which will additions to thy comfort bring . if this thou doe ; these fearfull threatnings all , ( repeated here ) to mercies change he shall . we cannot say , it will excuse thee from . all chastisement ; or that no blow shall come . for , peradventure , thou so long hast bin unpenitent , that some loud crying sin hath wak'd that vengeance , which upon thy crimes must fall ( as once in jeremiahs times ) without prevention ; to exemplifie gods hate of sin to all posteritie , but , sure we are , that if he doth not stay his threatned hand , the stroke that he doth lay will fall the lighter ; and become a blessing , thy future joyes , and vertues more encreasing , than all that large prosperity and rest which thou , so long together , hast possest . god ( with a writers inke horne ) one hath sent , to set a marke on them that shall repent ; and bids him promise in his name , that they who shall ( recanting ) leave their evill way , and in their hearts , bewaile the grievous crimes , and miseries of sion , in their times ; that they shall be secure , and saved from the hand of these destroyers , which must come : or else by their destruction find a way to that repairing which will ne're decay . yea , thou , oh britaine ! if thou couldst reforme thy manners , might'st expell the dreadfull storme now threatned ; and thy foes ( who triumph would ▪ the ruine of thy glory to behold . and jeere thee when thou fallest ) soone shall see thy god returning , and avenging thee on their insultings : yea , with angry blowes he would effect their shamefull overthrowes ▪ or turne their hearts . for when from sin men cease , god makes their enemies , and them , at peace . moreover , thou shalt have in thy possessing , each inward grace , and ev'ry outward blessing ; thy fruitfull herds shall in rich pastures feed ; thy soyle shall plenteously encrease thy seed ; thy flock , shall neither shepherds want , nor meat ; cleane provander , thy stabled beast shall eate ; there shall be rivers in thy dales ; and fountaines upon the tops of all thy noblest mountaines : the moone shall cast upon thee beames as bright as now the sunne , and with a sevenfold light the sunne shall blesse thee . he that reignes in thee , to all his people reconcil'd shall be ; and they shall find themselves no whit deceived , in those good hopes which are of him conceived : but he , ( and they , who shall his throne possesse when he is gone ) shall reigne in righteousnesse ; and be more carefull of thy weale ( by far ) then parents of their childrens profits are . thy magistrates , with wisdome shall proceed in all that shall be counsell'd or decreed . as harbours , when it blowes tempestuously ; as rivers , unto places over-dry ; as shadowes are to men opprest with heat ; as to a hungry stomack , wholsome meat ; to thee , so welcome , and as much contenting , thy nobles will become , on thy repenting . thy priests shall preach true doctrine in thy temples ; and make it fruitfull by their good examples . thy god , with righteousnesse shall them aray , and heare and answer them , when they doe pray . thy eyes , that much are blinded , shall be cleare ; thy eares , that yet are deafned , then shall heare ; thy tongue , that stammers now , shall then speak plain ; thy heart shall perfect understanding gaine ; the preaching of the gospell shall encrease ; thy god shall make thy comforts and thy peace , to flow as doth a river ; they who plant , the blessing of their labour shall not want ; thy poorest people shall at full be fed ; the meek , shall of no tyrant stand in dread ; thou shalt have grace and knowledge , to avoid those things , whereby the rest , may be annoid ; thou shalt possesse thy wished blessings all ; and , god shall heare thee still before thou call . but , as a chime , whose frets disordered grow , can never cause it selfe in tune to goe , nor chime at all , untill some cunning hand doth make the same againe in order stand : or , as the clock , whose plummets are not weight , strikes sometimes one for three , and fix for eight ; so fareth it with men and kingdomes all , when once from their integrity they fall . they may their motion hurry out of frame , but have no pow'r to rectifie the same . that curious hand which first those pieces wrought ▪ must mend them still ; or they will still be nought . to thee i therefore now my speech convert , thou famous artist , who creator art of heav'n and earth , and of those goodly sphe●res , that now have whirled many thousand yeares , ( and shall untill thy pleasure gives it ending ) in their perpetuall motion , without mending . oh! be thou pleased , by thy pow'rfull hand , to set in order this depraved land . our whole foundation , lord , is out of course ; and ev'ry thing still groweth worse and worse ; the way that leads quite from thee , we have tooke ; thy covenant , and all thy lawes are broke ▪ in mischiefes , and in folly , is our pleasure ; our crying sins have almost fill'd their measure ; yet , ev'ry day we adde a new transgression , and still abuse thy favour and compassion . our governour , our prelates , and our nobles ▪ have by their sins encrease , encreast our troubles . our priests , and all the people , have misgone ; all kind of evill deeds , we all have done . we have not lived as those meanes of grace require , which thou hast granted to this place ▪ but rather worse than many who have had lesse helpes than we , of being better made . no nation under heav'n so lewd hath bin , that had so many warnings for their sin , and such perpetuall callings on , as we , to leave our wickednesse , and turne to thee . yet , we in stead of turning , further went ; and when thy mercies and thy plagues were sent to pull us backe ; they seldome wrought our stay , or moved to repentance one whole day . no blessing , no affliction , hath a pow'r to move compunction in us , for one houre ▪ unlesse thou worke it . all that i can speake ( and all that i have spoken ) till thou breake and mollifie the heart , will fruitlesse be , not onely in my hearers , but in me . if thou prepare not way for more esteeme , all these remembrances will foolish seeme . nay these , in stead of moving to repent , will indignation move and discontent ; which will mens hardned hearts obdurate more , and make their fault much greater than before . unlesse thou give a blessing , i may strive as well to make a marble stone alive , as to effect my purpose : yea , all this like wholesome counsell to a mad man is , and , i for my good meaning shall be torne in pieces , or exposed be to scorne . for , they against thy word doe stop their eare ; and wilde in disobedience , will not heare . in this , we all confesse our selves to blame , and that we therefore have deserved shame . yea , lord , we doe acknowledge , that for this there nothing else to us pertaining is , ( respecting our owne worth ) but desolation ▪ and finall rooting out , without compassion . but gracious god , though such our merit be , yet , mercy still pertaineth unto thee . to thee the act of pard'ning and forgiving , as much belongs ( oh father everliving ) as plagues to us : and it were better far our sinnes had lesse than their deservings are , then that thy clemency should be outgone , by all the wickednesse that can be done . as well as theirs whose lives now left them have , thou canst command those bodies from the grave , who stink , and putrifie , and buried be in their corruption . such , oh lord ! are we . oh! call us from this grave ; and shew thy pow'r upon this much polluted land of our , which is not onely sick of works unholy , but almost dead and buried in her folly . forgive us all our slips , our negligences , our sins of knowledge , and our ignorances ; our daring wickednesse ; our bloudy crimes ; and all the faults of past and present times . permit not thy just wrath to burne forever ; in thy displeasure doe not still persever ; but , call us from that pit of death , and sin , and from that path of hell which we are in . remember , that this vineyard hath a vine , which had her planting by that hand of thine . remember , when from egypt thou remov'dst it , with what entire affection , then , thou lov'dst it . how thou didst weed and dresse it heretofore ; how thou didst fence it from the forrest bore ; and thinke how sweet a vintage then it brought , when thy first worke upon her thou hadst wrought : remember , that without thy daily care , the choicest plants , sone wilde and fruitlesse are ; and , that as long as thou dost prune and dresse , the sowrest vine shall bring a sweet encrease . remember , also lord , how still that foe , who first pursued us , doth seek to sow his tares among thy wheat ; and to his pow'r , break downe thy fence , and trample , and devoure the seeds of grace , as soone as they doe sprout ; and is too strong , for us to keepe him out . oh! let not him prevaile , such harme to doe us , as he desires , but , lord , returne unto us . returne in mercy . though thou find us slack to come our selves , fetch , draw , and pull us back from our owne courses , by thy grace divine , and set , and keep us , in each way of thine . we from our foes have saved beene by thee ; and in thy love , oh lord ! triumphed we . but now behold , disgrac'd thou throw'st us by , and we before our adversaries flye . at us our neighb'ring nations laugh and jeere , and , us they soome , whom late we made to feare . oh god arise , reject us not for aye ; no longer hide from us thy face away : but , come , oh come with speed to give us aid , and let us not be lost though we have straid . vouchsafe that every one in his degree , the secret errors of his life may see ; and , in his lawfull calling all his dayes , performe his christian duty , to thy praise . give peace this troublous age ; for , perilous the times are growne , and no man fights for us but thou oh god! nor doe we seek or crave , that any other champion we may have . nay , give us troubles , if thy will be so , that we may have thy strength to beare them too ; and in affliction thee more glorifie ; then heretofore in our prosperity . for when thy countenance on us did shine , those lands that boasted of their corne and wine , had not that joy which thou didst then inspire , when we were boyld and fryde , in bloud and fire . oh! give againe that joy ▪ although it cost us our lives . restore thou what our sin hath lost us ▪ thy church , in these dominions , lord preserve in purity : and teach us thee to serve in holinesse and righteousnesse , untill we shall the number of our dayes fulfill . defend these kingdomes from all overthrowes , by forraigne enemies , or home-bred foes , our king with ev'ry grace and vertue blesse , which may thine honour and his owne increase . inflame our nobles with more love and zeale , to thy true spouse , and to this common-weale . inspire our clergie in their severall places , with knowledge , and all sanctifying graces ; that by their lives and doctrines they may reare those parts of sion , which decayed are ▪ awake this people , give them soules that may beleeve thy word , and thy commands obey . the plagues deserv'd already , save them from . more watchfull make them , in all times to come . for blessings past , let hearty thanks be given . for present ones , let sacrifice to heav'n be daily offred up . for what is needing ( or may be usefull in the time succeeding ) let faithfull prayers to thy throne be sent , with hearts and hands upright and innocent : and let all this the better furthred be , through these remembrances , now brought by me . for which high favour , and emboldning thus my spirit , in a time so dangerous ; for chusing me , that am so despicable , to be employed in this honorable and great employment ( which i more esteeme , than to be crowned with a diadem ) for thy enabling me in this embassage ; for bringing to conclusion this my message ; for sparing of my life , when thousands dy'd , before , behind me , and on ev'ry side ; for saving of me many a time since then , when i had forfeited my soule agen ; for all those griefes and poverties , by which i am in better things made great , and rich , then all that wealth and honour brings man to , wherewith the world doth keepe so much adoe : for all which thou to me on earth hast given ; for all , which doth concerne my hopes of heaven ; for these , and those innumerable graces , vouchsafed me , at sundry times , and places , ( unthought upon ) unfained praise i render : and , for a living sacrifice , i tender to thee ( oh god ) my body , soule , and all , which mine i may , by thy donation , call . accept it blessed maker , for his sake who did this offring acceptable make , by giving up himselfe . oh! looke thou not upon those blemishes which i have got by naturall corruption ; or by those polluted acts which from that ulcer flowes . according to my skill , i have enroll'd thy mercies ; and thy justice i have told . i have not hid thy workings in my brest ; but as i could , their pow'r i have exprest among our great assemblies , to declare thy will and pleasure , loe , i doe not feare : and though by princes i am checkt and blamed ; to speake the truth , i am no whit ashamed . oh! shew thou , lord , thy mercy so to me , and let thy love and truth , my guardians be . forgive me all the follies of my youth ; my faulty deeds ; the errors of my mouth ; the wandrings of my heart , and ev'ry one of those good workes that i have left undone . forgive me all wherein i did amisse , since thou employd'st me in performing this : my doubtings of thy calling me unto it ; my feares , which oft disheartned me to doe it ; my sloth , my negligences , my evasions , and my deferring it , on vaine occasions , when i had vowed that no worke of mine , should take me up , till i had finisht thine . lord , pardon this ; and let no future sin , nor what already hath committed bin , prophane this worke ; or cause the same to be the lesse effectuall to this land , or me . but to my selfe ( oh lord ) and others , let it so moving be , that we may ne're forget it . let not the evill , nor the good effect it takes , or puffe me up , or me deject : or make me thinke that i the better am , because i tell how others are to blame : but , let it keepe me in a christian feare , still humbly heedfull what my actions are . let all those observations i have had , of others errors , be occasions made to mind me of mine owne . and , lest i erre , let ev'ry man be my remembrancer ; with so much charity , as i have sought to bring their duties more into our thought . and , if in any sin i linger long , without repentance ; lord , let ev'ry tongue that names me , check me for it : and , to me become , what i to others faine would be . oh! let me not be like those busie broomes , which having clensed many nasty roomes , doe make themselves the fouler : but sweet father , let me be like the precious diamond rather , which doth by polishing another stone , the better shape and lustre , set upon his owne rough body . let my life be such , as that mans ought to be , who knoweth much of thy good pleasure . and , most awfull god , let none of those who spread of me abroad unjust reports , the devills purpose gaine , by making these my warnings prove in vaine to those that heare them : but let such disgraces , reflect with shame , upon their authors faces , till they repent . and let their scandall serve within my heart true meeknesse to preserve ; and that humility , which else , perchance , vaine-glory , or some naturall arrogance might overthrow , if i should think upon ( with carnall thoughts ) some good my lines have done . restraine , moreover , them who out of pride , or ignorance , this labour shall deride . make them perceive , who shall prefer a story composed for some temporall friends glory , before those poems which thy works declare , that vaine and witlesse their opinions are : and , if by thee i was appointed , lord , thy judgements and thy mercies to record , ( as here i doe ) set thou thy mark on those , who shall despightfully the same oppose : and let it publikely be seene of all , till of their malice they repent them shall . as i my conscience have discharged here , without concealing ought for love , or feare ; from furious men let me preserved be , and from the scorne of fooles deliver me . vouchsafe at length some comforting reflection , according to the yeares of my affliction . on me , for good , some token please to show , that they who see it , may thy bounty know ; rejoyce , with fellow-feeling of the same , and joyne with me , in praising of thy name . and lest ( oh lord ! ) some weake ones may despise my words , because of such necessities , as they have brought upon me , by their spight , who to my studies have beene opposite : oh! give me that which may sufficient be ; to make them know that i have served thee . and that my labours are by thee regarded , although they seeme not outwardly rewarded . those honors , or that wealth , i doe not crave , which they affect , who most endeavored have to please the world . i onely aske to gaine , but food and rayment , lord , for all my paine ; and that the slaunders , and the poverties , wherewith my patience thou shalt exercise , make not these lines , or me , become a scorne , nor leave me to the world-ward , quite forlorne . yet , in preferring of this humble suit , i make not my request so absolute , as that i will capitulate , or tye to such conditions , thy dread majesty . for , if to honour but an earthly prince my muse had sung ; it had beene impudence to prompt his bounty ; or , to doubt he might forget to doe my honest labours right . doe therefore as thou pleasest : onely give thy servant grace contentedly to live , and , to be thankfull , whatsoever shall in this my weary pilgrimage befall . such things thou dost command me to require , with earnest , and an absolute desire : with which i come : beseeching i may finde thy love continue , though none else be kinde ; that blessednesse eternall i may get , though all i lose on earth , to compasse it ; and that , at last , when my accompt is eaven , my payment may be summon'd up in heaven . lord , this will please me : call me quickly thither , and pay me there my wages all together : not that which mine by merit seemes to be ; but , what by thy meere grace is due to me . finis . campo-musæ, or the field-musings of captain george vvither touching his military ingagement for the king ann [sic] parliament, the justnesse of the same, and the present distractions of these islands. wither, george, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing w ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing w estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) campo-musæ, or the field-musings of captain george vvither touching his military ingagement for the king ann [sic] parliament, the justnesse of the same, and the present distractions of these islands. wither, george, - . [ ], p. : ill. (metalcut) printed by r. austin, london : . in verse. tightly bound; print faded. reproduction of the original in the british library. eng great britain -- history -- civil war, - -- early works to . a r (wing w ). civilwar no campo-musæ, or the field-musings of captain george vvither, touching his military ingagement for the king ann [sic] parliament, the justness wither, george b the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - john latta sampled and proofread - john latta text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion campo-musae , or the field-musings of captain george vvither , touching his military ingagement for the king ann parliament , the justnesse of the same , and the present distractions of these islands . deus dabit his quoque finem . london , printed by r. austin . . to the english . am not i now in england ? is not this the thames ? is not that london ? sure it is . me thinks that vast , and ancient structure , there , looks just like pauls , and that like westminster . loe , yon is high-gate , you is hamsted-mill . there bansted-downes , there kent , there shooters-hill ; this doubtlesse is that countrey : but why then , are here now living so few english-men ? are all those english-men which now i see ? all true-bred english-men ? the devill they be . indeed i finde there are a few among them ; and , for their sakes , i will not so much wrong them to say , that land hath none , within whose veines , the blood of our old worthies , yet , remaines . but , out of question , if the greatest part were not a mungrell brood , and without heart , they could not lie so tamely in their beds , and see what plagues their countrey over-spreads ; yea , seem content , to be inslav'd to slaves , and , carry guilt , and curses to their graves . perhaps they are asleep . ho! englishmen ! awake , and be your selves , yet , once agen . heark , how the trumpet sounds ! heark how the drum beats up , and calls in english , come , come , come ! heark ! how the ghosts , of your poore brethren , slaine and massacred in ireland , doe complaine ! and call for vengeance ! heark ! how loud they cry , and threaten , if you passe their murthers by ! heark ; how the countrey , round about you , mournes ! see , in how many parts , it flames , and burnes ! marke ; what a delolation , in one yeare , is broken in among us ! and , how neare our just and everlasting ruine drawes if we become no warmer in this cause ! and , that , your cooled zeale , may re-inflame , take up these papers , and new light the same . to his excellence the earle of essex , lord generall of the army raised for defence of the king , parliament , and kingdome . sir , untill my troupe was disabled , i served faithfully with my sword , under your command ( an eye-witnesse of your noble patience , constancy and valour ) and shall againe when my troupe is recruted : in the meane time , being ingaged thereto ( by that emblematicall device which i beare in my cornet ) i have endeavoured to be serviceable with my pen , that i might imploy every faculty which god hath given me for the king and parliament , to whom i am obliged by a double duty : and ( i hope ) not impertinently to the glory of the almighty ; who , when most honourable teachers are not regarded , sends men to learn of pismires and despicable creatures ; and , who for that cause , is now pleased to make use of such a vanity as i am : and ( it may be ) shall by this engine , more strengthen your army , then a full regiment of horse . i have not here prefixed your name , or tendred this to your perusall , meerly for a private advantage : for , what can i hope to obtain , who am but terrae filius , a child of contempt ? and , whose best endeavours have beene hitherto , in outward respects , ( for upon other considerations , i have no reason to complaine ) rather mischievous , then profitable unto him . neither presume i to add any thing hereby to your honour ( that being farre above the dificiency needing such meane additions ) but , i being yet within the list of your army , it seems reasonable , that some account should be given of the time spent during my absence from it : and i , having no better fruit ripe , thus , to present this , held it the duty , sir , of your excellencies most humble servant , geo. wither . campo-musae , or , the field-musings of captaine george wither . the contents . a question presuppos'd , the muse replyeth , and her freedome shewes : tels with what heart , with what intent , this warre her poet under-went . averros that reason and the lawes will justifie him in his cause : the publike woe , she doth expresse ; lamenteth , and implores redresse : fights combats with delusive-reason , her partie to acquit from treason ; their hearts , incourageth to doe , what , god , and nature , calls them to . and many matters , here , and there , inserteth , which we touch not here . then , mentioneth a voice of peace that she hath heard ; and , there doth cease ; intending , ere she will proceed , to make some proofe , how this may speed . yes ; now i 'le write againe , and neither care though nor apollo aid me , nor the nine : nor whether mars or mercury appeare crosse ; or in sextile , quadrine , or in trine . nor carefull am i , whether hee , or shee , be pleased or displeased with my muse : for , none to sooth or vexe , my musings be : but , now i write , because i cannot chuse . to answer each man curious expectation who asks why thus i said , why this i do ; is not the scope of my determination , though somewhat here conduces thereunto . the sword hath had his turne , and now the pen advanced is to play her part agen . the naked svvord and pen my cornet beares ; pro rege , lege , grege thereupon to be my motto for the field , it weares ; and shewes for whom this warfare we begun . but , rymes and reason growing out of date , and pens ( lesse modest now then heretofore ) such lies and railings have divulg'd of late , that i once thought to touch my pen no more . besides ( with griefe ) i have observ'd , in those whose judgements have most need of reformation , that there is left no pow'r in verse or prose , to make them wise , or move to reformation . for wisedomes charmes , and reasons best conclusions , beget but furies , and inlarge confusions yet since my musings when i shall be dead , ( and lie unactive in a loanly roome ) may peradventure to good use be read , by men reserv'd for better times to come : and , since it will not onely be an ease to mine owne heart my numerous thoughts to vent , but also may some honest readers please , ev'n in these times of gen'rall discontent . yea , lest malignant censures passed on my late ingagement for the publike peace , should ( if i silent to my grave had gone ) have caused false-opinion to increase , my per i re-assum'd , in hope , to shew my practice never prov'd my words untrue . my pen i re-assum'd ; and ( full of matter ) sate downe to write : but , ere i ought exprest , the trumpet sounding , all my thoughts did scatter . and gave me , since that houre , but little rest . destructive times , distractive muzings yeeld , expect not therefore method now of me , but such , as fits minerva in the field , where interruptions and confusions be . like or dislike , i somwhat now shall say , which must be heard ; and heard to purpose too : at least in gaining heed , or making way for what ( if need require ) is yet to do . when sin and self-conceit befools the wise , they must be taught , by those , whom they despise . for , let not these field-muzings be suppos'd the fruitlesse flashings of a giddie-wit , because in measur'd-words they are compos'd , which many judge for serious works unfit : nor let them counted be a sleight invention , though , souldier-like , blunt complements i use , that i may draw those fools to give attention , who will not els , perhaps , regard my muse . he that hath matter , which concerns the king , comes not , and ringles at the doore , with feare ; but knocks , untill he makes the pallace ring , and spurns it open , if they will not heare : ev'n so do i ; and think i have done well to make my language like the tale i tell . if i shall mention what some would not hear , the fault 's not mine : for , if men madly do , i am a thing , which , once in twenty year , shall seem , to be a kind of mad man too . and though , mean-while , my calling i pursue , ( seeming to heed the times as they do me ) yet , i am alwayes mindfull of my kue , and act my part when i my turne shall see . one while i chide ; somtimes faire words i give , to praise men into what i fain would have them : and , when those favours i misplac'd perceive , i call them back , and am asham'd i gave them . when thus i faile , my fancie prompts me then ; but , now , another spirit guides my pen . i will not blame the times , though bad they be , nor to the jeering world bemoane my lot : for , to these dayes my god appointed me , and guards me so , that mischiefe hurts me not . my birth i had in blest eliza's reigne : to james , i blaz'd the sins of wanton peace , for those rewards which truth will ever gaine , where nobles rise by pieties decrease . to charles , i shew'd what plagues were drawing neare , and , saw them come , ere i beleefe could gaine . and , when they came , i saw the chiefest care was , how each foole his bable might obtaine . for , warnings are on wilfull sinners lost , till honour , pleasure , life and soule it cost . sin not repented , ( but augmented rather ) the violl , poured forth , began to spread : the spreading mischiefe still more strength did gather , and , every day new plagues the poison bred . divisions then arose , which did increase , and , into sub-divisions branch about , which overthrew the pillars of our peace , and , drove good order , law , and iustice out . these evils ; with my pen , i long withstood , and , bold reproofes in tyrants faces threw : but , when i saw my pen could doe no good , with other patriots my sword i drew : for , who that weares a sword needs feare to draw , to save the king , the people , and the law ? i drew it not in rage , or private hate , or to incroach on prince or peoples-right , or to recrute a ruined estate ; but , that both prince and people , guard it might . i was not arm'd to violate the crowne , or please the fancies of a fickle braine , to set one up , and pull another downe , or schisme , or superstition to maintaine : but , fought our fathers honour to defend ; our mother , from his jealous rage to save ; to bring their base abusers to that end , which traiterous-flatterers deserve to have : and , he that armes himselfe , to this intent , shall ne're be shamed , though he may be shent . i therefore boldly marched to the field , not unresolv'd , or stagg'ring in the cause . i made my pray'rs my shot , firm-faith my shield ; my breast-works are good-conscience , and the laws . i stood not off , when i was called on , to mark what peeros or commons led the way ; to thinke i might be made , or quite undone , or whether side was like to get the day . but , of the publike ruine was my feare ; or , of those plagues for which the sword makes roome ; and , of the barbarousnesse , which every where is like to follow , where his followers come . and could have wish'd it had as easie bin to drive out mischiefes , as to let them in . the cure propos'd , though very sharp it be , and threatens losse of members , and of blood ; before it was adventur'd on by me , appeared needfull for the common-good . according to my fortune , and my place , i therefore further'd it ; not discontent , though others had the publike thank and grace , for that , which i in private did invent . where i then liv'd , i was the first of those who did contribute to my countries aid ; and ( though it may be censur'd by her foes an evill signe ) i joy to heare it said that , in those parts , i was the first of all , to whom , a totall plunder did befall . and sure it was for good it so befell : for , he that is inrowled for the wars shall never prosecute that calling well if he intangled be with other cares . affaires of peace effeminate the minde : a barne well filled , and a house well fraught , are not with ease , for povertie resign'd , till they from us , or we from them , are caught . for , who those things can willingly forsake , of which , he feeles , he may have daily need ? who can in wants and wounds , himselfe betake , that may at home , with ease , on plenties feed ? or , who can fight , that 's clog'd with carts and ploughs , books , houshold stuffe , teems , oxen , sheep and cows ? such things as these did ne're affect me much , but for their sakes , of whom i must have care : nor did their losse my heart so nearly touch , as their neglects , who thereof causers were : for , if my counsels had been duly heeded , and my presages timely been beleev'd , the rage of war had not so far proceeded , as me to rob , and others to have griev'd : yea , had the castle ( to my care committed , without supply of mony , meat , or men , save my halfe troope ) been well and timely fitted with what was needfull , and long sought , ere then , i should not sure , from thence , have called bin , to let the kingdomes foes come safely in . nor to their dammage , or their detriment , who me to that command had freely chose , had i unto another place been sent , exposing them , unarmed , to their foes : nor ( when a ground work i had also laid , which had , not onely , probably secur'd those parts , from that whereof they were afraid , but , also , to the bordering shires assur'd good likelihoods of safety ) should my care and propositions have been quite neglected , by those , to whom they first proposed were ; if they , the cause , or me , had well affected : nor had so ill ( thereby ) our party sped , nor had our foes , by that means , gather'd head . nay , if an envie of the place i had , or , some designe of theirs who brake their trust , had not the way for my removall made to let in mischiefe , at a nick so just , so many had not mustred been , so soon , ( of my malignant neighbours in that shire ) to force my house ; my goods to seize upon , and , shew such malice , and such fury , there . nor had i met affronts , in other kinds , as i have done ; but that , among us , be some , that do walk our wayes , with other minds , vvith other hopes , and purposes , then we : but , let them take their course , my course is weigh'd ; and , vvords nor deeds , shall make my heart afraid . vvhat i resolv'd on , hath had firme foundations , not laid in sands , nor built upon with sticks , nor garnished with vaine imaginations , or kept repair'd with fallacies and tricks . i was not frighted by the proclamations , penn'd by abusers of the royall-name : nor startled by those tedious declarations , vvhich with more wit then truth , full fraughted came . i knew how lawyers and divines had cheated the vvorld , ere then ; and when the holy-text , or lawes , were misappli'd or misrepeated , or , with false comments , wrested , or perplext . and , falshood moves not me , although it brings the votes of doctors , and the threats of kings . my heart , the storms of danger did not shake , faire promises ( which have so many caught ) on me , the least impression could not make , though where i serve , i scarce worth heed am thought . nor was i moved much to see , that some ( vvho stars appear'd ) in their first love did faile : because i knew the time was fully come , vvhich tries our firmnesse by the dragons-taile . nor start i at their censures , who have said , that , what i counsel'd , i have left undone ; that , from my owne predictions i have straid , and made them erre , if they amisse have gone . for , they that have mistaken truth-divine , and , wrest gods vvord , may soone misconstrue mine . to say in words , that so , or so , i meant , i thought not halfe so pow'rfull as to show by active proofs the truth of my intent , and teach by deeds , which way men ought to go . when therefore that great counsell call'd for aid , ( vvith whom the king-ship alwayes doth reside , in whose commands , the kings are best obey'd , from whom , the king cannot himselfe divide ) to serve the king and parliament , i came so loyally , that , if it treason be , i will not ask a pardon for the same : nor thank him for it , who shall give it me : but laugh at him , who should that trifle bring , disdaine to live ; and die , and be a king . for , no man honours ; no man loveth more the soveraigne-person , then i did , and do . for him , i therefore feared , before , vvhat ill-advisers now have brought him to . i told him when he was but newly crown'd , ( as plainly as my warrant gave me leave ) those things , which he , and we , too true have found ; yet , still , misinformations him deceive . yea , though the stile of rebell now i beare , my prayers for him , have hefore the lord stood eighteen years ; and , yet before him are , ( to testifie my love ) upon * record , and all his captains , arms and armies too secure him not , as those my prayers doe . that which i pray'd for then , and pray for yet , i fight for now : because , i held this , ever , that , whatsoe're to pray for should be fit , for that , we are obliged to endeavour . i know , that by allegiance , i am bound to what essentially thereto pertaines ; not to bare complements , or to the sound , which of that duty , lying flattry faignes ; much lesse , to those which totally destroyes this virtues essence ; and , whereby , the king our loyaltie against himselfe employes , and to destruction , his owne house may bring . such mischeeves , therefore , that i might prevent , i sided , for him , with his parliament . thereby to serve two masters i assaid , till i by their divisions was undone : and saw three kingdomes by some acts ill plaid , in danger , to be neither two nor one . i sided not , but as a stander-by , who hath two friends at ods , and loving either , feares that in one , the losse of both may lye , and ( in those two ) of all his joyes together . if either i oppose , i doe it more to save then wound : and to prevent that blow which , he that gave it , in his heart had bore , if through that other , we had let it goe . and , he that thinks his dutie doth him wrong , may finde a friend , but shall not keep him long . i moved not thus far , but by command of soveraigne-pow'r , whereto if it be treason to yeeld obedience , we must understand , they trayters are , who walk by law and reason . the soveraigne-person may command that thing for which , the soveraigne-pow'r , if i shall doe it , me to the gallowes for my paines , may bring , and , hang me , with my pardon , when i show it . because , when soveraigne-pow'r doth ought command , therein , the soveraigne-person is contain'd so fully , that by law , no deed can stand in opposition thereunto , maintain'd . and , he by whom this truth is not beleev'd , is taught by fooles , or else by knaves deceiv'd . nor king nor parliament doe i affect for private ends : nor did they e're bestow on me , the least appearance of respect more then what they to all men use to show : nor can i hope that what i doe or write ( till men grow better ) an effect shall bring sufficient to defend me from despight though favour'd , both by parliament and king : how then , or by what bait have i beene caught that i for balams wages have been said to contradict the * messages i brought ? and , from my owne good counsels to have straid ? or who can say , whose tongue it shall become , that , my allegiance , i have swerved from ? as elsewhere i have writ , so write i here , no hand against the king : that is , no hand we should against his royall-person reare , though he injoyn'd a tyrannous command . nor should a private-man , or private-pow'r take armes against him , though he should intend them , in their innocencie to devoure , not , meerly , their owne persons to defend . for , should each petty member of a state , be armed at his pleasure , for offence , their breaches of the peace , would ruinate themselves , the whole republicke , and the prince . and , should a king from violence , not be free , till god shall strike ; none so unsafe as he . yet , when by wicked counsellers misled , a king , shall his whole kingdome so oppresse , that , he , therewith appears indangered ; me thinks , it were a tenent reasonlesse , to say , there were not in a parliament such , as is our ( or if no such we had ) no power in his liege-people to prevent the hazard of a consequence , so bad : or , that they might not lay upon their king a charitable , and restraining-hand , to stop him from pursuing that rash thing , which might undoe himself , and all the land : or , that there were not nat'rally a right in them , against his will , for him , to fight . when by the fawnings of some cunning-whore , a nat'rall-father shall be so misled , as that he beats his children out of doore , and , causelesse drives their mother from his bed , beleeving they are bastards , she unchaste ; and , fir'd with jealousies , attempteth further , to burne his house , to lay his dwellings waste , and , with his family , himself to murther : as , then , that family , with an intent , him , from his ill-advisers , to withdraw , ( and his , and their destruction , to prevent ) may lay restraining hands , by natures law , on such a father , and yet therein be preserv'd from breach of houshold-duties , free . so , when the father of our countrey , shall by flatteries , be drawn to such a course , as may produce his owne and kingdomes fall , vnlesse we intervene , by timely force ; and , when , so loyally , the same is done , that , to our utmost powers , we still assay not how to save his life , and rights , alone , but , how his honour , too , preserve we may : the laws of god , of nature , and of reason , will , doubtlesse , warrant it , in their despight who brand it with rebellion , and with treason ; by shamefull termes , from lawfull deeds , to fright ; else , cut-throat parasites , are onely they whom for the truest liege-men , count we may . that , we have thus ingenuously proceeded , nor waging war , nor our distrusts revealing , till our affaires those actions highly needed , ( and , made each grievance fully ripe for telling ) our consciences assure us ; though the slanders of our opposers , have our truths beli'd , and led the people through those dark maeanders , which our faire dealings , and their frauds , may hide . and , therefore , should the king , by wilfull stay among that crue , miscarry in the fight , ( which to prevent , we still shall watch and pray ) upon our heads , the blame should not alight ; for , who that woes the plague , hath health assur'd ? or , who can save , what will not be secur'd ? i came ( as i professe ) with single heart , to stay the mischiefe , which i saw begun ; and , entred , with my sword , to act that part , which , without blame , i knew not how to shun . for , when god calls for blood , and will not heare our pray'rs , untill ( his justice to appease ) those beasts among us sacrificed are , whose life prolong'd , prolongeth our disease ; 't is time we should observe , that we , like saul , those hockes , and those amalakites , have spar'd , whose preservation may become our fall ; if his commands , no better we regard . 't is time , thought i , that in the gap we stand , to stop the breach , that else will drown the land , the red-horse then appear'd ; and thereupon that rider forth advanc'd , at whose command those bloody executions must be done , which both defile , and purge a sinfull land . a mixed multitude made up our traine , which god , for divers ends together brought ; some , to avenge his cause ; some , to be slaine ; some , that repentance in them might be wrought . our army being rais'd , the trumpet sounds ; the colours are display'd , the drums doe beat : to make a passage , thorow blood and wounds . for iustice , truth , and peace , we forward set : and , whilst we marcht , my heart , with thoughts confus'd , was over-fill'd ; and thus i sadly mus'd . those dreadfull tragedies , must i , o lord ! must i , not onely now survive to see ; which were so long time fear'd , and so abhorr'd ? but live , in them , an actor too , to be ? is that abused peace which we injoy'd , so many yeeres ( whilst ev'ry other state was plagu'd with war , and some nigh quite destroy'd ) in these our islands , now , growne out of date ? have we prolong'd repentance , till the flame which from the neighb'ring countries did appeare ( like beacons , giving warning of the same ) spreads , and devoures , with no lesse fury , here ? and is the time now come , in which this nation must pledge them , in thy cup of indignation ? who did so much as dreame , some yeeres agoe , to see the devil so , prevailing here , to conjure up to ev'ry man , a foe , among those friends , that in his bosome were ? who thought , to see so many brothers rage against each other ? fathers without griefe , to ruinate the pillars of their age ? ●o many sonnes , to seeke their fathers life ? who could have , then , beleeved this ; that , friends , familiars , neighbours , kinsmen , mothers , daughters , should have , so madly , sought each others ends ? and mention , without teares , their wounds & slaughters ? and , finde this hellish poyson , to be shed almost in ev'ry village , house , and bed ? who did suspect , that men who dote on wealth , and make a god of pleasure and of ease ? esteeming highly , safety , limbs , and health ; should madly foole away their part of these ? and side , and quarrell so , about those things which most of them , regarded not a whit ? for , what their duties were to god , or kings , or common-wealth , it troubled not their wit . nor doth it now , if their discourse and life , may shew what conscience of such things they make : and , from this observation , i , with griefe , infallibly , may this conclusion take ; that nothing else , this mischiefe did begin , but , universall ripenesse of our sin . how could there else , so soone , so many be so hardned in the cruelties of war ? and , multitudes so forward , as we see , for rob'ries , rapes and murthers , as they are ? who did a while agoe , suspect he had acquaintance , neighbours , houshold servants too , so wicked , so malicious , and so bad , to put in act , what now we see them doe ? war hath occasion given , to disclose what ev'ry man affects . and , ev'ry one , is opportunity he gaineth , shewes what things his heart is truly set upon . oh! if wars entrance with such guilt begins , before it ends , how great will be our sins ? observe , and credit this which now i say , ( though i perhaps not worth regard may seeme ) lest you repent it else another day , and , finde too late , my words were worth esteeme . if peace we seeke not , and pursue it too , before there be too great an obduration , ere long , so hardned men in sin will grow , that on his neighbour , none will have compassion , but , ev'ry one , according to his powre , shall onely labour his owne will to gaine ; and shall corrupt each other , and devoure : till wealth , nor wit , nor honesty remaine . nor ought , but such a raskall generation , as merits gods , and good mens execration . how happy had we been , if we had fear'd before these feares had ceaz'd us ? and how blest ? had we with penitence those warnings heard which notice gave , of this unwelcome ghuest ? but , now the breach is made ; the floods break in , and , we with miseries , are overslowne . we shall be losers , though the day we win . when spoiles we take , the losse will be our owne . because , from forraigne foes , we fear'd no harme , god , for our sins , hath rais'd us foes at home . our selves , against our selves , we strongly arme ; and slaught'rers , of each other , are become . an universall ruine is begun ; and , he that was most rich , is most undone . behold , the plough , by whom we are all fed , is throwne into the ditch : our herds decay : our shepheards and our husbandmen , are fled : artificers , may shut up shop , and play . the labourer , must either starve , or sight ; the gownman , must a swordman , learne to be ; nor magistrate , nor lawes , can doe us right ; the creditor , and debtor , may agree . the glutton , must be glad of homely fare ; the drunkard , must drink water , or be drie ; old lowsie rags , pride , must be fain to weare ; our idle dames , in vaine , for bread shall crie . and , they who late , in finest linnen lay , shall scarce have leave , to lodge in straw , and hay . how are our goodly buildings overthrowne ! how are our pleasant arbours hackt , and hew'd ! how bare and rude , are those neat places growne , where fruitfull orchards , and fair groves , we view'd ! through walks and fields , which i have visited with peacefull mates , and free from fear of harmes ; yea , there , where oft fair-ladies i have led , i now lead on , a troupe of men in armes . in medowes , where our sports were wont to be , ( and , where we playing wantonly have laine ) men sprawling in their blood , we now doe see ; grim postures , of the dying , and the slaine . and where sweet musique hath refresht the eare , sad groanes , of ghosts departing , now we heare . in ev'rie field , in ev'rie lane , and street , in ev'rie house , ( almost in ev'rie place ) with cries , and teares , and loud-complaints we meet : and , each one thinks his own , the saddest case . but , what are private losses , while we view three famous kingdoms , wofully expos'd to miserable ruine , and so few , lament that plague , wherewith we are inclos'd ? my self , and my estate , i shall contemne , till we , in freedome , sing our syon-songs ; till we have peace , in our ierusalem ; and church , and state , have what to them belongs . for , what to these , are oxen , sheep , and kine ? or , any losse , that is but your , or mine ? but how should we have peace , or consolation ? whence can it come ? whilst , each of us neglects the meanes , of such a blessed expectation ? and from bad causes , looks for good effects ? who yet repents ? who , all alone , bewailes his private sins ? or , since this tempest rose , hath taken down , one furle of his proud failes , that we the publike vessell might not lose ? few of us , yet , have truely laid aside our self-conceit , our envies , or our spleene , our avarice , our wilfulnesse , or pride , and doubtlesse , whilst among us , these are seene , in vaine , we hope , our miseries will cease ; in vaine , we , look for comfort , truth , or peace . give me , oh god! give me those moving teares , those deep-fet sighes , and those prevailing groanes , which may have powre to pierce through all the spheres , and fetch downe pitie , for distressed-ones . give me enough for one , that would deplore the sins of three great nations ; and , lament for his own share , a little world-full more , which he , too long , deferred to repent . give me those teares that acceptable be ; such , as on syons evil day were shed ; such , as in bottles are preserv'd by thee ; such , as were dropt , when lazarus was dead ; such , as if teares might so much virtue have , may three great kingdoms , from destruction save . help us to that peace-offring , whence , may fume into thy nostrils , that sweet-smelling savour , whereby , thy majestie may re-assume these kingdoms , once again , into thy favour . with holy charmes , thou hast delighted bin ; for , when in mournfull elegies , to thee the son of iesse did bewaile his sin , from all his guilt , thy grace did set him free . why may not , then , to me , for whose example thy spirit hath his piety recorded , ( having within my heart , thy inner-temple ) compos'd a song , like mercie be afforded ? in hope it shall , to thee , o gracious-god ! my spirit , groaneth forth this mournfull ode . alas ! how darkesome be ! how gloomy , and how dim ! thy privic-lodgings , lord , in me , which , ioy was wont to trim ? what ghosts are they that haunt , the chambers of my breast ! and , when i sleep , or comfort want , will give my heart no rest ? me thinks , the sound of grones , are ever in mine eare . deepe-graves , deaths-heads , and charnel-bones before me , still appear . and , when a sleep i fall , in hope to finde some ease , my dreames , to me , are worst of all , and fright me , more then these . ah me ! why was i borne so late ? or why soone ? to see so bright , so cleare a morne , so black an afternoone ? what in my youth i fear'd , what was long since foretold , and , oft with scornes , and sleightings heard , fulfild , i now behold . the queene of europes iles , the princesse of her lands , ( late happy , in thy loving smiles ) now , neer to ruine stands . for , by their crying-sins , prince , peers , and people too , have brought their feet into those gins , which no man can undoe . our cunningst-wits have tride to help untwist the snare ; but , when they thought the cords would slide , they more insnarled were : and , since it is not words , that can our peace restore , we now betake us to our swords , and make the mischief more . how great is our distresse ! how grievous is our sin ! that eve'ry thing doth more increase the plague , that we are in ! there is yet , lord , in thee , a meanes of ease and aid , whereby , we sav'd from that might be , whereof , we are afraid . o god! thy helpe command ; ( for humane helpes are vaine ) and , in compassion to this land , returne thou , once again . and , if so much regard , may to my suit be showne , let me behold this tempest clear'd , before my sun go down . o lord ! return with mercy to these lands ; give not thy glory over to the foe . leave not thy churches , in their bloodie hands , who seek , in this , thy kingdoms overthrow . returne , before our spoilers , hand have laid on ev'rie pleasant , ev'ry pretious thing : before the lyons on thy lambs have preyd ; before they shall thy flocks to ruine bring . before our habitations do appeare like heaps of rubbish , or the ploughed earth : before our pleasant fields , and gardens , are like fornace-fels ; or , highlands in the north . and , e're our palaces , late neat and trim , are made the walks , and haunts , of zim and iim . once more ! once more , oh god ! in mercie heare these miserable pleas , of whose neare fall , their neighb'ring foes in expectation are , and , to behold it ; on each other call . thy foes they are , oh lord ! as well as our ; oh! give not therefore , way to their despight . let not their malice , nor our sins , have powre , upon our tombes , to build up their delight . though they divide , permit them not to raigne ; but , let our head , and bodie , so accord , that we , the stronger , may be knit againe , and , in their bosome , sheath our angrie sword : for , our blest reconcilement , further shall thy churches triumphs ; and , their babels , fall . their date is neare , if i aright have hit , the meaning of that number , which by thee was left , to trie the strength of everie wit , which longs the fall of antichrist , to see . to them , i turn my speech ; and thus dare say , his friends and helpers are now moving on , the cunningst plot , that they have left to play ; and , when that 's past , their game will quite be done . some saints , their policie will so beguile , that , they to their design shall furth'rance bring : yea , they shall help it forward , for a while , who favour not the persons , nor the thing . but lest your hearts may faile , through long delay , give ear , and heed , what , now , my muse will say . that yeer , in which romes long-liv'd empeire shall from the day , wherein it was at height , sum up , m , d , c , l , x , v , and i , in order , as these letters here i write : that yeare , that day , that houre , will be the date of her continuance ; preserving neither top , root , or branch of that accursed state , nor head , nor bodie , limb , horne , claw , or feather , for , here are all the numerals of rome in order , as they are in valuation ; which cannot make a lesse , or greater sum , without disorder , want , or iteration . nor can she longer stand , or sooner fall , if i mistake not him , who governs all . by number , weight , and measure , worketh he , allotting to each thing the bound , and season , which may both correspond with his decree , and , somewhat , also , suit , with humane-reason . in aegypt , thus , a certain time of stay was to the seed of iacob , there assign'd ; thus likewise , to a fore-appointed day , the raigne of baltashazar was confin'd . thus , from the time of daniels supplication , till christ should come , the time foretold appears to be , a pre-ordained limitation , untill the date , of seventie weekes of yeares . and , thus romes declination may , no doubt , be numbring , till her nvmerals are out . two famous numbers , are in them contain'd ; the first , declares that length of time , wherein the devil was , by powre-divine , restrain'd from setting up , the misterie of sin . the later , is the number of the beast ; which , when the let was taken quite away , ( whereby he was a thousand yeeres supprest ) doth number out his kingdom , to a day . it is the number of the name , or powre , ev'n of a man ( of that mysterious-man ) by whom sin-mysticall is to this houre , continu'd ; and , by whom , it first began . and , he that can begin the thousandth yeare , shall finde the number of the beast , is neare . to search out that , it seemes not hard to me , since i believe , that when of her chiefe sin rome to be guiltie , did first prove to be , her declinations did then first begin . and , sure , of all her sins , the greatest crime was crucifying of the lord of life ; and , in unjustly persecuting them , who tendred saving-truth , to their beliefe : then , therefore , i presume romes fall begun , and that god , measur'd , weigh'd , and numbred hath how many backward rounds her wheele should run , when she had gain'd her glorioust height on earth : thus , in those numerals , which are her owne , ( and all she hath ) her fate was written downe . to bring this worke to passe , there is a let to be remov'd , of no meane consequence : the op'ning of it cannot , well , as yet be borne , among us , without much offence ; and , warrant i have none to make my heart so bold , as to disclose it : neither may it with wisdome be revealed , till that part be furnished with actors , fit to play it . and of this mysterie , perhaps , the key must be delivered by some abler-one , who shall have power to doe , as well as say , what , god , hath fore-appointed shall be done . they first must take the works , without the walls , and then , the great malignant-citie falls . then , with exceeding infamie , and scornes , the beast , which yet so dreadfull seems to some , shall lose his heads , and moult away his hornes , and , to the world , a laughing stocke become . then , many things , that have been long conceal'd , ( and which , to blinde the carnall readers eye , in seven darke mysteries , were closely seal'd ) to ev'ry faithfull soule shall open lye , that kingdome , which the iew did long agoe mould out , according to his erring braine , and whereof , many zealous christians too , unwarrantable fancies , dreame , or faine , that kingdome , whereof , yet , but types we heare , shall to the world , essentially appeare . be patient , therefore , you that are opprest ▪ this generation shall not passe away , till some , behold the downfall of that beast , which , yet , among us , with his taile doth play . then will the lambe of god begin to take the kingdome to himselfe : and ev'ry king that on his rights , doth usurpations make , to judgement , and to ruine , he shall bring . no kingling , then , assume the boldnesse shall , blasphemously ( for know it is no lesse ) to stile himselfe the king-catholicall , as if earths universall globe were his : for , though another hath usurp'd thereon , that title , doth belong to christ , alone . and , t is no marvell , if the potentates , and princes of this world , shall now combine , by policie , to strengthen their estates ; and , with the beast , and gog , and magog , joyne ; no marvaile , if enraged they appeare , through jealousies and doubts , of losing that , by which , their pride and lusts , maintained were , and , which , base feare , and flattery first begat : for , all those kingdomes , and those emperies , througout the world , which their beginning tooke ' by humane wit , fraud , force , or tyrannies , shall passe away , and vanish into smoake . an armie , whereof yet there 's little hope , shall wrest the scepter both from turke and pope . religion , and meere showes of pietie , have been so long the masks for base designes : the great vice-gerents of the deitie , have made such polititians of divines ; and these together have so fool'd and cheated the consciences of people well inclin'd , that , of all freedomes we are nigh defeated , belonging to the body and the minde . yea , god they so have mock'd ; and on his throne and his prerogative , so farre incroach'd , that of his honour he is jealous growne , and , will no longer , be by them reproach'd : but , to the saints , their liberties restore , and , give those kings their portions with the whore . d'ye startle at it ? as if i had spoke high-treason ? or , as if what now i say , without a warrant , i had undertooke to certifie ? perhaps , you thinke , i may . know , therefore , that , i had this information not from a private spirit ; but , from his known , and unquestionable revelation , which , to the world , long since , revealed this . those kings , which , to the lambe their crowns resign ; and shall ( the beast opposing ) be content to raigne , according to the discipline which christ commands , shall keep their government : the rest shall weep , and waile , and curse their birth , with wicked kings , and merchants of the earth . christ , and his law , shall then beare all the sway , by governments , resembling that , perchance , for which the iewes gods yoke did cast away , the king-ship , of the gentiles to advance . and , as gods people , foolishly did crave in stead of his milde scepter , to obtaine that heathenish-monarchy , which doth inslave and seek , by arbitrary-power , to raigne : so , shall all people , then , desire to leave their ethnick-chaines , and , with his holy-nation , christ's precepts , and his discipline receive , and , be partakers too of their salvation . and , when this glorious kingdome shall begin , the fulnesse of the gentiles , enters in . god , hath so long deferred the possession of that great blisse ; because , our worldlinesse , hypocrisie , and discord , keepes the blessing , from ripening into such a happinesse . some , in unrighteousnesse , the truth retaine , and , make the same thereby , the lesse believ'd . some , by an outward-holinesse doe gaine the meanes to have their heresies receiv'd . while some pursue the antichrist , without them , an antichrist , ariseth up within them ; which , if they looke not warily about them , new worke for reformation , will begin them ! but , god will finish what he pre-ordain'd , when penitence and sin , their heights have gain'd , oh! that i could expresse what glorious sights , my soule hath glimpses of , by contemplation , and to what brave and unbelieved heights , they screw me , by an unperceiv'd gradation ! that blessed kingdome , which , by faith i see , and know shall come ; me thinks doth now appeare described by a patterne unto me , as if it painted , in dim landskip , were : and , my unbounded soule runs rambling over so many objects , that , if she should give account , of ev'ry thing she can discover , i should relate , what few would yet believe ; and give to fooles occasion , one time more , to scoffe me ; as they have done , heretofore . whilst thus i muz'd , behold , the foe came on , and to possesse the bord'ring hills began ; my colonell , experienc'd midleton , a valiant scot , that day led up the van . a troupe that flankt him on the left i led : the word was ordred forth ; the souldier shouted ; our martiall musick them incouraged , and , each from other , feares of danger flouted . our forces joyn'd in clouds of fiery smoke ; whence many whizzing thunder-bolts were shot : our glittering swords , like flashing lightnings , stroke each others eyes , and bloody showres begot ; enough , whereby our courage might be tried ; and , yet , with no great losse , on either side . for , lest , while of ( each part ) the forlorne-hopes together strove , our side might seek to take a narrow-passe ( which might have made some stops , to their great hazzard , in retreating back ) they wheel'd about , as if to gain some ground of more advantage : so , before the place we rightly knew , or their intention found , instead of a re-charge , we gave them chase : which being finish'd , and my warmed blood grown colder , by our adversaries flight , another foe , which long my peace withstood , a challenge brought me , for another fight : and , in the dark , when that dayes march was done , a second furious battell we begun . a strong brigade , was mustred up together , and many cunning engines forth were brought , which doubtlesse , had i come unarmed thither , had gained him the victory , he sought . to undermine me , he , at first , perplext my heart , with many deep and subtill questions : to win that fortresse , he assayed , next , by strong perswasions , and untrue suggestions . then , with confused througs of dangers , feares , and , other such like instruments as those , by violence to storme it , he prepares ; and , force prevailing not , his craft he showes : which , taking like effect , he beat the drum , and to a parlie we began to come . his generall was that deluding-reason , which hath so much befoold this generation , defaming loyaltie with termes of treason , and seeking truths , and true mens defamation . this is that grand-impostresse , which hath had the power of late , our clergie to misguide , to blinde the king , to make the nobles mad , and lead the common-people quite a side . this is the mountebancke that cheats the land , with romish-drugs , and fills our heads with toyes , that buildeth forts , and churches in the sand , and faire and fitme foundations , oft destroyes . and this is she that men so blinde doth make , the shadow , for the substance , to mistake . she thus began : within thy soveraignes land how darest thou , bold traitor to appeare without his approbation , or command , with that thy troope , of armed rebels , there ? hast thou not heard those royall proclamations , which threaten those who thus themselves aray ? hast thou not read those learned declarations , that shew thee how thy leaders goe astay ? hast thou not heard the reverend prelates preach , that all the kings commands must be obeyd ? hast thou not heard approved doctors teach , that , all we have must at their feet be laid ? and , that a mortall cloathd with majestie , is little lower then the deitie ? thy service and obedience to the king , even god himselfe injoynes : why dost thou then assistance to his adversaries bring , and rather disobey thy god , then men ? nay , thou thy selfe hast that allegiance taught , which now thou violat'st , and couldst foretell what mischieves would upon their heads be brought ; who should against their soveraigne-prince rebell . yet now , behold , thou neither having awe of thine owne conscience , or the royall right , of gods commands , or of the kingdomes law , dost arme thy selfe , against all these , to fight ; and , by pretences for the publike good , defil'st the kingdome , and thy selfe with blood . an arbitrary-government you blame , and to the lawes , your actions seeme to tie ; yet , by your ordinances , doe the same which to the king , unjustly you deny . you , for the subjects liberty contend , yet into prisons , freemen you have throwne . to ease them of taxations , you pretend ; yet make them greater then were ever knowne . you take from whom you please , and what you list ; and no man is assured of his owne , or dares to contradict , much lesse resist . yea , lately , you so insolent are growne , that , not the people , onely , you undoe , but , many wayes , abuse your soveraigne too to make him rich , faire promises you made ; but , so far off have been from adding more , that you have taken from him what he had , and , rendred him lesse able then before . to cherish virtue , or to punish vice , or to protect the wrongd , or to relieve the needie soule ; you neither offices , nor armes , nor rents , to his disposure give , gods glory , and religious puritie , sincerity to affect , you make a show ; but , thereof , we have small security , whilst pious monuments you overthrow . and whilst , you favour , cherish , and protect the schismaticks of every giddie-sect . the king denyeth nothing he may grant , but voweth and protesteth , to maintain , the true religion of the protestant ; and , le ts the subjects dues , to them remain . of him you foster causelesse jealousies ; for , to the people , or the parliament , he hath intended no such injuries , as you , seducers causelessely invent , he aymeth at the reall preservation of rights , laws , customes , and of all that 's due to church , or common-weale ; for which this nation a publike , or just private claim can shew ; and , that , which to preserve , he doth assay , you , rebels , seeke to change , or take away . he stands oblig'd , the kingdome to protect ; but , you his towns , arms , forts aand ships doe ceaze , whereby his office wants a prime effect : and , you against him , arme your selves with these . the people you seduce , and you invent devices cunningly to drive away the lords and commons from the parliament , that your own pleasures there , enact you may , the kings best friends for traitors you pursue : by sequestrations you have made them poore : nay he himselfe misjudged is of you , at least , a fav'rer of the scarlet-whoore . and he that was to be your glory borne , is now become an object of your scorne . how can you therefore safely live or die in such a cause ? how can you , without feare , be actors in that bloody tragedie ? whereto , thus blindely , you advancing are ? how , will you to your god ? how , to your king ? how , to this wronged kingdome , answer make ? when by their power they shall that vengeance bring , which will be due , for what you undertake . thus far she rav'd ; and , further as i think she had proceeded : but , i having ey'd my troopers ( and perceiving some , to shrink at her last words ) i rein'd my horse aside to cheer my troap ; then , wheel'd a little back , and , to confute those falshoods , thus i spake . trait'resse to reason , that high heav'n-born-queen , whom ev'ry earthly monarch should obey ; thou who the cause of all those plagues hast been which overflow this island , at this day : how long wilt thou persist , with shows of truth to colour falshood ? and , from thy delusions , draw forth ( to cozen heedlesse age and youth ) inconsequents , and frivolous conclusions ? in vain thou seek'st with words to terrifie from what , with good advisement , is begun . with honour , we have hope to live , and dye , what ever can by thee be said , or done , and , in our just resolves will settle fast , in spight of all the sophistry thou hast . imprudent amazon , why com'st thou arm'd with potguns , and with kexes to invade , a skonce that 's triple fortifi'd , and charm'd , by spels , which to secure it , reason made ? beleevest thou , lyes , fallacies and shows chew'd into paper-pellets , can affright ought else but regiments of daws and crows ? or , things that come to feed , but not to fight ? when to my face , thou falsly dar'st accuse my conscience , which none knows but god and i , and wouldst my own belief thereof abuse , behind my back , how wilt thou me belye ? my writings too , in favour of thy cause , thou understandest , as thou dost the laws . their author is in being , so am i ; the laws true sense is that which they shall give ; and , i am he that best can testifie the meaning of my poems , whilst i live . i have not swerv'd essentially from ought ( if well my words , and deeds be understood ) which i have either counselled or taught , pertayning to the king or common-good . and though thy friends report that i rebell , and balam-like , against my knowledge too , ( when i had both foretold , and counsel'd well what would befall , and what men ought to do ) i shall occasions finde , my self to clear of all , whereof i guilty may appear . the factions of our clergie i foresaw , the progresse of their factions i foretold , which way the one our sovereigns heart should draw , which way the other , tempt the people should ; and , thereupon my soul ( as well it might ) fearing such mischiefs as from thence do spring , according to the measure of her light , did counsell both the people and the king . the king proceeded as his prophets taught , ( for their despight made void my good intent ) the other faction of the clergy , sought to work upon the peoples discontent : and , had not then a miracle been done , it had , long since , rebellion here begun . for , had not god beyond all hopes of our , when plotted mischiefs were to ripenesse come , vouchsafed us a parliamentall power , the sin , which i most fear'd , to keep us from ? my wit perceives not how the people rage ( provoked so , as then it would have bin ) should means have found that fury to asswage , which would have brought a true rebellion in . nay , to such heights was discontentment rays'd , that , if this present timely parliament ( which never can sufficiently be prais'd ) had not enabled been , as well as sent by god himselfe , a wondrous worke to doe , they had ere this , been slaves and rebels too . but having by meer providence procur'd the priviledge for their continuation , to be by an enacted-law securd , till they saw cause to give it limitation ; such courage thereby tooke they , and such hope , their good indeavours should not be undone . as heretofore ( through want of time and scope to perfect things which they had well begun ) that , they had qualifi'd the fiery zeale , which might have kindled a rebellious flame ; and armed lawfully this common-weale , to make a just defence , as her became : for , t is her safety , that secures the king : and her distruction , will his ruine bring . we are not come , our soveraign to oppose , but for him , we thus armed now appear , by warrant , and authority from those , who to confer it , well enabled were : even by that supreme-councell , whence doe come all acts that most concerne the publike-weale ; the second senate , from whose finall doom , we cannot to another judge appeale : when that commands , the kings commands they be , more binding , then his personall injunction . in their contempt , dishonoured is he , and disobed in his noblest function . in his , we but his person disobey ; in their , his powre , and office we gain-say . we heare indeed , some time , a proclamation injoyning that , or else forbidding this : but how , i pray shall we have information , whose will and pleasure , and whose deed it is ? the person of the king we seldom see ; his court is now a place uncertain grown : with him , no lawfull counsellors hath he ; how then , of us , can his true mind be known ? since in his name , anothers will may come , we neither knowing whence , nor yet from whom ? the court of parliament appears to all , to have therein , the royall power , and name : it keeps the place , whereto the king did call , and virtually abideth still the same . that order , ordinance , and that commission , which issues forth from them , to us appears to be their act and deed , without suspition and we obey it as the kings , and theirs : why , therefore , should we be reproach'd , and blam'd , because , we are not rather guided by a printed sheet , wherein the king is nam'd , to draw us , our known duty to deny ? by telling us , a trayt`erous part we play , unlesse , our king and country we betray ? me thinks , it were a motive somewhat odd , that those few lines , which ill-advice might draw , beginning thus , charles by the grace of god , should more obliege , then equity and law . yet , this is our condition ; and , unlesse we will suspect our eye-sight , and our hearing ; and say we are in state of happinesse , when universall ruine we are fearing ; or , else , believe ( or say and swear we do , though false it be ) what ere our foes perswade ; and will be infidels , and asses too , or such tame fools , as they of some have made , we must be censur'd in our noblest action , to have unjust designes , and side with faction . unlesse with rehoboams cavaleers , we will bring aid and counsell to oppresse : unlesse , we will not think that all our fears , are without reall ground , and reasonlesse : unlesse , we will beleeve achitophel ; the parasites of ioash , iudahs king ; the priests of ahab , baal , and iezabel , which to idolatry this land would bring ; unlesse , our selves meer slaves we will repute ; unlesse , we will against all right and reason , gods epithetes , to princes attribute ; or , falsly , say , our loyalty is treason , or , do , as fools and traytors have appointed , we fight ( forsooth ) against the lords anointed . yea , then it must be told me , i rebell ; that , i resist my sovereign and the laws ; that balaam-like the truth i could fore-tell , and know the right , yet aid an evill cause . but , what am i ? thou sayst , the parliament ( though shows of other purposes it carry ) in practice doth approve that government , which in the king , they say , is arbitrary ; which is untrue . for , arbitrary sway is that which governs by the will of one : but , when their ordinances we obey , to reason we submit , agreed upon by many , chosen out to that intent , both by our own , and by the kings consent . what ever then that counsell shall ordain , is in effect the pleasure of the king , and our united ; whereof to complain , it were a causlesse , and a foolish thing . and , though we may have grievances thereby we cannot call them injuries , by reason 't was to prevent a lasting misery , by making us to suffer , for a season , the parliament abridgeth no mans right , takes no mans liberty or goods away to favour some , and others to despight : or , that themselves therewith enrich they may ; but , seize it for the publike ; and from those , who , to the publike harm , thereof dispose . perhaps , unruly souldiers , and some too who them command , will practise , now and then , harsh violence , as devils use to do , who , at these times , come forth in shape of men . but , from such insolencies i am free and ev'ry way so cleer ; that though our foes of * all i had have quite despoyled me : and , though i was authorized by those who pow'r might give my losses to redresse on them who robbed me ; i have not sought without compassion , or with greedinesse , to mend my fortunes , as , i heare t is thought ; but , only taken , what the present need requir'd ; my self , and family to feed . yea , save when we from home had marched far , and thither , where , perforce , we did endure the hard , and strong necessities of war , through want of means , things needfull to procure ? we nothing took without a recompence , nor ( to my knowledge ) either then , or there , but , with good words , and , without violence ; and , nought but what did need , & them might spare , nor did i , or , my troopers , leave unpaid our quarters anywhere , whilst we had pay , and , since our entertainments were delaid , they have my word for payment , when i may . and , by thus taking , souldiers grieve men lesse in times of war , then courtiers did in peace , we take not , as monopolizers do , and , begger many ; to enrich but one : nor take we from , both poor , and wealthy , too , as tyrants , that our pleasure might be done , nor as the damn'd-self damming gavalleer , who for his lust , and to the kingdoms harm , from good and bad , from friend and so , doth teare , what ever may be reached with his arme , the parliament ( a body representing the kingdome ) takes from none ; but of her own takes part , for furtherance , or for preventing of good or evill , either fear'd or known : and , if this be unjust , or lawlesse taking , it is not by a law of reasons making . for , as the body-naturall may take from hands or feet , or any other part , to wrap about the head when it shall ake ; or , warm to keep the stomack , or the heart , when life is else in danger : right so , may the body-politike , without reproof , from any of her members , take away . for it own preservation , or behoof , yea , doubtlesse , if a man his goods may spend , his body to redeem ; or , give consent some blood to lose , or member , to this end , that he the losse of life might so prevent ; much more may that great-bodie do the same , without the brand of injury , or blame . the taxes , which our parliament impose , are not to grieve the people : but to aid , and strengthen them against the powre of those , by whom uneasie burthens have been laid . if they be greater now , then heretofore , it is because necessities are greater : and , now require , we should bestow the more , to make , hereafter , our assurance better . and pittie were it , but he should be father to none but slaves , or to a generation who should not dare old rotten rags to gather without a patent , and a proclamation , who for his country , thinks his goods too much ; or , would his life in this adventure grutch . as for their loyall offers to the king , they ready were ; and are as ready still , their wealth , and power , and all they have to bring to serve him , if his part he shall fulfill . they would be loth his treasure to increase , to purchase instruments , wherewith to slay them ; or , raise an army , to disturb their peace ; or , to corrupt their captains , to betray them . they should be loth to give him rents and lands , buffoones , and men unworthy to advance ; that they might weaken us , and arm his hands , to make us subjects a la mod de france . but , for his guard , and for the publike-peace , our goods , our lives , and all we have is his . if his revenues , in their hands they stay , it is not without reason ( as is thought ) but , to secure his crown , and to defray the charge of war , which he on us hath brought . if they , from his disposure , now withdraw some things , by him , dispos'd of heretofore , it is because their right it is by law ; and , ought to be neglected so no more . when things permitted out of good respects , are challenged as customary rights ; and , when good meanings bring forth ill effects , t is time to take more need of oversights ; and , that , by having erred heretofore , we may not be undone for evermore . ships , forts . and arms belong unto the prince , not for himself , but for the publike use : they therefore keeping them for his defence , ( and for the kingdoms good ) what needs excuse ? or , if they ceazed on them , with intent to prepossesse them , that they might in time . their foes inhumane purposes prevent ; it was no fault , or , else , a veniall crime . they made their ordinances not for laws , but , for the present need , to be in force ; lest law-proceedings being at a pause . the mischiefs ( over-great ) grow daily worse , and , none denyes the parliament , this powre but , they who seek their freedoms to devoure , though libellous detractors , and that rabble , whom thy deluding sophistries deceive , pretend their purpose is dishonourable , and , of his dues , our sovereign to bereave ; your sland'rous allegations are untrue , and rais'd by those who hate the parliament ; because , a reformation they pursue ; and that , which may their purposes prevent . far is it , either from their thought , or our the king , of his just profits to defeat ; or to deprive him of that kingly powre whose want may make his honour incompleat , by taking , or by clipping ( to his wrong ) those rights , which to his office do belong . when ought they take , it is to take away that mischief , which may take him from his throne . when they deny , it is not to gainsay , but , that his lawfull pleasute may be done . when they disarm him , t is but that his foes might not with his own weapons him destroy . when they his rents with-hold , it is that those should not his wealth to his own losse employ . have they restrain'd his power ? they did it not to limit him ; but , that his parasites , should not to his dishonour . him beset ; and , make that pander to their appetites , till by their wicked practices , first , we are to their wils inslaved ; and , than he. the worst condition they would bring him to , is onely this ; that , if he or his sonne , by ill advisement , would themselves undoe , no innocent should thereby be undone . nor they , if during life , manasseth-like , they could repent . this brave prerogative , this priviledge , for him , and his , we seek ; that , nothing of his throne might him deprive . we labour , that it gloriously might stand , by righteousnesse upheld : and , that his line may bear the royall-seepter in this land , as long as either sun , or moon shall shine , by being made , true homagers to him , that wears the universall diadem . they would not have him , or his child , hereafter , suppose that an advantage can be had , by bringing to his bed king pharaohs daughter ; or , any with whom , god , the banes forbad . we would not have him , rehoboam-like , advance his throne by tyrannous oppression : or ( led by foolish counsell ) shadows seek till he had lost the substance in possession . they would not have him set up golden-calves , with ieroboam ; and suppose to save by policy , and serving god , by halves , that kingdom , which to him , he freely gave , till he , like him , hath made the people sin , and , brought our endlesse-desolation in . they would not have him , ahab-like , misled by wicked female counsels ; or , by those dissembling priests and prophets , who have bred that plague , which now this island , overgrows . nor would they that ( with king iehosaphat ) some fruitlesse complements , or causlesse fears , should draw him , to become confederate , with such as are profest idolaters : much lesse by those that are unwarrantable , and , such as flatterie alone , imputes . we wish he may be great , but not ( with some ) so great , as from a lawfull king , to swell into a tyrant ; and by that meanes come to gain a principality in hell . we wish him rich ; but , not by tricks , that may inrich projectors more : and , lastly prove a cheat , procuring him , another way , a greater dammage in his peoples love : but , of these things , we wish him so possest , that they may make him happie , and us blest , the parliament would so our kings enable , if they , by their advisement , would proceed , as that , hereafter , no dishonourable , unsafe , or unfit courses they should need . we blush ( and are asham'd , as well as griev'd ) that they of whom , we , justice should obtain , ( when injuries from others we receive , ) give cause of greater sufferings to complain . we thinke , what ere seducing prelates say , they should have consciences as well as we : and , may have soules , which will , another day , made subject to the common judgement be . and , we would have them none of those , that shall cry to the mountains , down on them to fall . we would not have them , to our daily sorrow , and their dishonor , wrong'd , by such , as they , who keepe them still so needie as to borrow : and never in condition to repay . we would not have them live , and die in debt , ( as usually they doe ) without regard , whose wants , and whose complaynings they forget : and whose deserts they leave without reward : or , need to be incumbred with so many oppressing officers ( who from us teare but , that like david , he should purge his court from impudent offenders ; and from all those practices , which are of ill report ; and chiefly those , which will for vengeance call : that so his kingdom might be safe in god , from traytors here at home : and foes abroad . they would not have his minions rob his name of all that honour which thereto belongs ; and , in requitall , make him bear the blame of their loud-crying cruelties and wrongs , they would not have each honourable place , fild up , in stead of princes with such groomes , as to this kingdomes , and our kings disgrace , late fild , and yet defild those noble rooms . fellowes , of whom the publike fame records no merit ; unlesse merit be in roring , in being trusty panders to their lords ; in gaming , drinking , quarreling , or whoring . for , by these virtues , from a trencher-man , a princes minion , riseth , now and than . they would not at the sacred counsell-board , that , lust , and pride . and avarice should sit arrayed , and intiled like a lord , that hath nor credit , honesty , nor wit . or , such a ruffian , as ( when suiters , there , in humble wise their grievances prefer ) shall swear , god damne me , i will nothing heare , that is inform'd against an officer . or such , as with notorious impudence , shall taunt imperiously , or tartly blame a man , that is of well known innocence , when they themselves do merit publike shame ; because in publike view , and without aw , they violate divine , and humane law . we would preserve our sovereigns honourable : not by a blast of ayry attributes ; a shilling for themselves , for him , a penny ; yet , raven-like , still , hungry carions are ) if their estates were setled once aright , and , managed by men that are upright . then , should our princes never need to send their privy-seals , to borrow for their use ; and , when they came where nothing was to lend , be much displeased at a just excuse . nor should they need to seek , as oft they do , by petty loans , a generall supply ; and ( which ill suits with borrowing ) threaten too , if we their expectation shall deny : nor take such other courses , as of late have been devis'd ; and , which are baser , farre , then our collections at the church-yard-gate ; yea , baser then our countrey help-ales are : and , which a generous mind would scarce admit , whilst he had rags to wear , or pulse to eat . for , who can mention , without indignation , those rascall projects , wherewith some pretended his majesties revenues augmentation ; as when , the sope , and pins , they him befriended : or , when they raysed fines , by proclamation , from labourers , and beggers cottages ; or , from their new-invented-corporation , salt , mault , and i coals , with such like things as these : or , if i erre not , some , from baser things , to rayse the kings revenue , made a show , ev'n from old rags , from guts for fiddle-strings . and , if these projects had not been enow , i think , ere this , there had been some device , to raise a profit out of nits and lice . we scorn , this kingdom , or our king should be dishonour'd by such beggarly inventions : to make him rich , a nobler way have we , when he shall please to like of our intentions . and , whatsoere thy sland'rous tongue hath said , wee , seek our soveraignes welfare ; and , with him no guilefull , or disloyall parts have plaid , to wrong the scepter , or the diadem . nor have we raced any monument of christian-piety ; the crosse except , that we might those idolatries prevent , which in , among us , by that relique crept . and , down ( for ought i know ) the crosse was took , as justly , as the brazen snake was broke . for , though , when christianity began , and iewes , and gentiles , mentioned with scorn , christ-crucifi'd , unto the christian-man , that badge was then with approbation worn , because , it witnes'd them , no whit asham'd of him , in whom they did professe belief , though doom'd he was , unto a death defam'd , and suffer'd as a murtherer , or theef : yet , since the popelings have a trick devis'd , to lift it up , above the civill use , and , for a saint , the same hath canoniz'd , and , stain'd it , by idolatrous abuse , we have rejected it , as , now , become a wanton token from the whore of rome . that sects , or schismes , we favour , i deny ; for , law , and true religion we befriend , against their fury and idolatry , whom you have arm'd , injustice to defend . we to be regulated are content , ( not , by the fancies of one private braine , or , by a few , that came ere they were sent ) by those , to whom such matters appertaine . some lawyers have the sense of law estrang'd from what it was : some , priests , and prelates too , both doctrines and church-discipline have chang'd , from that which was establish'd long agoe ; that , therefore , we might in the truth abide , we by the fountaines would have all things tride ▪ though of her members , faultie some appeare , the parliaments maine purpose is upright : and , while preserved their foundations are , the righteous cannot lose their labours quite . although the kings intentions may be good , ( as i still hope they be ) yet , most of those that give him counsell , now , are men of blood ; and , such as dutie bindes us to oppose . t were no discretion to commit my sword to him , who straight would give it to my foe . nor were it wisely done , to take his word , who knowes not , what he shall have powre to doe . for , oft , from reason , other men estrange us ; and , other while , our own corruptions change us , thou saist , the king hath vowed , and protests , our lawes , and our religion to defend . we ask no more , unlesse , as in the breasts of private men they are , he shall intend : or , shall conceive , that he the law doth carie within himselfe : for , that doth plainly show the government he seeks , is arbitrarie ; which , humbly we denie to be his due . i say the law now armes me . he sayes no ; and , calls me traitor , for what i have done . the parliament affirmes i faile to doe my dutie , if another course i run : and how the king in law more skil'd can grow then they that made it , i would gladly know . it were a fancie , to affirme he gained a knowledge of our lawes by revelation , or that he studied them : then , he obtained his notions of them , by meere information , and who are his informers , now , but those , that , are the chiefe transgressors of the law ? they , who essentially the same oppose ? who , from it , their obedience quite withdraw ? they , whose delinquencie had made them feare ? ●o let the lawes true powre , or sense be knowne ? because , if their true vigour should appeare , these , and their structures , would be overthrowne . yes , they from whom , he learn'd his chiefest skill , are they , who tell him , law is , what he will . if thou shalt say , his informations are from those , that in our lawes most skilfull be , and , men unblam'd ; admitting , such they were , though that is nor beleev'd , nor knowne of me ) this , i am certaine of , my undertaking was , by no such meane counsell undergone ; nor by a warrant of that private making , but , by a stronger ; by a publike one : ev'n by that senate ; whence our law doth spring : by that great court , which is , by all , confest chiefe-counsell , to the kingdome , and the king : the ladie and commandresse of the rest : by those , from whom the lawes that binde this nation , receive both being , and interpretation . should i the judgement of that court despise for their , whom yet , i neither heard , nor saw ? because a few , did other waies advise , more blam'd for arrogance , then fam'd for law ? and , is it not of dangerous consequence , that , to his rev'rend parliaments disgrace , the king , in doubtfull points , should leave their sense , for judgements , which from private spirits passe ? for , if a private spirit vouch'd may be against that court , for him : why may it not against him , be as well a vouch'd for me , if to contend , i powre enough had got ? grant this and every man as well may hope to damne a generall-councell , as the pope . grant this , and none can doubt the kings intent the protestant-religion to maintaine , and all the freedomes of the parliament ; for , they are in his bosome , and his braine . and what he will , yea , sometime , what his groome shall make him to beleeve , or understand , ( though all his dictates be receiv'd from rome ) is then , the law and gospel of the land . most prelates , and most iudges were the creatures of princes , and their minions ; therefore , these make for them ( as their vassals , and their debters ) religion , and the lawes , ev'n when they please . and , hence our strifes , and all divisions spring , twixt god , and us , the people , and the king . we would not bar our sov'raignes , any powre which fortifies , or dignifies the crowne : nor lose one lawfull priviledge that 's our , when we are well inform'd what is our owne . the people , did first make both lawes and kings : and , for their owne securitie , did make them . then , he that shall repute them , to be things ordain'd for other ends , doth much mistake them . now , for themselves , if lawes and kings they made , the makers had been madmen , to intend they should a meaning , or a powre , have had to make them uselesse to their chiefest end , and give prerogatives , or meanings to them , that , should , in stead of saving , helpe undoe them . true reason , therefore , warrants me to say , that , when we see the law a sense doth give , which taketh any publike right away ; or stretcheth so the kings prerogative , as that the kingdome is opprest thereby , or , of the publike safety brought in feare ; or , doubtfull of approaching tyrannie ; or , liable to mischiefes may appeare ; that sense of law is false ; usurped be all such prerogatives : and , nor by time , or frequent presidents , oblig'd are we to let our freedomes , be infring'd by them : but , we should claime , and take , what proveth our , as oft , as god shall give us means and powre . though some historians , and the flattring pen have stil'd the norman , conqveror ; nor he , nor any one before him , or since then , can say , that we a conquer'd nation be . for , by a composition , and on termes becomming free-men , we remain'd possest of liberty ; and william threw downe armes , accepting of that share we valued least . and , had we not as well by oath , as word , been reinvested in our native-right , that , which we lost unjustly , by the sword , at all times , by the sword , attempt we might to re-possesse , when god makes warrantable , that enterprize , by making of us able . for , this , i partly fight : not with the king ; but , with those miscreants who seek our harme : and , his abused name , and person , bring vnwarie people , by faire showes , to charme . and , ere they shall accomplish their intent by slaving him , their projects to be friend ; or by dishon'ring of the parliament ; my life time , in this quarrell , i will spend . or , if i must unhappily survive to see our english-honour overthrowne , i will not ( if i may avoid it ) live to be a slave , where i did freedome owne . nor willingly , in any land remaine , in which a tyrant ( call'd a king ) shall raigne . this quarrell , above thirtie yeares before the sword was drawne , i fought in , with my pen , till i by tyrannie was made so poore , as that they thought , i ne're should rise agen . without an armie , or a parliament to side withall ; without one able friend ; without reward ; without encouragement , to further that which i did well intend : nay , strugling through much envie and despight , that warfare i continue to this houre : and in this warfare , am resolv'd to fight , whilst i to hold a sword or pen , have powre , till i have compast , what , in hope , i have ; or , brought my tired bodie to the grave . for , peradventure , we are growne so bad , so false to god , so false in ev'rie thing , both to our selves , and others ; and have had so many mercies , whence , no fruits doe spring , that , god will give this present generation , to be what most deserve and some desire ; ev'n to be slaves to that abomination , with which their lives are doomed to expire . if so , then am i called to this fight , but , onely , that my dutie might be done : and in this manner , have been mov'd to write , that , for our sin , excuse we may have none , and , god's great worke , which he will bring about , shall be delayd , till this vile race be out . then , shall the age to come , pick up , and gather these droppings of my pen , which now they scorne ; and , wonder , men esteemed them no rather : and pittie those afflictions i have borne . then , they shall scan each page , and ev'rie line , and , finde rak'd up , among my vanities , expressions , which will show , that sparks divine of heavenly-fire , in earthly cinders lies . then , they shall come to understand and know , that many future things i did behold , beside that one , which is acknowledg'd , now , to be fulfilled , as it was foretold . but , mvse , thou art almost without the list : returne againe to thy antagonist . thou chargest us , delusion , with such things as no way correspond with our intentions , and , proofe whereof , no creature living brings : for , they indeed are meerly thy inventions . the goods of none we ceaze , or sequestrate , because , they to the king , are faithfull friends : but , for their faithlesnesse unto the state , and , serving him , to base and evill ends . nor of our soveraigne , censure we amisse : but them we rightly judge , that him misguide : for , in his actions , that which evill is , to them pertaines , who draw his heart aside . in publike acts , the king can doe no wrong , because , unto his counsell they belong . the king can doe no wrong , as he is king : for , god ordained , and man did intend , him , not to hurt , or plagues on them to bring , but , for their good , and good men to defend . the king , as king , can doe no wrong ; because he can doe nothing but , what he may doe according to divine , and humane lawes : and , what the publike-peace invites him to . the king can doe no wrong : because , what ere he doth as king , is never duely done , but , by some publike vote , or officer , or , they consenting , if he act alone . for , all he doth , whence any wrong proceeds , are not his royall but , his private deeds . the king can doe no wrong : for , if there be injustice done ; his officers are they who doe it : and , by law they onely be accomptable . and , therein , praise i may the wisdome of our lawes ; for , had there been by them , provided legall punishment for kings ; no man would be a king , i ween , but he , that could not such a lot prevent . for , were it so ; then , if court-parasites corrupt young kings , and draw them to command that sin , whereto their ill-advice invites , kings , at the barre , for their offence might stand : and they might free themselves , from ev'ry thing which they mis-doe : and lay it on the king . and , who would be their officers , if kings were liable to legall punishment in person ( as a subject ) for the things mis-done , by their commandment , or assent : for , if they shall be tyrants , or such princes , as make but little conscience of their way , whom will they not accuse of those offences , to free themselves from suffring , if they may ? and , then , though they accuse men innocent , who would not think a king should be beleev'd before his vassall ? and appeare content he , thereby , should from suffering , be repreev'd ? yea , great absurdities from thence might flow , if law conceiv'd , the king a wrong might doe . the king can doe no wrong : and , therefore , those who shall his personall commands obey , in ought which doth his legall will oppose , should beare , alone , that paine the law doth lay : because , the law of nothing else takes heed , but only of those things that it commands , or , of those evils which it doth forbid : and , for no private will , or pleasure stands . the king can doe no wrong : for , it destroyes the essence of a king : and doth deprive of ev'ry priviledge which he enjoyes by virtue of a kings prerogative . and , from allegiance frees in ev'ry thing , which he commands , beseeming not a king , for , unto kings , is our allegiance sworne , not unto tyrants , who shall fondly dreame that kingdomes have been made , and subjects borne , for nothing else , but to be slaves to them . yet , here mistake me not : we are not ( tho they tyrannize ) from all allegiance free : but , onely , from an obligation to obedience , in those things that lawlesse be . we , to their legall wills and pleasures , ever must yeeld submission ; and , with due respects , in ev'rie act of loyaltie persever : and , leave to god , their personall defects . for , well enough great mischiefes it prevents , when law takes hold , of all their instruments . what can a king to harme the publike , doe in his owne person ? if by law we may lay hold on those , that counsell him unto a wrong ? and those whom he shall mis-employ ? if in the lawfull-powre , a right there be ; and , therewith , strength enough to seize on them : he hurts us not . and , if too weake are we , what get we , though the law might punish him ? then , as his person by our law , is freed from ev'rie violence ( except from that which may restraine his person from a deed destructive to his person , or the state ) so be it ever free . and , blest be those , that , serve him , with true service where he goes . we , no man charge with treasons , none we blame , that guiltlesse is of his imputed crime , and free from just suspitions of the same ; as will be rendred manifest , in time . the king from all aspersions cleare would we , which without publike dammage might be hid , though , to himself , those things assum'd hath he , which ( as a king ) we know , he never did . what earthly wisdome can a means devise his honour to preserve , against his will ? or , do him right , that hearkens unto lies ? yet , this , we , to our pow'r , endeavour still . and , free we are , from being justly blam'd , for having , wilfully , the king defam'd . we none seduce , but , labour , how we may prevent seducements ; by right informations ; and , those effects , to change , or take away , which may arise from lying declarations . by us , no member of the parliament was driven thence : but , for their private ends , vnworthily , some from that service went , which ev'ry worthy member stil attends . some , to the king repair'd , in hope , to get a title : some , because they had mis-done : some wanted honesty , some wanted wit ; some went , because their mistresses were gone some fled for company ; and , some did fly , ( if i am not deceiv'd ) they knew not why . thus much i know ; that he , who led them forth , and they , who follow'd him , in hope to finde a cloud , to hide their project , in the north ; did leave us , nor so sottish , nor so blind , but that we found their aimes ; and soon perceiv'd , what tales , they meant , the people should believe ; what hooks they baited , and what webs they weav'd , the ( soone-misguided ) people to deceive . and , he that will , may know , that , neither they who follow'd , neither he , that went before , knew reason , why he should depart away . for , here he might have stayed , honour'd more , more safe , more fear'd , more lov'd , more happy here , then they , or we , by their departure were . could any , but meer impudence , averre that nothing , of our due , the king denies ? when they who chief in our oppressions are , are , at this day , most favour'd in his eyes ? can we have hope our safeties to enjoy , when they are still his counsell , who intend our lawfull rights , and freedoms , to destroy ? and , thither all their force and cunning bend ? is true religion like to be maintain'd ? while they , who innovated every day , ( and , have their old affections , yet retain'd ) are kept in hope , their former parts to play ? or , can we think , the popish generation are arm'd , for our religions preservation ? can we have in us , either heart , or braines , if we believe this ? when to mind we call how great a multitude of souls complains , which in the irish-massacre did fall ? if we propose before our ears , and eyes , the horrid murthers of our brethren , there , their fears , their sad destractions , and their cries , when , by their butchers , they surprised were . how terrible it was , when they beheld their bloudy neighboure , rudely rushing in , and , saw , perhaps , their dear companions kild , by those , with whom they had familiar bin : yea , saw , before they doubted , cause of feare , a murth'rer , or a mischief , ev'ry-where . if we remember , that the mazed father , and , trembling mother , in the winter-night , were forc'd , in hast , without their cloaths , to gather their children up , and , with them , take their flight through fields , and boggs , and woods , with naked feet , lesse fearing thirst , and hunger , frost , and snow , then with those cursed edomites to meet , who neither manhood , nor compassion know . if we consider , why they first began their hellish tragedie ; how great a flood in ev'ry irish town , and village , ran of harmlesse protestant and english blood ; how , in their tortures , and their fears , they joy'd ; and what great numbers they had soon destroy'd . if we consider this , and that a nation so bloudy-minded , and professing too a worship , which is our abomination , should by his majesty be favour'd so , that after all their mischiefe , all their spoile and cruelties , committed in that land , they should be called over to this i le , to kisse ( with good respect ) the royall-hand , can we , these things consid'ring , symptomes finde , that , ought , for us , but mischiefe , is intended , to soule and body ? can we have a minde so sottish , as to hope to be befriended in our religion , by the kings protection ? while such , as these , have place in his affection ? maintaineth he our lawes , as he hath sworn , vvhen he maintains law-breakers , in despight of common equity ? and , as in scorn of justice , at the root of law doth smite ? or , doth he keep his oath , though he alone allowes of lawes enacted heretofore ? if he to us denies , as he hath done , vvhat might secure the common safety more ? or , hath he done his duty , in denying his , and the kingdomes counsell , to embrace ? or , in imprudent , and unjust complying vvith parasites , to his , and their disgrace ? or , valuing men of rascall reputations , before the wisest of three noble nations ? no change in church or commonwealth we crave , but , what gods word , and reason shall allow . that , we are bound to seek , and ought to have ; and what that is , hereafter you shall know . our churchmens honour we envied not ; but , could , what they enjoyed , have allow'd , had it been rightly us'd , and fairly got . but , they have long been lazie , false , and proud . and , i foretold them many years agoe , the course they took , in hope thereby to stand , should cause their fall . and , if it now be so ; it is the work of god almighties hand : and , since it proves , their honour did them hurt , i am content , to see it , in the durt . the king is not obliged to uphold their outward pomp ; when his great counsell shall inform , that if the same abide it should , it may become the ruining of all . him , doth his oath , or place , ingage , to cherish a rotten member ? though by doing so , the whole republike may grow sick , and perish ? or piety receive her overthrow ? or , should we fancie , that the law intended , this realmes whole body , should not be believ'd ? when they complain'd of that which them offended ? and told , which way , they best might be reliev'd ? or , can he think , his oath he broken had , when they shall him acquit , for whom 't was made ? when , on the prelates , law did first confirme their dignities ; the common-people thought they came from god : so wisely they could charme , to compasse , for themselves , the things they sought . and , ev'ry age brought forth a man or two , whose knowledge and whose piety made way for them , who came , another work , to do ; and , whose first founder , now , discern we may . then , since we now discover them , to be not christs apostles , as we , once beleev'd , but , engines for the papall monarchie , and , hypocrites , by whom we were deceiv'd : vvhy should we now suppose we do them wrong , to take away what they have kept too long . vvhy should we think it sacriledge , or sin ? to take both wealth and dignities away from those , to whom they never due have bin ? from such , as would the cause of christ betray ? vvhy should his jewels by his foes be worn ? vvhy on his bread should droans and robbers feed ? to cloath a wolf , why should a sheep be shorn ? or they be spar'd , whose fall is fore-decreed ? let them learn true humility of christ , and , studie how in spirit to be poore ; their earthly honours will not then be mist : their want of wealth will be a want no more : and , they shall honour god , and blesse the day , in which he took their needlesse trash away . it is my grief , that i am forc'd to bring those reasons of defence which may appear reflecting on the honour of the king , vvhich keep i would from all aspersions clear . but , his dear favourites have blended so his acts with their designes , and their , with his : that , we their malice cannot fully show , vvithout some touch , on what he doth amisse . and , that consider'd , makes their fault the greater ; and , him ( though their ill-service he approve ) to them , for , what they claime , the lesse their debter ; because , his honour they but little love : for ( till these times ) though courtiers plaid the k●… they sav'd their honours , who , them sought to sa●… but , whatsoever , by the parliament , or , by my pen , he seemeth to have lost in point of honour ; if he shall assent to that , which will be nothing to his cost , but , rather , for his profit ; let the same be , at my hands requir'd ; unlesse i shall finde out , not onely means , whereby his name shall publikely stand faire , and clear from all dishonourable staines ; but , also shew how his , may , all his predecessors glory out-shine : and , leave to times that shall ensue , an everlasting honourable story . which , to believe , me thinks , he should be mov'd , since , all i yet fore-told him , true hath prov'd . gods will be done ; within whose pow'rfull hands the hearts of princes are ; and , let us wait with patience , till , for us , his grace commands that aid , which makes things crooked to be straight . meane-while , we must not those just means neglect , vvhich to the publike safety may pertaine : nor cease from doing good , though an effect , not purpos'd , make him causlesly complaine . our cause we must expostulate ; that , we may , to the world , approve our innocence : and , that he may , thereby , informed be , how little cause we give of just offence . and , to that end , to what i said before , in our defence , i le add a little more . though others may be fool'd with protestations , and , words or oaths ; which , peradventure , none did vow , or make , but he , whose declarations have , lately , for the kings , among us gone . the parliament hath many piercing eyes , that in the dark , descry their foes devices : and , by discov'ring of their treacheries , ere they come forth , destroyes those cockatrices . when mischiefs are , by providence , fore-seen , and , then prevented : they that would have done them , make friends , and fools , believe they had not been , because , they were destroid ere they begun them , yet , some , who saw not where the foxes went , can finde where they have haunted , by their scent . what things the king hath sworne , i doe not heare ; but , should he sweare ten times , and ten times over , there were no cause to dread , what yet we feare , me , of that feare , his oathes could not recover : for , though i should beleeve , that he thought true what he had sworne : yet , what should me assure that he his owne designes should still pursue ? or , that unchanged he shall still endure ? and , though his heart bide fixt , how can i know that , he shall still have powre to doe me right ? since they , who seeke his kingdomes overthrow , alreadie , are commanders of his might ? and , so prevailing , that , in him , i see nor will , nor powre , his owne true friend to be ? though others can beyond beleefe , beleeve , and , hope beyond all hope ; i cannot , yet , in reasonable things , permission give vnto my fancie , to befoole my wit . in flights-divine , my contemplation flies , without restraint : but , in all humane things , my vnderstanding , still , my iudgement ties to reasons principles ; or clips her wings . what ever , therefore , other doe , or say ; what ever sounds , or showes , i see , or heare ; each weightie-matter , by it selfe , i weigh , with ev'rie circumstance , that may appeare : [ and , when that all things i have throughly prov'd , i silent am , or speak , as i am mov'd . so did i in this cause , before i dar'd resolve upon the course , that i have took . and , ere i hither came , came so prepar'd , that , nothing to affright me , can be spoke . though all , for whose defence , i hither come , should use me worse then yet my foes have done , ( as , i already have been us'd by some ) i would not leave the path i have begun ; but , meerly for the justnesse of the cause , and conscience sake , perform my best endeavour , to vindicate religion , and the lawes : and , in this duty to my death , persever ; that , i may live to see our freedome sav'd : or , bravely die , before i am inslav'd . for , though some , wilfully ; and , weakly , some object unto us , that in primitive , and purer ages , christians did not come with fire and sword , the law of faith to give : nor seek by force of armes , to make defence against those tyrants , in whose lands they taught ; ( much lesse , came arm'd , against their native prince ) to settle that religion which they brought . this argument of their is but a cheat , to cozen innocencie , with a show that 's empty : for , the difference is great betwixt their cause , and that , we mannage now vvhich , i should make more plainly to appeare , but , that , too tedious , for this place , it were . they had no party , to defend their cause ; they came to preach , where freedomes they had none : they were not armed by their countries lawes : and , greatest good , by suffring , might be done . to russia , or to turkie , should i goe our faith to publish there ; the likeliest way to settle it , would , then , be sufferance , too : and , meekly , on the block , my head to lay . must therefore , we permit the whore of rome , to send her bastards , and her fornicators ? ( whom law forbids within our coasts to come ) to teach her baudrie to our sons and daughters ? and , make the kings , and princes , of these nations , drunk with the feces of her fornications ? because , the martyrs suffred , by that state , whose settled way of worship , they gainsaid ? must , downe to those , who come to innovate our settled truth ; this kingdomes neck be laid ? shall we be able an account to render , for our neglect ; now we in danger see , ( of romish-slaverie ) our faiths-defender , if we endeavour not to set him free ? shall we sit still , and whine , when law , and reason cries out all-arme ? untill we be , indeed , traitors ; by fearing loyaltie is treason ? and bring both plagues and curses on our seed ? doe as you please , my way to me is knowne ; and , i will walk it , though i walke alone . for , that without a partiall inclination ( to either side ) the right i might disclose , it was , and is my full determination , to set aside respect of friends or foes . and , let me be , by both of them abhorr'd , if i now utter , or have uttred ought , for private ends ; or , what shall not accord , in ev'ry sentence , with a loyall thought . to keep me from delusion , i have pray'd ; i have look'd up , above me , to discover what notions , may be downe to me convayd ; of those things which above our heads , doe hover . and , downe below me , i have cast mine eyes , to mark what fogs may up from hell arise . about me i have look'd , on either side , on disagreeing , and agreeing actions : the manners , and the speeches i have tride , of most professions all degrees , and factions . and , from them all have made for my directions , ( and for my informations , in this cause ) a chaine of observations , and collections ; from whence , my iudgement , her conclusions drawes . behind me , i have look'd , to take a view , of what was done , or suffred , heretofore : vvhat did on this , what did on that ensue : what makes a curse , or blessing , lesse , or more . and , i have look'd before me , too ; and see events of things , that shall hereafter be . i have consider'd what i had foreseen in that great plague , which this kings reigne began : vvhat i fore-told him ; what fulfil'd hath been ; vvhat courses he , and his , since that time ran . i have consider'd , why i did prefer that hearty-prayer , for him , which yet stands as registred , in my remembrancer ; and hath been published , through all his lands . i have consider'd , well , what kinde of men were then his counsellors ; and , who are now ; what parliaments , and promises , were then made void : and , what effects , from thence did flow . how fast , injurious projects were incretst ; how cruelly , the people were opprest . i have well weigh'd , what persons were prefer'd in church and common-wealth ; and , with what sleight acceptance ( if not with a disregard ) all honest services they did requite . their proclamations , did from yeare to yeare , proclaime to me , much more then they intended i should have known . and , though i silent were , i could have told in what they should have ended . the life , and sudden death , of buckingham ; the voyages of rochel , and of ree ; and other things , whereto i privieam , vvere true prognostications unto me ; and , to my understanding , more foretold , then all the constellations did unfold . and , though i live among the countrey-clowns , ( as one , who scarcely knew , or heeded ought ) the spanish-fleet that perish'd on the downes , i heard of ; and , to minde it some what brought . sometimes , i have intelligence from rome ; and , know what in the conclave hath beene done . i have observed other men , to come on businesse thence , as well as senior con. i know archbishop laud ; and he knows me , the worse for him , by many hundred pounds ; for which , i recompenced looke to be , when he , againe , at lambeth walks his rounds . and , i , from these , though they suppose not so , some reasons drew , for that , which now i doe . i heard , of what , within their cabinet , the machiavilian-counsellers debate ; and , informations , other while , did get , of ill-presaging secresies of state . the german-horse , that should have trotted hither ; prodigious straffords projects , deeds , and triall , with other characters , speld all together , have showne me truths , that can have no deniall . and , when my heart had rightly pondred these , weigh'd , what they are , with whom we have to doe ; their words , their hopes , their lives , their practices , what things they seek , whom they belong unto , with such like notes , as these ; me thinks , they be all blinde men , who perceive not , what i see . and , when i had with these considerations , consider'd too , for what a worthlesse crew , the suits and cries of two most loyall nations , have wanted those effects which are their due : that he , who for the sheep , his life should give , can give them to the wolves , and see them slaine : that he , who should our grievances releeve , can adde unto our torment , and our paine : that he , because we feare his dogs will bite , ( and , for that reason , pray they may be ty'd ) can therefore , let them loose , and take delight to see them kill , whom they have terrifide : these things considered , me thinks , we wrong the humane-nature , to be tame so long . when i perceived our deare countries father , so peremptorily affect his will , that , he would hazard three brave kingdomes , rather , then his unlawfull pleasure , not fulfill ; and , when i saw the devils , who inspire this wilfulnesse into him , ceaze the goods of his best subjects ; their faire houses fire ; deflowre their virgins ; shed their old-mens bloods ; betray their nearest kinsmen , slay their brothers ; deprive the blamelesse infants of their lives ; enslave their fathers , kill their frighted mothers : abuse their daughters , and defile their wives : it griev'd me , that this iland should afford one man , who for this quarrell drew no sword . but , since i have consider'd , that , from rome , these plagues , these mischiefes , these unhappy warres , and all , our present miseries , did come , with our unequall'd irish-massacres : and , that ( beside the many thousands here ) well nigh , two hundred thousand protestants , were slaine , and rooted thence , within one yeare , by those , to whom the king high favours grants : and , since t is ( not improbably ) beleev'd , they called are to be our butchers too : ( if we permit our selves to be deceiv'd , till they can compasse what they meane to doe ) me thinks , we have not beene so tame , as mad , to have so slow a hand , as we have had . and , lastly , since i weigh'd , that , not alone a plot is laid three kingdomes to undoe , but also , in their spoile , to have undone , all other true reformed-churches too : that , gods own glorie , and the servitude of christian soules , is in this cause concern'd ; from thence ( whatever , other will conclude ) i , these conclusions , with good warrant , learn'd : that , those whom in this warfare we resist , are neither worse , nor better , but , those bands , and those confederates of antichrist , which are to be his champions , in these lands . and , that , whoever fighteth on their side , when this is known , hath god , & christ deni'd . i see , as plainly as i see the sun , he draweth neare , that , on the * white horse rides . the long-expected battell is begun : the beast , to muster up his kings , provides : with him , will all his edomites conspire ; the seed of hagar , and the sonnes of lot : philistia , gebal , moab , ammon , tyre , and , all that with his marke , themselves bespot . those brave white-regiments , me thinks , i see , that , on the lord of lords , & king of kings , attending in triumphant habits be ; and , which , with him , against our foes he brings . me thinks , i hear his * angel call the crowes , to eat the kings , and captains of our foes . if this be so ; as , with a heart unfain'd i do believe it is : how brave a lot have we ? that were , before all worlds , ordain'd , to be , for souldiers , to the lamb , begot ? with what high courage should we march along against this foe ? that , being conquerours , we may , with angels , sing a triumph-song , and , crowned sit , among celestiall powers ? why should we be afraid to speak , or write , what may , from this curst army , fetch our king ? why should we feare , to perish in that fight , which will through death , to life immortall bring ? or , why should any , now , this work delay ? or , doubt the truth of that , which here i say ? i beg no grace from king , or parliament , if an impostor i shall prove to be : or , if men find not , by the consequent , that , god hath spoken to this land , by me : and , that the maine of all my musings were inspir'd by him ; though , often , he permit my foolishnesse , among them , to appeare , that , nothing be ascribed to my wit . excuse i crave not , but a just correction , or , approbation , as my words may merit . if an ill-spirit hath been my direction , what thereunto pertains , let me inherit . and , if the truth be spoken , do not grieve me , vvithout a cause ; but , hearken , and believe me . suppose not ( my deare countrimen ) that here i have been over-bold , although you see a bitternesse doth in my lines appear : for , in this cause , great things concerned be : it doth concern our children , and our wives . the publike safetie , and the publike good ; the honour of our nation , and our lives , the just avengement of our brethrens blood : the freedome of our persons , and estates ; the honour , and the safetie of our king : our present being , and our future fates , and , almost , ev'ry other precious thing : yea , it concerns our souls : and , more then so , it highly doth concern gods glory too . now then , for conscience , or , for shame , begin . to call to minde the duties that ye owe : let what appears without , be found within ; that , by your actions , we your hearts may know . for your own sakes ( if not for gods , and our ) be zealous in the cause you undertake : lest you , ere long , have neither means , nor pow'r , your peace with god , or them , or vs , to make . for , both to god , and man , above all creatures , the most abhorred , are those hypocrites , who can comply with disagreeing natures , yet , false to all , but to their appetites . take , therefore , counsell from a souldiers pen : and ( while you may ) be warn'd , be wise , be men . asham'd ( if not a little mad ) i am , to see so many , in this cause , so cold , so false , so faint , so cowardly and tame , that can , in other causes , be so bold . and ( not without affliction ) this , i say : should this good cause miscarrie , all our foes are not more guilty of it , then are they , who give it , unperceiv'd , and secret blowes . none do it so much dammage ; none so wrong us , as they , who seem to be our faithfull friends ; they , who at meat , and counsell , sit among us ; and , serve the publike ; for their private ends . our scaene of bloud , ere this , had els been done : and , peradventure , never been begun . in ev'ry village , town and corporation , let all , that are true protestants profest , let ev'ry canton , province , tribe , and nation , which doth against the romish-whore protest , a timely league , with one another make ; vnite themselves by firme associations ; and , by a sacred covenant , courses take both for their joynt , and sev'rall preservations . and , to be sure , they make a firm defence against their foes fierce furie , and despight ; let them be cloth'd , with love , and innocence , arm'd , with that armour , wherewith christians fight ; and , be prepared , alwayes , to resist the body , and the limbs , of antichrist . feare not the furie of your present foes , for , by treir mixture , you discover may they are but part of that great statves toes , whose feet were made of iron , and of clay . if they receive but one good knock , or twaine , the clay , and iron , will divided be : the protestant will be himselfe againe : for , light and darknesse never can agree . though horn'd , but like the lamb , they yet appeare , ( pretending to be arm'd for innocence ) their voices doe discover what they are ; and , that the dragons creature is their prince . oh therefore , as you love your preservation , give eare , ye britans , to this proclamation . charles by the grace of god , the sovraigne king , of england , scotland , ireland , and of france , intending in his heart no other thing , but , how his regall powre he might advance , in that pursuit , a little straying from his faithfull parliament , through ill advice , was by an ambuscado , sent from rome , surprized lately , in a traiterous wise : and ( whereof all good subjects should have sense ) imprison'd lyes ; where both his eyes and eares , so poysned are , by false intelligence , that , nothing he , now , truly sees , or heares . as by those actions , which his name doe beare , it may , and will apparently appeare . moreover , they have in despight of law , advanc'd a popish army ( by some showes of what they purpose not ) and , daily draw the protestants , each other to oppose : and , have so fairly cov'red their intention , that , what they could not , by themselves , have wrought , we may assist them in , till past prevention their plot , and our destruction shall be brought . come therefore , oh all ye ! that are profest the sonnes of reformation ! come away , from giving your assistance to the beast ; lest , in his judgement , you be swept away . on paine of ruine , come ; and helpe to bring our sov'raigne home : and so , god save the king . let him , that would a christian man appeare , his drowzie soule awake , and rouze his faith . let him , that hath an eare to heare , give eare to that , which through my trunk , the spirit saith : and , cursed let him be , till he repent ( his wilfulnesse ) that , when he heares this muse , and feeles his heart , inclining to assent , ( to what is true ) her counsell shall refuse . accursed let him be , on like condition , that through a selfe-conceit , or thorow pride , shall blast these usefull musings , with suspition of ill intents ; or , my just hopes deride : or , by his envie , malice , or neglect , deprive them , of their purposed effect . accursed let those townes , and cities be , which willing entertainment did afford to our pursuers ; and , were glad to see their armies with them , both at bed , and boord . the curse of meroz , and those execrations , which to her base inhabitants befell , alight on their malignant-habitations ; and , that of succoth , and of penuel : till they with shame and sorrow , shall repent their falshood to themselves , and to their friends : their falshood to the king and parliament : and , help to bring those traitors to their ends . and let all places , which have done their best against those rebels ; be , for ever , blest . and ( if my sentence , which is here recorded may passe for good ) let ev'ry one of those that hath for any services , beene lorded , wherein , their god , or country they oppose , we are his false badge of honour , ev'rie where , with infamie , with beggerie , and scorne ; with terrible vexations , and with feare , till his unworthie name away be worne : or , till , by some apparent penitence , by god , a pardon shall to him be given : and , then , let all his folly and offence , remitted be on earth , as 't is in heaven . and , so let all the rest , by my consent , like mercy finde , as soone as they repent . for , we are all transgressors : he that 's best is bad , and but a brier , or a thorne . he , that among us hath transgressed least , deserves more plagues , then he that 's worst hath borne . he , that hath much offended , hath perchance , not out of wilfulnesse , offensive bin : but , through temptation , or through ignorance ; for which , true penitence may mercie win . yea , some , perhaps , who most of all offend , were left to their corruptions , for our crimes : and , when we shall our wicked lives amend , they shall repent , and we have better times . yet , still , most blessed be those men , and places , who from this battell , have not turn'd their faces . for ever blessed , and renown'd , for ever , let glo'ster be ; that , being far from aid , did in her firmnesse , gloriously persever , when round her wals , the king his armie laid . for ever , let the towne of manchester be blest and famous ; that , with slender guard , without a neighboring-second ( and well neare without all helpes ) her dangers all outdar'd : and , by god's aid , alone , did trample downe the powre , and pride of darbies armed son : yea , where the popish-faction , strongst was growne , prevail'd , in spight of all that spight had done : and , hopefull bides , that he , who did befriend her paines , thus far , will blesse it to the end . and , far above them all , renown'd , and blessed let london be , who for the preservation of three great kingdomes , wofully distressed , hath acted things begetting admiration . for ever , let her bountie , and her zeale , her constancie , her counsels , and her pray'rs , her valour also for the commonweale , when we were almost sunk into despaires : let all these , be remembred , to her glory : and , let her high deservings by the same , be so recorded in some well writ story , that , all great cities may envy her fame . and , so to honour her , let us agree , that , all her praises , to god's praise , may be . let all those worthies also , that have done , or , suffred bravely , for the common-good , in this great cause ( untill times round is run ) be blest and honour'd , in their names , and blood . let valiant essex , warwicke , manchester , stout fairfax , wallor , roberts , brooke , and gray , ( who forward for the publike safety were ) be crowned with a never-dying bay . so crown'd be skippon , mericke , stapleton , with hampden , massy , bruerton , and gel : the english and the scottish middleton , my noble , and my valiant colonel . and , let nor malice , time , nor death , be able , to make them lesse then good , and honourable . remembred be , with an heroick fame , balfore , and ramsey , cromwel , and d' albere , the meldroms , and he chiefly of that name , whose worth did in relieving hul appeare . let mention'd be with honourable-men , much daring luke , and hazelrig the bold : aldridge , browne , barcley , holborne , harvie , ven , brooke , norton , springer , morly , more , and gold . to all of these , whose worth shall reall be . let reall honours be : and , be it so , to all of good desert , unknowne to me ; of whom there are , i hope , some thousands moe , whose memorie , shall never be forgot : though , here , to name them , i remember not . and if among these names a name be found to any man pertaining , who is knowne in his affection to this cause , unsound ; or , who intendeth falshood , yet , unshowne : let that mans mention , and his naming , here , instead of hon'ring him , a meanes become to make his infamie the more appeare ; or , his ill purposes divert him from : and , draw him , so sincerely to endeavour the publike safetie ; that my ignorance of his first failing , may , now , make him , ever , industriously the rightfull-cause advance ; and , thank his providence , who , from mine eare , those failings kept , whereof , some others heare . let them , that shall hereafter counted be most honourable persons , never more be they , who shew the longest pedigree , from kings , and conquerors , as heretofore : but , such as are most worthy : and , next them , their off-spring , who were patrons for this cause . and let them share more honour and esteem . then he that his descent , from princes drawes , for , if it may enoble , to be borne of those , who out of avarice , or pride , from others , wrongfully , their lands have torne : how much more , ought they to be dignifide , that , from the loines of 〈…〉 , whose swords , their country 〈…〉 and , to make full my blessing : 〈…〉 , be ev'ry member of the parliament , which hath not been unwillingly oppressed , with burthens , our undoing to prevent . blest , be their constancy , and blest their paines , with safety credit , and with consolations , and , with all blessednesse which appertaines , to make them happy , through all generations . and , blessed be the king , with such a heart , and , such a resolution , to retire to us in love : that he may have a part in all that blisse , which we our selves desire . and , that from these our troubles , i may raise a trophie , to his honour , and gods praise . before , my tongue had finish'd this defence , to warrant my ingagement : that delusion which had so hotly charg'd me , sneaked thence , and , staid not , to give eare to my conclusion . her forces vanished , ( and she with them ) consisting , chiefly , of their sophistries who had been prest out of that academ , in which , the magazine of mischief lies . it was , first , founded for a court of knowledge , ( a schoole of duties , mora'l and divine ) and , to that end , had a goodly colledge , to nurse up youth , by prudent discipline : but 't was , of late , a nest of birds unclean ; and , is now made the wolves , and lions den . my foe departing , i began to sleight his trenches , and the forts which he had rear'd : those engines , likewise , i demolish'd quite , that make young souldiers of their force afeard : and , was at leisure , then , my selfe to please , with other thoughts ; and , thither to retreat , where i might be refresht , and take mine ease , with such provisions , as my men could get . my quarter was the field : my tent and bed , a well-made barley-cocke : the canopie and curtains , which , to cover me , were spread , no meaner then the starre-bespangled skie . god set the watch ; the guard , he also kept , and , without harm , or feare , i safely slept . next morne , before the dawning of the day , my heart awoke ; and , warm'd with gods protection , ( and with his love ) did praise him , and , assay to meet him , with reciprocall affection . my purpose he accepted , and descended to imp the wings , that mount my contemplation . and , kindly , raised , strengthned , and befriended my soule , by sweet , and usefull meditation : with musings on things present , on things past , and things to come , he exercis'd my thought . some , of his mercies , gave my soule a taste ; of sin , and judgement , some , the relish brought . by some , i did my private duties learn ; and , some , the publike-safetie , did concern . one ray , forth darting from his pow'r divine , ( whose way of working cannot well be told ) infus'd into my heart , a high designe , which , with good liking , now , i might unfold . but hark ! the trumpet calls me to the field : my horses , are already at the doore . place to the sword , my pen , againe , must yeeld : at better leasure , i may tell you more . to what , i further purpose to declare , this , for an introduction , is prepar'd : and , if i finde , you so well temper'd are , that , more ( with hope of profit ) may be heard ; i 'le tell you newes , which yet , is but a dreame , and , vox pacifica , shall be my theame . a voice , not of a vaine pacification , form'd out of ecchoes , or uncertaine sounds : but , of a peace , of whose blest confirmation , there shall be likely hopes , and reall grounds . a voice , in somewhat , imitating his , who ( to prepare the great messiah's way ) became a crier in the wildernesse ; and , to beget repentance , will assay . a voice , that shall prepare the way of peace . a peace , that shall with righteousnesse , embrace : and , by their sweet embracements , more encrease the peace of conscience , and the peace of grace . a peace , which , if my hopes effect i can , shall reconcile us , both to god , and man . a peace , not closing up a festring sore , to ease , but for a while , the present smart : and , making afterward , the torments more , by spreading mortall gangreves , to the heart . a peace , that by a true-love-knot , shall knit three nations , with such nearnesse , into one , that , nothing shall have powre to loosen it , but , wilfull sinne , impenitently done . a peace , which to the people , and the king , shall ( if not hindred by some crying-sin ) truth , honour , wealth , powre , rest , and safety bring : and , keepe us everlastingly therein . this peace i seek ; this peace , that god may send , my soule doth pray ; and so these musings end . sic dixit , qui sic cogitavit : et , praedicando quod putavit , haud multum neccat , si peccavit . all the glorie be to god . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a e- * brit. rememb . cant. . * brit. rememb . * to the value of above . l. * rev. . . * rev. . . joco-serio. strange news, of a discourse between two dead giants expressed in an epigram, to one inquisitive for news, and was composed by occasion of a scurrilous pamphlet, entituled, a dialogue between colbrant and brandamore, the two giants in guild-hall london. which pamphlet was not only intended to abuse this author, and some particular persons by name, but the said city also, in the late election of their parliamentary members. thereto is added an antidote against all ill news whatsoever, which proving effectual to many lately reputed phanaticks, may possibly be vertual to some other. jeers will be self-condemned, and stingless if contemned. g. w. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing w estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) joco-serio. strange news, of a discourse between two dead giants expressed in an epigram, to one inquisitive for news, and was composed by occasion of a scurrilous pamphlet, entituled, a dialogue between colbrant and brandamore, the two giants in guild-hall london. which pamphlet was not only intended to abuse this author, and some particular persons by name, but the said city also, in the late election of their parliamentary members. thereto is added an antidote against all ill news whatsoever, which proving effectual to many lately reputed phanaticks, may possibly be vertual to some other. jeers will be self-condemned, and stingless if contemned. g. w. wither, george, - . [ ], p. [s.n.], london : printed . g. w. = george wither. in verse. reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng england and wales. -- parliament -- poetry -- early works to . great britain -- history -- civil war, - -- poetry -- early works to . london (england) -- history -- th century -- poetry -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion joco-serio . strange news , of a discourse between two dead giants , expressed in an epigram , to one inquisitive for news , and was composed by occasion of a scurrilous pamphlet , entituled , a dialogue between colbrant and brandamore , the two giants in guild-hall london . which pamphlet was not only intended to abuse this author , and some particular persons by name , but the said city also , in the late election of their parliamentary members . thereto is added an antidote against all ill news whatsoever , which proving effectual to many lately reputed phanaticks , may possibly be vertual to some other . jeers will be self-condemned , and sting less if contemned . g. w. london , printed . joco-serio . strange news , of a discourse between two dead giants , expressed in an epigram to one inquisitive for news , and was composed by occasion of a scurrilous pamphlet , entituled , a dialogue between colbrant and brandamore , the two giants in guild-hall , london , &c. friend , there is now , no good news to be had , and , i intend to publish none that 's bad ; for , as affairs yet stand , it may be treason to speak the truth , if spoken out of season ; and , though in season spoken , he that speaks it , may suffer by his folly who mistakes it . yet ( now i think upon 't ) a little scrap i met withall this morning , by meer hap , which may be safely told : for nor to state or church , but to my self it doth relate ; and , it hath made me smile , with scorn , to see what heed , great men , begin to take of me . the lord mayor , & some aldermen have known me long time ; yea , men of all degrees do own me with good respect , for whose esteem i care ; and some , who of the best extraction are . but , that 's no news ; or , none , at least , compar'd to that which now shall be to thee declar'd : for , be it known , that , though obscurely born , i am now honor'd with a publick scorn ( divulg'd in print ) as if reputed one who hath deserved to be thought upon among those persons , who are in these times renowned for those vertues , or those crimes which in this age must punishment receive , or honour ; and next age their judgement have , when they , who are no parties in the cause , shall judge men , both by gods & natures laws . mean while , their censures must be undergone who neither know me , nor what i have done : for , they , who never heard of me ; who never did see me , nor shall hear of me for ever , take notice of me , to my wonderment , and , not a little to my good content ; since , peradventure , it may shortly bring my person to be known unto the king , who , if he truly know me would conceive that , usefully to serve him i might live , although traduc'd i am by some of them , who , in another mode , have served him . if thou hast read in legends heretofore of big-bon'd colbrant and great brandamore the giants in gvild-hal ; be pleas'd to know that , in a dialogue betwixt those two my name is mention'd , with as much applause as i could wish , from champions of that cause for which they stand ; and to as good effect as i can possibly from those expect , of whom i never yet much notice took , and , to whom , in my life , i never spoke . these two goliahs ( things , as big almost as he , who once defied israels host , ( and had his cockscomb crackt by little david , because himself so rudely he behaved ) these ascaparts forsooth , i know not how , pretend to be of my acquaintance now ; and , this is such a novelty to me that i have sent the same , as news to thee . for , news it is to me , and strange news too , that buggs with whom i never had to do , should shew themselves , in my affairs as witty as in the great concernments of their city , where they have had a place to them assign'd at publick meetings , now time out of minde . t is news to me , that , creatures of their frame , to any purpose , should repeat my name , since , probably , they do not know their own , but , are the greatest block-heads in the town , except it be those foolish pamphleters that , use to write such dialogues as theirs ; ( or , base invectives tending to th' increase of discord , by the breach of civil peace ) and , who , mens honest fames to overthrow , shoot poysoned arrows from an unseen bow , for , these are much more blockish ; and this nation will never thrive , whilst these have toleration . however , this perhaps forewarn me may , that some as mighty , and as wise as they will mention me ere long , to worse effect , and with a more malicious dis-respect , than these detractors hitherto have done , though me , they seem not , yet to think upon . but , be it , as it must be ; scorns and jeers , have hung so long , as jewels at mine ears , that , whether my reproach be less or greater , i shall my self esteem , nor worse , nor better for what , by others , is done , spoke , or thought , whilst i , think , speak , and do the things i ought . he , that takes heed , what to himself relates , needs not care what the world , without him , prates this , is my best news , at this present time ; that which it wants in reason , take in rime . farewel . a postscript . but , take this post script too ( which , whilsta taper one lights to seal it ) shall fill up this paper . know , this was not intended to retort or vindicate ; but , only , writ in sport . he that asperseth me , himself doth hide like those bandetti by the high-way side , who , cowardly do shoot unseen , and flay before they dare to seize upon their prey ; yet , though i knew him , i have lately got so tride a charm against all paper-shot , that , onely , smiling on him with disdain ( to let him know he shoots at me in vain ) i scarcely should , by way of complement spare him so many words , as marshal spent on his traducer , when , this verse he flung him , nos , ab hac scabie , tenemus unguem . whose sense is ( in the language of this isle ) to scratch this scab , my nail i 'le not defile . know also , that the cause i do not dread those fearful rumours which are lately spread , is not , for that , i think , or do fore-see such things , are things impossible to be , for , when i heed , that still the self-same path is trodden , which an evil tendance hath ; and , that , most men rush forward in that round wherein their predecessors ruine found ; when i perceive the vices heretofore , not onely to be still the same , but more ; that , nor gods judgements , nor his mercies , whether past , present , single , or joyn'd both together regarded seem ; nor wholsome counsels given by men , or timely warnings daign'd from heaven , but , that , still , wicked wishes , hellish prayers , revengeful projects , jealousies , despairs , and cursed speakings , daily aggravate that animosity and secret hate , which at the first begun our sad distractions ; and are fomented still in several factions , through that neglect of justice and compassion which might effect true reconciliation ; i fear , what may to other men befall , but , fear not in my own respect , at all , because , that , whereto things now feared tend , have brought my hopes already to an end , as they concern this world ; except , refin'de god shall restore them , when they are calcin'd . the rumors which i hear , to me seem toyes , like squibs and crackers which affrighten boyes , for , his protection i am sheltred under who speaks in love , ev'n when he speaks in thunder . his judgements are upon us , but the flame will burn them , who are kindling of the same ; for , by the paths which i see by them trod , i finde our foes , are not the friends of god ; and , that when all our dross , away is fum'd , they shall be purged too , or else consum'd . he that secures me , will secure all those who shall their confidence in him repose . no cause have any men to fear ill tidings , who underneath gods umbrage have abidings : for , whatsoe're succeeds , yea , come what will , it comes to them for good , and not for ill. that will new-make them , which their foes destroies , disgrace shall honor them , grief bring them joyes ; ev'n death it self , shall be true lifes possessing , and ev'ry curse be turn'd into a blessing . then , all we have to do , is , down to sit beneath this shade ; all things to god commit . pray to him for our selves , our friends and foes , and praise him heartily for all he does . if this be done , we shall be free from fears , although the world doth all it can , or dares . g. w. finis . tuba-pacifica seasonable precautions, whereby is sounded forth a retreat from the war intended between england and the united-provinces of lower germany / by geo. wither. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; 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(eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) tuba-pacifica seasonable precautions, whereby is sounded forth a retreat from the war intended between england and the united-provinces of lower germany / by geo. wither. wither, george, - . p. imprinted for the author ..., [london] : . reproduction of original in huntington library. in verse. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng great britain -- history -- restoration, - -- poetry. great britain -- foreign relations -- germany -- early works to . germany -- foreign relations -- great britain -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion tuba-pacifica . seasonable praecautions , whereby is sounded forth a re-treat from the war intended between england and the united-provinces of lower germany . by geo : wither , a lover of peace , and heartily well-affected toward both nations . nimis cautela non nocet . matthew . . blessed are the peace-makers , for they shall be called the children of god anno. . imprinted for the author , and is to be disposed of , rather for love then money . tuba-pacifica . sounding a retreat from the war intended between england and the united provinces . an ancient emblem , relating to the said nations . si collidimur frangimur , if we knock , we are broke . an hour is come , in which must be renew'd that work , which i have hither to pursude ; and , i to utter what i have to say , will take the kue that 's offer'd whilst i may , in hope that they , whose prudence can descern those things which their well-being do concern , will hear and heed them , e're it be so late that premonitious will be out of date : for , opportunities may slip away to morrow , which are offer'd us this day ; and 't is all one to wise-men , whether strangers or friends , premonish them of likely dangers , or , whether unto them , alarums from a silver , or a rams-horn trumpet come . to me there are but two wayes known , by which men may speed well or ill , grow poor or rich ▪ to wit , by prosecuting good or evil , by cleaving close to god , or to the devil and , they are two such masterships , that , neither is pleas'd with him , who serves them both together ; because , what is endeavour'd for the one obstructs what for the other shall be done . presuming therefore , you depend alone on him , whom i serve , thus proceed i on . a commom fame reports there will be war betwixt the english and the hollander and , by their preparations , i conceive we may with probability , believe it will be so . their many panick fears , their groundless hopes , their bitter scoffs and jeers , cast on each other , are plain symptoms too , of what , in likelihood , they mean to do . we likewise , by the truths and by the lies which to divide them wicked men devise , and , whereby such partakers on both sides augment that hatred which still more divides , may fear , as well as by their other deeds , the mischief will go on , as it proceeds , untill the power doth rest in god alone , to undo , what is wilfully misdone . but , that , which most confirms it , is the sin , the crying crimes , that both continue in without repentance : for , among the rest these i enumerate are not the least , ( nor any whit abated , since god made the late breach up , which them else ruin'd had ) such , as their bragging vaunts of that frail strength which will destroy their foolish hopes at length ; the confidence , the sottish vulgar gathers from ships and armies , long hair , muffs & feathers ; their hot contestings which shall have the hap to wear the greatest bauble in their cap. or , whether 't will at last , be brought to pass , that th' asse shall ride the man , or man the asse . these , and some other things , that are perceiv'd now acting , or about to be contriv'd , have made me , with small difference to deem most of them are as mad as they do seem . and , is it even so ? must you now lash each other , and your earthen pitchers dash ? must you , that have so long been friends , now knock untill you into potsherds quite are broke ? none taking heed or care how to prevent that mischief which appeareth eminent , and was presag'd about the ninetieth year now past , by this your well known emblem here ? have you not one among you , rich or poor , so wise as he , whose counsel heretofore . preserv'd a city , and did then receive the same reward , which men in this age give for such-like services ? hath neither , place a man so prudent as that woman was who rais'd the siege from abel , by her wit , when joab with an hoast beleagur'd it ? but , are you all of wisdom so bereft , that , no expedient seemeth to be left whereby to act untill the sequels are ignoble peace , or a destructive war ? if it be so , from whence could it proceed but from your failings both in word and deed ? from sordid avarice , pride , and self-will , inticing fleshly lustings to fulfil ? for , these deprave the judgments of most nations ▪ cause them to fall away from their foundations ; then , fly to refuges patcht up with lies , seek power and riches by those vanities which multiply oppressions and increase confusions to the ruine of that peace they might enjoy : for , then their strength consists in , and by those corrupting interests , which will ingage them to rush further on in their oppressive ways long since begun , till they grow deaf to all that can be said to make them of their just deserts afraid . and should they then , their crooked paths forbear , most private tradings at a non-plus were ; yea all those incomes whereupon depend their formal grandeur would soon have an end ▪ for , many thousands , who did vast estates get and uphold , by cherishing debates , by multiplying and delaying long vexatious suits , to many a poor mans wrong , would think themselves undone , if ev'ry state their courts of justice should reduce to that for which they were ordain'd ; and tyranny would want fit tools to bring to flavery the common people . very few know how they may to god and their superiours now perform their duties , and not both displease or th' one or th' other ; for , what is by these . commanded , is not seldom , either quite repugnant , or obliquely opposite , as they interpretations of them make who to be judges of them undertake . yea , those professions , and those trades whereby most live , are subject to such vanity that honest men are difficultly able to use them with a consence warrantable . it is no easie matter to devise what would become of all those batter-flies who flutter up and down in princes courts , if their oppressive projects of all sorts were took away ; and what case were they in who at this day do live upon the sin of one another ? but they 'l be supply'd what ever to the publick shall be tide ; and at the last , ( although their friends they seem ) destroy those governments that nourish'd them , unless , according to what 's just and true themselves they modulize , with speed , a new ; which , how , and by whom , that might well be done were an expedient worthy muzing on . perhaps , if you did seriously take heed , how this concerns you , and what would proceed from such a constitution , you might know from whence the quarrellings between you flow , and how to reconcile those differences which now increase your dangers and expences . perceive you not , that your prevarications , your falshoods , and your gross dissimulations with god , and with each other , so provokes his anger , who on all mens actions looks , that 't is impossible you should have peace with him , your selves or others , till you cease from provocations , and bring forth such fruit as with a real reformation suit , and with those churches which are truly christs ? yea , that your hopes wil fail , though flattering priests do promise peace , and impudently , too , perswade , that god is pleas'd with what you do ? observe you may , by what ensues thereon , how , god abominates what is misdone in managing the mysteries of state , and heeds what is in secret aimed at by fair pretendings ; and how , they thereby so long have sought themselves to fortifie that , most men are inclined to believe lest good is meant , when sweetest words they give ; and that they have forgot on what conditions or , to what end god gave them their commissions . know you not , that a spirit of delusion , to bring upon you merited confusion , was licensed to go forth and delude those prophets , by whose counsel are pursu'd unrighteous actions , that you may be sent on voyages like that which ahab went ? are your eyes wholly blinded ? heed you not that , such another spirit is begot 'twixt you , and 'twixt the people ev'ry where within your several borders , here and there , ( and at this time as active ) as was that which god permitted to infatuate abimelech and sichem , till it had destroy'd them ; all their counsels frustrate made , and brought upon both parties that reward which for blood-thirsty persons is prepar'd ? if these things you have heeded , be not still by those deluded who intend you ill ; but , wake out of your deep security , and from that trance wherein you seem to lie . consider seriously , what you intend ; e're it begin , think well how it may end ; what an intollerable heavy load 't will lay on most at home , on some abroad , what treasure , and how much blood will be spent ; how , both your countries will be thereby rent and shatter'd ; beside , what not yet fore-seen , is likewise possible to intervene , from them , who watching to enjoy the spoil by your contendings , laugh and jeer meanwhile ; which to prevent ; i sound out this retreat from that war , wherewith you each other threat . i nothing aim at , or design to do but what i know god hath inclin'd me to , and which you too , may know , if you well weigh what i have written , with what i might say ; and , i believe , that man ( who ere he be ) who shall obstruct what 's offer'd now by me shall thereby suffer as one who withstands the mercy he intendeth to both lands ▪ with nought i charge you ▪ but what th' one or th other is singly guilty of , or both together ; nor ought whereto , unless you feared are , you in your selves a witness do not bear : for my part , i shall neither gain nor loose by peace or war , or by that which ensues ; because , he that on god his whole heart sets , will be the same , what ever he permits . i love both nations , truly wish them well , and therefore shall not any thing conceal that may concern your safety , though with scorn my premonitions you should back return : permit me then , to speak a word in season ; for , sometimes , he that is a fool speaks reason . though joseph was a slave in deep disgrace ; a prisoner more neglected then i was in my late thraldome ; ( no whit less in danger by false accusers , because , more a stranger ; ) a heathen king , disdained not to take good counsel from him , when her reason spake though he in him , no more of god could see at first , then you at this time do in me . i , no such revelations will pretend as give no warrant on them to depend save his own word who tells them ; neither ought advise , but truths , which god himself hath taught as well to you as me , by his known word , or by the olive-branch , or , by the sword. his justice or his mercy ; which have spoke that oft , whereof you little heed have took . to fright you , no predictions i will fain as many do , pumpt out of their own brain ; nor speak in riddles , nor such things declare as you cannot without crakt patience hear , if i may but that freedom have to speak , which harmless fools , and licens'd jesters take . as moses , from a principle of love said unto those two israelites who strove , so say i unto you who disagree ; wrong not each other , for , you brethren be by nature ; yea , by grace too , so profest : be therefore christ●ans or be men at least . like barbrous heathen wherefore should you strive , and by dissention to your selves derive a mutual plague ? act that which is design'd by them who to destroy you are inclin'd ; and , probably , can no way else effect that mischief which their malice doth project ? consider what advantages you had by concord , how safe thereby you were made ; what you profest when you agreed together ; vvhat heretofore , you have been to each other ; how strengthned , and how pow'rful you became vvhilst your designs were in effect the same ; to your alies how helpeful ; and to those how terrible , who dar'd to be your foes ; ev'n when the pow'rfulst of your neighbouring nations seem'd so assured of their expectations , that their sea forces , in a proud bravado , were termed an invinsible armado ; till god befriending you , did with one puff bring down their pride , and blow their malice off . power , wealth , and honour , ever since that day he , likewise , heaped on them , many away , vvhilst you continu'd friends , though you had many backslidings and defects as gross as any . as to your outward welfare , all things , yet , to prosper , god doth graciously permit . some of you , have by loosing all , got more then ever they enjoyed heretofore ; some other , though of all ; no less bereft are twice as rich as they , now nothing's left , by having thereby learn'd to prize that most , vvhich being gotten never shall be lost ▪ and , they who this worlds wealth do more desire have means enough their longings to acquire . the chiefest forraign trade to you is given in all the realmes and countries under heaven . your ships are numberless , your merchants more and richer , then the tirians heretofore . your ware-houses are stor'd by your commerce vvith all things precious through the universe ; for which you were envyed by all those vvho either seem'd your friends or are your foes . your naval forces if you timely might perswaded be sincerely to unite , in righteousness , would ballance all the rest between the orient indies and the west and both the poles , enabling you to give those laws to all men , who by traffick live , vvhereby , there might , for all , sufficient trade in safety , and with equity be had ; vvithout which , whatsoere you shall obtain vvill prove but an unprofitable gain . and , ( which is more considerable , far , then all your honours , power and riches are ) god , hath among you , sown the feeds of grace more plentifully then in any place below the sun : his plants refreshments wanting though set in blood and fire , at their transplanting into your borders , so well thrived there ev'n then , that millions from them sprouted are ; and , more from them continually shall sprout in spight of those who seek to root them out ; yea , though you by your folly forfeit those advantages which he on you bestows , for their sakes ▪ whom some of you do revile oppress , and from their native lands exile . for , god hath made your countrie , to become the strongest bulwork in all christendom , both against gog and magog cover'd foes and such as openly , the saints oppose ; that ▪ saving truth and sincere innocence might thereby be preserv'd from violence ; especially , from their hate , who pursue the precious seed of christ in them and you , by antichristian wiles , which hatched were in your own wombs , and nursed up now are by seeming friends , who hide their fallacies vvith gaudy vails , and vain formalities , untill the souls for which they traps prepare are hunted unto death , or to their snare . these ingineers , within your bosomes lie , and , what their chief aims are , no doubt have i. think on these things , and whether 't is from me or from god , that you minded of them be ; for , what i had to write when i begun i knew not ; nor shall i know when 't is done , what , by my prompter , i was mov'd unto untill i read it over as you do , to see what is of god in ev'ry line as if those writings had been none of mine . when god , by despicable means and men , ( as he to do is pleased now and then ) speaks to a king or nation , it doth carry a shew of somewhat extraordinary to be consider'd on with serious heed , and it importeth somewhat to succeed . when waving men train'd up in learned schools he speaks to them , by those whom they count fools , makes others ( as of old some prophets were ) actors in things that scandalous appear to most spectators , yea , ridiculous to sober men ( as oft of late with us ) rendring them signs unto their generation of what 's to come ; 't is worth consideration ; ( especially when injuries and scorn are patiently with sober stoutness born , for conscience sake and all men , truly wise although such dispensations fools despise ) are deeply sensible , of what on those the ignorance and hate , of some impose , to whom , it will be manifest ere long , that , they have injur'd those , to their own wrong . if yet you know it not , now be it known that , by the power which is on you bestown to be on all occasions , whilst you have it employed for his honour who first gave it ) you were intrusted , and inabled so as you have been , not your own will to do ; or , that you to exalt your selves above your neighbours , gods donations , might improve into such an exorbitance of power that , at your pleasure , you might them devour , oppress your brethren , and advantage them vvho adversaries are to you and him : for , they were given to preserve their peace vvho , under you , in love and righteousness desire to live ; the same faith have profest , and by usurping tyrants are opprest ; vvhich grace if you shall turn into oppression or wantonness , will hasten your perdition ; make many of your truest friends grow sad and me , who of your welfare should be glad , be forc'd ray work to close ( in imitation of jeremiah ) with a lamentation . you will but give your foes just cause to laugh to see you quarrelling for straw and chaff vvilst they get opportunity to burn those granards down , whereby the precious corn might be preserv'd , wherewith your bread of life , may be supply'd , if you desist from strife . vvho can assure you that the provocations whereby , now very many in both nations , exasperated are , will not afford fit opportunities by your discord some such contrivances then to project and prosecute as prudence may suspect ? for , though what faction moves mad men to do vvill ruine them at last , so 't will you too . vvhat , men who have good consciences will shun vvill by men without consciences be done vvhen god shall let them loose , or call together all sors of sinners to correct each other . 't is likewise possible , that many things pretended causes of your quarrellings if they were well examin'd would be found meer scandals raised without real ground , to make misactings on both sides appear ( by aggravations ) greater then they were . for , in both nations , there is such a rabble ( by their ill manners much more despicable then by their fortunes ) who , for servile ends , in hope of profit , ( or to make them friends of those whom they sought to exasperate ) did some misactings much more aggravate then there was cause ; and so , that which was bad vvas by their falshood , more offensive made : this , hath been kindling 'twixt you many years a smothering fire , which now to blaze appears ; but hitherto these had not power to blow the flame so high as they have rais'd it now : for , god did but permit them for probation and though it was of long continuation , hath so your wealth increas'd , that as 'twixt lot and abraham , it now hath strife begot . god , by his grace , direct you to a course , the consequent thereof may not be worse . your force united hath been heretofore a terrour to the vassals of that whore vvhich rides the beast : yea , often such a dread to her , when she at highest bore her head that , she 's inrag'd to see you have so long against her soceries continu'd strong ; though to supplant you she laid many a train which had not then contrived been in vain , had you been so divided as this day you are , or as perhaps e're long you may . but unity did make you so compact a body , that her wiles could not distract your prudent counsels , neither from your course divert you , by her cunning joyn'd with force ▪ this ▪ by experience found , she doth begin to work upon you by another gin which will extend to many far and near who deem they thereby unconcerned are : for , they who foolishly , themselves now flatter ▪ that they by fishing in your troubled water shall get advantages , will be bereaved of those expectancies , now preconceived : for , that which follows , be it whatsoere will further ▪ gods designments , but not their ; and , though you may by folly , loose your ends she shall not bring to pass , what she intends . if she by this division , break your power she thinks that she shall easily devour the scatter'd churches , which in hazard lie within the limits of her sov'raignty ; then , those that stronger are ( though more remote ) assoon as opportunities are got to practice on them , by the force of arms or , by the power of her besotting charms ▪ and if they take effects , her work is done , untill gods counter-work shall be begun , who , though mans working with him he expects , shall no advantage lose by their defects vvho give advantages unto his foes , by trifling that away which he bestows , to do him service . but , they shall becom partakers with apostates in their doom . that grand impostris now resolves to play divisions , making all those whom she may , dance to her fiddle ; and to bring about her purposes , hath very little doubt : for , as a wasted candle when it sinks into the greasie socket ( and there stinks ) sends greater flashings forth , and blazeth more a little while , then any time before ; so , she doth now , with her whole force persue the mischief she hath long design'd for you ; and , not much wanting seemeth to compleat that , whereupon her heart hath long been set : for , to that end , were sent forth before hand , her emissaries into ev'ry land , with dispensations ( as occasion haps ) to make use of all courses , forms , and shapes : and these have into all societies all constitutions and fraternities , ( divine or civil ) all affairs , relations , and interests , what ever in both nations , screw'd , such a party , that , chief sway they carry in things divine , civil , and military ; so , that , as once it was prophanely said , should god stand neuter , till her game were plaid , she would prevail against you , at this time , because , no aid shall be withheld from them who malice you , nor any furtherance her power and sinking throne to readvance which antichrists confederates can add , or , from prophanest persons may be had . be therefore heedful that by your dissention you make not feizable her ill intention by trusting to the complements of those who are her vassals , and your secret foes , and ( as you , oft do ) speak fair , but to deceive that they without suspicion may contrive your whole destruction , and recover power to re-enlarge their babylonian tower ▪ which , is this day as truly their design , as those thoughts , whereon , now i think , are mine . blest let them be who seriously endeavour , to reconcile you ; cursed , they who sever whom god hath joyned ; for no outward curse to any can befall ; that will be worse then that which will in likelihood betide to these two nations if they long divide ; but , they who of the breach most guilty are the greatest burthen of that curse shall bear . i am no person who confederates with home-bred male-contents , or forraign states either to get revenge for wrongs received or that some gain may be thereby derived unto my self : for , whatsoere it be , that which best pleaseth god , best pleaseth me ; and having no designments of mine own can wait with patience till his will be shown . i , being one who having oft fore-seen , and fore-told things that have fulfilled been , endeav'ring to prevent the prosecutions , of wicked actions and rash resolutions , am by a power which i dare not oppose once more stir'd up , to preadmonish those ( as heretofore ) who now seem rushing on in that career , as other men have done , which tendeth unto that end which befell to those , who sleighted , what i did fore-tell : and , i to speak again must not forbear ; vouchsafe therefore to me a patient ear ▪ be wary , that your avarice and pride , prove not to be a motive to divide at this time , though when you divided last your likely hazards were soon over-past , and plagues remov'd ere any penitence had testifi'd remorce for your offence , lest , greater evils follow , and the trouble removed then , returns upon you double ▪ for , nations to expose to wars unjust meerly to satisfie a private lust , and those inforce the greatest weight to bear , who no way guilty of transgressing are of that which in a war ingages them , is questionless , a sanguinary crime from which , no temporary priviledge can vindicate , before a righteous judge : but , it will bring down vengeance in due season from him whose justice cannot be call'd treason although your high priests , and some others too , the boldness may assume to term it so . if wrongs be done , let all good means be us'd to judge between th' accuser and accus'd e're sentence pass ; and do not then prolong due recompence to them who have had wrong ; lest by delaying what you should restore , instead of righting him , you wrong him more . ere battail you begin , let peace be offer'd , accept a good expedient , when 't is proffer'd . remit small faults where you find penitence : upon the same terms , let the great'st offence be pardoned also , when the perpetration of wrong , exceeds all means of expiation ; in that , you 'l imitate the king of heaven who often hath such crimes to you forgiven . make not the sword your umpier , till you see a remedy , no other way can be ▪ your just rights to preserve , do what you can , but , fight not to inslave another man ; nor venture your own countries to inflame that you may get a fruitless aiery fame ; much less to grasp a power , which when acquir'd will in your hands , be like granados fir'd ; yet , to avoid the mischief and the curse of war , make not a peace that shall be worse . nor when you are at rest provoke his wrath who , quietness to you vouchsafed hath , by cheating them of their just expectations who truly wish the welfare of both nations , adventuring their persons and estates , to save what to your interest relates ; and then intrusted you with their defence , thereby , but as a second consequence . if you would keep rebellious men in awe , to ev'ry one his birth-right due by law preserve impartially ; and unto none deny that which is due to ev'ry one ; lest , whilst abroad ingaged you become in warfare , there may be worse fraies at home : for ▪ that allegiance which is in all lands ' twist prince and people , upon two feet stands , so , that if th' one fails in what it should do , in equity , so will the other , too ; men who are much oppressed against reason , will not much fear to act what you call treason ; and , then , from questioning , on whom there lies the greatest guilt ; small profit can arise . which way soever , therefore , god shall daigne to make you friends , and give you rest again , with moderation , and with justice use that mercy ; for if you the same abuse this , without question , will ensue thereon ; both , shall one way or other be undone . the conquer'd shall inslaved be ; and they who conquer , be made slaves another way ▪ make not your rest to be a snare or stale as fowlers do , to cath birds there withall . nor means , your selves with such vast power to arm , as helps not so much , to do good ▪ as harm ; for god will heed it , and you shall be caught ev'n in those traps , which your own hands have wrought , and as old rome was you shal be at length orewhelm'd and destroy'd , by your own strength . to mine own countrymen , i 'le write or say nought at this time , which any justly may apply to them alone ; lest , some once more may terme it scandalous as heretofore , or call me libeller , for being bold to tell them truths ( although in season told . ) i , have , so often in particular and so long time been their remembrancer with small regard ( except from such as do love simple truth , and suffer for it too ) that , i to them , will nothing mention here , save that in which , an equal part to bear both nations may be said , without my blame ; because , thereby , i somewhat hopeful am to raise thence an expedient to escape the being caught again , in my old trap. but i 'le apart , a word or two express to our dutch neighbours in true friendliness . remember what of old the english nation hath been to you ; and with how much compassion they , your protection timely undertook when you extreamly by the spanish yoke oppressed lay ; and whether the pursuing of those things which are at this present doing , may not at last reduce you back to that deplor'd condition , or a worse estate ; and bring you once again , inslav'd to lie beneath such an unbounded monarchy as you abhor : your senators are wise , they in their heads , i know do bear their eyes and ▪ if they be not hoodwinckt ▪ need by none be minded , what should be consider'd on : yet , since but men , let them not be offended with what is by a stranger recommended unto their serious heed , and let my caution be acceptable unto your whole nation ▪ consider , whether all they who pretend your country , cause , and intr'st to befriend may not more complemental prove then real , when time shall bring their friendship to a tryal , and be as false to you , as you have seen most states and princes , often to have been unto each other , though aly'd by blood , by aides in times of need , leagues , neighbourhood , and all ingagements whatsoere , which might devised be , them , firmly to unite . think , whether such have not a party now among you ▪ which as things to ripeness grow , will help improve them , to set up a power tending to their advantage more then your : yea , whether , you already may not see that , some to such a purpose , active be , this day among you ; and , take timely heed , that , what you would prevent , may not succeed . ill words corrupt good manners ; and i hear that , you no scurrile language do forbear vvhich either heighten may the indignation and fury kindled in our english nation , or , make them to be hated of your own ; as if you wholly resolute were grown , so to divide both , that by no endeaver , they might be reconciled again , for ever . this fault , which to the vulgar i impute vvill questionless produce a poisonous fruit , and , therefore , though i truly may confess my countrymen have not offended less , in that kind ( and may peradventure take occasion from these lines , a change to make within themselves ) i , heartily intreat both you and them , his love to imitate vvhose doctrines we profess , and bridle more their rude tongues , then they have done heretofore that , from good words , there may at last proceed , true reconcilement both in word and deed. of one thing more , put you in mind i would ( vvhich now to your remembrance bring i should ) vvere i not hopeful you oft minde it so , as it becomes you , and repent it too , and that , we shall give mutual satisfaction for ev'ry scandal and injurious action , on either charged , for which , to make even 't is in our power ; the rest must be forgiven . lord god , vouchsafe thy mercy to these lands and , if with thy good pleasure it now stands , t he plagues for their demerits due , ad●ourn , that peace with grace united may return before the madness of this generation hath frustrated their means of preser●ation . by judgments , and by mercies interwove , by chastisements in anger and in love , by threatnings and by gentile invitations , thou , to reclaim us from prevarications hast oft assaied ; adding unto these whisperings in secret to our consciences ; spoke to our ears by men , unto our eyes by apparitions and by prodigies : yea , whilst i 'm writing this , there doth appear a blazing star within our hemisphere , aswell unto our neighbours as to us made visible : and wherefore glares it thus with an aspect so dreadful at this time , but , to point at , and for warn us and them of some approrahing mischief , whereof heed is to be taken by us , with all speed . lord , let us not , still obstinate remain rendring ( as heretofore ) at quite in vain , that 's seen , or said , or done , till none for ever by word , or deed , our safety shall endeaver ▪ that time is not yet come , i 'le spend therefore in hope of good success , a few words more ▪ and , look to be excus'd if i shall thrice , vvrite that , which i have writ already twice ; for , neither can hard flints or knotty blocks be shap'd without reiterated strokes . why should you quarrel ? what are now your wants , but , grace and faith to use well what god grants ? the world is wide enough , the seas have room sufficient for your ships to go and come : expedients will be found which may procure an honourable peace that will endure vvithout a disadvantage unto either if to make proof therof you joyn together . impartial justice brotherly compassion love , mee kness , piety , humiliation faith , prayer , penitence , with such like things are those , whence wealth , and peace , and honour springs to them who will perswaded be to do to others as they would be done unto ; as jealous to redress a neighbours wrongs as in that which to their own ease belongs ; as forward , an oppressed man to hear as cruel tyrants to afflict him are ; and could forbear intruding on gods right a setled peace thereby enjoy they might , without fear ; yea , without a just suspicion of treasons , insurrections or sedition : and , they whom you distrust , will be more true then they , in whom you trust , shall be to you , if you endeaver to contract a peace and keep it , by unfeigned righteousness : although such mediums are but scoffed at or sleighted , by most ministers of state. but , such a blessing , never can he got or kept , by that whereon most nations dote . the constitution of whose governments are made according to such presidents as jeroboam left , and lost thereby that kingdom which on his posterity , should have been fixt , had he not counsel took from flesh and blood , and gods advice forsook . not those men , whose advantages are least , or most , shall thrive ▪ but , they who use them best ; make god alone their refuge , and contend that cursed strife , in blessed peace may end . 't is not your carnal policies , or forces , your forts , ships , armies , guards of men & horses ; your fair pretending what was never ment , your heavy taxes beyond president , your flattering parasites or your buffoones , your roaring hectors , and your pantaloones , or oaths inforced , or great brags and lies , nor their complyings whose hypocrisies are much depended on , that will effect those conquests and those triumphs they expect who boast before their armour is put off , and , at the weapons of the spirit scoff : for , what by vanity may be obtained shall thereby , be devour'd ▪ assoon as gained . you have betwixt you ( as imply'd before ) half of all forraign tradings , if not more . your many manufactures , are become staple commodities , that bring you home three times as much in ▪ value ev'ry year as those things , which among you growing are amounted to unwrought ; and you are grown as rich in forraign wares as in your own ▪ the seas have been your fish-ponds , and afford enough to make both rich , could you accord and both , alike were frugal . means of trade is in a thousand places to be had , which to imploy you will sufficient be , when you like christian brethren shall agree , or , but like moral men ; nay , if but so as many infidels , and some beasts do ; and , god and natures laws , would you direct aright , if , them , you did not wilfully neglect , make your own will a law , and were inclin'd to that , which hath corrupted all mankinde ▪ rendring , what for mans real weal was given the greatest outward plague on this side heaven . so wilfully pursuing your own wayes for your self-ends ; that he who doth not praise your folly , or with silence pass it by , is thought no friend , if not an enemy , and , to reprove vice is become a crime judg'd capital among you at this time . if you consider these things as you ought , ( and shall not be displeas'd to hear them brought thus bluntly to remembrance ) i have hope i may still scape the gollows and the rope for speaking truths in season , unto them who , their well-willers causesly condemn ▪ and , from their native countries , banish those for whose sakes , god hath kept them from their foes , waiting with long-long-suffering , when to him they will return , that , he may turn to them . this you may do ; and i have hope of it : for , god is resident among you , yet . his canal sticks are not from you removed ; within your borders , of his best beloved are many thousands , for whose sake , he hath remembred mercy , in his hottest wrath . good laws you have ; some , likewise , who profess and practise them , in truth and righteousness though from your first loves , you are fallen much and , your defects are at this present , such as in the seven asian churches were when first the mystery was hatching there which now ore-spreads the world ▪ you have not that comply'd with , but , the same abominate ; and therefore , that you may , return to him god hath premonish'd you as he did them , expecting that you better should improve then heretofore , his patience and his love , lest else , you speedily may be bereft as they were , of what , yet appeareth left . a moral charity retains a place among you , though grown colder then it was . you have a form of godliness , whereon if you depended not as you have done , that , which essential is , would more have been improved , and the power , thereof more seen . among your many vices , blended are some vertues , which , if you would take more care to cherish , god would such assistance give that they should , for the future better thrive . though you have multiply'd prevarications by many carnal , gross abominations , and , are with jezabel ( that sorceresse ) ( who counterfeits herself a prophetesse ) open confederates ; some of you hate her heresies , and their , who imitate the nichola●tans : god , now therefore hanges forth to you a flag of truce , once more , ( into a comet form'd ) and sets it there where , it , at one view , may to both appear ; that you might speedily and joyntly , do through fear , that which love could not win you to . for , though the wisards of preceding ages and , some how deem'd no despicable sages , think these prodgious meteors called stars are constituted of such characters and shapes , as do undoubtingly fore-shew what things particularly will ensuce , ( because such consequents have ofter been observed , they are much deceiv'd therein . ) there 's no such vertue proper to their natures ; for , they are only serviceable creatures employ'd by providence , to such an end as we by fired beacons do intend , when an invasion's threatned ; they declare in general , that foes approaching are ; stir up the nation to a timely heed but , who their foes are , what plagues will succeed , how long they will continue ; upon whom they first will seize , at what time , they will come ; or such like things by them we cannot know : for , they no more then beacons can fore-show . so , this late exhalation doth portend some judgment on offenders will descend ere long , to make them watchful , and prepare to do those duties which expected are ▪ but in particular presignifies nor this , nor that ; nor any terrifies who more desires to know ▪ how by gods grace , to do his will , then what will come to pass . he that is so affected , seldom fears the influence of comets , or of sta●s ; whereas , they who in folly are benighted oft , with a harmless glow-worm are affrighted . thus far , my mind i have once more exprest and hopeful am , ere long to be at rest from all my labours ; for , my life , almost , to bring this seasonably forth , it cost . but , some perhaps will now say , what is he that your remembrancer presumes to be ? to those , i make this answer ; i am one who stands instead of such a block or stone , as charity did set up heretofore by high-way sides , and somtime at each door , to save men from the violent approaches of drunken horse-men , waggons , carts & coaches , and in that service , often are abused curst , broken , crackt , hackt , cut , flasht , knockt , and bruised by those , who stumbling on them , heedless are to what good purpose they were fixed there . and , if this be my lot , i as i may , will bear it , as i have done till this day . for , that which follies hath to many seem'd hath by much wiser men , been well esteem'd : and , i despare not , though confused noises ▪ should at this time drown and confound the voices of sober men : for , when the raging water doth loudest roar ; winds , make the tacklings clatter , raffle the sails , and keep the greatest bustle , the storm is peirced by the boat-swains whistle ; so that all heedful mariners , thereby perceive whereto their hands they should apply . so , likewise , though the rumor of that war which many hope for , and as many fear , with other such confusions , as our sad distractions at this present thereto add , will make these lines , a while , of small regard with many , and with difficulty heard ; they shall , ere long , by some , with good respect be entertain'd , and have good effect ; for dayes will come wherein , that , shall from them be eccho'd forth , which all will not contemn ; and , from whence , at the last , a voice will come that shall out-sound the ratling of a drum ; yet fright no soul but that mans , who depends on carnal weapons , and hath carnal ends . praecautiones aenigmaicae per omnes personac terminationes , modi imperativi declinatae , numero singulari & plurali . cave mbr . & ed. cavete v. caveto a , caveto b. cavetote a. caveat p. p. p. p. & p. caveant o. jam qui rident ha , ha , he , mox clamabunt . heu , vah , vae . caveamus ergo , ac amemus , ni perimus . a corollary . some think , i , an apology may need for daring thus to bid my friends take heed ; and , so perhaps i may ; for , not long since , i suffer'd for as blamless an offence ; and , heretofore , informed was of one , who said ; that to be totally undone much less displease him would , then if that he should from undoing , be preserv'd by me ; and , shortly after ( with no little shame ) that , which he might have scapt , upon him came . i hope they wiser are whom , to take heed i now advise and that they 'l better speed . what e're succeds ; praise will to god belong , and of the saints , this shall be then the song . a hallelujah , alluding to the psalm . come praise the lord , come praise him where saints assembled are , as hee 's almighty praise him his righteousness declare . in his excellings praise him with trumpet and with flute , with harp and psaltery praise him , with viol and with lute , let nothing that can praise him unactive be ▪ or mute . upon the timbrol praise him in songs his praise advance ; upon the organs praise him and praise him in the dance ; on tingling symbals praise him that , make the loudest noise and let each crature praise him that sense or breath enjoys , yea , let privations praise him although they have no voices . the mystical sense of what is literal express'd by the metaphorical and allegorical contexture of the proceeding hymn , in the original text , according to the authors under standing thereof , is as followes . by the sanctuary is meant the congregations of the saints . by the firmament of gods power , the unchangeableness of his almightiness . by his mighty acts , his unresistible justice . by his excellent greatness . his mercy , which is said to be over all his works , and his most excellent attribute . by the trumpet or flute , we are exhorted to praise him in our martial expeditions . by the psaltry and harpe , in our spirimal rejoicings . by the viol and lute in our corporeal and civil recreations . by the timbrel in those actions which are of a spiritual and natural mixture . by the dance in all those things wherein we move together , and counteract apart , by deeds , words , and dissenting opinions ; for in a dance , are various motions , sidings , turnings , returnings , and moving all one way . by ten steinged i●struments and the organ ▪ the faculties of our souls and the members of our bodies . by cymbals , and loud cymbals , the internal breathings , and external ejaculations of the heart and voice in prayer and praising god. the last two lines of both the foregoing stanza's , consisting of ten a piece are but a supplement to my paraphrase of the psalm , and not found in the original . this is in brief my private judgment , not totally excluding the sense and interpretation of other pious men . finis . a proclamation in the name of the king of kings, to all inhabitants of the isles of great brittain and especially to those who have hypocritically pretended to justice, mercy, honesty, and religion (as also to them who have lived in open prophaness and impiety) summoning them to repentance, by denouncing god's judgements, and declaring his mercy, offered in the everlasting gospel / warrantably proclaimed and preached by geo. wither ... ; whereto are added, some fragments of the same authors, omitted in the first imprinting of the book, intituled scraps and crums, and a few which were collected since that impression, and during his imprisonment. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a proclamation in the name of the king of kings, to all inhabitants of the isles of great brittain and especially to those who have hypocritically pretended to justice, mercy, honesty, and religion (as also to them who have lived in open prophaness and impiety) summoning them to repentance, by denouncing god's judgements, and declaring his mercy, offered in the everlasting gospel / warrantably proclaimed and preached by geo. wither ... ; whereto are added, some fragments of the same authors, omitted in the first imprinting of the book, intituled scraps and crums, and a few which were collected since that impression, and during his imprisonment. wither, george, - . p. [s.n.], london : . reproduction of original in huntington library. in verse. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng wither, george, - . great britain -- history -- puritan revolution, - -- poetry. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a proclamation in the name of the king of kings , to all the inhabitants of the isles of great brittain : and especially , to those who have hypocritically pretended to justice , mercy , honesty and religion ; ( as also to them who have lived in open prophaness and impiety ) summoning them to repentance , by denouncing god's judgements , and declaring his mercy , offered in the everlasting gospel . warrantably proclaimed , and preached , by geo. wither . though not by any humane ordination . whereto are added , some fragments of the same authors , omitted in the first imprinting of the book , intituled , scraps and crums ; and a few which were collected since that impression , and during his imprisonment . london , printed in the year , . a proclamation in the name of the king of kings , to the inhabitants of the isles of great brittain ; especially to all those who have hypocritically pretended to justice , mercy , honesty and religion ; as also , to them , who live in open prophaness and impiety ; summoning them to repentance , by denouncing god's judgments ; and thereto encouraging them , by declaring his mercy , offered in the everlasting gospel . on the first day of the week , the second day of the first moneth , in the second year of revived monarchy in these islands , and in the eighth moneth of my confinement , for discharging my conscience ; my consort being then with me in the house of my imprisonment , and intending to reade some parcel of holy scripture for our instruction and refreshment ; the first place presenting it self to her view , and then read , was the seventh chapter of the prophecy of jeremiah the contents whereof , and part of the next , seemed to my understanding , when i had heard them , to be so pertinent to these nations in this generation , that i was immediatly inspired with a strong perswasion , that the effect of those words , heretofore dictated to jeremiah by the lord , was then spoken to me , by the spirit of the same god ; and , he having given me fifty years experience of the transactions between himself and this people , since i came to years of discretion ; and also called me to be a prophet by that ordinary anointing , whereof every true member of jesus christ is partaker ; i thereupon thought my self as truly obliged in conscience , to proclaim it to all the provinces , counties , towns , and cities of these islands , as the said prophet jeremiah was to publish it in the gate of the lord's house at jerusalem . therefore , in obedience to that internal motion , i now declare and apply it in the same tearms , changing and adding only the names and prevarications therein mentioned , into those which are proper to this time and place . the effect of the said prophecy , is this which next follows paraphrastically expressed ; and in the name and fear of god , i thus proclaim it , mutatis mutandis . ; jeremiah , the th chapter , and part of the th . the word which came to the prophet jeremiah from the lord , came to me , by the said prophet , saying ; stand in the gate of this city , wherein the lord hath yet his house , there proclaim this word , and say ; hear the word of the lord , and ye inhabitants of great britain , who pretend to worship the lord . thus saith the lord , the lord of hosts , the god of israel , and your god : amend your ways and your doings , and i will cause you to dwell in this place . trust ye not in lying words , ( or , in your formal sanctity and will-worship ) saying , the temple of the lord , the temple of the lord , ( nor say in boast , here is only his true reformed church , and with us are his ordinances ) for know , the temple of the lord are these , even they that obey his word ; in them he dwells , and among them is his approved worship . if you amend your wayes and your doings ; if you thorowly execute judgement between a man and his neighbour ; if you oppress not the stranger , the fatherless , or the widow , nor shed innocent blood in this place , nor walk after other gods in your heart , to your hurt , ( nor worship the true god according , to the superstitious inventions of men ) then will i cause you to dwell in this place , which i gave unto your fathers , for ever . but , behold , ye trust in lying words , that cannot profit : will ye murder , commit adultery , swear falsly , sacrifice to false gods , and walk after such as ye know not , and then come and stand before me in my house , or think in your hearts you were delivered from your late troubles , to do all these abominations ? is that house which is called by my name , become a den of robbers in your eyes ? behold , i have seen it , saith the lord . consider now my place which was in shiloh , where i set my name at the first : consider also the city of jerusalem , and my temple therein : heed what i did to those places for the wickedness of my people israel : for , in regard ye have done such works as they did , saith the lord ; and , forasmuch as i spake unto you ( as i did to them ) rising up early , yet was not heard , not answered when i called upon you ; i will now do unto those temples upon which ye have imposed my name , and to that superstitious worship , wherein ye trust , as i have done to shiloh and jerusalem : for i will cast you out of my sight , as i ( long ago ) cast our ephraim , ( and as i lately cast out many of your brethren . ) therefore pray not for this people , that they may totally be delivered ( from the temporary visitation , which their wilful sins have , as it were , constrained my justice to bring upon them , lest my mercy should be quite contemned ) life not up thy prayer , nor make intercession on their behalf , for i will not hear thee to that purpose . seest thou not what they do in the cities of these isles , and in the streets of london their chief city ? ( observest thou not what swearings and forswearings there are ? what dissemblings ? what apostacies ? and how few are now secure from the spiritual and temporal oppressions of this generation ? ( as they did in jeremiahs dayes ) the children gathered wood , the fathers kindled the fire , the women kneaded the dough to bake cakes for the queen of heaven , and to pour out drink oblations to other gods , that they might provoke me to anger , saith the lord : ( so the children , the fathers , the women , and the people of all sorts and degrees , contribute toward their superstitions , according to their abilities , after the mode of these times ; and pour out their drink oblations of cursed healths , to those idols which they have set up and honour , to the provocation of god's wrath . ) but do they provoke me to anger saith the lord ? do they not rather provoke themselves to the confusion of their own faces ? verily they do so : therefore , thus saith the lord , behold , my anger and my fury shall be poured out on this place , upon man and beast , upon the trees of the field , upon the fruits of the ground , and they shall consume , as if they were burnt up with an unquenchable fire . thus also , saith the lord of hosts , the god of israel ; ( make your selves merry with your carnal delights , and superstitious vanities : ) put your burnt-offerings to your sacrifices , and eat flesh ; add more of your formal thanksgivings , to your formal humiliations ; revive the late interrupted traditions of men ; please your selves in them , and gormundize upon the profits you raise out of them , untill you are fat ; yet know , god delights not in them . what i spake unto your fathers , and unto your selves , in the dayes wherein i brought you out of aegypt , ( out of the bodily and ghostly servitude of that mystical aegypt , and out of that babylonish captivity , whereunto you are preparing to return ) i commanded nothing concerning such sacrifices as you have offered , ( nor gave i unto you any such ordinances , as are many of those which ye imposed as mine ) but , this i commanded you , saying , obey my voice , and i will be your god , and ye shall be my people : walk in the wayes that i have commanded , that , it may be well with you ; nevertheless , ye have not hearkned nor inclined your ear , but walking after the evil counsels of your own hearts , went backward and not forward . ever since that day , wherein i delivered you from your spiritual thraldom , and in which i would have delivered you from your corporeal slaveries ; i have even from that time until this day , sent unto you my servants the prophets ( of all sorts , and with various dispensations ) rising early , and dayly sending them , as i did heretofore to my people israel ; yet , you hearkned not unto me , nor inclined your ear unto them ; but , hardned your necks , and did worse then your fathers ; ( yea , worse then other transgressors whom i formerly destroyed , and by whose fall , ye ought to have taken warning ) therefore thou shalt speak unto them these words : even thou into whose heart i have put it , to make application of what i heretofore spake by my prophet jeremiah , shalt proclaim unto them these words , though they have not hearkned unto them ; yea , thou shalt call again upon them though they will not answer thy expectation ; and , thus thou shalt say unto them : this is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the lord their god , nor receive instruction , notwithstanding the judgments whereby i have lately proved them many years together ; and which , in part , yet lie upon them ; for , truth is perished , and cut off from their mouth . cut off therefore , your hair ; lay aside your ornaments , and cast them away ; forbear your pride , your luxury , your oppressions , and the trophies of your vanities , in this time at least of penury and afflictions ; and take up a lamenta●ion in the high places , wherein ye have exalted your own inventions : for , the l rd hath rejected and forsaken the generations of his wrath . the children and inhabitants of these isles , have done evil in my sight , saith the lord . they have set up their abominations in my house to pollute it , and in those places whereupon they have imposed my name , instead of what i commanded . they have built high places , wherein are committed things as abominable as the sacrificing of sons heretofore in tophet in the valley of the son of hinnom . they have set up set wayes of worshipping me , as were not commanded by me , nor ever entred into my heart : therefore , the dayes will come saith the lord ; that those places shall not be called by their old names , but places of slaughter , and in them shall be burials , until there be not roome to contain more . then , the carkasses of these nations shall be meat for the fowls of heaven , and for the beasts of the earth , and no man shall fright them away . then , also , will i cause to cease from the cities of great brittain , and from the streets even of her chief city , the voyce of mirth and gladness the voyce of a cheerful bridegroom and his bride ; and the sound of those musical instruments wherein ye are now so delighted , with all the altar'd relicks of superstition . moreover , thus saith the lord , a time will come wherein they shall take the bones of your kings , and the bones of your princes , ( as it lately befell to others ) and the bones of your priests ( and prelates ) and the bones of your prophets who seduced you , and the bones of the inhabitants of your chief city out of their graves , and spread them before the sun and moon , and before the hoast of heaven , and before the face of those false gods whom you have loved , served , walked after , sought and worshipped , and they shall never be gathered together , nor buried , but be as dung upon the face of the earth . and , death shall be rather chosen then life , of all those who remain of this evil family , wheresover they remain in the places whither i have driven them , saith the lord of hoasts . thou shalt say thus likewise unto them ; thus saith the lord , shall they fall and not rise ? shall they cause him so to turn away from them that he shall not return ? if not , why then is this people slidden back by a perpetual backsliding ? holding fast their deceit , and refusing to return ? i hearkned and heard , but they spake not aright , no man repenteth himself perfectly of his wickedness , saying , what have i done ? but every one runneth on in his course , as the horse rusheth into the battel . they are more brutish than the brute creatures ; for , the stork knoweth her appointed time ; the turtle , the crane , and the swallow know the time of their coming , but my people know not the judgement of the lord ; yet , they say , we are wise , and the law of the lord is with us ; yea , they boast as if they were the most glorious , and best reformed church of christ upon earth . the remainder of this prophetical rebuke and invitation to repentance , i leave to be perused in the said prophesie of jeremiah , and applyed by every reader as god shall give him understanding , that the mystical balm of gilead therein mentioned , may be timely sought after ; and that physitian found , by whom our maladies may be cured ; to which purpose , i will proceed with what i have more to say , in order to the making you desirous and capable of receiving benefit by that universal gospel , which the angel flying through the midst of heaven , was to preach to every nation , kindred , tongue and people throughout the world ; and , after a more general reception thereof ( it being that which will destroy the whole mystery of iniquity , root and branch ) the angel next immediately following , will bring tidings , that babylon is fallen . this foregoing branch of the prophet jeremies commission ; being , ( as it were by way of exemplification ) delivered out to me upon the occasion aforesaid , i was internally moved to publish it to these nations in this my generation , as i have now done this day ; and i have performed it warrantably , with a good conscience , because , i am infallibly assured , that , it was recorded for all nations and generations to the end of the world , as well as intended for the inhabitants of judah in jeremiahs dayes ; and that it ought to be applyed to all those who are found guiltie of the same , or of the like prevarications ; and this i believe , in regard he who doth nothing in vain , would not have preserved , during so many ages , this record of his judgements , and of the particular passages between him and his people ; and caused it to have been so dispersed throughout the earth , had it not concerned all his people in all times and places . therefore , it evidently appearing unto me , that god moved me to apply it to these nations , i have accordingly made application , in this manner ; conceiving it will operate the more effectually , by being expressed in the prophets own powerful words & sense ; and much better heeded and regarded then in mine onely ; or if it had been undertaken by my own premeditated design , though i have seen enough to warrant the justness and necessity of making such an addresse upon a morral account . i have not hereby charged upon these nations any transgression which was charged upon the inhabitants of judea and jerusalem by the prophet jeremiah , ( nor any prevarications resembling their sins or to them equivolent ) but , such as god , my own conscience , and most men know ( or may know ) these nations are guilty of ; nor do i exclude my self out of that number which needs repentance , but , have performed my duty faithfully without respect or disrespect of persons according to my understanding . and , being conscious that it is my duty so to do , i will now , by the authority of those credentials , which god hath written in my heart ( and which are in part , publickly shown ) make use of them in such immergencies and contingencies as occur , faithfully adding what i believe he hath further commissioned me to declare , so far forth as my experience and his known instructions , joyntly considered , shall indubitably warrant . and that is , at this time to send out among you an exhortation to be wary , that you still harden not your hearts as in those former dayes of temptation and provocation , wherein ye provoked god's wrath : but , that you hearken unto his voice whilst the day of grace lasteth . but , alas ! i am between hope and fear , it is almost too late with many ; for , they who are worst , have so high a conceit of themselves , that there is more hope of meer fooles then of them . they think themselves to be safe & clear-sighted , when they are indeed , miserable , poor , blind , and naked ; they suppose they are setled upon the hill of sion , whereas , they are yet but as it were upon the mount gilboa , even in slippery places , where they cannot long stand fast ; for , we have almost so generally indulged oppressions , injustice , and vanities , that they seem to be the principal supporters of our safety , power , and honour ; yea to be essential to our lawes and legal customs , as also so great a part of our revenues , & the means of our subsistance , that , we can hardly live without them . verily break off in due time from your sins , and from all the occasions of transgressing ; hear , repent and turn speedily to the lord our god , not presuming nor despairing . in the first place , i do humbly ( though i might do it magisterially ) beseech you my dear brethren ( who seeming to be professors of the gospel , have dissembled or apostatized , or any way given occasion of scandal ) be exemplary to others in a signal repentance : for , nor your formal , nor your former righteousness , will avail , if you have apostatized from it . though not in respect to my words , yet for the honour of god , whose servants you are thought to be , and for your own safety sake , repent and turn to the lord unfeignedly , all ye , who have hitherto taken the name of christ in vain , and prophaned it , by not living the life of christ according to those doctrines of his , which ye have professed ; nor acting , nor suffering constantly according to that honesty , and piety , whereof ye made fair outward shewes : for , many of you have made sordid gain by a pretended godliness ; and like the religious whore , of whom solomon speaketh , have made your seeming holiness , and formal devotions and conformities , to be preambles and brokers to your avarice and uncleanness . there have been very great failings of late in that kind among the best of us ; so much self-seeking , dissembling and apostatizing , that , there was little truth in our words , or deeds ; and very great and severe are those chastisements which god hath already laid upon us for our transgressions , and greater are yet to come , if we more heartily repent not . all god's judgements afore-mentioned , and threatned against judah , by the prophet jeremiah , might have been prevented by timely penitence ; and so may those wherewith we are threatned , and these also be quite removed , which yet continue . but , neither our righteousness in time past , from which we have apostatized , shall profit us ; nor shall our sins which we have heretofore committed damnifie us , if we reform our wayes : for , god hath not onely said it , but sworn it also by his own life , ezek. . , . &c. as i live saith the lord , i have no pleasure in the death of the wicked , but rather , that he may turn from his wickedness and live ; the righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression , nor shall the wicked fall by his wickedness in the day that he turneth from it : neither the righteousness of the righteous shall be remembred when he committeth sin , without repentance ; nor the wickedness of the wicked be mentioned , when he forsaketh his sin ; but he shall surely live , though i formerly said unto him , thou shalt surely die . god , who will not be mocked , hath begun to execute judgements at his own house , and we prolong and increase them , by continuing and encreasing our trangressions ; yea , and not onely by our little awe of his judgements , but by not rightly considering his love , and by defect of that mutual and hearty love to each other which most essentially denominats us to be christs disciples ; for , we have thereby multiplyed our sorrows and troubles , more then all our adversaries could else have done ; and , though we had no other oppressors or persecutors , that alone is suffcient ( if it continue ) to make us utterly destroy our selves . consider this , my dear brethren , with what it hath already brought upon us , that ye may speedily repent : god vouchsafe his grace to assist you therein , and to me perseverance also , in unfeigned repentance and amendment . repent likewise , all ye , who say in your hearts , there is no god , and sport away your salvation , by such horrible imprecations , as god damn me ; for , though you not onely think , but speak and act also , as if indeed there was no god , you will one day find there is one , and that he hath several wayes manifested himself unto you , both openly and in secret ( by his judgements and mercies upon your selves , and others for your example ) though you will not yet acknowledge it , but run on impudently , into all manner of impietie and prophaness , promising unto your selves peace , when destruction hangs over your heads . for , as the prophet saith , jerem. . . and . . behold , saith the lord , they whose judgment was not to drink of the cup , have already drunk thereof ; and shall you go unpunished ? you shall not go unpunished , but shall surely drink it . i have begun to bring evil upon those who are called by my name , and shall you utterly escape punishment ? you shall not escape ; for i will bring a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth , saith the lord . but , i will conclude with an evangelical consolation ; and that which i shall declare unto you is an epitome of the everlasting gospel , which ascertaineth that jesus christ is the eternal mercy of god , and the redeemer of all mankinde according to the covenant of grace , the same to day , yesterday , and for ever . this , i am authorized to preach unto you by an unquestionable ordination and commission ; for , i declare it according to that original commission , which was given to all who were or should be the ministerial disciples of jesus christ , thereto qualified by the gifts given to men from above , though not ordained by men : for , i declare it not by that light alone which the son of god potentially set up in me when he assumed the humane nature , ( and wherwith he enlightens in some degree every one who comes into the world , for the salvation of his own soul ) but , by having his gospel declared and witnessed also unto me by that light in the lanthorn of his word , which ought to be a guide to every mans feet , and the direction of all men in their wayes , left the other light , being but like that , which the moon receiveth by reflection from the sun , may be darkned by the interpositions of the flesh and the world , or by the delusions of the devil . god's threatnings , mercies , and promises , are all , or for the most part , conditional ; and may be , or may not be , according as we demean our selves , when he calleth & offereth his preventing and assisting grace ; wherein he is never wanting to perform his part of the covenant made with mankinde in christ jesus . he is long-suffering , slow to anger , would all men should be saved , and desireth not the death of any sinner . there is no end of his mercy , unless to them onely , who wilfully forsake him first ( after he so sufficiently rewards the will ) when he saith , give me thy heart , which he may give up unto him , by vertue of the talent which he hath received ; and , even to them who then resist his gracious offer , he is not extreamly severe , until they do ( as it were ) compell his justice to limit his compassion , by justly hardening them into a final impenitency , that his mercy may not be made contemptible , to the disadvantage of others , by their yeilding to the flesh , which by his ayd they might have subdued ; and by their ungratefully adhering to , and believing his , and their greatest enemy , rather then trusting to his word , who placed them in a happy condition ; and , when they forfeited it by their own default , had so much compassion on them ( even whilst they were his enemies ) as to give his onely begotten and dearly beloved son , ●o be disgracefully crucified to death for their redemption . this love being well considered , ●s so strong a motive to repentance , that , they with whom it prevailes not , will be little moved with preaching everlasting damnation in hell fire . if ye be not sensible of this unspeakable mercy , nor of spiritual judgments , let the sense ye yet have of those that be temporary , and corporeal , make entrance for the former into your serious and timely consideration . beside many other plagues that now lie upon you , god hath lately threatned to deprive us of the fruits of the earth for our trangressions ; we fear a famine ; and it having already begun to pinch us , we pretended a general humiliation here in england , that our fear might be removed : but , what follows ? we continue still in our unrighteousness and unmercifulness , prosecuting our former courses , rather with more then lesse violence . the oppressed are not eased , but more oppressed . prisoners are not set free , to whom the lawes allow freedom ; but , jayls are daily replenished with new guests , barbarously treated , even harmless men and women suffer meerly for their consciences in relation to god , or upon misinformations and misprisions only , unheard , and uncondemned by a legal conviction . which proceedings are contrary to the laws of god , of nature , and likewise of these nations , if they have any in force . for , if the complainants sad cryes , which i hear ( and hear of ) be as creditable , as they are lamentable , many honest families are ( and will be ) exposed to beggary , and even rich men will probably be made beggars also . they are shut up from their dearest relations ; and they themselves being despoiled of all their livelihoods , and of means to supply necessaries by their labours , are destitute of all accommodations . they are lodged worse than doggs , thronged up together in sickness and in health , nothing left or provided for them to feed on ( except they will eat their own flesh ) but what god providentially conveyes unto them , by the charity of his servants ; of which charity they are sometimes defrauded by their hard-hearted keepers , and that which comes to hand , is handed-in also with much difficulty . these cruelties are aggravated with many other oppressive concommitants , which make them almost inexpressable and unsufferable ; yea the more unsufferable , in regard , that during the sessions of parliaments and courts of justice , which were wont to be their ordinary refuge , the oppressed can have no relief ; and these grievances are kept also from the king's ear , who is their last hope next under god. let us take heed how we fall into the hands of the living god , when his wrath is kindled , lest he utterly & suddenly consume us , as he did sodom and gomorrah , for shewing so little mercy to others , who have lately received such extraordinary mercies from him . learn by examples , though ye have neglected precepts , seeing what hath been heretofore , may be so again hereafter , and in regard cases that have a resemblance , will bring down the like judgments . when jeremiah the prophet was a prisoner for discharging his conscience ( as i , and many others are at this day ) the famine so encreased , that there was no bread then left in the street of the bakers at jerusalem . it will therefore concern us that we be wary we continue not in the like sins , lest ere long , there be little meal in our markets , and a greater scarcity of bread in the shops of our bakers at london : for , as there are among us very great failings , so there are very great appearances of god's high displeasure ; who hath more dreadful plagues ready to execute his commands , than famine , pestilence and raging war , joyned all together ; and he will here inflict that whereof we are most sensible , and those hereafter , if we repent not . consider this all ye who forget god , and return : for , he is at all times ready to meet every one in mercy ( without excepting any ) who returns unto him by hearty repentance : yea , he takes all opportunities whereby he may shew compassion , with preservation of his justice ; and is so inclinable to mercy , that he oft withholds his judgments from wicked persons and places , for the sakes of a few righteous men among them , though they persecute and seek to destroy them for whose sakes they are preserved ; and vouchsafes temporal blessings ( as he did to ahab ) for outside humiliations . he is not , as his enemies do scandalously report of him , a hard master , who looks to reap where he sowed not , and to gather where he strewed not ; but so just , that he will require no more at any mans hands , but according to what he hath given ; nor punish any one for the sin of another . there is no better means for us who are subjects , to live safely in holiness and righteousness without fear , than to adhere constantly to god's commands without dread of men , and to obey our superiours in obedience to the lord : nor any surer way for kings to possess the thrones of their kingdoms upon earth , in honour and safety , without jealousies , than to provide , as much as in then lieth , that god may possess his throne in the hearts and consciences of men without rivals ; and to endeavour to be just , as he is just ; and to be merciful , as he is merciful , acording to their measure : for , whatsoever the parasitical flatterers of kings would make them believe , they may be more secure from dangers at home & abroad , by those poor consciencious men who are despised , than with twenty times so many ruffians and god-damn-me's ; though assisted also by the formal devotions , and fained sanctity of superstitious worshippers , who seem glorious and powerful in outward appearances . i have observed , by what histories testifie , that those great kings and conquerors of the world , to whom god heretofore translated the kingdoms of men , from their former possessors ( when he changed governors and governments ) enjoyed them in peace and honour , so long , and so far forth , as they tolerated the servants of god to worship him according to their consciences , though they themselves were heathens and false worshippers . the mercy of god leadeth to repentance , and extendeth to and over all his works . this i am warranted to proclaim by vertue of his grand charter , and by his commissions , heretofore issued-out for the comfort and encouragement of every true penitent believer in the days of his fiercest indignation . these are the glad tydings of the universal gospel , which caused the angels to rejoyce and sing at the birth of jesus christ , this song ; glory be to god on high , on earth peace , good will towards men . let us joyn with that celestial quire in magnifying of this great mercy which so much concerns us ; for it is our noblest interest , and that which most advanceth god's glory : let our burthen to that song be , amen , hallelujah , praise the lord : let us be zealous in defending this universal charter , and not be seduced by those who seek to abridg itto such a narrowness , and to such an uncertainty , that if they should be believed , we had more cause to howl and lament than to sing : this gospel is the sum and scope of that testimony , which was , and is given by those two witnesses , the two olive branches , and two candlesticks , which stand before the god of the earth , bearing witness against the beast rising out of the bottomless-pit , who was to war upon them , and slay them , and leave their bodies ( as a dead letter ) unburied three dayes and an half in the streets of the great city , until the spirit of life from god should enter into them and make them ascend up into heaven , in the sight , and to the amazement and vexation of their enemies . therefore they , whosoever they be ( though pretending to be of god's counsel , and to be acquainted with his eternal decrees ) shall preach contraty hereto , and think they honour god by bounding his universal and infinit mercy , deal with mankind , concerning his charter of general redemption , as many among us now do concerning the kings late act of indempnity and general pardon , pretending thereby to do him honour , where●● intends both to his dishonour and disservice . it is this mis-understanding , and limiting the infinit love of god , which hath been the chief occasion of the narrowness of mens love to each other ; and of much of that discord and bloodshed which hath been in the world : for , such as men make their gods to be , such will they themselves be ; in regard , as david saith , they who make them are like unto them . this i adde , not impertinently , nor by the suggestion of a contentious spirit , in opposition to the judgment of others ; or with an uncharitable censure of those who do yet think otherwise ; but i have thus in my mode preached it , in zeal to god's truth and glory ; who sees my heart , and will punish me for it , if it proceed from any other cause . he is perfectly merciful ; so merciful in his justice , and so just in his mercy , that neither of them infringes the other ; and hath left us upon record two unquestionable exemplary evidences , which manifest that his mercy is sincerely intended to every true penitent , to be his consolation when judgements are epidemical and universal : for , though he spared not the old world , but brought a general flood upon all the ungodly , yet , he even then spared noah and his family ; and when he made the cities of sodom and gomorrah an example to wilfull transgressors , he then also spared lot who lived among them , and whose righteous soul they had vexed with their filthy and wicked conversation . thus will he likewise deal with all those , in all times , who have an upright and contrite heart ( though they have been grievous offenders ) so far forth as it shall be for his glory , and their eternal happiness . hear , and heed this proclamation ; for it is of god , who is pleased in these dayes to preach mercy by his most contemned servants ; and cause them otherwhile to act in such modes , and by such dispensations , as to the world seem ridiculous ; and as probably he did ( in most mens eyes ) when his beloved son rode meekly through jerusalem , on the foal of an ass , at the time wherein he first came to take a visible possession of his kingdom upon earth : which humble deportment his now pretended general vicar , and the proud kings of the earth , would have scorned upon the dayes of their inauguration . which the prelats , though raised out of the lowest of the people ( as jeroboams priests were ) and though pretending to be the successors of christs humble apostles , would have disdained to be carried in that meek manner to their instalments . but many other things appearing contemptible to flesh and blood , will be permitted ere long to make preparation for the coming of king jesus , whom they scoff at , who sit in the chair of the scornfull . it hath pleased god in this unusual manner , to make me ( though unworthy ) to be his herald in publishing this proclamation ; who having been many years your despised remembrancer , liveth yet , to serve god and his generation ; known to the world by this name , given forth at newgate , one of the most eminent gates of your chief city , in the . month of my imprisonment there . geo. wither . here is added , a second course of those fragments of that beggars feast , which was dayly made him by a good conscience , whilst he was prisoner in newgate , and which were omitted at the imprinting of the book , called , scraps and crums : with some few collected since the said impression . i. to those friends , unto whom this author hath been scandalously mis-represented in private , by some false brethren and others . though hereof i have just occasion had , i do not meerly for mine own sake add this crum ; but likewise here , for your avail insert it , lest my sland'rers may prevail , ( by bringing me into your disrespect ) to make my cautions take the less effect . give therefore heed to what i now express , and let god move belief as he shall please . as david said , the wrongs of open foes i could have born , but near my heart it goes , when i am grosly injured by them , who did my loving friends and brethren seem , and cannot chuse ( although i do sustain ev'n that with patience ) but thereof complain , in hope , it may occasion give to some who fail'd in that kind , henceforth to become so sensible of what was heretofore mis-done , that they will so offend no more : for , unto them , this is the worst design which i intend by this complaint of mine . two sorts of men there are , with both of which i 've had to do ; and ( though not very much ) more than enough it seems . one sort of these , those persons are , by whose maliciousness , most , who are conscientious men reputed , are for that cause traduc'd and persecuted ; and ( when they thereunto shall be inclin'd ) a staff to beat a dog , who may not find ? 't is care to scape the venom of their tongue , so impudent they are in doing wrong , and brutish in their censures : yet but few , except some like themselves , believe that true which they report ; and they themselves do know , that they asperse me with what is not so . of such men therefore , here complain i not ; because , by these , i have not often got a disadvantage , which would equal'd be with what might happen by their praising me . the poysnings of the other , more infect , because , receiv'd they are without suspect , and , vented with a counterfeited shew of better ends than those which they pursue . some of these being partners with those sinners , who were of our late troubles first beginners , did , with a mask of piety and zeal to god , the king , and to the commonweal , drive on their own designs ; and ( having made of seeming godliness , a gainful trade ) their opportunities now being gone , of preying upon those they prey'd upon , would make a prey of them , whom they pretended in times preceding , much to have befriended . so feeds the pickrel , when , he cannot find a roach or dace , on fish of his own kind . and , some of these , because i will not be inslav'd to that , from which i should be free , have ( thereto mov'd by avarice and pride ) without just cause , me lately vilifi'd to some of my best friends ev'n unto them whose charity supports me at this time : and , should it be believed , might much more undo me , than all they who heretofore have been my open foes . moreover , some , that i might wholly succourless become , are pleas'd to say , i am not so bereft of my estate , but that enough is left for my support . wherein , if they speak right , they render me so gross an hypocrite , that i deserve no friend ; and if i am by them beli'd , then much are they to blame , vvho have , as far as in them lies , to starving exposed me and mine , without deserving . but , this i fear not : for , if that supply shall fail , which i have had by charity , he , who by other hands , hath mercy shown , vvill from henceforth relieve me by his own : and , these are thus confuted , without feigning , if they know ought of mine , that 's yet remaining vvithin my power ; or , but so much as may ( if ever it be mine ) my debts repay , save what 's yet wholly lost , i give it all to him , who thereof make discov'ry shall ; and hereby , both confirm this gift for ever ; and urge him that discov'ry to endeavour vvho raised that report ; so he thereby shall have some profit , if it be no lye . i do perceive , to have me quite destroy'd the devil many agents hath imploy'd in sev'ral modes ; which that prevent i may , nought more or better have i now to say , or do , which will avail me , but to fly to my protector , to your charity vvho know me , and unto that evidence vvhich i have given of my innocence to you who know me not ; in hope you 'l do as in like case you would be done unto : and that when their malevolence hath wrought till it shall purge its own corruption out , it will abate , and some effects produce , vvhich both to them and me may be of use . if me you judge , as you would judged be , no more needs to be said thereof by me ; especially to him who truly knows , vvho giveth deeper wounds , than open foes . this case of mine concerneth now and then , not me alone ; but other honest men . such like false brethren , in all ages were among the saints , and such-like still there are . therefore these lines at this time were bestown , as justly for their sakes , as for mine own , since , of what here i for my self do plead , some other , thus abus'd , may stand in need . ii. a causual meditation on eaith , hope , fear and love. to keep me watchful , whilst my foes my person here shall fast inclose , by meditations i assay to keep the dread of them away ; and whilst my contemplation flew at various objects , in her view , ( among such musings as were brought into my mind ) this came to thought . faith , hope , and fear , and love are that , vvhich renders ev'ry mans estate to be exceeding good or bad , extreamly pleasureful or sad , according as that object proves , vvhich he believes , fears , hopes , or loves . make god the bottom and the top of thy fear , love , belief and hope , and thou art then safe , whatsoere thou dost believe , hope , love , or fear : but , if the world their object be , or , any other thing but he , thou art destroy'd : for , by these four , misplac'd , thou givest them a pow'r to ruine thee , who else had none vvhereby a mischief might be done . if on the world thy hopes depend , despair will be their latter end ; vvhen her fair-speakings are believ'd , thou wilt be certainly deceiv'd ; if her thou love , she will for that requite thee with despiteful hate ; and , if thou fear her , she 'l endeavour to make thee slave to fears for ever . this by experience i found true , and thereof thus forewarn i you . affect no pleasure ; for 't is vain , and terminates at last in pain . fear not , when thou shalt be opprest in doing well ; for , such are blest . trust not in wealth ; for , it hath wings , and flies away like other things : nor honour ; for , it often spends its stock , and in dishonour ends . rely not upon prodigies ; for , they are partly truths and lyes ; and , signs and wonders can afford no such assurance as god's word . place not your trust in kings ; for , when they speak like gods , they act like men . no , nor your best works trust you in , for all mans righteousness is sin . your faith , fear , hope , and love on none ground therefore , but on god alone ; and , when thus , you hare learn'd to do , perswade all other men thereto ; not terminating meditations , in meer unactive speculations ; for , they but like those flashes are , vvhich we mis-call a shooting-star . here , whilst my flesh is in restraint , lest else my soul grow dull and faint , her , with such thoughts i entertain , and find them not to be in vain ; though more i needed , i confess , these musings , when i suffered less . i might be safely rich agen , could i be still imployed then as i am now . but , who is able , to thread a needle with a cable ? they , who in winter keep at home , in summer-time abroad will come ; and , though a prison seems a curse , our liberty oft makes us worse . we pray , when winds and seas do roar ; when calm , do as we did before , ev'n god's choice worthies , when releast from suffrings , fouly have transgrest ; if in this , or some other kind , they were not often disciplin'd . he , that with troubles hem'd about , the battels of the lord had fought unfoil'd ; assoon as he had ease , ( neglecting such like means as these ) did grosly fall ; and so shall we , when idle and secure we be . had he been musing on god's law when in her bath , he naked saw vriahs wife ; or , at that time composing of a psalm or hymn , it had secur'd him from that sin , which let a lustful devil in . lord ! that i be not so surpriz'd , ( though these my musings are despis'd ) preserve me , ( whether weal or wo befalls me ) still imployed so ; or , in what else thou please , that 's tending to keep me alwayes from offending : and to thy glory , and to my salvation , vouchsafe to sanctifie this meditation , iii. to those who enquire , why this author is now imprisoned in newgate ? into this jayl , you ask me , why i 'm thrown ? but to my self that is not fully known ; unless it may be charged as a crime , for putting truth and reason into rime ; or , giving unto some , for doing wrong , such epithites as unto them belong ; which is by very few thought criminal , and , by most men , to be no fault at all . yet , since you are my friends , i bold will make to give you counsel , which i could not take : touch not a gald jades back , although it be to cure him , if you will be rul'd by me ; and if your conscience force you not thereto , no notice take , when other men misdo . for , they , who most ungodly courses run , ( and boast of what they wickedly have done ) so rage at him , who dares to reprehend their actions , howsoever they offend , that oft-times by their pow'r they bring on him , those penalties which were deserv'd by them , a whore profest , though she would have men know she is a whore , will not be called so . ( yea , though she could not live , were it not known she lived by abusing of her own ) but , be so wroth with him , who so shall say , that she will scratch his eyes out , if she may : at least , if she can do no more , will rayl ; or , had she pow'r , commit him to the jayl , and for a sland'rer prosecute him there , as justly , as they do , who keep me here . iv. a hymn of thanksgiving , for deliverance from a dangerous and sharp sickness , during his imprisonment . lord ! they who thy affection measure by what thou givest into their possessings , of riches , honours , or of pleasure , or , of such other temporary blessings , and mark how here thou deal'st with me , may think i am despis'd of thee ; for , when i seem'd opprest before with losse of liberty and wealth , so that i could well bear no more , thou thereto addedst loss of health , imbitter'd and made sharp , with as much pain as flesh and blood were able to sustain . . yet neither was thy love impaired , whilst in that manner i afflicted was , nor doubted i , nor ought despaired of thy continuing and assisting grace ; but , as the violence and length of pain deprived me of strength , my spirit thereby stronger grew ; yea , so thou didst my faith encrease ; ( so fortitude and hope renew ) that suffrings were not pleasureless ; because i knew i underwent thy rod , who art as well my father , as my god : . i know thee not alone by hearing , but , also by thy being in my heart , and , by thy thereunto declaring , how just , wise , good , and merciful thou art : thou tak'st no pleasure in our pain , nor dost , nor ever didst coustrain the soul of any to a path , which leads him from a happy conrse ; to sin , shame , sorrow , or to death , or , renders his condition worse . for , that thou more delighted art to save , than to destroy , i good assurance have . . for ever , let thy name be blessed ; for , when my patience did begin to fail , and pain , a cold-sweat forth had pressed , as if in me , fire had been mixt with hail ; thou in my first fit , easedst me by means lest means despis'd might be : and when i was shut up alone , of all external helps depriv'd , ( where means of cure or ease was none ) then , by thy self i was reliev'd ; that i might alwayes confident be made of thy help , when no other can be had . . when so extreamly i was pained , that i could hardly for one minutes space , endure the torment i sustained , in any posture , or in any place , thou hug'dst me fast asleep ; and then gav'st ease , i know not how , nor when ; which so amazed me , when i awak't , that , i at first , could hardly tell whether , i for a dream might tak 't , or , whether i were sick or well ; for , in the fire i thought assoon i might have slept ( erewhile ) as in my bed that night , . therefore , to thee , for this compassion i do now consecrate a hymn of praise : be pleas'd , o god of my salvation , to be thus my physician all my dayes . let this preserve me from the fear of what i may yet suffer here : and when this mercy shall be known , thereby assur'd let others be that such compassion shall be shown to them , as was vouchsaf'd to me , if in thy truth and fear they shall abide , and , without wavering , in thee conside . v. to them who say , or suppose , that a vain desire of fame , was this authors principal motive , to the composure of what he hath written and published . i hear , some think ( and , for their sakes am sorry they think so ) that ambition of vain glory , is that , which principally moves my pen to dare more than the quills of wiser men ; and , that an irch for popular applause was of my bold reproofs the chiefest cause . if this be true , i am as mad as they who think so , and take the nearest way to my destruction , for a windy puff , which in a moment will be quite blown off , and leave me comfortless , in that condition which threatens inavoidable perdition . but , these will find their error , when they know by tryal , from what root my actings flow ; and that i had in what i have exprest , a nobler aim , than meer self-interest , or any outward ends , although in them , my own well-being i shall not contemn . i am not ignorant that whatsoever i actively or passively endeavour , to honour god , or for my countries good , may , to my dammage , be misunderstood ; nor that most men , mis-censure what i 've writ to be composures without fear or wit and that , if i should be thereby undone , ( which likely seems ) i may be thought upon with very small regard , alive or dead ; or any way at all be mentioned , except by some few , who perhaps will say , i fool'd my liberty and life away . but should i minded be , when i shall have my portion among other in the grave , what greater share shall i have in that fame , which after death might memorize my name , than they , who in oblivion lie forgot , where pen nor tongue their actions mention not ? in my time , sixteen persons i have known who did my christian and my surname own , and one * of them oft guilty prov'd to be of crimes , imputed falsly unto me , by those who knew us not ; and he , whilst here he lived , had in my repute a share : but , after few years , none will know , among all these , to which of us , those things belong which we have acted . nay , though ten times more i had deserv'd ( than any heretofore , made memorable by a glorious fame ) a feigned person , who no real name or being ever had , save what , perchance , was thereunto ascrib'd in some romance , may seem to be more honour'd by that fiction , than any who attain'd the high'st perfection in piety or morals : for , i 've seen some readers , with such legends to have been so far transported , that it them could move more sighs and tears , compassion , honour , love , esteem and admiration , to confer on those idea's , than bestowed are on real suff'rers , who , did undertake to do and suffer freely for their sake . and what a trivial prize or purchase then is an esteem , or vain applause of men ? my actings have expos'd me , during life , to hazards , losses , much reproach and grief ; and , what shall i the better be , or worse , when i am dead , whether men bless or curse speak well or ill , that i should quite destroy , for such toyes , what in life i might enjoy ? by being silent , i preserv'd from blame might be , and more esteem'd than now i am if i could for advantage swear and lie , and flatter fools and knaves in elegy : sure , he who shall observe , as i have done , what scorns , and what despights i 've undergone ; what i have felt , and what i do fore-see will probably on earth my wages be , yet thinks i run these hazards for vain fame , must like wise , either think , that mad i am , or , that i 've only learned in the school of long experience , to be more than fool. but , though most are deceiv'd in their design , and in their thoughts , i am not so in mine . i know my work ; i likewise know that end whereto it doth , or at least , ought to tend : and , therefore hope , that till my lifes conclusion , i shall be kept from such a gross delusion . he , that for god's cause , or for his elects , pretends to do , or suffer ; yet , expects more honour , or ought else , than his just share with them , who of the same communion are ; expects more than his due ; exceeds the bound of that self-love which in true saints is found , and , what he acts , or suffers , no reward can merit ; for , he forfeits his reward . all , that he shall endeavour , on that score , when rich he thinks to be , will make him poor ; and , by what he expected to be fam'd , he shall become contemptible and sham'd . god's mind , i therefore study to fulfill , seeking no pay , but what , and when he will : and , knowing that 's my aim , much care i not what , in this world , he gives to be my lot. i no more value praises than reproach ; and , whether in a carr , or in a coach , i ride to my last home , i little care , so with a quiet conscience i come there . if well in life i use them , 't is no matter , how far asunder men my limbs do scatter , or in what publick place they set my head , to terrifie some fools , when i am dead : for , ev'ry part of me will meet together , when god shall pleased be to call me thither , where christ now sits inthron'd ; and whither he ascended to prepare a place for me . i prize nor life , nor death , but , as thereby , i , more or less , god's name may glorifie . and , whilst my own heart knows this to be so , i care not , whether 't is believ'd or no by any man , uless , that , to infuse the like mind into him , it may conduce . if , i have acted for a worthless prize , learn by my foolishness to be more wise , if i have aim'd to suffer , or to do for such ends as i should ; do ye so too . because then , what you heretofore of me misdeem'd , will thenceforth your advantage be ; and , no more harm to me , than that man found , who had an vlcer cured by a wound . vi. a meditation , occasioned by considering the manifold temptations to distrust in god , whereby his best servants are otherwhile proved and exercised . the best of men , some failings have ; and i , not only many , through infirmity ; but , flowing also from those negligences , which very much have heightned my offences ; because i know , what pow'r to me he gave , to do those things which i neglected have : especially , when my distrustfulness hath made me doubtful of god's promises . who , to assure them , hath vouchsafed both a written word , and seal'd it with an oath ; and , also new experiments , which may ascertain it , vouchsafeth ev'ry day . david , the most couragious combatant against such-like temptations , did oft want that confidence , which was by him profest , and , thereby hazarded his interest in god's free promises . by saul , said he , one time or other i destroy'd shall be ; and , what was promised , had so outright forgotten , in his carnal pannick fright , that to god's foes he for protection ran , the part there acting of a frantick man , and of a drivling fool ; yea , worse than so , dissembled then , yet scap'd with much ado . that course , whereby he thought to be assur'd of safety , an indangerment procur'd beyond all former hazards ; for , he lost not only goods , wives , and all hope almost of rescue , but was also like to lose his life , and to be ston'd by some of those ( in their distemper ) who inrag'd became , to see their habitations in a flame , their dear'st relations captiv'd , and to those inslav'd , who were their old malignant foes . in which strait , if god had not him befriended , whom he distrusted , there , his life had ended . there is our case ; for , though that many times , our fears , our foes , our troubles , and our crimes we have , beyond hope , been deliver'd from , and promised in ev'ry time to come , that like deliverance ; yet , when ought fails which we expected , or a foe prevails , ( for our probation ) we are hurried streight into a causless , and a foolish fright : god's promised assistance we decline , catch hold of any politick design , run this , and that way , to the world , the devil for help and counsel , or act any evil in such a giddy fit , though we have seen , and often felt , what those effects have been which will ensue . nay , if long time we bear a present suffring , and new troubles fear , our faith is at a stand , and we begin immediately to let despairings in ; make principle of faith , give way to reason , and seem phanatick whimsies , out of season , or airy refuges , beseeming none in straits , but meer fools , to depend upon . though in the saints of old to fall off thus , it was a crime ; 't is greater sin in us , by so much , as the sinning against grace doth our transgressions of the law surpass : and , neither theft , adultery , or murder , from god and penitence will draw us further , if we avoid it not : for , to be made more cautelous , we have not only had examples of old times , and seen since then , what hath befallen many thousand men in such defections , but , we likewise are experienc'd in our own particular estates and persons , what will them betide , who in the dayes of tryal start aside , and , by the gospel are enlightned more , than other generations heretofore . this , makes me , in my present troubles , wave those wayes , whereto i some temptations have , my person to redeem ; and to prevent the future mischiefs , that seem eminent , this makes me scorn , to creep , or fawn , or sneak , or , ( whatsoere i threatned hear ) to speak to an unworthy person , though i could prevail , perhaps , upon him , if i would : for , were my poverty ten times as much , the king of sodom shall not make me rich ; nor , were i sick to death , would i implore those false gods , which most men do now adore for health or life , though i thought they could give that , which i most desired to receive . this , among other notions of this kind , ( which needful are to fortifie my mind amid my suffrings ) makes me muse on these our common failings , that , if god so please , they may be by his grace , with my endeavour , a means to keep me firm to him for ever ; and , by declaring what experiment hath taught to me , make others confident in suffrings for his cause : and , not afraid what is , or what can here on them be laid : for , as where many cowards are together , they still beget more terrours in each other ; so men of courage , more couragious grow , when , to each other , they example show of christian fortitude : to which good end , these fruits of my spare howers i intend . vii . another scrap , to them , who carp at this author 's frequent writing . vvhy should you be displeas'd , and have a loathing , of that which may do good , and cost you nothing ? or , which you may pass by , without offence , or , giving you occasion of expence , unless you please ? for , that which i compose , on no man , i against his will , impose . god is our shield , our fortress , and that friend on whom alone we alway should depend ; yet , he expects an activeness in those , on whom a christan armour he bestows ; and , that we put it on , when there 's occasion of war defensive , or , of an invasion ; as also , that , we alwayes keep it clean , and our selves ready , by good discipline : for , of their talents they will be bereav'd , who make not use of what they have receiv'd : yea , they will be surpriz'd , who , times and places neglect , wherein to exercise their graces , when means is offred ; since it will make room and entrance for temptations when they come , if we are negligent in doing that , which to our perseverance doth relate . the roman legions , which resided here , ( when no foes to oppose them did appear ) bestow'd their spare hours with much diligence , in making preparations for defence in times of need ; new fortresses did raise , built bridges , causeys , and made easie wayes for future marches , whereby , to and fro in safety , they , and other men might go . and , we must do the like , if we would be from future dangers and surprizals free ; to which end , things that seem of little use at present , may hereafter much conduce . our patience will wear out , our courage slack ; our spirits faint , and cause us to draw back from needful suffrings , unless in some measure vve daily shall improve spare time and leasure , to fortifie our hearts by meditation , vvhich is the nourishment and preservation of hope and faith. this , when my friends are gon , ( vvhose consolations i do feast upon vvhilst they are present ) if i those can void , vvith whose impertinences i am cloyd , moves me to gather up , that , into words , vvhich their and my experiment affords : lest that be lost , which else might serve in stead of cordials at a sudden time of need . this , moves me , when my foes threat and revile , to muster thus ( as 't were in rank and file ) my scatter'd thoughts ; and then to march up close ev'n to the vanguard of my furioust foes : for , when we look grim terrors in the face without dismay , it makes them to give place . and , though the champions of the world do laugh to see my weapons , but a sling , a staff , and peble-stones o they will prevail , when they shall either perish , or else run away . this moves me ( when alone ) lest else the devil , or my own flesh may tempt me to some evil , ( vvhen they shall idling find me ) to retire into my self , and search what vain desire , vvhat hope , or fear , or doubtings there do lurk , vvhich either may advance , or counterwork those principles of grace , which by good use and practice , i to habits may reduce . this , that those notions ▪ may not fly away , vvhich i find helpful , makes me oft imploy my leasure times , in what , it seems , hath so increast my scriblings , that they nauceous grow to many readers ; and , perhaps to some , vvho might by them advantaged become . but i am pleas'd ; for , that , my tast delights , which is disgustfull to their appetites ; and what at this time they disrelish , may yeeld profit with delight , another day . viii . an eccho from the thunders , in the celestial temple , reverberating , in part , the effect of what was uttered by their voices . six trumpets have been sounded forth , six vials poured on the earth , six thunders have their voices spent ; yet , they blaspheme , who should repent , and night and day a direfull cry , still beating on my ears have i , of men opprest between their paws , whose god is gain , whose lusts are laws ; and , dreadful sounds of vengeance too are eccho'd wheresoev'r i go . though men are deaf , yet speak i must : hear therefore , lifeless forms of dust , and sensless things , that ye may bear your witness to what i declare : for , what hereafter shall ensue will make deep stamps on some of you . wo , wo , ere long to c. c. c. to p. p. p. p. p. and p. like wo to s. to m. and l. for , they have made this earth a hell , wherein , unless christ quickly comes , few good men shall have resting rooms ; and little faithfulness will here be found , when he shall next appear . but time hath almost wheel'd that round , wherein the seventh trump will sound . and then shall righteousness alone , with pow'r and glory fill the throne , that jesus , who ( when by his birth he was first visible on earth ) much troubled herod , and with him the city of jerusalem ; and is that universal prince , of whom all tyrants ever since have been afraid , will come ere long , to set that right , which now is wrong , and put an end to their oppression , vvho charge his subjects with sedition : for , though some slighted them when they were seen , his harbengers have here already been . ix . a brief reproof of them , who take pleasure in scandalous invectives , whereby others are personally defamed . there is a mangie humour and an itch , ( at this day very troublesome ) with which most men are so infected , that unless we find a speedy cute , 't will so increase , and leave so few from this contagion free , that we shall all appear meer scabs to be . now , there is nothing more delights the ear , than when it shall those vilified hear , whom they affect not , whether they are blam'd without just cause , or worthily defam'd ; especially , if those in ought dissent from their opinions , ( although eminent for many virtues , and with them agree in all things , which with truth essential be ) and , since our diffrences did us divide , few men there are of note on either side , of good or ill desert ; but ( right or wrong ) they so aspersed are by pen or tongue ; and truth , if spoke , so blended is with lyes , with fraud , or else with ambiguities , that , if what is in pamphlets published , should be hereafter by our children read , they 'l think this age ( if they do credit it ) had neither honour , honesty , nor wit ; so scurrilous , and so malevolent are their invectives , and so impudent . there are of truths and falshoods put together , such medlies made , without respect to either , and misappli'd in such a barbrous wise , mens persons or their cause to scandalize , that , whether they did wickedly , or well , they , in their outward fames are parallel ; and , frequently , by seeming to intend that , which may their antagonist befriend , a foe disguiz'd , destruction doth devise for them , whom he pretends to patronize : shews make of peace , where they bear no goodwill , and , those to save , whom they intend to kill . this bitterness and falshood multiplies those discords and those animosities , which have thus far undone us , and this course will make that which is bad , grow daily worse , until it shall exasperate this nation beyond all means of reconciliation ; for , till there shall as much respect be shown to other mens good-names , as to our own , and , we are pleas'd to hear good spoke of those who well deserve , although they are our foes , we never shall be friends ; nor friendship merit from any , till we qualifie this spirit . 't is gentle speaking that appeaseth wrath ; a bitter language , no such virtue hath . yet , let none think , this means to usher-in a reprehension of reproving sin , or , that , it well beseems not any man to render vice as odious as he can : for , no debasement can make wickedness more ugly , than essentially it is . though just reproofs have not allowed been , where persons are more aim'd at , than their sin . their practice , justice doth to none allow , who at their neighbours , from an unseen bow , shoot poysned arrows ; and , bandetti-like , the passengers from such a covert strike , that none can truly know how they are nam'd , or where those dwell , by whom they are defam'd . in taxing vices , let nor tongue nor pen act sparingly ; but spare alone the men , ( as much as possible ) unless they shall ingage themselves , by quarrels personal against the truth ; then spare them only so , that thereby truth may not receive a blow . a causless scandal , nor a lie admit , though thereby truth may some advantage get ; for , she or they , will honour lose thereby , who think to do her service by a lie. some good-men ( not a little to their shame ) i fear are this way otherwhile to blame , as much as they whose refuge it in lyes , ( and care not by what means they gain their prize ) for , when that an impostor doth express what some-way suiteth with what they profess ; oft-times by that wile , guilded pills are swallow'd as wholsom , which are poysned and unhallow'd , and , them deprive , who are deluded so , of outward peace , and peace of conscience too . take therfore heed of those , who by their mingling truths with apparant falshoods , and by gingling some silver among counters , may by shows of their befriending that , which they oppose , obtrude upon you somewhat that is evil , relating unto things divine or civil ; at least , to make you hearken with content , to what brings undeserv'd disparagement on other men : for , all things baneful prove , wherein there 's want of prudence , faith , or love , x. a disclaim , by way of advertisement , of a paper , falsly imputed to this author . there are verses printed on one side of sheet , intituled , the wheel of time turning round to the good old cause ; which many , who know not me , nor my principles , nor my writings from other mens , have ascribed unto me , who do abhor publishing any thing without my name , which may be scandalous ; especially to individual persons , either by name , or by marking them out in such manner , that the vices i reprove can be justly appropriated to them , and to no other : neither did i ever purposly compose ought which might endanger the publick peace , or hazard the quiet of private persons , whereof that paper is suspected . and indeed , i conceived it at the first view , to have been the composure of a malicious person , who thereby intended to make those in authority jealous of some innovation intended by sober and conscientious men , who i hope will make patient suffering their refuge , in all their probations . therefore , as soon as i had perused it , i wrote these following verses on the backside thereof , and gave it unto a friend , to communicate thereby my sense thereof , to others , if he pleased . he , that divulgeth ought without a name , which individual persons doth defame , although the truth he writes , deserveth blame : yea , he , that without soberness and reason , speaks what is true , and speaks it out of season , against the dignity of truth speaks treason . yet , saints , may by oppressions , now and then be so provoked ( for they are but men ) that , they may thus offend by tongue or pen. if it be so , let him who forth hath sent those lines , his folly heartily repent ; for , they portend an evil-consequent . g. w. xi . to them who object it as a fault , that this author hath written several poems , since he resolved to write no more . i sometimes think my work is done , and then resolved am to lay aside my pen ; yet , when i do discover some remain unfinished , i take it up again : for , when i promise , what concerneth none ( in any manner ) but my self alone , 't is alwayes in mine own pow'r , to dispense with ev'ry such resolve , without offence ; then , specially , when else , perhaps , i may to god , my self , or others in some way infringe my duty , by the prosecution of that unprofitable resolution . for this cause therefore , i now think it fit , not only such resolvings to remit , but , also , by these presents , to declare that , whensoere a just cause doth appear , to write , or speak , or do , what i believe god may have honour by , or men receive a future benefit , i will assay ( whilst i have life ) to do it as i may . this promise binds me ; and , i must confess , that , if in time to come , i shall transgress against this resolution , there 's in me no pow'r whereby i from it can be free . reprove me therefore , if at any time i break this promise ; for it is a crime . xii . of governours and governments ; and how we ought to demean our selves toward them . all pow'r is of the lord , the god of heav'n ; and man hath none , but , that which he hath giv'n : to raise , pull down , to change or innovate , in governing a kingdom , or a state , belongs to him alone ; and nought to do have private men , but to submit thereto when he a change hath made , whether he hath vouchsafed it in mercy , or in wrath. therefore , the persons , or the government , to change i never sought , nor had intent ; but , to submit to that , what ev'r it be , which god was pleased to set over me . both men and forms , if well compar'd together , do prove so like , and so unlike each other , that oft the constitution which at first appear'd the best , becomes at last the worst ; and , as the elements do change into each other , so the governments will do , according to th' affections , and the pow'rs of those , who are the present governours . all kinds of government , in some respect , are but one and the self-same in effect , and , when refined , will corrupt agen , so long as actuated by meer men , who , overswayed by their lusts and passions , are alwayes subject to prevarications , and so oft also , as the people's sin compels god's justice to bring changes in . this , when the supream pow'r was here divided ( so , that some this way , and some that way sided ) made many wise-men , both in resolution , as also in their wayes of prosecution , exceeding doubtfull , that a sad result might follow , in a path so difficult ; i therefore , then , endeavoured to adhere to that , wherein most justice did appear when i had cause of doubt ; and did comply where i saw with most visibility that pow'r did then reside : for , so i thought ( and still believe ) i was divinely taught by precept and examples ; and i joyn'd therein , to those , who seeming of that mind and judgment , did in shew the same profess with zeal , and with much conscienciousness . and , some few , doubtless , acted to that end sincerely , which the rest did but pretend . but , i was cozned by the greater part : yet , went on in simplicity of heart , till i so far into a snare was run , that , back i could not go , nor further on without a mischief ; or , a breach had made upon that faith which i engaged had . for , few i saw pursuing any thing concerning god , the people , or the king , with true integrity , to which-soere of those three they pretended to adhere , with whether side soever they then closed , or , whatsoever they in shew proposed . i saw , that either by an open scuffling , or , by a politick and secret shuffling . both sides had so the knaves and court-cards laid , that cheating games were likely to be plaid , and , that our losses , who intended best , would be the losing of our stakes at least . some , for religion did pretend to fight ; some , for the royal , some for common-right ; but , i perceiv'd self-interest was that which principally most men aimed at ; and had not thereof a bare jealousie , for , 't was apparant by that policy with which they prosecuted their intent . what else by them could probably be meant , who jugling with both sides , to none were true , but as their own advantage might ensue ? who , siding with one party , sent a brother , a son , or else a nephew to the other ; who mutually did their designs advance with correspondence , and with maintenance ? with counsels and with treasure strengthning those unseen , whom they did openly oppose ? and otherwhile , by murdring their own friends , made bloody passages to their self-ends ? thus did they , yet , some of those now appear in better case , than we , whose actings were most innocent . but , though we suffer first , the better seeming game will prove the worst . for my part , though it cost me all i had to keep my conscience clear , a shift i made ; and , am as well contented with my lot , as they are , who have by my losses got . trust rather therefore thine own conscience , then upon the counsel of sev'n wiser men : for , in a dubious path , no humane light so well directs us how to walk upright , if so far forth as god doth means provide , we take his word and spirit for our guide . be faithful to the prsent government that god permits , to whatsoere intent he doth permit it , or what-ere it be ; for , ( as i said ) lord of all pow'r is he ; and , ev'ry government is good , save when it is usurped by unrighteous men ; and , we must bear it then , till he shall please who laid it on us , to vouchsafe us ease ; because ( though he permitteth it ) our sin was that , yea that alone , which brought it in . we may , and must endeavour in our places , ( according to those talents and those graces which god bestows ) to offer that which may help keep them in a safe and righteous way , for their sakes and our own ; and , without fear , speak to that end , what we shall know or hear , ( though they offended be ) so we apply our balm with prudence and sobriety . our seeking to reform it , by a course not lawful , will but make it much the worse ; whereas , if we with patience do attend on god , he 'l better , what we cannot mend , or , else , with his own hand , destroy it quite , ev'n when their tyranny is at the height . these are my principles : these , without fear , have kept me , and will keep me still , who ere shall govern me ; and whether right or wrong , be done me either little-while , or long . xiii . a scrap added to the former , since the sending of the authors remonstrance to the house of commons . though liberty i 've lost , with my estate , yet , as things are , i wonder not thereat ; nor marvel that my poem , for which here i suffer , to the world must not appear : for , i confess , it speaks not in a strain , which flatt'rers with esteem can entertain ; and they by whom i have accused been , would miss their arm , were that in publick seen ; occasion likewise i should not have had , of that advantage , which is thereby made . but , one thing ( which till now i thought not fit to mention ) i admir'd at , and do yet ; ev'n this , that , being of all else bereft , the same tools in my pow'r should still be left , vvhereby offence was given , and by which my vindication will be further'd much . it was a mercy , but , sure , not of men , that , i bereaved was not of my pen when i was first restrain'd , and also sent , ( as many are ) to close imprisonment ; which , at this time had greater mischief done , than all that i , till now have undergone . and this , i here express , not to outbrave mans fury , but , that god may glory have by that assurance , wherewith , me he arms in present suffrings , against future harms . for that cause , in this manner , is reveal'd that , which a wiser man would have conceal'd ; and , though , i somewhat over peremptory may seem ; yet , when truths honour , and god's glory do lie at stake , i know a servile speaking to be a foolish and uncomly sneaking ; not onely disadvantaging the speaker , but , rendring also righteous causes weaker . all men to casualties exposed be , and , things befall to others , as to me ; ev'n unto them , who are above my sphear , and , were occasion of my lodging here . when i had been above six months , debar'd of liberty , unpitti'd , and unheard ; accus'd for libelling , because i had a private recapitulation made of what i knew , as well by sight as fame , ( and , for which , yet , unheard , confin'd i am ) five persons , of no mean degree , were sent to be my fellows by imprisonment within this jayl ; and , at this present are charg'd with suspition of no less crimes here than theft and murder ; and , there 's one among that number , which at this time doth belong to that society , which i am said to have defam'd , and therefore here was laid ; though i in private only , had declar'd in genral terms , what common fame aver'd . and , which now seem not so incredible as they were thought , nor things impossible . yet , with unfeignedness , desire i do , they may be guiltless found , if they be so , and quit , without endeavouring to smother two crimes , by perpetrating of another : for , guilt to cover , and damn innocents , is not in these dayes without presidents : and , presidents ( although not worth a straw ) by some are made equivolent to law. their youth i greatly pitty , though the rage of my oppressors pitty not my age , nor care to what straights i may be exposed , whilst here , despis'd of all , i am inclosed . now they , and i , until we shall be try'd all scandalous conjectures must abide ; and , if upon the test , their act appears mistook ; why may not mine as well as theirs mistaken be ? since i more likely am than they , by prejudice to suffer blame ? and have lesse outward means of vindication , from an unjust and causless imputation ? but , they , and i , shall have , when our time 's come , that , which god hath appointed for our doom . he will be righteous , though men are not so ; whatere he pleases , therefore let him do . we , by the justice , which will then be done , shall know , what 's likely to ensue thereon to other men , who live in expectation of justice , or of due commiseration . and , if with meekness , upon god we rest , that , which threats worst things , will produce the best . they whom i have displeas'd , may now be merry ; for , i have scribled until i am weary : and shall , perhaps , no more be troublesome this way , when what 's conceiv'd to light shal come ; but , then permit them from thenceforth , to do what they intend , till they are weary too . in this mode i have little more to offer , to say , or do , but down to lye and suffer ; assur'd , that ( if no good effects that have which i have writ ) a poem in my grave compos'd and hither sent , would be no more effectual , than my writings heretofore . i have exprest enough to men of reason , who know when sober truths come forth in season : now , therefore , if god please , let them who shall desire them , take pen , credit , life , and all ; but let them therewith know , that they will be so dealt withall , as they shall deal with me . 't is now known , what i 've done , what i can say , and , what i suffer , but not what i may . qui jacet in terrâ , non habet undé cadet . " the world can him undo no more , " whom she hath quite undone before : " but , he whom god shall smile upon , " may lose all , yet not be undone . a few lines more i 'le add : i hear some say , this will occasion rending quite away all liberties at once , and many think , that henceforth neither paper , pen , nor ink will be allow'd me , nor a visitant , which may supply me with what i shall want : yea , that i may be thither sent , where none shall see , or hear , what must be undergone ; and , that nought can be hop'd for , but perdition in such a place , and such a sad condition . yet , this i fear not : for , there is no place on earth , or any such distressed case , as no redress admits . there 's not alone for ev'ry grief , a cure , for ev'ry one in ev'ry country ; but , each man about him hath also that , within him , or without him , which known , and by god's aid applied , cures all maladies , and all distemperatures . the greatest tyrants pow'r extends not to all those things , which he hath a will to do . nor is there any misery , or place whereby i can be shut up from god's grace . what more i may now , or hereafter bear , increases not my terrour or my care : nay , so far am i from the dread of that which may befall in such a sad estate ; that when i think on what the rage of men shall do at worst ; and what god will do then , it keeps me pleas'd . for , to deliver me ( what ere betides ) a thousand wayes hath he . he , that can make safe passage through the seas , and , through a fiery furnace , if he please , pre-apprehensions gives me , of that grace which will vouchsafed be in such a case . joseph was long in prison ; yet god sent a means to free him from imprisonment , in such a mode , that , if within our creed it be , 't will very well deserve our heed . the world can neither bring me to dispair , nor me deprive of hope , faith , love , or prayr ; nor take away , or unto me restore ought , making my assurance less or more . god clothes the lillies , and doth sparrows feed ; he can turn stones to bread , if there be need : and , could i down to hell by men be driven , when i came thither , i should find it heaven . the bugbears , wherewithall the world assays to skare me , could not in my childish dayes affright me . i was exerciz'd in youth ( for loving honesty , and writing truth ) with strict imprisonments , and made ere since a stone ( to very many ) of offence , kickt to and fro , till thereat many broke their shins at least , yet harm i never took . god hath preserved me now fifty years , in his work , in all troubles , wants and fears ; from poverty and shame in worst of times ; from mine own follies , vanities and crimes ; from famines , pestilences , raging war , and tyrants , worse than those three judgments are , without dismay , ev'n when it so befell , that men in greatest pow'r sped not so well . in plain terms i did often represent their failings , to the late long parliament , yet scap't their fury , though i could not scape their fraud , nor partnership in that mishap , which their improvidence occasion'd then , both to themselves , and many better men . but , that will for my welfare prove at last , as certainly , as that which in time past , i told them would befall , is at this day fulfill'd upon them , ev'ry sev'ral way ; and , will continue , till their fiery tryal , hath brought men to that real self-denial , which them will qualifie to carry on the work which god intendeth shall be done . i likewise did presage to oliver , in bold words to his face , and without fear , what would at last befall him : and i knew ( though he dissembled it ) what would ensue for such plain-dealing : yea , i soon did find , by what course my destruction was design'd ; but , whilst he thought , i thought my self befriended , god taught me to prevent what he intended , that , i might suffer , as now at this time , what gives more cause of glorifying him. by these experiments confirm'd i am , my god will alwayes be to me the same , that he hath been , and ratifie that truth in my old age , that i believ'd in youth , by making that , which likely seems to double my sorrows , to help others in their trouble , vvith constancy and patience to sustain their burdens , whilst upon them they remain . and , peradventure , they will be so wise , vvhose indignation , yet upon me lies , that , when they heed what god for me hath done ▪ and may do , they 'l consider so thereon , that they who were my foes , my friends will be , and save themselves , by their deliv'ring me , god can effect this for me , if he please : for , he doth many stranger things than these . but , let him do his will. vvhat ere is done ▪ he is my trust , and , him i 'le rest upon . if such a famine , as is threatned , comes , there will be need of such like scraps and crums . but , these , to none can toothsome be , unless they thirst and hunger after righteousness : for , they will relish unto all men els , like fleshless bones , or fishless oyster-shels : perhaps , to some few , they will serve instead of physical receipts in time of need , if , carelesly they be not cast aside , but , prudently and seasonably apply'd . to that end , they endeavoured to save them from being lost , by whose means ye now have them . they relicts are of that continual feast my conscience makes me ; and probatum est to ev'ry one of them subscribe i may ; for i have proved them by night and day . they are but part of larger meditations ( thus worded , for my daily recreations ) for whilst to write them down , i did assay , the greatest portion of them flew away . verses written by mr. george wither upon three trenchers with oker , during his close-imprisonment , and carried to the lieutenant of the tower by the said prisoners keeper . george wither , close prisoner , to the lieut. of the tower. sir , i have been a prisner now six times , for no worse faults , than just reproofs of crimes . nigh fifty years acquainted with the pow'r of jaylors ; and , shall shortly know the tower , to be the best , or else the worst of all confinements , which did hitherto befall . all my defensive arms are took away , now therefore , i assume such as i may : and , since my lot affords no better tools , a trencher mark't with oker , lead , or coals , shall be my buckler , sword , and advocate to you , in this my much opprest estate . these , long experience taught me to provide , when such a strait was likely to betide ; and , if you take them from me , you will do more than your order doth oblige you to , or charity allows : for , i 'm not free to come to you , nor will you come at me ; though wise , and good , and honourable men , have thought me worth a visit ( now and then . ) when i was in the much despised jayl of newgate ; some from thence were freed by bail , though charg'd with theft & murder ; and i may expect that priviledge as well as they : but , kissing goes by favour ; and i lack the silver key , which way thereto doth make , and by the want whereof , i find this place affords not unto me , the common grace allow'd to rogues ; nor so much as a slave in turky , or in barbary may have : for , they have bread and water at the least , and place assigned them , wherein to rest , vvithout extorting more than can be had ( unless their flesh could into coyn be made ) vvhereas the mercy which this place affords ( in age and sickness ) had been naked boards , and stones for bread , had not my wife , by giving vvhat charity bestow'd to keep her living , prevented for a week , what was design'd to me , thence-forward , if we caanot find enough beforehand , weekly to bring in , and save the stripping of me to the skin : by which means , that impeachment now intended , may not be drawn up , till my life is ended ; so , they will lose their labour , who assay . to mould my punishment another way : vvhich i conceiv'd , would more vexation be to some , than all my suffrings are to me , prisners should gently used be , ( if mild ) not currishly oppressed and revil'd : for ( though neglected ) we have still a law , vvhereby such jaylors may be kept in awe . know , sir , that much abuse to me is done ; which is not an abuse to me alone , but likewise to your self , and to the nature and priviledge of ev'ry humane creature . for which cause , being willing to prevent , both your dishonour , and my detriment , i this way have contrived to declare my mind ; and that , i my affronts can bear ; though ( to my knowledge ) since my name was wither i was not villain call'd , till i came hither ; nor from ought , for preserving healthy , debarr'd ; though , oft my usage hath been very hard . the mercy of preceding times was such , that prisners here , were not opprest so much : for , all close-prisners , ( for what crime soere accus'd ) suppli'd with all things needful were in their degrees ; ev'n a● the princes cost : which priviledge , though now it seemeth lost , custom had made so legal● when due , that , till of late , it was de●y'd to few . and , whensoever claim'd your predecessors , if they denyed it , we●● thought transgressors . they who infring'd 〈◊〉 custom , first did bring dishonour to the nation , and the king. them , closely imprison , who have nought to feed them and thereof , then take no thought ) is worse than killing them ; yea , such a sin as hath by ●nfidels abhorred bin . where 's nothing left , there nothing can be got ; and , to oppress , because men have it not , is an inhumane , and a brutish evil , that 's found in none , but an incarnate devil . sir , by profession , you a christian are , and , i hope , this mind , is from you so far , that you all civil usages will daign , so long as in your keeping ▪ i remain . a cat no more can yeeld you , but her skin . if sheep do pay the fleeces they are in , they 'l grow again , so you from curs preserve them , and shut them not so close up , that you starve them . that which concerneth other men , and me , this day , another day your case may be : for , changes are not fixt with such a pin , but , that those things may happen , which have bin . consider it : if mercy you extend , 't will make a better man than i your friend ; and much more honour you , than all your pow'r , as alderman , lieutenant of the towre , and member of the commons , if severe you prove to me , beyond what i can bear : for , if through want , i perish in these bands , my blood will be required at your hands ; and , you will find , that i am own'd by him , who justifieth , when man doth condemn . do as your heart inclines : if you deny me things needful , god himself will then supply me with strength to bear it , till i shall enjoy that freedom , which no mortal can destroy : and when the world hath done the worst she can , good men will say , i was an honest man , to god , prince , conscience , and my country true , what-ever , on my tryal , shall ensue . yea , though with rigor i may suffer all that 's threatned , and seems likely to befall , i do not yet perceive , which way god can be honour'd more by any mortal man , than by the joy and courage he may give him . when others think they most extreamly grieve him , if i had suffred less since i begun to serve him ; i his work could not have done ; and , what i now shall suffer , may add more unto his honour , than all heretofore . and , from that , whereto conscience doth invite , my punishment , will not one man affright who owns my principles ; and shall have grace to act them soberly , in his own place . sir , i have twenty times as much to say , but , here i am compelled to make stay : for lo , this trencher will contain no more , and , paper must not come within my door . your prisoner , geo. wither . hearing it reported , that the diurnal women cryed the news of his impeachment for treason , he composed this epigram . i am preferr'd from newgate to the tow'r ; and , as the summers heat mends ale that 's sowr , so , here my state is mended ; and what follows , may be , for ought i yet perceive , the gallows . hark! what is that which now the woman cryes , who , this day selleth weekly truths and lyes ? how ! an impeachment against major wither ? these words , methinks , seem not well put together . but , let them passe , until i know the reason ; perhaps , a kind of whisteling of treason i am thought guilty of : and if some say the fox's ears are horns , who help it may ? these novels , only please , or else affright , children & fools , who know not black from white , nor right from wrong ; and quite contrary things they 'l tel next week , to what this week forth brings . however , friends , be not thereof afeard , he that shall stand accused , must be clear'd , or else condemn'd , before that any one can justly say , that right or wrong is done . the commons do intend to vindicate their honour ; and i am not griev'd thereat , for , it concerns them ; and the reputation of their house is the honour of the nation . if that which i have writ , seditious be , or scandalous , 't was not so made by me : but , rather , by some members of their own ; for , to all other men , it is unknown ; and was by me , compos'd with an intent , both scandal and sedition to prevent , as that remonstrance truly hath averd , which to their speaker i long since preferd . i did but part of that in private write , which genrally was fam'd , that make i might good use thereof : and , if that be a crime , i know it was not so in former time , nor will be so hereafter , unless we to universal ruine destin'd be . if their proceed against me be severe , the more my innocency will appear to prudent men ; and , if i wronged ●e , the more god will be merciful to me he that beneath his wings hath his abidings , needs not to be afraid of evil tidings , though they cry'd , fire & brimstone is descending ; for , angels alwayes are on him attending . if they , as consciencious be , as wise , upon whom now an imposition lies to charge me ; they , perhaps , when they have weigh'd what i have done , with what i 've writ and said in my defence ; will to that sense incline , whereby the honour of their house , and mine , may joyntly be preserv'd , and make good use of that which hath been deemed an abuse . i know discreet men cannot be so mad , to make that worse , which is already bad , or , not to leave one single person free to speak truth plainly , when just cause may be . for , they so understand , what doth belong to free-men , and to slaves , to right and wrong ; that , to excuse the breach of any laws , i shall not need a favour worth two straws , if justice may take place , ( as i conceive it will , when they my innocence perceive . ) yea , peradventure , they , who yet seem foes , will be to me so friendly in the close , that they will by their justice , honour gain , and , me into their favour entertain . one bitter herb spoils not a pot of broth , ( though some the single tast thereof may loath ) but , makes the same perhaps much wholsomer than if it totally omitted were . the best among us , at the best are sinners , and , in true penitence , but new beginners , who need forgiveness : and , god will bestow such mercy , as to other men we show . 't is ●ot the cutting-off of one mans ears will stop the voice which ev'ry body hears ; nor possible , if tongue and life they take from me , to make all men afraid to speak : nor is 't in whirlwinds , which the rocks do rend , whereby god will into mens hearts descend , sunshine makes us those robes aside to lay , which furious tempests cannot tear away : and , they whom threatnings cannot work upon , by gentleness and kindness may be won to yeeld up their own judgments , and their will , sometime for good , and otherwhile for ill . god by his grace , preserve me from that snare , and then , come what come will , i nothing fear . for , chiefest causes of the greatest evils , are these ; kind foes , good witches , and white devils . ingenii largitor venter . hunger will break stonewalls , and make fools witty ; when others will not we our selves must pitty : for , he that wholly doth himself neglect , cannot his neighbour heartily affect , and , if we love not those whom we have seen , the love of god in us hath not yet been . by what expedient , i shall henceforth get a means to vent my thoughts , i know not yet . my black-lead took away ; and worn out quite my oker-pensil is ; therefore good-night . all i can now do , is to sit and think , what might be writ with paper , pen and ink. geo. wither , close-prisoner . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e * captain george wither , a man valiant and witty , and one of the sixteen here mentioned , was hewed to death at kingston upon hull by his own solidiers in their fury , because he had killed one of their fellows in the like fury . the psalmes of david translated into lyrick-verse, according to the scope, of the original. and illustrated, with a short argument, and a briefe prayer, or meditation; before, & after, every psalme. by george wither bible. o.t. psalms. english. wither. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the psalmes of david translated into lyrick-verse, according to the scope, of the original. and illustrated, with a short argument, and a briefe prayer, or meditation; before, & after, every psalme. by george wither bible. o.t. psalms. english. wither. wither, george, - . [ ], , [ ] p. imprinted in the neatherlands by cornelis gerritis van breughel, [amsterdam?] : m.dc.xxxii. 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ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - elspeth healey sampled and proofread - elspeth healey text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the psalmes of david translated into lyrick-verse , according to the scope , of the original . and illustrated , with a short argument , and a breife prayer , or meditation ; before , & after , every psalme . by george wither . imprinted in the neatherlands by cornelis gerrits van breughel . m. dc . xxxii . to the maiestie of the most virtuous and high-borne princesse elizabeth princesse of great britaine , qveene of bohemia , covntesse of the palatinate of the rhyne &c. most excellent princesse i may faile in vulger titles ; but , in my valuation of your heroïcal virtues , i cannot be deceaved . therfor , i am the less curious in common attributes . for , those accōplishments , which in my repute , are your greatest glorie , are well manifest in that , which is the greatest temporall honour ; even in those virtues , which have conquered a kingdome for you , in the harts of many millions of people : and procured you thousands of affectionate servants ( who never sawe your majestive ) not only in your owne territories , and in the dominions of your freinds ; but , in the citties & kingdomes of your enimies also : and , they who are vnwilling to confesse this , to give you honour ; have honored you , in discovering it by their envy . among those , who are in affection , your ma. ties loyall servants , i am one : and , in my owne country , great multitudes have tooke notise of a speciall obligation , which i had , above many others , to honor & serve you . for , i do hereby most humbly , & thanckfully acknowledge ; that , when my over-forward muse first fiutterd out of her neast , shee obtained the preservation of her endangered libertie , by your gratious favour : and perhaps , escaped also , thereby , that pinioninge , which would have marred her flieng forth , for ever after . which extraordinary clemencie ( in so great a princesse , to a person so vndeservinge ) did not only much magnify your noblenes , in the opinion of others , but so chayned my hart also , to the love of your princely goodnes ; that ( allthough i was hitherto compelled to smother my vnprofitable thanckfulnes in my breast , because i wanted meanes to discover it according to my desires ) i have eversince , bene spiritually present with your ma. tie ( & with god , for you , by my prayers ) in all your afflictions , & exaltations . and , faine i would have effected something , which might have witnessed , that i had a hart , though not a fortune , to be serviceable in the best manner . my muse , was the hopefull st meanes i had of this ambition ; & by her , i , awhile promised myself , some healp . but ( after i came to better vnderstanding ) i preceaved , her over-early flights into the world , had ( in her prime growth ) so spent those tymes of opportunity whereby she should have enabled her self , for brave attempts ; that shee could never be strong enough , to make wing halfe so high as my desires . yet , by your ma. ties royall father , of blessed memorie ( who , a litle before his death , was pleased to honour mee with his gratious respect ) i was commanded to perfect a translation of the psalmes , which he vnderstood i had begunn ; & by his encouragment , i finished the same about the tyme of his translation to a better kingdome . wherein , god soe enabled mee , that many have well approoved thereof ; and , i , latelie resolving to make it publike ( wanting other testimonie of my thanckfulnes ) conceived it would be no dishonour to your ma. tie if before the same , i convayed your beloved name to that nation , who so dearlie affect you . but , when i had well considered thereon i thought it would be a very pertinent complement , so to doe . for , they were afflictions or deliverances from afflictions , which were occasions of every psalme : therfore , none but they who have bene afflicted , cann relish the sweetnes , or vnderstand , the depth of these raptures ; and therfore also , they who come nearest in their christian suffrings to those whome they personated , shall best feel , & vnderstand their meaning . in which ( if i be not more a stranger to your highnesse , then i thinck i am ) you have bene honored aboue all the kings & princes of the world : & , in my opinion you have had more occasion to make personall application of these hymnes vnto your selfe , then any of them . and , there is no shame ( most excellent princesse ) in the crosse of christ . for , the highest honor cōsisteth not in wearing a crown ; but , in a crowne that hath many thornes in it ; & the more thornes the more honorable . though the sonns of men , do skoffingly turne this glory into shame , & seek after vanities ; yet , they who shall sitt nearest unto christ iesus in his kingdome , must drinck deepest of his cupp : and , your highnes hath ( in my observation ) more largly , pledged him , then many other . for , in all these hymns ( all which , are prophecies of such things as pertaine to christ , & his mysticall body ) there are fewe passages , communicable to his members , but ( even in my owne knowledge ) your ma. may apply them vnto your self , as a dependant on him . and , god let mee not live , if i do not thinck , that more honours you , then to be empresse of the world . and , because it is the greatest honour to come so near , both to the type & the prototype , of our suffrings , as your ma. hath done ; & , to beare so many marks of the lord iesus . because also , some skoffing ismaelites have mentioned these glories to your dishonour ; i wil to your praise , repeat some few , out of those many which are appliable to your ma. & , they shal be such , that most will confesse , they are the very same afflictions , whereof ( as a type of christ ) king david complained . he , was exalted by god ; & , yet , cast downe . he was annonited king , & yet enioyed not the kingdome . he was driven from his owne possessions , & compelled to soiourne in a forraigne land. kings & rulers , were confederated against him . he , was remooved from his kindred ; & his acquaintance were sett far off . his enimies were powrefull , & too strong for him . his adversaries were multiplied : yea , they insulted over his calamities ; & many judged his cause so bad , that they pronounced him forsaken of god. the proud , forged lies against him . false witnesses layd things to his charge which he knew not . princes , sate & spake against him . the mighty , persecuted him without a cause . they had almost consumed him vpon earth . they waited to destroy him . the bands of the wicked robbed him . they spake of peace vnto him when they purposd warr . trouble , & anguish , tooke holde vpon him : & , he was persecuted , when god had smitten him . the vngodly reioiced in his adversity ; & cryed there , there , so wee would have it . he was reproched of his neighbours . he was the scorne of fooles . the drunckerds made songs of him . they said he was cast downe , & should never rise againe : and many other suchlike passages , there are , which my memory confusedly retaines . in all which , ( together with your roiall consort , ) you have heene a partaker , in such measure , as christians of inferior degree , cannot communicate in the like suffrings , in the same sense . nor are these things , only , appliable vnto your highnesse in an extraordinary manner ; but all those consolations , hopes , deliverances , promises of mercye , favours enioyed , resolutions of praise , & thanksgiving , with others of this nature , throughout the psalms ; are in a singuler manner , pertinēt also to you : & ( no doubt ) so applied , by your ma : in your owne hart , as occasion is offred . which , when i had considered ( for , your highnes , as a glorious member of christ iesus , is often in my serious & retired thoughts ) and , i , remenbring also , that , long since , i vowed a pilgrimage to your ma. tie ( so soone as i could be furnished with some presēt ) i thought this my endevour would not be impertinētly presented : therefore , i thus prepared the same ; & , am now come , to accomplish my vowe . which i humbly desire , may be acceptable to your ma. tie i doubt not , but you often peruse this booke in other translations . yet , these meditations , may , perhaps , occasion ( either now , or hereafter ) some vse or application of them , to your extraordinary comfort . howsoever ; it is , in my owne esteeme , the best iewel , that i have : and , if it were answerable to my humble affections , it would be the richest that ever was presented to a princesse . but , lest my over-long epistle become tedious , i will thinck , by my selfe , what , i have more to say ; cravinge pardon for thus presuminge , vpon my hopes of your acceptation ; and , for my conceiving it possible , that ( after so many yeares ) the memory of his name should be retained , with your highnesse ; who hath , in all this time , produced vnto your veiwe , no testimony that he retaines any memoriall of the benifits , which he long agoe receaved , by your favour . i distrust not , the obtaining of that which i desire ; for , my hart tells mee i am thanckfull ; some live , who have heard mee professe it ; god , it witnesse of it , every time i come vnto him for my owne soul ; and i am , in all that i am . your maiesties most humble and long-professed servant george wither . a preface to the reader . this translation , long since , finished in blurred papers ( and often called for ) i , lately , made legible to others : & it had my leave , to seek a publike passe into the world : which if it merrit to obtaine ; be the fault theirs who shall oppose it . i waited long , to see a more exact performance : but , none appearing , answerable to the dignitie of our english-muses , i have sent forth my essay , to provoke others , to discover their endeavours , on this subject ; that , choice being had , the best might receive the best approbatton . i have had more care , to suite the capacitie of the vulger , then to observe those critiscismes which arride the learned : yet , i hope , with so much descretion , that the best iudgments shall have no cause to despise it . for , though the language be plaine , it is significant ; & such a dialect as is likely to continue vnchanged , when fantasticall expressions will growe as vnfashionable as our clothes . it is also breifer , by above a fourth part , then the translations which i have yet seene , in any language of europe : and preserves , likewise , the words of the prose ; the fulnes of the sence , & the relish of the scripture phrase , as well as any of them . vvhich , considering how much other vulger tongues have ignorantly bene preferred before our , ( how difficultly the hebrewismes are contracted ; how much the often transition from one matter , & from one person to another , interrupts breife knitting of things together ; & how much the frequent rimes , & other things considerable in lyrick translations , interrupt such breifnes ) is a great honour to our language : especially , seeing my brevitie , hath made no psalme obscurer ; but rather , so easie to be vnderstood , that some readers have confessed , it hath bene insteed of a comment vnto them , in sundry hard places . if you expect such elegant-seeming paraphrases , as are composed by those , who selecting easy and passionate psalmes , have trimmed them vp with rhetoricall illustrations , ( sutable to their fancies , & the changable garbe of affected language ) i shall deceave your expectation : for , i have purposely avoyded those descants , & confined my self to the grave , & simple language of the text : and i was thereby the better kept from wandring after mine owne sense , as in their circumlocutions they have done . beside ; their versions are sitted rather to be read , then sung : which giveth a greater libertie to the translator . for , though it be most gracefull in a reading - poeme , when the period is cast , sometime into one parte of the line or stanza , and sometime into another : yet , in a lyrick composition , where the same staff is often reiterated to one tune ; the periods , and words of the same quantity , must be alwaies observed in the same places . for , if there be not allwaies a decent pawse in the matter , when the tune is ended ; or , if in the singing , the naturall quantity of the word be adulterated ; or , if wee be not carefull , that a full-point fall not , where the tune is in the height of a continueng straine ; it will sound verie absurdly to a iuditious eare : as may appear , by offring to sing some of those composures , which are plausible in reading . i have vsed some , varietie of verse ; because , prayers , praises , lamentations , tryumphs , and subiects which are pastoral , heroical , elegiacall , and mixt ( all which are found in the psalmes ) are not properly exprest in one sort of measure . yet , respecting thē who cannot attaine to many tunes , i confined my selfe to such kinds of uerse as i found in the old psalmebook ; fitting them in such manner , that every psalme in this booke , may sung to some tune formerly in vse , either in the single , or in one of the double translations . and , because some will thinck to examine my version by the prose translations , i doe here inform them ; that the language of the muses , in which the psalmes were orignally written , is not so properly exprest in the prose dialect as in verse : & , that there is a poeticall emphasis , in many places , which requires such an alteration in the grammaticall expressiō , as will seeme to make some difference in the iudgment of the common reader ; whereas , it giveth best life to the author's intention ; & makes that perspicuous , which was made obscure , by those meer grammaticall interpreters , who were not acquainted with the proprieties , & liberties , of this kinde of writing . i do likewise inform them , that i have not alwaies vsed the metaphor which is in the original ; but , otherwhile ( tendring the vulger capacity ) do expresse it , by what it signifies . for , the hebrewismes , being in some places obscure ( as where the tongue is interpreted , glorie ; and in many other suchlike perticulers ) i do vse , expressions best agreeable with our english dialect , & the vulger capacity . moreover , when the repetition of the same word or clause ; or when two or three synonama's togither in one sentence as ( heare , give ear , attend ) or , where either a periphrasis , or a transposition of some words , seemes not soe gracefull in english , as in the hebrewe ; nor so powrfully to expresse the meaning of the holy-ghost , by the same idioms of speach : i have not superstitiously tied my self to the hebrewe phrase , nor to any strict order , or number of words ( except some mystery seemed thereby touched vpon ) but , vsing rather brevitie where circumlocution appeared needles , & affecting the dialect most proper to our owne tongue ; i labored to deliver the meaning of the originall text , as powrefully , as plainly , & as breefly , as i could . for that cause , i have not everie where observed the same tense ; but , vsed the pretertense , the present-tense , & the future-tense , indifferently , one for the other , in some actions attributed to god. for , most things , which god is said in this booke , to have done for his people , or against his enimies ; he now doth , & will doe hereafter . that , also , which he will doe , he may be said to do now , & to have done heretofore ; because , all time is present with god. nevertheles , i have herein taken such care ; that i confounded not historie & prophecie ; but , in these places , have religiously observed the proper tenses ; & wheresoever els , i found it material , so to do . and , whereas , i perceaved that this particle for , is not alwayes . a causual ; nor this particle but , an exceptive , in every place ; but ( as yea , nay , & other such like words in our english ) sometime rather inserted as supplements , only , becomming the dialect , ( or meerly customary ) without any material significancy , according to their ordinary vse ; and , finding that those particles , in the english , did in some places , either obscure the sense , or make lesse powrefull the expression thereof , by interrupting a natural connextion of the sentenses ; i have there , waved or quallyfied , the vse of those words . for like reasons , i have in some places , kept the person vnchanged , throughout the psalme , which is sometime varyed in the hebrewe ( as in the & psalmes ) but , with such heed , that where any worke ( according to the schoole distinction ad intra , or ad extra ) seemes more proper to one distinct persō of the trinity , thē to the other ( or where els it is materiall ) i have retained the person according to the originall . and , in regard some abuse the propheticall imprecations , as if david had given exemplary warrant of cursing their enimies , i have ( to prevent that prophanation ) otherwhile expressed that by the future tense , which many do trāslate by the imparative moode ; whereby , those passages , the more plainely appear , prophetically intended . in all which , let what i have done , be duely weighed , ( not rashlie condemned ) by those who shall by some prose translations , examine my paraphrase . for , i hope i have preserved the lawful freedomes of an interpreter , in all these things : seeing , i have not therein followed my owne opinion only ; but the warrāt of best hebrew grammarians , the authoritie of the septuagint , & chaldeā paraphrase , the example of the auntient & of the best moderne prose trāslators , togither with the generall practise & allowance , of all orthodoxe expositors . before every psalme i prefixe a short preface , partly declaring the scope & vse thereof ; not thereby limiting either their scope or vse . for , every psalme is divers waies vsefull , according to the severall parts it hath ; or according to the many ages , estates , & necessities of the church , or her particuler members . but , that , which i have intended in my breef prefaces , & in those meditations after the psalmes ; is , to shew the vnlearned , how to make some good vses , of those many , to which they serve . much more might be said as considerable ( if it would not make this preface overlarge ) for , so it fares with some of us , that when wee have taken much paines to doe well , wee must take as much more to prevent misconstructions ; & thinck our double paines , well rewarded , if at last , wee may escape without a mischeef . but ( how ever i shall be censured ) i cann be well pleased when i have recollected my selfe : & , though i seek to avoide rubbs that are cast into my way ; yet , i can skip over them , or contemn them , if i find it more trouble some , then profitable , to remove them . though others may performe this , more exactly ; yet , goodmen will confesse , i have bene honestly employed herein , & attempted an honorable work . but , if i have soe endeavoured ; that it manifestly appeareth to be better , then , what the partialitie of this age will accept , ( and that mumpsimus , must still be preferred before sumpsimus ) then , this worke , shall become the iudge of those partiall iudges ; and , to their disgrace , gaine esteeme , hereafter , in despight of their envy . i regard the censorious approbation of none , but such , as are ( in their vnder standing , at least ) both divines and poets : for , they , only , are competent iudges , who knowe how much the phrases or mysteries confine the translator ; what proprieties are to be observed in both languages ; & what liberties , & restraints , belong to a lyrick-poem . and , — but , i will now say no more save this ; if i have pleased my readers , i am glad : if not ; yet , i am glad , i have honestly endeavored it . and , ( being assured my labour shal not all be lost ) i will sing , & be merry , by my selfe , in the use of this translation , vntill others please to sing it with mee ; or , vntill a more exact version , shall be produced , & allowed . fare well , the psalmes of david . psalme . i. it shewes wherein happines consisteth ; illustrates the present and future estate both of the iust & vniust ; and comforts the righteous by declaring gods approbation of their way . it may be sung for an incoragment in the right path. &c. the man is blest , who neither straies , where godles counsellers haue gone , nor standeth in the sinners waies , nor sitteth on the scorners throne . for , in gods lawe his pleasures be ; theron , he day & night bestowes . and , therfore shal be like a tree which near vnto the riuer growes . . his fruits , in season , he doth give , green leaues he shal for euer wear : all things he takes in hand shall thrive but , thus the sinner doth not fare . for , wicked men with e'vry winde , like dust or chaff , are blown aside , and therfor shall no standing finde , when they their judgment must abide , . nor place , nor fellowship haue they , among those men that are vpright : for , god approoves the just-mans way but , sinners path-waies perish quite . grant oh mercifull god , that shunning all the paths & seats of impietie , we may exercize & rest our selves in the true love & practise of thy law : & that ( being planted in thy church , & refreshed by the living waters of thy word ) wee may florish to our comfort & in due time , so fructifie to thy glorie , that we may be numbred among thine elect ; be iustified in the general judgment ; & become partakers of eternal blessednes in the kingdome of heaven , through iesus christ our lord , amen . another of the same . blest is he , who neither straies where the godles man misguideth , neither stands in sinners waies , nor in scorners chair abideth : but , in gods pure lawe delights , theron muzing , daies & nights . like a tree sett near the springs , he doth alway freshlie florish , still , his fruits he timely brings , and his leaf shall neuer perish : ev'rie thing shall prosper to , which he vndertakes to do . thus , the wicked shall not fare , but , be like such dustie matter , as the whirl-winde here & there , on the spatious earth doth scatter : nor shall they withstand their doomes , when the day of judgment comes . neither haue they place , or stay , in the righteous congregation : for , god knowes the just-mans waie , with a gratious approbation : but , those paths that sinners tread , to assured ruine lead . psa . . it is a prophecie of christ & his kingdom , act. . declaring the vaine furie of his opposers ; the wrath of god against them ; his eternall decree concerning that king ; & the powre & extent of his kingdom . &c. it exhorts kings , & subiects also , to fear & serue him . it may be sung to encrease faith amid the churches persecutions &c. what mooves the gentiles to repine ? what makes the people foolish growe , that earthlie kings do thus combine , and rulers meet in counsell so ? the lord , & his beloved christ , rebelliously they disobay : his powre ( say these ) let vs resist and break , & cast their cords away , but , god who sitts in heav'n aboue , their foolish purpose will deride : his anger shall their torment proue , and , them , in wrath he then shall chide , ev'n i' ( saith god ) my king did place vpon my holy syon hill . and , by the lord , what vttred was to me ( saith christ ) now sing i will , thou art my sonn begot by me this day ; and ( if thou make demande ) the gentiles i will give to thee , and make thee king of e'vry land . an yron scepter thou shalt sway , and ( if thy lore they followe not ) thou shalt compel them to obay or break them like an earthen pott . then kings be wise ; & rulers lerne to serue the lord , with awfull joy : yea , kisse the sonn , lest wroth he turne and ouerthrow you in your way . for , when his wrath inflamed growes , ( though but a litle moon'd he seem ) then blest are all who shall repose their constant hopes , & faith in him . blessed sonn of god , begotten before all time ( and by . thy father , appointed to be king over the whole world ) let thy kingdom come , & all the oppositions of thy adversaries , be turned to thy glorie . let thy grace erable vs to pluck downe that antichrist , which the world , the flesh or the devil shal seek to set vp against thee in the tēple of our harts ; that wee yealding due obedience to thee & thy commands , may escape thy burning indignation , sincerely embrace thy gospell , & with awful ioy persevere in the way leading to that felicity which is prepared for those who put their trust in thee . amen . another of the same . such uproars mad , why do the gentiles make ? what follies do the people doate upon ? earths kings conspire , & rulers counsel take , against the lord , & his anointed-one . oh come ! & let us break their bands ( they say ) come , let vs cast from vs , their cords away . but god in heav'n deriding their designe shall ( vexing them ) his minde in wrath declare : who e're ( saies he ) repines this king of mine on syon fitts ; 't was i that plac'd him there . and , what the lord himself , to me hath told , ( concerning him ) i purpose to vnfold . thou art my sonn , this day begot i thee ; demand therfore ( he said ) & i will giue the gentiles , thine inheritance to be ; and rule of all the world thou shalt receiue . an iron mace ; thou shalt vpon them lay ; and break them like a sherd of potters clay . therfore yee kings & rulers be more wise : come serve the lord your god , with awfull ioy . and kisse the sonn ; lest , if his wrath arise , you be destroid , & perish from the way . for , when inflam'd his burning anger growes , right blest are all who trust in him repose . psa . . apsalm of david when he fled from absolom his son. it mistically prophecied the multitude of christs foes ; their bitter censures ; the great love of god ; the effects of prayer ; christ his death & resurrection ; the confusion of his adversaries , & the safety of his elect. &c it is vsefull to strengthen faith in our temptations &c. my foes , how many lord are they ! what swarmes of them there be ! and of my soul , how many say , in god no part hath he ! yet thou art , lord , my praise , my gard ; thou didst my head vprear : and from thy holy-hill , hast heard , what my entreaties were . i lay & slept , & safe arose ; because thou brought'st me ayd : and though tenn thousands me enclose , i will not be afraid . rise , lord my god ; & from all foes me safe , now also , make : their jaw-bone smite , & let thy blows the teeth of sinners breake . for , saving health , alone to thee , to thee , oh lord , pertaines : and whosoe're thy people be , thy peace on them remaines . sweet iesu who being causesly compassed about with all those innumerable emnities & persecutions which wee deserued , didst nevertheles ( trusting in the powre of thy god head ) ly down without fear , sleeping ( as it were ) in the midst of them by a voluntary death , & wake againe the third day , by the same powre , to the confusion of thy foes : grant we pray thee , that the multitude of our corporall & spirituall enemies never make vs despaire of thy mercy ; but that in all troubles & temptations , we reioicing & trusting in thy love , may be kept harmles ; & confesse that our salvation , is by thee only , who livest & raignest world without end . amen . psa . . to the cheef musician on neginoth a psalm of david . it vpraides those who deride the truth , & exhorts to faith & repentance . the common with of world-lings , & the desire also of a faithful-soul , is here expressed . it serves to confirme vs against the scornes of atheists , & meer carnal men . &c. oh god my righteousnes , give ear ; enlargd i was by thee : my humble suite , now also , hear , and pitty take on me . vaine sonns of men , how long will yee my glorie thus abuse ? though lies you seek , assured be that god the just will chuse . yea god will hear me when i cry , fear therfore to offend ; and , on your bedd serch privatly your thinckings , & amend . make righteousnes your sacrifize , on god , assurance place . for worldly goods , the world-ling cries ; but grant me , lord , thy grace . for , thou my hart hast joyed more then corne & wine's encrease : thou mak'st me safe , & i , therefore , in thee will sleep in peace . olthou fountaine of all righteousnes , & free justifier of thne elect , seeing , by thy common grace we are som : - what enlarged from our natural bondage ; grant a full delverance from all our corruptions , by thy speciall favour . let neither frailties , discouragments , nor alurements , incline v●to vanitie : but , so cause vs to consider whome thou chusest , that with a filial fear we may refrain from sinn ; & having our inward man renewed , as well as our outward actions reformed , we may offer the true sacrifize of righteousnes , encourage vs also through , assurance of thy favour , that contemning the desire of world-lings , & reioicing more in thy gratious aspect , then in al temporal advantages , we may ly downe to sleep our last sleep without horror ; & rest in the firme hope of a glorious resurrection . amen . psa . . to the cheef musician on neginoth a psalm of david . it beseecheth audience of god , for sundry respects ; & prayeth that he would subvert his adversaries , & be mercifull to his church . it may be vsefull when we are oppressed by the enimies of christ , for his cause &c. lord , weigh my thoughts , my words attend , my king , my god , encline thine ear : my suites i will to thee commend , and thou my voice betime shalt hear . i will , oh lord , betimes arise , and pray , & wait for thy supplies . for , thou in sinn hast no delight , no evills , in thy dwellings be ; the foole abides not in thy sight , the wicked are abhord of thee . thou root'st out all who falshoods prate , and bloud , & guile , in man , dost hate . but , i , in thy abounding grace , thy house will visite in thy fear , and worship in thy holy-place ; oh teach me , lord , thy justice there : unto my vewe , thy way disclose , because of them , that are my foes . their words & thoughts are false & naught ; their throte is like a gaping graue : therfore , oh god , let them be caught and fall by what they plotted haue , yea , seeing they thy foes haue binn , expose them to their swarmes of sinn . but , chear vp those who trust in thee , that such as well thy name affect , may , still , therin triumphant be , and joy that thou dost them protect . for lord , the just thou shalt reward ; and , sheild-like , make thy grace their gard . oh , soveraigne lord god , make vs both timely & diligent seekers of thy grace . let the due consideration of thy perfections , & of our natural unworthines cause vs humbly to attend on thee ; vnfainedly frequenting thy congregation ; & there , truly serving thee according to thine owne ordinance . instruct vs fully in thy way , left our spiritual adversaries drawe vs into error : let our experience of their malice & subtilety , keep vs the more cautious : let them be taken in their owne snares to thy glorie , & let the faithfull alwaies reioice in thy protection , through , iesus christ , our lord. amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian on neginoth vpon sheminith a psalm of david . it bewailes the miseries & corruptions of the humane nature , & with penitential expressions emplores gods mercy &c. it may be sung when oppressed by our sinns & infirmities , we haue invoked god , & received comforts . lord , in thy rage correct me not ; to me , oh ! do not roughly speake , nor chide me when thy wrath is hott but , pitty me , for i am weake . oh lord , vouchsafe to cure my paines ; for , through my bones , the torments goe : my hart is vext , & much complaines , good god! hów long shal this be soe ? returne , & help my soul oh lord ; mee , let thy meer compassion saue : for , who in death shall thee record , or give thee praises in the grave ? with groanes i tire ; & in the nights my bedd in flouds of teares doth swim ; through in-ward greefs , & foes despights , mine cies decay , my sight growes dimm , but , sinners , now depart fro mee : god heares my suite , my plaint , my crie ; which let my foes with blushing see , and vext , & greeu'd , my presence fly . most awfull god , speake favourably to vs , in this day of thy offered grace , lest in the day of thy wrathfull indignation we be cast into hell sire . behol'd our frailties , our torments , & our horrible distempers : observe into how great perills our desperation may cast vs , & have mercy ( oh lord ) have mercy vpon us miserable offenders . turify our poluted flesh ; enlighten our bleared eyes ; cure our wounded harts ; chear our afflicted spirits ; revive our fainting soules , & chase away all our malitious accusers ; that we ( escaping the dungeon in which thy praise is forgotten ) may magnify thy mercies in the land of the living ; to the vexation of malignant spirits , & to the honor of thy name , for euer & euer . amen . psa . . shiggaijon of david which he sung to the lord concerninge the wòrds of chush the benjamite . it is the complaint of an innocent , vniustly accused , & referring himself to be iudged according to his inno-cency . it may be vsed , when the true church or any members thereof are slandred by their foes &c. lord god , on thee i do depend , me , from the spoiler save : lest lion-like my soul he rend when i no helper have . for , if oh lord my god , in this , my hands found guiltie be ; if i rewarded him amisse that was at peace with me . nay , i to him did mercy shewe who sought my causeles blame ; els , let my foe my soul persue and ouertake the same . yea , let hlm tread ( when down i fall ) my life into the clay ; and , in a dust-heap , there-withall , mine honor let him lay . oh lord ! thy selfe , in wrath advance , for , wroth my spoilers be : according to thine ordinance . arise , & judge thou me that multitudes to thee may come , ( for their sakes ) great appear : yea judge them lord , & giue me doome as just , ag i am clear . confounde the sinners wickednes ; but , still , the just maintaine : for , thou ( oh god of righteousnes ) canst serch both hart & reine . god is my sheild , & he protects the godly from decay . his doomes are just , & he corrects the wicked ev'ry day , except they turne , his blade he whetts , a bowe , still bent , he hath : he , shafts for persecutors getts , and instruments of death . for , lo ; with mischeeues being bigg , they first conceive a sinn ; next , bring forth lies ; then pitt-falls digg , where , they themselues fal in . thus , on their heads , their mischeeus all do justly tumble downe ; and wicked mens devises fall on their devizers crowne . for which , the justice of the lord , i 'le strive to glorify ; and , will , in songs of praise , record the name of god , most high . eternal god , defend vs from slanderous accusations , & from that roaring lion who is alway ready to devour vs : and , though our accusers are often so malitious , that in respect of them we may have some appearance of innoceny ; yet , cause vs so to acknowledg our selves guiltie in thy sight , that we may be iustifed by the righteousnes , which we have by imputation from thy dear sonn : for , we have no innocency but his ; no saviour but he ; nor dare we ( in our greatest puritie ) appeare any where , but at the throne of thy mercy . which let us , who seek the same , alwaies obtain ; & let the severity of thy iustice , fall only on our adversaries who despise thy grace ; that both in mercy & iustice , thou maist be magnifyed for euer & euer . amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian vpon gittith a psalm of david . it sings the glory , powre , & dominion of christ ; & magnifies the love of god in the admirable exaltation of the humane nature , by the incarnation of his sonn &c. it may be vsed , to praise god for the great priveledges which we haue receaved thereby . how famous , lord , our god , appears throughout , the world , thy glorious name ? above the height of all the sphears , thou spreadst the splendor of thy fame . the mouths of babes , thy powr to show ; and sucklings tongues , thou didst ordaine : to stopp the mouth of ev'ry foe ; and , their avengings to restraine . when on the heav'ns i sixe mine eye , and moone & starrs ( thy creatures ) heed ; why careth god for man ( think i ) or why regardeth he his seed ! he was below thine angells plac'd , and , higher , now advanc'd is he : to rule thy works , him raisd thou hast , and , at his feet , all creatures be . o're heards & flocks , in stall & solde , o're cattell which at randome goe , the sov'raigne place he now doth holde and , over foules & fishes , to . yea , rule throughout the sea , he bears , and over all within the same : how famous , lord our god , appears throughout the world , thy glorious name ! most glorious lord god , thou so lovedst the humane nature , that it pleased thee to be made man ; by the mouths of babes & sucklings magnifienge thy great powre ; & by humbling ( as it were ) of the deitie for a tyme , to exalt the manhood for euer . for this thy vnexpressible humiliation , & incomprehensible favour , we submissively prostrat our soules , and bend the knees of our bodyes to the honor of thy name ; beseeching thee , that as all other creatures are obediently subiected to thy sonns dominion , so wee may truly submit our wills to his good pleasure ; & in act , word & thought , be thanckful for our many priveledges , by his blessed incarnation , resurrection , & ascention , now & for euer . amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian vpon muth-labben a psalm of david . herein , the faithfull praise god , for many good causes , & exhort others to do the same . it may be vsed , to praise the lord , for his many fold mercies vouchsafed to his church ; & , for his just judgments on their foes . &c. now , lord. with all my hart , & voice , thy wondrous works i , le magnify : of thee , i 'le sing ; of thee , reioice ; and praise thy name ( oh god most high ) for , thou didst put my foes to slight ; they fell , & fled out of thy sight . my lawfull cause thou dost vpholde ; thou fit'st enthron'd ; thou judgest right ; the gentiles , are by thee contrould ; the wicked , thou destroiest quite : and , thou their names away dost blot , for evermore , to be forgot . thy slaughters , now , thou cruel foe , are to an end , for ever , brought ; those townes which thou did'st overthrowe , are nameles now , & out of thought : but , god still sitteth on his throne , preparing judgment thervpon . the world , he shall vprightly doome ; and , justly judge the nations all . the pore , when times of trouble come , he gardeth , like a castle wall . and , they who seek & know his name , are safe , by trusting in the same . to god , therfore , in syon sing ; to nations all , make knowne his deeds : for , when to light , he blood will bring , he poremens wrongs , & criengs , heeds . now also , lord , thy grace i crave : oh! mark what woes , & foes i have . thou sav'st me from the gates of hell that i thy praise , with chearfull voice , to syon's daughters may reveal , and in thy saving-health rejoice . the gentiles , had a pitt-fall wrought ; but , they themselves therin were caught . their nets have their owne feet en-inar'de , and , god is by his iudgments knowne ; the sinners hands have trapps preparde , whereby them selves were ouerthrowue . thus , downe to hell the wicked goe , as , all who fear not god shall doe . there is a time to minde the pore , their hope shall not , for ever , faile ; to judge the gentiles lord , therfere , arise , & let not man prevaile . the nations fright , vntill they see , that they are men as others be . selah . uue haue often experience , oh god , that by thy favour all oppressions , insultings , & secret cruelties , shall come to an end ; and that thy mercies , & thy justice , shall everlastingly continue , both for the savegard of thy servants , & to reward the wicked , according to their deserts . let this experience , therfor , be alwaies remembred when we are persecuted or afflicted , & let our confidence be ever so fixed vpon thee , that we may neither be discouraged in adversitie , nor forgetfull in prosperitie , to magnifie thy mercies ; but , be readie vpon all occasions , to glorifie thee , both for the suppression of our foes , & for all our other deliverances , through iesus christ our lord. amen . psa . . the pride , crueltie , prophanesse , & fraude of antichrist , atheists , & hipocrites is described : god is invoked to redresse it : his dominion acknowledged , & his mercifull regard of the afflicted is , confessed . it may be vsed , when we are oppressed by temporall or spirituall oppressors . thy face , oh lord , why dost thou hide , and stand aloofe , so farr ? lo , sinners , meerly out of pride , the spoile of poremen are . insnare them , by their owne devise , for , of their lust they boast and praise those freindes to avarice , vvhome god abborreth most . their scornefull eyes regard not thee , their hartes do thee denay . too high for them thy judgments be ; stil greeuous is their way . they snuff , & sleight their greatest foes , and ( come what mischeeves will ) within their hartes , they do suppose , that they shal prosper still . their mouthes , with cursings overflowe , their tongues , lie . swear , & vaunt : the pore to catch & overthrowe , obscured paths they haunt . they watch , unseene , for simple-men , to ceaze them vn-aware . they lurck like lions in their denn , and slielie them insnare . to catch the pore , by lowlie shewes their strength , doth help them on , they think in hart . that god nor vewes , nor careth what is done . but , rise oh lord , thy powre to showe ; leaue not the pore forgot . for , why should sinners sleight thee soe and think , thou mind'st them not ? thou see'st , yea see'st their wickednes , that punishd it may be : and loe , the pore & fatherles , commit their cause to thee . lord god ( their helper ) break the strength of ev'ry wicked-one ; serch out their sinnes , & thou ( at length ) shalt cause them to have none , our ever-lasting king thou art : thou , from the realme likewise , hast forc'd the gentiles to depart , and heard the poremans cries . their harts thou shalt establish to , and hear & judge , the pore ; that , earth-bred man , the orphanes foe , may them oppresse no more . almighty god , seeing our safetie consisteth in thy loving presence , be thou near at hand , to defend & assist in all extremities . abate the malice & wickednes of our foes , & let their pride , fraude , & crueltie , make vs the more heedfull that we depart not willingly out of thy protection . uouchsafe also , so to raigne in our soules , to the suppression of all intrusions , that ( our affections being ordered by illuminated reason , & sanctified by grace ) christ may have the sole dominion there ; & , that we may sincerely embrace him with our whole harts ; honor him with all our faculties ; confesse him with our tongues ; & glorify him by our works , together with thee , oh father , & the blessed spirit , now & for ever . amen . another of the same . lord , why standest thou so farr ? why at need , am i forsaken ? poremen , wrondg'd by tirants are ; let them in those guiles , be taken , which by them contrived were . for , in boast , the sinner sayes ; that , his longings he possesseth : he , the covetous doth praise , ( and their practises he blesseth ) though the lord abhors their waies . proud & loftie lookes , hath he , god , nor seeking , nor beleeving : all his courses greevous be ; and thy judgments ( past conceivinge ) are too high for him to see . with contempt he sleights his foes , fearing neither falls nor sliding : from his mouth much cursing flowes , vnderneath his tongue , still hiding , mischeef , sinn , & guilefull showes . in blinde paths , he lurks & pries , harmles men to spoile & murther : at the pore he darts his eyes , and ( unseene ) his drifts to further , like the denned lion , lies . he doth watch the pore to spoile , whome he snares & ouerthroweth : for , to take him in his toyle , he with humble crowchings boweth , ceazing him by force , the while . then , in hart , thus muzeth he ; god shall sleightly passe it over ; hide his face , & never see : but , rise lord , thy strength discover , that the meek aven'gd may be . let not sinners mock thee soe , as if thou didst nought regard it : lo : thou see'st , yea see'st them do spightfull wrong ; & , to reward it , thou shalt set thy hand there-to . thou , art poremens hopefull stay , orphanes helper , in oppression : break the sinners armes i pray , serch thou after his transgression , and , then , purg it all away , god who raignes for evermore , from his land , the gentiles driveth ; hears , & chears , & helps the pore ; and , the orphane so reviveth , that , he feares not , as before . psa . . to the cheef musitian a psalm of david . the faithful soule ( being tempted to despaire ) makes fast the anchor of his hope by considering gods powre , his love to such as trust in him , & his hatred to their vnfaithful adversaries &c. it may be vsed , to comfort vs in desperate temptations , & imminent perills , in god , my trust is placed still ; then , wherefor do you say , that , as a bird vnto the hill , my soul should fly away ? for , loe , their bow the wicked bend , and arrowes they prepare , that they , vnseene , their shafts may send , at such as needie are . if overthrowne the ground-works lie , what cann the best men do ? gods holy seat , is heav'n on high , and he must look therto . man-kinde , with closd , & open eyes , ( ev'n righteous men ) god prooues ; and , him he doth , in soul , despize , that wicked courses loves . for wicked men , the lord prepares , ( and raines into thir eupp ) a storme of brimstone , fire , & snares , which they must swallow up . but , being in himself vpright , he , justice doth affect ; and , godly men , have in his sight , a looke of good respect . permit not oh god! the accusings of our consciences , nor the bitter censures of others , ( whether iustly or vniustly pronounced ) to overthrow our hopes of thy mercy . let not the groundworks of our faith be vndermined by any temptation ; but , seeing thou serchest the secrets of our harts , & findest that ( raked vp among our many frailties & corruptions ) there are yet vnquenched in our soules , the smokings of that fire , which was first kindled by thy grace ; re-inflame , we pray thee , our spiritual affections to thee & thy lawe . that , when malitious offenders receive the bitter draught prepared for them , we may thanckfully take the cupp of salvation , & reioice in thy gratious favours , through iesus christ our lord. amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian vpon sheminith , a psalm of david . the elect are prayd for ; the circumventions & insultings of the wicked are mentioned , with a promise of redresse ; & the stabilitie of gods word is declared . it may be vsed when heresie , or prophanesse beginnes to spread . &c. help lord ; for , no good man is left : all faithfulnes is quite bereft , and from the race of men departs : they , lies vnto their neighbours , tell ; vpon their lipps , faire speaches dwell , when falshood lurketh in their hartes . but , god shall cut their lipps that gloze , and , pluck away the tongues of those who proudly make their vauntings , thus : wee of our tongues will masters be ; our lipps are ours , & who is he that shall have lord-ship over vs ? but , i ( saith god ) will now arise , ev'n for the sighengs & the cries of those that wrong'd or greeved are : and , i will them in saftie sett , beyond their powre , who in their nett , the poremans footsteps would ensnare , gods wordes refinde , the test will bide , like silver seav'n tymes purifide ; and , god will keep them ever true : though , for a while , men lewd & base , do sitt in honors higest place , and , ev'ry where their folly shewe . consider ( oh lord ) the general vnfaithfulnes which now overpreads the whole earth ; observe the falshood , pride , hypocrisie , & insolencies of the adversaris of truth ; behold the suffrings of thy small flock ; convert or confound their oppressors ; fulfill thy gratious promises made to the pore in spirit ; preserve thy word from being made frustrate or perverted , by those wicked-ones , who are now exalted , both in church & commonwealth , to thy dishonor ; and ( when they have acted their follies , during the tyme which thou shalt permit ) let thy purified word prevaile to the purging of this corrupt world , & to the encreasing of the number of thy elect , through iesus christ our lord. amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian a psalm of david . it expresseth hartie longinges after spirituall consolations , & shews the perplexties of a soule , seeking rest in her owne counsells &c. it may besung , when feeling our natural defects , & the malice of our foes , we desire the comforts of the holy-glost &c. how long forgetst thou mee ! shall thus obscured be thy cheerful face , oh lord , for aye ? still , in my soul , shal i perplext , & muzing lie , with hart oppressed all the day ? my god! shall still my foe , insult vpon me foe ? hear , & mine eyes enlighten thou : els , death wil me surprize ; and then mine enimies , will say ; we haue prevailed , now . for , they who malice mee , will ioy my fall to see : but , lord , thy mercies i will minde . i 'le in thine ayde rejoice , and praise thee , with my voice ; because , to me thou hast bene kinde . dear god ; vnsufferable is a troubled spirit seeking rest in it selfe . or in any thinge without thee . when thou art absent , the presence of all temporal consolations doe but encrease torment ; & vnles thou speake peace to our soules , all thy creatures help to aggravate our afflictions . revive therfor our hartes by thy sweet presence ; enlighten the eyes of our mindes that we sleep not in sinn , & so cbear vs by the light of thy countenance that our foes insult not over vs : but grant rather , that we reioicing in thy saluation , may both live & dy with comfort , to the honor of thy blessed name . amen . another of the same . oh lord , how long wilt thou drawe back , and hide thy face fro me ? how long shal i selfe-counsell take and , greev'd in spirit be ? how long shal my oppressors thrive , and , i their scornings beare ? lest , of my life , it me deptive , behold , oh lord , & heare . for , els my foes will say , in boast , that i the foile have had , and , they who now afflict me most , will of my fall be gladd . but , in my hart , are hopes of thee which health & joy will bringe ; and , thou hast dealt so wel with mee that i thy praise will sing . psal . . to the cheef musitian a psalme of david . it sheweth mans general corruption , & our natural estate before we become regenerated by gods especiall grace &c. we should sing it to minde vs , what we are of our selves , & how much we should desire a renovation . the foole , his god in hart denayes ; and , quite corrupt mankinde is growne : their walkings are in hatefull waies ; vpright , or good , there is not one . the lord , from heav'n declinde his eye , and , all the sonns of men he scannd ! that he from thence might search & trie , who did him seek , or vnderstand . but , all of them corrupted were , all men beside the way are gone , he saw not one deal justlie there , not one man good ; oh no , not one , so bruitish are transgressors all . that they like bread my people eat : on god , ( likewise ) they never call ; and , therfor is their terror great . for , god preserves the faithfull seed , ev'n them who righteous waies affect ; and , though his counsel none doth heed , yet , god , the poreman will protect . would we gods ayde from syon had , which must his folke , from thraldome bringe ! for , iacob would therof be glad , and isr'el should rejoice & sing . acknowledginge ( oh ! most gratious redeemer ) our general corruption , & that in vs there is no goodnes ; we humbly beseech thee ( by the salvation promised out of syon ) to deliver us from our spirituall captivitie ; & so to sanctify our poluted nature , that our terrors may be removed ; our lives amended ; thy evangelical counsells hartelie embraced ; and that we ( becomming true israelites inwhome there is no guile ) may at last be saved by thy mercie , & reioice among the faith full in thy new jerusalem , for ever & ever . amen . psa . . a psalm of david . it questions & answeres , who shal be admitted into gods famelie ( to wit ) such as are sanctified in thought , word , & deed , &c. it is vsefull to inform vs , what our conversations ought to be , who professe our selues to be of god's houshold . lord , who shall rest within thy tent , or on thy holy hill ? but , he that 's trulie innocent , and sheweth mercy , still . whose hart emploies a truth-full tongue ; and none by slander greeves : who neither doth his neighbours wronge ; nor lies of them beleeves . who favours those that feare the lord , and , sinners doth abhor : who shifts not from his promis'd word , though to his losse he swore . who putts not coine to griping loane , nor takes a wicked fee , he , doubtles , is a blessed one , and , shall vnmooved be ? flesh & bloud , oh god , is neither able to fulfill thy lawe , nor to enter into the kingdome of heaven before it be purged & sanctified by the pretious body & bloud of thy dear sonn . seeing , therfor , thou requirest that both our outward & inward man should be conformable to that example of perfect righteousnes which he hath left who is gone up , before ( into thy holy tabernacles , to prepare mansions for all who desire to be followers of him ) make vs we beseech thee , so obedient to the discipline of the catholick church ( his dwelling place on earth ) that we may have his righteosnes imputed ; & be kept immovable in thy favour , vntill we shal be translated to those heavenly habitations , where thou livest & raignest world without end . amen . psa . . michtam of david . it is a literal prophecie of christ . act. . . & it hath relation to the communion of saints , the sole-mediatorship of christ , his resurrection , & his sitting at the right-hand of god , &c. it is usefull to confirm vs in these articles of our faith afore mentioned , &c. save me , oh lord ; for , i haue laid my trustfull hope , alone , on thee : and , to thy self , my soul hath said , that thou ( oh lord ) her lord shalt be . my goods , to thee are nothing worth : but , in their vse i will declare , that i affect thy saints on earth ; and , such as well-deservers are . all they who serve another god , shall gaine encrease of greefs & blame ; their drinck-oblation staind with bloud , i 'le nor prefer , nor speake their name . god is my birth-right , & my share ; he fills my cupp ; maintaines my lot ; faire portions , my divisions are , and pleasant places i have gott . the lord be praisd , who wrought it so : for , he in this , did me advize . my reines , by night , inform'd me to ; and , god i place before mine eyes . who stands at my right-hand so near , that , me no fears of chaing molest : it both my hart & voice , doth cheare ; my flesh likewise , in hope doth rest . for , lord , thou neither wilt permit that left in hell my soul should lie ; nor wilt thou suffer in the pitt , thy holy-one to putrifie . but ( through lifes path-way ) me shalt bring , where , in thy sight ( at thy right hand ) all ioyes , and each delightfull thinge for ever , & for ever , stand . grant , oh lord , our soules may so truly affect thee , that thy pore members may reap the fruites of our charitable affections . let vs continue so constant also , in thy true worship , that all our offrings may be made acceptable by the mediation of christ iesus , & that we may inherit our portion with him : so , his blessed soul & body ( against which nor hell nor corruption could prevaile ) shall drawe after him , our soules , out of the hell of an aflicted conscience , & our bodies from the graves of sinn , & mortalitie , to enioy with him , a ioyfull resurrection at his right-hand ; & the fullnes of all pleasures , in thy glorious presence , for evermore . amen . another of the same . preserve me lord ; for , i on thee depend ; and , for her lord , my soul professes thee . though to thy self , my wealth no profit lend , thy saints on earth , my love shall therby see . but , they shall feel their sorrow still encreased , whose offrings are to other gods addressed . their bloudie-drinck-oblation to present , or , with my lipps so name them , i disdaine : thou art my lott , where with i am content ; thou for my cupp , a portion shalt maintaine . to me , the lines a goodly share divided ; and praisd be god , that me so well hath guided . my reines likewise , instruct me in the night : before mine eyes , the lord still seemes to stand ; and , sure , i shall preserved be vpright , because , the lord remaines at my right-hand . it glads my hart ; with joy my tongue now singeth ; and , hopefull rest , vnto my fleash it bringeth . for why ; my soul thou shalt not leave in hell , nor let thy holy-one corruption see : but , vnto me , thy path of life reveal , which thither tends , wher joies perfections be ; ev'n thither , where at thy right-hand attending , those plaesures are , which never shal haue ending . psa . . a prayer of david , it personates christs members in persecution desiring succour , & comforting thē selves in hope of the blessed vision of god , after their resurrection ; &c. it is vsefull , when we have cōsidered the quality of our foes , & by faith applyed vnto our selves , the innocency of christ , with an affection therevnto . lord , hear my cause , my suites , my cries . which from vnfained lipps do flowe ; to rightfull things decline thine eyes , and , from thy self , let sentence goe . my secret thoughts are in thy sight ; thou vew'st them , in the darkest night . thou trid'st my fault , & foundst it none ; for , from offence i kept my tongue : and ( as for things by others done ) my words preserved me from wrong . oh! be thou pleasd , my course to guide ; and stay my feet , lest els they slide . on thee i call ; for thou wilt hear : lord , hear , & my complaint attend . let thy great love to me appeare , and thy right-hand my life defend ; ev'n that right-hand which from their foes , gards them , who trust in thee repose : from tiraunts , me beseiging-round , from sinners , who my harme assay , lord , as thine eye-ball keep me sound ; and , over me , thy wings display . for , they with fatt , quite round are clad ; and , haughtie braggs , their mouths have made , me , in my waies , they have withstood , and sought about with downe-cast eyes , like lions ( when they hunt for food ) or lions whelp , which lurking lies . but , rise , resist ; & foile them lord : from sinners , gard me , by thy sword . lord , from those world-lings gard thou me , who in this life , their lot receive ; who full of wealth , & children be , and for their babes large portions leave . to wake from sinn , & looke on thee , in thine owne forme , cententeth mee . accept oh lord , our weak endeavours , & so teach us to moderate our thoughts , to govern our tongues , & to order our conversations ; that no temporal or spirituall adversarie , may iustly accuse or harm vs. take vs into thy speciall protection ; because , our foes are powrfull , crue ! , & deligent in seeking our destruction : but , above all , keep vs from the poluted conversations & affections , of those whose belly is their god ; and whose portion of happines , is in this life ; that when we shal awake out of our graves , we may appear in thy righteousnes ; reioice in our happy lot ; & be fully satified in the fruition of thee , who livest & raignest world without end . amen . psa . . a psalm of david the servant of the lord , who sung vnto the lord , the words of this song , when the lord delivered him from the hand of al his foes , & from the hand of saul . it mysticallie declareth gods maiestical proceeding in the work of our redēption . and it may be vsed to praise god for our deliverances , by the incarnation , resurrection , & exaltation of christ ; & for the benifits which we receive thereby . i love the lord ; for , my support , my horne of health , is he : my rock , my trust , my sheild , my fort , and , oft hath helped me . he merrits praise ; for , when i cry me , from all foes he saves ; though wrapt in pangs of death , i lie and plungd in sorrowes waves ? yea , when by death & hell en-snar'd , i sought the lord , in fear ; my god , within his temple heard , and my complaints did hear : earths ground-work shook to feel his yre ; the trembling hills , did quake : his nostrills fum'de , his mouth breath'd fire , which burning coales did make . then , downe he came , & heavu he bow'd his feet thick darknes hid . a flieng cherube he bestrode ; the winged windes , he ridd . a duskie fogg , his cov'ring was ; dark waters were his tent : before the brightnes of his face , clouds . fire , & hayle , he sent . the lord , from heav'n did also make his thunders to be heard : yea , when that great almighty spake , both fire & haile appear'd : his darts , on ev'ry side he threwe , till they dispersed were : his burning lightninghs , flashing flewe , and caused them to fear . when he did frown , a dreadfull blast he from his nostrills blow'd , which , vp the seas lowe depths did cast , and , earths foundation show'd , then down he sent , & from among great flouds , advanced me ; and from those foes that were too strong ; he likewise garded me . they in my cares did me prevent ; but , still , god was my hope : he , for his love-sake , succour sent , and gave me larger scope . the lord , my righteousnes observ'd , his favour he bestow'd ; and , as mine innocence deserv'd , so , he his mercy show'd . for , in gods wayes my walkings were , from him i have not stept ; still in my sight , his iudgments are , and i his lawes haue kept . in him , i instifide became ; for , i did leave my sinn : and , as i iust & righteous am , rewarded i haue binn . as he my hands did guiltles finde , he , so did me require : for , to the meek the lord is kinde , to righteous men vpright . among the pure , he will be pure , and , on the froward frowne . the poreman he will make secure , and , pluck the proud-man downe . my darknes , god shall brightnes make ; my lampe , enlight he shall . by him , i through an army brake , and overleap'd a wall , gods way is right , pure is his word ; he saves if sought he be : for , who is god , except the lord , or who cann save but he ? about my loines , he strength did binde , he , sett my path-way streight : he , made my feet out runn the hinde , and rais'd me to this height my hands to fight ; my armes to bend a bowe of steel , he taught ; his buckler , he to me did lend , and , saving-health it brought . his right-hand hath supported me , his love hath made me great ; my stepps , by him enlarged be , and , safe my feet are sett . i did persue ( yea tooke ) my foes , and slewe til all were slaine . they fell downe wounded by my blowes , and could not rise againe . for , he ( to fitt me for the war ) with powre , did me indue , and , those who my opposers are , beneath my feet he threwe . to conquer them , who mee envide , me , strong enough , he made . they cride , and ( though to god they cride ) replies , nor helps , they had . then , as the dust which whirl-windes tosse , so small , i them did beat ; and threw them forth , as my rie-drosse , which lies about the streat . thus , from the peoples vp-roares freed , i ( through his grace ) became : and , now to be the gentiles head ; by him , advanc'd i am . a nation shall my servants be , which knowes me not , as yet : assoone as they have heard of me , themselves they shall submit . the stranger shall stand out no more ; but , in his bullworks feare : oh praise the living lord , therfore ; aloud , gods praise declare . let god , my saving-health , be praisd , by whome to passe it came , that , i above the people raisd , and thus avenged am . above all them that me oppose , he doth exalt my throne ; and , saveth me from all my foes , ev'n from the cruel-one . among the gentiles , now , therefore i 'le thanck him for the same ; my song shall be for evermore , in honor of his name . his king , & his anointed-one he gloriously hath freed ; and , everlasting mercie shown to david & his seed . vouchsafe , most gratious lord , according to thy accustomed mercie , to be still our protector ; & let thy name be alwaies glorified for the miraculous deliverances of thy church , now & in al ages ; especially for the great worke of mans generall redemption . instruct vs in the spiritual warfar ; enable vs against all our visible & invisible foes ; subdue vnto vs all our owne rebellious affections ; deliver vs out of all our suffrings ; give vs victorie over everie temptation ; encrease thy kingdome by the calling of those , who are not yet thy people ; and make vs vnfainedlie thanckful vnto thee for these , & all the rest of thy mercies through iesus christ , our lord , amen . psal . . to the cheef musitian a psalme of david . it declares the vniversal preaching of gods divinity by the book of his creatures , & it is a prophecie of the generall pub●iation of the gospel , rom. . it sheweth a so , the properties , of the divine word . it may be used to praise god for the priveledges which we have by his word ; & , as a prayer for sanctification , &c. gods glorie , shines among the sphears ; the heav'ns , his handle-works disclose ; their daylie speach , his powre declares ; and e'vry night , his wisdome showes . their language , in al tongues is found ; their line , about earths globe , doth runn : through-out the world their words do sound ; and , there 's the pallace of the sunn . he bride-groome-like , refresh'd appears , when he forgoes his lodging place ; or gyant-like , when vp he rears and chears himself , to runn a race . his iorn●ies are from thence begun , ev'n where , the bounds of heav'n are sett ; and , he quite round the world doth runn , refreshing all things with his heat . god's rule is plaine , & soules convarts ; his witnes firme , & maketh wise : his lawes are just , & glad our harts ; his precepts pure , & clear our eyes . his blamles feare is vn-confin'de , both true & right , are all his doomes , more worth then gold ( ev'n gold refin'de ) more sweet , then hony in the combes , moreover , they thy servant warne , by keeping them , he profit winns : but , lord , his guilt who cann descerne ? oh! therfor purge my secreat sinns . from daring crimes . thy sarvant save , and , let them bear no sway in me : so , i the lesse rebuke shall have , and , from the great-offence , be free . oh! when i speake , let ev'ry word , and ev'rie muzing of my hart , be pleasing in thy sight , oh lord , for , thou my strength , & saviour art . no excuse is lest , oh mercifull father , if we be ignorant of thee , or vnconformable to thy will : for , by the book of thy creatures , it was long-since declared vnto the whole world . which text , being corrupted by humane inventions , thou didst explaine it againe in the volumes of the prophets : since then , it was more illustrated by the writings of the apostles ; and the prime scope of all these bookes , thy blessed spirit daylie preacheth & interpreteth throughout the world , by ordinarie or extraordinarie meanes . the powre , truth , puritie , sweetnes , & profitabelnes of this divine word wee do , or must , confesse also , to be evident , nevertheles ( because wee have much wilful ignorance , & many secret corruptions , we humbly pray thee , so extraordinarilie to enlighten our darknes , & to purge our concealed polutions , that ( we being illuminated & sanctified by the holie-ghost ) the vnpardonable sinn may be avoided , & we made acceptable to thee in christ iesus , amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian a psalme of david . it is a prayer for spirituall graces , with a protestation of affiance in god ; & it mistically toucheth the prest-hood & royal dignity of christ &c. it may be vsed to desire gods acceptance of vs in his sonn ; & may serve , in some cases , as a prayer for christian princes and pastors . &c. the lord , at need , vouchsafe thee grace , let jacobs god , thy cause defend , protect thee from his holy-place , and , strength to thee from syon send . thy guifts , let him remember , still , let him accept thy sacrifize , selah , thy harts request , let him fulfill , and , prosper all thou shalt devise . we wil reioice thy peace to see , and in gods name our ensignes wave , when al thy suites are granted thee : for , god ( i know ) his christ will save . by his right-hand's almightie force , god hears vs from his holy-hill . some trust in charrets , or in horse , but , we gods name remember , still . in that regard , we raised are , and stand vpright , when they do fal . oh! let the king , our prayers hear , and save vs , lord , when we do call . assist vs mercifully oh god , in all our aflictions ; accept the sacrifise offred for vs by christ iesus , the high-preist of our seules ; & in his mediations , grant vnto vs , all our faithful petitions ; that so ( renouncing al temporall assurances , & trustinge only in thy defence ) we may arise from those sinns , into which many fall without repentance ; and that we may be made partakers of thy salvation , with our kinglie mediatour , who liveth & raighneth with thee oh father , & thy holy-spirit , world without end . amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian a psalm of david . it is a literal prophecie of the kingly dignitie of christ , mentioninge some of his royall prerogatives , &c. it may be vsed as a thanckfull commemoration of the preheminence of our spirituall king . &c. lord , in thy strength , how joies the king ? and , of thine aide , how glad is he ? his harts desires , in ev'rie thing , have bene bestow'd on him , by thee selah . with blessings , thou didst him prevent , with purest gold , thou cowud'st his head , to ask for life , was his intent ; and , he of endles life , hath sped . through thy defence , he famous growes , and , is to high preferment reard ; on him , thy blisse-evernal flowes , thy gratious lookes his hart have chear'd . through thy meer love , the king shal stand still firme , if he on thee tepose . and , lord , thy hand ( ev'n thy right-hand ) shall serch , & finde out all thy foes . as ovens , hot with flames , will do , so , thou shalt scorch them in thyne yre : and , in thy wrath consume them so , as if they burned in the fire . yea , thou shalt from the race of man , root out their fruite , & pluck their seed ; because , to wrong thee , they begann , although they could not act the deed . thou shalt expose them ( as it were ) a marke , within thy shooting-place ; thy stringed shafts thou shalt prepare and , stick thine arrowes in their face . thus , be thou still exalted , lord , by thine owne powre , thy trophies raise : and then , with joye wee will record thy matchles might , in songs of praise . blessed be thy name , oh god , for that high preferment which thou hast ouchsafed the manhood , by assuming the same to thy deitie , & by bestowing theron a soveraigntie , over al the rest of thy creatures . give vs humility to ascribe al the glorie therof to christ iesus ; hear all our petitions in him ; teach vs by his example , so to trust in thee , that we may obtaine the priveledges of his glorious kingdome , & become partakers of that life-eternal to which he ascended . so ; escaping those terrible iudgments which thou inflictest on thy malitious foes , we shall behold their confusion , to the exaltation of the powre , to whome he all honor & glorie , now & for evermore . amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian vpon aijleth shaha● a psalm of david . it is a prophecie of christ his passion , vnfolding divers passages thereof , & mētioning also the calling of the gentiles , &c. it may be sung to commemorate the passion , & some other misteries of our redemption , &c. why hast thou , oh my god , my god. why hast thou me forgone ? why , nearer is not thy abode ; to hear & help my mone ? vnheard of thee , i cry whole daies ; whole nights the same i doe ; yet , thou art isr'els cheefest praise , and , thou art holy to . our fathers did on thee depend , and. thou didst them secure : they cride , & thou didst them defend ; their faith did them assure . but , i , pore worme , an abiect am , no man , but one forlorne : the people make of me their game , their proverb , & their scorne . when me they vewe , their heads they nod , make mouths , & jeering , say ; god was his hope , now then , if god him loves , him save he may . but , thou didst gard me in the wombe , thou didst convay me thence : at nurse , my hope thou didst become , and , keptst me eversince . er'e-since my birth , my god thou art ; my trust is all in thee : oh! do not far fro me depart , for , perills compasse mee . strong bulls ( ev'n herds of bashan race ) beset me round about : they stand wide-gaping in my face ; like lions , roaring-out . like water , i am pour'de aside ; my bones are strain'd apart : e'vn potsherd-like , my strength is dride ; like wax , dissolues my hart . vnto my iawes , my tongue is glew'd ; for , thou didst me confound . with cruel doggs i am persu'de ; by sinners , closed round . my hands & feet , they nailed fast ; my bones apparant were : vpon my vesture , lots they cast , my garments they did share . thine ayde , therfore , no more delay , but , lord my strength , draw near , cause not the sword , my soul to slay , nor doggs to rend my dear . me , from the mouthes of lions , garde , as i , in former daies , from hornes of vnicornes was heard : so , i will sing thy praise . thy fame , i 'le in thy church record , my brethren being there . oh! praise him yee that fear the lord , and jacobs ofspring are . him , oh yee seed of isr'el , fear ; for , he doth nor despize afflicted soules , nor stop his eare , nor turne from them his eyes . but , when thy crie , their cries are heard ; for which , his praise i sing : and , in great throngs , where god is feard , my vowes to him i 'le bring . the meek shal feed till they are full , and praise the lord therfore . all yee , who seek him in your soul , shal live for evermore . the worlds far ends , to minde shall call their dutie to the lord : and , he of heathen kingdomes , all , shall see him self ador'de . for , his the kingdome is , indeed , all nations , ruleth he . earths fatlings on his bread shal feed , and , thanckful they shal be . yea , they shall all before him bowe whose lodging is the grave , for , none but he hath powre enough , the soul from death to save . a seed , whome he shall count his owne , shal then , to god returne ; and , make his acts of justice known to people yet vnborn . oh! thou glorie of israel , & the hope of all who trust in thee ; seeing by a voluntarie humiliation , thou hast in thine own person felt the bitternes of reproches , the crueltie of persecuters , the sharpnes of povertie ; the extream torments of the flesh , the strongest agonies of the soul , and every horror which may affright vs ( when in our greatest tryalls & temptations we seem ( as it were ) vtterly for saken both of god & man ) remember ( oh remember ) thine owne passion , & have mercie vpon vs. hear vs , when we crie ; help vs , when we can crie no longer : and when all our strength faileth , let thy powre plnck vs out of our tormenters iawes ; that we & they whom thou hast promised to collect from al places & ages of the world , may meet in thy heavenly kingdome , to glorify thee , for ever & ever . amen . psa . . a psalm of david . the christian soul acknowledgeth christ her pastor enritching , feedinge , retoicinge , reforming , beautifieng her , & providing for her an eternall habitation , in this owne presence &c. it may be sung to praise god for the benifits herein mentioned , &c. the lord my pastor daignes to be , i nothing , now , shall need : to drinck sweet springs he bringeth mee , and on green meads to feed . for his name-sake , my hart he glads , he makes my wayes vpright : and , i , the vase of deaths black shades , cann passe , without affright . thy staffe , thy presence , & thy rodd , my joyfull comforts are , and , thou before my foes ( oh god ) my table shalt prepare . oyle on my head . pour'd out thou hast , my cupp doth over-flowe , and thou , on me , whilst life doth last , thy favours wilt bestowe . yea , lord , thy goodnes & thy grace , shall alwayes follow me : and , in thy house , my dwelling place for evermore shall be . keep vs , oh thou faithfull sheapherd of our soules , that the devil take vs not out of thy folde , nor entise vs from thy pastures by faire alurements . setle vs in thy church , refresh vs by thy spirit , instruct vs by thy sacraments , guide vs by thy example , reforme vs by thy father'y correction , & so comfort vs by thy presence ; that we may acknowledge , there is no need of those beggerly assistances whereon worldlings depend ; and , that we may walke without repininge , through the aflictions of this life ; & without fear , through the shaddowes of death , to those mansions , which thou hast appointed for thy chosen flock ; in the kingdome of heaven . amen . psa . . a psalme of david . it describes the largnes of christs inheritance , & shewes who are members of his church . then , by a poetical prosopopeia , the everlasting gates are summoned to give passage for the ascention of that glorious king , it is vsed , in commemoration of the ascention . the earth's the lords , with her encrease ; the world , & all her goods : he founded it vpon the seas , and layd it on the flouds . what man is he that shal have grace to climbe the hill of god ? or who shall in his holy-place , obtaine their free abode ? sure , they whose hands are innocent , whose meanings are vpright . whose harts to folly are not bent , who swear , without deceit . such , gaine from god , a blessed meed , and , from their faviour grace : and , such ( oh iacob ) are their seed who truly seek thy face . yee gates , lift vp your heades on high , ( yee dores which last for aye ) the king of glory passeth-by , vnclose , & give him way . who is the king of glorie ? tell , oh tell ! who might he be ? the lord , who doth in strength excell , that glorious king , is he . yee gates , aloft your arches heave , ( yee dores that have no ende ) vnto the king of glorie , give free passage to ascend . who is the king of glorie ? say , oh say ! who might he be ? the lord of armies in aray , that glorious king is he . seeing thou hast evidently declared , oh christ the kinge of glorie , who they are whome thou wilt admit into that kingdome whither thou art aseended ; and who are truly of that spirituall seed , to whome thy promises appertaine . grant , we beseech thee , that we may make our election sure , by the workes of regeneration , & not be deluded by the false perswasions of a fruitles faith . so , all thy creatures , shall give both way , and assistance , to our ascention after thee ; to whome with the father & holy-spirit , be ascribed all praise , powre , & glorie , now & for evermore . amen . psa . . a psalme of david . it containeth many petitions of an afflicted penitent soul ; declares the excellence of the lawe of grace , & the priveledges of the regenerate &c. it may be vsed when we are dejected by the sight of our guiltines , & are truly penitent , &c. i lift my soul to thee ; my trust in thee is plac'd : oh let me , lord , nor scorned be , nor by my foe disgrac'd , but , keep reproches all from those who thee attend , and , let on them confusion fall that without cause offend . thy waies to me me impart , let me thy truth be taught ; for , thou , oh god , my saviour art : whome i have alway sought . be still , to me as kinde as thou of old hast binn ; and , bear thou not those faults in minde , which i have erred in . but , grace to me afford , ev'u for thy goodnes sake ; as thou art good , & gratious , lord , on me compassion take . direct al those that stray , in iudgment , guide the meek , and , them informe thou in thy way , that humbly , thee de seeke . for , truth & mercie , lord , are found in all thy wayes , by ev'ry one who keeps thy word , and thy commands obayes . remit ( though great they are ) my sinns , for thy name sake , and , suffer him who thee doth fear , his chosen-path to take . then , easd his hart shal growe , his seed the land shal fill , and , he that feares the lord , shall know his counsells , & his will. myne eyes attend on thee , that thou maist me release : in mercie , lord , returne to mee forlorne & in destresse . my greefs enlarged are ; oh come , & me releeve . my sorrowes heed , regard my care , and all my sinns forgive . observe , oh lord , my foes ; marke how abus'd i am ; and ( since i trust in thee repose ) defend my soul from shame . yea , keep thou me vpright ; because . i hope in thee : and , from all wrongs , & all despight , let isr'el saved be . remember not , oh lord , our offences ; but of thy meer mercie blot out all our transgressions . let neither the follies of our youth , nor the greatnes of any other sinns , deprive vs of thy wonted compassion . consider our weaknes , our suffrings , & the condition of our adversaries , as motives of thy pittie ; that our sinns beinge remitted , our fetters vnlosed , and thy secrets ( even the misteries of saving-grace ) revealed ; wee may in true meeknes . follow him , who is the way , the truth , and the life ; & be kept by thy speciall grace from all future sinns & dangers , vnto our lives end . amen . another of the same , a loft , i raise my soul , oh lord , to thee ; and i in thee alone , my trust have placed , by those therfore , that seek to mischeeve me , oh , let me not be shamed , nor disgraced . confound not those who seek to do thy will ; but , shame those mē that causeles have offended , direct thou me in thy truths pathway , still ; for ( lord my health ) on thee i have attended . eternall god , in mercie , thinck on me , as it hath bene of old thy gratious fashion : forgot , let all my youthfull errors be ; for thy love sake , remember thy compassion . great is thy grace , & great thy iustice , lord : therfor , thy waies to sinful men thou showest healp to thee meek , thou dost , likewise , afford whē he is iudgd ; & guid'st him where thō goest , in all thy waies , both truth & mercie be , for such , as have thy league , & word observed : keep therfor , lord , thy grace in store for me ; ( for thy namesake ) though i have ill deserved . let those , in whome thy sacred fear is found , in their desired pathway , lord , persever . make true content , in all their soules abound ; and , let their seed , poslesse the land , for ever . no man oh lord , who stands in fear of thee , shall from thy league or counsels , be debarred . on thee , therfore , mine eyes attending be , that from the net , my feet may be vnsnared ; pleasd be , in love , to visit me againe ; for , lo ; despis'd i am , & sore destressed . quit me , from all my sorrowes & my paine ; for , my hart-greefs ( oh lord ) are much encraesed , regard my wants ; behold , & mark my woes ; remitting all wherin i have offended . see , see , oh lord , what numbers are my foes ; and , what despights to me they have intended . to help & save my soul , entreated be : thou art my garde , oh ! keep me vndisgraced , vpright , & pure ; because , i trust in thee : and , from all cares , let isr'el be released . psal . . a psalm of david . it setts downe some marks of the true church & of her members ; & personates her , iustifieing her self against the secret imputations of her foes ( from whome she desires to be distinguisht ) &c. it is vsefull for those members of christ , whoe are falsly accused . &c. give sentence , now , oh lord , with me ; for , i have walk'd aright ; and , since i have relide on thee , preserve me still vpright . proue thou my hart & raines , oh god ; search there , what thou canst finde : for , i the paths of truth have trodd ; and , bear thy love in minde . with wicked men i have not sate , nor with dissemblers gone : prophane assemblies i do hate , and shunn the sinners throne . with hands wash'd clean in simplenes , i 'le round thine altars goe ; and there ; in songs of thanckfulnes , thy wondrous works i 'le showe . for , i that place affect , oh god , where thou so much art fam'de : therfor , with sinners , thirsting blood , oh! let me not be nam'd . their hands ( their verie righthands ) be with bribes , & mischeefs fraught : but , lord , redeeme & pitty me ; for , i truths paths have sought . in stedfast waies , with fixed feet , firme standing , i possesse : for which , where great assemblies meet , i , will the lord confesse . give vs grace , oh lord , so to avoide the societie , & practises of wicked men ; that neither our consciences may accuse vs , to be willfully guiltie of their crimes , nor thou condemn vs for hypocrites , when thou serchest & iudgest the secrets of our harts . ioine , to the puritie of manners . a sincere devotion ; that honesty & religeon ( being knit & married together in our soules by thee ) may never be divorced , let our zeal also to thy house , & our love to thy service , be such as may distinguish vs from prophane worldlings ; & so linck vs by charity to thy faithfull members , that we may continue thine to our lives end . amen . psa . . a psalme of david . it expresseth confidence in god. & a longing to enioye the priveledges of his sanctuarie . it vowes also to seek & serve him ; desires gods assistance , & exhort , to faith & perseverance &c. it is vsefull , for all christians , to these purposes . god is my light , my health mine ayde ; my lifes defence : whome should i fear ? when wicked foes my death assayd , they tript , & fell , & ruinde were . i , therfor , will nor faint , nor fly , although an hoast beseigeth me ; if god , will not this boone deny , for which , i 'le now a suiter be . ev'n that he grace to me afford , my life-time in his house to spend ; to vewe the beautie of the lord. and in his temple to attend . for , in his tent , when dangers threat , in secret , he should me enclose ; vpon a rock , my footing set , and , raise my head above my foes . then , in god's house , a sacrifise of praises , i would also give : hear therfor , lord ; & let my cries a gratious answere , now receive . when thou dost bid me seek thy face ; thy face i 'le seek , my hart replies : reiect not therfor , nor disgrace . thy servant who on thee relies . oh lord , who didst my soul preserve when , me my parents did forsake ; ( because of them who me observe ) now , plaine to me , thy path-waies make . yea , from the pleasure of my foes , protect me lord : for , lo ; with lies , false witnesses do me oppose ; and , cruel words they do devise . that , had i not beleef to see gods grace ( within that land of blisse where endles life shal granted be ) my soul had fainted , long e're this . attend thou still vpon the lord , and faint thou not ( who e're thou art ) attend i say , vpon the lord ; and , he shall fortify thy hart . it is an vnspeakable favour oh lord , to live where wee may peaceably assemble in thy house , & obtaine thy comfortable presence in thy blessed word & sacraments . how many , oh god! how many ? are deprived of this consolation ? and , oh how long ? & with how litle sense of our happines , have wee enioyed this great blessing ? grant vnto vs , we beseech thee , mere thanckfulnes , lest thou iustlie withdrawe thy abused grace ; give in due time , this great benifit , to all who vnfainedlie desire it for thy glorie : in the mean while , vouchsafe them patience , to sustaine their burthen without fainting ; & let the hope of that , which is prepared for thie saints , in the land of the living , stir vp them & vs , to a faithfull performance of our whole dutie towards thee , through the assistance of thy holy-spirit , amen . psa . . a psalme of david , it craves gods assistance , imprecates his iudgments against the wicked , professeth assurance in the divine protection , & ascribes glorie , & powre , & thancks , to the almighty , &c. it may be vsed as a prayer , & protestation of our faith in persecution . oh lord my strength , i crie to thee , give eare , & silence do not keep : lest , not vnlike to those i be , which downe descend , into the deep . observe my cries , & what i pray , when to thine arke , my hands i rear : with sinners , pluck me not , away , who speake of peace , yet purpose warr . give them what their ill deeds require ; as they deserve , so them reward . for their lew'd works , pay them their hire , because , thy works they nought regard . yea , seeing they thy works despize , destroy them , never to be raisd : but , hear my suite , & heed my cries , and be thou , lord , for ever praisd . for , thou art , lord , my sheild , mine ayde ; my strength , of whome i hopeful am : therof , my hart is well apaid , and , of thy praise , my songs i frame . thy christ , thou alway shalt protect : thou art his rock ; & , sav'd by thee , thine heritage & thine elect , ( blest , fedd , & magnifide ) shall be . immortal god , so manie & so great perills do alway threaten vs , that we are still at the brinck of destruction ; & vnles thou be gratious , we shall soone be swallowed vp . hear vs therfor , when we cal on thee , in the mediation of iesus christ ; & gather vs not among hypocrites , or notorious malefactors : but , when they shal receive their due reward , who by a dissembled vnitie , trouble the peace of thy church , or dishonor thy name , by atheisme or prophanes ; let vs reap the fructe of our hopes , to our ioyfull exaltation among thine elect , & to the glorifieng of thy mercie , through iesus christ our lord. amen . psa . . a psalme of david it mistically expresseth the powre of gods voice ( or evangelical word ) over all sorts of people , in all places . it may be vsed to praise god , for having thereby ( according to this prophecie ) converted those , who were naturally as obdurate as trees , mountaines , feilds , & brute-creatures . ascribe , yee mightie , to the lord , ascribe al powre & same : let him be in his house ador'd , and , honor yee his name . the lord , commandeth , with his voice , the seas , & greatest floud ; and , when the thunder makes a noise , it is the voice of god. with powre , the god of glorie , speaks , and , awfull are his words . his voice , the strongest cedars breaks , that libanon affords . eu'n libanon & shirion to , he makes to start ( through feare ) as vnicornes & bullocks do , that yonge & frightful are . god's voice , between the flames doth flie , god's voice , the desert shakes : god's voice , doth ( adesh terrifie , the hinde , it calfeles makes . yea , with his voice , the thickest grove , to plainest veiwe he laies ; and , in his temple , those things move all tongues , to sing his praise . the lord , likewise , doth in the floud an endles rule possesse ; and , blesseth al the folke of god , with fortitude , & peace . honor & praise , be given to thee , oh lord god , for the powrful preaching of thy word , let the sound of thie voice be still in our eares . when we rage like a troubled sea , let it calme vs ; uuhen we are like over-loftie cedars , let it humble vs ; when me are as vnmoveable as mountaines ( in our owne opinions ) let it shake vs , when we are wanton like young bullocks , let it tame vs ; when we are as rude , or barren as a wildernes , let it civilize & make vs fructful ; when we are pregnant with anie , mischeef , let it make our conceptions abortive ; when we are ensnared among , the thick bushes of ignorance , or worldlie cares , let it discover a passage out of error , & disentangle our harts from carnall affections : that , the whole world may be subiected vnto thee ; & that we & al tongues may praise & magnifie thy name , for ever & ever amen . psa . . a psalm or song of the dedication of the house of david . it seems a thancksgivinge for the resurrection of christ , whose true house or temple , was his body . it confesseth gods gratiousnes , & mans weaknes , &c. we may vse it , when , arising from our sinns , we resolve to dedicate our selves as tēples to the holy-ghost . lord god , thy praise i will declare ; for why , thou me hast magnifide ? my foes insultings thou did'st bar , and , sav'dst me , when for help i cride . yea , from the dungeon & the pit , thou keptst my soul & life , oh lord ; let all thy saints ( remembring it ) with praise , thy holines recorde . thy wrath , abides not long in thee , but , in thy favour , life appears ; and , joy shall in the morning be , though , over-night , there may be teares . in my advancement , once i sayd , that nothing should my foot remove ; because , my mountaine thou hadst laid so firmelie , lord , by thy meer love . yet , when thy face thou didst but hide , i quickly was opprest , againe ; and , then , to thee againe i cride ; and in my crie , did thus complaine . what profit will my bloud afford , when , i , shal to the grave descend ? oh! cann it sing thy praises , lord ? or cann the dust thy truth comend ? lord , hear , & pittie take on me ; to succour me , thy help employ : that , chang'd to songs , my sighes , may be ; my mourning-weeds to robes of ioy , so , i , for ever , with my tongue will praise the , ( oh my god my lord ) and , in a never-ending song , thy mercies , thanckfully record . sweet iesu , so great are thy mercies , that in a night thou convertest into trivmphs , the most desperate afflictions ; yea , in the very moment of greatest horrors , thou strangly infusest vnexpressible ioyes : yet , such is our corruption , that vpon thy favours , we often build those false assurances which beget more pride then thanckfulnes ; & so , we are iustly shakē againe frō our confidence ; tha 〈…〉 akinge the foundation thereof more firme ( by true humiliation grounded meerly on thy mercies ) we way stand immoveable for-ever . oh! grant , that by meditating thy voluntarie-humiliation we may descend to the true annihilation & renouncing of our selves , & that by virtue of thy burial & resurrection we w●● escape the dungeons of the grave & hell ; change the mourning-garmēt of our flesh , into the robes of immortalitie , & praise thee for thy mercies , world without end , amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian a psalm of david . it personates christ & his church in persecution ; containes a large intermixture of many petitions , complaints &c , & admirably fets forth the varietie of affections , incident to a soul , working out salvation with star & trembling . it is vsefull in great agonies & afflictions of minde , &c. because , i do on thee depend , ( that sham'd i may not be ) lord , in thy iustice me defend , and , quickly hear thou me . be still my rock , my walled-bowre ; and , me vouchsafe to save : for , thou art my defensive towre , and , all the strength i have . be pleas'd ( for thy namesake ) to come and be my hopeful stay ; direct thou me , & pluck me from those netts my foes do lay . thou art my strength , & vnto thee my spirit i commit : for , thou lord god of truth , art he who hast redeemed it . i , them abhorr who lies approve ; but , lord , i trust in thee : and of thy grace , & in thy love , my whole reioicings be . for , me thou didst from cares discharge ; thou knew'st my soul in woe : my fettred feet thou didst enlarge , and keptst me from my foe . have mercie , lord , for i am vext ; mine eies with greef decay : in soul & flesh , i am perplext ; greef , wasts my life away . my yeares , with sigheng , shortned are ; my sight , to faile beginns : my bones consume , my strength doth wear ; and , al is for my sinns . my scornefull foes do me vpraid ; my neighbours , more then they : my freinds , to see me are afrayd , and , far they fly away . as one long dead , ( vnthought vpon ) ev'n pot-sherd like , i fare . i flander'd am of many a one , and , round me , terrors are . yet ( when to take my life fro me they plotts against me layd ) relieng still , oh lord , on thee . thou art my god , i sayd , thou know'st the times , when me to take from my persueng soes : therfor , to me ( for mercie sake ) thy cheerfull face disclose . lord , let me not be made asham'd , because , thy help i crave : but , let the wicked be defam'd , and , silenc'd in the grave . their lieng lips , for ever close , who murmur in despight , disdainfull words , in scorne of those , whose courses are vpright . oh! what great favours wilt thou shew , to such as honor thee . and bring to passe , in publike vewe , for them that faithfull be ? thy secret presence shal prevent the tyrants hautie wrongs ; and , they shall in thy privie-tent avoyd the strife of tongues . praise god ; for , when i rash lie thought , that i quite lost had binn ; me , to a warlike towne he brought , and , honord me therein . my suites , & cries , he likewise heard : yee saints of his , therfore , the lord your god , with good regard , love , honor , & adore . the faithfull , he doth keep from harme , and their proud foes contemn . be bolde : & he your harts will arme who put your trust in him . our sinns ( oh lord ) bring on vs many great afflictions : they consume our flesh , blinde our eyes , rott our bones , fright our harts , & afflict our consciences : they cause vs to be vprayded , scorned , betrayed , & persecuted , by our foes ; they make vs to be envyed , contemned , reproched , & abused among our neighbours ; they occasion , that we are miscensured , for sakē , yea & forgotten of our best affected freinds ; and ( which is worst of all ) they bring on vs thy displeasure , & make vs almost desperatly to forsake thee . deliver vs ( oh deliver vs ) from these evills : but especially from the sinns which occasion them . thou art our sole refuge , & the god into whose hands we have committed our spirits : so embolden vs therfor , in thy grace , that we , & the rest of thy saints ( seeing how great favours thou bestowest on all them that fear thee ) may praise thy name , for ever & ever , amen . psa . . a psalm of david maschil . it shewes the free forgivenes of sinn by grace , rom , . . the danger of hidinge , the benifit of confessing our sinns , and the powre of timely prayer ; it exhorts also , that we do not brutishly abuse the grace of god &c , it should be sung , to remember vs of gods mercies , & of these duties , &c. a blest estate , that man is in whose crimes the lord forgives , & hides ! ev'n he , to whome god laies no sinn , and in whose hart no fraud abides . till i , my faults , did open lay , my bones with paine were tired out : thy hand opprest me night and day , and , i became like summers drought . my trespas , i reveald therfore : i shewd my secret faults to thee ; and vowd to hide my sinns no more : so , thou , their guilt forgavest me . for this : the iust , on thee shall call , at seasons when thou maist be found : and he shall have no harme at all , though mighty flouds enclose him round . thou art , oh lord , my hiding-place , wherein ; ( when peril greatest growes ) from dangers , thou shalt me release , and , me with songs of health enclose . ( selah . ) thus , thou dost also seem to say : i will instruct thee with mine eye , and , so inform thee in the way ; that thou shalt never walk awrie . then , be not like the horse or mule , that void of vnderstanding be ; which thou with bitt , & raines , must rule , lest , els , they fling , or fall on thee . the sinners plagues grow more & more ; but , they finde grace , who trust in god. let just , & righteous men therfore , with shouts , proclaime theyr joye , abrode . it is not , oh gratious redeemer , our innocencie , or any good which of our selves we can performe , that iustifies vs in thy sight ; but thy free grace , thy hiding , & thy not-imputing our sinns . that , which thou expect est & acceptest from vs , toward the procuring of this favour , is nothing els but humbled soules , contrite spirits , vnfaigned harts , & sincere confessions ; which , thou thy self also , must prepare & help perfect in vs , or we shall never perform them : no , though all the dangers & torments of the world were before our eies . take therfor , from vs , our brutish ignorance ; curb our head-strong wilfulnes ; rain our vnbridled appetites ; instruct vs , by thy favorable aspect ; & , so guide vs by the bridle of reason , & religeous awe ; that ( we being governed according to thy will ) thou mayst be found of vs in all troubles , at all seasons ; & , we reioice in thy mercy , for ever & ever , amen . psa . . it exhorts to praise god ; declares who are most obliged therevnto ; in what manner we should performe this dutie ; & for what principall causes &c. we should often vse it to put vs in minde how much we are obliged to praise god , &c. ye righteous , in the lord reioice : for , praise with godly men doth sute : praise god with psaltry , harpe , & voice , and on the twice-five-stringed lute , to him , new ditties , sing & play ; and tune them to the loudest kay . for , god is righteous in his word , his actions , ful of truth appear : his bounty , all the world hath storde : his darlings , truth , & iustice are . the heav'ns were form'd when he but spake ; his breath , did all their armies make . the seas huge waves , aloft he rear'd , the deeps , as vp in store , he layd : oh! let him through the world be fear'd , and make earths-dwellers all afraide . for , his commandings are fulfill'd ; and all is done as he hath will'd . god , makes the gentiles proiects vaine , and , brings the peoples plotts to nought : but , his decrees , for aye remaine , and , everlasting is his thought . most surely blest therefore are those , whome for his owne , the lord hath chose . for , god from heav'n . doth cast his eye , the sonn 's of men to veiwe & knowe : yea , from his dwelling-place on high , he marketh all on earth belowe : their hearts , alike , he shapeth to , and heeds , ev'n ev'ry work they do . great armies cannot save a kinge , no strong-mans powre his life preserves , the strength of horse , vaine succours bringe ; but , those who fear him , god observes : and , whosoe're on him depends , from dearth , & death , he them defends . our soul vpon the lord shall waite , who hath our sheild & shelter binn ; and , he shall be our harts delight ; because , his name , we trusted in . oh! let vs lord , still succour'd be , as we repose our trust in thee . blessed god! at thy word allthings were created , & by thy providence they are stil governed . thou hast fashioned the harts of all men , to be in some measure capable of thy grace ; & observest how they emploie that talent . thy eternal decree remaines firme ; & therfor , theie whome thou chusest shall be blessed for ever . neither their owne strength , nor any powre ( but thine ) is able to keep them safe : thou therfor , on whome their soul waiteth , shalt prevent the famine of that which is the meanes of their preservation ; & therby , keep them from totall or final-falling . lord , make vs , to reioice in this vnspeakable mercie . encrease our faith , & continue vs in the meanes whereby we are to make our election sure . vve beleeve it is alreadie granted ; & yet we praie for it , because it is our dutie ; & because we cannot chuse but praie for that , which we beleeve , & hope , to obtaine , through iesus christ our lord , amen . psa . . a psalme of david when he changed his behaviour before abimeleck , who drove him away & he departed . it seems to typefy christ , who being ( as it were ) disguised by taking our nature , & infirmities , became therby contemptible to the great-ones of the world . we should sing it to praise god. for discovering to vs , what is hid from the wordly wise , &c. now shall the lords , eternal praise , the subiect of my song be made : my soul shall sing it , all her daies ; the meek shall hear it , & be glad , let others come , & ready be , to ioine in praising of his name : for , when i cti'de , he helped me ; and kept away my feared blame . he lightneth such as him observe , and , no disgrace vpon them falls : he heares the pore , & will preserve from all his troubles , when he calls . his angell-gards , will them enclose , who , of his god head , awfull be : therfor , his goodnes , vnto those who trust in him , come tast , & see. yea , fear the lord , yee saints of his : for , he to such will al things grant . the lions whelps their food may misse , but , they that serve him , nothing want . yee children come , attention give ; and i will teach th' almighties feare , how , yee long time on earth may live , and , gaine a blessed-being , here . your tongues from slandrous words preserve , dissembling , let your lipps eschewe ; ill deeds avoid , good works observe , seek peace , & after it persue . for , god beholdeth such as those , and heares the righteous when they pray : but , wicked men he doth oppose , and , roots their name & fame away , the lord , will hear the righteous crie ; from dangers he will them assure ; he , to the broken hart is nigh , and , wounded spirits , he will cure . although the iust hath many greeves , the lord so helps , that they are gone ; in all his troubles , him releeves , and keeps him sound , in ev'rie bone . by sinn , the sinners death is wrought : he shall not thrive , that hates the iust . but , god his servants lives hath bought ; and , faileth none that in him trust . hear vs oh merciful god , in cur present necessities , and preserve vs from those future evills which we may iustlie fear . enlighten our vnderstandings , rectifie our affections , guide our tongues , sanctifie our actions , cure our deseased bodies , & heal our wounded soules . let thine angells , gard vs ; let thine owne eyes , watch over vs ; and let vs be so instructed in thy fear ; that when our lion-like adversaries are emptie , we maie be filled with thy goodnes , & delighted in thy sweetnes : grant , also , that when their memorial perisheth , we ( being preserved sound both in soul & body ) may ●nicie the promised blessing os long-life , even of life-eternall in thy heavenlie kingdom , for ever & ever , amen . another of the same . at al tymes with my tongue i 'le blesse the lord ; to sing of him i never will forbear , but , in my soul , his praise with mirth record ; and publish what the meek shall ioy to hear , come , therfor , helpe his praises to declare ; to magnify his name , let vs agree . discharg'd i was , by him , of all my fear ; and , when his ayde i sought , he ayded me . enlightned are their eyes that look on him ; and , no disgrace or shame , or those cann fall : for , he in all their troubles helpeth them ; and hears the pore , when he on him doth call . god's angell-gards , round those that fear him , be encamped still to keep them from their foes . his greatnes , and his goodnes , tast , & see ; for , all are blest , who trust in him repose . in him , let all his saints , confine their fear ; for , povertie from such resttained is . kept hungry , oft , the whelps of lions are , but , they who fear the lord , no goodnes misse . let me from you ( yee babes ) attention gaine ; that , i the fear of god to you may showe . mark also this ( all yee that would attaine long life on earth , & happie daies , to knowe ) no sland'rous tales envre your tongues to tell ; and , let your lipps dissembling speach eschewe : of wicked words beware ; vprightly deal ; enquire our peace , & after it persue . plac'd are gods eyes , vpon the righteous race ; he to their cries , an open ear doth lay : quite opposite to sinners , is his face ; and from the land , he rootes their name away . right willingly , the lord inclines his ear , to hear , & save the righteous , when they cry . sinn-wounded soules , & harts that broken are , he never shunns ; but , vnto such is nigh . though many greefs , vpon the godly fall , the lord , will ev'ry one of them remove . vnbroke , ev'n all his bones , preserve he shall ; but , sinn , the death of sinful men shal prove . whoe so doth hate the iust , shall hated be , for , god his faithful servants wil redeem , yea , all their soules from thral he setteth free , and leaveth none , that put their trust in him . psa . . a psalm of david . it containes divers petitions , & prophetical imprecations , concerning the adversaries of christ , & of his members ; & perticulerly mentioneth some of those misusages which he suffred by the iewes &c. we may properly sing it , when we commemorate the passion &c. with such oh lord , as me oppose , vouchsafe to plead my right ; and , pleased be to warr on those , who now against me fight . both sheild & buckler , take in hand ; rise , for my help , i pray : bring out the spear , & for me stand , in my persuers way . say to my soul ; thy health , i am ; and , bring to shameful wrack , all those who seek my death or shame ; yea , sham'd repell them back . let them before god's angel fly , as chaff , before the winde ; let them before god's angel fly . through paths , vnsafe & blinde . since pitts they digg'd ; & , therein snares for me , vniustly , laid ; let them be slaine at vn-awares , in their owne trapps , betraide . then , lord , in thee , my soul shal ioy ; thy help , my mirth shall be : and , all my bones , oh lord , shal say , that none cann equall thee . thou sav'st thee pore , & men opprest , from those that are too strong : thou free'st the pore , who are destrest , from such as do them wrong . false witnesse rose , & charged me with words i never sayd ; and , that my soul might spoiled be , they , good with ill , repaide . yet , when great sicknes them opprest , in sack-cloth cladd , i mourn'd : i fasted ; & , into my brest , my prayers back return'd . i greev'd for them , as men bemone a brother or a freind ; and sadly walk'd , as when that one bewailes his mothers end . but , when my greefs did me besett , their merry-meetings were : the baser sort , in private mett , and , none did scofs forbear . yea , at their feasts , in mock of me , the scorners gnash'd their teeth . no longer , lord , spectator be , but , save my soul from death . my darling , from the lion save : so , thy great love , oh lord , where many folk their meetings have , i 'le to thy praise record . oh! let not those who me despize , deride my pore estate ; or , lear on me with scornful eyes , whome they vniustly hate . they seek not peace , but projects lay for them that peaceful be : with gaping mouthes , ah ! ha , say they , our wish , we now do see , thou saw'st it ; therfor , make no pawse , nor absent , long , abide : but , wake , arise , & let my cause by thee , lord god , be tri'de . lord , judge me in thy righteousnes , that they deride not me ; and say in hart , this fall of his is that , which wee would see . oh! never give them cause to say , we have devour'd him quite ; but , shame , & root them out , for aye , that in my harme delight . let them , with shame , & scorne , be cladd ; that have my soul deseas'd : and , let them trivmph & be gladd , who in my cause are pleasd . the lord be prais'd , let all men say , that wish thy servants peace : and , with my tongue , i 'le all the day , extol thy righteousnes . oh blessed redeemer ! let thy gratious assistance be alwaies readie to garde vs from the furious malice of our foes : and , seeing their condition is not hidd from thee , let thy iudgments be executed vpon all those who shall continue vnrepentant in their wickednes ; that thy justice may be glorified , as wel as thy mercie . make vs , also , mindful ( oh christ ) from what height of glorie , thou didst voluntarilie humble thy self ; to what extream contempt thou wort , abased ; how vnkindiie , yea , how despightfully handled ( even by those for whose redemption thou wert pleased to descend ) and , by thy example teach vs to be humble , patient , & charitable in our suffrings ; that bearing thy crosse , & imitating thy virtues ; we may be pertakers of thy exaltation , who livest & raignest , world without end . amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian , a psalm of david the servant of the lord. it mentions the impiety & corruptions of the wicked . it declareth also , the infinite love , mercie , sweetnes , & iustice of god &c. it may be sung to bring to consideration , god's goodnes , whē the over-flowings of vngodlines circumvent vs ? my hart , within me , sayes ; that , sinners fear not god : and , their self-pleasing course , displaies their hatefull guilt abrode . their words , are wicked wiles ; nor wise , nor just are they : vpon their bedds they study guiles , and , cursed is their way . the heav'ns , thy mercy fills ; thy truth doth reach the skye : thy justice , lord , or'e-topps the hills , and , deep thy judgments lie . thou sav'st both man & beast ; for , lord , thy grace excells ; and , vnderneath thy wings , in rest , man-kinde securely dwells . with daineties of thy house , they shall replenish'd be ; and , streames of blisse , they shall carowse : for , life doth flowe from thee . thy light is , lord , our light : therfore ( where thou art knowne ) prolong thy grace , that men vpright , may make thy works , their owne . let not the foot of pride , oppose , or hinder me ; nor let me be remoov'd aside , by hands that wicked be . for , thence the overthrowe , of sinners , first begann ; and , when they fell , they fell so lowe , that , rise they never cann . uuee confesse ( oh lord ) that by the corruption still remaining in our owne harts , we are plainlie informed , how sinn , being first conceived in thought , will at last break forth into publike act , if thy great mercie prevent not . uouch safe vs , therfor , not onlie thy common grace , which thou spreadest over all ; but be pleased also , to displaie over vs , the wings of thy special mercies , that being nourished in thy house with spiritual banquets ( such as thy word , thy sacraments , & the illuminations of thy spirit ) we may escape the falling into those offēces from which there is no risingagaine ; let thy saving-grace , be extended also to those who yet know thee not , to the multiplieng of thy elect , through iesus christ our lord. amen . psa . . a psalm of david . it proposeth many counsells , & experimental arguments , to move vs , not to be offended at the prosperitie of world-lings , & to persuade a patient perseverance in well-doeng &c. it is vsefull , to keep vs contented with our estates , & hopefull in all temptations , & afslictions &c. at sinners , take thou no offence , nor vex thy self , at such as they : for , they shall soone be swept from hence , and , like the grasse consume a way . beleeve in god , & live vpright ; so , where thou dwell'st , thou shalt be fedd : and , if in him , thou take delight , of all thy hopes , thou shalt be spedd . commit thou , to the lord , thy way ; trust him , & all shall well be done : thy iustice shall out-shine the day , thy judgment , passe the sunn at noone . delight in god ; his leasure bide ; and , fret thou not that others thrive ; but , thy displeasure lay aside ; lest , thou offence , by vexing give . expect awhile , & thou shalt see the wicked fall ; & men vpright possessors of the land to be , when sinners dwellings vanish quite . for , meek-men shall possesse the land , and , peace enioy ( at full ) therein ; though wicked men , do them withstand , conspire , & gnash their teeth , & grinn . god , sees & mocks the sinners end . his blade , in vaine he drawes to smite , he shall his bowe as vainely bend , to slay the pore , & men vpright . his blade , ev'n his owne hart shall gore ; his bowe shall breake ; and , that small share the right'ous hath , shall profit more then all their heaps , that wicked are . it shall be soe ; because , the lord ( who breaks their arme , that are vniust ) to godlie-men , will healps afford , which never shall deceive their trust . knowne to the lord , are all their waies ; their heritage will alwaies last . they shall not feare in ev'll-daies : nor emptie be , when others fast . lewd men ( & they who parte have tooke against the lord ) shall , then , become like fatt of lambes , or like the smoke , which melts , or quite away doth fume . much , borrowe those ; but , never pay . the righteous lends , & mercie shewes . where he doth blesse , right blest are they ; where he doth curse , a curse ensues . no course he takes , but god will guide his feet ; & in his waye delight : he falls not quite , although he slide ; because , god holds him , still , vpright . olde-age & youth , i now have seene , yet , saw no iust-man , or his seed , forlorne or begg : for , they have beene so kinde ; that they finde healp , at need . proceed thou in this way , therfore , depart from sinn , tread virtues path ; that thou maist live for ever more : for , god , in iudgment , pleasure hath , quite , roots he out the sinners race ; but , still , his saints preserved are . the land , they fully shall possesse ; and , safelie dwell , for ever , there . right fitt ; for , they discreetly talke , the lawe of god , they ponder , still , and in their waies , directly walke ; though sinners wait , their life to spill . still , therfor , god will them defend , and , clear them , when araign'd they be . if thou , likewise , on him attend , god , in the land , will prosper thee . the sinners fall , thine eye shall veiwe : for , i have seene them , like the bay , spread wide , and make a goodlie shewe then , suddenly consume away . veiwe thou the iust ; observe them all ; for , peace their later daies attends : but , wicked men togither fall ; and , mischeef brings them to their ends , which comes to passe , because the iust , the lord ( at need ) their helper have : for they in him do put their trust , and , them from sinners , he doth & save . almightie god! make vs contented with our portion , without medling in what appertaines to others . let not the prosperitie of the wicked , cause vs to be envious , fretfull , or discouraged ; considering the ficklenes , & perill of their estate : but , give vs grace to be rather carefull , that we discharge our owne duties . make vs faithfull , chearfull , patient , meek , charitable , prudent , diligent & constant in the wayes of well-doeng ; that so we may be delivered from despaires , scornes , slanders , conspiracies , persecutions , wants , & all other temporal disadvantages of this life ; & be iustified in sight of the whole world at the resurrection : where , it will be evident , that the florishings of the wicked were never worth our envie ; & that ( according to thy word ) the later end of the righteous , is the beginning of blessednes , for ever more . amē . psa . . a psalme of david to bring to remembrance . it is a penitentiall psalme , emploring the pacification of god's wrath , & expressing our natural miseries , & corruptions &c. it is vsefull when we feel the guilt & punishment of sinn , with a true repentance , & harty desire of pardon & e. lord , chide not when thou wroth shalt be , nor in thy rage , my sinn chastise ; for , deep thy shafts do stick in me , and , strict , thy hand vpon me lies . paines in my flesh , thy frownes have bredd ; my faults have rob'd my bones of rest : my flouds of sinn , have drown'd my head , and by their waight i am opprest . my wounds corrupt , & foule they growe ; my crimes have causd that thus i fare : with sorrowes , i am pressed lowe ; and , all day long , my mournings are . my raines are grip'd , & sore deseas'd ; throughout my body i am sore : a wastinge-greef on me hath ceas'd ; and paind at hart , aloud i roare . oh lord ! thou know'st what things i want ; my mournings are not hidd from thee : my strength decayes , my hart doth pant , mine eye-sight also faileth me . my friends & kindred , shunn my greef ; my lovers , hide themselves away : and , they who seek to take my life , close-engines , to ensnare me , lay . yea , they who for my harme awaite , speake words , that full of mischeef are : yet , how , al day they muze deceit , i ( hearing ) will not seeme to hear . nay , i have stood , as mute , as he whose tongue is partcht , whose throte is dry , whose eares depriv'd of hearing be ; and , in whose mouth is no replie . for , i oh lord , on thee relie , and , answere i expect from thee : oh! therfor , now attend my crie , lest els my foes insult on me . for , if my foote but slip aside , they , in my fall , them selves delight ; my feet ( alas ) are prone to slide , and , still , my greefs are in my sight . beholde , for my offence i greeve ; and , my transgressions i bewaile : yet , still , my foes encrease & live ; yea , still , my causles-foes , prevaile . moreover , they , who render ill for doeng well ; have mee with stood , and , borne me hate for my good-will , because , i love the thing that 's good . lord , go not far , therfore , from hence ; from me , my god! depart not farr : but , make thou speed in my defence ; because , from thee , my succours are . most awfull god! dreadfull is thy frown when we beholde thee angrie for sinn : lothsome are our sinns , when they appeare to a wounded conscience : & vnsufferable our afflictions when our consciences accuse vs : vve have sinned , oh lord , ( we have sinned ) and are therfor tormented both in soul & bodie : yet , we beseech thee deal not with vs according to our sinns ; but , for thy mercie-sake vouchsafe vs a favorable correction , & those remedies & consolations which thou knowest best for our infirmities : vvhē thou art offended , our foes are not only mischeevous vexations , but our kindred also forsake vs ; our best beloved freinds afflict vs ; & ( which is yet more ) we our selves are our owne tormenters . vvhatsoever therfor , betides vs ( or whosoever is iniurious ) wee have nothing to replie , nor any to accuse , but our selves . oh! pittie our distempers , hear vs , help vs , & deliver vs , for the bitter passion sake of iesus christ our lord. amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian to iduthun a psalme of david . the prophet resolves a patient watchfulnes over the tongue ; bemoanes the vanitie , & miserie of mankinde , & petitions for god's mercie , &c. it may serve to instruct & comfort vs , during the provocations of the wicked , & in other afflictions , ivow'd to keep my waies vpright , and , that in words , i none would wrong . while sinners were , therfore , in sight , i shut my lipps , & stayd my tongue : what er'e they sayd , i silent stood ; refraining words , though they were good . but , greefs did then to stirr beginn , which , hot in me , my hart did make ; my thoughts inflam'd a fire within , which loos'd my tongue , & then i spake . lord , of my end , informe thou me ; and , what my dayes , & frailties , be . for , loe , my life is but a spann ; it seems as nothing , in thine eyes : ev'n at his best , most vaine is man , and , like the shade away he flies , he tires himself , with needles paines , and knowes not who shall reap his gaines . on thee , therefore , i do attend ; my trust , oh lord , i place on thee . from all my sinns , my soul defend ; from flouting-fooles , preserve thou mee : for , i forbare to speak a word , because , it was thy doeng , lord. thy hand , with blowes , doth me afflict ; oh! take thy heavie strokes away . when thou for sinn dost man correct , thou , moth-like sretst their forme awaie . therfore , no cause of doubts remaine , that ev'ry man is wholie vaine . lord , hear my suite ; my criengs hear ; let not my teares vnmention'd goe : for , as thy guests , my fathers were , ( and strangers here ) ev'n i , am soe . oh! spare , & grant me strength , i pray , before i passe from hence , for aye . give vs grace , oh lord , that our tongues neither offend , by vndiscreet or evill speakings , nor by continueng silent whē we ought to speake . remember vs how short and vaine our lives are , & how foolish it is to wearie our selves , & consume our time , for that with we may never enioy ; loosing , in the meane while , assured blessings . enable vs to sustaine the crosse ( which thou shalt lay vpon vs ) without repininge , & lay no more on vs then thou shalt make vs able to beare . deliver vs from the scorne of fooles ; but especiallie , from those transgressions , by which our beauty is consumed . mark our teares , hear our cries , and spare vs in this our pilgrimage , vntill we have atained the strength by which we may stand firm in thy favour , through iesus christ our lord. amen . psa , . to the cheef musitian a psalme of david . it is applied vnto christ , hebr. . it praiseth god for our redemption , declares the abolishing of the ceremonial law , the obedience of christ , & the preaching of the gospell , &c. it is vsefull to commemorate christs obedience ; to give praise for former deliverances , & to pray for future preservation . my constant hopes on god are sett , who , when i cride , gave eare to me : he brought me from the myrie-pitt , ev'n from the denn , where horrors be . vpon a rock , my feet he plac't ; he setled there , my standing fast . and , that his praise i might declare , a new-made song , to me he taught ; which many men shall hear , with fear , and , to depend on god , be brought . for , they , who trust in him , are blest : and , they who pride & lies , detest . those wonders , lord , which thou hast wrought ; those things ( my god ) so many are which thou concerning vs hast thought ; that none cann them to thee declare : o lord ! to order them to thee , is far too great a task for me . no offrings thou dost now require , but , only , that thy words i hear : no sacrifize consum'd in fire , by thee , for sinns , desired are . then , loe , ( i sayd ) i come , to be that , which thy book foretold of me . i ioy to do thy will , oh god! thy law , is in my hart enrowld ; and , lord , thy iustice , all abrode , in great assemblies , i have tolde . thou know'st . my lipps thy truth reveald ; and. that my hart hath nought conceald . i , made thy faithful-dealing knowne ; i , did thy saving-health declare ; i have not kept thy love vnshowne , nor hidd thy truth , where hearers were , therfor , to me thy mercy showe ; thy truth , & love , lord , make me know . for , mischeeves more then cann be tolde , have now enclos'd me round about ; my sinns , on me have layd such holde , there is no place of looking out : their number doth my haires out goe , and , therfor , faint my hart doth growe . oh lord ! vouchsafe my life to save , with speed oh god! assist i pray ; that they with shame , a fall may have , who seek to take my soul away : let those that wish amisse to me , with shame & scorne , repelled be . with rooting-out , those men require , ( and paie them with deserved shame ) whoe in those words of scorne delight , which bring on me , disgrace , or blame , but , give him ioy in his desires , who after thee , oh lord , enquires . let them who love thy saving-health , confesse thee lord , for evermore : for , thou art mindfull of my wealth , and , heedest me , though i am pore . lord god my helper , make thou speed , to help me , still , at ev'rie need . allmightie god , by whose divine powre , iesus christ was raised out of the myrie pitt of the grave , & with tryvmph ascended from the dungeons of hell , into the highest heavens : grant , that by his example we may continually offer vp the sweet , & ever acceptable sacrifize , of obedience to thy will. uurite thy lawe in our harts ; let our tongues publish thy righteousnes , & thy truth , to all the world . and , though our manyfold sinns make vs vnworthy of thy grace , yet deliver vs from that shame & punishmēt which they deserve . that our foes may be disappointed of their hope ; & that , we , ( together with all thy saints ) may ioyfully confesse thy great mercie , through iesus christ our lord. amen . psal . . to the cheef musitian , a psalm of david . it declares the reward of charitie towards , the pore members of christ ; expresseth the hypocrisy of his foes ; beseecheth god's assistance , & praiseth him for our exaltation by christ . it is vsefull , for these purposes aforementioned . &c. the man is blest that heeds the pore , from dangers , god will him repreeve ; he will preserve his life , therefore , and , vnto him preferment give . the lord , will gard him from his foes , when him they labour to surprize ; refresh him , when that weak he growes , and , make his bedd , when sick he lies . in mercie , cure my soul i pray ; for , lord , ev'n thee . i did offend . vile words , of me , my foes do say ; and , wish my fame & life , had end . when me they spie , fair showes they make : but , in their harts my harm desire ; which when they come abrode , they speake , where all my foes , my wrong conspire . some ill desease hath he ( they sedd ) hee 's downe , & shall no more arise : nay , he whome i have lov'd & fedd , ( my trusted-freind ) did me despise . but , help me lord , & raise , me now , that , i their dealings may requite . i shall thereby , thy favour knowe , if thou prevent my foes despight . thou dost maintaine my righteousnes , and , in thy sight-still placest me : the lord , the god of isr'el , blesse ; oh! let him blest for ever be . amen . amen . infuse into vs , oh christ , such brotherly compassion , & such true charitie toward thy pore members , that we may obtaine all timely consolations in this life , & be well-comed with come yee blessed , at the last-day . uuee confesse , there is a desease in our soules , disenabling vs to performe this dutie ; and , as wee are neither truly compassionate to others , nor faithfull acknowledgers of thy love to vs ; so , we finde others iustly vnmerciful , in our afflictions , & encreasing our vexations , by neglect , conspiracies , or bitter censures : yea , they whome wee have cherished & releeved , in their wants & sorrowes , do vnthanckfully take part with our oppressors . oh! deliver vs therefor , from our owne vnthanckfullnes , & want of charity , that we may be comforted by others , in our need ; & become more perfect and constant , in all good works , to the praise & glory of thy name . amen . psal . . to the cheef musitian maschil for the sonns of chorah . it mistically expresseth a christian mans estate wandring through the hopes , doubts , & feares , of this life &c. it is vsefull , when inward or out ward afflictions tempt to despaire of god's love ; or , when we are hindred from frequenting his assemblies , &c. lord , as that hart which water wants , so , longs , my soul for thee : eternal god! so thirsts & pants my soul , thy face to see . my teares , are day & night my meat : and , when i hear them saie , vvhere is thy god ? the greef of it consumes my hart awaie . for , heretofore i went among thy folke on holy-dayes ; them , to thy house , i ledd along , and , there wee sung thy praise . my soul , why art thou so opprest : in mee , why art thou sad ? still , praise thou god , & on him rest ; for , he will make thee glad . my soul , oh god! is faint in mee , yet , thinck on thee i will , though iordans land i cannot see , nor hermons litle hill. the , deepes vpon each other call , when thy loud stormes descend ; and , over me , thy billowes fall . but , lord , thou help wilt send . for day & night , i 'le sing & pray oh god ( my life ) to thee : my god my rock ; to thee , i 'le say , why thus forsak'st thou mee ? why am i suffred still to mourne , afflicted by my foes ? uuhere is thy god ? they say in scorne ; and , through my bones it goes . my soul , why art thou so opprest ? why art thou sad in mee ? stil praise thou god ; & on him rest for ; he my god will be . how desirable ( oh holy-ghost the comforter ) are thy consolations to afflicted souls ! & how thirstely swallowed , being mingled with our teares ! our sinns oft greeve thee ; therfor , thou iustly greevest vs to make vs sensible of our vnkindnesses : therfore , wee are somtime censured as hypocrites ; & have all our piety & devotion mentioned with scorne , to our vexatiō : therfor , mischeeves like waves , follow vs , one after another ; yea , & therfor also , our owne consciences so accuse vs , that wee are somtime sorrowfull to the death , & almost desperate of thy favour . but , blessed spirit , speake thou ( oh speake thou ) comfortably to our scules ; & to whatscever outward miserie thou expose vs , ( yea though we appear miserable to our selves ) be thou still our god , & our comforter , that our sorrowes may at the last be turned into ioy , to thy glorie & our everlasting consolation . amen . psa . . the prophet prayeth for assistance , promiseth to be thanckefull , & concludes , with rowzing vp his deiected soul to persevere in praising , & relieng on god. it may be sung , to keep vs vndiscouraged in our spiritual greevances . lord , judg thou me & plead my right with such as cruel be ; from wicked men , that vse deceit oh god! deliver meet . for , since thou lord , my fortresse art why shouldst thou fro me goe ? why should i walke so sad in hart oppressed by my foe ? mee , let thy light & truths bright raies , vnto thy dwelling bring : and , at thine altars , to thy praise oh! god my ioye , i 'le sing . my soul , why art thou so opprest ? why art thou sadd in mee ? still praise thou god , & on him rest : for he my god will be . vvhen our scules are afflicted , expose vs not ( oh god to suffer longe , the scornes of our adversaries ; nor leave vs to the terror of those cruel iudgements which our owne consciences do often pronounce against vs : but , when wee are most severely iudged by the world , & by our owne selves , doe thou absolve vs : depart not from vs , when wee are compassed about with iniuries , neither give vs over to those melancholy cogitations which will oppresse our harts when sorrowe hath entred into our soules . but , let the truth of thy promises , & the light of thy countenance , so appeare to vs , that we may be revived thereby ; to the encrease & continuance of our consolation ; and , that ( depending alwaies on thee as our sole comforter ) we may magnifie thy name for ever & ever . amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian , for the sonns of chorah . the church pleads for gods mercie , because hee is her auncient deliverer ; & because he is yet her only trust , though shee hath long sustained the scornes & oppressions of tyrants , &c. it may be vsed , when the church or commonwealth is afflicted , &c. oh god! thy work 's in ages past wee heard our fathers tell : how , thou the gentiles forth didst cast , and , broughtst them , there to dwell . for , nor their sword nor arme it was by which that land they gaind but , lord , thy hand , thyne arme , thy grace , and favour , them sustain'd . oh lord my god , my king thou art , thy iacob . still , defend , and , we shall those through thee subvart that harm to vs intend . wee . through thy name shall tread them lowe , that vs resist , oh lord ; for , i depend not on my bowe , nor trust i to my sword . wee from our foes were kept by thee , and thou didst work them shame : in thee therfore , much joy'd were wee and , wee did praise thy name . yet , now disgrac'd , thou throw'st vs by ; our hoast thou dost forsake : before our foes , thou mak'st vs fly and , spoiles from vs they take . thou makest vs the gentiles meat , and , vs like sheep they slaie ; we , scattred , & for sale , are sett to those , who nothing paie . at vs our neighbours laugh & ieer , of vs , they proverbs make : the people round vs , mock & fleer ; at vs , their heads they shake . disgrace is alwaies in my sight ; and , redd with shame , i grow , to hear the scornfull words of spight , and , railings of my foe : yet , wee , o lord , forget not thee , nor from thy cov'nant stray ; nor changed in our harts are we , nor gone out of thy way . nay , though ( opprest , in death's black shade ) wee lodg'd with dragons , lie ; thy name , wee nor forgotten had , nor to strang gods did crie . yea lord , thou know'st ( who know'st each thought ) that , daylie , for thy sake , we fare like sheep , to slaughter brought and , so our deaths wee take . lord , wake , & rise ; why sleepst thou so ! reiect vs no for aye . why shouldst thou disrespect our woe , and hide thy face away ? behold , ev'n to the dust wee make our soules & bodies bend : redeem vs for thy mercie sake ; arise , & vs defend . deliver vs , oh lord , from all our adversaries : & make vs to be still mindfull what wee have aunciently heard concerning thee , from others ; & what experience we our selves have had of thy iudgments and mercies , from time to time : that , neither our prosperities make vs arrogate any thing to our selves , nor our afflictions or persecutions cause vs to blaspheame , or forget thee . yea , though we should become the scorne & laughing-stock of our neighbours , a prey to our foes , & be alwaies as the sheep appointed for slaugher ; yet , keep vs vnchanged in the true religeon , & in our love to thee : that , thou ( to whome both our outward trialls , & our inward sinceritie , is ever knowne ) mayst in due time , help & save vs whome thou hast redeemed , through iesus christ our lord , amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian vpon shosannim for the sonns of chorah maschil . it is , as it were , christ's marriage-song , and setts forth the glorie of that bridegroome & of his spouze . it is vsefull to stir vp our spirituall affection to christs , &c. my tongue shall prompt the writers penn , my thoughts of thee , oh king ! to tell : for , thou excellst the sonns of men ; and , on thy lipps , all graces dwell . god , wil thee blesse , for evermore . great conquerour , vnto thy side , with honor , gird thy sword , therefore , and , forward in thy triumphs ride . thy righthand shall , by deeds vpright , ( by truth , & meeknes ) wonders doe : thy shafts , thy foes , to death shall smite , and , make the people serve thee to . eternal is thy throne of state ; thy scepter , from all wrong is free ; thou iustice lov'st , thou sinn dost hate ; and , therfor , god anointed thee . yea , thine owne god , thy head anoints , ev'n with his oyle of ioyfulnes ; and , thee ( above thy mates ) appoints , the place of sov'raigne to possesse . the pretious robes , which thou put'st on of aloes , cassia , & of mirrh , smell round about thine yv'rie throne , when , they thy hart have cheared , there . kings daughters , have at all times bene among thy maides of honour , found : and , at thy righthand , stands the queene , in ophir gold , arayd , & crown'd . hear , daughter , & my words respect ; forget thy fathers kindred , now : and , that the king may thee affect , him , for thy lord , acknowledg thou . then , shall the daughters come from tyre , and , bring rich presents vnto thee ; the wealthy , shall thy grace desire , and , suitors , for thy favours be . the daughter of the king , doth wear an vpper garment wrought with gold : but , if her in-side should appear , you , all perfections would behold . her , to the kinge , present they shall , in robes which are by needels wrought ; ev'n with her fellowe virgines all , ( attending her ) shee shall be brought . they shall into his pallace come , with ioyfull hart , & merry chear : and , shee , shall in her fathers roome , to be her comforts , children bear . great kings , ( on earth ) shee , them shall make ; and , cause , that men in future daies , such notice of her name shall take , that nations all , shall sing her praise . most amiable bridegroome of our seules , ( whose excellencies ravish , with spirituall affections , all those who cann apprehend the beamings of thy maiesty , with true faith . ) proceed on , in the manifestation of thy powre ; enflame our hart : by the vision of thy perfections ; make our persons acceptable by the reflection of thy beauties ; enrich vs outwardly with the goldē embroideries of goodworks ; adorne vs inwardly with the iewells of divine graces ; and let thy holie-spirit brings vs vnto thee , acompanied with so many vnpoluted affections ; that , thou maiest take pleasure in our comelines ; and , that we , forgetting our carnall desires , ( and wholie renouncing our selves ) may have our full contentation in thy dear embraces ; and enioy all the priveledges belonging to thy spouze , for ever and ever . amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian for the sonns of chorah , a song vpon alamoth . it expresseth on assurance of god's protection , & the reasons thereof , with an exhortation also , to take notise of god's powre . it is vsefull to vs , for those purposes , &c. god , is my strength , when dangers are ; a ready healp approoved : therfore , wee would not stand in feare , though all the world were mooved . no , though the flouds had flowed-o're the highest earthlie dwellings ; and seas did make the hillie shore , to tremble at their swellings . ( selah . ) there is a river , which doth glad the place where god resideth ; and , happie is that cittie made , because , he there abideth . her , vn-remoov'd , & firme to sett , he , timelie vndertaketh ; and , though realmes rave , & heathens frett , earth melts , when he but speaketh . the lord of hoasts , our part will take ; vs , iacobs god , protecteth . ( selah , oh come therefore , & notise take what wonders god effecteth : what wa st , & spoiles , when he shall please , among mankinde he sendeth ; and , how he makes , both warr & peace , as far as land extendeth . he cutts the spear , he breakes the bowe , and , he the charret fireth : be still , saith hee , & also , know your god the samer equireth . i will divulge my fame abrode to ev'ry ethnick nation . the lord of hoasts , ev'n iacobs god , ( with vs ) is our salvation . ( selah ) no distrust have our soules , oh lord , of thy loving protection ; yet , when the contract betwixt thee & vs was first published , the whole world of our enimies raged at our preferment ; & all the corruptions of our nature did furiously oppose our vnion : and , but that wee were strengthned by thy continuall presence ( & refreshed by the ever-flowing river of thy grace ) they had shaken ( & perhaps overthrown ) our constancie . oh! continue thy assistance to our comfort , & their further vexation . protect vs from every evill ; confirm vs in all goodnes ; & so break the weapons & engines of vngodlines ; that , all the world may extoll thy works ; & , wee continue , for ever , in thy salvation , through iesus christ our lord amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian , a psalme for the sonns of chorah . it provoketh to reioicinge , for the ascention of christ ; praiseth him , for subiecting the world to his spiritual dominion ; & for vniting iewes & gentiles &c. wee should vse it to those purposes . to god , all people , ioyfullie clapp hands , with exultation ; for , dreadfull is the lord , most high , great king of ev'ry nation . he , vnto vs , by his great powre , much people hath subjected ; and , made our heritage , the flowre of iacob , his elected . ( selah ) with trumpets , & with merry noise , is god the lord ascended : oh! let him be ( with joyfull voice ) in songs of praise , commended . of god our kinge , the praise now sing ; sing praise , & honour do him . the lord , of all the world is king ; sing praise , with knowledge , to him , god sitts vpon his holy throne or'e all the gentiles raigninge ; and , calleth ev'ry willing-one , to iacobs god pertaininge . for , vnto god ( whome ev'rie tongue with high applause commendeth ) the worlds protection doth belonge ; and , he the same defendeth , eternal sonn god , great in powre , terrible in iudgment , king of kings , & lord of lords ; who sitting on the right-hand of thy father , hast subiected the world to thy dominion , & elected vnto thy selfe out of all nations those willing-ones who are obedient to thy call. oh grant , that wee may not hide thy talent , or belie thy bountie ( by their perswasions , who tell vs that , thou expectest to reap where thou sowedst not ) but , let vs thanckfully , acknowledge thy common grace : vvhen we are perticulerly called , let vs runn vnto thee by thy assisting spirit ; & obtain that speciall favour , which makes a sure election , and from which there is no falling . so , we shall see that truth , at which so many slumble ; & with cheerfull harts , & triumphant voices , ascribe our salvation , wholy , to thee ; & all honor , & powre , & glory , to thy maiesty , now & for ever more . amen . psa . . a psalm & songe for the sonns of chorah . it extolls the lord , & the place of his dwelling ; confesseth his mercy , his bounty , & exhorts others to consider & publish he same . wee , above many other nations , should vse this , to praise god for our syon , &c. the lord is great , & great his fame should in his holy mountaine be : for , syon is a goodly frame ; the praise of all the world , is shee . shee north-ward stands , & shee doth hight the cittie of the king of might . the lord , is knowne to be her garde ; for , when great kings against her came , they much admir'd ; admiring , feard ; and , fearing , fledd away with shame : ev'n with such pangs , & suchlike feare , as women that in travaile are . for , thou , didst raise an easterne winde , which all the shipps of tarsus brake : and , lord of hoasts , now true we finde , what others of thy cittie spake : yea , wee have heard , & now wee see , that , god will still her keeper be . ( selah ) within thy temple , wee oh god , vpon thy loving-kindnes thought ; thy name is published abrode ; with justice , thy right-hand is fraught : and , in thy iudgments , syon shall reioice , with iudah's daughters all . through syon goe ; about her walke , her bullworks marke , her turrets heed ; that , of her beauties you may talke and , tell her glories to your seed : for , god in life , will be our guide ; and , in our death , our god abide . thou art worthy oh lord god , to receive honor , & praise & powre ; for , thou hast beautified , & soe fortified thy cittie the catholick church ; & thy auncient promises concerning her , are so gratiouslie fulfilled , that many famous nations , kingdomes & potentates , ( who despised & opposed her small beginning ) having , since , vewed her ( with reverence terror & admiration ) are driven back from their idolatries & ashamed of their malitious intentions . make vs oh god! faithfull citizens of this thy citty , & delighted , so to observe & publish the beauties & priveledges thereof , that the number of her inhabitans may be increased , & that wee & they , may there live , vnder they protection , for ever & ever . amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian a psalm for the sonns of chorah . it declares the common vanity , & the solly of men in honor &c. it is vsefull , to comfort the weak christian against the scandalls of the crosse ; & strengthens him that is offendeth at the prosperities of the wicked &c. yee dwellers all on earth , give eare , both rich & pore , & high , & lowe ; for , musings deep , i will declare , and , wisdome from my tongue shall flowe . dark problems i will harken out , a ridle to my harpe , i 'le sing ; for , of that day , what should i doubt , which , all my faults , will round me bring ? they , who their trust in riches have , and , glorie in their wealths encrease , their brothers life , shall neither save , nor with his god , procure him peace . for , soules redemptions are so deare , that , no man cann sufficient have to purchase life , for ever , here ; or , scape the dungeon of the grave . men see , both fooles & wisemen die , and , that their gettings others wast : yet , to their names , their lands they tie , and , thinck their house will ever last . but , man's vaine honor soone decaies , ev'n as the bruitish creature dies : and , ( though their seed , their course do praise ) their waies are neither safe , nor wise . selah like sheep , they food for death are made , who shall a cov'ring on them laie : their glories in the grave shall fade , and , iust-men rise more blest , then they . selah despaire not then , though some thou see , surpassing thee in place , or pelfe : since , god , thy soul from hell will free , and , home receive thee to him self . for , though their life more blest they thought , ( and , others did their path commend ) they to their grave shall carry nought , nor shall their pompe to them descend . no ; to their fathers , they must passe , and lie in darknes quite forgott ; for , foolish men in honor'd place , are like the beast , which dies , to rott . it is a riddle ( oh father of wisdome ) that happines , should be attained without wealth honours and such transitorie things ; therfor , worldings magnify them selves , & applaud others , according to their temporal acheivments ; but , when sinn followes at the heels to iudgment ; when the grave shall devour our beauties ; & when the price of soules is required ; then , their vanity will be apparant . grant therfor , oh lord , that neither the worlds esteem of such things , make vs to overvalue them ; nor our want of them , to be discouraged ; but , ●●t vs be fully contented in our salvation by thee : so , when they perish like beasts , ( & are consumed & forgotten in the grave ) who were honorable & rich , without understanding ; wee , whome they iudged vnhappie , shal at the resurrection arise blessed and glorified , through iesus christ , our lord , amen . psa . . a psalm for asaph . it prophecies of the last iudgement , & summons iewes & gentiles there vnto ; it declares by what lawe they shall be iudged ; reprehends hypocrites ; & exhorts to repentance , &c. it is vseful , to warne that wee be not hypocriticall ; in regard , all shall one day be disclosed , &c. the lord our god , th'almightie-one hath spoke , & summon'd all , that are bewixt the rising sunn , and places of his fall . god's glorie , syon , first will showe , with noise , approch will hee ; before him , burning fire shall goe , a storme , shall round him be . through heav'n & earth , he shall , aloud , his folke to iudgment call ; his saints , that sacrisizes vow'd , appear before him shall . his iustice , heav'n shall shewe abrode ; for , god the iudge will be . hark isr'el ; for , ev'n i , thy god , will thee accuse , saith hee . i , for thine offrings blame thee not , which were my due of olde ; nor bullock ask i , neither goate , out of thy stall or folde . for , i , more heards of cattell owne , then all the mountaines yeald ; to mee all beasts , & birds are known , that live in wood or feild . if i were hungrie , dost thou thinck , ( since all the world is mine ) thy goates bloud , i would ask to drinck ? or , feed on bulls of thine ? no ; rather pay , in thanckfulnes , thy vowes ; and call on me : so , i shall pittie thy destresse and , have due praise from thee . but , to the wicked , saies the lord , how darest thou to prate of my commands , & of my word , whilst thou dost counsell hate ? for , when thou dost a theef perceive , a share with him thou tak'st ; thou , in adulterie dost live , and , wicked words thou speak'st . thy brother , ( thine owne mothers sonn ) thou causles , dost revile . i , silent was , & thou hast done these wicked things , the while . yea , thou hast therevpon suppos'd , that , i , was like to thee ; but , all thy folly shall disclos'd , and , now apparant be . yee , that of god forgetfull are , of this , remembrance have ; els , i shall you in peeces tear , when there is none to save , for , i am glorifide of those , that give due praise to mee , and , such as well their lives dispose my saving-health shall see . allmighty god , who with maiestic & terror , shalt come to iudge the world & require an account of everie one according to the talent receaved ( especially of vs , who are saints , by an ordinarie & visible callinge ) give vs grace to offer the acceptable sacrifize of righteousnes & true obedience . let not our religion be meerly formall , without the fruites of good life . let vs not be of those hypocriticall talkers & professers of thy word , whoe hate reformation , & vncharitably censure their owne brethren ; neither let thy long forbearance of our sinns cause vs any way to abuse thy mercies : but , grant rather , that we may so vnfaignedly embrace thee in our harts , & so truly serve thee in our lives , that thou maist be glorified by vs , & wee saved by thee in the last iudgment , amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian a psalme of david when nathan the prophet came vnto him , after he had gone into bethsheba . it personates a man trulie penitent ; and , a true confession , contrition , & purpose of amendment , is the subiect of this psalme , everie true penitentiarie may sing it in his humiliation , &c. oh lord , of thy abounding love to my offence , remissive be : my follies purge , my sinn remove , and , of thy grace , daigne grace to me . for , still , my fault before me lies ; yea , by my selfe , i am accus'd : thee , thee alone , my conscience cries , ev'n to thy face , i have abus'd . which , here i do confesse , oh lord , that , when to censure thou art brought , men , true my finde thy truthfull word , and , judge thy iudgments as they ought . for , ( sinnfull though my parents made , my beeing , & my birth to bee ) from thee , a secret grace i had , to forme the truth thou seek'st in mee . and , if i purg'd with hysope were , mee , thou shouldst make more white then snowe : yea , thy glad-message when i heare , the bones thou brak'st , will healthfull growe . then , from my faults , thy face divart ; blot all my follies out of sight ; creat in me a spotles hart , and , make my spirit , lord , vpright . oh! let me not rejected be ; take not thy holie-ghost away ; to joiefull health , restore thou mee ; let thy free spirit be my stay . so , i will other sinners guide , to seek thy grace , & walk thy waies ; and , ( if my bloudie sinn thou hide ) thy iustice , oh my god , i 'le praise . which praises , that my tongue may sing , my lipps , oh lord my god , vnclose : for , burnt-oblations i would bring ; but , thou hast quite reiected those , a greeved soul , a contrite hart , is god's best-liked sacrifize : with such , oh god! thou pleased art ; and , such thou never shalt despise . as thou art pleas'd , mount - syon blesse , and wall about ierusalem . the sacrifize of righteousnes , shall then obtaine thy good esteem . yea , thou shalt then their guifts receive , and , they shall all their offrings pay ; ev'n whole burnt-offrings they shall give , and , oxen on thine altar slay . oh lord ! our owne consciences accuse vs , & will pronounce thee iust if thou condemn vs : for though it might somewhat moove thy compassion , to consider our disabilities , by original polution ; yet , knowing what grace thou hast secretly infused , both , to resist that naturall corruption , and to forme also within vs that righteousnes which thou requirest ; wee have no excuse ( no hope ) but to appeal to thy mercie . to thy mercie therfor , wee appeal , beleeving to be perfectly purified by the sprinckling of thy dear sonns bloud . oh! forgive vs for his sake ; restore vs to thy favour ; repaire what is decaied in soul or bodie ; & so comfort , renue , guide , & strengthen vs , by the continuall presence of the holy-ghost ; that our conversation may be more vpright ; & all our future endeavours become acceptable ; to thy glorie , to the saving of our soules , & to the consolation of other penitent sinners , through iesus christ our lord : amen . psal . . to the cheef musitian maschil a psalm of david when doeg the edomite came & told saul , & said vnto him , david is come vnto the house of abhimelech . it mistically , personates the elect , vpraiding their persecutors , foretelling their shamfull ruine , & reicicing in their owne deliverances , &c. it is vsefull in persecutions . why vaunt'st thou tiraunt of thy wrong ? god's love will still the same appear , although thy mischeef-working tongue , faines lies , as keen as razors are . thou , evill more then good respect'st ; thou lovest falshood more then right : ( selah . ) all harmfull speaches thou affect'st , and , tongues which publish forth deceit . but , thee from hence , the lord shall tear , and , from the land thy dwelling take . ( selah . ) the iust shall see the same with feare , and , sport at thy destruction make . yea , they shall say ; loe , this was hee who sought not god to make him stronge ; but , labour'd how he great might be , by getting wealth , & doeng wrong . then , as for mee , i prosper shall as olive trees that have their place within gods holie temple wall , and , still depend vpon his grace . there , lord , i 'le spread abrode thy fame ; yea , then , i 'le praise thee for thy love , and , trust for ever in thy name ; which , all thy saints will well approve . deliver vs oh gratious lord , from the cruell insolencies & falshood of those , who seek their advancement by iniurious & wicked meanes . preserve vs also from the guilt of their abhominations ; but especially from being so shameles , as to make vaunts of oppression , or of any other sinn . disenable , & root out of the land , all such insolent offenders ; that the righteous florishing as green olive trees , & beholding thy iudgments , may with reverent awe , reioice in their subversion who are friends to vnrighteousnes ; & ( with a fearles confidence in thy love ) magnify thy holy name , for ever & ever . amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian maschil , a psalm of david . it is almost the same with the . psalm . and may be vsed to minde vs that our nature was wholie depraved , and that wee should desire the comming of christ , by whome wee are to be renewed , &c. the foole , doth god in hart denay , and , all corrupt are growne ; perverse & wicked is their way , there is no righteous-one . for , god from heav'n his eye declin'de , man's of-spring to behold ; and , searched who did seek to finde , or , know him as they should . but , all their waies prepostrous were ; all , fillthie & vnsound : none sawe he live vprightlie , there ; not one good man , he found . ev'n brutishlie , fond sinners eat god's people , as their bread . they , seek not god ; and horrors great they feel , where is no dread . the lord will breake the bones of them that have beseiged thee ; and , thou shalt shame them , since , of him they disrespected be . would wee god's healp from syon had ! for , iacob , triumph shall , and , isr'el , will there of be glad , when them he brings from thrall . free vs , oh lord , from that vniversall corruption which overspreadeth our nature ; that wee neither become so foolish to deny thee in our harts , nor so perverse as to dishonour thee in our waies . soe behold our polutions , that thou maist cleanse vs from them ; soe consider our weaknes , that thou maist breake the bands of all our foes ; so make vs to fear thee , that all our other feares may be turned into ioye ; and cause vs to be so desirous of that salvation , which was promised out of syon , that ( being delivered from the thraldome of sinn and death ) wee & every true israelite , may triumph in our salvation & redemption through iesus christ our lord. amen , psa . . to the cheef musitian on neginoth maschil . a psalm of david when the ziphims came & said to saul , doth not david hide himself with vs ? it mystically prophecied the iewes trecheries & tirannies against christ &c. it is vsefull , when wee are ( or have beene ) betraied or persecuted by false brethren , &c. defend mee lord , for thy name sake , in thy great powre , adjudg thou mee , of all thy suites quick notise take ; and , let my words well heeded be . for , strangers doe against me rise , and , tirants for my life have sought , ( not setting thee before their eyes ) although my healp , thou still hast wrought , the lord , my soules vpholders , gards ; his truth hath chas'd my foes away ; and , them with vengance he rewards : for which , my vowes i 'le freely pay . to laud thy name is wel approv'd and , i oh lord , thy praise will sing ; because , my greefs thou hast remoov'd and , on my foes , my wish dost bring . encline thtne eare ( oh mercifull father ) vnto all our iust petitions , & suffer vs not to be oppressed by our professed foes , nor to be betraied into their hands , by those aliens vnto thy truth & goodnes , from whome wee have better deserved ; but , as thou hast bene alwaies heretofore our healper ( and the vpholder of them who have befreinded vs. ) so , continue , we pray thee , to reward our friends , according to their kindnes ; to requite our foes according to their deservings ; & to deliver vs from all our sorrowes , through iesus christ ; to whome , with thy blessed spirit , wee will offer vp the free sacrifize of praise and thancksgivinge , now & for ever . amen , psa . . to the cheef musitian neginoth maschil , a psalm of david . it personatet the faithfull , complaining & petitioning against the inhumanitie of their foes . it deciphers , also , false brethren ; declares their destruction , & the securitie of the elect. it may be vsed as the former . oh god! my praiers hear ; hide not away thine eare ; but , hear , & cast on mee thine eye . for , loud my foes doe roare ; the wicked greeve me sore ; and , therfore lord , thus loud i crie . with wrongs , they mee persue , a wrathfull spight they shewe , and , i , at hart am greatlie vext : deaths torments mee oppresse , i shake through fearfullnes , with horrors great , i am perplext . i sayd ; doves wings , had i , to rest , i then would flie . lo , then farr hence i would abide , i , then would haste away , and , in some desert stay which frō the tempest mee should hide . ( selah . ) destroy & slitt their tongues ; for , strife , oh lord , & wrongs , possesse their cittie night & day : in midst thereof i spi'de sinn , fraud , & guile abide ; these , in her streats , still made their stay . a foes contempt , or scorne , i could have shund or borne ; but , mee no publike foe abus'de : it was my trusted peer ; as friends , wee freindlie were , and , wee god's house togither vs'd . arrest them , death & hell , with whome such mischeevs dwell : for , i , vpon the lord will call . to god , at night i 'le pray , at morninge , at nooneday ; and , mee both hear , & save , he shall . in warr , he gave mee peace , and , mee will still release : ev'n me , the lord will hear , and save . but , god will punish them : ( selah . ) for , they his feare contemn ; because , that they no changes have . their hands , the peace did breake , ( where they a league did make ) and , though their speach most freindlie were , yet are , sometime , their words , like darts or naked swords . let god , therefore , thy burthen bear . for , god is thy defence , he gardeth innocence ; and , sinners downe to hell will thrust . not half their daies they live , who murther or deceive : but , in the lord i put my trust . many & greevous ( oh lord ) are those troubles which exercise thy children ; especially in those places , where prophanes , or false worship is openly approoved : but , the greatest afflictions are occasioned by hypocrites , false breathren , & those who abuse us vnder cullour of religeon , or by pretences of dearest amitie . defend vs therfor , oh god , from those harmfull serpents ; give us the wings of dovelike innocence , to carry us above their snares : grant us those enterchanges of prosperitie & adversity , which may keep us both in thy fear , & love : suffer not the tribulations of the world , nor the temptations of the devill , nor the miseries of the flesh , to oppresse us : but , let us lay all our burthens vpon thee , confidently ; trust in thee firmly ; seek thee duly ; love thee sincerely ; & enioy thy gratious protection for ever more amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian vpon the mute dove in the desert , a golden psalm of david , when the philistims took him in gath. it typically personates the church in persecution , & is a prayer , & a complaint against her foes , acknowledging gods regard of her suffrings , professing assurance in him , & promising to be thanckfull &c. it is vsefull to those ends . &c. have mercie lord , for , man hath sought to swallowe vp , & mischeeve mee . my foes with mee have daylie fought ; and ( lord most high ) they many bee . thou art my hope , when doubts arise , thy word hath brought me comforts , to , on thee alone , my hart relies , and , fearles is , what flesh cann do . they wrest my words , lord , ev'rie day ; to worke me harme , they still devise : they meet vnseene , they mark my way , and , how they might my soul surprise . therfore , in thy just wrath , oh god! correct them for this crime of theirs : and , as thou dost my faults record , recorde , & botle vp my teares . for , thou wilt save me , lord , i knowe ; when thee i seek , my foes flie back : thy promise makes mee joyfull growe , and , of thy word , my songs i make . my , trust , oh god! is all in thee , and , of man's powre , i fearles am . thy vowes are all perform'd on mee and , i will praise thee for the same . for thou hast freed my soul from death ; from falls , thou dost my footing stay , to walke , by thee , within that path , which leads to life , a lightsome way . oh thou faithfull preserver of all who put their trust in thee ! our visible & invisible adversaries do continually seek the destruction of our soules & bodies , by many secret & mischeevous devises : but , our trust being placed vpon thee , wee need not fear the malice of any adversarie . grant vs grace therfore , so to depend on thy promises , & so to lament our errors ( with teares of true repentance ) that as our enimies mark our wayes to entrap vs , wee our selves may mark them to prevent ensnarings ; & that thou observing their hatred , & our penitence , mayst cause vs to walke ioyfully , in the way of eternal life , through iesus christ . amen . psal . . to the cheef musitian altaschith , a psalm of david , when he fledd from saul in the cave . it mystically expressed the iewes persecutinge christ , even vnto his grave . wee that are his members , & partake in his suffrings , may sing it , to declare our iniuries , & to pray , & praise god , for deliverances . &c. lord , grant ( oh grant ) me thy compassion ; for , i , in thee my trust have placed , display thy wings for my salvation , vntill my greefs are over-passed . to thee i sue ( oh god most high ) to thee , that canst all want supplie . from their despights who seek to rend mee , let help , oh lord , from heav'n be daigned , and let thy truth & love defend me ; for , i with lions am detained : with men inflam'd , whose biting words , are shafts , & spears , & naked swords . let over heav'n god's praise be reared , and through the world , his glorie showed . for , they who netts for mee prepared , ( they who my soul to ground had bowed ) ev'n they , with in those trapps are caught , which for my fall , their hāds had wrought . selah oh god! my hart now ready maketh , my hart is for thy praise preparing ; my tongue , my harpe , my lute awaketh and , i my selfe , betimes vprearing , will speake & sing , in praise of thee , where greatest throngs of people be . for , lord , thy mercies forth are stretched , as farr as are the sphears extended ; thy truth vnto the clouds hath reached and , thou thy self art high ascended let , still , thy , fame & praise , oh god! through heav'n & earth be spread abrode . oh lord to whome mercy belongeth , have mercy vpon vs ; & let the wings of thy protection be gratiously spread over vs , vntill the stormes of this life be overpast : for , so great & so manyfold are those dangers , & those miseries wherewith wee are alwaies enclosed , by spirituall & temporal foes ; that they have brought our bodies to the grave , & our seules near vnto hell. oh! let thy truth & love defend vs from our lion-like persecuters ; that our harts ( being timely cheared ) our thoughts , words & actions , may harmoniously agree in manifesting thy praises . and , seeing thy holy spirit hath plainely declared the vniversality of thy proffered grace ; let not vs presume to sett limmits there vnto ; but publish thy glorie as vniversaly as thou hast extended thy mercies , through iesus christ our lord. amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian altaschith michtam of david . it reprehends & characters , that serpentine generation , whoe are obstinate enimies to the gospell of christ , & prophecies & illustrates their destruction , &c. it is vsefull to encourage vs against their malice . &c. yee congregation , said yee right ? yee mortalls , are your doomes vpright ? no ; for you muse on works of sinn : your hands with mischeevs filled are , you from your births vntoward were ; and , from the wombe have liers binn . your poyson , like the serpents , flowes ; deaf-adder-like , your eares you close , though powrfull charmes are wisely sung . oh god! their mouthes of teeth disarme ; and , that their fangs may do no harme , make tootheles ( lord ) the lion's young . like sudden flouds , their furie slale ; when they would shoot ; their arrowes , breake : yea make them quite consume away . like snailes , consume them from the earth ; or els , like some vntimely birth , destroy , them , er'e they see the day . before wee feel them , prick or burne , them , whirle-winde-like , lord , overturne ; and sweep them hence , in wrath alive . which vengance . when the righteous vewe , ( and vewing sinn receive her due ) they , joyfull thancks , to thee shall give . yea , they shall trample on their bloud , who have bene foes to doeng good ; and ev'rie man shall say , & see , that righteous men shall have their meed ; and , that there is a god , indeed , by whome the world shall iudged be . keep vs , oh lord , from having fellowship in the congregations of those , who are perverted in their iudgment , mischeevous in their conversation ; draf to good instructions , obstinate in their heresies ; & willfull continuers in all their natural corruptions . deliver us from their malice ; breake their instruments of mischeef ; and let their deserved confusion fall suddenly vpon them : that , the faithfull congregation , may vewe it ; & that all men may see & confesse thee , to be the righteous iudge of the world , & the rewarder of all those who put their trust in thee . amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian altaschith michtam a psalm of david , when saul sent & they watched the house to kill him . it cheefly prophecied the iewes dogged crueltie to christ , & that they should be preserved to wander in a vagabond condition ( as wee see at this day ) for an example to others &c. it serves to warne vs , that wee resist not god's grace once offred . &c. my god , protect mee from my foes ; from them , who strive with mee : from sinners gard mee , & from those , that bloodie-minded be . for , loe , the mightie do combine ; they waite my soul to teare : and , without cause or fault of mine , with speed there to prepare . lord god of hoasts , & isr'el , wake , to heed & succour mee : the gentiles curbe , & vengance take , where sinns malitious be . ( selah ) at night , like doggs , they bawling come , they round the cittie goe and slanders ranck , & threatnings , from their mouthes , & lipps , do flowe . for why , say they , none hears the same ; but , god shall them detect : the gentiles also to defame , his ayde i will expect . for , god 's my strength , god healpeth mee , preventing grace bestowes ; and , what my hart requires to see , inflicts vpon my foes . oh lord our help , disperse with shame , disperse them by thy powre ; but , lest my folke forget the same , them , doe not quite devoure . vntill their tongue , all words of spight and falshood , vttred hath ; and , when their pride is at the height , consume them in thy wrath . yea lord , consume them vtterlie , till , notise they obtaine , that , god , throughout eternitie ; doth over iacob raigne . selah at night , vnto the cittie wall like doggs they shall retreat ; without it , they shal bark & bawle , and whine , for want of meat . but , in the morne , aloud i 'le sing , both of thy powre & grace ; and speake what succours thou didst bring when sore destrest i was . ev'n vnto thee , oh god my powre . my praise-full song shall be : for , thou art my defensive towre , and , gratious vnto mee . iust avenger of all malitious iniuries ; according to thy promises thou hast subiected the gentiles to thy sonns dominion , & scattred the iewes ( with a cain - like marke preventing their vtter extirpation ) that so , their vagabond life may be a perpetuall memoriall , both of their crueltie , & of our savious passion . let all those who shall make themselves partakers of their malitious heresie ( without repentance ) be partners in their punishment ; and let them hunt through the earth in error , bawling like doggs without the walls of thy new ierusalē ( for an example to all ages ) : but , let so many of them as have bene misseled , by ignorance only ( without willfull malice ) oh let them , returne from their obstinacie , in the evening of their life ( or of this world ) & let them hunger & thirst after the true messiah ; that in the morning of their & our resurrection , we may , altogether , praise & glorifie thy holy name . amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian vpon shushan eduth michtam of david , to teach when he strove with aram naharaym & with aram zobath , when ioab returned & slew of edom in the salt vallie . it bemoanes the present calamitie ; mitigates it by remembring god's promises ; desires his conduct ; & professeth assurance in him . it is vsefull to encourage those who fight vnder god's banner . &c. oh god! wee are despis'd of thee , and , in thy wrath dispersed be : but , now returne to vs againe . thou smot'st our land , & loe it quakes , oh! stopp the breach , for , still it shakes ; and , many cares thy folk sustaine . a giddie wine thou mad'st vs drink ; yet , they that feare thee , do not shrinck they truths displaied flagg to beare . selah oh! that thy darling , safe may be , let thy right-hand or'e shaddow mee ; and , bowe thou downe to me thine ear . then ( as god's holy-voice declar'd ) all shechem , shall by mee be shar'd ; i 'le succhoth dale by line receive : i 'le gilead & manasseth take ; mount eph'rim , i my gard will make ; in iudah , i , my law will give . my servile worke shall moab doe ; o're edom i will fling my shoe ; and palestine , of mee shall boast for , who to edom is my guide ? or to the cittie fortifide , but , god , that had forsook our hoast ? that lord , who did our hoast forsake , shall of our greefs an ending make : for , man's vaine help wee do contemn . through god , wee valiant acts have done , our foes , by him , shall downe be throwne and , hee shall set his feet on them . notwithstanding our many outward afflictions make vs appeare as reprobates in the worlds opinion ; & though ( by reason of our sinns ) wee our selves are sometime half afraids , that thou , oh god , hast for saken & despized vs : yet , havinge among vs the ensigne of truth as a testimonie of thy favour ; wee beleeve that thy spirituall kingdome shall be continued with vs , & be established in those places also , which are not yet of thy visible church . fulfill oh lord , our hopes herein ; that wee may break through the fortifications of the mistical babilon , & that thy spirituall armies may be victorious , through the conduct of our lord & captaine iesus christ . amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian a psalme of david . it desireth god's assistance ; confesseth former protections , & promiseth future trust in him . it containes also , a prediction of christs kingdome , a petition for grace , and a vowe of thanckefulnes . to these ends it may be vsed . lord , let my plaint attention move , when greev'd at hart i lie ; and , lead mee to the rock above , when from earth's ends i crie . for , as a cittie fortifide , from foes thou gardest mee , within thy tent , still , safe i bide ; thy wings my cov'ring bee . selah . thou hear'dst my vowes , & gav'st mee shares , with such as fear thy name ; and , spar'dst the king , till hee in yeares an aged man became . oh! let thy truth & mercie , lord , preserve him still by thee ; that , still thy praise i may record , and pay my vowes to thee . hear our prayers , oh lord , & let our cries come vnto thee . so firmlie establish vs on that rock whereon thy church is founded , that it may be our bullwork of defense in all dangers . cover vs with the wings of thy mercie ; succour vs in thy tent ; & be gratious vnto vs , from what place , or in whatsoever affliction , wee call vpon thee : that so ( having an outward portion among those who professe thee , & performing those vowes , which wee made vnto thee in our baptisme ) wee may be continued in thy favour , vntil we shal be admitted into thy triumphant church , & enioy life eternall with christ iesus . amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian to iduthun a psalm of david . it professeth trust in god ; threatens & characters out , antichrist & his members ; exhorts to faith in christ ; & declares the vanitie of man & of all tēporall assistances & e. it may be sung to encrease piety . faith , hope , & the contempt of temporall vanities . &c. still wait thou , oh my soul , on god ; for , he my helpe doth prove , my rock , my garde , my safe-abode ; whence , none cann mee remove . those , therfor , who conspire my fall , his blade shall root from hence , and , shake them like a rotten wall , or , like a broken fence . they seek my shame ; they lies commend : and hate when faire they speake . selah . my soul , therfore , on god attend ; thy hope , him only make . for , god ( my strength , my healp , my sort ) from harme will succour mee : my praise , my garde , my firme support , and my sole trust , is hee . in god , yee people , alwaies hope ; to him , your harts declare : for , he will prove a certaine propp , when men deceitfull are . selah . men high & lowe , are lesse in weight , then things that are most vile : trust not therfore , nor take delight , in wealth , in wrongs , or guile . for , once god said , & oft i heard , that , god ( both strong & kinde ) on all men , will bestowe reward , as he , desert shall finde . grant oh lord , that wee may alway , so patientlie attend on thee , that persecutors , falseteachers , and all they who seek our fall or dishonour , may be quite subverted or converted . make vs ever mindfull how strong a supporter thou art vnto all those who put their trust in thee ; & how iust a rewarder of every one according to his deserving . seeing also , wee cann have no safe assurance in the best men , nor in the best outward meanes ( without thy speciall assistance ) let vs never depend vpon them ; much lesse , seek to be secured , or to profit our selves , by fraudulent or wicked practises : but endeavoring rather , to fulfill all righteousnes for thy sake ; and making our petitions to thee only ; at vs depend wholie on thy protection , for ever and ever , amen . psa . . a psalm of david when he was in the wildernes of iudah . it may be sung by those who are afflicted in the wildernes of this life , hungring & thirsting after righteousnes . it expresseth their longing to be pertakers of the publike worship , who are debarred from the same ; & may be vsed also by them , &c. oh god! my god thou allwaies art ; for thee , betimes , i seeking pant , with longing soul , & thirsting hart , ev'n as the land , which raine doth want . yea , lord , my soul doth long , full sore , thy powre & glorie to behold , as i have seene them heretofore , ev'n in thy holie-place of olde . for why ! thy love doth life surpasse ; and , i therfore will sing thy praise : thy name , i 'le all my lifetime blesse , and , vnto thee my hands i 'le raise . for , when i minde thee on my bed , and muze upon thee in the night ; it fills me , as with marrowe fedd ; and i with ioye thy praise recite . since , me thou healp'st in my destresse ; beneath thy wings i gladd remaine , my soul , to thee doth closelie presse ; and , thy righthand shall mee sustaine . but , they shal to their grave descend , whose purpose is my soul to slay : the sword shall bring them to their end , and , they shall be the foxes prey . the king , & they who swear , in truth , by god's great name ; in god shall ioy : but , he shall stop the liers mouth , and , ev'rie perjur'd soul destroy . cause vs to seeke thee timely ( oh lord our god ) and when wee are wandring in the deserts of this life , let vs hunger and thyrst after thee and thy righteousnes ; that wee may be satisfied according , to thy promise . let our muzings be vpon thee , both in the night of our afflictions , and vpon the bedd of our prosperities . let the contemplation of thy powre and glorie fill vs , as with marrowe and fatnes : let thy love be pretious vnto vs ; yea , more pretious vnto vs then our lives : let the wings of thy mercy , and the powre of thine arme , so shaddowe and protect vs , that ( both our lionlike & foxlike adversaries being destroied , and the mouth of all vnrighteousnes being stopped . ) vvee and thy whole church may reioice in thy salvatoon , for ever and ever . amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian a psalme of david . it prophecies the iewish malice against the messiah at his passon ; and that accordinge to their owne imprecation , the avengment of his bloud should be vpon them and their children , &c. it serves to minde vs , what manner of foes wee have , and for what assistance wee may hope , &c. lord , hear my voice , & me acquite from terrors of the foe ; and from their plotts , & feirce despight that mischeefe seek to doe . for , they like swords , their tongues prepare ; with words , like arrowes keen , they shoote the righteous without fear , with quicknes , & vnseene . themselves in mischeefe , strong they make , their plotts they thinck vnspide ; and , search how that effect may take , which in their harts they hide . but , god shall wound them with a shaft , before they be aware ; so , they shall fall by their owne craft , and their owne sentence beare . thereat , beholders , all , shall flie , and , ev'rie man , with feare , the works of god shall magnifie , and , ponder what they are , the righteous also , with delight , on god , their hope shall build : and , they that are in hart vpright , shall with true joie be filld . oh lord , wee have so manie visible , and invissble adversaries , secretly and continually plotting our destruction ; that our soules are afflicted with great terror . some , by whispering of slanders , or by privie conspiracies , seek to endanger our bodies ; others , by hidinge false doctrines vnder appearances of truth , or masks of pietie ; or els , by insinuating carnall or spirituall wickednesses ( before wee be aware ) deeplie wound our consciences , and very dangerously peirce our soules with venemous arrowes . oh god! break , and quench these fierie darts of sathan ; deliver vs from their cunninge proiects ; shoot back their arrowes into their owne bosomes ; and let their predictions be fulfilled on themselves : but , grant that wee may still depend on thee ; & that being delivered from all our terrors , wee may serve thee in holines & righteousnes , all the daies of our life amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian a psalme & song of david . it acknowledgeth god's manifold benifits ; first , those which are peculier to the elect ; & then , his universall providence over all his creatures &c. wee should sing it to those ends . &c. in syon , lord , thine honor lies ; there , vowes to thee are brought : ev'n there , thou answer'st all mens cries , and , of all flesh art sought . though many sinns do me oppresse , from them thou purgest mee ; for , thou thy chosen-one dost blesse , and bringst him near to thee . within thy courts & holie-place , his dwelling he doth gaine ; ev'n there , where wee shall ( of thy grace ) our wished fill obtaine . thou in thy iustice dreadfull art , yet , in thy grace wee stand ; and thou the hope of all men art , that live on sea , or land . girt round with powre , thy vigor laies , a ground-work for the hills : the noise of seas & flouds it staies , the peoples rage it stills . thy signes , remotest clymates feare ; thee , daye & night they praise ; their lands to visite , thou hast care ; and , rich encrease it paies . to water all their furrowes there , thy river overflowes : to feed them , corne thou dost prepare ; and , blessest that which growes . thou crown'st the year with plentiousnes , and , fat thy paths are made : it dropps vpon the wildernes and makes the mountaines glad . faire flocks , their fruitfull meads adorne ; their vallies freshlie springe , and , are so filld with cropps of corne ; that they do laugh & sing . in thy visible church , oh father of mercie , thine honour & thy grace are most evident : nevertheles , thy mercie is not so confined , but that thy church invisibly extends it self into everie corner of the earth ; yea , thy overflowing river makes vp thy harvest even in those deserts where wee behold no fertilitie ; & there ( thou havinge regard as well to the soul as the bodic ) visitest them , not only with temporal , but with spiritual blessings . for which thy great providence & mercie , wee blesse thy holy name ; beseeching thee , so to moisten the clodds of our harts with dewes from above , that wee whome thou hast planted in thy visible garden , may not , be lesse fruitfull then those , to whome thou hast not yet vouchsafed the same priveledges ; but grant that both wee & they ( according to what we have received ) may bring forth fruites acceptable vnto thee , through iesus christ our lord. amen . psa . . a song a psalme . it praiseth god both for temporall & spirituall blessings , especially for the great benifit of our vniversall redēption , which is typically expressed , by allusion to the iewes deliverance from the egiptian bondage &c. it may be sung to praise god for our deliverances from sinn & the devil . &c. yee kingdomes all , god's praise expresse ; in songs , exalt & land his name : to him , his dreadfull acts confesse ; and , how his arme his foes doth tame . let all the world before him bowe . with singing to his name & him ; selah . and , let all men more heedfull growe , what dreadfull things he did for them . the sea he dri'de , & through the maine wee walk'd on foote , him praising there . he hath obtain'd a boundles raigne , and , of all nations , he hath care . he will not let the rebells thrive . selah . oh! blesse our god , & sing his praise ; for , he preserves our soul alive , and , he from slipps our footing staies . by thee , oh god! wee prooved were , like silver tried & refin'de : thou didst entrap vs in a snare , and round our loines affllictions binde . above our heads , thou mad'st men ride ; and , through both flouds & fires , we came : but , thou didst rest , at last , provide ; and , i will praise thee for the same . ev'n in thy house those vowes i 'le pay , which in destresse were sworne by mee ; fatt rams & bullocks i will slay , and burne sweet incense vnto thee . selah . come hither , yee that fear the lord , and , hear what for my soule he wrought , when his assistance i emplor'd , and , him with praise-full voice besought . if any sinn , my hart affects , the lord , will then withdraw his eare : but , surelie , god my suite affects ; for , he my vocall moane did hear . oh! let him ever praised be , for not reiecting my request : and , for his mercie shew'd to me , oh! let him be for ever blest . blessed be thy name ( oh gratious god ) for all thy benifitts ; especially for our many spiritual deliverances , which are , everie day as wonderfull now , as when the redd-sea was dried up . for , through seas of terrors , & deserts of tribulations , wee passe many dangers , many trialls , & many enterchanges of adversitie & prosperitie in this life , to refine & prepare us for a blessed habitation , & , that without impeachment to thy iustice , wee may be made capable of thy free-mercie . oh! root out of our harts that affection to sinn which interrupts thy hearing of our prayers ; and grant that ( by sacrifizinge our brutish affections , & offring vp the sweet incense of a faith fruitfull in good works ) wee may declare our selves thanckfull vnto thee ; and that wee & our oblation may be made acceptable through the merrits of iesus christ . amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian vpon neginoth , a psalme a song . it expresseth a longing for the vniversall spreading of that saving grace which is offred to iewes , & gentiles ; & shewes the blessednes which will succeed the same . it is daylie sung in our liturgie for the enlargment of the catholick faith. thy blessing , lord , bestowe ; shewe vs thy glorious face selah . that , all the world , thy waies may knowe , and , see thy saving-grace . let all men give thee praise ; let all sing praise to thee : let nations all sing out thy praise , for , thou their iudge must be . god , is the nations kinge , selah . let nations all therefore , let nations all , vnto him sing , and praise him ever more . then earth shall give encrease ; and , god , whose folke wee are , that god , shall vs vouchsafe to blesse , and , him , the world shall fear . allmighty god , vouchsafe , that wee whome thou hast alreadie enlightned with a gratious measure of thy saving-knowledge , may so evidently enioy also , thy protection , & the continuall brightnes of thy favour ; that all the nations of the world , beholding the benifit of thy service may be allured to ioyne with us in magnifienge of thee . let also , a due consideration , that thou art vniversall king , makes vs beleeve that thou hast provided means of salvation for all thy subiects : and let the remembrance that thou art vniversall iudge , make vs all , so fruitfull ; that thou maist be vniversally feared , & glorified ; & wee blessed world without end . amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian a psalme or song of david . it is a prophecie of christ heb. . . herein , by allusion to some passages in the olde testament , many evangelical mysteries are shaddowed out ( to witt ) the resurrection , ascention , sending of the holy-ghost , callinge of the gentiles , &c. it is vsefull to commemorate those mysteries , &c. let god arise , & all his foes affright , let those that hate him , be despers'd & flie ; let sinners , passe like smoke out of his sight , and melt like wax which in the fire doth lie . but , from the iust , let him expel their sadnes , and make them glad in him , with perfect gladnes . oh! prais gods name , who rides above the sphear ! his name eternal in your songs commend ; for , in his holy-place , he still appeares the orphanes father , & the widdowes freind . he captives frees , he strangers entertaineth , and for the proud , a fruitles land ordaineth . whē thou didst , lord , thy peoples passage make ( and , waies , for thē through deserts vast prepare ) at sight of thee , both heav'n & earth did shake ; yea , sinai shook , when isr'els god was there . thou gav'st thy flock , sweet raines as need required and , mad'st thē strōg whē they were weak & tired . there dwelleth now , thy congregation , lord , where , for the pore thy goodnes roō had made : whē thou thy self hadst first proclaim'd the word great armies , thē , of preachers , there they had . kings troupes did flie , & shee the spoile divided , who came not forth , but , in her tent resided . ye shal be made ( tho lodg'd with pots ye were ) as fair as doves , with gold & silver wings , as white , as snowe in salmon did appeare , when there , the lord dispersed mighty kings . like bashan hill , god's holy mountaine sheweth , and , bashan-like , all other hills or'e veweth . this hill is god's , & hee inhabits here ; then why insult yee soe , yee meaner hills ? god's charrets , twice ten thousand augells are , and , he , by them , in holy sinai dwells . ascending high , ev'n thraldome , he enthralled , and bought vs guifts , whē we his foes were called . thus god hath done , that he might dwel in vs. oh! let this god , our saviour , blessed be ; selah . for , with good things , he dailie lodeth vs , and , god of life , & lord of death is hee . he breaks the heads of those , that him receive not and wounds the crown of him , that sinning leavs from bashan , & the deeps i wil ( saith god ) bring back my folk as once frō thēce they came that thou maist wash thy feet , in thy foes bloud , and , that thy dogs , may come & lick the same : for , they , oh god my king ! thy goengs heeded ; they saw , how in thy house , thou hast proceeded . the singers first , the minstrells next had place , with whom , the maids , on timbrels plaieng wēt : and then , the choire of isr'els blessed race , did all in one , to praise the lord , concent . there went young beniamin's , & iudah's guiders , and zabulon's , & nepthalies providers . oh lord ! whoe bid'st that we should courage take cōfirm thi work which thou for vs hast wrought ; at salem then , ( and , for thy temple sake ) to thee by kings , shal guifts of price be brouht . their brutish troupes , that armes do love to carrie rebuke , disperse , & make them tributarie , then , egipts kings will seek vnto the lord , and chush will then , to god advance her hands . his praise therfore , yee kingdomes all record , and , sing aloud his praises , all yee lands . for , whē he rides , the sphears his horse he maketh and lo , his voice is thunder when he speaketh . all powre & praise , ascribe to god alone , for , his renowne is through all isr'ell spread : god is in heav'n , the great almighty-one , and , in his holy-place , is full of dread . his peoples powre , by god is much encreased ( by isr'els god ) let him therefore he blessed , eternal sonn of god , who art ascended vnto the right-hand of thy father , & shalt come againe with maiestie to be our vniversall iudge ; deliver vs from the thraldome of sinn , by the powre of thy righteousnes : and ( though wee have yet our conversations among dragons , & in defiled habitions ) make us innocent as doves , & as vnpoluted as the mountaine snowe . encrease the meanes of publishing thy gospel ; and preserve vnitie , order , & good discipline , in thy church : that the comelines thereof may allure all beholders , to desire fellowship in thy congregation ; that , hereticks , hirelings & contentious persons , may be reprooved & reformed , or cutt of ; that , they who are , yet , without , may be received into the covenant ; that wee who are admitted , may be confirmed , without waveringe ; & that the god head may be feared , & praised , & blessed , now & for ever more amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian shosannim a psalme of david . it personates christ taking vpon him our sinns & infirmities ; humbling himself before his father ; declaring the condition of his adversaries ; shewing the bitternes of his passion ; signifieng the iudgments prepared for sinners ; & prayeng for his elect &c. christs members may vse it to those purposes . healp lord , for , flouds enclose my soul , in groundles depths i am bemir'd , above my head , great waters rowle , my parched throate , with cries is tir'de . mine eyes are dim'd in seeking thee , moe then my haires , my foes are growne , my spoilers are too strong for me ; and , take as theirs , what is mine owne . thou knowest how i am too blame ; but , for my sake , let none of those ( lord god of isr'el ) suffer blame , who do in thee their trust repose . for , i sustaine reprochfull scorne . and , am disgraced for thy sake . my brethren , of my mother borne , of mee , likewise , a stranger make . zeal to thy house , hath worne mee out , thy scorners , my reprochers be ; my fastings , & my teares they flout , and , when i mourne , they laugh at mee . of mee , the rulers , evill , spake ; the drunckerds , made of mee their songs : but , lord , my moane , i timelie make , in mercie , mark therefore my wrongs . mee , by thy truth 's protection keep , that miry-depths , nor spightfull-foes , devouring-flouds , nor whirl-pooles deep , nor dungeons mouth my soul enclose . but , lord , of thy abounding grace , ( for thy love-sake ) returne , & hear ; to mee , thy servant shew thy face , and , in my need , incline thine ear . drawe nigh , & save , & sett thou free my soul , from those who bear me spight ; for , all my wrongs , are knowne to thee , and , all my foes , are in thy sight . rebukes & scornes , my hart nigh broke , with greefs opprest , i made my mone ; but , where i did for pittie looke they would ( alas ) afford me none . they , for my meat , did gall prepare , sharp vineger to quench my thirst ; their bourd , therfore , shall them ensnare , and , blessings , be to them accurst . their eye shall be depriv'd of sight : a cure-les greef , their back shall shake : god's heavie wrath , shall on them light , his vengance , them shall overtake . none shall in their abiding-place , or in their tent , be dwelling found : for , whome thou smot'st , those they did chase , and , greeved him , whome thou didst wound . more sinnfull still , they shall become , and , in god's iustice have no share , nor in that book of life have roome , wherein , the iust enrowled are . but , i , that pore & scorned am shall by thyne ayde , oh lord , be raisd ; for which , i 'le magnify thy name , and , in my songs , thou shalt be praisd . and , that , oh lord , more pleases thee , then , horn'd & hoofed oxe to give ; which , when the meek ( thee seeking ) see , it shall with ioye , their hart revive . god's praise , yee heav'ns & earth declare ▪ him praise thou sea , & all in thee : for , to the pore , he lends his ear . and , hee doth sett the pris'ner free . he , syon saves in time of need , and , iudah's townes he will erect , to be for those , & for their seed , who serving him , his name affect . oh lambe of god! which takest away the sinns of the world , have mercie vpon vs. thou , that hast taken on thee our sinns , felt our infirmities , & suffred all which wee deserved , have mercie vpon vs. thou , who for our salvation , didest bear the vnkindnesses of kindred & familiers , the reproches of neighbours , the scornes , & oppressions of strangers , the reproofs of magistrates , & the contempt of the basest people , have mercy vpon vs. thou , who for cursakes , hast endured , insufferable torments of the bodie , the vnspeakable agonies of the soul , & tasted the gall & vineger of everie bitter passion , have mercie vpon vs. deliver us from them who seek to crucifie thee againe , in thy members . raise us by thy resurrection , whome thou hast redeemed by thy passiō ; glorifie us by thy ascentiō , in life eternall , whome thou hast secured frō damnation , by thy death & buriall ; and , for that which thou hast done , & prepared , for thine elect ; let heaven & earth praise thee , world without end amen . psa , . to the cheef musitian a psalme of david to bring to remembrance . the church praies for deliverance from her persecutors ; prophetically imprecates their confusion ; & desires the prosperitie of the godlie , &c. it may be sung when oppressors insult over vs. &c. deferr not lord , thy succours longe but , bring my foes to shame ; ev'n those , who plott my soul to wronge , bring back , with losse & blame . on them who skoffe , & flout at mee , bestowe the scorners hire : but , make them glad , & ioye in thee , who after thee enquire . still , god be prais'd , let all men say , who , on his ayde relie ; and , make , oh lord , no more delay , for , in great want , am i. i will no other aide emplore , then , what thou shalt afford ; to bring me succours , now therfore , thy healp , defer not , lord. healp vs , oh lord ; for thou only art our healper , & wee have no other hopes but in thee . make us not the spoile or scorne of those , who desire , & practise the destruction of our soules : but , grant rather , oh god! that all they who fear thee , may be comforted in our speedy deliverances ; reioice in thy mercies ; relie on thee in their necessities ; & ascribe all thancks , honour , & glorie to thy blessed name , for ever more . amen . psa . . the church acknowledgeth god's preservation of her in her severall ages , & from her manyfold oppressers , desiring to be preserved also , in her last & worst age . &c. wee , on whome the worst age is come , should vse it as a prayer , to be delivered from the same . keep me from shame ; for , lord in thee i trust ; incline thine ear , to healp & set mee free : yea , save thou mee , oh lord , as thou art iust , my rock , my fort , my refuge daigne to be ; for , lord my strēgth , thou help dost promise me , mee from the powre of sinnful men defend , and from their hands , oh lord , that cruel are . my soul , on thee did in the wombe depend , and , since my birth , thou hast of mee had care : for which my tongue shal stil thy praise declare , thou art my hope , though wondred at i be , and , i will fing thy praises all the day . when i am weake & old , lord , leave not mee : for , with despight , my haters mee gainsay , and , for my soul , they plotts & engines lay . god , leaves him quite ( say these ) persue & take ; he , now , hath none to rescue him from thral . but , come , oh god! & speed to healp me make ; oh come ! & smite my soules oppressors , all , bring scorn & shame , on those who seek my fal . thē , still , i 'le hope ; thy love i 'le still commend ; yea , still , relate what favours thou hast done : and , of thy grace , since i perceave no end , thy strength , lord god , i will depend vpon , and , magnifie thy righteousnes alone , till now , oh god! thy marvailes i have told , as from my youth i have bin taught by thee : oh leave me not , when i am gray & olde , till ages all , thy powre have learn'd of mee ; and , then extold , thy iustice , lord , shall be . none ever did such works as thou hast wrought ; and , though my soul thou keptst awhile in paine , at last , as one who from the grave was brought , me , to my ioyes thou didst restore againe ; for which , my harpe , to praise thy name , i strain , my tongue , likewise ; in setting out thy prais , oh thou cheef saint of isr'el ! part shal bear ; so shal my soul , whose price thy bountie paies , and , ev'rie day , thy iustice i 'le declare , because , my foes defam'd , & ruin'de are . oh lord , in the wombe wee had extraordinarie nourishmēt & breathing for our bodies , & ( no doubt ) our seules had there , a due nourishment by thy spirit . being borne , wee are brought into thy visible church by baptisine , & long time after sustained by thee , both in soul & body , without having any outward work required at our hands ; & when we are capable of the outward covenant , al thou requirest is but to give thee that hart which thou hast prepared so to doe . yet helps vs , oh god , in this dutie ; & never leave us in our own hands . and as thou hast in all her former ages , preserved thy church , both from the rage of iewes , gentiles , & heriticks ; so , in this her old & worst age , preserve her from those hypocrites & lukewarme professors , who have added seacret mischeeves , to publike oppressions . yea preserve her , & us , oh god , from those , & all other adversaries , that thy truth may be continued to all ages ; the ioye of her children restored ; & thy blessed name glorified , for ever end ever . amen . psa . . a psalm for solomon . it setts forth the maiestie of christ & his kingdome ( for , only , of that salomon are many passages of this psalme verified ) it declares his universal iudicature ; the churches happines therein ; his marvailous incarnation ; the extent , riches , & peaceablenes of his kingdome &c. wee should sing it to glorify god for those things &c. the king oh god! with judgment blesse , and , give thy iustice to his sonn ; that , to thy people , in destresse , with judgment , iustice may be done . then , truth & iustice florish will , on ev'rie great & litle hill . then , poorest men shall be secure , for , he will all oppressors tear ; and , whilst the sunn & moone endure from age to age , they , him shall fear . on earth , like dropps descend he shall ; like those , which on the fleece did fall . the iust , shall whilst he rules have peace , so long as doth the moone remaine : he from the river to the seas , ( and quite throughout the world ) shal raigne , the salvages , adore him shall , and all his foes , before him fall . arabia's prince , & saba's kinge , the lords of seas , & ilands to , shal guifts to him , with homage , bring ; so shall all kings , & people doe . for , when they crie , he setteth free , the pore & meek , that helples be . the pore & humble he respects , he saves their soules that healples are : from fraud & force , he them protects ; for , in his eye , their bloud is dear . to him , they sheba's gold shall give ; and , he shall prais'd , & prayd for , live . his corne , shall from a handfull , growe to cover all the mountaines topps ; like libanon , his fruit shall showe , and fill the citties with his cropps . his fame through ages , all shall runn , as everlasting as thee sunn . in him , the nations all abrode , shall blessed be , & praise him to ; oh praise the lord ! ev'n isr'els god , for , he alone cann wonders do . still , blessed be his glorious name , and , earth still filled , with his flame . amē . amē , sweet iesu who being invisible in thy deitie , didst become visible in thy humanitie , by descending miraculously into the virgines wombe , like raine into gideons fleece ; grant wee beseech thee , thy divine spirit may so infuse it selfe into our harts that ( iustice , peace & charitie , encreasing & continueng vpon the earth ) all thy afllicted children may be comforted & secured ; the barbarous nations converted ; thy kingdome enlarged ; thyne enimies be brought into subiection ; thy feilds become abundantly fruitfull ; & heaven & earth be filled with thy glorie , world without end , amen . psa . . a psalm for asaph . it expresseth , how the faithfull are sometime discouraged , by the prosperities of the wicked ; & is an excellent description of such conflicts as are between the flesh & the spirit in everie christian . &c. we may vse it , to comfort vs in such tēptations , & to remember vs whither to repaire in such conflicts . no doubt , god counts his isr'el dear , and , loves the righteous man ; yet was my foot quite gone , wel-near and , i to fall begann . for , when i fooles did honor'd vewe , and sinners lifted high , and that nor sick , nor weak they grewe , their weal i did envie . from greefs like ours , they seemed free , their pride & cruelties , to them as clothes or bracelets be ; and , fatt stuffs out their eyes . they have their wills , & are so base , to boast of sinns & wrongs : and neither earth nor heav'nly place , escapes their evill tongues . to such ful-springs , as wel as they , god's children seek to goe : for , god ( the god most high ) they say , regards not what wee do . lo , wicked men the world possesse , and , wealth & honors gaine ; but , wee have cleans'd in righteousnes . our harts & hands in vaine . yea , wee still pininge goe ( say they ) lamenting all day long : yet , thus i , speak not , lest i may , thy weaker children wrong . i sought a reason for the same , but , i no cause descern'd till to the house of god i came , and , there their end i learn'd . on slipp'rie seats , them sett thou hast , from whence with shame & feare , ev'n suddainly , they downe are cast ; and never more appeare . for , as a dream ( when thou dost wake ) thou dost their forme deface : at such therefore , offence to take , thou seest , how fond i was . but , still , with mee thou dost abide , thou hold'st my right-hand fast ; and , by thy counsells , mee shalt guide to glory's throne , at last . in heav'n or earth , account i make of nothing but of thee : and , though my soul & flesh be weake , thou alway strengthnest mee . for , thou oh god! my portion art ; and , thou shalt them destroy , who runn a whooring in their hart , another , to enioy . because , right good , the same doth seem , to god , approaching near , ( and , placing all my trust in him ) his works i will declare . direct thou so ( oh lord ) all our works , words & thoughts , that wee neither murmur at any afliction where with wee are exercised , nor be discouraged in thy service , because the wicked are more flourishing , for a time . vvee confesse it is oft our frailty to iudg of thy love by outward prosperities ; & that great adversities have tempted some to call into question thy providence , to the shaking & endangering of their faith. but , grant ( wee pray thee ) that by frequenting thy house & vsing the meanes of perseverance , wee may be so informed touching the fickle estate of wicked men , in prosperitie ( & of that happines which thou preparest for constant professors of thy truth ) that wee never commit spiritual fornication against thee : but , that chusing thee for our portion , & supporting our weakenes by thy strength , wee may continue in thy fear , favour & protection , to our lives end . amen . psa . . a psalm for asaph . it mysticallie prophecied what havoke should be made in the church , by aluding to the destruction of the material temple ; & god is desired to vouchsafe his wonted mercie , in regard of the foes outrage ; but , especially , for his owne honour sake . it is a prayer for the church in perseeution . oh god! for ever , why despis'd are wee ? why is in rage , thy pasturage laid wast ? oh minde thy flock , redeem'd of old by thee , ( that heritage , which dearly bought thou hast ) ev'n syon mount , whereon thy name is plac't . come lord ( oh come ) destroy for evermore , the foe , that on thy holy-place hath preyd ; thy foes , that in thy congregation roare , who , there , for signes , their ensignes have displaid and , on the carved works their axes laid . for , as if they some grove were hewing downe with axe & maul , the costly works they breake ; they flaming fires , into thy house have throwne ; thy name 's cheef seat , a place prophane they make and , in their harts , of spoiling all , they speake , troughout the land , thy houses burned be ; yet , to declare the date of this our woe , nor visions now , nor prophets word have wee . lord , when shall end , these ragings of the foe ? shall he blaspheam thy name , for ever , so ? no more , thy hād ( thy right-hād ) lord , withhold : within thy brest , the same no longer hide : for , thou oh god! thou art our king of old , and , here on earth , for vs thou didst provide , when , by thy powre , thou didst the sea divide . the dragons heads thou woundedst in the floud ; leviathan's vast heads , thou didst prepare , in places wilde , to be thy peoples food : yea , frō dry rocks , thou hewdst out fountains there and ma'dst firm land , where mighty waters were . thine , is the day , the night is also thine ; thou ma'dst the light , & thou did'st form the sunn the world , within her zones , thou didst confine ; & shewdst what cours , times hot & cold should run lord , mind those things , & what the foe hath don . observe , how fools blaspheā thy name oh lord ? thy turtles life , defend from sinners wrongs : observe our greefs , & thinck vpon thy word ; for , to the world , a darksome denn belongs , which harbors fraud , inhumane deeds , & wrōgs . that so the pore ( vnsham'd ) may praise thy name , to plead thy cause ( thine owne just cause ) arise ; observe how fooles , thee daylie do defame ; yea , bear in minde , thy foes malitious cries , and to what height , their shouts against vs rise . oh lord god , dreadful in iudgmēts & infinit in mercies ! the devastation typified in thy material temple , is fulfilled vpon thy spirituall sanctuary . thy open adversaries batter the maine fabrick without , whilst schysmaticks & hypocrites break downe the ornaments within : & betwixt both ; terrors , confusions , & dissentions are so encreased , that thy church , is indangered . have mercie vpon the people whome thou hast bought , & ( as heretofore ) shew thy selfe the king & protector , of thine inheritance , to the confusion of thy blaspheamers . though not for ours , yet , for thine honour sake , let neither the temporall enimies of thy visible church , make spoile thereof ; nor our spirituall destroier , deface those temples of thy holy-spirit which are erected in our harts : but , keep them alwaies vndefaced , vnpoluted , & fitting receptacles , for thee & thy graces , through iesus christ our lord. amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian altaschith , a psalme or song for asaph . god is praised for his ready healp . christ promiseth to support & iudge his church . oppressors are reprooved , & the different portion of them , & of the godly , is declared . it is vsefull , to comfort against the insolencies of spiritual foes . thee lord , wee praise & magnifie ; to thee wee thanckfull are : for , that thy name approcheth nigh , thy wondrous works declare . when i the people have assum'd , i , iustice will maintaine : for , when earth's dwellers are consum'd her pillers i sustaine , ( selah ) to fooles , i said , more prudent growe ; to sinners , thus i spake , your horne ( your horne ) advance not soe , nor , such proud boasting make . nor east , nor west , advancements come , nor from the mountaines flowe ; but , god him self preferreth some , and , some doth overthrowe . from his full cupp , within his hand , he mixt redd-wine doth poure ; which ev'rie sinner in the land , shall dreggs & all devoure . but , i of iacob's god will speak , and alway sing his praise : the hornes of sinners i will break ; and , high , the righteous raise . oh christ , the sonn of god! so establish thy kingdome in our harts , that righteousnes may be continued in the land. support those whome thou hast raised to be as it were pillers in thy church or commonwealth ; keep them from being so impudent , or vaine glorious in their preferment , as if it came either causuallie , or by their owne industrie , or deservings : but , so cause thē & us to perceive thy purpose & thy providence , both in our severall advancements , & humiliations , that we may the better discharge our perticuler duties . and , when thou shalt fill out the redwine of thy wrath to all obstinate malefactors , let us be refreshed by taking the cupp of salvation , which thou hast prepared for all them , who shall be iustified , through the merrits of iesus christ our lord amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian a psalme or song for asaph . it is a triumph-song to praise god , for that knowledge of him , which he hath vouchsafed vnto his church typified by iudah , ierusalem , & syon . it glorifieth christ also , for his conquests over sinn , death & the devill . the vse is manyfest . in iurie , god is knowne full well ; his name 's in isr'el great : he , in ierusalem doth dwell , and , syon is his seat . shaft , sword , & sheild , he battred there ; yea , there he wonn the feild ; selah and , more his powrs , and honors are , then spoilers burroughts , yeald . the strong are foilde ; their dream is flowne their strength hath not prevaild : for , at the god of iacob's frowne , both horse & charret faild . thou dreadfull art , & none , oh lord , thine angry looks cann bear ; for , when thy voice from heav'n is heard . the earth is dumbe with fear . the meek on earth , when thou to save , and judge them ( lord ) shalt please , selah . thou by man's wrath , shalt honour have , and , his hot rage appease . to god make vowes ; & presents give all yee that round him are . for , he doth kings of breath deprive and makes great princes fear . glorify thy self , oh lord god! in thy holy catholick church , by the final overthrowe of all her enimies : let thy powre break all their instruments of mischeef : let the preaching of thy gospell , & the thundring of thy iudgments ( which have already destroyed the powre , & made frustrate the dreames , of the old heathnish idolaters , & their false philosophie ) vtterly overthrowe the strength of that carnal wisdome , which at this day standeth in opposition to thy truth . let our furious dissentions be appeased ; & let the frowardnes , rage , & blind zeal of all men , become a meanes of encreasing thy glory ; to the confusion of thy stoutest opposers , & to the salvation of the meekeharted , through iesus christ our lord. amen . psal . . to the cheef musitian to iduthun a psalm for asaph , it expresseth those interchanges of doubts , hopes , feares , comforts & assurances , through which wee work out salvation with fear & trembling . it serves to minde vs of our fraile condition , & shewes how to order our throughts in spiritual combats . to god , ev'n to the lord , i prayd , and , hee did hear my moanes ; both day & night i sought his aide , with never-ceasing groanes . my hart no comforts entertain'd , but fixt on him her thought ; selah , and so i greev'd , & so complain'd that , lowe my soul was brought . mine eyes from sleep hee did with holde , with paine , i lost my tongue : i mus'd on daies , & yeares of olde , and what was once my song . yea , all alone , at night i lay , thus musing in my minde ; lord , wilt thou cast mee quite away , and , never more bee kinde ? is thy compassion lost out right ? shall thy sirme promise faile ? hast thou for got thy mercie quite ? o're love , shall hate prevaile ? no ; this my frailtie is , quoth i , and , these , but changes are , wrought by the powre of god most high , which , i , in minde will bear . thy works , & wonders past , oh lord , i 'le therfor muse vpon ; thy former acts , i will record , and , shewe what thou hast done . thy walkings , in thy house , declare , that , there 's no god like thee : and , what thy powre & marvailes are , thou mak'st all people see . for iacob's , & for ioseph's race , thine arme did purchase aide ; selah and , seas , & flouds , to vewe thy face , were troubled & afraide . the clouds did melt , the vapours crasht , thine arrowes , forth were shott , thy thunders roar'd , the lightnings flasht , and , earth a trembling got . thou wentst through seas with steps vn-eide , thy paths were in the deep ; and , moses did with aron , guide thy people , there , like sheep . father of mercy , & god of all consolation ( who hast often tymes , gloriously , & miraculously hertofore delivered thy children , & made safe passage for them through horrible feares troubles perills & temptations ) be mercifull vnto us , wee beseech thee , in all our inward & outward offlictions ; especially , when our sinns cause thee to exercise us with such chaunges , as may make us fearfull wee have lost thy favour . uuee deserve to be deprived of thy compassion , & of all those comforts & protections , which wee have long enioyed , by thy free grace : nevertheles , grant that wee never fall quite away from thy regard , but may so returne alwaies vnto thee ; that our frailties may be pitied , our peni tence accepted , our petitions entertained , & wee continued in a full fruition of all thy mercies , & gratious promises , in christ iesus . amen . psa . . maschil , for asaph . it commemorates the iewes obstinate increduli●itie , with god's plagues & mercies interchangeably sent among them vntill the tyme of david . wee should vse it , to warne vs of god's long-suffring toward the whole humane nature , whose perversenes , is here mistically set forth , as also , the sending of the true david , iesus christ . now to my law ( my people ) give thine eare , & , wel observ what weighty things are tolde : for , lo , my lipps a problem shal declare and , plainely sing , grave sayengs , dark , & old : that , nether what our fathers have revealed , nor what we know , be from our babes concealed . god's powr & praisfull wonders i wil blaze , his testaments , to iacob , i will showe ; how he , likwise , in isr'el setled lawes , which they were bound to let their childrē know that so , they might to their next ages teach them , and , age to age , for ever after preach them . that they , in god , a faithful hope might place , and not forget his works , or his command , as heretofore their fathers head strong race , whose hart , with god , vprightly did not stand ; like ephr'ims brood , who bows & weapōs bearing forsook the feild , the day of hattell fearing . gods law they brak , his cov'nant they did slite and on his works or marvailes never thought : yet , many signes & wonders in their sight , in zoan feildes , & egipt-land he wrought . to make their way , the sea , in twaine he cleaved and , high on heaps , the rowling waters heaved . a pillerd-cloud , by day he made their guide , a column-fir'd , to clear the night he sent . more over , he the rocks did then divide , and streams like seas , along the desert went. from craggy flints , sweet waters forth he brused , and springs from thēce , like rivers were diffused . but they went on to move his anger , still , and much provokd the wrath of god , most high , by tempting him their lustings to fulfil , and craving flesh , their longings to supplie . for , with distrust , they ask'd if god were able , in that wilde place , to furnish out a table . springs flowd indeed ( sed they ) when rocks he smot , but , can he bread & flesh as wel provide ? which when god heard , with iacob he was hot , and , in his wrath he did with isr'el chide ; because , no faith to his firm promise giving , they stil remain'd in trustles vnbeleeving . he naitheles , the gates of heav'n vnclos'd , and made the clouds , raine manna for their meat the bread of heav'n , among them he dispos'd , and angells food , vnworthy men did eat . a wind south-east-by east , he then ordained , and flesh as dust , & foules as sand , it rained . these fild ther camp , & fluttred round their tēts til they were cloid with what their lust persu'd : yet none of them his fleshlie minde repents ; which god avengd , ev'n whē the meat thei chewd for , his feirce wrath , on isr'el down he poured , and , of their cheefs , the fattest he devoured . yet , sin'd they stil , & set his works at naught ; for which , their time he wasted out in vaine , ( afflicting them , til after him they sought ) and , then in shew , they did repent againe . yea , then his powre to bear in mind they seemed , and said , he was the god that them redeemed . in which altho he knew their flattring mouth and lieng tōgues , did nought but falshood speak ; tho , him , their hart affected not in truth , and , tho , they stil his holy league did break , of his meer grace , he naitheles forgave them , and , from his wrath , ev'n he himself , did save thē . for , them to be but flesh , in minde he bare , and gone like windes , which never shal retire ; that they perverse eu'n in the deserts were , yea , that ev'n there , they much incens'd his yre , provoking him , by false & fain'd repenting , the holy-one of isr'el discontenting . nor on his powre , nor on those daies they thought , wherin he from their foes did set them free ; they minded not , the signes in egipt wrought , nor those which they in zoan feilds did see : how , he with bloud , the wholsom springs distasted how , them with flies of divers kinds he wasted . how , he with frogs their stubborn foes anoyd how , their encrease , the caterpillers pild . how , then , the locust al their fruits enioy'd nor how the frost , their vines destroid & kild ; nor how , cold haile , & burning bolts of thunder , did slay their flocks , & break their trees asunder . for , he did hurl on them his furious wrath ; to them , both fears , & harmful-sprites he sent ; vnto their deaths , his rage did make a path , and then , to wrack , both men & cattel went ; he , of their lives , their eldest-born bereaved through egipt-land , where c ham his lot receaved , then , like a flock , his people forth he led , through places wilde cōducting thē like sheep . he kept them safe , without all cause of dread , whil'st he , their foes o'rewhelmed in the deep ; and also gave , when al this grace was done them , that holy hill , which his right-hand had won thē . before their face , the gentiles thēce he took , and what was theirs , to isr'el gave by lot , yet stil , almighty god they did provoke , and his commands , they still regarded not ; but , being like their fathers , double-harted , like broken bowes , from him , aside they started , the lord was wroth & iealous when he saw their images , & their hill-alters rear'd , and , ther-vpon , from isr'el did with drawe his former love , & so incens'd appear'd that , of his place among them , he repented and left his tent in siloh , vnfrequented . by thraldom then , he took way their powr , he gave their strength & glorie to their foe , he caus'd the sword his people to devour , and with his land , exceeding wroth did grow . consuming heat , their yongmens vigor tired : their maides , by none , in wedlock were desired . then by the sword , his preists away he took , whome to bewaile , the widdows were not spar'd but , lo , the lord from sleeping then awook , as when with wine a mighty man is chear'd . their hinder parts , with secret-sores he wounded ; and al his foes with lasting shame confounded . then he the tent of ioseph did refuse , and ephr'ims tent he did likewise reiect : but , iudah's tribe it pleased him to chuse , ev'n syon hill . which he did best affect ; and , there , aloft he rais'd his habitation , to be as firm , as is the earth's foundation . he from the flocks , his servant david chose , frō bigwombd ewes , & from attending sheep : his heritage , to him , he did dispose , and iacob's flock , & isr'els heards to keep . so , with pure thoughts , discreetly thē he guided . and , food for them , sincerely he provided . o lord god! we have often bitterly censured the iewes , not considering that their storie , is a problem , mistically decipheringe our condition : or that wee . like david by nathan's parable , are therby , made iudges & condemners of our selves . if we overlooke the course of our lives , we shal finde verified in our owne persons , all those things which are mentioned of that people . vve have the like covenant of grace ; wee have had miraculous deliverances both temporal & spiritual ; some of us have tempted him as long ( & longer ) in this wildernes of our pilgrimage ; our murmurings , despairings , longings , yea our frowardnes & infidelity hath bene as much as theirs ; vve have had as many several pardons to winn us ; as many enterchanges of prosperity & adversitie , to reform us ; & have had them , also , for our examples ; yet are as disobedient & as negligent as they . oh good god , lay not this to our charge ; but , grant we may so apply what thou hast left written of them for our warning ; that the fear of thy iudgments , & the love of thy mercies , may reclaime us ; and that our great sheapherd ( ev'n the true david iesus christ ) may guide us out of our wandrings , & bring us out of this wildernes , into his eternal rest , amen . psa . . a psalm for asaph . it is vsefull for any perticuler church , when it is tirannised over , by turks , hereticks , or such like members of antichrist : for the church of christ ( whose persecutions & martirdomes were prefigured by those which fell on ierusalem ) is here personated , prayeng , & expressing her suffrings . &c. vpon thine heritage , oh god! the gentiles , ryots de commit : within thy temple , they have trod , and , wasted & prophaned it , the bodies of thy saints , bestrowe the feilds about ierusalem ; their blood , ev'n in the streets doth flowe , and , birds & beasts do feed onthem . their bones without a grave remaine , and , all our neighbours vs defame : oh lord , how long shal wee sustaine , thy burning rage , thy iealous flame ! let thy incensed wrath be pour'd . on heathen lands , that knowe not thee ; for , they thy iacob have devour'd , and , quite consum'd his dwellings be . remember not our follies past , ( oh god! from whome our help doth flowe ) but thy sweet grace , lord , let vs tast ; for , wee are brought exceeding lowe . healp ( for thy mercy 's cause ) wee pray , for thy name-sake , forgive our sinn ; lest , els , of thee the heathen say , where is their god , they trusted in ? but , let it bee ( before our eyes ) of all the gentiles vnderstood , by hearing of the pris'ners cries , and , by revenging of our bloud . them , save likewise ( ev'n through thy might ) that vnto death appointed be ; and seaven fold , oh god! requite our neighbours scornful spights to thee . so , wee thy pasture-sheep , oh lord , will give thee praise , & thancks therfore , yea we thy praises will record , from age to age , for ever more . looke downe , ' oh christ , vpon the persecutions of thy church ; behold the bloud of thy martirs ; the prophanation of thy holy ordinances ; the scorneful vpraidings , & the great calamities , which are publikely inflicted on many true professors of thy gospel ( even among those who are their neighbours in beleif ) & in the very streets of thine owne cittie . though our sinns have deserved more ; yet , for thy mercie sake , & for thine owne honor sake , compassionate our humiliation , forgive our offences , & let thy displeasure be rather manifested against those who are enimies to thy truth . so , they , who have ( in derision ) questioned thy regard of us , shall be assured thereof , by thy avenging our cause ; & wee being secured from our oppressors , shal magnifiy thy holy name for ever & ever . amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian vpon shosannim eduth a psalm for asaph . by the allegory of a vine , is expressed god's great care of the iewish church , typifieng also , the christian church , whose complaints & desires in her suffrings , are here exprest . it may be vsed by any congregations of the faithful , when they are delivered vp to their foes &c. hear thou , that flock-like , ioseph guidest , and twixt the cherubims residest ; now , isr'els pastor shine thou clear : to beniamin's & eph'rims vewe , thy strength before manasseth shewe ; and , to defend vs , drawe thou near . returne , & of thy grace assure vs ; for , that alone will save & cure vs. oh lord of hoasts ; wee thee entreat : for aye therfor , close not thime ears though , long , thou mak'st vs drinck our teares , and giv'st vs weepings for our meat . our neighbours are at strife about vs , thou mak'st our foes to scorne & flout vs , lord god of hoasts ! our sorrow slake : to save vs , cause thy face to shine : for , thou from egipt broughtst this vine , and , threw'st out nations for her sake . the place , thou hadst before so tilled , that , rooting well , the land shee filled , and cov'red mountaines with her shade : her boughs did cedar-like extend , shee , branches to the sea did send , and , to the river , shee did spread . why of her hedge hast thou bereft her ? why to the spoile of strangers left her ? and of the feirce vntamed swine ? the forrest herds , have her or'ethrowne ; oh lord of hoasts ! from heav'n look downe , behold , & visite this thy vine . that vine , which thy right-hand hath cherisht that branch , which for thine owne was nourisht , is burn't & spoild , while thou dost frowne : oh! send , for our defence to stand , that sonn of man , whome thy right-hand , hath arm'd , & chosen for thine owne . then , we shall never more denie thee ; but , being still revived by thee , for ever , call vpon thy name . oh lord of hoasts , convert vs nowe , a gratious look , on vs bestowe , and , thou shalt save vs , by the same . notwithstanding ( oh gratious father ) thou dost often water us with our owne teares , & expose us iustly to the beasts of the forrest ( even to our owne brutish appetites ) & though our vnthankfulnes hath worthilie deserved that wee should be chastised with many stormes of adversitie : yet , remember , wee beseech thee , that wee are plants of thine owne vineyeard , & branches of that goodly vine , which thou hast elected for thy self . behold , & visite us with a favourable aspect ; repaire those decayed fences , through which any strang lust , or swinish condition , hath broken in vpon us . let our foes ( by whome wee are persecuted ) our neighbours ( by whome we were mocked , or preyed vpon ) & our brethren ( who were censorious beholders of our afflicctions ) become witnesses also , of thy renewing favours : that we may be comforted in thee , & continue for ever hereafter , constant in thy fear & service , through the assistance of that man of thy right-hand , iesus christ our lord. amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian on gittith a psalm for asaph . it is vsefull to commend vnto us the observation of our christian sabaths & solemnities , which are piously to be regarded in all ages ; because we commemorate in them our deliverances , from our spiritual bondage , typified by the egiptian-thraldom . &c. it vpraideth man's in gratitude , & neglect of god &c. in god our strength , let vs reioice ; to iacob's god , let vs now sing , and in our psalmes , to help the voice , the tymbrel , harpe , & psalt'rie bring . the moone renewing , trumpets blowe , and , when the solemne feastings be : for , iacobs god , long time agoe , in isr'el , did this lawe decree . this testimonie he prepar'd , when ioseph came from egipt-land and liv'd where hee a language heard , whose words he did not vnderstand . from burthens , & the potters task , thy hands & shoulders i did free , i help'd , when thou for help didst ask , and , heard thee from the storme , said he . ev'n at the waters of debate selah . i sayd ( that might prove thee there ) oh isr'el mark , what i relate , and , to my words incline thine ear . thou shalt no other god's at all , but me the lord thy god , receive ; for , thee i brought from egipts thrall , and , will thy largest askings give . but isr'el did my words contemn ; of me , my people would have none : so , to their pleasures left i them , who , after their owne lusts are gone . oh! had my people mee obayd . if isr'el had my waies persu'de , i on their foes my hand had laid ; their haters , i had soone subdew'd . my foes had then obayd my powre , and , i had still my folk vphild : i , them had fedd with purest flowre and , with rock-hony , them had fild . make us ever mindfull , oh god , to magnify thy name for delivering us from our spiritual bondage ; but , at those times which thy church ( according to the laudable custome of the patriarks ) hath set apart to commemorate thy extraordinarie mercies , let us , especially , performe this , dutie ; neither falsly counting it superstitiō to meet in the publike solemnization of thy praise ; nor vnthanckfully omit the continuation of so necessarie a service . give us grace also , to consider that it is no constraining decree of thine , which hath made any of us vncaple of thy free grace , but that it is meerly our owne wilfulnes , which compels thy iustice to leave us to our owne wills , if we be cast off : so , we shall be kept the more obedient to thy commands ; & thou ( who ren● west the will , before thou exact est obedience from it ) shalt accept the willingnes for the deed ; & in due time work in us the deed also , to our eternall salvation through iesus christ . amen . psa . . a psalme for asaph . it may be sung at our publike iudicatures , before them who administer in the great affaires of church or commonwealth ; to minde them of their duties . &c. for , it instructs & reproves princes , pastors & magistrates , abusing their authority , declares the reward of their iniustice , & invokes god to take the iudicature to himself . god stands , where he doth see the lords to counsell goe ; and , when the gods in iudgment be , he judgeth what they do . yee nobles , wherfor , then , are yee vnjust so long ? why favour yee , vngodlie men to do the righteous wrong ? selah . the pore , young orphanes greev'd , the needie & opprest , should by your iustice be releev'd , and from proud hands releast . but , yee are men vnwise , and walk without the light : ev'n you , on whome the land relies , are out of order , quite . you , therefore , whome i call the sonns of god most high , ( and termed gods ) like men , shall fall ; and , like such princes dye . thy self , oh god! advance and , give the world her doome ; for , thine by due inheritance , all nations are become . grant almighty god , that they to whome thou committest the goverment of thy churches or common-weales , may not ( as it often happneth ) be their greatest oppressors : but give thy grace ( oh heavenly father ) to all whome thou settest in authority , that they ( considering whose powre they have , what they were , & what they shal be hereafter , may become so wise , in them selves , & such lights to others ; that righteousnes may be advanced , vngodlines suppressed , the pore & fatherles releeved , all abuses reformed ; and that such dignities , may be still conferred & continued , to the publike profit , & to thy eternal glorie . amen . psa . . a psalme or song for asaph . it may be vsed as a prayer against the leagues & confederacies of the churches soes , such as pagans , turks , hereticks and falsebrethren ; for , the whole list of them , is here typically registred , vnder their names who were enimies to the iewish church . be e silent lord , no longer now , to speak , oh god , no more forbear : for lo , thy foes do furious grow , and , proudly rais'd thy haters are . they plot , thy people to betray , and , thy intirest freinds to take ; come , & of isr'el , now ( say they ) a nameles nation wee will make . as in one league , all these combine , and , are against thee lord , agreed ; ev'n edom land , & ism'els line , and moab's race , & hagar's breed . philistim's , gebal , ammon , tyre , huge amaleck , & ashur to , to help the sonns of lot , conspire , assisting them in all they do . selah . but , lord , like madian make thou them , like sisera and iabin's traines , who slaughtred were by kishon stream , and , lay like dung on endor plaines . their dukes , like zeb , & oreb make , like zeba and zalmana's peers , who said , they would god's houses take , and his possessions , to be theirs . lord , wheel them round , as turn'd wee see the dust or chaf , when whirl-winds blowe . and , let thy wrath , among them be like flames on hills , where woods do grow . yea , let a dreadful storm arise , persueng them with death & shame : let feares & troubles , them surprise , vntill they seek , & praise thy name . so , when that men behold their fall , they shall confesse , there none cann be , whome wee eternal ought to call or sov'raigne of the world , but thee ? permit not , oh lord , those enimies to praile who have made leagues & confederacies , against thy church ; but , as heretofore thou hast overthrowne al those nations who were great oppressors of thy auncient people the iewes ( & who were types of our confederated adversaries ) so , wee beseech thee , bring to suddaine destruction , all the plotts enterprises and combinations , of turks , hereticks , vnbeleevers , & false brethren . protect us also , we pray thee , from the snares , powre & subtilties , of our spiritual foes ; that thou being known our defender & our trust being alwaies in thy defence , wee may not fear the powre of any adversaries ; but , for our manyfold protections , praise & magnify thy eternal name , through iesus christ our lord. amen , psa . . to the cheef musitian a psalm for the sonns of chorah . it setts forth the soules longings , to be pertaker of the blessed communion of saints , & the frution of god ; it shewes also , the happines of such , & their demeanour in this vale of their miserie . &c. it is vseful , to stir vp in our soules , on ardēt love to god & his house &c. oh lord of hoasts ! how pleasant are thy dwellings , & thy courts to me ? in soul & flesh , for entrance there , eternal god , my longings be , the sparrow findeth an abode the swallow builds , & breedeth , to , ( oh lord of hoasts ! my king , my god ) ev'n at thine alters , thus they doe . right blessed , all thy houshold be , for , they are singing , still , thy praise : selah . and , blessed are , the strong in thee , who in their harts affect thy waies . as , through the vale of tears they goe , they find sweet springs of comforts there , and , they from strength to strength shal growe , till they with god , in syon are . lord god of hoasts , give ear to me , and , mark , oh iacob's god , my moane . selah . oh god our sheild ! behold & see , the face of thy anointed-one . for , in thy house , one day is more , then thousands , any other where ; and , i had rather keep thy dore , then live in pompe , where sinners are . for , as the sunn , thou shinest bright , and , wee from thee our light receive : thou art the sheild of men vpright , and , thou dost grace , & glories give . from such as walk the righteous way , no needfull things withheld shall be ; for ever blest , therefore , are they who trust ( oh lord of hoasts ) in thee . kindle in our harts oh lord , such an affection to thee , & such a longing after thy spiritual habitations , that we may obtaine the measure of grace in this life , that will fit us for the portion of glory , in the life to come , which thou hast prepared for all those , who do hunger & thrist after thee . number us among thy houshold-servants ; make us to take pleasure in thy will , & in thy presence , above all earthly preferments ; so enable us to walk from strength to strength , that wee may become strong walkers in thy waies ; and so instruct us to make a comfortable vse , of all those afflictions , which wee suffer in our pilgrimage ; that wee may sincerely acknowledge , our safetie , our honor , our sustenance , & all our temporal & spiritual happines to be only , from thee , oh god , who livest & raignest , world without end amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian a psalm for the sonns of chorah . the church acknowledgeth god's benifits ; desires their continuance , & the forbearance of his wrath &c. wee may sing it to praise god for his bounty to his church & kingdome , & to desire the continuatiō of our happines , by stil vouchsafing mercy with his iustice . thou hast , oh god , thy kingdome grac'st and , iacob's thrall repeald ; thy peoples faults , thou pard'ned hast , and all their sinns conceald . selah . thine anger , thou hast quite appeas'd , and , thy just wrath for borne ; oh lord of hoasts , now thou art pleas'd let vs to thee returne . for , why shouldst thou still wroth remaine ? and vexed rather be , then chear thy people's harts againe , that they may joy in thee ? to save vs , lord , thy favour showe , and , let vs hear ( in peace ) thy word among vs preached soe , that wee from sinn may cease . then , shall thy saving-health abide , near those who fear thy name ; and , in our land , shall still reside , thy glories & thy fame . then truth & love shall meet & kisse , and , iustice , peace embrace ; yea , truth on earth , & righteousnes from heav'n shal shew her face . the lord , with ev'rie needfull store shall make our kingdome flowe ; and , send his righteousnes , before , that wee his way may know . oh lord , wee acknowledge that from tyme to tyme , thou hast bene exceeding gratious to thy whole church , & to this parte thereof in perticuler : for , when thy blessings made us wanton , thou didst alwaies humble us by thy fatherly corrections ; & when thou hadst worthilie afflicted us according as thy wisdome sawe cōvenient , thou didst ever mercifully comfort , & restore us againe to thy favour . continue , oh god , wee pray thee , this thy gratious respect vnto our infirmities ; & grant , wee may so repent of our sinns , so vnfainedly professe thy truth , & so diligently practise the works of righteousnes : that . honestie & religeon ( faith & good-works may inseperably be vnited in every one of vs ; & that the abundance of thy temporal & spiritual blessings , may be powred forth on this kingdome , & on thy whole church , for ever & ever . amen . psa . . a prayer of david . it personates christ in his humiliation , prayeng in the behalfe of his mystical body , for several necessities thereof ; intermixing some vowes of praise , & acknowledgments of gods attributes &c. it is an vsefull , forme of prayer , in many temptations , & afflictions . lord , hear me ; for great wants i have ; my soules defender be : my god! thy saint , & servant save , who puts his trust in thee . that , thou thy grace to me afford , my daylie crie requires ; thy servants hart , revive , oh lord ! which vp to thee aspires . for , thou good lord , soone pard'nest all , who seek thy grace to finde ; oh! hear me ( now to thee i call ) and , bear my suite in minde . my dangers , i , to thee will show , that thou mayst healp assigne ; for , there is no such god , as thou , nor any works like thine . all nations whome thou dist creat , shall praise & worship thee ; for , thou alone ( oh god ) art great , and , great thy wonders be . teach me thy waies , & in thy fear , my soul to thee vnite : so , never shall my hart forbear thy praises to indight . i scap'd the grave , by thy large grace , when proud & cruel foes , ( who set not thee before their face ) to take my soul arose . oh god! thou art a gratious lord , long-suffring , kinde , & free ; with truth & love , most largly stor'd : now therefore , pitty mee . return , oh lord , & mee revive ; let mee thy favour have : thy strength to me thy servant give ; thy handmaids of-spring save . yea , for my good , vouchsafe some signe , that , all my foes may know , i am a favorite of thine ; and , blush , they wrong'd me soe . almighty & most mercifull father , have pitty vpon us according to thine infinite goodnes & compassion . let vs not alwayes wander after our owne imaginations ; nor be continually exercised with such afflictions as may make vs the scorne of all that hate vs ; but according to thy infinite mercy & vnparaleld goodnes , have mercy vpon vs : and not on vs only , but on all those people whome thou hast created ; that , according to thy promise , they may all serve & praise thee . setle them & vs , in thy truth ; guide vs in thy waies ; & so restore & confirme vs in thy favour , by some apparant signes of thy love , & speciall grace ; that our adversaries may be ashamed of their hatred , & we thanckfull for al thy mercies , through iesus christ our lord , amen . psa . . a psalm or song for the sonns of chorah . it describes the scituation & glorie of the church typified by syon ; prophetically declareth , that all kingdomes shall be incorporated into that citty of god ; & that all nations shall there obtaine their new-birth &c. it serves ( among other vses ) to informe , that god's church excludeth no nation &c. the lord , hath his foundations plac'd above the heighest mountaines crownes ; yea , syons ports , he more hath grac't then all the rest of iacob's townes : and , glorious things , are fam'd abrode of thee ( oh cittie ) lov'd of god. selah . for , god accounts , as borne in thee , egiptians , if they him desire ; nay ; though from babell sprung they be from chush , philistia , or from tyre . for , he hath sayd , that all on earth in syon , may renew their birth . the god most high will strengthen her , and shall record each faithful soul , as having had first-beeing , there : selah . when hee his people doth enrowl , for , there are , all that play or sing ; and , thence proceeds each blessed thing . thou , oh lord , art no accepter of persons , but every one that feares thee , & worketh righteousnes ( of what place soever he be , or from whom soever he were descended ) hath promise , of admission into thy church , & to be regestred as a free-borne citizen of thy spiritual syon . make vs thanckfull , oh god , for this large priveledge ; and , seeing none are exempted , but such as willfully exclude themselves ( seing also it is manifest to thee only who they are ) let us hope charitably of all men , whilst there is time of grace and repentance ; endeavoureng , by our prayers , instructions , freindly reproofs , & good examples , as much as wee are able , to bring them , to become the members of this corporation ; & to enioy a christian fellowship with vs , in christ iesu our lord. amen . psal . . a song or psalm for the sonns of chorah , to the cheef musitian vpon mahalath leanoth maschil of heman , the ezrahite . it personates christ & his members complaining of his & their sorrowes , contempts & suffrings &c. and it is full of passionate petitions & expostulations . we may vse it in private or publike afflicctions . lord , of whose assisting might , i was never yet denied ; all the day , & all the night , i , to thee have call'd & cried : now , regard my wofull plight . let thine ear , thy minde , thine eyes , to the dropping , pleading , eryeng ; of my teares , my cause , my cries , grant me , hearing , weighing , eyeng ; for , my soul afflicted lies . i , to death am drawing nigh , and am priz'd as one interred ; like a strengthles man i lye , as algeady slaine , and buried : free among the dead , am i. yea , as one forgot of thee , ( or , as from thy hand abiected ) darksome pitts , my lodging be , and in dungeons deep afflicted , thy strict hand oppresseth mee . all thy , wayes i doe sustaine , thou dost make my lovers flee mee ; selah . and my freinds fro me restarine : shutt i am , where none cann free me , then , how cann i tears refraine ? lord , my greefs to thee i showe , with my hands to thee vp-raised . cann the dead thy wonders knowe ? or thy love or truth be praised , by the sonns of death belowe ? selah , cann , thy marvailes , they vnfold , who in darknes , quite are blinded ? or thy ius ; tice , there be tolde , where , is nothing said or minded , which was done in times of olde . vnto thee , oh lord i crie , and , my suites prevent the morninge ; oh! why dost thou cast me by ? still fro mee thy presence turninge , who am greev'd , & like to dy ? fro my youth oh lord , till now , mee , thy terror hath destressed , nigh distract , it makes me grow ; for , thy wrath hath mee oppressed , and , thy feares have brought me lowe , they , besett me ev'rie day , floud-like , flowing alltogether ; and no freinds , to help me , stay ( lovers , nor familiers neither ) for , thou driv'st them all away . help us , oh gratious redeemer , so to bear the manifold infirmities & afflictions of our flesh ; so to endure the contempts , neglects , & iniuries of the world ; & so constantly to sustaine all the assaults of our spiritual adversaries ; that ( though we be deprived of all outward freindships & consolations ) wee may be inwardly satisfied , & comforted , against every terror , in every temptation . let us seek soe earnestly & so early , for thy assistance , that ( escaping the spiritual blindnes , which makes vncapable of thy praise ; that dungeon of vtter darknes , in which thy righteousnes is obscured ; & that everlasting death , from which there is no resurrection ) we may enioy thy blessed presence , where we shall magnify thy mercies , for ever & ever . amen . another of the same . lord god , my healper ! day & night , to thee my moanings are : admit my suites vnto thy sight , and , my complainings hear . for , in my soul , great sorrowes be , my life drawes nigh the grave , as one inter'd , they count of mee , and , litle strength i have . as hee , that 's dead , & buried long , death's free-man i became ; as one , out of thy presence flung , i quite forgotten am . thou laidst mee in the lowest ward , where darksome dungeons are : on mee thine anger presseth hard ; and , all thy stormes i bear . selah . thou hast my freinds fro me restraind , my lovers , mee despize ; i , fast in prison am detain'd and , sorrow dimms mine eyes . oh lord ! all day to thee i sue , my hands , i meekly raise : thy wonders , cann men buried shewe ? or , wake to sing thy praise ? selah . lord , cann the grave thy love expresse ? thy faith , cann ruines teach ? thy wonders , or thy righteousnes , cann dumb oblivion preach ? betimes , oh lord , i will erect , my suites & cries to thee ; why shouldst thou then , my soul reject , and , hide thy face fro mee ? my soul is pain'd ev'n to the death ; and all my life i bear , the heavy burthens of thy wrath , thy terrors , & thy fear . they clos'd mee round , like waters deep , where , whilst begirt i lay fro me , my lovers thou didst keep , and hidst my freinds away . psa . . maschil of ethan the ezrahite . it celebrates the mercy , goodnes , iustice , & power of god &c. mentioneth his league with david , & mystically declares , that those covenants belong to his spiritual seed , in the cheef place , &c. it instructs vs , who are the right heyres of the promises . &c. now , in a song of endles praise , thy mercies , i will sing , oh lord ; and vnto all succeeding dayes , thy faithfulnes i will record : for , i have sayd , that thy great love , and mercy , shal be raised high ; and , that thou shalt in heav'n above , thy faith , confirm & magnify . thou hast both vowed & decreed , to david , thine elected-one , to multiply his faithful seed , and build him vp an endles throne . selah . which heav'n shall to thy praise declare , in works to be admired at , and , where thy saints assembled are , thy faithfulnes they shall relate . for , whome like thee , doth heav'n afford ? what earthly kings thy equalls be ? who , art among they saints ador'd , and , fear'd of all that wait on thee ? oh lord of hoasts , what lord is found so faithful or so strong as thou ? who setts the raging seas , their bound and , calm'st them , when thy furious grow ? thou didst afflict all egipt-land , as one made weake , by wounds & blowes ; and , by the powre of thy strong hand , thou hast dispersed all thy foes . thine , heav'n & earth & all things be , for , thou alone didst all things frame . the north & south , were made by thee ; and east & west , extoll thy name , strong armes thou hast , with powrful hands , and , where thou dost thy throne prepare , with iudgment , iustice alway stands , and , truth & love , thy vshers are . oh! blest are they who know thy voice : thy look shall chear them in their waies ; they , in thy name shall still reioice ; and , them , thy iustice high shal raise . for , thou art , lord , our strengths renowne , our horne shall by thy favour spring : thou art our strong defensive towne , the saint of isr'el , & our king. by vision , thou didst once declare , and , to thy holy-one disclose , that thou a healper wouldst prepare , among thy people to be chose . i have , saidst thou , my david found ; my holy oyle on shall flowe : by mine owne arme , he shall be crown'd , my hand , shal strength on him bestowe . his foe , shall do him no disgrace , the sonn of sinn , he shall not fear ; for , i will smite , before his face , all them , that his opposers are . my faith & love , on him shal stay , my name , his honour shall mainetaine ; his hand shall make the seas obay , his right-hand shall the flouds restraine . his father , he shall knowledg me , his god , his rock , & his defence : for , he my eldest borne shal be , and , king of ev'ry earthly prince . to him , i still , will mercy grant , he shall enioy my promise given ; successors , he shall never want ; his throne shall stand as firme as heav'n ? and , if my lawes his children break , if they shall fro my precepts flye , my statutes . if they shall forsake , or , from my iudgments walk awry ; their sinns with stripes i wil correct , and , scourg them , when amisse they do ; but , those whome i do well-affect , my love , will never quite forgoe . for , once ev'n by my self i swore , i would no lye to david make ; my league i will not break therfore , nor change a word , of that i spake . lord , thus thou saydst ; & that a throne , vnto his yssue should be given , as lasting as the sunn & moone . or , as the witnesses of heav'n . selah . but , now ( as if he were abhor'd ) thou dost on thyne anointed frowne ; thou makest voyd thy league , oh lord , and on the ground , hast hurld his crowne . his fences , thou didst rend away , his warlike forts , thou downe dost race ; all passers-by on him do prey , his neighbours flout at his disgrace . his foes , thou hast victorious made ; whereat , his haters , ioyfull be ; thou dull'st the sharpnes of his blade , and , in the fight , made faint , was he . thou hast obscur'd his glories raies , his throne , thou castest on the ground ; selah . thou hast cut short his youthful daies , and , him with shame thou dost confound . good lord , in thy enflamed rage , shall still thy face obscur'd remaine ? oh , minde the shortnes of mine age ! why shouldst thy make mankind in vanie ? who lives , whome death shal not remove ? or , who , from death is ever free ? selah . oh lord ; where now , is all that love , to david vow'd , of old , by thee ? thy servants great reproach , record , and , in my breast what scornes i bear , among those mightie nations , lord , who , likewise , thy blaspheamers are . oh god! ev'n thy anointed-one , they have derided in his waies ; but , lord , what ever they have done , to thee , for evermore , be praise . most gratious , god , thou hast not only promised thy mercifull assistance to all true beleevers ; but , with an oath also , confirmed the same for the better strengthning of our weak faith . grant we pray thee , that we neither become distrustfull of so gratious an assurance ; neither discouraged by those afflictions & persecutions , where withal thou shalt please to purg our corruptions ; nor be overcome by those tēptatiōs , whereby our faith is exercised in the day of triall : but , cause us to depend on thy promise , & to be couragious & victorious in all our battailes . give us wisdome likewise , so to descern who are the true seed of david ( & to whom the performāce of thy covenant doth cheefly appertaine ) that wee deceave not our selves by a false application of thy spiritual promises ; nor delude our soules with temporarie hopes or fears : but , make vs ever constant both in that which wee ought to beleeve on thy part ; & in that which is to be performed on our parts , through iesus christ our lord. amen . psa . . the prayer of moses the man of god. in this psalme the humane nature , which ( as the word moses signifieth ) was drawne out , ev'n from the waters of perdition , praiseth god , for his eternal decree of her restauration ; & confesseth her vanity , & mortality &c. to the same purpose wee should vse it . lord , thou art alwaies our abode ! before the world , beginning had thou wer't eternally our god ; yea , long , e're heav'n & earth were made . thou say'st , yee sonns of men , returne ; and , streight return'd to dust they be : as one nights watch , or day outworne , so , are a thousand yeares to thee . thou , like a floud ( as in a dream ) shalt sweep them suddenly away ; for , like the flowring grasse they seem , that springs , & fadeth , in a day . one frowne of thine , consumes vs quite ; thy wrath , our troubles doth renewe ; thou set'st our sinns before thy sight , and , bring'st our secret faults to vewe . our tyme , through thy displeasure wears , and , like a tale that 's told are wee , our life is done at seaventie years , or eighty , when wee strongest be . for , all the rest wee spend in woe , and , vanish e're wee be aware . thine anger 's force , lord , who doth knowe ! as is thy wrath , such is thy fear . instruct vs how to count our dayes , that so , our harts may wisdome learne ; and , make thou , lord , no long delaies , but , pleased now , to me returne . to vs , betimes , thy favour daigne , that wee may all our life be glad , and , dayes & years , of joye obtaine , for those of greef , which wee have had . thy workings , let thy servants vewe , thy glories , let their children see . oh lord our god! thy beautie shewe : still shining on vs , let it bee . and , all our works ( oh god ) we pray , establish thou , & so direct ; that , well our labours prosper may , and , blessed be with good effect . instruct vs ( oh blessed god ) so to consider our vanities , our errors , & the vncertainty of our short lives , that wee may redeem the time . & ( by true faith , ioind with christian prudence ) so order our conversations ; that thy wrath may be appeased , our sinns blotted away , & all our sorrowes turned into ioyes . moreover , during our short abiding here , vouchsafe vs thy favour ; & , so assist our weak endeavours ; that wee may , to thy glory , finish the worke for which thou hast placed vs in this world . and , though our works be vnprofitable , or such as like stuble will not abide the fiery-triall ; yet , let that which we shall build vp , be ( at least ) grounded on the right foundation ; that wee our selves may be safe , through the free mercies , of iesus christ our lord. amen . psa . . this psalme , shewes , that such as abide & beleeve in christ , shal be secured from publike & private calamities , ( by an especiall protection ) of what nature soever their perills be ; at least , the mischeef of them shall be prevented , & life eternal vouchsafed , &c. it is vsefull to strengthen faith in great plagues & general dangers . who , in the closet , & the shade of god almighty , still resides ; is , by his highnes , fearles made , and , alway , safe with him abides . for , i confesse , the lord hath binn a fortresse , & a rock to mee ; my god , alone , i trusted in , and , he my trust shall all waies be . he will , no doubt , secure thee from the fowlers traps , & noysome pest : his wings , thy shelter shall become ; thou shalt , beneath his feathers rest . thou , for thy sheild his truth shalt bear , and , nothing then shall thee dismay ; not that , which wee at midnight fear , nor any shaft that flies by day . no secret plague offend thee shall , nor what in publike wasts the land ; though at thy side a thousand fall , and tenn tymes more , at thy right-hand . but , thou shalt live to mark & see , the due reward of men vniust ; for , god ( most high ) will favour thee , because , in him thou putst thy trust . no mischeef , shall to thee betide , nor any plague thy house infect ; for , he doth angell-gards provide , which in thy waies will thee protect . their hands , will thee vprightly lead , and from thy paths , all harmes expell : thou shalt on aspes , & lions tread , on lions younge , on dragons fell . for , seeing his delight i am , i will ( saith god ) be still his garde : and , since he knowes my holy name , to honours high , he shall be rear'd . when he doth call , an ear i 'le give , in troubles , i with him , will be ; on earth , he longe shall honor'd live , and , he my saving-health shall see . blessed god ; giue us such assured confidence in thee , that wee may be secured in those publike calamities , for which our publike sinns have deserved thy scourge ; & be delivered also from the mischeef of those perticuler punishments , which our personal offences may iustly bring vpon vs. but ( how soever thou dealest with our bodies in this life ) let our soules be saved from the plauge of everlasting death . let thy holy angells , keep vs in all our waies ; & give vs thy grace to keep the waies in which thou , hast appointed vs to walk . vvhatsoever perills or terrors affront vs , give courage to passe through them , in the execution of our lawfull callings , without dismay or distrust : and , though they bring some smart , let them not hinder ( but rather further ) the accomplishment of our eternal safety through iesus christ our lord , amen . another of the same . who , resteth in the shade of god most high , within his privy-chambers is reposed : and , therfor , in my selfe , thus mused i ; thee , as a fort , thy god hath round enclosed , and , is that rock on which thou shalt rely . for , he no doubt , wil thy defender be from fowlers netts , & pestilent infection : he , with his wings will overshaddowe thee ; his feathers , wil become thy safe protection ; and , for thy sheild , his truth provideth he . no fear , that lurks in darknes , thee shal fright no arrow , that abrode by day-time flieth : no secret plague , that walks about by night , nor that which in the street , at noon-day slayeth , shal make thee fear , how nigh soe're it light . a thousand faint , & sinck beside thee , shall , at thy right-hand , ten thousand breathles lieng : and yet , thou shalt receive no harme at all ; but , only , see god's iustice , by espieng the due reward of sinners , in their fall . for , thou dost hope in him ; & , therfore hee ( ev'n god that is most hye , & most excelling ) wil neither let thee wrong'd , nor harmed be , nor suffer any plague to touch thy dwelling ; but , place his gard of angells , over thee . they in thy waies , will thee conduct along , and in their hands , vphold thee , as thy leaders ; that not a stone shal do thy footing wrong . yea , thou vnhurt , shalt sett thy foot on adders , on dragons , & on lions , old & yong . for , him , that mee doth love ( th' almighty sayes ) i will secure from sorrowes & oppression : that man , likewise , to honour i wil raise , who knowes my name , & lives in that profession ; and , i will give an answere when he prayes . in troublous times , to him i will be nigh , and out of all his cares , i will repreeve him ; him , i will blesse , & greatlie dignify : his fill of dayes , i will , moreover , give him ; and , granr him grace , to live eternally . psa . . a psalm or song for the sabbath . it seems not vnproper , for that great sabbath in which wee commemorate our saviours resurrection ; for it magnifieth god , for the exaltation of the righteous , & for the blessednes of his later end . &c. right good it is , oh lord , most hye ! thy praises to recite , thy truth & love to magnifie , at morning , & at night . with tenn-string'd instruments to sing , the praises of thy name ; and , that wee harpes , & psalt'ries bring , to solemnize the same . for , lord , thy works reioice my hart , thy deeds , my soul do chear : how wonderfull in them thou are ! how deep thy muzings are ! the foole & wordling , nether knowe , nor heed such things at all , and , though like flowrs , the wicked showe , their prospring , proves their fall . but , lord , thou allwaies art most hye ; mark , therfor ; mark i pray , how sinnfull men despersed flye , and , how thy foes decay . my horne , the vnicorne's o're-topps ; sweet-oyle is pourd on me ; and , on my foes , my wished hopes , i shall both hear , & see the iust , shall flourish as the boughs of palmes & cedars do ; or , as the trees which round god's house , within his courts do growe . yea , they when age on them doth light , growe fruitfull , fatt , & greene ; to prove the lord my rock , vpright and blameles , to have beene . vvonderfull art thou , oh lord , in all thy workings : & , though thy purposes are deeper then our imaginations ; yet ( by that which thou hast manifested ) wee behold in them great cause of much reioicing ; & wee desire to praise thee for them , with all our harts . vvee have heretofore , repined at the flourishings of the wicked , & at our owne suffrings ; but , make vs hereafter , to vnderstand that their prosperities are permitted to encrease their shame ; & our humiliations vouchsafed , that they may the more dignify our exaltations : as it befell our blessed saviour , whose infamous death , occasioned that glorious resurrection , which we commemorate in our christian sabbath . oh! make vs in due time , partakers of his rest ; & grant , that our olde age , & our last howres , may be found fruitfull to thy glory , & our salvation , through iesus christ , amen . psa . . this psalme prophecied the powre & maiesty of christ ; & the perpetuity of his kingdome , in despight of all their fury who should rage against it . &c. wee may sing it to comfort vs , against the rage of the devill & his members . the lord is king , & weareth a robe of glory bright ; he cloth'd with strength appeareth , and , girt with powrfull might . the earth , he so hath grounded , that , moov'd it cannot be ; his throne , long since was founded , more old then time , is he . the waters , highly flowed , and raisd their voice , oh lord ; the seas , their furie showed , and , loud their billowes roar'd : but , god , in strength excelleth strong seas , & powrfull deeps ; with him , still , purenes dwelleth , and , firm his truth he keeps . oh lord god , kings of kings , incomprehensible in maiestie , and in powre infinite ; give vs grace so to meditate thy vnspeakable attributes , that neither the frailties within vs , nor the terrers without , make vs distrustfull of our safety in thee : for , thou art our king , our lord , & our god. thou hast wisdome enough to know what is best for vs ; powre enough to effect it ; love enough to grant it ; & perpetuitie enough to continue it : oh! give vs , but grace & faith enough , to beleeve & apply it ; & ( though the waters rage never so horribly ) we shall , vndoubtedly be safe , for ever and ever . amen . psa . . the church invokes christ to come to iudgment , in regard of the cruelty of her oppressors ; & shewes the cause of their folly , & presumption . &c. it serves to informe how ignorant carnall men are of the powre & waies of god ; & may help to keep vs vndiscouraged , during their insultings . &c. lord god , whose claime avengments are ! thy selfe , the iust avenger , showe ; thou judge of all , arise , draw near , and , on the proud their meed bestowe . for , lord , how long ! alas , how long ! shall sinners ioye , in doeng wrong ? despightfull words , their tongues have spoke , great braggs , the wicked have exprest ; yea , lord , thy people they have strook , and thine inheritance opprest : they , widdowes , & the stranger slay , they , orphanes vnto death betray . for , god ( say those ) will never knowe ; this , iacob's god shall never see . oh learne , ( yee fooles ) more wise to growe , yee people fond , more prudent be . cann , hee or deaf , or blinde be made , from whome , both ears , & eyes you had ? he , to the nations , ev'ry where , corrections & instructions gives ; to scourg you ( then ) will hee forbear , who , all mens fruitles thoughts perceives ? they blessed are , whome lord , thou chid'st , and , they whome in thy lawe thou guid'st . thou giv'st them rest , when mischeevs rage , till pitts prepar'd for sinners be : and , lord , thy flock , & heritage shall never quite be left of thee . in iudgment , iustice shall be shewed ; and , of all faithfull harts persued . who will with mee , lew'd men , resist ? or , take my part against the badd ? sure , god himself , doth mee assist ; my soul , had els bene silent made . but , when i sayd , that fall i should , mee , lord , thy grace did then vphold . when many thoughts , opprest me much , thy comforts did my soul delight : for , thou partakest not with such , whoe sentence give against the right ; or such , as have the iust withstood , to death , condemning , guiltles blood . but thou , oh lord shalt me defend . thou art my god , my rock my fort , and , all the harmes my foes intend , thou shalt vpon themselves retort ; yea , for the guilt of their offence , thou , lord our god , shalt root them hence . oh thou supream iudge of the world , & severe avenger of all wrongs ; behold the fury , the despight , & insolent cruelties of our adversaries ; and deliver the pore , the widdowe , the fatherles , & all thy oppressed children out of their wicked hands . thy forbearance , hath made the perverters of iustice , seeme to conceive that thou either see'st not , or els regardest not their impieties : yea , those oppressers , are growne so powrfull , & so many , that wee scarce finde any to take part with vs against their iniuries ; & , but that wee have assurance of thy assistance , wee should be vtterly without hope . oh! continue our hopes in thee ; sett thou in order , all that is amisse ; destroy all the favourers of iniustice ; & keep vs alway harmles , both in soul & body , through iesus christ our lord. amen . psa . . this psalme exhorts to praise god , and warnes to harken to his voice whilst wee have tyme , lest ( like our fore-fathers ) wee be deprived of his rest , for our obstinacie . it should be often sung to remember vs , that wee embrace god's free grace , whilst it is offred . to god our saviour , lett 's renewe our songs , with chearfull voice , our thanckfulnes before him shewe ; with psalmes , in him rejoice . for , god , the lord most powrfull is , the king of gods is hee ; the earth's obscurest vales are his , and , his , high mountaines be . the seas , he made ; they are his owne : drie land , his creature was ; come , serve him then , & fall wee downe , before our makers face . he is our god , his flock wee are , his pasture-sheep , are wee : that , you his voice , may therfor heare , more tender-harted be . not like your fathers , when that in the desert , proov'd they were ; and tempted him , though they had seene , his works of wonder , there . full forty years , they moov'd his wrath , and , therfor , thus sayd hee ; a wandring hart , this people hath , my waies , they will see . and , i to them , in my iust rage , did by mine oath protest ; that , none of all that froward age , should come within my rest . oh god! the creator , preserver , & governour of all things ; uuee give thee thancks , for making vs after thine owne image , & for sending thy eternal-word to regenerate vs , when wee were made worse then nothing . so far , wee ought to be , from arrogating the powre either of our beeing , or well-beeing ; that ( wee must confesse ) to vndoe our selves , is all which wee are able , of our selves do . like our fore fathers , our harts are wandring from thy waies , all our life long ; & wee do more & mere harden them , by custome in sinn . yet , oh lord , seeing wee are the sheep of thy pasture ; bring us home to thy fo de : seeing we are thy people , soften our harts ; & givs us grace , so to harken to thy voice in this day of our trial ; that , in the day of thy iudgment , wee may enter into thy rest , through iesus christ our lord , amen . psa . . uuee are herein exhorted , to sing & preach , the new-songs of the gospell , to the praise of christ our king. and ( in regard , other gods are but vanities ) all nations are provoked to ioyne in praising him . &c. we should sing it to glorify christ , for his powre , & his truth , &c. come now , & in some new-indighting , blesse god ( the world's almightie king ) his name 's due praise , in songs reciting , of his salvation , daylie sing . his fame , & works of admiration , yee people heed , yee nations hear : his powre deserves , high exaltation ; for , all the gods , lesse dreadfull are . the gentiles gods , are foolish fictions , but our great god , did heav'n creat ; powr , glory , praise , & all perfections , attend him , in his holy-seat . to him , due praise , yee kindreds render ; extoll his powre , his glory sing : to god's great name , fitt honours tender , approach his courts , & offrings bring . within his house , with praise , professe him , and , let him be adored there ; let all the world , their god confesse him , and , serve him with a holy feare . yea , to the gentiles let them publish , the lord their king , & that his might the wav'ring earth shall fast establish ; and , do the wronged people right . let heav'n & earth , with joy-excelling , reioice before him ever more ; the seas , & all things in them dwelling , the feilds , the woods , & all their store : for , lo , the lord , approcheth nearlie , behold , to judge the world he comes , the wicked , he will judge serverely ; and , give the people righteous doomes . honour & wisdome , & powre , & praise , be ascribed vnto thee ( oh king of the world ) by all thy creatures , according to the severall faculties which thou hast bestowed vpon them . be thou glorified , in thy selfe also ; according to that which thy in comprehensiblenes deserveth , beyond what thy creatures are able to ascribe . let all heathenish deities , & all those idolls , which carnall men have set vp in their harts , appear such vanities as they are ; & let thy soveraignty be acknow ledged , ( & thy worship truely celebrated ) by iewes , gentiles , & all nations throughout the world . let vs , especially ( who are of thy visible church ) performe this duty , & let our harts be so established , & so filled with holines , & filial awe , that wee may expect thy comming to iudgment , with comefort ; & wellcome thy opproach , with shouts of tryvmphs , & songs of exvltation . amen . psa . . the soveraignty of christ , with his comming to iudgment ; the ioy which the faithfull shall conceive thereby , & the confusion which will fall on the wicked , is here foretold , &c. it may be mystically applied also , to our saviours first coramling : and may be sung , to stir vp our spirituall reioicing , in both his advents . the lord is king ; be therfor glad yee lands & iles , now this is known ; with clouds & darknes , he is cladd , and truth & iustice , gard his throne . a burning flame before him goes , wherewith , he shall consume his foes . he , to the world his glory shew'd , and , earth beheld the same with fear ; like waxe , hills melted , when they vew'd the lord ( the world's great lord ) appear . his righteousnes , the heav'ns have showne ; his glories , are to all men knowne . all idoll servers , he destroies , and , of all gods will honor'd be . it syon gladds , & iacob , ioyes , his righteous doomes , to hear & see . above the highest hills he dwells : and , all the gods , he farr excells . hate sinn , yee lovers of the lord , for , he his holie-ones , will save : and , light & truth , to those afford , that , harts vpright , & faithfull have . yee saints therefore , record , confesse , and , praise with ioy , god's holines . oh christ ( the everlasting sonn of the father ) thou only art the catholick king ; & it is no lesse then blasphemy for any other to assume that title . rule thou , therfor , in thine owne kingdome , & cast all vsurpers out of thy throne . publish thy glories to the world ; let thy truth & iustice , terrify thy foes , & consume all ungodlines out of the land . root out all idolatries ; that , iacob & syon ( thy church & her children ) may reioice . enthrone thy self also in our harts , & let thy presence consume thence , the mountaines of our presumption ( with every thing , which there exalts it self , against thee ) that , the hatred of sinn , the love of thy presence , the light of thy truth , & the ioye of the holy-ghost , may be there established , for ever & ever , amen . psa . . a psalm . the whole world , is exhorted to sing the new songs of the gospell , & the great powre & victories , of christ . it showes also , how we ought to praise him . to these ends , we should vse it &c. new songs , vnto the lord indite ; for , mighty marvailes he hath done . his right-hand , hath prevaild in fight , his holy arme , the conquest wonn . the gentiles have in publike vew'd , howiust & healpfull , he hath beene : to isr'el , truth & love he shew'd ; his mercies , all the world hath seene , then , through the world his glory sing ; sing praises , with triumphant voice : to praise the lord , the psalt'rie bringe , and on the harp , with psalmes reioice . the lord , the king , with mirth adore ; with trump & flute , this ioye beginn ; yee seas , with all your fullnes , roare ; thou earth be glad , & all therein . before the lord , your ioyes expresse , yee flouds & hills : for , lo , he comes to judge the world , with equalnes , and , give the people , righteous doomes . almighty sonn of god , wee blesse & praise thee for the manifestation of thy mercy to the whole world , in the miraculous work of our redemption . thou didst come to us in despised weaknes ; yet hast thou therein showne such vnresistable powre , that it prevailed against the wisdome of the worldly-wise ; & magnified thy derided crosse , above all the most renowned deities of the gentiles . this thou didst , by appearing in a contemptible estate : oh! how glorious , & how powrfull wilt thou be in thy second comming ! it now draweth nigh . oh! let it not come vpon vs , as a theef in the night ; but , as the travaile vpon a womam , who keepeth a iust reconing ; & ioyeth in the hopes of her birth more then shee feares the paines of her travaile : so , according to the counsell of thy holy spirit , wee may expect , & receive thee , with praises , triumphs , & reioicings . amen . psa . . it magnifieth the royall dignity of christ , & exhorts to feare , serve , & praise him , according to the example of moses , aron , & samuel . uue may vse this , to informe vs , that wee & the patriarks have but one , & the same , christ our saviour . the lord is king , & he doth make betwixt the cherubins , his throne : yee people fear , yee kingdomes quake . for , great in syon , he is growne . or'e nations all , himself he rais'd : his name is fear'd , & holy to . oh! let this powrfull king be prais'd , for , he vprightly loves to do . his powre delights in righteous waies ; with iacob , he will justly deal . the lord our god , oh therfore praise , and , at his holy footstool , kneel . his preist , with moses , a'ron was ; and samuel did invoke his name : these humbly sought the lord for grace , and , they from him , obtaind the same . hee , from the cloudie-piller spake ; and on his words those men relide : they , of his lawes did conscience make , and , god therfore to them replide . yea ( though their errors , he did blame ) to them , he did his grace afford ; oh , serve our god , & praise his name ; for , sacred is , our god the lord. oh christ ( who sittest betweene the cherubims , & rulest both in heaven & earth ) wee thy subiects , do humbly tender our homage to thy royall maiestie ; magnifieng thy iustice , thy mercy , & thy powre . thou art the same yesterday , to day , & for ever . vvee beseech thee therfor , to make vs both followers of the patriarks thy servants , in their faithfull obedience ; & partakers also , of those mercies which thou hast vouchsafed them . though iustly , thou correc test our errors ; yet , in pitty regard our infirmities , accept our penitence , & hear our prayers ; even for the sake of thy bitter passion , sweet iesus . amen . psa . . a psalme of praise . it commemorates two great benifits : our creation ( which is common to all ) & that free election , which is peculier to the chosen flock of christ ; & whereby , they have the freedom of his pasturage , and of his protection . it is therfore vsefull , to praise god for the same . reioyce in god , yee nations , in chearfulnes , adore him ; with ioyfull acclamations , present your selves before him : for , god the lord , did make vs , no hand therein had wee ; he , for his flock doth take vs , his pasture-sheep wee be . his gates & courts , possesse yee , to thanck him , goe yee thither ; his name , with gladnes blesse yee , and sing his praise togither : for , god is kinde , for ever , his grace , he freely daignes ; his truth , will faile vs never , for , endles , it remaines , thy hands , oh lord , did make vs : therfor we praise thee for our creation , & for all the naturall faculties , where with it pleased thee , to endowe our soules & bodies . thou hast also redeemed us : wee therfor likwise , praise thee ; & for our election , vocation , iustification , sanctification , illumination , preservation , hope of glorification , & for all the pretious lincks of that golden chaine , wherein are ioyned together the meanes of our salvation . thou hast , ( wee confesse ) done already so much for vs , that we have almost nothing to pray for , but thanckfulnes , & the cōtinuatiō of thy free mercies , hitherto vouchsafed : for which , wee humbly beseech thee ; & that wee may truly praise thee for thē , for ever & ever . amen . another of the same . oh ! all yee kingdomes , praise the lord , before him , let your ioy be showne : with singing , let him be ador'd ; and , for your god , let him be knowne . he made vs , & his owne wee be , his flock , & pasture-sheep wee are ; his gates , & courts , then , enter yee , and , give him thancks , & praises there . yea , praise him , & his name confesse : for , in the lord , all good resides ; his mercies , & his faithfulnes throughout all ages , firme abides . psa . . a psalme of david . it personates christ proposing the divine , morrall , political , & oeconomical dutie of good princes ; & promising the execution there of , in his kingdome & famely . this is , indeed , the right singing of mercy & iudgmēt , & this psalme is vsefull , at the coronatiō of kings , or when magistrates , are admitted into their places . of iudgment , & of love to thee , now , lord , a song i will indite ; oh come ! vnite thy selfe to me , and , i will keep my waies vpright . with perfect hart , my house i 'le guide , no wicked thinge , shall please mine eyes ; i 'le those detest who turne aside , and , all their deeds , i will despise . no froward hart with me shall stay , i will elect no wicked mate ; the slandrous tongue i 'le cutt away , high-lookes i shun , proude mindes , i hate . but , through the land , to dwell with mee , i will equire for men vpright ; and , those men shall my servants be , whose harts , in perfect waies delight . no cheater , shall with mee have place , no liers , in my sight shall stay ; and , from god's land , i soone will chase , and , root all wicked men away . oh lord god! all authoritie is from thee ; and , thou placest good magistrates & governours , both in church & commōwealth , for a blessinge : or , permittest tirants , fooles , & corrupt persons , for the punishment of a wicked people . defend us , wee pray thee , from this plague ; and , grant , that they whome thou settest over us , may be suppressers of all vices ; protectors of al virtues ; favourers of true pietie ; & be alwaies , good examples ( in life & conversation ) both to their equalls & inferiors . let us also , be the same in our severall places & callings ; that ( walking with good consciences , & vpright harts , in an vndefiled way ) wee may as well sing of thy iudgments , as of thy mercios . amen . psa . . a prayer of the afflicted , when he is overwhelmed , and poureth out his complaint before the lord. the title shewes , it may properly be sung by the pore in spirit , who are afflicted , by the sight of their owne vnworthines &c. it containes , a confession , with a prediction of the benifits of the gospell ; & shewes the eternity of christ's kingdome . lord , mark my suite , receive my crie , be present at my need : thine eares to my complaints apply , and , hear my suite with speed . for , smoke-like , fumes my tyme away , my bones are parcht with heat ; my wounded hart , dries vp like hay , and , i forgoe my meat . my panifull groanes , have made me leane , and nought but skinn & bone ; i fare , ev'n like a pelicane , in deserts , left alone . yea , like the desert owle , am i ; and , watching , i have sate , as when alone , on buildings high , a sparrow , wants her mate . mee , all day long , my foes revile , at mee , they frett , & swear : and , ashes are my bread the while ; my drinck , my weepings are . for , thou in wrath advanced'st me , that , vile i might be made . my dayes , like shades declininge be , like new-sprung grasse , i fade . but , lord , thy tymes , are without end , all ages thee record ; now then , arise thou , & befreind afflicted sion , lord. for , now the tyme to favour her , fullfilled is outright , and , greeved all thy servants are , to vewe her wofull plight . that , earthlie kings , may stand in feare , and , princes dread thy fame , build syon's wall , & shew thou , there , the glorie of thy name . then , thou shalt hear all those that mourne , then , thou shalt healp the pore ; which i 'le record , that men vn-borne may praise thee , lord , therefore . for , from thy holy-place , on high , the world survayeng , then , thou , lord , shalt hear the pris'ners cry , and save condemned men : thy name in syon to declare ; and in ierusalem ; ( where nations all , assembled are ) to shewe thy praise to them . short-liv'd , & weak , & ful of greefe , thou mad'st me , in my way ; but , lord , at noonetyde of my life remove me not i pray . thy yeares , through ages all extend , thy hands , long since , did frame , both heav'n and earth ; yet , when they end , thou shalt remaine the same . they old shall growe , as garments do , and , be renew'd by thee : yea , thou , oh lord , shalt change them so , and , they shall changed . but , from all changes thou art free'd , thy yeares , for aye endure : and , all thy servants , & their seed , shall bide in thee , secure . oh lord , the sole comforter of all destressed soules ! pittie the sighes & complaints of thy pore afflicted childrē , whome thy displeasure for sinn , hath worthily deseased , both in minde & body . open vnto us , the armes of thy compassion ; & grant , that what we have lost by our offenses , wee may recover by thy bounty , vpon our true repentance , & amendment of life : which amendment , wee beseech thee to hasten ; lest wee be cut short in the midst of our hopes . repaire alsoe , the decayes of thy church ( in thy tyme appointed ) that her children may praise thee for it , before mē , during their short abiding here ; & that , when thou hast changed our corruption into incorruption , we may glorify thee among thy blessed angels , world without end . amen , psa . . a psalme of david . the prophet , praiseth & exhorts to praise god , for many perticuler benifits , magnifieng his compassion , longsuffring , iustice &c. & declares the frailty of man. &c. it is vsefull to magnify the manifold mercyes which wee have receaved by iesus christ . come praise the lord ; come praise his name , my soul , & all that is in mee . my soul , come praise his holy name , and , of his favours mindfull be . for , all thine errors he forgave ; he cur'd thy greefs , he clos'd thy wound ; thy life , he saved from the grave , and , thee with tender mercies crown'd . with goodnes , he , thy mouth doth fill , he like on eagle , makes thee younge ; and , righteous doomes he giveth still , to ev'ry one that suffers wrong . his waies to moses he declar'd , his deeds to isr'el , he did showe ; and , kinde , & gratious is our lord , to mercy , prone ; to anger , slowe . he , will not alwaies vs vprayd ; nor , evermore displeasd is hee : nor , hath he soe our sinns repaid , as , justly they deserve to be . for , they that fear him , finde his grace , out-reach the spreadings of the skye ; and , he from vs , our sinns doth place , as farr , as east from west doth lie . he pitties them who fear his name , as fathers pitty their owne seed : for , well he knowes our britle frame , and , that from dust , wee did proceed . our tyme , is like the feild-bred-flowres , which , now doe make a goodly shewe ; anon , some blast their forme devours , and leaves no token where they grewe . but , still there 's mercy in the lord , for them , that awfull of him bee : to them , that keep , & minde his word , his righteousnes , imputeth hee . his throne aboue the heav'ns is rais'd , and , over all , he beareth sway : of powrfull angells , he , is prais'd ; they hear his voice , & him obay . let all his hoasts ; his servants to , performe his will , and praise his name : yea , soe let all his creatures doe , and oh ! my soul ; do thou the same . father of all pittie ( who art slowe to anger , & ready to forgive ) looke vpon our infirmities ; consider our frailties ; in thy abundant compassion , forgive our trespasses ; and deal not with us according to our deserts . cause us to be renewed like eagles by casting of , the old man : fill our mouths , with songs of thy praise ; & our harts , with thine owne selfe , that vnmatchable sweetnes ! that vnspeakable goodnos ! cure all our infirmities ; & healp in all our weaknesses , by thy fatherly care . preserve vs in thy feare ; in the remenbrance of thy covenant ; and in the wayes of thy commandements , to our lives end . that , wee honouring thee , by thy creatures here ; may glorifie thee among thy angells & saints hereafter , world without end . amen . psal . . the majestie , wisdome , & powre of god , in the creation & preservation of all his creatures , is here described , by excellent metaphors . we may sing it to praise him , for making & preserving all things , to his owne glorie , & for our confortable vse . &c. the title is ; halelujah . now , shall my soul to praise the lord assay ; for , lord my god! vnbounded is thy might : with glories beames , thy self thou dost aray , and as with robes , art cloth'd about , with light. thou curtaine-like , the heav'ns abrode displayest ; and , in great flouds , thy chābers roofs thou layest . the rowling clouds , thy speedy charrets are , and winged windes , thy swift-pasd coursers be ; thy messages , the glorious angells beare , and burning fires , like servants , waite on thee . the globe of earth , so firmly thou hast grounded , that none can shake the structur thou hast foūded . as with a robe , wth flouds thou clothdst the same and , then , the waves above the hills aspir'd : but , at thy check , soone downe againe they came , and , when thy voice did thunder , back retir'd : from lofty heights , by winding vallies , tracinge ; they thither fel , where first they had their placing . and , strongly there , thou boundest them about , that they , no more , the world should overflowe ; among the dales , clear springs , thou sendest out , which run between the mountaines to & fro . thou drink from thence , to forrest heards convaiest and , there , the thirst of asses wilde , alayest . then by the bancks of all those running rills , among the boughs the , birdes make melodies : thou from above , with shewres bedew'st the hills , and giv'st enough , all creatures to suffice . for cattell , grasse , for man , thou herbs ordainest ; and , him with food , out of the earth sustainest , from thence proceeds , the hart-reioicing-wine ; refreshing oyle , from thence doth also flowe ; that pretious oyle , which makes the face to shine ; & bread , wherby man's hart more strōg may grow . thy cedars tall , due moysture have not wanted ; not they , which high , on libanon , are planted . the feather'd foules , their nests on thē do build , the lofty firrs , are dwellings for the storke ; for clyming goats , the mountains , refuge yeald , in craggy rocks , the fearfull connies lurke . the changing moon , the tymes apointed showeth the constant sunn , his howr of setting knoweth . thou darknes cal'st ; so , night shutts vp the day ; and , then , abrode the forresters do roame : with roarings loud , the lions hunt theyr prey , and , vnto thee ( oh god ) for meat , they come . the rising sunn , anon returneth hither and , in their denns , they couch againe togither . then , man till night , afresh , his labour plies . how many , be thy wondrous works oh lord ! in ev'ry thing , thou art exceeding wise . the spatious earth , by thee is fully stor'd ; and , in the sea are many creatures dwelling , both great & small , whose number passeth telling . there , sail the shipps , & , there thou didst creat leviathan , to sport vpon the floud . thy creatures all , from thee expect their meat ; and , that thou shouldst in season , give them food , which thou bestow'st , & they ( the same receiving ) are filld with goodnes , of thy bounteous giving . thou hid'st thy face , & loe , they troubled are ; thou stopt'st their breath , & lifeles dust they bee : againe , thou breath'st ; & they reviv'd appear , and , all the earth is new arayd by thee . oh! let the lord , with honour still be named , and , let him joy in that which he hath framed . if with his eye , the earth he but survay , the fearfull earth , doth tremble at his look ; if on the hills , he but a singer lay , his very touch , doth make the hills to smoke . and , whil'st my life , or beeing , is enioyed , to praise my god my , tongue shall be employed . sweet thoughts of him , conceaved are in me ; and , in the lord my hart shal ever ioye : for , from his land , the wicked rooted be ; and , he , will them , perpetually destroy . oh let his praise , for ever , be confessed ; praise god my soul , & say : the lord be blessed . most glorious lord god! thy admirable powre & wisdome created the world ( which having once overflowed for sinn , thou didst againe replenish the same ) continueng the maine fabrick ever since ; & , therein mainetaining a succession of innumerable different creatures , by a wonderfull providenee ( & with a speciall regard vnto mankinde above them all ) give us therfore , grace , wee beseech thee , so to meditate thy workmanship , thy wisdome , & thy great mercies herein ; that our harts beeing regenerated & revived ( by the breathings of thy holy spirit ) wee may be thanckfull for thy great favours : & that when our wickednes is rooted out , wee ( perceaving all to be good which thou hast created or ordained ) may praise thy wisdome , thy goodnes , & thy bountie , for ever & ever amen . psa . . halelujah . it typically expresseth ( by god's deliverances of the iewes , & his covenant with them ) the spiritual league & graces , vouchsafed to us &c. we should therfor sing it , not only historically , but with a respect also , to the covenant of grace , & his mercies , by christ iesus . come praise the lord , invoke his name ; to all men make his actions knowne : in psalmes of praise , sing forth his fame , and , speak what wonders he hath done . let them , who seek the lord , be glad , let of his name , their boast be made . oh search god's powre , & seek his face ; still , minde what wonders he hath done : let all , that are of abraham's race , and iacob's , his elected-one , god's wondrous works , record with heed , and , minde what he hath fore-decreed . he , is our god , our mighty lord ; his iudgments through the world are spread : he beares in minde , his promis'd word , vnto a thousand ages made ; ev'n that , which he to abr'ham swore , and vow'd to isa'ck heretofore . to iacob , came the same decree , in isr'el to continue still ; to thee , & all thy seed , sayd hee , the land of can'an give i will. yea , thus he spake , when fewe they were , and , they themselves , meer strangers there , when forraigners , they liv'd among , ( and , oft from place to place remoov'd ) he suffred none to do them wrong ; but , for their sakes , ev'n kings reproov'd , my prophets , harme yee not , sayd hee ; vntouch'd , let my anointed be , then , he by dearth , their land made pore , and , did the staff of bread withhold ; but , ioseph , he , first sent before , eu'n him , whome for a slave they solde . with fetters , there , his feet they pain'd ; and , him in irons , they detain'd . but , when his triall was decreed , god's word , his innocence disclos'd ; the king did send , to have him freed , and by the prince , he was vnlos'd . his cheef commander he was made , to rule his house , & all he had . of all his lords , he had command ; that he his counsellers might guide , then , isr'el came to egipt land , and , iacob did with cham reside : and , so his children thrived there , that , stronger then his foes they were . whose hate , & fraudulent intent when to his folk , he well made knowne , his servant moses , then he sent , and a'ron his elected-one , who wrought great marvailes in his name , and wonders in the land of ham. he darknes cal'd ; & dark it grewe ; ( for his commands were not withstood ) throughout their coast , their fish he slewe . and chang'd their waters into bloud . vpon their land he froggs did bring which climb'd the chambers of the king . he spake , & flies of divers formes , and , lice through ev'ry quarter craw'ld ; insteed of raine , he gave them stormes , and , hayle , & lightnings forth he cald . which , downe , their vines , & figtrees brake , and in their groves , great spoile did make , the locust came at his command ; and caterpillers did abound : the grasse they wasted from the land , and ev'ry fruite , vpon the ground . then , he their eldest-borne did smite , the very prime of all their might . his people , rich from thence he brought : among his tribes , no weaklings were : all egipt ioy'd when they went out ; for why ? of them , they stood in feare . a canopy of clouds they had ; to give them light , a fire he made . the people askt , & quailes he gave , with heav'nly bread , he filled them : the rocks likewise , for them he clave , and through dry lands he sent a streame : because , to minde that promise came , which he had made to abraham . his people , & his chosen bands , he brought away with loyfulnes , to them , he gave the gentiles lands , and , they their labours did possesse : that , they might mark what he decreed , and keep his lawes , with carefull heed . preserve us oh lord , from that hardnes of hart for which thou sendest thy dreadfull iudgments into the world ; & withhold alsoe thy plaugues from our kingdome : but , especially , that spirituall darknes , & those iudgments , which are mistically signifiied , by lice , froggs , locusts , & the rest of the egiptiā plagues : and , as a meanes of this favour , make us mindfull of that covenant , which then hast made vnto vs , & wee vnto thee , in christ iesus . vvee confesse thou didst gratiously lead our fore-fathers in the wildernes ; feeding , guiding & preserving them , by thy miraculous powre ; be thou also , we pray thee , our assistance & protector in this our pilgrimage ; feeding us with that heavenly manna , & refreshing us out of that spirituall rock , whereof , they had the type ; that wee may followe them who are gone before into the land of the living , & there praise thee , world without end . amen . psa . . halelujah . it commemorates the perversenes of the iewes , in whome the humane nature , was typified : therefore ( changing the persons , to our selves . ) we may sing it to set forth , god's grace & long-suffring toward vs ; who have enioyed the same favours , & are guilty of the same perversenes . come praise the lord ; for wondrous good is he ; and , without end , his tender mercies are . his powrfull acts , by none cann vttred be : his praises due , none fully cann declare . they blessed are , that have true judgment heeded , and in the paths of righteousnes prooceeded . with such respect , let me remembred be , as that , which to thy chosen thou dost bear : thy saving-health , vouchsafe thou vnto me ; and place me there , where thyne elected are . that , i may tast , the pleasures of thy nation , and partner be in all their exvltation : wee have amisse , like our fore-fathers done , god's wondrous works , in egipt moov'd not thē . his mercies great , they never thought vpon , but , at the sea ( the red-sea ) vexed him . who , naitheles , them ( for his namesake ) spared ; that , his great powr , might be by them declared , the red-sea , then , was dride , at his command , and , there , as through the desert , they do goe , he , saved them from their oppressors hand , and , them redeemd , from their stronghanded foe . for , in the sloud he overwhelmd their haters , and , non of them , escaped from the waters . then , they beleev'd , & praisd him in a song ; but , soone his words , & works forgotten were : for flesh , ev'n in the deserts , they did long , and much provok'd the lord's displeasure there , their brutish lust , with flesh , indeed , he served ; but therewithal , their lustful souls were sterved . their campe , at moses grudgd ; & with despight god's holy-one , e'vn aron , did persue : for which , the earth did swallow dathan quite , and , quick-devour'd , abiram , & his crewe . a sudden flame , their congregation fired ; and , made an end of those that had conspired . an idoll then , in horeb , they did raise ; a molten calfe , as god , adored they : and gave to god ( their glory , & their praise ) an oxes forme , that eateth grasse , & hay . for god their garde , nor for his powre they cared in egyipt , cham , or at the sea declared . god , therefore sayd , he quite had ruin'd them , but that , his wrath by moses was alayd . the pleasant land , likewise , they did contemn , beleeving not the words that he had sayd . and , in their tents , their murmurs were a token , they did nor hear , nor heed , what god had spokē . another tyme , his hand advanced was , them , in the desert , to have overthrowne ; to mixe their seed , among the gentile-race , and , scatter them , through many lands vnknowne . because , vnto baal-peor , they had bowed ; and , fedd on meats , to lifeles idolls vowed . yea , then , the plague did fast among thē run , because their fault god's anger had encreast . but , iustice was by phineas , timely done ; and , there vpon , that mischeef quickly ceast . his righteousnes , therefore , shall be commended through ages all , till ages all are ended . at meribath , they made him angry , to , and , wroth likewise , with moses , for their sake ; for , they provokt his humble spirit soe , that , he , some words without advisement spake . they did not slay their foes , as god forewarned , but , mixt with such , and their ill customs learned . their idol-gods they serv'd ; which proov'd a snare . to devills , they did sacrifize their seed : they spilt the bloud of those that guiltles were ; ev'n their owne sonns , & daughters blood , they shed to canans gods , for offrings , thē they killed ; and all the land with bloody sinns defiled . thus , by their works , poluted they became , and , whorishlie , persude what they deviz'd : which did gods wrath against them so inflame , that he therefore , his heritage despiz'd for , them to serve the nations he constrained , and , over them , their adversaries raigned . their foes , opprest & brought thē verie lowe ; and then ( though him their courses did provoke ) he helped them , when they did helples growe ; and , when they cride , compassion on them tooke . his cov'nant , & his grace , to minde he called , and succour'd thē , by those , who them enthralled . oh lord our god! still , send vs healp frō thee , that wee therfore may laud thy holy name , divided from the gentiles , let vs be , to sing thy praise & trivmph in the same . let isre'ls god , with praise be still confessed ; and , let al people say ; the lord be blessed . uuee confesse , oh lord god , that wee have sinned according to all the transgressions of our forefathers ; & added many offences vnto theirs . uuee confesse also , that ( as to them ) thou hast multiplied thy mercies towards us ; insomuch that our enimies , yea our afflictions , have beene made comfortable : and in steed of plagues ( whose encrease & continuance wee rather deserved ) thou hast alured vs vnto thy love , by many extraordinario blessings . oh god! let us no longer abuse thy patience ; but make us now , soe to mind our part of the covenant which is betwixt us ; that wee may be seperated from our heathenish conversations ; be remembrend among thy people ; behold the good of thy chosen ; reioice in the gladnes of thy nation ; & be pertakers in the glory of thine inheritance , for ever & ever . amen . psa . . halelujah . it exhorts , to praise god , for his vniversall grace ; acknowledgeth him , the deliverer of all men , in all places , and in all troubles ; confesseth him the corrector , orderer , and disposer of kingdomes , persons , & famelies , &c. it is vsefull both for temporall & spirituall belssings : for , by bodiey suffrings ; spirituall miseries , are mystically signified . come praise the lord , & thanckfully confesse , that he is good , & gratious , without end , let those whome god redeem'd , his praise expers , ev'n those whome he did from their foes defend ; collecting them , from east , & westerne nations , from northern clymes , & southern habitations . in deserts wilde , & where no dwellings were , they wandred on , with drought , & hunger , faint : and , them he freed , from all destresses there , when they to him , had vttred their complaint . he ledd them on , in paths directly guiding to citties faire , whear they had safe abiding . oh! let men praise the goodnes of the lord , and publish out , his wonders to their seed : for , he to hungry men doth meat afford ; and , with good things , the longing soul doth feed . he , those vnbinds , that are in fetters chained ; and in the bands , & shades of death detained . the word , of god most high , they did reject , and small account , of his advise they made ; with heat , & toile , he therfor did afflict and cast them downe , when they no helper had . but , in their need ( when they againe complained ) he tooke away the greef , which they sustained . frō deaths black shades , he shew'd thē light some and , all their bands , did quite asunder break ; ( wais let all mankinde , therfore , his wonders praise , and of his works , among their children speake , the brazen gates , he crakt , & open sett them : their yron barrs he broke , & forth he fett them . he plaugeth fooles , because they have transgrest ; and , for their sinns , they much afflicted are : their fainting soules , doe pleasant meats detest , they to the gates of death approached near : but , seeking god ( when they were so oppressed ) from all their paines , & feares , he them released . he sent his word , which did their greevāce heal , preventing so , their fall , which hastned on . oh let all men ! god's goodnes , therfore tell , and shewe their seed , what wonders he hath done , let them declare his works , with joyfull singing , the sacrifize , of thanckfull praises , bringing . they that in shipps , at sea employed are , ( and for their gaine to crosse the waves are bold ) may vewe the works of god-almighty there , and in the deepes his wondrous deeds behold . for , he but breaths , & streight a storm appeareth which vp aloft , the rowling billowes beareth . now mounts to heav'n ; anon , descēds the keel , and they grow faint , with labour & with fear : as druncken men , they stagger , & they reel ; and of their skill , they quite deprived are , then , to the lord they cry , who them releases , from all their feares , their dangers , & destresses . for , he , the stormes , to gentle calmes cōvarts , and , quiet then the raging sea , becomes ; then they are joy'd ; then eased are their harts , and , them he brings , to their desired homes . of these his works , let all men make relations , and shewe his deeds , to future generations . oh sing his praise , where great assemblies are , and him , among your elders , glorify ; he deserts makes , where once great waters were ; he draines the springs of mighty rivers drie . and , from rich lands , their fatnes , oft he taketh ; when by their sinn , her dwellers , him forsaketh . the deserts vast , he turnes to standing lakes ; and springs convaies , to lands which barren were : for hungry soules , a dwelling there he makes , who , for themselues do build a citty there . they sowe & plant , & reap the hoped blessing , both of their seed , & of their vines encreasing . he prospers them ; & lo , they are encreast , their flocks & heards , do fatt & fruitfull grow . yet , otherwhile , he letts them be opprest , ( low , and with great plagues , he , sometime , brings thē he takes from kings , their princely estimation ; and , makes them stray , in pathles desolation . but frō all greefs , the meek he still doth raise , and , makes like flocks , his housholds to appear ; at sight thereof , the iust will sing his praise , and they shall dumbe be strook , that wicked are . all this , they mark ; that have true wisdom learned : and , god's great love , by them is well descerned . most mercifull god! what affliction is there , from which wee are not howrely delivered , or preserved , by thee ? nay , what necessarie benifitts are there , which wee have not in the best season , receaved from thee , in what place soever , or of what nation , or condition soever wee are ? in our wandrings , in our poverty , in our sicknesses , in our imprisonments ; in our iournyes at sea & land , in our labours , in our goods , in our children , in our sorrowes , in our prosperities , in our persons , in our famelies , in life , in death , yea in everie thing , wee have continuall experience of thy mercies ; insomuch , that we may confesse thou delightest in nothing , but in shewing mercy ; vnles our sinns compel thy iustice to afflict us , that thy mercies may not be despised : and , there is great mercy , even in that , also . oh good god! make us ever mindful hereof ; & give us wisdome so to mark & consider these things , that both wee & our posteritie , may magnifie thy vnspeakable bounty , & declare thy wonderful workings , for ever & ever . amen . psa . . a song or psalme of david . this is composed of the later parts of the . & psalmes ; yet differs from both : for , those beginn with lamentations , & end with reioieings ; but , this is wholy triumphant , & personates the church praising god for her enlargment : &c. wee may sing it , when the church is released from some persecution , or her limitts extended farther &c. my hart is sixt ; & i , oh lord , will in my songs , thy fame record , and , with my tongue , sing praise to thee : my harp & psaltry , are awake ; and , i , my selfe , will readie make to praise thee , where assemblies be . for , through the heav'ns thy truth doth stretch ; above the sphears thy mercies reach . oh god! be still exalted high . thy praise , through heav'n & earth extend ; let thy righthand , thy dear defend , and , still vouchsafe me thy replie . for , as thy holy voice declard , with trivmphs , shechem i have sharde ; and , i have measur'd succoth vale. mine , gilead & manasseth are , my head , mount ephraim high doth bear , in iudah , stands my judgment stall . proud moab is my drugding slave , my foot in edom , fixt i have ; and , palestine doth ioye in me . for , who to edom was my guide ? or , to the citty fortifide ? but , god of whome despisd were wee . oh god! who didst our hoasts forsake , from vs , our greefs , thus , alwaies take ; for , man's vaine succours wee contemn . through god , wee valiant acts have done ; our foes , by him , are overthrowne : and , he shall sett his feet on them . oh lord god of hoasts ! true in thy word , & powrful in thy performances . according to thy auncient promises , thy church is wonderfully enlarged ; & thou hast now thy lot of inheritance in those places , where they have bene enimies to thy truth . uuee beseech th●● , more & more , to enlarge thy kingdome , & to be continually present with us , in all our spiritual conflicts : that , by thy powre we may tread vnder foot , the world , the flesh , & the devill ; making servants vnto us ( in the execution of thy will ) those affections , which have heretofore prevailed against us . vvee rely on thee only : on thee only , our harts are fixed : and , for thy goodnes ; we desire , with all our faculties , to praise & magnify thy name , for evermore . amen . psa . . to the cheef musition a psalme of david . it is applied vnto iudas acts . . and is it vsefull to terrify gods foes , & all hypocrites , by shewing the iudgments pronounced by the holy-ghost , against all such . but , let none abuse this , or any such like psalmes , by repeating them in their owne quarrells , lest the curses fall on themselves . oh god my praise ! now silence breake ; for , wicked men that guileful be , with open iawes , against me speake , and , with false tongues , have slandred mee . with hatefull words they mee enclose ; without all cause , with mee they warr , and for my love , they are my foes : yet , for their weal , my prayers are . for my goodworks , ill deeds i gett ; my love with hate , they do requite : or'e them therefore , some tyrant set ; at his right-hand , let sathan waite . let iustice , them to death persue ; account it sinn for them to pray : cutt short their dayes ; & make them fewe : let others take their place away . keep fatherles , their orphane-breed , and , husbandies , their widdow'd wives ; yea , cause thou their accursed seed , to begg & wander all their lives . their vncouth denns , let then forsake ; to begg , what must their life sustaine : their labors , let oppressors take , and , strangers rob them of their gaine . let none regard , though they lament , nor pitty take on such a race : but , quite away ( in one descent ) their of-spring , & their name deface . let god , still , minde the guilt they drewe , from both their parents , at their birth , and , keep it allway's in his vewe , till they are nam'd no more , on earth . for why , they no compassion shew'd , to him that greev'd & pained lay . but , they the needy soul persu'de : the broken hart , they sought , to slay . they cursings lov'd : let them be made the part , therefore , of their just lot . in blessings , they no pleasures had ; and , therfor , they possesse them not . with curses , they , themselves did clothe , as with a gowne , or with a cloke ; therefore , as oyle or water doth , through bones & bowells , let them soke ; let curses , them like belts , inclose ; and , as their clothes , such men aray : ev'n thus , oh lord , require my foes who of my soul , amisse do say . but , ( for thy name sake ) save thou mee ; deal wel with me , & mercy daigne : for , wounded is my hart in mee ; and , i am pore , & full of paine . i vanish like an evening shade , i , locust like , am tost about : my knees , are weake through fasting made ; my flesh is leane , & wasted out . they , mee despise ev'n to my face , and , scornfull nods , at mee they make . oh lord my god! of thy meer grace , to bring me help , now vndertake , make them to see , & then confesse , that by thy hand i helped am ; lord , though they curse , yet do thou blesse . and , let them rise , to see their shame . but , make oh lord , thy servants glad ; whilst they , that my illwillers are , with shame ( ev'n their owne shame ) are clad , as if with robes arayd they were . my tongue shall praise thee then , therfore , confessing , where assemblies be , that god is patron of the pore ; and , from false doomes , their soules doth free . oh god! terrible art thou in those iudgments , which thou dost pronounce against all malitious & vnrepētāt sinners . uuee beseech thee therfore grant us grace , to repent all our transgressions , & to shewe compassion to all thy pore members in their afflictions ; that we may finde mercy in our sorrowes . uuee often see thy iudgments ; but , wee neither know whome thou correctest in love to amendment , nor whome in fury to their destruction : for , thou reservest that secret vnto thy self ( to keep vs , both in our dealings & censures , alway charitable to those whome thou smitest ) oh teach us , therefore , true charity ; & let us never doe , or wish evill to any man , in our owne causes : but , let us apply thy iudgmēts , to sinn in generall ; & imprecate that they may fall only , on the enimies of our lord and saviour iesus christ . amen . psa . . a psalme of david , it is literally of christ , math. . & it mentioneth , the deity , humanity , soveraignety , preisthood , powre , conquests , passion , & resurrection of the messiah . we may sing it with respect to those perticulers . vnto my lord , the lord , thus spake , sitt downe at my right hand ; and , of thy foes , i 'le footstooles make , whereon thy feet shall stand . the lord , shall out of syon bring , the scepter of thy might ; and , over them thou shalt be king , who now resist thy right . on thy great day , in serving thee , men , willing mindes will shewe ; and , from the wombe , thy birth shall be , as is the morninge dewe . the lord , hath sworne , ( & will nor check , nor change the word he swore ) thou art , ( as was melchizedek ) a preist , for evermore . the lord , shall smite when wroth he growes great kings , at thy righthand . the gentiles judge , & , slay his foes which are in ev'ry land . the heads of kingdomes he shall slay ; and , as he passeth-by , shall drinck the torrent in the way , and , raise his head on high . almighty god , who hast given thy eternal sonn ( with whome thou art the same in essence ) to be in an unspeakable manner conceaved in the virgines wombe : to be made an everlasting preist , for us , after the order of melchizedek . and in his passage through this life , to drinck the bitter torrent of his passion : grant wee beseech thee , that by virtue of his blessed incarnation , our nature may be sanctified & prepared for grace ; that by his death , we may dye to sinn ; that by the powre of his resurrection wee may arise to righteousnes ; & by his glorious ascention , be victorious ever all our enimies , both spiritual & temporall , for ever & ever . amen . psa . . halelujah . it praiseth god , for his miraculous works , his wisdome , mercy , iustice , & for the covenant of has grace &c. it may be sung to continue in vs , the fear of god , & to praise him for his benefits ; especially , for our redemption . with all my hart , god's praise i 'le sing , where saints assembled are . for , they , god's works to minde will bring , who , love to them doe bear . most famous deeds , the lord hath done , his iustice , hath no ends : his works are worthy to be knowne , his bounty , farr extends . all them that feare his name , he feeds ; his league he thinks vpon ; and , for his folke , by wondrous deeds , the gentiles realmes he wonn . his hands , have truth & iustice , wrought ; his precepts , all , are sure ; with truth & iudgment , fully fraught , for ever to endure . god sent , and hath his flock redeemd ; his leagues eternall are : his name is rev'rently esteem'd ; and , full of holy-feare . the feare of god , is wisdome's gate ; and , therefore wise is he , who seekes to enter in thereat : his praises , endles be . most mercifull father ( wōderfull in thy workings , dreadfull in thy iudgments , vnfallable in thy truth , & vnspeakable in thy mercies ) fill us we pray thee with that sanctified feare which is the beginning of true uuisdome ; so manifest vnto us thy eternall truth ; so remember us of thy covenant ; & so feede us with spirituall nourishments , that we may be strengthned to walk in thy wayes ; & at the last , enter the gates of eternall blessednes , through the mediation of iesus christ our lord amen . another of the same . al praise to god , my hart now render shall . before the iust ; of him i 'le mention make , confessing that his wond'rous actions , all , deserve that wee should pleasure in them take . exceeding great , his glorious deeds appear , from age to age , his iustice doth extend ; growne famous , all his glorious workings are , his bounties , & his mercies have no end . in feeding such as feare him , he is free ; kept firme , his promise is , from age to age . long since , that so , his folk his powr might see , made were , the gentiles lands their heritage . nor truth nor iustice passe , but from his hand . of all his lawes , the firme fullfillings , be , provided soe ; that , they shall ever stand quit , from all wrongs , & from all falshoods , free redeemer of his people , he became . so firme a league likewise , he did ordaine , that , he hath fixt , & fortifide the same , vnchangably , for ever to remaine . with holines & feare , he clothes his name : yea , wisdome's first foundation is his fear . right wise are they , that well observe the same : and such , from age to age , commended are . psa . . halelujah . it mentions many priveledges & properties of the elect ; & shewes , that the wicked ( for their greater vexation ) shall behold their happines &c. it is a consolatory hymne ; and serves to keep vndiscouraged , those whoe are exercised by the skoffs & prosperities of worldlings . who on gods lawe his love doth place , and , feareth him , right blest is hee : god , will on earth advance his race , and , blest his faithfull seed shall be . his house with plenty shall be dight , his iustice , shall not be confinde ; in darknes , he shall still have light , for , he is meek , & just , & kinde . the righteous lends , & helps the pore , his dealings , he discreetly weighes ; his fame , abides for evermore , and in a state vnchangd , he staies . he starts not , evill newes to heare . on god , his hopes & muzings be . his hart is fixt , & will not fear till on his foes , his wish he see . he , on the pore , doth almes bestowe , and , alway just , he doth abide . for which , his horne shall powrfull growe , and , with renowne be dignifide . which , when vngodly men perceave , they shall , through envy & despight . growe furious , gnash their teeth , & greeve . and , loose thir hopes , & longings quite . vve humbly beseech thee oh mercifull god , to infuse into our harts , such a filial fear of thee ; such a firme trust in thy mercies ; such a prudent regard to all things which are necessarily pertinent to our selves ; so charitable a respect vnto the necessities of our pore brethren ; & soe constant a willingnes , to performe all the duties in which we are obliged to any of thy creatures : that , being without slavish terrors , we may be couragious , what rumors soever we hear ; & enioy the commodities of this life , to the vexation of our spiritual foes ; & eternall blessednes hereafter , to thy glory . amen . another of the same . all they that fear the lord , attaine to blisse ; because , that , such delight god's will to doe . conferd on them , shall honors be , for this , deriving to their seed , great blessings to . encreasing wealth , their houses , full shall fill . for aye , the iustman's righteousnes remaines . great light , on him , in darknes beameth still . he righteous is , & kinde , & mercy daignes , if need require he lends , & gives besides . kept streight are all his waies , by prudent care . layd fast his groundworke are ; & firme he bides . made endles , his memorialls ( likewise ) are . no fears he feels , though evill newes there be ; on god with fixed hart he doth relie : puts trust in him ; not shrincking , till that hee quite overthrowne doth all his foes espie . releef among the pore bestoweth he ; so keeping , still , his dealings , all , vpright , that , him advanc'd , vngodly men shall see ; vex , gnash their teeth , & loose their lōgings quite . psa . . halelujah . it magnifieth god for his great love to mankinde both in generall , & perticuler . but , cheefly for extending his church so vniversally ; for raising us from the dunghills of corrupted nature , to the thrones of grace ; & for taking away our spiritual sterrillity . &c. the vse appears , yee servants of the lord , with praise , gods name , adore ; the name of god the lord , blesse , now & evermore . oh sing his praise ! through ev'ry place , which in his race , the sunn , survaies . all nations , fear his powres , his glory mounts the sky . there is no god like ours : no other lord , so high . yet , he doth bowe , all things to see , that in heavn be ▪ or earth belowe . the pore , from ground he fetts , from dyrt , the meek , he brings ; and , them with kings he setts , ev'n with his peoples kings . and , her that had a barren wombe ; he , made become a mother glad . glorious lord god! who ( to the confusion of the proud & hauty ) hast made choise of the vile & despised things of this world , thereby to magnify thy name . raise us , we pray thee , from the dunghill of our corrupted nature ; that by thy grace , wee may become rulers over our owne affections : and make us also ( who have bene heretofore barren in all goodnes ) so fruitfull , hereafter , in faith & good-works , that our soules may be saved , & thy name glorified , through out the whole world , for ever & ever . amen . another of the same . praise yee the lord , & blesse his name ; yea , now & ever blesse the same , yee servants , of the lord our god. for , from the sunns ascending place , ev'n to the vtmost of his race , his name 's due praise , is fam'd abrode . or'e nations all , yea , or'e the sphears , the lord our god , his glory rears , and , never was his equall found . for , though his dwelling he on high , he doth beholde with humbled eye , all things in heav'n , & on the ground . the pore , from dust & mire he brings , to sit with princes , & with kings ; ev'n of his people to be king. and , he , a joyfull mother made of her , that erst no children had . vnto the lord , oh therefor sing . to god the father , to the sonn , and holy-ghost , ( those , three in one and , that eternall one in three ) all glory bee , for ever more ; all powre & praise , as heretofore , ascribed , now & ever be . psa . . by alluding to the deliverance from egipt , to the driving back of iordan & the redsea , to the trembling of sinay , & forcing waters from hard rocks ; our spirituall deliverances , & reformations , are typified . therfore , our church vseth this psalme , as proper for easterday . when isr'el , brought from egipt was and , iacob from a forraigne tongue ; in iudah was his holy place , to him , did isre'ls rule belong . the sea saw that , & fledd away , ev'n iordan also , backward slipt . the mountaines then , like rams did play ; like lambes , the lesser hillocks tript . thou sea , what made thee so to fly ? why didst thou , iordan , backward goe ? why daunc't like rams the mountaines hye ? yee hills , like lambs , why tript yee so ? shake earth , at presence of the lord , when iacob's god is present , shake ; for , he , from rocks , a standing ford , and , fountaines , in the flints doth make . almighty god , the deliverer of all pore destressed captives ; wee are hy nature the slaves of sinn , death & the devill , who do labour to hold us in eternall bondage : but , wee praise thee , thou hast made a miraculous passage for our escape : oh! grant therfor that thy presēce , may so startle us out of our securitie , & soe mollifie our flintie nature , that the teares of true penitence may flowe plentifully from vs ; & that , we ( thanckfully walking in that way which thou hast prepared for our : entrance into the land of the living ) may be quite freed from our servitude ; & enioy peace & rest in thy kingdome , for ever & ever . amen . psal . . the faithfull desire that al honor may be ascribed to god alone ; & that their foes may not blaspheamously question his powre . then , in the name of heathen idolls , & their worshippers , reprooves the vanity of all those assistances whereon carnall men rely &c. it is vsefull when false worshippers blaspheame god , by reason of our affliction &c. not ours the glory make , lord , give not vs the fame : but , for thy truth & mercy sake , ascribe it , to thy name . to say , where is their god! why should the gentiles dare ? since , he in heav'n hath his abode , and , works his pleasure there ? men's hands , their idolls , make ; they , gold & silver be : possessing mouthes that cannot speake and , eyes that cannot see . their eares are senseles to ; their nostril smelleth not : their hands & feet , nor feel , nor goe ; no breath is in their throte . all they , whoe those adore , ( or forme them ) like them be : in god , let isr'el trust therefore , for , their defence is he . on god , preserving them , let aron's house depend : let those , who feare him , trust in him ; for , he will such defend , god , will remember vs , and , on vs , mercy showe . on isr'el , & on aron's house , he , blessings will bestowe . he prospers great & small , that , fear of him professe : you & your seed , likewise , he shall still , more & more , encrease . of god , you blessed be who made both earth & heav'n : the heav'n of heav'ns , inhabits , he . and , earth to men hath given . lord , none cann thee adore , who dead , & silenc't are : but , i , both now & evermore , thy praises will declare . not for our owne deservings , cann wee claime any thing ( oh lord god ) neither for our owne sakes , or our owne glorie , ought wee to desire any deliverances , or benifits from thy maiestie . as much , therfor , as our self-love will permit , wee desire , meerly for thine owne honour sake , that publike idolaters , & carnall minded men ( who serve gods of their owne making ) may not scandalize thee , or thy truth , by occasion of such miseries or disgraces , as fall on vs , who professe the same . but , make vs ( oh god ) to love thee & thy glory , so farr above our owne lives & reputations ; that , whether wee be delivered or no , wee may submit our selves to thy pleasure ; & be truly comforted , hartely pleased , & reioyce vnfainedly , that wee are counted worthie to suffer for thy glory . amen . psa . . the faithfull professe affection to christ ; acknowledg their condition , both by nature & grace ; encourage others to trust in gods favour ; & resolve the same in them selves . we may sing it , when , after some great affliction or temptation , wee are comforted , & sensible of our present , & passed estate &c. i love the lord ; for , hee an eare to my complaints doth give : and , since he pleaseth me to hear , i 'le seek him , whil'st i live . the feares of death , enclosd me round ; hell torments , mee enthrald . but , still , when paind my self i found , on god's great name , i cal'd . preserve my soul , oh lord , i sayd ; for , thou art full of grace . iust , kinde , & ev'ry pore man's ayde . my healp , when greev'd i was . my soul , to this thy refuge fly ; for , god is thy larg meed . from death my soul ; from teares , mine eye ; from falls , my feet he freed . i shall , with god , enioy my life where livinge men abide . this i professe , with firme beleif , though i was terrifide . yea , though in rashnes i did say , that all men liers were ; what for thy guifts i should repay , now , lord , my questions are . thy cupp of saving-health i 'le take . vpon thy name , i 'le call ; and of my vowes , i 'le payment make before thy servants all . thy saints , their deaths , & suffrings , be right pretious in thine eye . oh lord , thy servant serving thee , thy handmayds childe , am i. my fetters all , thou brak'st away , and , i , oh lord , therfore , the sacrifize of thancks will pay ; and , thy great name adore . to thee , oh lord , i 'le pay my vowes , where thy assemblies be ; ev'n in the courts of gods owne house ierusalem , in thee . haleluiah . hear our prayers oh lord god , & deliver our soules from the death of sinn . for , we are compassed with many perills & fearfull temptations ; insomuch , that wee are sometime almost ready to despaire , & distrust that there is noe truth in any of our hopes . oh keep us ( by thy speciall grace ) from falling into those whirlpooles , out of which there is no returning . vvhen the guilt of sinn , the fears of death , the torments of hell , & the sugestions of the devill ( conspiring with our frailties ) have once enclosed vs. uuee have then , no powre of resistance in our selves ; & it is thy great mercy , if the litle spark of our faith be not wholy quenched . help vs therfore in our extremityes . break the chaines of our sinns , vnlose the snares of sathan , & give us grace to praise thee in thy ierusalem , & to magnify thy mercy in the land of the living , world without end . amen . psa . . this is the least psalme ; but it hath respect vnto the greatest mysterie . for it provokes all nations to praise god , for extending his grace to the whole world ; as appeares , rom. . we should sing it to praise god for his universal grace . god's praise , yee nations all declare ; the lord , yee people all adore : for , large to vs , his mercies are , his truth endures for evermore . haleluiah . vvee praise thee oh father of mercy , for that vniversall grace which thou hast vouchsafed , in offring thy salvation ( without respect of persons ) vnto all mankinde , forsaking none vntill they have first forsaken thee . make effectuall vnto vs , wee beseech thee , this generall favour ; that wee embracing the same , by the will ( which thou first makest capable of what thou presentest therevnto ) and that co-operating with thy spirit ( according to the powre which thou shalt give vs ) we may be pertakers of that speciall grace , which makes vs the obiects of thy eternall election ; & from which there is no falling away . grant this , even for iesus christ his sake . amen . psa . . this psalme christ applied vnto himself . math . for , he is that corner-stone here mentioned . here also are mistically touched vpon , his passion , resurrection , & sonne other evangelicall uerities . it is therefore vsed by our church , as proper for easterday . the lord is good , him therfor blesse ; and , for his grace that faileth never . let isr'el also , now confesse , his mercy doth abide for ever . yea , let the house of aron say , his mercies have no ending day . let all , who fear him , publish out , his mercies that eternal be : for , when at need , his healp i sought , hee , heard my plaint , & sett me free : and , since the lord , is thus mine aide of man , i cannot be afraid . my helpers . god's assistance have ; and , i perceave it on my foes . more safe it is god's help to crave , then on man's healping to repose , yea , faith in god , more safety brings , then to rely on mighty kings . all nations , seige to mee did lay , but , in gods name , i them destroyd ; they me beleaguer'd ev'ry way , but , in gods name , i them destroy'd . as bees , they compast me about , like fire in thornes , soone in , soone out , i soone destroy'd them in gods name , for , when they sought to do , me wrong , the lord , my gratious ayde became , my strength , my health , my ioyfull song . and , in his house , the iust may sing , what god's right-hand to passe did bring . for , god's right-hand is lifted high , greats things the lords right-hand hath wrought ; and , from the grave escap'd am i to tell , what god to passe hath brought , for , though he sore afflicted me , yet , he from death did sett me free . of righteousnes vnclose the gate , that , i god's praises may expresse : this gate is god's ; yea , this is that , by which the righteous have accesse . and , him i 'le praise ; for it is hee , that heares , & healps , & saveth me . that 's now the cheefest corner-stone , which once the builders did despise ; it was the work of god , alone , and , seemeth wondrous in our eyes . this is the day the lord hath made ; come , let vs all , therein be glad . save lord ; oh save vs , lord , wee pray ; blesse him , that commeth in thy name . that , from his house god blesse vs may , we pray , & much desire the same . for , god's the lord , by whome our fight obtaines the vision of his light. with cords the sacrifices binde ; them , to the aulters corners , tye . thou art my god , whose praise i 'le minde ; my god , whome i will glorify . oh! praise the lord. for , great is he , and , without end his mercies be . oh lord christ our saviour ! thou art that pretious corner-stone which vnites , nor iewes & gentiles only , but even the godhead & the manhood into one spirituall buildinge . thou , art he by whome all our enimies are destroyed . thou , art hee , by whome wee escape the grave of sinn , & the terrors of everlasting death . thou , only , art that gate of righteousnes , by which wee enter into life eternal ; and , thou only , art that light , in whose blessed vision , our happines doth consist . oh give vs part in all that , which thy incarnation , passion , death , buriall , resurrection , & ascention , hath merrited & conquered for vs ; & ( if it please thee ) let this be the day , which thou hast made to fill vs with such a gladnes , as shall make vs ioyfull , for ever more . amen . psa . . this psalme consisteth of many exhortations , promises , prayers , complaints , consolations , directions , resolutions , & thancksgivings ; varciously intermixt , according to the churches various occasions : & principally informes , that god's word is the rule of life . &c. alaph . . hee 's blest , that in the perfect way of god's pure lawe hath trod who doth his testaments obay , and , wholy seeketh god. for , such will take no ill in hand , nor , from his pathway swarve , but , lord , as thou dost give command , thy precepts , they observe . would god! my waies were so direct that keep thy lawes i might . for , whilst i thy commandes respect on mee , no shame cann light . with vpright hart , thee praise i will , when , learn'd thy iudgments be ; and , then i will thy lawes fullfill ; therefore , forsake not mee . another of the same . all those are blest that in a blameles way , have by the lawe of god their feet confinde , as blest are those , that his decrees obay , with all their harts , desiring him to finde . an evill act , they never take in hand , nor frō gods pathway , shall their footing swarve wee , likewise , are inioyn'd by thy command , that wee , thy precepts , duely should observe . ah! therefor , would my wayes were guided so , that , all thy statutes , well observe i might . for , if thy lawes , i have regard vnto , no shame at all , on mee shall then alight . and , when thy righteous iudgments i have learn'd with hart sincere , i 'le sing thy praise therefore , to keep thy lawes , i will moreover learne . oh! then , forsake me not for ever more . give us , oh lord , such perfect knowledge of thy lawe ; such regard of thy testimonies ; such practise in thy waies ; such obedience to thy precepts ; such love to thy statutes ; such diligence in thy commands , & such awe of thy iudgments : that our vnderstanding may be freed from error , our conversations from polution , our affections from vanity : & that thou mayst ever be glorified by us ; & wee , never be forsaken of thee . even for iesus christ his sake . amen . beth. . how cann youth's pathway cleansed be but by thy word , oh lord ? with all my hart , i seek to thee , oh! guide mee by thy word . i 'le keep thy lawe , with all my hart , that i displease not thee . oh lord ( that alway blessed art ) thy statutes , teach to mee . to preach the iudgments of thy mouth , my lipps i will employ . for , in thy testimonies , truth ; as , in great wealth , i ioye . vpon thy lawes , & vvaies , alone , my thoughts , & love are sett . thy statutes , my delight is on : thy uuord , i 'le not forget . another of the same . by what , may yongmēs wayes made blameles be ; but , by their taking heed vnto thy uuord ? with all my hart , i have desired thee . from thy commands , let me not wander , lord. by layeng vp thy vvord within my hart , to keep me from offending thee i thought . oh lord my god , thou alwaies blessed art , vouchsafe , to me thy statutes may be taught . betweene my lipps , i oft have sounded forth the iudgments of thy mouth ; and i have deem'd thy testimonies path of greater worth then riches are , ( by others most esteem'd ) both on thy sacred precepts i do muse , and , ever , to thy uuaies have borne respect . thy statutes , as my pleasures i will vse ; and , lord , they word , i never will neglect . suffer vs not oh god , to deferr the amendment of our lives vntill we be decrepit with age ; but let thy word reform us , in our youth ; at least , from this present howre , let us beginn the cleansing of our waies with our whole harts . let us seek , thee , blesse thee , speak of thee , muse on thee , & so delight in thee ; that thou maist delight in us , & keep us in the way of thy commandements , for ever & ever , amen . gimel . . lord , grace thy servant so , that he may live , & keep thy vvord . the wonders of thy lawe to see , enlight mine eyes oh lord. a stranger here on earth , i , am ; thy precepts let me knowe . my soul , with longings , faint became , thy iudgments , love i so . their cursed pride thou hast contrould , who from thy lawes do swarve : but , shame & scorne , from mee withhold , for , i thy truth observe . enthroned princes mee reproov'd , yet , on thy lawes i thought . thy testimonies i have lov'd : to mee they counsell taught . another of the same . confer such bountie on thy servant lord , that to fulfill thy lawe , survive i may : that , i may see the wonders of thy uuord vnclose , likewise ( oh lord ) mine eyes i pray . consid'ring that on earth i am a stranger , hide not from me the knowledge of thy truth . my soul , to leave the body is in danger , shee so desires the iudgments of thy mouth . controld thou hast , the cursed pride of them who from thy iust commandements have swarved . remoove away their scornes who mee contemn ; for , i thy testimonies have observed . contested with , by princes , i have binn : yet , i thy servant , on thy statutes muse . thy testimonies , my delights are in , and , them to be my counsellers i chuse . almighty god ( seeing wee are but pilgrims here on earth ( subiect to many wants , many infirmities , & many oppressions ) gratiously vouchsafe us , that which is out wardly necessary for the body ; supply that which is defective in our seules ; & let thy lawe arme us against the opposition of all our adversaries , through iesus christ our lord. amen . daleth , . according to thy word , now chear , my soul , which lowe is brought . my life's consession , thou shalt heare , let mee thy lawe , be taught . mee , in thy way appointed , set : and , i 'le they works record . greef tires my soul , oh comfort it , according to thy word . me , from the path of lies , remoove , and , by thy lawe , direct . for , i the waies of truth do love ; thy iudgments , i affect . disgrace me not , for , firme i stand , to what thou hast decreed : and , i will runn at thy command , when thou my hart hast freed . another of the same . declined is my soul , ev'n to the ground ; oh quicken mee , according to thy word . my waies i shew'd , & i thine answere found ; thy statutes , also , teach to mee oh lord. disclose to me thy testimonies path , and , of thy wondrous works my talke shall be . my life consumes , because much greef it hath ; according to thy uuord , establish mee . divide mee from that path which liers love , and gratiously vouchsafe to mee thy lawe . the way of truth , is that which i approve ; and , of thy iudgments , i do stand in awe . distrustfull of thy word i never grewe , permit me not , oh lord , to be disgrac't , the way of thy commands i will persue , as soone at thou my hart enlarged hast . indowe our harts oh god! with such vnfained humiliation , with such true confession , with such harty contrition , with such love to thy truth , with hatred of error , & with a renewing of the whole man ; that wee may be more & more enlarged from our sinns & corruptions , vntill wee be perfectly restored to the full liberty of the sonns of god , through iesus christ our lord. amen . he. . shewe mee thy truth , & from that way , i never will depart . teach mee thy lawes ; & them , for aye , i 'le keep with all my hart . thy statutes paths , to mee declare ; for , i delight theron . to love thy vvord , my hart prepare , and , avarice to shunn . from folly , turne mine eyes , oh lord , and , keep mee in thy way . confirm thy servant in thy vvord , that , so , i fear thee may . because thy iudgments gratious be , my feared shame remove . and , in thy statutes quicken me , for , lord thy lawes i love . another of the same . eternall god , thy statutes teach to mee , that til their end , i may fulfill them all , to keep thy lawe let me instructed be , and , i with all my hart , observe it shall . enable me , to keep each lawe of thine , because , that in their path , i pleasure take , my hart vnto thy testaments , incline , that so , all avarice i may forsake , estrange mine eye , from obiects that are vaine , and , let mee be revived in thy path. thy word , to mee thy servant , now make plaine who , to thy fear , him self devoted hath . expell thou far away , the shame i fear : for , just , & good ( oh lord ) thy iudgments be . see , what my longings for thy precepts are , and , in they righteousnes , revive thou mee . oh lord ! ignorance of thy lawe , is the cause that wee neither love nor beleeve it ; & want of love & beleef , are the occasions of all our errors . give us therfor , wee pray thee , that love , that knowledge , & that beleef of thy word , which may keep us in thy paths . root covetuosnes , out of our harts ; let no solly allure our eyes to wander aside , hereafter : & ( because there is mercy in all thy iudgments ) keep us from the shame which wee fear , & have already deserved : even for iesus christ his sake . amen . vau. . thy loving ayde , vouchsafe mee still , as thou hast promis'd , lord : so , i my scorners answere will ; for , i beleeve thy word . since , on thy iudgments i rely , oh! do not , lord , with drawe thy vvord of truth ; & then , shall i for ever keep thy lawe . now i to seek thy way , am bent , i cann with freedome walke and , i will of thy testament , to kings , with boldnes talke . in thy commands , i will delight : for , i have them approov'd . i 'le minde thy word , & keep aright thy lawes ; which i have lov'd . another of the same . fvfill thy promisd word , & favour daigne ; yea , grat thou mee thy saving-health oh lord ! so , i shall make replies to them , againe , who flout at me , because i trust thy word . firme trust , vnto thy iudgments , lord i have , therefor , to leave thy truth permit me never : but , make me to thyne ordinances cleave ; and , keep thy lawes , for ever & for ever . free , shall my walkings be , & vncontrould ; because thy precepts are belov'd of me . thy testaments , to kings i will vnfold , and , of the same , no whit ashamed be . full dearly , i have loved thy commands ; and , they my most affected pleasures prove . i 'le in thy precepte , exercise my hands , and , muse vpon thy lawes ; for , them i love . uurite thy lawes in our harts , oh lord , & engrave them in our minds wee humbly beseech thee . soe regenerate us , that wee may become a lawe vnto our selves ; & have no desires in us , but those which are agreable to thy will. so , wee shall neither slavishly fear , the powre of any authority ; nor be made ashamed by any bitter censurers , or scornfull reproovers : but , may take confidently , & vse conscionably our liberty in christ iesus . amen . zain . . that promise keep , which thou hast made , thy servant's hope to be . from thence ( in greefs ) i comforts had : thy word , revived mee . though my disgrace , the proud have sought , vnto thy lawe i clave . vpon thy iudgments past , i thought : and , ear to them i gave . of sinners , who thy lawe forsake , i am in greevous feare . yet , where my pilgrim-inn , i take , my songs , thy precepts are . i kept thy lawe , & on thy name , i mus'd when many slept . and , thus to passe , oh lord , it came , because thy lawe i kept . another of the same . give heed vnto that uuord which thou hast sayd ; that uuord which thou didst make my hope to be , for , thence in my afflictions i have ayde : it is thy uuord that still reviveth mee . growne quite despis'd i was , in proudmens eyes , and , yet , i from thy lawe , declined not . thy iudgments , past , did in my thought arise ; and lord , from them , i consolation got . great horrors have surprized me , because , the wicked from thy precepts have gone wrong , and , in my house of pilgrimage , thy lawes , and , thy commandements , have beene my song . good lord ! i mention of thy name have made , ev'n in the night ; & i thy lawe have kept . and , ev'ry profitable thing i had ; because , i from thy precepts , have not stept . oh lord ! there is no better comforter in trouble , then a faithfull remembrance of thy gratious promises ; nor any meanes to prevent the feare , the disgraces , or the mischeevous practises of the proud oppressor , then by the meditation , & practise of thy lawes . grant therfore , wee may soe minde the one , & so performe the other ; that wee may reioice in this house of our pilgrimage , all our life long . amen . chith . . i vow'd oh lord , to keep thy uuord , for , thou my portion art . thy promis'd mercies now afford ; i begg them with my hart . i turned to thy testaments , when i had scann'd my waies ; in keeping thy commandements , i vsed no delaies . by troups of sinners , robd i was : thy lawes , yet , minde i still . and , that thy iustice i may praise , at midnight , rise i will. whoe e're dreads thee , & keeps thy word , shall my compainon be . thy mercy fills the world , oh lord , oh! teach thy lawes to mee . another of the same . how that thou art my portion , lord , i sayd , and , i to keep thy lawe have made a vowe . with all my hart , i for thy grace have prayd . according to thy vvord , have mercy now . here , i have called vnto minde thy waies , and , turn'd my feet vnto thy testaments . yea , i have ready bene , without delayes , in executing thy commandements . huge troupes of wicked men have robbed mee : yet , still thy precepts , in my hart i bear . at midnight , i will rise , & sing to thee , because thy iudgments , true & righteous are . here , i have gain'd the fellowship of those , who stand in fear of thee , & keep thy vvord . throughout the world , thy tender-mercy flowes . let me be train'd in all thy statutes , lord. grant us grace oh god! soe to examine the course of our life past , & what waies wee intend to walk hereafter ; that wee'may returne to thee with speedy repētance : & so resolve to keep thy commandements during the tyme to come ; that wee may enioye thee for our portion ; & ( both in the night of our afflictions , & among the troups of our persecutors ) be comforted in the remembrance of thy abundant mercyes , through iesus christ . amen . teth. . thy servant , favour hath receiv'd according to thy word . and , thy commands i have beleev'd , therfore instruct me , lord. though till my troubles , i mis-trod , thy vvord , i follow now . thy precepts , teach to mee , oh god : for , good , & kinde , art thou . thy lawe , with all my hart i seek ; though , mee the proud belye . their harts are fatt , ( ev'n brawner-like ) but , lov'd thy lawes , have i. now , i have learn'd thy statute's truth , my cares , i blessings deem : and , i the precepts of thy mouth , above all wealth esteem . another of the same . in all things , to thy servant thou art just , according as thy uuord , oh lord , hath showne : since , therefor , to thy covenant , i trust , thy iudgmēts , & thy truth , to mee make knowe , if that , i had not bene , by sorrowes crost , i , still had err'd : but , now i keep thy vvord . most good thou art , & all is well thou dost : therefore , thy statutes teach to mee , oh lord. i , by the proud , have greatly bene belide ; yet , still , i keep thy lawe within my brest : their hart ( with fat ) like brawne is stupifide ; but , with delight , thy lawe hath mee possest . it is my weal , that i afflicted was ; for , by that meanes , thy statutes , now , i heed . that lawe of thine , which from thy mouth did great sums of gold , & silver doth exceed . ( passe , sanctifie vnto us ( oh lord , all our afflictions ; that , being by them purified from our corruptions , wee may become vpright in all our wayes . suffer us not to be so fatted in our prosterities as to become insensible of thy mercies or iudgments let our experience in thy word , teach us , to see & acknowledge , that our afflictions are blessings ; and what soever scandalls do arise , let us continue in obedience to thy lawe , & thanckfully esteeme the same as wee ought , for ever & ever , amen , iod. . to learne thy lawe , instruct mee , lord , for , mee thy hands have made : so , when they see mee trust thy word , thy servants will be glad . i knowe thy iudgments righteous are ; and all thy stripes are love. now , let thy grace , thy servant chear and , true , thy uuord approve . i love thy lawe , grant mee therfore , thy grace , that live i may , defame the proud , who wrong mee sore ; for , i thy vvord obay . who knowes thy vvill , & feareth thee , all such to mee convart : and , in thy lawes , lest sham'd i bee , lord , rectify my hart . another of the same . kindle the knowledge of thy lawe in mee . for , by thy hands , i fashion'd was , oh lord. thy servants will reioice , my face to see , because , i have relied on thy word . knowne , well , thy iudgments are , to be vpright . and , lord , on mee thy stripes in love thou laydst , oh , make thy tender-mercies my delight , and comfort mee , as in thy vvord thou saydst . kinde , let mee finde thee lord ; that i may live : because contentement in thy lawe i finde . defame the proud , who me vniustly greeve ; for on thy precepts , i employ my minde . keepe those who thee do feare , & know thy uvill , that they may be converted vnto mee . and in thy lawes , my hart confirme thou , still , that from disgrace , i may preserved bee . lord , wee are the workmanship of thy hands : soe instruct vs therfor , in the vnderstanding and performance of thy lawe , that wee may accomplish the end of our creation . make our knowledge of thy statutes , our faith in thee , & our conformity to thy will , soe evident ; that thy servants may reioice , our foes become ashamed , our corrections appear tokens of thy love ; our shame be prevented , our harts cheared , & life eternal obtayned . amen . caph. . my soul , for succour panting lies . yet , is thy word my stay . i seek thy truth with longing eyes , oh comfort mee , they say . i , like a smoke-dride botle seeme ; yet , on thy lawe , i thought : summ vp my dayes , & iudge all them , that have my ruine sought . for mee , the proud sunck pitts , which be forbidden by thy lawes : thy vvords are true , oh save thou mee , persu'de without a cause . quite from the land , they drove me nigh , yet , to thy lawes i cleave . oh chear mee , by thy grace , that i thy vvord may never leave . another of the same . lord , for thy healp my longing soul doth pant , and , on thy promise al my hopes do lye . mynes eies do faile , because thy vvord i want , come comfort mee , with speaking looks , they crie . like botles in the smoke , i do appear , yet , still , thy statutes minded are of mee . how long shall i thy servant suffer hece ! thy iudgments , on my foes , oh , let mee see . lo , for my life , the proud deep pitts have made , such as thy lawe forbiddeth to prepare . they mee persued , though no cause they had ; oh helpe ; for all thy precepts , faithfull are . long since , my ruine they had nigh contriv'd : i , naitheles , thy statutes did not leave . let mee by thy compassion be reviv'd . and , to thy testimonies , i will cleave . oh lord , wee have adversaries , continually digging pitts for our soules . vvee are sensible of great afflictions ; & our life daylie wears out by vnperceaved infirmities . yet , wee feel not that longing to obtaine an incorruptible estate , as to continue our present vanities . oh let that experience , which wee have of miseries here ; & that faith which vve ought to have of vvhat thou hast promised hereafter , make our harts pant vvith longing after the accomplishment of thy truth , & for our full fruition of thee , through iesus christ our lord. amen . lamed . . thy vvord , in heav'n remaines for aye ; thy truth shall still abide . the earth , so firmely thou didst lay , it cannot swarve aside . thy lawes keep ev'ry thing vpright ; for , all , thy servants be . but that thy vvorde was my delight , my cares had ruin'de mee . i will not from thy truth decline ; for , life to mee it brought . oh save thou mee ; for i am thine ; and , thy decrees , have sought . though sinners do my spoile intend , thy vvord , in minde i bear . of all good works i see an end ; but , large thy precepts are . another of the same . made firme in heav'n , thy promise is , oh lord , and , shall for ever , & for ever , last . thy faith fullnes , all ages will record , for as earths globe , the same thou fixed hast . most firme to thy decrees thy works do stand , and , all things as thy servants , wait on thee . but , that i pleasure take in thy command , my sorrowes , long e're this , had ruin'd mee . my hart shall never from thy lavves decline ; for , i , by them , to life againe , was brought . vouchsafe to succour mee , for i am thine : and , after thy commandements have sought . much waiting , hath among the wicked bene , my fall to see ; but , i thy statutes minde . of all perfections , i an end have seene , save of thy lawe ; which cannot be confinde . almighty god , by being obedient vnto the lawe of their creation , thy other creatures are preserved in order , & cōtinue thy faithfull servants . man-kinde only is rebellious ; & yet , wee have had often experience that a litle delight in thy lawe , is rewarded with great blessings . soe encrease therfor , our beleef of thy truth , & our love to thy lawe ; that wee may be more & more conformable to thy will , & at last be saved , through iesus christ , our lord. amen . mem. . in thy commands i pleasure take , my dayly thoughts they bee ; mee , wiser then my foes they make , and , still , remaine with mee . more , learne i from thy statutes , then , my teachers vnderstand . and , wiser am , then aged men , by keeping thy command . my feet , from evill waies i kept , that keep thy lawe i might . i , from thy iudgments have not stept . for , mee thou holdst vpright . though hony to the mouth be sweet , thy vvord more sweetnes hath . through thy commands i grewe discreet , and shun'd the liers path. another of the same . no parte of all the day i cann forbear to minde thy lawe ; because i love the same . it makes me wiser then my haters are . for my companion still thy lawe became . nay , more then all my teachers i conceave ; because , my musings are vpon thy vvill. and , more then aged men i do perceave ; because they testimonies i fulfill . no wicked pase , or path , my feet shall vse , that so , thy uuord the better keep i might . and , i thy iudgments never will refuse , because thou hast instructed mee aright . not halfe so sweet is honie to my mouth , as are thy vvords : for , perfect sweet are they . thou hast encreast my knowledge , by thy truth : and , therfor , i abhorr each evill way . the wisdome ( oh lord ) of this world , is but foolishnes , in respect of that which is learned by thy word : for , nothing is see profitable or pleasant , as that ; if it be meditated aright . give us grace , therfor , wee pray thee , so to love it , & so to meditate thereon ; that wee may crack the shell which hides the sweet kernell thereof , from the world ; & , by help of thy spirit , thereby attaine that wisdome which ( our ordinary teacher ) the bare letter hath not powre to discover ; & let it guide us out of all error , both in life & doctrine , though iesus christ . amen . nun. . thy word is to , my feet a light : a lampe , my way to showe , i vow'd thy doomes to keep aright , and i will keep my vowe . i , sore am greev'd ; lord , me revive , according to thy truth . teach mee thy iudgments ; & receive the praises of my mouth . although my soul in danger be thy statutes i obay ; and keep thy lawes , although for mee , the wicked , snares do lay . thy cov'nants are mine heritage ; they much reioice my minde ; and , thy decrees , from age to age , to keep , i am inclinde . another of the same . oh god , thy vvord like lāps my way doth show , and , to my feet , it is a shining flame . to keep thy righteous iudgments , i did vowe ; and , i resolve that i will keep the same . opprest i am ; me , therefor lord revive as by thy uuord , thy promise is to do . accept that praise which i shall freely give ; and , in thy iudgments lord , instruct me to . on thy commands , my thoughts are alway sett , and , lo , my soul is alwaies in my hands . vngodly men , for mee have laid a nett ; yet walk i not astray from thy commands . of all my ioyes thy uuord , alone , is cause : thy testaments i make mine heritage . my hart resolves , to love & keep thy lawes while tyme endures , & throughout evry age. many waies ( oh lord ) is thy lawe healpfull vnto vs. it is a schoolmaster , to teach us ; a rule , whereby to square our actions ; a glasse , to shew us our deformities ; a light , to guide us out of error ; & a remembrancer , to shewe vs what we are liable vnto by nature ; that so , the terrors thereof may make the flesh more obedient to the spirit ( & their harts the more thanck full , whome grace hath freed from the curse & condemning powre thereof ) yea , it is alwaies vsefull in some kinde or other . oh , write it therfor in our harts & engrave it in our mindes , for ever & ever . amen . samech . . thy lawe i love with all my hart , and wicked thoughts detest . the place of my defence thou art ; and , on thy vvord , i rest . lewd men avoyd ; for i would faine my god's commands obay . according to thy vvord , mainetaine my life , & hopes , i pray . support mee , & i nought shall dread : for , to thy word i cleave . vpon thy lawes transgressers tread : for , guile shall them deceive . purgd out like drosse , the wicked be : i therefore love thy lawe . and , of thy iudgments , & of thee , my flesh doth stand in awe . another of the same . proud thonghts i hate , and such as cause offence but , with much love thy lawe i do embrace . thou art my sheild , oh lord , and my defence ; and in thy vvord , my confidence i place . pack hence , all yee , that evill doers he ; for , all my god's commands , i will obay . according to thy vvord , vphold thou mee ; that both my life & hopes , enioy i may . protect me , & no dangers i shall fear : for , in thy statutes , i will then delight . suppresse all those that from thy precepts err : for why , they muse on nothing but deceit . purg'd out by thee , like drosse , thee wicked are ; and , i thy testimonies love therefore , my flesh doth dread thee with a trembling fear ; and , by thy iudgments , i am frighted sore . oh lord , let the consideration of thy iudgmēts purge out all our wickednes , & so terrify our wanton flesh , that it may tremble to offend thee . let the meditation of thy lawe of love , so work vpō our harts , that our verie thinckings may be sanctified ; and let us be continually supported by thy asisting grace , that in thought , word , & deed , wee may persevere in obedience to thy will , & be safe vnder thy protection , for ever & ever . amen . aijn . . in iudgment , i vprightly deal ; let no man mee oppresse . be suretie , for thy servants weal ; from tyrants , me release . mine eyes , are dimm'd since for thy vvord , and saving-health i sought . deal well with mee thy servant , lord , let me thy lawe be taught . since , thee i serve , lord , grant i may thy testimonies knowe . now , is the time to work ; for they , thy law would overthrowe . far more then gold , ( then finest gold ) thy statutes i affect . thy lawe , in all things , i vphold , and , errors way , reject . another of the same . quit me from such as doe my harme assay ; for , i according to thy lawe have wrought . be suretie , for thy servants weal , i pray , that , to the proud , in thrall i be not brought . quite wasted are mine eyes , & almost blinde , since thy just vvord , & healp i did expect . according to mercie , be thou kinde ; and , me thy servant , by thy law direct . quench not that light by which thy truth is known but , give thy servant knowledg in thy vvord : for , they thy blessed lawe have overthrowne , and , it is time that thou thy healp afford . quick therfore be : for , i above all gold , yea more then gold refinde , thy vvord affect . thy statutes all , to be vpright i holde ; and all erroneous waies , i disrespect . preserve us , oh god , from their wickednes , who pretending a christian libertie , seek to overthrowe , & make voyd thy lawe ( to the quenching of the spirit , & to the fullfilling of their fleshly will ) grant rather , that the more wee are freed , from the bondage of the lawe ( & the lesse obliged to the works thereof , for our justification ) the more we may labour to fullfill the same ; even for the love of righteousnes in iesus christ , amen . pe. . rare things , thy testaments comprise , and are my soules delight . thy statutes make the simple wise . their knowledg giveth light . through longing for thy lawe , i drewe my breath with panting mouth . veiwe mee in love , as thou dost veiwe the lovers of thy truth . so guide my goengs by thy vvord , no sinn in mee may raigne . from spoile of men , preserve me lord. for i thy truth retaine . teach mee thy lawes , & let thy face . vpon thy servant shine . for , streames i weep , when men transgresse , or break a lawe , of thine . another of the same . right wonderfull thy testimonies are : and , therfor lord my soul to keep thē strives . thy vvord's approching , makes great light appear , and , vnderstanding to the simple gives . respire & pant i did , with mouth vnclo'sd ; so greedy of thy precepts , i became . oh look on mee , as when thou art disposd , to look vpon the lovers of thy name . restraine my stepps according to thy uuord ; and let no sinn , in me domion gaine . from cruel men , defend thou mee oh lord , so , i thy sacred precepts will retaine . reflect on mee the brightnes of thy face , and , shewe thy testimonies vnto mee . for , downe my cheeks the teares do flow apace , because , thy lawes despisd & broken be . sweet iesu , though we desire to seeme wise ; wee are very simple in the best knowledge : oh encrease our vnderstanding . though vvee professe great affection to thee & thy lawe ; yet vvee soone deny ( yea forsvvear ) both , if vvee are in danger to partake of thy suffrings . oh look vpon vs therfor , vvith such an aspect , as thou didst cast on thy apostle st. peter ; that vveeping bitterly for our sinns & vnkindenesses as he did ; vve may obtaine the same forgivenes . amen . zade . thou just in all thy doengs , lord , and in thy iudgments art . thy testimonies , & thy vvord , are true in ev'ry part . i burne with zeal , because i see my foes , thy truth neglect . thy vvord is pure , which causeth mee that i the same affect . thy precepts , i will still retaine , though i despisd am growne . thy iustice , alway shall remaine ; thy lavve , & truth , are one . in thy commands , my pleasures are , though troubles on mee fall . thy just eternall vvill declare , and , thereby , live i shall . another of the same . sincere thou art , oh lord , in all thou dost : a true , & righteous iudgment thou hast past , thy testimonies are exceeding just : and , so is all that thou commanded hast . spent , through my zeal i am , & almost pin'de , since of thy truth my foes regardles growe . thy vvord , is to the vttermost refin'de ; and , for that cause , thy servant loves it soe . scorn'd & despis'd i am ; yet cannot this , my thoughts from thy commandements withdrawe , thy iustice an eternall iustice , is ; and , truth it self , thou givest for thy lavve . sore paines & sorrowes , have layd hold on mee : yet , i from thy commands content receive . thy righteous testimonies endles be : oh let me know them , lord , that i may live . it is true oh lord , that vvhat ever thou willest is just , & needs no other reason thereof , but that thou willest it ; because thy will is truth & justice it self . keep us therfor , from questioning the justice of any thing vvhich thou hast willed or decreed ; & preserue us , also , from their madnes , vvho fancie decrees vvhich thou never mad'st ; & such as doe not make thee iustifiable by humane reason . teach us to knovve , that , though thy justice is incomprehensible , yet so much as thy vvord hath expressed of it , is such a justice , as makes thee ( even in our capacities ) justifiable , when thou art iudged ; & such , as may encourage us , to endeavour , to be just as thou art just , & holie as thou art holy , by thy example . this grant , for iesus christ his sake . amen . coph . . lord hear ; for , in my hart i crie . and i thy vvord obay . to hear my call , thine ear apply , that keep thy lavves i may . relieng on thy vvord , i call'd , before the morning-light ; to mark thy vvords mine eyes forestald , the watches of the night . as iust & loving , lord , thou art , so , hear & quicken mee . lo , such as from thy lavve depart for mischeefe , comming be . oh lord , to mee , now nearer drawe : thy vvord all truth containes , and , long agoe , i knewe thy lavve , eternally remaines . another of the same . they , healp oh lord , with all my hart i crave , thy just commands resolving to obay . to thee i call aloud ; mee daigne to save , that so , thy testimonies , keep i may . to thee , before the break of day , i call , and , for my certaine ayde , thy vvord i take . the watches of the night mine eyes forestall . that on thy lavve . my muzings i may make . thine ear , vnto my voice , in mercy , bowe ; that , mee , thy iudgments may revive , oh lord. they fast approach , who seek my overthrowe , ev'n they , who strangers are vnto thy vvord . to mee , oh lord , at all tymes , be thou nigh . thy statutes , all perfection do containe . and , many daies agoe , informed was i , that thy commands , for ever shall remaine . vvee rise early , ( oh lord ) & cann sit vp late at night , to prosecute our common affaires , or to prevent the mischeevous purposes of any temporall adversary . cause us , vvee tray thee , to be as vigilant , in seeking thee ; in meditating the deep misteries of thy lawe ; & in foreseeing vvhat spirituall enimies are approching to endanger our soules . vouchsafe this , oh lord : & in all our endeavours , assist us ; in all our prayers , hear us ; & in all our necessities be present vvith us , in iesus christ our lord , amen . resh . . regard my greef , & save me lord , for , i obaie thy lavves . hear me , according to thy vvord , oh save , & plead my cause . because thy vvord they muse not on , from health are sinners far . revive mee lord , as thou hast done , for , great thy mercies are . my foes , & spoilers many be ; yet , i thy vvord professe , and greeve when i the wicked see , thy statutes to transgresse . thy lawe i love ; oh quicken mee , as thou hast promis'd lord. for , endles thy just iudgments be ; and , ever true , thy uuord . another of the same . vewe lord , what sorrowes have oppressed mee : for , to observe lawe , my minde i give . let mee adiudged , & deliver'd be ; and , mee according to thy vvord revive . vngodly men from saving health are far , because they do not seek thy statutes , lord ; exceding great thy tender-mercies are ; reviue thou mee according to thy vvord . vext & persude , by many , i have beene ; and , yet , i from thy precepts have not straid . i greeved was when sinners i had seene ; because , thy holy - vvord , they disobayd . vnto thy lawe , observe what love i shew ; and , of thy tender mercie , quicken mee . thy vvord , through all eternitie is true ; and , everlasting thy just iudgments be . oh christ the mediatour ; in our minds wee are lovers & observers of thy lawe ; but in our mēbers wee are captivated vnto the lawe of sinn : for which , our greeved spirits do complaine with sighes & groanes , that are neither vtterable by the voice , nor sensible to the flesh . oh deliver us from this bondage ; plead thou our cause to thy father : comfort our deiected soules ; & let our love & practise of thy lawe , quicken us , in the way of righteousnes , & make us partakers of thy tender-mercies , for ever more . amen . schin . . though princes , causeles , wrong'd mee much , thy lawe i sleighted not : but , in thy word , my ioies were such as his that spoiles hath got . the lienge lipps i do abhorr ; but , i affect thy vvord . seav'n times a day , i praise thee , for thy righteous doomes , oh lord. the lovers of thy lawe have peace ; and , harme they shall have none . lord , on thine aide my hopes i place ; and , thy commands have done . my soul thy testimonie kept ; in love therewith i grewe . i , from thy precepts have not stept ; for , thou my waies dost veiwe . another of the same . whē cause was none , ev'n princes wronged mee ; but , of thy word alone , my hart had feare . and , in that word , my ioies , moreover , be as great as their's , that sharing booties are . with much dislike , all falshood i detest : and , i thy lawe , vnfainedlie affect , sev'n times a day , thy praise i have exprest ; because thy righteous iudgments i respect . what perfect peace have they that love thy word ? ev'n such , that nothing cann their quiet marr . for thy salvation , i have hoped , lord ; and , thy commands by mee performed are . well pleas'd , & with exceeding much delight , my soul thy testimonies keepeth still ; thou know'st ; for all my waies are in thy sight ; that i , thy precepts , & thy lawes , fulfill . oh blessed redeemer , who wert persecuted by princes , for my sake , without a cause ; thy many prayers , daylie offred to thy father ; thy true delight in his word ; thy detestation of falshood ; & thy perfect fulfilling of the lawe , have obtained , that thy righteousnes may be ascribed vnto us . oh grant , that by performing what thou hast enabled us to do , wee may retaine & encrease the talent freely given ; & enioy thy peace , which passeth all vnderstanding ; for ever & ever . amen . tau . . receive my cry , & guide thou mee as thou hast promisd , lord. give ear , & saved let mee be ; according to thy vvord . when thou to me hast showne thy vvaies . my lipps thy praise will shewe . my tongue thy blessed vvord shall praise ; for , all thy lawes are true . mee , let thy powrfull hand protect ; for , i thy lawe approove . thy saving-health i do affect , thy precepts i do love . oh , let mee live to sing thy praise ; in iudgment , mee preserve . thy servant seek , who sheep-like straies ; for , i thy lawe observe . another of the same . yeald my complaint , oh lord , thy graitious ear , and , knowledge of thy lawe , to me afford . my humble suite , vouchsafe , i pray , to hear ; and , save thou mee , according to thy vvord . yea , save thou mee ; & i thy praise will preach . when thou shalt thy commands to mee declare . thy vvord likewise , to others i will teach ; for , all thy precepts , true & righteous are , yeald me thy hand , my saftie to assure ; for , thy commands my chosen part , i make . thy saving-health , i labour to procure , and , in thy lavve , oh lord , i pleasure take , yet , longer let me live , to sing thy praise ; and , let thy iudgments lord , my helpers be . now , mee thy servāt seek , who sheep-like straies , for , never is thy lawe forgot of mee . most mercifull father , wee have all erred & strayed from thy waies like lost sheep ; give us therefore that lawe of faith , by which wee may be brought home to thy folde . uuhen wee have obtained this grace ; let us truely esteeme it , hartly praise thee for it , & diligently preach it to others . oh spare our lives , vntill the new-man shall be fully perfected in vs ; that wee may accomplish the work for which wee were created , & glorify thy name , world without end . amen . psa . . a song of degrees . vvhy these psalmes are so called , it is vncertaine ( for , iewish fancies are not vvorth heeding ) but , perhaps , our degrees tovvard the spirituall temple , are here mystically included : for , the first degree thithervvard , is to have a sight of our misery , & a detestatiō of the worlds vanities ( figured by mesech , & kedar , in this psalme . it is vsefull , when wee are constrained to live among false worshippers , or wearied by our owne corruptions &c. i call'd on god in my destresse , who heard mee when i prayd : from lieng & deceitfulnes , lord , save my soul ; i said . what hire , oh thou deceitfull tongue ! prepared is for thee ? but , arrowes that are sharp & strong , and coales that burning be ? ah! woe is mee , that i so long , in mesech must reside ! and , that , perforce , i must among the tents of kedar bide . my soul hath beene too long , alas ! with such as wranglers are : for , when i speake to them of peace , for warr , they do prepare . father of mercie ; keep vs from the lieng deceits of the devill , & his members ; & reward them according to their malice . vouchsafe to us , also , such a sight , & loathing , of our naturall estate ; that wee may have an earnest longinge to be translated from the tents of vngodlines , & be incorporated into thy heavenly ierusalem through iesus christ our lord. amen . psa . . a song of degrees . another degree , is to fixe the eye of our soul on god , acknowledging him only , the meanes of our deliverance , & our defence &c. it directs vs , to whome wee should seek ; & encourageth to depend on god in all our waies . mine eyes above the hills , i reare , and , thence , of healp , i hopefull am ; for , from the lord my succours are , from him , that heav'n & earth did frame . my feet vnmoov'd , he alway keeps ; he , is my garde , that ever wakes : for , he nor slumbers , neither sleeps , who charge of isr'el vndertakes . the lord , ev'n as thy shade , will stay on thy righthand , for thy defence . nor moone by night , nor sunne by day , shall harme thee by their influence : for , god will save thee from all woe , hee , will thy soul from dangers free ; and ( whether in , or out , thou goe ) thy gard , at all times , he will bee . gratious protector ; cause us , to expect all our deliverances from thee , with a constant dependance vpon thy savegard , in all proceedings . keep us without slavish fear , or wavering , in our faith : and , be thou all way soe watchfull over us , & so near vnto vs ; that neither those dangers whereto wee are commonly subiect , nor the extraordinarie influences of the heavens , nor any other vnexpectede evēts , harme our bodies , endanger our soules , or interrupt our lawfull callings , either now , or hereafter . amen . psa . . a song of degrees . another stepp , is a delight in the pietie of others , ioined with love to god's worship , & accompanied with harty wellwishing to his church . the elect are here personated reioicing on this degree . wee should vse it to provoke vs vnto the same . i ioyed , when they said to mee , god's house let vs ascend vnto : for , now ierusalem , to thee and , through thy ports , our feet shall goe , ierusalem is fairly scited ; a towne well-built , & well-vnited . there meet the tribes ( god's tribes alone ) hus name in isr'el , to declare . there , placed is , the iudgment throne ; the thrones of davids house are there . oh seek her peare , for , they are blessed ; that have to salem , love expressed . let peace , a bullworke round her make , let plenties in her turrets be : this peace wee wish , ev'n for their sake , who , mates , & brethren are to mee . yea , god our lord 's faire habitation , thus , makes mee pray for thy salvation . inspire us , oh lord , with a delight , & mutuall desires , to further each other in thy service . let us take pleasure in thy sanctuarie : & , be alwaies , to our powre , healpfull & zealous , to effect & continue the peace of syon ; even for the sakes of our brethren , for our owne sakes , & for thy glory sake ( oh father ) that , wee may reap the benifit of her peace & plenties , through iesus christ , our lord , amen . psa . . a song of degrees . another stepp is obedient attendance on god's will , in all suffrings , with assured faith in him ; vvhich is here professed by the faithfull soul . it is vsefull , to advance vs to this degree . oh lord , that in the heav'ns remainest , lo , wee advance our eyes to thee : and , lord our god , till healp thou daignest , they shall on the affixed bee , as men or maides , that waiting stand , vpon their lord , or ladie 's hand . oh , grant vs lord , thy dear compassion ; for , wee extream contempts have borne . vouchsafe vs , lord , thy consolation , for why ? our harts are greev'd with scorne , ev'n by the scornes , & pride of them , who live at ease , & vs contemn . hovv ever thou shalt please to afflict vs , oh lord ( or hovv longsoever thou deferr any desired blessing ) let vs be contented to attend thy pleasure ; & watchfull , to performe what thou shalt require further at our hands ; soe our suffrings , shall the sooner , be redressed , & our dutiful obedience , be rewarded through iesus christ our lord , amen . psa . . a song of degrees . another staire , is acknowledgment of former deliverances , & of the beginnings of gods graces already obtained , as in this psalme . wee may vse it after any deliverances , but especially , such as are most publike . but , that the lord , our part did please to take , but that god holpe vs , ( isr'el now may say ) when men did their assaults against vs make , wee to their throtes had bene a living-prey ; for , wroth at vs , with spighfull rage were they . wee by the flouds , had then bene closed round ; ev'n quite above our soul , the streames had gone : the swelling flouds , our soul had surely drownd , wee , therfor , blesse & praise the lord , alone , that , by their teeth wee were not ceaz'd vpon . for , as a bird , out of a fouling snare , ev'n so , our soul escaped from the ginn : the nett is broke , & wee deliver'd are ; and , god , ( whose work , the heav'ns & earth have ( binn ) is hee , whose name , our healp consisteth in . many times oh lord , wee are delivered , by thy mercy , from evident & vnavoidable perills : but , there is no moment in which wee are not compassed about with invisible foes ( & vnthought of dangers ) far more fearfull & more impossible to be avoyded ; vnles thou didst gratiously defēd us . grāt therfor , that a filiall awe of thy iudgmēts & a true esteeme of thy mercies , may make us hartily thanckfull vnto thee , for them , now & for ever . amen . psa . . a song of degrees . another ascent , is firme beleef in god. the safetie of such , is here alluded to the impregnability of mount-syon , & ierusalem : & the punishment of wavering apostates is threatned &c. it is vsefull to raise vs to this degree &c. mount-syon like , for ever fixt are those whose hopefull trust vpon the lord is founded for , he his faithfull people will enclose ( ev'n as with hills ierusalem is rounded ) as long as time's perpetuall motion goes . the rod of wicked men shall not alight , where god the lot of righteousnes bestoweth . lest righteous men pertake in evill might . for , to the good , the lord his mercy showeth and , favours all that are in hart vpright . but , sliders-back , & such as wander wide , in their owne crooked paths , & waies vneven , shall by the lord , be thither ledd aside , where , portions due to hypocrites , are given : but , isr'el shall in endles peace abide . oh god , many ignorances & errors , both in iudgment , & manners , wee are naturally subiect vnto . teach us therfore what wee ought to beleeve , or practise ; & then preserve vs vnwavering in our faith , & so sincerely constant in a holy life ; that wee may not have our portion , with apostates , or hypocrites , but , be pertakers in the true peace of isr'el , through iesus christ our lord. amen . psa . . a song of degrees another degree is a reioicing in our electiō & spirituall freedome ; which is here typically expressed , with a prophetical prayer for that ioye promised by christ vnto the true mourners . ioh. . . wee may sing it as a thancksgiving for our redemption ; & to comfort in spirituall mournings . when god made syon free ; and her from thrall did bring , it seemed as a dreame to be ; and , wee did laugh & sing . the lord ( the heathen sedd ) great marvailes wrought for vs. great marvailes he hath , wrought , indeed , and , therfor , sing wee thus . lord , back our captives bringe , as flouds to sea-ward flowe , so , they shall then reioice & sing , who did in sorrowe sowe . who , outward-bound , doth mourne , if he good seed employ , shall doubtles , back againe returne , and , bring home sheaves with ioy . let our greatest reioicings ( oh lord ) be in thy redeeming us from the bondage of sinn ; & that our names are in the book of life : for , marvailous was this deliverance . let our greatest sorrowes be for our offences , and for the losse of thy favour ; which are , indeed , causes of the greatest lamentation : soe , our short sorrowe shall be turned in to everlasting ioyes , & glorious trivmphs , world without end . amen . psa . . a song of degrees for solomon . another staire is to ascribe our beeing & well-being to the mercie & providence of god , it may be sung to acknowledge the same , in all our works , & endeavours , &c. if god the pallace build not , the workmen loose their paine , if god the cittie sheild not , the watchman wakes in vaine , in vaine , is early stirring , in vaine , late watch wee keep , or eat the bread of caringe , but , those god loves , may sleep , a fruithfull wombes possessing , at god's disposing stands ; and , children are a blessing , like shafts in giants hands . right blest is he , that beareth his quiver ful of those ; for , in the gate , he dareth , to meet , & smite his foes . grant almighty god ; that whether wee endeavour for our soules or bodies , we never glory or trust in our owne workings ; for , thou must blesse the beginning , proceeding , & conlusion of every endeavour , or all our industry is lost nay , wee have not , so much as powre over our bodie , or the fruite therof . let us therfor , neither forget thee in the vse of the meanes , nor neglect the meanes which thou hast appointed . that , ( what ever the events be ) our vndertakings may , bring profit to us , & glory to thy holy name , so be it . psa . . a song of degrees . another stepp , is filiall feare of god ; to which , many temporall blessings are here promised . it is vsed at the solemnization of mariages ; & serves to encrease in vs , the feare of god. if god thou feare , & keep his way , he , blessings will bestowe ; thy labour shall thy food purvay , and , happie thou shalt growe . like fruit-full vines vpon thy house , thy wife shall proove to thee ; thy children , like faire olive-boughes , shall round thy table be . thus , thon that fearest god shalt thrive ; from syon he shall blesse : and , thou shalt see ( whilst thou dost live ) ierusalem in peace . he shall prolong thy life , till thou thy childrens children see ; and , that thy ioye may greater growe . in isr'ell , rest shall bee . oh lord ; of thy abundant mercy , thou hast promised , not only the blessings of the next life ; but alsoe , all those which are most comfortable in this world , so far forth as shall conduce to their happines , who truly serve & seare thee . oh teach us that filiall fear , & that obedience , for which thou hast made those promises , that wee may performe what thou requirest . yet , not for the outward blessing sake , but meerly for the love of iesus christ our lord. amen . psa . . a song of degrees . another step , is a patient susstaining of the crosse . vvhich patience of the saints , is here mentioned ; & both the tiranny & condition of their oppressors , breefly illustrated . wee may , vse it to increase & continue christian patience . full often since my youth , may isr'el say , full often since my youth , they mee assailed ; and , still , without successe they went away : ( trailed , yea on my back , their ploughs , the ploughers and , on the same , long furrowes ploughed they . the lord , ( who is a perfect righteous-one ) the cords of wicked men in peeces breaketh . and , syons foes , shall quite be overthrowne , ev'n like that grasse , which root on houses taketh , and , fades away , before it ripe is growne . for , nor his armefull , nor his handful , there , remaines for him that bindes , or him that moweth , nor is there any high-way passenger , who , there , is blessing , in god's name bestoweth . or , doth so much , as , bidd them well to fare . sweet iesu , ( who wert persecuted , even from thy cradle , to thy grave ; & on whose back , the sharpe stripes , ploughed long furrowes for our sinns ) worthelie have wee deserved to be whipped with reproches to our face ; to be furrowed with slanders behinde our backs , and to suffer all other indignities . nevertheles , since by thy suffrings , thou hast as well prevailed for us , as for thy self ; make voyd the attempts of our adversaries ; & enable us to sustaine with christian patience , that part of thy crosse which thou appointest us to bear : that being chearfull partakers of thy suffrings , we may partake also , thy victorious trivmphs in the kingdome of heaven . amen . psa . . a song of degrees . another ascent , is earnest prayer : vvhich the faithfull soul here powreth forth for assistance , &c. it may serve as a forme of prayer in great extremities . lord , from the depths , to thee i sue ; my vocall prayer hear . and , when my voice , my wants doth shewe encline to mee thine ear . lord , who cann bear it , if severe , to mark our faults thou be ? but , that wee faint not in thy fear , compassion waites on thee . on god i waite , & on his word , my soul her hopes doth lay : my soul , more waiteth for the lord , then watchmen , for the day . oh isr'ell , trust in god ; for hee ; hath gratious help , in store . and , from thy sinns delivers thee , both now , & evermore . gratiously hear our prayers , oh lord , in all our troubles & enter not into iudgment with us thy servants , vnles thou overshaddowe us by the wings of thy mercy ; for , our iustice is vnrighteousnes in thy sight . give us grace to hope in thee , with patient expectation of thy good pleasure ; & soe enable vs ( at least in our true desire ) to fufill our promises to thee , that without infringment of thy justice , we may be delivered both from the guilt & punishment of our sinns , through thy mercie in iesus christ our lord. amen . psa . . a song of degrees . another degree is vnfained humilitie : for , such as humble them selves shall be exalted . here , all arrogance , ambition , & selftrust is disclaimed , a sole dependance on god professed , and others exhorted to the same . it is vsefull , to beget humility . oh lord , i have no scornefull eie , nor proud nor loftie minde . i seek not things that are too high , but , humbly am inclinde . my soul is like an infant wean'd , ( ev'n from his mothers brest ) and , isr'el , so ( to be sustaind ) on god , should alway rest . none of thy creatures , oh god , have made them selves to be so vile as wee ; yet , none are more proud or selfeconceited ; none more presumptiously inquifitive into thy forbidden seacrets . oh give us more humility ; & lesse desire to those curiosities which are above vs , & pertinent to advance the kingdome of sathan , rather then the kingdome of heaven ; which is to be entred which a childlike obedience & humiliation . this humiliation , wee againe beseech thee to grant vs , for iesus christ his sake amen . psa . , a song of degrees . another degree , is a hartie purpose to prepare a temple for god , in our harts ; & to endeavour the setling of his outward worship , which is here mistically implied . it is vsefull to stirr vs to this degree . remember lord , what david's troubles be , and , what to iacob's mightie god , he swore . in house or bedd , i will not rest , said he , nor shall mine eyes , or sleep , or slumber more ; vntill a place be found , of my providing , for iacob's god , the mighty lord's abiding . lo , ephrata , wee heard , the place should be , and , in the forrest-feilds , wee found the same . thy house therefore , to enter , purpose wee , and , at thy footstoole , will adore thy name . arise , oh lord , ascend thy resting bowre ; thou , & the arck , of thy almightie powre . let righteousnes , thy sacred preists aray , and. let thy saints , a ioyfull tryvmph make : oh turne not thy messiah's face away . for , thy beloved servant david's sake , to whome thou swar'st thy promise , vnrecalled , that on his throne , his seed should be installed . if they , saidst thou , my league & word respect ; thy children , on thy throne shall ever sitt : for , i the lord , did syon hill , elect ; and , for my dwelling , i have chosen it . my setled rest is there , & i 'le possesse it ; i love it , & with plenties , i will blesse it . the pore thereof , with bread i will sustaine , her preists i 'le clothe will health , her saints shal a lamp for mine anointed , i 'le ordaine , ( sing . and , i will make the horne of david spring : i , those will shame , that for is harme endeavor ; but , on himself , his crowne shall flourish ever . suffer vs not , oh lord , to take rest in any thing , vntill wee have provided thee a dwelling in our seules ; & then , let vs entertaine there , nought els , but that which may be serviceable vnto thee . take thou possession of vs , & furnish vs , as becommeth temples for thy presence . remember all thy promises to the faithfull ; for they only are that seed of david , to whome thy covenants belong ; they are those elected-ones whome thou hast promised never to forsake . give vs , all outward meanes , of this invisible grace ; continue among vs the succession , of holy & faithfull pastors ; the bread of thy word ; the clothings of righteousnes ; the lampe of illumination ; the horne of good government ; & the ioye of the holy-ghost ; that the enimies of thy church , may be ashamed , & shee crowned , with honour & blessednes , for ever . amen . psa . . a song of degrees . another step , is that , which the preposterous zeal of schismaticks hath much defaced , ( to wit ) charitie , & brotherly vnitie ; which is here , excellenly illustrated , to moove vs to ascend it . wee should sing it , to encrease vnitie & love. see breth'ren , see , how sweet a blisse it is our lives in love to lead . it like that pretious oyntment is , which once anointed aron's head ; and , on his heard , from thence did flowe , ev'n to his garment skirts belowe . it like refreshing dewe doth prove , which downe on hermon's topp distills ; ev'n like the dewe , which from above descendeth downe on syon hills . for , there , god promisd , heretofore , to blesse with life , for ever more . oh god! so deare to thee , is brotherly love , that all faith , ( yea , & martirdome ) wanting that uirtue , is of no esteeme : so profitable is it vnto vs ; that ( like pretious oyntment on the head , or like shewres falling on high mountaines ) it descends & spreads vntill every member be refreshed therewith . encrease therfor , wee beseech thee , this virtue among vs ( without which , all others are counterfeits ) & let vs so preserve vnity & brotherly kindnes in this life , that wee may enioy thy eternall love & vniō , in the life to come , through iesus christ our lord. amen . psa . . a song of degrees . this is the last degree : for the highest ascent , is , the glorifieng of god. note , that the first & last degrees only , are placed according to their order ; because , necessarily our first step to godward , must be the fight of our misery ; the highest , is , to praise him : the rest are not ascended by all , in one and the same order ; & therefore no precise order is observed in their placing . wee should sing it to provoke to this dutie . come now , & praise the lord , all yee , that his attendants are ; ev'n you , that in god's temple be ; and praise him , nightly , there . your hands , within gods holy-place , advance , & praise his name ; and , yov , from syon , he shall blesse , that heav'n & earth did frame . lord , wee were created for thy glorie ; all the time of our pilgrimage on earth is to fitt vs for thy praise ; & the highest degree which wee cann attaine to , either in this life , or the next , is to sing halelujah vnto thy name . oh grant wee may so honour thee in these temples of our bodies ( here , vpon the way ) on whome the nights of affliction , & the dayes of consolation , doe interchangably succeed ; that in thy ierusalem wee may sing praises vnto thee , in that spirituall temple , wherein , the presence of the lambe , maketh a continuation of day , of ioy , & of all happines , for ever more . amen . psa . . halelujah . it exhorts to praise god , in regard . of his greatnes ; for our election ; for his omnipotency , mercy , iustice , eternitie ; & because other gods are but ridiculons fictions , &c. to this end , wee ( who are mistically the sonns of aron & levy ) should sing it &c. oh all yee servants of the lord , his name with praise confesse ; ev'n you , that of our god the lord , the house & courts possesse . oh praise god's name ; for , sweet it is , to sing of his renowne . for , iacob , he hath chose for his , and isr'el , for his owne . god is , ( i knowe ) a powrfull-one ; he doth all gods excell : in heav'n , his pleasure he hath done ; in earth , in sea , in hell . he maketh vapours to arise , ev'n from earth's farthest ends : and , he out of his treasuries , winde , raine , & lighting , sends . the first-borne , through the egiptian coast , of man , & beast he slewe . and , on king pharoh , & his hoast , rare wonders , hee did shewe . great kings & kingdomes , downe he brought , ev'n sehon , heshbon's king , and , og , of bashan ; yea , to nought all can'an's realmes , did bring . then , for his isr'els heritage their lands , he did bestowe : for which , hee 's fam'd , from age to age , and , still shall famous growe . when he to judge them doth appeare , his people , shall be sav'd : but , heathen god's , man's makings were , of gold & silver grav'd . their carved mouthes are speachles found , their eyes , no light cann see : though they have eares , they heare no sound ; their throates , quite breathles be . much like to these , their makers are ; and they , that serve them , toe . the lord , therefore , let isr'el fear ; and , so , let aron doe . the lord , let levie's houshould blesse ; in syon , let all them who fear the lord , the lord confesse that keeps ierusalem . haleluiah . oh lord our god , wee hartely thanck thee , for our creation & preservation . vvee magnify thy wisdom , thy powre , thy providence , thy iudgments , & thy mercies ; and we acknowledge that the deities of heathenish and carnall men ) yea & all other things in which wee trust ( are but vanities , & false gods , fashioned by our owne wicked fancies . grant therfore , that all of us ( even preist & people ) who in word professe thee ; may in hart , fear thee ; & in deed , faithfully serve thee , now & for ever . amen . psa . . this psalme , exhorts to praise god both for generall and perticuler benifits ; & shewes , that all are bestowed for his meer mercy-sake , which is eternall . it may be sung , literally to commemorate , what god did for the patriarks ; or , mistically , as a thancksgivinge for the spirituall deliverances , which these typified . the lord is good ; him therfore blesse : and , for his grace , that lasteth ever . the god of gods , let vs confesse ; because , his mercie faileth never . the lord of lords , with praise extoll ; for , where he loves , he alway loveth . his acts , alone , are wonderfull ; because , his favour endles proveth . his wisdome , did creat the spheares , ( for , to all times , his kindnes lasteth ) and , earth above the seas he rears ; because , his pittie never wasteth . he , did the greater lights provide ; for , through each age , his grace extendeth . he made the sunn , the day to guide : because , his goodnes never endeth . he fram'd the moone & starrs , for night ; for , without bound , is his compassion . and , egipts eldest-borne did smite , because , his grace hath no cessation . he brought forth isr'el from their land ; ( for , soe his endles grace procured ) with stretcht-out arme , & powrfull hand ; because , his mercie still endured . hee did the red sea , then divide ; ( for. still , his kindnes , he retaineth ) and , isr'el through the same did guide ; because , his favour , still , remaineth . there , he did pharoh's army drowne ; ( for , love , hee freely , still , bestoweth ) and through the deserts brought his owne ; because , eternall grace , he showeth . both huge , & powrfull kings he slewe ; ( for , everlasting are his graces ) yea , famous kings he overthrewe ; because , his love , times date surpasses . great sehon , king of th' amorites , for , his affection never faileth and , og that ruld the bashamites . because , his mercy , still , prevaileth . their heritage bestow'd hath he , ( for , so , his endles love , required ) his isr'el's heritage to be ; because , his grace is vnexpired . he did exalt vs , from belowe ; ( for , he to pittie , still , enclineth ) and , hee redeem'd vs from our foe ; because , no time his grace confineth . hee to all flesh their food hath given ; for , his great mercy faileth never . oh glorify , the god of heav'n : because his grace abideth ever . vvhen wee looke back , oh lord , vnto the beginning of thy visible workings ( pondering , the never interrupted succession of thy mercies , vnto this day ) & therewithall observe the performance of all thy promises to thy church heretofore ; & the continuance of thy abundant loving-kindnes , to us at this present : uuee are assured that thy goodnes & compassion is eternall . vvee therfore , beseech thee to give vs true thanckfulnes , for the same ; that wee may confesse it aswell in deed , as word ; & praise & magnify thy name for ever & ever . amen . psa . . this elegiacal hymne , mistically expresseth the zeal , & love of the faithfull , to the citty of god : and prophecies , the fall of the spirituall babilon . wee may sing it to comfort vs during the continuance of our naturall bondage , & the tirranies of antichrist . as wee nigh babel river sate , wee , overcharg'd with weepings were , to thinck on syon's pore estate ; and hung our harpes , on willowes there : for , they to whome wee were inthralled , on vs , for songs of syon , called . come sing , they sayd , a syon-hymne . lord ! cann wee sing thy songs in thrall ? vnles ( oh dear ierusalem ) thee , in my mirth , preferr i shall ; or , if the thought of thee forgoe mee , let hand & tongue , prove vseles to me . oh lord , remember edom's brood , and , how , whilst they ierusalem , vnsackt , & vndefaced stood , her spoile was hast'ned on , by them . for , loud thy cryed , race it , race it ; and , to the groundwork , downe deface it . oh daughter of proud babilon , thou shalt , likewise , destroyed be ; and , he will prove a blessed-one , who shall avenge our cause on thee : ev'n hee , that payes thee our disgraces ; and , braines thy babes , in stony-places . oh lord , many of thy people , suffer the scornes , & insultings , of that babilon which was typified , by the chaldean citty ; and the mysticall edomites , labour the vtter defacing of thy church . but , deliver us oh lord , & reward them according to their intentions against us . let us take no pleasure in any temporall thing , till wee have prevailed against the fury of our spiritual destroyers : & give vs grace so to crush all sinns , & heresies , in their first birth ; that we may be made eternally safe & happy , through iesus christ , cur lord. amen . another of the same . as nigh babel streames wee fate , ( full of greefs , & vnbefreinded ) minding syon's pore estate , from our eyes , the teares descended ; and , our harps wee hanged , by , on the willowes , growing nigh . for , ( insulting on our woe ) they , that vs had there inthralled , ( their imperious powre to showe ) for a song of syon , called . come yee captives , come , said they ; sing vs now , an hebrewe lay. but , oh lord , what hart had wee ? in a forraigne habitation , to repeat our songs of thee , for our spoiler's recreation ? ah , alas ! wee cannot , yet , thee , ierusalem , forget . oh ierusalem ! if i do not mourne , ( all pleasure shunninge ) whilst thy walls defaced lie ; let my righthand , loose his cunninge : and , for ever , let my tounge to my pallet , fast be clung . oh remember , blessed lord , e're ierusalem was wasted , how the sonns of edom roar'd ; and , her totall ruine hasted : till , they levell , all had laid , rase it , rase it quite , they said . but , thou shalt be spoiled thus ; and , be vs'd ( oh babels daughter ) iust as thou hast vsed vs. and , that man , who in thy slaughter , on the stones , thy child'ren braines , shall be blessed , for his paines . psa . . a psalme of david . god is here praised , for the truth of his word ; for glorifieng his sonn christ ; for confirming his elect ; & for the common grace vouchsafed to all , &c. it may be sung for any deliverance ; but , especially for our redemption . with all my hart , i 'le sing abrode thy fame , and praise thee , where the gods assēbled are ; ev'n in thy house , i 'le magnifie thy name , and , for thy truth , & love , thy praise declare : for , thou thy name , & word , o're all , dost rear , when i did call , thou mad'st replie to mee , and , strength vnto my soul , thou didst afford , all kings of earth , shall , therfor honour thee , as soone ( oh god ) as they have heard thy word ; and , sing thy praise , in thine own paths , oh lord. for , thou art great , & thou oh lord , art high , yet , hast regard of humble men , belowe . thou vew'st the proude , but , with a sleighting eye . therefore , altho through many greefs i goe , i certaine am , thou comforts wilt bestowe . thy righthand lord ; shall my salvation bee , my foes feirce rage , thy stretcht-out hād shal stay . thou shalt performe all things concerning mee . thy mercies , lord , abide the same , for aye ; reiect not then , thy handy-work , i pray . oh lord our creator , thou causlesly reiect est none whome thou hast made ; neither art thou such an accepter of persōs , as , too many fancie thee bee : but impartially acceptest in every person that which is the obiect of thy eternall election ; & ( where soever thou findest the same ) lovest that , vnto the end . therefore , thou extendest thy truth and mercy to all ; vouchsafing , also , thy assisting powre , to perfect that work which thy free-grace hath begunn ; yea & thou effectually perfectest that worke , in soe many as do humbly submit them selves to thy will , & resist not proudly the motions of thy spirit : and ( though they passe through many temptations & hazards ) thy hand still reacheth vnto thē comforts , & meanes of safe perseverance vnto the end . oh give us wisdome to perceave , & grace humbly to acknowledge this great mercie ( which who soever denies ; denies thy greatest glory ) & make thou , our endeavours answereable to the grace & powre which wee have receaved through iesus christ , our lord. amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian a psalme of david . it confesseth , the all-seeing providence , powre , wisdome , and mercy of god ; and expresseth a desire of the faithfull , to be serched , & rectified , by him , &c. it warnes vs , not to live hypocriticallie ; in regard , god beholds vs , at all times , & in all places &c. oh lord , thy all-beholdinge eies , have serch'd , & well observed mee . thou , see'st mee sitt , thou see'st mee rise ; thou , know'st my thoughts e're thought they be . thou , vew'st my wayes & walkings lord ; thou see'st what in my bedd i doe ; and , i do never speak a word , but , lo , thyne ears do hear it to . thou standst before me , & behinde ; thy hand , on mee , doth alwaies lie : thy wisdome cannot be confinde , and , for my reach it is too high . then , from thy spirit , & from thee , oh whither cann i fly , or goe ? if heav'n i clime , thou there wilt be ; if hell i dive , there art thou to . if on the mornings wings i ride , and , thinck to fly beyond the seas ; thy hand , ev'n there , cann be my guide , they right-hand , there , on mee cann ceaze . or , if i say , the duskie night shall hide mee ; night will me bewray ; for , darknes , is to thee as light ; the day like night , the night like day . my reines , to thee apparant are ; for , in the wombe , thou closedst mee : i , strangely was composed there , and , therefore , i will honour thee . thy wondrous works , my soul doth knowe ; and , that my substance thou didst marke , ev'n when ( as in the earth belowe ) i was composed in the darke . before i perfect beeing , tooke , or , forme , or matter , for this frame ; my members all , were in thy booke , and , thou foresaw'st what now i am . therefore , thy thoughts of vs , how dear ! and , lord , how infinite they bee ! as num'rous as the sands they are ; and , wake mee , still , to muze on thee . vngodly men , & men of blood , destroy , & cause them to be gone ; for , they speak ill of thee , oh god , and , vainely proude , thy foes are growne , thy haters , i have hated , lord , and , greev'd at such as thee oppose ; with perfect hate , i them abhord , and , those accounted as my foes . oh god! a strict enquiry make ; my hart , & ev'ry thought survay : search if an evill course i take ; and , showe mee thy eternall way . there is nothing , oh lord , in the structure of our bodies or in the disposition of our mindes , but it is knowne to thee , with every cause & effect thereof . neither darknes nor distance of place cann so hide us from thee , but , that , thou seest our actions , hearest our words , & perceavest our thoughts ; yea , & what they are enclinable vnto , before wee thinck them . give us grace therefor , to behave our selves , alwaies , as in thy sight . let our secret intentions be vpright ; & cause us to love and hate , as thou dost . turge away all that which is evill in us ; & infuse into our harts all those graces , which may make us acceptable to thee in christ iesus . amen . psa . . to the cheef musitian a psalme of david . it personates christ's mysticall body , desiring deliverance , from oppressors ; and describing their malice , pride & trechery &c. it is vsefull , when any congregation is greeved by the bitter scandalls , lieng doctrines , or mischeevous insinuations , of atheists , & false brethren & e. let me , oh god , from sinners be defended . from those that are to violence inclined : for , in their harts , they mischeef , have intended , and in malitious leagues , are fast combined . their stinging tōgs the vipers teeth have matched between their lipps , is adders poyson hatched . lord , frō the hands of wicked men release mee ; from cruel-men , vouchafe secure to make me : for , to supplant my goengs , they oppresse me ; and lo , the proud prepareth snares to take mee . yea , they have netts , & ginns , & trapps prepared . in al my waies that i might be insnared . lord , hear i pray , & mark my supplication ; thee , for my god , oh lord , i have professed : and , thou ( lord god , the strength of my salvation ) did'st gard mee , when in fight i was oppressed . oh , grant not , what the wicked man desireth , but , crosse his plotts , lest hee too high aspireth . the mischeef of their lipps will fal vpon them ev'n on their heads , that mee have circumvented . coales burning-hot ; shall downe be hurled on thē . they shal with flames , in dung'ons be tormented ; and , in those pitts infernall , be detained , from whence , redemption never cann be gained . on earth , hee shall not thrive , that 's evill tōgued , for , wicked men , reveng , to death persueth . but , god ( i knowe ) doth patronize the wronged and , in the pore man's cause , his judgmet sheweth . for which , the just , within his presence living , shall glorify his name , with praises-giving . deliver us , oh mercifull god , from the cruel purposes , stinging slanders , & mischeevous practises of our wicked & proud adversaries , who seek the ruine of our soules . arme us against them , as hither to thou hast bene pleased : frustrate their devises ; bring on them , their owne wickednes ; & inflict on them that vengance which is prepared for impenitent persecutors : that wee being saved by thee , thou mayst be glorified by us , for ever & ever . amen . psa . . a psalme of david . it personates christ , ( the lifting vp of whose hands on the crosse , is accepted , insteed of the legall sacrifice ) prayeng in the behalse of his members . and it is vsefull for vs , to desire god's acceptation of our prayers ; to give us the goverment of our tongues , & to rectify our thoughts &c. lord , hear with speed my voices lamentation ; vouchsafe to give my mournfull clamors hearing . as incense , or an afternoones oblation , accept my prayers , & my hands vprearing . lord , let my mouth , as with a watch , be warded ; and , let the portalls of my lipps be garded . lest i to sinn , with sinners , may be trained , preserve my hart , oh lord , from sinns infection who , rather then , their pleasures to have gained , desire in love , the righteous man's correction . as curing balme , the same should be received ; and , i would pray for thē , whē they were greeved . whē frō the roks , their judges down are heved , the rest wil hear : for , i sweet words have spoken : as on the land , where blocks are hew'd & cleaved our bones before the grave , lie strow'd , & brokē , yet , still , mine eye on thee oh lord attendeth , and , still , my soul on thee alone , dependeth . then , suffer not my soul to be reiected . and , ( that i be not by their wiles ensnared ) let me from those close engines be directed , which for my soul , the wicked have prepared . let their own snares , which they have layd , intrap thē and , let me , lord , for evermore , escape them . accept oh lord , our petitions , in the mediation of christ iesus . make us watchfull over our tongues , & so purify our harts from all evil affections ; that the pleasant baites of the wicked alure vs not to be partners in their sinns . to that end , teach us to bear patiently , & accept thanckfully , the reproofs & corrections of thy children ; yea , let us pray for them , who shall charitably reforme us . and , though by persecution wee should be scattred like bones among graves , ( or chipps vpon the face of the earth ) yet , let us alway trust in thee ; & at last be gathered vp , revive , & be made blessed everlastingly , through iesus christ , amen . psa . . maschil of david , when he was in the cave . it seemeth mistically to personate iesus christ , expressing the agony of his soul in the garden ; or his being for saken at his passion . it may be sung when wee are left comfortles of the world . my voice to thee , oh god , i reare , to thee , oh lord , i sue ; to thee , my troubles , i declare , my greefs , to thee i shew . for , when o're whelm'd my spirit was , my path was knowne to thee : ev'n when they hidd , where i should passe , a seacret snare for mee . i looked on my right-hand side , but , noe man knew mee there . all succours faild ; not one i spide , that of my soul had care . then , lord , thou art my hope said i , my lot , whilst life i have . in my destresse , observe my crye ; from spoile , thy servant save . yea , since for mee they are too strong , to praise thee , sett mee free : so , righteous men to mee shall throng , when thy great love , they see . sweet iesu , in thy bitter agony thou hadst not any one ( no not among thyne owne desciples ) so sensible thereof , as to watch with thee one howre . a secret snare was layd for thee in that garden , whither thou went'st to pray for consolation : and , when they ledd thee to thy passion ; none would knowe thee ; none assist thee ; neither had any one , care of thy soul . oh dearest redeemer , this , is often the case of us thy members in some degree : and , when our spirits are most overwhelmed with sorrowes , it so happens ; that no man pitties it ; no eye beholds it , but thyne . for , thy passion sake , do thou behold us with commiseration in these extremities , that wee may be comforted ; & that wee & others , may magnify thy great mercie , for ever & ever . amen . psa . . a psalme of david . it expresseth with much forvencie , many conflicts of the spirit ; emploreth god's free mercy ; in regard of our vniversall impurity , of the malice of our foes , & disability of our nature &c. the vse is manifest . lord , my humble supplication , heed , & heare with acceptation , in thy doomes , of truth & right . iudge , but judge thou not severely ; for , if thou observe vs nearly , none are blameles in thy sight . by the foe , my soul is chased , wounded , & in darknes placed , as one buried , long agoe . i , am inwardly , perplexed , yea , my spirit sore is vexed ; and , my hart is full of woe , on the times , now past , i ponder , and , on all the works of wonder . which were framed by thy hands . thee , i seek , with due submission ; and , my soul , for thy fruition longeth , as the thirstie lands . selah . lord , with speed , give ear vnto me , and , thy face divart not fro me ; for , my spirits , feeble growe . since , on thee i have depended , let mee timely be defended , lest , into the grave i goe . guide my feet , by thy direction , for , thou hast my hart 's affection . me from all my foes release . lord my god ( my safe abidinge ) bring mee , by thy spirits guiding , to the land of righteousnes grace , to do thy pleasure give mee : for , thy namesake , lord , revive me ; let thy iustice be my gard . yea , destroy ( of thy compassion ) those that seek my soules vexation : for , i am thy servant , lord. oh lord god ; if thou shouldst iudg us according to our deservings , wee & all flesh , should everlastingly perish . vvee appeall therefore , to thy mercie ; & , with a thirsty longing , desire speedy assistance , according to thy accustomed loving-kindnes ; lest wee be swallowed vp by despaire , or devoured by our foes . for thine owne sake ( even for thy iustice , for thy mercy , & for thy name sake ) direct us in thy waies ; instruct us in thy vvill ; protect us from all evills ; & bring vs into the land of the living , through iesus christ our lord. amen . another of the same . lord , mark my suite ; my sad complaining hear ; and , in thy truth & justice , answear give . iudg not thy servant , with a doome severe , for , in thy sight , not one doth blameles live . the foe hath chas'd my soul , of life nigh reft mee , and in the dark , as one long dead hath left mee . in mee , therfore , my spirits downe are cast ; my hart is fill'd with many a heavie thought : i muse vpon the dayes , that now are past , and on thy works , ( ev'n al thy hāds have wrought ) with stretchtout hands , & with soul-thirsty pāting i thirst for thee , as land , when raine is wanting . my spirit faints ( oh god ) with speed give ear . if longer , thou thy face obscure , i dye . oh let thy love to mee betimes appear ; for , i on thee ; on thee alone , relye . yea , let me lord , within thy paths be trained ; for , vnto thee , i lift a soul vnfained . protect mee , lord ; in thee is my abode : keep off my foes , & teach thy will to mee . let thy good sp'rite , ( because thou art my god ) my guide vnto the land of iustice be . yea , mee , oh lord , for thy namesake , revive thou , my soul , ev'n for thy iustice sake , reprive thou ; and , of thy grace , all those that mee oppressed , destroy thou lord ; for , i am thine professed . psa . . a psalme of david . it blesseth god , for his regard of the humane nature ; desires christ's approch to iudgment ; and requesteth to be delivered from worldlings &c. it is vsefull to these purposes , & to inform vs , that to be god's chose-ones , is the greatest happines &c. oh praise the lord , for , he is all my powre , my hands & armes , in warlike feats directing ; my grace , my gard , my sheild , my healp , my towre , my trusty freind , my foes to mee subiecting . lord , what is mā that thou art pleasd to know him ? or what his child that thou sholdst favor show him ? mā is as nought ; his ioys like shades forsake him . the heav'ns , oh lord , decline , & down descēd thou but touch , the hils , & thou to smoke , shalt mak thē ; to scatter them , thy dreadfull lighting , send thou : shoot out thy shafts , vntill they be destroyed ; let thy strong hand , to healp mee , be employed . oh save mee , from the water's over-swelling ; let mee from forraigne children be secured , whose mouthes , are alwaies lies & folly , telling , and , whose righthands , to falshood , are envred . then , to thy praise , new songs , i will be singing , on harp , & psalt'ry of a tennfold stringing . let him , who doth on kings bestow salvation , ( and , from the sword , his servant david saveth ) protect me frō that forraine generation , whose mouth speakes lies , & whose right-hand deceaveth who beg for sonns & daughters , in their prayer , like plants & pretious stones , welshap'd , & faire . who pray for granards , fully stored ever . who 's floks yong breed , evn in their streets aboundeth : whose wellfed oxe , in labour , faileth never ; & , in whose townes , nor cry , nor tumult soundeth . for , tho such men a blessing have possessed ; yet , they whose god 's the lord , are much more blessed . father of mercy & god of all consolation ; thou art alwaies , our powrefull deliverer . & becommest every thing vnto vs , which our harts cann desire . oh , make vs thanckfull vnto thee , for thy great regard of soe vnworthy creatures : and , though meer worldlings , & carnall professors , seeke thee for temporall blessings ; let vs , love , serve , & praise thee , meerly for thine owne sake . keep vs from their falshood , hypocrisie , & selfelove , with all their other wicked conditions ; and , though they boast of thy transitorie blessings , which wee enioy not : let us be contented that thou art our god. let that be our portion of happines , & let vs enioye it , ( oh lord ) for ever & ever . amen . psa . . davids psalme of praise . it may be vsed as a patterne wherby to glorify god , according to his principal attributes , such , as his infinitenes , omnipotencie , majesty , justice , mercie , goodnes , providence &c. uuhich are mentioned in this psalme . i 'le honour thee oh god my king , and , laud thy name for aye : ev'n to thy name , i 'le alway sing , and praise thee ev'rie day . for , thou art great , beyond all bounds , and , great , thy praises are : through ages all , thy glory sounds , thy wonders they declare . i 'le , also , shew thy royall state , and thy rare works vnfolde ; that men thy wonders may relate , when i thy powre have tolde : that , they thy righteousnes may show , and , much , thy glorie minde ; for , thou to anger , lord , art slowe , right gratious , meek , & kinde . thy goodnes , & thy mercies , be in all thy works exprest ; ev'n all thy works , lord , honour thee , and , thee , thy saints have blest . thy kingdomes glory they will showe , and , sing thy greatnes forth ; that , all mankinde thy powre may knowe , and , see thy kingdoms worth . for , thou for evermore shalt raigne , and , rule through ages all . the weak , oh lord , thou wilt sustaine and , lift vp those , that fall . on god , all creatures sixe their eyes , and , fedd , in season be ; for , all things living to suffice , an open hand hath hee . the lord is just in all his waies ; his works , are sacred all . nigh them who call on him , he staies ; nigh those , who truly call , their hopes , who fear him , he effects ; and 's , hears , & saves all those : ev'n those who love him , god protects ; but , sinners overthrowes . oh let my mouth due praise , therefore , vnto the lord expresse ; and , let all flesh , for evermore , his holy name confesse . great oh lord , is thy kingdome , thy powre & thy glory : great are thy vvorks , thy uuonders & thy praises : great also , is thy vvisdome , thy goodnes , thy iustice , & thy mercy : yea , so infinite art thou in these , & all other excellencies ; that no attributes are sufficient to expresse thee . nevertheles , wee thy creatures , being partakers of thy abundance , & witnesses of thy bounty , towards all whome thou hast made ; do ( according to the measure of our capacities ) blesse thee for the same : and desire , to praise and magnify thy name , for ever & ever . amen . another of the same . advance i will , thy name , oh god my king ; for evermore , i will extoll the same . blesse thee , i will , oh lord , & alway sing , a davlie song of praises , to thy name . consid'ring , that thy , greatnesse , bound hath none ( and , how thine honor should as boundles be ) declare i will , those wonders thou hast done ; that , men from age to age , may speak of thee . ev'n of thy fame , & glories , i will treat , and , shewe how rare , thy wondrous workings are : for , when thy dreadfull acts i shall repeat , then , other men their largnes will declare . great speach , of thy great goodnes , they shal make , and , ( singing of thy iustice ) they shalt showe , how apt thou art : compassion still to take ; how prone to pitty ; & , to wrath , how slowe . in doeng good ; to all , thou lord , art free . thy mercies are , vpon thy creatures , all . kept glorious , by thy deeds , thy praises bee and , therfor , all thy saints , confesse thee shall . lord , of thy kingdome 's glorie , they shall tell , and ( shewing ev'ry where , what powre , thou hast ) make knowne how much thy mighty acts excell ; and , with what state , thy royall throne is plac't . not as a king that 's only temporall ; for , endles & eternall is thy throne . on thee , who e're depends , though he should fall , thou , lord , wilt lift him vp , when he is down . plac'd are on thee , all creatures eyes , oh god! and , thou dost give them food , in season , still . quite open , thou dost reach thy hand abrode , each living creatures longing , to fulfill . right just , thou art , oh lord , in all thy wayes ; and ( as in all thy works thou holy art ) so , thou art near to ev'ry one that praies ; to all , that seek to thee , with honest hart . to thē , that fear thy name , their wish thou giv'st ; and , such as call vpon thee , thou wilt save . vngodly men , of safety thou depriv'st but , all thy lovers , thy protection have . wherefore , oh lord to publish out thy fame , in praisefull wise , my mouth shall still endeaver yea , & all flesh , shall blesse thy holy name , and praise the same , for ever , & for ever . oh lord , thy spirit hath said , thou art good to all , & that , thy mercie is over all thy works . stop the mouthes therfore of all those perverters of thy truth ( and blaspheamers of thy most glorious attribute ) who dare affirme , that thou hast eternally dereed , purpossely created , & irrevocably necessitated , that the greatest number of soules , should be vessells of wrath & condemnation , without any respect vnto sinn ; good god , let this damnable blasphemy , spread no further . give all men grace to perceave , that they who pretend to honour thee by this doctrine , do ( consequently & vnavoydably ) impute vnto thy sacred majestie , all the wickednes both of men , & devills ; contrary to all piety , contrarie to thy expresse word ( which is perverted to maintaine this heresy ) & contrarie to that which naturall reason , hath written in our harts . lord , these are they , which have made thousands hide their talent , by sayeng , that thou expectest to reap where thou sowedst not : & they have soe corrupted their owne iudgments ( & most of their hearers ) that there is no meanes to prevent this , pestilence of the soul but by prayer . vnto thee , therfor wee pray . oh hear us ; even for thine owne honor sake , & for thy mercie sake , in iesus christ our lord amen . psa . . haleluiah . it stirreth vp the soul to perpetuall thanksgiving , & to depēdance vpon god alone ; giving reasons for the same &c. wee may sing it to minde vs of those duties . my soul , praise thou the lord ; ( as long as thou hast breath ) in song his praise record , and , honour him till death . no credit place in earthlie kings , or such vaine things as humane race . breath failes , & dust they be ; one day , their pompe destroies : right blest therefore , is hee that iacob's god enioyes ; and hopes in him , who framed these , heav'n , earth , & seas , and all in them . for , god is faithfull , still , men wrong'd , assist will hee , the hungry he doth fill , and , setts the pris'ner free . he , sight bestowes , loves men vpright , & maketh streight what crooked growes . the stranger he receives , to orphanes , help imparts : the widdowe he releives , and sinners paths subvarts . the lord , therefore , oh syon , shall be king of all for evermore . haleluiah . almightie god , creator of heav'n & earth , & the sure healper of all who trust in thee ; pitty our oppressions ; satisfy our spirituall hunger ; free vs from the bondage of sinn ; cure the blindnes of our understandings , & be mercifull to vs in all the rest of our necessities & infirmities . grant , also , that ( renouncinge all other confidence , & depending only , on thy favour ) wee may praise thee , for these , & all thy mercies , in christ iesus . amen . psalme . it exhorts to praise god , for encreasing & building his church , typyfied by ierusalem ; for many particuler mercies to his people , & for overthrowing the proud &c. the vse is apparant . oh glorifie the lord ; for , of god's praise to sing , with justice doth accord : yea , 't is a pleasant thing . ierusalem , hee will erect , and recollect his flock to him . the contrite hart , hee heales , hee cures their bruises , all . the starrs , he , also , tells ; and , them by name cann call . this lord of our , in wise foresight , is infinite , and great in powre . the lord , the meek doth raise , the proud , he brings to ground . oh therfor , sing his praise , let harps , his praise resound . he , clouds doth bring , and , shewres distills , which on the hills , makes grasse to spring . ev'n beasts , & ravens yonge , he feedeth when they call : in horse , or footmen strong , he ioyeth nought at all : god loves all them ; who in his grace , their hopes doe place , and honor him . syon , & salem , blesse the lord your god , ( in song ) who doth your seed encrease , and , hath your gates made strong . his peace hath , yet , your bounds vphild ; & , you he fild with flowre of wheat . through earth , his mandates goe , his word , with swiftnes flies , like wooll , he giveth snowe ; his frost ; like ashes lies : and , then ( beside ) he forth doth slice , cold flakes of ice , which who cann bide ? he speakes , & streight it thawes : he breaths , & water flowes . his , statutes , & his lawes , he , to his people showes : no nation els , his iudgments know , & therfore , soe with none he deals . haleluiah . most mercifull god , who buildest vp thy heavenly ierusalem , by the gathering together of all the faithfull ; not only taking notise of them , who have starr-like perfections ; but even of vs also , whoe are of those blind and lame , whome thou hast caused to be called to thy banquet : nay ; though wee are as brute beasts , or vncleane birds , thou art ready to extend thy mercy , whensoever wee seek thee . oh make vs thanckfull for thy great bounty . send out thy word to compell us by stormes , or to allure by calmes , according as it shal finde vs disposed : & let the graces of thy spirit , so thawe our congealed harts , that the teares of true penitence may flow from vs , & produce all such other effects , as may cause vs to know thy iudgments ; & to be of those people , whome thou lovest in iesus christ . amen . psa . . halelujah . all creatures are here , in a poetical manner exhorted to glorify their creator . wee should vse it to remember vs , that god requireth all his creatures ( & vs especially ) to praise him according to their natures . the lord of heav'n , confesse ; on high , his glories raise : him , let all angells blesse ; and , all his armies praise . him , glorifie sunn , moone & starrs : yee higher sphears , and , cloudie skie . from god , your beeings are ; him , therefore , famous make : you , all , created were when he the word , but , spake . and , from that place , where fixt you be by his decree , you cannot passe . praise god , from earth belowe , yee dragons , & yee deeps ; fire , haile , clouds , winde , & snowe , whome , in command , he keeps . praise yee his name hills , great & small ; trees , low & tall ; beasts , wilde & tame . all things , that creep or flye , yee kings , yee vulger throng , all princes , meane or hye , both men , & virgines yonge : ev'n yong & old , exalt his name ; for , much his fame . should be extold . oh let god's name be praisd above both earth & skye : for , he his saints hath raisd , and , sett their horne on hye : yea , they that are of isr'els race , are in his grace and , ever dear . haleluiah . almightie god ( worthie to be praised of all creatures both in heaven & earth ) vouchsafe , that thy whole creation , may ioyne in ascribing to thee , that glorie for which it was ordained : and let vs ( whome thou hast exalted above the rest of thy workmanship ) advance the highest trophtes to thy glorie . at lest , grant this , that , wee who have dishonored thee in all thy creatures , may some way ( & in some degree ) magnify thee , also , in every thing which thou hast made : that so , wee may be , yet , more exalted ; & continue to be of those people whome thou hast elected , & lovest eternally , in christ iesus . amen . psa . . halelujah . this psalme exhorts to praise god in the new songs of the gospell ; & declares the powre , which shall be given thereby , both to convi●ce the consciences of heathen idolators ; & to chaine vp our unperious affections &c. wee should vse it , to provoke vs to praise god , for the many priveledges , given vnto his saints . &c. in songs-newe made , your voice employ , god's praise among his saints to sing : let isr'el in his maker ioye , and , syon tryvmph in her king . the praises of his name , advance ; with harpe & tymbrell , in the dance . the lord , his people doth respect ; and , with his healp , the meek arayes . then , let the saints his praise affect , and , on their bedds , gladd voices raise . let in their mouths , his praise remaine : and , two-edg'd blades , their hands retaine . vpon the heathen people , then , they shall inflict avenging paines , and , binde their kings , & noblemen , in yron fetters , & in chaines . for , to fulfill the written doome ; the saints , thus honor'd shall become . haleiulah . grant almighty god , that wee may sing vnto thy glorie , the new-songs of the gospell , to the tennstringed instrument of thy lawe ; & by thy grace , attaine that meeknes ; & that holines which becommeth such , as are thy saints , by their visible callinge . replenish our harts with ioyes of the holy-ghost ; fill our mouthes with songs of thy praise ; strengthē our handes to execute iustice without partialitie ; give vs powre to chaine vp those heathenish affections , & those noble-seeming passions , which had the soveraigntie over vs heretofore ; & so enable vs to fullfill all righteousnes which thou hast commanded in thy word : that , wee may enioy all the priveledges , & honours , pertaining to thy saints , in christ iesus amen . psa . . halelujah , it exhorts all creatures to praise god , & shewes in what manner wee should praise him ; mistically expressing the same by instruments of musick . wee should vse it , to stirr vs vp to glorify god , with every facultie which he hath bestowed on vs. come praise the lord , come praise him , with in his holy-seat : in all his glories , praise him , and his great acts repeat . as he excelleth , praise him , with trumpet , and with flute ; with harp & psaltry , praise him , with viol , & with lute . vpon the tymbrel praise him , in song , his praise advance : vpon the organs praise him , and , praise him in the dance . on tingling cimballs praise him , on cymballs loud that sound ; and , let all creatures praise him , in whome , life-breath is found . haleluiah . oh blessed god ; thou bestowest all things necessary , & requirest nothing back againe , but thanckfulnes . grant therfor , wee pray thee , that our soul , & every faculty thereof ; our body & every member of the same ; our sighs , our teares , our grones , our ioyes , our paines , our prosperities , our adversities , our virtues which wee have by thy grace ; our very sinns ( which wee have committed by out owne corruption ) our lives ; our deaths , our salvations ; the condemnations of the vnrepentant ( & all other things which in vs , & in thy whole creation , have either beinge , or possibility to bee , or to be thought vpon ; may altogether ( & severally ) both in their discordes & agreemēts ; make vp a pleasant harmony , to the glorifieng of thy maiesty , for ever & ever amen . finis . a concluding hymne . yet , among those many creatures , uuhich for living-breath are debters , ( though vnworthy ) i am one . but , not many weekes are passed , since , the blast that 's now possessed , vv as in danger to be gone . they , that prayd for my salvation , ( far beyond their expectation ) my desired presence have : and , i sing , among livinge , songs of thancks , & praises-givinge , vvhome they look'd for , in my grave . hee , ( oh friends ) for whome yee mourned , from thee pitt , is back returned : ioie , with him , in god , therefore . hee ( my foes ) whome you oppressed , lives ; & praies you may be blessed : vvish him evill , now , no more . come ; imagine , i were lieng in my grave ; & let envieng , ( spight , & evill censures ) goe : vvee shall all ( er'e long ) come thither ; and , be quiet , there , togither : let us , whil'st wee live , be soe . or , though god hath so permitted , that wee must , for him , be fitted , by each others wounding blowes : naitheles , his praise , endeavour ; and , assent in whatsoever , ( any way ) his glorie showes . vvhen i sawe life's taper wasting , ( and , my end by sicknes hasting ) many things , to minde it brought : and , among my meditations musings , & expostulations , these , were often in my thought . lord , are all those hopes bereaved , vvhich i formerly conceaved , that i should have here enioy'd ? shall , as well my good intentions , as my vaine & fond inventions , now , be frustrate , & destroi'd ? i haved looked , everie morrowe , for an ending of may sorrowe . and , once thought , an end i had . but , perceaving newe afflictions god , ( sayd i ) whoe gives corrections , may , yet , one day make mee glad . he hath seene such follies in mee , that his mercies cannot winn mee ; therefor , he his rodd extends : but , when that hath purer made me , peradventure he will glad mee , and , declare that wee are freinds . thus , from tyme to tyme , i eased my nigh fainting hart , & pleased my desires , which did rebell : and i strongly , lord , beleived i , some good should have received ; till this deadlie arrow fell . but , i finde , my great corruption hath bene such an interruption to my earthlie hopes in mee ; that , ther 's now no expectation save , the hope of that salvation vvhich my soul in heav'n shall see . vvhen my sicknes mee tormented thus i mus'd ; & was contented , in my soul , it should be thus . and , i praised god in spirit , for the lot shee should inherit ; but , ther 's flesh & bloud in vs. t was enough this grace was showne me : but , my fleshlie-part , was on me , uuhich was loth , her works to lose . i , ( said shee ) have watch'd , & cared , holy hymns to have prepared : vvhat shall now become of those ? all my youth i have consumed , ( vvhere as els , it is presumed : vvealth or ease , i might have wonn ) pyous laies to have composed , to restraine men ill-disposed , from those paths in which they runn . had i honour sought , or treasure ; i had witt in equall measure , to the most that walk those waies : but , another path i prized , vvherein , death hath mee surprised iust at noonetide of my daies . and i see , & see it plainely , that i spent my time as vainely as the most whome i condemn'd : they , had fruits of their endeavor ; mine , to me , is lost for ever ; and , of others , is contemn'd . many things that i intended , are begunn , & almost ended ; vvherein , i my paines have lost . uvhat , on david's hymns i mused . lies vnperfect , vnpervsed ; and , ( of all ) that , greeves me most . suchlike thinckings , partly holie , ( guilt with good , & mixt with follie ) did possesse my wasting braine . god , had promis'd isack to mee , ( and , the blessing he did show me ) yet , of ism'el i was faine . on the handmaid of perfection ( by her mistresse's direction ) i begot the birth you see ; and , when life was halfe expired , in my hart , i much desired , that the fruite might spared be . which , behold , my god hath granted ; and , some hopes i have not wanted that i shall preceave the same glad my hart , ( that hath bene sory ) and , be sung vnto the glory , and the honor of his name . be it so , as god hath willed : though this hope , be not fulfilled , i have hopes that shall remaine . nay ; those hopings which have failed are not lost : but , much prevailed my cheef longings , to attaine . for which grace , almighty maker , and , for that i am partaker of the common-life , this day ; i do offer , as oblations , these my harty meditations : them , & mee , accept i pray . all my former sinns forgivinge , grant , that ( since among the living , i obtaine a second breath ) i , in manners , & affection , may beginn that resurrection , uuhich prevents the second-death . here , let these my meditations yeald mee , still , sweet consolations , uuhilst thy grace this life prolongs . and , at last , advance me thither , vvhere all blessed saints , togither , sing to thee , eternall songs . amen . a table directing to what tunes , heretofore in vse ; every psalme in this translation , may be sung . to the tune of the first psalme in the olde translation & to . other tunes there vsed , sing these ; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . to the tunes of the . psalme & of the . psalme heretofore vsed ; & to the tunes of the x commandements . of the lamentation imprinted at the end of the old psalmbooke , & to the tune of the songe , beginning thus . from turke & pope &c. being five severall tunes , may these psalmes be sung . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . to the tune of the pater noster at end of the old psalmebooke , may be sung these . psal . . . . . . , . . , . . . . . . . . to the tune of the . psalme heretofore : sing these . . . . , . . to the tune of the . psalme heretofore : sing these . . . . . . . . . . . to the tune of the . psalme heretofore , sing these . . . . . . . to the tune of the . psalme heretofore : sing these . . . to the tune of the . psa . heretofore : sing these . . . . . . to the tune of the . psalme heretofore : sing these , . . . . to the tune of the . heretofore : sing these . . . . . the psalmes that are aphabeticall are doubly translated , & some few other : one of which translations is to be sung to french tunes . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e shiggaijon . selah . the touchstone, or, trial of tobacco whether it be good for all constitutions : with a word of advice against immoderate drinking and smoaking : likewise examples of some that have drunk their lives away, and died suddenly : with king jame's [sic] opinion of tobacco, and how it came first into england : also the first original of coffee : to which is added, witty poems about tobacco and coffe [sic] : something about tobacco, written by george withers, the late famous poet ... two broad-sides against tobacco. approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing j a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the touchstone, or, trial of tobacco whether it be good for all constitutions : with a word of advice against immoderate drinking and smoaking : likewise examples of some that have drunk their lives away, and died suddenly : with king jame's [sic] opinion of tobacco, and how it came first into england : also the first original of coffee : to which is added, witty poems about tobacco and coffe [sic] : something about tobacco, written by george withers, the late famous poet ... two broad-sides against tobacco. hancock, john, fl. - . hancock, john, fl. - . james i, king of england, - . counterblaste to tobacco. . maynwaringe, everard, - ? thomson, george, fl. - . aimatiasis. selections. . ward, samuel, - . woe to drunkards. . sylvester, josuah, - . tobacco battered, and the pipes shattered. . everard, giles. de herba panacea. english. selections. . wither, george, - . [ ], p. : ill. printed and are to be sold by the several booksellers, london : . dedication signed: j.h. (i.e. john hancock). previously published under title: two broad-sides against tobacco (london : printed for john hancock, ). signatures: [a]⁴ b-k⁴. illustrations: print : woodcut ; full-page. subject: "the picture represents the tobacchonists [sic] armes, and turks coffee-house." woodcut and type flower headpieces; ornamental and criblé initials. reproduction of original in the william andrews clark memorial library, university of california, los angeles. a counterblast to tobacco (p. - ) -- dr. maynwaring's serious cautions against tobacco, collected out of his treatise of the scurvy, (p. ) -- preservation of health in the choice of drinks, and regular drinking / transcribed verbatim out of doctor maynwaring's treatise of long life -- another collection against tobacco-smoking / written by ... george thompson, in his book of preservation of the bloud -- woe to drunkards : a sermon / preached many years since by mr. samuel ward --tobacco battered and the pipes shattered ... / collected out of the famous poems of joshua sylvester, gent. -- a broad-side against coffee, or, the marriage of the turk -- collection ... taken out of that book of dr. everard's, entituled, the vertue of tobacco -- a postscript, by way of apology. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng tobacco habit -- great britain -- early works to . tobacco -- physiological effect -- early works to . tobacco -- poetry -- early works to . smoking in art -- early works to . coffee habit -- great britain -- early works to . coffee -- poetry -- early works to . alcoholism -- great britain -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - john pas sampled and proofread - john pas text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the touchstone or , trial of tobacco whether it be good for all constitutions . with a word of advice against immoderate drinking and smoaking . likewise examples of some that have drunk their lives away , and died suddenly . with king jame's opinion of tobacco , and how it came first into england . also the first original of coffee . to which is added witty poems about tobacco and coffe ; something about tobacco , written by george withers , the late famous poet. the picture represents the tobacchonists armes , and turks coffee-house . coffee , a kind of turkish renegade , has late a match with christian water made ; a coachman was the first ( here ) coffee made , and ever since the rest drove on the trade ; me no good engalash ? and sure enough , he plaid the quack to salve his stygian stuff ; ver boon for de stomach , de cough , de ptisick , and i believe him , for it looks like physick london , printed and are to be sold by the several booksellers . . to all taverns , inns , victualling-houses , ale-houses , coffee-houses , strong-water-shops , tobacconists-shops , in england , scotland or ireland . gentle readers , here is presented to you a brief , learned , and a very seasonable treatise for the age we live in : it was many years since penned by king james of happy and blessed memory , entituled , a counterblast to tobacco ; it it here verbatim , faithfully transcribed out of the large and learned volume of his other works in folio , which are rare and scarce to be had for money , and of too great a price for the common sort of tobacco-smokers to purchase : it is granted , the thing may be good , and physical , and healthful , being moderately and but seldom taken ; but for men to take ten or twenty pipes in a day in all companies , morning , noon and night , before and presently after meals ; this is a strange way of taking physick . now the king understanding the evil custom of taking tobacco , or , as we now call it , smoking a pipe , was grown to a great head , he seems to be very much insensed at it , and discovers how it first came into england , and its first original ; and how that it was used much amongst the savage indians , to cure lewes venerea , a disease among them : his majesty wisely fore-seeing the evil consequences that would follow , by such immoderate sucking in the foul smoke of this indian weed , and he being the physician of the body politick , doth by many strong and excellent arguments , disswade his subjects from imitating the practise of the heathen indians , in drinking this noxious fume . it was in his time but a novelty , and practised but a little , except amongst the nobility , gentry , or great ones : but now what is more frequently used in every ale-house and coffee-house , besides great inns and taverns in london , and all the three kingdoms over . whereas if men were so wise for their own good , both in body , soul , and estate , as to handle a good book , either of divinity , or of morality , half so often as they do the pipe of smoke , it would be better for them in all respects , more precious time and money would be saved . i shall detain you no longer from a more learned epistle and treatise of the matter in hand : and as king solomon , who was the wisest of kings , saith in his book of ecclesiastes , that where the word of a king is , there is power ; so i say , if what our famous king james hath written , be not of power sufficient to divert all english men , &c. from this evil and hurtful custom ; it is here seconded , and backed home , by the words and advice of an able and learned doctor of physick now living ; it being so sutable to the purpose , was thought fit to be added to this counterblast . and that it may not be said ( as the common proverb is ) to be only one doctors opinion , i have thought fit to add another , collected out of a treatise of the bloud , written by that learned physician dr. george thompson , who agreeth with the former against smoking tobacco , as dangerous . i apprehend , that what hath been spoken against drinking tobacco , may much more be said against immoderate drinking of wine , ale , beer , or any strong liquors , and dishes of coffee , &c. thus hoping thou wilt make a good use of what is here gathered together , and offered for thy good , i rest . a well-wisher to thy health , j. h. to the reader . as every humane body ( dear country-men ) how wholsome soever , is notwithstanding subject , or at least naturally inclined to some sorts of diseases or infirmities : so is here no common-wealth , or body-politick , how well governed or peaceable soever it be , that lacks their own popular errors , and naturally inclined corruptions ; and therefore it is no wonder , although this our country and common-wealth , though peaceable , though wealthy , though long flourishing in both , be amongst the rest , subject to their own natural infirmities . we are of all nations the people most loving , and most reverently obedient to our prince ; yet we are ( as time hath often born witness ) too easie to be seduced to make rebellion upon very slight grounds . our fortunate and oft-proved valour in wars abroad , our hearty and reverent obedience to our princes at home , hath given us a long , and thrice-happy peace ; our peace hath bred wealth : and peace and wealth hath brough forth a general sluggishness , which makes us wallow in all sorts of idle delights , and soft delicacies , the first seeds of the subversion of all great monarchies . our clergy are become negligent and lasie , our nobility and gentry prodigal , and sold to their private delights ; our lawyers covetous , our common people prodigal and curious ; and generally all sorts of people more careful for their private ends , then for their mother the common-wealth . for remedy whereof , it is the king's part ( as the proper physician of his politick body ) to purge it of all those diseases , by medicines meet for the same ; as by a certain mild , and yet just form of government , to maintain the publick quietness , and prevent all occasions of commotion ; by the example of his own person and court , to make us all ashamed of our sluggish delicacy , and to stir us up to the practice again of all honest exercises , and martial shadows of war ; as likewise by his , and his courts moderateness in apparel , to make us ashamed of our prodigality : by his quick admonitions , and careful over-seeing of the clergy , to waken them up again , to be more diligent in their offices : by the sharp tryal , and severe punishment of the partial , covetous , and bribing lawyers , to reform their corruptions : and generally by the example of his own person , and by the due execution of good laws , to reform and abolish piece and piece , these old and evil-grounded abuses : for this will not be opus unius diei , but as every one of these diseases , must from the king receive the one cure proper for it ; so are there some sorts of abuses in common-wealths , that though they be of so base and contemptible a condition , as they are too low for the law to look on , and too mean for a king to interpose his authority , or bend his eye upon ; yet are they corruptions , as well as the greatest of them . so is an ant an animal as well as an elephant ; so is a wren avis , as well as a swan ; and so is a small dint of the tooth-ach a disease , as well as the fearful plague is . but for these base sorts of corruption in common-wealths ; not only the king , or any inferiour magistrate , but quilibet ê populo may serve to be a physician , by discovering and impugning the error , and by perswading reformation thereof . and surely in my opinion , there cannot be a more base , and yet hurtful corruption in a country , then is the vile use ( or rather abuse ) of taking tobacco in this kingdome , which hath moved me shortly to discover the abuses in this following little pamphlet . if any think it a light argument , so it is but a toy that is bestowed upon it . and since the subject is but of smoke , i think the sume of an idle brain , may serve for a sufficient battery against so fumous a feblean enemy . if my grounds be found true , it is all i look for ; but if they carry the force of perswasion with them , it is all i can wish , and more then i can expect . my only care is , my dear country-men may rightly conceive even by this smallest trifle , of the sincerity of my meaning in greater matters , never to spare any pains , that may tend to the procuring of your weale and prosperity . a counterblast to tobacco . that the manifold abuses of this vile custome of tobacco-taking , may the better be espied ; it is fit , that first you enter into consideration both of the first original thereof , and likewise of the reasons of the first entry thereof into this countrey ; for certainly as such customs that have their first institution , either from a godly ; necessary , or honourable ground , and are first brought in by the means of some worthy , vertuous , and great personage ; are ever , and most justly holden in great and reverent estimation and account by all wise , vertuous and temperate spirits : so should it by the contrary , justly bring a great disgrace into that sort of customs , which having their original from base corruption and barbarity , do , in like sort , make their first entry into a country , by an inconsiderate and childish affectation of novelty , as is the true case of the first invention of tobacco-taking , and of the first entry thereof amongst us . for tobacco being a common herb , which ( though under divers names ) grows almost every where , was first found out by some of the barbarous indians to be a preservative , or antidote against the pox , a filthy disease , whereunto these barbarous people are ( as all men know ) very much subject , what through the uncleanly and adust constitution of their bodies , and what through the intemperate heat of their climate . so that as from them , was first brought into christendome , that most detestable disease : so from the likewise was brought this use of tobacco , as a stinking and unsavory antidote , for so corrupted and execrable a malady ; the stinking suffumigation whereof they yet use against that disease , making so one canker or vermine to eat out another . and now , good country-men , let us ( i pray you ) consider what honour or policy can move us to imitate the barbarous and beastly manners of the wild , godless and slavish indians , especially in so vile and stinking a custome . shall we that disdain to imitate the manners of our neighbour france , ( having the stile of the great christian kingdome ) and that cannot endure the spirit of the spaniards ( their king being now comparable in largeness of dominions , to the greatest emperour of turky ; ) shall we , i say , that have been so long civil and wealthy in peace , famous and invincible in war , fortunate in both ; we that have been ever able to aid any of our neighbours ( but never deafed any of their ears with any of our supplications for assistance ; ) shall we , i say , without blushing , abase our selves so far , as to imitate these beastly indians , slaves to the spaniards , refuse to the world , and as yet aliens from the holy covenant of god ? why do we not as well imitate them in walking naked , as they do , in preferring glasses , feathers , and such toys , to gold and precious stones , as they do ? yea , why do we not deny god , and adore the devil , as they do . now to the corrupted baseness of the first use of this tobacco , doth very well agree the foolish and groundless first entry thereof into this kingdom : it is not long since the first entry of this abuse amongst us here , as this present age cannot yet very well remember , both the first author , and the form of the first introduction of it against us . it was neither brought in by king , great conqueror , nor learned doctor of physick . with the report of a great discovery for a conquest , some two or three savage men were brought in , together with this savage custome : but the pity is , the poor , wild , barbarous men died ; but that vile barbarous custome is yet alive , yea in fresh vigour , so as it seems a miracle to me , how a custome springing from so vile a ground , and brought in by a father so generally hated , should be welcomed upon so slender a warrant : for if they that first put it in practice here , had remembred for what respect it was used by them from whence it came ; i am sure they would have been loath to have taken so far the imputation of that disease upon them as they did , by using the cure thereof ; for sanis non est opus medice , and counter-poysons are never used , but where poyson is thought to proceed . but since it is true , that divers customs slightly grounded , and with no better warrant entred in a common-wealth , may yet in the use of them thereafter , prove both necessary and profitable ; it is therefore next to be examined , if there be not a ful sympathy and true proportion between the base ground and foolish entry , and the loathsome and hurtful use of this stinking antidote . i am now therefore heartily to pray you to consider , first upon what false and erroneous grounds you have first built the general good liking thereof ; and next , what sins towards god , and foolish vanities before the world , you commit in the detestable use of it . as for those deceitful grounds , that have specially moved you to take a good and great conceit thereof : i shall content my self to examine here onely four of the principals of them , two founded upon the theorick of a deceivable appearance of reason , and two of them upon the mistaken practick of general experience . first , it is thought by you a sure aphorisme in the physick ; that the brains of all men being naturally cold and wet , all dry and hot things should be good for them , of which nature this stinking suffumigation is , and therefore of good use to them . of this argument both the proposition and assumption are false , and so the conclusion cannot but be void of it self : for as to the proposition , that because the brains are cold and moist , therefore things that are hot and dry are best for them ; it is an inept consequence : for man being compounded of the four complexions ( whose fathers are the four elements ) although there be a mixture of them all , in all the parts of his body , yet must the divers parts of our microcosme , or little world within our selves , be diversly more inclined , some to one , some to another complexion , according to the diversity of their uses ; that of these discords a perfect harmony may be made up for the maintenance of the whole body . the application then of a thing of a contrary nature to any of these parts , is to interrupt them of their due function , and by consequence hurtful to the health of the whole body ; as if a man , because the liver is as the fountain of bloud , and , as it were , an oven to the stomach , would therefore apply and wear close upon his liver and stomach a cake of lead , he might within a very short time ( i hope ) be sustained very good cheap at an ordinary , besides the clearing of his conscience from that deadly fin of gluttony : and as if because the heart is full of vital spirits , and in perpetual motion ; a man would therefore lay a heavy pound stone on his breast , for staying and holding down that wanton palpitation ; i doubt not but his breast would be more bruised with the weight thereof , then the heart would be comforted with such a disagreeable and contrarious cure. and even so is it with the brains ; for if a man because the brains are cold and humide , would therefore use inwardly by smells , or outwardly by application , things of hot and dry quality ; all the gain that he could make thereof , would onely be to put himself in great forwardness for running mad , by over-watching himself ; the coldness and moisture of our brains being the onely ordinary means that procure our sleep and rest . indeed , i do not deny , that when it falls out that any of these , or any part of our body , grows to be distempered , and to tend to an extremity beyond the compass of natures temperate mixture , that in that case cures of contrary qualities to the intemperate inclination of that part being wisely prepared , and discreetly ministred , may be both necessary and helpful for strengthening and assisting nature in the expulsion of her enemies ; for this is the true definition of all profitable physick . but first , these cures ought not to be used , but where there is need of them ; the contrary whereof is daily practiced in this general use of tobacco , by all sorts and complexions of people . and next , i deny the minor of this argument , as i have already said , in regard that this tobacco is not simply of a dry and hot quality , but rather hath a certain venomous faculty joyned with the heat thereof , which makes it have an antipathy against nature , as by the hateful smell thereof doth well appear ; for the nose being the proper organ and convoy of the sence of smelling to the brains , which are the onely fountain of that sence , doth ever serve us for an infallible witness , whether that odour which we smell be healthful or hurtful to the brain , ( except when it falls out that the sence it self is corrupted and abused , through some infirmity and distemper in the brain : ) and that the suffumigation thereof cannot have a drying quality , it needs no further probation , then that it is a smoke , all smoke and vapour being of it self humide , as drawing near to the nature of the air , and easie to be resolved again into water , whereof there needs no other proof but the meteors , which being bred of nothing else but of the vapors and exhalations sucked up by the sun out of the earth , the sea and waters ; yet are the same smoky vapors turned and transformed into rains , snows , dews , hoar-frosts , and such like watry meteors ; as by the contrary , the rainy clouds are often transformed and evaporated in blustering winds . the second argument grounded on a shew of reason , is , that this filthy smoke , as well through the heat and strength thereof , as by a natural force and quality , is able and fit to purge both the head and stomach of rheumes and distillations , as experience teacheth by the spitting , and avoiding flegm , immediately after the taking of it . but the fallacy of this argument may easily appear , by my late proceeding description of the meteors ; for even as the smoky vapours sucked by the sun , and stayed in the lowest and cold region of the air , are there contracted into clouds , and turned into rain , and such other watry meteors ; so this stinking smoke being sucked up by the nose ; and imprisoned in the cold and moist brains , is by their cold and wet faculty turned and cast forth again in watry distillations , and so are you made free , and purged of nothing , but that wherewith you wilfully burdened your selves ; and therefore are you no wiser in taking tobacco for purging you of distillations , then if for preventing the cholick , you would take all kind of windy meats and drinks ; and for preventing of the stone , you would take all kind of meats and drinks that would breed gravel in the kidneys ; and then when you were forced to avoid much wind out of your stomach , and much gravel in your urine , that you should attribute the thank thereof to such nourishments as breed those within you , that behoved either to be expelled by the force of nature , or you to have burst at the broad side , as the proverb is . as for the other two reasons founded upon experience ; the first of which is , that the whole people would not have taken so general a good liking thereof , if they had not by experience found it very soveraign and good for them : for answer thereunto , how easily the minds of any people , wherewith god hath replenished this world , may be drawn to the foolish affectation of any novelty , i leave it to the discreet judgment of any man that is reasonable . do we not daily see , that a man can no sooner bring over from beyond the seas any new form of apparel , but that he cannot be thought a man of spirit , that would not presently imitate the same ; and so from hand to hand it spreads , till it be practised by all ; not for any commodity that is in it , but only because it is come to be the fashion ; for such is the force of that natural self-love in every one of us , and such is the corruption of envy bred in the breast of every one , as we cannot be content , unless we imitate every thing that our fellows do , and so prove our selves capable of every thing whereof they are capable , like apes , counterfeiting the manners of others to our own destruction . for let one or two of the greatest masters of mathematicks in any of the two famous universities , but constantly affirm any clear day , that they see some strange apparition in the skies ; they will , i warrant you , be seconded by the greatest part of the students in that profession ; so loath will they be , to be thought inferiour to their fellows either in depth of knowledge or sharpness of sight : and therefore the general good liking , and embracing of this foolish custome , doth but onely proceed from that affectation of novelty and popular error , whereof i have already spoken . and the other argument drawn from a mistaken experience , is but the more particular probation of this general , because it is alledge to be found true by proof , that by the taking of tobacco , divers , and very many , do find themselves cured of divers diseases , as on the other part no man ever received harm thereby . in this argument , there is first a great mistaking , and next a monstrous absurdity ; for is not a very great mistaking , to take non causam proeausa ; as they say in the logicks ; because peradventure when a sick man hath had his disease at the heighth , he hath at that instant taken tabacco , and afterward his disease taking the natural course of declining , and consequently the patient of recovering his health , o then the tobacco forsooth was the worker of that miracle ! beside that , it is a thing well known to all physicians , that the apprehension and conceit of the patient hath by wakening and uniting the vital spirits , and so strengthening nature , a great power and vertue to cure divers diseases : for an evident proof of mistaking in the like case , i pray what foolish boy , what silly wench , what old doting wife , or ignorant country clown , is not physician for the tooth-ach , for the cholick , and divers such common diseases ; yea , will not every man you meet withall teach you a sundry cure for the fame , and swear by that mean , either himself , or some of his nearest kindsmen and friends was cured ; and yet , i hope , no man is so foolish as to believe them : and all these toys do onely proceed from the mistaking non causam pro causa , as i have already said ; and so if a man chance to recover one of any disease after he hath taken tobacco , that must have the thanks of all : but by the contrary , if a man smoke himself to death with it ( as many have done ) o then some other disease must bear the blame for that fault ! so do old harlots thank their harlotry for their many years , that custom being healthful ( say they ) ad purgandos renes , but never have mind how many die of the pox in the flower of their youth : and so do old drunkards think they prolong their days by their swine-like diet , but never remember how many die drowned in drink before they be half old . and what greater absurdity can there be then to say , that one cure shall serve for divers , nay contrarious sorts of diseases . it is an undoubted ground among all physicians , that there is almost no sort , either of nourishment or medicine , that hath not some thing in it disagreeable to some part of mans body , because , as i have already said , the nature of the temperature of every part is so different from another , that according to the old proverb , that which is good for the head is evil for the neck and the shoulders : for even as a strong enemy that invades a town or fortress , although in his siege thereof he do belay and compass it round about , yet he makes his breach and entry at some one or few special parts thereof , which he hath tryed and found to be weakest and least able to resist : so sickness doth make her particular assault upon such part or parts of our body as are weakest and easiest to be overcome by that sort of disease which then doth assail us , although all the rest of the body , by sympathy , feel it self to be as it were belaid and besieged by the affliction of that special part , the grief and smart thereof being by the sence of feeling dispersed through all the rest of the members ; and therefore the skilful physician presses by such cures to purge and strengthen that part which is afflicted , as are onely fit for that sort of disease , and do best agree with the nature of that infirm part ; which being abused to a disease of another nature , would prove as hurtful to the one , as helpful for the other ; yea , not onely will a skilful and wary physician be careful to use no cure , but that which is fit for that sort of disease ; but he will also consider all other circumstances , and make the remedies sutable thereunto , as the temperature of the clime , where the patient is , the constitution of the planets , the time of the moon , the season of the year , the age and complexion of the patient , the present state of his body in strength or weakness : for one cure must not ever be used for the self same disease but according to the varying of any of the aforesaid circumstances , that sort of remedy must be used which is fittest for the same : where by the contrary in this case , such is the miraculous omnipotency of our strong-tasted tobacco , as it cures all sorts of diseases ( which never any drug could do before ) in all persons , and at all times . it cures all manner of distillations , either in head or stomach ( if you believe their axioms ) although in very deed is do both corrupt the brain , and , by causing over quick digestion , fill the stomach full of crudities . it cures the gout in the feet , and ( which is miraculous ) in that very instant when the smoke thereof , as light , flyes up into the head , the vertue thereof , as heavy , runs down to the little toe : it helps all sorts of agues ; it makes a man sober , that was drunk ; it refreshes a weary man , and yet makes a man hungry ; being taken when they go to bed , it makes one sleep soundly ; and yet being taken when a man is sleepy and drowsie , it will , as they say , awaken his brain , and quicken his understanding ; as for curing of the pox , it serves for that use , but among the pocky indian slaves . here in england it is refined , and will not deign to cure here any other then cleanly and gentlemanly diseases . o omnipotent power of tobacco ! and if it could by the smoke thereof chase out devils , as he smoke of tobias fish did ( which , i am sure , could smell no stronger ) it would serve for a precious relict , both for the superstitious priests , and the insolent puritans , to cast out devils withall . admitting then , and not confessing , that the use thereof were healthful for some sorts of diseases , should it be used for all sicknesses ? should it be used by all men ? should it be used at all times ? yea , should it be used by able , young , strong , healthful men ? medicine hath that vertue , that it never leaves a man in that state wherein it finds him ; it makes a sick man whole , but a whole man sick : and as medicine helps nature , being taken at time of necessity ; so being ever and continually used , it doth but weaken , weary , and wear nature . what speak i of medicine ? nay , let a man every hour of the day , or as oft as many in this country use to take tobacco ; let a man , i say , but take as oft the best sorts of nourishments , in meat and drink , that can be devised , he shall , with the continual use thereof , weaken both his head and his stomach , all his members shall become feeble , his spirits dull , and in the end , as a drowsie , lasie belly-god , he shall ●vanish in a lethargy . and from this weakness it preceeds , that many in this kingdom have had such a continual use of taking this unsavory smoke , as now they are not able to forbear the same , no more then an old drunkard can abide to be long sober , without falling into an incurable weakness , and evil constitution ; for their continual custom hath made to them habitum , alteram naturam : so to those that , from their birth , have been continually nourished upon poyson , and things venemous , wholesome meats are onely poysonable . thus having , as i trust , sufficiently answered the most principal arguments that are used in defence of this vile custome . it rests onely to inform you , what sins and vanities you commit in the filthy abuse thereof : first , are you not guilty of sinful and shameful lust , ( for lust may be as well in any of the sences as in feeling ) that although you be troubled with no disease , but in perfect health , yet can you neither be merry at an ordinary , nor lascivious in the stews , if you lack tobacco to provoke your apetite to any of those sorts of recreation ; lusting after it as the children of israel did in the wilderness after quails . secondly , it is as you use , or rather abuse it , a branch of the sin of drunkenness , which is the root of all sins ; for as the onely delight that drunkards take in wine , is in the strength of the tast , and the force of the some thereof that mounts up to the brain ; for no drunkards love any weak or sweet drink ; so are not those ( i mean the strong heat and fume ) the only qualities that make tobacco so delectable to all the lovers of it ? and as no man likes strong heady drink the first day ( because nemo repente fit turpissimus ) but by custom is piece and piece allured , while , in the end , a drunkard will have as great a thrist to be drunk , as a sober man to quench his thirst with a draught , when he hath need of it . so is not this the very case of all the great takers of tobacco , which therefore they themselves do attribute to a bewitching quality in it ? thirdly , is it not the greatest sin of all , that you , the people of all sorts of this kingdom , who are created and ordained by god , to bestow both your persons and goods for the maintainance both of the honour and safety of your king and common-wealth , should disable your selves in both ? in your persons , having by this continual vile custom brought your selves to this shameful imbecillity , that you are not able to ride or walk the journey of a jews sabbath , but you must have reeky coal brought you from the next poor house to kindle your tobacco with ; whereas he cannot be thought able for any service in the wars , that cannot endure oftentimes the want of meat , drink and sleep , much more then must he endure the want of tobacco : in the times of the many glorious and victorious battles fought by this nation , there was no word of tobacco ; but now if it were time of wars , and that you were to make some sudden cavalcado upon your enemies ; if any of you should seek leisure to stay behind his fellow for taking of tobacco , for my part , i should never be sorry for any evil chance that might befall him : to take a custome in any thing that cannot be left again , is most harmful to the people of any land. mollities and delicacy were the rack and overthrow , first of the persian , and next of the roman empire . and this very custom of taking tobacco ( whereof our present purpose is ) is even at this day accompted so effeminate among the indians themselves , as in the market they will offer no price for a slave to be sold , whom they find to be a great tobacco-taker . now how you are by this custome disabed in your goods , let the gentry of this land bear witness , some of them bestowing three , some four hundred pounds a year upon this precious stink , which , i am sure , might be bestowed upon many far better uses . i read indeed of a knavish courtier , who for abusing the favour of the emperour alexander severus , his master , by taking bribes to intercede for sundry persons in his masters ear ( for whom he never once opened his mouth ) was justly choked with smoke , with this doom , fumo pereat quifummum vendidit . but of so many smoke-buyers as are at this present in this kingdom , i never read nor heard . and for the vanities committed in this filthy custome , is it not both great vanity and uncleanness , that at the table , a place of respect , of cleanliness , of modesty , men should not be ashamed to sit tossing of tobacco-pipes , and puffing of the smoke of tobacco one to another , making the filthy smoke and stink thereof to exhale athwart the dishes , and infect the air , when very often men that abhor it are at their repast : surely smoke becomes a kitchin far better then a dining-chamber , and yet it makes a kitchin also oftentimes in the inward parts of men , soyling and infecting them with an unctious and oylie kind of soot , as hath been found in some great tobacco-takers , that after their death were opened : and not onely meat-time , but no other time nor action is exempted from the publique use of this uncivil trick ; so as if the wives of diep list to contest with this nation for good manners , their worst manners would in all reason be found at least not so dishonest ( as ours are ) in this point , the publick use whereof at all times , and in all places , hath now so far prevailed , as divers men very sound both in judgment and complexion , have been at last forced to take it also , without desire , partly because they were ashamed to seem singular , ( like the two philosophers that were forced to duck themselves in that rain-water , and so became fools as well as the rest of the people ) and partly to be as one that was content to eat garlick ( which he did not love ) that he might not be troubled with the smell of it in the breath of his fellows . and is it not a great vanity that a man cannot heartily welcome his friend now , but straight they must be in hand with tobacco : no , it is become in place of a cure , a point of good fellowship ; and he that will refuse to take a pipe of tobacco among his fellows ( though by his own election he would rather smell the savor of a sink ) is accompted peevish , and no good company ; even as they do with tipling in the cold eastern-countries , yea the mistriss cannot in a more mannerly kind entertain her servant , then by giving him out of her fair hand a pipe of tobacco ; but herein is not only a great vanity , but a great contempt of god's good gifts , that the sweetness of mans breath being a good gift of god , should be wilfully corrupted by this stinking smoke , wherein i must confess it hath too strong of vertue , and so that which is an ornament of nature , and can neither by any artifice be at the first acquired , nor once lost be recovered again , shall be filthily corrupted with an incurable stink , which vile quality is as directly contrary to that wrong opinion which is holden of the wholesomeness thereof , as the venome of putrifaction is contrary to the vertue preservative . moreover , which is a great iniquity , and against all humanity , the husband shall not be ashamed to reduce thereby his delicate , wholesome , and clean-complexion'd wife to that extremity , that either she must also corrupt her sweet breath therewith , or else resolve to live in a perpetual stinking torment . have you not reason then to be ashamed , and to forbear this filthy novelty , so basely grounded , so foolishly received , and so grosly mistaken in the right use thereof : in your abuse thereof sinning against god , harming your selves both in persons and goods , and raking also thereby the marks and notes of vanity upon you ; by the custome thereof , making your selves to be wondered at by all forreign civil nations , and by all strangers that come among you , to be scorned and contempted ; a custome loathsome to the eye , hateful to the nose , harmful to the brain , dangerous to the lungs , and in the black stinking fume thereof , nearest resembling the horrible stigian smoke of the pit that is bottomless . dr. maynwaring's serious cautions against tobacco , collected out of his treatise of the scurvy , page . another grand procuring and promoting cause of the scurvy is , tobacco ; not taken notice of by any i meet with in print . and here we may charge much of the frequency , and the unwonted phaenomena , or symptomatical appearance of this disease , upon the late custome of taking tobacco . many wonder that the scurvy should so much abound now in most places , and become so common and obvious now to every eye , that was so rarely taken notice of in former times , notwithstanding some of its procuring causes were very antique . but we need not wonder so much , if we consider the manner of living in former ages , compared with our own ; new customes and diets beget new diseases , or modifie the old so , as they seem to be new , in their unwonted manner , or frequency of appearance . the scurvy being altered and differenced now from what it was in ancient times ; that the phaenomena or symptomes of the disease in the syndrome and concurrence , is not exact alike with the description of the ancients ; which hath caused a doubt , and it is held by some physicians , that the scurvy is a new disease : but it is the old scurvy dressed in a new garb , which by new procuring causes , and additional complications , is become more depravel , more frequent , and more enlarged : few persons but harbour this unwelcome guest . as an additional procurer of the scurvy , tobacco comes now to be examined , since whose general use the scurvy hath much increased , and is become the most epidemical . that this plant is injurious and destructive to nature , and consequently an introducer of the scurvy will appear , if we consider the effects that supervene and follow the taking of it . the consequents or effects may be divided into two sorts ; first , such as accompany or supervene the first use of it . secondly , such as follow the long and constant use of it . symptoms arising upon the first and unaccustomed use of smoking it , are vomiting , giddiness , fainting , drunkenness sleepiness , depravation of the sences , and such like as follow upon the taking of some kind of poysons . effects upon the accustomed familiar use of it , are , salivation , drawing a flux of moisture to the mouth , and drayning the body ; heat , dryness , lassitude and weariness of the spirits , a dulness and indisposition of mind after ; apt to sleep , a filthy unsavory tast in the mouth , a check to to the stomach or appetite . the latent and more secret effects wrought in the body by the constant smoking of tobacco , are ; the inducing a scorbutick disposition , and promoting it where it is already radicated . and this is procured these wayes : first , by depressing the spirits , and alienating them from their genuine propriety and purity . secondly , by vitiating the stomach , and depraving the palate . thirdly , by exhausting the dulcid good juyce of the body , leaving behind and procuring the remainder more viscous , acrid and sharpe . fourthly , by prejudicing and weakening the lungs and vital parts . that it hath a property to depress and clog the spirits , is apparent by its narcotick vertue , causing a dulness , heaviness , lassitude , and disposing to sleep after the use of it . that it alienates the spirits , is concluded from its virulent nature , and discord with our nature , and that is argued from the symptoms that attend the first use . that it is noxious to the stomach ( the first grand laboratory of the body ) is rational to assert ; for as tobacco affects the mouth with an ill stinking tast , so the stomach also goes not free , but is tainted with it , which is communicated to the food received . now considering the nature of tobacco , as it is hot and dry , acrid , salt , biting , purgative , or rather virulent , altogether medicinal , and not alimental ; and this constantly to impregnate and tincture our nutimental success with these properties and qualities , we cannot otherwise expect by length of time and daily use , but that it will shew its power and vertue to change and alter our bodies ; since it is not nutritive , but medicinal , estranged , and at a great distance from the nature of our bodies , not fit to nourish , but to alter and produce some notable effects . so great a sympathy there is between the stomach and mouth , that the one is not affected , but the other is drawn into consent ; if the stomach be foul , the mouth hath an ill relish ; and if the mouth distasts any thing , the stomach nauseates at it . now this great harmony and consent between these two , ariseth upon this accompt ; the mouth is appointed by nature the stomachs taster , to judge and discern what is fit and agreeable for the stomach to receive ; and therefore the same membrane which invests the mouth , and is the instrument of tasting , does also line the stomach , so that hereby what is pleasant and acceptable in the mouth , is gratefully received into the stomach ; now by this affinity and sympathy , you may rationally conclude , that vitiating of the tast by tobacco and tainting the mouth with its stinking scent , must of necessity communicate the same to the stomach , which takes physick every time you take tobacco , does mix with and infect the chile of the stomach , and is conveyed with it into all parts of the body ; and having so great a medicinal power , must needs alter and change the body , according to the properties it is endowed with , by the constant use , and daily reception of it . now tobacco being of an accrimonious , hot , dry , &c. nature , does pervert and change the balsamick juyces of the body into a more sharpe and fiery temper , and alienate them , whereby they are not so amicable and fit for nutrition , as many scorbutick tobacconists do evidence upon examination , and their constitution changed by the evil use of this plant ; and it is very reasonable to expect it , and impute such alterations to the use thereof , since they are the proper effects of such a cause ; the more remarkable discovery , and frequency of the scurvy , may well and justly be imputed to tobacco , since of latter years that tobacco hath been in use , and in those countries where tobacco is much taken , it doth abound most . although i discommend the use of tobacco by smoking it , as an injurious custome , yet i highly applaud it , as very medicinal , being rightly used . i remember about fifteen years since , a patient of mine in derby-shire fell into a great paroxysm of an asthma , almost to suffocation , i exhibited a dose of the sirrup of tobacco , which gave him present help , and within a few hours was relieved , that he could draw his breath with much ease and freedome : and about a year after , at maxfield in cheshire , i cured a gentlewoman of an ulcer in ano of seven years standing , chiefly with the ointment of tobacco ; and although other things were used , yet i ascribe most of the cure to that unguent . and in many other cases tobacco is of good use , which i have experienced ; but smoking of it i find to be hurtful , if it be customary . i shall not be so strict and severe against the use of it , as to forbid all persons the smoking it upon any score whatever ; for that which may be used at certain times as medicinal , upon just occasions requiring in some persons , may prove very bad and pernicious upon the constant and general use ; and this is the case of tobacco . tobacconists , whom custome hath ensnared , and brought them to delight in it , are willing to be perswaded and deluded , that it is good and wholesome , at least harmless ; the pretences which they urge in defence of it , are such as these : some plead for it , and use it after meat , as a help to digestion , and therefore take it as a good remedy against a bad stomach and weak digestion . to this i answer , they are much mistaken herein , not distinguishing between digestion , and precipitation of meat out of the stomach ; digestion is not performed but in due time , by retexture , alteration , fermentation , and volatization of meat , and till then , is not fit to pass out of the digestive-office , which requires some hours more or less , according to the nature of the food received , of facil or difficil digestion ; now that which provokes the stomach to a distribution of semi-digested chyle , and unloading it self before digestion be finished and perfected , offers great injury to the body ; and this is the case of tobacco ( by its lavative stimulating properties ) which error committed in the first digestive-office is not corrected , nor the damage recompenced by the accuteness and strong elaborations of the subsequent digestions ; and for this reason in part , the scurvy is procured hereby . some take tobacco for refreshment after labour , and divertisement of serious thoughts , being tired with business , study and musing . true it is , tobacco puts a suspension upon serious thoughts , and gives a relaxation for a time in some persons ; others contemplate , and run over their business with more delight , by the help and during the taking of a pipe : but both these persons though seemingly delighted and refreshed for a short time , yet afterwards the spirits are lassated and tired , and are more flat , dull and somnolent , when the pipe is out ; this was but a cheat , the spirits were not truly refreshed , invigorated and reinforced ; as wine does enliven and make brisk the spirits , by affording and communicating an additional supply ; but by the fume of tobacco the spirits are a little inebriated and agitated by an other motion then their own , which is a seeming refreshment , and short , not real , substantial and lasting . others plead for tobacco , and take it as a remedy against rheume , because a great dryer and exhauster of superfluous moisture . to evince the error of this opinion , consider what is the cause whereby rheumes and crude moisture in the body do abound ; and then you will plainly see , whether smoking tobacco be a proper or likely remedy to prevent or oppose it . phlegm and superfluous moisture does arise and abound in the body , from a deficiency and debility of the digestions , as also impediment or impotency of the expulsive faculty , that the remainders after digestion be not transmitted by the common ductures . now this fume of tobacco gives no roboration , adds no strength to the digestive faculties , having no symbolical qualities to comply with , and assist them , is very plain . also that separation and expulsion of superfluous moisture by this fume , is not promoted and transmitted through the more commodious ductures and passages appointed by nature for emission ; onely a salivation by the mouth is procured , which brings no advantage , but detriment ; for this flux of moisture doth not arise as critical , from the impulsion of nature , separating and protruding ; but from a promiscuous attraction of fluid moisture , ( by vertue of its acrimonious heat ) as well the landable , util succus , as the degenerated and superfluous ; so that constantly draining the body of this dulcid serosity , must cause many inconveniencies through the want of it , in as much as it is very serviceable to the body , in the integrity of its nature , but being alienated , is then reduced or vented by better means , nature concurring with the medicine : but admit this did attract only excrementitious moisture ( which it does not ) yet considering it vitiates the stomach , and impregnates the chyle , with its evil properties , 't is much better to forbear then to use it ; that benefit would not recompence this injury . and further , that which is a preventing or curative remedy of superfluous moisture , rheume , or phlegmatique matter , applies à priori to the digestions , the springs from whence such effects do arise ; not à posteriori to the producted matter , which this fume seems to pump out , but does not stop the leak , is therefore no radical medicine ; and they that smoke tobacco upon this accompt as a great dryer , and exhauster of superfluous moisture , are much deceived in the expected benefit ; it onely brings a current of moisture , which ought to be expended otherwise , but it abates nothing in the fountain or springs ; rather augments , and makes an overflow , ( for the reasons aforesaid ) as tobacconists do evidence by their much spitting . object . some may say , i never took tobacco , and yet i have the symptomes of the scurvy as bad as any that have taken it . answ . this may be so , from other great procuring causes ; and yet tobacco notwithstanding may be one great procurer in other persons . the scurvy does not require all the procuring causes to concur in its production , but sometimes one , and sometimes another is able to do it ; and although you take no tobacco , yet perhaps your parents did , or theirs ; and it is sufficient to make you fare the worse ; bad customes and abusive living extends farther then the person so offending : it is transmitted to their off-spring , as in another work i have noted in these words . but yet the crime were less , if onely to themselves the prejudice did extend , but also to posterity their diseases are propagated ; the children having impressed upon them , and radicated in the principals of their nature , the seminal power and productive vertue of inordinate and intemperate living of their genitors and progenitors , that the children may bear witness to the following age , the vice and folly of their parents and predecessors , recorded and characterised in them , &c. hereby you may understand , that evil customes ( as of smoking tobacco ) do not injure onely the person doing so , but the generation after them are prejudiced : and , here by the way , we may take notice of the many rickity children in this latter age , since the use of tobacco , which disease was not known , before the frequent use of it . tobacco does enervate and debilitate the faculties , that we may rationally expect the children from this generation to be scorbutick , rickity , and more feeble then formerly . amurath the fourth of that name , grand seignior of the turkish empire , put forth his edict againgst the smoking of tobacco , and made it a capital crime for any that should so use it ; the reason of this severe prohibition was , that it did render his people infertile : i shall not urge the inconvenience of . tobacco so far , but this i may assext , that it causeth an infirm generation , by debilitating the parents , and rendering them scorbutick , which impressions are carried in semine to their children , and makes a diseased issue . and i observed in virginia , being some time in that colony , that the planters who had lived long there , being great smokers , were of a withered decayed countenance , and very scorbutick , being exhausted by this imoderate fume ; nor are they long-lived , but do shorten their dayes by the intemperate use of tobacco and brandy . king james , that learned philosophical prince of this nation , wisely considering the nature of this plant , and having a good stoxastick head to foresee the inconveniencies that would arise to his people , by the ill custome of smoking it , he being the great physcian of the body politick , does excellently dehort his subjects ( being tender of their future welfare ) from this noxious fume , and writes an invective against it ; whose oratory and solid arguments were enough to have broken the neck of this custome , had they any regard to his kindness , or sense of their own good , and of their posterity . i might have enlarged my self upon this subject , and run over most scorbutick symptomes , shewing how they are either first procured or aggravated by this fume : but from what hath been said already , it plainly appears , that tobacco is a great procurer and promoter of the scurvy , in as much as many scorbutick symptomes are the proper effects of smoking tobacco , as lassitude , dulness , somnolency , spitting , ill tast in the mouth , &c. and although some few persons either by the strength of nature , do strongly resist the bad impressions it sets upon several parts of the body , or by the peculiarity of nature is less offensive and hurtful to some , or brings some particular benefit ( amongst its many ill properties ) that makes it seemingly good ; yet insensibly and by time it damageth all ; and those few good effects in some few persons are not of validity to give it a general approbation and use , and free it from the censure of a great procurer of the scurvy , but may be justly reckoned in that catalogue . preservation of health in the choice of drinks , and regular drinking . drink for necessity , not for bad fellowship ; especially soon after meat , which hinders the due fermentation of the stomach , and washeth down before digestion be finished : but after the first concoction , if you have a hot stomach , a dry or costive body , you may drink more freely then others : or if thirst importunes you at any time , to satisfie with a moderate draught is better then to forbear . accustom youth and strong stomachs to small drink , but stronger drink , and wine , to the infirm and aged : it chears the spirits , quickens the appetite , and helps digestion , moderately taken : but being used in excess , disturbs the course of nature , and procures many diseases : for corpulent gross and fat bodies , thin , hungry , abstersive penetrating wines are best , as white-wine , rhenish , and such like . for lean thin bodies ; black , red and yellow wines , sweet , full bodied and fragrant , are more fit and agreeable ; as malaga , muscadel , tent , alicant and such like . for drink , whether it be wholsomer warmed than cold , is much controverted ; some stifly contending for the one , and some for the other : i shall rather chuse the middle way , with limitation and distinction , then impose it upon all as a rule to be observed under the penalty of forfeiting their health , the observations of the one or the other . there are three sorts of persons , one cannot drink cold beer , the other cannot drink warm , the third , either : you that cannot drink cold beer , to you it is hurtful , cools the stomach , and checks it much : therefore keep to warm drink as a wholsome custome : you that cannot drink warm beer , that is , find no refreshment , nor thirst satified by it , you may drink it cold , nor is it injurious to you : you that are indifferent and can drink either , drink yours cold , or warmed , as the company does , since your stomach makes no choice . that warm drink is no bad custom , but agreeable to nature in the generality ; first , because it comes the nearest to the natural temper of the body , and similia similibus conservantur , every thing is preserved by its like , and destroyed by its contrary . secondly , though i do not hold it the principal agent in digestion , yet it does excite , is auxiliary , and a necessary concomitant of a good digestion , ut signum & causa . thirdly , omne frigus per se , & proviribus destruit ; cold in its own nature , and according to the graduation of its power , extinguisheth natural heat , and is destructive ; but per accidens , and as it is in gradu remisso , it may contemperate , allay , and refresh , where heat abounds , and is exalted . therefore as there is variety of palates and stomachs liking and agreeing best with such kind of meats and drinks , which to others are utterly disgustful , disagreeing and injurious , though good in themselves : so is it in drink warmed or cold ; what one finds a benefit in , the other receives a prejudice ; at least does not find that satisfaction and refreshment , under such a qualification ; because of the various natures , particular appetitions , and idiosyncratical properties of several bodies , one thing will not agree with all : therefore he that cannot drink warm , let him take it cold , and it is well to him ; but he that drinks it warm , does better . and this is to be understood in winter , when the extremity of cold hath congelated and fixed the spirits of the liquor in a torpid inactivity ; which by a gentle warmth are unfettered , volatile and brisk ; whereby the drink is more agreeable and grateful to the stomachs fermenting heat being so prepared , then to be made so by it . there are three sorts of drinkers : one drinks to satisfie nature , and to support his body ; without which he cannot well subsist , and requires it as recessary to his being . another drinks a degree beyond this man , and takes a larger dose , with this intention , to exhilarate and chear his mind , to banish cares and trouble , and help him to sleep the better ; and these two are lawful drinkers . a third drinks neither for the good of the body , or the mind , but to stupifie and drown both ; by exceeding the former bounds , and running into excess , frustrating those ends for which drink was appointed by nature ; converting this support of life and health , making it a procurer of sickness and untimely death . many such there are , who drink not to satifie nature , but force it down many times contrary to natural inclination ; and when there is a reluctancy against it : as drunkards , that pour in liquor , not for love of the drink , or that nature requires it by thirst , but onely to maintain the mad frollick , and keep the company from breaking up . some to excuse this intemperance , hold it as good physick to be drunk once a moneth , and plead for that liberty as a wholsome custome , and quote the authority of a famous physician for it . whether this opinion be allowable , and to be admitted in the due regiment for preservation of health , is fit to be examined . it is a canon established upon good reason ; that every thing exceeding its just bounds , and golden mediocrity , is hurtful to nature . the best of things are not excepted in this general rule ; but are restrained and limited here to a due proportion . the supports of life may prove the procurers of death , if not qualified and made wholsome by this corrective . meat and drink is no longer sustenance , but a load and overcharge , if they exceed the quantum due to each particular person ; and then they are not , what they are properly in themselves , and by the appointment of nature , the preservatives of life and health ; but the causes of sickness , and consequently of death . drink was not appointed man , to discompose and disorder him in all his faculties , but to supply , nourish , and strengthen them . drink exceeding its measure , is no longer a refreshment , to irrigate and water the thirsty body , but makes an inundation to drown and suffocate the vital powers . it puts a man out of the state of health , and represents him in such a degenerate condition both in respect of body and mind , that we may look upon the man , as going out of the world , because he is already gone out of himself , and strangely metamorphosed from what he was . i never knew sickness or a disease , to be good preventing physick ; and to be drunk , is no other then an unsound state , and the whole body out of frame by this great change . what difference is there between sickness and drunkenness ? truly i cannot distinguish them otherwise then as genus and species : drunkenness being a raging disease , denominated and distinguished from other sicknesses , by its procatarctick or procuring cause , drink . that drunkenness is a disease or sickness , will appear in that it hath all the requisites to constitute a disease , and is far distant from a state of health : for as health is the free and regular discharge of all the functions of the body and mind ; and sickness , when the functions are not performed , or weakly and depravedly : then ebriety may properly be said to be a disease or sickness , because it hath the symptoms and diagnostick signs , of an acute and great disease : for , during the time of drunkenness , and some time after , few of the faculties perform rightly , but very depravedly and preternatually : if we examine the intellectual faculties , we shall find the reason gone , the memory lost or much abated , and the will strangely perverted : if we look into the sensitive faculties , they are disordered , and their functions impedited , or performed very deficiently : the eyes do not see well , nor the ears hear well , nor the palate remifh , &c. the speech faulters and is imperfect ; the stomach perhaps vomits or nauseates ; his legs fail : indeed if we look through the whole man , we shall see all the faculties depraved , and their functions either not executed , or very disorderly and with much deficiency . now according to these symptoms in other sicknesses , we judge a man not likely to live long ; and that it is very hard he should recover ; the danger is so great from the many threatning symptoms that attend this sickness , and prognosticate a bad event : here is nothing appears salutary ; but from head to foot , the disease is prevalent in every part ; which being collated , the syndrom is lethal , and judgment to be given so . surely then drunkenness is a very great disease for the time , but because it is not usually mortal , nor lasts long ; therefore it it slighted , and look't upon as a trivial matter that will cure it self . but now the question may be asked ; why is not drunkenness usually mortal ? since the same signs in other diseases are accounted mortal , and the event proves if so . to which i answer ; all the hopes we have that a man drunk should live , is ; first , from common experience that it is not deadly : secondly , from the nature of the primitive or procuring cause , strong drink or wine ; which although it rage , and strangely discompose the man for a time , yet it lasts not long , nor is mortal . the inebriating spirits of the liquor , flowing in so fast , and joyning with the spirits of mans body , make so high a tide , that overflows all the banks and bounds of order : for , the spirits of mans body , those agents in each faculty , act smoothly , regularly and constantly , with a moderate supply ; but being overcharged , and forced out of their natural course , and exercise of their duty , by the large addition of furious spirits ; spurs the functions into strange disorders , as if nature were conflicting with death and dissolution ; but yet it proves not mortal . and this , first , because these adventitious spirits are amicable and friendly to our bodies in their own nature , and therefore not so deadly injurious , as that which is not so familiar or noxious . secondly , because they are very volatile , light , and active ; nature therefore does much sooner recover her self , transpires and sends forth the overplus received ; then if the morbifick matter were more ponderous and fixed ; the gravamen from thence would be much worse and longer in removing : as an over-charge of meat , bread , fruit , or such like substances not spirituous ; but dull and heavy ( comparativè ) is of more difficult digestion , and layes a greater and more dangerous load upon the faculties , having not such volatile brisk spirits to assist nature , nor of so liquid a fine substance , of quicker and easier digestion : so that the symptoms from thence are much more dangerous , then those peracute distempers arising from liquors . so likewise those bad symptoms in other diseases are more to be feared and accounted mortal ( then the like arising from drunkenness ) because those perhaps depend upon malignant causes ; or such as by time are radicated in the body ; or from the defection of some principal part : but the storm and discomposure arising from drunkenness , as it is suddenly raised , so commonly it soon falls , depending upon benign causes , and a spiritucus matter , that layes not so great an oppression ; but inebriates the spirits , that they act very disorderly and unwontedly ; or by the soporiferous vertue , stupefies them for a time , untill they recover their agility again . but all this while , i do not see , that to be drunk once a moneth , should prove good physick : all i think that can be said in this behalf , is ; that by overcharging the stomach , vomiting is procured ; and so carries off something that was lodged there , which might breed diseases . this is a bad excuse for good fellows , and a poor plea for drunkenness : for the gaining of one supposed benefit ( which might be obtained otherwise ) you introduce twenty inconveniences by it . i do not like the preventing of one disease that may be , by procuring of one at the present certainly , and many hereafter most probably : and if the disease feared , or may be , could be prevented no otherwise , but by this drunken means ; then that might tollerate and allow it : but there are other wayes better and safer to cleanse the body either upwards or downwards , then by overcharging with strong drink , and making the man to unman himself ; the evil consequents of which are many , the benefit hoped for , but pretended ; or if any , but very small and inconsiderable . and although , as i said before , the drunken fit is not mortal , and the danger perhaps not great for the present ; yet those drunken bouts being repeated ; the relicts do accumulate , debilitate nature , and lay the foundation of many chronick diseases . nor can it be expected otherwise ; but you may justly conclude from the manifest irregular actions which appear to us externally , that the functions within also , and their motions are strangely disordered : for , the outward madness and unwonted actions , proceed from the internal impulses , and disordered motions of the faculties : which general disturbance and discomposure ( being frequent ) must needs subvert the oeconomy and government of humance nature ; and consequently ruine the fabrick of mans body . the ill effects , and more eminent products of ebriety , are ; first , a changing of the natural tone of the stomach , and alienating the digestive faculty ; that instead of a good transmutation of food , a degenerate chyle is produced . common experience tells , that after a drunken debauch , the stomach loseth its appetite , and acuteness of digestion ; as belching , thirst , disrelish , nauseating , do certainly testifie : yet to support nature , and continue the custom of eating , some-food is received ; but we cannot expect from such a stomach that a good digestion should follow : and it is some dayes before the stomach recover its eucrasy , and perform its office well : and if these miscarriages happen but seldom , the injury is the less , and sooner recompenced ; but by the frequent repetition of these ruinous practices , the stomach is overthrown and alienated from its integrity . secondly , an unwholsome corpulency and cachectick plenitude of body does follow : or a degenerate macilency , and a decayed consumptive constitution . great drinkers that continue it long , few of them escape , but fall into one of these conditions and habit of body : for , if the stomach discharge not its office aright ; the subsequent digestions will also be defective . so great a consent and dependance is there upon the stomach ; that other parts cannot perform their duty , if this leading principal part be perverted and debauched : nor can it be expected otherwise ; for , from this laboratory and prime office of digestion , all the parts must receive their supply ; which being not suteable , but depraved , are drawn into debauchery also , and a degenerate state ; and the whole body fed with a vitious alimentary succus . now that different products or habits of body should arise from the same kind of debauchery , happens upon this score . as there are different properties and conditions of bodies ; so the result from the same procuring causes shall be much different and various : one puffs up , fills , and grows hydropical ; another pines away , and falls consumptive , from excess in drinking ; and this proceeds from the different disposition of parts : for , in some persons , although the stomach be vitiated , yet the strength of the subsequent digestions is so great , from the integrity and vigor of those parts destinated to such offices ; that they act strenuously , though their object matter be transmitted to them imperfect and degenerate ; and therefore do keep the body plump and full , although the juyces be foul , and of a depraved nature . others è contra , whose parts are not so firm and vigorous ; that will not act upon any score , but with their proper object ; does not endeavour a transmutation of such aliene matter , but receiving it with a nice reluctance , transmits it to be evacuated and sent forth by the next convenient ducture , or emunctory : and from hence the body is frustrated of nutrition , and falls away : so that the pouring in of much liquor ( although it be good in sua natura ) does not beget much aliment , but washeth through the body , and is not assimilated . but here some may object and think ; that washing of the body through with good liquor , should cleanse the body , and make it fit for nourishment , and be like good physick for a foul body . but the effect proves the contrary ; and it is but reason it should be so : for , suppose the liquor ( whether wine , or other ) be pure and good ; yet when the spirit is drawn off from it , the remainder is but dead , flat , thick , and a muddy flegm . as we find in the destillation of wine , or other liquors ; so it is in mans body : the spirit is drawn off first , and all the parts of mans body are ready receivers , and do imbibe that limpid congenerous enlivener , freely and readily : but the remainder , of greatest proportion ; that heavy , dull , phlegmy part , and of a narcotick quality ; lies long fluctuating upon the digestions , and passeth but slowly ; turns sowr , and vitiates the crases of the parts : so that this great inundation , and supposed washing of the body , does but drown the faculties , stupefie or choak the spirits , and defile all the parts ; not purifie and cleanse . and although the more subtile and thinner portion , passeth away in some persons pretty freely by vrine ; yet the grosser and worse part stayes behind , and clogs in the percolation . a third injury , and common , manifest prejudice from intemperate drinking , is ; an imbecillity of the nerves ; which is procured from the disorderly motions of the animal spirits ; being impulsed and agitated preternaturally by the inebriating spirits of strong liquors : which vibration being frequent , begets a habit , and causeth a trepidation of members . transcribed verbatim out of doctor maynwaring's treatise of long life . that it may not be said to be onely one doctors opinion , here is added another collection against tobacco-smoking , written by the learned doctor george thompson , in his book of preservation of the bloud . a bove all , i much condemn the common abuse of tobacco ; out of which , no other symptomes , than a scorbutical venome is accidentally sucked . agreeable to which judgment of mine , is that of the legitimate artist doctor maynwaring , who marks where tobacco is much taken , the scurvy doth most abound : i wish those who are too forward to condemn chymical preparations , ordered by true philosophers , would reflect upon themselves and others , as yet ignorant of pyrotomy , how that they are too forward in rushing into this science ; indirectly making use of a retort with a receiver , i mean a pipe , and the mouth for the reduction of this plant into salt and sulphur , proving not a little injurious to them . if they were conscious how subtil an enemy it is , how hardly to be dealt withall , in a moderate sense ; how insinuating , tempting , deluding ; how disagreeing to nature , as is manifest at first taking it , pretending an evacuation onely of a superfluous moisture , when it also generates the same ; how it wrongs the ventricle ; by reason of a continuity of its membrane , with that of the mouth ; how it taints the nutricious juyce ; how it dozes the brain , impairing its faculties , especially the memory : they would quickly commit this herb to the hand of those that know what belongs to the right management and improvement thereof . i confess it hath a dowry bestowed upon it , which may make it very acceptable to all ingenious artists , for inward and outward uses ; yet as the matter is handled indiscreetly , i know nothing introduced into this nation hath discovered it self more apparently hurtful , in aggravating and graduating this scorbutical evil among us then tobacco . i am not ignorant what some object , that there are those who taking an extraordinary quantity of tobacco , have lived a to great age , as sixty or seventy years . . that multitudes not taking this fume , are yet notwithstanding over run with the scurvy . . that some have protested , they have received certain benefit by this plant , when other remedies prescribed by able physitians have been invalid to relieve them . . that there are places where man , woman and child , take in this smoke , none of these sad effects appearing . as to the first , i answer , one swallow makes no summer ; i reckon this among raro contingentia : i have known one very intemperate in dier , live to the fore-mentioned age ; but doubtless had he regulated himself according to the rules of mediocrity , he might have doubled that age . innate strength of body doth carry a man sometimes through that , without any great damage , which destroys another . . i do not affirm , that this vegetable is the sole co-adjuvant cause of the scurvy , it being certain there are many promoters thereof . besides , yet granted that your great compotators , ventricolae , gormandizers , who have as the grecians 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , lazy panches , little else to do but to take tobacco , to pass away the time ; filling pipe after pipe , as fast as possible they can exhaust it , are commonly incident to this feral malady . hereupon this very same specifick disease may be diffused and communicated to others , by expiration or ffluvium , sent out of a body infected therewith ; so that it seems rare to me , that the wife should be exempted from this cacoettick sickness , if the husband be afflicted therewith ; or the husband be free , if the wife be vexed : doubtless some peoples breath doth exceedingly taint the air , to the great annoyance of others . . i condemn not medicinal appropriation and application of this drug , for i knòw it to be of excellent vertue : there is great difference , inter dictum secundum quid & dictum simpliciter , between the censure of any thing as absolutely evil , and the indirect practise of it : moreover , what is one man's meat , may be anothers poyson . . the generality of smoking it in some places , without those ill effects we find , doth not at all frustrate my assertion : for i have observed a more moderate course of life in diet , the goodness of the air , with an hereditary custome , hath in great measure ballanced the nocument or inconveniences , which otherwise they would have contracted by excess thereof ; neither are these numerous tobacconists acquitted from this evil , as it appears by those frequent eruptions in the skin , whereby a greater mischief is prevented within , they being only efflorescences of a scorbutical pravity . there are , as i apprehend , two principal reasons to be given , why this weed hath captivated so many thousands in such sort , that they become meer slaves to it . one is , the seeming delight it affords in the present taking thereof , inducing a pleasing bewitching melancholy , exceedingly affecting their fancies , so that they could wish with him in the poet , hic furor , ô superi , sit mihi perpetuus , o that i might alwayes thus melancholize ; not considering though the prologue be chearful , the epilogue is often sad ; though the spirits are as it were titillated , and charmed into a sweet complacency for a short space ; yet afterward a dulness , gloominess , seizes upon them ; indeed , how can it be otherwise , seeing they are but forcibly lulled into this secure placid condition , by that which is as far remote from the vitals , as the beams of the sun are from a black cloud . i find in this smoke , a stinking , retunding , condensing opiatelike sulphur , and an acrid salt , profligating , extimulating , so that by the bridling much of the one , and the excessive spurring of the other ; the spirits , like a free metalsome horse , are quite tired out at last : it is impossible that the frequent insinuations of this subtil fume , making shew of affinity , but quite of another tribe with the animals , should not at length ( let a body be never so strong , and custom how ever prevalent ) either pervert or subvert his well constituted frame . another reason ( observable only by those that are true gnosticks of themselves ) why tobacco is so highly set by , and hath so many followers ; is its meretricious kisses , given to those that embrace it : oftentimes secretly wounding them mortally , yet are they not throughly sensible who gave them the stroke . i have taken notice of very temperate persons in other things , who , for diversion , have indulged their genious , ad hilaritatem , continuing for urbanitysake in company they liked , longer then ordinary , have so closely pursued this pernicious art of sucking in the smoke of this herb , that never any chymist was more solicitous , in greater hast to fetch his matters over the helm by distillation : behold what the event was ! the next morning i have heard complaints come from them , that their brains were something stupid , dozed , their stomach nauseous , being thirsty , also feaverish : all this they attribute to their transgressing limits of sobriety in drinking , or to the sophisticated adulterated liquors , not finding the least fault with the extravagant use of tobacco , which above all did them the most hurt privately : something i can speak experimentally to this purpose , for having been wedded to it many years past , supposing i had got an antidote against hypochondriack melancholy with an apophlegmatism , to discharge crude matter ; i applauded it in all company , without advertency at that time , how false and treacherous it was , which afterward perceiving , i withdrew my self from the use thereof by degrees , at length was altogether divorced from it . praevisa spicula levius feriunt ; could we see the poysoned arrows that are shot from this plant , questionless we would indeavour to avoid them , that they might less intoxicate us . latet anguis in herba ; we are suddenly surprized by this serpentine plant , before we are aware ; thus that which we take for an antidote , becomes meer poyson to us , supplanting and clancularly confounding the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or good government of this republick , consisting in the strength and goodness of a seminal archeus , vigorous ferments , the just constitution and harmony of every part . needs must then indigestions , crudities , degeneration and illegitimation of the nutricious juyce follow , promoting causes and products of the great poyson of the scurvy . my advice therefore to any immoderate 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a fumesucker , is , that he would , as he tenders the salvation of body and soul , wean himself by degrees from excess herein ; if so , doubtless he will find if the scurvy infest him much , an abatement of the tedious symptoms therefore . such as are so accustomed to tobacco , that they cannot forbear it , let what can be said against it ; so that neither the good and solid perswasions of a great , wise , and learned king , nor the wholsome and rational arguments of two able and skilful physicians , will be of force to prevail with them : my advice to such is , while they take it , to meditate on this poem following , by which they may be able to make this double spiritual use of it , viz. i. to see the vanity of the world. ii. the mortality of mankind . which , i think , is the best use can be made of it and the pipe , &c. the indian weed withered quite , green at noon , cut down at night ; shews thy decay , all flesh is hay : thus think , then drink tobacco . the pipe that is so lilly-white , shews thee to be a mortal wight , and even such gone with a touch : thus think , then drink tobacco . and when the smoke ascends on high , think thou behold'st the vanity of worldly stuff , gone with a puff : thus think , then drink tobacco . and when the pipe grows foul within , think on thy souldefil'd with sin , and then the fire it doth require : thus think , then drink tobacco . the ashes that are left behind may serve to put thee still in mind , that unto dust return thou must : thus think , then drink tobacco . answered by george withers thus , thus think , drink no tobacco . woe to drunkards : a sermon preached many years since by mr. samuel ward , preacher of ipswich . prov . . verse , . to whom is woe ? to whom is sorrow ? to whom is strife ? &c. in the end it will bite like a serpent , and sting like a cockatrice . seer , art thou also blind ? watchman , art thou also drunk , or asleep ? or hath a spirit of slumber put out thine eyes ? up to thy watch-tower , what descriest thou ? ah lord ! what end or number is there of the vanities which mine eyes are weary of beholding ? but what seest thou ? i see men walking like the tops of trees shaken with the wind , like masts of ships reeling on the tempestuous seas . drunkenness , i mean , that hateful night-bird ; which was wont to wait for the twilight , to seek nooks and corners , to avoid the howting and wonderment of boys and girls ; now as if it were some eaglet to dare the sun-light , to fly abroad at high noon in every street , in open markets and fairs , without fear or shame , without controul or punishment , to the disgrace of the nation , the out-facing of magistracy and ministry , the utter undoing ( without timely prevention ) of health and wealth , piety and vertue , town and countrey , church and common-wealth . and doest thou like a dumb dog hold thy peace at these things , dost thou with solomon's sluggard fold thine hands in thy bosome , and give thy self to ease and drowsmess , while the envious man causeth the noisomest and baseth of weeds to over-run the choisest eden of god ? up and arise , lift up thy voice , spare not , and cry aloud ? what shall i cry ? cry , woe and woe again unto the crown of pride , the drunkards of ephraim . take up a parable , and tell them how it stingeth like the cockatrice ; declare unto them the deadly poyson of this odious sin . shew them also the soveragin antidote and cure of it , in the cup that was drunk off by him , that was able to overcome it : cause them to behold the brasen serpent , and be healed . and what though some of these deaf adders will not be charmed nor cured , yea though few or none of this swinish herd of habitual drunkards , accustomed to wallow in their mire ; yea , deeply and irrecoverably plunged by legions of devils into the dead sea of their filthiness ; what if not one of them will be washed , and made clean , but turn again to their vomit , and trample the pearls of all admonition under feet ; yea , turn again , and rend their reprovers with scoffs and scorns , making jests and songs on their alebench : yet may some young ones be deterred , and some novices reclaimed , some parents and magistrates awakened to prevent and suppress the spreading of this gangrene : and god have his work in such as belong to his grace . and what is impossible to the work of his grace ? go to then now ye drunkards , listen not what i , or any ordinary hedge-priest ( as you style us ) but that most wise and experienced royal preacher hath to say unto you . and because you are a dull and thick eared generation , he first deals with you by way of question , a figure of force and impression . to whom is woe ? &c. you use to say , woe be to hypocrites . it 's true , woe be to such and all other witting and willing sinners ; but there are no kind-of offenders on whom woe doth so palpably inevitably attend as to you drunkards . you promise your selves mirth , pleasure , and jollity in your cups ; but for one drop of your mad mirth , be sure of gallons , and tuns of woe , gall , wormwood , and bitterness here and hereafter . other sinners shall taste of the cup , but you shall drink off the dregs of god's wrath and displeasure . to whom is strife : you talk of good fellowship and friendship , but wine is a rager and tumultuous make-bate , and sets you a quarreling , and medling . when wit 's out of the head and strength out of the body , it thrusts even cowards and dastards , unfenced and unarmed , into needless frayes and combats . and then to whom are wounds , broken heads , blue eyes , maimed limbs ? you have a drunken by-word , drunkards take no harm ; but how many are the mishaps and untimely misfortunes that betide such , which though they feel not in drink , they carry as marks and brands to their grave . you pretend you drink healths , and for health ; but to whom are all kind of diseases , infirmities , deformities , pearled faces , palsies , dropfies , head-aches ? if not to drunkards . upon these premises , he forcibly infers his sober and serious advise . look upon these woful effects and evils of drunkenness , and look not upon the wine ; look upon the blue . wounds , upon the red eyes it causeth , and look not on the red colour when it sparkleth in the cup. if there were no worse then these , yet would no wise man be overtaken with wine : as if he should say , what see you in the cup or drink , that countervaileth these dreggs that lie in the bottom . behold , this is the sugar , you are to look for , and the tang it leaves behind . woe and alas , sorrow and strife , shame , poverty and diseases ; these are enough to make it odious , but that which followeth withall , will make it hideous and fearful . for solomon duely considering that he speaks to men past shame and grace , senseless of blowes , and therefore much more of reasons and words , insisteth not upon these party woes ; which they , bewitched and besotted with the love of wine , will easily over-see and over-leap : but sets before their eyes the direful end and fruit , the black and poyfonful tail of this sin . in the end it stingeth like the serpent , it biteth like the cockatrice , ( or adder ) faith our new translation . all interpreters agree , that he means some most virulent serpent , whose poyson is present and deadly . all the woes he hath mentioned before , were but as the sting of some emmet , waspe , or nettle , in comparison of this cockatrice which is even unto death ; death speedy , death painful , and woful death , and that as naturally and inevitably , as opium procureth sleep , as hellebore purgeth , or any poyson killeth . three forked is this sting , and three fold is the death it procureth to all that are strung therewith . the first is , the death of grace ; the second is , of the body : the third is , of soul and body eternal . all sin is the poyson wherewithall the old serpent and red dragon envenomes the soul of man , but no sin ( except it be that which is unto death ) so mortal as this , which though not ever unpardonably , yet for the most part is also irrecoverably and inevitably unto death . seest thou one bitten with any other snake , there is hope and help : as the father said of his son , when he had information of his gaming , of his prodigality , yea , of his whoring : but when he heard that he was poysoned with drunkenness , he gave him for dead , his case for desperate and forlorn . age and experience often cures the other ; but this encreaseth with years , and parteth not till death . whoring is a deep ditch , yet some few shall a man see return and lay hold on the wayes of life , one of a thousand , but scarce one drunkard of ten thousand . one ambrose mentions , and one have i known ; and but one of all that ever i knew or heard of . often have i been asked , and often have i enquired , but never could meet with an instance , save one or two at the most . i speak of drunkards , not of one drunken ; of such who rarely and casually have noah-like been surprised , over-taken at unawares : but if once a custome , ever necessity . wine takes away the heart , and spoils the brain , overthrows the faculties and organs of repentance and resolution . and is it not just with god , that he who will put out his natural light , should have his spiritual extinguished ? he that will deprive himself of reason , should lose also the guide and pilot of reason , god's spirit and grace : he that will wittingly and willingly make himself an habitation of unclean spirits , should not dispossess them at his own pleasure ? most aptly therefore is it translated by tremelius hamorrbois , which gesner confounds with the dipsas , or thirsty serpent , whose poyson breedeth such thirst , drought , and inflamation ; like that of ratsbane , that they never leave drinking , till they burst and die withall . would it not grieve and pitty and christian-soul , to see a towardly hopeful young man , well natured , well nurtured , stung with this cockatrice , bewailing his own case , crying out against the baseness of the sin , inveighing against-company , melting under the perswasions of friends ; yea , protesting against all enticements , vow , covenant , and seriously indent with himself and his friends for the relinquishing of it : and yet if he meet with a companion that holds but up his finger , he follows him as a fool to the stocks , and as an oxe to the slaughter-house , having no power to withstand the temptation ; but in he goes with him to the tipling-house , not considering that the chambers are the chambers of death , and the guests , the guests of death ; and there he continues as one bewitched , or conjured in a spell ; out of which he returns not , till he hath emptied his purse of money , his head of reason , and his heart of all his former seeming grace . there his eyes behold the strange woman , his heart speaketh perverse things , becoming heartless , as one ( saith solomon ) in the heart of the sea , resolving to continue , and return to his vomit , whatsoever it cost him , to make it his daily work . i was sick , and knew it not : i was struck , and felt it not ; when i awake , i will seek it still . and why indeed ( without a miracle ) should any expect that one stung with this viper should shake it off , and ever recover of it again . yea , so far are they from recovering themselves , that they infect and become contagious and pestilent to all they come near . the dragon infusing his venome , and assimulating his elses to himself in no sin so much as in this , that it becomes as good as meat and drink to them , to spend their wit and money to compass ale-house after ale-house ; yea , town after town , to transform others with their circean-cups , till they have made them bruits and swine , worse then themselves . the adulterer and usurer desire to enjoy their sin alone ; but the chiefest pastime of a drunkard is to heat and overcome others with wine , that he may discover their nakedness and glory in their foyl and folly . in a word , excess of wine , and the spirit of grace are opposites ; the former expels the latter out of the heart , as smoke doth bees out of the hive : and makes the man a meer slave and prey to satan and his snares ; when , by this poyson , he hath put out his eyes , and spoyled him of his strength , he useth him as the philistins did sampson , leads him in a string whither he pleaseth , like a very drudge , scorn , and make-sport to himself and his imps ; makes him grind in the mill of all kind of sins and vices . and that i take to be the reason why drunkenness is not specially prohibited in any one of the ten commandments , because it is not the single breach of any one , but in effect the violation of all and every one : it is no one sin , but all sins , because it is the in-let and sluce to all other sins . the devil having moistened , and steeped him in his liquor ; shapes him like soft clay , into what mould he pleaseth : having shaken off his rudder and pilot , dashes his soul upon what rocks , sands , and syrts he listeth , and that with as much ease as a man may push down his body with the least thrust of his hand or finger . he that in his right wits , and sober mood , seems religious , modest , chast , courteous , secret ; in his drunken fits , swears , blasphemes , rages , strikes , talks filthily , blabs all secrets , commits folly , knows no difference of persons or sexes , becomes wholly at satans command , as a dead organ , to be enacted at his will and pleasure . oh that god would be pleased to open the eyes of some drunkard , to see what a dunghill and carrion his soul becomes , and how loathsome effects follow upon thy spiritual death , and sting of this cockatrice , which is the fountain of the other two following , temporal and eternal death ! and well may it be , that some such as are altogether fearless and careless of the former death , will yet tremble , and be moved with that which i shall in the second place tell them . among all other sins that are , none brings forth bodily death so frequently as this , none so ordinarily slays in the act of sin as this . and what can be more horrible then to die in the act of a sin , without the act of repentance ? i pronounce no definitive sentence of damnation upon any particular so dying , but what door of hope or comfort is left to their friends behind of their salvation ? the whore-master he hopes to have a space and time to repent in age , though sometimes it pleaseth god that death strikes cozbi and zimri napping , as the devil is said to slay one of the popes in the instant of his adultery , and carry him quick to hell. the swearer and blasphemer hath commonly space , though seldom grace , to repent and amend : and some rare examples stories afford , of some taken with oaths and blasphemies in their mouths . the thief and oppossor may live , and repent , and make restitution , as zacheus : though i have seen one slain right-out with the timber he stole half an hour before ; and heard of one that having stoln a sheep , and laying it down upon a stone to rest him , was grin'd and hang'd with the strugling of it about his neck . but these are extraordinary and rare cases : god sometimes practising marshal-law , and doing present execution , left fools shall say in their hearts , there were no god , or judgment : but conniving and deferring the most , that men might expect a judge coming , and a solemn day of judgment to come . but this sin of drunkenness is so odious to him , that he makes it self justice , judge and executioner , slaying the ungodly with misfortune , bringing them to untimely shameful ends , in brutish and beastial manner , often in their own vomit and ordure ; sending them sottish , sleeping , and senseless to hell , not leaving them either time , or reason , or grace to repent , and cry so much as lord have mercy upon us . were there ( as in some cities of italy ) an office kept , or a record and register by every coroner in shires and counties , of such dismal events which god hath avenged this sin withall , what a volume would it have made within these few years in this our nation ? how terrible a threater of god's judgments against drunkards , such as might make their hearts to bleed and relent , if not their ears to tingle , to hear of a taste of some few such noted and remarkable examples of god's justice , as have come within the compass of mine own notice , and certain knowledge ; i think i should offend to conceal them from the world , whom they may happily keep from being the like to others , themselves . an ale-wife in kesgrave , near to ipswich , who would needs force three serving-men ( that had been drinking in her house , and were taking their leaves ) to stay and drink the three ou ts first , that is , wit out of the head , money out of the purse , ale out of the pot ; as she was coming towards them with the pot in her hand , was suddenly taken speechless and sick , her tongue swoln in her mouth , never recovered speech , the third day after died . this sir anthony felton , the next gentleman and justice , with divers others eve-witnesses of her in sickness related to me ; whereupon i went to the house with two or three witnesses , and inquired the truth of it . two servants of a brewer in ipswich , drinking for a rumpe of a turkie , strugling in their drink for it , fell into a scading caldron backwards : whereof the one died presently , the other lingringly and painfully since my coming to ipswich . anno . a miller in bromeswell , coming home drunk from woodbridge ( as he oft did ) would needs go and swim in the milpond : his wife and servants knowing he could not swim , disswaded him , once by intreaty got him out of the water , but in he would needs go again , and there was drowned : i was at the house to inquire of this , and found it to be true . in barnewell , near to cambridge , one at the sign of the plough , a lusty young man , with two of his neighbours , and one woman in their company , agreed to drink a barrel of strong beer ; they drank up the vessel , three of them dyed within twenty four hours , the fourth hardly escaped after great sickness . this i have under a justice of peace his hand near dwelling , besides the common same . a butcher in hastingfield hearing the minister inveigh against drunkenness , being at his cups in the ale-house , fell a jesting and scoffing at the minister and his sermons : and as he was drinking , the drink , or something in the cup , quackled him , stuck so in his throat , that he could get it neither up nor down , but strangled him presently . at tillingham in dengy hundred in essex , three young men meeting to drink strong waters , fell by degrees to half pints : one fell dead in the room , and the other prevented by company coming in , escaped not without much sickness . at bungey in norfolk , three coming out of an ale-house in a very dark evening , swore , they thought it was not darker in hell it self : one of them fell off the bridge into the water , and was drowned ; the second fell off his horse , the third sleeping on the ground by the rivers-side , was frozen to death : this have i often heard , but have no certain ground for the truth of it it . a bayliff of hadly , upon the lords-day , being drunk at melford , would needs get upon his mare , to ride through the street , affirming ( as the report goes ) that his mare would carry him to the devil ; his mare casts him off , and broke his neck instantly . reported by sundry sufficient witnesses . company drinking in an ale-house at harwith in the night , over against one master russels , and by him out of his window once or twice willed to depart ; at length he came down , and took one of them , and made as if he would carry him to prison , who drawing his knife , fled from him , and was three days after taken out of the sea with the knife in his hand . related to me by master russel himself , mayor of the town . at tenby in pembrokeshire , a drunkard being exceeding drunk , broke himself all to pieces off an high and steep rock , in a most fearful manner ; and yet the occasion and circumstances of his fall were so ridiculous , as i think not fit to relate , lest , in so serious a judgment , i should move laughter to the reader . a glasier in chancery-lane in london , noted formerly for profession , fell to a common course of drinking , whereof being oft by his wife and many christian friends admonished , yet presuming much of god's mercy to himself , continued therein , till , upon a time , having surcharged his stomach with drink , he fell a vomiting , broke a vein , lay two days in extreme pain of body , and distress of mind , till in the end recovering a little comfort , he died : both these examples related to me by a gentleman of worth upon his own knowledge . four sundry instances of drunkards wallowing and tumbling in their drink , slain by carts ; i forbear to mention , because such examples are so common and ordinary . a yeoman's son in northamptonshire , who being drunk at wellingborough on a market-day , would needs ride his horse in a bravery over the plowed-lands , fell from his horse , and brake his neck : reported to me by a kinsman of his own . a knight notoriously given to drunkenness , carrying sometime payls of drink into the open field , to make people drunk withall ; being upon a time drinking with company , a woman comes in , delivering him a ring with this posie , drink and die ; saying to him , this is for you ; which he took and wore , and within a week after came to his end by drinking : reported by sundry , and justified by a minister dwelling within a mile of the place . two examples have i known of children that murthered their own mothers in drink ; and one notorious drunkard that attempted to kill his father ; of which being hindred , he fired his barn , and was afterward executed : one of these formerly in print . at a tavern in breadstreet in london , certain gentlemen drinking healths to their lords , on whom they had dependance ; one desperate wretch steps to the tables end , lays hold on a pottle-pot full of canary-sack , swears a deep oath ; what will none here drink a health to my noble lord and master ? and so setting the pottle-pot to his mouth , drinks it off to the bottom ; was not able to rise up , or to speak when he had done , but fell into a deep snoaring sleep , and being removed , laid aside , and covered by one of the servants of the house , attending the time of the drinking , was within the space of two hours irrecoverably dead : witnessed at the time of the printing hereof by the same servant that stood by him in the act , and helpt to remove him . in dengy hundred , near mauldon , about the beginning of his majesties reign , there fell out an extraordinary judgment upon five or six that plotted a solemn drinking at one of their houses , laid in beer for the once , drunk healths in a strange manner , and died thereof within a few weeks , some sooner , and some later : witnessed to me by one that was with one of them on his death-bed , to demand a debt , and often spoken of by master heydon , late preacher of mauldon , in the hearing of many : the particular circumstances were exceeding remarkable , but having not sufficient proof for the particulars , i will not report them . one of aylesham in norfolk , a notorious drunkard , drowned in a shallow brook of water , with his horse by him . whilest this was at the presse , a man eighty five years old , or thereabout , in suffolk , overtaken with wine , ( though never in all his life before , as he himself said a little before his fall , seeming to bewail his present condition , and others that knew him so say of him ) yet going down a pair of stairs ( against the perswasion of a woman sitting by him in his chamber ) fell , and was so dangerously hurt , as he died soon after , not being able to speak from the time of his fall to his death . the names of the parties thus punished , i forbear for the kindreds sake yet living . if conscionable ministers of all places of the land would give notice of such judgments , as come within the compass of their certain knowledge , it might be a great means to suppress this sin , which reigns every where to the scandal of our nation , and high displeasure of almighty god. these may suffice for a tast of god's judgments : easie were it to abound in sundry particular casualties , and fearful examples of this nature . drunkard , that which hath befaln any one of these , may befal thee , if thou wilt dally with this cockatrice ; what ever leagues thou makest with death , and dispensations thou givest thy self from the like . some of these were young , some were rich , some thought themselves as wise thou ; none of them ever looked for such ignominious ends , more then thou , who ever thou art : if thou hatest such ends , god give thee grace to decline such courses . if thou beeft yet insensate with wine , void of wit and fear , i know not what further to mind thee of , but of that third , and worst sting of all the rest , which will ever be gnawing , and never dying : which if thou wilt not fear here ; sure thou art to feel there , when the red dragon hath gotten thee into his den , and shalt fill thy soul with the gall of scorpions , where thou shalt yell and howl for a drop of water to cool thy tongue withall , and shalt be denied so small a refreshing , and have no other liquor to allay thy thirst , but that which the lake of brimstone shall afford thee . and that worthily , for that thou wouldest incur the wrath of the lamb for so base and sordid a sin as drunkenness , of which thou mayest think as venially and slightly as thou wilt . but paul that knew the danger of it , gives thee fair warning , and bids thee not deceive thy self , expresly and by name mentioning it among the mortal sins , excluding from the kingdom of heaven . and the prophet esay tells thee , that for it hell hath enlarged it self , opened its mouth wide , and without measure ; and therefore shall the multitude and their pomp , and the jollyest among them descend into it . consider this , you that are strong to pour in drink , that love to drink sorrow and care away : and be you well assured , that there you shall drink enough for all , having for every drop of your former bousings , vials , yea , whole seas of god's wrath , never to be exhaust . now then i appeal from your selves in drink , to your selves in your sober fits . reason a little the case , and tell me calmly , would you for your own , or any mans pleasure , to gratifie friend or companion , if you knew there had been a toad in the wine-pot ( as twice i have known happened to the death of drinkers ) or did you think that some caesar borgia , or brasutus had tempered the cup ; or did you see but a spider in the glass , would you , or durst you carouse it off ? and are you so simple to fear the poyson that can kill the body , and not that which killeth the soul and body ever ; yea , for ever and ever , and if it were possible for more then for ever , for evermore ? oh thou vain fellow , what tellest thou me of friendship , or good fellowship , wilt thou account him thy friend , or good fellow , that draws thee into his company , that he may poyson thee ? and never thinks he hath given thee right entertainment , or shewed thee kindness enough , till he hath killed thy soul with his kindness , and with beer made thy body a carkass fit for the biere , a laughing and loathing-stock , not to boys and girls alone , but to men and angels . why rather sayest thou not to such , what have i to do with you , ye sons of belial , ye poysonful generation of vipers , that hunt for the precious life of a man ? oh but there are few good wits , or great spirits now a-days , but will pot it a little for company . what hear i ? oh base and low-spirited times , if that were true ! if we were faln into such lees of time foretold of by seneca , in which all were so drowned in the dregs of vices , that it should be vertue and honour to bear most drink . but thanks be to god , who hath reserved many thousands of men , and without all comparison more witty and valorous then such pot-wits , and spirits of the buttery , who never bared their knees to drink health , nor ever needed to whet their wits with wine ; or arm their courage with pot-harness . and if it were so , yet if no such wits or spirits shall ever enter into heaven without repentance , let my spirit never come and enter into their paradise ; ever abhor to partake of their bruitish pleasures , lest i partake of their endless woes . if young cyrus could refuse to drink wine , and tell aftyages , he thought it to be poyson ; for he saw it metamorphose men into beasts and carcases : what would he have said , if he had known that which we may know , that the wine of drunkards is the wine of sodom and gomorrah ; their grapes , the grapes of gall ; their clusters , the clusters of bitterness , the juyce of dragons , and the venome of asps . in which words , moses is a full commentary upon solomon , largely expressing that he speaks here more briefly , it stings like the serpent , and bites like the cockatrice : to the which i may not unfitly add that of pauls , and think i ought to write of such with more passion and compassion , then he did of the christians in his time , which sure were not such monsters as ours in the shapes of christians , whose god is their belly , ( whom they serve with drink-offerings ) whose glory is their shame , and whose end is damnation . what then , take we pleasure in thundering out hell against drunkards ? is there nothing but death and damnation to drunkards ? nothing else to them , so continuing , so dying . but what is there no help nor hope , no amulet , antidote or triacle , are there no presidents found of recovery ? ambrose , i temember , tells of one , that having been a spectacle of drunkenness , proved after his conversion a pattern of sobriety . and i my self must confess , that one have i known yet living , who having drunk out his bodily eyes , had his spiritual eyes opened , proved diligent in hearing and practising . though the pit be deep , miry and narrow , like that dungeon into which jeremy was put ; yet if it please god to let down the cords of his divine mercy , and cause the party to lay hold thereon , it is possible they may escape the snares of death . there is even for the most debauched drunkard that ever was , a soveraign medicine , a rich triacle , of force enough to cure and recover his disease , to obtain his pardon , and to furnish him with strength to overcome this deadly poyson , fatal to the most : and though we may well say of it , as men out of experience do of quartane agues , that it is the disgrace of all moral physick , of all reproofs , counsels and admonitions ; yet is there a salve for this sore ; there came one from heaven that trode the winepress of his fathers fierceness , drunk of a cup tempered with the bitterness of god's wrath , and the devils malice , that he might heal even such as have drunk deepest of the sweet cup of sin. and let all such know , that in all the former discovery of this poyson , i have only aimed to cause them feel their sting , and that they might with earnest eyes behold the brasen serpent , and seriously repair to him for mercy and grace , who is perfectly able to eject even this kind , which so rarely and hardly is thrown out where once he gets possession . this seed of the woman is able to bruise this serpents head . oh that they would listen to the gracious offers of christ ! if once there be wrought in thy soul a spiritual thirst after mercy , as the thirsty land hath after rain , a longing appetite after the water that comes out of the rock , after the blood that was shed for thee ; then let him that is athirst come , let him drink of the water of life without any money ; of which if thou hast took but one true and thorow draught , thou wilt never long after thy old puddle waters of sin any more . easie will it be for thee after thou hast tasted of the bread and wine in thy father's house , ever to loath the husks and swill thou wert wont to follow after with greediness . the lord christ will bring thee into his mothers house , cause thee to drink of his spiced wine , of the new wine of the pomegranate : yea , he will bring thee into his cellar , spread his banner of love over thee , stay thee with flagons , fill thee with his love , till thou beest sick and overcome with the sweetness of his consolations . in other drink there is excess , but here can be no danger . the devil hath his invitation , come , let us drink ; and christ hath his inebriamini , beye filled with the spirit . here is a fountain set open , and proclamation made . and if it were possible for the bruitishest drunkard in the world to know who it is that offereth , and what kind of water he offereth ; he would ask , and god would give it frankly without money ; he should drink liberally , be satisfied , and out of his belly should sally springs of the water of life , quenching and extinguishing all his inordinate longings ofter stoln water of sin and death . all this while , little hope have i to work upon many drunkards , especially by a sermon read ( of less life and force in god's ordinance , and in its own nature , then preached , ) my first drift is , to stir up the spirits of parents and masters , who in all places complain of this evil , robbing them of good servants , and dutiful children , by all care and industry to prevent it in their domestical education , by carrying a watchful and restraining hand over them . parents , if you love either soul or body , thrift or piety , look to keep them from this infection . lay all the bars of your authority , cautions , threats and charges for the avoyding of this epidemical pestilence . if any of them be bitten of this cockatrice , sleep not , rest not , till you have cured them of it ; if you love their health , husbandry , grace , their present or future lives . dead are they while they live , if they live in this sin. mothers , lay about you as bathsheba , with all entreaties , what my son , my son of my loves and delights , wine is not for you , &c. my next hope is , to arouse and awaken the vigilancy of all faithful pastors and teachers . i speak not to such stars as this dragon hath swept down from heaven with its tayl : for of such the prophets , the fathers of the primitive , yea , all ages complain of . i hate and abhor to mention this abomination : to alter the proverb , as drunk as a beggar , to a gentleman is odious ; but to a man of god , to an angel , how harsh and hellish a sound it is in a christians ears ? i speak therefore to sober watchmen , watch , and be sober , and labour to keep your charges sober and watchful , that they may be so found of him , that comes like a thief in the night . two means have you of great vertue for the quelling of this serpent , zealous preaching and praying against it . it 's an old received antidote , that mans spittle , especially fasting spittle , is mortal to serpents . saint donatus is famous in story for spitting upon a dragon , that kept an high-way , and devoured many passengers . this have i made good observation of , that where god hath raised up zealous preachers , in such towns this serpent hath no nestling , no stabling or denning . if this will not do , augustine enforceth another , which i conceive god's and man's laws allow us upon the reason he gives : if paul ( saith he ) forbid to eat with such our common bread , in our own private houses , how much more the lord's body in church-assemblies : if in our times , this were strictly observed , the serpent would soon languish and vanish . in the time of an epidemical disease , such as the sweating or neezing sickness , a wise physician would leave the study of all other diseases , to find out the cure of the present raging evil. if chrysostome were now alive , the bent of all his homilies , or at least one part of them , should be spent to cry drown drunkenness , as he did swearing in antioch : never desisting to reprove it , till ( if not the fear of god , yet ) his imporunity made them weary of the fin . such anakims and zanzummims , as the spiritual sword will not work upon , i turn them over to the secular arm , with a signification of the dangerous and contagious spreading of this poyson in the veins and bowels of the common-wealth . in the church and christ his name also , intreating them to carry a more vigilant eye over the dens and burrows of this cockatrice , superfluous , blind , and clandestiné ale-houses i mean , the very pest-houses of the nation ? which i could wish had all for their fign , a picture of some hideous serpent , or a pair of them , as the best hieroglyphick of the genius of the place , to warn passengers to shun and avoid the danger of them . who sees and knows not , that some one needless ale-house in a countrey-town , un does all the rest of the houses in it , eating up the thrift and fruit of their labours ; the ill manner of sundry places , being there to meet in some one night of the week , and spend what they they have gathered and spared all the days of the same before , to the prejudice of their poor wives and children at home ; and upon the lords day ( after evening prayers ) there to quench and drown all the good lessons they have heard that day at church . if this go on , what shall become of us in time ? if woe be to single drunkards , is not a national woe to be feared and expected of a nation over-run with drunkenness ? had we no other sin reigning but this ( which cannot reign alone ) will not god justly spue us out of his mouth for this alone ? we read of whole countreys wasted , dispeopled by serpents . pliny tells us of the amyclae , lycophron of salamis ; herodotus of the neuri , utterly depopulate and made unhabitable by them . verily , if these cockatrices multiply and get head amongst us a while longer , as they have of late begun , where snall the people have sober servants to till their lands , or children to hold and enjoy them . they speak of drayning fens ; but if this evil be not stopped , we shall all shortly be drowned with it . i wish the magistracy , gentry , and yeomanry , would take it to serious consideration , how to deal with this serpent , before he grow too strong and fierce for them . it is past the egge already , and much at that pass , of which augustine complains of in his time , that he scarce knew what remedy to advise , but thought it required the meeting of a general council . the best course i think of , is , if the great persons would first begin through reformation in their own families , banish the spirits of their butteries , abandon that foolish and vitious custom , as ambrose and basil calls it , of drinking healths , and making that a sacrifice to god for the health of others , which is rather a sacrifice to the devil , and a bane of their own . i remember well sigismund the emperor's grave answer , wherein there concurred excellent wisdom and wit ( seldom meeting in one saying ) which he gave before the council of constance , to such as proposed a reformation of the church to begin with the franciseans and minorites . you will never do any good ( saith he ) unless you begin with the majorites first . sure , till it be out of fashion and grace in gentlemens tables , butteries and cellars , hardly shall you perswade the countrey-man to lay it down , who , as in fashions , so in vices , will ever be the ape of the gentry . if this help not , i shall then conclude it to be such an evil as is only by soveraign power , and the king's hand curable . and verily next under the word of god , which is omnipotent , how potent and wonder-working is the word of a king ? when both meet as the sun , and some good star in a benigne conjunction ; what enemy shall stand before the sword of god and gideon ? what vice so predominant which these subdue not ? if the lion roar , what beast of the forest shall not tremble and hide their head ? have we not a noble experiment hereof yet fresh in our memory , and worthy never to die , in the timely and speedy suppression of that impudent abomination of womens mannish habit , threatning the confusion of sexes , and ruine of modesty ? the same royal hand , and care the church and common-wealth implores for the vanquishing of this poyson , no less pernicious , more spreading and prevailing . take us these little foxes was wont to be the suit of the church , for they gnabble our grapes , and hurt our tender branches : but now it is become more serious . take us these serpents , lest they destroy our vines , vine-dressers , vineyards and all : this hath ever been royal game . how famous in the story of diodorus siculus , is the royal munificence of ptolomy king of egypt for provision of nets , and maintenance of huntsmen , for the taking and destroying of serpents , noxious and noisome to his countrey . the like of philip in aristotle , and of attilius regulus in aulus gellius . the embleme mentioned at large by plutarch , engraven on hercules shield ; what is it but a symbol of the divine honor due to princes following their herculean labours , in subduing the like hidraes , too mighty for any inferior person to take in hand ? it is their honor to tread upon basilisks , and trample dragons under their feet , solomon thinks it not unworthy his pen to discourse their danger . a royal and eloquent oration is happily and worthily preserved in the large volume of ancient writings , with this title , oratio magnifici & pacifici edgari regis habita ad dunstanum archiep. episcopos , &c. the main scope whereof is , to excite the clergies care and devotion for the suppressing of this vice , for the common good . undertakers of difficult plots promise themselves speed and effect , if once they interest the king , and make him party . and what more generally beneficial can be devised or proposed then this , with more honour and less charge to be effected , if it shall please his majesty but to make trial of the strength of his temporal and spiritual arms ? for the effecting of it , if this help not , what have we else remaining , but wishes and prayers to cast out this kind withall . god help us . to him i commend the success of these labors , and the vanquishing of this cockatrice . tobacco battered , and the pipes shattered ( about their ears , that id'ly idolize so base and barbarous a weed : or , at least-wise over-love so loathsome vanity . ) collected out of the famous poems of joshua sylvester , gent. what-ever god created , first was good , and good for man , while man uprightly stood : but , falling angels causing man to fall , his foul contagion con-corrupted all his fellow-creatures for his sin accurst , and for his sake transformed from the first ; till god and man , man's leprie to re-cure , by death kill'd death , re-making all things pure . but to the pure , not to the still prophane , who spider-like turns blessing into bane ; usurping ( right-less , thank-less , need-less ) here , in wanton , wilful , wastful , lustful chear , earths plenteous crop , which god hath onely given unto his own ( heirs both of earth and heaven ) who only ( rightly ) may with praise and prayer , enjoy th' increase of earth , of sea , of air , fowl , fish and flesh , gems , mettals , cattel , plants , and namely ( that which now no angle wants ) indian tobacco , when due cause requires , not the dry dropsie of phantastick squires . none therefore deem that i am now to learn , ( however dim i many things discern ) reason and season to distinguish fit , th' use of a thing , from the abuse of it ; drinking , from drunking , saccharum cum sacco , and taking of , from taking all tobacco . yet out of high disdain and indignation of that stern tyrant's strangest usurpation , once demi-captive to his puffing pride , ( as millions are too-wilful foolifi'd ) needs must i band against the needless use of don tobacco , and his foul abuse ; which ( though in inde it be an herb indeed ) in europe is no better then a weed , which to their idols pagans sacrifice , and christians ( here ) do well-nigh idolize : which taking , heathens to the devils bow their bodies , christians even their souls do vow ; yet th' heathen have , with th' ill , some good withall , sith their con-native , 't is non-natural : but see the nature of abounding sin , which more abounding , punishment doth win ; for knowing servants wilful arrogance , then silly strangers savage ignorance , for what to them is meat , and med'cinable , is turn'd tous a plague intolerable . two smoky engins , in this latter age , ( satan's short circuit ; the more sharp his rage ) have been invented by too-wanton wit , or rather vented from th' infernal pit ; guns and tobacco-pipes , with fire and smoke , ( at least ) a third part of mankind to choke , ( which , happily , th' apocalyps fold-told ) yet of the two , we may ( think i ) be bold in some respect , to think the last the worst , ( however , both in their effects accurst , ) for guns shoot from-ward , only at their foen , tobacco-pipes home-ward , into their own , ( when for the touch-hole firing the wrong end into our selves the poysons force we send ; ) those in the field , in brave and hostile manner , these , cowardly , under a covert banner ; those with defiance , in a threatful terror , these with affiance , in a wilful error , those , ( though loud-roaring , goaring-deep ) quick-ridding ; these , stilly stealing , longer languors breeding , those , full of pain ( perhaps ) and fell despight , these with false pleasure , and a seem-delight , ( as cats with mice , spiders with flyes ) full rife , pipe-playing , dallying and deluding life . who would not wonder in these sunny-days , ( so bright illightned with the gofpel's rays ) whence so much smoke and deadly vapors come , to dim and dam so much of christendom ; but we must ponder too , these days are those , wherein the devil was to be let lose , and yawning broad-gate of that black abyss to be set ope , whose bottom boundless is , that satan , destin'd evermore to dwell in smoky fornace of that darksom cell , in smoke and darkness might inure and train his own deer minions , while they here remain ; as roguing gipsies tan their little elves , to make them tan'd and ugly like themselves . then in despight , who ever dare say nay , tobacconists keep on your course ; you may , if you continue in your smoky ure , the better far hells sulphury smoke endure ; and herein ( as in all your other evil ) grow nearer still , and liker to the devil , save that the devil ( if he could revoke ) would fly from filthy , and unhealthy smoke ; wherein ( cast out of heav'n for hellish-pride ) unwilling he , and forced , doth abide ; which herein worse than he ( the worst of ill ) you long for , lust for , lye for , die for , still ; for as the salamander lives in fire , you live in smoke , and without smoke expire . should it be question'd ( as right well it may ) whether discovery of america , that new-found world , have yielded to our old more hurt or good , till fuller answer should decide the doubt , and quite determine it , thus for the present might we answer fit ; that , thereby we have ( rightly understood ) both given and taken greater hurt then good : and that on both sides , both for christians , it had been better , and for indians , that only good men to their coast had come , or that the evil had still staid at home ; for , what our people have brought thence to us , is like the head-piece of a polypus , wherein is ( quoted by sage plutarch's quill ) a pest'lence great good , and great pest'lence ill . we had from them , first to augment our stocks , two grand diseases , scurvy and the pocks ; then two great cordials ( for a counterpoize ) gold and tobacco ; both which , many wayes , have done more mischief , then the former twain ; and all together-brought more loss then gain . but true it is , we had this trash of theirs , only in barter for our broken wares ; ours for the most part carried out but sin , and , for the most part , brought but vengeance in ; their fraight was sloth , lust , avarice and drink , ( a burden able with the weight to sink the hugest carrak ; yea , those hallowed twelve spain's great apostles-even to over-whelve ) they carried sloth , and brought home scurvy skin ; they carried lust , and brought home pox within : they carried avarice , and gold they got ; they carried bacchus , and tobacco brought : alas poor indians ! that , but english none , could put them down in their own trade alone ! that none but english ( more alas ! more strange ! ) could justifie their pittiful exchange . of all the plants that tellus bosom yields , in groves , glades , gardens , marshes , mountains , fields : none so pernicious to mans life is known , as is tobacco , saving hemp alone , betwixt which two there seems great sympathy , to ruinate poor adam's progeny ; for in them both a strangling vertue note , and both of them do work upon the throat ; the one , within it ; and without the other ; and th' one prepareth work unto the tother : for there do meet ( i mean at gaile and gallows ) more of these beastly , base tobacco-fellows , then else to any prophane haunt do use , ( excepting still the play-house and the stews ) sith 't is their common lot ( so double-choaked ) just bacon-like to be hang'd up and smoked ; a destiny as proper to befall to moral swine , as to swine natural . if there be any herb in any place , most opposite to god's good herb of grace , 't is doubtless this ; and this doth plainly prove it , that , for the most , most graceless men do love it ; or rather doat most on this wither'd weed , themselves as wither'd , in all gracious deed : 't is strange to see , ( and unto me a wonder ) when the prodigious strànge abuse we ponder of this unruly , rusty vegetal , from modern symmists jesu critical , ( carping at us , and casting in our dish not crimes , but crums , as eating flesh for fish ; ) w' hear in this case , no conscience-cases holier , but , like to like , the devil with the collier . for a tobacconist ( i dare aver ) is first of all a rank idolater as any of the ignatian hierachy ; next as conformed to their foppery of burning day-light , and good night at noon , setting up candles to enlight the sun ; and last the kingdom of new babylon , stands in a dark and smoky region , so full of such variety of smokes , that there-with-all , all piety it choaks . for there is first of all the smoke of ignorance , the smoke of error , smoke of arrogance , the smoke of merit super-er'gatory , the smoke of pardons , smoke of purgatory , the smoke of censing , smoke of thurifying of images , of satans fury flying , the smoke of stews ( from smoking thence they come , as horrid hot , as torrid sodom some ) then smoke of powder-treason , pistol knives , to blow up kingdoms , and blow out kings lives : and lastly too , tobacco's smoky mists , which ( coming from iberian baalists ) no small addition of adustion fit , bring to the smoke of the unbottom'd pit yerst opened , first ( as openeth st. john ) by their abaddon and apollyon . but sith they are contented to admire what they dislike not , if they not desire ; ( for , with good reason , may we ghess that they who swallow camels , swallow gnatlings may ; ) 't is ground enough for us in this dispute , their vanities thus obvious to refute ( their vanities , mysterious mists of rome , which have so long besmoked christendom . ) and for the rest , it shall suffice to say , tobacconing is but a smoky play ; strong arguments against so weak a thing , were needless , or unsuitable , to bring ; in this behalf there needs no more be done , sith of it self the same will vanish soon ; t' evaporate this smoke , it is enough , but with a breath the same aside to puffe . now , my first puff , shall but repel th' ill savour of place and persons ( of debaucht behaviour ) where 't is most frequent ; second , shew i will , how little good it doth ; third , how great ill : 't is vented most in taverns , tipling-cotts , to ruffians , roarers , tipsy-tosty-pots , whose custom is , between the pipe and pot , ( th' one cold and moist , th' other dry and hot ; ) to skirmish so ( like sword-and-dagger-fight , ) that 't is not easie to determine right , which of their weapons hath the conquest got over their wits , the pipe or else the pot ; yet 't is apparent , and by proof express , both stab and wound the brain with drunkenness ; for even the derivation of the name , seems to allude , and to include the same : tobacco , as Τω Βακχω , one would say , to bacchus ( cup-god ) dedicated ay . and for conclusion of this point , observe the places which to these abuses serve ; how-ever of themselves noysome enough , are much more loathsome with the stench and stuff , extracted from their limbeckt lips and nose , so that the houses , common haunts of those , are liker hell than heav'n , for hell hath smoke , impenitent tobacconists to choak ; though never dead , there shall they have their fill ; in heav'n is none , but light and glory still . next , multitudes them daily , hourly , drawn in this black sea of smoke , tost up and down in this vast ocean , of such latitude , that europe only cannot it include ; but out it rushes , over-runs the whole , and reaches well-nigh round , from pole to pole among the moors , turks , tartars , persians , and other ethnicks full of ignorance of god and good ; and , if we shall look home , to view ( and rew ) the state of christendom ; upon this point , we may this riddle bring ; the subject hath more subjects then the king : for don tocacco hath an ampler reign , than don philippo , the great king of spain , ( in whose dominions , for the most it grows , ) nay , shall i say ( o horror to suppose ! ) heathenish tobacco ( almost every where ) in christendom ( christ's outward kingdom here ) hath more disciples than christ hath , i fear , more suits , more service ( bodies , souls , and good ) than christ that bought us with his pretious bloud : o great tobacco , greater then great can , great turk , great tartar , or great tamerlan ! with vulturs wings thou hast ( and swifter yet then an hungarian ague , english sweat ) through all degrees flown , far , nigh , up and down , from court to cart , from count to country-clown ; not scorning scullions , coblers , colliers , jakes-farmers , fidlers , ostlers , oysterers , rogues , gipsies , players , pandars , punks , and all , what common scums in common-sewers fall ; for all as vassals at thy beck are bent , and breath by thee , as their new element : which well may prove thy monarchy the greater , yet prove not thee to be a whit the better ; but rather worse , for hells wide-open road is easiest found , and by the most still trod , which , even the heathen had the light to know , by arguments , as many times they show . here may we also gather ( for a need ) whether tobacco be a herb or weed ; and whether the excessive use be fit , or good or bad , by those that favour it ; weeds , wild and wicked , mostly entertain it ; herbs , wholsome herbs , and holy minds disdain it . if then tobacconing be good , how is 't , that lewdest , loosest , basest , foolishest ; the most unthrifty , most intemperate , most vitious , most debaucht , most desperate , pursue it most : the wisest , and the best , abhor it , shun it , flee it as the pest , or piercing poyson of a dracons whisk , or deadly eye-shot of a basilisk if wisdom baulk it , must it not be folly ? if vertue hate it , is it not unholy ? if men of worth , and minds right generous , discard it , scorn it , is 't not scandalous ? and ( to conclude ) is it not , to the devil , most pleasing , pleasing so ( most ) the most evil ? my second puff , is proof , how little good this smoke hath done ( that ever hear i cou'd : ) for first , there 's none that takes tobacco most , most usually , most earnestly , can boast , that the excessive and continual use of this dry-suck-at ever did produce him any good , civil or natural , or moral good , or artificial ; unless perhaps , they will alledge , it draws away the ill , which still it self doth cause ; which course ( me-thinks ) i cannot liken better , then to a userers kindness to his debter ; who under shew of lending , still subtracts the debters own , and then his own exacts , till , at the last , he utterly confound him , or leave him worse , and weaker then he found him . next , if the custom of tobacconing yield th' users any good in any thing , either they have it , or they hope it prest , ( by proof and practice , taking still the best : ) for , none but fools will them to ought beslave , whence benefit they neither hope nor have . therefore yet farther ( as a questionist ) i must enquire of my tobacconist , why if a christian ( as some sometimes seem ) believing god , waiting all good from him ; and unto him all good again referring , why ( to eschew th' ungodly's graceless erring ) why pray they not not ? why praise they not his name for hoped good , and good had by this same ? as all men do , or ought to do for all , the gifts and goods that from his goodness fall ; is 't not , because they neither hope nor have , good ( hence ) to thank god for , nor farther crave : but as they had it from the heathen first , so heathenishly they use it still accurst ; and ( as some jest of jisters ) this is more , ungodly meat , both after and before . lastly , if all delights of all mankind be vanity , vexation of the mind , all under sun , must not tobacco bee , of vanities , the vainest vanity ? if solomon , the wisest earthly prince that ever was before , or hath been since ; knowing all plants , and then perusing all , from cedar to the hysop on the — wall ; in none of all professeth , that — he sound a firm content , or consolation found : can we suppose , that any shallowing , can find much good in oft tobacconing ? my third and last puff points at the great evil , this noysome vapor works ( through wily devil ) if we may judge ; if knowledge may be had , by their effects , how things be good or bad : doubtless , th' effects of this pernitious weed be many bad , scarce any good indeed ; nor doth a man scarce any good contain , but of this evil justly may complain ; as thereby made in every part the worse , in body , soul , in credit , and in purse . a broad-side against coffee : or , the marriage of the turk . coffee , a kind of turkish renegade , has late a match with christian water made ; at first between them happen'd a demur , yet joyn'd they were , but not without great stir ; for both so cold were , and so faintly meet , the turkish hymen in his turbant swet . coffee was cold as earth , water as thames , and stood in need of recommending flames ; for each of them steers a contrary course , and of themselves they sue out a divorce . coffee so brown as berry does appear , too swarthy for a nymph so fair , so clear : and yet his sails he did for england hoist , though cold and dry , to court the cold and moist ; if there be ought we can , as love admit ; 't is a hot love , and lasteth but a fit . for this indeed the cause is of their stay , new castle's bowels warmer are than they . the melting nymph distills her self to do 't , whilst the slave coffee must be beaten to 't : incorporate him close as close may be , pause but a while , and he is none of he ; which for a truth , and not a story tells , no faith is to be kept with infidels . sure he suspects , and shuns her as a whore , and loves , and kills , like the venetian moor ; bold asian brat ! with speed our consines flee ; water , though common , is too good for thee . sure coffee's vext he has the breeches lost , for she 's above , and he lies undermost ; what shall i add but this ? ( and sure 't is right ) the groom is heavy , ' cause the bride is light . this canting coffe has his crew inricht , and both the water and the men bewitcht . a coachman was the first ( here ) coffee made , and ever since the rest drive on the trade ; me no good engalash ! and sure enough , he plaid the quack to salve his stygian stuff ; ver boon for de stomach , de cough , de ptisick , and i believe him , for it looks like physick . coffee a crust is charkt into a coal , the smell and taste of the mock china bowl ; where huff and puff , they labor out their lungs , lest dives-like they should bewail their tongues . and yet they tell ye that it will not burn , though on the jury blisters you return : whose furious heat does make the water rise , and still through the alembicks of your eyes , dread and desire , ye fall to 't snap by snap , as hungry dogs do scalding porrige lap . but to cure drunkards it has got great fame ; posset or porrige , will 't not do the same ? confusion huddles all into one scene , like noah's ark , the clean and the unclean . but now , alas ! the drench has credit got , and he 's no gentleman that drinks it not ; that such a dwarf should rise to such a stature ! but custom is but a remove from nature . a little dish , and a large coffee-house , what is it , but a mountain and a mouse ? mens humana novitatis avidissima . i have heard it is good for one thing ( and that falls out too often ) when men are so drunk with wine , beer or ale , or brandy , that they are unfit to manage their imployment ; then a dish of hot coffee is a present remedy to settle their heads . no doubt , but a dish of broth , or beer , will work the same cure , if it be drank as hot . this short collection should more properly have taken place next to what was collected out of the other doctors , but it came not to my sight , till it was too late : and because it agrees with what is mentioned in the first epistle , that it is a strange way of taking tobacco , as physick , just before , and presently after meals ; i thought fit to put it in here . and if any are so wise as to be convinced by what hath been written , that immoderate smoking of tobacco is hurtful for them , they were best to leave it gradnally ; for that is most safe , for such as have been accustomed long to it ; or else it is good to chew the leafe in the mouth ; or as some do , smoke a pipe with other ingredients , as rosemary , bitony , or mints : this collection was taken out of that book of dr. everard's , entituled , the vertue of tobacco . young men especially must take great care how they suck in this smoke , for the custome and too much use of it , brings their brains out of order , and makes them to be over-hot , so that they lose their good temper , and are beyond the bounds of their health , and that sacred anchor is lost irrecoverably . for the nourishment of young men requires a gentle moisture , to strengthen them , and to make their bodies grow to their just perfection . especially for those that are cholerick , whose brains cannot endure excess of heat , for the native heat would be oppressed by the accidental heat . see gallen his comment , in lib. de vict . salub . also this smoke doth vehemently move the stomach to nauseat , and to vomit , ( as daily experience teacheth us ) namely , by cleaving to the inward parts , and so offending the peculiar juyces contain'd in the stomach , and the mesentary ; it destroys their ordinary operations . for in thrusting forth the matter from the stomach it cannot be , but also something must be cast out , wherein the force of nature resides ; and also , because when nature is doing her office , she sends the nourishment into the habit of the body , as to the circumference , but all disturbing and purgative things draw the juyces & spirits to the center . wherefore nature is wonderfully tired with these contrary motions , for she can endure nothing less then two contrary motions at the same time . wherefore it is a most bitter enemy to the stomachs of very many men , especially if they use to take it presently after supper or dinner . and in this respect it is mischievous to the bodies of all sound men , according to hippocrates his rule . . aphoris . . it is troublesome to purge those that are in good health . for frequent use of purging medicaments will soon make a man old ; for the sorces are broken by the resolving of the solid parts , by an hypercatharsis of all nutrimental juyce . by these things mentioned , it is easie to collect , that the smoke of tobacco shortneth mens days . for being that our native heat is like to a flame , which continually feeds upon natural moisture , as a lamp lighted , drinks up the oyl by its heat ; it follows necessarily , that for want of food , life must needs fly away quickly , when the proper subject of life is dissipated and consumed : for with that moisture , the imbred heat fails also , and death succeeds . you understand therefore ( that are tobacconists ) that the sooty fumes of tobacco , wherein you are wallowing ( as it were ) in the deepest mire , are of great force to shorten your days . galen speaking of opening medicaments , asserts , that by the frequent use of them , the solid parts of the body are dried , and that the blood grows gross and clotted , which being burned in the reins , breed the stone . the same thing may be truly maintained concerning tobacco , which many use too frequently , and more then any do use those kind of opening medicaments ; for this is more hot and dry then they are , and therefore is more forcible to hurt sound and well-tempered bodies . take warning therefore you that love tobacco , that you do not exceed in using too much of it , and enslave your selves to this fuliginous smoke , by hunting after it , and making a god of it . the goods of the body , are beauty , strength , and sound health . the most grave author plutarch , commending the last as the best of all , affirmed most gravely and learnedly , that health is the most divine , and the most excellent property of the body , and a most precious thing . there is nothing in this world better ; nothing more to be desired , and nothing can be found to be more pleasant . without this ( as hippocrates faith ) there is no pleasure or fruit of any other things . this is it , which in this life fills all perfection : without this no man could ever be said to be happy : this far exceeds the greatest honours , treasures , and riches . tobacconist's arms in a turkish coffee house a postscript by way of apology . honest reader , this intended porch being so impolished , and so rude a draught , i have judged it more fit to make a back-door , then a fore : neither durst i presume to set it in the forefront , for i count it but as an over-plus sheet ; however it may serve for wast paper to wrap up the learned collections , or else to light a pipe of tobacco , and will make as good smoke : it lies at thy mercy , to use or to abuse as thou pleasest . for my part , i pretend to no great learning , yet am a lover of it , and a well-wisher to it : neither am i worthy to carry the books after these learned authors , out of whose works i have made this collection ; therefore i make this humble apologetical postscript . i know for my labour of reviving this noble counterblast , &c. i can expect no better , but to be counterblasted by the black and foul mouths of many tobacconists , and common tobacco-smokers ; for endeavoring to pull down their great diana , which they labour demetrius like to cry up , because of the much gain it brings them . if i meet with reproaches and scorns , it is no more then i expected from them , and i value it not : neither is it any news or wonder ; for we live in the last dayes , and as the apostle peter fore-told many hundred years since , in pet. . . that in the last dayes should come scoffers , walking after their own lusts . to such king solomon propounds a , question , which they can hardly be able to answer , in prov. . how long ye simple ones will ye love sumplicity ? and ye scorners delight in scorning , and fools hate knowledge ? there have been many such in all age , of the world , as it may easily be instanced . before i conclude , i thought it not amiss , or improper , to say something briefly against excessive drinking of healths , and drunkenness , which calls to remembrance , amongst other , of his majesties noble and gracious acts , since his restuaration , wherein he hath had merciful respect to the lives , estates , souls and bodies of his good subjects , and therein gone beyond his predecessors . i shall but name to his perpetual honour these three , viz. in the first place , his act of oblivion , passing by all that was done against him or his father , excepting only those that were his royal fathers judges . in the next place , he was pleased to publish a proclamation to all his loving subjects , against that sinful custom of drinking his health , his majesty wisely considering how apt many would be to fall into that evil extreme , doth in that proclamation , rebuke such as can express their love him in no better way , then drinking his health . in the next place , i cannot but take notice , and mention , to his majesties renown , his late gracious declaration , for liberty and indulgence to tender consciences , that could not in all things conform to the ceremonies and discipline of the church of england , by law established : this by the way . but now to speak a little more against drinking healths , which is to our purpose in hand . there was many years since a book published , by mr. william prynne , against drinking of healths , entituled , healths sickness , but not now to be had , or seldom thought of ; he shews the greatness of that sin , and the dangerous consequence of it both to the souls and bodies of men. there is another large treatise published by mr. robert younge , entituled , the drunkard's character : also a sermon preached long since by doctor robert harris , called the drunkard's cup , out of isaiah . from the . to the . verse . and a sermon published many years since , preached at pauls cross , by doctor abraham gibson , entituled , the lands mourning for vain swearing ; out of these words , because of oaths the land mourns . and now the land may mourn , not only for vain swearing , but for vain drinking of healths and drunkenness . after his majesties restauration , there was , i remember , a great feast , at which time there was a health drank for his majesty , and when it came to the turn of an able learned grave minister there present , he utterly disliked and refused it : answering , that he would pray for his majesties heath . and if all that are well-wishers to his majesties health , would obey his proclamation against that vice , in leaving off drinking , either of the kings health , or any others , & leave of swearing and prophaning the sabbath ; and would constantly , earnestly , and heartily pray for his majesties health , according as the apostle st. paul exhorts timothy , tim. . . that supplication and prayer be made for kings , and all that are in authority ; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty . i say , then we should be in hopes to see better times , and better trading : the generality cry out of their want of trading , and of the sins of the rulers ; but our chief work and duty is to look more narrowly at home , and to find out the plague of our own hearts . who smites upon his thigh ? who saith , what have i done ? we are apt to forget the late dreadful judgments of god ; as that of the destroying-sword , the sad destroying pestilence , when from the th of december , , to the th of december , . there died of all diseases , and of the plague ; and in one week , which i find to be the greatest of all , was in september . , there died of the plague in london and liberties , of all diseases that one week . can london ever forget those sad and lamentable consuming flames , that brake forth the second of september , ? the ruinous heaps on acres within , and acres without the old line , the ghastly walls of parish-churches , and stately houses and halls , with the royal exchange , and as it was computed thirteen thousand and two hundred houses , with a vast deal of goods , houshold-stuff , and rich commodities ; and , i think , book-sellers may easily remember the many ware-houses of good books of all sorts , then turned to ashes , at st. faiths church , and in other places about the city . there was a book published by mr. thomas brooks , dedicated to sir william turner lord mayor ( who deserved much love and honour , for being so great a furtherer of building the city and royal exchange , that lay long in ruins ) entituled , london's lamentations , being a serious discourse of the late fiery dispensation , that turned our renowned city into a ruinous heap . in the second part , or application of that book , page . is shewed , that the burning of london was a national judgment , and that god in smiting london , did smite england round : and what sins bring desolating judgments upon persons and places ? intemperance and drunkenness is one sin , and that we are to see the hand of the lord in that dreadful fire , and to take heed of those sins that bring the fiery rod , with the several lessons and duties we are to learn by it . we may easily see that the lord will not suffer us to be forgetful of his great judgments , by the several fresh remembrances he hath given us , by sad fires in divers places since , in and near the city . not long after the dreadful fire , there was a merchants great house , almost finished , in mincing lane , burned and quite defaced ; after that , two great fires brake forth in southwark at several times and places : another at the savoy , which did much harm ; another at the corner of st. bartholomew lane , a herald painter's house , mr. francis nowers himself , his child and nurse was burned . another in white-chappel , and several persons burned there . another sad fire was in or near thames street , which burned to the ground a great sugar-baker's house , with many thousand pounds worth of sugar , belonging to several partners ; it began september the second , the lords-day , . and now last whit-sunday morning , at st. katherines near tower-hill , brake forth a very grievous lamentable fire , which , as it is reported , consumed above one hundred dwelling-houses , and divers ships , and some people were burned and killed by it . after that , another great fire that consumed about a dozen houses , and part of sir paul pindar's house , without bishopsgate , in june , . a few dayys after brake forth another fire , which burned several houses in crutched friers . one at camomile-street : at the swan at holborn-bridge : a brick house in grub-street . we may do well to take that counsel of our saviour to the impotent man that he had cured , and had been at the pool of bothsaida , who had an infirmity thirty eight years , john . . christ bid him go and sin no more , least a worse thing befal him ; it was old mr. wheatlyes text of banbury , after it was burned : read the . of leviticus , how greatly the lord threatned the people of israel , if they were disobedient to him ; he threatens great judgments , and to make their cities wast , and the land desolate ; and in the verses , , , . it is four times threatned , that he will punish them seven times more for their iniquities . god hath shot three arrows against us , and how easily can he shoot a fourth sore arrow , that of the famine , unless we turn from our sins by true repentance . it is to be feared , that after all that hath or can be said to reclaim men from their evil courses , and excesses in drinking , that they will be swayed by custome , which is a second nature ; and it will be found as difficult for them to be temperate in smoking , and drinking , and feasting , as it is for the blackmore to change his skin , or the leopard his spots . so that they will rather say , as he that being advised by his physician to leave of his evil courses , or else he would loose his sight , answered , tum valeat lumen amicum , then farewel sweet light. to such it may be said , as solomon saith , rejoyce o young man in thy youth , walk in the sight of thine eyes , and let thy heart chear thee ; but remember that for all these things god will bring thee to judgment . we all know , that sin is the fore-runner of all plagues and calamities , that ever came upon any people or nation under heaven ; it is the plague of plagues : what provoked god to drown the old world , but sin ? what caused god to rain down fire and brimstone on sodom and gomorrah , but their sins of pride , idleness , and fulness of bread ? and whilst abraham interceded for sodom , had there been but ten righteous persons found amongst them , god would have spared them for their sakes . thus i have spoken against sin in general , as that which draws down judgments upon our heads : i will only lay a few scriptures before you , touching the lord's anger against sin , which he cannot indure to behold without great indignation : for it is only sin that makes a separation between god and our souls ; and i desire the reader to turn to them at his leisure , and to make the best use and application of them , hosea . , , . isaiah . , , . isaiah . , , . genesis . . chap . . . . . . chap. . . . . . . prov. . . . that sea-man that being ingaged in a ship , and sees it in danger to sink or to be cast away ; is but an ill and unworthy sea-man that will not put to his helping hand to save her . and are not all english-men engaged in the ship of the kingdom , or common-wealth of england ? and is it not in a storm , compassed with enemies without , and within molested and assaulted with the most dangerous enemies of all ; over-laden with our grand enemies , sins of all sorts ? is it not the part of an honest true english-man to help to save this ship , by lightening its burden , and casting these bad commodities over-board ? i mean its sins , that by so doing , we may engage god , the lord of hosts on our side , and then , si deus nobiscum cuis contranos : did but england's sins weigh lighter then her enemies sins , then we were more likely to be victorious and conquerors over all our forreign enemies . doth not england match any of her enemies in sins and provocations , namely drunkenness ? doth it come behind the dutch , dane , or swede , which are counted the highest drinkers in the world , of the highest form , and so for swearing most horrible oaths , and scoffing at religion and piety . within ten days since i began this collection or postscript i was an eye and ear-witness , that a swaggering blade rapt out this oath , god damn me , about a trifle in a scoffing frolick , saying , he had got a presbyterian band on he thought . another man on whitson-eve i saw so sadly drunk , he could neither go nor stand , but sate down on a door-stone , i asked him , where he had been ? he would give no other answer but this , that he was troubled with the megromes . so i and others about him left him , and know not what became of him : these two were in the heart of the city , near the exchange . after i had seen king james his counterblast against tobacco , and taken a liking to it : i did at the first intend only to get that printed alone , but afterwards meeting with these pertinent , sutable , and profitable directions , for the preservation of long , life , both against tobacco , and intemperate drinking ; published in the works of that learned physician doctor maynwaring , now living : i thought it not amiss to joyn them together , and likewise to add a good old sermon at the latter end , preached , in or near the time of king james , by a famous learned divine , mr. samuel ward then preacher of ipswich , printed . it is but brief , and the best i know of in print against the sin of drunkenness and health-drinking , wherein are discovered divers sad examples of many that have been notorious drinkers or drunkards , called woe to drunkards , that have kill'd themselves by drinking immoderately . in the last place i shall but commend to the reader a few good useful books , viz. mr thomas brook's londons lamentations , also his book called precious remedies against satan's devices , and his twenty two sermons on ephes . . . of the unsearchable riches of christ , his cabinet of jewels , his closet prayer , and a profitable and very delightsome book of good counsel for all young persons , called his apples of gold for young men and women &c. mr. thomas watson's new treatise , entituled , the mischief of sin , it brings a person low , on psal . . . mr. ralph venning's book , called sin the plague of plagues , or sinful sin the worst of evils , on rom. . . these books do set forth sin in its own proper colours ; it is compared in scripture to filthy rags , and to a menstruous cloth ; and i think it cannot be called by so bad a name as it is . also lately published mr. robert perrot's new book called englands sole , and soveraign way of being saved . mr. calamie's godly mans ark , which i think is a useful and seasonable book these stormy times : now we are pursued by enemies on all sides , outward and inward , it 's good to get into an ark , or city of refuge : these are sold at the three bibles in popes head alley , where the best and newest short-hand books , and books of divinity are to be had : also history , husbandry astronomy , mathematicks , arithmetick , law , sea , physick , the best poetry , school books , &c. five books of the learned doctor maynwarings . . his preservation of health , and prolongation of life . . his treatise of the sourvy , shewing , that tobacco is a procuring cause . . the rise and progress of physick historically , chromologically and philosophically illustrated , shewing , the abuse of medicines &c. . his treatise of consumptions , demonstrating their nature and cure. . the ancient and modern practice of physick examined , stated and compared . the true elixir proprietatis of van helmont , paracelsus & crollius , with a book of its use and vertue , highly commended by mr. lilly. as for other books of vain idle romances , lascivious and vitious poetry and drollery , which are worse then the smoke of tobacco , and more fit for the fire to make smoke of , then for the study ; i wish the lovers of them to take notice of this one passage about such , in mr. philip goodwin's mystery of drunkenness , printed for francis tyton ; it is in page . satan sends out his books as baits , by which many are cunningly caught , with the venome of which so many are poysoned . finis . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a -e aphorism . tutela sanitatis . amurath his counter blast to tobacco . ' primum crater ad sitim pertinere , secundum ad hilaritatem , tertium ad voluptatem , quartum ad insaniam dixit apuleius . omne nimiun naturae est inimicum . a cacotrophy , or atrophy . quicquid recipitur , recipitur per modum recipientis . ax. notes for div a -e esay . esay . , . esay . . joel . . hab . james . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . basil . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a charito & tanquam chena hash , veche siphgnoni iaphresh ; novissimo tanquam serpens mordebis , regulas punget montinur & mercerus ; tanquam haemorihois vel dissas , tremelius . cor. . . esay . . deut. . . meditations upon the lords prayer with a preparatory preamble to the right understanding, and true use of this pattern : contemplated by the author during the time wherein his house was visited by the pestilence and is dedicated to them, by whose charity god preserved him and his family, from perishing in their late troubles / ... by ... geo. withers. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) meditations upon the lords prayer with a preparatory preamble to the right understanding, and true use of this pattern : contemplated by the author during the time wherein his house was visited by the pestilence and is dedicated to them, by whose charity god preserved him and his family, from perishing in their late troubles / ... by ... geo. withers. wither, george, - . [ ], p. 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ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng lord's prayer -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - andrew kuster sampled and proofread - andrew kuster text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion meditations upon the lords prayer : with a preparatory preamble , to the right understanding , and true use of this pattern . contemplated by the author , during the time , wherein his house was visited by the pestilence . and is dedicated to them , by whose charity , god preserved him and his family , from perishing in their late troubles . that , which we have , we are oblig'd to give , in recompence , of that which we receive , and , with some , this will relish , though it be fruit gather'd from an aged wither'd tree . many particulars , pertinent to these last times , are hereby offered to consideration , by the said authour , geo. withe●… ▪ legite , & perlegite . read all , lest wrong , by prejudice ensue , either unto this author , or to you : for , since all cannot be exprest together , one place must often help expound another . london , printed in the year . to the authors christians , friends ( by whose charity , god , hath hitherto preserved him in manifold troubles and sufferings ) grace and peace in our lord jesus christ . the repute of a poet , which i have had among some , hath caused many pious well-meaning persons to suspect that meditations upon a subject of this nature , are neither proper to me , nor like to produce any considerable esteem or effect : y●t , i have better hopes ; for , poesie is a good gift , vouchsafed for a pr●paratory to prophecy , and oft hath been improved to the honour of god , by those who abused it not to serve the world , the f●●sh , and the devil . in some degrees , it hath also been so sanctified unto me , by gods grace , that many who had a sinister opinion of that faculty , have acknowledged themselves profited th●reby , in duti●s relating both to god and man ; which makes me hop●ful , these musings will not be fruitless . i have rcceived seasonable refreshments , from many of you , whose persons or names , i yet know not , nor am likely to know whilst i live ; therefore , i must commit your reward to him who knows you , and will remember your kindnesses , when we have quite forgotten each other . i know , that you who are living , expect nothing from me toward a recompence ; and the greatest number of my known friends in this city , have their reward already ; for , i believe they are with god. yet , to discharge my conscience ( that the like charity may not seem cast away upon those , who may as much need it , and better deserve it ) i endeavoured to leave behind me a grateful testimony , which might be some evidence , that , i consumed not the remainder of my life ( preserved by your mercy ) either in idleness , or in living wholly to my self ; and among other such-like endeavourings ( partly published , and partly reserved in private hands ) composed the ensuing meditations , during my solitariness in the late pestilence , as also , that i might have been found well-doing , if god should have then called me . this , being finished by his gracious assistance , i now offer it up for a thank-oblation to him ; and bequeath it also , as a token of my gratitude to you , who are yet living , hoping it will be acceptable to both , being the fruit of his mercy and yours , without more of mine , then the putting that into words , which god put into my heart , when i had no book but his ; nor so much in memory , w●itten by any humane author upon this subject , as may be comprehended in one line ; and , being carried upon the wings of my single contemplation to various objects , like an eagle flying every way to seek food for her self and her eaglets ; you will here finde some things perhaps , which will be offensive to weak stomacks : but , i know it is wholesome , and am confident that if it be tasted without prejudice , it will at last , be pleasing to their appetites , who at first disgust it . however , i have well intended it , and gods will be done . vve may in judgement differ in some cases as innocently , as we do in faces : but , in our failings , if preserve we shall the bond of love , it makes amends for all . until , therefore , convinc'd by truth divine , enjoy your conscience , and leave me to mine . he , that so doth not , though he truth profess , shall else , retain it in unrighteousness , and , he , whom loving caution , doth offend , vvill , that while , be nor mine , nor his own friend . savoy , decemb. . . i am , your faithful and humble servant , geo. wither . the preamble . if all that which is comprehended , and may be pertinently apprehended , by every contemplative soul , seriously meditating the words and actions of our blessed redeemer whilst he continued upon earth , it would unquestionly be believed , that st. john the evangelist , did not hyperbolize , when in the verse concluding his gospel , he affirmed , that , besides what he had therein expressed , jeses did many other things , which if they should be all written , he supposed that even the world it self , could not contain the books that should be written . therefore , it cannot be justly expected , that all which is contained in that brief form of prayer recommended to his disciples then living , can possibly be made forth explicitely in every essential and circumstantial pertinency thereof , by the single faculty of any one contemplative believer , how large soever his intellectual capacity may be : much less can it be expected from me , who , by what i have endeavoured to raise up my soul thereby to entertain the true spirit of prayer , can reach to but a part of those notions , which may be extracted from that body of devotion , whereby the powerful and true performance of our duty in prayer is evidenced and preserved : yet for as much as it hath been much stifled in this last generation , by meer formalites , and by multiplying such vain words as our saviour terms babling ; and in regard , some also ( in other respects good and pious men ) have totally neglected that wholesome form of words ; and othersome superstitiously repeated them for fashionsake onely , without any sence of what is thereby petitioned for , either toward the advance of gods glory , or of their own well-being ; i have added my mite , to rectifie that which i think ought to be reformed . . it cannot be denyed , but that many have made an idolatrous and superstitious use of gods written word , and particularly of this superlative form of prayer , as if the bare repetition thereof ( even in an unknown tongue ) were a charm effectual to such ends as they fancy , though they neither understand the meaning of the words , nor ( if they do ) endeavour so to conform their devotion and affections thereto , that it may be made acceptable according to his intention who prescribed it : for , he gave it to be used either literally , or in the sence of his original words indifferently , as also to be a standing patern , whereby all verbal and mental prayers should be regulated , lest we sometimes blaspheam god , or curse our selves instead of praying for blessings ; or , lest we err by that vain babling , which our saviour reprehended in the hypocritical scribes and pharisees . christ jesus very well knew , both by his divine wisdom , and experimentally , by assuming our humane nature , all our defects and infirmities , and therefore gratiously provided this expedient for preventing such errors ; and , the whole catholick church hath found just cause to praise him for that condescention , being one special means to preserve the principal worship of god , from being totally adulterated , or else quite buried , under the rubbish of humane inventions ; as it was when heathenish idolatries first crept in ; and as now it is , where the mystery of iniquity , is almost at highest : for , though the spirituality and true life of religion and divine worship , consisteth not altogether in outward formalities , yet , unless it hath some bodily existence , and external clothing whereby it may be made perceptible , and apprehensive , in some degree , by our humane faculties , it could neither be known , or long retained ; though there may be some intellectual glimmerings thereof in such as are supernaturally illuminated : much less could it be communicated from man to man , by those corporeal organs , which are the mediums whereby the affections and inclinations of our souls are made known to our selves and other men ; upon which considerations , i am perswaded that they who totally neglect , and they who superstitiously affect his form of prayer , are equally reproveable . i acknowledge there is in many , an excellent gift of extempore vocal prayer , pertinent to the stirring up of devotion and pious affections in themselves and other men ; and with much reverence i comply therewithal and assent thereto when i am admitted to partake in their devotions ; yea , and without envying gods dispensations to them , by whom i see my self to be far excelled : for , he who dispenseth his gifts as he pleaseth , made aaron , who was inferiour to moses in other graces , superiour to him in vocal expressions . i ingenuously confess my self also to be sometimes ashamed to be silent where such duties are performed ; but , my natural modesty , and my want of memory ( or somewhat worse ) renders me fearful to speak before an assembly . perhaps , my secret pride tempts me to preserve by silence a better opinion in others of my ability in that kinde , then i have ; but , whatsoever occasions it in me , i suspect that better men then i are otherwhile liable to the same temptation through the same defect , and may have need of premeditated words . to say the whole truth , my verbal devotions are frequently so broken into dis-joynted parts , and so dissatisfactory to my self , that i cannot hope they will be plausible to my hearers , unless i had time to put them into better order ; which when i have done in the best mode i can , i think defective , until i have perfited my devotions with that prayer , whereupon i have grounded my ensuing meditations ; and am perswaded , that form is not always added superstitiously to other prayers ; and that their devotions are acceptable , who in sincerity , and with a true desire to express their necessities , or thankfulness to god , offer up unto him their prayers or praises in words wanting grammatical coherence , and in such language as they are able : for , if we are pleased to hear our little children stammer out their wants and affections , in such imperfect terms as they are capable of , though it be nonsence ; much more doth our heavenly father , who better knows our infirmities ( and requires no more of any man then he hath given him ) take delight in their good endeavours , who prosecute them as they are able , though in much childish weakness ; which appears by his sons care taken to prevent the despising and offending of such , by their stronger brethren . he knew also , that the most perfect could not attain to that perfection without means of improvement , and therefore left them this form of prayer ; which , if right use be thereof made , may be to the wisest of them , great advantages many wayes . . i know well , that not a few , who seem to have acquired most perfections , and to be better qualified for performance of such duties then many of their brethren , are otherwhile fain to use set forms of prayer composed by their national churches , or by particular pious men ; and i suppose it to be a great weakness in them , who for no other respect , are offended thereat , or with such as therein joyn : for , if it be allowable to joyn in a vocal extempore prayer , with him , the scope of whose petitions we cannot know until we hear them , ( and whose prayers are at that time , a set form to his auditory , if not to him who speaks them ) doubtless we may with less scruple pray with another , whose words we know beforehand , and wherein we finde nothing repugnant to this patern left us by our saviour . in such prayers or praises , whether publick on private , extempore or set forms , i can joyn with any person or congretion professing , faith in jesus christ ; so they be not wittingly , willingly , malitiously , and impenitently , scandalous in doctrine or manners ; though there may be some deficiency or superfluity in words or forms ; and in such conrformities , i demean my self without giving cause of disturbance to their devotions with whom i communicate ; yea , and without uncharitably censuing them in my heart , as to that which is contrary to my judgement . for , i know the best men , and the best humane forms , have their defects , and that their duties and divine mysteries are known to them but in part . therefore when in their preachings or divine worshippings , i hear and heed ought which to my understanding , is not orthodox or comely ; or expressions insisted upon , or attributes given to persons , or things , of whose truth i am not certain ; then , instead of absolute compliance therein , i waving that , lift up my heart in secret to god , beseeching him to pardon what is misdone or missaid , by others , or misunderstood by me , if i have misapprehended their pious meanings . . the forms of prayer and praises dictated by the holy ghost , and recorded in the psalmes , or other books of holy scripture , i can use without scruple in the same words , either in the original , or in any other language that i undersand , as occasions require : but , not without premeditating the distinct mysteries in them contained , whereby i may be conscientiously satisfied , what particular mystery , is touched in the whole and in every particle , lest ( as i said before ) i may sometimes blaspheam or curse instead of praying , by misapplying that to one , which is properly appliable to another : and those maledictions to my own enemies , which are intended onely to the adversaries of christ : or , left i take those attributes to my self in my single capacity , which are properly due to none but to jesus christ , and to me and others , no otherwise , then as we are members of his mystical body . this is not so much heeded by some as it ought to be , who make frequent use of davids psalmes at adventure , in their publick and private devotions . with much precaution therefore , i endeavour as i am able , to pray and praise god , in those words of his own ▪ which i finde recorded in the old testament , with respect to what was legally , and to what was evangelically to be considered ; knowing it required much heed to avoid such mistakes as we might else incur , by a negligent use of them . but this form of prayer , which i have now meditated upon , is made so plain and so suitable to the whole , and to every individual member of christs mystical body , as also to the meanest capacities , that it may safely be repeated singly and joyntly in the literal sence . yet i have observed , ( and i think am not therein deceived ) that , god hath permitted many wiser men then i am , to be subject to misapprehensions , in the duties of praise and prayer , and particularly , in the use of this unquestionable form ; and perhaps hath so permitted it , thereby to prove and exercise their humility , patience , prudence and love ; which being well considered , together with that christian liberty , which ought to be preserved without infringement ( and from over-far inlarging the limits thereof ) would qualifie the contest among dissenting brethren , and therefore i have here , to that end , precautioned so much as i conceive may be pertinently extracted from the subject i have now in hand ; and it gives me occasion of many particular hints to that purpose ; for , this is a charm , made by the best physician , which ( if applyed without superstition ) cures and secures ; t is a catholicon , compounded for the use of every one : in weal and wo , in every differing case ; for every change , in every time and place ; for each state , person , sex , age , and degree , whether mean , high , low , rich or poor they be , single or congregated , if , they pray it hallowed with faith and love , as well as say it : for said in words it may be , yet not pray'd , and , pray'd it may be , though in words , not said : who ever , therefore , shall not be partaker of profit by it , cannot blame the maker . some , overstrictly , confine other men , within their jurisdiction , to their set forms of prayers and worships , upon such penalties is are unmercifully destructive to the peace , estates , relations and persons of those who are by them compelled ; because , their tender unsatisfied consciences will not permit that complyance which is required , lest they should thereby violate that obedience which they believe is owing to a superior power , and to him who is the sole judge in all causes relating to his own supremacy : and , if that be unfeignedly their plea , without respect to any carnal self-ends , and no unquestionable evidence produced , proving that their principles or practices tend to the violation of the moral law , or to the breach of the common peace , by their default , it seems very hard measure to compel them , contrary to the law of nature , or the ancient priviledges of their nation , actively to submit unto that which is offensive to their consciences in respect of god , and repugnant to that light which is in them ; especially , when they are questioned upon bare suspitions , or by the clandestine informations of persons having no good report ; as also , before they shall be convinced of erring , by better arguments then compulsion , and the arbitrary will and pleasure of those , who are neither authorized to judge of matters relating to god alone ; nor have means to take true cagnizance of such secrets as cannot certainly be known to any but to god himself . the consequents of such inforcements are not onely destructive to their persons and families , who are compelled if they submit not ; or , hazzardous to their souls who submit contrary to what they believe in their hearts ; because , they become thereby guilty , of that which is abhorred of god ( to whom also , that is unpleasing which is unwillingly performed , though it be what he himself commandeth ; ) but , it is also mischievous , or at least unprofitable to the imposers , as will be made probable in what followes . to the clean all things are clean , and that which defiles one will not defile another , if conscienciously acted without any meer carnal and self-end . st. paul said ( rom. . ) he was perswaded by christ jesus , that there is nothing unclean in it self ; yet , to him who believeth any thing to be unclean , to him it is unclean ; and , in that respect , we are exhorted in the same chapter , to follow those things which tend to peace , and whereby we may edifie one another , without giving just cause of offence to our weak brethren ; or , of blaspheaming , to them who are without ; or , of infringing the christian liberty , which permitteth the profession , practise or omission of things indifferent , so far forth as they are honest , just , of good report among good men , and tending to edification in the love and fear of god , and it is very considerable , that the inforcing such things , one way or another , produceth one of the most mischievous consequences in the world , both to those who compel them , and to them among whom they live : for , when they have constrained men by hope or fear of temporary advantages or disadvantages , to destroy their consciences ( which makes them men of no consciences , and thereby such as have also no god ) they do by that imprudence , add none to their own party , but such wicked hypocrites , and secret traytors , as otherwhile become a plague both to those who offered violence to their pretended consciences ; and to all other good men with whom they have to do : for , whatsoever oaths they take , whatsoever covenants they make , whatsoever ingagements they enter into , they usually become false and perfidious to those who trusted them , as soon as they finde it may be to their particular advantage ; and i have long observed , that those formalities in divine worship , which are submitted unto through fear , and even those principles of truth which are professed for carnal ends onely , did never make any such to be the better men ; and i therefore wonder what they hope to get by it , who by compulsion make proselytes or conformists to their judgement and practice , those who are neither truly serviceable to god , to their country , or to whom they are compelled ; except it be for this end , that when such imposers have services to be done , which none but the most damnable villanes will do , they may know where to finde them . . i am no accepter of persons or parties , further then i finde them qualified according to the principles of love and truth : therefore , execuse me , though i am bold to say , there are some other so unreasonably adverse to all forms , ceremonies and customs , how expedient soever to prevent disorder and cure ignorance , ( although not evil in themselves ) that they can hardly be prevailed upon by any arguments to conform unto them in their own persons , or to allow them to others whose consciences incline them thereunto ; though they cannot make forth , how without some of them , they and other men could have so easily been made acquainted with the soul and spiritual existence of religion , had they wanted a bodily form whereby it might be rendred apprehensive . these oppugners of all formalities in divine worship , which are not in positive terms commanded ( though not countermanded in the written word of god ) do not well heed that the primitive church , and even they themselves admit some such to be necessary , or at least expedient ; as , admitting women to participate in the sacrament of the lords supper , with many more . nor observe they , that the holy ghost , hath permitted the church of christ to tolerate the observation of such ceremonies for a time , as might tend to prevent persecution , advance piety , or else to the preservation of civil peace and humane society , though not warranted in express terms . and that liberty seemeth approveable by the practice of the primitive church , when the necessities of times , places , or the constitutions of the people did rationally require it ; and when no more was imposed on weak believers , then they had strength to bear ; such things as were then seasonable being injoyned or permitted , but at some times , in some places , and upon emergent occasions , to be so long onely , and no longer continued ; and no other force used but loving compellations , by reasonable arguments ; and no wrong is done to them upon whom such force irresistably prevails : nor are such things justly reputed burthensome , which necessity requireth ( though they have accidentally some evil consequence ) when they evidently prevent greater evils . such was the circumcising of timothy , the observing of the jewish sabbath , the forbearance of things strangled , or offered to idols , or eating , or not eating of meats , with other such , whereof some were longer , and some less while continued , laid aside , and reasumed by particular churches ; and rejected again as occasion required without schism . this sobriety and christian prudence , being now imitated , would renew tbat peace and brotherly concord , which is almost vniversally destroyed by a barbarous violence , or imprudent zeal , to the hazzad of all true piety and morality , through their intemperancy , who more desire to accomplish their own self-will , then the will of god : for the most part of dissenting parties are equally superstitious and injurious , both to themselves and others in things which they oppugne or reprove , when their use or not using them is magisterially required or denyed ; especially , when such things , as are expedient , and at some other times not so , are at all times obstinately insisted upon , as those were by some of old , which are called beggerly rudiments ; the forbidding whereof when they were needful , and the inforcing their continuance when needless , is as absurd a practice , as to take from those who would learn to read , the liberty of naming the letters , and spelling them syllable after syllable , to make up the words ; and to enjoyn all those who can read perfectly , to do the same ; yet ( though it be not heeded by all ) the like absurdity may be observed in what relates to the duty and gift of prayer and thanksgivings ; and that many wise and good men ( as i think ) in other respects , have erred both in judgement and practice , by inclining over-much to the left-hand , or to the right . . i acknowledge it is an excellent gift to be able to pray and speak publickly , without premeditation upon all occasions , with a sober confidence , in words pertinent to the matter in hand , and to the necessities of those to whom we speak , or for whom we pray ; so it be done with a sincere heart , and a true sence of that for which we are petitioners ; as also , with a reverend regard to the majesty of god : but all have not this gift , who have that opinion of themselves ; for , this faculty may be onely a branch of the gift of prayer in the vocal part thereof , and may be so well counterfeited , that none but god himself , can discern the frothiness of it : for , he that hath a strong retentive memory , a voluble tongue , and but an ordinary natural wit , may by long endeavouring to get his livelyhood , or catch opinion thereby , ( plausibly and without hesitation ) act over that , which he hath often read or heard spoken by other men ; and so well personate the same , that it may seem to proceed from an extraordinary gift of the holy ghost ; yet , be nothing so ; and his many good words flow from carnal affections , inclining him to seek the accomplishing of some pleasing self-end , by the practice thereof ; and his performances amount to no more then the actors of interludes attain unto in other countries , where their comedies and tragedies , are not penned for them to their hands , as with us : for , the actors having first designed a plot among themselves , speak extemporarily , by the strength of their natural wit , according to their general design , as occasions are mutually given ; and otherwhile , he that hath most ignorance , if he hath also impudence and confidence enough , wins most applause , because the greatest number of the auditory being more ignorant then he , perceive not the absurdities committed in a quick and sudden delivery ; and so perhaps it frequently happeneth among speakers and hearers of extempore prayers . the true gift of prayer , though it is also powerful in words , consisteth not wholly in vocal expressions , but principally in such a frame of spirit , as enables us according as the apostle exhoreth , to pray continually , not thereby intending we should be always speaking or bearing , to the neglect of other necessary duties , but that we should as much as possibly keep our hearts always in such a temper ( by retaining implicitely what is at sometimes to be explicitely uttered ) that , such ejaculations , and upliftings of the heart as are pertinent to prayer and thanksgivings , may be at all times in readiness to be vocally or internally applyed upon every occasion offered . and set forms of prayer , used in national churches , or particular congregations , or private families , are not to be despised as if no effects of the spirit : for , so far forth as they are without intermixture of meer humane inventions , or superstitious additions , they are outflowings from the spirit of prayer , and often helpful to teach the ignorant how to pray in secret ; there being very many who had no other visible means of instruction , who nevertheless , by gods blessing thereupon , have been thereby enabled both to pray as they ought to do , and also to instruct others . moreover , somewhat pertinent to that duty is otherwhile thereby brought to their remembrances , who had been else in a total ignorance of that duty ; and it may be brings likewise advantages to them who are most knowing ; yea to many who now think those forms altogether needless . doubtless therefore , those forms are still profitable to some , and might be so to more , if they were not so wilfully imposed and opposed as they are , to the violation of the christian liberty , and charity on both sides . for , if all men could believe , at they rationally may , that the spirit of god is concurrently assisting to many who pray without premeditation in extempore words , they might as reasonably believe , that the prayers composed in a time of reformation , by those pious men , who in many sufferings ( even to the loss of their lives ) testified their sincerity , are still assisted and accompanied by the same spirit , which first dictated them in such words , as might neither be unacceptable to god , nor an offensive stumbling-block to the weak converts of those times wherein they were composed . and , if this be granted , why should we not likewise think , that all those forms of prayer , and praise whatsoever , which were at any time originally inspired by the spirit of god , ( whether suddenly or by premeditation ) will always be effectual for them , who shall pray in the same form , with the same integrity of heart , and with the same intentions , when the necessities or occasions are the same ? especially when upon well weighing the words , they shall and may , if need be , tacitely or explicitely wave such of them ( or their commonly received sence ) as the mutability of events , or the practice of the times ( or their misunderstanding of them ) hath made offensive to them , or the consciences of their weak brethren , to whom offence may be thereby given ? for , this is no more then we do ( if we do as we should ) when we pray in the words of davids psalms , the literal sence whereof may be in some places retained , and must be waved in some other , lest we pervert the meaning of the holy ghost . . in thus using our christian liberty and prudence , if we become offensive to any against our wills , it is an offence rather taken then given ; yea , such an offence as will of necessity be , and cannot be totally avoided , whether we joyn with others in their forms of prayer and praise , or absent our selves from them ; because , whether we communicate or not , we shall offend some weak brethren , on one hand or the other , unless we will exclude all from being our brethren in christ , who are not altogether one with us in our judgement and practice in each circumstance ; which i shall never do , in regard , in such things at we differ upon , it fares with us , as with such as paint the similitude of a city or castle , which may much differ in the portraicture , yet each several resemblance be true ; because , the several stations , in which the artists take view of the place will occasion a great dissimilitude of that which is represented . we therefore , in such things as i now treat of , can by no means be preserved blameless or excused , but by taking heed that we sin not against our own consciences or knowledge in what we do , nor judge uncharitably of those who in like manner believe and act , as they are perswaded in their hearts ; and in prosecuting that whereby , ( if it be offensive ) greater offences may be avoided . this being well considered ; as also , that there is no publick liturgy , or private set form of prayer , extant to my knowledge , in the christian world so absolutely perfected of all occasions , persons , times , places , but that it may justly , admit of some additions or alterations , except onely this which was recommended to his church by our saviour , and is therefore commonly called the lords prayer : this we ought to adhere unto as the onely standing form and pattern to be vniversally received by all christians , as it hath been by all true believers ever since the first institution thereof ; and wherein , they ought unanimously to joyn without scruple , until the kingdom comes to perfection on earth , which we thereby pray for . herein , we may all together joyn in words comprehending every particular member of christ jesus , and his whole mystical body , speaking as it were with one mouth for and in the name of all . and it contracts a common treasure of mercies ( though not in the popish sence , or to be disposable as that church fancies ) out of which every individual member of the true catholick church , is relieved and provided for , both to his temporary and spiritual well-being : yea , many millions before they had any more then a potential being , as also many after they had a visible being , were and are benefited thereby , and reduced from being despisers or heedless of that gracious provision which was made for them ; and to the enjoyment whereof their own prayers , whilst they were in that minde could not else have brought them ; no nor any other mediator , but the author of this prayer . nevertheless , this excellent form ought neither to be superstitiously used as it is by some , or compulsively imposed upon any , who is conscienciously scrupulous of using it , until he shall be fully convinced of that whereof he doubteth . the christian liberty which i take unto my self , and allow to all other men , in things relating to god and their consciences , i have as occasions were from time to time offered , declared in several tracts heretofore written , intending nothing in a disrespective way of opposition , to any national churches , or particular congregations , or persons , except to the malignant conventicle of antichrist onely ; but that all they who have protested against it , may agree together in that truth , to the glory of god , and to the mutual edifying of each other in love . for , the spouse of christ hath daughters many a one ; but , so fair as their mother , she hath none : however , to the blackest , fair befal ; for , i have an affection for them all . . i have made this preamble larger then i thought it would have been when i began ; but it is not material whether i preach in the porch , or in the church , so i teach true doctrine , and may respectively be heard . many precautions , appearing necessary to prevent such objections as might probably obstruct my good purpose , have occasioned the spinning of so long a thread : yet , i shall presume to make a little longer , to clear the way to a right understanding and use of that which christ hath left to his church , both for a pattern of prayer and praise , and to make that more plain which i have touched upon before . the romanists will have that , and all publick prayers , made in the latine tongue , as being now the holy catholick language ; and as if the vnity of the church in prayer , consisted in speaking the same words , though not understood : which is an antichristian principle , wherein lieth a grand cheat . some , who joyn in words that they understand not , moved in conscience toward god to do as they are taught , ( and knowing no other way of serving and worshipping ) may , as i believe , pray in and by the spirit , helping them in their ignorance , as paul seems to imply : but the doctrine and practice of their teachers , is directly contradictory to that apostles practice , and demonstrates by what spirit they are guided . we ought to pray both in the spirit , and with our understanding also , as far as it will extend . this prayer may be used in the original words , or in any other language , by them who understand it , and in our mother-tongue , translated into such words as contain the true sense thereof . it comprehends , as is aforesaid , explicitely or implicitely , all things whatsoever essentially pertinent to the glory of god , and the well-being of his people in general and in particular , throughout all times , and upon all occasions : insomuch , that by conforming to that pattern , or the sense thereof , though in variety of languages , the catholick church may be truly said to retain an uniformity of prayer , and be preserved guiltless of offering by strange fire , and of making petitions repugnant to gods will , or contradictory to each other , or unprofitable to the petitioners , though the devotions of individual persons , be not perfectly hallowed according to the purity of the whole sanctuary . yet still , a meer formal and superstitious use thereof , makes it not onely ineffectual , but offensive , in stead of being an oblation acceptable to god. as when it is but verbally repeated for fashion sake , without reverence or heed to what we say ; or , when according to the popish mode , so or so many pater nosters ( as they call them ) are huddled up by tale , and a meritoriousness ascribed to such ridiculous performances ; which is not onely by them attributed to that empty vanity , but a supererogation also , deserving so much over and above the supplying of each petitioners personal wants , to increase their church-treasury , that it affords enough ( as they pretend ) to sell , or confer to the advantage of whom their supreme officer pleaseth , to ease or deliver out of her feigned purgatory , them whose own merits were not sufficient to discharge them thence , by the merits of jesus christ . this , and other superstitious abuses of the lords prayer , hath caused many to misapprehend or neglect the right use thereof ; and the ignorance which is in some well-meaning believers , of that large portion of their duties , and of gods revealed will and gracious intentions , couched in those few words , hath made them prefer their own and other mens imperfect conceptions before it , and to offer up sometimes foolish , uncharitable , & presumptuous requests , tending onely to the fulfilling of their own lusts , and lengthened out with many vain tautologies and repetitions , rendring it otherwhile wearisome to themselves , and neither pleasing to god or men . i being desirous to prevent and cure such vanities and errors in my self and others , was inclined to endeavour it by seriously meditating this form of prayer , dictated by our saviour , without taking notice what other men had thence extracted , even by wholly depending on the assistance of that spirit which can best inform what was intended by the author , lest i might be pre-possessed with such notions and opinions , as have misled others into a misunderstanding . and , i beseech all those to whom these meditations may come , even in the love of jesus christ , and for his sake and their own , not to read them by scraps , without heeding the whole context , ( as it hath oft happened both to the readers disadvantage and mine , in perusing some of my former writings : ) nor to presuppose that i have inserted any clause with an intent to please or displease any for my own personal advantage , or to the injurious disadvantage of any who are of a contrary judgement to mine ; lest that prejudice begets hatred , and lets into them such an evil spirit as will never be driven out again by any charmers , though the charmer charm never so wisely ; . to prosecute my intention without interruption , god lately gave me a fit opportunity , by shutting me up , as it were , from the world , and the world from me ; which being declared with such circumstances as occurred , may perhaps make that which i have meditated , the more effectual to some ; and to that end i will here insert it . during the great mortality yet continuing , and wherein god evidently visited his own houshold , his enemies took not onely notice thereof with insultation , as if it nothing concerned them in the way of correction , but presumed also they should be advantaged thereby . at the same time my little family , consisting of three persons onely , was visited ; and i , with my dear consort , long detained in daily expectation of gods divine purpose concerning our persons ; yet with confidence whether we were smitten or spared ; lived or died , it would be in mercy : for , having nothing left to make us in love with this world , we had placed our best hopes in the world it come ; whereby , sufficiently comforted , we entertained gods angel under our roof without fear of death or hell , believing he was sent rather for good , then to do any execution to our detriment . to uphold this belief , god had extraordinarily prepared before that day of trial , such a competency of things needful in sickness and health , to supply all wants , during such a time , as that visitation was likely to last , ( or our lives , if it long continued ) that , we cast aside all care and fear of the future , applying our selves to that only which best befitted out present condition , as free from all inward disturbances , as if health , wealth , and liberty , had been at full enjoyed , and neither pestilence , war , or famine , within a thousand miles of our habitation . when i sought the world , i lost it , with all i had therein ; so that if god had not inclined his servants to provide for me , i might truly have sung this old catch , now i am a gallant ; for , my friends have left me neither money in my purse , nor a rag to shift me . but , they have been instrumental by their charity , to add one signal experiment more , to those many which i have heretofore had of the fulfilling of this conditional promise , seek first the kingdom of god , and all other things shall be ministred unto you : for , though i am a very negligent seeker , carrying about me many pricks in the flesh , and pull-backs tempting from that duty , the mercy of god sufficiently supplied what was then wanting ; and , by that portion of a discerning spirit which he hath given me , i think it may be truly said , he hath fed me by angels , by men , yea , and sometimes by ravens , so that few men in my time , of my degree , can say , he bad such kind friends with so little desert , or so many malicious enemies without just cause ; and both so necessary to make me well pleased with my lot. . this made me desirous to spend those days of recluse , ( which for ought i knew might be my last ) in what might glorifie god , so far forth as my weakness would extend , and to leave behind me somewhat , when dead , whereby my friends might mind me to their benefit with comfort , as well as to give my enemies occasion to say they are glad they shall be no more troubled with me . providence then inclined my heart to contemplate the foresaid prayer , when i seemed but ill accommodated to prosecute such an undertaking : for it was in the eleventh climacterical year of my life , and when , beside other bodily infirmities , i was frequently assaulted with such as were perhaps pestilential symptomes , and the keeping of two fires , requiring more then my income , seemed likely long to maintain , prosecuted my meditations all the day-time , even in that room wherein my family , and all visitants talked and dispatched their affairs , yet was neither diverted or discomposed thereby , but , by gods assistance , finished my undertaking within a short time after the recovery of my servant ( whose life god spared ) not gathering ought , as bees do , from flowers growing without me , but , spinning out like the silk-worm , that onely which god had stored up within me . and having put into words , that which was as it were distilled out of my heart by fire , ( as were my remembrances to this nation in the great pestilence this time forty years ) i do now , as a testimonial of my thankfulness , bequeathe it to my friends , by whose charity , i was then , and heretofore , seasonably furnished with such necessaries as have hitherto preserved me and mine from likely rnine : and in the first place offer it for a thank-oblation to god , who enabled me to finish it during those few days which i might probably have conceived would have concluded my life . god the father , god the son , god the holy ghost , one eternal deity , always joyntly co-operating intrinsecally by invisible workings , ( and distinctly , in what is externally personated by a triple manifestation thereof to our humane capacities ) sanctifie me , and all my thoughts , words and actions , to his glory , now and for ever . amen . the preface of the lords prayer . offering many particulars to consideration , pertinent to other duties an objects of our christian faith ; as well as to the true understanding and right use of that prayer , without imposing upon any , ought more then he shall conscientiously believe ▪ till convinced by better informatiion ; which the author humbly prays all his readers to remember , for prevention of uncharitable prejudice . matthew . . after this manner pray ye ; or , as it is written , ink. . . when ye pray , say ; our father which are in heaven , hallowed be thy name : thy kingdom come ; thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven . give us this day our daily bread : and forgive our debts , as we forgive our debtors ; and lead us not into temptation , but deliver us from evil ; for , thine is the kingdom , the power and the glory , for ever . amen . our blessed redeemer , having in the words next preceding these , reprehended these who used such vain repetitions in praying , as the heathens did ( who thought to be heard for their much babling , or that god else knew not , or would not heed their wants ) it pleased him for preventing such practices and misapprehensions , to leave this catholick form and pattern of prayer and praise , to his apostles , and his church for all future generations ; including therein one conditional petition , not grantable without performance of that condition required ; to wit , the forgiveness of our sins ; which condition is both affirmatively and negatively declared in these words next following : if you forgive men their trespasses , then will your heavenly father forgive you : but , if you forgive not them , then will not your heavenly father forgive you . this precaution is heedfully to be observed at all times , lest our prayers be turned into sin , and we imprecate a curse upon our selves instead of a blessing : for , god is love , and whosoever brings a petition into his presence , with a malitious or implacable heart toward his brother or neighbour , shall have all his suits rejected , and his sins ( even his sins formerly forgiven ) recharged upon him , and be laid in prison until he hath pay'd the utmost farthing of his debts . that qualification for prayer , is in this generation very defective in a great number : and perhaps it proceeds from a want of charity in this kinde , ( whereof their own consciences accuse them ) that so many have neglected the use of this prayer ; even because they cannot forgive as they would be forgiven ; and therefore are afraid to speak in that form of words ; not considering that god remembers that condition though they mention it not in their prayers , nor peradventure observe that , ( though god sets before us his love and free forgiveness to be a pattern whereto he requires conformity as near as possible we can ) he is not so severe as to expect our forgiveness should equal his in perfection , but onely in that proportion which our finite and frail nature is capable of . this hint is proper to the fifth petition , yet not impertinently here offered to remembrance , because peradventure , some may meet it here upon the threshold , who will never look further into the book . . the texts of holy scripture prefixed to this prayer contain a precept or injunction , teaching how to pray it : for , the evangelist matthew saith , after this manner pray ye , and st. luke says , when ye pray , say thus : our father , &c. whereof little more need to be said , then what the words and authority of the author sufficiently explains and warrants , to take away all scruple of praying both in the same words , and according to their genuine sence in such other words , as the spirit of god shall dictate unto our understandings upon such occasions as are offered ; for the two evangelists by the words afore-specified , the one biddding us to pray in this manner , and the other , to say thus , makes this assertion doubtless ; and they are very ignorant , who shall either suspect the lawful use of a form so authorized , or that the help to devotion thereby intended , was not as well vouchsafed to direct and inlarge our conceptions in whatsoever is pertinent to the duty of prayer , as to restrain us from vain tautologies , or other superfluous impertinencies . . as it is hinted in my preceding preamble , our humane capacity is not capable of spiritual objects ( or to communicate them intelligibly to each other ) unless they are imbodied in some sensible form : therefore , in that respect , this may be called the body of prayer ; and i finde it consists of a preface , six petitions , and an epilogue or conclusion . the preface is comprehended in these words , our father which art in heaven ; in which there are several particulars observable : first , that this prayer is not singly personated by this word my , but , by the pronoun collective our , comprehending many persons mysteriously incorporated ; which implies that it is not to be offered up to god , by individual persons or congregations , with respect to themselves onely , or to their personal duties or necessities , but , with regard also to the whole catholick church-militant , and to the necessities of every member thereof , in being , or in a potentiality of being ; yea , in some respects with regard to those saints whose quondam visible being is at an end for a while , considering their resurrection to life eternal , with all the priviledges of the everlasting kingdom petitioned for in this prayer , belonging to the quick and dead , and concerns their bodies now in the grave , no less then their bodies who yet live ; and therefore they are to be comprehended in our prayers , in such respects , with those also , who were or shall be , as well as on the behalf of our selves and of those who yet live , in regard they are objects of the universal faith , charity , and resurrection as well as we ; and their resurrections no less necessary to be pray'd for , then the kingdom to come , though both will come to pass notwithstanding we pray not for them . this doctrine will not be justly offensive to any , but to such as are very ignorant , or prepossessed with much prejudice : for , this intends not prayers for the dead , according to the superstitious practice of the church of rome , nor upon such considerations , nor to such purposes , as when they pray for souls departed out of this life . but , the saints now at rest from their labours and bodily endeavours , having still ( potentially at least ) a spiritual communion with us and we with them , as members of christs mystical body ( and who having as much right as we to what appertains to the eternal kingdom ) are no more to be excluded totally out of our prayers , who yet live , then we were out of their prayers , and the petitions of the catholick church , before we were born ; it being to me doubtless that their devotions were then exhibited on our behalf , by the example of christ our head , of whom it is testified , john i . i . that , when he prayed for his apostles , he said , i pray not for these alone , but for them also who shall believe on me through their word . this prayer extends also , to the preservation of all other creatures , which being , as it were the sons of god by creation , are said to groan together with us , rom. . . even they receive benefit with us , by this prayer , toward their subsistance and perpetuity , which is metaphorically signified by daily bread . for , a natural instinct inclines them to demonstrate , in some sort , that which is equivalent with a desire of what is wanting , though they neither know what they lack or whence it comes : even the vegetative plants and herbs evidence it by their drooping , when they have over-much or too little rain , or fair weather , and by their refreshment with showres or heat ; so do the beasts also , when none being present to relieve them , they bellow , and lift up their voices in their kinde , for want of meat . for these respects , the scope which this prayer hath in my understanding , inclines my desire in the use thereof , to extend it to all things and persons , that were , are , or shall be , for procuring of whatsoever is therein explicitely or implicitely comprehended , as having an universal relation : for , priviledges there are which the saints universally enjoy by a spiritual communion , not heeded by the world , which will be demonstrated more at large by my meditations upon the twelve articles of our faith , commonly called the apostles creed , if god gives me time and means to make it publick , and if i recover that part of it , which was taken from me , and being but short notes to bring things to remembrance , will be of no use to those who have them . . by the right use of this prayer , every member of jesus christ is united in his mediation , the whole agreeing with the head , and with each other , in all requests without contradiction ; whereof i know not how we could have had an assurance , save by this medium : for , the speaking it in several languages , times or places makes no essential difference , or material dis-junction ; nor do the involuntary mistakes , or infirmities of the weakest members render their sacrifice unacceptable , or ineffectual ; because he to whom their addresses are made can and doth reconcile such differences ; and the whole body being ingratiated by the dignity of that head , the most ignorant and insensible parts thereof ( if they separate not themselves willfully and maliciously ) are partakers of that faith which is in the whole , and of whatsoever is imparted thereto , or conferred thereupon , by the merit and mediation of their head and mediator ; yea , as truely as the inferiour members of our natural bodies , whilst they continue in their places , injoy the benefits to them pertaining ; and so far forth , as they are capable of them , as the tongue , eyes , ears and heart , though the other can neither speak , see , hear or understand as these do : and the knowledge of this may be a great means of consolation to many a poor weak member of christ , who is sensible of his personal defects . it is also by this participation onely , that we make good our affectionate desires and verbal ingagements or promises , to pray for our friends or relations in their several necessities , absent or present ; which we cannot so often and so particularly remember as we would , if it were not done by an universal concurrence in this mode of praying to our heavenly father , before whom , that which was but once prayed for in faith , continues always , as if we were always praying it , and as if it were the joynt-act of the whole catholick church ; for which respect neither should a due application of this prayer be neglected , or the great advantages , thereby vouchsafed be unthankfully heeded . moreover , by christs teaching us in this form of prayer , to say our father , and not my father , i do conceive that in all our desires and petitions , we ought to have still heed and regard to the necessities and welfare of others , as aforesaid , as well as to our own ; especially , of our brethren relating to the same father , though for the present they be rebellious children ; and that we should be wary , we seek not the advance of a self-interest , by a publick detriments or , to the wrong of any private person ; or , to the infringement of christian charity , the want whereof makes all prayers ineffectual to them , who shall so pray . . the father , there meant to whom our addresses are to be made , and said to be in heaven , is the first person of the holy trinity , ( the other two persons , to wit , the son and holy ghost being implicitely to be understood as one with him in the same deity ) and we being a brotherhood relating to the same father , warrants the fore-going interpretation . god is the father of all corporeal and spiritual created beings ; and by that appellative , we are incouraged to hope and believe that we shall obtain whatsoever we petition for in this prayer , taught us by his best beloved son , even to the utmost extent thereof ; though we our selves neither know or can minde all that is comprehended in those words ; because , as it is said , rom . . the spirit helpeth our infirmities , making intercession for us , with groanings that cannot be expressed . this form containeth nothing repugnant to his fathers will ; and christ hath assured us , that whatsoever we shall ask of his heavenly father in his name shall be obtained ; and doubtless it will be no bar to this assurance , when we ask according to his own direction ; yet , ( knowing our infirmities ) to confirm us in that belief without wavering , he hath made it probable by inferences drawn from our common experience , luke . the one from that prevalency which constant importunity hath upon such friends , as have but little sence of our necessities ; and the other drawn from the good effects which proceed even from our imperfect natural affections , who are but earthly fathers : for said he , if a son shall ask bread of any of you , who is a father , will he give him a stone ? if he shall ask fish , will he give him a ser●●●… ? or , if he ask an egg , will he give him a se●●●●… thereupon , he made this inference : if then , you being evil know how to give good gifts to your children , how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy spirit to him that asketh it ? yea , he having given his only son for us , when we were his enemies , why should we distrust that he will give us all other good things being reconciled unto him by his pretious blood ? for , we have not onely this god almighty to our father by creation , as all other creatures have ( which obligeth us relatively both to him and to them ) but we are his children also by adoption , admitted thereunto by grace through his best beloved son jesus , thereto begotten by faith in him ; and he having drawn up a petition for us , taught us how to exhibit it , and warranted us to prefer it unto him as our father , what should discourage us from it ? or what can reasonably incline us to any other form or course ? the tenderness which we know to be in a good natural father , is a strong argument to preserve us from despairing to obtain any thing in his power which he knows needful . but , god is more truely our father , then our fathers in the flesh ; for without his concurrence in our generation , we had neither been conceived nor born into the world ; or if his providence had not given us shape , nourishment , and preservation till the birth ; and he knoweth and still mindeth what he begets ; whereas our fleshly fathers seldom minde more then the satisfying of their fleshly desires when they beget us ; and know not what they beget until they see it brought forth : isaith saith , . . unto god , doubtless then art our father , though abraham be ignorant of us , and israel acknowledge us not ; thou , o lord , art our father , our redeemer , and thy name is everlasting . these considerations with the many demonstrations which we have had of gods infinite love , wisdom and power , may assure he is neither ignorant of what is best for us , nor unable , nor unwilling to confer it . . though this be sufficiently demonstrated , it may be yet further illustrated and ascertained by contemplating this short preface ; for to incourage us in this duty , and to increase and strengthen our faith in prosecution thereof , he , whom we are to sollicite is said to be our father which is in heaven . not the father of our flesh onely , the best of which fathers is both imperfect and partial , even in the exercise of natural affections toward his own children ; neither equally distributing it among them , nor able to bestow upon them whom he most loves , all those things which he knows necessary ; nor is wise enough to know what is best for them ; nor sure of his own being , so long as his children may want his protection , or continuing assistance to provide for them ; whereas our father , by this prayer invoked , is evidenced by the relative pronoun which ( considered with the words next preceding and following it ) to have an eternal al-sufficiency to grant whatsoever is asked . for this word art , being a verb of the present tense , comprehending all time , past , present , and to come , denotes that time ( if eternity may be so called ) which is gods time onely , and which belongs to none but to him who is eternity it self : for , we cannot say truely of , or to any other , he is , or thou art ; because , before we can speak or think out these words , he , of whom , or to whom , we speak , is in somewhat changed from what he was , though it is not perceived . therefore , when moses asked of god , what he should answer , if pharaoh demanded who sent him ; god said , tell him i am , sent thee ; and when god speaketh of himself , as god the father in the first person , he said , i am the lord thy god ; when he speaketh to his son the second person , he saith , thou art my beloved son , &c. and when the holy ghost the third person is spoken of , it is said , he is the comforter , &c. all being in the present tense , which is eternal . this sence being collected by me from the connection of these words in this preface , our father which art in heaven , much fortifies my faith in their use ; and that which i extract from the last word in this preface adds a little more thereunto . . for heaven , ( which is the place of our fathers residence , to whom this prayer is to be made ) may somewhat more illustrate his almightiness , and mindes us to approach his presence with awful reverence , though that appellative may embolden us also in our addresses . heaven is that beauty of holiness , joy and glory , wherein god dwelleth : it is an infinite object , supernaturally intelligible , whereof i cannot apprehend so much by any natural means to me knowable , as by turning my intellectual eye into my self , to contemplate that unbounded heaven , which appears within me ; for that receptacle , seems to me , infinitely more large then that heaven , which i see above me and round about me , with corporeal eyes ; and he , who looking that way , finds god to have therein an habitation , shall see more of him , and of heaven , then by any other prospect whilst he is in the flesh ; and thereby , know more of hell also , if god be not there , as in his own place : yet heaven is improperly conceived to be a circumscribed place , the better to suit it to humane capacities , which cannot apprehend objects beyond the extent of our narrow understandings ; but , so much thereof as is visible may give us intellectual notions , in some degree of his glorious and inexpressible majesty to whom we pray , when we consider , that , heaven is his throne , and earth his foot-stool ; as also , that the heaven of heavens cannot contain him : and from thence we may infallibly conclude that we can have no secret sufferings , oppressions or afflictions whatsoever , which he cannot take notice of in his residency ; or , any oppressors so powerful , or highly exalted , that , he cannot reach them to deliver us from them ; in regard he is both vbiquitary , and so inthroned , that neither we or they can be concealed from his eye , or secured from his hand ; which is manifested by these words , psalm . whither shall i go from thy spirit ? or whither shall i free from thy presence ? if i ascend into heaven , thou art there : if i descend into hell , thou art there . if i take the wings of the morning , & dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea : even there shall thy hand lead me , and thy right hand uphold me . if i say , darkness shall cover me : even the night shall be light about me , &c. which scripture infers , that our heavenly father being every where , his residence in heaven , is not exclusive to his residence in all other places at the same time : for , we must not imagine he is so in heaven , as a circumscribed body is in a finite place , as all created things are ; or , as the soul is in the body , which is said to be wholly in the whole , and in every part thereof : for though that illustrates gods being in his whole creation , as the soul thereof ; and as truely as any similitude can , it nevertheless , cometh far short of expressing it to our understandings , who are so ignorant of our own beings , that , most are doubtful whether the soul be in the body or the body in the soul . in my private judgement , i think the soul contains the body ; and was partly thereto induced by this accidental experience . a gentlewoman of my acquaintance , had her leg cut off close below the knee , who many years after that leg was buried , seemed to be so sensible of motion in her feet and toes , and of itchings in the leg and foot , that , sometimes before she was aware what she did , she would suddenly reach down her hand to scratch the place , as if her leg had still been there , and then laugh at her mistake . from whence i collect that her soul ( still extended an animating faculty , to the whole dimension of her body , when a part thereof had been long cut off ) is rather the container of the body , then contained therein ; because , though that part had no being wherein that operation might be actually exercised , as in a part of the body , the soul was as intire as before . this digression , i leave to be considered by others as their judgement shall incline them , and perhaps it may be of some use . . indeed our almighty fathers residence in heaven , and his universal presence is unexpressable ; therefore , we must like weaned children , in this and in all other such like mysteries , meekly submit to such illustrations as god hath vouchsafed , and makes us capable of , without admitting impertinent curiosities , contenting our selves with those dispensations , which will then be rendred sufficient for us ; and make that acceptable to him , which we shall believe and do , upon that account : and if we be but as wary as we may be , of what he hath revealed to preserve us from worshipping him according to our own fancies , we shall not be guilty of such gross idolatries or superstitions , as they are , who make to themselves graven images , or such spiritual ideas , as may derogate from the majesty of god ; and obscure the knowledge of him revealed in his word , to their own confusion ; and cause others , to the hazzard of their souls and bodies , to sin against their own consciences , by compelling or alluring them , to disobey god rather then men : which mischieves cannot be avoyded by those who are not at all times careful to examine and try all spirits by the true standard ; not onely their own light , and the lights which are set up by humane authorities , but those revelations also , that seem to be angelically inspired , what infallibility soever shall be to them ascribed : for the devil can transform himself into an angel of light ; and these later times , are so full of delusions and impostures , that none shall escape them but they , who unfeignedly and diligently , endeavour thus to do ; therewith imploring gods promised assistance , and trusting thereupon . to these , are due the promises both of this life , and of that which is to come , and they shall obtain their desire at full , in due time upon earth , or have what is here wanting , supplied with a superabundance , upon their souls hereafter . other speculative notions , i might express by contemplating heaven , the place of gods residence , and such as are warrantable by his word and spirit ; but , they cannot be yet born ; and i fear i have already , or , may in what follows , express so much more , then some will be pleased withal , that i shall loose more friends then i gain by it ; but i will discharge my conscience , and gods will be done ; let other men do so , without any sinister self-ends , and i shall take no offence thereat . this is part of that which i express or implicitely contemplate , when i repeat the preface to the lords prayer . now i proceed to the petitions . the first petition . hallowed be thy name . . this prayer consists of six petitions ; the first three , do principally relate to the glory of god : not that he needs our prayers for the advancement thereof ; for , he being eternally , and all-sufficiently glorified in , and by himself , these petitions , have the first place in our devotions , for our avail , and for the better preparing way to obtain that which is pertinent to our selves ; and which cannot in equity be granted , until we are in some degree qualified , by conforming our wills and affections 〈◊〉 the minde of god ; lest the granting of our natural desires , in temporary things , before they are sanctified by the obtaining of some spiritual gifts , to the abating of that antipathy which is in us , to the purity of gods divine nature , might totally obstruct the obtaining what we pray for ; and be more mischievous then the denyal thereof ; as questionless , all temporal blessings would be , if conferred upon us before we shall somewhat sympathize with our heavenly father , and shew it forth by affecting and seeking the accomplishing of that which he willeth and worketh : which medium ( if well considered ) will appear to be both willed and prosecuted by him , for our advantage , in the composure of this prayer ; though the sanctifying of his name , the advent of his kingdom , and the compleating of his will , seems in terminis , to be the whole scope of the first three petitions . for the glorifying the name of our father , will be an honor to us , who are his children ; the coming of his kindom , will bring us deliverance from those tyrants , by whom we are oppressed ; and , the fulfilling of gods will here on earth as it is in heaven , will both free us from their impostures , who impose upon us an obedience to their arbitrary wills , in the place of his ; and inlarge us from that slavish bondage of sin , whereinto we are brought by seeking the accomplishment of our own carnal will. thus , all things being done according to gods vvill , heaven will begin to appear upon earth , where mans wickedness and wilfulness hath begun to make hell. this exceeding love of god to mankinde , in requiring no performances at our hands , for the glorify●●g of himself , but what may conduce to our happiness also , should move us by his exemplary love , so unfeignedly to love him , and one another for his sake , that , it may be accepted of , as a fulfilling of his whole law : for the same philanthrophy , which is evidenced by his vouchsafing this form of prayer , was manifest also in the law of the ten commandments ; the first table whereof relating primarily to himself , is as pertinent to that which tends to the preservation and happiness of the humane nature , as that which is contained in the second table ( if not more ) as i have made it evident by my meditations upon the decalogue . . hallowed be thy name . this is the first petition ; and for the better understanding of what is therein prayed for , the meaning of these two words , hallowed and name must be explained and made known . a name , is that whereby persons and things are distinguished each from other ; and whereby it may be ascertained , who , or what it is , whereof we speak : to which purpose , though there is no name pronounceable by men or angels , which can define god as he is , it hath pleased him to make himself in part known by several names and attributes , some communicable , and some incommunicable to any creature , as i could demonstrate by enumerating those names of god which are mentioned in holy scripture . but , i will wave that , and insert so much onely , as i conceive tends to an intelligent use of this prayer . our english-tongue as well as the hebrew , hath a tetragrammaton , whereby god may be named ; to wit , good , which seems by our saviours words to be incommunicable to any other ; for said he , there is none good but god. he and his name are one . he is goodness , wisdom , power and love it self in the abstract , with whatsoever is superlatively excellent ; and by his name i understand his eternal essence , and all his incommunicable attributes to be meant , as also , that in them he is to be sanctified , and honoured . and , whereas we are commanded not to take his name in vain , i conceive that intends as well affirmatively the hallowing of it according to this prayer , as negatively forbidding the prophanation thereof ; which consists not onely in calling him by name , as it were , to witness the truth of what we affirm or deny ; but also in praying unto him with due reverence in faith ; with an undoubted belief of his promises ; with a true sence of that which we petition for ; and with heedfulness that we profess his name in sincerity , and not formally alone , as many do , who are called christians , without regard to conform to the doctrine and practice of his evangelical law , which is the greatest prophanation of gods name , and more dishonour thereto , then all the revilings and blasphemies of jews , turks and heathens . . the word hallowed or sanctified is ambiguous , having various significations , and is derived from a primitive root , used in so differing a sence , that it is sometimes applyed to persons , who are as much disaffected and contrary to each other , as most differing things are ; to wit , saints and separatists , for to separate is to sanctifie , and to sanctifie is to separate . but herein is the difference between the saint and the separatist , as the words are now used . the first willingly separates himself from the mystery of iniquity , and as much as in him lyeth from all the errrors , vanities and wickednesses of the world , with an upright heart : the other wilfully separates from the truth , and from the societies of all the faithful professors thereof , for meer carnal ends , with a perverse heart : and as there are many canonized and reputed saints who are nothing less , so there are many branded for schismatical separatists , who are far from deserving it . to be hallowed or sanctified according to our common acceptation of these words , is to be separated from that which is called prophane or common , to be used in the service of god , or to some other end , which is esteemed more honourable then that for which it was formerly employ'd , though perhaps it is thereby sometimes more prophaned , and dishonoured . the israelites , now called jews , were separated , or hallowed , as we term it , from all other nations , to be a peculiar people to god , and are still by some called the holy people , though as we mean by holy , i know no nation in the world less meriting that title , no , not his holiness of rome . but , that which i understand by hallowing or sanctifying the name of god , and what we ought to contribute thereunto , is to magnifie him , to speak of his excellency upon all occasions ; to separate it , in our esteem and love of his perfection , so far from and above all other imaginable and real objects whatsoever , that they shall be rather despised and hated then admitted to any degree of estimation answerable thereto . i have no means at this time of my recluse , to take advice from the dead or the living , from books or men ; and therefore cannot inform my self how the school-men understand this term , or any other part of this prayer ; and perhaps it would but make me the less diligent , to harken what the spirit of god speaketh to my heart . by help of that spirit , it seemed unto me discovered , that , there is a triple holiness , or separation considerable in relation to god , touching which i may perhaps deliver that which many will not approve ; nevertheless i will freely declare my judgement , as i usually do in such matters . god seems unto me sanctified and separated by way of superexcellency , from all other who are called lords or gods ; from all created essences ; from all intelligible beings ; and from all the potentialities which were , are or shall be , in material and intelligible essences united together ; and is one eternal being , hallowed by three glorious manifestations , holy , holy , holy lord god the father , god the son , and god the holy ghost , co-equal and co-eternal . this i believe in order to the sanctification or hallowing of gods name , and much more then i can express ; yet this peradventure , is more then the capacity of many can apprehend . . i will therefore endeavour to sute to the meanest capacitie , what i think petitioned for in this clause , and declare what i conceive is required from us , toward sanctifying the name of our heavenly father , both negatively and affirmatively . we must not imagine this daily duty is required of us , because gods name cannot otherwise be perfectly sanctified , or that we merit ought from him by so praying : for , his name shall be hallowed , whether we neglect or perform that duty ; and when we have thereunto contributed all that we can , we are unprofitable servants . this is mentioned in our daily addresses , to keep us mindeful of what we ought to desire , and endeavour toward that which will be done , whether we desire it or not ; and that those invaluable blessings which god of his free grace hath promised for performances ( which in themselves are worth less then nothing ) may be conferred upon us by his mercy , without infringement of his justice . his name is so pure in it self , that no pollutions of ours can defile it , because they revert always back upon our selves , if we wilfully asperse it ; and all that we can do toward the hallowing of it , is , as i said before , to speak well of his name , and to magnifie it above all other names , which when we so do , his acceptance onely makes it valuable . there is no other name by which men or angels are saved , or by which they can be preserved from relapse ; and therefore , all knees in heaven and earth , ought to bow thereunto with reverence ; i mean , to the essential name , not to the literal expression or vocal sound thereof , which is an idolatrous or at least a superstitious fancy , as is the ascribing of a divine holiness to any humane medium , intended to be but instrumental to bring us to him who is most holy ; yea , it is idolatrous , though that adoration be given to a creature separated from all other , by as glorious a sanctification , as the blessed virgin maries , and the rest of god's most eminent saints . . our saviour hath wrapt up implicitely , our interest with our heavenly fathers in this petition : for , as in the first commandment of the decalogue , gods injoyning us to have no other gods but himself onely , intended thereby our good , as well as his own glory ; so did his son jesus christ , in teaching us to pray that our fathers name may be hallowed ; for , as by obedience to the first commandment , and separating him and our selves from all false reputed gods , with whatsoever else we affect more then god ; and by ascribing and performing divine worship to him alone , we shall not onely prevent the ascribing his incommunicable attributes to base unworthy creatures , abominable idols and devils , as the heathen did ; and thereby avoyd that dishonouring of him , by hallowing persons , places or things common into a partnership with the divinity of god , as it is usual with some in these times : but we shall also escape thereby many mischievous disadvantages , and receive great benefits : for , mankinde was plunged into manifold perplexities , fears , despairs and deceiveable hopes , by that multiplicity of false gods which the first-times had forged , to the inslaving and destruction of their consceiences and persons ; for , they not knowing how to please one of their faigned gods without incurring the disfavour of another , it occasioned perpetual anxieties and insupportable burthens , by erecting and furnishing magnificent temples ; offering frequent hecatombs , and other costly sacrifices ; visiting oracles and shrines ; giving rich presents ; with innumerable other superstitious ceremonies , to pacifie and ingratiate themselves with those hobgoblings , which their own deluded fancies had created , and set up to be adored . and no fewer are their distractions , and the mischiefs on them incumbent in these days , who have in another mode separated , canonized and hallowed ( as they call it ) persons , places , and things common , to participate with god , and his christ , in that which is proper and communicable to no other . they have consecrated for saints , and presumed to give them thrones in heaven , who , for ought any man living knows , may be devils in hell. they have hallowed unto them temples , oratories , shrines , altars and temporary possessions ; they have made them their patrons , and the peculiar protectors of their countries , families , persons and affairs ; yea , and of their religion , ( though they never professed or favoured it : ) they have separated them from all other , and hallowed them to be their personal advocates , making them equal with jesus christ in his mediatorship ; yea , sometimes preferred them before him . they have dedicated unto them days , times , their goods , possessions , yea , and their children to pass through the fire of their superstitious orders and observations , as the israelites did their children to moloch , out of a slavish fear , which nevertheless accompanies them to their graves . they have hazzarded , and many of them lost their lives by long pilgrimages , inhumane penances , and other such like improfitable undertakings thought to be meritorious , which god required not at their hands , but abhors them ; expecting no more but those reasonable services , which he himself hath commanded , and may be performed , with acceptance , through his promised assistance ; and with ease and comfort , both to soul and body , in all such duties as he injoyns ; and in all such trials , as he exposeth us unto : and when it succeeds otherwise , to our temporal or spiritual damage , it it because we hallow such things as are not to be hallowed , and neglect to hallow gods name as we ought to do , above all other names and things : yea , the hallowing of so many other names and things , instead of out heavenly fathers name , which should singly and solely be separated and sanctified , hath been the prime cause of all those many sects , heresies , treacheries , divisions , quarrels , wars and murthers among nations , neighbours and brethren throughout the world ; and , the respect of christ to us , as well as to the glory of his father , in teaching us to pray for the sanctifying of his name , is an evidence of his great love and mercy to mankinde . the second petition . thy kingdom come . . this petition consists of but of three words ; yet affords much to be considered : for , every word hath an emphasis which makes their connexion to imply many observable particulars , besides that sence which is plainly expressed ; to wit , that there is a kingdom yet to come , which we ought to pray for . the middle word , shews that there is such an expectant kingdom ; the first word thy , that it is his kingdom to whom we pray : the last word come , that it is to be expected . i will begin with the word kingdom . a kingdom is among men a government belonging to a single person , whom the latines called rex , à regendo , of governing , and implies one qualified for that duty . we in english call him a king , which is a word derived from what is signified by these two old saxon words united , kan and ken , that is , to be able , and to know ; or , power and wisdom , thereby implying that a king who will govern well , ought to be endowed with prudence and power . for true wisdom , whose original is the fear of god , includes justice , mercy , magnanimity , sanctified policy , constancy , temperance , with all other virtuous qualifications ; and by powre , is intended all means whatsoever , whereby those virtues may be put into execution for discharge of his office ; that , thereby the kings of the earth might officiate , as much as is possible , in imitation of their soveraign , the supream king of heaven and earth . i know no people under heaven , except these nations within our brittish isles , who have a word or title , for their supream governor in their own language , which so truely constitutes him a regulated monarch , and whose signification so mindes and obligeth him to govern accordingly : for , these words , emperour , grand-seignior , prince , duke , or such-like , with those words whereby in the languages of other countries they intend him who with us is called a king , signifie nothing but an absolute superiority and priority of dignity , without intimating ought purposed thereby , for the welfare of their subjects ; as the common interpretations of so many of those appellations , as i know , do declare . such names were at first ascribed either by base flatterers , or else assumed to themselves , by those who affected and usurped an exorbitant arbitrary power , in the exercise whereof the signification of their tiles were an incouragement , seeming to oblige them to no more then to govern by their will and pleasure only . whereas the word king in our tongue implies that our soveraign should be both wise and powerful , and as wise as powerful ; ( wisdom comprehending justice , mercy , and all other virtues ) and our law presupposing him also , so to be at all times ( because to be otherwise , destroys the essentiality of kingship ) hath in it , this fundamental maxime ; a king can do no wrong . such as the king is , such is the kingdom , or government ; and such will be the people ; as we find it to have been in all the kingdoms of the earth . but , the king and kingdom for whose coming we pray , are stablished by wisdom and power so perfect , that no wrongs can be done by the king thereof , nor any suffered by those who are under him , by any unrighteous law in that kingdom ; and happy are those kings and the subjects of those kingdoms who endeavour to govern and obey according to the righteousness of that king , and the constitutions of his kingdom , so near as they shall be able . to that end , the same kingdom is partly come into those in this generation , who belong thereunto , to shew it forth to kings and subjects , in the kingdoms of this wold by their doctrine , life and conversation , that the contemners thereof may be inexcusable : for though it seems to be a kingdom not now in being , but to come hereafter , it is an eternal kingdom , which now is , always was , and ever shall be , without beginning or ending ; and , is termed a kingdom to come , in respect of that more full manifestation which it shall have , here upon earth , and within the saints , who are and shall be sharers therein , reigning together with christ . some call it the fifth monarchie ( as it is , in relation to those monarchies prophesied of by daniel ) but it is the first that ever was , and the last that ever shall be in heaven or earth ; and is such a kingdom as we are not able ( in the state wherein we yet be ) to conceive , much less to express , in that mode wherein it shall be manifested , though we have many metaphorical descriptions of it , whereby we may apprehend so much of the glory of it , as may make us believe and expect it with joy . . the soveraignty of this kingdom was eternally in the deity before all worlds , and after the creation was joyntly and distinctly exercised by the father , son and holy ghost , according as the manifestations thereof , were decreed before time , and evidenced by occurrences in the progress of time , thereof , i will declare so much as god hath revealed unto me by his word and spirit . during that , intelligible point of time which was called beginning ( being the first of those five notions , wherein i conceive all things to be included , to wit eternity , beginning , time , end and everlasting ) even in that moment of beginning , and immediately after the angels and adam were created and fell ; the prince of the spirits elapsed began to usurp a part of gods kingdom , by that permissive power which he still retained ; and he forthwith practised upon innocent man , on whom god had conferred a vicegerency under himself over all subcelestial creatures : and adam being compounded of those elements , which rendred him subject to mutability , the devil , prevailing by subtlety , drew him to disobedience and rebellion ; which , god foreknowing might ( had he so pleased ) either have prevented it , or in a moment destroyed the vsurper with all his confederates . but this consisted not with his eternal decree , whereby mankinde was to have experience in a natural way of that good and evil which our first-parents desired to know . therefore , according to the same decree , god suffered that part of his kingdom which was to be visible on earth , to be for a while shared between two contradictory powers : the devil , to continue in possession of what he had usurped , and his eternal son ( to whom the whole kingdom by right appertained ) to exercise also his kingly office therein , so far forth , as neither his interest , with that which is really good might be totally destroyed , not the devils power so limited , that the utmost extent of evil might not be fully known ; so here hath been ever since , two militant kingdoms upon the earth , contending for superiority . . the incarnate son of god was first externally inaugurated , when it was said , that the seed of the woman should break the serpents head , and the messiah was then spiritually conceived by faith in the hearts of adam and eve , and there began this kingdom to be first in the earth , though the seed of the serpent , did also fructifie by that seminal corruption which he had injected to make entrance for his kingdom : and when their two first children being born into the world , had attained ability to demonstrate unto which kingdom they adhered , the contest which hath ever since been maintained between them , did presently begin : cain slew his brother abel upon that quarrel ; and the consequence thereof , together with cains male-contented demeanour , gave occasion of gods declaring somewhat unto him , which i conceive to be pertinent to their consideration whose faith and patience were to be exercised under tyrannous governments in all future generations , until his son shall bring them to an end , by assuming the whole kingdom : for , before cain had slain his brother , god said , that he should rule over him , and his desire be subjected unto him . moreover , after the murther was committed , and when god had so cursed cain for it , ( who was the first tyrannous abuser of his authority ) that by the judgement of his own conscience , he seemed worthily exposed to slaughter by every one who met him ; god nevertheless affirmed , that , whosoever slew him , his blood should be avenged sevenfold upon the slayer ; and it is written that god set a mark upon him , to prevent his slaughter ; from whence it may be inferred ( as i think ) that all private persons ought to be wary they lay not violent hands upon those to whom god hath subjected them , how wicked soever they be , lest , that mark be fouud upon them , which renders them liable to a seven-fold vengeance . . the visible kingdom of god our father , how it was conferred upon his son ; what opposition it should have in the world by kings and nations ; the vanitie of their reasons of state ; the fruitlesness of the plots , counsels and confederacies of the people : the establishment of his throne upon his holy mountain the spiritual sion , in despight of opposition ; the proclamation of what was eternally decreed concerning it ; the vniversality and powerfulness of his domion ; how it will beseem all earthly kings , and their subordinate judges , and officers to demean themselves under him ; vvhat will befal to them who shall be rebellious or refractory , and the happiness of all those who shall do homage unto him , and be obedient as they ought to be : all this was foretold in the second psalm , which is a literal , not a typical prophecy of the kingdom of christ , the true david ; yet , this kingdom had for a long time , a very slow increase , was confined to a very narrow circuit , and hath been from that time hitherto also , of small estimation in respect of the kingdoms of this world ; except onely in the days of enos and noah ; for in the days of enos it is recorded , that men began to call upon the name of the lord : and in the time of noah , this king of kings , assumed the sole government of his kingdom into his own hands ; proclaimed his fore-intended judgements to all his subjects for their cruelties and rebellions ; and , at the time appointed , executed his sentence of condemnation to the destruction of all the oppressors , tyrants , and kingdoms of the earth , by vvater ; as he will after christs last coming , by fire ▪ and what will then become of his proud and malicious enemies , it may easily be foreseen . . a while after the deluge , during the paternal kingship of noah , the kingdom of our father prevailed : but within a few years after the flood , the kingdom of the devil begun to be again inlarged ; and , that of god , to be thrust into a little room , and for some generations to be visible in a few families onely , so obscured , that , the world took small notice thereof , uutil the times of moses and josuah , in whose days the judgements executed upon pharaoh , and on the cananites made it evidently manifest , that there was a more powerful king , then those who usurped the kingdoms of the earth . and though this kingdom was again after that , obscured several times , by their wickedness who professed obedience thereto ; yet , the power of it appeared more and more , especially , during the reign of david , solomon , jehosophat , ezekias and other kings of judah ; yea , and was much heeded by the prevalency which it had , in some degree , upon nebuchadnezzar , cyrus and darius , three of the greatest ; earthly monarchs , who were constrained to confess the power of their supream soveraign ; and , it had some other manifestations thereof before the true king thereof appeared in the flesh : but , then it began to shew it self , in another mode , so differing from all temporary kingdoms , that it seemed to the men of the world , to have nothing in it like a kingdom , and the king thereof to be nothing less then a king. for , a mean carpenter was his reputed father ; a poor virgin was his true mother ; when he was born , she had no pallace , but a despicable inne to give her entertainment ; no chamber to lodge in , but a stall with beasts ; no cradle under a rich canopy to lay this king in , but a manger ; no heralds , but shepherds to proclaim his birth , and call him a high and mighty prince , as is usuall at the birth of kings ; but , that defect was recompenced with a complement more magnificent then the nativity-ceremonies , of all other kings put together : for , a glorious angel brought them a commission to publish it ; a celestial army celebrated his birth , with a nativity-song ; and the kings of the east came to do him homage , and brought him presents , being directed unto him by a star. . when years had rendred him fit to exercise his kingship , according to what was proper to the initiation thereof ; he had no great pallace to dwell in ; no not a place wherein to rest his head . he had no princes , dukes ; marquesses or earls to attend him , but a few despised fisher-men ; instead of a triumphant chariot , he rode through jerusalem , upon the silly foal of an ass ; and instead of a foot-cloth , the people put their garments under him . when he came to be inthroned , with his title in three languages written over his head , his royal apparel , was a purple robe contemptuously cast upon him ; he was scornfully saluted as king in mockage onely , reviled and spit upon ; to be a septer , they gave him a reed ; instead of a golden wreath beset with pretious stones , they crowned him with sharpe thorns ; his throne was a cross , whereto they nailed his hands and his feet ; there he gave up his ghost , and having no sepulchre of his own , was buried in another mans grave . this is quite contrary to the mode and pomp , of the kings and kingdoms of this world ; yet , even then , ( as at his birth ) his dignity was extraordinarily evidenced ; for by the power of his almighty god-head , he , to the affrighting of his enemies , obscured the sun by a a supernatural eclipse ; he rent the vail of the temple , shook the whole globe of the earth ; raised the dead but of their graves , and himself again to life ; conquered death and hell ; shewed himself alive to his disciples , ascended up to heaven in their sight ; and , when the devil and his confederates supposed his kingdom to be everlastingly at an end ; it became so signally powerful , in that external weakness and contempt whereby it seemed to be disabled , if not annihilated ; that , it destroyed , all the sumptuous temples of the gentles , with those gods which they therein worshipped ; yea , the temple and religion of his crucifiers , who boasted and trusted in the holiness thereof ; and this king and kingdom will at last , utterly root out of the world , that mystery of iniquity , which hath been raised up since the subversion of heathenish and jewish opposers thereof ; even that great malignant kingdom ( with all the supporters and vassals thereof ) which hath now tyrannized in several forms over the saints , and subjects of the king of kings almost six thousand years . but notwithstanding all this , christs now pretended vicar , though he calls himself the servant of the servants of god , and makes counterfeit shews of humility ( as many others do ) is not contented with such a kingdom ; and therefore , hath reduced his into such a one , as makes it apparent he hath accepted of as much as he could get , of that offer with christ refused , when the devil tendered unto him the kingoms of the world , with all the glory of them , on condition he would fall down and worship him . . it seems by what is recorded of the tribe of issacher to their commendation , chro. . that we are to take notice of what concerns the times wherein we live , and perhaps it will not be impertinent to the kingdom here mentioned , to add what i am inclined to express , by occasion of letters and reports much credited concerning an army of israelites repairing toward the ancient habitation of their fore-fathers , which , was heretofore a visible province of that kingdom , until the inhabitants for their treason and murther committed against their soveraign lord , ( or the greatest party of that nation ) were thereupon rejected , and scattered through the world , to wander as vagabonds like cain ( their type ) without any certain abiding place . that is , the condition of those who at this day are called jews ; but whether they are assuredly the off-spring of the patriarks abraham , isaac and jacob , neither i nor they know , as i believe : for , i understand not how they in these parts of the world commonly reputed to be of the tribe of judah , and of those other tribes which adhering thereto , continued in their own country , until about forty years after the crucifying of their messiah , can possibly know whether they are jews or not so , considering that throughout europe ( as histories inform us ) they were not onely banished and expelled from place to place , but the records of their genealogies taken away also , and burnt . a great number likewise ( if not the greatest number ) of those whom we term jews , are probably such natives of the countries wherein they have long lived , who imbracing the jewish heresie , made themselves liable to that heavy curse , which they imprecated upon themselves and their posterity , who , when they crucified christ , wished his blood might be upon their heads , and the heads of their children . these therefore , i suspect to be in no better estate , then they , of whom it was said , revel . . . they shall be made of the synagogue of sathan , because they said they were jews , but were not so . . they , who are now reported to call themselves israelites , and to be the posterity of those who were carried out of their own country before the babylonish captivity , and said to have been ever since obscured , as it were , from the world , and now repairing to possess the inheritance of their fore-fathers , are not to us ascertained to be such as they are famed , or to have made that egress , and progress lately reported ; for , we have yet received no letters , that i hear of , from any of our merchants or factors trading in or near those parts ; ( but all seems to come from one root ) i shall therefore believe neither matter of fact , nor what some conjecture will be the consequence of that rumour , till better evidence thereof ; nor will miscensure their charitable hope , who already believing what they hear , conceive it may possibly be a preparatory , to that conversion of the jews which is by them expected . i confess i have heretofore stagger'd to and fro , between my hope and fear concerning that people ; for , there are several places in the old testament , so variously interpreted by learned and pious men , that i dare not peremptorily conclude one way or other , because those prophecies are not yet unquestionably unsealed to me ; and perhaps left ambiguous for probation of our faith and constancy , who were to live in this last age of the world , wherein there would be so many great impostures and false miracles , as have been foretold . we busie our selves in matters which little or nothing belong unto us , out of a vain curiosity ; and by mistaking the true meaning of what we read in holy scripture , suppose that which was never intended , neglecting the mean while our duties in that which is plainly declared , and more concerns us . as in several places of s. pauls epistles , particularly touching the jews , rom. . which ( as wiser men then i , understand it ) did principally relate to that nation in the apostles time , and to abate the gentiles presuming on themselves , as also their miscensure of the jewish total apostacy and rejection , rather then to infer such consequences as many supposed . . i will look to my own calling , and seek to secure my safe standing , as god by his grace enables me , praying for the calling and conversion of jews , turks , heathens , and for all heathenish and jewish christians in gods time and mode ; thinking of them as i find they are , until i more plainly perceive what god and they will do . i believe the vision of dry bones , which received flesh and life , concerns both jews and gentiles ; and know , if god so pleaseth , a nation may be born and regenerated in a day ; and that a people may be kept hidden from the rest of this wide world , in some part thereof , till he may thence bring them forth again in his appointed time , none knowing how , or from whence , as he doth swallows and other birds in their seasons ; which yearly come we know not from whence , and go we know not whither . nevertheless , i do not think he will do all that he can , or that we are bound to believe , what interpreters of dark places in holy scripture , shall conjecture to be the meaning wherein the wisest of them contradict each other ; especially when it concerns not our saving faith , but the temporary restoration of the jews , to an earthly possession ; who , for ought i yet hear , have given us so little show of a repentance preparatory to their conversion , that this may be a temptation to a further hardning of them , and of apostacy in some among us , if god prevent it not . for , it seems not to me improbable ( considering the near approaching of christs kingdom ) but that , the grand antichrist , and all other petty antichrists with their confederates , will improve their several mysteries of iniquity to the utmost , that their supream prince the devil , may gather together a rabble pretending to be jews extraordinarily congregated , by divine providence , to delude those who profess a belief in the true messias already come . we were by our saviour forewarned to take heed we were not then deceived , in regard many deceivers would come in his name , to the deluding even of the elect so far as possible : and when he had foretold the signes and wonders which should precede his second coming ( being such as have been more frequent in our dayes then in any one age ( nay , i think more then in many ages ) since christs ascension , he added , that in the dayes he spake of , false christs and false prophets should arise , shewing such signes and wonders that it would hazzard the elect as aforesaid . therefore said he , whosoever shall say , loe here is christ , loe there is christ , believe it not . if they shall say unto you , he is in the desert , go not out : or , if they shall say he is in the secret chamber , believe it not : for , as the lightning cometh out of the east , and shineth into the west , so shall the coming of the son of man be . it is said in another place , that , the kingdom of god is within those who belong thereunto ; which , if we find it to be in us , we shall be able to discern impostures ; and if it be not so with us , the israelites who are now famed to be come into the deserts of arabia , will nothing avail us , to what purpose soever they come . . their temporal kingdom concerns them only , and not us who claim interest in a better , and know that the most glorious earthly kingdoms are but vanities and snares in respect thereof ; and if there be any prophesie in the old testament thereto relating ; and unsealed to them and others , it is not so to me , and until it shall be so opened ) that i may be assured thereof ( and till i shall think it also more pertinent to gods glory then yet i do ) my belief will be suspended . that midnight is very near , or not far off , of which it was said , matth. . . behold the bridegroom cometh , go forth to meet him ; but , this is not such an outcry , but made by the voices of men only , which are so deceitful , that we see cause almost every day , to believe the contrary of that which we believed yesterday . i therefore cannot believe it will be any other voice , then that of the anointing spirit within the children of christs kingdom , which must prepare them for that whereof no outward intelligencers can give a certain information ; because the evidence of christs kingdom depends not upon external observations , but upon that evidence within us , which is confirmed by the word infallibly interpreted by the spirit , and cherished by that anointing oyl which the foolish virgins never had in their vessels ; nor they , who pretend they have it to sell . i heartily pray we may be found among those wise virgins who were watchful , that we may distinguish the bridegrooms voice from impostors , lest we be shut out from entering when he cometh . . i hereby intend nothing in opposition to them who believe the rumors aforementioned , but leave them to credit them as they are perswaded , until they find cause to the contrary , expecting from them the like indulgence to me : for , if i hear unquestionably , that such a remainder of israel , by miracles and divine instinct , are come into their antient inheritance , shall there be setled by way of preparation ; then having repentance wrought in them , shall have their eyes opened to see by faith , and confess with their mouthes , that jesus christ whom their brethren betrayed , sold and crucified , was their promised king , i shall know it is of god , and rejoyce in it as much as any : but , till then , i shall be warie of giving credit to what i , hear , and wish all other men so to do , least they be deluded , by mistaking the meaning of those prophets , who foretold the bringing back the captivated israelites to their country , thinking those predictions which were fulfilled before , and at christs first coming , are still expectant , as relating to their temporal kingdom . for , i believe that the gathering together of the dispersed israelites presaged by the prophets , intended not those only which were jews according to the flesh , but those jews and gentiles who are the spiritual seed of abraham , by faith , dispersed throughout the world , and such jews as paul meant , rom. . , . where he saith , he is not a jew who is one outwardly , neither is that circumcision , which is outwardly in the flesh ; but , he is a jew who is one inwardly , and circumcision is that of the heart , and in the spirit , not in the letter ; which being so , we may justly suspect they have mistaken the meaning of the prophets who apply their predictions to such a carnal restauration of the jews as is now expected . that mistake , as i believe , might be cured by observing , that immediately after such prophecies as foretold their temporal restauration , the coming of christs kingdom is frequently presaged in the texts following in the same chapters . if there seem to be any prophesie which predicts such a returning of the jews , as is now looked for after the birth , death , and ascension of our redeemer ; let it be well considered , whether it means any more then a returning to their countrey by way of preparation to their spiritual returning unto the kingdom of their rejected king ; or whether ( as i rather believe ) the main intent of all the prophets who prophesied ought in relation to what should be after christs ascention ( when the partition-wall was broken down , and jews and gentiles made one people ) had not respect to christs kingdom only on earth , as it should be manifested at his first coming , or at the second , till the end of the world. isaiah in his . chapter and to the end of his prophesie ; and daniel in the last of his prophesie ; concur with st. john in the last of his revelation , in predicting the glory of that spiritual kingdom ; which , though it be upon earth , will not be an earthly kingdom , nor so inglorious as that will be at best , in respect thereof , which shall be confined to sion , and jerusalem , in the land of canaan ; for , when the new heaven and the new earth shall be created , the old name shall be left as a curse , and the servants of the lord called by a new name , esa . . this , and other prophesies concerning christs kingdom to come upon earth , are ( as i understand him ) well considered , by my good friend , mr. t. m. of w. senior , in a tract of his which i have lately seen , with respect to the jews temporary condition and country , so far forth as they seem to concern them by way of preparation to what shall be hereafter : for , their antient country , being ( as i think ) a part of that garden which god planted eastward in eden , shall no doubt , when christs kingdom more visibly appears , have many prophesies there locally , and literally , as well as spiritually fulfilled ; and my intent is not to contradict what other men believe of that mysterie , but , rather to prevent such mistakes as may be repugnant to the essentiality thereof . when i contemplate the said kingdom of christ , and his personal reign here on earth , looking backward , and forward , upon that experimental knowledg of good and evil , which mankind is likely to acquire , in the six days of a years apiece ; and the knowledg also , which will be gotten in that seventh part of time wherein christ shall come , both to the full illustration , and destruction of all that is evil , and to the plenary demonstration and perfection of all that is good , for restoring the saints who shall live and reign with him , to that paradisical estate , out of which our first parents were excluded : when ( i say ) i contemplate this , i have such a strong desire to express what i glimmeringly apprehend of it , that , being unable to perform it , it makes me so sick and faint in body and spirit , when i attempt it , that i am forced to desist from those contemplatings to recover strength , lest distracted by the variety of notions ; i might in that weakness , either extend my expressions to more then this generation can yet bear ; or , to that which may be misapprehended ; being forced to cry out in my heart with st. paul : oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of god! how unsearchable are his judgments ! and his wayes past finding out ! . i set no bounds to gods mercy , nor am hopeless of the extent thereof to any whilst they are in the flesh , until they have utterly excluded themselves by wilful malicious and final obstinacy , and who they are i cannot certainly know ; therefore , neither judge peremptorily of any , or neglect to pray for them : no not to pray for the persons of antichristian prelates , who have perverted the true intent of evangelical episcopacy , which i reverence : for , i believe it possible for some of them to repent and be saved , though they are the worst of all men who seem to be members of christs visible church : nor am i incredulous that there are , were , and shall be , in every age , a remnant of those called jews ( though the worst of all men without the visible church ) preserved according to the election of god , and brought into christs fold : but , whether there shall be such an vniversal return as some think , i am yet doubtful , it being nothing pertinent to my personal saving faith. for , though it was expedient ( as david prophetically prayed in the psalm ) that they should be scattered and not utterly rooted out , to preserve gods people mindful both of his mercy and severity ; yet by the words of christ to the pharisees , and chief priests ( the representatives of that nation ) john . . ye shall seek me and not find me , and where i am there ye shall not come ( as also by what david presaged of their distempered composure when they should make shew of preparing to a return in the evening of the world ) we may have cause to be jealous that the preparations now rumoured , are but a preludium to some designe of the devil , to stir up and bring together gog and magog , all open and secret enemies of christs kingdom , to prosecute their last attempt against it ; for , i hear not of , any change , in those jews or israelites , from their apostacies and malicious blasphemies ; but only , a seeking after their old earthly inheritance , and things merely pertinent to this life ; whereof there is no promise to them who first seek not the kingdom of heaven . we are not , as some imagine , to depend on the jews vniversal calling , as if the kingdom of christ should not be compleated until then : for , our dependancy is not grounded upon what they or any other shall do . we were of those nations , who sate heretofore in darkness , and in the shadows of death ; but have now a light shining upon us to the increase and confirmation of our joy. a son is born unto us , upon whose shoulder the government is imposed : his name is wonderful , councellor , the mighty god , the everlasting father , the prince of peace , of whose government there shall be no end . the kingdom of david is already setled upon him , and the jews do seek in vain to bring to pass what they hope for , as appears , isa . . who affirms they should say in the pride of their hearts , the bricks are fallen down , but we will build it with hewen stones ; but , they turn not , saith he , to him who smote them , nor seek the lord of hosts ; and for that cause , saith the same prophet , they shall be cut off , head and tail , root and branch , in one day , even their leaders , and they that led them . moreover he presaged what horrid confusions should come upon them ; and that gods hand after several visitations , should be still stretched out against them ; that , but a remnant of them should return , though they were as numerous as the sea-sands ; and that a passege should be made for that remnant as miraculous as when they came out of egypt , isa . the , , & . chapters . these prophecies considered with what ye find , isa . . and in other scriptures , incline me to believe that whatsoever is predicted concerning the israel of god , after the ascension of christ , relateth not singly to jews or gentiles , but to both as they are united and made one people in him ; and i leave them who think otherwise to their own judgment , till they see cause to the contrary , as freely as i desire upon the same terms to enjoy my own ; for , be it still remembred , that this is cautionarily intended , without purposing , ought in opposition to what is believed by others upon better information then i have yet had . . i will a little more enlarge my self as touching those prophecies relating to the jews : for when my heart inclines me to express what i think pertinent to gods glory in my generation , it will be required at my hands if i neglect it , though my cautions and remembrances be little regarded . the foresaid rumour seems but a trifling occasion , yet , that impression which i perceive it hath upon many , and the event which it may have if there be any truth in it , makes that very considerable which i offer to be heeded . he , whom we believe to be the antichrist , hoping to divert us from taking him to be that mystical man , hath a long time pretended , and caused it to be written and preached that antichrist must be a jew ; and now , perhaps , the devil ( who first laid the foundation of his kingdom , and mysterie of iniquity ) is hatching somewhat to improve that fallacy by a jewish designe , and by cherishing an opinion that the jews are to have their temporary kingdom established again in the land of canaan ; and many prophecies ( which i am perswaded never intended it ) are interpreted to that purpose , by some who would not have made such interpretations , if they had heeded what evil consequences it may produce . let therefore my caveats be well heeded ( though i am worth little regard ) lest we concurring with the jews , in misunderstanding their prophets , invalid the interpretations which the apostles and all orthodox primitive christians , made of those predictions which foretold the spiritual kingdom of christ ; and strengthen the jews in their judaism and infidelity , to the destroying also of our saving faith. for , if we grant those scriptures ought so to be interpreted as they are by some among us ; then , the jews will affirm that those scriptures also , ought so to be understood whereby we are confirmed in believing the true messias is come : yea , this they will then say , notwithstanding all we shall alledg to the contrary , if we varie from that sense in which they were applied by christ and his apostles ; and we shall thereby shake the foundation of christianity , in regard those prophecies now interpreted to signifie the jews recovering a temporal kingdom , after the ascension of christ , are some of those prophecies upon which our belief is grounded . much is expressed of gods love and respect to jerusalem and sion , in palestine ; and no doubt , they being the seats of gods onward worship , and the most eminent places of their habitation , who were then his chosen people , he had respect unto them for their sakes , and loved them more then all the dwellings of jacob. but , after the messias was rejected and by them crucified , it were a very low and mis-beseeming opinion of gods love and regard , to imagine he had any respect thereunto , after he had made it a desolate and ruinous heap . for my part , i do not believe that he hath any more regard of that city and hill , then of our city of london , and tower-hill annexed ; or that the glorious things , which were to be fulfilled after christs incarnation and ascension , and predicted by the prophets , had relation any otherwise then to the spiritual sion , and that jerusalem , which is to descend from heaven . it is said , isa . . , . ( to the church of christ typified by sion ) the sun shall be no more thy light by day , neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee ; the sun shall no more go down , neither shall the moon withdraw her light , for the lord shall be thine everlasting light : to the same effect , it is said thus , rev. . of the new jerusalem , the city had no need of the sun , neither of the moon to shine in it , for the glory of god doth enlighten it , and the lamb is the light thereof . this is not likely to intend that earthly sion and jerusalem , which is in palestine , where there will be need of the sun and moon , whilst they are in heaven , even in a literal sense , in which sense , that scripture had no relation to the jews ; nor many other things which were predicted by the same prophet , but in a mystical sense onely , with reference to jews and gentiles united in the kingdom of christ , after the partition-wall was broken down ; according to that interpretation which i believe our saviour made of them when he opened the book of isaiahs prophecie , and finding these words , isa . . . the spirit of the lord is upon me , because the lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek , he hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted , to proclaim , liberty to the captives , and opening of the prison to them that are bound , &c. and a little after it is said , they shall build the old wasts , they shall raise up the former desolations , and they shall repair the wast cities , the desolation of many generations , &c. and after all this , he added , that , this prophecie , was that day fulfilled in their sight ; and if then fulfilled , there is not such a fulfilling to come as is expected in a carnal mode ; but , a compleating of that spiritual kingdom which was then begun . meditate seriously the prophecies of isaiah , beginning at the chapter , to the last , and they will evidence that though there be some hints particularly relating to the kingdom and nation of the jews , whilst they were under the law , their principal intent , was the estate of christs kingdom , both at his first coming , and afterward , until his second coming to raign more visibly upon earth ; and to demonstra●●● unto his church , consisting both of jews and gentiles , made one flock , what should befall them by reason of their many prevarications after his first coming ; which have since that time , been equivalent to the jewish apostacies before , and at his first advent . for , i will be bold to tell this generation , that the christians have followed the jews since the coming of christ , in all their former deviations , as , if they had taken them for their pattern , yea , just as they did from the day wherein moses gave unto them the law , until their messiah came : and if he come not again quickly , the professors of the gospel will be as much corrupted as they , and fall by degrees into an apastacy and obduration parallel to theirs ; but , i hope god will prevent it , by making the apostacies , impostures , and wickednesses of depraved jews and gentiles now called christians , to be at last as advantageous to the kingdom of christ , as the perversness of the jews was to the gentiles at his first coming . that which first occasioned some ( who seem to insist on it as an article of our saving faith ) to believe there will be such a restoration of the jews to their temporary kingdom as is now expected , was the vain curiosity of those christian doctors , who , to be reputed learned in rabbinical mysteries followed the interpretations of the jewish rabbins , who lived since the ascension ; some of whose malicious falshoods in perverting the interpretations made by their rabbies before christs first coming , i long since discovered , in my exposition of the second psalm ; particular the falshood of rabbi solomon , who in his exposition of that psalm ( written in a language known then to few but themselves ) confessed it was by their predecessors expounded literally of christ to come ; but , then was , as he said , to be expounded literally of david , to answer hereticks , meaning the christians this exposition of mine upon the second psalm , with nine other psalms , was lost in manuscript when my house was plundred , not likely to be recovered . what might be said more to this purpose , would fill a volume by it self and take up more time then i can spare at present , all therefore which i profess to believe touching the calling and conversion of the jews , is this ; that as david saith , in the evening they shall return , &c. psal . . that is , they having , notwithstanding the preaching of the gospel , now almost years , run rambling and snarling like dogs round about the city in their impenitence , grumbling and unsatisfied , shall return in the evening of the world , in the beginning of that seventh day of a thousand years , in which christs personal raign is to begin ; ( at least so many of them whose incredulity , as pauls did , proceeded from ignorance onely , and not from malice ) for , then he , who at his first coming said unto them who believed not , vvhere i am , thither cannot you come , shall come again to them ; and they seeing him whom they crucified and pierced in his glory shining round about them , as paul saw him at his conversion , shall with hearty penitence mourn over him , as one lementing for his onely son ; and then shall the joy of jews and gentiles , and the kingdom of their christ begin to be at full upon earth , and be full in perfection at the close of that day . . i have been so large in this seeming digression ▪ because i fear there are many professors of christ so weak and wavering , that if they should see a temporal prevalency wrought out by the jews , whilst they persevered in their malitious judaism , they would be more prone ( as it seems intimated by one of the prophets ) to take them by their garments , and say , we will go with you , and take share with them in a such temporal king and kingdom , as they look for ; rather then continue constant ( in persecution ) to him whom they have professed . pardon this fear , for , i have seen too many causes of it , as well in other respects , as by the misapprehensions of some who transported beyond sobriety , have raised preconjectures from the rumors aforementioned , of accomplishing that thereby , which they had formerly resolved within themselves , to be the fore-determined decree of god. for , they seem to believe that it will shortly succeed in the mode by them fancied , and as they themselves wish it might be . indeed , if ( as the proverb is ) whishes were thrushes , we might all eat birds : but , i believe it will not so fall out . the digging for a trumpet , in a great mountain , by the sound whereof ( as the report goes ) the nation must be gathered together , may be a long work ; and it is sufficient to discover that the whole matter may be fabulous , on justly suspected so to be ; or that ( if it be not a jeer or a device to befool some ) there is an imposture as aforesaid hatching , to a worse end . for , what usefulness is there of a mat●rial trumpet , digg'd out of the earth , to proclaim the approach of the eternal king and his kingdom ; or to call a nation out of every nook in the wide world ? such whimsies i am not taken withal , nor can believe the perfecting that kingdom , which we look for upon the earth , depends on such absurdities , as are fancied by many , in other modes . to gain credit to the aforesaid rumour , it is written , that they who call themselves israelites have a wise and holy prophet among them to be their conducter , by whom their design is carried on ; and some with us do suppose him to be elias , though christ himself hath told us he is come already : and some other think him to be that beloved disciple , mentioned in the chapter of st. johns gospel , where our saviour presaging in what mode peter should suffer , and he then asking , what that disciple should do ? was thus answered , if i will that he tarry till i come , what is that to thee ? follow thou me : whereupon some inferred , that disciple he should not die , though ( as was then averred in the words following ) christ said not so ; nor ( as i believe ) intended it should be so understood ; yet , that interpretation is retained by some to this day , and now ( as i hear ) made use of to countenance the forementioned rumour , whereof ; i confess my self incredulous , for the reasons afore expressed . doubtless , when such an occasion was given to have it explained , christ would not have left that ambiguous which was misunderstood ; and so l believe of every mysterious expression , which is necessary to be known by all men as pertinent to their salvation ; unless it be to make us wary by what spirit we interpret holy scripture ; lest that which leads into all truth may by our negligence , or vain curiosity lead us into errors if misapprehended . if there be any point mentioned in holy scripture , relating to the kingdom to come , which is topical , or national , let them look to it whom it concerns ; for , i conceive not that it any otherwise concerns us , then as it shall have an universal locality upon earth , without respect to any nation or place in particular , as appears to me , by the words of our saviour to the woman of samaria , john . , , . woman , said he , believe me , the hour cometh when ye shall neither in this mountain , or in jerusalem worship the father . ye worship ye know not what , &c. but , the hour cometh , and now is , when the true worshippers shall worship in spirit and truth , &c. vvhence i collect , that if place were not essential to the true vvorship of god , when christ first came into the world , it will be less essential thereunto at his second coming , or to have it limited to a narrower extent , then to the whole earth and all nations . . i am not doubtful , but that in the last times there will be some extraordinary and eminent transactions , ( and some in the next year after this . and during four or five and thirty years after . ) in relation to the approaching kingdom of christ ; and to those who have been so many ages reputed the off-spring of the patriarks scattered throughout the world ; and i believe god will in his own time fulfil all his judgements threatned for their apostacies and obstinacies ; as also his gratious promises made unto their fore-fathers ; but when that will be accomplised , that or in what manner will be done , which is expected concerning the jews , i leave it to gods good pleasure , and unto them , to search in what mode it will be , who think it concerns them , more then i do ; who am contented with those manifestations which i finde in the word of god , not repugnant to each other , or above my understanding . there will be such signs , vvonders and miracles , as have been fore-told ; as also , extraordinary preparations by divine providence before christs second advent , which the elect shall have sufficient means to know , and make such use of , as most tends to gods glory , and to preserve them faithful to the end . yet , unsafe it may be , and an occasion of multiplying needless fears , and troubles upon our selves , to make such ideas of christs kingdom and raign upon earth , or such signs of its approach as are not plainly warranted by the vvord of god , whose hidden wayes are past our finding out ; and so much as is revealed will be obscure to them , whose unsanctified hearts seek after it in curiosity onely ; or , with more desire to finde them sutable to their , own imaginations ( that they may have somewhat wherein to glory ) then to make their ways conformable to gods. vve are much taken with novelties , especially when we our selves first bring them to light ; and very apt superstitiously to repute things holy or unholy , which have neither holiness or unholiness in them , except by our abuse . vve esteem some unholy which are sanctified ; some other to be holy , which have no holiness in them , but rather , that which is most contrary : for example ; that is said to be the holy-land , which hath been during many ages the most accursed of all lands : that to be a holy war , which was but a wicked-politick divertisement of antichrist to prevent the interruption of his growing grandeur , by the kings and princes , whom by that engine , he fool'd into an employment far from home . that is said to be a holy nation , which hath had a long time , no more holiness in it , them judas who betrayed christ ; they are invocated and hallow'd as saints , and holy martyrs , who were traytors both to god and men ; and whilst they lived , not reputed so holy as some of their neighbours . and that cross whereon our blessed saviour was crucified , is not onely called holy , but reputed worthy of divine honor also , and hath many costly buildings dedicated thereunto , and the chips of it sold for precious relicks at dear rates ; though in truth it is not so holy as the gallowes at tibourn , because that was intended for the execution of justice upon malefactors only , though perhaps innocents do suffer thereupon , otherwhile while . we have many inventions of our own . the devil hath so many deceitful wiles also , whereby to make false shows , that he is promoting , gods vvork with him , in every dispensation , that , i suspend my belief of new apparitions , until i am fully convinced by a better light then mine own , bearing witness thereunto ; and therefore , have here thrust in such caveats as came into my heart , to be a memorandum both to my self and others ; believing that , whensoever gods kingdom comes openly into the world , or invisibly into my heart ( where i feel it to be in some degree ) it will always evidence it self without delusion : for , it is the kingdom of our heavenly father , which we are taught to petition for in this prayer , and nothing like the kingdoms of this world . . this is that kingdom whose coming the saints have long expected ; and though i mis-judge not of their so doing , who call it the fifth-monarchy , i think that title too mean an appellative , in regard it is an eternal kingdom , having no relation to earthly monarchies in respect of their precedency or otherwise ; but an absolute kingdom depending on it self and on him onely , who is the supream king thereof . and when it comes into the world , it will be little available to those who shall not find it to be in some measure come ( or so coming ) into their hearts , that they may be made one with it , and with the king thereof , by faith and love. this is not a kingdom like that of the nations ▪ which the israelites foolishly desired when god raigned over them ; nor is this king such a one as many other have as sottishly coveted , and when they had him cried out to god to be delivered from him , because of those oppressions and slavish burthens , which his ignorance , wilfulness , pride , luxury and vanities brought on them ; not considering , that their own base flatteries , and the much wickedness which is in themselves , had perhaps occasioned those defects and exorbitances , which were in him ; nor heeding that they perpetuate a reciprocal increase of destructive sins and mischiefs in and upon each other ; but , each party so blames , and is so jealous of the other , without observing what is amiss in it self , that neither take care of amendment ; nor is so diligent to get , and exercise the means of doing what is good , as to be masters of power enough to do what evil they list , and to whomsoever they please . with this king and his kingdom , it is not so ; the soveraign and subjects thereof are inseparably one in love ; the services to them belonging are perfect freedom ; and they are justice and mercy in the abstract : the kings of this world neither love to hear of this kingdom , nor believe it will ever come ; yet they are often in much fear of it , and for the most part enemies to them who profess the belief and expectation thereof ; yea , very jealous ( how innocently soever they behave themselves ) that , under pretence of devotion , they plot and prosecute designs to the subversion of their dominions , or royal prerogatives . and , we lately had experience that some consci entious persons may be deluded , and misled to the destruction of their own persons , and other mens , ( or of their peace , at the least ) by taking into their hands that sword , which belongs not to private men in that mode , as if they thought the coming of this kingdom were attainable as well by the activity of the saints in fighting , as by suffering , patience and praying ; whereas , they who are guided by sound and sober principles , do believe and wait for that which they call the fifth-monarchy , in gods own vvay and time , according to his own good pleasure , and with that patience which becometh saints , without presuming peremptorily , to determine in what manner christ shall appear and raign upon the earth , otherwise then is plainly revealed in the holy scriptures ; and contenting themselves with such glimmerings thereof in mysterious figures , as may be sufficient to raise contemplative souls , above that which they hear and see ; for , these know that their frail , narrow , earthen vessels are not able to comprehend the glory of it at full . they who have not attained to this moderation and prudence , do sometimes give just occasion of offence or suspition to the civil powers , as aforesaid , by misunderstanding holy scriptures and prophecies , concerning the kingdom here prayed for , supposing it is to be conquered by the temporal sword in their hands ; and that the binding of kings in chains , and princes in fetters of iron , with such like expressions , are to be understood in a gross literal sence ; whereas , if the temporal sword , shall be any way useful toward introducing of this kingdom , it will be but preparatorily onely , in the hands of the enemies thereof to do execution upon each other , according to that prophecie of haggai , their riders shall come down , every one by the sword of his brother , hag. . . . the vveapons of our vvarfare are not carnal but spiritual ; and the little heed taken thereof , inclines me often to mention it : for , it is the two-edged sword of the vvord and spirit proceeding out of his mouth , whom john , rev. . . saw standing in the midst between the seven golden candlesticks , which must overthrow the strong holds of antichrist , and his confederates , obstructing the advent of this kingdom ; toward the exaltation whereof , our saviour might have obtained when he was upon the earth , a more powerful assistance then that sword ( had he so pleased ) by praying for it to his father , even more then twelve legions of angels . but , so far was he from approving the use of temporal swords , or outward violence to propagate his kingdom , that when a disciple of his drew such a sword in defence of his person being betrayed ( and thereby cut off the ear of malchus , a confederate in the treason ) he healed the wound , commanding the sword to be put up , and said ; that whosoever made use of the sword ( to the purpose aforesaid , as i conceive ) should perish by the sword. this we have seen fulfilled upon some , who seemed zealous of christs kingdom ; and i believe it hath often heretofore , and may hereafter be fulfilled upon many to their destruction in the flesh , to whose souls god will be merciful , if their zeal were not a cloke for secret pride and malice unrepented of . for , god otherwhile permitteth , even some who are true children , and subjects to his kingdom , to be transported into such extravagancies as their natural corruption inclines them unto , and to be thereby liable to open sufferings in the flesh ; and to be nevertheless partakers in secret of his everlasting mercie ; partly , to make other children of the kingdom , the more watchful and careful to examine by what spirit they are moved ; and partly ( as i conceive ) to bring somewhat pertinent to their considerations also , who are as over-zealons another way , in seeking more to establish their own kingdoms then christs . . this last clause , i have inserted , to prevent such mistakes as may occasion the giving just offence , or of infringing the civil peace , or of scandalizing our christian profession , by imprudent designes or uncharitable actings ; and i hope it will have some good and seasonable effects : for , the spiritual adversary is cunning , and so well knows how to work upon our melancholy distempers , that , even in those things whereof our natural sences are most capable , we may be much deluded , as by many experiments may be demonstrated . ( for example ) a divine preaching in a cathedral church , one of the auditorie suddenly cried out , as if he had been afrighted with fire , whereupon a great part of the assembly ( they themselves not knowing why ) apprehending the church to be on fire , suddenly and hastily tumbled out of their seats one over another to get out of the doors , and so obstructed the passage , that some were troden under foot , and some stifled in the throng ; in which fright , one thought he saw the fire , another that he heard it crackle , another , that he felt the molten lead drop upon him , with such like misapprehensions , whereof there was no cause at all by fire or otherwise . likewise , an acquaintance of mine being at sea , ( where a supposition in the night , that the ship had sprung a leak , put them into a general pannick fright ) he sitting in his cabbin , fancied that he felt the cold water come up to his feet , then to his knees , soon after to his belly ; which ( as it usually fates with them who seldom go into cold water ) made him pant , and so think his breath taken away thereby , that , he should immediately expire his soul ; yet , there was no water entred into the ship. this he told me in such a manner , as if he had been then sensible of that distemper by his misapprehension . much more therefore , may our fancies delude us by spiritual misapprehensions , if we be not watie of surprizes ; especially when such . imaginary objects , and false representations of our frail deluded senses are heightned by that which is cunningly suggested by the devil . perhaps , it will be thought by some , that in this and some other expressions , i ramble from the matter in hand : but be it known , that the way of a contemplative soul , being like that of an eagles in the aire , ( which is the hieroglyphick thereof ) tends directly toward what it seeks , though it appears not so to the beholders ; and to what quarter soever it flies , minds that carkas which is the true nourishment thereof . . having declared what kingdom that is which we pray for , i will now shew unto whom it belongs , which is evidenced by this pronoun thy. it may be collected from what i have already expressed : yet , that whereunto my meditation thereupon leads me , will not be useless . the word thy , implies , that this kingdom is our fathers to whom we pray : not a kingdom to be possessed by a single person whom we know not , who perhaps may be a stranger and a tyrant , or such a one who will suppose ( as most earthly kings do ) that it was conferred upon him , meerly for his own sake , without respect to the welfare of the people under his jurisdiction ; as if the commonalty of all nations had been born to no other purpose , but to be inslaved to their will , or to be servants at best , to advance their pomp , and to be serviceable to their lusts . but , this is not to be feared , when this kingdom shall come . we know whose the kingdom is , and who shall reign over it . it is our fathers kingdom , and that assures us ( as is before hinted ) that in praying for it , we petition for that which tends not only to our fathers honor , but to our own preferment also . we have no possibility to be totally freed from the tyrannies of temporary governments and governours , but by the coming of this kingdom ; for neither democracy , nor aristocracy , nor a monarchy regulated , nor any other humane form of government , how often soever we change persons , is free from corruptions , or the increase of them likely to have a stop , until this kingdom comes , which ( were it but in respect of that alone ) will make us partakers of the greatest temporal mercy that may be enjoyed upon the earth next to our deliverance from sin : for , so intolerable are the deficiencies and oppressions of supream governours , throughout most kingdoms of the world , in relation both to temporal and spiritual interests , that some nations care not who comes to reign over them , so they may be delivered from their present tax-masters ; yea , are contented to be invaded by strangers , to be beaten by their enemies , and to adventure whatsoever they will impose upon them , because , they believe it cannot be worse with them then it is , or probably will be ; though they have had , long time , experience , that , seldom comes a better . this sad condition , the subjects of this expected kingdom shall be delivered from , when it comes . our father hath made us free denizens thereof ; co-heirs with his eternal son , and given us thrones with him , by an unquestionable , unrepealable decree , written and signed with the precious blood of our eldest brother , whose love did voluntarily purchase it for us at that dear rate . it cannot be expressed in words , to set forth how much he tendred our welfare , in prescribing this prayer ; or how strongly it obligeth us to make a thankful and right use of it . . thy kingdom come . the last word in this petition is not so to be so understood in the future tense , as if the kingdom thereby prayed for , had not a being heretofore , and at this present upon earth ; for , it is in part already demonstrated to be otherwise . all therefore , which will be further necessary to be insisted upon to that purpose , resulting from this word come ; is to mind us , that this kingdom , is not yet so perfectly manifested as it shall be when that long day is begun , in which the great assize will be holden , wherein the king of this kingdom shall come to judge the quick and the dead . i do already contemplatively behold it approaching by the eie of my soul ; but , that eie is so dim , and my body so frail , that my heart is unable to comprehend ( much less my tongue or pen to express ) that little which i conceive thereof : but , of that unutterable mystery , i can truly say this , that , whosoever endeavours to declare in what manner christ shall come and reign upon earth , undertakes a work like his , who strives to put the whole ocean into a nut-shel , and that , if the glory of this kingdom were comprehensible ; by us , in this estate wherein we now are , it would not be answerable to the expectation i have of it : for the most excellent external things which we can either enjoy or know in the flesh , are insufficient to illustrate the perfection of it by way of allusion ; for , the clearest notions of such spiritual objects , which we may attain unto , will be dissatisfactory to the soul until it is in a glorified body . nevertheless , we may be made so apprehensive by grace and faith of the kingdom to come , that , we may by patience , meekness , humility and love , wait contentedly for what is promised ; and be preserved in a constant expectation thereof until it comes ; whatsoever clouds are evaporated from humane ignorance ; and whatsoever mists may be raised by the devil , to make us doubtful thereof : and this we are to communicate to each other , so far forth as it is revealed by the word and spirit of god , to confirm the belief and expectation of this kingdom : for , though they were reputed hereticks termed millenaries , who professed the personal reign of christ upon earth , and that ( according to st. john ) rev. . . the saints should reign with christ a years : yet , after the testimony of the two witnesses was finished ; which ( as i conceive ) was when the two testaments were compleated , with a malediction upon them , who should take from , or add ought thereunto , rev. . , . that opinion was received for orthodox by the primitive christians , till the beast , which rose out of the bottomless pit , made war against them , and slew them . for , many of the eminent doctors and martyrs in the first ages were of that judgment ( to wit ) ireneus , justine martyr , tertullian , origen , cyprian , and divers other christians , both learned and unlearned . and , i find by examining it , that most heresies sprung from real divine truths , misunderstood by humane ignorance and rashness ; such mysteries , being like the most excellent strains of musick in this respect , that , as when the voice or a string , is under or overmuch strained , though but a little , it makes a harsh discord ; so , a little varying from the truth , makes a damnable errour . now , perhaps , that which i have here casually inserted concerning the two witnesses , being my private judgment , wherein i know no antient or modern interpreter concurring , may seem a presumption . but , i have given such reasons of what i believe concerning them , in a tract intitled parallelogrammaton , whereof part was imprinted when i was close prisoner in the tower , and the rest taken out of my chamber by the gentleman jaylor , there ( amounting to almost a . pages ) that , i conceive it will make it more probable that those witnesses are both slain and risen again , then any thing yet alledged to the contrary ; and therefore if those papers be not freely restored , i will revive them , god vouchsafing me time and enablement . and , if what i have thereby , and hereby expressed concerning the said two witnesses , and the nation of the jews , with what might be added , were well considered , it would not ( as i believe ) be so generally believed as it is , that , christs coming personally into his kingdom upon earth , is deferred , either because the jews are not yet called , or the witnesses not yet slain and raised up again . . that , there is such a mysterie to be manifested as the kingdom to come , there need to be no better evidence thereof , then the witness which the spirit of god beareth unto it in our hearts , by concurring with that rational faculty in our souls , which distinguisheth us from brutish animals . common reason dictates , that whatsoever a friend of whose true worth we have had long experience in all changes , shall warrant us to ask in his name of another person , in whom he hath an undoubted interest , we may confidently petition for it ; and it were a great injury done to his love and dignity , if we should suspect he did advise to ask for that which was not grantable , or unlikely to be obtained . the same reason tells us , that if a gratious earthly prince , hath been openly scorned , dishonored , reviled , betrayed , and every way inhumanely abused ; it is just he should in the same place , be as openly and as much as is possible vindicated , and glorified , to the shame of his malitious impenitent enemies : how much more just then is it , that the eternal son of god , lord of lords , and king of kings , should be glorified in his own kingdom upon earth , in the fight and presence of his saints , angels , and all those by whom he was causlesly dishonoured , betrayed , and most cruelly and ingratefully recompenced with evil for good ; with hatred for love , and with all manner of indignities , for incomparable well deservings ? if this be just with men , shall the righteous judge and king of heaven and earth do less justice on the behalf of his only son ? if herein we distrust not our own reason , we should less suspect it , when we have a warrant above reason to ascertain it , which we likewise have out of the word of god. as for the witness , which some conceive , the spirit of god , beareth to the light which is within them by extraordinary revelations , i must leave it to the soul and conscience of every individual man to try and examine them , as they are enabled : for , that cannot be known or judged of by any , but by them to whom they are revealed , and by that spirit which reveals them , if they proceed from god. vvhere he speaks not , it will be in vain for any other to speak ; and until the revelation of that aforementioned , shall in some measure come into mens hearts ; we do but cast pearls to swine , and shall be in danger to be torn by them , or else reputed madmen and phaenaticks , babling we know not what . this also is to be considered , that , though the perfect manifestation of this kingdom be not come down universally upon earth ; yet it is come , or shall come in a degree toward perfection , first or last , explicitely or implicitely , into all to whom that kingdom belongs , before they depart out of this life . he that shall come will come , and not tarry beyond his time ( blessed be his name ) and he hath given us sufficient earnests thereof . . it is said , acts . . ye men of galilee , why stand ye gazing up into heaven ? this same jesus , who is taken up from you into heaven , shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven . there is also a cloud of other testimonies bearing witness to this kingdom , particularly in the last chapter of daniel , in the three last chapters of the apocalypse , in the twentieth of matthew , in the psalms , and in well-nigh all the prophets , which i cannot now enumerate or insist upon , left i should interrupt or distract the meditations of my soul , by withdrawing my heart from those inflowings which now press upon it ; and perhaps consume that little time which i have to finish what i have begun . in those scriptures , that which concerns this kingdom and the king thereof ; the manner of their approach , the signs fore-shewing it ; the effects of it , and many particulars and circumstances pertinent to those mysteries , assisting us to obtain cognizance of them so far forth as will be needful , both by literal and allegorical expressions , are sufficient to evidence their essentiality to all those who observe and consider them with diligence and meekness to the right end . yea , it will resolve their scruples , whom an over-curious prying into the manner of christs future personality upon the earth , have made doubtful what to believe , if they shall in humility well consider the difference which is between spiritual and natural bodies , or of what our future change will make us capable , when that time cometh . vve have a dim glimmering demonstration thereof , helping us to discern much beyond and above our natural expectations , by the transfigurations of our saviour upon a mountain in the sight of peter , john and james , to whom moses and elias appeared to be talking with their master , for , though the natural state wherein his disciples then were , was not fully capable of that mystery , which they heard and saw , they perceived enough to make them very well pleased with what they apprehended , as appeared by their words . and , if we had no other argument whereby we may be ascertained that there will be such a kingdom upon earth , then the petition next following . thy will be done in earth as it in heaven , it will sustice , for it is impossible gods will should be so done upon earth , unless christs kingdom should come hither as we believe ; nor would christ have taught us to pray for that which should never be , or impossible to be performed . . the administration of this kingdom upon earth , was always in part visible somewhere , and to some , ever since the time of christs ascention . and though it was much obscured soon after , when the mystery of iniquity began to work ; and more when it was at highest ; yet , even then it was very powerful by secret operations , through the administration of the holy ghost , the third person in trinity , and shall be , until the king of that kingdom appears again to personate his distinct office , with the father and the holy spirit , who have , always an intrinsecal co-operation with him . what i further apprehend concerning their joynt-acting in , and concerning this kingdom ; i will offer to consideration , though such speculations may perhaps appear novelties : for , sometimes great fires are kindled by little obscured sparks , and my rush-candle may perhaps occasion the enlightning of many torches hereafter , when my snuff is burnt out . there is an interweaving of many dark expressions in the apoculypse of st. john concerning this and other sublime mysteries , to him delivered ; wherein , things preceding have relation to things following ; and some things following to those which precede , by way of supplement , as i conceive ; and some also having reference , both to what was precedent and subsequent . thus , under correction , i apprehend ; and that , among such , the binding of sathan for a thousand years , is one ; having respect as well to the restraining of him , from setting up his mystery of iniquity until the let should be taken away ( which was before the bottomless pit was opened ) as a relation unto the time wherein he should be restrained a thousand years from deceiving the nations , after the beast , the false prophet , and the whole mystery of antichristianism should be destroyed , by the coming of christ to personate his kingship upon earth : for , it was a thousand years after our saviours ascention , and after the roman empire was at highest ( and began to decline ) before the beast which arose out of it could ascend to his height ; which consumed all the number of years alotted to that empire , until the beast last mentioned , arose . this time was enigmatically presignified by m. the first and greatest numeral belonging to that empire ; the remainder of their numerals , to wit , dclxvi presaged the time alotted to the second beast ( the last relick of that monarchy ) mystically represented , by that part of daniel's image , which was composed of iron and clay . for , though i must confess i have no precedent for what i declare my judgement to be , nor any other warrant but what hath been spoken to my own heart in private ; i do conceive ( which i have heretofore published effect upon several occasions ) that god , though it seems they took no notice of it , gave that empire a mysterious hint , in their own numerals , how long it should last after it was at highest , both in the main of its first institution , and in that which should arise out of it , until the total extirpation thereof branch and root . all the said numerals joyned together in order , beginning at the greatest and ending at the least , being these , m.d.c.l.x.v. and i , make one thousand six hundred sixty six . the thousand years were consumed before the second beast which is the mystery of iniquity , was compleated , and then that usurped the whole power of his predecessor ; and the remaining numerals make up dclxvi , which is the number of a man : to wit , the mystical man of sin ; and will be the whole time limited , as i conceive , for his wicked raign , after he came to his highest exaltation ; and , as i take it , we are to begin to reckon this double number , from christs death and passion or ascention , not from his birth ; because the roman empire was not at his highest till then ; and declined not until it had crucified the lord of life , and if so , we may guess within a short time , how long that mystery may continue , if we knew certainly how many years christ lived upon the earth ; and if chronologers have rightly computed preceding times , from his birth till this year , and that time as i have already said , may be about four or five and thirty years yet to come . i will not so absolutely determine it , as once heretofore i did ( being , a little-over heated with zèal ) upon occasion given to treat of that time : for , christ having intimated that a compleat certainty of it , is not revealed to any man in the flesh , i wave that peremptory expression , though i still believe it will be about that time ; and perhaps , god sometimes permitteth such casual slips ( when they are not purposed ) to keep his children quiet , when they desire things before they can be had , as we do our children by suffering them to please themselves with uncertain harmless hopes . when the number of the beast is finished , i do believe , there will be a space of time , in which that which is truely good shall be as well made known , at evil hath now been almost six thousand years , and that the time thereto allotted is that seventh mysterious day , or sabbath which the lord our god hallowed when he had finished his six days works ; and that the jewish , sabbaths of dayes and years , were but types of the great sabbath separated from the other six parts of time , and sanctified by god for himself and his chosen people to rest ; in ; and is called a day by him , with whom a thousand years is but as yesterday ; it being usual in holy scripture , to signifie many years and times consisting of many ages , by the denomination of a day , or days ; as in daniel , a time of many generations , then to come , by dayes , dan. . . and in the revelation , , by days ; and in the same chapter , by three day and a , half ; and it signifies the whole time of christs kingdom upon earth , in that place where it is said , abraham desired to see his day , and saw it ; for , he fore saw it by faith. . six days of a thousand years apiece ( as i conceive ) was alotted for the men of this vvorld , to prosecute , therein , those works which they thought they had to do ; and were alotted both for their probation , and to acquite ( as aforesaid ) that experimental knowledge which was desired by our first-parents . and in that space of time , both good and evil men , who were vicegerents or subjects , either of the kingdom of god , or of the prince of this , world , were permitted to be active for their several interests , according to their , distinct inclinations , and to pursue them so far forth , as that good or evel which was in them would extend . but , neither the righteousness , which was in the best , is sufficient in it self to perfect their desired kingdom , nor the wickedness which is in the worst , enongh to establish their dominion ; because the restraining power of him , who is the supream governour of all things , would not permit the adversaries of his kingdom to be so wicked as they would have been in acting destructively thereunto , though the wickedness of their will , wanted nothing to compleat of demonstrate their personal untighteousness , of that perfection of evil which was in them . but , when the great sabbaths of years is come , in which the supream kings of both , are to manifest and exercise their powers , in another mode then heretofore , ( or at this present ) to wit , during the last thousand years or seventh part of time , it will then evidently and universally appear whether of the two is most powerful ; and that neither the evil which is it the worst men , or the good which is in the best men , could thitherto , or shall at that day do any works of their own , which they think they had to do , that will be prevalent to those evili or good ends which they proposed to establish their respect 〈◊〉 kingdoms : for , then will be the day of his power whose kingdom was lirerally prophesied of in the psalm : and the will of his willing ones be accepted instead of working . their king alone be the able to conquen all his adversaries , letting loose the devil to use the utmost of his usurped power , will break the head of malignity , together with all the kings of the opposing kingdoms ; and then his subjects the spiritual seed of the true abel and abraham by faith , ( who for the most part of the former six thousand years , have been subjected in their temporary concernments to cain and his successors , and ever since his time been persecuted in relation to their worship of god and their king ) shall be totally set at liberty for ever ; and rest and reign with him in that kingdom , judging those kings and nations by whose tyranny they were oppressed ; and against whom the supream-judg of that kingdom which they despised , and we pray for , shall pronounce this sentence of condemnation , depart ye cursed into everlasting fire . . but though we believe there is such a kingdom to come ; shall fully know the nature of it , whose it is , what advantages we may have by it , which are innumerable , ( and intimated in this evangelical promise , seest first the kingdom of god , and all other things shall be ministred unto you ) if we do our formally seek it , for carnal ends only , it will nothing avail us , when it comes openly into the earth , until it comes into our hearts also . a dominiou , is there to be exercised , and it is the first place into which the kingdom of heaven enters upon earth . every saint hath a kingship , there to be managed , whereby he must have a probation , and be prepated for a throne , in that which will universally appear ; that will be performed ; by cherishing those vir●●●● which may make his microcosme , or little world , a true province of that large , kingdom expected ; and by subjecting to reason , and to the evangelical laws , all those natural desires , passions , and affections , which have been rebellious and repugnant to the purity and justice thereof , subduing , and keeping them under , by a spiritual militia . we ought therefore , to endeavour it diligently , and to take heed that we let not , in the kingdom of the devil instead of christs , or , admit into us the kingdoms of this world , for , most men are deluded with false appearances in this case , whereof i have had had experiments a long time in relation to my self ; and , if i shall be credited , may say much to prevent those fallacies in others . hear then with seriousness , what i shall now express to that purpose . i will begin with some of those deceivable marks whereby very many think they are made children of god and inheriters of his heavenly kingdom , before they have any evidences thereof , but such as these ensuing ; whose invalidity let them consider . they had an initiation into the kingdom , by being baptized with water in the name of the father , son , and the holy ghost , and had god-fathers and god-mothers , who , for obtaining that priviledg , promised many things in their names to be performed on their behalf : but , so were many thousands , who being heedless of such promises , seem by their lives and conversations , to be children of the devil , and belonging to this kingdom . they have been outwardly partakers of the lords table ; so was judas , by what seems a probability thereof , as well as the rest of the apostles , yet , we know he was reprobated . they have done miracles ; so did simon magus , jannes , jambres , and others , yet were impostors . they have caft out devils in christs name ; so did some , to whom he will say i know ye not . they have prophecied concerning him ; so did balaam and caiaphas . they have builded goodly temples ; so did herod , whose like was not in the world , yet he was a tyrant , and murthered the innocent children and john the baptist . they have maintained many such priests and prophets as they affected ; so did jezabel , yet was a strumpet and became dogs meat . they were frequent hearers of them who preached the gospel ; so are many who are no doers of what they hear : and some , who came but to intrap the ministers of god , as others did to insnare christ ; or else , came to see and be seen , or more to be reputed religious then with : sincere devotion . they have been preachers of the gospel , and assertors of the truth ; so have not a few been , who held and professed it in unrighteousness , or preached rather to uphold contention , then to edifie their hearers ; and who , through neglect of endeavouring mortification in themselves , have been reprobates ; when they preached salvation to others . they have fasted much , given alms , and said many long prayers ; so do hypocrites , and so did the hypocritical scribes and pharisees , oft devouring vvidows houses under those pretences . they have undergone severe penances , and grievously afflicted themselves ; so did the priests of baal heretofore , and so do many superstitious romanists , and others at this day . they have been sufferers ; so have malefactors been , innocent heathens ; and in finite numbers , who probably 〈◊〉 evidence within themselves , or sence of the kingdom we pray for . other such-like marks i could enumerate wherewith multitudes are deluded ▪ vve must therefore finde out better marks to ascertain us , that the kingdom of god is within us ; and these that follow will also be such demonstrations thereof , as if we be not traytors to our selves , may make it unquestionably known to be within us . . if the kingdom of christ be within us , we shall feel , that we love him who is king thereof with all our hearts ; yea , more then our selves ; we shall be obedient to all his commands and laws to our utmost power ; zealous of his honour , and of magnifying his name , and maintaining all the prerogatives of his kingdom , even to the loss of our lives , if need be , and sorry when we fail therein , through infirmity : we shall love our selves no more , then to make it a true rule whereby to measure out the love we owe unto our neighbours and brethren : vve shall always have as well a charitable love for our enemies , as an affectionate love for our relations ; and square out all actions by the evangelical law of that kingdom . vve shall do good for evil ; bless them that curse us ; pray for them , who persecute us ; forgive , as we would be forgiven ; be merciful to all gods creatures , according to their kinds ; use them with sobriety and thankfulness ; and be afflicted for it in our hearts , when we are knowingly , or ignorantly defective in these of any other duties , as soon as we have cognizance thereof , or suspect our selves to have been any way faulty : vve shall arrogate nothing to our own endeavours , when we have done the best we can , but ascribe all the honour and merit of what is performed , to our heavenly father and creator , his son our redeemer , and to the holy ghost our sanctifier ; who are , as it were , the triumvirate , by whom this kingdom is governed . when we finde these marks upon us , the willingness of our hearts will be accepted as a compleat performance of the whole law ; and we shall have an undoubting assurance that this kingdom is in such a measure within us , as will ripen to perfection in due time . al this , we may finde implicitely contained in those benedictions recorded in the gospel , with promises annexed , by our saviour , to the qualifications there mentioned , matthew . . &c. blessed are the poor in spirit : for their's is the kingdom of heaven . blessed are they that mourn : for they shall be comforted . blessed are the meek : for they shall inherit the earth . blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness : for they shall be filled . blessed are the merciful : for they shall obtain mercy . blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall see god. blessed are the peace-makers : for they shall be called the children of god. blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness sake : for theirs is the kingdom of heaven . blessed are ye , when men shall revile you , persecute you , and say all manner of evil against you falsly for my sake : rejoyce then and be glad ; for great is your reward in heaven : so persecuted they the prophets which were before . these are not my words , but his , ( even the king of this kingdom ) who will make them good ; and as i said before , whosoever shall finde these foresaid marks upon him , may be confident that the kingdom of heaven is within him . the third petition . thy will be done in earth , as it is in heaven . . when with perfect assent thereunto in heart , as well as in words , we can say this petition , our work will soon be at an end ; for , we shall then be called home by our heavenly father , and there will be no more need of such things as are prayed for in the three following petitions . let us well consider therefore , what we ask for in these words . they amount in effect to a true self denial , which is the most difficult thing in the world for flesh and blood to submit unto ; yet , may possibly be made easie , if it were well considered , that it brings with it the greatest advantages that we can petition or endeavour for , by any faculty that we can call our own , seeing god , who can and doth renew the will , and inclines us thereto , when we pray that his vvill may be rather fulfilled then our own , hath promised assistance . it begins to be easie to a regenerated heart , when it knows that gods will and righteousness are one , and that our will and wickedness also are one ( as it is meerly our own will ) and brings us into all the mischiefs which befal both in this world and the world to come , if we are swayed wholly thereby . in this petition , as in the former , we ask together with what tends to gods glory , that which will both prevent our destruction here , and procure our eternal happiness hereafter . he that knows god as he may do by what he hath manifested , of himself , and of his goodness toward all mankinde , need never to be afraid to submit his own will to his ; yea , body , soul , and all that is most dear and pretious in his own esteem , to be disposed of at his pleasure . this knowledge and confidence is ordinarily begotten in most men of understanding , by reading and hearing his word preached , but sometimes ( especially in them whose natural faculties are defective ) it is wrought by a spiritual instinct ●●isensibly working in the soul a conformity to the vvill of god , which is always the same , though to us it seems to change as we are changed . he hath not , as some say , ( who delude themselves and others , by sophisticated distinctions ) a secret and a revealed vvill , contradictory to each other ; yea , so contradictory , that they may be rather judged two wills then one. this false opinion causes many to be distrustful of gods good meaning towards mankinde ; fearful he will reprobate them , when they have done all they can to please him ; and consequently ( though they profess the contrary , and speak many good words of him ) blaspheam his goodness ; imputing that unto him , which belongs to the devil and themselves onely . they , who make unto themselves such a god , cannot be better then he ; and i shall not wonder if they cannot pray heartily , that his will may be done . . to excuse themselves , there be some of these , who in effect , do irreverently say thus unto god in their hearts : vvho hath resisted thy vvill ? thou knowest that by the sin of our fathers , and by thy eternal decree of election and reprobation , the greatest part of mankinde is left in ( or rather thrown into ) so sad a depraved condition , that we are neither free to will , or to do what thou requirest . this is impudently to belie and blaspheam god : for , when he said that , the seed of the vvoman should break , the serpents head , he sanctified the whole humane nature into a capability of performing so much as he requires absolutely at our hands ; and hath ever since , and will for ever , at first or at last , so inlighten every man who comes into the world , vouchsafing according to his promise , such a renewing of the will , and such a perpetual co-assistance , for askng , to perform what shall be accepted for the deed , to all them who shall not wilfully , malitiously and finally resist his grace , that no deficiency in him can be justly laid to his charge , in relation to our misdoings , as it will be manifested , when all hidden things are discovered at the last judgment . indeed , as we are meerly in our depraved nature , we can neither do or will ought , that is acceptably good ; but , as we are in grace we may : for , then to will , is freely present with us , and our doings perfected by the merits of christ ; yea , our misdoings are often by him improved , both to his glory and our salvation ; not that we should sin , that grace may abound , but that abounding grace may keep us from sin . if we had not a free will in sufficient measure to do , or leave undone , to chuse or refuse ; then were our faculties inferiour to those of beasts , which do chuse or leave such means of preservation as are set before them ; nay were this liberty taken away , or quite lost , we could not be justly reputed righteous or wicked by our meer personal default , in respect of any thing which we will , or do , or leave undone . wise men do not endeavour to force a beast to that whereunto he is not naturally inclined , much less to that whereunto he hath a natural antipathy , and destroy him for not doing that which he cannot . by gentle allurements we may by degrees bring it to change nature , and become serviceable to our desires . god , in like manner draweth us by the cords of a man ; he forceth not our nature , into a change but wooeth our will , unto a conformity , with his , by such means as may secretly and naturally thereto incline the heart , using no other force but such fatherly chastisements onely , as may remove the perverseness which we have gotten by evil custo●●●s , to augment our natural indisposition , which we got by hearkning to his and our enemies . it is an unquestionable cruelty , to compel and necessitate men to that which we know makes them everlastingly miserable ; but doubtless it were no wrong to a madman to pull him out of the fire whereinto he had thrown himself ; nor injustice in a father to use the rod to fright his children , from that which may destroy them , when they will neither do it for love to him or themselves . god afflicteth none but for their good , until they become obstinately rebellious ; he requireth no more of any man , then he hath given ; reprobates none finally , unless they are finally unpenitent ; and never willed the destruction of any one who submitted to his will. . no man , i think endeavours to teach beasts to write and read , though some teach birds to speak , which can talk with as much understanding of humane words , as they have of the mysteries of saving faith , who discourse and preach the word literally , without the spirit ; therefore god hath vouchsafed means of instruction by offering both ; and , if their concurrence hath not a sufficiency to effect for every man that which was intended , and promised to all who despise not his offer , but earnestly seek for it ; why , are we commanded to make intercession for all men ? why doth the gospel injoyn all to believe in christ jesus , if there had not been a possibility that all might have been saved , unless by their own default ? to what purpose hath god sworn he desireth not the death of a sinner , and give his onely son for a general redemption , that all men might be saved ? why are so many promises and threatnings cast away upon them , who are said to be irrecoverably predestinated both to condemnation , and to do all that evil which may bring it upon them ; as certainly as the righteous are predestinated to their salvation , and to the means thereof ? wherefore do men so quarrel about doctrines , and disciplines , putting themselves and others , to so much labour , cost , and suffering , as we see they do , imposing the same duties upon all without exceptions , if the greatest number of men are reprobates without hope ? i know what is , or may be said by some to those questionings , and that they are delusive or dissatisfactory answers ; for , if we shall teach men to believe that god hath absolutely willed and fore-determined , as they suppose very few will be thereby incouraged to pray that his will may be done . but god hath necessitated none to be miserable or wicked ; he hath provided means whereby both sin and miserie may be prevented ; or else removed , if it be timely embraced ; and if that by neglect thereof , men seeming righteous fall not away from their righteousness . for , by the common outward means prescribed , to them unto whom it is preached , together with those extraordinary and supernatural mediums which god vouchsafeth ( where they are not preached as with us ) by the spirit which bloweth , when , and where it listeth , the will is by degrees set at liberty form its natural bondage , and rendred active in the works of regeneration , by proposing gods promises of supply and assistance ; by shewing their dangers and remedies , and by intermingling mercies and judgments ; and if these prevail not , it is not by any bar fore-determined by god , both because their own wilfulness and negligence hath lulled them asleep in security , until they are hardned into a final impenitency . . many men who are sick , have no will to take such physical ingredients as are wholsome and necessary for recovery of their healths , but naturally abhor them with such a detestation , that they will not be perswaded or inforced to receive them by those who have most power over them ( though they are likely to loose their lives by that wilfulness ) yet , by the prudence and gentle perswasions of a wise and loving physitian , taking away their nauseousness by other corrective ingredients , and assuring them of health , they are won at last to accept thereof , and recover : so it fares with us who are naturally averse from the means which the holy ghost prescribeth to correct our depraved will , when we are not finally obstinate , and have made our selves worse , and more miserable by evil customs ripened into an habitual wickeness , then we were by a depraved nature . christ bewailed jerusalem with tears , not because she could not , but because she would not embrace the means of her preservation and prosperity , through that wilfulness which she had contracted by her own default ; else , his bewailings had not proceeded from true compassion , which it were a capital sin to affirm : and they who deny what god hath done , and continues to do for them ; or affirm , that he hath not given them ability whereby they may co-operate with him in doing what he commands , and in avoiding that which he hath forbidden , are ingrateful blasphemers and lyars : for , the contrary not only evidenced in his word , but is also demonstrable by that whereof we have , or may have an experiment . if a drunkard , or a thief , or an adulterer , or any other gross sinner , who hath most accustomed himself to prevaricate , were told by him , whom he knew to have both power and will to inflict what he threatens , that the next time he was drunk , or committed any of the sins aforementioned , he should be immediately tormented to death ; and if this man knew and still saw one watching him night and day in publick and in secret , at home and abroad , ready to execute him immediately for that transgression , i am confident that drunkard , thief , or adulterer , who was most tempted to act those sins , would forbear them so long as he had such an attendant , unless he were grown so distracted that he knew not what he did ; and , if this be so , ( whereof i think no reasonable man doubts ) then , whosoever sayes it is not in his power to forbear those sins which he actually commits , i dare say unto him , it is not altogether through want of ability to perform so much as god requires , but because he neglects the grace offered , or that watchfulness over himself which is necessary and possible ; or , because he believes not gods promises and threatnings ; or forgets or heeds not that he sees him in all places , at all times , and will severely punish his carelesness and presumption ; and , this is that which renders every cast-away liable to reprobation , and no fore-determination of god necessitating him thereunto . more might be said to this purpose , but i hope this shall suffice to preserve a reverent esteem of gods justice and mercy ; as also , to make us heedful what may be a help or hinderance to preserve us willing , and constant in praying gods will may be done in earth as it is in heaven . i am so large in this , and some other seeming digressions , because i sometimes finde , that , the furthest way about , is the nearest way home . . it hereby partly appears why we should absolutely refer our will to gods , and pray for the accomplishment thereof in all things , and on all men without exception ; and that we have no other means to be freed from being inslaved by the corrupt arbitrary will of tyrants , or from being in a worse bondage , to our own will. oh! that we could consider as we ought to do , how we are insensibly drawn by evil customes and bad examples , to fall away by degrees into a reprobated sense , yielding first to one vain act which we think so innocent , that it conduceth to no evil ; then to another , and another after that , till at last the grossest wickedness , is rushed into without stop ; yea , into that , which a while before we thought to be both foolish and wicked , and condemned and derided in other men : thus it fares even with some who have been in a good measure inlighted , and purged from many gross , corruptions : for when the will is in some degree renewed , and the sing he talent which was formerly neglected and abused , somwhat improved ( which might have been multiplied according to what was required , aswell as his who had five ) they seeing their houses swept and garnished , admit instead of the devil which was cast out , such a spirit of pride , with his associates , as makes their later ends worse then their beginnings . god having delivered all men from the guilt of adams transgression , by christs , giving every one wherewith to perform his duty , ( renewing also his grace to many , more then once or twice , after they have forfeited it ) very hazzardous ( if not damnable ) is their condition , who presumptuously offend so gracious a master . let us therefore , watch and pray , that we fall not irrecoverably into temptation and surprize , even for our own sakes , at least , until self-love shall be improved into a true love , of him who loved us first ; and seeing nothing can be more mischievous unto us then our self-will , let us not only pray heartily that gods will may be done , but endeavour so to submit our wills to his , that his will and ours may be one . . before this can be possible , those obstructions must be removed , which the world , the flesh , and the devil have raised up within us , to keep our will from union with gods ; to wit , a believing the suggestions of the serpent , as our first parents did , when they were seduced and tempted by a desirable object ; and by his misrepresenting unto them the fore-knowledge , and fore-determination of god ; as also , by insinuating a want of love or good meaning toward mankind , in that which he willed and prohibited : when any are thus prepossessed , it must be one as strong as the almighty who can cast out those devils ▪ and cast out they must be , before they can heartily pray , gods will may be done : for , who can perswade those men by arguments , or move them by threatnings , to commit themselves and all other things to his will , whose justice is made doubtful , or of whose love to him in particular he is uncertain ; or , by such means only assured , as may be questionable , and are communicated to reprobates , as well as to the elect ; considering also , what fair appearances there are of their good effects sometimes , even upon hypocrites , when they are but false counterfeited works ? these obstructions alone , are enough to hinder the conforming of our will to gods , if they be not removed : therefore , though these are not all , i will assay the removing of them , before i proceed further . and , in regard it is said that the perswasions of our own hearts , are as good as many counsellers ; ( and not altogether useless , though deceitful , when their single advice is wholly depended upon ) i will precaution a little by the way , concerning that . it is true , that every vnregenerated mans heart is fraudulent in his natural estate ; yet , when it is regenerated , and depends not upon self-apprehensions , by the meer natural light which is therein , but seeks after , and receives with approbation that divine light which is offered and communicated thereto by the word and spirit of god , it is essentially efficient both to the rectifying and conforming of our will , to and with that object whereunto we ought to adhere ; and then more to be depended on then the authority of all the wisest men in the world , without that evidence . for , when god hath prevailed to perswade the heart , by such a concurrence of lights , it will not then deceive any ; but be as infallible as the white sione , which is known to none but to him that hath it . i know no means how in these dayes , we may be assured such revelations are of god , as that was , when he commanded abraham to sacrifice his son isaac ; for , how strongly soever our hearts may be inclined thereunto , we having now our communion with god in another mode , all inspirations repugnant to what is revealed in the law and prophets , interpreted by his evangelical word and spirit , are to be rejected as diabolical suggestions . . the law is our school-master to bring us to christ ; but it will never bring us into him , until his love opens the door , which he hath freely opened , keeps it open , and offers entrance to all who desire and seek it ; yea , and to some before they sought it : and , when being entred , we there behold his beauty , and feel the fervour of his love , it so inflames our love to him ( if not prepossessed and bewitched with other affections ) that our will doth zealously and contentedly cleave unto him . vve may preach the law and pronounce judgements ( as some have done , till they have brought despair and hell into the souls of many ) but , that begets more fear then love , or at best more love to our selves then unto him ; or , more cautiousness then willingness , until evangelical lenitives , be therewith applyed . it is the making known christs meek condescentions , long-sufferings , and the superexcellent amiableness of his love and tender mercies , that soonest and most effectually work in us repentance of our sins , and that confidence in him , which will incline us , without a reserve , to pray absolutely to his and our fa-father , that his will may be done . but , some have taken a course direct contrary , and made such representations of god , that i conceive their doctrine to be the greatest obstruction of all other to praying absolutely , that his vvill may be done in earth , as it is in heaven . it will never be a motive thereunto , to tell men , that before all worlds ( when there was no man to resist his will , or desirous of a being , whereby he might have had a possibility of resisting it , or to offend him in any manner ) god , fore-decreed create an innocent creature , ( whom he himself saw and acknowledged to be good after he had created him ) that , having accordingly made him , breathed a portion of his own spirit into him , given him dominion over all his creatures upon earth , and commanded him to increase and multiply ; at the same moment pre-ordained , according to an irrevocable decree ( before that creature , or any of his generation had done good or evil ) that the greatest part of his posterity should he everlastingly reprobated and damned , for committing sins , which his decree also , had necessatated them to commit . moreover , that having predestinated a means whereby this poor creatures posterity might be saved ; promised mercy should without exception , be vouchsafed to all who believed in his son ; commanded that salvation to be offered and preached to all nations ; and that even then he knew it was decreed by himself , that the greatest number of men , were made uncapable of accepting what was promised , or of having any benefit thereby , when they had done the utmost they could to obtain it . all this , and much more to this purpose is averred of gods decrees , by those who understood them not , and supposed what was never by them intended ; and who can submit their wills to such a god as these have made ? i will not say as some have done ( published it also in their writings ) diabolus est quorundam calvinistarm doni , for , i believe many so called , profess the true god in whom i believe , though by heedlesness , ignorance , and overmuch confiding in persons of whose learning and piety they have had a high opinion , they are blinded with an appearance than their error tends rather to the honour , then to the dishonour of god ; and i intend nothing to their personal disparagement or disadvantage ; for , i heartily pray and hope they will be ashamed of it , and sorry for it upon future consideration , as i my self was , who escaped not being infected with this heresie in my yonger dayes , till i had experimental knowledge of the false grounds and evil effects thereof : but now knowing what use the devil makes of it in this my generation to gods dishonour ; i cannot forbear my witness against it , when just occasion is offered ; though some say , i insist on it more then is needful , and to my own disadvantage , which i finde true in temporal respects , having suffered more by them whose fierce zeal in that heresie hath made them to persecute me in secret , then by all my open enemies : and i do fore-see a possibility that their power who approve this doctrine which i abhor , may hereafter be so prevalent , that if i live to see it established according to their hope , i must expect no more favour in this world until i dye , then heretofore i have had , unless i survive to see that kingdom come visibly upon earth , which shall utterly destroy the mystical vvhore and her daughter the well-favoured harlot , with all those who have been made drunk by her cup of fornications , and worn the mark of the beast in their fore-heads , or in their hands ; yet , i fearing neither evils present , or to come , will proceed with what i mean to say . . it is of evil consequence to impute that to god , which common and approved reason judgeth to be unrighteous in men . his works are so just , and so merciful is he in all his wayes , that there is no appearance of the contrary . his justice is vindicated by the prophets , against that which hath been objected by that nation , who had most cause to acknowledge both his justice and mercy . and davids confession his sin , in psal . . as to that point here treated of , acknowledgeth him to be justifiable by whomsoever he shall be judged . all gods decrees are perfectly just , and whatsoever he wills is perfectly good . nevertheless , all is not so which men shall say he hath decreed or willed ; for , many have father'd upon him such decrees as he never made ; such ordinances as he never intended ; the believing , doing , and forbearing , of such things as were never by him commanded or forbidden ; and ascribed to him such a will as never did reveal to be his. that , which they call his secret will , who can know , if it be kept secret ? and if they know it , how is it then secret ? such imputations as are afore expressed , i cannot believe , because they consist not with his honour , justice , and mercy , which are always one with his will , and his will alwayes the same , and not two opposite wills , as it is , at least , implied by their sophistry , who affirm , he hath both a secret and a revealed will , relating to one and the same objects , and qualifications contradictorily differing from each other ; whereas his revealed will , is but a part of the same will , kept secret till it shall be seasonably made known at full ; as when jonah said , yet forty dayes and nineveh shall be destroyed : for , in these words there was an implicite condition to be understood , though not exprest , as appears by the event , which demonstrated that , his intire will ( whereof one part preached by jonah ) was this , that , nineveh should be destroyed within the time limited , if it repented not ; and the other part concealed , was this , that it should not be destroyed , if it repented within forty dayes ; and by what jonah did , by the repentance of the ninevites , and their preservation thereupon ; it seems both he and they understood the whole will of god , though but part thereof was vocally revealed . therefore , the school-definition aforementioned of a secret , and a revealed will , relating contradictorily to the same things , and persons , seems fitter to be applied to impostures of juglers , then to the righteous , pure , single and secret will of almighty god. yet , as jonah ( though a prophet ) seemed more desirous that great city should have been destroyed , then his credit lost by gods extending mercy there unto contrary to the verbal tenor of his prophecie ; so , it may be feared , that some who teach men to believe , god foredetermined the greatest number of adams posterity to everlasting damnation , would be as froward as jonah , to have it made evident they had lost their credit by preaching false doctrine , in that point ; for , aswel gospel-preachers , as other good and pious men , have errors and fits of distemper through humane frailty , from which it may be hoped they will recover , and repent heartily what they have mistaught , as to the particular aforesaid , when it shall be made probable , at least , that many more will be saved then condemned at the last judgment , and that they have both to the disadvantage of mankind , and to gods dishonour misrepresented this universal act of free-grace . . it would be a superlative dishonour , and an unpardonable indignity , put upon an earthly king , if his officers should deal with him , as some of gods pretended commissioners have done , in that which is of highest concernment in relation to his honour , and mans welfare . for , whereas , that king of kings , hath vouchsafed an universal act of indempnity , from that guilt whereto all men were liable by adams transgression ; and m tender compassion and pure love to his subjects , decreed likewise a general pardon , whereby all actual transgressors ( without excepting either high treason , or other offences whatsoever ) repenting , submitting to his mercy , and suing for that pardon , should freely be forgiven without any other costs or merits of their own ; and , whereas this indulgence hath by his faithful ambassadors and agents , been proclaimed throughout the world ; some other , assuming to themselves the like authority , have either through ignorance , or upon less excusable inducements , proclaimed that which is almost totally destructive to that gracious condescention ; telling us , that to testifie his abundant love to mankind in general , and to his especial favourites in particular , who are known onely to himself ; god hath indeed offered pardon to all , that his mercy in sparing whomsoever he pleased , how wicked soever , might be the more evidenced to them , if he spared not those who were less offenders ; and , that though it was his revealed will and pleasure , the offer of such a general pardon as aforesaid should be divulged , it was nevertheless , his secret will , that both they to whom he intended benefit thereby , and they to whom no good was intended , should be put to the same cost and labour in suing for it , but neither the one or the other be certain of it , whilst he lived ; yea , they tell us that before the said proclamation was issued forth , it was decreed the greatest number should be so maimed and disabled , that it would be impossible for them to perform the conditions required , to make them capable of the said pardon , which they say was done , to evidence ( as they call it ) his just displeasure against vnrighteousness . and then to beget a vain hope in their hearers , ( or rather to increase the number of those clyents , by whose credulity their fees and temporary profit may be augmented ) these officers further tell them , that the king whom they have thus represented , is so just and merciful , that notwithstanding all before expressed , they may make his absolute will and pleasure , their supream law without danger ; and to keep them in heart ( by cherishing a belief thereof , until perhaps an irrecoverable fit of desperation seizeth on them ) they befool them with a confidence in such marks of their assured election , as may be frequently found upon reprobated hypocrites . this is the effect of that which many have preached concerning gods dealing with mankind ; and , what can be reasonably judged of such officers , and of such dealings ? what will all their other services amount unto , pretended to gods honour , or to the security and happiness of his people , where they are poysoned and annihilated by such doctrine ? hereby , in my judgment , it amounts to that , which is abhominable in the highest degree ; and so far should i be from confiding in an earthly prince , who approved and practised such pretendings to justice and mercy ; or from loving him otherwise then an enemie ; that , if he should confer upon me , all that were in his power to bestow , yea resigne his whole kingdom to me and my posterity ; yet , be evidently , unmercifully and wilfully unjust to other innocent men without repentance ; i should more abhor the memory of him , notwithstanding that favour to me , then for condemning me to suffer causlesly at the gallows , if he were just and merciful to the rest of his subjects , and to all other men . i may perhaps , herein seem over-far transported ; but , that before expressed , being ( as i believe ) equivalent to such doctrine as is by some taught , in relation to god and mankind , is in my apprehension , so horrible a blasphemy , that having such an impulse as i have upon me , to bear witness against it , i deserved , should i neglect it , to be deserted in my greatest need , both of god , and of all good men . . for , whatsoever opinion other-men have of it , i conceive that all the idolatries of the heathen heretofore , in communicating to men , beasts , or devils , the honour and attributes which are due to god only , ( and the crucifying of christ in the flesh through ignorance , added thereunto ) amount not to so hainous an offence , as their crime who are knowingly guilty of this sin ; because , it seems to me more pardonable , to ascribe unto a base creature , part of that honour which is due to god , then to impute that unto him , which is proper to none but to the most wicked of all his creatures , who being by him created good , became depraved by his own malitious default : and , i am hopeful , that so many as have been heretofore misled into this heresie by ignorance only ( or by overmuch trust in humane authority ) and not more afraid to take shame unto themselves for their errors , before men of their own judgment , then to continue in them without fear of gods displeasure , will better consider hereafter , what they ought to believe and teach in relation to gods justice and mercy ; and that all their own knowledg , and righteousness , will not conduce so much to their comfort and reputation , as their unfeigned repentance , and acknowledgment of this error . i will ask no pardon of them who shall think i need one for this extravagant zeal , because i know whose honour it concerns ; what warrant i have to express it ; and what need there is of such plain dealing in this matter , and in this manner at this time . i am perswaded also , that god now furnished me with means of subsistence when the world had left me less then nothing , of that which i lately had ; and spared my life when so many thousands fell round about me , that once more before i die i might thus bear testimony against this blasphemy , which god more abhors , then all those errors reproved in the seven churches of asia . for , the devil who is author thereof , having insinuated it into the reformed churches of europe , hath in subtlety permitted the professors of his antichristian mystery of iniquity , to detest it , that by their holding a part of truth in vnrighteousness , the wickedness of that mystery might be the less suspected ( as he thought his designe would be , when he acknowledged jesus to be the son of god ) and his policy hath not been without an ill effect , in regard it hath given some an occasion to call that truth popery , which was not onely professed before popery had a being , but is also the foundation of all saving truths , revealed ever since the creation of the world . . they who shall take notice of so much as is revealed by gods vvord and spirit , to give an assurance that he hath no secret will contradictory unto what he hath revealed , ( though he keeps hidden so much thereof , as flesh and blood is not yet capable of ) , may so justifie god in his uprightness , as to the love which is by him professed to mankinde , that , he may without scruple submit to him , in whatsoever concerns his happiness , both in this world and that which is to come : for , whosoever is true and upright towards him in his trust and love , so far as he may be capable thereof , should finde hell to be a heaven if he were there ; and that heaven would be a hell unto him , if he could possibly get thither with self-confidence , and with his own natural will ; because , it is not the place wherein we are , that can make us happy or unhappy , but that which we carry thither within our selves . yet , i would have no man in these concernments , trust to me , or to any other farther then he hath assurance in his conscience , by the same witnesses ; for the light within us may deceive , though attested by all humane authorities without the vvord ; yea , and the vvord written , hath such variety of senses , and interpretations put upon it , that , it must be ascertained by the spirit also ; and every spirit tryed by the vvord , with a conscientious heed , how every part thereof may agree together in one sence without contradiction ; for some words wherewith we are best acquainted ; even in our mother-tongue , have such various significations , that i am forced to many tedious circumlocutions to prevent misunderstanding , and yet am often misunderstood . but by the lights aforementioned united together , i having examined the objections , and answers of dissenting parties , am so infallibly convinced of the oneness and righteousness of gods will ; as also , that he hath no respect or disrespect of persons without regard to their qualifications , that i know he hath necessitated or constrained none to be wicked ; that , he reprobateth no righteous man , who wilfully discontinueth not to be righteous ; or any wicked man , who abhors and finally forsakes his wickedness ; or any whosoever , who doth not wittingly , wilfully , despightfully , and finally sin against the holy ghost ; which so strengthens my belief of his perfect goodness , justice and mercy ; and so inclines me to love him with all my heart , and with all my strength , that in all things i can absolutely , without the least scruple , pray and say unto him , thy will be done in earth , as it is in heaven . . to confirm me and others in this free resignation of our wills to the vvill of god revealed in his vvord ; i may add this out of my own experience ( and i hope it is a sanctified experience ) which perhaps may have as good effects on some other , as it hath had on me . our natural will , as it stands inclinable , when it hath no better guide then the single light within us , is usually carried on so violently to accomplish the fulfilling thereof , even as to things which are good in themselves , that , they may have an evil consequence . this appears by these particular instances ; we may have a will to be endowed with the best spiritual gifts ; to be righteous according to the strictness of the moral law ; to be patient and constant in sufferings ; to be careless of the preferments , riches and pleasures of this world , to be eminent in the mortifying of the flesh by fasting and penances voluntarily undergone ; to be frequent in hearing , praying and external performances of pious duties , with such like , thereupon perswading our selves we do it to serve , please and honour god ; and that thereby we merit his favour : whereas , if we narrowly , examine our hearts , we shall finde , perhaps , that our principal aim , proceeded from self-love , and to acquire thereby a righteousness and perfection of our own , wherein to rest and glory ; and that we desire not so much to be conformable ( according to our proportion ) unto christ in his obedience and sufferings , ( not of pure love to him ) as that we might be sharers with him in the meritoriousness thereof ; falsly supposing his obedience , righteousness & sufferings would not be sufficiently satisfactory without our doing and suffering such things in our own persons , to compleat our justification . this , if we be not heedful , will lye hid in our hearts , when we profess the contrary with our mouths ; and i have often observed , as well in my self as in others , that this may puff us up with a spirit of prides , to such a high conceit of our selves , and beget in us such an uncharitable or low esteem of others , that when we seem to be purged from gross carnal sins , we may be polluted with spiritual wickednesses , more mischievous unto our souls ; because , they not appearing to be so sinful as they are , will be the more difficultly repented , and we the more hardly disinsnared from them : for i have heeded that many being intangled by these , having run through the profession and practice of the doctrines and disciplines of most sects , to get the repute of a supereminent sanctity , could never settle any where until they fell back again into the pollutions of the flesh in a more gross manner then at first ; or else stumbled into the church of rome , which admits them gladly ; because , the ambition of her children is the same , and their justification and righteousness depends very much on their own merits . . many such vertigoes and impostures , i have in my time heard of , and seen acted by self-will'd persons pretending to extraordinary revelations , which had no ground , but their own fancies and overweening . one supposing himself called to gather together the dispersed jews , and carry them into palestine their ancient inheritance , hath to that end made ridiculous preparations . another of no mean parts , had fancied a certain day in which christ should be seen coming again in the clouds , & got up into a high place the better to behold his approach ; having forgotten that it was said his second coming should be like the lightning out of the east , shining into the west . a woman , blasphemously termed her self the virgin mary , and found some foolish enough so to repute her . another , would be thought the vvoman in the vvilderness , mentioned in the revelation of st. john , fleeing thither from the dragon ; others , infatuated by the like spirit of delusion , have gone naked through the streets , and into publick assemblies , to be signal to the nation . two , lately assumed the title and office of the two vvitnesses , prophesied of in the apocalypse , and had giddy followers , though they brought no testimonial thereof , but such vanities as deserved contempt . another , was perswaded to be the angel flying through the midst of heaven , to preach the everlasting gospel ; and we had one , who presumed wickedly to personate jesus christ . yea , whilst i was writing these meditations , i was visited by a person ( in other respects , sober and of good understanding ) who professing her self to be guided by no example or rule ( but what was inwardly revealed unto her ) told me she was assured by revelation , that she should be the greatest sufferer that ever was in the world ; and indeed , if all be true which she declared unto me , of her sufferings many years by voluntary watchings , fastings , cold , hunger , nakedness , and pilgrimages into forraign parts , without any provision , for her passage or support , which so multiplied her sufferings , that ( as she said ) the spanish inquisitors , in whose power she then was , told her that she should be reputed one of the most glorious saints in her time , if she would cast her self into the bosome of their church , as they perswaded her to do . and it appeared by her own expressions , that a secret spiritual pride , made her to glory in those voluntary sufferings , as more to be depended on then christs . but , i hope this spirit of delusion will be cast out of her , when she is better informed ; for by trusting to false lights , and by admitting a self-merit , of being divinely illuminated , and called to the highest form of sanctity , not onely produceth a melancholly madness , and many wicked fooleries , to the scandalizing of piety , with the sincere professors thereof ; and , to the advancement of the mystery of iniquity , whose abetters do secretly sowe and cherish the seeds of impostures , every where , to that end . . nevertheless , we must not exclude these out of our charitable hope and care , nor disaffect their persons , though we approve not their follies : for , even the apostles misapprehended the nature of christs kingdom until they were perfectly inlightned , and affected vain superiority , as it seems by the sons of zebedeus , when they got their good old mother to intreat their master , that , one of them might sit at his right hand , and the other at his left ; yea , they were tempted by the spirit of persecution , when they would have had fire called down from heaven ; and god doth now as heretofore permit errors , and vouchsafe signal cautionary dispensations ( as the sins and errors of the times require ) to be sometimes personated , by his servants , in such manner , that , they seem ridiculous and offensive to good men , and are in the kingdom of this world , reputed fools and phanaticks . these things i have so well considered , that i am afraid to indulge my own will , so far forth , as to pray absolutely for those lawful things which are most pleasing to my flesh , and seem very pertinent to my natural well-being , because i finde not my self wise enough to know how much either of sufferings or ease are best for me ; or what i might well use , or abuse , if i should be mine own chuser . therefore , i pray absolutely for nothing , save gods grace , but , bound my petitions with this clause , thy will be done . and this is now made easie , because ( as i have often professed ) i want nothing , with a repining sence of want , so long as god is pleased to with-hold it from me ; in regard , i am sure he knows what is best for me , and hath love enough to vouchsafe it in that measure , and at that time , wherein it shall so be . i naturally feel pains , and desire ease as much as other men ; i perceive as well as they when my field wants rain , or fair weather ; am as desirous of those good gifts , whereby i might benefit my self or others ; and cannot root out of my heart a natural desire of desirable objects ; yet i permit not my desire to be further inclinable thereto , then shall consist with gods will ; and am assured it is then more acceptable , then when we have no temptation or desire to the contrary : for , what obedience is there in him who shuns those forbidden things which he naturally abhors to do ? or in him , who is constantly obedient to those commands onely which he is most inclinable to do ? there is more submission due to gods will then this ; even an absolute submission in that whereto our natural will is most violently prone . and god hath so far forth freed the will of every man born of a woman , ever since it was promised , that the seed of the woman should break the serpents head , that , by his promised assisting grace ( which never shall be wanting to them who ask it in faith ) he may not withstanding any permissive power in the devil , or any irresistible defect in himself , conform to the will of god , when by his vvord and spirit , the choice of good or evil , death , or life is to him offered : for , if it be not so , man can have in him no more sin or righteousness then a stone . this i believe , and all they who believe this , are in a good forwardness ; toward submitting their will to gods. . how gods will may be done by us on earth , as it is in heaven , according to our measure , i wil endeavour to demonstrate as well as i can . we may collect from his holy vvord , being interpreted by his holy spirit ( which makes no part repugnant to the whole and main scope thereof ) that , when the kingdom of christ is come to a perfect manifestation upon earth , the vvill of god will be there as perfectly fulfilled as in heaven ; because all the subjects of that kingdom , being one with the king thereof , and the whole extent of it with all therein ( though infinite ) being seen in him , ( and fully known to all ) the will of every creature shall be swallowed up in his , and , he be all in all . this superintelligible mystery cannot be fully demonstrated to our apprehension , as we now are : so much onely we are capable of , as that we may know the deficiencies of our own will , with the hazzards of adhering thereto , and become thereby inclinable to resigne our selves to god , at first perhaps through fear , and at last for love . but when that manifestation comes , they who are of his houshold and kingdom , will abhor every thing , how pretious soever it hath been , that may divide or take up any part of that love , which is due to their heavenly father ; hate all who love him not , as perfectly as natural men hate their personal enemies ; renounce all things , even themselves , if cause be , for his sake , with whatsoever may not consist with the purity and glory of that kingdom . they being all of one minde , there will be no disputes as now , about doctrines and disciplines , no arrogating an exorbitant judging power over persons and causes , whereof they have neither perfect cognizance , nor lawful jurisdiction ; no such unnecessary arguings as are here concerning faith and works , or whether repentance be before faith , with such like trifling questions , as have not a little disturbed the peace and concord , which ought to be preserved ; for though spiritual graces appear to have precedency in time , one before the other , in regard we cannot take notice of such objects one view , or in what order they are wrought within us ; yet , all that which is by degrees manifested in time , as pertinent to our spiritual well-being , is in one moment conceived in us by the holy ghost , as the soul is together with the body in the womb of a woman . when the kingdom we look for is come upon earth , there will be no such distinct interests as are now here . all things will be common in a more excellent manner , then in the times of the apostles , and no such self-seekings and hypocrisie as was then discovered in ananias and saphira , because , as it is mystically expressed in the revelation of st. john , the very pavement of the city of our king , will be pure and transparent gold ; which presignified ( as i conceive ) that all mens walkings will be then perfectly undefiled , and so visibly made known to be such , that none shall be distrustful of each others integrity ; an universal love shall cement together inseparably , every precious stone of that building ; yea , a love excluding all the fear , jealousie , and envie , which might imbitter their injoyments and affections , into whom that kingdom is come : for , though there will be a differing glory , ( as among the stars which excel one another ) the least shall be as fully and as highly contented with his measure of joy , and his degree of exaltation , as he that is greatest ; and every one take as much pleasure in the glorification of others , as in his own . much more might be said , to this purpose , and to give some hints , whereby it may be known of what nature this kingdom is , and when it is come into us ; but , this and that which the spirit of god will further dictate as need shall require , will be sufficient to raise an apprehension to make us confident , that when his kingdom comes upon earth , his will shall be here done , as it is in heaven . . nevertheless , it seems impossible to some that the will of god should be fulfilled in earth , as it is in heaven ; and so it would be , unless it shall he more gloriously manifested , then either now or heretofore ; and we should not have been taught so to pray , if it were not to be expected in another mode . our father had the same kingdom upon earth , from the first creation thereof ; and the reign of his anoynted son was more visible when he first came in the flesh , then in preceding ages . but it is said to be a kingdom yet to come , in regard of that more evident manifestation which it shall still have from time to time , and especially after the six mystical dayes , of a thousand years a piece are finished . during that space , the devil called the prince of this world ( and his vicegerents ) are to exercise a power by divine permission , that the evil whereof our first parents desired knowledg , might be as far forth made known to their whole posterity , as might be permitted , with preservation of the humane nature from being utterly destroyed ; and , that , when the great sabbath of years came , the beauty and perfection of goodness , might be thereby the more illustrated , as the day is by the darkness of the night ; and as well known to mankind as evil hath been , and shall be experimentally manifested before the mystical week is compleated : for though the devil lied when he tempted the son of god , with an offer of all the kingdoms of the earth , in saying all those were given unto him ; yet , some appearance of truth may seem to have been therein , if we consider what arbitrary power his vicegerents have arrogated and exercised , by their being accomptable to none in this life , for their mis-governments : for many of them , have been the most wicked men in the world ; chief actors in bringing the knowledg of evil to perfection , by making it as well felt , as intelligibly known ; and they and the nations under their governments , have mutually so corrupted each other , that , the greatest benefit we have now hope of by their counsels , reasons of state , and arbitrary actings , is this ; their wickedness ere long will be so fully ripe , that it will bring hither that king and kingdom , whereby we shall perfectly know and enjoy that goodness , which will root all wickedness out of the earth ; and perhaps be an occasion of cutting that time of their tyrannie somewhat shorter then it might else have been , according to that scripture where it is said , that the dayes of antichrists last cruelty , should be shortned for the sake of his elect. . the kingdom we pray for , now is , and hath been in some proportion , both visibly and invisibly upon the earth in all ages , and his will there done according to the similitude expressed in this prayer , and in the children thereof , so far forth as they were and are capable ; and , whereas it is said , when christ cometh , shall he finde faith upon earth ? ( as it may also be questioned , whether when he cometh , he shall find in any man an absolute resignation of his will to gods ) it implies not ( in my understanding ) either an universal nagative or affirmative ; but that he shall then finde both faith and self-denial in some : for as there is an old will , and an old earth , by nature in man , which he had from adam ; so , there is also a new earth , and a new heaven or will in man , partly come ( and more perfectly to come into us , and into the world , by christ ) between whom there is and shall be a continual warfare , until christs personal coming . they in whom the first natural earthlyness and will , are predominant , shall have no such faith or willingness found in them when christ comes ; but , he shall then find both such a faith , and such a will as is expected , in all those into whom that new earth , and that new heaven is come , which is predicted in the revelations to st. john ; for that is a mystical expression of that kingdom , which shall descend both into our microcosme , or little world , and appear gloriously in this great world. into this kingdom there shall enter no imperfect , or unclean thing ; the glory and honour of all nations , shall be brought into it . the fearful , whose cowardise makes them apostatize in persecution , unbelievers , murtherers , whoremongers , sorcerers , idolaters and liers , shall be shut out of it ; for , this kingdom shall not need , as do the kingdoms of this world , to be supported , by publishing lies , by depressing truths , by dissemblings , false accusations , plottings , perjuries , oppressions , and such like . the city and royal palace thereof , shall be more strongly fortified , and more gloriously beautified , then we are able to imagine , or conceive , by all those excellent metaphorical allusions to the most precious earthly things , whereby st. john ( as is before hinted ) hath endeavoured to raise us up to some apprehension by faith , which cannot be made known so excellent as it is , by any vvords , or natural demonstrations . our father , the king of righteousness , even the lord god almighty , is sole king thereof , to whom we may with that perfect joy and love , which casteth out fear , say , thy will be done in earth , as it is in heaven ; which short petition comprehends all that is contained in this brief prayer , relating either to god or our selves , as this prayer contains implicitely , all that is absolutely to be prayed for , by the most exact publike liturgies , and by all the prayers of every congregation , and individual person upon earth . nevertheless , remember this , that though this is so universal a prayer as aforesaid , and though god knows what we want before we ask it ; yet our insisting upon particulars is necessary , to keep us mindful of our duties to god , heedful of those wants which we have in our selves , and diligent upon all occasions , to seek and ask supply from him only , in vvords and musings , regulated by this prayer ; believing that we have attained to the highest perfection attainable in this life , when we can say unfeignedly , thy will be done in earth , as it is in heaven . the fourth petition . give us this day , our daily bread , &c. . now i come to those petitions , that immediately concern our selves ; which we are never so sure to obtain , as when we have first sought the kingdom of heaven ; for , god hath promised it upon that condition , and i have had a personal experience of his faithful performance , though i have been a very negligent seeker . therefore , that , we loose not our labours , when we come to be petitioners for what is deficient as to our solves ; i wish we might all turn true seekers . in the first of these three following petitions , we ask that which is necessary to preserve our subsistence and well-being in soul and body : in the second petition we pray for the pardon of our debts and trespasses : in the third and last , for deliverance from temptations , and from those evils which they may else bring upon us . in the few words , whereof the first of these petitions consists , many things are offered to consideration . first , that god our heavenly father is the general provider and restorer of all good and necessary things ; for , we are not taught to pray unto one who hath not wherewith to supply our wants , the earth is the lords , with all the fulness thereof : he giveth meat unto all creatures in due season , opening his hand , and filling them with that which is good . none of his children needs to despair , or seek unto his enemies for relief ; or , to supply their wants , by evil or unlawful means . for , he feedeth sparrows , which are of little value ; and lyons , and ravens , when they are hungry ; yea , tyrants and oppressors ; how much more then , will he feed his own children , when they ask for bread ? we are not to pray for it as due by merit , but to obtain it in free alms : nor are we to ask it ( as the prodigal son did his ) for a childe's portion : for , that was intrusted with our first-parents , who spent it , and left us more in debt , then we had ever been able co pay , and liable to have been everlasting slaves and prisoners , if our eldest brother had not set us free ; which obligeth us to perpetual thankfulness , and unfeigned love ; for , the prodigals elder brother was not so kinde to him . vve have also obtained ( besides our share in a joynt stock ) personal individual portions , from our heavenly father by his mediation , to supply that which we lost in adam , with an invaluable overplus . this we have so badly husbanded by our own defaults , and live also among so many thieves , and cheaters , that we are every day in danger to be undone , and starved both in body and soul , if we had not so kinde a father , and so loving a brother , perpetually making intercession for us . it behoves us therefore to be very heedful that we wilfully displease not this gratious father , and loving brother , by preferring the meat that perisheth before that super-substantial bread of life which came from heaven , and was broken for our nourishment here upon earth ; and may be obtained for asking . we ought to take heed also , that we dishonour him not as our first-parents did by believing his enemies , or by seeking to them , or to such false gods as men often make unto themselves , or seek unto him by saints or angels ( not by him accepted for mediators ) to obtain our needful requests , to the undervaluing of his sons mediatorship , lest when we stand in greatest need , his , and our father justly turn us away in displeasure , as he did the israelites to those idols : in whom they trusted . . then , whereas it is said , give us this day our daily bread , i take notice from these words this day , that we are every day obliged to make our addresses to god , for such things as are daily needful ▪ which the emphasis of the said words imply ; as also , that according to our saviours counsel , we should not perplex our selves with a vexatious caring for the time to come , in regard every day brings care enough to provide for the necessities thereof . ye the intended not thereby , that we should be negligent , in adding our endeavours to gods providence , he offering opportunities , honestly to inlarge his gifts beyond the present days want ; on in laying up that surplusage to make provision for future necessities and contingencies , or for those of our relations , or others who are unable to provide for themselves , or of getting wherewithall to distribute relief to them , for whose sakes he doth make us his stewards , in that which he giveth over and above our daily bread : for it is the will of god , that we should make use of the present day , without vexations care ; to husband well our talents and callings ; to improve gods daily blessings , not onely to supply our personal necessites ; but that we might have somewhat also of that which god gives us over and above our daily bread , to be dispensed by our hands to those whom he intendeth to relieve by our charity , in imitation of his universal love , who vouchsafeth rain both on the just and unjust , and expects ( though we should be merciful in the first place to them of his houshold ) that in their extream wants , we should extend our charity even to the worst of men : and we finde by experience that benefits and kindnesses to those who knew they had deserved none from us , but the contrary rather , do work sometimes more upon them toward the reformation of their manners , then reproofs or good counsel : for , though we are not to give holy things , or the childrens bread to dogs ; yet they who seem worthy of no more regard then dogs , are not utterly to be neglected , ( because many of them have a precious seed in them hidden from others ) as appears by the canaanitish woman , who besought him for her daughter vexed with a devil , and by his deportment toward her ; for , after his disciples had affronted her with disrespect , and he provoked her by making shew of neglect also ; yet he granted her desire with a singular approbation of her faith , john . . we enough likewise to be heedful , that not so much as the crums or fragments of what god giveth us , may be cast away ; or spoiled by our negligence or improvidence , when we our selves are full ; because ▪ the least of his mercies are pretious ▪ and that which we despise may be both comfortable and acceptable to some ; therefore , our saviour commanded the broken meat remaining of those few loaves and two fishes , where with he had fed so many thousands should be gathered up , that nothing might be lost . . i observe from this word give , that we must not onely expect what we ask for of free gift as aforesaid , and not as merited , but crave it in humility also , as needy beggers ought to do ; for , a proud begger is abominable , and few will given an almes to him , that asks with insolence and pride ; nor will beggers always ask that with much respective meekness , which they know is absolutely due unto them , and unjustly detained . this benediction , blessed are the poor in spirit , implies with what sence of our nakedness , and with what spiritual poverty of minde , we ought to petition our father ; and these words annexed , theirs is the kingdom of heaven , matth. . . demonstrate that there is no humane rhetorick more prevalent with him . they will most humbly pray , most diligently seek , and most earnestly knock ( that is , do all things justly pertinent to an obtaining of what they want ) who know the supplying of their defects , must proceed meerly from the bounty or charity of the giver ; and that he who will not endeavour for his daily bread , so far forth as he is able , when he wants it , is not priviledged to eat by the apostles rule and practice ; and what can we do less toward it , then humbly to ask it ? the same apostle , though he did perform the works of his ministry freely ( for which things necessary were due from them whose benefit was thereby intended ) wrought with his own hands to supply what was wanting , rather then he would be over burthensome ; or take ought from them , who despising his ministry , made themselves unworthy to be numbred among his benefactors . he to whom we are hereby taught to pray , never neglects to give his children what they have need of , unless it be to prevent or cure some other defects , which would have worse consequences , then the lack of some necessaries for a while : and though he then lets us to bite on the bridle , yet when be findes us to be so sensible of our defects , that we reslove to seek unto him , he meets us as did the prodigal sons father , and is ready to give before we ask . i was young , and am now older then david was , yet can say as truely as he , i never saw the righteous forsaken , or their seed begging bread : that is , i never saw them so forsaken , as to be left so comfortless in their greatest wants , to make begging their refuge as common beggers do , resolving to live idlely by begging or healing onely . such , for the most part are extreamly wicked in their lives and conversations ; cursers , swearers , malitious , envious , rayling and snarling at each other , where they attend for alms , like dogs quarrelling for bones , yea , grumbling and returning currish language , even to those who relieve them , if they answer not their unreasonable expectations . yet , these must not be so neglected as they are , but ( as david counselleth ) wisely to be considered , not onely to preserve them from perishing , who are unable to provide for themselves , but to provide means whereby they who are unable to work , may not live in fluttish idleness and carelesness ; for , our heavenly father , denieth nothing to any of his children , but when he knows they ask it , to be continued in idleness , or to satisfie their lusts rather then to imploy it to his honour and the comfort of their brethren , according as they shall be able . he feeds the fowls of the air , though they neither plow nor sow ; but , they seek their meat according to the means which he hath given them so to do ; he likewise clothes the lilies and flowers of the fields with glorious colours ; but they , without resistance of his will , are passive ( though not active ) in permitting providence to act upon them what he pleaseth toward their vegetative being and adorning ; in which respects , they are instanced ( as i conceive ) for a symbolical representation of that absolute obedience , which is in the saints , and in those seeds of grace , which are in them to fructifie for gods glory , and toward their own perfection . . moreover , the emphasis which i apprehend to be in these words , this day , hints unto us , not onely this caution , that we take all lawful opportunities to improve gods daily blessings , and to dispence our charity as occasions are offered ; but also , not to defer it until another day ; because we know not what shall be to morrow ; or whether we have one other day to live . many fair advantages are lost by procrastination , never to be recovered ; and yet through want of consideration , many often defer the doing of their duties , when they have neither less nor more benefit thereby ; which demonstrates their sottishness , who are thereto inclinable . by those words in the original , which are interpreted daily bread , i understand all things whatsoever to be thereby intended , and included , which are pertinent to the preservation of our souls and bodies ; for bread is called the staff of life ; and if i thought it needful to be evidenced by particular texts , i could make it appear that not onely all external necessaries are by holy scripture intended by bread , but that the spiritual nourishments of our souls are called the bread of life . yea , christ jesus , said of himself , i am the bread of life , which came down from heaven ; whereof if any man eateth , he shall live for ever ; and , the bread which i will give it my flesh , which i will give for the life of the world , &c. i cannot therefore think , when he prescribed this from of prayer , but that he intended we should ask this bread , rather then the common-bread , or such outward things as are thereby signified ; for doubtless , he who knew what most concerned us , did principally intend this bread should be prayed for , as that , which will bring with it all other things necessary , both for our temporary and everlasting well-being . but o god! how many of us do minde so much eartbly material bread , and those other things which flesh and blood are most affected withall , ( when we offer up this petition ) that we have no thought of that bread , which must preserve our souls and bodies to eternal life ! how few care to know or heed what is contained in this pretious catholicon ! and how is it neglected and underprized , as a form of prayer fitting none but ideots and children , even by some pretending to piety ! i take in , and put forth , that which is offered by meditation upon this prayer , as it comes into my heart , and not remembring all that i have written , may perhaps insist other while more then once upon the same notions and cautions ; but , that i hope shall not be excepted against , for such iterations are very frequent in the writings of the prophets , yet not impertinent , in regard as well our heedlesness of what is spoken , as the various occasions thereof makes them useful . the fifth petition . and , forgive us our trespasses , as we forgive them that trespass against us . . this petition is joyned to the next before it , by the conjunction copulative and , as this is also , to the last petition by the same copulative ; from whence i collect , that it would be he little to our long-lasting comfort , to ask and obtain our daily bread , unlels our sins are also forgiven ; and that we should quickly forfeit again our pardons , and be in a worse condition then before ; though we had plenty of all temporal and spiritual provisions prepared and set before us , unless we shall be likewise preserved in all temptations from those evils which may else ensue , when we abuse external benefits , and saving means , to the dishonor of the giver , either by neglect , or employing them to fulfill our wicked lusts ; or by turning his spiritual graces into wantonness . giving and forgiving , pardons and protections must go together in compleating our happiness ; for , flesh and blood is so frail , that , without gods preventing grace , and perpetual co-assistance , we are sometimes prone to make even the forgiveness of our sins , an introduction to a returning with the dog to his vomit , and with the swine to wallowing in the mire ; as appears by the impudence of that harlot mentioned by solomon , who made the payment of her vowes , a motive to allure her lascivious companions to be partners in her uncleanness : and it hath been too often seen , that many ( young persons especially ) who are perswaded , they are sanctified by a formal communicating at the lords table about the time of easter , do take more liberty that day to fulfill their vain lusts , then on any one day in the year ▪ and yet some of these are none of those who make least conscience of moral or divine duties . . that word in the original , which is translated debts , signifies trespasses or sins also ; omissions and commissions , leaving that undone , which we ought to do ; and doing that which we ought not to do . there is also in this petition a condition implyed , beside that which is expressed touching our forgiving them , who are indebted or offensive to us ; which condition includeth contrition , confession , repentance , and amendment , making up one fourfold duty , without performance whereof ( in will at least ) we cannot justly ask that pardon here prayed for . forgiveness of our debts and trespasses is not precarious , but on condition we forgive them , who trespass against us ; and if it be so , they ought seriously to consider how far they are from performing it as they ought to do , who persecute their brethren or others to the ruining of their estates , and the destruction of their lives ; who seek their weal , and never did or intended them evil ; especially they who persecute others for differing from them in judgement and practice onely , in things relating to their consciencious serving of god , whereof none but he himself is a competent judge . these are far from imitating god in his free acts of grace , as are they also who make shewes of reconciliation and forgiveness , to get the more power and opportunity , to execute their vengeance upon those whom they hate without just cause . but , i return to the forementioned conditional duty . he that says he hath no sin , is a lyar , and hath no truth in him . he that hides his sin shall not prosper ; he that is not sorry for it , cannot truly repent ; he that repents not , is uncapable of remission ; and if he might obtain it without repentance ; no amendment would follow ; but , he would every day wax so much worse rather then better , that at last he would fall into a final obduracy , rendring him impenitent for ever . this fourfold duty i make to be but one , because if one be sincere , all the rest are so truly performed together in one moment effectually ( though it be in the last hour of life ) that they will be accepted of , as if actually done from the vvomb to the grave ; as appears by our saviours gracious words to the thief upon the cross ; and by him who received the whole dayes wages for one hours work : for , though our sins are so many and unknown , that , we cannot confess , be sorry for them , or repent them all in particular , yet their being so many , may and ought to make us to repent them in general , with the more hearty sorrow and confession , and then our willingness to amend shall be accepted for the deed ; through that satisfaction which was made for all our transgressions , by him who hath satisfied to the plenary remission of all our debts and trespasses , who shall ask it in his name with faith and love. . that , this faith and love may be attained unto , we must with david earnestly desire and endeavour to have our hearts and reins searched , that out secret sins may be discovered unto us , as much is as possible , and consider from what ●osome serpents we are delivered by the sacrificing of that lamb , which taketh away the sins of the world ; for , in the heart lies the root of all transgressions ; which ( though mortified by christs taking upon him our nature ) is in every unregenerate man , soon quickned again , by the spirit of the devil ; and the evil seed by him injected is conceived , nourished , and delighted in , by filthy contemplations , until it comes forth into deeds : and , though never perhaps , brought forth into act , defiles as much ( if not more ) then actual adulteries and murthers ; because spiritual wickednesses , occasioning no outward shame or punishment , bringing us to heed and repent them ( as open gross sins do ) are by so much the more dangerous and mortal to kindle and inflame our love to christ , and that our faith may take the faster hold on him ; we might to take notice that he hath redeemed us , and all mankinde from every sin whatsoever ; lest by denying him the honour of that mercy , ( which is the greatest illustration of his love ) we commit a greater sin then all those that we desire should be forgiven : and let us be wary that we charge not the humane nature with a sin wherewith god charges it not , in such a manner as some do , under a pretence of doing him honour thereby . thus , ignorantly , they do at least , if not hypocritically , who impute the guilt of original sin , to all mankind ; for , i cannot understand to what end they should impute the guilt of our first parents transgression to all , except it be to lay un to gods charge the chief cause and greatest blame of all our prevarications , according to their c●vil , who said , the childrens teeth were set on edge by their fathers eating of sowre grapes , whereof they tasted not ; and were made liable to everlasting death , by their transgressions , before they had any sin of their own . this is the effect of those words , and this misimputation to god , is continued , though he hath said , ( yea sworn ) the contrary , and reproved the jews ( whose imitators and parallels we have been in all their sins ) : for many have the very same evil opinion of gods justice and mercy . this makes me think , when i hear what some say to this purpose , in their confessions , that , they do but complement with god in their prayers , as they do , who being suiters to a great person , say to this effect : sir , we are your poor humble servants , who have often offended your honour ; and are so unworthy that we can justly expect nothing , but of your meer favour , &c. yet when they come to speak of this person to others ; say , he is a hard man , reaping where he sowed not ; gathering where he strowed not ; making him pay for that which others bad eaten ; promising that for believing , which he had disabled them to believe , and punishing them for that fault , which he knew others had committed ; with such like scandalous and injurious imputations . this , god knows , some say of him ; and who that considers it , can hope without repentance of this blasphemy , to offer any petition to him for himself or others , that shall not be rejected with a malediction ? or , who can expect , that pestilences , wars , famines , persecutions , seditions , rebellions and uncharitable censures of each other can be prevented , or abated , where many men have such an opinion of god ? and are so wicked as to require his upspeakable love and long-sufferings , with such indignities , to whom , he vouchsafed more mercy , then to the elapsed angels , though his justice was extended in perfection , even to them also . . they were not created of any mutable matter ; and having no tempter without themselves as adam had , they might all as well as part of them did , have continued in uprightness , had not self-love declined them from their maker , which it may be was the cause , they had no redeemer decreed or promised . but adams body being formed of changeable elements , ( having also a subtle malitious tempter to corrupt his innocencie ) god in mercy provided him a saviour ; who took away the guilt of that transgression , both from him , and from all his posterity ; making a gratious covenant whereby all might possibly have been preserved to eternal life . for , though the first sin , had so tainted those vessels , through which all mankinde was to descend , that it was thereby subject to many infirmities , and inclinable to all manner of prevarications , those disadvantages were fully recompenced with a grant of more by the mediatorship of christ jesus , then was lost by adams ; if the grace vouchsafed be improved as it may be , and not wilfully neglected by degrees , till increased to a malicious contempt thereof , so hardning the heart , that neither judgements or mercies can soften it . according to davids confession in the . psalm , we were by our first-parents begotten and conceived in sin , and thereby contracted a natural disableness to do any good of our selves , through that proneness to evil , which is inherent nevertheless , we have no such cause to complain as is pretended : for there , is in the moment of our natural conception a spiritual seed , conceived in our hidden parts ( as to me seems expressed in that psalm ) by the spirit of god ; applying the virtue of christs incarnation to our nature , and to the sanctifying of it at the reception of our humane essence , that the seed then cast into us might fructifie , and that such a clean heart and right spirit might be formed in us , as david prayed for : which , else he could not have prayed for in faith , or sincerely acknowledged gods having wrought in him such a spiritual work , that he might have had hope of a regeneration thereby , notwithstanding his personal infirmities ; but would rather have extenuated his transgressions , by charging god with leaving him in an incapacity to avoid that disablement which he had from our first parents , rather then have justified ( as in that psalm he doth ) the truth of god in all things by him spoken , by whomsoever he should be censured with a righteous judgement : for , it is no derogating from god ( as some think ) and an ascribing to our selves more then belongs unto us , but an honour to him rather ( by saying the fault of all our misdoing upon our selves ) to acknowledge his free gift , and to say we have our natural will , by him so renewed and freed , that we have a will by him free to chuse good or evil , when he sets them before us : in regard , it is but a mocking of men , when we offer them a mercy , or any other benefit upon such a condition , as we know they cannot perform ; and a palpable injustice to condemn men for that offence , which they never did in their own persons , ( especially when satisfied for by their surety ) so far forth , as it related to them ; and i know none , who in heaven or earth will justifie such an action when it comes to be judged . or , if we may not acknowledge , that god hath given us some faculties , which are properly called our own when freely given , whereby we may do what he requireth ; or if we shall be condemned for what we never had a possibility personally to perform ; i cannot understand how we can so justifie god to our humane capacity , that he will not be rather feared as a tyrant , then honoured as so gratious a king ought to be : for this is not an adhering to reason in ought repugnant to true faith , as hath been ridiculously objected ; but agreeable to that which is warranted both by nature and grace : and whilst a contrary belief is cherished by professors of piety , as pertinent to the honour of god , and to the abasement of our selves , i shall not wonder if the words and promises of earthly kings , be reputed sacred , though they perform nothing accordingly ; for it is just that they should suffer by such retaliations , who have so ill an opinion of god , as is afore expressed ; seeing he hath not onely made us many gratious promises , and faithfully performed them from generation to generation ; but made way also to reconcile us unto himself , when we were his enemies , by satisfying that which justice required , by the pretious blood of bis beloved son , in whom he is best pleased . . but , are none guilty now , of original sin ? yes many ; yea all men who continue in their sins without repentance , and fight not against their natural corruptions , which ( as it is said of hydras heads ) spring again as fast as cut off ; and they especially are guilty thereof , who sin wilfully and malitiously , as appeareth by what is imprecated against such offences in the psalm , which is a prophecy against judas , and such-like transgressors : for , it is usual with the prophets to express in the imperative mood , and by way of prayer , those benedictions which god hath decreed and promised to the righteous , arid to predict by way of imprecation those maledictions which are to be the portion of reprobates ; as in the forementioned psalm , where it is said in relation to such an offender , and to the children , of that wicked seed , whereby he and they are propagated , let the iniquity of his father , be remembred with the lord , and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out . let his children be continual vagabonds , &c. that is , let such as are sprung from that seed of malignity and infidelity , which was in that malitious one , be so , or so accursed . if it shall be asked , how any man may justly be charged with original sin , if all men were acquitted form it , as i have affirmed by christ ; an unquestionable answer thereto , i collect from the parable in the th . chapter of st. matthew , where the kingdom of heaven is likened to a king , who calling his servants to accompt , one was brought , that owed him a thousand talents , w●…●…ot having where with to make payment , was adjudged to be sold with all that he had for payment of the debt . the servant thereupon fell down at his feet , beseeching his patience and forbearance ; which so moved the king to compassion , that he forgave the whole debt . the same servant going out of the kings presence , finding one of his fellows , who owed him but a hundred pence , took him by the throat , saying , pay me that thou owest me ; and though his fellow-servant fell at his feet , promising payment , if he would with patience forbear him ; he nevertheless cast him into prison , which so offended the king his master , being informed thereof , that he delivered him to the tormenters , to be by them detained until he had pay'd all the debt , which was formerly forgiven ; it being a fundamental maxime in the law of that kingdom resembled by this parable , that such measure as men mete , shall be measured unto them ; and that , they shall not be forgiven , who will not forgive their brethren & fellow servants who trespass against them . in this case , that original debt , which is remitted to every man by christs incarnation and passion , is charged again upon every man who comes into this world , if he shall be then unmerciful to his fellow-servants , and sin wilfully and malitiously against the grace of god without repentance . . this i believe , as in relation to original sin , and that afore expressed to be an implicite condition in all gods acts of grace intended , though not exprest , and more unalterable then the laws of the medes and persians heretofore . but in the close of this petition , it is explicitely mentioned , and therefore 〈…〉 be doubted of any , the words being plainly these , as we forgive them , that trespass against us ; and in the two verses next following this prayer , it is declared both affirmitively and negatively by christ himself , to make us the more heedful thereof . if ( saith he ) you forgive men their trespasses , then will your heavenly father also ford give you : but if you forgive not men their trespasses , neither will your heavenly father forgive you your trespasses . it is said also , that we should be merciful as our heavenly father is merciful , and perfect as he is perfect ; which are such hard lessons to flesh and blood , that few love to hear of them , and perhaps that conditional asking forgiveness aforementioned , had made so many neglect the lords prayer , because they cannot so perfectly forgive , as they would be forgiven . but , they mistake the meaning of the holy ghost . god requireth no impossible things at our hands . he expecteth not such perfection in us as in him our pattern , but such a perfection of imitation onely , as we are capable of ; and i hope those christians who ( i know not to what good purpose ) profess themselves to be perfect , do not mean it in any other sence , then as to their being in the way to perfection , and imitation of their pattern . no man who desire the picture or image of his friend , is so absurd as to look to have it more perfect then a representation can be . some true resemblances may be exprest of the body , the visage , looks , postures , of a frown , a smile , with such-like , but little or nothing of that wherein the perfection of the whole man consisteth . therefore the scrupling at this conditional petition is causless . and i think it not so difficult as some conceive it , for a man whose heart is regenerated to forgive either his brethren or enemies , as he would be forgiven , or as christ our pa●●orn did , according to our proportion of charity ; for , stephen prayed for his persecutors who stoned him to death ; and perhaps , many supposed to be our persecutors in meer malice , are either ignorant of what they do , as our saviour said his crucifiers were , or as paul ( who consented unto stephens death ) said that he did all things with a good conscience toward gods , even when he was a persecutor , because , he thought those whom he persecuted to be blasphemers of god. yea , it seems so easie to forgive , as we desire god should forgive us , that i , ( who am one of the least in the kingdom of heaven ) do believe ( praised be god for it , who knows i truely express my heart ) can forgive my most malitious enemies , when i consider that the worst of them , for ought i know to the contrary , may persecute me , either because he is an ignorant fool , or , believes me to be an enemy to the truth of god , or to the publick peace : yea , though i knew their persecutions proceeded from meer malitiousness , if i perceived them affected with sorrow for it , and penitent for their trespasses against other men ; i could forgive them perfectly , though they had pursued me to an inavoidable ignominious death ; and weep for joy of it , though since i was of understanding , i could never weep for losses , reproaches , pains or punishments occasioned by any open enemy , but have often shed tears when thereto moved , by compassion , kindnesses or unkindnesses of friends and brethren . . indeed , if all things were well considered , ( and we had but so much prudence or patience as we should have ) it would not be difficult for any rational man to forgive both brethren and strangers , friends and foes ; for , in whatsoever they trespass against us , they are seldome more mischievous unto us then to themselves , when they intend best unto themselves , and worst to us . their injuries , reproaches , and despights to us , for the most part in some respects or other , do us as much good as harm ; and the benefits of the one , as much disadvantages other while , as the mischiefs and scandals of the other ; for , they proceed but from fit , of complacency or anger , as occasions happen : sometime by levity , sometimes by mistakes , ignorance or heedlessness , as well as from malice ; and sometimes an accidental toy , makes those who for many years together lived in such hatred , that they watched all opportunities to destroy each other , to become very kinde neighbours ; and they who seemed as long a time so mutually endeared , that they could not be absent a whole day , have out-lived all that friendship , and for a trifle been the greatest enemies in the world to each other till their lives ended , the friendship or enmity of most , men in these times , is neither worth our esteem or anger ; for they who profess most kindness when they are together , jeer each other assoon as departed , and tattle as contumeliously to their mutual disparagement in secret , as enemies do openly ; and no wise man will much more be troubled at what these either say or do , then at the bawlings and snarlings of dogs , if he can keep them from his shins ; for within a short time , they with all their evil words and actions will be buried in the earth , and quite forgotten , as we shall all be ere long also ; therefore , let us all forgive one another . . i have yet more to say touching forgiveness . it appears not to me , that any man can rationally expect forgiveness , either from god or men without repentance ; or , that we are by precept obliged to forgive those , who continue in a malitious impenitency , or that god hath manifested any ground of hope , for such as wilfully persevcre in trespassing : or who are inexorable to others offending against them . by our saviours answer to peter ( when he asked him , how often he should forgive his brother ? ) repentance appears to be a conditional motive to forgiveness , for , said he , matth. . . i say not until seven times , but until seventy times seven times , a certain number for an uncertain . and lake . . he ssid , if thy bother trespass against thee rebuke him , and if he repent forgive him ; and if he trespass against thee seven times in a day , and seven times in a day turn again , saying , i repent , thou shalt forgive him ; from whence collect ( besides this , that we must both forgive others , and repent our own sins , if we expect forgiveness ) that , repentance is always premised before forgiveness , both in relation to god and men . now , it is to be considered , that if as is aforsaid , god requires us to forgive our brethren upon repentance , though he offends us times , numerus certus pro incerto , that is , how often soever , we may undoubtingly believe , that god whose mercy is infinitely extended over all his works ( and is not so severe as to mark all that is amiss ) will not heed humane failings with less compassion , then he expects in men ; or , that he looks for a more absolute repentance then frail men are able to perform ; or , that he hath not provided an extraordinary means by grace to supply all the defects in nature , where the ordinary means is not vouchsafed . were it not so , we who have enjoyed the largest means in ordinary ( knowing what we are privy to in our selves ) could not so absolutely depend upon that imputative righteousness which we have by christ , as we do , or may do ; nor sincerely believe what we profess . verily , god is so merciful , that he acceppts of very imperfect repentances and humiliations , as appears by what he vouchsafed to ahab for a little outside-repentance ; and how gratious he hath been from time to time , to those nations who formally professed his name , though they have turned his grace into wantonness , and more provoked him , by their hypocrisies and impudent abhominations every day increasing , then all those heathenish nations which are by most of them reputed reprobates , and without hope or sence of their miserable condition . but , i believe many millions who are thought totally excluded , shall , according to our saviours saying , matth. . . come from the east , and west and sit down with abraham , isaac and jacob , in the kingdom of heaven , when the children of the kingdom , shall be shut out , who think themselves to be the sole inheritors thereof . . this hath started those considerations which incline me at present , to express what i further apprehend and believe concerning gods eternal love to mankinde , to vindicate his justice and mercy from the dishonour done thereunto by those who think he decreed-the greatest number to condemnation before the creation of the world ; and i will not omit what i have to say in opposition thereto , though probably i shall be judged an heretick for my reward ; and perhaps be forsaken of many seeming friends , as christ was by some of his disciples , when he spake that , which they were notable to bear . the utterance of such mysteries he forbore until the time came wherein to be silent , would have occasioned greater inconveniences and mischiefs then to speak them ; and then he declared what was seasonable . this is also a time for me to express what i have hitherto concealed more with respect to others then to my self ; and i will now declare it , lest if i let slip this opportunity , now gods correcting angel , is under my roof , i may not perhaps live to express it , if now neglected . . there are many places in holy scripture so generally observed , that i need not particularize them , from whence it is inferred , and vulgarly believed , that a very small number shall be saved ; which i conceive to be a false inference insinuated by the devil to the dishonour of gods justice , mercy , wisdom and power : for , what can more blemish gods justice and mercy , or magnifie the wisdom and power of the devil more , then to have it believed , that he shall carry away with him at the last judgement , a greater number with him into hell , then christ shall with him into heaven ? for , who is reputed a conquerour , but he that leads most out of the field ( of those who fought under his banner ) when the battle is ended ? i need alledge no more to reasonable men , if this be well considered ; but reason is cryed down as an impostress , and therefore i must proceed further to convince an error so generally received . it is true , that during this great week of the world , consisting of six mystical days ) now having almost compleated a thousand years apiece , according to the vulgar computation ) the devil hath so prevailed by gods permission , that the extent of evil may be thereby fully known during the time aforesaid : god was likewise pleased during the same time , to leave his elect subjects ( except in extream streights and hazzards ) furnished with no more power and ammunition then might sufficiently maintain such a defensive and offensive war , as they were to be employed in , to make proof how much , or how little advantage , could be gotten by their righteousness and power , to bring them to the knowledge of that good , which hath no evil mixed therewith ; and wherein , the perfection of their happiness consisteth ; as also , to give them an experimental knowledge of that evil , which our first parents desired to know . but , when the sabbath of a thousand years is come , wherein the spiritual city of god shall descend from heaven , to restore mankinde to that paradisical life , from which they have been hitherto kept by an angel brandishing a sword every way ; sathan , shall be so bound , and his policy and power so restrained , that he shall add fewer to his kingdom then now , or heretofore , when his tyranny was permitted to be prevalent ; yea , perhaps he shall then get none to adhere finally unto him , though his power not being totally restrained , he shall have liberty to deceive the nations for a while to evidence his own weakness , and the power of christ when he personally assumes his throne . during the six thousand years aforegoing , wherein sathan had liberty permitted to exercise his tyranny , so far forth as might sufficiently demonstrate the effects of evil as aforesaid , god was not onely able to raise up stones to be spiritual children to abraham , as christ said ; but also did so , and doth still raise up many , ( that is , men who are as unactive toward their own salvation , as creatures without life ) being insensible in our mode , of his operations upon them ( and passive onely as stones under the work-mans tools , without resisting the spirits working upon ; and these are in the capacity of those little innocent children , to whom christ said the kingdom of heaven appertains . . and , whereas we hear many such sayings as these , or to the like effect : the way is broad that leadeth to destruction ; and the gate so streight which gives admittance to salvation , that few enter in thereat : that , many are called , but few chosen : that , though the people were as the sands , of the sea , a small number should be saved : that , the righteous in respect of the wicked , were but as here and there an olive-berry upon the boughs after gathering-time ; or as a few grapes after the vintage , with such-like asseverations ; these , i acknowledge to be true ; yet my belief is , notwithstanding all this , that , a far greater number shall be saved then condemned at the last judgement . for , i cannot ; believe these expressions have respect to all mankinde dispersed throughout the world , from the beginning to the end thereof , but as relating comparatively to those onely , who are and were members of those visible churches and provinces of christs visible kingdom upon earth , to whom the ordinary means of salvation were and are dispensed , whether jews or christians ; the greatest number of whom ( for their wilful neglect of that means , for their turning the grace of god into wantonness , for their seeking gain by pretended godliness , and for their meer formality and hypocrisie ) shall be shut out of that kingdom , whereof they judged themselves to be sole inheritors , and all the rest of the world to be cast-aways . so did many jews believe of themselves heretofore ; and so do many christians now , who will at last finde it to be a spirit of self-love , which possessed them , producing no better fruit then the apples of sodom are said to be . these , as i conceive , are those of whom the sayings in holy scripture aforementioned shall be verified , and of whom onely they were intended . these reputing themselves the onely children of the kingdom , boast of their priviledges ; such , as the having abraham to their father : the temple of the lord ; or the word and sacraments of the gospel among them , how much soever abused or neglected ; and these alone are concerned , in those places of holy scripture which declare the paucity of that number who shall be chosen in comparison of them who are called ; and the paucity of those among them who shall be saved , in respect of their numerousness , who shall perish by their neglecting or abusing those advantages which were put into their hands , i conceive to be thereby meant : for , i cannot think that such sayings had a purposed relation to them unto whose knowledge that means neither came , nor was likely to come whilst they lived after they were born into the world : such in particular , as are many millions of heathens in the remotest parts of the world : as also , little children dying before they are capable of understanding what they hear ; and who must inavoydably , and everlastingly perish , if god hath provided no other means of their salvation by christ then such a way of preaching it as is vouchsafed to us . . therefore , in my judgement , they should have little hope of pardon for their many actual transgressions , who knowing god hath provided means of life and nourishment for children in the mothers womb , when they can neither breath nor eat , as when they are born ; if they shall not believe that god who is infinite in mercy , hath not provided as sufficient a means to nourish their souls and bodies to eternal life , who by death in their infancy or otherways , are ( without their personal default ) incapable of the ordinary means . it is in my understanding , so great an injury to the goodness and mercy of god , to affirm he hath exposed to everlasting destruction all those innocents by leaving them totally without remedy , that they seem to me incapable of forgiveness , through gods mercy to them , until they repent of their blasphemous mis-belief of his fatherly compassion , who hath given them no just cause to imagine he neglects to make provision for the wellfare of all his impotent children . therefore , that we may not obstruct the forgiveness of our debts and trespasses , which we pray for , or charge god with so much cruelty , as to expose his own children , by creation at least , to be a prey to the devil ; and which is more abominable , to teach other men to believe be hath eternally decreed the reprobation of all mankinde , except a very few in comparison of the rest : i will endeavour to make it more evident , though i have alledged much to this purpose already , that a very few shall be everlastingly damned , in respect of them who shall be saved by the mercy of god in jesus christ ; and that this is sufficiently provided for , by gods eternal decree of election and reprobation , which hath by many been misunderstood to the dishonour of his divine justice : contrary to the light of reason renewed and santified by grace , and to that illumination , which is added thereunto , by gods word and spirit . and , though to make odious that doctrine which i assert , it is called heresie , arminianism , popery , and what else they please who oppose it ; i hope it shall be so generally received , that all good christians will ere long , be ashamed of it , and make it appear so wicked , that it will hardly be believed by many in future times , if there were not so many great volumes written to uphold their error . for , who in reason can believe , that he who created all things in love , by love , and to be beloved of his creatures , for whose good he created them , did fore-intend to make the greatest number of them everlastingly miserable ; and design them to that unhappiness , before they had being , or possibility to do good or evil ; yea , that he necessitated them to do that evil for which they should be condemned ? what love was there in this ? or what love could be expect from those who should be taught thus to believe ? or , what truth is in such teachers who incourage their disciples , to think so of him who hath said and sworn , he desired not the death of sinners , but that they should repent and live ? verily , if there be any madness in bedlam , more extravagant then this , i am greatly deceived . . it is true , that god hath absolutely predestinated some to salvation , and ordained some to condemnation of old , with respect to their qualifications in time , and to a covenant between him and them ; but none absolutely to condemnation , nor either with respect or disrespect to their persons before time , or before they had a temporary being ; though he fore-knew what the one and the other would be . david tell us in his fourth psalm who they are whom god elected ; even the godly ; that is , such as he fore-saw would hear , heed and be conformable to the dictates of his word and spirit ; and who when he had inlightned their understanding , and renewed their wills , would endeavour perseverance to the end according to the power he gave them , not trusting to that obedience , or to any righteousness of their own thereby acquired ; or seeming to be formerly inherent , but to gods free-grace onely ; who , when men have once given him their hearts , thereto allured by loving compellations , never afterward fails to keep them to himself , maugre all the frailties of the flesh , or the temptations of the world and the devil , because , whoomsoever he once loveth , he loveth to the end ; these are they who were from eternity elected and given out of the world to christ by his father , and for whom he prayed that none of them might be lost : when these have chosen god for their onely refuge ; taken up his secret place for their habitation , and can say unto him in their hearts with david , psal . . thou art my shield , my fortress , and him in whom i trust , &c. he will give his angels charge to keep them in all their wayes , that neither open or secret fears or perils shall affright or indanger them , though thousands and ten thousands fall round about them : though these may be exposed to temptations by prosperity or adversity , they shall be carried through them with safety and honour ; though they walk among adders and lyons ( that is , live among subtle seducers and tyrannous oppressors ) neither of them shall have power to hurt them ; but , they shall tread upon them with contempt , and proceed on through all difficulties to the fruition of eternal glory . these god hath elected from before all worlds , without any meer personal respect , until their faith hath qualified them for a personal respect in christ jesus ; and he hath neither eternally reprobated , nor of old , ordained any man to condemnation , but those onely , who after they came into the world , should incline wholly to the suggestions of the devil , the inticements of the world , and the lusts of the flesh , wilfully and finally neglecting and despising that means of their salvation which god should offer unto them in the ordinary way of preaching it by his word , by his judgements and mercies ; or by the extraordinary operations of his spirit , in them who have not the ordinary means to help them improve their single talent of reason , and the light set up in their own consciences . by these cords of love , the father seeketh to draw all men to christ ; and though many of his elected ones , are at first moved to come unto him through self-love or fear , for their own sakes , they are so strong , that , at last they draw all men unto him for his love-sake , who loved them first ; except such onely , as frowardly , and wilfully stop their ears , shut their eyes , and harden their hearts , till he justly deprives them of their hearing , sight and understanding , and gives them up to a reprobate-sence , because , they would not hear , see and understand when they might . these are they , and they alone whom god may be said to reprobate eternally or of old ; and if he recals any who are thus far elapsed , it is more then he hath promised to do , for ought i know ; and if he doth so , his mercy is his own , to confer when and where he pleaseth , without wrong to any in so doing . and it is a mercy that he hath not revealed ought whereupon to ground an absolute confidence of being often called : for , it would be abused by most men , to the rendring them the more presumptious and the more careless . . there are many false inferences and absurd supposals drawn from gods fore-knowledge & pre-election , whereby learned men have deceived themselves and others ; because , they misconceive gods prescience and election , as if he as we do , consider'd things as being precedent , and subsequent to each other in time , whereas , he being eternal , all things past , present and to come , are present with him as existing in one and the same moment : the ignorance or heedlesness whereof ; as also , of other such-like verities , are the occasions of other errors . alas ! what remedy , when foundations are overthrown ? a great number of those who seem to be true preachers of the gospel of christ , by a conscientious undertaking of that duty , being such as have brid'd themselves into that sacred calling , for preferment to those dignities , wherewithal the world hath corrupted and prophaned it ; or else , to make a trade of it whereby to get a livelyhood ; have taken up truth or heresies , as they accidentally stumbled upon them where they had their education , endeavouring , to supply their want of spiritual gifts , by such helps as meer humane industry could afford ; adding thereto formal austerity , gravity , and shews of piety , which draw ignorant well-meaning heaters , to be zealous in what they teach them , be it right or wrong : and as their disciples follow them , so they followed their chosen ring-leaders in those opinions which they happened upon , as wilde-geese follow their leaders , whithersoever they fly . if the goose that heads them is wary , and having been acquainted with the profits and dangers of the country , carries them thither where they may feed and rest in safety , it is well ; bur , if he be such a goose as mindes only the filling of his belly , neither heeding the nets , nor the stalking-horse of the fowler ; both he , and the goslings that follow him , are in a net , or the shot in their bowels before they are aware . thus it fares with many poor souls led by blind guides and false teachers , of whose encrease there is more likelyhood , then of reducing christian doctrines and disciplines to their pristine purity , till the kingdom of christ shall come into the earth : yet every conscientious man ought to contribute what he is able thereunto in the mean time , and so will i. . gods frescience that such or such a thing will he done , doth not therefore necessitate , or cause the doing it , more then my knowledge that mortal men shall dye , is the cause of their death ; neither is it rightly inferred , or justly to be concluded from gods predestinating some absolutely to eternal life , that therefore all the rest were decreed absolutely to condemnation more then it may be truely said , that when a king without any considerable condition premised , pardoneth some of those who were guilty of the same offence with others , that , he thereby implyed all the rest should be executed without mercy , when he , offers them pardon once , ( and perhaps oftner ) upon such conditions as they were then able to perform ; and still might have done , until they had wilfully disabled themselves by long neglect or contempt of his grace offered . god , may do with his own what he pleaseth ; and if he will give to one gratis , for doing nothing , as much as he will to me for working according to my covenant ; what wrong bath he done to me whereof i may justly complain ? or , if he punished me , who both left that work undone , which i could and ought to have done , and slandered also his mercy and justice , yet pardons another who is no less culpable , why should i repine that he obtains mercy , because i am justly punished ? in this , and such-like cases , it is that the scripture saith , god hath mercy on whom he will have mercy , and hardneth whom he pleaseth ; and , god is no such accepter of persons as they misconceive him to be , who misapply that text wherein it is said , that god hated esau and loved jacob , before either of them had done good or evil , and think it implies esua's reprobation ; for though jacob being the third patriark who was separated , or sanctified , to be the fore-father of christ according to the flesh ; and esau in that respect , but a common or prophane person ( and worthily lost his birth-right for selling it at so base a price ) yet that rejection as to the election of being the person from whom the messiah should descend , warrants not me to aver that he was reprobated in respect to the salvation of his soul ; for those words 〈◊〉 mentioned were spoken perhaps , with regard to gods fore-knowledge of what he would do ; or rather ( as i believe ) with respect to the works of the flesh and of the spirit onely ; esau being a type of the one , and jacob of the other , ( as sarah is said to be of the gospel , and hagar of the law ) they being progenitors of differing nations : for , the works of the spirit are pleasing to god , and always loved of him ; and the works of , the flesh abominable , and by him hated both before , and after they are done . . that text is misunderstood also , to the dishonour of god , which mentioneth a potters power over his clay , to make thereof a vessel of honour or dishonour as he pleaseth ; for , though god hath more power over his work then a potter over his clay ; yet , to infer positively from thence , that god had purposely made some to be vessels of wrath is an unjustifiable inference from that allusion . and that obscure place of st. pauls epistle to the romans where the potters freedome to make what vessels he pleaseth out of one and the same lump is misunderstood to imply what is aforesaid ; for , if it be so expounded by the context , and other places of holy scripture , that the whole and every part of gods word may agree in one truth , we shall never understand pauls meaning as some do , the holy ghost alludes not our most wise creator to a foolish potter , who , because he might make what he would of his clay , did therefore make the greatest number of his pots to be broken again , to shew he had as well a power to break them as to make them ; or , that onely to evidence his displeasure , without cause , he made them ugly and unserviceable . doubtless , god so made all things , that not one of his creatures hath so much cause of dislike as to say , why hast thou made me thus ? he is resembled to a wise potter , who makes both vessels of honour and dishonour , out of the same lump of clay : no vessels of wrath came so made out of his hand ; but every one a vessel useful for his service , without , injury or grievance done thereunto . a chamber-pot made for that use , or a pipkin to serve always in the fire , are as well pleased to be serviceable in their kinds , as drinking-cups and other vessels employed at the table , though reputed more honourable then the former . the literal words of scripture , may be ( and in some places are ) vitiated by the heedlesness of transcribers , as we perceive by differing copies ; yet the true genuine sence will be always found intire , and every part consonant to each other in the truth , if read with submission to the dictates of that spirit , which always accompanies the same ; and so are the texts aforementioned . . i will add a few line more to declare , why i believe , as is aforesaid , that god hath predestinated a far greater number to eternal life , then he hath left liable to final reprobation by their own default ; and i beseech all my readers to peruse it with patience and without prejudice ; for no affectation to singularity , but a conscientious zeal to vindicate gods honour , by illustrating the infiniteness of his mercy and love to all mankinde , hath inclined me there unto . in my understanding , that which may be considered by contemplating gods word in the spirituality thereof ; he hath , as it were distributed all mankinde into three regiments , which have been governed by the invisible and visible operations of the holy trinity ever since the creation , and during most part of that time hitherto by the third person , who still governs it , and shall until christ comes personally again upon earth . the first regiment consists or all those , who lived to be members of the visible church made up both of the natural and spiritual seed of abraham , as well under the law of works as of faith ; jews and gentiles ; hypocrites and true professors . these in many preceding generations , were very few ( and so they yet are in respect of the rest , of mankinde ; and were obliged to work out their a salvation , by a respective conformity to those laws and dispensations , which in their distinct times and seasons , were vouchsafed in various modes ; they who lived before christ came in the flesh , in one manner , and they in another , who were to come after that time ; but , both one in substance , though differing in types , ceremonies , and other circumstances : for , we of the later time , cannot be saved , but by believing in christ jesus the son of god , conceived by the holy ghost , born of the vigin mary , &c. as , it hath been revealed by the apostles , with those attributes and circumstances contained in the old and new testament relating to christs , evangelical kingdom ; whereby both jews and gentiles ( now called christians ) are equally priviledged and obliged . the jewish outward duties , before christ , consisted in observing and conforming to those types and ceremonies , under which that was vailed , which we profess . they had the same christ for the object of their faith , and worship , though so little known to them according to the manifestations we have had , that very few , except their eminent prophets understood the mysteries of his kingdom ; yet were saved by being obedient thereto according to the measure of their understanding . these together make up the brigade of those souldiers in the church-militant , who fight the battles of the lord , against the enemies of his kingdom ; some , in pure love to him and his cause ; some , as hirelings onely for their wages : and they among them , who become faithful , continuing so to the end , shall be crowned with victory and glory above all other saints ; because , exposed to the greatest sufferings and dangers in this life . now , though these will be a very small number , in respect of that great number which consists of them who have been either false pretenders , traytors , apostates or unprofitable servants to their general ; yet , they are said to be as numberless as the stars in the firmament : these are davids worthies , and as it were the life-guard of the kingdom , and a small regiment compared unto the other two , whereof i am next to speak . yea , these are that part of gods elect to whom this saying hath respect many are called , but , few are chosen : for , they are most properly said to be called , who had either an outward legal , prophetical , or evangelical calling , by the exemplary life of the patriarchs ; by the law written in stone ; by the teachings of the prophets , or , by the preaching of the gospel , since christ came in the flesh ; by whom , very great numbers , have been called in every age , yet very few of them saved , in respect of so great a multitude of them , as have neglected that call , and turned the grace of god into wantonness . and the word many , makes it probable to me , that these are they , of whom but a few will be saved of those many which are called in this manner : for i believe , that ( beside this external mode of calling many ) there is an universal internal calling also , wherein are concerned with this , the other two regiments also , of those who shall be saved ; and whereof , i am next to speak as aforesaid . . the second regiment of saints , consists of those without the visible kingdom , who are members of that invisible catholick church , which is dispersed throughout the world , and were from time to time brought into it , by the spirit of christ preaching , as it it said , peter . . to those who are in prison ; that is ( as i understand it ) to them who surviving until the years of discretion , have lived out their whole time in the shadows of death , without means of saving light , by the gospel preached as unto us . for , knowing what i justly apprehend of gods infinite goodness and mercy , i cannot believe he hath less effectually provided for their salvation then for our ; but , that he had regard to them , even when the visible church seemed to extend no further , then to the families of abraham , isaac and jacob ; to whom he spake sometimes immediately , otherwhile by angels or by dreams , as it is said , job . in which chapter gods secret way of instruction , and communicating his will to men in the night of their natural ignorance is expressed , as also in relation to them , where the ordinary means is wanting at this day , in asia , africa , & america . for , though faith was not heretofore , nor is now begotten in them by preaching and hearing as with us , the heavens and the book of the creatures , which was open to the magi at the time of christs birth , and directed them to him by a star ( they not having prophets to reveal him , as the jews had ) he might possibly be discovered to others in some such extraordinary manner , as will be available . for jesus christ , ( without whom there is no salvation , and who is by st. paul called the mercy of god ) may be laid hold upon by that notion , through the sanctification which the whole humane nature , received by his incarnation , and the supply contributed by his spirit , who then took away their original guilt , and inlightens every man who comes into the world , may so perfect also what is wanting of the ordinary means , that many millions of those will be brought to sit down with abraham , isaac , and jacob in the kingdom of heaven : those passive stones will be more easily hewed and polished to compleat the city of god , then the most part of those , who were , and are formally squared , and polished by hired work men . the effects which gods spirit alone , had upon abimelech in abrahams time ; upon the first pharaohs ; upon nebuchadnezzar , cyrus , darius , the wise men in the east , and some others without the pale of the visible church ; as also , by the little good effect , which the ordinary means of grace hath had upon the kings , priests , prophets and people in the visible kingdoms and churches , of jews and christians throughout all generations , makes it seem probable to me , that , the secret teachings and inspirations of the holy ghost , improving and sanctifying the talent of reason , will bring more thousands into christs kingdom , then all the priests and prelates throughout christendom , by the meer external forms , disciplines and dispeosations among jews and gentiles , ever since they had being ; by reason of their abusing or neglecting the grace therewith offered . and , if this be so , as i believe it is ; then these regenerated by the ministry of the holy ghost , being added to them , who through the ordinary means , are made abrahams children by faith ( whom god promised to make as numberless as the sands upon the sea-shore ) will infinitely augment the number that shall be saved . . the third regiment increasing this number , is that of infants , two years old and under , when taken out of this life . these , during that time are not capable of doing either good or evil , not some of them in many years more ; and i think it were a barbarous faith to believe all these were born to make up the kingdom of the devil . our saviour said , that of such the kingdom of heaven consisted , and reproved those who denied their access to him , saying , suffer such to come unto me , and rebuke them not , for of such is the kingdom of god ; and perhaps , thereby implicitely implyed , that it was a very offtensive error in those who should believe little children were not absolutely redeemed by him , from the guilt and punishment dur for original sin : and yet it seems , by his disciples rebuking those who brought them , that good men may be tainted with this heresie , which so much displeased christ ; that he afterward added these words ; verify , i say unto you , whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of god as a little childe , shall not enter thereinto , mark . , , . so far are they from being excluded , that they are the pattern of that absolute resignation , which is required in all who may expect admission into christs kingdom . some will say perchance , they must be the children of the faithful to whom this priviledge belongs . i say the same ; for i believe that every childe born into the world , or conceived in the womb , is the seed of the faithful , when or wheresoever , it is or shall be born ; for , in the psalm , it is said , god loveth the gates of sion more then all the habitations of jacob ; and by what follows , that many who had their natural birth , in rahab , philistia , tyre , aethiopia , yea in babylon , shall be reputed as born in the spiritual sion . and it is not to be supposed , that a remoteness by place or time ( though it were longer then one thousand years , or farther off then the ends of the earth ) are any bar to the influences of divine grace . all children are the seed of the faithful in noah , though their immediate fathers have been infidels eyer since cham was born ; and god promised to shew mercy to the thousandth generation of those who fear him and keep his commandments . this also that follows , is very considerable in relation to the condition of infants , that , they were the first ▪ who suffered for christ , even when he being an infant , herod murthered all the children in bethlem , and the coasts round about , matth. . . these , being dipped , as it were into christs sufferings , and baptized with the holy ghost and with fire , may signifie unto us , the universal redemption and sanctification of all such from original sin . these , and their infinite multitudes , i do conceive to be intimated by the mystical number of a hundred and forty four thousand , comprehending twelve times twelve thousand in a square root ; for none can be more properly ; termed virgins not defiled with women ; that is , polluted with original guilt , whereof , every man born of a woman had been still culpable , if it had not been taken away by christ ; and wherewith all men are again defiled and charged , who , when they come to understanding , sin actualy without repentance . these are the first fruits to god and the lamb , preserved from actual sins in word and deed , by being translated , soon after they are born , to follow the lamb into a better life . now , for god to elect and predestinate these , from eternity , to be removed out of this world to everlasting happiness , as soon as born , without exposing them to those hazzards , which others are to undergo , ( though upon conditions made possible to be performed by his assisting grace ) is a great mercy , without infringement of his own justice , or wrong to any other , ( though they shall not have so much honour as they who are to serve in the spiritual warfare , against the world , the flesh , and the devil . ) this mercy is so agreeable to the pure nature of the deity , that i wonder any man who knows any thing of god , should be so sottish ( yea so wicked ) as to believe he had fore-determined the reprobation of any infant uncapable of doing good or evil in his own person . . the preaching of christ by his spirit to those who are in the prisons of their fleshliness , supplies many defects , both where the ordinary means is wanting , and where it is abused or neglected ; else , the foundations of piety , being so overthrown or nigh ruined as they are , by the obstinacy and prevarications both of jews and gentiles , there would be little , or no hope of preserving saving faith , or so much as the seed thereof upon earth , until christ should come again . thereby , the seed of abraham according to the flesh , must ( if ever ) be brought into christs fold , and that fulness of the gentiles come in , which will accomplish the salvation of the whole israel of god , who are the spiritual seed of abraham . and i think it not so strange as it seems to many , that more should be this way , made partakers of the kingdom of heaven , then by the ordinary means of salvation in the visible church , when i confider what i experimentally know to be spiritually done , in perfecting natural works and faculties . art and industry joyned together , make few men of ripe age and understanding , so perfect in the knowledge and use of any language in many years , as some children are in one year , after they have but strength enough to speak ; though they are not capable of any grammatical rules or demonstrations : for , some of them i have known to speak both properly , and otherwhile facetionsly , before they either well knew what they did , or could define what speaking is , or what they any word means by it self : and , there being nothing in the nature of the words , which can of it self interpret what is meant by them , it is no less wonderful that a little childe , should both understandingly and affectionately apprehend his fathers meaning ; and express his own by them ( as we oft hear them do ) then that a heathenish infidel should be made capable of faith by the spirit of god without hearing the vocal preaching of the gospel in our mode ; for it is the same spirit which teaches the one and the other . likewise , were it not so , it would puzzle the wisest man living , to demonstrate how a man born deaf and dumb , should be capable of understanding what is written , and of writing his own conceptions in such words as we speak and write ; ( which it is known hath been attained unto . ) but doubtless , by the same spirit which first instructed man to know the course and order of the stars , and how to read the knowledge of god in the great volume of his creatures , with the many secrets therein written ; and the discovery of other mysteries not else attainable , was communicated by the same divine spirit . now , if we know god hath often wrought supernaturally by his spirit to teach us things pertinent to our well-being in this transitory life ; we may reasonably believe , that he much rather operateth supernaturally where need is , toward our everlasting well-being , without which the blessings of this life will be curses : therefore , i believe god hath provided extraordinary means of salvation , for every soul since the fall of adam , which hath not wilfully neglected and despised the ordinary means of grace when offered , or who never had it personally vouchsafed ; of which number are such infants as aforesaid . . these inlargements , not intended , dropt in by the ways , and it may be i may seem heretical in my judgement , especially touching what i have declared in relation to a probability of having faith wrought in those barbarous heathens , who never heard of the jesus christ conceived by the holy ghost , born of the virgin mary , and crucified under pontius pilate , &c. as we are taught , though i make it not a necessary article of saving faith to be known and believed by all men . i profess ; i do believe as is before expressed ; and having considered every particular , especially that of infants , do say ( as cicero said in his tract of the immortality of the soul , intituled scipio's dream ) it seemeth so pleasing an error , if it be one , and so comfortable a doctrine , as well in respect of many millions more , of our progenitors , as of mine and their little children dying before years of discretion , that , i think i shall never be of a contrary judgement ; and chiefly , in regard of the honour which thereby redounds to gods justice and mercy ; for when i have meditated how many millions of millions will be added unto the innumerable sums comparehended in the first two regiments of the three aforementioned , by the last of them , consisting of little children , i do believe that the number of them who shall be saved , will be as much greater , at least , then of those who shall be damned ; as the number of the wicked who lived in this world , shall be greater then that of those who are conformable to the will of god , preached in the visible church . and i am assured this belief is neither contrary to any maxime in holy scripture , not likely to beget presumption in any , who was not hardned in sinning , before ; but , will rather make men the more awful of sinning against so great mercy , and the more mindeful , there is mercy with god that he may be both feared and loved . more might be said ; but this being well needed , may be sufficient to make reasonable men so merciful to each other , by gods exemplary mercy , that they may forgive as they would be forgiven , unless they are prepossessed with a wilful and malitious vengeance . therefore i will for the present , here conclude my meditations upon this petition , humbly beseeching our gratious further which is in heaven , so to incline our hearts to forgive all , who trespass against us , that he may forgive all our trespasses against him , amen . the sixth petition . and lead us not into temptation ; but deliver us from evil . . this , and the last preceding petition , being annexed to the fourth by the copulative and , as a foresaid , compleat all things necessary to accomplish our well-being in this life . we stand in perpetual need , as to our external happiness , of what is pray'd for in these three last petitions ; and therefore the apostle exhorteth us , to pray continually ; which duty every pious man conscientiously performeth : for , it is not intended we should be always exercised in vocal prayer , minding nothing else ; in regard that is neither necessary , nor required , nor possible . it will be sufficient and acceptable to perform that duty daily as oft as occasions are offered ; ( as these words in the fourth petition imply , give us this day our daily bread ) keeping our selves always in a readiness to lift up our hands , voices and hearts in prayer and thanksgivings to god , for our selves , relations and friends , as we are ingaged by duty or promise ; yea , and for our enemies , as necessities require : for , this is always implicitely done , whensoever we offer up this prayer , intentionally including all that is thereby prayed for ; and having our heart put into such a frame , that it is willing and striving , so far as it can extend , to take in all things to be desired , on the behalf of god , of our selves or others ; for , then , it is as truely , ( though not so sensibly ) prayed for , as if particularly named ; and they who are kept in this posture , can never long forget to pray explicitely , for them in words , whom they are obliged to remember , by promise , by natural affection , or christian charity ; especially , in immergent temptations , calamities , times of extream want and troubles , which being the seasons wherein god hath incouraged us to call upon him with a promise of hearing and deliverance . temptations are the most hazzardous of all the rest , and those most perilsome whereinto we cast our selves . st. james saith . . let no man say when he is tempted , that he it tempted of god ; for , god cannot be tempted with evil , neither tempteth he any man ; but every one is tempted , inticed , and drawn away by his own lusts . when lust hath conceived , it bringeth forth sin , and when sin is finished , it bringeth forth death : yet , by many places in holy scripture , and by the words of this prayer , it seemeth implyed , that god tempteth some ; for , christ would not have taught us to pray for deliverance from the evil consequence , of that which never was or shall be done . it is therefore true , that we are not tempted of god , as by the world , the flesh , and the devil , to commit that which is absolutely sinful : or , to do ought which may bring mischiefs or inconveniences upon us without remedy , or any future disadvantage , as by these tempters . but , he sometimes exposeth us unto temptations , and otherwhile ; doth lead us into them , either for our probation , to give us experimental knowledge of our frailties , and of his mercies ; or , to make our prudence and patience exemplary to others ; and that we may be honoured , secured , or some other way advantaged thereby : as when job was exposed to the devils malice for a tryal of his patience ; and when our saviour was led by the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil . god , likewise leaves always an issue open out of those temptations whereinto he leadeth , and provideth , means whereby we may escape those evils , which then are , or may be brought upon us ; and is so far from intending ought to our disadvantage thereby , that he preserves us from the evil of those temptations , whereinto we wilfully run ; and which the world and the malice of the devil design for out destruction : thus doing , not onely , when we endeavour and pray for it , but many times also , when we neither minde him or our own peril or safeties . . our first-parents when they were in their innocency , seem to have been led into a twofold temptation . it was a temptation to have such a tree planted in the most perspicuous place of the garden , that was desirable by nature ; and the forbidding to taste a fruit so desirable as that was , doubled the temptation ; yea and somewhat more , if the humane nature had been then as prone to do what is forbidden , as it hath been ever since : for as the heathen poet said , nitimur in vetitum semper , cupimusque , negata . things which we are forbid to do , we still have a desire unto . but god exposed them , thereunto , for probation onely , not to bring evil on them ; yea , that they might be confirmed in their integrity by their obedience : for , he had planted the tree of life in the same garden , and had given them will and power to forbear what he had forbidden , if ( by giving more credit to his enemy then to him ) they had not been inclined to that selfness which made the temptation prevalent . and , though god fore-knew what they would do , it is evident he intended them no evil but good , in regard he had eternally decreed a remedy whereby the devils malice should be turned both to the advantage of them , and of so many of their posterity , as did not wilfully neglect , what he enabled them to perfom . god , tempted abraham to sacrifice his son , ( which according to his own humane laws , was an apparent sin ) but , when he had made trial of his obedience , to make his faith exemplary to all his posterity in the flesh , ( as also to them , who should be his spiritual seed in the same faith ; ) god , who knew before what he would do , sorbad the execution of his own command ; and rewarded abraham with the greatest temporary blessing , also , that ever was conferred upon a meer mortal man ; because , he saw him prosecute what he had injoyn'd , even to the very stroke of death , out of pure obedience , love and confidence in him , though the actmight not onely for ever deprive him of his best beloved son , but probably render him infamous also throughout all generations , for so unnatural and inhumane a murther , as that would have been vulgarly reputed . when god leadeth , exposeth , or ( if it may be so called ) tempteth any man , to the open professing , acting , or suffering of ought for his glory , which may bring such great fears or terrible sufferings , as usually tempt men to distrust his assistance , and causes them to apostatize from their duties and professions , he there leaves them not as the devil and the world doth ; but , alwayes strengthens to the end , and delivers them from their fears and torments ( yea , makes their torments a pleasure and an honour to them ) as when the three children were cast into the firy fornace ; or else he carries them through it into abrahams bosome , as he did lazarus . . god is so far from tempting any to that , which may bring on them more evil then good , that whosoever , by ignorance , delusion , or by both , shall without unjust self-ends or malice to others , prosecute an unjustifiable design to the loss of his life , by the laws of men ; if he then did it conscienciously in zeal to gods honour , believing unfaignedly it was approveable , and he thereto in duty obliged ( truely repenting his other misactings , and that so far forth also , as he shall be convinced if was evil ) i am perswaded , god will not charge that upon him to his everlasting condemnation , though it be a sin in its own nature : for , god otherwhile permitteth some of his well-affected servants , to commit sins whereunto they are tempted by their own ignorance or failings ; and to suffer openly and ignominiously for them , that , their brethren may be thereby made the more heedful ; and that his wilful enemies may be thereby hardned to their destruction : for , he often hardens the hearts of wilful offenders , to persevere in those transgression , whereunto the devil , the world , or their own flesh hath tempted them ; because , they would not hear , know , and execute justice , when they might so have done , by his counsel , and proffered assistance , this was exemplified in pharaoh , saul , jeroboam , jehu and others . but , it cannot be properly called a tempting by god , or a leading them into temptation , when he leaves or gives men opportunities after precautions ? to do those evils , which they had a premeditated resolution and desire to execute of their own accord , to fulfil their own lusts ; for they need no temptations from without themselves : god , tempteth none , but for their probation onely , to their advantage ; and then , accompanies it with gratious means to preserve them both from all wicked actions , and those evil consequences which may ensue . . this is implyed , by reading these words , lead us not , in this sence , as some do , ( which the original will bear ) thus ; let us n●t be so led into temptation , but that we may be delivered from the evil consequences thereof . i can pray absolutely for this mercy , and for all such , as are absolutely promised , and warranted to those who ask them in fait : but , i dare not to pray absolutely for obtaining , or for deliverance from any outward thing , which i naturally most desire or fear ( no not from all temptations , prosperities or adversities , joy or sorrow , life or death , ) save with reference to gods will ; for , of all these , ( the last excepted ) i have had experience , whereby i finde that , through gods mercy , the worst ( according to our opinion of them ) have been as profitable unto me as the best . i , therefore leave the giving , or taking them away , to gods good pleasure ; and all i absolutely pray for , is , that they may be directed , employed , suffered or enjoyed to his glory , and my eternal salvation ; and to this end we ought always to pray for deliverance from those temptations which we are led into as well by our ordinary callings as otherwise ; and to be watchful also , left by degrees , we are insensibly surprised , by adventuring a little and a little further , until by presumption , we are lost irrecoverably before we are aware . i cannot deny , but that it was a good prayer of agur the son of jaketh which he prayed , prov. . give me neither poverty nor riches , and feed we with food convenient for we , left i be full and deny the lord , or be poor and steal , to the blaspheming of his name ; yet , i cannot absolutely pray for any more then my daily bread , but leave the rest to gods will , because , i know that by his grace , we may glorifie him , both in poverty and wealth , in prosperity and adversity ; and that there are as well advantages as disadvantages in either . i am resolved , god shall chuse for me , as he hath hitherto done ; and that , though he should not provide for me hereafter as heretofore , or if i shall increase both my wants , and my enemies by prosecutting what i think to be my duty , i will nevertheless , put it unto adventure ; for , though the world more and more forsakes me , and my friends are grown less able and fewer then they were ; and fewer yet may be , ( considering in what posture we are ) i will whilst god gives : me time and opportunity , express all that i think necessary to be said to this generation , pertinent to the glory of god , or the welfare of his people , when i finde it seasonable , whomsoever i may thereby displease , if he preserve me , as faithful as i desire to be , and as i believe he will. . in the mean time i will prosecute what i know to be seasonable ; and since there are temptations which may have evil consequences in the necessary actions and affairs of this life , into which god leads us both for his glory , and for our good , and in those also which he permits for our probation ( unless we pray and endeavour for his assisting grace ) i desire it may be better considered , how dangerous those temptations are , which we wilfully run into of our selves , contrary to gods revealed will , after many precautions , counsels , exhortations , and judgements both threatned and inflicted . what will become of them who are nothing bettered , but still worse and worse , after a frequent intermixture of judgements and mercies , playing with them , like fies about candles , till their wings are burnt ; and continue , even then , buzzing about them ? or like children sporting , at the mouth of a wasps or hornets-neast , with these temptations , which will sting them to death ? some , who began with frugality , and being well contented with an honest competent gain , had sufficient for their increasing charge ; being tempted by opportunities whereby they might grow rich by unlawful and dishonest dealings ; and yeilding to the temptations , either covetousuess ( being infatiable ) inclines them to all oppressions whereby it may be fed ; or else , voluptuousness allures them by one longing to another , and by living at the height of their incomes to satisfie every days lust , according to the custom of prodigals , until their longings being endless , and trading or revenues failing by losses or other contingencies , they bring themselves and their children either to debauchery or beggary ; or to seek supply by wicked courses . others are surprised by temptations of several kindes , whereinto they plunge themselves . first , they go to brothel houses with their companions to see fashions ; then , with others , to improve their experience ; and then alone , to try their single strength , till they are overcome by the temptation , ensnared and destroyed by loathsome diseases in their bodies , or , by that which is more mischievous to their souls . some do game at at first , but for recreation , or to pass away the time , until they are so delighted with it , that they neglect meat , sleep , business , friends , and all other things , as if there were no other time well spent : that , brings on a covetous desire to cheat other men of their estates by false play ; and that vice continues , until meeting with more cunning cheaters , then they themselves are , all their own is quite lost , and no means of subsistence left , except to turn parasite , pander , marry a rich whore , or steal and be hanged , if they have no friend at court. the drunkard at first perhaps goes to the tavern or ale-house , but to drink his mornings draught ; a while after goes early in the morning , and continues drinking till midnight , or till the next day at noon . or , at first to entertain friends , with whom he casually meets ; then for neighbourhood-sake ; then under pretence of the more conveniency to dispatch businesses ; then oftner to , play the good-fellow as he calls it ; and then every day to be drunk . when dinah went upon a needless idle visit out of curiosity , to see and complement with the daughters of the land where her father sojourned , she was ravished before she returned , and horrible murthers and hypocrisie ensued also thereupon . so , perchance it fares otherwhile with our ladies and gentlewomen , whose frequent visits , proceed not so much from civil or friendly respects , as to see , and be seen , or to a worse intent : for though there be seeming passages of kinde endearments among them , while they are together ; as soon as they are parted , they oft-times bitterly censute , scoff and jeer at each other ; or prosecute such feminine designs , as occasion many future temptations and evil consequences , which might be prevented by a modest and temperate use of their civil and christian liberty in things indifferent ; and by hearkning with heed to wholesome cautions and counsels given ; yea , though by despised persons ; for it seems job thought himself obliged not to contemn it in his servants ; nor king pharaoh to neglect it in joseph , though a poor prisoner and a slave . when this joseph went into the house wherein his mistress was , to prosecute his masters affairs and his own ; god , then led him into a temptation , and preserved him from the evil consequences , which would else probably have ensued ; whereas , had he gone thither to spend the time with her in vain complements , it is likely the temptation would have prevailed according to her desire . but , there are some who presume further then any of those aforementioned , for , when they have so weakned their bodies , by long complying with every temptation , that their flesh is not able to tempt them , as it hath done ; and the devil , perhaps also , thinks himself so sure of them , that he holds them not worth tempting ; these do then create temptations and unnatural provocations to lusts , by luxurious meats , costly drinks , and unclean representations , till they become thereby miserable in body and soul ; loathsome to god and man ; and make their own flesh ( which is a dalilah prone enough of her self ) to betray them to all destructive temptations ; and she ( without whom , neither the world , nor the devil hath power to work upon them ) is made to be more prevalent by evil custom , then she was by corrupted nature , to bring upon them irrecoverable mischiefs . all premises considered , the last clause of this petition , is daily , yea always ( as much as possible ) to be minded , and offered up with faith in sincerity ; especially for deliverance from the evil of sin , by whose removal all other evils are superseded . . there are other temptations wherewith our grand enemy , with his two confederates the flesh and the world , endeavoureth to ensnare us ; and are such as may be numbred among spiritual wickednesses . these get entrance into those out of whom gross sins are expelled . the root of these wickednesses is double , pride and desire , which corrupted the devil and our first-parents in heavenly places . it is written , hebrews . . to this effect ; if men are once inlightned , have tested of the heavenly gift , were made partakers of the holy ghost , relished the word of god , and the power of the world to come , and then fall away ; it is impossible for them to be renewed by repentance : for they have crucified unto themselves the son of god afresh , and put him to open shame . the roprobation of no small number in the visible church , springs from hence ; even of some , who have been eminent for their knowledge in divine mysteries , and in those gifts which tend to the instruction and sanctification of others . these are they who may be termed stars fallen from heaven , or angels , who having forsaken their first love , become vassals to antichrist in his kingdom upon earth , or slaves to the flesh . many saints have been in hazzard of this apostacy , by neglect of the preceding caution , through carnal security ; yet nave happily recovered ( before a total falling off ) by their timely penitence , ( god casting such a look upon them , as christ did on peter ) and by their faith endeavouring and praying unto him acccording to the contents of this prayer . many are now in danger also , of having that earth , which by good husbanding may bring forth acceptable fruit to all , so cursed , that it shall bring forth nothing but thistles , thorns and briers ; which curse they might have avoyded by heedfusness heretofore ; and be yet delivered from it , by performing what is possible as aforesaid , and by taking more heed hereafter how they fall into such perilous temptations . . but , very many are in other modes destructively insnared into spiritual wickednesses by unheeded temptations ; and in what i next treat of , i shall insist upon what will concern some , whose condition will be very considerable at this time , therefore ; observe it . when they were in their polluting blood , without ability to help themselves , and without other helpers ; god , casting a pitiful eye upon them , and speaking unto them by his word , interpreted and made effectual by the co-operation of the holy ghost , they became so far inlightned as to see how vile they were by nature , and to what misery that would have brought them , both in this life and in that to come , if god , who loved us first , even when we were his enemies , had not of his own accord provided a remedy . this , so wrought upon them , that ( partly out of love to themselves , and partly , in thankfulness for that mercy ) they gave him a portion of their love , unto whom all was due , and who never leaves them totally to themselves , who have once given up unto him their whole heart . notwithstanding this reserve ( somewhat resembling that of ananias and saphira ) god , not seeming to heed it , as he did their hypocrisie ; these felt such a sweetness in those beginnings of a gratious influence , that they not onely endeavoured to increase the knowledge of god and of his truth ; but , so also , to mortifie the lusts of their flesh , that they attained to an extraordinary outward holiness , beyond many other professors of christianity ; yea , to hazzard also their liberties and estates in suffering for their consciences , and for reproving injustice and impiety . this , got them so much love , among all those good men to whom they were known , that they heaped on them many benefits and kindnesses , to the recompencing of their sufferings ; with a surplusage to the augmenting also of their former poor estates and reputations , until by degrees they grew rich in superfluities ; and from being contemptible , to be of general esteem ; which revived in them a gust of carnal delights and accommodations , that , they began to be weary of those prosecutions , whereunto they were ingaged , by what they had begun to profess and practise in relation to the honour and service of god : and , though this secret apostacy they discovered not openly , the devil discerning it by many symptoms , he and his confederate the world ( knowing how useful such persons may be to their ends , and to the upholding of their kingdom ) tempted them at the first , with an addition to their livelyhood in certain , whereby they might be freed from depending upon uncertain contributions , at the will and pleasure of their benefactors : after that , they doubled their favours upon them , as they perceived them to operate for their purpose ; and , finding them so to fall away more and more , from their integrity , by those temptations , that they were , likely to be serviceable , to whatsoever they should employ them ; the world then conferred upon them , the highest dignities , which she had power to bestow , and whereof their qualifications made them seem capable . then , these became their servants in body and soul , so perfectly corrupted , that both the light of reason and grace , which formerly shined in them , were extinguished ; god was quite forgot , with what concerned their own eternal happiness ; and they bewitched with the pleasures and preferments of this life , repolluted themselves with all gross sins , as at the beginning , notwithstanding all this back-stiding , so superaboundant is gods long-suffering and patience , that to reclaim some of these , before they arrived at the hight of their wickedness and apostacy , he gratiously intermingled judgements and mercies ; first humbling them again , by such oppressions and persecutions , as they had inflicted upon others ; pouring such contempt upon them , that it forced them to wander where was no way , or abiding place , and raising storms which caused them to stagger to and fro like drunken men , from one resolution to another ; and brought them to some consideration , what they were likely to stumble into ; and into a fear , left the gods whom they last trusted in , had either for saken them , or were not able to help them ; this , a while , reduced them again to a little formal humiliation : but , before they had improved it into a true repentance , the world prevented it , by supplying what might keep them constant to her interest ; and , god permitting her to prevail ( for purposes by these unheeded ) they recovered again their lost temporary hopes , estates and dignities , with an advantage ; and that makes them so confident , our god almighty so favours them , and is so well pleased in all their compliances with anti-christ in his mystery of iniquity , that they more malitiously , and more furiously persecute them , who protest against it , then heretofore ; and are fallen off a degree further form grace and penitence . this is the condition of many , yet , even they who have prevaricated in this mode , and slipt so deep , and so far down into the whirl-pool of reprobation , may be capable of recovery by gods mercy , if whilst life continues , the , can look up again towards him , by faith , when the holy ghost shall vouchsafe them another call , as sometimes he doth at the brink of hell ; yea , delivers some of those from the evil of these temptations , if they can heartily joyn with the catholick church , in this prayer ; to which end ( and to no worse ) i have offered this to their consideration , whom it may concern . . some other in a differing manner from these , ( and are as dangerously tempted unto wickedness ) having a beginning and progress in the spirit , end at last in the flesh also , through defect of due watchfulness , and by being unmindful of praying for deliverance from such temptations . these , are such as being puffed up with a superficial knowledge of some divine mysteries ; ( by external mortifications by strict observance of the moral law ; by supposed revelations , by frequent hearing , praying , and outward performances of holy and pious duties , by their gifts of preaching , prophesying , or doing miracles ; or by a constancy in long and extream sufferings , or with such-like ) are so filled with a spiritual pride , and overweening of their own sanctity and personal meritoriousness , that they separate themselves from all other christian societies , with such an affected singularity , as may seem to call out like jehu , come see our zeal : for these presuming themselves only ( and those who are conformable to their judgements and practices ) to be the elect of god , judge all other men to be in a reprobated condition ; their morality , and piety to be but fruits of the flesh ; their illuminations , to be but ignes fatuis , phanatick fires , and false lights , how true soever : and ( forgetting to do to others , as they heretofore desired other men should do to them ) persecute both with hand and tongue , as far as their power will extend , all those who are not in every punctilio of their judgment . and , not a few of these , either fall at last into gross fleshly sins , which do shamefully bedurt them , before they are humbled into an exemplary repentance ; or , else are hardned into a final obduracy . the pretended piety of such as these , and the evident prophaneness of others , have like two mil-stones , so ground those between them , who sincerely profess and practice honesty and piety according to their conscience and understanding , that it hath almost rooted peace out of the world , and begotten , so inextricable a confusion , that all reasonable men stand at gaze to observe what it will amount unto at the last ; for , since i first knew the world , most things are so metamorphosed from what they then were , in my judgement , that i see little essential difference between the greatest numbers , of those who are phanaticks reputed , and those who so repute them ; yea , there is such a change in their countenances , in their years , in their education , in their habits , and in their deportments , both among subordinate magistrates , and those under their authority ; in governours of counties , cities and burroughs , and those who are to be governed ; and in reformers , with such as should be reformed , as if the head and tail had changed places , and would hazzard the reducing all into an anarchy ere long . . i have observed other mixt temptations ( partly spiritual , and partly carnal ) which it will concern us both to strive and pray against , lest they draw us into fleshly pollutions before we are aware . one is , that strong natural affection which is frequently begotten between men and women , by a true esteem of the piety and moral virtues which they mutually apprehend in each other , and which had beginning at first without any respect to their bodily beauties & perfections : for , by long conversing together , finding themselves to be reciprocally much edified and comforted by those qualifications , it so inflames the natural affection of the best disposed persons toward each other ; so inclines them to pitty their sufferings ( if they have any ) and sometime so indears their persons , that otherwhile , their souls draw their bodies to a nearer conjunction ( though it be but with a touch of the hand onely ) then consists with the preservation of a pure chastity , and by inflaming the blood before they are aware of it , brings them by degrees into dalliances , indangering the coldest temper , through overmuch confidence in their own strength , till modesty perhaps is quite lost . this hath often happened , and brought some , who seemed far from it , to a scandalous impudency at last , and past shame and repentance in all other vices : from this hazzard , no man can be secured but by earnest praying for gods assisting grace , and by continual watching and endeavouring to be preserved from such temptations : for even in persons virtuously and piously affected , there will often revive an inclination to meet in private , to give and take such aids and consolations , as they will think needful ; yea , at such times , and in such places also , that unless god in mercy prevents it , such distempers as aforesaid , will not possibly be totally avoided , cured or abated ; nor their innocency escape blasting , though their conversations have been every way blameless in all other respects : for , some have had personal experience of such defamations , betwixt whom there never passed a wanton word , or so much as a familiar touch of each others hand ; and had also many sufferings both in flesh and spirit by such endearments , though they were providentially led into them , without their own seeking , which by gods mercy , produced comfortable effects in the conclusion , as all those temptations do , whereinto god leads us for our probation ; and among them all , there is none more difficultly resisted , in regard the most inticing allurements , of beautiful wantons , are not half so dangerously provocative , as when the devil takes advantage to unite his endeavours with the frailty of the flesh , to work upon virtuous & pious persons ; nor is the defaming or polluting of any other so satisfactory to his malice . there is another temptation , whereby many are insnared , ( and often as much , through wilfulness as heedlesness ) to the occasioning both of carnal and spiritual wickedneses ; and thereof st. paul counsels us to be wary , in these words , cor. . . be not unequally yoaked . for , when believers joyn themselves in marriage with infidels , or with such as are nursed up in idolatry and superstition , it exposes them to many perilous temptations , no less destructive to christians now , then it was to the israelites heretofore ; and the greatest and wisest persons , are not more able to resist them then solomon was : when the sons of god took of the daughters of men to be their wives , gen. . . they begot a monstrous generation ; and the like intermixture in blood and repugnant principles , hath made such medlies and mungrel broods of profesors in the world , to the increasing of atheism , heresies and prophaness , that true piety and humanity will be in hazzard of being rooted up , unless we heartily pray and endeavour to be delivered from the evil of this temptation . . it is considerable also , whether we cast not our selves into many temptations whereinto god leads us not , through overweening at least ; and thereby , into sufferings , which god requi●es not at our hands : for , though god leadeth us into some temptations , either to be exemplary , or to prove us both for his honour and our own ; as when our saviour was led into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil , with such-like ; ( to which probations he always gives an isue for their advantage who are so led ) yet , he sometimes permits even his elect , to weary out themselves in such attempts as they adventure upon , by their own single light , that , both they and others may have experimental proofs , how unsafe it is to depend upon ought unwarranted by his word and spirit : many have been deprived of their hopes , and incurred also , temporary hazzards and mischiefs through defect of this heed . i think it hot fitting more should be imposed upon men , by men , then they are capable of ; or , that we should judge between god and men in matters which he hath reserved to his own judgement . therefore , without judging , or imposing my judgement upon any , i do but onely offer mine ( as i have often said ) to be entertained or rejected , as it shall deserve ; and to precaution those who are over-peremptory in adhering to the literal sence of single texts of holy scripture , to examine well whether it be consonant to the fundamental doctrines intended by the general scope of gods word . for , either the letter is vitiated , or the interpretation in one of those places , where contradiction is evident . as for example : st. james chapt. . . saith , if ye have respect to persons ye commit sin , and are convinced of the law as transgressors . from this single text , some have taken occasion to deny civil respects , not onely from one private person to another , but to those in authority also ; and pious and honest men are deluded with this error . denying respect to persons , appears to be reproveable by st. paul ; for , rom. . he not onely injoyns subjection ( which is the greatest personal respect ) to our superiours , and to all in authority ; but likewise , a personal respect to all in general , according to their civil rights . give , faith he , tribute to whom tribute , custom to whom custom , fear to whom fear , honor to whom honour , and love to whom love belongeth . and the neglect of these duties hath occasioned evil consequents : for , this precept is according to the will of god ; and sr. james intended nothing thereunto repugnant , in the words aforementioned , if rightly understood ; as appears , by their contexture , with what precedes : for he speaketh not against civil respects , but ( as the plain words demonstrate ) against respect of persons , in relation to the faith of our lord jesus christ , and in having less regard unto the poor , then unto the rich , in dispencing the benefits communicable indifferently to all : as also against those who are more inclined to distribute justice with partiality to them who are in power , then righteously , unto them who are weak and poor ; and in thus misunderstanding other scriptures ( to the heed whereof , this hint may perhaps lead some ) many fall into dangerous temptations , which might be avoided , by not trusting overmuch to their single talent ; and by adding divine light thereunto , with diligent endeavour , and hearty prayer , to be delivered from the evil of temptations . lastly , let us take heed that we are not more transported by a natural stoutness and wilfulness of heart , of by a proud scorn of our malitious adversaries , even in our most innocent sufferings , then carried on and supported by a true poverty of spirit and christian meekness , for righteousness sake . for , unless we be sanctified with an humble submission to gods probations , our own strength and innocency will not preserve us constant to the end , though it may carry us far . this caution , few men may better give then i ; for , i have had experience of this temptation , and that god will prove us , until we are quite beaten out of all our vain hopes and fleshly confidences , if there were ever any truth and sincerity in our hearts . . evil , is the last word in this petition ; and for deliverance from it , is that whereto , all the three last petitions tend ; for the abuse even of the means of our natural subsistence , and of the forgiveness of our debts and trespasses , will oftentimes have need of that deliverance . this evil is twofold ; the evil of sin , and the evil of punishment . of the first ▪ the devil and we our selves only , are both authors , and actors : and the evil of punishment proceds onely from gods justice , to give the wicked their reward ; and from his mercy , to correct and bring those who are corrigible , to that contrition which will produce repentance , rendring them capable also , of love and glory . is there any evil in the city , ( saith a prophet , personating god speaking it ) which i have not done ? meaning the evil of punishment . this evil , god is pleased sometimes to inflict immediately with his own hand ; sometimes , the devil is his executioner ; sometimes , wicked men ; sometimes , he makes the saints instrumental therein , by rubbing them against each other , ( to the grievance both of their flesh and spirit ) till like diamonds they polish each other ; and sometimes ▪ he makes men to be executioners of his judgements upon themselves . this being part of my meditations upon the body of this prayer , i now come to the conclusion . the epilogue . for , thine is the kingdom , the power and the glory for ever . . this epilogue , or conclusion of the preceding prayer , is a doxology , implying that praise , or thanksgiving ought to be inseparable from prayer ; the acknowledging of one mercy , being the readiest way to obtain another . it is annexed to the prayer by this causal for , which gives us a sufficient reason to incourage our praying unto our father with faith unwavering , in regard he is not onely our father ; but a king also , and not without a kingdom , as many have been , meerly titulary ; or a king of a kingdom , not able to secure it self from forraign invasions , or domestick rebellions , but of the kingdom , which extends throughout heaven and earth , yea , into hell ; and whereto all other kings , kingdoms and states , are vassals and tributaries , expellable at his pleasure . a kingdom it is , both powerful and glorious ; the kingdom and king thereof are eternal : it hath no pretenders laying claim thereto , occasioning such quarrels as happen in elective kingdoms , or such mischiefs as are frequent , where it being hereditary , the next heir , is a fool or a tyrant , or both ( neither regardful of his duty to god or man ) yet , must be preferred before his brethren , and before all the wisest and uprightest men in the land , though it will be to the destruction of himself and his people . all the laws of this kingdom ; all the prerogatives , this king claimeth , are so universally righteous , that , not one of his subjects murmures at them ; therein , are no customs , prescriptions or presidents pleadable to infringe their freedoms , or occasioning the renewing of charters : for , this kings justice , favour and love are so generally , perpetually , and impartially extended , without exception , that they are all comites palatini , count palatines of his royal palace , admitted unto a kingship with his best beloved son , in the same kingdom ; and invested with his power and glory . oh! the inexpressible love and mercy of god , to mankinde ! on which of the angels hath he conferred this dignity ? what despicable things are the greatest kings of the earth , in respect of his meanest subject ! who that considers this , would dread their frowns , or dote upon their favours , so much , as to obey their commands in opposition to his whatsoever sufferings exposed unto , by their fury in this short life ? or , who that is not grown more brutish then a beast , can be doubtful or jealous , that be who provided such unspeakable preferments for his elect at so dear a rate , as the life-blood of his best beloved son , will leave them destitute of any thing they pray for in his name , that is necessary to carry them through this world , in prosecution of those services which he sent them hither to perform ; if they remember he hath promised all necessaries for them , who first seek the kingdom of heaven , and the righteouss thereof ? and who can be so stupid , into whom this kingdom is entred in any measure , as not to pray heartily it may come quickly ? . i had here concluded my meditations at this present , both concerning this kingdom and this prayer ; but i perceive that as well some subjects of this kingdom , as the soveraigns and subjects of kingdoms upon earth , do much mistake their priviledges , and by their intrenchments on both sides , as also , by their mutual jealousness ( sometimes without just cause ) acting against each other to the destroying of their own peace . i have said a little for prevention thereof in my meditation upon the second petition , but it will be necessary to iterate somewhat to that purpose . for , the supream magistrate supposing all things whatsoever , to be disposable at his will and pleasure , whether it concerns god , or the people , ( in their estates or considences ) are jealous none can be truely faithful to their persons or governments , who chuse rather to suffer then obey their commands , though such believe these commands are repugnant to gods ; and though they intend nothing destructive to humane authorities , in ought unquestionably pertinent thereto ; nor seek to avenge themselves for any real or supposed wrong sustained , but , leave that to god. their subjects in like manner , yea some of them , belonging to christs kingdom ( mistaking the true nature thereof ) suppose their freedoms even in spiritual concernments , are to be vindicated and established by the temporal sword in their own hands , give occasion otherwhile also , of the aforesaid jealousies , and of bringing evil consequences thereby on themselves and others . it is true , that the temporal sword belongs to the civil magistrate , whether monarchical , aristocratical or democratical , for defence of their countries and civil interests and to execute justice upon malefactors , for preserving righteousness and peace within their proper jurisdictions , and between them and their neighbours : it is permitted also to private men , for defence of their just rights and possessions from unlawful violence ; but not approveable to avenge their personal wrongs at their own pleasure ; because , it will occasion evil consequences , both in divine and civil respects . nor is the sword intended to be in the supream magistrates hand to despoil other men of their just rights , or to get a vain honour by conquests ; or to exercise it upon the persons of men , to inforce their consciences contrary to their belief in matters relating to god , and the salvation of the soul : for , that is meer turcism and antichristian tyranny , seldom practised by the worst of heathens , until the mystery of iniquity began to work ; in regard , the propagation and setling of truth , in the profession and practice of religion , must be endeavoured by the spiritual sword , and those instruments which are not carnal . therefore , they who profess christ , ( whatsoever piety or zeal they pretend to his honour and kingdom ) and yet seek to force other men to believe and practice as they do , by persecuting them in body or estate , are therein confederates with antichrist ; and do not that to other men , which they would that other men should do unto them . it will concern them very seriously to consider this , who are lately made sensible of that in their own persons , whereof they were insensible in the persons of their , brethren ; for , uncharitable censurings , revilings , or an offensive sword , appertains not to the saints in any private avengement , though at sometimes a defensive sword may be more needful then their garments , as appears by the words of christ , luke . . and then it may be used for their safeguard ; not to avenge themselves , no , not to avenge the blood of their brethren in such manner as many conceive it may : for , it is said , revel . . , . that it is he who is , and was and shall be , that judgeth them , who shed the blood of the saints , and who shall give them blood to drinks , as they have deserved . and , they whom he shall employ to make use of that sword , to do execution upon the beast , and the mother of harlots , ( so far forth as it will be requisite ) shall be her own vassals and confederates . st. john also saith . revel . . the ten horns or kings , which received power with the beast , and being of one minde with him , in joyning their powers against the lamb , shall hate the whore , make her desolate , naked , eat her flesh , and burn her with fire . god , will put it into their hearts to execute his will upon her , though , until his time cometh they shall outwardly submit unto the beast ; and both they , and the whore which rides her , dissemble with each other , till the day of her utter desolation ; and then , as it is prophesied , revel . . . the song of the saints shall be to this effect . great , and wondrous are thy deeds , lord the , saints almighty king : righteousness from thee proceeds , true thou art in every thing . fear'd , and glorified , o lord ! thou shalt be of every one ; and , of nations all ador'd ; for , thou holy art , alone : and , thy judgements every where , fully manifested are . . this i conceive to be the meaning of that prophecy , and that the power of christs word , which is called a sword proceeding out of his month , better beseems the dignity of the saints , then that which is committed to the hangman , and to every ruffian-like-souldier ; though the use of that sword is honourable , when employed as it ought to be . the saints ( who are often subject to the ignorances and infirmities common to men ) should well consider ( as i believe they will ) what disadvantage it hath been , and may be unto themselves and their brethren , to pretend unto the civil sword , until god puts it unquestionably into their hands ; and mean while betake themselves to that onely , which is proper to their warfare ; not supposing all the actions of the saints recorded in the old testament , are to be exemplary rules to us , in every thing , wherein they did well : for , though to josuah , david and others the temporal sword was proper to the work they had to do , and to conquer that temporal inheritance , which god had given to his people , and to avenge him upon his and their enemies ; and is so now in their hands , to whom it is given to the like purposes : yea , though under the law , to take an eye for an eye , a tooth for a tooth , and to give rewards to their enemies according to their cruelty ; yet , by the doctrine of christs gospel ; it is not so lawful in our personal and private quarrels ; for we are thereby taught to do good for evil ; to seek their welfare who persecute us , and not so much as to pray against their persons , but onely ; against their wickedness ; much less then are we to plot , or combine against the civil power , whereunto god hath subjected us , notwithstanding we are oppressed thereby , but must wait patiently for deliverance by him in his own way , and in his own time . this is my private judgement ; which , having , not without cause declared , i leave those who are contrarily minded , unto their own opinions , until gods judgements or mercies have wrought it out of them : for , though some perhaps may think it would strengthen the hands of persecutors and oppressors , if this were generally professed and practised ; i know this is agreeable to the patience of the saints ; and that they who kill with the sword , in avengement of their own cause , to the scandalizing of their christian profession , ( and to the exposing others to a destructive suspition ) shall at last perish by the sword , or , by somewhat equivalent thereto , either in their own hands , or in the hands of those avengers , whom god will animate or permit to execute justice , both against private and publick vsurpers of the temporal sword , how politick , powerful , holy or secure soever they think themselves to be , revel . . . therefore , as it is written in the last words of that chapter , if any man hath an ear to hear , let him hear . . for ever , this word ever , is of a larger extent , in this place , then it usually hath ; and signifies as much as eternally . for , the person to whom this kingdom , power and glory appertaineth , being external so are also his kingdom , power and glory ; whereas , when other kingdoms , or any thing else , is said to be for ever , we are not to understand them to be everlasting without end ; but to continue so long onely , as the persons or their posterity , on whom they are conferred , shall continue in being , and in performing the conditions whereupon they are granted ; or , during the term limited and preordained by the granter , to the things granted ; and this king , kingdom , power and glory , being as aforesaid , without beginning , limitation , or condition premised , are co-eternal . the meaning of this word ever , is here to be thus largely taken ; and the true nature of it , is rightly understood and made use of in that sence , by the professors of our common-law here in england , as the meaning of our law : for when lands or tenements are given and granted by deed to any man for ever , he hath an estate therein , but during the term of his life onely ; that being his personal ever : but , when it is given and granted unto him and his heirs for ever , they have all a perpetual interest of right thereunto , whilst the world lasteth , and any heir of his therein surviveth . vvith respect to the particulars expressed in these meditation , i do offer up this prayer to god implicitely by intention , ( though not explicitely in words ) at all times ; and having often spoken it in the original , and in the words of our english translations in prose , i will now speak it paraphras'd in the metrical words and language of my english muse. our father , who in heaven doth reside ; thy name , for evermore , be sanctifi'd . thy kingdom come . thy will on earth be done even as it is in heaven , by every one . this present day , with daily bread relieve us ; as others we forgive , our sins forgive us . and when thou leadest us into temptation , form evil , then , vouchsafe us preservation . for , thine , the kingdom , power and glory be for ever ; and belong to none but thee . a hymn of praise to ggd for his abatement of the late raging pestilence , containing some cautionary acknowledgements of our undeserving so great a mercy . it may be sung to the tune of the psalm , repeating the last strain of that tune . come , my sad brethren , come , and , both with heart and voice , in god , now let us , whom he hath redeem'd , rejoyce . they , who have been in those depths , where , great wonders were , his power have seen : and so have we ; for , us he hath preserved from death this day to see . . that angel of the lord , which david hov'ring saw with his unsheathed sword , thereby to put in aw jerusalem , ev'n he , hath here , put us in fear , who frighted them : and , in this place hath slaughtered more , then heretofore , in so short space . . before us and behinde , and , likewise on each side , we empty dwellings finde where thousands liv'd and dy'de . in every streèt , both night and day , in sad aray , the mourners meet . he , that did rise at morning well , ere noon , his knell , tells us he dies . . vvith one stroke some he slew , some ; thrice were sick and well ; and some he did pursue , vvho , by the fourth stroke fell . thus , in pure love , mercies , and threats , god oft repeats , our hearts to prove : gives , and withdraws , and , then proceeds , as , what succeeds doth give him cause . . this angel spared neither good , bad , nor young nor old ; but cram'd them all together , vvithin one earthen mold . but , blest are they vvho , then to rest , in peace with christ , were took away , secured from all evils here , that present were , and those to come . . blest be his name , who thus of them disposed hath ; and , till this day , to us vouchsafes reprieves from death . oh! sing his praise : and , thus to do , lord minde us too , throughout our days ; that , we may more henceforth , fulfil , thy sacred vvill , then heretofore . . our vows are now at pawn ; and though we merit nought , that hand , thou hast withdrawn which here such slaughters wrought : the storm 's allayd : but , still some drops , in our best hopes , make us afraid ; and , loe , the course which we are in , augmenting sin , makes that fear worse . . thy judgements we apply to that which we design ; even when on us they lye , as if they were not thine . thine arm we hide : to cloud thy deeds , in their proceeds , truth is bely'd . so far are they from penitence , whom impudence doth lead astray . . how few ! o god , how few ! thy love and patience heed ! how doth sin still renew ! how doth it still exceed ! nor we who saw what thou hast done , think thereupon , vvith prudent aw : and , fear we may , that , few will come much better'd home , who fled away . . oh! turn us lord , to thee , before we stray so far , that turn'd we cannot be , till quite consum'd we are . thy messenger , doth waiting stand at thy command , still lingring here : and , unless we our lives repent , will back be sent , and fiercer be . . god , other judgements hath ( and , they draw neer us too ) to execute his wrath , where this plague shall not go : and , if they come ere course we take our peace to make , black is our doom , for , they will spoil all that is left yet unbereft , throughout this isle . . yea , but that some we have ( as , i hope , still we shall ) for whose sake god will save from what may else befal , he then will strike our sinful land , with his own hand gomorrah like . but , in him trust , and , you shall finde he is as kinde as he is just . the warning-piece to london , printed by an imperfect copy , these five following stanza's , being found in the hands of several friends , who had them in manuscript , above three years now past , it was desired they might be here inserted , that , they who so pleased might add them to their printed book . this comes in , between the & stanza . . thy seeming pious holy-days , in which the vulgar much delights , are kept as little to gods praise , as heathenish baccanalian rites . the feast-days which thou dost pretend in honour of our saviours birth , thou dost in lawless gaming spend , in drunken , riot and vain mirth ; whereas , if then , thou fedst the poor , thy feasting , him would honour more . this between the . & . stranza . i thence collect , that , though in thee a secret burning doth appear , consumed , at once , thou shalt not be as sodom and gomorrah were . from house , to house in various wise gods judgement rather will proceed , and those by some and some surprise who of his mercies , take no heed : that , he may quite consume the dross , and , purge the silver without loss . this between the & . . know that thy walls , thy lofty towers , thy strongest gates fast lock'd and barr'd , thy martial and thy civil powers are of themselves a ●●ender guard. thy armies and t●y trained-bands , though raised , form'd and paid by thee , are at the lord of hosts commands to punishsin wheree'er it be . and whilst that still increaseth more , strength makes them weak , and riches poor . . unless thy palaces god builds , on them is lost both cost and pain ; unless that he the city shields , thy watch-men watch the same in vain : to rise betimes , and sit up late , or eat thy daily bread with care , secures not peace , life or estate , save where gods benedictions are . 't is he alone , who safe doth keep both when we wake , and when we sleep . this between the & . my warning men to take more heed , when of their harm i was affraid , was parallel'd with their mis-deed , who to betray them had assaid . if thus i fare , for words well meant ; if love must be repaid with wrongs ; to evil deeds with ill intents what recompence of right belongs ? if this , with friends , for justice goes , what can expected be from foes ? finis . the prisoners plea, humbly offered in a remonstrance with a petition annexed, to the commons of england in parliament assembled / by george wither ; falsely charged to have composed a lybel against the said commons, and therefore now prisoner in nemgate ; it combineth also many interjections not to be defined, as wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the prisoners plea, humbly offered in a remonstrance with a petition annexed, to the commons of england in parliament assembled / by george wither ; falsely charged to have composed a lybel against the said commons, and therefore now prisoner in nemgate ; it combineth also many interjections not to be defined, as wither, george, - . p. [s.n.], london : . reproduction of original in huntington library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng wither, george, - . great britain -- history -- puritan revolution, - . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the prisoners plea : humbly offered in a remonstrance ; with a petition annexed , to the commons of england in parliament assembled ; by george wither : falsely charged to have composed a lybel against the said commons , and therefore now prisoner in newgate . it containeth also , many interjections not to be despised ; as also a colateral corolary , of publick concernment ; and in particular touching the blood-shed , whereinto god is now making inquisition . cor. . , . my strength is made perfect in weakness ; for when i am weak , i am strong . therefore i take pleasure in infirmities , in reproaches , in necessities , in persecutions , and in distresses for the sake of christ , and a good conscience . london , printed in the year , . a coppy of the letter to the speaker of the house of commons , wherewith the following remonstrance was sent to the said commons . sir , i was committed to newgate , as a lybeller against the house of commons ; therefore , to vindicate my self from that aspersion , and to intimate some other things pertinent to their consideration , i humbly desire , you , to present thereto , the remonstrance and petition herewith sent ; which i neither hope nor desire should be totally read in the house to the interruption of publick affairs , but perused rather , by the members thereof at their best leasure . i ought not to have been longer here detained , by the warrant for my commitment hither , then untill your next meeting after the date thereof , but should have been transferred : into the custody of your sergeant at arms , who it seems is not willing to be troubled with me ; and , indeed i cannot blame him , in regard i am so poor , that i am likely to be a burthen unto him without profit , as i may be perhaps , henceforth to him also , who is now my jaylor . i was once your clyent , and you my patron ; but , you are now engaged to speak rather against me , then for me : yet , you may be p●●●●●●micus , which is much better then a false friend : and will think per adventure , when you have perused my remonstrance , that i am fitter for an hospital , then for a prison . i hear many say , you can speak well ; and i shall say so to , if you can find in your heart , a motive , to speak a good word for me in season ; and it may perchance do you some honour ; for , age , poverty and decay of health have rendred me an object of compassion , being at this time so utterly dispoiled of all ( yea and of more then all ) that i am likely here to perish , unless god ( as he hath hitherto done ) shall extraordinarily provide for me . if by reason of publick affairs , your house be not at leasure to take me into consideration , it would be one act of charity , to commit me to the custody of some person ( such a thing having been heretofore done ) who is able to lodge and feed me at his own charge . if my parol might be taken for my appearance when it should be required , i would inviolably keep my word ; but , indeed i know not where you will certainly find me when i shall be delivered from hence ; for , so god help me , as i yet know not where i may then rest my head , within walls and under a roof , unless it be in a church-porch , or some such place . do , as god shall incline your heart ; for , this is really the present condition of , sir , your friend and servant , geo. wither . the prisoners plea for his vindication : humbly offered , to the honourable commons of england in parliament assembled , in a remonstrance , with a petition annexed ; by george wither , prisoner in newgate , under pretence of lybelling against the said commons . proverbs . . he that judgeth a matter before he hears it , it is shame and folly unto him . honourable , though i am numbred among malefactors , and some think me ( as ahab did elias ) to be one of those who troubles israel ; i have honestly endeavoured to serve god and my country , even in those actings , which are supposed criminal ; and perhaps may have , yet , something to do , wherein i may be further serviceable in my generation . therefore , feeling my health impaired by being above six months without hearing , shut up in a close prison , deprived of those conveniencies and necessaries which my age and condition require ; i think it my duty whilst i have some strength left , to use the best means i can , to preserve my life for his sake who gave it ( though i have little cause to value the same for its own sake ) being confident whatever hardship shall attend it , that he will permit no more to be imposed on me , then he shall render conduceable to his honour , and make me able to bear . our late epidemical distempers , have reduced me from a considerable estate , to be much less worth then nothing , and if those blusterings had hitherto continued which ruffled about me , before , and when those papers were seized , for which i am confined ; doubtless , the flouds had ere this time overflowed my soul , or the stream ran so strong against me , that it had been impossible , i should have landed a remonstrance within your threshold , with hope of acceptation ; and what may be now done i am uncertain ; nevertheless , you being again assembled , whom i am supposed to have scandalized , ( and long time elapsed without prosecution , since the limit of my confinement hither by warrant ) i conceive your displeasure ( if you be displeased with me ) to be so moderate , that i am emboldened to offer my self to your remembrance , and to make my defence by this addresse ; whereto , if you please to vouchsafe audience , a few minutes with patience , it may peradventure , save you the expence of many dayes hereafter , with some other advantages to boote ; and though the length of it threatens tediousness , it may prove as well worth your hearing as most causes , ten times longer in pleading , when friends are made , and great lawyers feed . i shall be hopeful also that this will come the more seasonably to move your compassion , because it comes so soon after your late commemoration of the greatest favour vouchsafed by god to the humane nature ; and in regard the deliverance of an innocent out of prison , may be as allowable at a christian feastival , as liberty was to a murtherer at the jewish passeover . i am , and have alwayes been ( however misrepresented ) so true a lover of the publick peace , that i was never designedly active in pulling down , or setting up any supream power , or delighted in defaming those who are in authority ; nor purposely false to any , though i have been accidentally disservicable to some ( when the appearances of supremacy were shared among them who were a medly of true friends , and traytors to god , king and people ; and when many of the late dissenting parties were in profession and action so fallacious in their words & deeds to each other , and to themselves ; as also so repugnant , that few knew in whom to confide ; and when wiser men then i , were guilty of many failings . for , knowing that all power , exists by gods grace or permission , i still submitted conscientiously to that which was most visible in being , not questioning how it was obtained , how justly or unjustly executed , or whether it favoured or disfavoured me in my own particular ; but continued in active or passive obedience thereto , whilst it could protect it self ; endeavouring such things onely , as according to my understanding , ought in my place to be done , and which might best conduce to preserve the government , in righteousness to gods glory and their welfare , for whose sakes powers and governments were first given and ordained : for , ( how mean soever their places and faculties are ) all men are obliged to serve in their generations , with such talents as are bestowed upon them , though they shall be maligned and persecuted for their labour . in prosecuting this duty ( though performed with much negligence & vanity ) god hath now preserved me about . years in being a remembrancer to my self and others , of such things ( after a poetical mode ) as i conceived pertinent to our publick or private welfares : and poesie ( though brought into contempt , by being made a bawd to pride or lust ; and for the most part rendred serviceable to the world , the flesh and the devil ) was generally priviledged to dare any thing tending to depresse vice and advance vertue , by plain or enigmatical expressions , according to this sentence . — poetis , quid libet audendi semper fuit , esq potestas . which in effect may bear this paraphrase . vice , to reprove in whom soere , the poets priviledged were . yea , divines , poets , and philosophers , have been that great counsel table of the world , by whom pietie , morality , and the priviledges of the humane nature have been preserved from barbarisme , in all ages , though many of them , in the times , and among the nations with whom they lived , had not much respect , nor so much civil authority as a petty constable . i presumed on their priviledges , and in order to the discharging of my duty , lately designed a poem , called vox vulgi , personating ( more poetico ) the counties , cities and burroughs of this nation , reprehensorily expostolating a few particulars , relating to what was then rumored , touching the deportment of some of their trustees ; and i was thereto moved by the many murmurings , secretly whispered , or openly devulged by common fame , to the begetting or fomenting of dangerous . animosities , though perhaps false ; and to the infringing of our common peace , if true ; those rumors i endeavoured to expresse in such manner as they were spoken , and with such inferences as were made upon them by others , or naturally resulted from them in my apprehension ; that , having fixed and made visible by words , those notions which fluttered to and fro within me , i might the better see what they amounted unto ; and make use of them to such good purposes , as i found cause of . and , i confesse , i made those whom i personated acting a reprehensory part , to speak as plainly , as boldly , and as magisterially , as i thought it became them ; because , fearful reprovers make fearless offenders . therefore , i conceive that which i did , was neither a transgression against any positive law , intrenchment upon good manners , nor abuse of my christian or natural freedom . having almost finished what i intended , i thought fit to offer it to the consideration of other men ; and before i would make it publick ( which whether i should have done or not , neither i my self , nor any other man certainly knowes ) i resolved ( that misconstruction might be prevented ) to offer those rumors which i had collected , together with such probable results as might arise from them , to the private view and censure of some discreet and honourable persons , who were favoured by the king , that , if to them they appeared considerable , their prudence might dispose of that composure as they thought fit : and the earl of clarenden , lord chancellor of england , ( though to me a stranger ) being reputed of so much honour and integrity , that the king judges him worthy to be intrusted with dispensing his conscience in the chief court of equitie , i ( resolving to present it to him in writing as soon as finished ) had prepared an epigram to his lordship , which was inserted in the first draught of the said poem , and seized by a doctor ( whom i think they call master of the faculties ) of what faculty i know not , except it be a faculty of plundring . for , without any legal warrant to me shown , he in a hostile , rather then in a legal civil manner , ransacked my chamber , closset and chests ; took away goods belonging to other men , as well as mine ; carried away by a porter , a large bagg-full of books , written by several authors , as also papers , letters , bills , evidences , acquittances , with whatsoever else he pleased , which are all still detained , save a very few , to my damage and other mens ; some of them being of such consequence , for ought i know , that they might have undone me , if i had not been undone before : and though it cannot yet appear , others may thereby suffer great detriment hereafter . the last draught of the said poem , having many alterations and additions , which made it differ from the former , i purposed to make both agree in expressing my whole mind , had it not been prevented by that seizure . i added likewise , a post-script to the said epigram , of about four or six lines ( as i remember ) whereby i signified to the said earl , that forasmuch , as in confidence on his nobleness , and humanity , these papers were to him privately communicated , i presumed and expected ( however they were by him relished ) that no use should he made of them to my disadvantage ( or words to that effect ) which evidently implies that i had no lybellous intention . the said doctor hath perhaps so much candor , that he will attest his seizure of the said epigram , with the said books , as also of his then taking special notice thereof ; but if not , i can make forth what i affirm as well by a probable demonstration , as by other testimony if need be ; though i was then in some things wanting to my self , by that sudden surprizal : for , i was so much distempered to see my honest intention , likely to be quite made void , by taking away every line of what i had composed , that i regarded not what might befall my person thereby ; and should not have been so calmed as i now am , and then was within a few minutes ; but that something assured my heart , the loss of those papers in that manner , would produce more advantages both to me , and to what god hath determined , then if it had succeeded otherwise ; and i have in part already so found it . but for that mercy i owe nothing to the world ; for , notwithstanding my cautiousness to avoid giving just cause of offence , the said poem being quite taken out of my hand , ( so that i could not produce it for my vindication ) it hath been so misrepresented by fragments , to his majesties privy councill ( they not having leasure to peruse it all in so ragged a hand as mine ) that i was about six months past committed to this prison , as a lybeller against this house of commons : before which commitment , i heard a line or two , of the said poem repeated in that injurious manner , to the attorny general ( who seemed to me so prudent , not to regard the officiousness of the informer ) as made me perceive what was intended . for his objecting my words in that mode , without the qualifications preceding , or subsequent , made them appear like the devils quoting of holy scripture , or like his abusing the sacred text , who saith , cursed is he who doth the work of the lord , and leaves out this principal word , negligently . thus do i seem to be dealt withall , contrary to my apparent meaning ; for , in the title of that poem , called a lybel , wherein the counties , cities , and burroughs , are personated , reprehending their prevaricating trustees onely , according to what was commonly famed ; there is a premised salvo , preserving the honour of the parliament , and of every faithful individual member thereof , from those reproofs , and the said salvo was not there verbally expressed onely , but likewise really intended ; and i effectually endeavoured throughout the whole poem to excuse them from what was mistransacted by surprize or otherwise , as also by so reproving those that were faulty , that no man might be personally defamed though guilty ; yea , so rather , that every individual offender privately applying those reproofs to himself , as he finds cause , might reform secretly what was amisse . the parliament , or this house cannot be scandalized by discovering of meer causual failings in that manner , or of such contingences as were not in their power to prevent : nor is any man justly to be blamed , for modestly taking notice of them , with an intention , to seek redress for what may mishappen thereby . if there be no such prevaricators among you , as it was defamed , no man among you , is then reproved or concerned in that poem . if there be such , they keeping there own counsel , and reforming there manners , may be as free from scandal as they were before that poem was written , though it should be devulged ; and i think it would add to your honour , if published with your allowance ; for the best way for men to prevent disparagement by general reproofs , is to take no notice that they more concern them , then every other man ; and to approve of it as tending to the depressing of vice , and the advance of vertue . scandals past by , are soon for got , and hid from them , who knew them not . they have exceeding crazie credits , whose reputation will be crackt with such touches ; and i am rationally perswaded , that they who are prudent , and sober , will be ashamed to take offence at so innocent a prosopopeia , seeing , though there may be folly in it , wise men hear fools gladly , because they themselves are wise ; and none will be implacably displeased , but they whose imprudence will manifest , that their own consciences do accnse them , for having been somewhat justly lyable to those reproofs . if we may not in genaral terms reprehend indiscreet and vitious actings , in such a mode , and with such epithites as to them belong , i may well affirm vices are more priviledged then vertues , and that morality is in hazzard to be brought to utter contempt . if we may not without loss of liberty , be permitted within our own private closets , to set in order our fleeting thoughts , occasioned by what we see and hear , and put them into words , that we may thereby the better consider what they amount unto , doubtless , we have little freedom left us ; and i for my part ( though i shall not whilst i live , desist from claiming the priviledges due to the humane nature ) will bear the infringment of them with patience , and rest contented with an internal inlargement ; yea , though i know it is as injurious to a free english man , to suffer uncondemned , as it was to paul being a free roman ; and i had rather be one of their number who suffer in that kind , then one of those , who lives in fear of their words and thoughts , who intend them all good , and no harm , in words , deeds or imagination . it was reputed a dangerous time , and a symptome of sad consequences , both by the jews and romanes ( as their histories testifie ) when men were made capital offenders for words . how sad then are those times likely to be , wherein words well intended , yea , tending to the general peace and welfare ( if rightly understood ) shall be judged criminal ? and , when some who misjudged them , do know in their own consciencies , that they express nothing but what is true , and fit to be offered to consideration ? i know it to be a priviledge claimed by this house to judge of the crimes charged upon any member thereof : if therefore , i had intended a charge in particular , against any one , or more of them , i would have brought it hither , though i have learned , by dear bought experience , what hazzard i might have run . but , i having onely gathered together , what the wind had scattered , with a purpose rather to make a lenitive then a corosive , designed to present it to such hands , as i thought fittest to make application : for , perhaps ( considering of what ingredients it consists ) if i should have presented it to your speaker , or to any other of your members , he or they , might as justly have been suspected my confederate , and an accessary lybeller , as i now am to be a principal one . it may be objected against what i have raised from fame , that she is a lyar ; i confess it true , as well in her good as evil reports ; and that in these times , fame hath been very injurious both wayes : i am therefore so jealous of all she blabs , especially of what concerns mens reputations , that i give not credit to any rumor without well considering the circumstances and relators , before i receive it for truth ( unless a fit of that levity surprizes me , whereto most men are over prone ) and as i am wary how far to believe it , so likewise i am careful to make use of the truth , falshood or probability thereof , so far forth as i can , both to prevent my doing that injury to another , which i would not another should do to me , and to render it as publickly advantagious also as i may without scandal to individual persons . therefore , though vox populi , is said to be vox dei , and common fame in some cases , reputed equivolent to a proof , my reprehensions are always in general terms , or at least of so large an extent , that particular offendors , are not thereby made discoverable ; because , i have neither warrant or purpose , to bring men to publick shame or personal punishment ; but to prevent it rather by giving delinquents occasion so to take notice of their own prevarications in private , that they may escape both punishment and shame . if this were not my principle , i might have mentioned many things in particular , not meanly reprovable , as well knowingly , as by fame , whereof even members of your house are guilty ; and which i might safely , and with a good conscience , have charged upon them , if i had as plain proofs to evidence it to other men , as i have to ascertain it unto myself ; and , to affirm this , is neither blameable in me , nor scandal to this house : for , it is no dishonour to any society to have it affirmed , that some of them are corrupt or faulty . the soundest flock may have some rotten sheep ; there is no natural body without a blemish , nor any politick body , or civil constitution without defects . there was one traytor among those . apostles which were chosen by christ himself ; and if there be one faithful one among . of those prelates , who in these later ages , ( as they are now elected ) do claim to be their successors , many good people are deceived . it were a miracle if the people had not chosen some to sit here , who are not such as they ought to be . though you have an eloquent tongue , an undistempered brain , an intelligible common sense , if you have therewith some organs of the external senses maimed , and other members defective , without your default ( which is not impossible ) how can you help it ? or why should the whole body be therefore blamed ? i am not ignorant how tender i ought to be of your honour ; and to let you know , how far i am from being a malitious prosecutor of any mans personal crimes : one to me allied ( who in that respect craved my advice and assistannce ) brought me a paper containing the effect of articles , by him intended to be exhibited against a member of this house , with confidence and probabilities , of making unquestionable proof of the whole charge ; which comprehended such unmanly , unchristian , impudent , and barbarous misdemeanours in words and deeds , that the crimes being proved ( as i think they might evidently have been ) you could not have waved his expulsion with preservation of your honour : yet for some good reasons , i made a stop of that intended prosecution , and in hope to reclaim him , immediately declared the whole matter to an honourable earl , who to my knowledge had power over him , desiring his endeavour to reform him by his authority and advice ; for which civility i had thanks returned , and heartily wish the gentleman may be so truely reclaimed , that no further notice be taken of what is past , to his dishonour ; for , by my wilful default no man shall be personally defamed , if reformation may be otherwise effected . there is , without question , in some degree , a just occasion of every fame wholly , or in part , whether good or evil , true or false ; and a discreet taking notice thereof , might be a means of rectifying somewhat which is or may be misdone to private , or publick detriment ; if there were such misactings as fame reports , no great offence can be justly taken by the repetition thereof in my poem : for , a verbal mention of prevarications , whether in general or particular terms , is the least punishment due to transgressors . if reproofs be misapplyed to them who are not faulty , or scandalously to them that are guilty , the misapplyer , not the writer is the lybeller . to prove that which is written to be a lybel , all these following particulars must be concomitant : first , it must be written and devulged with a malicious intent , and the malice evidenced by some circumstances . secondly , it must be so published , that neither the authors name is expressed , nor ought else , whereby it may be discovered if reputed scandalous . thirdly , it must either scandalize the persons by name , or by such marks , as can make it applyable to no other man ; or if it scandalize societies , it must scandalize them wholly ; for to say some of them , did such foolish or wicked actions , is no scandal to them who never did them . i mention no offences , but such as are known to have been committed by some ; for , to write against that whereof i knew not any one to have been guilty , were to teach men new sins by naming them , which perhaps never came into their thoughts . there are few things misdone by any one , but such as many know others to have committed , and if they make a scandalous application , be it at their own peril ; for it concerns not me . to be debarr'd from a general reproving of such enormities as are dayly found in persons and societies , would be a paliating of transgressors , and an infringment of the priviledges due to justice , and the moral vertues ; and therefore when all the circumstances afore mentioned concur in a reproof , to denominate it a lybel , it must be intirely and openly produced also , to be judged of by those whom it may concern , and not by fragments : and then such onely are to pass judgement thereupon , who are competent judges thereof , by being no parties ; and who have taken every part of it into consideration : for , it is a prerogative due to god onely , who is justice it self , to be judge in his own cause ; and is i think , a priviledge usurped by none else , except tyrants ; because i have observed , that , just kings and lawful judicatories , presume to judge none in matters relating to themselves , but by standing laws , justly constituted ; and their infringments , by the common law of this nation , ought to be evidenced to the consciences of twelve good and lawful men , as well as to the judges , before the party accused is condemned to suffer . in this mode , if i shall be found an offender , i will patiently submit unto the verdict , be it right or wrong ; be sorry for my offence , if i have committed any ; and make what other satisfaction i can , as i will also do , by whomsoever i shall be convicted of a crime , though i intended none . for , having been many wayes a transgressor to godward , i will not repine though he shall deliver me into the hands of men , even of those men who having been forgiven many talents , shall take me by the throat , and cast me into prison , who trespassed against them to the value of a few pence onely . nevertheless , i think it will not misbecome me to say , that i have been somewhat over severely dealt withall , in being upon a slight view of my imperfect papers unpublished , accused and committed , without hearing , to a destructive imprisonment , for but mentioning the drunkenness , debaucheries , follies , and other exorbitancies of those , who have not been ashamed to act them , as well openly by day in the sight of the whole country , as by night , to the occasioning of many disgraceful rumors , whereof i thought to have made some good use . and , but that i presumed on the candor of this house , and hoped that some novices might have been improved for the better , since their election by sitting a while there , as well as many have been heretofore made worse by sitting there over long , i had not brought this remonstrance hither ; but rather appealed to the king or house of lords , as my proper judges in this cause , in regard none of them are parties . this nation boasts of their great charter , and of other petty ones : but , how enjoy we the priviledges by them confirmed , when we are deprived of our liberties unheard , upon misapprehensions , or the false accusation of beggarly and maliticious informers , to the inriching of goalers and messengers , by impoverishing honest and innocent men , as if sheep and lambs , were bred and kept for nothing else , but to be worried for doggs meat ? how can humane society be preserved , or of what value are grants of princes for themselves , their heirs and successors confirmed by solemn ingagements , oaths , hands & seals ? and what trust is in them , if upon every slght jealousie or suggestion , they may be made void at the will and pleasure of those who are in power , as often as they find the vacating of them will be their advantage ? the priviledges which god and nature gave me , i will exercise as long , and as far forth as i can , without asking any mans leave , and suffer patiently when i cannot shun it , without making any account of that which hath no certainty therein : for , how can i believe that they who will hinder me from enjoying what is given by gods charter , will let me long possesse what i have by their grants ? when the world permits me to possesse liberty , or any other natural benefit or accommodations , which are in her power to give or take away , she permits it , but because , it is most for her present advantage , not out of love to justice , or good will to me . and long experience hath taught me , that where power is exercised without law or conscience , there fair promises mingled with some acts of grace , are but baits to bring wild fowls to their decayes ; and sleight performances in hand , greatned by hopes raised from complemental favours , and deeds confirmed with hand and seal , are for the most part , but devices to keep tame fowls alwayes in readiness , as it were about the house , to supply such wants as may accedentally happen . it may be said of many now , as it was of severus , of whom it is recorded , that he deceived every man who trusted him ; yet still found enough who were enduced to trust him : so , most men in these dayes , though they have been often deceived , and professe they believe they shall still be deceived , by those in whom they seem to confide , do nevertheless act , as if they believed otherwise ; the manie reason whereof is , because , they cozen themselves : and whereas oppressions proceeded heretofore from the pride , avarice and ambition of princes , now they proceed from the luxurie , malice , greediness , and baseness of the people turned courtiers ; who under colour of a feigned loyalty , rob kings of their honour , with a shew of increasing their power and wealth ; of which they likewise cheat them , and by degrees corrupt their manners , and root out of them the royal vertues to which they were naturally inclined . by such bosome traytors , if his majestres constancy and clemency had not been impregnable , his last act of grace and indempnity , had ere this time ( if i am not deceived ) been made void ; as his engagements on the behalf of purchasers have been , by a device , which picks our bones after our flesh is torn away , instead of what he graciously intended . of this i am experimentally sensible ; for , i am not onely deprived of my whole purchases with their improvements at my cost , without the allowance of one foot of land , or a peny in money ; but the prelate who now possesseth it , his tennants , officers , or their agents , making riotous and forcible entries into my possessions in a barbarous manner , took my rents due to me , with my corn sown before he was bishop there ; yea that corn that was housed also , a year before his admission ; as if it had been purposely done in contempt of the kings declaration and ingagements to the contrary ; who , by what is observed in his majesties struglings to moderate the violence of them who are inclined to rigor ( and by what i have been informed of his generous respect to the preservation of his royal word ) it seems to add much thereby to his personal honour ; and evidences , that he hath more true humanity , and christian clemency , then two thirds of those , who have sought to honour and advantage him by their severity ; and if he ende●●our to strengthen those vertues by gods assistance , ( who will never be wanting thereunto ) until they shall become habitual , they will cure all his infirmities , and cover all his sins , though they were multitudes . i am as sensible as a man can be of what i do suffer ; i am as intelligible of what i may yet suffer , and know as well as most men , when any thing is illegally imposed on me : but am so prepared for what may befall , that i fear it not , nor will currishly bite the stones that are flung at me , because i know the flingers ; nor will trouble my self to rate every dog that barks at me , nor complain frowardly of those that sets them on ; but , plead my innocency with a sober boldness ; declare truly my oppressions , and sustain them patiently , in hope they will be shorted , amended or ended : for , things grow ripe as well in dark nights , as in clear dayes , though few perceive it ; and , that which men despise proves other while , more pertinent to their welfare , then that which they best esteemed . micab though , feared , hated and persecuted by ahab , and the rest of the princes of israel , told them that which was true , when all their court prophets prophecied lyes ; and he was more safe in prison with bread and water of affliction , then they were by enjoying their liberties , with plenty , and fortified with armies to defend them from what he presaged : for , he is the protector of all those , who stoutly and conscientiously discharge their duties ; who , hath said by way of threatning , touch not mine anointed ones , neither do harm to my prophets . every true christian is one of his prophets , and in that sence i may say without arrogance , i believe my self to be one , though i am often so called in derision ; or , i am in stead of one , at least , at this time to these nations : and may say also , that i have been scurvily enough used , to be one of those to whom god vouchsafed an anointing with that spirit in a measure , somewhat more then ordinary : for , what may i expect to suffer when i shall be convicted of the crime laid to my charge , who am uncondemned cast into this disgraceful jayle , and left so neglected of the world , as if i were neither worthy to he acquitted or condemned ? here , i consume the last of my dayes in a poor lodging , without servant or other attendant , during the long winter nights , forced in my present sickness , to arise in cold and darkness , without convenient accommodation , nigh half an score times within a few hours , to disburthen nature ; i am put to more expence in one day , then all that amounts unto which i have in certain for subsistance during my life ; for my friends being unwilling to hazzard my health in a lodging among common prisoners , are compelled to pay weekly , as much for a poor chamber ( as would discharge a years rent for a house with a good farm in the country , yet cannot have it at that dear rate , unless they pay likewise weekly for one meal a day , besides extraordinary expences in other necessaries , so much as provided me competent meat and drink five weeks , one week with another , before i came hither ; which pittance did preserve me in good health without having any other addition , to the value of a penny ; and i would to god there were not many at this time more oppressed then i am in this kind . that expence was defrayed , also by charity , which made me then so frugall , lest there might be a failing thereof , as there hath been lately of what was formerly sent in hither : perhaps , by reason my offence being agravated so much , that i being numbred and made a companion of thieves and murtherers without any difference , it hath rendred some of my friends afraid to visit me ; and for that , some other of them are so impoverished that they are disabled . i would have added no more , but considering , with what malignancy some giddy censurers have objected against me , the harshest passages in my poem , without their qualifications as aforesaid , i cannot but be sensible of that influence it may have upon those hearers , who shall never see the said poem in its proper dress , and perfected as i intended . i will therefore make bold to put your honours in mind , that i shall conceive my self much injured , if any member of this house shall in his publick capacity , pass a vote against me concerning that book which is supposed a lybel , until he shall first peruse , or hear it wholly read ; or , if he shall charge upon me as my act , either of those imperfect draughts thereof , which were seized in my chamber , until i deliver it forth compleated according to my purpose ; in regard , till then they are neither mine , nor ought so be reputed . i will once again also , put you in remembrance , that it is but the common fame , with some inferences thereupon , which i would have expressed ; and which therefore , if offencive , ought to be charged upon the people , not upon me , who did but eccho to what they spake . this being considered , and that i onely wrote in private to a good end , what i had heard and partly knew ( yea , and what some of you likewise and many thousands know to be true ) i cannot justly be termed a lybeller , or that poem a lybel . though he who seized my papers ( and is or was , as i am informed the master newes carpenter , that chips out unto us the weekly intelligences ) hath already deemed me ( as i hear also ) to the gallowes , and intends to endeavour what he can to prefer me thither , by publishing my late poem in fragments , with his animadversions thereupon ; i shall have no cause to be displeased thereat , if i may have liberty to answer him in publick , and be allowed also a true copy of the said poem . habitual vitiousness , hath so corrupted most men , and made them so slavish that they dare not speak of , or to , their own idolized creatures , but with epethites and attributes due to their creator ; or with some abusive application of the holy text ; nor hear things exprest as they truely are , or called by their proper names : and that makes my poem so distastful to some readers . this slavishness hath also partly occasioned , and justifies those whom you call quakers ( who do it by a spiritual impulse , and not out of a carnal affectation to singularity ) to neglect and condemn the complements , language , dialect and manners of these times . some of my predantical censures without your doors ( who know not what free language is allowable to the muses in reprehending vice ) being more offended with honest words and wholsome truths , though soberly ( if plainly and boldly ) spoken , then with wicked deeds ; seem to think it little less then blasphemy , to affirm , their are or may be fools , imprudent , rash , inconsiderate , or debauched persons admitted into the house of commons ; nevertheless , you may perceive by what i have already expressed , that i know it to be possible , and why should i not believe it so to be ? when , was it otherwise ? what wise men among you have not so found it to their vexation and trouble ? or how , could you be a true representative of the people , if there were not such among you ? considering , what for the most part , they are , how factious , how froward , how malicious , and how troublesome they have often been to themselves , and to your sober proceedings ? when i find dawes and doves together in one dove-house , flying dayly in and out together , i may possibly forbear to speak of it ; but , if my life should lie upon it , i cannot chuse but think and believe the dawes are dawes , whosoever sayes to the contrary , when they are such in shape , colour , feathers , voice , and action ; nor do i think the pigeons are not true pigeons , because their are dawes among them : i have been so used to a true pace , that i cannot easily tread a shufling amble , or fall into a false gallop . but , i will harp no more on this string , for it is harsh in mine own ears ( god save them ) and you are wise enough to apprehend what is considerable without more words . fools are afraid of their own shadowes , and had rather be flattered into destruction by false representations , then to be delivered by plain dealing . truth will nevertheless prevail at last in despight of impostures , and falshood ; god , hath sent his harbengers , and will come ere long to put an end to the delusions and confusions which our incredulity , prophaneness and apostacies have occasioned to abound ; yea , even that great mystery of iniquity , which begins to sprout afresh , and which hath lately appeared in many shapes , ripens every day so fast , that it will shortly be rotten ; and i believe ( as old as i am ) i should live to see the fall of it , if i might survive but till the age whereto some in this generation have artained : gods will be done , for though i die before that time , i shall stand up in my lot , to behold the effects of it . come lord jesus , come quickly . i have now done with what i primarily intended by this remonstrance , purposing at first to conclude with petitioning somewhat for my self , relating to my present outward condition ; but , as my case , and the times are , i neither know what will be most advantagious , nor what is likely to be granted : for considering how i stand misrepresented , many will be ready to speak against me , and not one plead for me , except those whom god shall extraordinarily incline thereunto ; and what respect they shall vouchsafe , lies yet hidden between god and them . i think i may truly professe , that i desire neither prosperity , nor adversity , no not the best things absolutely , at this present , as relating meerly to my self ; for as bad as it seems to fare with me , i dare not ask for any thing absolutely , but what i am warranted absolutely to pray for ; because i know not what god hath preordained as best for me , and most tending to his glory ; and lest i may petition my self out of the frying pan into the fire : incidet in scillam , qui vult vitare charibdim . charibdis when i shun i am on scilla run . that , which threatens the worst things , may produce the best ; that , which promiseth what seems most desirable , may be most harmful ; and , assuredly it will so prove , if i should absolutely desire it , especially , in these times of probation , wherein all persons and things , are coming to the test . i am for my sins justly deprived of my whole estate , and well nigh of all outward comforts and conveniences ( except such as god sends in upon a new score ) yet perhaps , i am not deprived of them for my sins onely , but partly that being thereby freed from those worldly intanglements , which made me too regardful of my life , and personal intrests , i might by the loss of them , the more fearlesly discharge my duty to god and men ; as most commonly they do with more courage , who have but their lives to lose , then when they have also great livelihoods to hazzard ; and it may be , that they who rejoyce in their plentiful enjoyments of such things as i have lost , do possess them but to help ripen them into a sinful impenitency . it may be likewise , i having expressed such principles , and resolutions as the world thinks no man truely owns , it is necessary for the sake of many men , that i and some other should in this hypocritical and apostatizing generation be proved by sufferings , whether we are true professors or impostors ; and if i shall be ambitious of any honour in this world , it will be to be honoured with such a probation ; all other temporary honours appearing to me in comparison thereof , less honourable then that of the late frince le grange ; which is not altogether so empty a vanity as it is reputed by some sober men ; because , possibly , that scoene of boy-games ( commonly called christmas gambolls ) was permitted ( though not so intended by the actors ) to be a sign to this generation , and to all who saw them , that the most substantial titular honours , glories and pleasures , of this world , will be very short , and when past away , leave them who affectionately embraced those clouds , poorer and less honourable then they were before ; if not more miserable . all subcoelestial things are vanity , and i am so far from doating on temporary honours , that i should little value that precious jewell , a good name among men , if it conduced not more to the honour of god , and the consolation and edifying of others in vertue and piety , than to my personal advantage ; yea i had rather be a george on foot , stiled simply george wither , without any attribute , having my share in the honour of those , concerning whom it was said , to you it is given to believe and suffer ; then to be a george on horsback , honoured among those grandees , usually pictured riding as it were tryumphantly on prancing steeds , with guilt trap-sticks in their hands , and the title of excellency , or such like written under them . i have now little or no portion in the world , but my life , and if i should ask to be delivered out of this jayle , my ingagements may bring me next day into another : for , i have no subsistance but their charity , whose faces , or names for the most part , i know not ; and should god cause them totally to withdraw it ( which i am confident he will not , untill he provides for me another way ) i shall soon be out of every mans power : god hath been pleased here to prove me , as well by sickness , as by poverty and imprisonment ; in so much , that one twelve hours more of such corporal tortures as i have sustained for some few dayes , would totally end all my sufferings ; and i am perswaded god ( whose mind i desire in all things to search out so far forth as lawfully i may ) hath lately given that sharp touch in my flesh , to make me consider how much more dreadful it would be to fall into his hands , then into the hands of men , who cannot possibly inflict a greater torment ; and , that , if bodily pains may be so extream , how insufferable it would be if i should fall into the distempers of a wounded and despairing conscience , by a wilful neglect of my duty . but to prevent it , and furnish men with inducements to constancy in his service , he hath in that , as in all other straits , given me earnest both of his making issues out of all my tryals and temptations , and of preserving me safe and patient whilst they continue . when i had nor goods , nor lands , nor house left me wherein to rest my head , nor any certain place wherein my distressed relations might have harbor ; yea , when the addition of restraint to poverty in this disgraceful prison , had made my children an object of scorn and contempt ; even then , gods merciful providence provided for them , to the wonderment and rejoycing of my friends , by giving them in marriage , without portions , to persons of considerable estates and good reputation ; and made it the more considerable , in regard they whose natural affections and morral compassion , he inclined thereunto , were never in their judgements , or interests united to that party with whom i was formerly ingaged : but he who makes men of one mind in a house , hath made nevertheless such a loving and conscientious harmony , in their manners and affections , relating to a christian wel-being , that i hope it may be a sign of a more general composure of differences throughout the whole nation ; and i heartily pray it may be so ; howsoever , by these and such pledges and evidences of gods love , my faith in the mean time , may be preserved from failing , if i must pass through greater tryals . those are possible enough to happen in divers respects ; for , i hear that stigmatizing , and the loss of my ears is the least i seem to deserve in the opinions of some ; which though i repute it equal with the loss of my life , i will neither make petition nor friends to avoid it , by any other means but this apology ; for , i deserve no such punishments by law , and if i undergo them without desert , it hath been the lot of better men , and gods will be done , who will enable me to bear what he permits to befall me . some , owning worse principles then i do , have suffered no less hardship with much courage : i have known a man in my time , to lose his ears , to be stigmatized , banished , brought home again by thousands as it were in triumph ; chosen to be a member of the highest council then being , and yet to have less honour in his exaltation , then he had in his sufferings ; sic transit gloria mundi : thus the honours , disgraces , bubbles , and troubles of this life , pass and repass into that which is contrary to themselves ; and with me , all such things will so quickly come to an end , that i think them not worthy my care . it is possible , that i may shortly be cast into the dungeon , ten times worse accommodated then at present , there , i may be visited also with bodily distempers , no less unsufferable then those i lately felt , and be left quite destitute of those supplies and means of easement , which were then vouchsafed ; for there is already a failing of that contribution which i formerly had , and it may be much less , in regard it came not ( that i know of ) from the hands or charity of the lord mayors , sheriffes or aldermen , within whose common prison i am confined ; nor from any noble or very rich persons ; but from them onely ( or for the most part ) whose charity exceeded their abilities , and from such ( if i am not mis-informed ) whose certain livelihoods are scarce sufficient to relieve their own wants and their necessities , of whom they seem to be more obliged to take care then of mine ; and as their number and estates decrease by death or oppressions ; so in probability must my relief diminish : but it may partly be obstructed by a worse means , in regard ( if i am not much deceived ) there be yet some counterfeit professors of piety , who having gained repute and profitable imployments heretofore , by their formal complying with such as are sincerely religious , do for self ends privately asperse and disparage their brethren who are in affliction , to the abating of that charity , whereby they were comforted : this way , i probably suspect i may suffer by some , who insinuate that i have not dealt so candedly as i ought to have done with them ; whereas they abounding in their own sence , have not only been unreasonable in their demands and expectations , but palpably injurious also unto me and mine : but my essential reputation depends on what is really in my self , not on other mens tongues ; and these devourers of widowes houses , under the colour of long prayers , have alwayes been as much my enemies and traducers , as they who are openly prophane ; of which two sorts there are so many who make it their work to asperse me , upon the account of envy , malice , or self intrest , that i cannot long escape their evil tongues ; and perhaps i may now suffer in the opinion of this house , by the misrepresentations of such persons , as i have done heretofore . but i being experimentally acquainted with gods dispensations as to giving , and taking away ; do find their may be as just cause at this time , of taking away as of giving ( least my corrupt nature being prone enough thereto ) i might more depend upon my own strength , or upon gods gifts , or upon those by whom he sends them , then upon him from whom they came . god alsufficient by adding and withdrawing , keeps me both from dispair , and presumption . i find moreover , that not onely the seizure of my papers , hath advanced my primary intention , but that every hardship also which hath hapned thereupon to my person , hath advantaged me ; for , i who was heretofore served with nigh twenty servants in houshold at once , can now serve many hard masters , and my self too , with more contentment then in those dayes . i have by loosing , gained somewhat toward my support ; found somewhat which lay hid within me , to make a mends for what is defective without me , and can do many things for my self , which i never did heretofore ; mend my cloaths , make my bed , my sea-coal fires , & sweep my chamber , as well as any servant in the jayle , and make the doing of these things a pleasing recreation . i may possibly be detained in prison until i must lie in a lowsie bed , or upon the bare ground , but whilst i am here i shall still have the walls and roofs of a prison to defend me from the cold air ; whereas , if i should petition to be delivered hence , and obtain my request , without being some way provided for , i know not at this present any place wherein i can be certain to find so much shelter as i have here ; in regard , my son in whose chamber at the temple i had harbor , till i was from thence committed , was lately constrained to sell it to discharge a debt of mine , for which he stood ingaged ; and this being considered with many other things considerable , i know not what to ask of you for my self . excuse this verbosity ; for , old men ( especially when oppressed ) are full of words ; losers also ( as our proverb saith ) may be allowed to speak ; and though much of what i expresse may seem impertinent both to my vindication , and to you , yet for many respects it will he pertinent to me , and to many more , when you have laid them aside ( or shall neglect them ) even to many of the common people who are both your servants and masters . for , i have not scribled all this , and inlarged it with many collateral expressions , so much to vindicate my self , as in hope my experiments in this suffering , may be of comfortable use now or hereafter , to some of those whom you represent . and , in truth , my apollogizing for my tediousness now i seriously heed it , is but a needless and impertinent mannerliness , according to the common mode ; for , it cannot be justly expected , that to the interrupting of publick affairs , a discourse of this length should be read in your house ; nor had i any such hope , though i directed it to the whole house , to intrest every individual member thereof in my cause , when his will and leasure shall thereto incline him ; well knowing , that were it longer , or shorter , it will be totally perused by some of you , out of a conscientious regard of my sufferings ; by some others , out of curiosity ; by others , for their information touching those matters which may be thereby discovered relating to themselves , or the publick ; and , perhaps , by more then a few with a desire to find out somewhat therein , which may give them occasion to add to my affliction . but , i may trespass against your patience more through my tediousness , in somewhat that i have yet to say , by occasion of that publick humiliation which is injoyned by his majesties proclamation ; the sincere solemnization whereof , will be another incitement to justice and mercy , in regard that which is most essential to such duties , is relieving the oppressed , the widow , the fatherless , and letting the prisoners go free , next unto those offices which are to be performed immediatly to god. it hath suddenly surprized me , and though it seem not to belong to my matter in hand , it will be of such concernment , that i cannot forbear in this place to insert it ; knowing , it pertinent to this generation , and my work therein ; which being almost at an end , i will upon the said occasion , leave with you who are the representative of this nation , some hints and cautions , fit to be taken into consideration by you and them , at this time , in respect of that said publick humiliation ; therefore that my words may appear to be worthy of so much regard , at least , as those which were spoken to baalam by his beast , i pray be pleased , though i seem a phannatick , to take notice that above a hundred of my presages and preconjectures heretofore published , & tending to the common welfare ( during the several changes of governours and governments , since i came to years of discretion ) have been evidently verified ; and some in particulars touching the prophanation and abuse of publick humiliations and thansgivings ; and for which impieties , and hypocrisie , those plagues were increased , from which we desired to be delivered , or other judgements brought upon us . it was too evident that for the most part , there was more policy then piety , in the celebration of publick fasts and thanksgivings heretofore ; the first , being perhaps to delude people by a shew of holiness , to make them the more willing to contribute supplies and assistance to their designs ; and the latter to incourage their friends , dishearten their enemies , or to magnifie their own victories and prevailings , rather then to glorifie god ; and the lean calves of their lips , which they then offered , were far inferiour to the hecatombs and magnificent sacrifices of the gentiles in preceding ages . oliver crumwell , about , or little before the beginning of his last year , commanded a day of humiliation to be solemnized , with a pretence to seek god for the removal of a great mortality then raging , as he pretended ; within a month after that , he injoyned a publick thanksgiving , with a pretence to glorifie god for his two most signal victories ; at which times , i prepared and made bold to present to his own hands , hints , to remember him of such cautions and duties as i feared he might neglect , peradventure not without cause ; for , no effects followed answerable to those pious pretendings ; and on the very day twelve month next following his day of humiliation to take away sickness ; he himself sickned to death ; and within a few weeks after that , even upon the same day twelve moneth also , which he set a part for a publick thanksgiving , he died of the aforesaid sicknes ; which i take the more notice of , because , i find at the conclusion of the last addresse , which i prepared for the said two solemn dayes , these few lines ; sir , i have now perform'd my true endeavour , if , nothing it prevails ; farewell for ever : for , you , or i , or both , shall be ere long , where , you can do no right , nor i take wrong . god give a better success to our devotions , then in dayes past ; but i do yet see very small appearances thereof , for , the best sign at present that god will at last deliver us from the judgement now lying upon us , and avert those which we fear , is this ; that he removes them not before we truly repent : i hear we have the same animossities , and the same avengeful spirits amongst us : i hear , the cryes of the widow , fatherless and oppressed , are as loud and lamentable as ever ; that prisons are still as full , not onely of miserable decayed debtors , but , also crammed up as it were , to the destruction of many mens lives , or healths , with persons who suffer meerly upon the groundless jealousies , and pretended suspitions of malicious informers ; and few take their oppressions and starving condition into consideration . poverty by oppressions , and new oppressions by poverty , are become so epedimical and universal , that no history can shew us that there ever were in the same land ( where no war did then rage ) so many thousands of the same nation , made beggarly and miserable by each other ; even by their acquaintance , their former familiars , their neighbours , brethren and kinsmen ; or , where there was at so necessitous a time , so much luxury , pride and excessive bravery in apparrel . and the confederates of the man of sin , do so endeavour also to root out their opposers , by whom the peace of god should be preserved among us ; and have so increased prophaness , impiety , and superstition , that , though many now think this nation in a happy estate , and near to a glorious establishment in their mode ; the world seems unto me , rather nigh to such a judgement as noahs flood ; or , these nations , by their paralelling them in their sins , not to be far from somewhat resembling that which befell to sodom and gomorrah , unless god shall prevent it , for the sake of his elect. give me leave therefore ( who shall probably never hereafter be troublesome again in this kind ) to declare freely and fully what i believe god declares unto my heart , by bringing an examplary judgement of his to my remembrance , recorded in the . chapter of the second book of samuel , which i am hopeful may opperate somewhat , being well considered , toward the asswaging of that blood-thirstiness , and toward purging away that blood-guiltiness , which lies yet upon us ; for , notwithstanding the blood already shed , i do perceive that not onely many men , who are no wayes in their particular persons or intrest , damnified by those who are questioned for shedding blood , have an unquenchable thirst after more blood ; but , that women also , who are naturally tender hearted , are so inflamed with that thirst ( if we may know their distempers by their words ) as if the death of others were half the life of their souls ; and as if they had never heard , who hath given it forth to be the mark of whorish women , to hunt after the precious lives of men . i heard since this text came into my thought , that you had a sermon preached before you , upon the same parsel of scripture , on the late day of humiliation ; but i have not yet seen it , nor heard what application or use he hath made thereof ; when you have heard me , try the spirits by which we are guided ; for , i will declare my self impartially without respect of persons , according to that light within me , which beameth from the light eternal . in the dayes of david , there was a famine three years throughout the land ; whereupon , he enquiring of god the cause of that plague , received answer , that it was for saul and his bloody house , who had slain the gibeonites , a remnant of the amorites , unto whom the children of israel had sworn ; yet , ( as it is added in the text ) saul thought to slay them , out of a zeal to the children of israel and judah . from this record , and the circumstances , i do undoubtedly collect , that famine is a judgement , proper to the avenging of unlawful bloodshed ; and in reason it so appears to be ; for as blood is the life of men , so the fruits of the earth are the life and preservation of humane blood ; and therefore justly taken away from those , who are guilty of that sin. a famine is now begun among us , likely to increase and continue , unless we make our attonement and peace with god ; which the king taking into consideration , according to the duty of his place , strictly commanded all his people to seek unto almighty god for pardon of our sins , by a general and unfeigned humiliation ; wherein he christianly professed , that he and his whole family should so joyn , that we might altogether as one man humble our selves in his presence , in hope our devotions might be accepted ; and , i shall be glad if it hath been so performed , lest else , it so provoke god , that instead of removing and preventing a destructive dearth , it bring upon us , all his three great plagues at once , doubled ; even wars , pestilence , and famines , both spiritual and temporal . let us take heed of it ; and since bloodshed is the principal crime , for which the judgement already begun is feared will increase , and for the expiation whereof some satisfaction must be made , to witness the truth of our repentance , ( though it be not in our power to make satisfaction for the least transgression ) let us all be so cautious to search into the whole matter , and to find out every circumstance of our duties ; that we add not sin to sin , blood to blood , and suppose we do well , when we have done more wickedly , by an hypocritical misapplication , or an ignorant search . or , least in place of true christian oblations , we offer up the abominations of the heathen , who sacrificed the innocent children of their enemies , to appease the ghosts of their slaughtered princes ; or , do like them , who offered the fruits of their body to molech , for the sins of their souls ; or , lest we think , as many have done , we do god or our country good service , when we have oppressed , or slain , or banished , those who worship him not as we do ; even those , for whose sakes we are hitherto preserved , by him , in whose sight the blood of the meanest of his saints , is more precious then the blood of the greatest king , who hath not aswell a saintship as kingship . for the expiation therefore of our blood-guiltiness , so far forth as it will be requirable to testifie the sincerity of our contrition and repentance , ( plenary satisfaction as i said before , not being in our power ) we must effectually and speedily prosecute the means , which are but two in chief . the one is , the washing away of wilful bloodshed , with the blood of malicious murtherers , by executing justice . the other is by mercy , in pardoning those who have shed blood causually , ignorautly , and without any apparant malice ; and , this justice and mercy must be dispensed without partiality , rashness , malice , or by-respect to our selves , or to any other . that , we be not deceived in the persons who are to be the objects of this justice and mercy , we must be very wary least we incur the curse pronounced against them , who justifie the wicked and condemn the innocent ; so , in stead of being rendred acceptable , become abominable unto the lord ; for , the world is so full of deceitful juglings , that , she can make that which is righteous and holy , appear to be unrighteous and prophane : wrap up suparlative impietie in such a mystery , that , it shall seem the perfection of holiness , make traytors and murtherers appear to be saints and martyrs , true saints and martyrs to be reputed murtherers , and traytors ; and bring them to the greatest outward shame and suffering . therefore to prevent these falacies , we must by the example of david , seek of god , to be rightly informed , not onely as touching the true cause of the plagues that are feared , or lie upon us , but also for the principal offenders ; for , if we seek but to men , to humane lawes , and reason , and to what our own hearts will dictate , there is so much falsehood in all these , being usually swayed by self-intrests , that we may easily be deceived . if inquiry had been made in davids time , touching the famine afore mentioned , of that part of the people , then of sauls faction , who were the murtherers , for whose bloodshed that plague was inflicted ; they , probably would have answered , that it was for the bloodiness of davids house , and of his confederates , who had trayterously disinherited the true apparent heir of the kingdom , anoynted and made king by gods own appointment , with consent of all the people ; and that his blood-guiltiness was manifest by a long rebellious warfare against the house of saul his lawful soveraign . if the same question should have been then asked of davids party , it is likely they would have said , that saul and his partakers were the murtherers by shedding blood in opposing him , to whom god had translated the kingdom from saul , for his disobedience , and conferred it on david by the same anointing , by the same prophet , who inaugurated saul ; and in regard the kingdom was also confirmed upon david , by consent of the same people . if the priests in these dayes , had been consulted with all , they perhaps would have thought and said , that it had been , for the blood of those priests of the lord , which were barbarously butchered by saul , rather then for the blood of the gibeonites ; and , it may be they and many other ( who usually judge according to common appearances ) would have thought that famine had been inflicted for the blood of abner , ishbosheth , amasa , ammon , uriah , and many other , as well as for the blood of the said priests . but , the judgement came not forth at that time for any of these ; it was not absolutely for shedding of meer innocent blood ; nor for blood royal , or esteemed sacred ; no not for the blood of a king , but for blood shed by a king ; and for no such precious blood as the blood of israelites , or friends , or free subjects , but for the blood of slaves , of whom little account was made ; and for breach of an oath , and a covenant to and with despised persons , though contracted illegally , yea , contrary to gods expresse command , with a people whom they were to have destroyed ; and though , it had been fraudulently and surreptiously procured : which exemplary judgement , was executed and left upon record , to make it known to all nations , and generations , how abominable it is to god , when men violate the lawes of humane society , though out of a pretended zeal to the welfare of his own people ; and , that he will sooner dispence with an oath and covenant made ignorantly , contrary to his own expresse command , then with violation thereof , in such a case , when it is once made ; and , that , neither length of time , or pious , or politick pretences , can incline him to leave it unpunished . this hints unto us , that which will be very considerable at this present by you , and by all this nation , as touching that bloodshed into which god is making inquisition ; & concerning which we are to make inquity of god himself , by the urim and thummim of his word ; as also , by impartially examining our own consciences , lest the false witnesses , which the world & self intrest may suborn , corrupt our judgements : for , if we ask of our meer courtiers , or fawning parasites ( who think there is more divinity in the blood of kings then of other men ) whose bloodshed is at this time punishable by famine , they ( as i conceive ) will tell us , that it is onely for the blood of the late king , which i believe not , though there lies a blood-guiltiness for that , on very many . if we ask of the prelates , they peradventure will add thereto the blood of the late arch-bishop of canterbury , and the violence done to their hyerachie . if we ask the rest of the clergy , they wil cast in the blood of those ministers of the gospel , who have been slain by the sword , are destroyed by oppression : the peers will say it is likewise for the blood of some of the nobility : if we put the question to the generality of the people , they will affirm , that it was for the blood of their parents , children , brethren and fellow subjects . if we demand the opinion of the papists , they will answer , that it is for the blood of their priests and jesuites . if we interrogate the protestants , they unanimously cry out and say , that it is for the blood of those three hundred sixty and odd thousands , who were in a most treacherous and barbarous manner massacred in ireland , by the papists : if we think by our laws and parliaments , to be rightly informed , they ( not being infallible ) will leave us as doubtful as the rest ; for , laws contradict each other ; one parliament enacts that for law , which another makes illegal ; and that to be heresie and treason , which we are enjoyned by another parliament to embrace for orthodox truth and loyalty ; hocus pocus ! so , that if we had no better oracle to enquire at , then these aforementioned , we may add blood to blood , by punishing innocents as offenders , and justifying malifactors . in truth a blood-guiltiness , more or less , in all these respects , lies upon some of all dissenting parties throughout the whole nation ; yea upon all without excepting one person , though they perceive it not ; and a greater blood-guiltiness then the blood-shed of all those put together will amount unto ; even a guiltiness of the precious blood of christ jesus and his saints , by oppressing them , not onely in depriving them of their liberties and estates ( whereby life is to be preserved ) until they lose their lives more miserably then by a quick murther ; but , by tyranizing over their consciences also , to the destroying of their souls , if god prevent not . unless therefore we will heed , and weigh this guilt , and sanctifie out formal humiliations with more works of justice and mercy then heretofore , they will prove empty vanities , and sacrifices without salt or oyl . and , when we have according to davids example , duely searched out the sin for which god hath begun to punish us ( which probably is bloodshed in chief ) the same blood-guiltiness will continue upon this nation , until as far as in us lies , we shall proportionably apply what is justly deserved by the principal , accessary and causual transgressors ; putting difference between them according to the quality and degree of their offences ; seeing some of those who have been accused and condemned , may possibly be as far from being guilty of bloodshed , or treason , knowingly or intentionally , as they who went with absalom in the simplicity of their hearts to a sacrifice , when he rebelled against his father ; and as guiltless of wilful treason , as the priest was , who gave the shewbread to david and his souldiers when pursued by saul . two men may be active in the same work , grinding at the same mill , fight in the same cause , at one and the same battle , and yet one of them be justly excused and received to mercy , the other as justly rejected . and when the matter is doubtful , we must labour to our utmost , to find out the certainty , inclining rather to compassion then to extream rigor in such ambiguities ; else we do neither according to the mind of god , nor make our selves to be so capable of his mercy as we may . solomon advised us not to be over just , that is , not to execute any justice without mercy . the very mercies of the wicked are cruel , much more cruel then is their justice . they who think they expresse much love and loyalty to the king , or to do him the more honour , by how much the more blood they shed to avenge his fathers death , do more disadvantage and dishonour him thereby , then they who took away his life , as it will be manifest at the last . the indulgence of david to the people , who rebelled with his son absalom , doth imply that a difference should be put between offenders according to the degree and nature of their offence , as did also the cities of refuge for man-slaughter ; the jews , who were guilty of the blood of jesus christ , the king of kings , ( as paul was also by persecuting the saints ) were capable of divine mercy in regard they did it meerly through ignorance , and by being involved in the epidemical sin of the nation at that time ; so , may many be at this present : and our king ( if i am not misinformed ) is so naturally inclined to extend compassion to such offenders , that probably the issue of blood , had been here stopt long since , if he had not been urged to more severity then he is inclined unto . and , doubless , they who submitted unto his late proclamation , ( which threatned that no mercy should be vouchsafed unto them , who thereupon surrendred not their persons ) were not so mad , as to come in with a purpose to be hang'd , seeing they might as possibly have secured their lives by flight as others have yet done ; but , knowing their consciences clear ( as i suppose ) from having had any malicious intention in those transactions wherein they were judged offenders ; they surrendred themselves into the kings hands , with a belief that their indempnity was sincerely intended by the said proclamation , upon their submission ; seeing else , it had either signified nothing as to them , or , somwhat worse then nothing , to delude them with a false hope ; which to believe , were such a derogation from the kings honour , as i am not guilty of ; and i am perswaded he is so sensible how much it may concern him , that he will not destroy the hope which was begotten by his own voluntary act of clemency . i my self , ( as , it may be , some other were ) though ingaged heretofore with such as opposed the royal interest , was even then , as far from intending any thing maliciously against the kings person or dignity , that i truly pittied his estate ; and so god prosper me , as i would gladly have contributed what was in my power toward his restoration , or the setling of him in a safe and comfortable being , if i had then known how to have done it , without resisting god , or infringing that fidelity to which i conceived , i was then obliged ; for which respect , i do verily believe , i may now claim an interest in all his majesties publick acts of grace , notwithstanding my former misprisions : and that according to his royal promises and ingagements voluntarily made , i may justly expect , at least a competent subsistance for me and my family , out of that estate , which i purchased and possessed , before his restoration : for , he is not more safe in any mans professed allegiance or principles , then in mine ; who am probably perswaded in my heart to believe , that after he hath tryed the temper of his people , god will put into his heart a desire and resolution , to declare and prosecute somewhat , extraordinarily tending to his glory , and to the frustrating of the fears , hopes and expectations of many thousands , who are now opposites in their judgements and affections : nothing , but a malicious wickedness can supersede this mercy . it is a more manly principle to ruine men speedily and outright in fury , then by dissembling an intention of mercy to linger out their torments , and destroy them at the last ; of which cruelty , i conceive the prelates to be less guilty at this time , then many other by whom we suffer ; for , they are , for the most part , so true to their pride and avarice , that they devour us as quickly as they can , without masking or hiding their intentions . let there be sincerity therefore , in executing justice and extending mercy ; and let us know and heed this to a maxime , which ought undoubtingly to be received ; to wit , that if any king , supream power , prince , commander in chief , or any other by them authoritatively deputed to dispence their mercy , or other priviledges or concessions of grace , or of right due , shall , by his or their declaration , proclamation , letter , promise or ingagement , make tender of them voluntarily to any real or suspected delinquents , ( without any capitulation or conditions ) actually insisted on by the said delinquents ( especially the said granters receiving benefit afterwards thereby ) if these delinquents accept thereof , submit , and put themselves into their protection , without questoning the terms of expression , or the sincerity of the said granters intentions ; then , the said concessions are to be construed to the utmost advantage of them , who so confided and submitted . and , if in such cases there shall be any secret reserve or intention in the said granters , whereby they who so absolutely confided , shall be deprived of their hope ; or if there be any explicite or equivocal terme therein , whereby the grace hoped for , may be vacated , by the future judgement of the said granters , or of other men , who are apparent enemies , or doubtful friends to the granters ; it will be so evident an injustice , so ignoble , and so hypocritical a prevarication , that , what reason of state soever is pretended , it will be abominable to god and men : the said granters , will justly lose their honour both abroad and at home ; none will confide in their grants , promises or ingagements for the future , and divine vengeance will also persue them . this may perhaps be distastful to them who rellish not such assertions ; but , he who truely fears god , and declares necessary truths in season with a good conscience , needs not fear men , how furious or powerful soever they be ; for , they will be afraid of him , if his assertions be of god. moreover , let us take notice , that we shall neither be freed from the judgement threatned , nor clear from the guilt of bloodshed past , unless we prosecute every medium in our power to prevent bloodshed to come , by taking away the occasions of malicious animosities which foment discord , the usher to murthers and rebellions : and this will never be effected in meer morral or carnal men , but by executing of justice between man and man without partiallity , and by permitting them to enjoy their liberties and livelihoods , according to law , without oppressions ; for , it being their life-blood , they will struggle for it , upon all advantages ( though it be by bloodshed ) let divines , preach what they will , and states-men threaten & impose , whatsoever oaths and other manacles they can devise ; yea , though they lose liberty , estate , life , body and soul to recover it ; because they cannot be made so sensible of any thing , as of their self-interest and present wants ; so , that , if their distempers be not asswaged , by the means aforesaid , occasion of blood-guiltiness will still continue ; and as for them who being by regeneration made so conscientious of yielding active or passive obedience , to the commands of authority , that , they will suffer any thing rather then resist to blood , though they lose all that whereby the mainteance of their life-blood consisteth ( and are exposed to greater sufferings , then by a speedy murther ) they will make the land lyable to greater blood-guiltiness , and more dreadful judgements , then the former : because , at last , it will provoke god for the sakes of those patient innocents , to arise from his throne in heaven and descend to be their avenger . this , i am warranted to declare ; therefore consider it ; reason is reason , and truth truth , though spoken by fools and children ; the greatest persons if they despise it , shall be despised ; and the wisest , if they slight it , are fools . it is impossible to enjoy the peace of god , or long to preserve the civil peace , without otherwhile giving an occasion of bloodshed , when the consciences of men are intrenched upon , by imposing that which is destructive to their natural and christian freedom in things indifferent ; especially , when they perceive them to be imposed for superstitious ends onely , and to advance the covetuous designes and interest of corrupt persons in societies : for , though they who are sincerely conscientious , will ( as i said before ) suffer any thing rather then give a just occasion of offence , or act ought whereby the civil peace may be violated ; yet , it is so abominable to meer natural and moral men , to see an unlawful interest upheld and indulged , under pretences of promo●ing pietie , or the common welfare , that they cannot well bear it , without such murmurings as may produce mischief at the last . among other things considerable in that kinde , the prohibition of meats on certain dayes and times , makes many very sensible , how impudently they have been fooled out of their freedoms by religious impostors . for , though it be reasonable that the forbearing of flesh , and the eating of fish at sometimes should be enjoyned , for preserving the breed of cattle , or such like respects ; and that neither the fishing trade may be neglected , nor that blessing of abundance of fish , seem to be despised , wherewith god hath plentifully furnished these ilands : yet , who can understand what prudence or pietie it is , that , according to an antichristian principle ( which was introduced as it were in despight of what god hath declared in his word ) those meats should be judged unlawful , on some dayes in a religious respect , which being sanctified by prayer and thanksgiving , may be eaten at all times without offence to god ? if there be no thing of religion in such a restraint , why should it be imposed as pertinent to religion , and managed by officers thereto pretending ? if the observation of a lent , be not as truely a turkish as a christian discipline , or ceremony , let us know by what holy text , it is commanded , equivolent to that authority , whereby that , and such like impositions , and interdicted , or at least reproved . and , if , indeed it be of divine institution , let it then be considered , what an abominable hypocrisie & abuse it is of that discipline , that the prelates , their vicars or other officers , or doctor dodipol , with such like persons should make a sordid gain thereof to satisfie their covetousness ? dispence with this liberty to whomsoever they please for money ; even to those who desire it , meerly to satisfie their luxurius appetite ? taking that freedom also to themselves , by licensing each other to eat flesh , when prohibited ? if a poor-man be so sick , that he cannot eat fish without hazzard of his life , or hath such an antipathie thereunto that it alwayes indangers his health to eat it ; why should his life or health be put into the hands of such persons who regard nothing so much as their self-interest ? what religion or charity is it to make this man pay money for it ? is it not affliction enough that he hath such infirmities , unless he shall be inforced also to add unto his poverty , by paying for that liberty to some shabby fellow , which god bestowed freely upon him ? yea , to pay for it to one perhaps , who whilst he is fasting , will consume in feasting , that which he exacted ? were it not more christian like ( if such a restraint be civilly necessary ) that sober honest and faithful men , should take the money given for such licenses to help relieve the sick and needy in necesitous times ? yea , if it be expedient for a publick benefit , that there should be a restraint from eating flesh at some set times ( as i believe it may be , if ordered according to the true intention of our lawes ) it seems neverthelels , unreasonable , that a corrupt magistrate should raise a large profit , to himself and his officers , by licensing butchers , cooks and powlterers , to the making that dearer to the people , which was over dear before . it were therefore more agreeable to common justice , that the profit by fees and fines for such licenses , if they be necessary , should be rather employed to ease publick burthens ; or else to relieve the needy and oppressed : for , that justice and charity , might somewhat allay their distempers , who may perhaps be provoked beyond the limit of their patience . this last paragraph was by forgetfulness omitted in the papers which i sent to the house of commons . this i have cast in by the way , for a supplement to my remonstrance , and now you have in effect , the sum of what i have heretofore expressed publickly or in private , as pertinent to my vindication ; and i will hereupon request nothing simply relating to myself : for , to say truth , i can ask nothing to any purpose , nor can you give or take away any thing which will not be as advantagious or disadvantagious to your selves , as to me , according as it shall be justly or unjustly given or taken away ; and , if my flesh had as little sence , of those torments the world can inflict upon me , as my soul hath at present , of those pleasures of hers , which i formerly enjoyed , she had nothing in her power , which would much delight or offend me . if you restore unto me the freedom of my person , and possession of my estate , they may be lost again to morrow ; and , unless i might therewith enjoy the liberty of my mind according to the law of nature ; and of my conscience , according to the law of grace , ( whereof i see no great likelihood at present ) i shall not greatly value either of those accommodations , or my life ; but , as it relates to him who gave it . i have lived almost three quarters of a hundred years upon earth , wherein i have observed the works of god and men ; seen the almighties judgements disregarded , and his grace turned into wantonness ; many changes , every one worse then the other ; and am now in purgatory , next wall to hell , where i perceive those fiery tryals which melt and soften a few , do harden most men , into a froward impenitency ; the gold and silver is thereby purified ; the wood , hay , and stubble consume ; and i shall shortly ascend from hence , thither , where ( though all things are already known ) i must give up that testimony which i shall leave behind me , of this generation ; wherein apostacies , hypocrisie , prophaness , with all manner of wickedness , and impieties ripen so fast : ( yea , wherein the doctrine of christ is so disparaged by the professors thereof , who live contrary to the life of christ ) that if the angels , thereto appointed , do not speedily thrust in their sickles and gather the wheat into gods garner , and hack up the tares for the fire ; there will be few handfuls of good corn left upon earth , and little faith found amongst men when christ cometh . this testimony is true , though expressed in much infirmity , after the manner of men ; therefore , i will conclude all with a petition for those things onely , wherein gods glory , your honour , and the interests of many thousands are comprehended , as well as mine : the said petition is that which follows . the petition . i humbly beseech your honours , as you respect the many great and extraordinary mercies of god lately vouchsafed to the king , to your selves , and to those whom you represent : as you stand in awe of those judgements , that are in part removed ; as you desire the total removal of those which yet lie upon us ; and the prevention of those that are feared ; as also , to behold the face of god with joy at the last judgement : that , in all your future consultations , debates and actings , you seek the preservation of a good conscience , in preferring the cause and honour of god , before all royal , popular , or personal interests : that , in particular you would be careful his divine worship , may not be adulterated , or clogged with the superstitious traditions of men , by your assent ; and that no power , person or persons , by your neglect or means , be permitted to usurp a seat in the conscience , which is gods peculiar throne upon earth . that , you will so endeavour to establish the kings throne in righteousness , that justice and mercy , being the supporters thereof , neither the just royal perogative , nor the lawful liberties of the people ( by whom you are intrusted ) may be infringed , or clash ; but , that , right may be equally dispensed . that , you would be merciful as our heavenly father is merciful , extending compassion ( which is the best sacrifice ) to other men , according to that mercy which you would willingly receive , if you were in their stead ; rather mitigating , then agravating their punishment , who have offended through ignorance , weakness , or inconsiderateness , and not by design or malice . and , forasmuch , as the priviledges you claim , were not at first conferred for your own sakes , but for the sakes of the people whom you represent , and by whom you were chosen and intrusted ; that , you make no farther use of those priviledges for your personal advantages , then may consist with your trust ; which is to be kept inviolable without respect of persons , fear , favour , or reward . these petitions being by you approved and granted , so far forth as it may be in your power , i shall have so large a share in them , that it will be needless for me , to petition ought a part by my self ; and i shall be fully contented with what god pleaseth to allow ; praise him , and pray for you unfeignedly , as in duty i am bound ; who , by vouchsafing these requests , shall have a joyful welcome home , by all your counties , cities , and burroughs , when you are adjourned , prorogued , or dissolved ; and your honour , shall be so transcendant , that no tongue , pen , lybeller or lybel , shall have power to cast a blemish the reupon . jamque opus exegi . my life , and work ( for ought , that yet i know ) is either quite , or almost ended now ; and my quietus est , within a grave is , that , which best would please me , now to have : for , by their struggling , many years together , my flesh and spirit , have nigh tir'd each other . lord , let the short-snuff , of my life unspent burn out , with clear flames , and a pleasing scent . newgate , january the th . . geo. wither . the end . the songs of the old testament translated into english measures, preseruing the naturall phrase and genuine sense of the holy text: and with as little circumlocution as in most prose translations. to euery song is added a new and easie tune, and a short prologue also, deliuering the effect and vse thereof, for this profit of vnlearned readers. by george wither. cum priuilegio permissu superiorum. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a stc estc s this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the songs of the old testament translated into english measures, preseruing the naturall phrase and genuine sense of the holy text: and with as little circumlocution as in most prose translations. to euery song is added a new and easie tune, and a short prologue also, deliuering the effect and vse thereof, for this profit of vnlearned readers. by george wither. cum priuilegio permissu superiorum. wither, george, - . [ ], p. : music printed by t. s[nodham], london : . printer's name from stc. in verse. contains songs. reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng bible -- paraphrases, english -- early works to . hymns, english. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - ali jakobson sampled and proofread - ali jakobson text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the songs of the old testament , translated into english measures , preseruing the naturall phrase and genuine sense of the holy text : and with as little circumlocution as in most prose translations . to euery song is added a new and easie tvne , and a short prologue also , deliuering the effect and vse thereof , for the profit of vnlearned readers . by george wither . cum priuilegio & permissu superiorum . london , printed by t. s. . to the most reuerend father in god , george , by the diuine prouidence , lord arch bishop of canterbury , primate , &c. and to the rest of the most reuerend archbishops . to the reuerend fathers also , the l. bishops , and to all other the deuout pastors and superintendents , of the churches of great britaine , and ireland . george wither , their humble seruant , wisheth all encrease of spirituall graces : and to their christian disposure , submits himselfe and this endeauour . most reuerend fathers , &c. the many pious instructions , and christian pledges , which i haue at your hands , and by your meanes receiued of our holy mother the church , haue so oft informed me , in that wherewithall a yong man ought to cleanse his way ; and so much confirmed me in the comfortable study thereof : that ( howsoeuer the vaine inclinations of youth tempted the contrary ) i was euer conscionably fearefull of trifling away all my first age , in the pleasures of sensualitie . yea , so often haue you rung in my eares that gratious and most serious memorandum of the holy ghost ; remember thy creator in the dayes of thy youth , &c. that ( more often then i should haue beene ) i was thereby put in minde , both to contemplate the works and mercies of the almighty : and to endeauour also ( as the slendernesse of my vnderstanding , and the frailties of my yeeres would giue leaue ) so to imploy my selfe , that the little time i purposed to spend well , might ( if it were possible ) produce something , which ( being as well profitable to others as to my selfe ) would make a little recompence for those many dayes , my youth and the temptations of the world , would force me idlely to consume . and i thanke god ; somewhat hath beene already effected , which ( notwithstanding my owne personall vnworthinesse ) the church hath vouchsafed with a motherly approbation , both to receiue at my hand , and by her reuerend authority to deliuer ouer also vnto others : whereby i haue beene encouraged , to proceed according to those beginnings , and ( as a testimony as w●ll of gratitude , as of obedience ) now to consecrate vnto the vse , of good men , and in the name of your rr ces this ; the little gaine of my one talent . being a metricall translation of those sacred canonicall songs dispersed in the old testament , and anciently vsed to be sung by the primitiue churches : my thankefulnesse it witnesseh in this ; that i offer vp the best fruit of my labours vnto those , by whom i was first taught how to be so imployed : and my obedience is also testified , both in thus submitting it vnto your graue censures , and in hauing thus , according to your desires , imployed my poore faculty in the seruice of the church . for neither by any vaine-glorious humour of my owne , nor by the motion of any giddy seperatists , but by some of you , was i first called and encouraged to this worke . in the performance whereof , i haue been euer mindfull of that religious reuerence , which was fit to be obserued in so weighty an vndertaking . and i hope , i haue so effected the same ; as gods maiestie may be praised in it , your rr ces , pleased with it , good christians benefitted by it , and my owne soule receiue comfort therein . the liberty i haue taken , and the manner of my proceeding in this translation hath been little diff●rent from that , which ( in my preparation to the psalter ) i professed to vse in the translation of the psalmes ; and i doubt not , but the greatest fault which shall be discouered therein , vpon notice giuen , may be asoone ( almost ) amended as found out . that to the glory of god they may be sung either in publike , or in priuate , as your rr ces shall see cause ; i haue endeauoured to procure from some of our b●st m●sitians , such notes as ( being easie , and proper to the matter ) might the more accommodate them , for the praise of god , according to the laudable custome of singing now in vse . moreouer ; that such as are delighted with those exercises , may not make meere sensual musicke , but expresse melody both ●cceptable to god and profitable to themselues , by knowing the vse , and meaning of what they sing . i haue ( according to the truth , and agreeable to the doctrine of the ancient fathers ) prefixed a briefe prologue before euery song . wherein i first shew the generall meaning and scope of it , according to the litterall sense : then , how in the spirituall and most principal sense , it hath respect to the misteries of our christian religion ; and that each song doth appertaine vnto vs , vpon some occasions , in this age of the church , as properly as it did to them , for whom they were first composed . which in the arguments themselues , is so euidently and particularly declared , as i hope it will be well perceiued , it was not my owne idle fantasie which directed me . this your rr ces doe well know , and how the vse of these hymnes hath been continued in the primitiue churches ; yea , and retained euen to this day in many congregations , as not impertinent to vs of the last ages . and to me it seemeth they neuer were ( all at once ) so much vse-full , as now in these times , if the necessities of this age be w●ll considered . for which cause ; being thus to your hands presented , ready fitted for vse , according to the kinde of musicke now best approued of for subiects of this nature ; and seeing also , they are both desired , and may without any knowne inconuenience be generally admitted of : i doubt not but you will be pleased to recommend the practise of them to all those who are willingly disposed for such exercises . for , though some scoffing ismaelites may deride this addition of songs , to that ouer-many which ( as they thinke ) the church already hath . neuerthelesse ; you , who by your experiences finde , that the humane nature in all things requires variety , to keepe it from loathing ; and by your spirituall knowledges are assured , that god prouides for his church , neither more nor lesse of any thing then shall be requisite . euen you also know ; that these are not to be accou●ted a vaine , or burthensome addition to our psalmes : especially when the apocriphall inuentions of m●n may there haue place . and when these shall be compared with those measur●s we haue hitherto made vse of in our deuotions , i doubt not ( seeing the matter is of the same authority ) but the manner of expressing it shall make this no lesse worthy of entertainment then that ; ( and though i should say more worthy , i thinke it were no arrogance . ) for ( if i mistake not ) as naturally haue i exprest the sense of these songs , and as plainely as most prose translations haue yet done . and , if any indifferent man , who knowes the poesie and power of the english tongue may be my iudge ; i assure my selfe , hee will censure the expression to be such , as that it shall neither be obscure to the meanest capacities , nor contemptible to the best iudgments : but becomming the purpose it was intended for . i haue not lept on a sudden into this employment ; but in studies of this nature haue now consumed almost the yeeres of an apprentiship . and if it be well weighed : first , how full of short sentences and suddain breakings off , such like scriptures are : secondly , how frequently these particles for , but , and such like , which are gracefull in the originall , will seeme to obscure the dependancy of sense in the english phrase , if they be not carefully needed : thirdly , how harsh the musicke will be , if the pauses be not vsually reduced vnto the same place , which they haue in the first stanza of each song : fourthly , how many other differences there must be betweene this kinde of lyricall verse and what is smoothed onely for the reading : fiftly , how the translator is tyed to make choise , not of what is easiest , but of that kind of verse which may become best the nature of euery song : sixtly , how he is bound not onely to the sense , but to the very words ( or words of the same power ) which another hath vsed : lastly , how beside all this strictnesse , he is euen in conscience also constrained , so to expresse things by circumlocution ( when he shall be forced to it ) as that , although his phrase be of the same power , it will not be warrantable vnlesse it be so also done , that the manner of speaking , peculiar to these writings , may be all the way perceiued by those vnderstanding readers who are acquainted therewith . i say , if all these circumstances be well considered ( and how difficult they make it , to close vp euery stanza with a period , or some such point as the voyce may a while decently pause there ) i am both perswaded a worke of of this nature , would neither be hastily aduentured vpon againe by any other ; nor my labour herein be altogether disesteemed : who haue bin mindful of all those , & many other particulars , considerable in such a busines . and now ; that it may be finished with more exactnes , then my owne industry is able to adde vnto it . ( if in any part of these songs the genuine sense be not yet well expressed , ) vpon reason giuen , and the l●st notise vouchsafed from any of your rr ces , after the view of this ; i shall be ready to amend it , according to your directions . or if the tunes haue not w●ll suted the nature of them ; those who haue formerly bestowed their paines ( and many other also ) will be liberall of their best art , more to apt them for the glory of god. for , although this booke hath already the allowance appointed by authority , and so much the approbation of many other good men , as that they desire it generally published ( at least ) for their priuate deuotions : yet , knowing these vndertakings can neuer be too perfect , i haue purposed this impression for no other end , but to be distributed among your rr ces , and my other speciall friends . that if there be any ouersight committed , or ought necessary omitted in them ; it might be reformed and supplied in the next edition , by warning and instruction from some of you. but , i hope it shall not be found very defectiue ; and in my epistle to make answere vnto those many obiections , which vulgar vnderstandings will be apt to frame against this vndertaking ; i thinke it also needlesse . because you , to whom ( onely ) i at this time preferre it , are all sufficient enough without information from me , to perceaue how friuolous those doubts and cauils be , which the weakenesse of such are apt to inuent . and if your rr ces be herewith satisfied , i value not how the wits of our age shall censure the stile i haue vsed ; for though many of them are well acquainted with the raptures in hero and leander , the expressions in venus and adonis , and with the elegancies becomming a wanton sonnet ; yet in these lyricks , in the naturall straine of these poems , in the power of these voyces , and in the proprieties befitting these spirituall things , their sensuall capacities , are as ignorant as meere ideots : and had it the poeticall phrases they fancy , i should hate it ; or were it such as they might praise , i would burne it . that which i feare will be the greatest blemish to this labour ; is , my owne indignity . for i must confesse , i am the more vnworthy to be imployed in these holy things : seeing i am none of those , who are allowed to intermeddle with the mysteries of our christian sanctuary . neuerthelesse , if what i haue performed be allowable in it selfe , and by your approbations once consecrated to a holy vse , doubtlesse ( if no mans will stand for a reason ) it shal be no lesse auaileable , then if some eminent father of the church had laboured therein . and whensoeuer it shall be againe vndertaken , this i am certaine of ; no man will go about it with a heart more desirous to be rectified , or more fearefull to offend against the m ●tie of these scriptures . and i trust no man will enuy me the honour of this employment : for , though it be no meane contentment to a christian ( whose soule is touched with the vnderstanding of these things ) to be any way an instrument of gods glory , yet ( if we tru●ly consider it ) that which i haue aspired vnto therby , makes me in regard of you , or in respect but of the meanest of those who are admitted to administer the blessed sacraments , no more then a hewer of wood , or a drawer of water , for the old sacrifices , was in comparison of the leuite , who offered on the golden alter . god knowes with what minde i haue proceeded in this endeuour ; and therefore reward and acceptation from aboue the sunne i am certaine of . but the course of things below the sunne , i haue so well considered , that should i reach the perfection of what i went about , yet all my labour might be no to purpose . for as the preacher saith , eccl. . . i haue seene vnder the sunne , that the race is not to the swift , nor the battell to the strong , nor yet bread to the wise , nor riches to men of vnderstanding , nor fauour to men of knowledge ; but time and chance commeth to them all . if my paines shall be aiudged vnnecessary , yet my comfort is , i haue onely spent my owne meanes about it , and not vnder the colour or pretence of being imployed , fedde my selfe fat on the patrimonies of the church , without effecting ( or so much as intending ) any thing to her aduantage . and if it be thought profitable ; that profit shall be gained without hinderance to any other mans preferment . for i neuer intend ( though my necessities were more importunate ) to petition for so much as a lay-prebend in recompence of my labours . only your benediction , your loues , & your holy prayers , next vnto gods glory , is my principall aime . and seeing neither the manner of my education , nor the course of my life , nor the performance of this worke ( though i will not iustifie my selfe ) can yet appeare to be such as may disparage the church to receiue these endeauours at my hands : so much confidence haue i in your fatherly dispositions towards all well affected persons , of what outward condition soeuer they be , that i am verely perswaded you would not for a few ouer-sights , sleight all my paines ; but rather to the encouragement of others ( for no affront in these studies can dishearten me ) graciously vouchsafe in some measure to accept what i here make humble proffer of vnto your rr ces . which if you please to doe , i shall euer acknowledge my selfe obliged for your christian respect , and study such things , as ( perhaps ) will make me hereafter more worthy of your esteeme . so , presuming that if i haue deliuered reason , it shal be with your wisedomes , euery whit as authenticke as if i had begun , continued , and ended this epistle with the prouerbs , or ouer-worne sentences of olde authors : i humbly wish ( according to the custome of my countrey on this day ) a happy nevv-yeere to all your rr ces , and to the whole church , in her seuerall af●●ires , a most prosperous successe . ianuary the . . a table of the songs . song . pag. the first song of moses . the second song of moses . the song of deborah . &c. the song of hannah . nehemiahs prayer . king lemuels song . the first song of esay . the second song of esay . the third song of esay . hezekiahs prayer . hezekiahs thankesgiuing . the prayer of daniel . the prayer of ionah . ● the prayer of habakkuk . ● the first song of moses . exod. . the argument and the vse . this song ( as appeares in the history of israels deliuerie out of aegypt ) was sung by moses and the people , to the praise of god , for their wonderfull preseruation ; and the seuerity which he vsed against their enemies the aegiptians , in the red sea. wherein , they glorifie the lord for his power , his knowledge in warre , his maiestie , his incomparable dietie , his sanctitie , his awfulnesse , his fame , his merueilous acts , and the eternitie of his kingdome . moreouer , they here set forth the malitious violence of their aduersaries , before their destruction , the sudaine ruine of those that were destroyed : with the terrour , which this ouerthrow should strike into their suruiuing enemies . and lastly , they doe at once prophecie , and pray for , the possession of that promised land , in which the holy temple should be builded . this song was made , and ordained by the holy ghost , to be sung , as well by euery christian congregation , as by moses , and the iewes . for , this preseruation of theirs , was a tipe of our deliuerance from the bondage of our spirituall aduersaries . pharaoh , which ( in the originall tongue ) signifieth vengeance , ( being mistically and anagogically considered ) was a tipe , both of antichrist , a temporall aduersarie of the church ; and of our enemie the deuill , who pursues to ouerthrow vs in our voyage towards heauen , which was also in a third sence figured by the land of promise . pharaohs hoast , signifieth all kindes of persecutions , sinnes , and temptations . the red sea , which we passe through , and wherein they are drowned , meaneth our baptisme , cor. . . by palestine , and canaan , which were names of the promised country , before the church was remoued thither , ( and which the holy-ghost here saith , shall grieue , and faint , at the newes of our regeneration ) are those vnderstood , who haue falsly and wrongfully vsurped the priuiledges belonging to the faithfull congregation . by the dukes of edom , with the princes of moab , ( who are said to tremble at this deliuerie ) all the seuerall powers of the kingdome of darkenesse are vnderstood . now euery good christian , may ( at any time ) sing this hymne to the praise of his redeemer and in memory of the churches ( with his owne particular ) deliuerance from the slauerie of sinne and the deuill . yea , and not vnfitly vpon some temporall deliuerances . but it will be indeed most properly vsed , both in publike and priuate , after the administration of baptisme : seeing the passage through the red sea , and the destruction of the aegyptians there , was a type of that sacrament , according to the interpretation of st. paul. the song . then sang moses and the children of jsrael this song vnto the lord , and spake , saying : now to the lord my song of praise shall be , who hath a most renowned triumph woone : this is the lord that makes me strong , for in the sea , the horse and horse-man he , hath both at once together ouer-throwne . hee is my safety and my song ; my god for whom i will a house prepare , my fathers god whom i on high will reare . well knowes the lord to war what doth pertaine ; and for that reason is the lord his name : he , pharo'hs charr'ots , and his armed traine , amid the sea ore'-whelming overcame . he , in the ruddy-sea hath drown'd , his captaines that were most renownd : the deeps a couering ouer them hath throwne , and to the bottome sunke they , like a stone . lord by thy power thy right hand 's famous grow'n , thy right hand lord , thy foe destroyed hath ; thou by thy glorie hast thy foes ore-thrown ; and stuble-like , consum'st them in thy wrath . thou by thy nostrils angry blast , the waters backward driuen hast and ( rowl'd on heapes , ) the billowes and the floud , in middle of the sea , congealed stood . i will pursue them ( thus the foe did crye ) i will ore'take them and the spoile enioy ; my pleasure on them , now fulfill will i ; with sword vnsheath'd my hand shall them destroy . then with thy breath thou didst but blow ; and ouer them the sea did flow : where they , the mighty waters sanke into , as we may see a peece of lead will doe . lord , who like thee among the gods is there ? in holinesse , so glorious who may be ? whose praises , so exceeding dreadfull are ? or who in doing wonders i● like thee ? thy right hand thou aloft didst reare , and in the earth they swallow'd were : whil'st thou , didst by thy mercy , forward lead , this people , whose redemption thou hast paid . them , by thy strength , thou hast been pleas'd to bear vnto a holy dwelling place of thine : the nations at report thereof shall feare , and they shall grieue , who dwell in palestine . on ed●ms dukes will horror fall ; yea moabs mightie princes shall with trembling shake , when they of this heare tell : and they shall faint that doe in canaan dwell . by that great power , which in thine arm● thou hast , let feare and terrour vpon them be brought : stone-quiet make them till thy people passe ; lord , till this people pas , which thou hast bought . then , to thy hill , let them repaire , lord plant them there , where thou art heire : eu'n where thy place of dwelling is prepar'd , that holy place , which thine own hands haue rear'd the lord shall euer , and for euer raigne , no ending , shall his large dominion know ; for , when as pharaoh downe into the maine did with his charr'ots and his horsemen goe , the lord the waues did then recall , and brought the sea vpon them all ; whil'st , through the place where deepest waters lye , the seed of israel passed ouer drye . the second song of moses . deut. . the argument and vse . this song is found in the . chap. of deut. and was written by the commandement of god , to be kept in the arke of couenant , for a testimony against the people of israel , when they should forget gods benefits , and rebell against him : as it is there fore-told , and as appeares in the . chap. of the foresaid booke . now , the holy prophet hauing after his exordium , ( wherein hee calleth heauen and earth to witnesse ) made a narration of the jewes peruersenesse ; hee prophecieth of three principall things in this hymne . first , of their future idolatry with their punishment for it . secondly , of their hatred to christ , with their finall abiection . and lastly , of the grace which should be vouchsafed vnto the gentiles . and in this triple-prophecie , there are also many particularities laid downe , as considerable . first , how perfect , how wise , how faithfull , and how iust god is in his owne nature . secondly , how vnreasonably peruerse his people were . thirdly , how neuerthelesse , god was louing , and heaped vpon them innumerable benefits ( some of which are here reckoned vp . ) fourthly , how ingratefully , and deuellishly they still requited him . fiftly , how he punished them with grieuous plagues , but forbare a while their finall ouerthrow , to await their repentance . sixtly , how respectlesse they should be of all this fauour ; and what horrible inhumanities they should be guiltie of . seauenthly , how mindefull the lord would be of their obstinacy ; how suddainely hee would ruine them ; how safe they should be , who professed the true god , when his enemies were visited ; how vnable those should be to helpe them in whom they had trusted ; how seuere , and irrecouerable the iudgement should be ; how certaine , in regard the lord had sworne it ; and how all this should turne to the aduantage of his elect. the vse which we are to make of this song ; is to repeate it often , in remembrance of gods iustice and mercy : and to put our selues in minde , by the iewes example , how seuerely god will punish such as continue obstinate in their sinnes . for , euery man ( if he would consider it ) shall finde that he in his owne particular , hath receiued as much fauour from his redeemer , and as vnthankefully requited it . this song ought also to stirre vs vp to a better consideration of our owne estate : and as st. paul counselleth ; if god hath not spared the naturall branches , take wee heed lest he spare not vs. rom. . . yea , when we shall reade or sing this hymne ( which is left as well for our vse , as for the iewes ) let vs as st. paul aduiseth , in the fore-named chapter , meditate the goodnesse and seueritie of god ; on them which fell seuerity ; but towards vs goodnesse , if we continue in his goodnesse , and that otherwise wee shall be cut off . the song . and moses spake in the eares of all the congregation of jsrael ; the words of this song , vntill they were ended , &c. to what i speake , an eare o hea-uens lend , and heare oh earth what words i vtter will , like drops of raine , my speaches shall descend , and as the dew , my doctrine shall distill , as doth the raine that showreth small on tender flow'rs , and as vpon the grasse doe fall the greater show'rs , for i the lord' 's gre●t name will publish now . vnto our god the glory render you . he is that rock , whose workes perfection are ; for all his waies with iudgement guided be : a god of truth , from all wrong-doing cleare , a truly iust , and righteous-one is he. yet they with spots themselues defilde , vnlike his sonnes ; and are a race of crooked , wilde , and froward ones . vnwise and foolish nation , dost thou so thy selfe vnto the lord vngratefull show ? thy father , and redeemer , is not he ? hath he not made , and now confirm'd thee fast ? oh call to minde the dayes that older be , and weigh the yeeres , of many ages past , thy father will , ( if thou desire ) informe thee well ; thy elders , ( when thou shalt enquire , ) can also tell how , the most high did adams sonnes diuide ; and shares for euery kindred did prouide . how , he the nations limits did prepare , in number with the sonnes of israel , the lord had in his people then his share ; and iacob , for his part allotted fell . them , in a desert rude , he found , possest of none : a place of terrour , and a ground vast and vnknowne . he taught them there , he led them farre and nigh : and kept them as the apple of his eye . eu'n as an eagle , to prouoke her young , about her neast doth houer here and there ; spread forth her wings , to traine her birds along ; and sometime , on her backe , her younglings beare : right so , the lord conducted them , himselfe alone , and for assistant , there with him strange god was none : them , on the high-lands of the earth he set , where they the plenties of the fields might eate . for them he made the rocke with hony flowe , they suckt out oyle from flints , and they did feed on milke of sheepe , on butter of the cowe , fat lambs and goates , and rammes of bashan breed ; of wheat he gaue them for their food , the fullest feede , and they did drinke the purest blood the grape did bleed . but , here-withall ; vnthankefull israel , soone fat became , and spurned with his heele . they waxed fat , and grosse , and couer'd o're ; and then their god and maker did forsake : their rocke of health regarded was no more , but with strange gods him iealous did they make : yea , they with what was most abhor'd , his wrath entis● ; to deuils ( not vnto the lord ) they sacrifice : to gods vnknowne , that new inuented were , and such , as their fore-fathers did not feare . they minded not the rocke , which them begat , but haue forgot the god that form'd them hath , which , when the lord perceiu'd , it made him hate his sonnes and daughters , mouing him to wrath . i will , to marke their end , ( saith he ) obscure my face ; for they , vnfaithfull children be , of froward race : my wrath , with what was not a god they mou'd ; and haue mine anger , with their follies prou'd . but , by a people , without being ( yet ) their iealous wrath , will i prouoke for this , and by a foolish nation make them fret , for in my wrath a fire enflamed is ; and to the depth of hell it shall deuouring goe , earth with her fruits and mountaines all consuming to . in heapes , i mischiefes will vpon them throw , and shoot mine arrowes , till i haue no moe . with hunger parched , and consum'd with heat , i will enforce them to a bitter end , the teeth of beasts , vpon them i will set , and the invenom'd dust-fed , serpent send . the sword without , and terrour grimme within shall slay , young men , and maides , the babe and him whose haire is gray : yea , i had vow'd to spread them here and there , vntill that men forget they euer were . but this , the foe compel'd me to delay , lest that their aduersaries prouder growne , should when they saw it ; thus presume to say : this , not the lord ; but our high-hand hath done· for , they a people are in whom no counsell is : and neuer will their dulnesse , come to iudge of this . oh! would their wisedome , this might comprehend ; and that they would consider of their end ! how should one make a thousand runneaway ? or two men put tenne thousand to the foile ; except their rocke , had sold them for a pray ; and that the lord , had clos'd them vp the while ? for with our god their god compare they neuer may , and if our foes the iudges were , thus would they say : but , they haue vines of those that sodome yeelds , and such as grow within gomorrha fields . the grapes are gall ( that grow vpon their vine ) their clusters , are extreamely bitter all , yea , made of dragons venome is their wine ; and of the cruell aspes infectious gall . and may i this forget to beare in minde with me ? or shall it not be sealed where my treasures be ? yes , mine is vengeance , and i will repay : their feet shall slide at the appointed day . their time of ruine , neare at hand is come , those things , that must befall them , haste will make : for sure , the lord shall giue his people doome , and on his seruants will compassion take . yea , when he sees , their strength is all bereft and gone ; and they shut vp in prison , shall be left alone : where are their gods , become ( then will he say ) their rocke on whom they did affiance lay ? who eate the fattest of their sacrifice ? who , of their drinke oblations , dranke the wine ? let those vnto their succour now arise , and vnder their protection them enshrine . oh! therefore now , consider this , that i am hee ; that i am hee , and that there is no god with mee . i kill , and make aliue , i wound , i cure : and there is none , can from my hand assure . for , vp to heauen i my hand doe reare , and ( as i liue for euer ) this i say , if once i whet my sword , that sparkles cleare , and shall my hand to acting vengeance lay ; i will not cease , till i my foes , with vengeance quite , nor till i haue repaid all those that beare me spite . and in the bloud , which i shall make to flow , i 'le steepe mine arrowes , till they drunken grow . my sword shall feed on flesh and bloud of those , that either shall be slaine , or kept in thrall , when i beginne to quit me of my foes . then , with his people ioy you kindreds all ; for he their bloud ( that serue him ) will with bloud pursue ; and all his foes repayeth still with vengeance due . but , to his land will mercy shewing be , and those that are his people pitties he. the song of deborah and barak . iudges . the argument and vse . in the booke of iudges , chapter . you may read , that the ouerthrow giuen to sisera ( by deborah and barak ) occasioned this song of deliuerance ; and therefore , referring you thither to be informed concerning the particular circumstances ; i will here , shew you the generall scope of this hymne , to be a thankesgiuing , for a great ouerthrow , gotten on their enemies . wherein many things are remarkable . first , in their introduction , attributing the glory to god , ( and inciting all potentates of the world to consider it ) they set forth with what maiestie the lord came to their deliuerance . secondly , the excellency of the benefit receiued , is illustrated , by the great desolation they were formerly in ▪ the little meanes they had to protect themselues , and the happie tranquillity which they should afterward enioy . thirdly , they shew the cause of their former distresse , to haue beene apostacie from god. fourthly , they memorize those , who were forward in that iust warre , and vpbraid such as drew backe in so good a cause . fiftly , they declare what powerfull enemies they had ; and what miraculous assistance god vouchsafed . sixtly , a curse is denounced against such as refuse to fight the lords battailes ; and she is blessed who was the happy instrument of their deliuery . lastly , here is a description of the manner of siserah's death , an ironicall expression of the aduersaries vaine hope of preuailing , and a propheticall imprecation , that all gods enemies may so perish , to the aduancement of his church . jt is obserued by the auncients ; that there is no song mentioned in the old or new testament , but it was composed vpon some extraordinary benefit or deliuerance , which the church receiued : and that in all the songs of the old testament ( especially ) there is ( beside the plaine literall sence ) some mistery of the christian religion prophetically aymed at , couertly or openly , vnder the passages thereof . and therefore , this song is not onely to be sung of vs christians , to glorifie god in memorizing his protecting our mother the church , among the iewish nation , in her infancie : but , wee are to vse it also , as a thanks-giuing for euery particular deliuerance , which is vouchsafed to the visible church in these times . as in memoriall of our miraculous preseruation , in the yeare . when our princely deborah ( the queene of this kingdome ) gaue an ouerthrow to the spanish sisera : for then , the powers of heauen apparantly fought against him ( as it is said in this song . ) the sea , more terrible then their brooke kishon , swept most of them away : and euen then ( as the mother of the cananitish commander , is here scoffed at by deborah , for her vaine expectation : so , the whore of babilon ( who was mother to that other sisera ) in vaine longed to behold him returne a conquerour : till being ridiculously confident of the spoile ; she was by the true church laughed to scorne for her presumption . and then also ; this propheticall imprecacation ( which ) we finde in the epilogue of this song ) was partly fulfilled . thine enemies oh lord shall perish ; but they that loue thee shall be as the sunne when he riseth in his might . for , as the first sisera was shamefully ruined by a woman : so , god gaue that last sisera ( with his seeming inuincible forces ) into the hand of a woman , whose honour ( with his shame ) was thereby spread through as great a part of the world , as the sunne shineth ouer at mid-day . this song ( as j said before ) would properly be sung also vpon many other deliuerances which the church hath or may haue . as for that of the powder-treason and such like . for were it not that j should be ouer-large in my prologue to this song , j could make it very probable , how the holy ghost , was so farre from making this hymne to fit the iewes after that victory onely ; as that the names therein mentioned , doe well enough expresse any that are , or shall be instruments against the peace of gods church , or for the protection thereof . the song . then sang deborah , and barak the sonne of abinoam on that day ▪ saying : sing praises to the lord that isre'l to acquite , the people of their owne ac-cord went forth vnto the fight : you kings giue eare , you princes heare , i to the lord will raise my voyce aloud , and sing to god the lord of isr'ell prayse . lord , when thou wentst from seir , when thou lef'st edom field ; earth shooke , and heauen dropped there , the clouds did water yeeld , lord , at thy sight a trembling fright , vpon the mountaines fell : and at thy looke , mount sinai shooke , lord god of jsrael . erewhile in shamghar's dayes , old anah's valiant sonne , and late in jaels time , the wayes frequented were of none ; the passengers were wanderers in crooked pathes vnknowne ; and none durst dwell , through jsrael but in a walled towne . vntill i deborah ' rose . i rose a mother here in jsr'el , when new gods they chose that fil'd their gates with warre . and they had there nor shield nor speare , in their possession then ; to arme for fight , one israelite , 'mong forty thousand men . my hearts affection , set on israels leaders is ; who with the willing people met , oh praise the lord for this . sing all of yee , who vsed be , to ride on asses gray : all you that yet in middin si● , or trauaile by the way . where they their water drew , those places being cleare from noyse of archers ; let them shew the lord's vprightnes there . through jsrael all , the hamlets shall his righteousnesse record : and downe vnto the gates shall goe , the people of the lord . rise deborah , arise , rise , rise , and sing a song , abinoams sonne , oh barak rise ; thy captiues lead along . by him made thrall , their princes all , to the suruiuer be , to triumph on the mightie one ; the lord vouchsafed me . a root from ephraim , gainst amaleck arose , and of the people next to him , the beniamites were those . from machir , where good leaders are , came well experienc't men : and they came downe from zabulon that handle well the penne . with deborah did goe the lords of isachar , eu'n isachar ; and barak to , was one among them there ; who forth was sent , and downe he went , on foote the lower way . in ruben there , diuisions were , great thoughts of heart had they . the bleating flockes to heare oh wherefore didst thou stay ? in ruben there diuisions were , great thoughts of heart had they . and why did they of gilead stay , on iordan's other side ? or what was than , the reason dan , did in his tents abide ? among his harbours nigh the sea , there asher lay ; but zabulon , nor nepthali . did keepe themselues away : these people are , who fearelesse dare their liues to death expose ; and would not yeeld the hilly-field , yet kings did them oppose . the cananitish kings , at tana'ch fought that day , close by megiddoes water-springs ; yet bore no prize away . the starres from out the heauens fought , gainst sisera they stroue : they in their course , and some with force , away brocke kishon droue ; old kishon , that was long a famous torrent knowne . oh thou my soule , oh thou the strong hast brauely trodden downe ! their horses by their prauncing high , their broken hoofes did wound ; those of the strong , that kickt and flung , and fiercely beat the ground . a curse on meroz lay , curst let her dwellers be ; the angell of the lord , doth say , extreamely curse it yee . the cause of this accursing is , they came not to the fight , to helpe the lord , to help the lord , against the men of might . but iael , hebers spouse , the kenite , blest be she , more then all women more then those , that vse in tents to be . to him doth she , giue milke when he doth but for water wish : she butterfets , and forth it sets vpon a lordly dish . her left hand reacht a nayle , a workmans hammer streight her right hand takes , and therewithall , she sisera doth smite . his head she tooke , when she had strooke his pierced temples through ; he fell withall , and in the fall , hee at her feete did bow ▪ he at her feete did bow , whom falling life forsooke ; and sisera his mother now , doth from her window looke . thus cries she at the lattice grate , why staies his charr'ot so , returning home ? oh wherefore come , his charr'ot wheeles so slowe ? there-with her ladies wise , to her an answere gaue ; yea , to her selfe , her selfe replies , sure sped , saith she , they haue . and all this while , they part the spoile ; a damzell one or twaie each homeward beares , and sisera shares , a particolour'd pray . a pray discolour'd trimme , and wrought with paintings rare : wrought through ; and for the necke of him that taketh spoiles to weare . so lord , still so , thy foes ore'throw , but who in thee delight , oh let them be , sunne-like , when he ascendeth in his might . the song of hannah . samuel . the argument and vse . hannah , the wife of elkanah , being barren , and therefore vpbraided , and vexed by peninnah her husbands other wife ; prayeth vnto the lord for a sonne . and , hauing obtained him ( as you may read in sam. and the second chapter ) praiseth god in this song for being so gratious vnto her . and therein diuers things are obseruable . first , she reioyceth in god her sauiour , for strengthning her , and giuing her the vpper hand of her aduersary . secondly , she declareth the holinesse , the singularitie , and the vnequal'd power of god ; at a reason , why her enemie should be no more so arrogant . thirdly , she proceeds to shew , how vaine her aduersaries presumption must needs be , by further demonstrating her redeemers knowledge , his strength with the certaintie of his decrees : and by declaring in some particulars , the workes of his mercy and justice . fourthly , she foretelleth the confusion of sinners ; the weakenesse of humane ●ssi●tance ; the destruction of those that resist god ; and the glorious exaltation of him , whose aduancement the lord hath decreed . the song euery good christian may sing in a literall sence , with respect to his owne afflictions , and the goodnesse of god , whensoeuer by reason of his pouerty , or any oppression , the vncharitable , proud , and malitious worldling , shall insult ouer him : if so be he finde , himselfe either outwardly deliuered , or inwardly comforted by the spirit of god. but th● hymne , doth most properly appertaine to the whole congregation ; to be sung in the person of the church . and we shall much iniure the meaning of the holy-spirit , if we imagine that in this song of the holy prophetesse , there is no other cause of it considerable , then the vnkindnesse betweene her and peninnah ; and the joy she receiued by the birth of samuel . we must then know that annah ( which signifieth grace , or gracious ) was a type of the church ef christ : and that peninnah ( which is interpreted forsaken , or despised ) was a figure of the iewish synagogue : seeing without this knowledge , we loose the principall consolations which the song affordeth vs. for , when annah had obtained her sonne of god , and entred into consideration of those particulars which had befallen her ; she did , by contemplating them , not onely foresee what other things should come to passe concerning her sonne ; the common-wealth of the iewes ; and her owne family : but being further enlightned , prophecied also of the kingdome of christ . by contemplating how peninnah had triumphed on her barrennesse , she foresaw h●w the sinagogue of the iewes should boast her selfe against the gentiles in their first conuersion . by her comfort in the birth of samuel ; she apprehended the churches ioy in the natiuitie of christ . by her fruitfulnesse , and the weakenesse of peninnah ; shee was informed how the spirituall ofspring of the church should be multiplied , and the children of the synagogue decrease . yea , raising her meditations aboue the first and second obiects ; she prophetically personates the spouse of christ , and deliuers a most excellent confession of her redeemer : jn whom all these things are come to passe , as appeared at , and since his manifestation . for , the blessed virgin mary in her magnificat , acknowledgeth many particular sayings of this song , to be euen then fulfilled . moreouer , this hymne , may be sung in our reformed churches , to comfort vs against the pride and arrogancie of the romish strumpet . for , though shee , peninnah-like , lately vaunted the multitude of her issue , and vpbraided the true church , as mother , ( onely ) of a few poore , and obscure children : thanks be to god , she that had so many ; is now growne feebler . and our holy mother , hath had seauen children , ( euen many ) that are aduanced to be kings ▪ and to sit vpon the most eminent thrones of glory in the earth , according to this prophecy . the song . and hannah prayed , and said . now in the lord my heart doth pleasure take , my horne is in the lord aduanced high , vnto my foes an answere will i make , be-cause in thy saluation ioy had i. like thee there is not any holy one , for other lord without thee , there is none . nor with our god may any god compare ; so proudly vaunt not then as heretofore ; but let your tongues hereafter now forbeare ; from all presumptuous words for euermore . for why the lord 's a god , that each thing knowes and all that is intended doth dispose . their bow is broken now who were so stout ; girt round with vigor , those who stumbled are : the full , themselues for bread haue hyred out , which they haue left to doe , that hungry were ▪ the barren now , doth seauen children owne ; and she that had so many , weake is growne . the lord doth slay , and he reuiues the slaine ; he to the graue doth bring , and backe he beares : the lord makes poore , and rich he makes againe : he throweth downe , and vp on high he reares . he from the dust , and from the dunghill brings the begger , and the poore , to sit with kings . he reares them , to inherit glories throne , because the lord' 's the earth's supporters be ; he hath the world erected thereupon ; the footing of his saints preserueth he. and dumbe in darkenesse sinners shall remaine ; for , in their strength , are all men strong in vaine . the lord , will to destruction bring them all , eu'n eu'ry one , that shall with him contend , the lord from heauen thunder on them shall , and iudge the world vnto the farthest end . he shall his king with strength enough supply , and raise the power of his annointed high . the prayer of nehemiah . nehem. . . the argument and vse . nehemiah , being in babilon ; and hauing receiued intelligence by one of his brethren that came from iudea , of the miserable estate wherein ierusalem , and the house of god then stood . the text saith , he wept at the re●ation ; fasted , and made this prayer vnto god , in behalfe of the israelites . in which prayer , ( first acknowledging the maiestie , justice , and mercy of god ) he humbly desireth his importunate suit may haue fauourable audience : and the sooner to obtaine it , ( he renouncing all worthinesse in his owne or his peoples merits ) confesseth the hainousnesse both of his , and their offences . secondly , he vrgeth gods promised mercies , vpon repentance . thirdly , he is earnest , in regard they are his owne elected people , for whom he prayes ; and thereupon renewes againe his petition : the effect whereof is , that god would be pleased to prosper him in the affaires he had in hand , and graunt him fauour in the kings sight , whom ( as by the sequell in the story it appeared ) he then intended to solicite ; touching the re-edifying of the cittie and house of god. this prayer , may be ( in a literall sence ) said , or sung by the church of god , when in any affaire of hers , she needeth the fauour of some temporall prince . or by any member of hers ( in her person ) vpon a publike occasion . yea , for his particular necessitie and in his owne person also he may vse it when he would desire the good-will of man , in such things as nearely concerne him and his family . and me thinkes it should not onely beget in vs a great hope of good-speed , when we come to god with those words whereunto he hath giuen 〈◊〉 prosperous successe , ( as he did to these ) but we may be the more confident also in our prayers ; when we vse those formes of speech , which the holy-spirit hath inuented . moreouer , this prayer , leauing out the two last lines , will serue for a confession of our sinnes , before any suit which we would present vnto the maiestie of god. or , if we will but alter according to our seuerall necessities ; it will serue for a hymne in many other occasions . as for example , if thou wouldest vse it before thou and thy family beginne their labour , in stead of the last disticke sing thus : and be thou pleas'd ( oh lold ) to blesse our labours , with a good successe . if thou , with others hast any iourney in hand , change it thus : and lord , all dangers keepe vs from , both going forth , and comming home . if thou be a commander and leading thy company to the battell ; alter it thus : and be thou pleased in the fight ; to make vs victors , by thy might . if it be in a time of great famine , turne it thus : and lord , vouchsafe thou in this need ; our soul●s and bodi●s both to feed . if thou be a diuine , or schoolemaster , imployed abo●t the instruction of others , and wouldest beginne thy exercises with this hymne , end it thus : and grant that we lord , in thy feare ; m●y to our profit , speake and heare . and thus , you may due vpon many other occasions , according as your nec●ssities , and deuotion shall moue you . but lest the ignorant may thinke , the title of the sons of jsrael will be improperly applied to vs christians : or , lest they may imagine , that the mentioning of gods threatning a dispersion , with his promise of gathering his people againe vnto his house , will be impertinent to vs , or our occasions . for the first , let them read saint paul , and he will tell them who are true iewes and israelites . romans . . and romans . . . . and as for the last supposition . they must know , that euery childe of god , may be ( in a spirituall sence ) said to be dispersed among the heathen , whensoeuer by his sinnes , he is driuen from the presence of god , and distracted by the seuerall vanities of the world . and as often as he returnes by repentance , with hearty prayer , he is brought backe from his wand●ings to be more setled in the church , which is the place god hath chosen for his name . and so no part of this hymne will seeme impertinent to vs. the song . lord god of heauen , thou that art , the mighty god , and full of fear● , who neuer promise-breaker wert , but euer shewing mercy where , they doe affection beare to thee , and of thy lawes obseruers be . giue eare , and lift thine eyes i pray , that heard thy seruants suit may be , made in thy presence night and day ; for israels seed , that serueth thee : for israels seed ; who ( i confesse ) against thee grieuously transgresse . i , and my fathers house did sinne , against thy will haue we misdone ; our dealing hath corrupted bin , law , or decree obseru'd we none : not those commands , which to keepe fast thou charg'd thy seruant moses hast . oh! yet remember i thee pray , these words which thou didst heretofore vnto thy seruant moses say , if ere ( saidst thou ) they vexe me more , i will disperse them here and there among the nations euery where . but if to me they shall conuert , to doe those things my lawes containe , though spread to heauen's extreamest part● i would collect them thence againe . and bring them there to make repose whereas to place my name i chose . now these thy people are of right , the seruants who to thee belong , whom thou hast purchast by thy might and by thine arme , exceeding strong . o let thine eare lord i thee pray attentiue be to what i say . the prayer of thy seruant heare , oh heare thy seruants when they pray , ( who haue a will thy name to feare . ) thy seruant prosper thou to day : and be thou pleas'd to grant that he in this mans sight may fauour'd be . the song of king lemvel . prou. . . the argument and vse . wee finde this hymne annexed to the prou●rbs of solomon , and reckoned as part of their . chapter . which hath this title . the words of king lemuel , &c. ( who as some write was solomon . the song is alphabetically in the originall , diuided into st●nz●'s , answerable to the number , and order of the he●●ew letters and comprehendeth an admirable desc●ipt●on of a good 〈◊〉 . in which are three principa●●●h●ngs considerable . first , what aduantage her 〈◊〉 receiue●h by her : secondly , what commend●●● 〈◊〉 she hath ●n her selfe : and thirdly , what profit th●y bring vnto her also at the last . the chiefe benefits her husband enioyes by her are these : first , he is free from distrust and vnquietnesse of minde : secondly , he shall not need to liue by vniust dealings : thirdly , he shall be enriched in his estate : and fourthly , to place of honour and esteeme in the common-wealth . that which is commendable in her , is two-fold : outward industrie of the body ; and inward vertue of the minde . her bodily industry , is set forth in diuers particular actions , tending to the prouiding for , & disposing of her houshold affaires : in which , her cheerefulnesse , her prouidence , her courage , and her vnweariednesse , is also applauded . her inward vertues are , continuall loue to her husband ; liberality and charity to the poore : the gouernement of her tongue , and heedfulnesse of those courses her houshold takes . the commodities she her selfe receiueth hereby are these ; her husband is confident in her ; she shall haue comfort in her labours ; her posterity shall blesse her ; her husband shall praise her aboue other women ; she shall be honoured of the best whilst she liues ; and shall haue ioy after her death . this is the analisis , and in my opinion it is an excellent marriage-song , fit alwaies to be sung after the solemnizing of those rites . and ( perhaps ) if men would often vse it in their families , in stead of their wanton sonnets , and drunken catches , the musicke thereof would make lesse discord there ; and instruct some of their wiues , to become greater blessings vnto them , then formerly they haue beene . the song . who findes a woman good and wise , a iemme more worth then pearles hath got , her husbands heart on her relies , to liue by spoiles he needeth not . his comfort all his life is she , but , euill none delights to doe , for wooll and flaxe , her searches be , and cheerefull hands she puts thereto . the merchant-ship resembling right , she from a farre , her food doth fet . er'e day she wakes , that set she might her maides a taske ; her houshold meat . a field she vieweth , which she buyes : her hand doth plant a vineyard there . her loines with courage vp she ties , her armes with vigour strengthned are . if good her huswifery she feele , by night , her candle goes not out . she puts her fingers to the wheele , her hand the spindle twirles about . to such as poore , and needy are , her hand ( yea both ) extendeth she , the winter , none of hers doth feare , for double cloath'd her houshold be . she makes her mantles wrought by hand , and silke and purple cloathing gets : among the rulers of the land , knowne in the gate , her husband sits . for sale , fine linnin weaueth she : and girdles to the merchant sends . her cloathings , strength and honour be : and ioy , her latter-time attends . she speakes with wisedome , when she talkes , the law of grace her tongue hath learn'd . she heeds the way her houshold walkes : and feedeth not on bread vn-earn'd . her children rise , and blest her call , her husband thus applaudeth her , oh thou hast farre surpast them all ; though many daughters thriuing are ! deceitfull fauour , quicklie weares , and beautie suddenly decaies : but if the lord she truely feares , that woman well deserueth praise . the fruit her handy-works obtaine , without repining grant her that : and giue her what her labours gaine , to doe her honour in the gate . the first song of esay . esay . the argument and the vse . this song , you shall finde in the fift of esay : and the prophet here , vnder the similitude of a vineyard , excellently describes the estate of iuda and ierusalem ; with what god had done for them . and therein complaineth against his vineyard , because , after the paines bestowed in fencing and manuring therof ( instead of the sweet fruit he expected ) it neuerthelesse brought forth sower grapes . next , he summoneth their owne consciences , ( whom he had couertly vpbraided ) to be iudges of his great loue and their vnprofitablenesse . thirdly , he foretels , how he intends to deale with his vineyard . and lastly , he directly declareth whom he meanes by the parable . according to this propheticall hymne , euen so hath it fallen out with the nation of the iewes , whether you vnderstand it of them temporally , or spiritually . and therefore we are to make a two-fold vse of this ode . first , to memorize thereby the mercy , iustice , and foreknowledge of god. his mercy , in shewing what he hath done for his people . his iustice , in declaring how seuere he is , euen to his owne vineyard if it continue vnfruitfull in good works , answerable to his husbandry . his foreknowledge , in relating how those things which we know are come to passe on the iewes , were long before reuealed by him , vnto his prophets . the second vse , is by singing and meditating thereon , to warne our selues to consider what benefits we haue receiued at gods hands , and to stirre vs vp to be fruitfull in spirituall graces and thankesgiuings , lest he take away his blessings , and leaue vs vnguarded to be spoiled , and laid wast by our aduersaries , as he did the iewes . for ; by this vineyard the holy ghost did not onely meane iuda and ierusalem , but euery congregation of christians also , who bearing the face of a visible church , haue heretofore abused or shall hereafter neglect the grace of god. as we may assure our selues by the destruction of antioch , laodicea , ephesus , and many other particular churches , who hauing ( after god had a long time manured them ( by the husbandry of his apostles , and other ministers ) in stead of the sweet clusters of pure doctrine and good life , brought forth the sower grapes of heresies and vncleannesse : were depriued of their defence , and had both the dewes of gods spirit , and the showers of his word , with-held from them , till they brought forth nothing but thornes and bryars , the fruits of their owne naturall corruption . the song . a song of him whom i loue best , and of his vineyard sing i will. a vineyard once my loue possest , well seated on a fruitfull hill , he kept i● close immured still , the earth from stones he did refine . an● set it with the choi-sest vine . he in the mid'st a fort did reare , a wine-presse therein also wrought : but , when he look't i● grapes should beare , those grapes were wilde one , that it brought . ierusalem come speake thy thought , and you of iudah , iudges be , betwixt my vineyard here and me : vnto my vineyard what could more performed be , then i haue done ? yet looking it should grapes haue bore saue wilde ones , it afforded none . but goe to , ( let that now alone ) i am resolu'd to shew you to , what with my vineyard i will doe ▪ the hedge i will remoue from thence , that what so will deuoure it may , i will breake downe the walled fence , and through it make a trodden way . yea , all of it , i waste will lay . none shall to digge , or dresse it care but thornes , and bryars it shall beare . the clouds i also will compell , that there no raine descend for this : for loe , the house o● israel the lord of armies vineyard is ; and iudah is that plant of his ; that pleasant one , who forth hath brought , oppression , when he iudgement sought . he iustice sought but found therein , in stead thereof a crying sinne . the second song of esay . esay . the argument and vse . the prophet esay being extraordinarily enlightned with foresight of the misteries of our redemption , and hauing in the eleauenth chapter of this prophecie , foretold many things concerning the incarnation of christ , and the excellency of his kingdome ; doth in his next chapter , fore-shew the church , what song she shall sing in that day . and it is this , which here followeth . wherein are these particular actions of the church obseruable . first , that she doth perceiue , and to the praise of her redeemer acknowledge , that although god had formerly afflicted her for sinnes ; yet now , he turnes his wrath into consolation . secondly , that without feare she vnderstands , ( and confesseth to others ) how god is assuredly become her strength and saluation . thirdly , she exhorteth all to come and draw the spirituall waters of life from their owne fountaines . lastly , vpon consideration of christs extraordinary workes and miracles , she earnestly stirreth vp her selfe , and others ioyfully to sing the praises of him , her lord and sauiour . this song , euery childe of god ought often to r●peate , to the honour of iesus christ , for his gratious redemption of mankinde . and seeing the holy prophet ( foreknowing the good cause she should haue to make vse thereof ) hath prophecied that this should be the churches hymne , after the manifestation of our sauiour in the flesh : doubtlesse , it would be very properly vsed vpon those dayes , which we solemnize in memory of our sauiours natiuitie , and epiphany : and vpon all such other occasions as the congregation may haue , to giue thankes for that great worke of our redemption . the song . lord i will sing to thee , for angry though thou wast , yet thou with-drewst thy wrath from me , and sent me comfort hast . loe , god 's my health ; on whom , i fearelesse ▪ trust will ●ay , for oh the lord , the lord 's become my strength , my song , my stay . and you , with ioy ( for this ) shall water fetch away , out of those wels , where safetie is : and thus , then shall you say . oh sing vnto the lord , his name and works proclaime ▪ vnto the people beare record , that glorious is his name . vnto the lord oh sing : for , wonders he hath done , yea , many a renowned thing , which through the earth is knowne . sing forth , aloud all yee , that doe in sion dwell : for loe , thy holy-one in thee , is great , oh israel . the third song of esay . esay . the argument and vse . the prophet esay , before the people of israel were led into captiuity , composed this song thereby to comfort them ; that they might with the more patience beare out their affliction , and become confident in the promised mercies of god. first , it informeth them , that the protection of god being ( wheresoeuer they are ) nothing lesse auaileable then a defenced cittie , ) they ought for euer to trust in that firme peace , which they may haue in him . secondly , this song teacheth them , to confesse , that the pride of sinners must be punished , & how the true church of godwil constantly await his pleasure , amid those iudgements , and in their chastening , flye vnto their redeemer . thirdly , seeing the wicked are so euilly disposed , that they will neither repent for fauour nor punishment : their confusion is here prophecied , and the peace of the godly promised : who are resolued not to forsake the seruice of their lord for any persecution . fourthly , they sing the vtter desolation of tyrants , and the increase of the church : whose endurance is illustrated by the pangs of a childe-bearing woman . fiftly , her deliuerance from persecution , with the resurrection of the dead , through christ is foretold . and lastly , the fai●hfull are exhorted to attend on the lord their sauiour , who will shortly come to iudgement : and take account for the bloud of his ●aints . this song is made in the person of the whole church . and the particular members thereof may also sing the same , to comfort themselues , and to encourage one another to be confident in all their chastisements and persecutions , vpon consideration of the shortnesse of the time , and the certaintie of their redeemers comming . they may also when they please make vse of it , thereby to praise god for his iudgements , for his fauour to his people , and for the confirmation of their owne faiths in both those . the song . a citty now haue we obtain'd , where strong defences are , and god saluation hath ordai'nd , for wa's and bulwarkes there . the gates thereof wide open set ; those righteous people who the truths obseruers are , may get admittance thereinto . there , thou in peace wilt keepe him sure , ( whose thoughts well grounded be ) in peace , that euer shall endure , because he trusted thee . for-euermore vpon the lord without distrust depend , for in the lord , th' eternall lord , is strength that hath no end . he makes the lofty city yeeld , and her proud dwellers bow : he layes it leuell with the field , and with the dust below . their feet , who poore and needy are , their feet thereon shall tread : their way is right that righteous are whose path thou well dost heed . vpon thy course of iudgements wee , oh lord attending were , and to record thy name , and thee , our soules desirous are . on thee , my minde with strong desires is fixed in the night , and after thee my heart enquires , before the morning light . for , when thy righteous iudgements are vpon the earth discern'd by those that doe inhabite there , vprighnesse should be learn'd . yet sinners for no terror will , iust dealing vnderstand : but they continue doing ill , eu'n in the righteous land . vnto the glory of the lord , they will not heedfull be : thy hand aduanc't on high , oh lord , they will not daigne to see . but they shall see , and see with shame , that doe thy people spight : yea , from thy foes shall rise a flame , that will deuoure them quite . then lord , for vs , thou wilt procure , that wee in peace may be : because that eu'ry worke of our , is wrought for vs , by thee . and lord our god , though we are brought , to other lords in thrall : of thee alone shall be our thought , vpon thy name to call . they are deceast and neuer shall , a farther life obtaine : they die and shall not rise at all , to tyrannize againe . for to that end thou visited , and wide dispers't them hast : vntill their fame was perished , and vtterly defac'st . but lord , encrea'st thy people are , encrea'st they are by thee : and thou art glorified as farre as any lands there be . for lord , in their distresses , when thy chast'ning on them lay : they vnto thee did hasten then , and without ceasing pray . as she with childe is pain'd when as her throwes of bearing be : and cryes in pangs ; before thy face , oh lord , so fared we. we haue conceiu'd , beene pain'd , and all was for a windie birth : the world no safetie yeeld's ; nor fall , the dwellers of the earth . thy dead shall liue ; they rise againe with my dead body shall : oh you , that in the dust remaine , awake and sing you , all . for as the dewe doth hearbs renewe , that buried seem'd before : so earth shall through thy heau'nly dewe , her dead aliue restore . my people , to thy chambers fare , shut close the dore to thee ; and stay a while ( a moment there ) till past the furie be . for loe , the lord doth now arise ; he commeth from his place ; to punish their impieties , who doe the world possesse . and now the earth no longer shall , the blouds in her conceale : but shee , shall be compelled all her murthers to reueale . the prayer of hezekiah . esay . . the argument and the vse . it is recorded , in the . and . of esay , that senacharib king of asiria , sent an army against ierusalem ; and that rabshakah his principall commander , not onely threatned to take it , but blasphemed also against the power of god. which when hezekiah receiued notice of : it is said , he repaired vnto the house of the lord , and made this prayer there . wherein ( hauing by the attributes there giuen him , acknowledged how able god was to be auenged , ) he desires the lord , both to heare him , and to consider the blasphemy of his aduersarie . then , to manifest the necessitie of assistance : he vrgeth the power of that foe , ouer those that serued not the true god. and as it seemes , desireth deliuerance , not so much in regard of his owne safetie , as that the blasphemer , ( and all the world ) may know the difference betweene the power of the lord , and the arrogant braggs of man. this prayer may be vsed by the church , whensoeuer her powerfull and open aduersarie the turke , or any other aduersarie , whom god hath suffered to preuaile against false worshippers ; shall thereupon growe proud , and threaten her , also : as if in despight of god he had formerly preuailed by his owne strength . and the name of senacharib may be mistically applied to any such enemy . moreouer , it may serue any of vs christians for a prayer , against those secret blasphemies , which the deuill whispers vnto our soules . or , when by temptations , he seekes to make vs dispaire , and threatens to be our ruine , maugre our redeemer ; laying before our eyes how many others he hath destroyed , who seemed to be in as good estate as we . for this is ( indeed ) the enemie , who hath ouerthrowne whole countries and nations : and he doth at this day ruine many thousands , with their gods , ( euen the meanes whereby they trusted to be safe : ) for strength , temporall power , riches , superstitious worships , the wisedome of flesh and bloud vnsanctified ; moral vertues , worldly policie , idols , & such like , wherein many put their trust ; are the works of mens hands , and may he rightly termed , the gods which that misticall asirian prince , and our aduersarie hath power to destroy . the song . and hez●kiah prayed vnto the lord : saying . o lord of hoasts , and god of isra-el , thou who betweene the cherubins dost dwell , of all the world thou god alone art king , and heau'n and earth vnto their forme did'st bring . lord bow thine eare , to heare attentiue be ; lift vp thine eyes , and daigne oh lord to see what words senacharib hath cast abroad : and his proud message to the liuing god. truth lord it is , that lands , and kingdomes all , haue to the kings of ashur beene a thrall : yea , they their gods into the fire haue throwne , for gods they were not , but of wood and stone : mens work they were , men therfore spoil'd them haue . then from his power , vs lord our god now saue , that all the kingdomes of the earth may see , thou art the lord , and onely thou art hee . hezekiahs song of thanksgiuing . esay . . the argument and vse . we finde this song in the . chapter of esay , where is set before it this title . the writing of hezekiah : king of iuda , when he had beene sicke and was recouered of his sicknesse . by which , you may perceiue the occasion of it : and if you consider the song it selfe , many particular circumstances are remarkable ; whereby the author sheweth gods mercy to haue beene exceeding great vnto him : first , in respect that he should else haue beene cut off in the best of his age ( and perhaps , when his sinnes might haue made him ripe , aswell for hell , as the graue . ) secondly , in regard he should neuer haue seene againe the temple of the lord , to praise him there , with the rest of his people . thirdly , if he had beene then taken away , his dwelling , that is , his posteritie , had beene cut off ( for at that time he had no children ) and so he had not lost his life onely , but the hope of the messias , his redeemer . fourthly , his disease was so violent and vnsufferable , that he thought not to haue liued out one day . fiftly , god deliuered him when he was not tormented in body onely , but when he suffered also extreame agonies of the soule . lastly , the greatnesse of gods mercy is here praised , in that when be deliuered him from the terrors of death ; he forgaue him also his sinnes , which were the cause of that sickenesse . then seeming to haue entered into a serious consideration of all this . he confesseth who they are , that are most bound to celebrate gods praises ; and voweth this deliuerance to euerlasting memorie . by our priuate meditations , we may vse this for a song of thankesgiuing after our deliuerances from temporall sicknesses ; which is one and the first sence wherein hezekiah vsed it . but in the second , and most principall sense , he sung it in the person of the misticall body ; who was by christ cured of the deadly sicknesse of sinne and death ; for hezekiah , which signifieth helped or strengthned of the lord , was a type of the church , healed by god ; and isaiah , who brought the medicine that cured the disease , and is interpreted , the saluation of the lord , figured our redeemer iesus christ . and indeede it is not lik●ly that so good a prince as hezekiah , would haue been so extreamely deiected , if he had apprehended nothing more fearefull then his present sicknesse , with the naturall separation of the soule and body ; or that it was his neuer seeing againe of gods temporall house , that made him so passionate . for , if that had beene a matter worthy such griefe , it should haue beene alwayes so , and then neither he nor any man could haue departed this life willingly . but there was a greater mistery in it ; yea , if you well consider that this deliuerance herein memorized , was confirmed by one of the greatest miracles ( to wit ) the sunne going backe ten degrees , i thinke you will then beleeue that it had respect to some greater thing then the particular recouery of hezekiah . for that the sunne went really backe ( and did not appeare onely so to doe ) is manifested in these places , king. . . chron. . . js . . . for thence j gather , that it was obserued in asiria , and that messengers were sent from thence to h●zekiah , to know the reason of that wonder : which if we should affirme to be for a signe of hez●kiahs recouery onely ; we must confesse the signe greater then that which it was sent to signifie : whereas if we will vnderstand hezekiah to be a type of the church , and that god gaue this for a token to assure him that as he should be healed , so he would also send his sonne to heale the generall infirmity of mankinde : we shall then make the thing figured , proportionable to the figure . for the redemption of man , being a worke much greater then the sunnes retrogradation , it was well worthy of so admirable a type . but i shall make this prologue ouer-large , or else j would so plainly declare vnto you , how hezekiah was a type of the church , how in euery circumstance of his sicknesse he pattern'd out the infirmity of mankinde , laboring vnder sinne ; and how naturally that miracle of the sunnes retrogradation represented the sending of christ to be our deliuerer , that you should confesse this song was made for vs and the church , to sing throughout all ages , for a memoriall of her former vnspeakeable misery ; and to set forth the praise of god , for that vnequal'd benefit of her redemption . the song . when i suppos'd my dayes were at an end , thus speaking to my selfe , i made my moane : now to the gates of hell i must descend , and all the remnant of my yeares be gone , the lord ( ah mee ) the lord i cry'd where now the liuing be , nor man that doth on earth abide , shall i for euer see . as the remouing of a shepherds tent , or as a weauer cuts his webbe away , my dwelling so ; yea , so my age was spent , and so my sicknesse did my life decay ; each day , ere night should end the same my death expected i , and euery night ere morning came , i did suppose to dye : for he so lyon-like my bones did breake , that i my life accounted scarce a day ; a noyse i did like cranes or swallowes make , and at the turtle i lamenting lay ; my fainting eyes i vpward cast , and thus my moane did make ; oh , i extreamely am opprest , for me , lord vndertake . what shall i say ? his word to me he gaue , and as he promis'd , he performed it ; for which , i will not whil'st that life i haue , those bitter passions of my soule forget : but all that after me suruiue , yea all that liue , shall know , how thou my spirit didst reuiue , and health on me bestow . vpon my peace , did bitter sorrowes come , but in the loue which to my soule thou hast , the all-consuming graue thou keptst me from . and my offences all behind thee cast . for neither can the graue , nor death , or praise or honour thee , nor are they hopefull of thy truth that once entombed be . oh , he that liues ; that liues as i doe now , eu'n he it is that shall thy praise declare ; thy truth the father to his seede shall show , and how , oh lord , thou me hast dain'd to spare , and in thy house ( for this ) will we , ( oh lord throughout our dayes ) on instruments that stringed be , sing songs vnto thy praise . the prayer of daniel . dan. . . the argument and vse . this prayer is written in the ninth chapter of daniels prophecy : and herein , the prophet very earnestly beseecheth god to be mercifull vnto his people . the principall points considerable are these . first , he confesseth god to be powerfull , iust , and mercifull , and that neuerthelesse from the highest to the lowest they had broken his lawes , and rebelled against him ; for which , they worthily deserued confusion . secondly , he aggrauateth their offences by diuers circumstances , acknowledging , that as it is the same they haue deserued , so it is the destruction they were forewarned of , that is come vpon them . thirdly , hauing acknowledged thus much , he humbly entreates , that god would be neuerthelesse mercifull vnto them : first , in regard he had heretofore gotten glory by deliuering them : secondly , for that they were his owne elected people : thirdly , seeing they were already become a reproach vnto their neighbours : lastly , euen for his owne and the messiahs sake . and all this he earnestly entreats , ( not for their owne worthinesse , but ) for the tender mercies sake of god. this song may be properly sung whensoeuer any of those particular iudgements are powred out , which the prophets haue foretold should be inflicted on these latter times ; and it may be said or sung by the church , or any member thereof ( in her person ) during any other affliction befallen her : or if we please , euen vpon our priuate occasions , prouided we formerly well apply it by our meditations . the song . lord god almighty , great and full of feare , who alwayes art from bre●ch of promise free , and neuer fayling to haue mercy where they doe obserue thy lawes and honour thee . we haue transgrest ; oh ! we , haue euill done . we disobedient and rebellious were ; for , from thy precepts we astray are gone , and from thy iudgements we departed are . we did thy seruants prophesies withstand , who , to our dukes , our kings , and fathers came , and vnto all the people of the land , proclaimed forth their message in thy name . in thee oh lord , all righteousnesse hast thou , but open shame to vs doth appertaine ; as fares it with the men of iudah now , and those that in ierusalem remaine . and to all isra'l , through those countries all , in which , they far or nigh dispersed be , because of that transgression , wherewithall they haue transgressed and offended thee . to vs , our kings , our dukes , and fathers doth disgrace pertaine ( oh lord ) for angring thee ▪ yet , mercy ( lord our god ) and pardon both to thee belongs , though we rebellious be . for , as for vs , we sore haue disobey'd the lord our god his voyce , and would not heare to keepe his lawes , which he before vs laid , by those his seruants , which his prophet● were ▪ yea , all that of the race of isra'l be ; against thy law extreamely haue misdone : and that they might not ●isten vnto thee , they from thy voice , oh lord are backward gone ; which makes both curse and oth on them descend , that in the law of moses written was ; the seruant of that god whom we offend , and now his speeches he hath brought to passe . on vs , and on our iudges he doth bring that plague , wherewith he threatned vs and them , for vnder heau'n was neuer such a thing as now is acted on ierusalem . as moses written law doth beare record , now all this mischiefe is vpon vs brought , and yet we prayed not before the lord , that leauing sinne , we might his truth be taught . for this respect , the lord in wait hath laid , that he inflict on vs this mischiefe might ; and seeing we his voyce haue disobay'd . in all his workes , the lord our god's vpright . but now , oh lord our god , who from the land of cruell aegypt brought thy people hast ; and by the power of thine almighty hand , atchieu'd a name which to this day doth last : though we haue sinned , and committed ill ; yet lord by all that righteousnesse in thee , from thy ierusalem , thy holy hill , oh let thy wrath and anger turned be . for by those wicked things which we haue don , and through our fathers sinnes ; ierusalem , yea , thine owne people haue the hatred won and the reproach of all that neighbour them . now therefore to thy seruant's suite encline , his prayer heare our god , and let thy face , eu'n for the lords deare sake , vouchsafe to shine vpon thy , now forsaken , holy place . thine eares encline thou , oh my god , and heare ; lift vp thine eyes , and vs oh looke vpon ; vs , who forsaken with thy citty are , the citty , where thy name is called on . for we vpon our selues presume not thus , before thy presence our request to make , for any righteousnesse that is in vs , but for thy great and tender mercies sake . lord heare , forgiue oh lord , and weigh the same , oh lord performe it , and no more deferre , for thine owne sake , my god ; for by thy name , thy citty , and thy people called are . the prayer of ionah . ionah . the argument and vse . as ionah fled from the presence of the lord , he was followed by a tempest , whose furie would not be allayed , vntil the offender was cast into the sea , where god had mercie on him , and sent a fish to preserue him ; which in humane reason , seemed a more terrible danger , then that he was deliuered from . but the safetie which at his first entrance , hee found in so vnsafe a place , made him sensible of gods fauour , and begat in him a firme beliefe that he should be totally deliuered . and thereupon , ( being yet in the fishes belly ) made this prayer , to praise god for deliuering him in so great an extremity . ( and he did it as speaking of a thing already done , the better to shew vs the soundnesse of his faith . the things remarkeable are these : the place where he prayed , the terrible and vnauiodable danger that compassed him ; the dispaire he was nigh falling into , the timely application of gods mercy , the comfort it infused into him , the occasions which draw men into these perils , the vowe made vpon this deliuerance , and lastly the reason of that vowe . now , this buriall of ionas in the fishes belly , and his deliuery from thence , was a signe of the buriall and resurrection of our blessed sauiour , mat. . . and therefore , we must not thinke he made this prayer onely in his owne person : but in the misticall body of iesus christ also . for , by contemplating the circumstances of his danger and deliuerance , ( and hauing the spirit of prophecie ) he apprehended the misteries of our redemption . by the ship ready to be sunke , through that tempest in which he was cast away , he conceiued the wrath of god against the world for sinne ; and that it would not be appeased without satisfaction . by his owne offence , he foresaw , h●w christ hauing taken our sinne vpon him , should ( to bring peace vnto the world ) be deliuered ouer vnto the rage of pilate and the iewes . by his being receiued into the fishes belly , and there preserued aliue ; he foresaw how christ should be swallowed vp of the graue , and yet remaine vncorrupted . and by the fore-sight he had of his owne comming safe to the shore againe : he apprehended that ioyful resurrection of our redeemer : whose misticall body ( the church ) lay all that while , as it were in the very jawes of death and hell . these things ionah apprehended through the spirit of prophecie , ( and by the obiects aforesaid ) composed this prayer , to set forth the mercies of god , and to expresse in what a fearefull estate mankinde was , vntill christ was risen againe in victory . and therefore , j thinke , as it will become vs christians often to sing it in memory thereof ; so especially vpon that day which we celebrate in memoriall of our sauiours resurrection . the song . in my distresse i cry'd to thee oh lord , and thou wert pleased my complaint to heare , out from the bowels of the grau● i roar'● , and to my voyce thou didst encline thine eare , for i amid the sea was cast , and to the bottome there thou plung'd me hast . the flouds , about me rowling circles made , thy waues , and billowes , ouer-flow'd me quite , wherewith ( alas ) vnto my selfe i said , i am for euer-more depriu'd thy sight . yet once againe , aduance shall i , vnto thy holy temple-ward mine eye . eu'n to my soule , the waters clos'd me had , or'e-swallow'd by the deepes i there was pent , about my head the weedes a wreath had made , vnto the hils foundation downe i went. and so , that forth i could not get , the earth an euer-lasting barre had set . then thou oh lord , my god , oh thou wert he . that from corruption didst my life defend , for when my soule was like to faint in me , thou didst oh lord into my thoughts descend . my prayer vnto thee i sent , and to thy holy temple vp it went. those who giue trust to vaine and foolish lies , despisers of their owne good safetie be : but i will offer vp a sacrifice of singing praises , with my voice to thee ; and will performe what vow'd i haue : for it belongs to thee , oh lord to saue . the song of habakkvk . habak . . the argument and vse . before the following song , is vsually this title . a prayer of the prophet habakkuk vpon sigionoth , or ( as most translations haue it ) for the ignorances , that is , for the comfort and better information of the people , who were disheartened through their ignorance , in the iudgements and mercies of god. for , the prophet in his first chapter personated the weake members of the church , who were offended at the prosperity of the vngodly : and hauing there brought them in , complayning , as if they feared all things would continually succeede better with their wicked oppressors then with them ( as it did for that present ) he in the next chapter declared the lords answer to that ignorant complaint of theirs : shewing that vndoubtedly the pride , couetousnesse , cruelty , drunkennesse , and idolatry of ( the chaldeans ) their tyrannizing enemies should be punished . and afterward in this song , ( which is his third chapter ) he first prayeth and prayseth god for that promised deliuerance , secondly , setteth forth the glorious maiesty of the deliuerer , by excellent allegories and allusions to the manner of those former deliuerances , which he had vouchsafed vnto the people the iewes : and lastly , ( foretelling the miserable and horrible destruction of the aduersary ) in his owne , and in the person of all the elect , resolueth ( what euer happens ) to reioyce with confidence in the strength and fauour of god. in briefe , this song hath foure parts : in the first , the sauiour is prayed for , according to the promise of god. jn the second , the maiesty of his comming is described . jn the third , his victory , with the ruine of antichrist is declared . and fourthly , the ioy and confidence of the church is foretold . true it is , that by reason of the many deepe misteries herein contained ; this song is to many very obscure : insomuch , that the latter hebrew rabbins , accounted it one of the most difficult places of holy scripture . and so shall we christians find it ; yea , and little pertinent to vs also , if we looke thereon with their blinde eyes , who could see no farther then the letter . for they either thought this prophecy had no further relation then to the temporall deliuery of the iewes by destruction of the chaldeans , many ages past : or else imagined ( as some a little infected with iudaisme at this day teach ) that it had respect to a carnall and temporall restoring of that nation , now in these last ages of the world. whereas , it hath indeede a more principall aime . for though it shall not be denied , that it had somewhat a respect to the israelites deliuerance from the babylonian seruitude : yet , if they should be vrged to shew vs , how according to their meere litterall sence , he that diliuered them may be said to come from theman and mount paran : how that maiesty expressed here may be applyed to him ; what plagues and fire went before him ; how he stood and measured the earth ; where mountaines trembled and were remoued ; how the sun and moone stood still , &c. i am perswaded it would trouble their best expositor . but if we will vnderstand it to haue principall respect ( as in truth it hath ) to the churches deliuerance from the spirituall babylon , from the slauery of the diuell , and the rage of antichrist ; by the first and second comming of our sauiour iesus christ : it will then be easie , through the helpe of gods holy spirit , to shew you that these allegories and aenigmaticall expressions , which are so hard to the iewes , and some misbeleeuers , are plainely vnridled to vs , who beleeue redemption by the sonne of god. this song is to be sung historically , in memory of our deliuerance by the first comming of iesus christ , and prophetically for a comfortable remembrance of a perfect deliuery assured vs at 〈…〉 comming . both which commings , to those who by the eyes of faith can apprehend the manner of them , will appeare no lesse glorious then they are here described by way of allusion . but least chusan and midian , being names of nations , sometime temporall enemies to the iewes , may seeme impertinent to these times , you must know that all the names of persons or places vsed in the old testament , were giuen for the sake of those things which they typified more then for their owne : and do● therefore more properly expresse their natures . so , in this place ; chusan signifying darke , blacke , or cloudy ; and midian which is interpreted of condemnation , or of iudgement , better agrees to those spirituall aduersaries whom they prefigured ; then to those people who were litterally so called : for none are so fitly termed people of darknes , or condemnation , as the members of anti-christ . the song . lord , thy answere did i heare , and i grew therewith afraid . when the times at fullest are , let thy worke be then declar'd : when the times lord full doe grow , then in anger mercy show . the almighty god came downe , he came downe from theman-ward , the eternall holy - one , selah . from mount paran forth appear'd . heau'n couering with his raies , and earth filling with his praise . as the sunns is , was his light , from his hands there did appeare beaming rayes , that shined bright , and his power is shrouded there . plagues before his face he sent , at his feet hot coles there went. where he stood , he measure tooke of the earth , and view'd it well ; nations vanish't at his looke , auncient hils to powder fell . mountaines old cast lower were , for his waies eternall are . cushan tents i saw diseas'd , and the midian curtaines quake , haue the flouds lord thee displeas'd ? did the flouds thee angry make ? was it else the sea that hath ; thus prouoked thee to wrath ? for thou rod'st thy horses there , and thy sauing charro'ts through : thou didst make thy bowe appeare . and as hath beene by a vowe to the tribes agreed vnto ; thou perform'dst thy promise so . selah . thou didst cleaue the earth and make rifts , through which did riuers flow : mountaines seeing thee did shake , and away the flouds did goe . from the deepe a voice was heard , and his hands on high he rear'd . both the sunne and moone did stay , and remou'd not in their spheares : by thine arrowes light went they , by thy brightly-shining speares : thou in wrath the land did'st crush , and in rage the nations thresh . for thy peoples safe reliefe , with thy christ for ayd went'st thou , thou hast also pierst the chiefe , of the sinfull houshold through . and displaid them , till that bare , from the foot to necke they were . selah . thou , with weapons of their owne , didst their armies leader strike : for , against me they came downe , to disperse me whirle-winde-like . and they ioy in nothing more , then vnseene to spoile the poore . through the sea , thou mad'st a way , and did'st ride thy horses where mighty heapes of waters lay . i thereof report did heare : and the voice my bowels shooke , yea my lippes a quiu'ring tooke . rottennesse my bones possest , and a trembling ceazed me , i that troublous day might rest . for , when his approches be vp vnto the people made , then his troupes will them inuade . bloomelesse shall the fig-tree be , and the vine no fruit shall yeeld , fade shall ( then ) the oliue tree ; meat shall none be in the field : neither in the fold nor stall ▪ flocke , or heard , continue shall . yet the lord my icy shall be , and in him i will delight ▪ in my god that saueth me ; god the lord , who is my ought . and so guides my feet , that i , hinde-like , walke my places high . finis . speculum speculativum, or, a considering-glasse being an inspection into the present and late sad condition of these nations : with some cautional expressions made thereupon / by george wither, immediately after his majesties restauration, to preserve in himself and others a christian obedience to god's various dispensations ; hereby also are some glimmerings discovered of what will probably ensue hereafter. wither, george, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing w estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) speculum speculativum, or, a considering-glasse being an inspection into the present and late sad condition of these nations : with some cautional expressions made thereupon / by george wither, immediately after his majesties restauration, to preserve in himself and others a christian obedience to god's various dispensations ; hereby also are some glimmerings discovered of what will probably ensue hereafter. wither, george, - . [ ], [i.e. ] p. [s.n.], london : written june xiii, mdclx, and there imprinted the same year [i.e. ] in verse. manuscript twelve-line poem, concerning dutch perfidy, written on prefatory flyleaf. reproduction of original in the huntington library. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng great britain -- history -- restoration, - -- poetry. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion england this fable plainly shew's , a strong allie no partner know's . the bull the goat , and patient sheep one day , leagu'd with the lion , sought a common prey ; a pray they took , an high and mighty hart ; of which each thought to haue his equal part : soft , quoth the lion , i the first shaire claim , cause lion king o' th forest is my mane ; the second you shall giue me as my due , cause i am valiant , able to subdue : the third i take by force , and for the rest , touch it who dares ; yield it all , you had best . speculum speculativum : or , a considering-glasse ; being an inspection into the present and late sad condition of these nations ; with some cautional expressions made thereupon , by george wither , immediately after his majesties restauration : to preserve in himself and others a christian obedience to god's various dispensations . hereby also are some glimmerings discovered of what will probably ensue hereafter . fiat justitia , ruat coelum : rather than justice should bee made a scorn , let all the planets , from their sphears bee torn . and jeremiah said to seraiah , when comest to babylon , thou shalt read these words ; and when thou hast made an end of reading this book , thou shalt binde a stone to it , and cast it into the midst of euphrates , and say , thus shall babylon sink , jer. . . london , written june xiii . mdclx . and there imprinted the same year . to the king's majesty , if this considering glass comes accidentally to his view . sir , blest is hee that in gods name doth come , in which name i pronounce your welcome home ; and , for your health more heartily do pray , than any one who drinks it every day . as often too , i have you in my thought as they , who with the first your favour sought ; which , if my heart you could as plainly see as what you now read , would beleeved bee . when i had first compos'd what here ensues , i wisht it , where you might the same peruse : for men unknown ( or known without respect ) so justly are affronted with neglect , for proffer'd services to those , that have more off'rings daily than they can receive , that , i commitred this to his dispose , who orders every thing that comes or goes . if providence hath brought this to your hand , give up to reason straight , the sole command ov'r all your passions ; make her of your isle , ( your isle of man ) queen-regent , all the while you are perusing it ; and let it bee read through , else it will wrong both you and mee . ( or you like caesar , unperus'd perchance , may leave that , which your welfare might advance ) to be her subject , but so long endeavour as till that 's done , and then , be king for ever , ( reigning with her ) as absolute a prince , as ever had ov'r men pre-eminence : for , then , shall that , to you more glory add , than hitherto from any pen you had ; and , be to you , a true mnemosyne , when , peradventure , none so dares to be . this glass ( though form'd it be of common matter and , made by him , who knows not how to flatter ) if , to a prince , who needs it , it were sold , were worth to him three times his weight in gold , if he knew how to use it as he should : yet i had rather you for nothing had it , so that it wrought th' effect for which i made it , than , from another , to receive that price in ready money paid mee over twice : for , then , this book ( which hath not to your praise one single page ) thereto should trophies raise more glorious , than , your londons wealth could rear if wholly , thereupon consum'd it were . your happiness and honour it intends : by not commending , it much more commends , than all their panegyricks who bestrow those men with praises whom they do not know ; and , magnifie , when they ascend the throne , all kings alike ; which praise is less than none ; for , 't is a mock , deserving but returns of sharp reproofs , or of neglect and scorns . if , wise and pious , you i had not thought , i , such like gew-gaws could to you have brought to put out of your minde , what god for you hath lately done ; and what you ought to do for him and his. but neither self-esteem , nor verbal attributes can perfect him by whom , here , shall bee an establishment of justice in a righteous government . for , none else , but a self-denying king , shall that great blessing to these nations bring ; and , his name will be thereby honour'd more than all his predecessors heretofore . and , they , who then live shall fulfill'd behold what britains genius , long ago foretold : for , i beleeve , that such a one will be , and also , much desire , you may be hee . a king you are , who , now twice born hath been to royalty ; and therefore , by that mean a childe of honour , by regeneration you seem to be : and in the common fashion to celebrate your double birth , it could with your condition no proportion hold ; for that cause in a path , by no man trod , i seek to do you honour in this mode , which if accepted , your true praise will be ; and , peradventure no disgrace to mee . for as a lady looking in a mirrour , puts on her dress , and jewels without errour , heeding what is mis-placed , or forgot , and to her handmaid alwaies trusteth not ; so , by this glass , you may have by reflection a sight of what pertains to your perfection . see , not with others , but , with your own eyes , whether true ornaments , or some disguise , be put upon you , which may render you less lovely , when you come in open view . herein , a catalogue to you is shown of many long-lost jewels of the crown ; and such as add the most essential glory unto those crowns that are but transitory . a course is offered here , whereby you may out-do , all that , which flatterers can say : ( or , by but so far forth endeav'ring it , as humane frailties will the same permit ) to praise you here , i do not undertake ; but , that your self praise-worthy you may make is my design by bringing things to minde , which written in your own heart you shall finde . this shews the means to make you honourable with what should alwaies be inseparable from your own person , and doth also tend to your immortal glory , without end : it , such an honour gives , as will increase in their despight , who seek to make it less : an honour which depends not on mens tongues , which envy blasteth not , nor malice wrongs ; which neither degradations , nor advances , or , any humane changes or mischances can blemish : for , it will be much more clear than that star , which within our hemisphear shin'd on your birth-day , whilst the sun at height display'd his beams to hide it from our sight . somewhat , by that , perhaps , portended was ; so will there be by this considering-glass . god grant my meaning be so understood , that , now it may an omen be for good. by great afflictions you were lately prov'd , which are in mercy totally remov'd . at present , by as great prosperities , your temper , and your faithfulness god tries . and that things useful slip not out of thought , this , to your hands , by providence was brought . be pleased seriously to look thereon , for , you will finde it a true lydian-stone ; and , if you bide the touch , words are too poor to celebrate your worth ; who can say more ? your majesties loyal subject , geo. wither . in stead of a dedication , or an epistle to the reader , this expostulation of the author with himself , is here inserted . george , were 't not fit , ere from thy hands it pass to dress thy self by thy considering-glass ? it hath now six months been expos'd to show and some say , forth in publick let it go . some , cry , conceal it ; for it may undo thee , or at the best , bring outward mischief to thee . say , shall , or shall i not divulge the same ? shall it be spar'd , or given to the flame ? quickly , resolve , before it bee too late , and cautions needful , grow quite out of date . dost thou beleeve , that many men will read it ? or , if they do , that any much will heed it ? except it be , to seek how to abuse thee , or , finde out somewhat whereof to accuse thee ; what ever thou shalt write , self-interest no more will entertain , then shall consist with her own principles . thou , to the sot writ'st greek : the worldly-wise regard it not ; and if , among swine , thou thy pearls dost cast , they 'l tear thee , or defile thee at the least . yet , if thy conscience doth incline thee to it , more fear thou to neglect it , than to do it ; for , from thy duties thou art not excus'd , although thy pains be sleighted and abus'd . and , it were better , mischief should befall unto one single person , than to all : he perishing with an ill conscience too , because , hee did not , what hee ought to do . to make this , and transcribe it , i confess , much pains requir'd not , and the cost is less . in ink and paper : yet , perhaps , it may be better worth , than to be thrown away : and though to my particular offence it may redound a tenfold recompence , it will repay thy country by return : and , for thy self alone , thou art not born . my country ! why perhaps my country-men , think , they need not my service ; and , what then ? am i oblig'd , if they be minded so , to serve them still , whether they will or no ? i , fifty years , have serv'd them in my turn , to that end , for which ( i think ) i was born , for no reward , but injuries and scorn . they , my good meanings , have repay'd with ill , and , can it be expected , i should still serve them on such hard terms ? then , so i will. hast thou composed , without fear or wit , what , may mens discontented humours fit ? scribled enough , since here the scoene did alter , to purchase newgate , or , to win a halter ? if so , and that which is deserved follows , that will , perhaps , attend thee to the gallows : there , either rail upon thee , or , else say , thou wert a bold fool , and so go their way . and , if thou writ'st but sober truth and reason , or , that , which wise men think to bee in season , they will be all the world will give thee for 't , shee 'l say that , thou , not worth the hanging art . not , worth the hanging ! hah ! that 's somewhat tho ; and may be worth as much , for ought i know , as to be made a viscount , or an earl , a marquess , or a duke for , great my earthly expectations are not , and , if they come to nothing , much i care not . i know , which way , to make mine honour greater than that , for which i must become a debter to other men ; and , can augment the same by that , which some do think , will do mee shame . but , hark ! in policy a while delay to publish , this ; thou hast a game to play for prelates lands , which lately purchas'd were ; thy claims thereto , now in great hazard are , and , thou , wilt both to borrow , and to pay , disabled bee , if they bee took away : thy other lands , by cheaters were bereft , and , if thou lose these too , there 's nothing left . their temp'ralties , must be restor'd again , and , thou concerning them , writ'st here , such plain , such down-right truths , that if there should bee found surviving ( or , new made ) on english ground a bishop who will then thy cause befriend , it may presage that all the rest will mend : and , that , here constituted , wee shall see , such bishops , as saint paul said they should bee : ( which our scotch-brethren , i suppose , will grant to bee within , our solemn covenant ) but , that , is in great hazard ; therefore , try their holiness , and their humility : and , if , as may be wish'd , thou shalt not speed , then , with what thou intendest streight proceed . out ! out upon 't ! this motion is so evil , that , 't is a meer suggestion of the devil . this , is that foolish policy , that brings destruction upon nations and their kings . 't is in effect , as if my heart should say , do , as most worldlings do ; and when that way thou proved hast , and thereby reap'st no good , from thenceforth , put thy trust alone in god. no , no ; i bought those lands without offending my conscience , or a wrong to them intending : and , either still mine by god's help i 'll make them , or , let the prelates , if it must be , take them ; although i know them no appurtenance to them belonging by god's ordinance . a covenant within his sight i took , which , though by some it sleighted be , and broke , i dare not sleight it so , but , to this hour have kept it ( and will keep it ) to my pow'r . art thou then thus resolv'd ? yes , and till death resolved am , whilst i have pen or breath , thus , to be still resolv'd , unless god leaves mee , or else to change my mind his warrant gives mee . i 'll trust god in the first place , not the last alone , and when all other hopes are past . if prelates , parliaments , and kings bereave mee of all i have , hee , helpless will not leave mee . but probable it seems , that , if hereby imprisonment , or extreme poverty befalls now thou art old , that they who most thy hazard urge , will leave thee to be lost : what if they do ? thou hast a better hold : god leaveth no man because hee is old ; and never had hee firm dependences on him , that 's frighted with such toyes as these . recall to mind , that many years ago , when such adventures thou wert urg'd unto it fell out otherwise . but there is yet another fear : therefore consider it . thou hast relations , who to thee are dear ; may these . not suffer more than they can bear , by what may come ? alas ! i 'll not dissemble , my fears for them , do make my flesh to tremble ; and , when i minde their hazards and their fears , ' spight of philosophy i let fall tears . but why , my soul , art thou dejected so ? my heart , why sad within mee , dos● 〈◊〉 grow ? still trust in god , for hee will bee th●●● aid . of these vain bug-bears be thou not afraid ; for they are god's much more than they are thine : to him therefore the charge of them resign . this needless care , is but for three , at most , and , to the father , son , and holy ghost , if thou commit them , bee will raise up friends to make for all their losses large amends . but , they have said , and so do many say , that men are much estranged at this day from what they were : that , in these latter times they are grown much more hardned in their crimes , and far less sensible than they were then of sufferings , which befel to honest men , who ( when their pains might that way be bestown ) preferr'd the common good before their own : and that their number too , who now are griev'd , is more than theirs , by whom to be reliev'd , they may have hope . alas ! if it be thus , god only can , and hee must succour us . if it be so , our case is very sad : yet fear not , balm in gilead may be had . thy pains , and this adventure such times need : on good intentions , good effects succeed ; and , hee at last will finde it so , who scatters his bread , although it be upon the waters : for god is still the same ; his truth will never be falshood , but continue truth for ever . hee , who thee hath preserv'd so many years amid so many dangers , foes and fears , as thou hast passed through ( and thy oppressours destroy'd from time to time with their successours ) will still prese●●● thee ; or , else , thither take thee from them , 〈…〉 hee 'l secure for ever make thee ; and , be to wife and children at their need , a husband and a father , in thy steed . well ; i beleeve this ; with my self , therefore hereof , i will expostulate no more . i have so well , in my considering-glass , view'd , what my heart now is , with what it was , and , for what may befall , prepar'd it so , that , whither god will send it , let it go : take it among you , newters , friends and foes , and his will be fulfilled , win or lose : who since i am excused from the cost of publication ( because , all i 've lost ) will in the best time , some mans heart incline to add his contribution unto mine ; that , what now six months hath perused been in private , may more publickly be seen . geo. wither . decemb. . . speculum speculativum : or , a considering-glasse ; composed , june xiii . m.dclx . the contents . our modern prophet ( so did paul , a well known heathen poet call ) doth , in the muses mode relate this nations past and present state . shews us , in this considering-glass , what , shall hereafter come to pass , according as , wee do fulfil , or , cross god's manifested will. shews by what light hee doth behold those things that are by him foretold . praics for the king , and minds him too , in praying for him , what to do . some things , which to himself pertain , he intermixeth ( not in vain ) which will as much advantage them who sleight them not , as profit him . and by the number of the beast , bounds the last year of antichrist . though of my friends , i may almost profess , as did elias , in another case , i know not one ( not one of those at least , who friendship for meer civil ends profest ) yet here this day , may many thousands be who are my real friends , unknown to mee : yea peradventure many among those who at this present time are thought my foes . to them therefore , i wishing grace and peace ; do now , where ere they live , these lines address to fortifie their faith , and them incline by their endeavours to help strengthen mine ; and that by our petitions joyntly made , wee may get safety where it can be had ; for , whether of a low degree , or high , to trust to men , is trusting to a lye. i am surprized with another fit , but what it will produce , i know not yet . confusedly things tumble in my breast , and if confusedly they bee exprest , you must be pleas'd to take them as you finde them , ( and , as begun , before i had design'd them ) since when few knew what 's best for them to do , that will be done which they are forc'd unto ; and may perhaps too , have as good success as that with which more freedome i express : ( at leastwise ) when mens manners , and the times shall make them heed the reason of my rimes ; for nothing i 'll insist on , but what shall tend to god's glory , and the good of all . of no mens persons whosoe're they are , will i accept , in what i shall declare : ( not of mine own , in any thing that may wrong justice , or my conscience any way ) nor be so fearful , or so over-bold , so over-hot , so luke-warm , or so cold , that any justly shall my words despise , that 's honest , sober , generous or wise : but plainly tell things as i finde they are , and then concerning them my thoughts declare ; not limited by method like to those who make expressions of their minds in prose ; but by digressions , as the muses do , when sudden raptures them incline thereto ; and in such language as may evidence the truth , without affected eloquence . yet , nor the better , nor the worse effect , whether i write , or write not , i expect as to my self ; save , as i hope to raise thereby a ground-work for god's future praise from things observ'd ; with which work to dispense i dare not , neither can without offence : for god is much concern'd in things now done ; as also , in what may succeed thereon ; and if well known , and well weigh'd , all things were which , to mee pertinent at this time are , as with those lepers who distressed sate 'twixt war and faminf , at samaria's gate ; so should i seem to fare : for , whether they continu'd in that place , or went away , their hazards were the same ; and so are mine , whether to words , or silence , i incline . they at the last resolved were to try that course which they thought best ; and so do i. which if no man regards , 't is but the lot that , i , and better men have often got . assist , oh god ! in what i seek to do ; for , when that maze , i wistly look into which wee are in , i am afraid almost that i in some dark passage may be lost . our follies have so wrapt us in a gin , composed both of righteousness and sin , of truth and falshood , of non-sense and reason , of good and ill , of loyalty and treason ; and disagreeing judgements and affections , have broken us into so many fractions ; our heads inforcing into such cross angels , whereby the net still more and more intangles , and fastned it with such a snarled knot , that , to unty it , if thou help them not , all humane pow'rs will be imploy'd in vain , to set us at full liberty again . but notwithstanding , here is hardly ought that , is not wholly out of order brought ; yet , if thou list , when likeliest means do fail , thou canst make things unlikely to prevail . thy purpose , thou as well to pass canst bring by my goose-quill , as by an angels wing : and , though on all sides all have so mis-done that , i am like to give content to none ; if i may do thy will , i shall not care what else , ensues , or who displeased are . mens failings and their duties being shown , thy justice and thy mercies will bee known . and , hoping , to that end , thou guid'st my pen , i 'll without fear , make my address to men . for , doubtless , i may boldly do mine errant to kings and nations , when i have thy warrant . full eighteen years and one month , very neer since wee began to ring the changes here are past away ; and since by often turning wee , have been broyling , to escape a burning : but , what are wee the better , now , unless wee shall discover what things were amiss ; and when wee finde them , seriously intend our courses , for the future , to amend ? for , how can they have ease , who bear about them , and in them , what they seek to cure without them ? or , to obtain it shall be still so mad , as to expect it , where none can be had ? or , how can possibly that body be from great distempers , or destruction free , whose head and members are from one another divided ? or so cruel to each other as not to let each part , enjoy that dole vvhich nature gave them to preserve the whole ? our king 's return'd : but we , to him from whom our perfect peace , and saving-health must come , are not as yet return'd ; and whilst we are as we now be , things will be as they were . vve shall be cheated , if we doe suppose wasps will turn bees , or doves proceed from crows , till god himself , whose proper work it is , shall bring to pass that metamorphosis , vvhich hath been long expected by this nation , and , will require a longer expectation , ev'n till we more indeavour it , from him vvho may to us , as to jerusalem , cry out , how often have i sought your good , and as a hen that 's careful of her brood , would fain have brooded you ? but , you would not ! his mercies we have sleighted , or forgot : this negligence , ( or , i might rather say this wilfulness ) hath made us at this day so wretched , that no hope doth now remain but that which quickly may be lost again : for , we do find , whatever is pretended , that , like sowre ale in summer we are mended ; and , that as since we innovated first , at ev'ry change , the last prov'd alwaies worst . ( whether things were presented to our sight in habits old or new , in black or white ) so still , 't is like to be , till we adhere to righteous actings , with hearts more sincere , by what vow , promise , or fair show soever , the politician works on his beleever : yea , though the king should do the best he can , and act beyond the sphear of mortal man : for , here hercule an labours finde he shall , and , that he 's come now to th' aeugaean-stall , which must be cleansed ( as the poets say that was ) by turning streams another way . i , round about mee , hear a found of peace ; but i ( as yet ) discover nothing lesse ; although , i do not see as heretofore swords drawn ; or hear so oft , the canons roar . that , which some dream we have , i cannot finde ; either , i see too much , or they are blinde . i see it possible ; and with clos'd eyes see also , how it may be otherwise , unless both prince and people joyn as one in doing that , which is yet left undone . we have a king ( god prosper him : ) but hark ! he , hath a people too will finde him work . he may perceive before this year wheels round , that , with a wreath of thorns , they him have crown'd ; and , that among their sweet-meats , taste he shall a little honey mixed with much gall. what can the masters art , at helm prevail to save the ship , that spreadeth every sail amongst rocks in a storm , from being sunk , vvhen all his mariners are sick or drunk ? vvhat can the wisest single person do , although king solomon and david too vvere of his council ? joshua general , sampson his champion , and his life-guard all like david's worthies , till men understand their own estate , heed , what god hath in hand ; vvhat he expects , and better can discover vvhat grace is offer'd , and what plagnes hang over ? or , what can any nations do , whose kings and governours are heedless of such things ? these duties , few of us regarded have , but multipli'd our feasts ; made our selves brave ; neglect , as others did , our day of trial , and sing unto the lute , the harp , or viol , ev'n whilst our brethren sharply punish'd are for sins whereof their judges are not clear : for i , nor you , nor any one of them , vvho with severity , their faults condemn , could be excus'd , if god should be severe in questioning what hath been acted here . as therefore , god shall bring them to my mind to treat of those things i am now inclin'd , vvhereby , dooms threatned may be turned from these realms , or born with meekness when they but , i will first inform you , by what light come . i see those things , whereof i have a sight , in hope it will the better , then be known if truth i write , or fancies of mine own . immodestly we must not pry into god's secrets : yet , what hee intends to do , he , not alone doth by his word reveal with what to sins , to duties , vvo , or vveal , relates : 〈◊〉 medium's also hath bestown vvhereby , some future things may before-known ; and , hee expects , that we with industry should to the search of them our selves apply according to that means : because , each thing vvhich disquisition may to knowledge bring , vvill either hurt or profit , less or more , as ( for the most part ) it hath been before sought , shun'd , hop'd , fear'd , and well consider'd on ; and that makes me oft-times to muse upon things that may be , as well as those that are ; and , things past , with things present to compare , that i might know , as much as reason can , vvith help of grace , my duties as a man. and , though it be of many disregarded , god hath my pains , in that kind , oft rewarded vvith such discoveries , that ( if timely heeded ) they might have plagues prevented , that succeeded . vvhereof , lest you still doubt , here i will show by what means i some future things fore-know . that , you may prove , if those which i declare either phanaticks , or impostures are . my muse acts by a glass of speculation , vvhereto applying , what my observation laies hold on , i do otherwhile fore-see some things , which either may , or may not be , as that shall be omitted or fulfill'd vvhich is by god , conditionally will'd . enthusiasms , i know , most men contemn ; no further therefore , i pretend to them than poets may ; though in all generations god may , and doth vouchsafe both revelations and visions too ( for ought yet known to me ) vvhich may to us premonitory be : since , frequently , prenotions i have had ( by some impressions on my spirit made ) of what ensu'd , which i could not have known by any light , or vertue of mine own . if therefore , you shall be inclin'd unto my way of divination , then , thus do : withdraw your selves to some place all alone , where you shall interrupted be of none : ( the woods , your closet , or the fragrant field , conveniences for such a purpose yeeld ) when you are there , place god before your eyes , and , minding he your deeds and thoughts espies . cast backward , so far from you every thing ( as possibly ) which an offence may bring to such a majesty ; chiefly , those ends vvhose prosecution neither truly tends unto god's honour , or to edifie your selves or others ; but , to vanity ; to satiate your avarice or pride , or such like lusts . thus , having sanctifi'd your persons , place upon the right-hand side god's oracles , by which all things are tri'd . you shall in them , exprest at large , behold all acts and sufferings , which in times of old concern'd him , or his people , with all those to them relating , who were friends or foes , so far forth , as to you their cognizance pertains , and as your vveal it may advance . these , by god's providence transmitted were to future ages , to be every where , ( ev'n to the very utmost end of time ) that urim and that thummim unto them , whereto they might repair , when they of ought that needed resolution , stood in doubt . therein , you all occurrences may finde , which necessarily , in any kind , shall unto faith or manners appertain , so long as in this world men do remain . there are exemplifide , all humane failings , all changes , hopes , fears , losings and prevadings , of enemies or friends : things good and evil ; the practices and projects of the devil ; things metaphysical , products of nature and grace , with what concerneth ev'ry creature ; all promises and threatnings , which belong to faith or unbeleef , to right or vvrong , vvith all things else that pertinent may be to ev'ry faculty , and each degree . vvhen with this glasse , you are acquainted grown so that your self , may to your self be known ; ( for , it will shew more plainly , than your face you ever , yet beheld in any glasse vvhat 's in your heart ; and also let you see what things are wanting , which there ought to be ) and , when by practice you enabled are to know to what heads , those things to refer of which you would enquire , place opposite , what you have by your hearing , or by sight discovered , to that subject pertinent , concerning which , you seek to know th' event , or good or ill condition of the same , and what you may conjecture without blame . then , well consider all the circumstances that qualifie , and all appurtenances that aggravate , to make men capable of mercies , or to judgements liable ; as likewise , all essentials to that thing whose nature , merit , or demeriting you seek to understand ; or else what meed or punishment is for the same decreed according to the rules , and judged cases , recorded in that map of common places . this being done , be confident ( if you have not for truths received things untrue ) by parallelling objects which you see , upon your left hand plac'd , with such as be upon the right , it will to you appear vvhether or not approveable they are ; and , what on humane actions , will ensue whereof you had an undeceived view ; except , an intervening change takes place by secret sins , or unseen acts of grace . nay , otherwhile , it pleaseth providence to hint things not deducible from thence , concerning both the manner and the time of future consequences , unto them vvho seek not out of vanity or pride for hidden things ; and they are verifi'd accordingly , when by what 's fore-discerned the welfare of god's people is concerned . this , meerly , is a work of contemplation , not practical without much observation ; and will as harshly sound in most mens ears , as love-songs , to an aged usurer's ; and , teachable it is not , save to those vvhom god shall by his spirit pre-dispose for such a search : but , 't is attained then assoon by mean wits , as by wisest men ; and , better answers what their queries are , than if the influence of ev'ry star , vvith all their constellations they could know , and , more confirm'd thereby their faith will grow . now , what of our affairs , i pre-conjecture by this glasse , i intend to read a lecture as pertinently , as my shallow wit , and those confused objects will permit vvhich press as hard within me to come out , as those oppressions hemming me about strive to break in upon me : for 'twixt these , my soul and body lye in little-ease . oh god , thine aid i once again implore , that my design make not our breaches more , nor quite compleat my ruine now begun ; at least till i thy work have wholly done : for , i am of no faction , but profess to king and country with true heartiness , both loyalty and love , with an intent destruction and disunion to prevent , by offering to mens due considerations , some objects of my private observations with those products , which may arise from thence ; and which may likewise have an influence on other things , that will relation have to thee and thine , whose interests to save i so obliged am , that i would neither should be dishonour'd , or wrong done to either : and , lord , as this , my chief design to be , thou knowest , so vouchsafe to prosper me . betwixt mount gebal and mount gerazim , at this day , to be placed , we do seem , and , 't is yet in suspence , whether or not a blessing or a curse will be our lot : the strst i hope for , and the last i fear , considering how still qualifide we are : and what a little change is in us made by all the changes we have lately had . if raging singly , avarice , ambition , self will , prophaneness , envy , superstition , hypocrisie and malice we have found , scarce tolerable ; what when they abound , and are united , can be here expected , ( or , may be rationally then effected ) but multiplied injuries and scorn , not easily expressed , much less born ? if here shall be with wicked canaanites , a mixture of as wicked israelites , whose sins will be as many ( if not more ) and greater , than they have been heretofore , how can our expectations be much better , than either former punishments , or greater ? so bad , so mad , our prosecutions be , ( by all that yet appeareth unto me ) as if we wilfully resolv'd had been against all spoke without us , or within , or whatsoe'er to us examples teach , or conscience , by our hopes or fears doth preach : but , if those juglings which observed are by me , should unto ev'ry one appear , all juglers would unto contempt be brought ; they , who seem very wise , would fools be thought , and many in themselves grow doubtful whether they to be pitied were , or scorned rather . as great , as many , are the wrongs , the crimes , the cruelties and falshoods of these times , as ever ; and will such continue still , till truth and errour , and till good and ill , have plaid their master-prize ; to which intent their forces universally are bent against each other . from false hearts proceeds falshood in words , and wickedness in deeds ; and whilst we talk of righteousness and peace , they , who concealed their maliciousness with fair deportments do anew begin so to declare what they have alwaies bin , as makes , in many , inlets to some fear , that , till it endeth in a massacre , no vengeance will their projects terminate , or set a lasting period to their hate . a bloodless massacre here is already begun among us , and it will be bloody when you perecive admittance of those strangers , vvho first begun out plagues , renew our dangers ; and then , they who suppos'd their persons free , vvill with the rest , in equal perils be : for , boundless lustings , mischiefs will beget , vvhich lye within the womb unheeded yet , where sin and death are twins conceiv'd together , though born a little while before each other ; and , will in very ugly shapes be found in many places , ere this year goes round ; portended , and attended in strange wise , with ominous events , and prodigies . vve shall see gown-men tread on men of war , high courts of justice called to the bar ; those , of whom no man lately stood in dread , arraign the living , and condemn the dead : make martyrs , saints and reprobates of those vvhose good or bad conditon no man knows ; and act such things as never yet were done vvithin this clymate since the world begun . yet , heed this , you , who with a sober mind seek peace , and are not factiously inclin'd , ( and you , whose principle is to repair vvhat is decay'd , with no worse tools than prayer ) vvith christian patience bear the visitation vvhich is allotted to this generation ; and know , that as now nature runs the race by her designed , so shall also grace pursue her course , to purge us in these fires , for that perfection whereto faith aspires . strive by renewing of your self-denials , to bear with constancy your fiery trials , which must be undergone : for they appear in shew more painful than in proof they are ; as their experience found , who in times past have into babels fornaces been cast , when they were seven times heated ; and as wee may peradventure find , ere long 't will be . be not afraid of your own sins ; for they on your repentance will be done away : nor be discouraged , though your foes at large shall sum them up , and lay unto your charge false imputations also : for , with ease both saints and reprobates of whom they please the vulgar make : and , if prophane men shall be judges betwixt david and king saul , the sins of david might be made appear as many , and much greater than sants were ; and he , upon whose side god sentence gave , amongst most men , the least esteem would have . but , god observ'd his heart ; purg'd what did slow from humane frailty , as he purgeth now vvith sharp corrections , the late crying crimes of saints prevaricating in these times . judgement , in our days , at god's house begins , who takes such notice of our many sins , that since we would not mend when we were chidden , he will no longer now let them be hidden or go unpunish'd : but we , that each other provok'd to sin , shall punish one another . me blame not then , if i touch here and there , those failings on all sides which causes were of what we suffer : for , god will be known by doing justice ; and we ought to own our great transgressions , and not seek to hide those crimes , for which he laies ev'n kings aside , as well as other men ; that all may know , he giveth equal dooms to high and low . though , therefore , we sometimes a vail may cast o'er faulty rulers , whilst their pow'r doth last , to keep them from contempt , lest their disgrace may cause infringement of the common peace , we must not counter-act what god will do , when he reproves them , and removes them too : but , suff'ring with them by commiseration , as being worthy of like condemnation , give god the glory , with our pens and breath , for what 's intended by their shame or death . a sickness which is epidemical ( in some degree ) hath seized upon all , and , ease we cannot have , till that hath wrought , which to procure a remedy is brought . when cures are to distempers first appli'd , we must expect , more torments to abide than if we felt our maladies alone , without a medicine working thereupon . of our malignant humours to be eas'd , to take some poys'nous drugs we must be pleas'd ; for our physician , who doth truly know their and our natures , hath prescribed so . diseases otherwhile need letting bloud , though with what is corrupt , that which is good seems also lost : gangrenes require sometimes to save the whole , by cutting off of limbs . yea , otherwhile a welfare doth redound in common , when that suffers which is sound ; and , once when sick to death the body lay , 't was cur'd by taking of the head away . god , who of evil things can make good uses , and , by what is unwholsome , health produces , vouchsafeth to make passage now and then , to signal blessings , by the sins of men ; as when the sons of jacob , who inslaved their brother , were thereby , from famine saved . vvhich teacheth us , to be contented still to let him act , both when and how he will ; to search into our own corruptions nearly , and not to censure any too severely . since unto every one it may be known , that , no mans fault , so harms him as his own : let over - bitter censures be suspended , vvhen you perceive a brother hath offended by rashness , or through frailty , ( though in that vvhich to our common welfare doth relate ) spare not the sin a jot , but spare the man ( vvhoe'er ) as much as possibly you can , till some concomitancies or th' event assures that malice was in his intent : and , though that may appear , assume not then , a pow'r to judge , belonging not to men : because , for ought you know , god might bereave him , of counsel , or unto himself then leave him , for our transgressions past ; and to let in a publick mercy , by his private sin ; thereby to humble us , and make us know that all our weal from his meer grace doth flow ; and , that the sins of others to our peace as helpful were , as our own righteousness . in former times and causes , it was so , th' aegyptian mid-wives , rahab , jael too , did things which in their nature sinful are , yet not alone by god made useful were to save his people , but he also saith , that ev'n those actions were products of faith. and , in these times perhaps here have been such , whereon , if i with modesty shall touch , let me be blameless ; for , with good intent what god permits for our experiment , i here will mention , and to make it known , that there is nothing meerly of our own , or which is in us either good or evil , by nature or suggestions of the devil , that stops or furthers ought which god will do , though our concurrence he requires thereto so far , as with his vvill he us acquaints , or , bounds , by unresistable restraints : for , when we are enjoyn'd to that or this , it is for our advantage , not for his , of us requir'd ; yea though we bounded be by precepts , rules or laws , so is not he . as he himself shall please he can effect his ends , whatere we do , or shall neglect ; and , when against us any foe prevails , it is because we , not because he fails . in all our late contests , 't is hard to say , whether our vice or vertues made best way to that design , whereby to pass were brought those , which our best aschievements have been thoughts ; or , whether led'by folly or sound reason by fraud or force , by faithfulness or treason we prospered most : and 't is not yet agreed by all men , who our prosecutions heed , whether that which befel us at the first , or at the last , will prove the best or worst . the louse or lion , black doggs , or the white , most mischievously either fawn or bite ; which party most needs pardon for their sin , upon which side there hath most traycors been : or , whether their deserts are worst or best who shall be honour'd most , or most disgrac'd ; for , though we know what causes men did own , with what heart they did act them , 't is unknown . prodigious fruits in these times have been born ; crabs on the vine , and grapes upon the thorn ; and , men and causes , whether good or bad , of weal and woe , by turns , like shares have had , to teach , that our late changes have succeeded for some ends , which ought better to be needed . by one irregularity , we see that , here in two months more progressions be in order to the temporary peace vvhich most men are desirous to possess , then all our pow'rs and vertues , wit and cost had brought to pass , in twenty years almost ; and we according to late promisings , see creeping motions toward some such things as are expected : but , they to and fro , forward and backward , in their motion go so doubtfully , that 't is as yet uncertain what resolutions are behind the curtain . as doubtful 't is , whether more praise or blame to them belong , who first contriv'd the same ; whether the consequence , or that which first thereto made pasage , will prove best or worst ; and whether want of pre-conditioning vvill bring at length , most damage to the king and his old party , or else unto those vvho did his entrance heretofore oppose : for acts unjust , are oftwell carried on , and many righteous things unjustly done : some things likewise there be resmebling sand , which he that graspeth with an open hand , may therewith lode his palm : but , if he gripe too hard , 't will all between his fingers slip . concerning that proceed , which brought to pass the change , which lately here effected was , some scruplings have been made : but , on the fact , or upon them who put the same in act , i 'll nothing peremptorily declare , though therein , an obliquity there were ; because , means fail'd me , whereby to inspect ought further , than into the single act ; that , by the circumstances i might see what motives to their hearts propos'd might be ; what spirit led them , and what straits they past to that , which was resolved on at last : for , in such cases , what they ought to do , wise men are oft to seek , and good men too . if they who were chief instruments in that vvhich wrought the change , that we have seen of late , sought only and unfeignedly that end , vvhereto all trusts and actions ought to tend , and were but circumstantially to blame , in plotting or pursuing of the same , their fault ( if any ) is a venial crime , for which there may be made another time amends to sufferers ; that perhaps may more secure them , than they were secur'd before . their fault was but the errour of a man , vvhich well the king may pardon : for , i can ; because , i know , what ere they did intend , god will have glory by it , in the end ; and , all these nations future welfare too , if they neglect not , what is yet to do . but , they whose trust these trustees did abuse , them , cannot peradventure so excuse : and ( i beleeve ) more wise than heretofore , will henceforth never trust good fellow more ; nor peasant , peer , priest , prince , or parliament , with that which may produce a detriment to common int'rest ( till by some condition to them secur'd , they shall secure fruition of such concernments ) if , once more they may recover that which they did fool away . but , that 's impossible , as things now stand ; and , should god take the pow'r out of his hand who grasps it now , they who shall next injoy it , no better peradventure would employ it than others did , god therefore , keep us from another change , until his kingdome come , except a change of hearts ; and at this time , or his probation , let his grace , in him be so effectual , that he may endeavour to settle here , a righteous throne for ever . for , ev'ry man that lives ( at first or last ) before a final doom on him is past , hath in his life-time , once ( at least ) an hour wherein our gracious god , vouchsafes him pow'r to ask and have ; and to elect that path which leads to weal or woe , to life or death : yea , alwaies at such times , god , who first loves , the soul of ev'ry humane-creature proves ; and , those , who then , by giving him their heart , ( though with much failing ) do perform their part , hee will enable , and assist them still by his preventing grace , to do his will. for they , as often as they go astray , shall either hear a voice within them , say , ( or else behinde them ; ) of that course beware ; return , or thou art lost ; thy way lyes there , which leads to safety . thus the spirit preacheth , and by means extraordinary teacheth where common means fail : and till men contemn his holy spirit , god forsakes not them : but , afterward , indeed , although the same hee sometime speaks , 't is to encrease their shame , or others to instruct : for , then such voices are so drown'd by the whisperings and noises of carnal things , that all is spoke in vain , which to their weal or safety may pertain . the king by such temptations , and so many beleagur'd seems , as never were by any with constancy and without foil withstood , save by him , who was god with flesh and blood : for hee stands now expos'd to ev'ry evil , ( ev'n in the front ) whereby world , flesh , or devil , may him assault ; and with him 't will go hard , unless , god sends him in , an angel-guard ; which ( if it be his pleasure ) that he may , my heart unfeignedly doth often pray , and that , at this time hee submit his will , the mind of god , sincerely to fulfil : for , i beleeve , that as it did with saul , ( on his probation-day , long since befall ) these kingdomes will establish'd be to him , as hee with god complyeth at this time . fair opportunities this present day are offer'd , which if he let slip away , wee have but hitherto a course begun , whereby we may at last be more undone : and though he should become ten times as strong in things which to a carnal strength belong , it will to settle him prevail no more , than such pow'rs have prevailed heretofore : nor will it , when most mighty he appears to others , from his own heart , keep out fears of things not to be feared ; but at length make him , perhaps , afraid of his own strength : and that which by a trifle hath been lost , will be recover'd with as little cost as when 't was won , assoon as their despight , their sins and insolencies are at height , who shall by petulant exasperations , ( beyond the common patience of these nations ) abuse his grace , and turn their late success into oppression , pride , and wantonness . this seems by some endeavour'd ( having ends repugnant unto what the king intends ) who do proceed ( as if that for the nonce ) to make all suff'rers desperate at once , by gelding and delaying of the grace , for wihch the king spontaneously did pass his royal word : and this may an event produce , at last , whereof some will repent when 't is too late ; since , mastives brook it worse to be o're-much provokt , than fawning curs . all vengeance doth to god alone belong : but , few remember this , when they have wrong . an english temper doth that life disdain which is depriv'd of what should life maintain : and whatso'er is menaced or follows , some , in despight of hang-man , rope and gallows , will any thing attempt , to vindicate themselves from scorn , when robb'd of their estate : and they have little prudence , who conceive bees will be quiet , when both from their hive and honey they are forc'd : or , that small things ( when they are many , and have many stings ) are safely slighted ; for , there hath succeeded much mischief where this caution was unheeded : and probable it seems , that if the king deters what 's hop'd for , now , but till next spring , destroying many thousand families by vacating their just securities , ( for what was bought or lent , to save these lands from desolation , when into their hands the supream pow'r did slip by god's permissions , who then had cast him out of his possessions ) it will not be the next way to that peace which many yet are hopeful to possess ; or have a consequent , to answer that great mercy , which god hath vouchsaf'd of late . if , for performing that which both divine , and humane laws did warrant and enjoyn , ( to wit , obedience to those pow'rs that were in being ) he from innocents doth tear their livelihoods ; and their posterity exposeth unto scorn and beggery , for having done their duties unto them whom god advanced by debasing him , ( and when he so unable was to give them protection , or from their hand to reprieve them , that at the same time , he himself was glad to seek a refuge where it might be had ) it will not seem to be an act of grace , that corresponds with what expected was before monck gave us up into his power ; and made our trustees much more his , than our . if he shall lay an over-heavy weight on those , whom he had left in such a streight , without their fault ( except a fault it were to lose , what they to keep unable were ) or , if he shall , as other men have done , lose those advantages that he hath won by angling for a frog , till from his net the fishes now inclosed forth shall get ; young counsellors may prove to him as bad as those which foolish rehoboam had . but this is more than probable ( altho the priests and prophets dare not tell him so , who now most fawn upon him ) that , even all god's condescentions are conditional ; and , that now or hereafter , their success will to his weal or woe add more or less , accordingly as he , and as these nations improve at this day , his and their probations . which truth most men beleeve not , or forget ; and , that makes mee so often mention it . god gave unto his people , on conditions , the land of promise , to be their possessions ; and , for their not performing of the same , they vagabonds throughout the world became . upon conditions also , solomon had promise of an everlasting throne ; which he neglecting , ere the third descent , ten parts of twelve were from his kingdome rent . yea , wicked jeroboam might have had a settlement on him for ever made , upon the like conditions : and , so may this king ; but never any other way . if he comes hither with the self-same heart , with which , he did , in likelihood depart ; new cover'd over with a fairer skin , and fully fraughted with revenge within : if he shall make his royal word a snare , if he by hopes delayed nourish fear instead of love ; by mental reservations , ( or by deceivable equivocations ) his promise vacates ; or , if what he swore in presence of his sov'raign heretofore ; or , if he shall confine to others breasts those acts of grace , which to his interests will most advantage give , when it is known the pardons which he granteth are his own : if he refers his justice to their zeal , who may prefer their ends before his weal , until it shall unhappily destroy that new-sprung hope which many yet enjoy ; and by converting it into despair , blasts that in autumn , whereof blowings fair appear this spring ; we may thereby perchance , ere many springs , compelled be to dance another matachin . if , god so please , i wish and pray it may be otherwise ; and that this might be weigh'd : for , on this ball none are so firmly fixt but they may fall if righteousness and truth support them not , what other prop soever they have got . we have a sight of this days joy and sorrow , but no man knows what will befall tomorrow : and should god be as rigorous as men , that which is done , would be undone agen . i do beleeve , that ( not excepting any ) all men of great offences , and of many are guilty . and , i do suppose the king hath not been free from blame in every thing . to him there may , either by men or heaven , be somewhat on the scores , to be forgiven , as well as to the people : secret crimes may be informer , or in latter times committed , wherein either he mis-did , or his progenitors , which yet are hid , and must be expiated , ere that rest where at wee aim , willfully be possest ; and have an expiation by meer grace , or by that pennance through which others pass . in order whereunto , god now perchance him , to his fathers throne doth re-advance ; either a new progression to begin , or else to fill the measure of their sin ; and punish us , till ripen'd , he , or we , or both , for grace , or for destruction be . if penitence allay not that fierce wrath , whereto our wickedness provok'd him hath , there will impartial search be made , by god , as well for common , as for royal blood ; yea , search on both sides , both for blood and treason , when equal retributions are in season : and , as much guiltiness if he shall then in kings discover , as in common men , their judges vindicate from guilt he shall , though them we murtherers and traytors call ; and , their blood , if it guiltlesly be shed , will cry as loud to god as abels did . what will it profit then , if there be none to question them on earth , for ought mis-done , when they shall know , and truly understand , on what sad terms they fall into god's hand ; who shall the more offend , because they were more by him priviledg'd than others are ? god will not then be mockt , whatever they shall dream , who put the thought thereof away ; or whatsoe'er a prophet in lawn sleeves or kings and their immunities beleeves ; and though their nobles also flatter them , as iudahs did king joash in his time . hereof i would be his remembrancer , if in the place of some of those i were who ought to do it : yea , as now i am , i had adventur'd to perform the same , but that i lately have conceiv'd a thought , these lines will timely to his view be brought , by such a hand , as from it with respect it may be taken , and have good effect . and , if these cautions he shall not contemn , ( expressed in true loyalty to him ) i may have hope , that justice to obtain which i have elsewhere sought long time in vain ; and finde it to be made a real sign of his , and publick peace , as well as mine . for , all i shall expect will be no more , but , that , he make mee neither rich nor poor ; and mee within that grace would comprehend , which he to some of those doth yet extend , who both by their examples and command first drew mee with his opposites to stand ; and who , if i mis-acted , did thereby contract ten times a greater guilt than i. but , so the publick peace advanc'd may be hereby , let what god will befall to mee . to make their merits and demerits even , they should love much , to whom much is forgiven : yet , some to whom he hath forgiven least , may love as well as they who love him best ; and , better too perhaps , when they behold he executes that justice which he should ; with constancy pursuing , what , more tends to publick welfare , than to serve his ends . how these things may concern him , he best knows next god , who will ( i hope ) his heart dispose to chuse the way proposed at this time , and to pursue the same , enable him . because , unless at this time , that probation for which god hath vouchsaf'd his restoration , produceth what with those ends may accord , for which he was by providence restor'd , he 'll turn the wheel , which hath so oft gone round , till men according to his heart be found to rule his people ; to direct his sheep ; to act his will , and their own vows to keep . herein hath been much failing : and , i fear , ev'n for that covenants breach , which many jeer , and impudently sleight , god from this land will not remove his now correcting hand , till to a true repentance he shall bring for that sin , people , parliament and king. a judgement at this present is begun , which will extend to all ere it be done ; ev'n unto those who execute his doom on them , on whom it is already come ; ( yea , signally , in some respect or other , to persons or estates , to friend or brother ) if they whom it concerns do not amend what is mis-done ; wave , what they mis-intend ; and hearken to god's voice in this their day of tryal ; and as ( if they will ) they may : for god , though much provokt , still giveth space 'twixt ev'ry judgement , for preventing-grace : and now , to be a cautional to him , ( as his corrections lately were to them who reigned last ) this king , shall see them scourg'd who scourged him , until their sins be purg'd . god having cast his predecessors out , for their , and also for our sins ( no doubt ) them , with an iron rod begins to strike ; to shew , that sin he hates in all alike , and make it known that he will no man spare , ( though one of his own houshold he appear ) if he shall scandalously give offence in any kinde , without true penitence . a dreadful judgement he hath brought on those , who made of piety the fairest shows ; and they , as traytors to their king are now by those pursued , whom they did pursue as traytors to their country ; and their laws , yea their own swords , turn foes unto their cause : and they who lately , nor to friend nor foe , but for by-ends , would either justice do , or mercy show , shall finde in their distress , that others will to them be merciless . they , who were called saints ; and may be such , although their failing hath been very much ; seem now the chief mark of god's indignation , and censur'd are as sons of reprobation ; because , they often had fore-warned been , ( twice were cast out of grace , and twice took in ) are now depriv'd , a third time , of that pow'r which they abus'd to their own harm and our : they are expos'd to such extream disgraces , such hazards of their goods , lands , lives and places , and to such scorns , that never was there more contempt cast upon any heretofore : for , they , who as their chiefs acknowledg'd them ( to their own shame ) their persons did contemn ; and , far beyond all presidents , revile th' authority they owned , ev'n the while it was in being ; though they did in that make , as it were a close-stool of their hat. of all esteem , they are now quite bereft , and , in so sad a plight have thousands left , who trusted them with ev'ry thing they had , that their own selves alone , they have not made thereby contemptible to foes and friends , ( lost their estates , their safeties , and their ends ) and such confusions brought ; that few or none are sure , they shall not thereby be undone , or damnified ; but given cause likewise to this , and times to come , so to despise an english parliament , that , if it get no better credit than it hath , as yet , it is in hazard to become a thing as much abhorred , as the name of king was once in rome ; for their prevarications , their self-ends , falshoods , and dissimulations with king and people so destructive were , and both to round-head , and to cavalier ( as then distinguish'd ) that , if there be any , few names are left , whereof there be not many undone , or at least damnified , either in credit or estate , or both together : and , by those many thousands now undone , that mischief , so , from man , to man , doth run , that it infects three times as many more , and may bring beggery to ev'ry door , besides , those quarrels which it may beget , whose sad effects lye unperceived yet . some , who had been most faithful to their side , they much opprest whilst they were dignifi'd ; and , often when they did pretend a course to cure their grievances , they made them worse . then , what by such oppressed men from those can lookt for be , whom they pursu'd as foes , but to be kickt out of the world , or trod into the dirt ? except our gracious god hath now brought home the king to be a friend to all men who did honestly intend ? and who , though in some things they did amiss , sin'd not with malice , or with wilfulness ? the kings work will be now , both to relieve and to correct , as cause , he shall perceive , without respect to persons , or wrongs done , before a reconcilement was begun ; except so far forth onely , in relieving , in recompencing , honouring , or giving , as he 's to those men , who with him ingaged in charity , and gratitude obliged , without destroying any in these nations who were submissive to god's dispensations ; and , who , were mov'd to that which they have done by conscience , or by ignorance alone , without malicious purpose or design , against a known law , moral or divine . and therefore , where respect is to be had to suff'rers , and to satisfaction made ; the best expedient to prevent debates , and ruining of many mens estates , will either be , if we had such trustees , who by this change , life nor estates do leese , ( and by confederating long together with publick spoils inriched one another , or , may be proved guilty of a cheat , which formerly did friend or foe defeat of his estate ; or , to the publick wrong more power assum'd , than did to them belong ) to cause , that , they to whom these gave offence , may out of their estates have recompence ; for , why should great revenues be injoy'd by them , whose guilt hath guiltless men destroy'd ? or rather , since that many among these were intermixt ( who their miscarriages opposed to their power ) whom none knows how from persons guilty , to distinguish now . why should not for the credit of the nation ( for justice sake ) and for the preservation of common peace , all parties help to bear their heavy burthens , who oppressed are ? for every man among us , more or less , is some way guilty of this wickedness : and god , if this course long defer we shall , his vengeance will divide among us all . let therefore none , who in these suffering-times shall scape the punishments due to their crimes , insult o're them that suffer , or suppose their prosp'ring from their well-deserving flows . let them remember , and consider well , that they on whom the tower of silo fell , no greater sinners judged were than they on whom it fell not ; and think at this day some men may perish , who have been more free from guiltiness , than most that saved be . the king , together with his parliament , may pardon every kind of punishment for faults against themselves ; or any one , except for what is wilfully mis-done against our maker ; but , nor he nor they , can take the guilt of any sin away ; and though he may connive at some offences , or be deceiv'd as to mens innocencies , who by their cunning have found means of late themselves with him to re-indintegrate : yet , thousands know so well what they have done , and felt so much of what ensu'd thereon , that , though in charity , they do forgive their falshood , they 'l remember 't whilst they live . let them remember too , what they have done , lest god bring vengeance when we call for none . can any peer or commoner suppose , who , in the supream council sate with those who did the late unhappy war begin , and by their declarations drew us in , ( as men oblig'd in duty , to adhere to them , in what they prosecuting were ) that , they are guiltless , though now blamed less than others , who the same cause did profess ? can they be blameless , who did with the first begin the quarrel , and till nigh at worst continue it ; not leaving on record ought , whereby their dissent might be declar'd ? nor sought for them , a saving , or protection , who might be ruined by their defection ? doth it not greatly their crime aggravate , that they vouchsaf'd not to capitulate , that , innocents , by their default abus'd , might to some safe condition be reduc'd ? but rather , to their own designs made way , by leaving them , to be the spoilers prey ? though they forgot us , i suppose it fit to minde them ; lest themselves they may forget when i am dead , and , therefore , i will here leave somewhat to be their remembrancer . let them remember with consideration , with true repentance , and with due compassion , how many thousands ( whilst they live at rest ) are either quite destroyed , or opprest , either in person , credit , or estate , whose aid they did not only oft intreat , but also ( thereby to promote their end ) compelled to contribute , pay and lend ; yea , to engage their persons in their cause , under pretence of piety and laws , whom they have now made innocently poor , and forc'd to beg , or else to suffer more ; whilst they from all those miseries are clear , whereof their failings chief occasions were : not onely , making that an instrument to ruine them , which ruine should prevent ; but also ( probably ) by their endeavour , to make , and keep the people slaves , for ever . to write plain truth , why should i bee afraid ? by what man may it not be justly said , our publick faith hath been the shameless'st debter , and throughout all these realms the greatest cheater that ever was ; and that our parliaments have been beyond all former presidents . the worst security ( and never more will be confided in , as heretofore ) if unconfirm'd they leave what hath been bought , and , what was justly sold ( as then 't was thought ? ) or if they make not recompence at least to those , who by their actings are opprest ? for this is the same nation , though the cause , the governour , and in some part the laws are changed now ; god , who the wrong doth see ? is yet the same , the same will alwaies be , and both for what is suffered , and was done , will prosecute the judgement that 's begun . by meer cheats , many thousand families destroyed are , and with complaints and cryes , so fill mens ears , that they make all to grieve , save those , who sense of no afflictions have but of their own . the children , do bemoan their aged parents helplesly undone ; who , now have nothing left of what was theirs to recompence their pitty , but sad tears : and , he , who thinks life a gratuity in such a case , loves life much more than i , supposing that 's a mercy , which to mee a barb'rous cruelty appears to be . oh god ! how are thy kindnesses requited ? how in our suff'rings are our foes delighted ? how justly dost thou many now condemn , and punish , for wrongs done to some of them ? how are the just and unjust , wrapt together in one snare , to torment and plague each other ? it is beleev'd , that many men there were , when innovations , were beginning here , who , being in themselves malevolent , ( and for some private causes discontent ) design'd and practis'd , how to bring to pass that , which their own , and our destruction was : but , here were many moe , who did indeavour to qualifie the late infectious fever which had distemper'd us ; and to retain the loyalty that seems renew'd again : yet , now an epidemical disease hath brought confusion upon some of these as well as upon them , who fin'd perchance much more through wilfulness , than ignorance . they , who did neither by their deeds or words , by counsel , by their pens , or by their swords , begin those innovations in the state , which have been prosecuted here of late ; no , nor so much as by a secret thought , contribute to those changes which were brought upon these islands , till they were effected by other men : they , who themselves subjected either but passively , to those in power , to scape those mischiefs which might them devour ; or , meerly act vely , to help prevent an anarchy , and evils imminent ; which is no more than god's law doth command , vvhen he makes alterations in a land ; and hath been also , practis'd by all nations in every kingdom , through all generations , vvhen either by his grace , or his permission , he brings a people into our condition . ev'n they who did no more , are made to share vvith those , who wilfully transgressors were , and murtherers , and traytors be reputed ; as if the kingdom , which was constituted before these changes had continued on , and all which hath by god and men been done , vvere but a dream , of which , now they awake , men may at will , interpretations make : or , as if actings , in a time of war , vvere bounded , as in times of peace they are : vvhereas 't is known , that , vvar doth silence all laws , either civil or municipal : and , that , what then necessity constrain'd , may by the law of nations be maintain'd , as justly , as those contracts which are made in times of peace by laws which then we had ; though they , perhaps , who shall have po'wr to do what they themselves please , will not have it so . but , though we get not that , whereat we aim , we thereto will continue still our claim , and plead our cause ; in hope , that truth and reason may at this present , be declar'd in season . if prudent men collect and weigh the matters which here my muse confusedly now scatters , ( because at once within me i retain more notions , than by words i can make plain ) they may by them , if put together well , and duly heeded , my true meaning spell . they , who with no side factiously , took part , and onely in sincerity of heart , came to secure the soveraign magistrate , when call'd by those , who were co ordinate with him in pow'r ; they , who had no intent to make a breach 'twixt king and parliament , but , faithfully did serve them both together , to have preserv'd their lawful rights to either , and cannot be by conscience , law or reason ; delinquents any way ( much less for treason ) against their prince , for giving aid to those whom he himself authoriz'd to be chose for his chief councel , and whom likewise , he made everlasting senators to be , impowr'd to make laws everlasting too , until their own act should themselves undo : they , who did those obey , whom to withstand , ( although made active by the kings command ) hath punish't been with death ; ev'n some of these though acting also , with good consciences , for this obedience , suffer'd with the first , and may have also lots among the worst on both sides ; which to me appears , at least injustice , or no mercy , at the best . god may correct us thus , and justly too though to our king and countrey we have true continued in the main , for , in his sight there are demerits in the most upright , which needs the rod ; and he chastises those whom he befriended , by their greatest foes ; because , not seldome times they gave to them who were his foes , occasions to blaspheme , his grace and his long-sufferings much abus'd his timely premnonition oft refus'd . for , very oft , and very many wayes they had fore-warnings , of what in these dayes is brought upon them ; and , as many times as god forgave them , they renew'd their crimes . when therefore they had long without dis-regard . god's messengers in ordinary heard ; when , such as they themselves did most esteem , and those who preacht in season unto them upon their solemn fasts , or feasting-dayes . they only thankt , but follow'd on their wayes . then ( as he doth , at first , with infidels ) by signs prodigious , and by miracles , he proved them ; but pagans heretofore have by that means , been wrought upon much more to warn them , and reprove them , he sent , then a company of despicable men , who , though despis'd and houted at , they are ( and to the greatest number do appear phanaticks ) were the messengers of god , and such , as he found fit to send abroad to such a people , and at such a season as this , wherein , rime works as much as reason ; and manifests , 't is such a time with us , as when god's prophets seem'd ridiculous unto the iews , by acting before them such signs , as made them more their words contemn . among such like , he hath permitted me , not only their premonitor to be , but , likewise , to see , what i fore-exprest fulfill'd ; and hear it , by themselves confest : for , i took once , or oftner , ev'ry year , occasion to be their remembrancer ; and , publickly declared what i knew to be misdone , and what things would ensue if not prevented ; but most did deride my timely cautions : vanity and pride made ineffectual all my pains to be , and , not a little mischievous to me . yet , still i persevered in declaring vvhat they were doing , and god was preparing . now fourteen years ago , with small regard , my english opobalsamum declar'd , vvhat would befall them ; and , there , is recorded among such like expressions , one , thus worded , opobalsamum anglicanum , page . — which side soever shall prevail , we have a mischief se ling by entail on us , and on our heirs : for , in heart you do unite ( though corporally apart ) and joyn by close compliances in one , in hope to compass what you have begun , which is nor worse nor better , but to raise your houses , both by good and evil wayes : and for that end , to ruine you would bring . law , gospel people , parliament and king , but ere this hope effected you shall see , hark , traytors , what your destiny shall be , heed and observe it , for it is the doom , will , will without all peradventure come upon your heads , who have your trust betray'd , oppressions on your faithful servants laid ; and multiplied your wealth with greediness , by preying on your country in distress . and , this it is ; he , that such wrongs requites , will give you portions among hypocrites . your pride shall suddenly by shame be follow'd , you shall spew up the gobbets you have swallow'd ; your way shall perish &c. unto that book , wherein this is exprest , i will refer you to peruse the rest . the preface to my salt on salt , records a hint to that end , in these following words . last year i sent a flash which is let pass unheeded , as a thing that never was ; now follows the report , or , clap of thunder , which have been seen and heard , thus far asunder , to give the longer warning : for , the shot , and thunderbolts ( if grace prevent it not ) will next year flee among you . god , amend us , and then i am affur'd , he will defend us . moreover , i , ten months , now past , foretold that nine months longer if defer they should their duties , and neglect the grace twice shown , they , and their projects will be overthrown , as now they are ; and that they should be in that purgatory which doth now begin . the premonition published last year to that effect , shall be repeated here . see epistolium vagum-prosa-metricum page . let them remember , he that stands may fall , that ev'ry promise is conditional ; and , that god's promises will be to them perform'd , as they to others and to him perform their promises : for though a wrong he oft forgiveth , and forbeareth long , there is a set time , which now draweth near , wherein , he will no longer so forbear . let no man slight this caution , though by him divulged , who may despicable seem : for in these dayes , it often comes to pass that god speaks ( as to balaam by his asse ) to wisest men , by those whom fools they deem ; to kings , by persons that ignoble seem ; and , if their wills , as wilfully as he they still pursue , like his their ends will be . this pow'r now ruling , reigns by god's commission , yet , not without a fore-premis'd condition : for , by unrighteousness it shall not stand , though it were as the signet on his hand . if they themselves with outward washings flatter , and , shall not cleanse the inside of the platter : if those defects of justice and compassion which lately brought confusion on this nation , be not forth with repair'd in some degree ( as means by god's grace will vouchsafed be ) and if a model truly genuine , this august sixteen hundred fifty nine , be not conceiv'd and fully born , before the time exceeds the end of nine months more , with all the essential parts of such a thing as may receive a timely perfecting to qualifie the rage that will encrease the breaches made into the common peace ; then all that this pow'r thenceforth can endeavour , will either be a nullity for ever , or else , a furth'rance to that horrid pother which will make facile entrance for another oppressing hand , that , will but justice do so far as vengeance doth extend unto . but lest you think it was by accident that this presage hath had a consequent just at the time foretold , the same book shew'd in what mode also , that which hath ensued should visit them ; heed therefore , and compare what 's now begun , with what these lines declare . in the book last mentioned , page . to cure those frenzies for his future glory , god is preparing a new purgatory to purge what may be purged from the dross , that of the pure gold there may be no loss ; the judgements now beginning shall go round , and through these islands , till all those are found who have been false in that which they profest to god or to the publick interest . from house to house , from man to man , they shall procession make , till they have seiz'd on all , all shal be proved , whether poor they be , or rich , or of a high or low degree , by outward or by inward fiery trials , till they are brought to real self-denials ; 'twixt god and them , through mercy to repent their failings , or to outward punishment . those who shall in this island scape his hand , vengeance will seize on , in a forreign land ; the foes of peace among the common rout , a pestilence or famine shall finde out : they who have shuffled from the souldiers fury , shall fall into the mercy of a jury ; and , when they from the sword are in some hope to scape , shall then be hamper'd in a rope . the mischiefs which they shunned in the street , within a secret chamber they shall meet . those men whom nothing publickly pursues , their consciences in private shall accuse . they , who immoveably do think to stand , shall fall without the motion of a hand ; and when the things they fear'd , cannot annoy them , that , which they sleight , and fear'd not , shall destory them . i told them likewise that their gross neglect of iustice as to me would have effect upon themselves , that , what to me and mine they suffered to befal , would be a sign of what their lot must be ; and when it should so come to pass , my salt on salt foretold . in these words , page . that this bears date the last day of september , in sixteen hundred fifty eight remember ; and that , a reconcilement be before we have provok'd god's patience one year more , lest i my self be made another sign of what the former symptomes pre-divine : for , those confusions which distract this state , are typified in my outward fate . and printed on me by that violation of justice , which defiles this generation . they that seem to have enough in outward show , to bear their part , and pay the debts they ow , and for the future a sufficiency ; so also , if i had my right , have i. as ( notwithstanding this ) with much ado they now subsist ; so fares it with mee too . as at the present , their expences be more than their incomes , so it is with me . i have more foes than friends ; and much i am deceived , if they may not say the same . my foes and troubles in another year will ruine me , and so will also their , if he , on whose assistance i depend , prevents not what their foes and mine intend , before another year wheels round , i may enjoy an outward peace , and so might they , if they embrace the means that will be shown , and follow not devices of their own . if timely justice be vouchsaf'd to me , by timely mercies they secur'd shall be . if i permitted am to be aestroy'd , their power , will not long after be enjoy'd . moreovet , my dark-lantern fore-declar'd as plainly ( as such things might be averr'd in such like times ) what , cromwel had design'd , that they in power ( had they been so inclin'd ) might have prevented it , when shew he made to give up that commission which he had . and had they been so prudent to have too kt , they , his white lion , at that time had dockt . these were my words : a homebred lion , of a hair unknown in affrica , by being over-grown , and dreadful to his keepers , shall thereby increase the rage of smother'd iealousie , and lose his tail , except betwixt his paws he couch his head , and hides his teeth and claws , or else grows rampant ; what will follow then ? ask those you credit , they are cunning men ; of me you ask in vain , for 't is my fate never to be believ'd , till 't is too late . i , likewise did by parable express in that book with what servile flatteries , they fawn'd on their own creature , whom they had hew'd out of common blocks , and idols made , with what would follow it ; and my intent vvas not , by my perpetual-parliament to make that such ( as some have thought i meant ) but , rather that designment to prevent by some diversion ; for , full well i knew that my proposals they would not pursue . and , they who my poetick fury read , vvhich was by me last winter published , may thence collect , that i did then foresee the kings return , and how it so would be , though i my preconjectures did express ( as then i thought ) with some ambiguousness , to be excus'd ; because of that relation which then i had , and my faiths preservation : for , though that poets in the worlds first ages , were prophets , priests , and magisterial sages , and , in all former times ( as in commendam ) have been allow'd a quid libet audendum ; yea , though there doth to sacred poesie , belong a necessary liberty in language , not so pertinent to those who hammer their conceptions out in prose , yet , that good spirit , which directs their muses , therewith , a prudent wariness infuses , that malice may not thereat take offence to do them wrong , without much impudence , or gross injustice ; and , for which wrong he , will take revenge , by whom inspir'd they be , when he shall pleased be to call them to that work which he prepared them to do . and though my musings hitherto appear but dreaming fancies , whereat many jeer ; they who observe , what at the foresaid time befel to me , and afterward to them , and also knew , that all true christians be kings , priests and prophets too , in some degree , shall finde at last , that this age prophets had , and sober men ( though they were judged mad ) whom god stir'd up , to set before their eyes those needful cautions which vain men despise , because it pleaseth him to give them pass by instruments more scorn'd than balaams ass . there are some at this day , on whom nick-names are cast ; and , whom , the vulgar much defames ; who ( though they failings have ) are by gods warrants authorized to do such needful errants as to these times relate , and to deride our complements , our vanities and pride : and , whatsoever spirit them hath moved , we ( not without cause ) are by them reproved of things , whereto our consciences , with them bear witness , though their persons most contemn . among these ( as aforesaid ) i am one by whom the work of god is to be done ; and he thereto is pleased to make use of poesie ( at this time ) when th' abuse of that gift , hath prophaned it , much more by ribaldries , than ever heretofore . it may be too , i serve my generation thereby ( although not wealth nor reputation it gets me ) and my god , as well as they who seek to take my purchas'd lands away , as sanctified to them ; for , ev'n by these my scriblings ( as to term them some do please ) occurrences , which else would be forgot , ( and passages which many minded not ) will so remembred be , that god shall have some glory by them , and men good receive . and though i take no care at all to trick my poems up , with flow'rs of rhetorick , a day will come , wherein with due respect they shall more heeded be , and take effect . you , who believe this , and each dispensation of god's , to merit your consideration , improve them as you ought , in what strange wayes , or , in what form soe'er he them conveys : and though you suffer many persecutions , or losses , in the various revolutions which do or may befall , be of good chear ; yea , whatsoever you shall see or hear , be not afraid of ought , which this last turn may threaten to bring on , or to adjourn : nor be discouraged what ere the king permits , omits , or acteth , which may bring harm in estate or person ; for he comes to do god's work , and executes his dooms with , or against his will , and shall proceed no further , than hath been by him decreed . his pow'r and heart are alwayes in his hands : as well as we , accomptable he stands for all that he shall do ; and , god of him now proof is making , as he did of them who reigned last . yea , peradventure now in proving him , is also proving you and me , and all these nations , that his grace and justice one another may imbrace . in which test , if we meekly wait th' event , till we behold how far this parliament will stretch their mercy ; and then , till we see how far , the kings grace will extended be , ( of his meer goodness , and self-inclination , beyond their narrow limited compassion ) you , either shall by him , have an effect to answer what you justly may expect or by god's providence , who , if he please ; can turn your losses to advantages . for consequents will follow to requite your long-long sufferings in the worlds despight . god will appear , for your iust vindications , who truly sought the welfare of these nations in order to his glory ; and so do it , that , to be his own act , most men shall know it . and , by the king that grace vouchsafe will he , except his heart as hard as pharaohs be ; or , is by such inchanters led aside , as jannes and as jambres typifide . try all things ere you counter-act , and heed whether or no from god they do proceed ; for , by their work if well the same you mark , are work-men known , and work-men by their work as truly as a tree is by his fruit , his bark , his leaves , his blossoms , and his root . since all is in god's hand , rest well assur'd that your chief interest will be secur'd in his best times , although the royal power he more exalts , and brings the people lower . for , his way , to the highest exaltations , is by debasings , and by degradations . and , whether more or less , he gives or takes , to , or from him , or them , it s for their sakes conferred or withdrawn , to whom pertains that kingdom , within which , no tyrant reigns . god is our king , and doth but him depute to be here for a time , his substitute : we are his people , and his pasture-sheep , whom he is sent to govern , feed and keep ; not to oppress , to fleece , or to devour , and god retains us alwayes in his power . what , can we have , or wish for , more than this ? in whose hand are we safe , if not in his ? whether we have a government or none , whether it be by many , or by one : in him external and internal peace must sought for be ; in his especial grace is our well-being , and without the same , all governours , by whatsoever name distinguished , and ev'ry government , which all the wit of mankinde can invent , will be destructive ; and when left we be unto our selves , such , to our selves are we . when we have kings , & hope that they will save us from wrongs , they oft endeavour to enslave us . the more pow'r we upon them do confer , the more thereby at last enslav'd we are . for , they of wealth and pow'r admit no measure that 's not as large as their own will and pleasure . if you confine them by a thousand laws , they break those bonds as easily as straws ; and oft , when large in promise them we finde , their own advantage chiefly is design'd . when on a parliament our trust we laid , we thereby were oppressed and betray'd ; and , may set up ( as things are carried on ) four hundred tyrants in the stead of one ; or , make that which our bondage should prevent , help to inslave us by our own consent . if rather , in an army we confide , they 'l either turn unto another side , or else prolong their service , till it shall effect their ends , or eat us out of all . if on the common people we depend , they heed not that which to their weal doth tend in common ; for , their individual cares are to encrease , or keep their private shares . and to enjoy their lusts a year or two , vvill all their own posterity undo . if to themselves they should assume their power , they could not use it prudently one hour ; so scatter'd lyes , through many heads , their brain , that half a nut-shell will their wits contain : and fire and water , may as well agree , as they , who of so many judgements be . the nobles would deserve our trust no better ; for , they would still endeavour to be greater , by making others less ; and breed distractions incurable , by everlasting factions . most men , the trust on them impos'd , abuse , as well the chusers , as , they whom they chuse : the first so slavish and so brutish are , they 'l sell their birthrights for rost beef and beer , ( as they but lately did ) and , so , expose our lives , estates , and freedoms unto those , vvho look more like our tumblers and our players , then senators , by whom our grand affairs should be determined , the last with zeal make shew a while , to serve the commonweal , till thereby some advancement gain they may , and , then , their zeal is turn'd another way . if , our chief city , we our trustee made , shee , to inlarge her charters , and her trade , to make her self more pow'rful , and more rich , hath ever been inclin'd so over-much : and , to and fro , her self so often windes , to this , and that , as she occasion findes , that , when in her we do repose our trust , we shall have charters written in the dust . yet , for the love which thereunto i bear , or , rather for the sake of those in her , whose prayers , faith and tears , have h'therto preserv'd her , i shall , still , as now i do , make my petition for her preservation , and , that she may by justice and compassion break off from those sins , for which i discover a cloud of judgements to be hanging over : and , which e're since the last great plague hath been ; sometimes approaching , though by few men seen ; and which , whilst she to pow'r and wealth aspires , will be unheeded ; immaterial fires , consume her dwellings , and decay her trade , unless atonement speedily be made by works of mercy , and that sacrifice which god hath promis'd he will not despise . these trustees , will at last deceive us whether we trust them singly , or else all together . if then , we should to this conclusion draw , be govern'd by the letter of the law ; that , in it self , is grown so questionable , so like a nose of wax , so variable , and so uncertain made , as lawyers please to make them speak for their advantages who most advantage them ; that , we shall there continue as unsetled as we were , till we are certain in what sense to take them ; which will not be as long as lawyers make them , who take more care to drive their own ends on , than to provide that justice may be done . let me be bold to write truths without blame , ( which i know may be written without shame ) no person , persons , or that government vvhich wisest men by general consent shall constitute , is able to bring hither both truth and peace , to settle them together , until almighty god shall to this nation a means discover for the regulation of those who for their private interests , confine both law and gospel to their brests : for , from them chiefly , most of all that springs , vvhich either to this people or their kings , hath hurtful been ; and till this be amended , our plagues may be adjourn'd , but never ended : for , by this means ( mark if it be not so ) humane affairs , thus , for the most part go . councils and parliaments do counter-act unto themselves , in judgement , and in fact. and the same person , by the self-same law , for the same deed , they honour , hang , and draw . howe're the pow'r in being forms the cause , for that , straight speaks divinity and laws . let but another pow'r assume the throne , which quite contraries what the last hath done , both law and gospel straight confirms the same , ev'n by their tongues from whence the judement came which ratifide the former , and had laid strict penalties to make their votes obaid ; so , that which was the last year truth and reason , is made the next year heresie and treason ; and , judges act that guilt which they condemn . in others , whilst they are condemning them . oh impudence ! how ! how ! is justice lost ? how are poor men , like dogs in blankets tost ? vvhat great revenews have been yearly paid , and what vast sums bestow'd to be betray'd ! or , were at best , upon blind guides confer'd , who knew not , whether they went right , or err'd ? god bless the king , and teach him what to do ; god bless the people , and god bless me too ; and keep us with our several interests , from being wrong'd by lawyers , and by priests ; and , from aspersion , keep them also free , who , in those callings , just and honest be . these things i have observ'd : let us therefore trust to our selves , or other men no more ; but , wholly leave to god our grand affairs , lay by our swords : betake us to our pray'rs , and learn to use such weapons which will shatter such fortresses , as canons cannot batter ; lest , else , as lately , we do fight again our selves , out of one mischief into twain ; which into twenty more may be improved , before it shall be totally removed . a conquest by the sword we lately had , but , that , our sins and follies frustrate made : we were by god's aid made victorious then , by letting forth the bloud of other men : but the next victory to be bestown , must purchas'd be , by shedding of our own : yea ( mind this well ) it to the saints pertains , to bind in fetters and in iron chains both kings and peers , and that these also may break off those bands , and cast those cords away : if to assume that pow'r the saints begin unseas'nably , or lose it by their sin ; or , if they shall pursue the will of god vvith carnal weapons , in a carnal mode , seeking their own ends , when they his pretended , for , with sad sequels those ways are attended . and , they will worthily be then corrected , vvith that , which must upon them be inflicted . but , when repentance , and a fleshly doom , hath purifi'd them , they shall overcome by being vanquisht , and prevail much more by loosing , than by winning heretofore . men have their failings ; but a fiery trial vvill purge the dross , which want of self-denial vvithin them left ; and when that 's fum'd away , they will be gold refin'd without allay . in our own places , let us truly do vvhat duty to superiours calls us to . ( an absolute obedience unto none my conscience ows , save unto god alone ; yet , to what soveraign power adjudgeth fit , i 'le actively or passively submit ) let souldiers fight ; give pilots room to steer ; vvhen we move , let us move in our own sphear , our safety , from henceforth , expecting , from no mountain , but from that , whence it must come . vve had ere while a power , which to our cost vve mis-employ'd , and therefore now 't is lost . vve , lately , active were ev'n unto blood ; but , now such activeness will do no good , and , we must passive be , till god shall please our sins to pardon , and to give us ease : and he will shew us then what must be done , if him with patience we attend upon . vvhat we desired , he did not deny us ; and , by what we desir'd , he now will try us . we have a king again : and since god gave him upon such terms , as most desir'd to have him , vve ought not to repine or to receed from that which we to him have promised ; for , we our duties are oblig'd to do , vvhether he keep his promises , or no. leave him , unto that cov'nant which was made 'twixt god and him , when he admittance had : for , god on our behalf , when that was done , premised terms , though we our selves made none , ( ev'n such , as long ago upon record expressed were , in his revealed word ) and , if he keep them not , 't will worse succeed vvith him , than if his sign'd and sealed deed he should to us infringe ( though dispensations he had , from all the prelates in these nations , and rome to boot ) which , i should fear to say , if somewhat did not warrant me i may . his power now is great ; yet , had been more than ever english king had heretofore , ( a●●onceive ) had he content remain'd vvith what was providentially obtain'd not looking backward , to hedge in the time , vvhich will be no advantage unto him . had he not sought his honours reparation , by building it upon the old foundation on which it stood ; not thought it best to own , that interest , which god had overthrown , ( and humane policy inclin'd him to ) he might have done more than he now can do . for conquest giveth rather more than less than he did by inheritance possess ; and his re-entry was equivalent to conquest , though gained by assent : for free assent was given by no more save those who were of his own side before ; until they saw he had that power supreme vvhich warranted allegiance unto him ; and that he had acquired interests in what they claim , by plowing with their beasts : for , where war is , till peace , renew'd shall be in terminis , a conqueror is he , vvho victory by stratagems hath gain'd as truly , as when by the sword attain'd . and his admittance ( whatsoe'er is thought ) vvas by none else , but his own paerty wrought through god's permission , who , befooled them vvho had been false unto themselves and him . it is a conquest , which the lord of hosts confer'd on him ( although no bloud it costs ) and they who do admit , without condition , a foe profest , can challenge no fruition of any right , which was enjoy'd before , but that which he is pleased to restore ; till for omissions , or for things misdone , god takes from him again what he had won , as , but a few months past from them he did , who in this government did him preceed : and , this point i insist on to declare that ( since of us our trustees had no care ) how much to god we shall obliged be , if from our hazards he shall set us free by moving this kings heart , us to restore to those enjoyments which we had before . when first the norman by the sword came in , a part of what the peoples right had been vvas by contract secur'd : when solomon vvas dead , although the kingdom to his son fell by inheritance ; yet , maugre that , the israelites came to capitulate vvith rehoboam , and ( as it appears ) the kingdoms , and his fathers counsellers advis'd admittance of capitulation , as no less needful for his confirmation , than to content the people : but , he leaves their counsel , and to giddy fellows cleaves , companions of this youth , by whose bravado's ( exprest with insolent rodomontado's ) he lost ten tribes of twelve . but no man thought our cause ( it seems ) worth speaking for , or sought to save our interests , though we had those impowr'd , who to that intent were chose , and much confided in . and , god did thus for his owne glory pre-dispose of us , that we might see the vanity of them in whom we trusted , and trust more in him . it had not else been so ; for through the land , there was not sword nor spear in any hand but what we thought our own : nor pow'r appearing for charls without it , which was worth the fearing , if providence had not transfer'd this pow'r into his hand , which we supposed our . so , all our freedoms , life , lands , goods and treasure , vvere actually to this kings will and pleasure resigned up : for , nothing doth appear that we of any thing secured are , save by his grace , though some a pow'r then had to get conditions usual to be made in such like cases : which , if they had done , they had not thereby well discharg'd alone their publick trust , and , rather more than less , might thereby have advanc'd the common peace ; but , sav'd unto the king much labour too , which now he must be forc'd to undergo , yet , peradventure when that he hath done the best he can , please very few or none : for 't is impossible the blessed fruit of perfect peace without pow'r absolute , should be produc'd , as we are now distracted , and as things will in likelihood be acted ; ' cause such a flow'r ( as most wise men do know ) upon a single root , doth always grow ; and that , nought perfect unity can breed , save that , which from one spirit doth proceed . if , as he from these kingdoms was expel'd by conquest , he re-entring , them had held as by re-conquest ( which he might have done , consid'ring how affairs were carried on ) he might have brought most things to good conclusions , vvithout those interruptions and confusions vvhich will ensue ; for , he obliged then by none , but god's and natures laws had been ; and should have had a large means to express his mercy , piety , and righteousness , by prudent modelizing and contriving ( restoring , adding , giving and forgiving ) as need required , without such restraints , or giving these occasions of complaints , as now occur : whereas he coming in by that right , which before had claimed been , ( as interrupted only ) he seems bounded by those laws , whereon formerly 't was founded . and ( as at present it appears to me ) so dubious laws and parliaments now be , that by the course intended to be taken , the peace we hope to settle will be shaken vvhen we suppose it fixt ; by failings , found hereafter , in some principles unsound ; or else , because some actings will appear not homogeneous to those laws that are : and , as things are , with us 't is little better then if we conquer'd were , for , we are debter unto the king , for all in our possessions by his spontaneous act , and free concessions ; and whatsoever we can do or say , if , now he will be absolute , he may . there be enough , who for their private ends , will drive on whatsoever he intends , whether it be to do us right or wrong ; and thereunto , our sins will make them strong , till god again deliver us , who hath now made us , justly , objects of his wrath . for , if they are our trustees duely chose , who now of us and our affairs dispose , ( and us into the kings hand wholly gave without reserve ) then , ev'ry thing we have is his ; and more it boots not than a rush now to deny it : for , within a bush , we shall our heads but like the woodcock hide , whom by his tail , the fowler hath espide . we are reduc'd unto a conquer'd state , though we our selves are pleas'd to wink thereat . the cup pretended stolen to have been , ( by whose device soere it was put in ) is found within our sacks ; and we this day like josephs brethren , to the king must say : we are thy servants : providence divine hath for our sins made our possessions thine : for , we can challenge nothing as our own , but what of thy free grace hath been bestown : or what thou shalt be pleased to afford upon request : or , of thine own accord . this we must say , how loth soere vve are : and , vvithout scruple , this affirm i dare , that , till the self-same providence , or hee , or both together , joyn to make us free : ( vvhich will vouchsafed be , with , or without his will , when our probation-time is out ) we never shall be freed ; but , without rest , be more and more inslaved , and opprest . then , let none think i wrong this nation , tho i say 't is conquer'd : nor , by being so , fear they so much will disadvantag'd be , as , by a vain suppose that they are free ; since , by not making this acknowledgement , god , of due thanks and glory we prevent : for , had the king assum'd the sov'raign pow'r , ( as being made by him , a conquerour ) with no worse purpose , than to constitute a righteous throne ( to which pow'r absolute is so essential , that without the same , less power , in great confusions will be lame ) he possibly might have effected that , which to attempt , now 't is perhaps too late . this , was the mind of god ( as i beleeve ) vvhen he to him did that advantage give ; and , i am hopeful , he will bend that way the pow'r that 's left , as far forth as he may : for , he is neither heathen , jew , or turk , impow'red to do only his own work ; nor we , i hope , as were the canaanites , to be destroy'd , nor those amalekites vvith whom god purposeth a vvar for ever , unless we in impenitence persever , to make us liable to such a doom as did on that and other nations come . but , by this king , god rather doth intend our much depraved manners to amend : and deals with us , as he hath always done vvith his own people , since the world begun . vvhen they by murmurings for flesh provok't him ; he , in displeasure gave them quails , & choakt them : and he with us , in some things parallel thereto hath dealt , if we observe them well . vvhen he by moses them from bondage brought , ( to lead them back again ) they had a thought to chuse another captain ; for which crime , he kept them in the desert a long time : ev'n till all that rebellious generation was quite worn out for that prevarication . this , let us well consider of , and learn how much ( and in what ) it may us concern . a king like other nations they would have , and what they askt , god with a vengeance gave : yet , by his mercy from his wrath did save them , and plagues & blessings therewith mixed gave them . when by the sword of nebuchadnezzar , the jews were subjugated ( as we are for our transgressions ) though their conquerour was not of their own nation , as is our : ( or , of their faith , so much as a pretender , either to be professor or defender ) god by him , and by his successors brought them , not only to be humbled , till they sought him ; but also , gave them favour in their sights ; made some of them their chiefest favorites : yea , to repair enabled them , at last , their temple and their cities , which lay waste ; and to possess again that land , from whence they were ejected by impenitence . why then should we not hope , since to these nations our present king hath manifest relations : ( the same faith holds , and of his own accord to be propitious hath engag'd his word ) that , god , by him , will , at the least , restore all that which he possessed heretofore ? vvhy should we not believe , that god's intent is to be gracious in his chastisement ? and may apply unto us lenitives by this king , when he hath with corrosives first made us curable ; somewhat i declar'd among such other things ( without regard ) now , thirty five years past , that doth appear upon record in my remembrancer , vvhich now , perhaps , beginneth way to make for what my britains genius did fore-speak ; and , god , in judgement , mindeth us , as yet , in mercy , though his kindness we forget . yea , if our sins make not his purpose void , that , whereby some now fear to be destroy'd , shall save us from that mischief which we fear , vvhen unavoidably it seemeth neer . for , notwithstanding , for their sins and our , our former governours did lose their pow'r ; though they , and we have justly forfeited those freedoms which we lately challenged , and did possess ( when after our appeal , vve were impowr'd to form a commonweal ) the change which now befalls will be of use hereafter , better sequels to produce . vve have but onely lost , upon the wheel a broken pot , and work men without skill . god , hath not wholly , us of grace bereaved , although , to grace , the king he hath received ; nor hath he at this present brought him home at our cost ( without bloodshed ) to become a tyrant , but our king , and unto us to be as gracious , as to him , he was , in thus restoring him with conditions , unto his late lost honour and possessions . god hath from mesech lately brought him hither not that this people should be forced thither ; or that their burthens he should more increase , now that 's removed which did him oppress . god , did supply his wants , and him restore to riches lost , not to make others poor ; nor from afflictions him redeem'd , that he should for past injuries avenged be ; or have a kingdome here , like one of those vvhich satan on his homagers bestows . but , such a kingdome , that his people might submit unto him , with a true delight , and worship their creator without fear , in holiness , and in uprightness here . and , if his pow'r be not this way imploy'd , the best mens hopes , will be a while made void : and his for ever ( though he should recover ten times more strength and gild his acting over vvith quaint pretences , and the fairest paints of polititians , or dissembling saints . ) for , though the rabble , who were yesterday his open foes , now make professions may , of being loyal , and to morrow should swear to become his slaves , they frustrate would his best hopes ; for , they are a flood that flows this way , and that way , as the next wind blows . the essence of a kingly interest doth in , and by the common good consist , ev'n in the whole , and not in any part ( although as noble as the head or heart ) and to indulge ought further then it shall tend really unto the good of all ; destroys the whole , turns royalty to faction , and breeds at length a general distraction : for , when the limbs , the head or heart surpass their due proportions , they make others less ; and all the body will not only grow deformed , but unserviceable too : so , likewise , kings , if liberty they grant to any part to be exorbitant , or in themselves be so , 't will quite destroy that compound being , which they shall enjoy . they further should promote no interest than with the publick good it may consist ; and that each individual , without wrongs , may that possess , which to the same belongs . by justice he should cause a restoration ; of all incroachments made by usurpation ; and recompence for ev'ry injury sustained by supream authority , how ere acquired , if the sufferer in conscience , thereunto obedient were ; and no way active in that innovation , which was the former powr's eradication . no party or profession whatsoere , neither the prelate , priest or presbyter , or other sect , nor king nor parliament should be indulg'd to common detriment ; for , that would be destructive to that end , whereto all constitutions ought to tend . 't is mercy , and performing righteous things that strengthens kingdoms , and preserveth kings ; and they are their best subjects who adhere to piety , and sound in manners are : not they who think the glory of a throne consisteth in the guilding laid thereon : or , in such vanities as did begin to spring up when the king first entred in : for , though those fools ( who such enjoyment crave assoon , as of prevayling , hopes they have ) insult , jeer , brag , and insolently brave it , cry , now it is as we our selves would have it , and run out into that licentiousness which evidently may to all express what they desire ; he , that , on such relies , himself , with snow-balls only fortifies ; and will by their assistance be at length as old rome was , opprest by his own strength . and , if abus'd , the grace now offer'd be , some , yet may live another change to see : for , one unheeded sits above our heads , who mens phanatick vanities derides ; and judgements in dark clouds concealed are , which will surprize us , ere we be aware , unless we with more prudent moderation shall from henceforward manage that occasion which god hath given of a happy close betwixt them , who have over-long been foes , for , to that end ( though not well heeded yet ) the king and we are in this posture met . if , he be now king by the grace of god , ( as we entitle him ) sent for our good , and not in wrath : if , as his title saith , he be a true defender of the faith , ( vvhich is my hope ) he , seriously will heed , how in his chief concernments , men proceed : and , if he then findes , that , more in despight to those whom they hate , than to do him right , some things by some are acted : and the spoyl of others rather aim'd at , then this weal , ( by prosecutions over-violent to his dishonour and indangerment ) 't will bring forth an unlooked-for effect to those , upon whom he without suspect doth yet depend ; and make him plainly see , that , from thenceforth , his confidence must be in god , and in those , who , with him partake for god's , for justice , and for conscience sake ; and not in those who value not those things vvhich most essential are to sovꝰraign kings ; though they pretend to suffer for god's cause , and his ; or , fain obedience to his laws ; much less trust them , who did assist the boys with shouts , drums , guns and squibs to make a noise about their bonfires , hemmed in with dances scarce modest , and sometimes with petulances as scandalous , as if those men had best their loyalty and gratitude exprest , who , when he was proclaim'd , most rudely swagger'd drunk to his health , until they spew'd & stagger'd ; consum'd that , on one beast , which to the poor distributed , might have refresh'd a score : and , when they should have prais'd god , for the grace to them vouchsaf'd , blasphem'd him to his face . if such prevarications do presage a setled pow'r , or a reformed age , i am deceiv'd ; and wholly had despair'd to see our breaches in my time repair'd ; but that the king hath given hopes of late , by some proceeds , that he doth aim thereat ; and by his proclamation startled them from that , which many did expect from him : yea , i have feared , that i might have liv'd to see all heath'nish vanities reviv'd . ( with all old superstitions ) and , i pray , this fear may wholly be remov'd away : for , what some have expected all along , and , from what root , their zeal to kingship sprung ; by many 't was fore-shown , who did aspire to publick trust . that , which they now desire confirms it also ; and perhaps it may be manifest to all another day , when they shall either miss their expectations , who welcom'd him with loudest acclamations , or else , when they enjoy them ; which to see , i should be griv'd , and so , i hope would he . but if to those things , which do now begin in ev'ry place already , to flow in , he puts not stop , ere further they proceed , his power , perhaps , it shortly will exceeded ; and , we shall here behold ( with new additions ) prophanenesse , and exploded superstitions , not only countenanced without aw of god , and men , but setled by a law : for , this ( or i am much deceiv'd ) is that which is by very many aimed at . it was not ( as these did pretend ) to bring from his late banishment , their lawful king ; nor love unto his person , or his cause , or zeal to true religion or the laws , which made so many , who had active been to drive him out , make hast to fetch him in : nor , that they could better be content with kingship or some other government , or persons then with those that rul'd before : but some did hope to have enjoyed more a liberty , whereby , without controul they might in bruitish lusts at pleasure roul . some had a hoping of raising their estate ; in some hope sprung from envy or from hate , conceiv'd against those persons who acquir'd those honours or some profits they desir'd : and , not a few , who were at no expence in this kings service , or to make defence of him or his cause , hopefull were to get ( by suing to him , and pretending it ) repair of those consum'd estates , which they had either drunk , or whor'd , or gam'd away . some , other , thereby , hoped for fruition of their beloved mistriss superstition ; freedome , to swear god damn them , without a we of magistrate , or mulct impos'd by law ; to wast , the day , and night , in drinking , gaming , in cheating , roaring , whoring , and blaspheming , without reproofs . some looked for encrease of trading , or of making taxes less ; and , othersome ( another way affected ) together with a king , returns expected of masks and revels , turnaments and plays , may-poles , wakes , church-ales and those holy-days , wherein young men might have permitted been as heretofore , to dance upon the green , with such-like liberties as may be us'd sometimes ( if soberly ) and not abus'd : and , some , it may be , had an expection the lords day should a day of recreation be made agen ; and preaching twice a day , by some new canon would be took away ; that all men ( as they have internal motions ) might have time for their pleasures or devotions . these were strong motives to some late expresses of loyalty , as also to th' addresses subscribed not long before by many a one to oliver , and likewise to his son , whom quickly they deserted , though they had to live and die with them professions made without enforcement , at the first , to make them , or at the last , so tamely to forsake them . as much they magnifide them in their lyricks , heroick poems , odes , and penegyricks , as they extol the king. no flattering pen could more ascribe to any mortal men : and , though such dawbings cannot keep from shame their persons , nor from infamy their name , ( as now appears ) yet this magnificat the world still sings . this common strain is that which most men do affect and in this wise flattry still sings to all stars when they rise : yea , all their songs unto this present day , are but the same , new set another way : and , their composers do deserve no more then begging fidlers begging at the door . who if it might their servile ends advance , would , to the same tune play the devil a dance . such are too many , who do make a show of loyalty by their expresses now . as little worth regarding is their love ; and , doubtless very fickle it would prove , if god should be provoked to estrange his favour , and permit another change . they who against one party lately cride , hang , hang the rogues ; against the other side would then cry out as loud , hang , hang them all : and , those whom they now praise , as much mis call : for , what their chiefest expectations are , they make it evidently to appear by words and deeds ; and there are symptomes too , what things , if cause were given , they would do . hornets and wasps , begin to shew their stings . the butterflies display their pointed wings in every garden , and there , spawn the seed which palmer worms , and catterpillars , breed . they , who were lately maggots are grown flies , in our ears buzzing , fleering in our eyes ; and , up were set , the worlds gods altogether as soon as ere the king approached hither ; who , probably , in flanders had remain'd , if , otherways , their ends they could have gain'd , and dick , perhaps , george , jack , or any thing , with popular app'auses had been king. but , these insecti , though they greatly swarm , can do the king not so much good , as harm : nor can those who through want of wit & courage will sell their birth-rights for a mess of porredge , to this establishment contribute ought , till they be better disciplin'd and taught : it is not they in linen ephods , neither those chimerims who now conspire together ; nor those vain and fantastical baboons who jet in feathers and in pantaloons , who fix a king ; but , those grave men among our nobles . and the civil uulgar throng , who love the publick peace , and do profess a loyalty in truth and soberness , vvithout regard of any interest , save that , which may with other mens consist . the rest ( if well consider'd ) are a number of animals , which more confound and cumber , then settle governments ; and are to kings but troublesome unprofitable things . i have observ'd them well : and long ago ( perceiving what they likely were to do , vvho know the way , as often as they please to bring to pass , their own designes by these ) upon occasions given , was so bold , that what i pre-conjectur'd , i fore-told ; and how these acting singly , or together . to publick damage , made use of each other . this oft i did before the parliament became their self-destroying instrument ) in plain terms , or aenigma's ; as the time would bear it ; and as well in prose as rimes : i did the like to him , and to his son , vvhom god permitted to usurp the throne , ( as two addresses , which i did prefer to their own hands , yet extant may declare ) and whereby , such advantages i got as usually they get who flatter not . during the last pow'r ( in an oblique way ) as touching him , who reigneth at this day , i hinted that , which now is come to pass in such wise , as i might in such a case at such a time as that ; with what events , to his beginnings would be consequents , if on the giddy vulgar he depended , in prosecuting what should be intended : or , if he sought a kingship to erect like what meer earthly princes do effect : vvherein , although i had no worse designe then with the publick weal to wrap up mine , i am , for my plain dealing , as a foe both scandalized and oppressed so . that all the mercy some vouchsafe me would , is life deprived of all things that should in me and my relations life uphold . which is a cruelty , and such away , of killing men a hundred times aday , that god with due avengement will repay : for , though men are not so , yet he is just ; the measure , which they gave , receive they must . yea , measure running over , and prest down , unless god shew more grace then they have shown . i have not much deceived been , in ought which with pre-meditation i fore-thought , and heretofore divulg'd relating to these nations , in the things they ought to do ; or , unto that , which would require their heed , how therein they go backward , or proceed . i , lately pre conjectur'd and fore-told , that london was a mount whence issue should a wind , which hither likely was to blow a change , that of our greatest weal or woo , ( as likewise of her own ) would be the cause : and , by her aid , that change is come to passe . let her so mind it now , that god may bless her future actings with a good success ; for , that to them this caveat give i may , thus purposely i stept out of the way . my muse once more shall here likewise recal what i presag'd would to my self befal ; yea , though i toucht upon it heretofore , i will illustrate it a little more . me therefore , to insist thereon permit , for as it me concerns to mention it , it may concern you to , and doth declare that poor mens wrongs by god observed are . upon my heart i strong impressions had , that i , should of their fall a signe be made ; who for my faithful service me opprest ; and , they , who last the supreme pow'r possest , this day , both see , and feelingly perceive , that 's come to passe which they would not believe to them i told , both jointly and apart , ( but seem'd to speak to men without a heart ) that , they in reason had good cause to fear , if they should offer still , a deaf man's ear to my complaints , a very sad reward , would be the sequel of their dis-regard . yet , though with humbleness i them implor'd by ev'ry means , which those times , did afford , ( save bribes and flatt'ry they would seldome hear ought which concerned me , except it were an accusation ; or to grant an order , which more my ruine , then relief did further ; or , do me justice during my oppressions , nigh eighteen years complain'd of by petitions , and , by addresses , tenter'd unto them ( not seldome , by some hundred at a time ) nor to me their ingagements made they good ; nor those discharg'd by which ingag'd i stood for them ; nor for their debts detain'd from me three times six years , although made due they be by ordinance and orders : nor would they vouchsafe as much as interest to pay , by them allowed ; ( though i much did need it , both to relieve me , and preserve my credit . ) nor could i that enjoy , which i had bought , and they had sold , ( as i in justice ought ; till my estate and credit was o'rethrown by them , through their neglecting of their own ; though they were not alone oblig'd unto it , but likewise had both power and means to do it . a single foe , could do me in one hour more injury , then all my friends had pow'r to right whilst they reign'd , though i seem'd befriended of many , who to righteousness pretended . though early at their dores , and also late , as at bethesda-pool the cripple sate ) i waited on them , i went ev'ry day both without help , and with small help , away ; no more prevailing , then if still i had to blocks or statutes , my petitions made . these grievances , increasing ev'ry year , rais'd at the length , my damages well near to twice five thousand pounds ; and so increast , my debts , by troubles , suits , and interest , that wants , thereby , still multiplying more , i was , at last , made somewhat worse then poor : from seven hundred pounds per annum , brought to be some hundred pounds less worth then nought , so loosing my repute , with my estate . ( which many new perplexities begat ) to ev'ry wrong , i liable was made , when no means left for my defence i had . and , most men then perceiving that the doom which i fore-saw would come , was then nigh come , and likely to destroy them in whose hands lay all my whole estate in debts and lands , and , that the title which thereinii had , would , as they stood or fell , prove good or bad ; my creditors grew thereby so affraid , what i then ow'd them , never would be paid , that , more to pay one debt , then would pay two , was thereby ( maugre all that i could do ) streight torn away : and i , could neither set , nor sell , nor borrow , neither payment get of what was due , to buy things necessary , or save my credit till it did miscarry , by forfeitures and burthens , cast upon me , so mercilesly , that it hath undone me , as to the world ; unless god shall prevent that , which now threats a further detriment ; for , when the curs which did before but bawl , ( as when you see a hunted stag doth fall by alber dogs ) immediately fell in , and from the flesh began to tear the skin . to make complaints , i saw it was in vain ; for , none i know to whom i might complain , with hope of help ; and certainly perceived , that , though by them , i seem'd to be bereaved of my estate , yet god's hand was therein , and , that the judgement which doth now begin at his own house , did mark me out for one , upon whom execution must be done : therefore , forthwith , examining my heart , and , finding that far less then my desert was brought upon me ; to his chastisement i humbly do submit , and will present , ere i proceed , this my confession , with praises intermixed , and contrition . a hymne of confession and praise . . lord , thou from dust didst raise me , when i no being had , and i in flesh to praise thee , a living soul was made : that , therefore , i may praise thee , as i am bound to do , still henceforth let me praise thee , in soul and body too . . to have thy will fulfilled , to thee , i oft have pray'd ; which , that i truly willed , now , comes it to be tride ; and , that , my soul obeys thee , as thou thy will mak'st known , i am resolv'd to praise thee , by laying down mine own . . thy servants are confunded , this day with shame of face , and with their plagues surrounded for their neglects of grace ; on us therefore to praise thee a judgement is begun , in which , my heart , to praise thee still cries , thy will be done . . and , since by my transgressions , the breach was wider made , i will by my confessions unto thy glory add ; oh! make thou them to praise thee so hearty and sincere ; that , other men to praise thee their failings may declare . . me , thou hast not corrected with worse or sharper things . this are sometimes inflicted upon the greatest kings : by charity to praise thee , their wants thou then supplid'st ; and , now to make me praise thee , that way for me provid'st . . nought heretofore i wanted wherewith to give thee praise ; but , what to me was granted , i wasted otherwayes : and , since i did not praise thee when i enjoyed most , i now am come to praise thee when all i had is lost . . oft , when my conscience chid me , i , in my sins went on ; she therefore lately led me to what hath me undone ; yet , that , at last will praise thee , for which , i suffer must ; and i confesse to praise thee , that all thy wayes are just . . the portion by thee given , i , on my lusts have spent ; sinn'd against thee and heaven , for which , i now repent : and since i did not praise thee , as i oblig'd have been , i meekly now do praise thee in suff'rings for my sin . . of earthly joys and pleasure that most desired are , to me in ample measure thou didst vouchsafe a share ; but , i for them to praise thee performed not my part ; and therefore , now i praise thee with sad and contrite heart . . an honest reputation on me thou hast bestown , that , to this generation thy praise i might make known . but by what i should praise thee , i sought a fruitlesse fame ; and therefore now i praise thee for my reproach and shame . . of good men , much esteemed i rend'red was by thee ; but , better oft i seemed then i could truly be : i therefore now do praise thee that my defects were hid , and , that , some now dispraise me for what i never did . . to thee i am a debter for what i most esteem ; ( no earthly blessing better deserving thanks doth seem ) and for the , same still praise thee , though lately for my sin , that , for which now i praise thee , a bitter-sweet hath been . . but sharp and sweets together ( through all my life-time past ) and , single shares of either so timely , deign'd thou hast : that , i not onely praise thee for what most sweet appear'd ; but , also , truly praise thee for what i shun'd and fear'd . thou didst with robes adorn me , which men of honour weare , that fools the lesse might scorn me when i thy praise declare : but , what thou gav'st to praise thee , i did to folly turn : and therefore , now i praise thee in garments thred-bare-worn . . to , thousands , much delightful , my youthful days were made ; my heart was blith , and sprightful thy praise the more was spread but , i with them to praise thee did not what should be done ; for which , i 'm left to praise thee all day and night , alone . . my private faith infringed to others and to thee , thou lately hast avenged by publique breach to me : and therefore now i praise thee for that just doom of thine ; oh! make them also praise thee whose sins have punish'd mine . . inspight of their oppressions who my destruction sought , thou gav'st me large possessions , which now are come to nought : and since i did not praise thee when i enjoyed more , i justly now do praise thee in wants , distresse , and poor . . i , heretofore , had fullness of ev'ry pleasant meat , which brought on me a dulnesse , that made me thee forget : and therefore now to praise thee , affliction , bread prepares ; and thou dost make me praise thee , in drinking of my tears : . like baruch , out of season things for my self i sought ; missed by carnal reason , lent , borrowed , built , and bought but , left the way to praise thee that 's taught me in thy schools , and therefore now to praise thee i , numbred am with fools . . yet , as to sinck me lower , scorns , wrongs , and wants encrease ; so , dayly faith gets power , hope thrives , and fears grow lesse ; to move me to dispraise thee , the more my temper tries , my spirit , still , to praise thee , a pitch the higher flies . . though i myself have nothing , in thy hands all things be : and harbour , food and cloathing thou wilt provide for me : for thou hast means to praise thee stirr'd up in every town , whereby each man may praise thee who hath not of his own . . and for reptue or treasures i will not thee implore ; for friends , lands , goods , and pleasures enjoyed heretofore , i , rather , ask to praise thee , what most extolls thy name , although it be to praise thee . in sorrow , death , and shame . . whilst here my sins benight me , still cause thy face to shine : for what will more delight me , then corn , and oyl , and wine . and though oppression weighs me quite down unto the ground , i , with more joy shall praise thee , then when wealth did abound . and whatsoe'r betide me i will not change my case , with any who derides me , nor shall distrust thy grace , my soul desires to praise thee , and loves thy praise so well , that , might i there best praise thee thee , praise i would in hell . . for , thee to love thou mov'st me , which shews thou lovest me , and doubtlesse whilst thou lovest me , ev'n hell a heaven would be : since , love enough to praise thee , he , that could thither bear , should make the devils praise thee , and , quench the fires there . . for love all things created , subdued hell and death ; thy law it hath compleated , outlasteth hope and faith. thou , when that love doth praise thee , givest best respects thereto ; and , till in love we praise thee . in vain is all we do . . were i therefore bereaven of all that 's called mine , of body , soul , and heaven , my love should live in thine : and , as i then did praise thee , when i no being had ; so i again shall praise thee , when i am quite unmade . . but , never comprehended can be thy love to me ; and therefore never ended my songs of praise must be : a hymne wherein to praise thee i have on earth begun ; and better hope to praise thee when this short life is done . . then , when asleep death lays me , lord , let me from the grave ( where dead-men cannot praise thee a joyful rising have : let those likewise who praise thee with me , whilst i am here , where saints and angels praise thee , ( to praise thee ) meet me there . two other meditations here i 'll add , which though such musings mean esteem have had in latter times , may now as useful be to some , in my case , as they are to me . . but are in my riches gone ? and all those fled away whose love depended thereupon ? for ever , farewell they . since these have gotten wings , i will not them pursue ; but set my heart on better things , and bid them quite adieu . 't is god that gives and takes , whose love remains the same ; and whether rich or poor he makes , still blessed be his name . with suffrings to comply , loth was i to begin , but better thoughts of them have i , since they have proved been . . for , what i dreadfull thought when first the same appear'd , hath joys to me by sorrows brought ; and hopes by what i fear'd . to be despis'd and poor if in my god i trust , will me at last advantage more then if i nothing lost . . long time i have profest in words a christian creed , and now am-with occasions blest to shew it forth by deed. we , holy men would seem , and up for saints are cride , but now comes that probation time in which we must be tride . . whilst riches i enjoyd , they made me but a drudge , to be on their affairs imployd , and on their errands trudge . me poor my plenties kept ; made me engage my friends ; and often wake whilst others slept , to wait upon their ends . . they fild me with desires , whose lusting endlesse was , and onely brought forth thorns and briers to choak the seeds of grace . they made me fearful too of tyrants and of knaves , yea ( which is ten times worse then so ) made me a slave to slayes . . my heart then be content , let wealth and honour go , for , better things to thee are meant then these can raise thee to . let those who on them dote , by our deportment see , that in those gods we trusted not which their chief idols be . . though my despightful foes now my estaie is gone , ( i having nothing else to lose ) my body seize upon , therefore take thou no care , for god thy help will be , and put on them a greater fear then they can put on thee . . and to encrease that load which i at present bear , though they say where now is thy god , of whom thy boastings were ? he will of me , of me be found , and also make it known , ( when open shame shall them confound ) that he my cause doth own . . thy cross with patience take , do not there at repine , but bear it stoutly for his sake who bore his cross for thine . still meekly in thy way therewith proceed thou so , that others it encourage may to what they see thee do . . the lot of saints hath been afflictions , wants , and scorns ; and he that is the best of men was mockt and crown'd with thorns . no house to him they gave wherein to rest his head ; him also in a borrow'd grave , they laid when he was dead . . yea , he that 's lord of all when first with flesh arrayd , was meanly housed in a stall , and in manager layd . a guest so poor he was , that whilst he lodged there , the labouring ox , and toyling ass his chamber-fellows were . . yet wisemen from the east , were guided by a star , to bring to this despised guest gold , frankincence and myrrhe , they fooled for his sake a tyrannizing king ; god's angels , care of him did take , and round about him sing , . to him , allide am i , and he will send to me , howere obscurd , the like supply , as oft as need shall be . for timely he relieves all those that trust in him , and charge unto his angels gives , to be a guard to them . . in stables , barns and stalls , the poor as much he heeds , as those that are in princes halls , to help them at their needs . yea , unto them he comes , and will their suffrings mark , although they lie in nasty rooms , or dungeons deep and dark . . a portion more secure then goods or lands is he , an heritage that will endure when kingdoms lost shall be . and when exposd to shame their bodies we behold , it shall more magnifie their name , then statues made of gold . . but this to them will seem who dote on outward things , no better then an idle dream which no assurance brings . if pompously they live , and in rich tombs may lie , themselves they happy men believe , although like beasts they die . . and i am half in fear when this is sung among those who in love with riches are , 't will seem a bedlam-song : for , seldome we perceive that when his mammon's gone , a rich man's able to believe , he is not quite undone . . it makes them almost mad to hear another preach , that joyes and comfort may be had whereto they cannot reach . lord help their unbelief , and mitigate their fears ; for , though they pity not my grief , yet , i do pity theirs . . preserve in me that grace which now infus'd i find : and let not time , events nor place , hereafter change my mind : for in them good or bad , external things have nought ; but , as good , or ill use is made , or else , as got or sought . another meditation relating to the authors present condition . . my foes , you have your hearts desire , a spoyle of me you make ; and ( as i hear ) you now inquire what course i mean to take . i now am brought so low , you say , so destitute and poor , that well assure your selves you may i shall arise no more . . you , naytheless may be deceiv'd , and of your aims have mist ; for , in those things which are bereav'd , my wealth doth not consist : and i have that within my view which if pursude it be , may make me as much laugh at you , as you now laugh at me . . but , though it makes you to be glad to see my griefs encreast , i have for some of you been sad when you were less opprest . and if you shall go forward still in doing causlesse wrong , i , who now at your folly smile , may weep for you ere long . . the greatest harm i wish my foes when me most wronged have , is , that themselves they may not lose by what they seek to have . and when that they shall come to try what they have brought me to , that they nuoght else may loose thereby but what would them undo . . man liveth not by bread alone and that ( should it be told ) which now my life depends upon your eyes cannot behold . you robb'd me of external things , but what the worse am i , if i have in me living springs that never will be dry . . from that , which you debar me from , me , long you cannot keep ; my noon is past , my night is come , and i shall shortly sleep . at first , to wither i was born ( though then a springing tree ) and now my leavss away are torn , i can but wither'd be . . the birds do live , the lilies grow , and are well cloath'd and fed ; yet can not spin , nor plow , nor sow , to get them cloathes and bread : i , therefore am without despair , that he who cloaths the grass , and feeds the small'st fowls of the air , will heed my present case . . but if my lot reserve she shall untill another life , the worst that can to me befall , will bring more joy then grief : as nightingales in summer do , i 'll sing all night and day ; and so shall in a month or two , sing care and life away . refreshed by these pertinent digressions , which fertifie my faith against oppressions , i will proceed to make an application of what pertaineth to my last narration . the main breach made upon me ( and which drew those mischiefs that did afterwards ensue ) to me did happen some few days before that parliament was last shut out of door , by whom those grievances on me were brought , and , then that fell on them , which i fore thought and did foretell ; perhaps that others may be wary , how they needlesly delay that justice which to poorest men belongs , when much opressed by continued wrongs ; which god will execute , at first or last , hereafter as he hath done in times past . in this relation , i , nor poetize ; ( as some may fancie ) nor hyperbolize : but , here , in simple plainnesse have set down the naked truth , that when it shall be known , god may be better praysed , and these nations thenceforth take heed of wilful provocations . for , greater mischief then to most appears , ( and very many complicated snares ) intangle thousands , who destructively oppressed are this day , as much as i : to whom the grace intended can derive nought else , but such a life as i would give ten times away , to free them from oppression , who suffer with me , by my sad condition ; and , whose complainings , end soul-piercing words , lie pricking at my heart , like darts and swords . how god hath fore-determin'd to dispose of me , from this time forth , he onely knows ; and , his will shall be mine : but , if this change brings good to me , it will be very strange : for , men prophane esteem'd , would then appear more just , then they who saints reputed were ; my foes much kinder , then they who profest to be my friends , and whom i served best . as yet , he hath retain'd me in their power , who day and night , are hunting to devour ; and , letteth loose upon me such a herd of brutes , as david heretofore compar'd to dogs , bulls , lyons , serpents , and to those from out of whose mouths , adders poyson flows ; whose throats are like devouring graves ; whose tongues are mints of slanders & oppressive wrongs ; in secret , on a sudden shooting words more sharp then arrowes , or two-edged swords ; and were these only foes profest , their scorn or malice , might with much more ease be born : but , some of them , are those who many days walk'd with me friend-like in the self same ways ; and , neighbours and acquaintance do begin to be to me , as his to him had been : my love to them , with hatred they requite ; for kindnesses , returning me despight . of me , their scurrile songs the drunkards make , with whom the scoffers in their jeers partake . they , who as yesterday , pretended had some kindness , are malitiously grown mad , combining and conspiring , how they may my life , estate and credit take away ; as if until i wholly were destroy'd their expectations could not be enjoy'd : although i know no good that can arise to them , by what against me they devise : or why such wrongs by them to me are done , except it be , because i did them none : or , else , for that their wayes i look into , more , then they are well-pleased i should do . for , be it known , they who are thus inrag'd are not of those who formerly ingag'd , in that cause which i lately did oppose ; no , no , so justly , these are not my foes : but , men , ( if they deserve that name ) whose base dissembling heart false tongues , and steeled face : inclines them to make shew , as if they never did any thing against the king endeavour : whereas , a chief of that debauched crew , with his drawn sword the late king did pursue ; and boasted heretofore ( with his own breath ) of personal assistance at his death : another of them , that he might endear himself to those who last inthroned were , made headless this kings picture ; vowing then , so to have done to him , had he there been . these are my persecutors ; these are they who help spread snares and mischiefes in my way : and , some of those who yet in power a bide , ( by playing fast and loose on either side ) are their abettors ; for no cause to me yet known ; unless they know i see their juglings : or perhaps , because they fear i may hereafter make them to appear . whereas , i rather ( for my countries sake ) to god , for their conversion , prayers make , that , timely , they their malice may repent , their own , and our perditions to prevent ; and that by our malitiousnesse they bring no damage to these realms , or to the king , to superfiede that mercy , which i find god , te confer on us , is now inclinde , because our weal and wo will be involv'd , within each others , as we are resolv'd , and , as for time to come we shall persever in union , or neglect a good endeavour . though by our sins , and by the sins of those who were acknowledged ( however chose ) for our trustees , our late immunities are wholly forfeited , whilst god shall please ; there is an open gate , through which i view a better way , then we do yet pursue , to re-obtain them , and to settle that desired peace which we have aimed at . there is a hope , this king will be so just ( when those in whom the common people trust he thorowly hath tride ) to let us see , that , he shall prove at last our best trustee , next under god , and for us do much more then all our parliaments did heretofore , or will do now ; for , they often do those resemble so , by whom they have been chose , that , we in probability shall never accomplish that for which we do endeavour , till god shall other instruments provide to do his work , and throw all these aside . he , those that are in being , doth permit to be therein with him , co-workers yet : and there 's a course that may with ease be taken to build a throne , which never shall be shaken ; for , if that be performed , whereupon the king is re-admitted to the throne ; and , if due glory to the king of heav'n shall for the mercy now vouchsaf'd be giv'n , his chastisement ( nigh twice so many years ) continuing as nebuchadnezzars ) will make way in this day of probation , to much more , then was by that restoration vouchsaf'd to him ; for , he establish may a throne to last until the judgement day ; whereby , shall be continu'd ( so far forth as may concern christs kingdome here on earth ) the majestracy and the ministry , ( if we loose not this opportunity ) reform'd and vindicated ( in short time ) from those contempts which have been cast on them . yea , if this king neglect not now to do that , whereto providence doth prompt him to , and would assist him in ; the more he found at his return confusions to abound , the more he shall be magnifide thereby , if , by his wisdome and his industry , with god's assistance , he shall so restore those pow'rs , that they may interfere no more : for , then they shall apart , and both together , be active and a strengthning to each other , to those good ends for which they were ordain'd ; vvhich was , that wickedness should be restrain'd ; and that each other men might not oppress , but , in uprightness and in holiness live lovingly , and serviceable here to god , and each to other , without fear . my genius many times inclineth me of these things his remembrancer to be : but , i have neither place to undertake that office , nor a fluent tongue to speak ; and should i write , i have so often tride that course and found my writings cast aside , ( though want of will , or leisure to peruse them , or else referr'd to those who did abuse them ) that , seldome times , the good effects they wrought , vvhich by them i have rationally sought ; and they have not alone been often scorn'd , but also to my advantage turn'd . beside , kings will not easily forgo what they resolve to act , or not to do : so wedded are they to their policies , and so bedazled are their carnal eyes with that bewitching splendor and false glory vvhich satan put on kingdoms transitory , that , as to jeroboam it befel though i should with a threefold miracle my word confirm ; a sequel might succeed as ineffectual as at that time did . but , to neglect ought , which i think ( in reason ) tends to secure the king , may be high treason : on his behalf therefore , to god in prayer , ( to whom i can more easily repair ) i will address my self , without delay , in words both weigh'd and measur'd for him pray , and spread them on that paper , to remain for those that will to pray them o'er again ; till that which i on his behalf have prayd , shall some way to his knowledge be conveyd . great king of kings , to whom are chiefly giv'n all praises ; who , in hell , in earth , in heav'n , hast sov'raign pow'r : who kingdomes dost bestow , change governments , set up and overthrow as thou shalt please and alwaies art both just and merciful in ev'ry thing thou dost : since thou , by interchanges of thy grace and judgements , hast a long time in this place vouchsaf'd experiments which do declare what thou art , and what , in our selves we are . ( informed us of what is now at hand by signes upon the waters and the land , as also in the aire by peace and battle by judgements upon men , and upon cattle ) and pleased art ( as we behold this day ) to bring our king into a likely way of settlement upon his fathers throne : perfect , i pray thee , the work thou hast begun . let thy vouchsafing him a restoration , unclog'd with aa explicite obligation , no disadvantage to thy people bring , but rather adde more honour to the king , by manifesting that his actings be products of vertue , from compulsion free : and lest they fall into that great offence which may obdure into impenitence , ( as jeroboam and his people did when their idolatry thou didst forbid ) permit thou not his failings or his sin , to frustrate what thy mercy doth begin . let all these nations on their part endeavour to make this reconcilement firm for ever , by that obedience joyn'd with true affection , which may deserve his fatherly protection : and let their welfare be to him as dear , as if they children of his body were : for , no bond of allegiance firm abides , if equally not fastned on both sides ; nor can their mutual ties long lasting be , unlesse their duties they perform to thee , their sov'raign paramount who , search dost make what course thy vice-roys , and their subjects take : and alwaies dost a wicked people bring to be enslaved by a wicked king ; not long preserving any kingdome clear from rebels , where the princes tyrants are : for , thou acceptest no person , as to that which unto common justice doth relate ; though slowly , many times , thy judgements come , that mercy may have time to bring them home . since he who governs men ought to be just , on his part let the king perform his trust on him imposed , and sincerely do all things that really conduce thereto ; shunning such flatterers , and such whisperings as by degrees may tempt him to those things which will at last divide them from each other whom now thy providence hath brought together , lest they by fraudulent equivocations annihilate each others expectations . with wisdom and with grace , his heart enlarge , the duties of his calling to discharge , vvithout pretending more than he intends ; which practise alwaies in dishonour ends . when once the promise of a king is broken , few afterward regard what shall be spoken by him , what probable excuse soever to vindicate himself he shall indeavour : and though in his designs a while he speeds that 's one in words , another in his deeds ; yet , he who by that practice gaineth most , gets nothing at the last whereof to boast . let him take counsel from thy vvritten vvord , how he should weild the scepter and the sword , lest they may prove worse tools , than if he had been born to use the mattock and the spade . incline him also to enure his ear , the voice of truth in her own terms to hear , lest of such things as to his weal pertain , he may sometimes in ignorance remain . and since he is thy steward both by name and office , let him execute the same , as one who knows , that he for all things done must give accompt , and no man knows how soon . for tho , thou call'st kings gods , yet dye they must like other men , and mingle with their dust . him , keep thou mindful , that thou didst not make these nations for his ends , or for his sake , but him to be their servant ; and to own no priviledges upon him bestown but for their vvelfare ; and that he should do to all men as he would be done unto . true-hearted men , to serve him , let him take , or them by his example such to make , instruct him , lord , for , one of these will be more useful , than of others , two or three . what he is in himself , let it be known by those , on whom his favours are bestown , though undeserved , he vouchsafe to some his grace , that they more gracious may become ; as thou dost oftentimes , when we transgress through frailty , and not with maliciousness . make him consider well , things lately past , with what at present thou vouchsafed hast , and what may yet ensue : make him to mind ( if thereof , him forgetful thou shalt find ) through what wants , to abundance thou hast brought him ; what lessons , by affliction thou hast taught him ; what snares and dangers , thou hast freed him from , to what security he now is come , without premis'd conditions , or engaging himself with others ; or , by what the waging of war might have requir'd , or by complying with those , who for self-ends , at watch were lying : what hopes , and fears , and doubts , he had that night in which he made escape from woster-fight ; as also , when he sanctuary took within the body of a hollow oak ; what secret vows and promises were made by him to thee , when he direction had unto that lane , whereby he found a pass out of those hazards wherein then he was : make him therewith consider , to what end that great deliverance thou didst intend , and what thou mayst expect this day from him for all by thee vouchsafed since that time . moreover , make him take especial heed , why thou with him and others didst proceed as we have lately seen : wherefore , all those and their adheres , who , most did him oppose , thou giv'st into his hands : why , from the throne thou flung'st him ; why , again setst him thereon ; lest else , false prophets , or court-parasites , detractors , bold impostors , hypocrites , or such like , may divert him by delusions to that which is pursude with sad conclusions , and not so much to his well-being tends , as to accomplish their own wicked ends : or , lest an over-weening may perswade him , that his own wisdom prevalent hath made him ; and that thou hast vouchsaf'd a good success to his desires , for his own righteousness . let him some way , provide a reparation of publick faith , by whose late violation these nations are defam'd ; and ( which is worse ) made liable unto a dreadful curse which may extend to him . unsafe is he with people that anathemized be . his person , though their suff'rings reach not to , to those , who now to him relate , they do ; and , those oppressions which are lately cast on thousands , will extend to him at last , if he endeavour not what in him lies to cure their grievances , and stint their cries : for well enough it doth appear to thee , that , neither all men , nor their causes be such as to him they represented are ; or , as unto the world they yet appear . as mercy , therefore thou hast shown to him so let him also mercy shew to them who now are in his pow'r : for , although thee they have offended , they , thy people be ; and i desire it should by him be heeded , that whosoe'er against such have proceeded beyond thy limits ( to pursue their own revenge or ends ) do so incur thy frown , that on themselves it brings at latter end those mischiefs which to others they intend . let him take also conscientious heed , he makes that pardon which is promised , ( so far as thou allow'st ) so full and free , as he expects , thine unto him should be ; else , recknings , 'twixt you two will not be even , for , as he pardons , he shall be forgiven . discerning give him , betwixt rights and wrongs , to whom a frown , to whom a smile belongs ; betwixt usurpt prerogatives , and those through whose defects , pow'r-needful he may lose ; 'twixt formal and essential pieties , true doctrines , and deluding sophistries ; betwixt nathaniel , and an ananias , men byassed , and men without a byas ; betwixt thy prophets , and the priests of baal , by whatsoever , names themselves they call : lest peradventure , some of those he takes into his bosome , may at last prove snakes . give him an understanding heart , to judge betwixt true and pretended sacriledge ; lest such as heretofore befooled kings , by placing holiness in common things , turn thy true worship into superstitions , to multiply their temporal fruitions ; abuse his piety as much ( or more ) as they abused princes heretofore ; besainting them for their misplaced zeal , when 't is but such as was in jezabel , who fed four hundred prophets ev'ry day from her own table ; such , perhaps as they who in these daies do arrogate to be thy prophets , or apostles sent from thee : or , what are they ought better , who now dare to count those holy things which offer'd were to devils ; and , would that , as sacred hold for which the souls of men were bought and sold ? such merchants may among us now be found , and therefore ( lest ere long they more abound ) enable and incline the king to try all spirits ; that , with none he may comply , who may by his indulgence undermine his throne , and set the man of sin on thine . thy pastors teach him to distinguish from those theeves , who in at window use to come : and make him cherish those that are sincere in thy profession , by what name soe'er they shall be call'd ; since , things may be the same essentially , which differ in the name . lord ! 't is thy cause , for which i have begun this pleading ; i will therefore plead it on . let him of demas and diotrephes take special heed : for , perilous are these ; and so are also they who do suppose religion doth consist in mimick shows , or , in those gaudy furnitures , with which the scarlet-strumpet , nations did bewitch : or in observing things indifferent , as if essentially pertinent ; or in opposing or neglecting them contentiously ; or , with the mind of them who said , what needs this waste ? for , nor their use nor their dis-use , but onely their abuse , gives just offence : yea , 't is not our abating , or adding ; but , 't is our necessitating indifferent things , which renders them to be offensive to thy saints , or unto thee . let him take heed of those , who with pretence to piety , affect pre-eminence : for , those began the quarrel whence did spring the breach betwixt this people and the king. and these , oh god ! if thou prevent it not , will re-beget what they at first begot . the king was young when hee departed hence , and could not know them then ; they , ever since were in a posture , which supprest their pride , and made them lay their haughtiness aside : but when their late pluckt wings are over-grown with feathers , they will perfectly be known . vouch safe him such a sanctifide discerning , that neither their formalities nor learning , their fawnings , their dissembled sanctity , or their pretendings to antiquity , deceive him ; for , by such like specious sleights the great deceiver brought in his deceits . wee old impostors have , as well as new , and truth is made a baud to things untrue when men rely on men ; and , by records of their own forging , dare arraign thy words before their bar ; whereas , they should be try'd ( when they are question'd by none else beside thy spirit and their peers : which priviledge ( if they might have before an upright judge ) would end a thousand quarrels , which will never till then have end ; but multiply for ever . i know no prudent christian , who dislikes the name or officer , term'd by the greeks episcopos ( and wee in english call an overseer ) if episcopal he truly be , and seeks not to obtrude on other men a carnal servitude . all presbyters ( as by thy word appears ) are bishops , and all bishops presbyters ; and thou conferr'dst precedency on none , except it be for orders sake alone , to prosecute such things as have relations to thy affairs , in several congregations , as when that we , confusions to prevent , a prolocutor , or a president in synods , and in counsels constitute , to whom a double honour we impute . for such like ends ( if used soberly ) to some , belongeth a precedency ; yea , thy church , being of a large extent , must have both overseers eminent , and super-eminent , that so she may with speed and ease , in a well order'd way , ( as need requires ) those things communicate , which either universally relate , or to particulars . and , to pursue this order , there is doubtless also due to such , proportionably , both respect and maintenance , to give it an effect , with which all persons duly qualifide for that high calling , will content abide ; although it otherwhile amounts to less than when corruption sprung from an excess ; and thy apostle hath declar'd from thee , that thus a bishop qualifi'd should be . a man that lives an unreproved life , the conjugal companion of one wife , one watchful , temperate , and hospitable , one well compos'd , and for instruction able ; a man , that from excess in wine refrains , that seeks not to be rich by sordid gains : that neither is malicious , nor a striker , nor of ought avariciously a seeker , but just , no novice ; one that without blame guides his own house , and hath an honest fame . and thou hast shew'd us , how he should be chose when judas his apostleship did lose . if , i mistake thy paterns , make them , lord , such as may therewith ev'ry way accord ; and so the kings heart toward them dispose , that as matthias was , they may be chose : for , whilst for their admittance they depend upon mens pleasures , they will more intend their services than thine : but , when they be elected by their peers , and then by thee , as heretofore ; they shall defie the beast , and overthrow the throne of antichrist . let him no pow'r usurp , whereby these may election have , by any other way than is agreeable to his intent , by whom his messengers at first were sent : for , by that means , into thy church were brought such overseers , as much more have sought to serve themselves than thee ; much scandaliz'd thy congregations , and made truth despis'd . such , as unlike to those apostles be which were ordained by they christ and thee . their pomp and habit , avarice and pride , their language , and some other marks beside , are symptomes which do make it very plain , to whom , and to what kingdome they pertain ; and that they seek not thine ; unless , oh god , thy holy word i have mis-understood . i did believe the kingdome of thy son , vvhich was at first in poverty begun by him , who had all riches at command , vvith all things in areadiness at hand that might at once have made his kingdome here more glorious than the popedome doth appear , vvould not have left it struggling for that glory vvhich is compleated by things transitory , nigh sev'nteen hundred years had they been so essential , as some think they are thereto . in my simplicity , i rather thought that hee who to advance his kingdome sought by piety and meekness , did intend that way to glorifie it to the end of carnal vanities , and should have had such officers and overseers made as rather therewith suited , than with those vvhose kingdoms satan hath at his dispose : and that they should have had throughout all ages the self-same badges , liveries and wages as at the first , not such as some do now usurp and challenge as a sacred due , making them seem ambassadours to bee sent from the great turk , rather than from thee . thus i believ'd , lord , this , beleeve i still to bee according to thy sacred vvill : and thou dost know , that what i now express , flows from no self-ends , or maliciousness . vvithout compliances with such as these , the king may reign with honour , if hee please : and with more safety , than if they acquir'd that whereunto they lately had aspir'd . but , i confess , a pow'r he cannot have , both soul and body so much to inslave , as by their help , who in these latter ages , have got two masters , and two sorts of wages ; and , by whose aid , the throne of antichrist doth not a little , at this day , subsist . lord , therefore , to maintain the pageantry and lusts of an exploded prelacy , let not the king expose to desolation so many thousand persons in this nation , as now are like to suffer , by a rabble both unto thee and him unserviceable . they , who are useful officers of thine , according to that antient discipline , which from thy holy word we do derive , and from the practice of times primitive , may be provided for , without that cost which hath for many years on them been lost ; without incurring needless violations of contracts , or th' ingagements of these nations ; without exposing many families to suddenly-destructive miseries ; and without hazarding of those events which to such harshness may be consequents . the temp'ralties and lordships they possest , belong'd not to the calling they profest . when first they were conferr'd , they brought perdition to piety , encrease to superstition , and mischief to the saints ; for which they are ejected from them by that civil war vvhich they occasion'd ; and though re-possession they may have for a while , by thy permission , i have a thought , that at their restoration ( as at new laying jericho's foundation ) some signal thing will then be done that shall declare , thou art not pleased therewithall ; which , from thy purpose if it disagree pardon this babling of my thought to thee . that thus , oh lord ! my heart is now inclin'd concerning these , to speak to thee my mind , 't is not because thou need'st it should be told , but , that hereby , some other better should consider what by their means may befall , both in things ghostly , and things corporal . thou knowest that it is not my estate , which is by these in hazard now of late to be bereft : for whether unto these , or unto mee , to give it thou shalt please , i am content ; since all the world is thine , and so much as is needful , shall be mine . thou likewise knowest , that of none of these , i judge the persons , or the consciences ; but , that i am in charity with all , and , leave them by thy doom to stand or fall . the various forms of worshipping of thee ; within thy church are no offence to mee ; because there may be possibly salvation through christ , in every christian dispensation , to those , who with a conscientiousness , beleeve and practise what they do profess . the prelates , not thy bishops , i oppose ; nor prelates , if they nought on mee impose , for , when they less esteem things transitory , they may be instrumental to thy glory ; and , to thy congregations will dispense thy sacred mysteries , without offence : when wee a little more are rub'd together , to scour away the rust from one another . although the name of bishop doth offend , thy son his congregations did commend to overseers , as well as to preachers ; ( to deacons , and to ordinary teachers ) and doubtless , though ambition strained further that discipline , a primacie of order is now so needful , that when thou hast broke the bile of pride , and quite away hast took from that imposthumation all the core , thy church will govern'd be as heretofore . the prelates being grosly led aside by their o'er-weening , avarice and pride , vvould have thy church , laodicea-like , her glory , in external pomp , to seek ; their faction onely they conceive to bee that holy church , which is approv'd by thee : like her , shee boasteth that shee nothing needs , that all reformed churches she exceeds , and , much triumphs now , in the restitution of her adored rags of superstition : but if their prelacy aside they lay , therewith , will all their trinkets fall away : the treble , mean , the tenor and the base , and counter-tenor , to a diapase . thou then shalt bring , and to this people give the grace , as well to love and to believe , as hear and do ; and every differing string shall to the musick such a concord bring , that , what at present doth obstruct our peace , shall to thy praise hereafter adde increase . this i believe , lord , let us wait upon thy will with patience , till this shall bee done . mean-while , preserve the people and the king , from those ensnarings , which these , else , may bring upon the conscience ; or , lest wee by them may bee withdrawn from thy jerusalem , to babylon ; let such before our eyes unmasked stand , by whatsoe'r disguise they are conceal'd : for , much i am affraid , a game is dealing now , which may be play'd to thy dishonour , and wolves forth be sent among thy lambs to frust rate his intent , who sent lambs among wolves : for as of old wee were fore-warn'd , that some deceivers would say , here is christ , and there is christ , that they might set a false christ up : so , at this day , that undiscern'd the antichrist may bee , some , tell us this , some , tells us , that is hee : but , by such signal marks him thou hast shown , that hee to many thousands is well known . reveal him also to this king , and shew , how they to whom there 's double honour due , may with all necessaries bee supplide , more to th' advance of piety than pride : that other nations , by that good example , may joyn in building thy essential temple with such materials as may not confound the parts thereof , or make the whole unsound . and cause this king a pattern to become of justice to all kings in christendome . to that end i implore thy majesty ( for thine own honours sake which else thereby may bee eclips ' d ) that hee usurp not on the consciences of men , which is thy throne ; nor suffer any other in thy name , and with false warrants to usurp the same . for , by that rule whereby intrude they shall on one indifferent thing , they may bar all ; and ere they leave encroaching thereupon , of christian liberties , not leave us one . inslaving of the conscience , to all evil sets open gates : and only for the devil or antichrist , it maketh proselytes , and , doth but fill the world with hypocrites . therefore , to all , who faith in thee profess , who keep thy moral law , and common peace endeavour to preserve by word and deed , let such a freedome bee by him decreed ; that truth and errour , whilst within those lists they keep themselves , may for their interests , contend at will ; and let those punish'd bee , vvho break those lists , as traytors unto thee . for , whereso'er this prudently is done , the fall of babylon is there begun ; and christ will give true judgement betwixt them vvho yet contend , in his appointed time . for this king 's likewise , and this people's sake , both him and them , henceforth , so wary make , that neither vow , nor covenant , nor oath , they violate : for , thou so much do'st loath unfaithfulness , that when thy people made a cov'nant , which thy prohibition had , ( yea , notwithstanding all conditions were obtain'd by fraud ) a punishment severe thou for the wilful breach thereof , did'st bring , both on thy chosen people , and their king. a vow likewise , by jonathan infring'd ( unwittingly ) severely was aveng'd : and breach of oaths in ev'ry generation , hath been pursu'd by thee , with indignation , though made to infidels , and unto those who were as well thine , as thy peoples foes . yea , though men are in durance when they make them , thou wilt severely punish those who break them ; as by that dreadful vengeance which appear'd , ( to make all future perjur'd kings afear'd ) thou brought'st on zedekiah ; and , of late , upon some christians , who did violate a contract with the turk . yea , said it was ( as if thereof they were a special cause ) for oaths , the land doth mourn : and much i fear that of our mournings , they , chief causes are . lord , cautious also make this king to bee of wronging justice , and displeasing thee , by his imposing oaths , which may give cause of clashings , 'twixt divine and humane laws ; or , which insnare , and rarely do produce effects equivalent to their abuse : for , to impose such oaths as may insnare , which , dubious in their acceptations are ; which , ignorant deponents may engage in , or to that whereof they cannot judge , or which their conscience checks at , is an end to which thou never didst an oath intend , and is a wicked and a cursed gin , by tyrants and by tyranny brought in . oh! make the king , mind and consider it ; that , fast and easie , his new crown may sit . if thou hast sent him hither in thy wrath , 't is what our wickednesse deserved hath so justly , that the same wee well may fear ; and that in our corrections hee may share , 't is also possible , as soon as hee hath dealt among us what our dole must bee : and then , our executioners must sup the dregs , at bottom of our bitter cup : as also they , who with a barbarous noise o'er us , in our afflictions now rejoyce . thee , in humility , i , now therefore with all th' affections of my heart implore , to let with judgments , mercy come along , to make our patience and our faith so strong , that , hee and wee , our tryals may improve , to turn thine indignation into love ; and not as wee and our late rulers did , provoke thee still in anger to proceed : or , as they did , who , when thy wrath on them was pour'd forth , did grow furious and blaspheme : but , to avert the danger wee are in , joyn in repentance , as wee did in sin . give to the king , a spirit fit to do that signal work , which thou hast cal'd him to ; and give us meeknesse to bee wrought upon by that , which must by thee and him bee done : for , such and so great our distempers bee , that they are curable by none but thee , or those with whom thou shalt co-operate our manifold confusions to abate . it is a pow'r to thee alone confinde to make all in one houshold , of one minde , much more 't is thy peculiar , to atone three nations , that , in him they may bee one. enable him therefore with every thing which to effect , thy purposes may bring . assist him at this time , that hee may ' bide that test , whereby hee now is to bee tride ; lest his return ( ere many turns about ) a worse turn prove , than his last turning out . from sycophants preserve him , and from those who hide their private malice , under shows of publike ends. from ev'ry mans unjust pretending , who departeth from his trust , protect him : for , he that was false to them who gave him credit , will be false to him : yea , he that is a traytor to a stranger , if he may get reward , and scape the danger , will to betray his country , prince , or friend , one time or other , some just cause pretend . but , principally , lord , preserve him from that self-will , which self-ruine doth become to all who cherish it , and maketh voyd all means which to preserve him are imploy'd . if from those places where he lately sought his refuge , any leven he hath brought , which working on the frailties of his youth , hath sowr'd the doctrines of thy saving truth , by him professed ; purge it by thy grace . lest it may poyson him , and all his race . great have been his temptations ; great likewise have been their many opportunities , who sought to work upon him ; and if home a conqueror o'er all this , he is come , it will of him , to all these nations , be a testimonial sign'd and seal'd by thee : and , to be thy confessor he will more deserve , then did king edward heretofore . make him consider , that , to be a king , is not to be an independent thing ; two ways , at least , a relative is he ; thou , and his people , antecedents be : that , for their sakes in chief , not for his own , his dignity of kingship , was bestown . that , he hath no just pow'r , but what they gave , or , thou permittest him in wrath to have , to punish , when against thee they rebel ; or else in order to their commonweal , that ordination was for good , not evil , save when made by themselves , or by the devil , which , sometimes god permits ( for many ages ) so pay his executioners their wages . this , well consid'ring , let him not intend , or kingship claim , to any other end then thou design'st ; nor practice to grow strong by offering violence , or doing wrong ; lest thou let loose those mastives which will tear those royal robes , which he in peace might wear . those beasts an ancient hierogliphick are , of englishmen : by thee chain'd up they were , when he came in ; and though they then were pleas'd , and fawn'd , they will be mad when they are teas'd , and fly on any thing , fearlesse of dangers , or odds , especially , if teas'd by strangers . this to prevent , let him not now provoke them , but rather , with a soft hand , gently stroke them ; assure him that no people can disgust , or disoblige a king that shall be just . since , when a true respect to them is shown , it makes not onely their estates his own , ( and will enrich him more then if he could turn all our mountains into ophir-gold ) but , also builds him in their heart , a throne of perfect love , for him to rest upon . make him but of this mind , and i shall seem henceforth as worthy of his good esteem , for these remembrances , as they that in his suffering have with him partakers been ; and much more to his honour it will adde , then if a panegyrick i had made . make him but thus affected , lord , to be , and in thy name , i 'll warrant this from thee , that , henceforth it shall more and more encrease his honour ; settle him in perfect peace ; all present fears and jealousies remove ; end all our quarrels in an endlesse love ; convert all that which will be found in story of our late failings , to thy future glory ; and , make that useful to preserve from blame hereafter , that was heretofore our shame . but , if that he and they , whom 't will concern now to be just and prudent , shall not learn what thou intend'st ; but act as they have done who lately were ejected from the throne ; if , yet , the king and judges of the land kiss not thy son , and timely understand what 's threatned now , but prosecute their lust , and be as mercilesse , and as unjust as others were ; i will once more be bold to tell them what to others i have told , ev'n in thy name : that , though a while they flourish , they , and the course they prosecute , shall perish . and , this my prayer ( though they sleight it shall ) will prove at last to be prophetical in ev'ry branch , as well as precatory : but be it what shall most be for thy glory . lord , hear me , and vouchsafe that those conditions on which thou condescend'st to such petitions , may be perform'd , and acceptation have , ( although they cannot merit what i crave ) for , prayers can for no man take effect , who wilfully his duty shall neglect . in mercy too , remember me , and mine : increase our faith ; keep close our hearts to thine , in all our tryals : be not so severe to heed the murm'rings , the distrusts or fear whereto we tempted are , but pardon all our failings , that we stumble not to fall . grant , that these prayers may as well prepare both me and every one who shall them hear , to mind our duties , as be helps to crave of thee , those mercies which i ask to have . one word more , for my dear relations sake , be pleas'd to hear : compassion on them take : and since by my adventures they are left quite comfortlesse , ( of every thing bereft whereby they may subsist ) some hearts prepare of them , in their desertions , to take care : or , since that they are thine , vouchsafe thou rather , to be to them a husband , and a father : for , though they may hope well , they cannot know what spirit 't is , from whence my actings flow ; and therefore cannot my partakers be , in those refreshments which i have from thee ; as well , because they see men oft bereft of reason , and to their own fancies left ; as also , for that by our separation we are depriv'd of mutual consolation . as for my self , i ask no more of thee , but that grace which will all-sufficient be . life is preserved with a little matter ; and , he that with course cloath , and bread and water , content remaineth , neither can be poor , nor miserable , though he has no more . to this endeavour give some good effect ; and , so to prosecute it , me direct , that without fruit , my pains be not bestown through other mens defaults , or by my own : and , pardon it , if i , my self , have sought , by minding my own cause , more then i ought ; whereof ( i do confess ) i am affraid i may be guilty , by self-love o'er-swaid ) but , humbly to thy grace , my soul appeals , which will suffice for that , and all faults else . for what i have done well , the praise be thine : for what 's amiss , let all the blame be mine . thus in a plain petitionary mode , i have been wrestling as it were with god , for king and people : for whose sake i made this glasse , which else no being should have had . i must confess , my own sad cause broke in , as soon as ere i did therewith begin ; and would not suffer me to persevere , unless it therewith interwoven were . fain would i have forgot it ; but i may as well , if broyling on hot coals i lay , resolve i would not feel them , as i then could from it totally refrain my pen : for ( as i have yet ) i had then my share with such , as this day most oppressed are . yea , mov'd i was , these musings to compose , when scorns , wrongs , wants , and multiplying foes , had overwhelm'd me so , that they had crackt my brains , if this employment i had lackt . like balast in a ship , it kept me steddy , when i had else been over-set , or giddy . and , my afflictions have permitted been , perhaps , not altogether for my sin ; but partly , that together with mine own , the grievances of others might be known ; and that for no respects i might forbear my thanklesse office of remembrancer , for which god had with health , and food , and rayment vouchsaf'd me extraordinary payment , till i neglected it , on vain surmises , appearing in some rational disguises . at first i lazy grew ; then , fell in doubt whether the work i was employ'd about were god's , or rather somewhat , which to do , not duty , but my fancy led me to . then i began to think it might be spar'd , because i saw that neither much regard my musings had nor any such effect as i by them did formerly expect : and at the last , i fear'd if i went on with what i purpos'd , i should be undone . thus , though in conscience i was call'd unto it , i did neglect it , till god whipt me to it ; and therefore now am justly thrust among those thousands , who complain of helpless wrong . i dreaded , that it might encrease my troubles ; and therefore , them upon me god redoubles . i feared that some losses might befal ; and therefore worthily have now lost all . my duties , i deferred to be done , till i should have more rest ; and now have none . my wives and childrens ruine i did fear ; and therefore i and they now begger'd are : yea , so much more then begger'd , as my debt amounts unto , ( for ought that i know yet . ) this , by my carnal prudence i have got ; and this in like case , will be each mans lot god , will have this work done for love or awe ; and since i did it it not whilst i had straw , i now must gather stubble . i was fain to prosecute this ( not without much pain ) when i had but a very little left , and often threatned was to be berest ev'n of that little . scarce one man i knew who cared for my soul ; and very few to whom i my condition might relate , or unto whom i might communicate these lines , without a mischief or a jeer , when i conceived they most useful were ; for have i where with to the press to send them , though i for publication do intend them ; nor have i in my power a certainty of what should necessary things supply ; nor know from whence it shall to me be given for time to come , except it rain from heav'n : and ( which of these afflictions is the chief ) i freedom want to seek for my relief . and whilst this was composing , the despight which long was riping , grew to such a height , that evil news like job i did receive , as if the world from god had gotten leave to try my patience as she pleas'd should be , preserving onely life and health in me : for by their censures many did assay to take my confidence in god away : objecting , that my scribling to make known the times corruptions , flow'd but from mine own : that , malice , envy , pride , or private spleen , the fountaines are , whence issu'd they have been : and press'd it so , as if it were a crime more capital , then any of our time : which makes me unto god , sometimes to cry , search thou my heart , and give the world the lye . she dayly seeks occasion to defame me , to make me miserable , and to shame me : she practiseth all means that may deject me , and how she by despairings , may afflict me . yea , as if knowing i were musing now , on somewhat which her projects might o'erthrow , her friend the devil , doth afflict me more , then all that i have mentioned before , by strongly tempting them , whose nigh relations can most augment my inward perturbations , to be afraid , that i so much prefer my own designes , before my weal and their ; that , what at this time i pursue , will be the total ruine both of them and me ; and , that what i resolve , doth rather flow from vvilfulnesse , then duties which i owe ; or , at the best , from some fanatick fit proceeding from a boldnesse without wit : and to convince me of what they alledge , they thereof make my greatest foe the judge : which more perplext me ; and my patience try'd a great deal more then all the world beside : for neither vvorld nor devil could invent a remora like that , to my inten . i , notwithstanding , still proceeded on to do , what i think needful to be done ; as all men should , who know oblig'd they are , their deeds by their own consciences to square , and not by other mens ; because , that none must answer for their faults , but they alone . if this be not my work and that work too , which i was principally born to do , i know not wherefore i was born , or why i lived , but to eat , and drink , and die ; which made me in condition , at the least , as low , if not much lower then a beast , considering what faculties they be wherewith my maker bath endowed me : and if such vvorks as these , are fit for none but perfect men , they never can be done . was i enabled this way to expresse my mind so plainly and with easinesse , in my distracting troubles , to no end but time , and ink , and paper to mispend ? are we , by god , so often call'd upon to heed what he , and we our seves have done , ( and stir up others to perform the same ) for nothing but to be expos'd to blame , or to mis-censures , when we undertake that thankless office , for meer conscience sake ? is poesie , which wise men have believ'd a gift from god , ev'n in the womb receiv'd , ( and , whereby david did both trophies raise to his redeemer 's everlasting praise , and leave behind him for our imitation , reproofs of tyrants , in his generation ) is that now grown quite useless , in all those to whom a portion thereof he bestows , except lust to inflame ? to cast disgrace on vertue , or extol a painted face ? is it in these daies , not to be allow'd , unless it be to idolize the proud : or flatter fools ? i 'll wonder then no more : why poets are less priz'd then heretofore . no marvel they are slighted ; and , perhaps , cherish't like parrots , or maintain'd with scraps . like spaniels , & must think much honor done them , if their great patrons please to grin upon them : for , they deserve no better need then so , if that be all the work they have to do . this way it is and shall be well employ'd by me , although i thereby am destroy'd : and , though it is an old adjudged case , that poets must be poor , i 'll not be base . my poverty is without president , for i am poor by acts of parliament . i was not in that condition thrown , till they who crackt my credit lost their own ; and if the king pleaseth , he may make me rich , yet loose no honour , nor in treasure much ; for , had i but mine own , my debts to free , i should suppose my self as rich as he . from god , if this proceed not , i shall have the recompence i merit to receive ; which will be at the worst an outward trouble , and loss of that which i have built with stubble : but , if it flows from him it will produce effects which to his glory shall have use ; and , he will bring it forth at such a time , as , serviceable make it will to him . yea , though in the thames it should be thrown , like that which being tide unto a stone was sunk in euphrates ( and no more seen after in babel it once read had been ) and will be made available to that which , in composing it , i aimed at . till that time , therefore , i will lay it by , not doubting such a time is drawing nigh . if this king ( as i hope ) be hither sent , as well for mercy , as for chastisement , ( for , we need both ) it , such effects will bring , that we in judgement shall of mercy sing . for my part , whatsoere my portion be , i 'll take that thankfully which falls on me , as sent from god , whoere he be that brings it , yea , though at me , in rage , the devil flings it : for ( be it known and heeded ) not in vain die they , who in the forlorn hope are slain : nor uselesse to a victory are they , who are suppos'd to throw their lives away by desperate attempts ; since providence ( whose way transcendeth mans intelligence ) acts very many times , by things which we think may to her own ends repugnant be . they who were slain when first the fight begun , and they who fought until the field was won , may ( whatsoere to others doth appear ) in work and honour , merit equal share . nay , signal victories are got sometime by that which hath been punish'd as a crime . to me and many other men beside , may , peradventure , such a lot betide ; however , i submit unto his pleasure , who acts in his own time , by weight and measure ; and , forasmuch as i have no defence against my foes , but naked innocence , ( or words , which are amongst them sometimes shot , to let them understand i fear them not ) i , ( that my flesh my be preserved from dejection in her mode , till succours come ) my fortresse keeping , their affronts despise , shoot back their stones , and durt into their eyes ; believing , they to peace will now incline , or , be reduc'd to harder streights then mine , as they but lately were , who did contemn the sequels , whereof i fore-warned them . and , if by storm , they take my life away , ( which , i as little do regard , as they ) it , in their souls may leave a sting behinde it , which , will with torment , make them sometimes mind it . but , here i yet remain ; and for a close ( in reference to our antichristian foes ) i 'll adde this corollary by the way , whilst on his horns , the b e a s t is tossing hay : for , if deceiv'd i am not , our disease chiefly proceedeth , underhand , from these . and though ( a farther-off removed cause pretending ) they bescratch us with the paws of other beasts : it plainly may be seen by whom our troubles have contrived been . i , therefore , make but a defensive vvar with such as mine own adversaries are ; and ( to his captains as th' assyrian , king once gave command ) intend no dart to fling , to be destructive to foe great or small , whose hate to me , is onely personal ; but , at those onely , whose hate doth extend to him , and his , on whom i do depend . to act the last scoene which precedes their doom , they , now new vampt upon the stage are come ; and though that with the king , as if his friends , they seem to side , they come to other ends , vvhich , he not yet discerning , in his grace vouchsates them a considerable place ; and , of prevailing they already boast , as if they saw the lamb , and all his host quite overthrown ; which , me as confident hath made , that god their proud hope will prevent ; and overthrow that tyranny out-right , by what they think shall raise it to its height . but , many tryals must the saints abide , and very much their patience will be tride here and elsewhere , before that act is done , which with an anti-mask is now begun . our friends inhabiting beyond the vvaters , and who were of our tragedies spectators now twenty years ( though they perceive it not , or seem not to perceive it ) in that lot which these have cast for us , designed are ( or in what follows next to have a share : for , hamans pur's on foot ; not onely here , but , like wise almost ev'ry other where ; and these think , that to take them by his gin with most speed , is , with us , first to begin . but , ther 's a counter mine , which will be sprung , to blow up them , and all their mines , ere long . six hundred sixty six , draws on apace , and not one day beyond that , shall they pass : it is the number of that man of sin , vvhereto his kingdom hath confined been by him that cannot lye : and , long ago to many , that epocha i did shows , from whence his reign begins ; and , by a light , ( as i believe ) which shines without deceit , it numbers out his reign as certainly as women reckon the nativity of children in their wombs , which hath success vvithin a very few days more or less : and of that mystery , what heretofore i have exprest , i 'le here express once more ; because , those nations which may much be needed , cannot be too oft told , nor too well heeded . to former times , this mystery was dark , and lay a long while , cover'd like a spark in ashes , lest perhaps what at this time will comfort us , might have discourag'd them who lived then : for , men rejoyce to hear the day of their deliverance is near : but nothing save discomfort could they gain , by knowing tyranny so long should reign . herein , i circumstantially perchance may somewhat ere through humane ignorance ; but , as to that which was essentially to us intended by this mystery , i shall not fail of ; which is , to presage that babylon shall fall in this our age. sev'n numerals the romane empire had , whereby of old they computations made ; and in them was their destiny fore-shown , ( though to themselves perhaps it was unknown . ) these , placed singly , as they valued are , do truly ( though misteriously ) declare how long that empire , with what sprung there-from , should last , when to the full height it should come : for , m.d.c.l.x. with v. and i. do number up , in chronogrammistry , years sixteen hundred sixty six ; and , that will be of roman tyrannies the date . no other number either more or less , if none of these you double or displace , can be by them exprest . if you ask when this number did begin ; i say , ev'n then when rome declin'd first , from her height of pride , which was , when jesus christ was crucifide : for , at that time her glory did abate . this number therefore you must calculate . from , or about , the known time of christ's passion , not from the first day of his incarnation . a silence ( as it were ) seem'd to have been in heaven , during th' interval between his death and his ascension , as if caus'd by seeing that done which had much amaz'd the whole creation , when that they did see the lord of life hang dead upon a tree . the devil , probably , at that time too , was at a stand , and knew not what to do . but , soon perceiving that the snare he wrought was broke , to make another , streight he sought ; which , to prevent , an angel in a chain , ( his other pow'rs , him suff'ring to retain ) did for a thousand years restrain the devil from setting up that mystery of evil , which in pauls time he was at work upon . but when those thousand years were fully gone , he rais'd it up ; and god permitteth him , to manage his own engine for a time , that , truth and errour might here for a space , make tryal of their strengths ; and , that each grace and vertue of the saints , by exercise improv'd might be , to fit them for the prize prepar'd for those , who shall engage with christ , and overcome the dragon and the beast . a thousand years sharp tryals they withstood ; yet then they strugled but with flesh and blood ; and , for the most part , all their combates then , were like saint paul's at ephesus , with men resembling beasts : but since iniquity was set up vailed with a mystery , ( as in these latter times ) with greater evils the saints do grasp : for they contend with devils in shape of men , in temporall confusion , made terrible by spirituall delusions ; and therefore god allotted unto him vvho tyrannizeth now , a shorter time ; and to a certain day his reign did fix , vvhich endeth at six hundred sixty six : and he who knows on what day it begun , may know the day on which it will be done . vvhich i believe , will visibly appeare in , or about the sev'nteenth hundred year . and thus much onely , therefore to foreknow , ( vvith how nigh to an end it seemeth now ) may make us hopeful , and our faith uphold , as well , as if year , day , and hour were told : yea , and it better serves to exercise our constancy , then if 't were otherwise ; and if well heeded , peradventure may keepe some upright , who might else fall away in these back sliding daies ; wherein , they see the beasts late deadly wound nigh cur'd to be . they on a sudden are become as jolly as if they thought it to be cured wholly ; and , to impose their mark , will now begin to be more strict then ever they have been ; so that ere long , few men shall live in peace , bear office , or a free estate possesse , vvhere they have power , unless they marked are in hand or forehead , with their character . but , if that , whereof some imperfect views far-off , appear , accordingly ensues , there will , to th wart their hopes , a new star blaze vvithin the vvest , that shall the world amaze ; and influences through the universe so quickly , and prodigiously disperse , that , aided by concurring constellations , it shall have some effect , upon most nations , and cause such changes , as will make a stand in those attempts which they have now in hand . yet know , it will but a diversion be , not that which must from bondage set us free . and know likewise , that this which last of all i have exprest , is but conjectural , and springs from notions meerly rational , that possibly may , or may not befal . those notions , which may variously relate to me and others , in our twofold state , are summ'd up for a general forewarning ; god , give my readers spirits of discerning , and so much grace and meeknesse , as to heed his truth , from whomsoe'er it shall proceed . such contemplations are not in my pow'r at all times ; for , my flesh oft draws me lower ; and i am forc'd to please her otherwhile , by strains , that harmlesly may her beguile with hopes of what she looks for in her mode . till that comes , which essentially is good . and if these both together can maintain my faith in patence , 't is not work in vain : for , such so great , so many are my foes , ( and frailties too , more then my own heart knows ) and so malitiously do they contrive my ruine ( more perhaps then some believe ) that , oft i 'm forc'd to answer ( i confesse ) the fool according to his foolishnesse ; and when surpriz'd , upon my guard to stand , with any lawful tool that comes to hand . god , hath in bidding to the world defiance , preserv'd me hitherto without compliance in any base mode ( though by brining on me great mischiefs , she hath now three times undone me ; and , i am hopeful , he is with me still as he hath been ; and therefore , to his will and free disposure , i will all things leave which may to me or mine relation have : and in contempt , of what my foes intend , these musings , this ensuing jigg shall end ; which blame not , if you find it somewhat long : to shorten grief , i lengthen out my song . the contented mans morice . . false world , thy malice i espie with what thou hast designed ; and therein with thee to comply , who likewise are combined : but , do thy worst , i thee defie , thy mischiefs are confined . . from me , thou my estate hast torn , by cheatings me beguiled : me thou hast also made thy scorn ; with troubles me turmoiled : but to an heritage i 'm born , that never can be spoiled . . so wise i am not , to be mad , though great are my oppressions ; nor so much fool as to be sad , though robb'd of my possessions ; for , cures for all sores may be had , and grace for all transgressions . . these words in youth my motto were , and mine in age i 'll make them ; i neither have , nor want , nor care ; when also first i spake them : i thought things would be as they are , and meekly therefore take them . . the riches i possesse this day are no such goods of fortune as king can give or take away , or tyrants make uncertain : for , hid within my self are they behind an unseen curtain . . of my degree , but few or none were daily so frequented ; but now i 'm left of every one , and therewith well contented : for , when i am with god alone , much folly is prevented . . then why should i give way to grief ? come , strike up pipe and tabor ; he that affecteth god in chief , and as himself his neighbour , may still enjoy a happy life , although he lives by labour . . not me alone have they made poor , by whom i have been cheated ; but very many thousands more are of their hopes defeated ; who little dreamed heretofore of being so ill treated . . then if my courage should be less then their who never prized the resolutions i profess ( and almost idolized ) i well deserv'd in my distress to be of all despised . . our sad complaints , our sighs and tears , make meat nor cloathing cheaper : vain are our earthly hopes and fears , this life is but a vapour : and therefore indespight of cares , i 'll sing , and dance and caper . . though food nor rayment left me were , i would of wants be dreadless : for then , i quickly should be there where bread and cloth are needless : and in those blessings have my share , whereof most men are heedless . . i then should that attain unto for which i now endeavour ; from my false lovers thither go , where friendship faileth never : and through a few short pangs of woe , to joys that last for ever . . for service done , and love exprest , ( though very few regard it ) my country owes me bread , at least , but , if i be debarr'd it , good conscience is a dayly feast , and sorrow never marr'd it . . my grand oppressors had a thought , when riches they bereaved , that then , my ruine had been wrought , but they are quite deceived : for , them the devil much mis-taught when that weak snare they weaved . . if in those courses i had gone wherein they are employed , till such atchievments had been won , as are by them enjoyed , they might have wager'd ten to one i should have been destroyed . . but , proofs have now confirmed me how much our vice offendeth , and what small helps our virtues be to that which god intendeth , till he himself shall make us free , and our defects amendeth . . not one is from corruption clear ; men are depraved wholly : meer cruelties their mercies are , their wisdom is but folly ; and when most righteous they appear , then , are they most unholy . . there is no trust in temp'ral things , for they are all unsteady : that no assurance from them springs , too well i find already ; and that ev'n parlaments and kings are frail , or false , or giddy . . all stands upon a tott'ring wheel , which never fixt abideth ; both commonweals and kingdoms reel : he , that in them confideth , ( or trust their faith ) shall mischiefs feel , with which soe'er he sideth . . this wit , i long ago was taught , but then i would not heed it : experience must by fools be bought , else they 'll not think they need it . by this means was my ruine wrought ; yet , they are knaves who did it . . when to the ground deprest i was , our mushroms and our bubbles whom neither truth , nor wit , nor grace , but wealth and pride ennobles , as cruel were , as they are base , and jeer'd me in my troubles . . and , when their hate , these had made known , new mischiefs it beg at me , for , ev'ry raskal durty clown , presumed , to amate me ; and all the curs about the town , grinn'd , snarl'd , and barked at me . . since therefore 't is not in my power , ( though oft i fore-discern them ) to shun the worlds despights one hower , thus into mirth i 'll turn them ; and neither grieve nor pout , nor lowre , but laugh , and sing and scorn them . . this fit , at sev'nty years and two , and thus to spend my hours , the worlds contempt , inclines me to , whilst she my state devours ; if this be all that she can do , a fig for all her powers . . yet i and shee , may well agree , though we have much contended ; upon as equal terms are we , as most who are offended : for , i sleight her , and she sleights me , and there 's my quarrel ended . . this onely doth my mirth allay , i am to some engaged , who sigh and weep , and suffer may , whilst thus i sing incaged : but i 've a god , and so have they , by whom that care 's asswaged . . and he that gives us in these days new lords may give us new laws ; so that our present puppet-h●ys , our whismies , brauls , and gew-gaws , may turned be to songs of praise , and holy hallelujahs . thus i have added some few ballads more to those , which my deriders heretofore have scoffingly so call'd : and , though i please to sing defiance in such words as these , ( to make them somewhat wiser ( if i might ) who are yet wise , but in their own conceit ) 't is no revengeful or malitious scorn , which back upon my scorners i return . my jollities , my caprings and advances , are not like those you see in morrice-dances ; nor is my mirth like their , who cheat their souls with musick , banquets , and o'erflowing bowls : 't is no meer outward or corporeal sense of pleasures or immunities , from whence my joys do spring : nor are they such as their who by long-suffring stupified are : ( for , few men living , of all humane passions , have deeper sense , or of their aggravations ) but , my exultings flow from apprehension of that , whereto my faith hath an extension ; and of those objects which i make those ends to which my actings and my suff'ring tends , as doth a wounded conquerour , who cries , courage , my mates , the day is ours ; then dies : or rather ; like a martyr on the rack , who when his flesh tears , and his sinews crack , casts on the tyrant a disdainful smile , and in god's love , rejoyceth all the while . that which is purposed by my caresses , and sparklings from my soul in these expresses , is partly to preserve in my own heart those resolutions , which might else depart : whereat grudge not , as if you thought i heeded that which my self concerneth , more then needed ; for , moderate self-love , is that whereby we must to others measure charity . 't is partly too , for others informations that i so oft insert pre-occupations relating to my self , and to prevent annihilating of that good intent which i pursue ; by taking that away which prejudice alleage in private may . if these expressions no advantage be to other men , they are of use to me . 't is not amiss , least i forgetful grow , to mind my self sometimes of what i know , and make to others known , that they who keep good consciences , may sing themselves asleep amidst their greatest foes ; and without fear awake , when they by them alarmed are : that , he on whom god makes his face to shine , may be as glad as they , whose corne and wine doth still encrease , and with content be crown'd , which way soe'er the rowling wheel goes round ; for , he that acts in suff'rings what he teaches , moves more , then when but verbally he preaches . but , most men so a bound in their own sense , and rather so incline to take offence at such expressions , then them to regard ; that much of this perhaps might have been spar'd . however , neither much more pains or cost , can i now loose , then is all ready lost ; since therefore what she likes , the world hath got from me , i 'll give her what she liketh not ; for not much longer am i now to bear her burthens , or the scorn of fools to hear ; and in my grave , when i am laid asleep , these mussings will believ'd memorials keep , of things which to god's glory shal pertain , till his trump calls me to awake again ; for , though truths will to our posterities conveyed be among a heap of lyes , they will to those who love them , shine as clear as diamonds which mixt with charcoals are : and therefore , till death quite depriveth me of seeing that which in the flesh i see , and faith foresees ; to my eternall king to this effect , i 'll hallelujah sing . . god sits where he doth see and hear , where kings and lords consulting are , and heeds what is intended there : sing therefore hallelujah . to make them better understand his will , and what he hath in hand , he wonders acts at sea and land : sing therefore hallelujah . . his mercies here were lately shown , they who abus'd them are o'erthrown , and now by judgements he is known : sing therefore hallelujah . he sev'rall waies mens hearts hath tride , he fools their wit , he shames their pride , and by their shame is glorifide ; sing therefore hallelujah . . to tryals ev'ry man he brings , he spares nor commoners nor kings , and of his deeds the whole earth rings . sing therefore hallelujah . such marvels as in times of old , have either written been or told , vve did with our own eyes behold : sing therefore hallelujah . . he stirs and stils the winds and seas ; yea , kings and nations can appease , things , oft , less tameable then those ; sing therefore hallelujah . he wounds and cures , he builds and breaks , he kills and saves , he gives and takes , and as he finds cause , mars or makes : sing therefore hallelujah . . he by contention endeth firife ; by leaving helpless , gives relief ; and , by death bringeth unto life . sing therefore hallelujah . he for well-doing and for ill , doth promises and threats fulfil , and is both just and gracious still . sing therefore hallelujah . . by doing right he cureth wrongs , turns mournful cries to joyfull songs ; to all gives what to them belongs . sing therefore hallelujah . he giveth ease , by making sore ; he makes men rich by being poor , and loosers win , by loosing more : sing therefore hallelujah . . to crown all this , and cure the fear vvhich doth in many saints appear , his kingdom now is drawing near : sing therefore hallelujah . for gog and magog joyn in one , their gen'ral musters are begun , and their destruction commeth on : sing therefore hallelujah . . as he foretold us heretofore , revenge pursues the scarlet whore , and she ere long shall be no more sing therefore hallelujah . the kings and captains of his foes shall then be carrion for the crows , and all who do the lamb oppose ; sing therefore hallelujah . . that we more watchful might be made , we lately three probations had ; and now he doth another adde . sing therefore hallelujah . new offers of his grace mave we ; and though yet obstinate we be , still mercifull to us is he ; sing therefore hallelujah . so , farewell friends . i will not say for ever ; for though i lately purpos'd , that i never in this mode more would write th' event hath shown i had then work undone , to me unknown ; and therefore , till he thereto puts an end who knows my task , his pleasure i 'll attend , and prosecute it , untill he shall say , thy labour now is finish'd ; come away . mean while , that i my soul may ready make , for such a call , and willingly forsake mhis place ; i 'll sometimes hearten her along with this that follows , or some such-like song . . my soul , come let us go , in sodom longer linger not ; look not behind thee so , but call to mind the wife of lot . let nothing here to thee be dear , or captive thy desires ; god will thereon , when we are gon , rain down consuming fires . . though with a glorious light , the sun thereon begins to rise , a dreadfull storm ere night , her careless dwellers will surprize . come , come away , vvithout delay ; quite cast her out of mind : for worth thy thought in her ther 's nought , vvhich thou shalt leave behind . . god's mercies they condemn ; his kindness with despights repay ; still when he speaks to them , they turn their heads another way . vvhen he intreats , reproves , or threats , to heed it they disdain ; or with a scoff they put it off , and obstinate remain . . god here hath pitch'd his tent ; and here , had they his counsel took , to dwell for ever meant ; but they , alas ! have him forsook . this , which a place like eden was , is now defil'd with sin ; still fruit it bears , that fair appears ; but 't is all dust within . . then from this cursed plain flee , to those everlasting hills , where safe thou may'st remain , and whereon thy redeemer dwels . here make no stay : for though there may in zoar safety seem , when such storms be , secure are we no where , except in him . . this is their fatall day , vvhich day perhaps , may last a year ; and true repentance may avert the doom approaching near . but , i much doubt , that trifled out this day of grace will be . therefore in fear , and danger here , our stay , will always be . now my last publick work i hope is ended ; blessed be he that 's therewith not offended : for , whatsoe'er it seems , i shall expect a consequent , as this doth take effect . my exercise without me , and within , afflictions and distractions , long have been ; if therefore , what in hast i did indite , when those disturbances were at their height , confus'd appears ; the better 't will declare what mine , and other mens conditions are . and , if therein , ought seems to merit blame , they who are candid , will excuse the same . g. w. a postscript in answer to some cavilling objections , made against the author of this considering-glass , since the composing thereof . i heare my snarling censurers object , that , all i write , is to the same effect ; and , that the most part of what 's here exprest , is but cold dishes , sent forth newly drest . mis-censures might be spar'd , though this were true . for , where the matter 's old , th' occasion 's new : and they will here see , if they heed it more , thrice fifty pages , never seen before . but were it otherwise , how much transgrest had i therein , more then that country priest , vvho , having ( or pretending it ) a call such to inform , as i oft meet withall , preach'd but one sermon many years together , and , till they had learn'd that , would preach no other ? another of their cavilling objections is this ; that there are many contradictions in my affirmatives . this true may be to those men paradventure , who can see but with one eye ; or , look but on one side of that , whose verity is to be tride : yet , all my affirmations will be true , vvhen they are heeded with judicious view . this is the same , which often such as they abusively , of holy scriptures say because they neither heed nor understand how circumstances , and the points in hand , may warrantize that to be verifi'd in some respects , which ought to be deni'd in othersome : as in the controverse 'twixt faith and works ; or such : which to reherse would be but labour lost , by adding more , to manifest what most men knew before . these my detracting readers , do moreover , a pers'nal vanity in me discover ( as they think ) which much levity implies . good souls ! how modest are they , and how wise i seek for , and i do assume , they say , ( at all times , in all places where i may ) occasions to communicate and show what i have writ , and what i seem to know , to all men , whether friends or foes they be ; wise men or fools ; of high or low degree . which i 'll confesse : for , to my self alone the harm which thereby can ensue is done : doth any prudent man a book compose , onely to teach himself , the things he knows ? or , for their sakes alone , who learned be , and better know those things , perhaps , then he ? should not the weal of every one be sought ? as well the poorest , as the rich be taught ? and do not the prophane , and fools , as much good cautions need , as they who are not such ? doth any one , that 's noot a fool at least , his candle light , to lock it in a chest ? doth any , when a town on fire appears , call out for help , were he knows no man hears ? or think it onely needful to repair at such times , to the aldermen and maior , when two poor labourers may do as much , in an emergency , as twenty such ? if there be any of this mind , who passe for prudent men , let me thought an asse . though in my pocket , i no orders carry like those , who preachers are in ordinary , i have them in my heart ; and , in my way , oblig'd to preach god's truths , no less then they , take up my auditors , where i can find them ; and there , in my mode , of their duties mind them . for i have oft observ'd ( and so may these observe it likewise often , if they please ) that , they whom some count despicable men , make better use of those means , now and then , which to god's glory pertinent do seem , ( or common good ) then men of more esteem ; and that sometimes , the work of god we do , by what is thought impertinent thereto . we know , the gospel first to them was brought whom worldly wise men , base and foolish thought : that , very many publicans and sinners were some of christianities beginners : and that the saints then thought it was but reason , to do their duties in , and out of season . these benefits are also reaped from my reading what i write , to all that come . some things , i otherwhile , thereby collect from those who neither me nor that respect : for in discourse , before they are aware , they let slip words which cautionary are . to them who like my lines , it treatments makes as acceptable as ale , wine and cakes : to those who like them not , they serve my turn their interruptions , quickly to adjourn : for , they pretending business to be done , requiring hast ( and that they must be gone ) straight bid adieu ; and farewel i reply : glad are these they are gone , and so am i. more might be said , to what hath been aver'd by such as these : but little they regard what may in reason give them satisfaction , whose principal designment is detraction : and fruitlesse are all rational replies , to what , pride , hate , and folly may devise . the shepherd of bledonham his case . who was lately ejected out of his possessions , by the successours of the flamins , and arch-flamins ; falsly pretending a divine right to the said possessions . the said case is truly stated , in a pastoral prosopopeia , by an intermixture of literal and metaphorical expressions . at bledonham , among malitious clowns , a shepherd kept a flock upon the downs ; belov'd as well , till there he did reside , as any of his rank , 'twixt thame and tweede . not many in this isle , were better known ; he manag'd few affairs , except his own : he was a friend to all men , save to those whose vices made them his malignant foes ; and never was his enmity extended unto their persons , with whom he contended . him , their companions , men of honour made , and he by honest means , possessions had of such a fair estate , that many more suppos'd him to be rich , then thought him poor : for , he had fields & groves flocks , herds & corn , enough to keep him , both from want and scorn . but , that wheel turning , which doth now & then . o'rethrow great kings as well as common men , it , with a quick whirl , on a luckless day , so swept his crops , goods , flocks and herds away , that he of all , was well-near quite bereft , and had but one good ewe , and two lambs left , which ev'ry day at his own table fed , and ev'ry night , lodg'd in , or near his bed . as soon as this disaster was begun , another forthwith followed thereupon . a petty nimrod ( as with an intent to hurtsome beasts of prey , which did frequent the fields where these lambs fed ) attended on by those , who , where a mischief may be done , take most delight , did often , with his hounds , so much disturb their quiet in those grounds , that having thereby much affrighted been , the lambs became unproveable ane lean . the ewe alone , still undismay'd , held out , and being fat , well flesh'd , and very stout , preserv'd her own , till an uncivil rout of neighb'ring churls , with cur-dogs pull'd the fleeces from off their backs , and tore them into pieces . what these lines mean , but few of those who read them , can know , save they who felt the wrongs , or did them for , they were acted with more barbarousness then we can by this parable express ; ev'n by that spirit , which did first engage these nations into that unhappy rage which is not yet allay'd ; and will hold on whilst they are cherish'd , by whom 't was begun . when this befel , the shepherd was from home , to stop another mischief like to come ; and hearing his poor flock was worride so , a deep figh fetc ht ; yet , since their wool might grow , and , time , encrease their number to a greater , ( in hope things might succeed hereafter better ) some consolation for a while receiv'd : but , thereof also , quickly was bereav'd : for not alone decreas'd his cattle be from very many bundreds unto three , in perishing estate ; but , seized now are those possessions too , from whence might grow subsistence and increase : and ( which is worse ) not on him singly , falls this heavy curse , but they whose prosecutions made him poor , will make a hundred thousands beggers more ; whose poverty may those oppressions adde , whereby that number double will be made . by these mishaps , this pastor in one year ( and less ) is made a poor philosopher ; who now doth bear about him all his stock , and to themselves , is forc'd to leave his flock , expecting nothing henceforth but oppressions from those , who have usurped his possessions : for , they who on his livelyhood now seize , successours are to those old druides , and to those flamins and arch-flamins , here , who prelates of the pagan priesthood were : and , probably , will be to him and those who serve his god , unreconciled foes ; because they do pretend themselves to be prelated above others in degree , as supreme priests and pastors unto pan , the prince of shepherds , and both god & man. on that accompt , those superstitious things , and heath'nish ceremonious trinketings , which in the worship of false gods were us'd by them , are without warrant introduc'd in to the christian church , as sanctifide ; and to maintain that carnal pomp and pride which these affect , they claim , and take , and hold what 's due to him , as due to them of old . this , under colour of a deodand they challenge ; and therein , a royal hand supports them yet , because he knows them not : but , when such information he hath got , whereby they may to him be truly known , 't is hop'd that each man will enjoy his own : in which hope , many thousands now undone , take up their cross , and patienty walk on . this shepherd ( not deluded by their folly ) who heed a ravens croaking from the holly or such like auguries : foresaw by whom and why , those which now befall , are come . he therefore , when they came , stood undismay'd , and looking up to heaven , thus meekly said : god gives and takes , and blessed be his name ; though i am not , yet he , is still the same ; and on him fixt , my trust unshaken stands ev'n whilst i am in my oppressors hands ; expecting my deliverance from him , and nothing but revenge and scorns from them . if unto one , he shall vouchsafe to grant but so much grace , as many of them want , i shall possess , bought at anothers cost , an heritage , that never will be lost ; and ere this generation is quite gone , that , which hath long been hop'd for , will be done . believing this , he wholly cast away vexatious care , permitting these to play their pranks at will , till they with cruel scorn from him and his their whole estate had torn ; yet , he no more fears their despights to him , then they do fear what he can do to them : and may perhaps , yet pipe them such a strain , as ere next sheepshear will fetch back again some part of what is lost : for , t will be found his late possessions were but fairy-ground , and not so sanctified , that all those who walkt upon it , must put off their shoes ; unlesse there be a sophistry in schools , that 's able to turn wise men into fools , if they do merit to be credited who in that mannor-house inhabited , from which the shepherd's cast ; they , there were frighted with sounds and apparitions , when benighted ; and that therein ( before that he came thither ) zim , jim , with such hobgoblins danc'd together . and these perhaps , will thither come again , as to a place which doth to them pertain by tenant-right , now their old lords are come to re-admit them to their dancing-room . it may be too , till by him repossest they who intrude , may there take little rest ; or , till they shall that wicked charge withdraw , that makes a sin , where none is made by law ; and impudently therewithal dare brand not onely purchasers of prelates-land opposed now by them , but also fling that guilt , both upon parliament and king , in whose defence , the shepherd doth defie not one alone , but all the prelacy ; and if they prove , before an equal judge , that , purchasing their lands , is sacriledge ; or more a sin , then marketting of eggs , he will resign his claim , for two tithe piggs . nay , if of sacriledge he prove them not to be more guilty when those lands were got , and whilst that they in their possession were , then any of their purchasers now are , he will submit to be anathamiz'd by them , and of all honest men dispis'd . for , were a faithful demonstration made of what beginning prelacy first had ; by what ways , prelates usually aspire ; how , they their large revenues did acquire ; how they have been from time to time enjoy'd , how often to the publick harm employ'd ; what persons owned them , and to what ends their constitutions principally tends , with such-like ; which are left upon records , whose credit doubtless evidence affords ; it plainly manifested would appear , that , none so truely sacrilegious are ; that , few have acted more destructively to civil peace , and real piety ; or oftner upon kings intrusions made , by whose indulgence they their being had . they , who now heed the posture they are in , and how pedantically they begin to act their parts , since they have been new-shelld within those walls , from whence they were expell'd , do wonder much , that men of their profession and parts , should fail so much in their discretion : for , their untimely avarice and pride , ev'n their best friends and favourers deride , with fear , that their ambition will not cease , till it destroys again they common peace ; and they who love the king , begin to see , that unto him they mischievous may be . most of their conversations are on earth ; what is this pars'nage , what that vic'rage worth ? are their chief queries , or which way to make their markets , and advantages to take without regard , whose right they do enjoy , how many families they do destroy ; or what disturbance or disreputation they bring on king , parliament or nation . to such ends , they have bawld of sacriledge , til they have set most hearers teeths on edge , by their continual grating on that bone which their own jawes will break , ere they have done . that scare-crow now affrighteth none but fools , who are but lately crept out of their schools : for , that which they have charg'd the people with , doth yet stick fast between their tongue and teeth , and will he proved by a holy text , the thirtieth day of fedruary next . if those revenues we examine shall , which they the churches patrimony call , the great diana , for which some with us cry out , as once they did at ephesus , is but an idol ; and their out-cries made , are only to preserve a sordid trade , whereby those crafts-men seek to be enrich'd , who with their drugs have silly men bewitch'd . the price of dogs , and wages of a whore , might own'd have been as justly heretofore for holy things , if offer'd they had been ; yea , with less impudence , and with less sin : for , some of them ( as in despight of heav'n ) were merchandizings for mens souls , and giv'n in high contempt of him , whose heart-blood bought that , which they to a worthless price have brought , yet sold too dear ; because the buyers lost as well their own safe-being , as their cost . meer simple and despairing malefactors were by the divels brokers and contractors , abused with mock-pardons : heirs defeated of their estates ; widows and orphans cheated ; and many a poor soul with a pasport sent to heav'n , as he thought , when to hell he went. this way , had those pessessions their advance , which now are termed god's inheritance ; and what can be a greater derogation from him then this ? or , what a provocation more daring , then for men to challenge that as his , which he doth more abominate then dogs or strumpets ? or , what can in reason more properly reputed then high treason against the king , then to engage him for and interest which god doth so abhor ? and which insensibly may draw him in to be a partner with the man of sin in guilt and punishment ; by ( to their emds ) perverting , what he piously intends . let this be well observ'd : for , god doth yet their prosecutions hitherto permit but for probation only , that he may try , who will turn to him ; who fall away ; vvho , will not unto his govenant adhere ; vvho , for preferment , profit , or for fear , will wave the same ; how far forth those pretenders vvill active be ; and how far their defenders will patronize them ; that those things which are yet doubtful , may undoubtedly appear ; that , those plants which god planted may bear fruit , those which he planted not , be rooted out ; and that cost may no longer be bestown on fruitless plants which he did never own : such is the prelacy , which did proceed from mixture both of good and evil seed : as may declar'd by their etraction be ; for , this appears to be their pedigree . not very long time , ofter noahs flood , when old idolatries began to brood , the forenam'd druides , who from the oak which they much rev'renced , their name first took , in these parts of the world , usurp'd upon mens consciences ( as many since have done ) ev'n in this isle ( if that which may be read in old records be true ) and being spread into the neighb'ring continent from hence in france next settling their chief residence , did there , an uncontrouled power retain , until the days of claudius caesar's reign . the flamin-prelacy , which did begin before that time ; then by degrees did win pre-eminence and reverenced was , till pontifical-prelacy took place ; from that , the papal prelacy deriv'd their being ; and a hierarchy contriv'd , accommodated with a discipline from gentiles , jews and christians hetrogene : for , though compos'd of pieces patch'd together , from all these taken , it was like to neither . for , that the christian worship might not seem to be inglorious in the worlds esteem ; or rather , that themselves advance they might unto a princely and a pompous height in temporal enjoyments , they took in such pageantries as had affected been by carnal worshippers , by alteration in some things ; and in some by imitation : so , by degrees , they totally threw off that soberness and meekness with a scoff , which was in true sincerity profest , before the birth and reign of antichrist . the spouse of christ , because she did appear in out-side poor , though rich her linings were , with dis-respect they turned out of dore , and , in her stead , trimm'd up a painted whore : so , meer will-worship was set up at last , and in the throne of god , an idol plac'd . from those , the prelates came ; & when these nations intended to reform their innovations , a carnal prudence , dreaming , that , if they , with their external pomp was took away , ( whereby some thought god's worship was adornd ) religion and devotion should be scorn'd ; the prelacy , upon that vain surmise , was here continu'd in a new disguise ; till that imposture was by providence made manifest ; and then , it was from hence by god expel'd , as both dishonourable to him , and to his church disserviceable ; to those intending no affront at all , whose function simply is episcopal . but , this expulsion , being for our sin revers'd , and prelates now again brought in , that , and a sacra-fames ( in excess ) ( not thirst and hunger after righteousness ) hath so inrag'd them , that , they all devour , who fall within their new-restored pow'r , with high contempt ( at last without regard ) of what the king hath graciously declar'd . and those whom they of their estates despoil , with insolent upbraidings they revile , as meriting nor livelihood , nor place with them ; and as uncapable of grace from god or men : but , cry , are not these they who lately took from holy church away her dowry ? spoil'd god's houses in the land ? on sacred things laid sacrilegious hand ? and vilifide his servants ? thus , they crow : but , they injurious are , in doing so ; and have as much in their blasphemings fail'd , on hezekiah : for , god , did not own those altars or high-places overthrown , and then mis-called his ; nor owneth he for bishops , those who now so termed be ; nor those impertinent appurtenances , which prelates please to term god's ordinances . and , though they should , when they see babel's fall , their dreadful howlings , and their weepings call the churches sighs and tears ; no whit availing to them , would be their howling and bewailing . and , though some think this constitution brings advantage to the thrones of lawful kings , 't will prove , when thereinto they better look , it strengthens them , as ivy doth an oak ; and , that , of men , no one sort under heaven , cause and occasions have so often given , of private quarrels , discords and debates , and wars , 'twixt realms & nations , kings & states . the shepherd therefore , hopes this , will by those who can distinguish between doves and crows , consider'd be ; and manifest it then , that , greatest clerks , are not the wisest men ; or , that , wise men through avarice and pride , by wealth and honour , may be led aside . and , though this hope should fail him in the main , it will not altogether be in vain ; but , for the present , shall at least suffice to feed that part which upon smoke relies , till with essential nourishment suppli'd by that , which god hereafter will provide . yea , though this charming should not prove so strong to fetch back that which doth to him belong , thenceforth , content , his ewe and lambs , and he , to live upon the commons then will be . however , other hopes may have success , his best hopes will be rather more then less : for , they are built on him , who best can judge 'twixt what is , and what is not sacrilege ; and if his judges partially shall deal , from them , to that great judge he will appeal , who cannot be deceiv'd . but no distrust hath he of their uprightness , who here must be judges in his cause ; for , they have seen what did befal them who unjust have been ; and hereby now , though he be much pre-judg'd , may know what on his part may be alleag'd . that which is claim'd , god will perhaps divide betwixt both parties when their claims are tride : for , out of that which they erewhile possest , the prelates for their sins were justly cast : the shepherd was for his expelled too , by him , whose just doom he submits unto ; as therefore god shall please he is content to share in mercy and in chastisement , till he under that heritage is brought , which at anothers cost , for him , was bought ; and whereto , he vouchsafes him by his grace a better title , in a better place . if all be judg'd , which he hath purchas'd here the prelates due ; he 'll take his portion there ; for , though it be a little while delaid , 't will prove the better share , and be will paid . this , is the shepherds case , and this the course he means to take : pray , use him ne'er the worse : for , he had not exprest it in this mode , but that the cov'nant prelates to explode , he conscientiously adheres unto , and dares not slight the same , as others do ; because , he can discern truths from delusions , and knows their late re-entries , are intrusions . finis .